Best Capture Card
Are you looking for a way to save your videos and other media content more efficiently on your PC? If so, then one of the best solutions available is using a capture card.
Capture cards are devices which are specifically designed to provide digital transmission between analog and digital video sources, not only allowing you to digitize video but also providing extra features that facilitate better saving and editing of the captured material.
This post will help guide you in selecting the right capture card for your needs by highlighting some of the most popular models available today.
7 Best Capture Cards
- Resolution: 1080p
- Frame rate: 60fps
- Interface: USB 3.0
- Works with: Consoles, PC & Mac, Camera
- Resolution: 1080p
- Frame rate: 60fps
- Interface: USB 3.0
- Works with: Consoles, PC & Mac
- Resolution: 4K
- Frame rate: 30fps
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen1x1 Type-C
- Works with: Consoles, Windows & Mac
- Resolution: 4K
- Frame rate: 60fps
- Interface: USB 3.1 Gen1 Type C
- Works with: Consoles, Windows & Mac
- Resolution: 4K
- Frame rate: 60fps
- Interface: HDMI
- Works with: Consoles, PC, Camera
- Resolution: Up to 4K
- Frame rate: Up to 60fps
- Interface: USB 3.0
- Works with: Consoles, PC & Mac
- Resolution: 1080p
- Frame rate: 60fps
- Interface: USB 3.0
- Works with: Consoles, PC & Mac
Detailed Overview
Let's take a closer look at the best capture card and choose which one is right for you.
Author's Choice
- Resolution: 1080p
- Frame rate: 60fps
- Interface: USB 3.0
- Works with: Consoles, PC & Mac, Camera
EVGA XR1 lite Capture Card is a revolutionary device for gamers, streamers and content creators alike. It enables you to capture and stream at 1080p/60fps while playing games at 4K/60fps with almost zero latency.
This compact card is perfect for recording or streaming gameplay from your PC or console, as well as a high-quality webcam option when connected to a DSLR camera. It is OBS certified and compatible with USB 3.0 Type-C, making it the perfect choice for content creators. So get ready to take your gaming and streaming experience to the next level with EVGA XR1 lite Capture Card!
Pros:
- Record at 1080P/60FPS while you game at 4K/60FPS
- Low latency, compact design
- Perfect for capturing/streaming PC/Console gameplay or connect to DSLR camera for high-quality webcam option
- USB 3.0 Type-C
- Certified for OB
Cons:
- May require additional cables and adapters to use
- Not compatible with some devices/consoles
People's Choice
- Resolution: 1080p
- Frame rate: 60fps
- Interface: USB 3.0
- Works with: Consoles, PC & Mac
Elgato HD60 S External Capture Card is a powerful tool for capturing and sharing your gaming experiences. It allows you to record up to 1080p at 60 frames per second with zero lag, giving you a crystal-clear image quality that captures every detail of your gameplay. You can also instantly stream directly from your console or PC, making it easy to share your gaming moments with friends and family.
The HD60 S also features unlimited recording capabilities, so you can store hours of footage directly to your hard drive. Plus, its Flashback Recording function enables you to slide back in time for up to 10 minutes to save those epic plays retroactively. Compatible with Mac and Windows 10 PCs, the HD60 S is powered by USB 3.0 for reliable and fast performance. Capture, share, and relive your best gaming moments with Elgato HD60 S External Capture Card.
Pros:
- 1080p60 Capture for superb viewing quality
- True Passthrough for zero lag gaming
- Instant Gameview for ultra-low latency technology
- Unlimited Capture to store hours of footage
- Flashback Recording to save epic moments retroactively
- Compatible with Mac and Windows 10
- USB 3.0 powered for reliable performance
Cons:
- Not compatible with older versions of Windows and Mac OS
Premium Choice
- Resolution: 4K
- Frame rate: 30fps
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen1x1 Type-C
- Works with: Consoles, Windows & Mac
The ASUS TUF Gaming Video Capture Card is an essential piece of equipment for any avid streamer or content creator. This capture card allows you to record game footage in up to 4K HDR at 60 Hz and offload it for streaming and recording in up to 4K at 30 Hz, giving you high-quality visuals for your livestreams. The Plug & Play UVC means that you can simply connect to any PC with USB 3.2 Type-C without the need for extra drivers or utilities.
It is certified OBS Studio compatible and has a durable alloy outer shell that improves durability over time while keeping its slim profile intact. With controller and headset connections, it allows audio from team comms to be shared with the audience. Finally, it delivers video streaming in 4K up to 30 fps, 2K up to 60 fps, and Full HD up to 120 fps. The ASUS TUF Gaming Video Capture Card is your perfect companion for capturing those gaming moments!
Pros:
- Supports up to 4K HDR end-to-end video at 60Hz
- Plug & Play UVC allows gamers to easily connect to any PC with USB 3.2 Type-C
- Certified OBS Studio compatibility ensures optimal use on a variety of streaming platforms
- Rugged alloy outer casing enhances durability while maintaining a slim body
- Connectors for controller and headset connection
- Provides high-resolution video streaming
Cons:
- Mediocre 4K performance
- No bundled recording software
Best Budget
- Resolution: 4K
- Frame rate: 60fps
- Interface: USB 3.1 Gen1 Type C
- Works with: Consoles, Windows & Mac
AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA GC553 is an advanced game capture device that offers a powerful set of features for streaming and recording. It supports 4Kp60 High Dynamic Range (HDR) pass-through, high refresh rate pass-through with up to 1440p144/1080p245, max recording at 4Kp30/1440p60/1080p120/1080p60HDR, and ultra low latency for an uncompressed video playback.
It is also compatible with Xbox series x/s, PS5, Switch, Windows 11, and macOS 10.13 for broadcasting and recording purposes. This device offers unbeatable performance for a professional-level gaming experience.
Pros:
- Support 4Kp60 HDR pass through
- High refresh rate pass-through at up to 1440p144/1080p245
- Maximum recording at 4Kp30/1440p60/1080p120/1080p60HDR
- Ultra low latency for uncompressed video playback
- Compatible with Xbox series x/s, PS5, Switch, Windows 11 and macOS 10.13
Cons:
- Requires a high-spec PC to use
Best for Gaming Stream and Record
- Resolution: 4K
- Frame rate: 60fps
- Interface: HDMI
- Works with: Consoles, PC, Camera
The AVerMedia GC573 Capture Card is the perfect solution for gamers and streamers who demand high-quality and high-performance capture. With its clean and crisp 4K60 HDR10 video format capture, zero latency pass-through, and up to 240 fps frame rate capture support, this card offers unparalleled performance for capturing console gaming footage or live streaming PC gameplay.
Additionally, the AVerMedia Gaming Utility allows users to customize resolutions and frame rates for both preview and recording, making this capture card the perfect tool for next-gen game consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Whether you're looking to broadcast your gaming sessions to Twitch or YouTube, or just want to preserve the best gaming moments, the AVerMedia GC573 Capture Card will help you take your game to the next level.
Pros:
- Clean and crisp 4K60 unlimited HDR10 video format capture
- Zero-lag pass-through for game capture and live streaming
- Up to 240 fps frame rate support
- RGB lighting with three preset modes
- Customizable resolutions and frame rates through AVerMedia Gaming Utility
- Compatible with popular streaming tools like OBS, Streamlabs, and XSplit
- Perfect for next-gen game consoles such as PS5 and Xbox Series X/S
Cons:
- Requires a dedicated PCIe x4 slot on the motherboard
Best for Streaming
- Resolution: Up to 4K
- Frame rate: Up to 60fps
- Interface: USB 3.0
- Works with: Consoles, PC & Mac
The Elgato HD60 X External Capture Card is the perfect tool for anyone who needs to capture and stream their gaming or media content. With 4K30 HDR10, 1080p60 HDR10 quality, 4K60 HDR10, 1440p120 and 1080p120 as well as VRR passthrough, this card offers stunning visuals with ultra-low latency of less than 100ms for seamless audio/video syncing.
The card is easy to set up and use, with driverless installation on both Windows and Mac computers, and it works with any streaming or broadcasting app including OBS, Streamlabs, Vmix, Zoom, Microsoft Teams and more. Best of all, the Elgato HD60 X External Capture Card has no watermarks, time limits or subscriptions, so you can capture and stream flawlessly without any restrictions. With its USB 3.0 connection, this card is perfect for anyone who wants to take their streaming to the next level.
Pros:
- Plug and Play: Driverless setup on Windows and Mac
- Ultra-low Latency: Sub 100ms for seamless audio/video syncing
- Stunning 4K30 HDR10 or 1080p60 HDR10 quality, 4K60 HDR10, 1440p120, 1080p120, VRR passthrough
- Zero watermarks, time limits or subscriptions
Cons:
- Not compatible with older versions of Windows and Mac OS
Best Mini
- Resolution: 1080p
- Frame rate: 60fps
- Interface: USB 3.0
- Works with: Consoles, PC & Mac
AVerMedia GC513 Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus (LGP2) is an innovative capture card for streamers, content creators and hobbyists. Equipped with the latest UVC technology, this portable device allows you to record and edit both 4Kp60 and 1080p60 gameplay without experiencing annoying lag.
In addition to its plug and play capability, the LGP2 also has a unique PC-Free Mode, which enables you to take it on the go and record your gameplay anywhere. With its included HDMI cable, USB Micro to Type-A cable and 4-Pole 3.5mm audio cable, the LGP2 comes ready for use straight out of the box. With the AVerMedia LGP2, you’ll now have the tools to stream and record your best gaming moments with ease.
Pros:
- Lagless integrated pass-through technology allows for recording in 4Kp60 and 1080p60.
- Easy plug and play setup with UVC technology
- Portable PC-Free Mode enables recordings on the go
Cons:
- Inconsistent frame rate
Best Capture Card - Buyer's Guide
A Best Capture Card is a powerful device that allows you to capture video or audio from your computer, gaming consoles such as Xbox One and PlayStation 5! Not to mention gaming systems like Nintendo Switch, which provide you with endless entertainment options.To do so, you need to connect your source device to your computer using USB or HDMI cables, and then capture the output signal.
Capture cards vary in size depending on their intended use, from those designed for tablets and smartphones to desktop computers only.
Interface
Before you purchase a capture card, it's essential to consider what interface is compatible with your computer. The most widely used and straightforward connection type for streaming is USB. Although other interfaces such as USB-C, PCIe, Thunderbolt 4 are also available if needed. With its quick setup and use, USB can help make live streaming quite effortless!
Image Quality
To ensure strong live streaming results, you must consider image quality as an essential factor. Begin with 1080p at a 30 frames-per-second rate if you're just starting out, or select 1080p at 60 fps for elevated performance. For the utmost in video recording capability, choose a capture card that can handle 4K resolution recordings at up to 60fps - and don't forget that most capture cards will let you alter the resolution from high qualities such as 4K down to lower resolutions like 1080p!
Latency
High latency can quickly cause your audio and video transmissions to seem out of sync during live streaming, so it's important to choose a capture card with low latency. Check that the preferred card you're going for has an acceptable level of latency, as this will provide quick real-time engagement between you and your audience.
System Compatibility
Before you select the ideal capture card for streaming, make sure it is compatible with your system. Inspect the device's instructions to confirm its compatibility requirements. Frequently streamers demand flexibility across a variety of platforms like Windows, Mac, PS4/PS5 and Xbox. If you're looking to live stream from various devices then guarantee that your chosen capture card offers complete versatility for use on multiple platforms.
Capture Card Benefits
- Easily capture HD video, audio and still images from your device
- Supports most digital media devices
- Compatible with PC and Mac operating systems
- Produces high quality video and audio output
- Ability to stream content in real time over the internet
- Record footage for future use or editing.
- Supports up to 4K resolution.
- Cost effective and easy to use.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Includes software for capturing, streaming and editing videos.
- Compatible with popular applications such as Skype, YouTube, Twitch and more.
- Offers a variety of input and output options to suit your needs.
- Durable construction with reliable performance.
Best Capture Card - FAQ
What is a Capture Card?
A capture card or digitization card is a device that, using certain interfaces (e.g. HDMI, USB, S-Video or other input), is capable of digitizing video to save it to a PC using various compression algorithms
Does the Elgato HD60 S feature true passthrough?
Yes, it features true passthrough for zero lag gaming. This means you can play your console games with no delay or interruption.
What type of connection is required for the ASUS TUF Gaming Video Capture Card?
The card requires a USB Type C connection.
Does the ASUS TUF Gaming Video Capture Card require any extra drivers or utilities?
No, the Plug & Play UVC means that you can connect to any PC with USB 3.2 Type-C without the need for extra drivers or utilities.
What are the benefits of using the Elgato HD60 X External Capture Card?
The main benefits of using this device are plug and play driverless setup, ultra-low latency for seamless audio/video syncing, premium capture with stunning 4K30 HDR10 or 1080p60 HDR10 quality, and no limitations such as watermarks, time limits or subscription fees.
What is the AVerMedia GC513 Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus?
The AVerMedia GC513 Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus (LGP2) is a portable capture card designed for streamers, content creators, and hobbyists. It allows you to record in 4Kp60 and 1080p60 with its lag-less integrated pass-through feature as well as take it on the go with its PC-Free Mode.
What is included in the package AVerMedia GC513 Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus?
The LGP2 includes one Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus Game Streaming Capture Card, one HDMI cable, one USB Micro to Type-A cable, and one 4-Pole 3.5mm audio cable as well as a quick guide.
Conclusion
A Capture Card is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to record high-quality audio and video from their device easily and simply. It offers many features and options, making it a great solution for any user.
Whether you are a professional content creator or just interested in video and audio capture, the Capture Card is the perfect solution.
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