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What you need to know:

• The Elgato HD60 X external recording card is versatile and combines 1080p with 4K HDR pass-through. It has ultra-low latency and wide compatibility across consoles, making it ours Best overall.

• The AVerMedia Live Gamer Duo is a favorite among gamers and delivers professional-level video quality.

• If you have not used a capture card before, the DIGITNOW Audio Video Capture Card is easy to install and affordable.

What separates a good game streamer from a great one isn’t just skill; it’s the quality of their video. How many times have you been stressed about a stream that drags or cuts out and you miss all the action or important tips? A recording card is essential for anyone who wants to stream or record high-quality video content from computers, consoles, cameras, phones or other external devices.

Capture cards help transfer video streams at high resolutions and frame rates, ensuring smooth viewing. They help reduce latency and improve overall flow, making them ideal for live streaming and content creation on Twitch, YouTube and TikTok.

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Things to consider before buying a Capture Card

Purpose and use

Purpose is key to choosing the right capture card, as content creators have different needs. Gamers focus on high quality resolution and frame rate, while streamers want low latency. Additionally, those working with older gaming systems will need to snag cards that support composite or S-Video inputs to connect older devices. So keep the NES, SNES, Sega Genesis and everything in between for your next Twitch session.

Creators focused on video and post-production will need cards that support 4K or HDR for detailed, high-quality images, especially for editing. Other content creators look for compatibility with software such as Note Studio or Streamlabs. For video and audio podcasting, the capture card must support seamless audio and synchronization, especially when live. Features like multiple input options and webcam integration are important.

Resolution and frame rate

Resolution and frame rate should be at the top of your list of needs. For most creators, 1080p at 60 FPS is sufficient for smooth streaming. But if you want something more polished, you might want to invest in a 4K capture card for that pristine quality. Additional features such as pass-through resolution and HDR support can significantly improve everything you do, providing the highest quality and minimal lag. Ultimately, the right combination of resolution and frame rate will depend on your specific output, hardware, and the type of content you’re creating.

Connection possibilities

When choosing a capture card, connectivity is critical. Make sure the capture card has the right input/output ports (HDMI, USB, composite, etc.), supports high-speed data transfer (USB 3.0, Thunderbolt), and integrates well with your system and software. Understanding your connectivity options will help you choose the best capture card.

Compatibility

Compatibility is critical when choosing a capture card, as it affects how well it works with your devices, software and operating systems. It must be compatible with the specific devices you intend to capture from.

Additionally, consider whether the card is compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) and integrates with your video editing software. Finally, for future proofing, make sure the capture card supports next generation devices, 4K and HDR and offers long-term driver and firmware updates to keep your capture system running smoothly as technology evolves.

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The best capture cards

HD60X

The Elgato HD60 X capture card is an excellent choice for streamers and content creators due to its high-quality video recording capabilities. It supports up to 1080p at 60 fps recording with 4K 60 Hz HDR10 pass-through, enabling crisp, vivid images. With ultra-low latency, it’s ideal for streamers, and its HDMI pass-through allows for real-time game viewing on a second screen. Multiple screens are pretty important for streamers.

The HD60 X is plug-and-play and compatible with Windows and macOS, and it works perfectly with streaming software like OBS Studio. It is versatile and works with PlayStation, Xbox and PC. Its ease of use and multi-platform support make it perfect for anyone looking for high performance with minimal setup.

$152.21 at amazon.com

XR1 little

The EVGA XR1 Lite Capture Card is a simple but excellent option for streamers and content creators looking for reliable 1080p recording at 60 fps. It offers solid low-latency performance with HDMI pass-through. Although it doesn’t support 4K recording, it delivers smooth HD images, making it a great choice for a beginner or more budget-conscious creator.

With a sleek, compact design and plug-and-play functionality, it’s easy to set up and works with streaming software. Overall, the XR1 Lite provides excellent value for those who need a simple, reliable capture card.

$49.99 at amazon.com

4K60 Pro MK.2

The Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2 is a top-notch internal capture card for professional streamers. It offers 4K HDR10 capture at 60fps with zero-latency pass-through. This means that every stream is of high quality, with vibrant colors and amazing details. Its easy installation in a PCIe slot makes it ideal for anyone looking for top-notch performance.

With advanced features such as HDR10 support, 10-bit color and low-latency performance, the 4K60 Pro MK.2 is perfect for creators who demand the best video capture.

$306.06 on amazon.com

Live Gamer Duo

The AVerMedia Live Gamer Duo is a powerful dual-channel PCIe capture card designed for streamers who need flexibility and powerful performance. That’s why many of your favorite players recommend this one. Two HDMI inputs enable simultaneous 1080p at 60 fps recording from two sources. This means that multi-screen setups, split-screen gaming or combining webcam images are all possible. Its low-latency pass-through ensures smooth game-free gameplay.

This capture card offers exceptional value for streamers looking for versatility and high performance in an easy-to-use package.

$196.15 at amazon.com

GC513 Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus

The AVerMedia GC513 Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus is a top choice due to its ease of use and compatibility. It offers 4K pass-through at 60 fps and captures in 1080p at 60 fps. This is first-class, lag-free transmission and fantastic recording specifications. Its distinguishing feature is its stand-alone operation, which allows users to record directly to an SD card without the need for a computer. This is a real game changer.

The board is plug-and-play, easy to install, and features RECentral software for power management, custom overlays, and hardware encoding. This is a great choice for console streamers and mobile creators.

$119.99 at amazon.com

Live Gamer Bolt: Thunderbolt 3

The AVerMedia Live Gamer Bolt is a high-performance Thunderbolt 3 external capture card for streamers, content creators and eSports professionals. It offers 4K recording at 60 fps, HDR10 support and low-latency pass-through with near-zero lag. Its portability makes it easy to move around, and the Thunderbolt 3 connection makes this capture card one of the fastest for data transfer.

The plug-and-play setup and integration with the RECentral software enhances all of its features. Perfect for creators seeking high-quality, future-proof performance, the Live Gamer Bolt delivers a powerful recording experience.

$302.99 at amazon.com

Audio Video Capture Card

The Digitnow Audio Video Capture Card is an affordable and reliable option for entry-level streamers, gamers and content creators looking for solid performance without a hefty price tag. Capable of capturing 1080p at 30 FPS, it supports HDMI and composite inputs, making it versatile for a variety of devices, from modern game consoles to older equipment such as VHS players.

Its plug-and-play setup, compact design, and compatibility with popular streaming software are the ease newcomers need. It doesn’t offer 4K or 60 fps recording; its simplicity and value make it an excellent choice for those unsure of how much to invest when just starting out.

$27.99 at amazon.com

Frequently asked questions

What are the main types of capture cards?

Capture cards come in two main types: internal and external. Internal capture cards install directly into the console, providing faster data transfer and lower latency. They are ideal for gaming and live streaming in 4K. Although they are less likely to interfere, they require a more complex installation.

External recording cards, conversely, connect via USB or HDMI, making them plug-and-play devices that are easier to configure. They are good for users who need flexibility, as they can be used with different consoles. Although some external cards now support high resolutions and frame rates, they may have slightly higher latency than internal cards.

What latency should I expect?

Internal capture cards typically have lower latency (often below 30ms) and are ideal for competitive gaming or high-quality real-time streaming. External capture cards may have slightly higher latency (typically below 50ms), but good quality models perform well.

Many capture cards offer HDMI pass-through to reduce latency. Pass-through is especially useful for players who want to minimize lag during streams. Some advanced capture cards also have hardware encoding, which reduces the computer’s processor load to reduce latency. For anyone who needs a lag-free experience, choosing a capture card with pass-through and hardware encoding is a good way to go.

Are recording cards compatible with all devices?

Capture card compatibility varies depending on the device – such as game consoles, computers or cameras – and the type of connection required. Most modern game console capture cards support popular current generation devices such as PlayStation, Xbox and even Nintendo Switch via HDMI. Older consoles may require adapters. It is important to check system requirements and version compatibility.

For cameras, most DSLR and mirrorless models will work with capture cards as long as they support pure HDMI output. Smartphones and tablets can also be used with capture cards but often require HDMI adapters. Checking a device’s output type and a capture card’s compatibility will help you decide what works best for you.

Why trust us?

Road & track and its sister publications at Hearst Autos represent three of the most influential automotive publications in the world. We rely on decades of experience in the automotive and transmission industry to help readers make informed purchasing choices. Read more about our testing process here.

With the legacy of Autoweek, car and driver, and Road & track behind us, the Hearst Autos Gear Team is more concerned with the trust our readers have in us than our bottom line. Our picks and recommendations are based on testing and knowledge, not hype.

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