Technology Elevation
Best Capture Cards in 2024
A high-quality Best Capture Cards will assist you in acquiring fantastic recordings without hindering your play, whether you want to create a professional broadcasting channel or simply enjoy sharing your gaming footage with friends. While some Video Capture Cards work best with consoles, some are better suited for PC gaming. There are some that even enable you to broadcast while simultaneously showing a picture-in-picture live of yourself by combining your gaming footage and a live feed from a camera.
The PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and the Nintendo Switch can all immediately stream and record gameplay, however, the options that consoles can provide can occasionally be somewhat limited. The greatest capture cards will help you out here because they will provide you with an upgrade over what the consoles normally have to offer.
Even if a top-notch capture card may not be absolutely necessary for PC gamers, it will significantly lessen the load on the system’s hardware. A dedicated capture card might reduce stress because, depending on your setup, recording using GPU software or a program like OBS can result in blurry footage and a number of other problems.
When recording video on a game console, combining a pc capture card and a PC or gaming laptop will provide you access to more functionality and broadcasting choices. In an emergency, broadcasting directly from a console is acceptable, but if you are serious about streaming or making content, you’ll be constrained without a capture card.
With the devices in our roundup, you are able to output in a minimum of 1080p60 as well as 4K without making any sacrifices. We haven’t restricted our selection to PC-only cards either; standalone and tiny form factor options are also available and highly recommended.
Whether you are looking for the Best Elgato Capture Card, the Best Video Game Capture Card, or the Best Capture Cards for PS5 and Switch, we have you covered. Additionally, if you need the Best External Capture Card or the Best 4K Capture Card, our recommendations cater to a wide range of needs and preferences.
The Best Capture Cards Available in 2024
1.) Elgato HD60 X
Best Elgato Capture Card
The Elgato HD60 X is a game-changer for streamers and gamers looking to up their game. It offers 4K passthrough, meaning you can enjoy high-resolution gaming while still capturing high-quality footage. It’s perfect for those with modern monitors and supports G-Sync and FreeSync, making it versatile and user-friendly.
At its core, the HD60 X captures at three main resolutions: 4K at 30 fps, 1440p at 60 fps, and 1080p at 60 fps. For passthrough, you can run up to 4K at 60 fps or 1440p at 120 fps, and it supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technologies, like G-Sync and FreeSync, as well as HDR on Windows.
To make things smoother, it uses 4:2:0 chroma subsampling by default. You can switch to 4:2:2 for better quality at specific resolutions, but this requires a bit more setup. This means that while your recordings might lose some color detail, the passthrough remains uncompressed, ensuring a top-notch gaming experience without any lag.
For those who need even more, options like the Avermedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 and the Elgato 4K60 S+ are available, but they come with a heftier price tag. It’s the Best Elgato Capture Card. The HD60 X strikes a great balance, offering high-quality capture without breaking the bank. It’s reliable, easy to use, and doesn’t force you to compromise too much on quality, making it a solid choice for most gamers and streamers.
Specifications:
- Brand: Elgato
- Hardware Interface: USB 3.0
- Video Capture Resolution: 1080p
- Operating System: Windows, Mac
- Platform: Windows
Reason To Buy
+ Easy to setup.
+ 1080p60 and HDR support.
+ 4K passthrough.
+ Great for modern gaming monitors.
Reason To Avoid
– Much more expensive than its ‘S’ predecessor.
– Not quite a 4K60 capture card.
2.) AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3
Best Video Game Capture Card
Got the latest consoles and need a capture card to match? The AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3 is a fantastic choice. This plug-and-play best video game capture card offers low latency and uncompressed 4K recording at 30FPS, perfect for most content creators. Although it doesn’t support HDR capture, it ensures your gaming experience remains smooth with 4K/60FPS passthrough, VRR, and HDR support.
At $170, it’s a great value. It’s compatible with popular streaming platforms and capture software like Twitch, YouTube, OBS, and RECentral. While it doesn’t have flashy RGB lighting, it features a practical blue/red LED indicator to show HDMI signal reception.
Specifications:
- Brand: AVerMedia
- Hardware Interface: USB 2.0
- Video Capture Resolution: 4K
- Operating System: macOS, Windows 11
- Special Features: VRR support capture card, 4K hdmi capture card
Reason To Buy
+ Great software
+ Plug and play
Reason To Avoid
– LED light can be annoyingly bright
3.) EVGA XR1 lite
Best Capture Cards for PS5
The EVGA XR1 Lite is a compact and budget-friendly capture card, perfect for gamers new to video capture or streaming PS5 as its the best capture cards for ps5. Despite its size, it offers a 4K/60fps passthrough, ideal for the latest Xbox and PlayStation consoles, and records gameplay at 1080p/60fps without compression or lag. It’s easy to use with its USB Type-C and dual HDMI ports, making it compatible with PCs, consoles, and even DSLR cameras for high-quality webcam use.
Encased in a sleek plastic chassis, the XR1 Lite is both stylish and durable. It features a handy light indicator that changes color based on the capture card’s status, so you always know if it’s active, idling, updating, or not working. Certified for use with OBS software, a popular open-source option for recording and live streaming, it ensures a smooth experience for users.
Overall, the EVGA XR1 Lite’s plug-and-play simplicity, affordable price, and reliable performance make it the best capture cards for ps5 for anyone looking to start capturing and streaming their gameplay.
Specifications:
- Brand: EVGA
- Hardware Interface: USB 3.0
- Video Capture Resolution: 1080p
- Platform: PlayStation, Xbox
- Included Components: Installation Guide, Capture Card
Reason To Buy
+ Records in 1080p60.
+ 4K60 passthrough.
+ Small size.
Reason To Avoid
– Limited encoding options.
4.) Razer Ripsaw HD Capture Card
Best Capture Cards for Switch
If you’re a fan of Razer products, the Razer Ripsaw HD is an excellent choice for capturing your gameplay, Also it is the Best Capture Cards for Switch. This compact and sleek capture card records at 1080p@60fps, ensuring smooth and high-quality video. Although it’s not designed for dedicated audio streaming, it does include basic audio mixing with a convenient 3.5mm input and output. The thoughtful design places the 3.5mm jack at the front, while the USB and HDMI connections are neatly positioned at the back.
One of the standout features of the Ripsaw HD is its 4K60 passthrough, allowing you to enjoy your games in stunning 4K while streaming or recording at 1080p. This means you won’t have to compromise on your gaming experience to create content. It’s also worth noting that the Ripsaw HD is both compact and aesthetically pleasing, making it a nice addition to any gaming setup.
Despite its limitations in audio capabilities, the Ripsaw HD offers great value for its price, providing solid performance and a user-friendly design. It integrates well with most streaming platforms, making it a reliable choice for gamers looking to enhance their streaming and recording setup.
Specifications:
- Brand: Razer
- Hardware Interface: USB Type C, HDMI, 3.5mm Audio
- Video Capture Resolution: 1080p
- Operating System: Nintendo Switch
- Model Name: Razer Ripsaw HD – Game Capture Card
Reason To Buy
+ Easy, hardware-based audio mixing.
+ 4K60 passthrough.
+ Small size.
Reason To Avoid
– Lacks proprietary software.
– No more legacy console support.
5.) GENKI ShadowCast
Need a tiny capture card that’s easy to transport and swap between devices? The Genki Shadowcast is a fantastic choice as a best external capture card. This compact device plugs into your gaming console’s HDMI out port and connects to your PC or laptop via USB. It’s perfect for streaming or recording content from your PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch.
Once connected, you can use the Genki Arcade app on your computer to manage the footage. While the capture quality isn’t as high as some pricier options and may vary depending on the device, the convenience and portability of the Shadowcast are impressive.
This affordable capture card stands out for its simplicity and ease of use. It’s especially appealing for gamers who need a quick and portable solution for capturing their gameplay without investing in more expensive equipment. Despite its small size, the Genki Shadowcast delivers a satisfactory performance, making it a handy tool for any gamer on the go.
Specifications:
- Brand: Human Things
- Hardware Interface: USB
- Operating System: Mac OS
- Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Windows, Android
- Included Components: Capture Card
Reason To Buy
+ Tiny form factor.
+ Easy to set and use.
+ Works on all consoles.
Reason To Avoid
– Inconsistent video quality.
6.) Elgato 4K60 Pro
Best 4k Capture Card
Elgato’s 4K60 Pro MK.2 is a dream come true for streamers and content creators who crave top-tier performance because its the Best 4k Capture Card. Unlike the versatile HD60 S+, this capture card is laser-focused on delivering stunning 4K footage at 60fps. Perfect for showcasing next-gen games, it ensures your streams and recordings are as crisp and detailed as possible.
One standout feature is its ability to output two video sources simultaneously, making it a powerhouse for complex streaming setups. However, this level of performance can be taxing on your system, so it’s best suited for those with a high-end gaming PC or a dual-PC setup.
If you’ve got the right rig and budget, the 4K60 Pro MK.2 is a Best 4k Capture Card. Its seamless compatibility with popular streaming and editing platforms means you can start creating high-quality content right out of the box. Despite the demanding requirements, it offers unparalleled detail and smooth performance, making it a top pick for serious gamers and streamers.
However, the output it delivers is certainly worth the investment. It was discovered that updating the graphics card drivers was necessary to ensure the proper functionality of the card. However, once configured, this card enables the capture of 4K footage at 60fps, with a maximum bitrate of 140Mbps.
Specifications:
- Brand: Elgato
- Hardware Interface: PCIE x 8, PCIE x 4, PCIE x 16
- Video Capture Resolution: 4K
- Operating System: Xbox series x
- Special Feature: Compact
Reason To Buy
+ 4K capture at 60fps.
+ Video encoding on the fly.
+ Easy-to-use software.
Reason To Avoid
– Needs to high-end PC to house it.
– Expensive.
What to Look for in the Best Capture Card?
When it comes to choosing a capture card, there are several crucial factors that must be taken into account. These factors can have a significant impact on the device’s performance and overall functionality. When selecting a capture card, it is essential to consider several crucial factors.
Compatibility:
First and foremost, make sure the capture card is compatible with your setup. Check if it works with your operating system, software, and hardware. Nothing is more frustrating than discovering your new gadget doesn’t play well with your existing equipment.
Capture Resolution and Frame Rate:
Think about the resolution and frame rate the capture card can handle. For crisp, smooth video, you’ll want one that supports at least 1080p, but 4K is even better if you have the need. Higher resolutions and frame rates mean better quality for your gameplay or video content.
Connection Interface:
Capture cards come with different connection interfaces like USB, PCIe, or Thunderbolt. Choose one that matches the ports available on your computer. USB 3.0 or higher is generally a good bet for most setups because it’s widely compatible and easy to use.
Latency:
Latency is the delay between your gameplay or content and its appearance on your screen or stream. For live streaming or gameplay recording, low latency is crucial to ensure a real-time experience for your viewers. Opt for capture cards known for their low latency performance.
Software Compatibility and Features:
Check out the software that comes with the capture card. Make sure it has the features you need, such as live streaming, recording, video editing, and overlays. Some capture cards offer extra goodies like scene transitions, audio mixing, and customizable overlays, which can enhance your content creation.
Recording Format and Compression:
Look into the recording formats and compression options the capture card supports. You want formats that are compatible with your video editing software or streaming platforms. Some capture cards come with hardware encoding, which offloads the encoding task from your CPU, boosting performance.
Audio Capabilities:
If you need to capture audio along with your video, check the audio inputs and outputs on the capture card. Make sure it supports the audio sources you use, like microphones or line-in inputs. Some capture cards can even separate audio tracks, which is a handy feature for post-production editing.
Budget:
Set a budget before you start shopping. Capture card prices can range widely based on their features and quality. Find a balance between what you need and what you can afford, and look for a card that offers good value for your money.
User Reviews and Ratings:
Finally, take the time to read reviews and ratings from other users. Their feedback can give you a better idea of the capture card’s real-world performance, reliability, and any potential compatibility issues.
By considering these factors, you can find a capture card that fits your needs, enhances your content creation, and makes capturing and streaming gameplay or video a breeze.
Best Capture Cards in 2024 – FAQS
Q: Do capture cards affect FPS?
Yes, using a capture card can affect your frames per second (fps) during gameplay. When you use a capture card, it processes and encodes the video signal before sending it to your computer.
This process can introduce a slight delay, which might impact your gaming performance, particularly if your system isn’t robust enough to handle both gaming and video processing at the same time. However, high-end capture cards and powerful PCs are designed to minimize this impact, allowing for smoother gameplay and recording.
Q: What is a capture card and why do I need one?
A: A capture card is a handy device that lets you record and capture video from external sources like gaming consoles, PCs, or cameras. It’s especially useful for content creators, gamers, and streamers who want to record or live stream their gameplay, make video tutorials, or capture high-quality video content.
Q: What are the key features to look for in a capture card?
A: When picking out a capture card, look for features like support for high video resolution and frame rates, different connectivity options (like HDMI, DisplayPort, USB), compatibility with your gaming console or PC, and software support. Also, consider low latency to avoid delays during recording or streaming, and the ability to capture and record audio.
Q: Can I use a capture card for recording content other than gaming?
A: Absolutely! Capture cards aren’t just for gaming. You can use them to record video footage from cameras, camcorders, or set-top boxes too. This makes them great for a variety of content creators who need to capture high-quality video for vlogs, video production, or live streaming events.
Q: Are external or internal capture cards better?
A: Both external and internal capture cards have their perks. External capture cards are portable, easy to set up, and flexible, making them perfect for content creators who switch between different devices or systems.
Internal capture cards, which you install directly into your computer, usually offer lower latency and better performance. They are ideal for dedicated gaming or streaming setups where portability isn’t a concern.
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