How to Choose a Capture Card
When choosing a capture card, there are four key factors to pay attention to.
1. Connection Type (External USB vs Internal PCIe) External USB capture cards are ideal for capturing console footage on a separate PC using passthrough — you game on your TV with zero added lag while the card records to your PC. Internal PCIe cards are better for single-PC streaming setups, where hardware encoding takes pressure off your CPU, enabling higher quality streams without dropped frames.
2. Resolution and Frame Rate The maximum capture resolution and frame rate varies significantly between models. For live streaming, 1080p60fps is the current standard. If you plan to record 4K footage for YouTube uploads or are future-proofing your setup, look for 4K60fps capture capability.
3. HDR and HDMI 2.1 Passthrough If you play on PS5 or Xbox Series X in 4K HDR mode, you need a card with HDMI 2.1 passthrough to maintain full visual fidelity on your TV while recording at a lower resolution. Without proper passthrough, you’ll need to play at reduced settings, which defeats the purpose of a next-gen console.
4. Software Compatibility Check compatibility with OBS Studio, Streamlabs OBS, or the manufacturer’s own software. Elgato’s “Capture” app is beginner-friendly, while OBS works universally across all major capture cards. Having both options available gives you the most flexibility.
Capture Card Comparison Chart
| Model | Connection | Max Capture | Passthrough | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elgato HD60 X | USB 3.0 | 4K30fps / 1080p60fps | 4K60fps HDR | ~$150 |
| Elgato 4K X | USB4 | 4K60fps | 4K144fps VRR | ~$300 |
| AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K GC553G2 | PCIe | 4K60fps HDR | 4K60fps HDR | ~$170 |
| AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus | USB 3.0 | 1080p60fps | 4K30fps | ~$90 |
| Razer Ripsaw HD | USB 3.0 | 1080p60fps | Full HD | ~$60 |
| Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Pro | USB-C | 1080p60fps | Up to 4 inputs | ~$350 |
Product Details
1. Elgato HD60 X — Best Overall for Console Streaming
The most widely used external capture card for console gaming. With HDMI 2.1 passthrough, you can play PS5 and Xbox Series X at 4K60fps HDR on your TV while simultaneously recording at 1080p60fps (or up to 4K30fps) on your PC. USB 3.0 connection works with both Windows and Mac. Elgato’s Capture software offers an easy setup path, and OBS integration is seamless. If you’re also using a Stream Deck, staying in the Elgato ecosystem is a nice bonus.
2. Elgato 4K X — Ultimate 4K Recording with VRR Passthrough
Elgato’s flagship external card captures at 4K60fps HDR while passing through 4K144fps with VRR — supporting the full capabilities of HDMI 2.1. USB4 (USB-C) ensures fast, stable data transfer. If you’re building an archive of high-quality 4K game footage for YouTube or plan to step up to 4K live streaming in the future, this is the card to buy. No compromises on quality.
3. AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K GC553G2 — Best PCIe Card for Single-PC Setups
A PCIe internal card for gamers who stream and record on a single PC. The onboard hardware encoder handles the encoding workload independently, freeing up CPU resources so your games run smoother. Capable of capturing 4K60fps HDR with live streaming encoder efficiency that rivals dedicated encoding hardware. Works with OBS Studio or AVerMedia’s RECentral 4 software.
4. AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus — Standalone Recording Without a PC
The standout feature here is standalone recording mode — you can record directly to a microSD card without any PC connected. This makes it ideal for on-the-go recording, travel setups, or situations where you don’t have a laptop available. Captures up to 1080p60fps with 4K30fps passthrough. A versatile, mid-range pick at a reasonable price point.
5. Razer Ripsaw HD — Simplest Plug-and-Play Entry Point
No drivers required — plug it into a USB 3.0 port and start capturing. Compatible with Windows and Mac, and works instantly with OBS Studio. The intentionally simple design means fewer things can go wrong, making it an excellent first capture card for those who want to start streaming with minimal friction. Supports 1080p60fps and covers all the basics.
6. Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Pro — Professional Multi-Source Live Production
Connect up to 4 HDMI sources (cameras, consoles, PCs) and switch between them in real time for a broadcast-quality production. Built-in Chromakey, picture-in-picture, and replay controls give you serious production tools in a portable package. Direct streaming to YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook via ethernet without a PC is a standout feature for professionals. Overkill for casual streaming, but ideal for creators producing high-production-value shows.
Conclusion
For most console streamers, Elgato HD60 X is the right choice — it handles PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X passthrough effortlessly, setup is quick, and OBS compatibility is rock-solid. Beginners on a tighter budget should look at the Razer Ripsaw HD for maximum simplicity, or the AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus for the added flexibility of standalone recording. Single-PC gamers who stream should consider the AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K GC553G2 for hardware-accelerated encoding. If you want the very best 4K recording capability, the Elgato 4K X is worth the premium.