Buying Guide
The Best Capture Cards Under $50
We weighed five streaming devices on connection and key figure, and the HeavenBird costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Under $50, USB capture cards record 1080p at 60fps from a console or camera, and some pass the signal through to a TV. Every pick was $50 or less at the time of writing.
Rankings weigh type, what it does and connection as the makers state them; we did not test these streaming devices ourselves, and any figure a maker omits is noted as missing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
HeavenBird 4K HD Video Capture Card
Undercutting the Guermok USB-C on price when we checked.
Best for: Getting 3.5mm mic input and audio output for the least money.
Our take Check price for HeavenBird 4K HD Video Capture Card (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Guermok USB-C Video Capture Card
USB-C and USB 3.0 connection.
Best for: Buyers who want USB-C and USB 3.0 connection.
Our take Check price for Guermok USB-C Video Capture Card (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Guermok USB 3.0 HDMI Capture Card (4K60 pass-through)
4K60 HDMI passthrough.
Best for: Buyers who want 4K60 HDMI passthrough.
Our take Check price for Guermok USB 3.0 HDMI Capture Card (4K60 pass-through) (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Acer HDMI to USB 3.0 Video Capture Card
A 2-in-1 USB-A and USB-C plug.
Best for: Buyers who want 2-in-1 USB-A and USB-C plug.
Our take Check price for Acer HDMI to USB 3.0 Video Capture Card (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
XIIXMASK USB 3.0 HDMI Capture Card
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 4K pass-through.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for XIIXMASK USB 3.0 HDMI Capture Card (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
HeavenBird 4K HD Video Capture Card on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the HeavenBird brings to the table is a 3.5mm mic input and audio output, plus recognized as a webcam without drivers.
Best for
- Getting 3.5mm mic input and audio output for the least money.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
It captures 1080p60 and appears to the PC as a webcam, so it works in Windows, Mac and OBS without a driver. It connects over USB 3.0. A 3.5mm mic input and audio output mix commentary with game sound, and it works with Switch, PS5, Xbox and PC.
It carries a two-year warranty. A capture card needs the console or second PC's HDMI output and a free USB port on the streaming PC; check which USB version it needs. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the Guermok USB-C the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: Game capture card
- What it does: Captures an HDMI source
- Connection: HDMI in, USB 3.0
- Key figure: 1080p60 capture
Pros
- 3.5mm mic input and audio output
- Recognized as a webcam without drivers
- USB 3.0 connection
- 1080p60 capture key figure, the only one here
Also Consider2 of 5
Guermok USB-C Video Capture Card on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the Guermok USB-C brings to the table is USB-C and USB 3.0 connection, plus an aluminum alloy shell.
Best for
- Buyers who want USB-C and USB 3.0 connection.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the HeavenBird, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It takes up to a 4K30 input over HDMI and captures at up to 1080p60 over USB 3.0. The aluminium shell sheds heat, and it needs no driver. It needs no driver or external power, and it streams to YouTube, Twitch and Facebook.
A USB-C adapter comes in the box. Its output tops out at 2K30 or 1080p60, so it suits console streaming rather than high-refresh PC capture. A capture card needs the console or second PC's HDMI output and a free USB port on the streaming PC; check which USB version it needs. When we checked, only the HeavenBird cost less, and the Guermok 4K60 pass-through cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: Game capture card
- What it does: Captures an HDMI source
- Connection: HDMI in, USB 3.0 and USB-C
- Key figure: 1080p60 capture, 4K30 input
Pros
- USB-C and USB 3.0 connection
- Aluminum alloy shell
- No drivers or external power needed
Cons
- Costs more than the HeavenBird at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Guermok USB 3.0 HDMI Capture Card (4K60 pass-through) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Guermok 4K60 pass-through is built around 4K60 HDMI passthrough, with mic in, audio in, headphone and speaker ports on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want 4K60 HDMI passthrough.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the HeavenBird was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It passes 4K60 through to your display and captures 1080p60 or 2K30 over USB 3.0. Mic-in, audio-in and headphone ports let you mix commentary without a separate interface. It needs no driver and works with OBS, Streamlabs, Zoom and Teams.
Headphone and speaker outputs let you monitor the audio. It also comes with 2K30 capture as an alternative mode. A capture card needs the console or second PC's HDMI output and a free USB port on the streaming PC; check which USB version it needs. Its price falls between the Guermok USB-C and the Acer capture dongle, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: Game capture card
- What it does: Captures a console or second PC
- Connection: HDMI in and out, USB 3.0
- Key figure: 1080p60 capture, 4K60 passthrough
Pros
- 4K60 HDMI passthrough
- Mic in, audio in, headphone and speaker ports
- 2K30 capture as an alternative mode
Cons
- Costs more than the HeavenBird at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
Acer HDMI to USB 3.0 Video Capture Card on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Acer capture dongle is built around a 2-in-1 USB-A and USB-C plug, with no driver software needed on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want 2-in-1 USB-A and USB-C plug.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the HeavenBird was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It accepts up to a 4K30 HDMI input and captures 1080p60 over a 5Gbps USB 3.0 link. It has both USB-A and USB-C plugs and works with PS5, Switch, cameras and Quest headsets as well as PCs. Acer offers after-sales support by message, useful if a capture app fails to detect the card.
It supports Windows, macOS and Linux as well as consoles and Quest headsets. A capture card needs the console or second PC's HDMI output and a free USB port on the streaming PC; check which USB version it needs. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the HeavenBird at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: Game capture card
- What it does: Captures an HDMI source
- Connection: HDMI in, USB-A and USB-C
- Key figure: 1080p60 capture, 4K30 input
Pros
- 2-in-1 USB-A and USB-C plug
- No driver software needed
- Support for consoles, cameras and VR headsets listed
Cons
- Costs more than the HeavenBird at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
XIIXMASK USB 3.0 HDMI Capture Card on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The XIIXMASK stands out for 4K pass-through, and it adds a 3.5mm mic input for commentary.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the HeavenBird was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It passes a 4K signal through to your display while capturing at up to 2K30, so gameplay stays lag-free on your screen. A 3.5mm mic input lets you add commentary without a separate interface. It streams to YouTube, Twitch and Facebook through standard capture software, and both USB-A and USB-C cables come in the box.
It also offers an aluminum alloy shell. A capture card needs the console or second PC's HDMI output and a free USB port on the streaming PC; check which USB version it needs. Only the Acer capture dongle came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: Game capture card
- What it does: Captures a console or second PC
- Connection: HDMI in and out, USB 3.0 or USB-C
- Key figure: 1080p60 capture, 4K pass-through
Pros
- 4K pass-through
- 3.5mm mic input for commentary
- Aluminum alloy shell
- The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 4K pass-through
Cons
- Costs more than the HeavenBird at the time of writing
How We Chose These Capture Cards Under $50
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Role
- We grouped each item by what it does in a streaming setup.
- Key figures
- We noted resolution, key counts, reach and brightness where listed.
- Connection
- We recorded HDMI, USB and mounting details.
- Setup needs
- We checked what else each item needs to work.
What to Look for in a Capture Card Under $50
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Stream controls
A Stream Deck puts scene changes, mute and alerts on physical keys. The number of keys decides how much fits on one page.
Light your face
A key light lets any webcam run a faster shutter and cleaner image. Mount it off to one side of the camera.
Passthrough for consoles
Passthrough lets you play on your TV or monitor without capture delay. Check the refresh rate and HDR support it passes through.
Do you need a capture card
Streaming a PC game from the same PC needs no capture card. A capture card is for consoles, a second PC or a camera.
USB bandwidth
Capture cards and 4K cameras use a lot of USB bandwidth. Give them their own port rather than a shared hub.
Audio first
Viewers forgive a soft image sooner than bad audio. A decent mic on an arm is often the best first upgrade.
How to Choose a Capture Card Under $50
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting 3.5mm mic input and audio output for the least money | HeavenBird | Undercutting the Guermok USB-C on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want USB-C and USB 3.0 connection | Guermok USB-C | USB-C and USB 3.0 connection |
| Buyers who want 4K60 HDMI passthrough | Guermok 4K60 pass-through | 4K60 HDMI passthrough |
| Buyers who want 2-in-1 USB-A and USB-C plug | Acer capture dongle | A 2-in-1 USB-A and USB-C plug |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | XIIXMASK | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 4K pass-through |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Streaming gear | Type | What it does | Connection | Key figure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HeavenBird | Game capture card | Captures an HDMI source | HDMI in, USB 3.0 | 1080p60 capture |
| Guermok USB-C | Game capture card | Captures an HDMI source | HDMI in, USB 3.0 and USB-C | 1080p60 capture, 4K30 input |
| Guermok 4K60 pass-through | Game capture card | Captures a console or second PC | HDMI in and out, USB 3.0 | 1080p60 capture, 4K60 passthrough |
| Acer capture dongle | Game capture card | Captures an HDMI source | HDMI in, USB-A and USB-C | 1080p60 capture, 4K30 input |
| XIIXMASK | Game capture card | Captures a console or second PC | HDMI in and out, USB 3.0 or USB-C | 1080p60 capture, 4K pass-through |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the least I can spend on one of these streaming devices?
The HeavenBird. It undercut the Guermok USB-C when we checked, while the XIIXMASK cost the most of the group.
Is one PC enough to game and stream?
For most games, yes, especially with hardware encoding on a modern GPU.
What should I buy first for streaming?
Usually a microphone, then lighting, then a better camera. Controllers and capture cards depend on your setup.
Do I need HDR capture?
Only if you record HDR footage. Most live streams are SDR.
Does this gear work with OBS?
Capture cards and cameras appear as sources in OBS; Stream Deck has OBS integration.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the HeavenBird, chosen for undercutting the Guermok USB-C on price when we checked. Look at the Guermok USB-C for USB-C and USB 3.0 connection, the Guermok 4K60 pass-through for 4K60 HDMI passthrough and the Acer capture dongle for a 2-in-1 USB-A and USB-C plug if those matter more to you.
Budget cards rely on USB 3.0; plug them into a blue or USB 3 port, not a 2.0 hub.