Buying Guide
The Best Capture Card for Streaming
From the Cam Link 4K to the 4K X: three streaming devices ranked on connection and key figure, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read3 products evaluated
A capture card brings a console or a camera's HDMI signal into your streaming PC. Every pick has capture of an HDMI source.
We sorted these picks by type, what it does and connection, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, and any figure a maker omits is noted as missing.
Quick Picks
Our 3 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Elgato Cam Link 4K
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Our take Check price for Elgato Cam Link 4K (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Elgato Game Capture Neo
4K60 HDR passthrough.
Best for: Buyers who want 4K60 HDR passthrough.
Our take Check price for Elgato Game Capture Neo (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Elgato 4K X Capture Card
HDMI 2.1 at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for Elgato 4K X Capture Card (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Keeping the budget tight. | Check price for Elgato Cam Link 4K (opens in a new tab) |
| 4K60 HDR passthrough. | Buyers who want 4K60 HDR passthrough. | Check price for Elgato Game Capture Neo (opens in a new tab) |
| HDMI 2.1 at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor. | Check price for Elgato 4K X Capture Card (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 3
Elgato Cam Link 4K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Elgato's Cam Link 4K turns a camera with clean HDMI output into a webcam at 1080p60 or 4K30.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
It is dongle-sized. It works with camcorders, action cams and iPhones, and low latency keeps video and audio in sync. An iPad with USB-C can serve as a field monitor.
No other pick in this guide offers a 1080p60 or 4K30 key figure; compare the 4K X, which has a 4K144 with VRR passthrough key figure. 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 3 picks at the time of writing, with the Game Capture Neo the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: Camera capture
- What it does: Turns a camera into a webcam
- Connection: HDMI in, USB out
- Key figure: 1080p60 or 4K30
Pros
- Support for cameras with clean HDMI output
- 1080p60 or 4K capture
- Dongle-sized body
- 1080p60 or 4K30 key figure, the only one here
Also Consider2 of 3
Elgato Game Capture Neo on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Elgato's Game Capture Neo records 1080p60 and passes 4K60 HDR through to your TV.
Best for
- Buyers who want 4K60 HDR passthrough.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Cam Link 4K cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It needs no drivers. It works with a PC or an iPad. It captures from PlayStation, Xbox, Switch or any HDMI console, and it is small enough to sit next to the console.
The capture unit is about the size of a smartphone, so it packs easily for events. Setup needs only three connections: the console, the display and a computer or iPad. It also offers driver-free setup.
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 Cam Link 4K and the 4K X, 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
- Key figure: 1080p60 capture, 4K60 HDR passthrough
Pros
- 4K60 HDR passthrough
- 1080p60 capture
- Driver-free setup
Cons
- Costs more than the Cam Link 4K at the time of writing
Premium Pick3 of 3
Elgato 4K X Capture Card on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Elgato's 4K X uses HDMI 2.1 to pass through up to 4K144 with VRR.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Cam Link 4K cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It needs a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port. It works with OBS, Streamlabs, Zoom and Teams. VRR passthrough keeps gameplay tear-free, and it works with OBS, Streamlabs and Twitch Studio.
No other pick in this guide offers a 4K144 with VRR passthrough key figure; compare the Cam Link 4K, which has a 1080p60 or 4K30 key figure. It also comes with 4K at up to 144Hz. 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 Game Capture Neo came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 3 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: Game capture card
- What it does: Captures a console or second PC
- Connection: HDMI 2.1, USB 3.2 Gen 2
- Key figure: 4K144 with VRR passthrough
Pros
- HDMI 2.1
- 4K at up to 144Hz
- VRR passthrough
- 4K144 with VRR passthrough key figure, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the Cam Link 4K at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Key figures
- We noted resolution, key counts, reach and brightness where listed.
- Setup needs
- We checked what else each item needs to work.
- Connection
- We recorded HDMI, USB and mounting details.
- Role
- We grouped each item by what it does in a streaming setup.
What to Look for in a Capture Card for Streaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
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.
Audio first
Viewers forgive a soft image sooner than bad audio. A decent mic on an arm is often the best first upgrade.
USB bandwidth
Capture cards and 4K cameras use a lot of USB bandwidth. Give them their own port rather than a shared hub.
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.
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.
How to Choose a Capture Card for Streaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the budget tight | Cam Link 4K | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want 4K60 HDR passthrough | Game Capture Neo | 4K60 HDR passthrough |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | 4K X | HDMI 2.1 at the highest price in the group |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cam Link 4K | Camera capture | Turns a camera into a webcam | HDMI in, USB out | 1080p60 or 4K30 |
| Game Capture Neo | Game capture card | Captures a console or second PC | HDMI in and out, USB | 1080p60 capture, 4K60 HDR passthrough |
| 4K X | Game capture card | Captures a console or second PC | HDMI 2.1, USB 3.2 Gen 2 | 4K144 with VRR passthrough |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Streaming gear |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | Cam Link 4K |
| About $100 to $150 | Game Capture Neo |
| About $150 to $250 | 4K X |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the least I can spend on one of these streaming devices?
That was the Cam Link 4K at our last check; if you can stretch, the Game Capture Neo is the next step up and the 4K X the priciest.
What should I buy first for streaming?
Usually a microphone, then lighting, then a better camera. Controllers and capture cards depend on your setup.
How many lights do I need?
One key light makes the biggest difference. A second light or backlight adds separation.
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 Cam Link 4K, chosen for the lowest price of the group at our last check. Look at the Game Capture Neo for 4K60 HDR passthrough and the 4K X for HDMI 2.1 at the highest price in the group if those matter more to you.
Passthrough lets you play on your TV or monitor while the card records.