Buying Guide
The Best Capture Cards for Gaming
From the Game Capture Neo to the HD60 S+: five streaming devices ranked on connection and key figure, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Capture cards record or stream console and PC gameplay with low latency. Every pick is a capture card, from the premium end down.
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 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Premium Pick
Elgato HD60 S+ Capture Card
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 4K60 HDR10 passthrough.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for Elgato HD60 S+ Capture Card (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Elgato 4K Pro Internal Capture Card
HDMI 2.1 input and output.
Best for: Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 input and output.
Our take Check price for Elgato 4K Pro Internal Capture Card (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
AVerMedia HDMI 2.1 Internal PCIe Capture Card
HDMI 2.1 input.
Best for: Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 input.
Our take Check price for AVerMedia HDMI 2.1 Internal PCIe Capture Card (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Elgato 4K S Capture Card
Capture at 1440p120 or 1080p240.
Best for: Buyers who want capture at 1440p120 or 1080p240.
Our take Check price for Elgato 4K S Capture Card (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Elgato Game Capture Neo
Undercutting the 4K S on price when we checked.
Best for: Getting 4K60 HDR passthrough for the least money.
Our take Check price for Elgato Game Capture Neo (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Premium Pick1 of 5
Elgato HD60 S+ Capture Card on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Elgato's HD60 S+ captures 1080p60 HDR10 with 4K60 HDR10 passthrough.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Game Capture Neo was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Flashback recording lets you capture moments after the fact. It passes 4K60 HDR10 through while recording 1080p60 HDR10, so a PS5 or Series X keeps its full output on your TV. No other pick in this guide offers a 1080p60 HDR10 capture key figure; compare the 4K S, which has a 4K60 HDR10 capture 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. Only the 4K Pro 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
- Key figure: 1080p60 HDR10 capture
Pros
- 4K60 HDR10 passthrough
- 1080p60 HDR10 capture
- Flashback recording
- 1080p60 HDR10 capture key figure, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the Game Capture Neo at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
Elgato 4K Pro Internal Capture Card on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 4K Pro stands out for HDMI 2.1 input and output, and it adds variable refresh rate passthrough.
Best for
- Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 input and output.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Game Capture Neo was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It passes up to 8K60 through over HDMI 2.1 while capturing 4K60, so a high-refresh display is not held back. It works with OBS, Streamlabs, Zoom and Teams. It records up to 240fps and passes VRR through, so a G-SYNC or FreeSync display keeps working.
Latency stays low enough to keep stream and play in sync. 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 was priced above the AVerMedia HDMI 2.1 and below the HD60 S+ at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: Internal PCIe capture card
- What it does: Captures a console or second PC
- Connection: PCIe, HDMI 2.1 in and out
- Key figure: 8K60 passthrough, up to 240fps capture
Pros
- HDMI 2.1 input and output
- Variable refresh rate passthrough
- 8K60 passthrough
Cons
- Costs more than the Game Capture Neo at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
AVerMedia HDMI 2.1 Internal PCIe Capture Card on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The AVerMedia HDMI 2.1 is built around HDMI 2.1 input, with refresh rates up to 240Hz listed on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 input.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Game Capture Neo, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It supports HDMI 2.1 passthrough at refresh rates up to 240Hz, so a high-refresh monitor keeps its full speed while you capture. It suits a streaming PC paired with a 240Hz monitor, where passthrough speed matters more than capture resolution. It also offers support for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
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 Game Capture Neo at the time of writing. Its price falls between the 4K S and the 4K Pro, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: Internal PCIe capture card
- What it does: Captures a console or second PC
- Connection: PCIe, HDMI 2.1
- Key figure: 4K60 capture, up to 240Hz
Pros
- HDMI 2.1 input
- Refresh rates up to 240Hz listed
- Support for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S
Cons
- Costs more than the Game Capture Neo at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
Elgato 4K S Capture Card on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the 4K S brings to the table is capture at 1440p120 or 1080p240, plus HDR10 capture with tone mapping on Windows.
Best for
- Buyers who want capture at 1440p120 or 1080p240.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Game Capture Neo cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It captures at 4K60 from PS5, Xbox Series X/S and Switch 2. A 3.5mm analog input records party chat or commentary with the game audio. A 4K60 HDR10 capture key figure is unique to it among these picks, while the HD60 S+ uses a 1080p60 HDR10 capture 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. Its price falls between the Game Capture Neo and the AVerMedia HDMI 2.1, 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: 4K60 HDR10 capture
Pros
- Capture at 1440p120 or 1080p240
- HDR10 capture with tone mapping on Windows
- Support for PS5, Xbox Series X/S and Switch 2
- 4K60 HDR10 capture key figure, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the Game Capture Neo at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
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
- Getting 4K60 HDR passthrough for the least money.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
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. You also get 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. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the 4K S was the next step up.
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
- Undercutting the 4K S on price when we checked
How We Chose These Capture Cards for Gaming
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We compared five streaming gear on type, what it does, connection and key figure, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the HD60 S+ to the Game Capture Neo, state type, what it does and connection.
- Who each pick suits
- The HD60 S+ for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 4K60 HDR10 passthrough; the 4K Pro for HDMI 2.1 input and output; the AVerMedia HDMI 2.1 for HDMI 2.1 input.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Game Capture Neo ($100 to $150) to the HD60 S+ ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a Capture Card for Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Fit and compatibility
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.
Features beyond the spec table
The AVerMedia HDMI 2.1: refresh rates up to 240Hz listed. The 4K S: HDR10 capture with tone mapping on Windows. The Game Capture Neo: 1080p60 capture.
Where your budget lands
$100 to $150 buys the Game Capture Neo and the 4K S; $150 to $250 buys the AVerMedia HDMI 2.1; $250 to $500 buys the 4K Pro and the HD60 S+ at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Buyers who want the most complete package: the HD60 S+. Getting 4K60 HDR passthrough for the least money: the Game Capture Neo.
USB bandwidth
Capture cards and 4K cameras use a lot of USB bandwidth. Give them their own port rather than a shared hub.
How to Choose a Capture Card for Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want the most complete package | HD60 S+ | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 4K60 HDR10 passthrough |
| Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 input and output | 4K Pro | HDMI 2.1 input and output |
| Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 input | AVerMedia HDMI 2.1 | HDMI 2.1 input |
| Buyers who want capture at 1440p120 or 1080p240 | 4K S | Capture at 1440p120 or 1080p240 |
| Getting 4K60 HDR passthrough for the least money | Game Capture Neo | Undercutting the 4K S on price when we checked |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The HD60 S+, the 4K Pro and the rest, as their makers list them.
| Streaming gear | Type | What it does | Connection | Key figure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HD60 S+ | Game capture card | Captures a console or second PC | HDMI in and out, USB | 1080p60 HDR10 capture |
| 4K Pro | Internal PCIe capture card | Captures a console or second PC | PCIe, HDMI 2.1 in and out | 8K60 passthrough, up to 240fps capture |
| AVerMedia HDMI 2.1 | Internal PCIe capture card | Captures a console or second PC | PCIe, HDMI 2.1 | 4K60 capture, up to 240Hz |
| 4K S | Game capture card | Captures a console or second PC | HDMI in and out, USB | 4K60 HDR10 capture |
| Game Capture Neo | Game capture card | Captures a console or second PC | HDMI in and out, USB | 1080p60 capture, 4K60 HDR passthrough |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Game Capture Neo was the lowest-priced pick and the HD60 S+ the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Streaming gear |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | Game Capture Neo, 4K S |
| About $150 to $250 | AVerMedia HDMI 2.1 |
| About $250 to $500 | 4K Pro, HD60 S+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the HD60 S+ the Premium Pick?
It earns the label for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 4K60 HDR10 passthrough. It suits anyone who wants the most complete package.
What should I check before buying the 4K Pro?
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. In this guide it ranks second of 5.
Beyond the specs, what sets the HD60 S+ and the 4K Pro apart?
The HD60 S+: 4K60 HDR10 passthrough. The 4K Pro: HDMI 2.1 input and output. The AVerMedia HDMI 2.1: HDMI 2.1 input.
How many lights do I need?
One key light makes the biggest difference. A second light or backlight adds separation.
Is one PC enough to game and stream?
For most games, yes, especially with hardware encoding on a modern GPU.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the HD60 S+, chosen for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 4K60 HDR10 passthrough. Look at the 4K Pro for HDMI 2.1 input and output, the AVerMedia HDMI 2.1 for HDMI 2.1 input and the 4K S for capture at 1440p120 or 1080p240 if those matter more to you.
Turn off HDCP on the console.