Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Capture Cards
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
A capture card records or streams a console or second PC. Every pick is a capture card, ordered from the lowest price.
The order reflects type, what it does and connection from maker specifications; we did not test these streaming devices ourselves, and gaps in the specs are flagged, not filled in.
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
Acer USB 3.0 HDMI Capture Card with 4K Loop-Out
A mic input for commentary.
Best for: Buyers who want mic input for commentary.
Our take Check price for Acer USB 3.0 HDMI Capture Card with 4K Loop-Out (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
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 S Capture Card
The top of this price range, adding capture at 1440p120 or 1080p240.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for Elgato 4K S 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. No other pick in this guide offers a 1080p60 capture key figure; compare the 4K S, which has a 4K60 HDR10 capture key figure. You also get a USB 3.0 connection.
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
- Skip it if price comes first: the HeavenBird 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 Acer loop-out 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
Acer USB 3.0 HDMI Capture Card with 4K Loop-Out on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Acer loop-out stands out for a mic input for commentary, and it adds no drivers or external power needed.
Best for
- Buyers who want mic input for commentary.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the HeavenBird, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It passes 4K through to your display and captures 1080p60, with a mic input for commentary. It connects over USB 3.0. YUY2 output gives a clean image in capture apps without extra processing.
A mic input adds commentary without an extra interface, and USB 3.0 keeps capture smooth. It suits console streaming at 1080p60. 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. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Guermok USB-C and the pricier Game Capture Neo, at the time of writing.
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, 4K loop-out
Pros
- Mic input for commentary
- No drivers or external power needed
- 4K HDMI loop-out
Cons
- Costs more than the HeavenBird at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 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
- Buyers who want 4K60 HDR passthrough.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the HeavenBird was cheaper at our last price check.
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 comes with 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 priced above the Acer loop-out and below the 4K S at the time of writing.
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 HeavenBird at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 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
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the HeavenBird, which 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. No other pick in this guide offers a 4K60 HDR10 capture key figure; compare the HeavenBird, which has a 1080p60 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. It makes the most sense for spending more for the fullest feature set, since it offers the top of this price range, adding capture at 1440p120 or 1080p240. Only the Game Capture Neo 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: 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 HeavenBird at the time of writing
How We Chose These Gaming Capture Cards
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We lined up five streaming gear on type, what it does, connection and key figure as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the HeavenBird to the 4K S, state type, what it does and connection.
- Who each pick suits
- The HeavenBird for undercutting the Guermok USB-C on price when we checked; the Guermok USB-C for USB-C and USB 3.0 connection; the Acer loop-out for a mic input for commentary.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the HeavenBird (under $50) to the 4K S ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a Gaming Capture Card
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Extras that separate them
The Acer loop-out: no drivers or external power needed. The Game Capture Neo: 1080p60 capture. The 4K S: HDR10 capture with tone mapping on Windows.
Budget
Under $50 buys the HeavenBird, the Guermok USB-C and the Acer loop-out; $100 to $150 buys the Game Capture Neo and the 4K S at our last check.
Start from what matters most
Getting 3.5mm mic input and audio output for the least money: the HeavenBird. Spending more for the fullest feature set: the 4K S.
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.
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.
How to Choose a Gaming Capture Card
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 mic input for commentary | Acer loop-out | A mic input for commentary |
| Buyers who want 4K60 HDR passthrough | Game Capture Neo | 4K60 HDR passthrough |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | 4K S | The top of this price range, adding capture at 1440p120 or 1080p240 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The HeavenBird, the Guermok USB-C and the rest, as their makers list 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 |
| Acer loop-out | Game capture card | Captures a console or second PC | HDMI in and out, USB 3.0 | 1080p60 capture, 4K loop-out |
| Game Capture Neo | Game capture card | Captures a console or second PC | HDMI in and out, USB | 1080p60 capture, 4K60 HDR passthrough |
| 4K S | Game capture card | Captures a console or second PC | HDMI in and out, USB | 4K60 HDR10 capture |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The HeavenBird was the lowest-priced pick and the 4K S the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Streaming gear |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | HeavenBird, Guermok USB-C, Acer loop-out |
| About $100 to $150 | Game Capture Neo, 4K S |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 4K S our Premium Pick pick?
It earns the label for the top of this price range, adding capture at 1440p120 or 1080p240. It suits spending more for the fullest feature set.
What extras do the HeavenBird and the Guermok USB-C include?
The HeavenBird: a 3.5mm mic input and audio output. The Guermok USB-C: USB-C and USB 3.0 connection. The Acer loop-out: a mic input for commentary.
Who should choose the HeavenBird?
The HeavenBird carries our Lowest Price Here label for undercutting the Guermok USB-C on price when we checked. It ranks first of 5 here.
Should I pick the HeavenBird or the 4K S?
The HeavenBird suits getting 3.5mm mic input and audio output for the least money; the 4K S suits spending more for the fullest feature set.
What else do the Game Capture Neo and the 4K S offer?
The Game Capture Neo: driver-free setup. The 4K S: support for PS5, Xbox Series X/S and Switch 2.
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 Acer loop-out for a mic input for commentary and the Game Capture Neo for 4K60 HDR passthrough if those matter more to you.
Use the pass-through port to play with no delay.