The PC Journal

Buying Guide

The Best Streaming Gear for Gaming

Streaming a console or a second PC starts with a capture card. These six cover capture, control, audio and light.

By , PC Hardware Editor

12 min read6 products evaluated

A desk setup with a keyboard, mouse and headset beside a monitor
Illustrative image
Jump to
  1. Quick Picks
  2. Our Picks
  3. How We Chose
  4. What to Look For
  5. Comparison
  6. FAQ

Streaming a console or a second PC needs a capture card; streaming the PC you play on does not. After that, audio, controls and light add the most.

We compared capture resolution, passthrough, controls and connections from each listing.

Quick Picks

Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.

  1. Best Console Capture

    Elgato HD60 S+ Capture Card

    1080p60 HDR10 capture with 4K60 passthrough.

    Best for: Console streams

    Check price for Elgato HD60 S+ Capture Card on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  2. Best High-Refresh Passthrough

    Elgato 4K X Capture Card

    4K144 VRR passthrough over HDMI 2.1.

    Best for: Current consoles and PCs

    Check price for Elgato 4K X Capture Card on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  3. Simplest Capture Card

    Elgato Game Capture Neo

    Driver-free with 4K60 HDR passthrough.

    Best for: First capture setup

    Check price for Elgato Game Capture Neo on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  4. Best Scene Control

    Elgato Stream Deck MK.2

    15 LCD keys.

    Best for: Switching scenes mid-game

    Check price for Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  5. Best Audio Add-On

    Elgato Wave Neo USB Microphone

    Tap-to-mute with a headphone jack.

    Best for: Clear commentary

    Check price for Elgato Wave Neo USB Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  6. Best Key Light

    Elgato Key Light Air MK.2

    2,100 lumens with CRI above 94.

    Best for: Face-cam streams

    Check price for Elgato Key Light Air MK.2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

Best Console Capture1 of 6

Elgato HD60 S+ Capture Card

Elgato's HD60 S+ captures 1080p60 HDR10 with 4K60 HDR10 passthrough.

Best for

Console streams

Skip if

If budget leads, the Wave Neo was cheaper at our last price check.
Check price on Amazon for Elgato HD60 S+ Capture Card (opens in a new tab)
Elgato HD60 S+ Capture Card

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 Wave Neo, which has a tap-to-mute 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 X came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 6 picks.

Key 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 Wave Neo at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for Elgato HD60 S+ Capture Card (opens in a new tab)

Best High-Refresh Passthrough2 of 6

Elgato 4K X Capture Card

Elgato's 4K X uses HDMI 2.1 to pass through up to 4K144 with VRR.

Best for

Current consoles and PCs

Skip if

Skip it if price comes first: the Wave Neo cost less when we checked.
Check price on Amazon for Elgato 4K X Capture Card (opens in a new tab)
Elgato 4K X Capture Card

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 Wave Neo, which has a tap-to-mute 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. It was priced above the Key Light Air and below the HD60 S+ at the time of writing.

Key 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 Wave Neo at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for Elgato 4K X Capture Card (opens in a new tab)

Simplest Capture Card3 of 6

Elgato Game Capture Neo

Elgato's Game Capture Neo records 1080p60 and passes 4K60 HDR through to your TV.

Best for

First capture setup

Skip if

Skip it if price comes first: the Wave Neo cost less when we checked.
Check price on Amazon for Elgato Game Capture Neo (opens in a new tab)
Elgato Game Capture Neo

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. Its price falls between the Stream Deck MK.2 and the Key Light Air, based on our last check.

Key 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 Wave Neo at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for Elgato Game Capture Neo (opens in a new tab)

Best Scene Control4 of 6

Elgato Stream Deck MK.2

The Stream Deck MK.2 gives you 15 LCD keys for scenes, audio and app actions.

Best for

Switching scenes mid-game

Skip if

Skip it if price comes first: the Wave Neo cost less when we checked.
Check price on Amazon for Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 (opens in a new tab)
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2

Why we like it

Its stand detaches. Its 15 LCD keys show what each action does and confirm when it runs. Plugins cover OBS, Twitch, YouTube and Elgato gear.

Hotkey actions suit editing, music production and photography as well as streaming. Plugins cover Spotify, Discord and Philips Hue. One key can trigger several actions at once, such as posting to social media and muting the mic.

No other pick in this guide offers a 15 LCD keys key figure; compare the Wave Neo, which has a tap-to-mute key figure. You also get plugins for OBS and other apps. It needs Elgato's Stream Deck software on Windows or macOS. It was priced above the Wave Neo and below the Game Capture Neo at the time of writing.

Key specs

Type
Stream controller
What it does
Physical keys for scenes and actions
Connection
USB
Key figure
15 LCD keys

Pros

  • 15 customizable LCD keys
  • Detachable stand
  • Plugins for OBS and other apps

Cons

  • Costs more than the Wave Neo at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 (opens in a new tab)

Best Audio Add-On5 of 6

Elgato Wave Neo USB Microphone

Elgato's Wave Neo is a USB mic with tap-to-mute and a high-rise stand.

Best for

Clear commentary

Skip if

Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Check price on Amazon for Elgato Wave Neo USB Microphone (opens in a new tab)
Elgato Wave Neo USB Microphone

Why we like it

It is the audio piece of an Elgato setup. It is plug-and-play with PS5, iPad and iPhone as well as PCs, and a tap-to-mute sensor with an LED shows mic status. A headphone jack gives zero-delay monitoring.

It reduces the distortion common in headset mics. You get a tap-to-mute key figure here, which sets it apart from the Key Light Air and its a 2100 lumens key figure. It undercut the Stream Deck MK.2 and every other pick on price at the time of writing.

Key specs

Type
Microphone
What it does
Captures your voice
Connection
USB
Key figure
Tap-to-mute

Pros

  • Tap-to-mute
  • Headphone jack
  • High-rise stand
  • Tap-to-mute key figure, the only one here
Check price on Amazon for Elgato Wave Neo USB Microphone (opens in a new tab)

Best Key Light6 of 6

Elgato Key Light Air MK.2

Elgato's Key Light Air MK.2 offers 2,100 lumens with a CRI above 94 and a 2,900 to 7,000K range.

Best for

Face-cam streams

Skip if

Skip it if price comes first: the Wave Neo cost less when we checked.
Check price on Amazon for Elgato Key Light Air MK.2 (opens in a new tab)
Elgato Key Light Air MK.2

Why we like it

It runs on USB-C PD power. It runs from USB-C, a PD adapter or a MagSafe battery, and 256 LEDs with CRI above 94 cover 2,900K to 7,000K. Brightness adjusts on the light or in the app.

A 2100 lumens key figure is unique to it among these picks, while the 4K X uses a 4K144 with VRR passthrough key figure. You also get a 2900 to 7000K range. Check its mounting method against your monitor or desk.

Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the Wave Neo at the time of writing. Its price falls between the Game Capture Neo and the 4K X, based on our last check.

Key specs

Type
Key light
What it does
Front light for your face
Connection
USB-C power, desk clamp 60-88cm
Key figure
2100 lumens

Pros

  • CRI above 94
  • 2900 to 7000K range
  • USB-C PD power
  • 2100 lumens key figure, the only one here

Cons

  • Costs more than the Wave Neo at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for Elgato Key Light Air MK.2 (opens in a new tab)

How We Chose

Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.

A gaming room with a lit desk, a monitor and shelves of collectibles
A gaming room with a lit desk, a monitor and shelves of collectibles
The figures behind the order
We set side by side six streaming gear on type, what it does, connection and key figure as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 4 of the 4 fields compared are stated for every pick.
The shared baseline
All 6, from the HD60 S+ to the Key Light Air, state type, what it does and connection.
Who each pick suits
The HD60 S+ for 1080p60 HDR10 capture with 4K60 passthrough; the 4K X for 4K144 VRR passthrough over HDMI 2.1; the Game Capture Neo for driver-free with 4K60 HDR passthrough.
Price range
At our last check the picks ran from the Wave Neo ($50 to $100) to the HD60 S+ ($250 to $500).

What to Look for in a Streaming Gear for Gaming

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. Features beyond the spec table

    The Stream Deck MK.2: a detachable stand. The Wave Neo: a headphone jack. The Key Light Air: a 2900 to 7000K range.

  2. Budget

    $50 to $100 buys the Wave Neo; $100 to $150 buys the Stream Deck MK.2, the Game Capture Neo and the Key Light Air; $150 to $250 buys the 4K X; $250 to $500 buys the HD60 S+ at our last check.

    A desk with a microphone arm, a ring light and two monitors
    A desk with a microphone arm, a ring light and two monitors

  3. Match the pick to your priority

    Console streams: the HD60 S+. Current consoles and PCs: the 4K X. First capture setup: the Game Capture Neo.

  4. 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.

    A streaming desk with a ring light, a mic arm and monitors
    A streaming desk with a ring light, a mic arm and monitors

  5. 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 Streaming Gear for Gaming

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Console streamsHD60 S+1080p60 HDR10 capture with 4K60 passthrough
Current consoles and PCs4K X4K144 VRR passthrough over HDMI 2.1
First capture setupGame Capture NeoDriver-free with 4K60 HDR passthrough
Switching scenes mid-gameStream Deck MK.215 LCD keys
Clear commentaryWave NeoTap-to-mute with a headphone jack
Face-cam streamsKey Light Air2,100 lumens with CRI above 94

Scroll sideways to see every column.

Key specs side by side

The HD60 S+, the 4K X and the rest, as their makers list them.

Streaming gearTypeWhat it doesConnectionKey figure
HD60 S+Game capture cardCaptures a console or second PCHDMI in and out, USB1080p60 HDR10 capture
4K XGame capture cardCaptures a console or second PCHDMI 2.1, USB 3.2 Gen 24K144 with VRR passthrough
Game Capture NeoGame capture cardCaptures a console or second PCHDMI in and out, USB1080p60 capture, 4K60 HDR passthrough
Stream Deck MK.2Stream controllerPhysical keys for scenes and actionsUSB15 LCD keys
Wave NeoMicrophoneCaptures your voiceUSBTap-to-mute
Key Light AirKey lightFront light for your faceUSB-C power, desk clamp 60-88cm2100 lumens

Scroll sideways to see every column.

By price at the time of writing

At our last check the cheapest pick, the Wave Neo, sat in the $50 to $100 tier, 4 tiers in all up to the HD60 S+ at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.

Price tierStreaming gear
About $50 to $100Wave Neo
About $100 to $150Stream Deck MK.2, Game Capture Neo, Key Light Air
About $150 to $2504K X
About $250 to $500HD60 S+

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Game Capture Neo the Simplest Capture Card?

It earns the label for driver-free with 4K60 HDR passthrough. The Wave Neo, the cheapest pick, sat in the $50 to $100 tier against $100 to $150 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for first capture setup.

Beyond the specs, what sets the HD60 S+ and the 4K X apart?

The HD60 S+: 4K60 HDR10 passthrough. The 4K X: HDMI 2.1. The Game Capture Neo: 4K60 HDR passthrough.

Who should choose the HD60 S+?

The HD60 S+ carries our Best Console Capture label for 1080p60 HDR10 capture with 4K60 passthrough. It ranks first of 6 here and sat in the $250 to $500 tier at our last price check; it suits console streams.

Should I pick the HD60 S+ or the Key Light Air?

The HD60 S+ suits console streams; the Key Light Air suits face-cam streams.

What else do the Wave Neo and the Key Light Air offer?

The Wave Neo: a high-rise stand. The Key Light Air: USB-C PD power.

Bottom Line

The HD60 S+ is the capture card most console streamers need. The 4K X suits high-refresh passthrough, the Game Capture Neo is the simple option, the Stream Deck MK.2 handles scenes, the Wave Neo covers audio, and the Key Light Air lights your face.

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About the author

PC Hardware Editor

Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.

Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility

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