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 The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
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
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Console Capture
Elgato HD60 S+ Capture Card
1080p60 HDR10 capture with 4K60 passthrough.
Best for: Console streams
Our take Check price for Elgato HD60 S+ Capture Card (opens in a new tab)
Best High-Refresh Passthrough
Elgato 4K X Capture Card
4K144 VRR passthrough over HDMI 2.1.
Best for: Current consoles and PCs
Our take Check price for Elgato 4K X Capture Card (opens in a new tab)
Simplest Capture Card
Elgato Game Capture Neo
Driver-free with 4K60 HDR passthrough.
Best for: First capture setup
Our take Check price for Elgato Game Capture Neo (opens in a new tab)
Best Scene Control
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2
15 LCD keys.
Best for: Switching scenes mid-game
Our take Check price for Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 (opens in a new tab)
Best Audio Add-On
Elgato Wave Neo USB Microphone
Tap-to-mute with a headphone jack.
Best for: Clear commentary
Our take Check price for Elgato Wave Neo USB Microphone (opens in a new tab)
Best Key Light
Elgato Key Light Air MK.2
2,100 lumens with CRI above 94.
Best for: Face-cam streams
Our take Check price for Elgato Key Light Air MK.2 (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p60 HDR10 capture with 4K60 passthrough. | Console streams | Check price for Elgato HD60 S+ Capture Card (opens in a new tab) |
| 4K144 VRR passthrough over HDMI 2.1. | Current consoles and PCs | Check price for Elgato 4K X Capture Card (opens in a new tab) |
| Driver-free with 4K60 HDR passthrough. | First capture setup | Check price for Elgato Game Capture Neo (opens in a new tab) |
| 15 LCD keys. | Switching scenes mid-game | Check price for Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 (opens in a new tab) |
| Tap-to-mute with a headphone jack. | Clear commentary | Check price for Elgato Wave Neo USB Microphone (opens in a new tab) |
| 2,100 lumens with CRI above 94. | Face-cam streams | Check price for Elgato Key Light Air MK.2 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best Console Capture1 of 6
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
- Console streams
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Wave 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 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 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 Wave Neo at the time of writing
Best High-Refresh Passthrough2 of 6
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
- Current consoles and PCs
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Wave Neo 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 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 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 Wave Neo at the time of writing
Simplest Capture Card3 of 6
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
- First capture setup
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Wave Neo 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. 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 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 Wave Neo at the time of writing
Best Scene Control4 of 6
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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.
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 dimensions & 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
Best Audio Add-On5 of 6
Elgato Wave Neo USB Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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.
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 dimensions & 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
Best Key Light6 of 6
Elgato Key Light Air MK.2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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.
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 dimensions & 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
How We Chose
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.
- Setup needs
- We checked what else each item needs to work.
- Key figures
- We noted resolution, key counts, reach and brightness where listed.
- Connection
- We recorded HDMI, USB and mounting details.
What to Look for in a Streaming Gear for Gaming
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.
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.
Audio first
Viewers forgive a soft image sooner than bad audio. A decent mic on an arm is often the best first upgrade.
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.
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 Streaming Gear for Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Console streams | HD60 S+ | 1080p60 HDR10 capture with 4K60 passthrough |
| Current consoles and PCs | 4K X | 4K144 VRR passthrough over HDMI 2.1 |
| First capture setup | Game Capture Neo | Driver-free with 4K60 HDR passthrough |
| Switching scenes mid-game | Stream Deck MK.2 | 15 LCD keys |
| Clear commentary | Wave Neo | Tap-to-mute with a headphone jack |
| Face-cam streams | Key Light Air | 2,100 lumens with CRI above 94 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HD60 S+ | Game capture card | Captures a console or second PC | HDMI in and out, USB | 1080p60 HDR10 capture |
| 4K X | Game capture card | Captures a console or second PC | HDMI 2.1, USB 3.2 Gen 2 | 4K144 with VRR passthrough |
| Game Capture Neo | Game capture card | Captures a console or second PC | HDMI in and out, USB | 1080p60 capture, 4K60 HDR passthrough |
| Stream Deck MK.2 | Stream controller | Physical keys for scenes and actions | USB | 15 LCD keys |
| Wave Neo | Microphone | Captures your voice | USB | Tap-to-mute |
| Key Light Air | Key light | Front light for your face | USB-C power, desk clamp 60-88cm | 2100 lumens |
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 | Wave Neo |
| About $100 to $150 | Stream Deck MK.2, Game Capture Neo, Key Light Air |
| About $150 to $250 | 4K X |
| About $250 to $500 | HD60 S+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Can I stream a console without a capture card?
Consoles can stream directly to some platforms, but a capture card lets you add overlays and a camera on the PC.
Does this gear work with OBS?
Capture cards and cameras appear as sources in OBS; Stream Deck has OBS integration.
Is one PC enough to game and stream?
For most games, yes, especially with hardware encoding on a modern GPU.
How many lights do I need?
One key light makes the biggest difference. A second light or backlight adds separation.
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.