Buying Guide
The Best USB-C Capture Cards
We weighed three streaming devices on connection and key figure, and the Guermok USB-C costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read3 products evaluated
A USB-C capture card connects straight to a modern laptop without an adapter. Every pick offers a USB-C connection.
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 3 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Guermok USB-C Video Capture Card
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Getting USB-C and USB 3.0 connection for the least money.
Our take Check price for Guermok USB-C Video Capture Card (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Acer HDMI to USB 3.0 Video Capture Card
A 2-in-1 USB-A and USB-C plug.
Best for: Buyers who want 2-in-1 USB-A and USB-C plug.
Our take Check price for Acer HDMI to USB 3.0 Video Capture Card (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
XIIXMASK USB 3.0 HDMI Capture Card
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 4K pass-through.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for XIIXMASK USB 3.0 HDMI 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. | Getting USB-C and USB 3.0 connection for the least money. | Check price for Guermok USB-C Video Capture Card (opens in a new tab) |
| A 2-in-1 USB-A and USB-C plug. | Buyers who want 2-in-1 USB-A and USB-C plug. | Check price for Acer HDMI to USB 3.0 Video Capture Card (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 4K pass-through. | Buyers who want the most complete package. | Check price for XIIXMASK USB 3.0 HDMI Capture Card (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 3
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
- Getting USB-C and USB 3.0 connection for the least money.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Acer capture dongle was closest.
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
- The lowest price of the group at our last check
Also Consider2 of 3
Acer HDMI to USB 3.0 Video Capture Card on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Acer capture dongle is built around a 2-in-1 USB-A and USB-C plug, with no driver software needed on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want 2-in-1 USB-A and USB-C plug.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Guermok USB-C cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It accepts up to a 4K30 HDMI input and captures 1080p60 over a 5Gbps USB 3.0 link. It has both USB-A and USB-C plugs and works with PS5, Switch, cameras and Quest headsets as well as PCs. Acer offers after-sales support by message, useful if a capture app fails to detect the card.
It supports Windows, macOS and Linux as well as consoles and Quest headsets. 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 Guermok USB-C and below the XIIXMASK at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: Game capture card
- What it does: Captures an HDMI source
- Connection: HDMI in, USB-A and USB-C
- Key figure: 1080p60 capture, 4K30 input
Pros
- 2-in-1 USB-A and USB-C plug
- No driver software needed
- Support for consoles, cameras and VR headsets listed
Cons
- Costs more than the Guermok USB-C at the time of writing
Premium Pick3 of 3
XIIXMASK USB 3.0 HDMI Capture Card on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The XIIXMASK stands out for 4K pass-through, and it adds a 3.5mm mic input for commentary.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Guermok USB-C was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It passes a 4K signal through to your display while capturing at up to 2K30, so gameplay stays lag-free on your screen. A 3.5mm mic input lets you add commentary without a separate interface. It streams to YouTube, Twitch and Facebook through standard capture software, and both USB-A and USB-C cables come in the box.
It also offers an aluminum alloy shell. 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 Acer capture dongle 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 in and out, USB 3.0 or USB-C
- Key figure: 1080p60 capture, 4K pass-through
Pros
- 4K pass-through
- 3.5mm mic input for commentary
- Aluminum alloy shell
- The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 4K pass-through
Cons
- Costs more than the Guermok USB-C at the time of writing
How We Chose These USB-C Capture Cards
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- 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.
- Key figures
- We noted resolution, key counts, reach and brightness where listed.
What to Look for in a USB-C Capture Card
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
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.
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.
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.
How to Choose a USB-C Capture Card
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting USB-C and USB 3.0 connection for the least money | Guermok USB-C | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want 2-in-1 USB-A and USB-C plug | Acer capture dongle | A 2-in-1 USB-A and USB-C plug |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | XIIXMASK | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 4K pass-through |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guermok USB-C | Game capture card | Captures an HDMI source | HDMI in, USB 3.0 and USB-C | 1080p60 capture, 4K30 input |
| Acer capture dongle | Game capture card | Captures an HDMI source | HDMI in, USB-A and USB-C | 1080p60 capture, 4K30 input |
| XIIXMASK | Game capture card | Captures a console or second PC | HDMI in and out, USB 3.0 or USB-C | 1080p60 capture, 4K pass-through |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pick costs the least here?
The Guermok USB-C cost the least when we checked, and the XIIXMASK sat at the top of the range. Prices move often, so check the current listing before buying.
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.
Is one PC enough to game and stream?
For most games, yes, especially with hardware encoding on a modern GPU.
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.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Guermok USB-C, chosen for the lowest price of the group at our last check. Look at the Acer capture dongle for a 2-in-1 USB-A and USB-C plug and the XIIXMASK for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 4K pass-through if those matter more to you.
Check the laptop's USB-C port supports data at USB 3 speed, not charging only.