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 Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
11 min read3 products evaluated
A USB-C capture card connects straight to a modern laptop without an adapter. Every pick has 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
Which of the 3 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
Guermok USB-C Video Capture CardThe lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Getting USB-C and USB 3.0 connection for the least money.
Check price for Guermok USB-C Video Capture Card on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Acer HDMI to USB 3.0 Video Capture CardA 2-in-1 USB-A and USB-C plug.
Best for: Buyers who want 2-in-1 USB-A and USB-C plug.
Check price for Acer HDMI to USB 3.0 Video Capture Card on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
XIIXMASK USB 3.0 HDMI Capture CardThe highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 4K pass-through.
Best for: Buyers who want 4K pass-through and can spend more than the Acer capture dongle costs.
Check price for XIIXMASK USB 3.0 HDMI Capture Card on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check 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 on Amazon (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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 4K pass-through. | Buyers who want 4K pass-through and can spend more than the Acer capture dongle costs. | Check price for XIIXMASK USB 3.0 HDMI Capture Card on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 3
Guermok USB-C Video Capture Card
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 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
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 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
The XIIXMASK stands out for 4K pass-through, and it adds a 3.5mm mic input for commentary.
Best for
- Buyers who want 4K pass-through and can spend more than the Acer capture dongle costs.
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 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
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.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up three streaming gear on type, what it does, connection and key figure as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results, and every compared field is stated for all 3 picks.
- What every pick has in common
- All 3, from the Guermok USB-C to the XIIXMASK, state type, what it does and connection.
- Who each pick suits
- The Guermok USB-C for the lowest price of the group at our last check; the Acer capture dongle for a 2-in-1 USB-A and USB-C plug; the XIIXMASK for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 4K pass-through.
- Price range
- From the Guermok USB-C to the XIIXMASK, all sat in the under $50 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a USB-C Capture Card
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Extras that separate them
The Guermok USB-C: an aluminum alloy shell. The Acer capture dongle: no driver software needed. The XIIXMASK: a 3.5mm mic input for commentary.
How much to spend
All 3 sat in the under $50 tier when we checked, from the Guermok USB-C at the low end to the XIIXMASK at the top, so decide on features first.
A streaming desk with a ring light, a mic arm and monitors Start from what matters most
Getting USB-C and USB 3.0 connection for the least money: the Guermok USB-C. Buyers who want 4K pass-through and can spend more than the Acer capture dongle costs: the XIIXMASK.
USB bandwidth
Capture cards and 4K cameras use a lot of USB bandwidth. Give them their own port rather than a shared hub.
A gaming room with a lit desk, a monitor and shelves of collectibles 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.
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 4K pass-through and can spend more than the Acer capture dongle costs | 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
The Guermok USB-C, the Acer capture dongle and the rest, as their makers list 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
Why is the XIIXMASK our Premium Pick?
The label rests on the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 4K pass-through. It makes sense for anyone who wants 4K pass-through and can spend more than the Acer capture dongle costs.
What extras do the Guermok USB-C and the Acer capture dongle include?
The Guermok USB-C: USB-C and USB 3.0 connection. The Acer capture dongle: a 2-in-1 USB-A and USB-C plug. The XIIXMASK: 4K pass-through.
Who should choose the Guermok USB-C?
The Guermok USB-C carries our Lowest Price Here label for the lowest price of the group at our last check. It ranks first of 3 here and sat in the under $50 tier at our last price check; it suits getting USB-C and USB 3.0 connection for the least money.
Should I pick the Guermok USB-C or the XIIXMASK?
The Guermok USB-C suits getting USB-C and USB 3.0 connection for the least money; the XIIXMASK suits buyers who want 4K pass-through and can spend more than the Acer capture dongle costs.
What should I buy first for streaming?
Usually a microphone, then lighting, then a better camera. Controllers and capture cards depend on your setup.
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.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Streaming Gear for a PC
- Related guideThe Best Webcams for Streaming
- Related guideThe Best Streaming Gear for Gaming
- Lower budgetThe Best Capture Cards Under $30
- Similar guideThe Best 4K Capture Cards
- ExplainerHow to Choose a Webcam for Your PC
- ExplainerWebcam Features Explained: What Is Worth Paying For?
- Also see: microphonesUSB vs XLR microphones: what each needs and what each gives you
- Similar guideThe Best Capture Cards for PS5
- Topic hubAll webcams and streaming gear guides
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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