Table of Contents
No matter what platform you play games on, the best capture cards will take a lot of stress off your hardware. If you want to record what’s on your screen, you might be looking for a capture card. What is a “capture card,” though? A capture card is a device that works with a computer to record what’s on the screen and encode it so it can be played back.
In 2023, there are more choices than ever, from cheap releases to high-end products that fit all budgets and tastes. Now, what’s the best way to record video? We’ll rank the best capture cards you can buy in 2023. By the end, you’ll have a good idea of which capture cards are best for streaming and which ones you should buy.
Best Capture Cards Comparison Table
| Product Name | Capture | Dimensions | Weight | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elgato HD60 X | 1080p60 HDR | 4.41 x 0.75 x 3.03 inches | 4.96 oz | $399.99 USD |
| NZXT Signal 4K30 | 4K30 HDR | 4.57 x 4.57 x 1.06 inches | 7.3 oz | $149.99 USD |
| AverMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus | 1080p60 HDR | 5.8 x 2.2 x 1.2 inches | 5.8 oz | $199.99 USD |
| Elgato HD60S | 1080p60 HDR | 4.41 x 0.75 x 3.03 inches | 3.68 oz | $179.99 USD |
| NZXT Signal HD60 | 1080p60 HDR | 4.57 x 4.57 x 1.06 inches | 7.3 oz | $119.99 USD |
| EVGA XR1 | 4K60 HDR | 4.84 x 2.36 x 1.06 inches | 5.6 oz | $149.99 USD |
| Asus Tuf Gaming CU4K30 | 4K30 HDR | 4.13 x 3.03 x 0.98 inches | 3.68 oz | $199.99 USD |
| AverMedia Live Gamer Mini | 1080p60 HDR | 3.8 x 1.97 x 0.75 inches | 2.2 oz | $99.99 USD |
Elgato HD60 X
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Up to 1080p60 |
| Connection | USB 3.0 |
| Capture Format | H.264 encoder |
| Platform | Windows, macOS, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 |
| Additional Features | Stream Command, Flashback Recording, Live Commentary |
The Elgato HD60 X is another great example of what the company can make. This external capture card can be used with almost any setup, like a gaming PC, Mac, laptop, PS5, or Xbox X/S. It connects to your devices through USB-C and works with a wide range of streaming and capturing software, such as Twitch, YouTube, OBS, XSplit, and Streamlabs.
So, unless you have very specific setup needs, it’s a one-stop shop for sharing all your high-quality visuals with your audience. The Elgato HD60 X can pass through up to 4K HDR10 video at 60 frames per second. That’s also lag-free pass-through with VRR, so you can keep playing as competitively as ever.
- Up to 1080p60 high-resolution video capture.
- USB 3.0 lets you connect and send data quickly and safely.
- H.264 encoder for efficient video compression
- Works with Windows, macOS, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.
- Features like Stream Command, Flashback Recording, and Live Commentary make streaming better.
- Only has 1080p resolution and can’t capture 4K.
- Consoles like the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 may need more setup.
The Good
The Bad
NZXT Signal 4K30
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Up to 4K30 |
| Connection | USB 3.0 |
| Capture Format | H.264 encoder |
| Platform | Windows, macOS, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 |
| Additional Features | HDR recording, Pro mode, Scene detection |
The NZXT Signal 4K30 is a USB-based external option that has all the features you want for well under $200. This device should keep up with your consoles that have an HDMI port because it has zero-lag pass-through and supports 4K at 60Hz, HDR, and 1080p at an impressive 240Hz.
And when you’re ready to start recording, you might lose a few framerates by going from 4K60 to 4K30, but the image will still be clear and sharp. You can always drop down to 1080p/120Hz if you want the smoothest stream with the most frames per second.
- 4K resolution capture lets you record high-quality videos
- USB 3.0 lets you connect and send data quickly and reliably
- H.264 encoder for efficient video compression
- Works with Windows, macOS, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.
- Features like HDR recording, Pro mode, and Scene detection give you more ways to record.
- Only 30 fps at 4K resolution, so it might not be good for capturing fast-paced action or gaming
- For smooth 4K recording and streaming, you may need a powerful computer.
The Good
The Bad
AverMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Up to 1080p60 |
| Connection | USB 2.0 |
| Capture Format | H.264 encoder |
| Platform | Windows, macOS, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch |
| Additional Features | Ultra-low latency, microSD card slot, built-in video editor |
The AverMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus, which is in the shape of a Toblerone, is ridiculously beautiful to take pictures with. You can switch between PC and microSD settings, and you can’t miss the big flashing lights to make sure you’re capturing or have HDCP turned on. The quality is great, with 60 frames per second are clear and come straight to your PC or Micro SD card.
The latter is necessary instead of a USB stick for fast transfer, as it is the only device on the list that can work with 60fps and doesn’t need a PC. It’s worth the extra money if you don’t want your PC running all the time when you’re capturing, and if you’re streaming, the RECentral software comes with it makes it easy to add text and change how picture-in-picture is set up.
- The design makes it portable so you can record and stream on the go.
- Up to 1080p60 resolution for high-quality capture; USB 2.0 connectivity for easy set-up with most computers
- H.264 encoder for efficient video compression
- Ultra-low latency for real-time gameplay capture on Windows, macOS, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch
- The built-in microSD card slot and video editor make it easy to record and edit videos.
- Only has 1080p resolution and can’t capture 4K.
- When compared to USB 3.0, data transfer speeds may be slower with USB 2.0.
The Good
The Bad
Elgato HD60S
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Up to 1080p60 |
| Connection | USB 3.0 |
| Capture Format | H.264 encoder |
| Platform | Windows, macOS, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 |
| Additional Features | Instant Gameview, Stream Command, Flashback Recording |
The Game Capture HD60S is easy to set up because all you have to do is plug it in between your PS4 or Xbox One and your TV. Also, the software does all the work for you by cycling through different resolution options until it finds a signal. Another great thing about it is that you don’t have to have the software running to use it.
As long as it has power, it will send a signal to your screen, so you don’t have to unplug it when you’re done capturing. The software that comes with it is clear and easy to use, and it gives you a few basic but useful options for setting up the audio and streaming. There is an audio in on the unit itself if you want to add audio directly to your stream.
- Up to 1080p60 high-resolution video capture.
- USB 3.0 lets you connect and send data quickly and safely.
- H.264 encoder for efficient video compression
- Works with Windows, macOS, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.
- With Instant Gameview, you can see how the game plays in real time.
- Stream Command and Flashback Recording are two features that make streaming better.
- Only has 1080p resolution and can’t capture 4K.
- For best performance, it needs a computer with a USB 3.0 port.
The Good
The Bad
NZXT Signal HD60
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Up to 1080p60 |
| Connection | USB 3.0 |
| Capture Format | H.264 encoder |
| Platform | Windows, macOS, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 |
| Additional Features | Customizable RGB lighting, Onboard video processing |
We didn’t expect much from NZXT’s first capture cards, but the Signal HD60 was a pleasant surprise, from its sleek, small size to its reasonable price. You have to like how NZXT is easy on a content creator’s wallet while still running well. The Signal HD60 is great for people who have never streamed before because it is so easy to set up.
We love how small and easy to carry it is. The most important thing is that it works well with most consoles. If you want to include voice chats in your steams, you’ll have to think of creative ways to do so. Even though the Signal HD60 doesn’t support HDR or VRR, which is a shame, it is a reliable capture card, which is what matters most.
- Up to 1080p60 high-resolution video capture.
- USB 3.0 lets you connect and send data quickly and safely.
- H.264 encoder for efficient video compression
- Works with Windows, macOS, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.
- RGB lighting that can be changed to fit your style
- On-board video processing makes computer systems less stressed.
- Only has 1080p resolution and can’t capture 4K.
- RGB lighting needs more setup, and it might not work with all systems.
The Good
The Bad
EVGA XR1
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Up to 1080p60 |
| Connection | USB 3.0 |
| Capture Format | H.264 encoder |
| Platform | Windows |
| Additional Features | HDMI passthrough, Audio mixing, Voice chat recording |
The EVGA XR1 capture card has RGB lighting and a control dial, so your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you. With the XR1, you can control your content without having to go through a lot of menus. The dial does everything, from mixing the volume to changing the lights.
It has an APT button on the dial that lets you switch between 1440p/120fps passthrough and 1080p 60fps capture on the fly without having to swap cables or change the display settings on your gaming PC when you’re not streaming.
- Up to 1080p60 high-resolution video capture.
- USB 3.0 lets you connect and send data quickly and safely.
- H.264 encoder for efficient video compression
- HDMI passthrough lets you watch your game without any hiccups.
- Audio mixing lets you record game sounds and microphone sounds separately.
- Recording voice chat to save in-game conversations
- Only has 1080p resolution and can’t capture 4K.
- Windows is the only operating system it works with.
The Good
The Bad
Asus Tuf Gaming CU4K30
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Up to 4K30 |
| Connection | USB 3.0 |
| Capture Format | H.264 encoder |
| Platform | Windows |
| Additional Features | 4K passthrough, HDR recording, Onboard video processing |
The Asus Tuf Gaming CU4K30 is a great choice if you want to add an external capture card to your Xbox Series X. You can record or stream gameplay at up to 4K resolution and 30 fps, as the name suggests. The card can also record at 60 frames per second at 2K and 120 frames per second at 1080p.
To set up your card, make sure to read our guide on how to stream on an Xbox Series X. With the passthrough, you can also play games at their full resolution and frame rate. You can pass through a 4K signal at 60 fps or a 1080p signal at 240 fps. Through the passthrough, Asus also works with HDR.
- Up to 4K30 resolution for high-quality capture.
- USB 3.0 lets you transfer data quickly and reliably. The H.264 encoder lets you compress videos efficiently.
- 4K passthrough lets you watch game play without lag.
- HDR recording lets you record with more color and contrast.
- On-board video processing makes computer systems less stressed.
- It can only record at 30 frames per second at 4K resolution, so it might not be good for fast-paced action or gaming capture.
- For smooth 4K recording and streaming, you need a powerful computer.
The Good
The Bad
AverMedia Live Gamer Mini
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Up to 1080p60 |
| Connection | USB 2.0 |
| Capture Format | H.264 encoder |
| Platform | Windows, macOS |
| Additional Features | Ultra-low latency, Hardware encoding, Plug-and-play setup |
The AverMedia Live Gamer Mini is all you need to stream, and it’s all you really need. It can record and stream in 1080p at 60 frames per second, and the card has zero-lag passthrough so you can watch your game in real time. The Live Gamer Mini is better in some ways than capture cards that cost twice as much.
The H.264 hardware encoder is a big reason for that. The Live Gamer Mini, like the increasingly rare Elgato HD 60, takes the encoding load off of your CPU when streaming or recording. Since the card handles encoding, you can also use StreamEngine to record backup copies of your stream. StreamEngine is a small program that comes with the Live Gamer Mini.
- Up to 1080p60 high-resolution video capture.
- Small and easy to carry
- USB 2.0 ports make it easy to set up and work with most computers.
- H.264 encoder for efficient video compression
- Ultra-low latency for smooth monitoring and streaming of gameplay
- Hardware encoding to make the computer system work less hard
- Plug-and-play setup makes installation quick and easy.
- A USB 2.0 connection may have a little more latency than a USB 3.0 or higher connection.
- For more advanced features or settings, you may need to install extra software.
- There may be some features that can’t be used on macOS.
The Good
The Bad
FAQs
The Elgato Game Capture HD60 is the best external capture card for any streamer with a PlayStation 4, Xbox One, or other gaming console from an older generation. This capture device not only makes sure you’re streaming high-quality video, but it also looks great on any desk.
You can just use your device to run software like OBS Studio that lets you stream. But if you use one computer to stream and another to record, you will need a capture card to link the two.