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10 Best Capture Cards 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Elgato HD60 S+, External Capture Card, Stream and Record in 1080p60 HDR10 or 4K60 HDR10 with ultra-low latency on PS5, PS4/Pro, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One X/S, in OBS and more, works with PC and Mac

The Elgato HD60 S+ is a solid choice for gamers looking to capture and stream their gameplay in high quality. It supports 1080p60 and 4K60 HDR10, delivering excellent resolution for both recording and live streaming. The ultra-low latency feature is a standout, allowing gamers to experience minimal delay while playing, which is crucial for competitive gaming. With its zero-lag passthrough, players can enjoy their games at the highest fidelity without sacrificing performance.

The device is compatible with a wide range of consoles, including the latest PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, making it versatile for various gaming setups. The USB interface ensures easy connectivity with both Windows and macOS, expanding its usability across different systems. Features like Flashback Recording allow users to retroactively capture gameplay, which can be a lifesaver for those unexpected epic moments.

The card excels in quality and features, but it might be more than what casual gamers need. Some users may find the setup process a bit challenging if they're not tech-savvy, and the reliance on software like OBS can be daunting for beginners. Additionally, if you’re primarily interested in capturing gameplay at lower resolutions or without the need for HDR, there may be more affordable options available.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Resolution and Frame Rate
The Elgato HD60 S+ delivers stunning visuals with its ability to handle resolutions up to 4K60 or 1080p60 HDR10, ensuring incredibly crisp, vibrant, and true-to-life footage.
Compatibility
The HD60 S+ offers unmatched versatility, supporting a wide range of resolutions, frame rates, and compatibility with multiple platforms like PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.
Latency
Low latency is a standout feature, with the USB 3.0 connection ensuring minimal delay between gameplay and the footage displayed on your streaming platform or recording software.
Software Features
While the hardware is incredible, the Elgato software can be lacking, with some users experiencing crashes or glitches, but these issues are easily fixed with third-party programs like OBS.
#2

EVGA XR1 Pro Capture Card, 1440p/4K HDR Capture/Pass Through, Certified for OBS, USB 3.1, ARGB, Audio Mixer, PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, 144-U1-CB21-LR

The EVGA XR1 Pro Capture Card is designed to capture high-quality video, making it great for content creators on platforms like Twitch and YouTube. It supports capturing up to 1440p at 60fps or 4K at 30fps, which means your recordings and streams can be very detailed and smooth.

The card also allows for true 1440p at 144Hz HDR or 4K at 60Hz HDR pass through, so you can play in high resolutions while recording or streaming at different settings without compromising your gaming experience. This can be particularly useful for gamers on PCs, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.

The setup is simple with a plug-and-play feature, meaning you don't need to install any drivers, which is convenient for users who aren't tech experts. It connects via USB 3.1, ensuring fast data transfer with minimal latency, making your streams smooth and without delay. The built-in audio mixer controls and customizable RGB LEDs add a touch of personalization and ease of use for managing audio during streams. Additionally, its certification for OBS ensures compatibility with one of the most popular streaming software, adding to its versatility. However, the product is limited to Windows OS, which might be a drawback for Mac users. Some users might also find the 4K recording at 30fps slightly limiting compared to other capture cards that might offer higher frame rates for 4K.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Resolution and Frame Rate
Capturing 1440p at 144fps is seamless, and the plug-and-play setup with OBS is incredibly convenient.
Compatibility
The capture card works flawlessly with various devices like PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch, making it versatile for game captures and using digital cameras as webcams.
Software Features
Setup is the easiest among capture cards, with no need for software downloads – OBS and Windows recognize it instantly.
#3

HAUPPAUGE HD PVR Pro 60 HD 4K in/Out 1080P 60fps Capture and Streaming PC Connected and Stand Alone for Zoom Skype YouTube Live and Twitch 1684

The HAUPPAUGE HD PVR Pro 60 is a versatile capture card designed for recording and streaming in 1080P at 60 frames per second. It is particularly suitable for users who want to stream gameplay, virtual meetings, or events on platforms like YouTube Live, Twitch, Zoom, and Skype. One of its major strengths is its 4K input and output support, making it an excellent choice for 4K console gamers who want to capture high-quality footage at 1080P resolution.

Compatibility with multiple operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux, and popular broadcasting software like OBS and XSplit, adds to its flexibility. The device also offers convenient features like game controller and headset inputs, an internal audio mixer, and the ability to operate both as a standalone unit and when connected to a PC. Its USB Type-C interface ensures fast and efficient data transfer.

Some drawbacks include limited capture resolution, as it maxes out at 1080P, which might not be enough for users seeking higher resolution capture. Additionally, while its latency and encoding capabilities are strong, users may experience slight delays depending on their streaming setup. Weighing only 4.6 ounces and with compact dimensions, it is portable and easy to handle. The HAUPPAUGE HD PVR Pro 60 is well-suited for gamers, content creators, and those needing to stream events, but it may not satisfy users looking for higher resolution beyond 1080P.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Resolution and Frame Rate
Clear video results in standalone mode, crucial for high-quality and non-delayed passthrough video.
Input and Output Ports
Excels at capturing audio through the wireless microphone input, perfect for training sessions.
Compatibility
Works out of the box with OBS on Linux, providing good video quality for its price.

Buying Guide for the Best Capture Cards

When choosing a capture card, it's important to consider your specific needs and the type of content you plan to create. Capture cards are used to record and stream video from various sources, such as gaming consoles, cameras, or other devices, to your computer. Understanding the key specifications will help you select the best capture card for your requirements, ensuring high-quality recordings and smooth streaming experiences.
Resolution and Frame RateResolution refers to the clarity of the video, measured in pixels, while frame rate indicates how many frames per second (fps) the capture card can record or stream. Higher resolutions like 1080p or 4K provide sharper images, and higher frame rates like 60fps offer smoother motion. If you are a gamer or content creator who prioritizes high-quality visuals, opt for a capture card that supports at least 1080p at 60fps. For professional use or future-proofing, consider 4K resolution support.
Input and Output PortsCapture cards come with various input and output ports, such as HDMI, SDI, or USB. These ports determine the types of devices you can connect to the capture card. HDMI is the most common and supports most gaming consoles and cameras. SDI is typically used in professional settings. Ensure the capture card has the necessary ports to connect your devices. If you plan to use multiple devices, look for a capture card with multiple input options.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to how well the capture card works with your computer's operating system and software. Some capture cards are designed specifically for Windows or macOS, while others are compatible with both. Additionally, check if the capture card supports popular streaming software like OBS or XSplit. Ensure the capture card you choose is compatible with your setup to avoid any technical issues.
LatencyLatency is the delay between the input signal and the output display. Lower latency is crucial for live streaming and gaming, as it ensures real-time feedback and interaction. Capture cards with low latency provide a smoother and more responsive experience. If you are a live streamer or gamer, prioritize capture cards with minimal latency to enhance your performance and viewer experience.
EncodingEncoding refers to the process of compressing video data for storage or streaming. Some capture cards come with built-in hardware encoding, which offloads the processing from your computer, resulting in better performance and higher quality streams. If you have a powerful computer, software encoding might be sufficient. However, for less powerful systems or to reduce the load on your computer, a capture card with hardware encoding is a better choice.
Form FactorForm factor refers to the physical size and design of the capture card. There are internal capture cards that fit into your computer's PCIe slot and external capture cards that connect via USB or Thunderbolt. Internal capture cards generally offer better performance but require installation inside your computer. External capture cards are more portable and easier to set up. Choose the form factor that best suits your needs and setup.

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