Gearhungry logo.
Gearhungry logo.
Gearhungry logo.
  • Home
  • Categories
    • Gear
      • Gadgets
      • Knives
      • Pens
      • Photography
      • Wallets
    • Grooming
    • Health
      • Fitness
    • Home
      • Appliances
      • Books
      • Coffee
      • Food & Drink
      • Furniture
      • Lawn & Garden
      • Kitchen
      • Office
      • Pets
    • Outdoors
      • Camping
      • Hiking
      • Sports
      • Skiing
      • Survival
      • Travel
    • Style
      • Apparel
      • Bags
      • Footwear
      • Grooming
      • Watches
    • Tech
      • Audio
      • Computers
      • Display
      • Drones
      • Gaming
      • GPS
      • Smartphones
      • Smart Home
      • TV & Video
      • Wearables
    • Tools
    • Toys & Games
      • Boardgames
      • Construction Kits
      • Outside Play
      • Puzzles
    • Rides
      • Bikes
      • Cars
      • Motorcycles
    • Vices
      • Cocktails & Spirits
      • Beer & Wine
    • View All Categories
  • Buying Guides
    • Audio
    • Apparel
    • Bags
    • Camping
    • Coffee
    • Fitness
    • Footwear
    • Gaming
    • Grooming
    • Home
    • Knives
    • Outdoors
    • Tech
    • Tools
    • Toys & Games
    • Wallets
    • Watches
  • Gifts
  • EDC
  • Blog
  • More
    • About Us – Learn More About Gear Hungry
    • Advertise
    • Brand assets
    • Contact
  • Home
  • Tech
  • Displays
Last updated: 21 Dec 2020

11 Best Capture Cards (Review) In 2021

Jordan Carter
This product guide was written by Jordan Carter
Published July 10, 2019

Gaming enthusiasts that wish to enhance their gaming experience will often search on the internet for the best options in a capture card. And even though there are lots of capture cards with a plethora of impressive features to help improve the quality in streaming games and recording, it’s not always an easy job knowing which brand to choose.

That said, experienced gamers hunting for one of the best capture card products available will have the sense to do proper research in order to help them make the right selection. So, without any further delay, feast your eyes on our list of top picks in capture cards.

The Best Capture Card

1
Elgato Game Capture Card HD60 S

See More Reviews
elgato game capture card hd60 s
See More Reviews
elgato game capture card hd60 s
elgato game capture card hd60 s
elgato game capture card hd60 s
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Although this model is not all that different from the HD60, there are some aspects of the HD60 S that sets it apart from the aforementioned card type. One thing that seems to impress a number of people who have invested in this popular capture card is the fact that the user can set the resolution for recording.

In fact, there are heaps of fantastic features on this one of the best capture cards available today. Apart from being able to use USB to USB C cable 3.0, getting the whole thing set up and ready to record or stream is a walk in the park. Of course, being provided with 1080p60 quality with 60fps is a good reason in itself to decide to purchase this offering from Corsair.   

Key Features:

1080p60 quality

USB 3.0 Type C

Built-in live streaming

Instant stream and record

Add webcam, overlays, and more

Easy to set up

Specification:
  • BrandCorsair
  • Model1GC109901004
  • Weight12.6 ounces
Pros

iMac can be used as a monitor for PS4

This model includes a USB C type to USB cable

Very easy to set up the system

Cons

No HDR support on this card

2
AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus Video Capture Card

See More Reviews
avermedia live gamer portable 2 plus
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

As many people who spend plenty of hours playing fun-filled video games tend to clock up the hours doing some online research for games and consoles, there is no surprise that avid gamers can often find the best capture card options. However, rather than being too hasty to purchase this model or any other card for that matter, it pays to apply some caution to your selection.

One thing is for sure though, this Video Capture Card by AVerMedia is not included in our comprehensive buying guide list for nothing. Indeed, when taking the time to look at the various encouraging features on this card, it can be difficult to not be curious about just how good this product is. Be sure to check out our revews of the best gaming routers for more amazing products for online gaming.

Key Features:

Voice commentary

4K full HD

Party Chat facility

Ultra-low latency

Incredible quality with video pass-through

Option for PC-free recording

Specification:
  • BrandAVerMedia
  • ModelGC513
  • Weight1.1 pounds
Pros

Incredible quality with video passthrough

Games upscaled from an Xbox look really good

This model comes with the option of PC-free recording

Cons

Potential issues with the audio

3
Elgato Game Capture Card 4K60 Pro MK.2

See More Reviews
Elgato Game Capture Card 4K60 Pro
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

The Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2 delivers superb 4K60 HDR10 capture and pass-through to give you one of the very, very best performances and experiences you can find from a capture card. The ultra-low latency eliminates the stress and frustration that comes from the lagging that has plagued gamers ever since online play became a thing, and it’s also suitable for a dual PC setup.

For further exceptionalism, you can plug multiple devices into one PC to capture as much as possible, while the retroactive saving, thanks to Flashback Recording means you will never miss out on those epic, and one-in-a-lifetime moments that you couldn’t repeat even if you tried. It is ideal for a range of setups, so whether you’re a YouTuber, Twitch streamer, or someone who prefers the comfort of consoles, you can feel confident everything will run smoothly.

It works immediately out of the box to save any wasted time, and is compatible with streaming software including OBS Studio, Streamlabs OBS, and XSplit to give you plenty of variety and flexibility. It is powerful but also easy to use, meaning your streaming and recording experience has never been more enjoyable.

show more
Key Features:

Immaculate 4K60 HDR10 capture and pass-through

Ultra-low latency

Suitable for dual PC setup

Retroactive saving with Flashback Recording

Compact PCIe interface

Ideal for consoles, YouTube, Twitch

Specification:
  • BrandElgato
  • Model10GAS9901
  • Weight3.34 ounces

4
Elgato Game Capture Card 4K60 Pro

See More Reviews
elgato game capture 4k60 pro
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

It goes without saying that if you simply love capturing video footage of your favorite video games, you are going to want to purchase one of the better products in the screen capture cards market. By taking the time to read as many reviews as you can on this 4K60 Pro capture card, you should be able to appreciate why this product is so much in demand by avid gamers.

There are certainly lots of positive features to persuade gaming enthusiasts that are still not sure whether this best capture card is a good choice or not. And as the quality of the video is much better than regular HD options, shoot-em-up gamers are bound to be blown away with the results they get when recording and streaming action-packed video games. Our guide to the best mechanical keyboards for gaming features more great products gamers will love.

Key Features:

Up to 2060p60 support

4K resolution

Ultra-low latency technology

Stream and record

Easy recording software

Excellent game-to-YouTube performance

Specification:
  • BrandCorsair
  • Model10GAG9901
  • Weight9.6 ounces
Pros

Dedicated software makes it really easy to record

This device allows users to capture fantastic 4k video

Superb card for putting your game videos on YouTube

Cons

Lack of HDR function on this device

5
Elgato Game Capture Card 4K60 S+

See More Reviews
Elgato Game Capture Card 4K60 S+ 4K60 HDR10
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

The Elgato Game Capture 4K60 S+ is a compact and portable machine that will transform any streaming and recording experience and place you firmly in the 22nd century of content creation prowess. It records in stunning 4K60 HDR10 quality that is representative of the high standards you will find on all the best next-gen games.

You can record to an SD card without a computer, making it exceptionally efficient for a variety of demands. This enables anyone to continue their streaming adventure no matter where they are in the world, while the unlimited footage feature means you’ll never need to delete your biggest gaming triumphs, so you can look back on it at later dates just to remind yourself that every once in a while, you are good.

The zero-lag pass through is, arguably, what most people are looking for when it comes to a capture card, so it will please you to discover that you can enjoy this every time you use it. The machine is also powerful and easy to use, combing the very best of streaming technology without cutting corners. With this, you can guarantee you can continue to supply your audience with quality content that will inspire to smash that subscribe button immediately.

show more
Key Features:

Stunning 4K60 HDR10 quality

Records to SD card without computer

Records unlimited footage

Onboard HEVC coding

Zero-lag pass-through

Powerful and easy to use

Specification:
  • BrandElgato
  • Model10GAP9901
  • Weight12 ounces

6
Elgato Game Capture HD60 Pro

See More Reviews
elgato game capture hd60 pro
See More Reviews
elgato game capture hd60 pro
elgato game capture hd60 pro
elgato game capture hd60 pro
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

As far as recording and streaming good quality video game content is concerned, Elgato HD60 Pro capture cards is definitely up there with the best of them. And as this product brought to us by Elgato can be used with a variety of gaming consoles including the ever-popular Xbox one and PlayStation, users have a choice in the console they opt for.

The very generous 60fps also provides consumers of this top capture card the ability to end up with excellent video capturing quality. Content creators hoping to optimize the quality they get in not just video but also the audio of what they steam should be able to accomplish this common goal of video streaming enthusiasts.

Key Features:

1080p60 quality

60 frames per second

Low latency feature

Stream and record

Specification:
  • BrandElgato
  • Model1GC109901002
  • Weight3.68 ounces
Pros

Incredible results when recording your gameplay

Able to live stream to different platforms including Twitch and YouTube

Users can achieve incredibly clear audio

Cons

Issues with a 144Hz signal

7
AVerMedia AVerCapture HD Capture Card

See More Reviews
avermedia avercapture hd, game streaming and game capture
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

As the first of the two capture card device from the highly-reputable AVerMedia, gamers who love to record and stream will be spoilt for choice. The fact that people new to sharing video game content are able to get going with AVerCapture HD without too many technical issues makes this product very suitable for novice capture card users.

And if you already have a loyal following in the gaming video sharing world, then you will surely want to keep your good reputation intact by using the very best in capture card technology. An amazing gift for gamers.

Key Features:

1080p full HD

Very low latency

USB feature

H.264 hardware encoder

Specification:
  • BrandAVerMedia Technologies, Inc.
  • ModelGL310
  • Weight4.2 ounces
Pros

Superior quality compared to other cards

Extremely quick and easy to set up

Great for users that do multi-camera work

Cons

Not compatible for Mac streaming

8
Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Mini Recorder -Thunderbolt

See More Reviews
blackmagic design ultrastudio mini recorder -thunderbolt
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

If you’re dying to share the fantastic quality of your latest zombie video game purchase with friends and gamer peers, then you have come to the right place with regard to a decent capture card for games. Of course, in order for potential purchasers of this sought-after capture card to appreciate why it’s so popular, they will need to check out all the positive feedback on Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Mini Recorder.

And with the massive amount of bandwidth achieved with UltraStudio technology, users are able to enjoy the very highest quality in video resolution. YouTubers with ambitions of increasing the number of people who take time to watch their capture streams should be able to get to this next level in their gaming hobby or profession. For more excellent products that will enhance your gaming experience, check out our top picks of the best gaming headsets.

Key Features:

10 Gb/s connection

Compressed/Uncompressed video

Standard open DPX files

Huge amount of bandwidth

Specification:
  • BrandBlackmagic Design
  • Model9338716001846
  • Weight7 ounces
Pros

Can be used with all types of video software

SDK and QuickTime provided by UltraStudio

Superb quality when live streaming to YouTube

Cons

Not suitable for a mini DisplayPort 

9
Elgato Cam Link 4K

See More Reviews
elgato cam link 4k
See More Reviews
elgato cam link 4k
elgato cam link 4k
elgato cam link 4k
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

It is all very well planning to start streaming captures of your favorite video game but if you don’t have the right equipment, you are not going to be happy with the results you get. With this important point in mind, it is definitely a good idea to do some extensive research on this item.

Not only is Elgato Cam Link 4K in the best capture card added to lots of online shoppers’ shopping carts due to superb picture and audio quality, but it’s also able to connect to almost any platform you can think of when you want to live stream some content. And if this is your first purchase of a capture card, the user-friendly feature of this product will have you up and running without too much difficulty. Don’t forget to check out our guide to the best wireless gaming mouses for more high-quality products like this.

Key Features:

1080p60 quality

Speedy platform connection

Low-latency technology

Easy to produce content

Specification:
  • BrandCorsair
  • Model10GAM9901
  • Weight0.64 ounces
Pros

Possible to use with Universal Windows Platform

Very little or potentially no latency on this card

Flawless gameplay and video audio recordings

Cons

Can’t use with interlaced 1080i output

10
Razer Ripsaw HD Game Streaming Capture Card

See More Reviews
razer ripsaw hd game streaming capture card
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Most people that take the time to share their gaming experience with a good quality capture card like this won’t want to cut corners with the quality that their audience receives. Indeed, not only can users of this fantastic gaming product enjoy the superb video and audio quality but also the people that view their streams.

With the excellent 1080p60 quality and 4K passthrough technology, there is no wonder that gamers who get the chance to watch content sent through Razer Ripsaw HD Game Streaming Capture Card are really grateful for what they have on their gaming monitor. 

Key Features:

1080p60 quality

4K passthrough

3.5mm audio cable

USB 3.0

Specification:
  • BrandRazer
  • ModelRZ20-02850100-R3U1
  • Weight5.3 ounces
Pros

Uninterrupted/smooth gameplay is achievable

Set up without the use of software

The product is already broadcaster certified

Cons

Potential issues with audio passthrough

11
Blackmagic Design DeckLink 4K PCIe Capture Card

See More Reviews
blackmagic design decklink mini recorder 4k pcie capture card
See More Reviews
blackmagic design decklink mini recorder 4k pcie capture card
blackmagic design decklink mini recorder 4k pcie capture card
blackmagic design decklink mini recorder 4k pcie capture card
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

No matter what your preference in video games is, this Blackmagic Design HDMI capture card is bound to have you singing its praises. And the quality of sound from this device is quite simply breathtaking. Of course, if you record your gameplay in order to share with many other gaming enthusiasts, it’s best to buy a quality card.

To say that this mini recorder is great value for money would be an understatement indeed. All we have to do is read the many positive reviews that this product has received to appreciate why it would be a good idea to invest in this item. For some excellent gaming audio devices, check out our top picks of the best gaming speakers.

Key Features:

4K PCIe

SDI video input

16 channels

HDMI video input

Specification:
  • BrandBlackmagic Design
  • ModelBDLKMINIREC4K
  • Weight6.4 ounces
Pros

Only have to set up the device once

Great results with the DeckLink with 4K

Superb picture quality and crisp audio

Cons

May have problems with software

Capture Card Buying Guide

How We Chose Our Selection Of Capture Cards

As we put together this well thought out list of the best capture cards, we had to ensure we covered all the positive aspects of these devices. It goes without saying that a buying guide list such as this that does not include features that most users of HDMI or USB capture cards look out for would not really serve its purpose.

And as always, we have tried to focus on what we consider to be the best ways of making more informed selections in what we think are the better deals in capture cards available to buy today.

capture card

Reviews – One of the most important aspects to take into consideration when reading reviews on capture cards as well as almost any kind of product is deciding if the person who has written the feedback is biased in any way.

But although it may not always be easy to work out which reviews are worth listening to or not, we can identify an objective review from those written by people who are probably not being too positive about the product or brand they have written about.

Price – Many purchasers of good quality capture cards will appreciate that if they want the best card found online, they may need to pay the premium price. That said, it is indeed possible to find what most users consider to be an excellent choice in capture cards that will not put a strain on your bank account.

By taking into account that not all capture cards in the higher price range are worth the recommended retail price, we hope to include products in our buying guide that are fantastic value for money.

Sources:

  1. Which Capture Card should I get for streaming or recording? And do I need one? - OBS

 

Jordan Carter
Jordan Carter
Jordan Carter is Gear Hungry's resident Editor-in-Chief with a genuine love and passion for all things tech. Jordan works diligently to ensure only the best products ever make it onto the platform and are showcased in Gear Hungry's carefully curated, tested and expertly researched, informative buying guides.
Related Reads
best mechanical keyboards for gaming
#Gaming

14 Best Mechanical Keyboards For Gaming (Review) In 2021

see more→
best routers for gaming
#Gaming

13 Best Gaming Routers (Review) in 2021

see more→
Best Gaming Monitors
#Gaming

10 Best Gaming Monitors (Review) in 2021

see more→
The best!
Gear, gadgets & stuff for men
Straight to your inbox
You May Also Like
  • Wireless Gaming Mouses
  • Gaming Headsets
  • PS4 Accessories
  • Gaming Speakers
  • Gaming Chairs
  • Gaming Monitors
  • Racing Wheels
  • Gaming Backpacks
  • Gaming Laptops
  • Gaming Desks
  • Gaming Routers
  • Mechanical Gaming Keyboards
  • VR Headsets
  • Gaming Mouse Pads
  • Gaming Glasses
  • Xbox One Accessories
  • Flight Sticks
Gearhungry logo
  • Home
  • Categories
  • About Us – Learn More About Gear Hungry
  • Contact
Gear Hungry ©2021 Privacy policy Affiliate Disclosure
DMCA.com Protection Status