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10 Best Capture Cards 2025 in the United States

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#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

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 MacElgato

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.

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#2

AVerMedia GC573 Live Gamer 4K Internal Capture Card: 4K60 HDR10 Streaming and Recording with Ultra-Low Latency for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Windows 11 - TAA/NDAA Compliant

28%OFF

AVerMedia GC573 Live Gamer 4K Internal Capture Card: 4K60 HDR10 Streaming and Recording with Ultra-Low Latency for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Windows 11 - TAA/NDAA CompliantAVerMedia

The AVerMedia GC573 Live Gamer 4K internal capture card is an excellent choice for gamers and content creators looking to stream and record in high-quality. It supports 4K resolution at 60 frames per second with HDR10, ensuring vibrant and sharp video output. The ultra-low latency feature is crucial for live streaming, providing a seamless and interactive experience for viewers. Additionally, it offers zero-lag pass-through, which is perfect for next-gen consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, making it versatile for different gaming setups.

Compatibility with popular streaming software like OBS, Streamlabs, XSplit, Twitch, and YouTube makes it user-friendly and accessible for various platforms. The customizable RGB lighting adds a nice aesthetic touch to your PC setup. Some users might find the need for PCI Express x4 slot restrictive if they have limited available slots in their computer. Moreover, it's only compatible with Windows 10 and 11, which could be a limitation for users with other operating systems.

The product dimensions and lightweight design ensure it doesn't add too much bulk to your setup.

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#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

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 1684Hauppauge

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.

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Buying Guide for the Best Capture Cards

When choosing a capture card, it's important to consider your specific needs and how you plan to use the device. Capture cards are used to record or stream video from a variety of sources, such as gaming consoles, cameras, or other video devices. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision and ensure you get the best performance for your requirements.
Resolution and Frame RateResolution refers to the clarity of the video, measured in pixels (e.g., 1080p, 4K), while frame rate indicates how many frames per second (fps) the capture card can handle (e.g., 30fps, 60fps). Higher resolution and frame rate provide smoother and clearer video. If you are streaming or recording high-quality content, such as gaming or professional video production, you should opt for a capture card that supports at least 1080p at 60fps. For casual use or lower-quality content, 720p at 30fps may suffice.
Input and Output PortsInput and output ports determine what devices you can connect to the capture card and how you can output the captured video. Common ports include HDMI, USB, and sometimes SDI for professional setups. Ensure the capture card has the necessary ports to connect your devices. For example, if you are capturing gameplay from a console, an HDMI input is essential. Additionally, consider the output options for connecting to your computer or streaming setup.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to whether the capture card works with your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) and software (OBS, XSplit, etc.). Check the capture card's specifications to ensure it is compatible with your setup. If you use specific software for streaming or recording, make sure the capture card supports it. This will save you from potential headaches and ensure a smooth setup process.
LatencyLatency is the delay between the input signal and the output display. Lower latency is crucial for real-time applications like live streaming or gaming, where even a slight delay can be noticeable. Look for capture cards that advertise low latency or real-time performance. If you are using the capture card for non-live applications, such as recording videos for later editing, latency may be less of a concern.
EncodingEncoding refers to how the capture card processes and compresses the video signal. Some capture cards have built-in hardware encoding, which offloads the processing from your computer, resulting in smoother performance and less strain on your system. If you have a powerful computer, software encoding may be sufficient. However, for less powerful systems or to ensure optimal performance, a capture card with hardware encoding is recommended.
Software FeaturesMany capture cards come with bundled software that offers additional features like editing, streaming, and overlays. These features can enhance your workflow and provide added value. Consider what software features are important to you and whether the capture card includes them. For example, if you need advanced editing tools or easy integration with streaming platforms, look for a capture card that offers these capabilities.

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