Best Capture Cards for Game Streaming in 2024: A Buyer's Guide
Choosing the right capture card for game streaming in 2024 can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. Whether you’re just starting your streaming journey or upgrading your existing setup, this guide covers the best options at every price point.
Best Overall: AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra S GC553Pro
Game Rant names the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra S GC553Pro as the best overall capture card in 2024. It offers 4K recording at a surprisingly reasonable price point, running smoothly at 4K and 60 FPS for extended streaming sessions without overheating or performance drops.
Key specs:
- 4K@60fps recording
- HDMI 2.0 input and output
- USB 3.0 connection
- Compact external design
Best Value: Elgato HD60 X
The Elgato HD60 X remains the top pick from TechRadar, priced at $199.99 with native Xbox Series X and PS5 support. Its compact size and excellent Full HD picture quality make it the sweet spot for most streamers.
Key specs:
- 4K@30fps or 1440p@60fps capture
- 4K@60fps HDR passthrough
- VRR support
- USB-C connection
Best Budget: Elgato Game Capture Neo
For beginners who want to test the streaming waters without a large investment, the Elgato Game Capture Neo offers simplicity and plug-and-play connectivity at an entry-level price. It captures at 1080p@60fps with 4K@60fps passthrough — more than enough for Twitch and YouTube streaming.
Best for Portability: AVerMedia Elite Go GC313Pro
How-To Geek highlights the AVerMedia Elite Go GC313Pro as the best capture device for gaming handhelds. Its small size and ability to charge devices while you play make it ideal for capturing content from Steam Deck, ROG Ally, or similar devices.
Best Premium: Elgato 4K Pro
For those who want the absolute best quality, the Elgato 4K Pro is a PCIe card offering HDMI 2.1 with 8K@60fps HDR passthrough and 4K@60fps capture. It can simultaneously capture video, stream to Twitch, and run a Zoom call — a level of capability that professional streamers will appreciate.
Best External 4K: AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1
The AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 brings HDMI 2.1 to an external form factor with 4K@144Hz passthrough, smooth 4K@60fps capture, and HDR/VRR support. It’s the best external option for those who want HDMI 2.1 without installing a PCIe card.
Quick Comparison
| Card | Max Capture | Passthrough | Connection | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AVerMedia GC553Pro | 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps | USB 3.0 | $$ |
| Elgato HD60 X | 4K@30fps | 4K@60fps HDR | USB-C | $$ |
| Elgato Neo | 1080p@60fps | 4K@60fps | USB-C | $ |
| AVerMedia GC313Pro | 1080p@60fps | 4K@60fps | USB-C | $ |
| Elgato 4K Pro | 4K@60fps | 8K@60fps HDR | PCIe | $$$ |
| AVerMedia Ultra 2.1 | 4K@60fps | 4K@144Hz | USB | $$$ |
How to Choose
What’s your streaming platform? Twitch still caps at 1080p, so a budget card may be all you need for live streaming. YouTube supports 4K, so invest in a 4K card if YouTube is your primary platform.
Desktop or laptop? If you use a laptop, you need an external USB card. Desktop users can choose between internal PCIe and external USB.
What console/device? PS5 and Xbox Series X output at 4K@120fps — a higher-end card will capture more of that quality.
Budget? Start with what you can afford. Even budget capture cards produce excellent content for streaming.
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