Last Updated on May 31, 2023
Gaming has steadily gained popularity since the invention of pinball and arcade machines. What has gained an insane amount of traction in just a short period of a few years is hdmi game capturing – the recording and live-streaming of videogame play over the web on streaming services like Twitch, YouTube, and even Facebook. There are tons of USB external capture cards for consoles on the market, and they all look pretty similar, so it’s hard to pick the best one.
How to Choose the Best External HDMI Capture Card for Game Consoles
Most newer external capture cards on the market are plug-and-play, meaning they don’t require separate drivers because they use USB UVC drivers included with Windows, Mac, and certain Linux installs. For this reason, I’m not focusing on comparing which external capture cards support the different operating systems.
All of the best External capture cards support OBS Studio, Streamlabs, and XSplit, but some list other software like Potplayer, QuickTime Broadcaster, Real Producer Plus, VMix, and Wirecast. For this reason, I’m not focusing on software compatibility when comparing external capture cards.
The points of interest in this Best External Capture Card comparison are the capture resolutions and I/O ports of the most popular USB video capture cards. USB Version and Type, Audio ports, SD Card slots, and other features like Hardware Encoding and Easy Party Chat capturing on consoles like Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Playstation 4, and Playstation 5 are the main focus. Of course, price is always a factor in any purchase.
The Best External Capture Card with VRR for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5
ASUS TUF Gaming Capture BOX-CU4K30
The ASUS TUF Gaming Capture BOX-CU4K30 is one of the newer external capture cards on this list, having only been out since early 2021. It’s also the first capture card put out by ASUS which is known for its motherboards, video cards, and gaming PCs. The ASUS TUF CU4K30 is perfect for Xbox Series X/S and PS5 because it had 4K 60Hz pass-through along with easy party chat capture without special adapters or a second microphone. Another awesome feature of the ASUS TUF CU4K30 is its variable refresh rate support via HDMI 2.1a VRR standards that both PS5 and Xbox Series X/S fully support.
ASUS TUF CU4K30 Specs
- Max Capture Resolution: 4K @30fps
- Max Pass-Through Resolution: 4K @60Hz
- USB Version and Type: USB 3.2 (Type C)
- Operating System: Linux, Mac, Windows
- Extra Features: Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Controller Headset Pass Through, USB UVC Plug-and-Play Support, Sturdy Metal Shell
ASUS TUF CU4K30 Drawbacks
- Very Hot: The metal shell can get very hot, especially since it lacks vents.
- No HDR Capture: Although the device has HDR pass-through, it does not capture HDR.
- VRR Support: Supports HDMI 2.1a VRR, but not AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync.
- Quality Control: Some users report defective Type C cables and Audio issues.
The Best External Capture Card for 4k 60FPS Recording
Elgato 4K60 S+
The Elgato 4k60 S+ is the BEST 4k External Capture Card on the market right now considering the price and the HEVC/ H.264 hardware encoding. Capture and Pass-through full 4K 60fps HDR video over USB 3.0 Type C, or save directly to an SD Card.
Elgato 4K60 S+ Specs:
- Max Capture Resolution: 4K @60fps (HDR)
- Max Pass-Through Resolution: 4K @60Hz (HDR)
- USB Version and Type: 3.0 (Type C)
- Operating System: Windows
- Extra Features: HEVC and H.264 Hardware Encoder, SD Capture
Elgato 4K60 S+ Drawbacks
- Delay: 4K@60fps Capturing has a 250ms Delay due to compression and USB 3.0 limits.
- Audio Stutter: Requires a firmware update to fix audio stutter and crackle issues.
- Out of Sync: Microphone/Chat must be delayed to match 4K@60fps video delay.
- SD Card Bug: Capturing to SD Card is inconsistent and doesn’t always work.
- No Party Chat: Capturing party chat will require an Elgato Chat Link adapter.
The only other comparable 4K external capture card is the AVerMedia Live Gamer Bolt that has a higher framerate capture and price, plus a Thunderbolt 3 requirement.
$399.99
$397.03The Best External Capture Card with Hardware Encoding
AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini GC311
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini capture card only has 1080p capture and pass-through but it performs those functions very well, so if that’s all your looking for then it’s a solid device. However, the AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini really shines when you consider it has onboard h.264 hardware encoding which is what makes it particularly useful for people that do mobile video capturing using laptops or anyone else needing to capture video on a low-power computer.
AVerMedia GC311 Specs
- Max Capture Resolution: 1080p @60fps
- Max Pass-Through Resolution: 1080p @60Hz
- USB Version and Type: USB 2.0 (Micro B)
- Operating System: Mac, Windows
- Extra Features: H.264 Hardware Encoder
AVerMedia GC311 Drawbacks
- Outdated Tech: USB 2.0 is older and slower compared to USB 3.0
- No Party Chat: Capturing console party chat will require headset adapters.
The Elgato 4K60 S+ also has hardware encoding, h.264 and h.265 (HEVC), but it can cost up to 5x more than the AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini depending on current sale prices.
The Best External Capture Card for 1080p Capturing on HDMI Consoles
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus GC513
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus is the best choice for capturing 1080p gameplay from all your HDMI Consoles like Switch, Xbox, and Playstation. The SD Card slot allows capturing Nintendo Switch gameplay directly to a MicroSD card slot without the need to connect to a computer, which is a great feature to have since the Nintendo Switch is a handheld gaming console. Another prominent feature of the AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus is the audio-passthrough feature for easily capturing Xbox and Playstation party chat. Other external capture cards require special audio cables or a 2nd microphone to capture party chat with just a single 3.5mm Line-In port. On the other hand, the Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus has 2x 3.5mm audio ports to connect both the headset and controller to for seamlessly capturing party chat without a complicated setup!
AVerMedia GC513 Specs
- Max Capture Resolution: 1080p @60fps
- Max Pass-Through Resolution: 4K @60Hz
- USB Version and Type: USB 2.0 (Micro B)
- Operating System: Mac, Windows
- Extra Features: Controller Headset Pass-Through, H.264 Hardware Encoder, SD Card Capture
AVerMedia GC513 Drawbacks
- Outdated Tech: USB 2.0 is an older, slower, USB standard.
- Software: Hardware Encoding will require RECentral Software by AVerMedia
- SD Limitations: Requires Class 10 or better SD Card, 128GB Max capacity.
The Elgato 4K60 S+ also captured directly to an SD card, but unless you absolutely need 4k capturing it is overkill, plus it costs more than double what the AVerMedia Live Game Portable Plus 2 runs for.
The Cheapest External Capture Card for 1080p Console Capturing
DIGITNOW 4K USB 3.0
The DIGITNOW 4K USB 3.0 Video Capture Card with 4K pass-through and 1080p capture is the best of the “budget” external capture cards. Just like the rest of the budget cards on Amazon, it has 4K @ 60Hz pass-through on the HDMI but only captures 1080p @60fps.
DIGITNOW 4K USB 3.0 Specs
- Max Capture Resolution: 1080p @60fps
- Max Pass-Through Resolution: 4K @60Hz
- USB Version and Type: USB 3.0 (Type A)
- Operating System: Linux, Mac, Windows
- Extra Features: USB UVC Plug-and-Play
DIGITNOW 4K USB 3.0 Drawbacks
- Colors Washed Out: Colors can be washed out or over saturated.
- Bad Quality: Quality Control lacking, some are defective/doa.
The DIGITNOW 4K USB 3.0 Capture Card doesn’t have as many reviews as the other cheap capture cards, but it hasn’t been uo for sale nearly as long. However, the reviews it does have are mostly positive, plus DIGITNOW sells other more powerful capture cards that have fairly good reviews. Nintendo switch users are happy to have such a cheap capture card for 1080p capturing since it performs so well for the price.
The Best External Capture Card for Retro Consoles (Non-HDMI)
StarTech HDMI Video Capture Device USB3HDCAP
The StarTech HDMI Video Capture Device is perfect for retro gamers video capturing from older devices that don’t have HDMI outputs. The StarTech USB3HDCAP has an HDMI output, a DVI-I input, a DVI to VGA converter, and also an 8-pin A/V input that includes special adapters that allow Composite Video input (Red/White/Yellow RCA), S-Video input, as well as Component YPBPR Video input (Red/Green/Blue RCA plus Red/White Audio).
StarTech USB3HDCAP Specs
- Max Capture Resolution: 1080p @60fps
- Max Pass-Through Resolution: No Pass-Thru
- USB Version and Type: USB 3.0 (Type B)
- Operating System: Windows
- Extra Features: Captures Composite (RCA), Component (RGB), S-Video and DVI Inputs
StarTech USB3HDCAP Drawbacks
- No HDMI Pass-through: Must play on Capture Screen or use an HDMI Splitter.
The StarTech HDMI Video Capture Device doesn’t have video pass-through capabilities so an HDMI splitter would need to be used if wanting to play on a 2nd monitor/screen and not the USB-connected device’s screen, however since the device has a USB 3.0 port users have reported minimal lag and most just play on the capture preview screen.
Best External Capture Cards FULL Comparison Table
Sort Table Columns by clicking Table Header Cells – Sorting by Capture Resolution, Pass-Through Resolution, or by Price would be the most help in finding the best comparison of usb video capture cards.
| External Capture Card ▾ | Price | Capture Res | Pass-Through | Connectivity | Features | OS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS TUF CU4K30 | $209.29 | 4K @30fps - 2K @60fps - 1080 @120fps | 4K @60Hz - 2K @144Hz - 1080 @240Hz | 5 Ports: USB 3.2 (Type C), 2x HDMI, 2x 3.5mm | Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) Controller Headset Pass Through USB UVC Plug-and-Play Support | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| AVerMedia Live Gamer Bolt GC555 | $299.99 | 4K @60fps (HDR) | 4K @60Hz (HDR) | 3 Ports: Thunderbolt 3, 2x HDMI | Best Capture quality but needs Thunderbolt 3 USB | Mac, Windows |
| AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra GC553 | $189.86 | 4K @30fps - 1080 @60fps (HDR) | 4K @60Hz (HDR) | 3 Ports: USB 3.1 (Type C), 2x HDMI | High Framerate Capture USB UVC Plug-and-Play Support | Mac, Windows |
| AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus GC513 | $99.99 | 1080 @60fps | 4K @60Hz | 5 Ports: USB 2.0 (Micro B), 2x HDMI, 2x 3.5MM, MicroSD Slot | Controller Headset Pass Through H.264 Hardware Encoder | Mac, Windows |
| AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini GC311 | $89.99 | 1080 @60fps | 1080 @60Hz | 3 Ports: USB 2.0 (Micro B), 2x HDMI | H.264 Hardware Encoder | Mac, Windows |
| DIGITNOW 4k/60Hz HDR10 U601 | $99.99 | 4K @30fps - 2K @60fps - 1080 @120fps | 4K @60Hz (HDR) | 5 Ports: USB 3.0 (Type A), 2x HDMI, 2x 3.5mm | USB UVC Plug-and-Play Support | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| DIGITNOW HD 60S U925 | $99.99 | 4K @30fps - 1080 @60fps | 4K @60Hz | 6 Ports: USB 3.0 (Type A), 2x HDMI, 2x 3.5mm, DC 5V (Micro B) | USB UVC Plug-and-Play Support | Android, Linux, Mac, Windows |
| DIGITNOW Full HD 1080P U602 | $49.99 | 4K @30fps - 1440 @60fps - 1080 @120fps | 4K @60Hz - 1440 @144Hz - 1080 @240Hz | 5 Ports: USB 3.0 (Type A), 2x HDMI, 2x 3.5mm | USB UVC Plug-and-Play Support | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| DIGITNOW 4K USB 3.0 | $32.99 | 1080 @60fps | 4K @60Hz | 5 Ports: USB 3.0 (Type A), 2x HDMI, 2x 3.5mm | USB UVC Plug-and-Play Support | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Elgato Game Capture 4K60 S+ | $320.00 | 4K @60fps (HDR) | 4K @60Hz (HDR) | 5 Ports: USB 3.0 (Type C), 2x HDMI, 2x 3.5mm, SD Card | HEVC and H.264 Hardware Encoder | Windows |
| Elgato Game Capture HD60 X | $199.99 | 1080 @60fps (HDR) | 4K @60Hz (HDR) | 3 Ports: USB 3.0 (Type C), 2x HDMI 1x 3.5mm | Variable Refresh Rate (FreeSync, G-Sync, VRR) | Mac, Windows |
| Elgato Game Capture HD60 S+ | $160.26 | 1080 @60fps (HDR) | 4K @60Hz (HDR) | 3 Ports: USB 3.0 (Type C), 2x HDMI | HDR10 Capture and FlashBack Recording | Mac, Windows |
| Elgato Game Capture HD60 S | $179 | 1080 @60fps | 1080 @60Hz | 3 Ports: USB 3.0 (Type C), 2x HDMI | FlashBack Recording using Elgato Software | Mac, Windows |
| EVGA XR1 Pro 144-U1-CB21-LR | $194.15 | 4K @30fps - 1440 @60fps - 1080 @120fps | 4k @60Hz (HDR) | 5 Ports: USB 3.1 (Type C), 2x HDMI, 2x 3.5mm | Controller Headset Pass Through USB UVC Plug-and-Play Support | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| EVGA XR1 lite 141-U1-CB20-LR | $95.29 | 1080 @60fps | 4K @60Hz | 3 Ports: USB 3.0 (Type C), 2x HDMI | USB UVC Plug-and-Play Support | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus 32100 | $479 | 4K @30fps | 4K @60Hz | 5 Ports: USB 3.0 (Type A), 2x HDMI, 2x 3.5mm | USB UVC Plug-and-Play Support | Chrome, Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Magewell USB Capture HDMI Plus 32040 | $359 | 1080 @60fps | 4K @60Hz | 5 Ports: USB 3.0 (Type A), 2x HDMI, 2x 3.5mm | USB UVC Plug-and-Play Support | Chrome, Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Mirabox USB3.0 4K | $39.99 | 1080 @60fps | 4K @30Hz | 3 Ports: USB 3.0 (Type A), 2x HDMI | USB UVC Plug-and-Play Support | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Mirabox USB-C Capture Card | $59.99 | 1080 @60fps | 4K @60Hz | 5 Ports: USB 3.0 (Type C), 2x HDMI, 2x 3.5mm | USB UVC Plug-and-Play Support ..and a carabiner? | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| NZXT Signal 4K30 ST-SESC1-WW | $179.99 | 4K @30fps - 1080 @60fps | 4K @60Hz (HDR) - 1440 @144Hz (HDR) - 1080 @240Hz (HDR) | 3 Ports: USB 3.2 (Type C), 2x HDMI | USB UVC Plug-and-Play Support | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| NZXT Signal HD60 ST-EESC1-WW | $128.56 | 1080 @60fps | 4K @60Hz (HDR) | 3 Ports: USB 3.2 (Type C), 2x HDMI | USB UVC Plug-and-Play Support | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Razer Ripsaw HD Capture Card | $129.13 | 1080 @60fps | 4K @60Hz | 5 Ports: USB 3.0 (Type C), 2x HDMI, 2x 3.5mm | Made by AVerMedia (Live Gamer Extreme re-shell) | Windows |
| StarTech HDMI Video Capture Device | $157.64 | 1080 @60Hz | N/A | 4 Ports: USB 3.0 (Type B), HDMI input, DVI input, A/V input | Great for devices with Composite and Component outputs. | Windows |
| TreasLin Gaming USB3.0 HDMI Capture Card | $24.99 | 1080 @60fps | 1080 @60Hz | 3 Ports: USB 3.0 (Type A), 2x HDMI | USB UVC Plug-and-Play Support | Linux, Mac, Windows |
John started JSnowCreations as a place to post random tech guides and product reviews. However, while shopping for his daughter’s first “big girl” bed in 2019 he learned about the hidden dangers of fiberglass in mattresses. Since then, John has made it his mission to expose as much hidden fiberglass in mattresses as possible. His ultimate goal is federal regulations that ban fiberglass from being used in mattresses, or at least a law that require it to be listed in the material tags.