If you want to stream or record your console games, a capture card is the bridge between your PS5, Switch 2 or Xbox and your computer. It takes the HDMI signal from your console, passes it on to your TV or monitor with no extra lag, and sends a copy to your PC or Mac for OBS, Twitch, YouTube or TikTok.
In 2026 the main choices are between affordable 4K60 boxes for console streaming and HDMI 2.1 models that capture 4K at up to 144 fps. Below are the capture cards PCGamesN rates highest, with euro prices from European sources where available. Remember that a good stream also needs a good microphone and a webcam — see our USB microphones and webcams guides.
Our picks at a glance
- Best overallElgato HD60 X
- Best for 4K / high fpsElgato 4K X
- Best for consolesElgato 4K S
- Best plug-and-playAVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
- Best internal (PCIe)AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K (GC573)
- Best budget / portableGenki ShadowCast 2
Prices are approximate and change often. Ad
1. Elgato HD60 X — best overall
PCGamesN names the HD60 X the best capture card for most gamers. It captures up to 4K at 30 fps or 1080p and 1440p at 60 fps, while passing through 4K60 with HDR and VRR, so your own gameplay isn’t compromised. A gameplay rewind feature lets you save moments you didn’t record.
The list price is €179.99, but it dropped to €119.99 at Amazon.de in January 2026. The weak points: 4K capture tops out at 30 fps, there’s no Mac support according to PCGamesN, and it’s only a small step up from Elgato’s older models.
Elgato HD60 X
PCGamesN's best capture card for most gamers: high-quality capture, 4K60 HDR passthrough and handy gameplay rewind.
- Capture
- 4K30, 1440p60, 1080p60
- Passthrough
- 4K60, 1440p120, 1080p240
- Interface
- USB 3.0
- Extras
- VRR, HDR passthrough
Pros
- Excellent capture quality
- Gameplay rewind feature
- Reasonable price
Cons
- 4K capture limited to 30 fps
- Small step over older Elgato models
2. Elgato 4K X — best for 4K and high frame rates
If you play at high frame rates, the 4K X captures 4K at up to 144 fps and 1080p at 240 fps over HDMI 2.1, with passthrough up to 4K240 including HDR10 and VRR. PCGamesN calls it the best 4K capture card. It connects over USB-C and needs a port with at least 10 Gbit/s.
It’s overkill if you only stream at 60 fps from a console. PC Games Hardware saw it at €199.99 instead of €249.99 in June 2026.
Elgato 4K X
PCGamesN's best 4K capture card: HDMI 2.1, 4K at up to 144 fps and 1080p at 240 fps in a compact USB-C box.
- Capture
- 4K144, 1440p144, 1080p240
- Passthrough
- Up to 4K240, HDR10, VRR
- Interface
- USB-C (10 Gbit/s+)
- Ports
- HDMI 2.1 in/out
Pros
- 4K capture at high frame rates
- Compact and easy to use
- HDMI 2.1 passthrough
Cons
- Overkill for 60 fps console streaming
- Needs a fast USB-C port
3. Elgato 4K S — best for consoles on a budget
The 4K S records 4K at 60 fps from Switch 2, PS5 and Xbox and costs €179.99 — €70 less than the 4K X, as Notebookcheck notes. It works with PC, Mac and even iPad over USB-C, and Elgato’s software adds no watermarks or recording limits.
The trade-off is HDR: 4K capture is SDR only, and HDR recording requires dropping to 1080p60. For most console streamers that’s a sensible compromise.
Elgato 4K S
A cheaper 4K60 recorder for Switch 2, PS5 and Xbox that works with PC, Mac and even iPad.
- Capture
- 4K60 (SDR), 1440p144, 1080p240
- HDR
- 1080p60 only
- Passthrough
- Yes (HDMI out)
- Interface
- USB-C 3.2 (5 Gbit/s)
Pros
- 4K60 capture for €70 less than the 4K X
- Works with Mac and iPad
- No watermark, simple software
Cons
- No 4K HDR capture
- Lower frame rates than the 4K X
4. AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 — best plug-and-play
AVerMedia’s HDMI 2.1 box matches the 4K X on paper, capturing 4K at 144 fps and 1080p at 240 fps. PCGamesN scores it 8/10 for its simple setup, strong performance and compact size with RGB lighting. It’s expensive, port placement could be better and there’s no USB-C microphone input.
AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
A compact HDMI 2.1 USB capture box that PCGamesN scores 8/10: 4K at 144 fps, simple setup and RGB lighting.
- Capture
- 4K144, 1440p144, 1080p240
- Interface
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
- Ports
- HDMI 2.1 in/out
Pros
- Simple setup
- Strong performance
- Compact
Cons
- Expensive
- Awkward port placement
- No USB-C mic input
5. AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K — best internal card
If you stream from a desktop PC, an internal PCIe card avoids USB bandwidth limits. The Live Gamer 4K captures 4K60 and 1080p at 240 fps and is PCGamesN’s best-value pick. It needs a reasonably powerful PC and a free PCIe slot, and the bundled software isn’t ideal — most streamers use OBS anyway.
AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K (GC573)
PCGamesN's best value pick: an internal PCIe card capturing 4K60 or 1080p at 240 fps for desktop streaming setups.
- Capture
- 4K60, 1440p144, 1080p240
- Interface
- Internal PCIe x4
- Ports
- HDMI in/out
Pros
- Fast, high-resolution capture
- Good value
- No USB bottleneck
Cons
- Desktop PC only
- Software isn't ideal
6. Genki ShadowCast 2 — best budget and portable
The ShadowCast 2 is a tiny dongle that turns any HDMI source into a USB-C webcam-style input at up to 1080p60. It’s great for casual Switch recordings, travel and playing a console on a laptop screen. Quality varies by device and it’s clearly below the premium cards.
Genki ShadowCast 2
A tiny plug-and-play HDMI-to-USB-C dongle for casual recording — great for Switch and travel, not for top quality.
- Capture
- 1080p60
- Interface
- USB-C
- Size
- Dongle-sized
Pros
- Very compact
- Plug and play
- Cheap
Cons
- 1080p60 only
- Quality varies by device
- No passthrough
Compare the key specs
| Model | Elgato HD60 XBest overall | Elgato 4K XBest for 4K / high fps | Elgato 4K SBest for consoles | AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1Best plug-and-play | AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K (GC573)Best internal (PCIe) | Genki ShadowCast 2Best budget / portable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TechHive score | 8.8/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.4/10 |
| Approx. price | €120 | €200 | €180 | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Capture | 4K30, 1440p60, 1080p60 | 4K144, 1440p144, 1080p240 | 4K60 (SDR), 1440p144, 1080p240 | 4K144, 1440p144, 1080p240 | 4K60, 1440p144, 1080p240 | 1080p60 |
| Passthrough | 4K60, 1440p120, 1080p240 | Up to 4K240, HDR10, VRR | Yes (HDMI out) | — | — | — |
| Interface | USB 3.0 | USB-C (10 Gbit/s+) | USB-C 3.2 (5 Gbit/s) | USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C | Internal PCIe x4 | USB-C |
| Extras | VRR, HDR passthrough | — | — | — | — | — |
| Ports | — | HDMI 2.1 in/out | — | HDMI 2.1 in/out | HDMI in/out | — |
| HDR | — | — | 1080p60 only | — | — | — |
| Size | — | — | — | — | — | Dongle-sized |
| Shop Ad | Amazon | Amazon | Amazon | Amazon | Amazon | Amazon |
How to choose a capture card
Match it to your console
PS5, Xbox Series X and Switch 2 docked output up to 4K. For most console streams, 1080p60 or 1440p60 is what platforms like Twitch actually broadcast, so 4K60 capture (HD60 X, 4K S) is plenty. HDMI 2.1 models are mainly for PC gamers capturing high refresh rates or for recording 4K footage for YouTube.
External (USB) or internal (PCIe)?
USB boxes work with laptops, Macs and desktops and are easy to move. Internal PCIe cards suit dedicated desktop streaming PCs and avoid USB bandwidth issues. Check your USB port speed: some 4K boxes need 10 Gbit/s USB-C.
Passthrough and HDR
Passthrough sends the signal to your TV or monitor without lag. Check that it supports the refresh rate and HDR you play with — otherwise you may lose 120 Hz or VRR on your display while streaming.
Mac and iPad support
Not every card supports macOS. If you edit on a Mac or want to stream from an iPad, check compatibility first — the Elgato 4K S explicitly supports both.
Buying in Europe
EU purchases come with a two-year legal guarantee and usually 14-day returns online. Capture cards are discounted often during sales, so check prices across Amazon’s European stores.
How we choose
We don’t test capture cards ourselves. Our picks are based on PCGamesN’s testing and buying guide plus Notebookcheck’s coverage, with euro prices from PC Games Hardware and PC Games. See how we research.
FAQ
Do I need a capture card to stream from PS5?
No — the PS5 can stream directly to Twitch and YouTube. A capture card gives you higher quality, overlays, webcam and better audio control through OBS on a PC.
Can I stream Switch 2 without a capture card?
Not in the same way. A capture card like the Elgato 4K S or HD60 X is the standard way to stream or record Switch 2 gameplay.
What is passthrough?
It sends the console’s picture straight to your TV or monitor so you can play lag-free while the card records a copy.
Is 4K capture worth it?
For YouTube videos, yes. For live streaming, most platforms broadcast at 1080p, so 4K capture matters less.
