The Best Capture Cards
If you're gaming on an external device, need multiple streams simultaneously, or can't deal with the strain on your processor, video capture cards are an essential supplement to software suites. Capture cards enable full-length videos to record smoothly, especially during multiplayer video games where lag can make content unwatchable. Capture cards can also be an excellent tool for preserving memories locked away on older tech for the newer generation. No matter if you're an expert streamer or a total noob, our top capture cards boast impressive resolution for live audiences and home movies alike when your computer needs a little help handling your creations.
What to Look For
During our search, we kept an eye out for capture cards with high frame rates, fast processing speeds, and a price point that wouldn’t blow your budget. Elgato’s HD60 S+ took our top honors, thanks to its 4K capabilities, 60 FPS frame rate, and reasonable price. But if you’re into retro gaming and need something that can play nicely with older equipment, Elgato’s analog-friendly option is hard to beat. Read on to check out our in-depth reviews and find the right one for your needs.
Elgato HD60 S+ Capture Card
Clear and complete
With Elgato’s HD60 S+, recording timeless moments on the small screen is an affordable artistic endeavor. While some capture cards and standalone recording software can result in choppy resolution, this card is capable of 4K brilliance. Elgato will enable live streaming of games at sixty frames per second without slowing down your processor. On top of this, the setup is relatively painless, and the device won’t cap your footage limit either. If you’re a die-hard console gamer archiving your favorite moments or an up-and-coming streamer kicking off a new channel, the HD60 S+ will blow away audiences game after game.
Pros:
- The fact that this capture card allows for retroactive recording is a huge plus.
- Elgato’s capture card can provide instant Gameview without hampering performance.
Cons:
- There’s a lot of impressive functionality on display here, but the included USB cable could be made more durably.
Elgato Cam Link Pro
Remarkable resolution
Serious art directors and computer whizzes trust the Cam Link Pro by Elgato for demanding video content from multiple perspectives. To start, this device is not the ideal choice for small-time streamers or casual gamers. While you’ll need to be comfortable taking apart your desktop’s tower, the Cam Link Pro will easily slide into extra graphics card slots. Each HDMI input can work seamlessly with high-power digital cameras and open broadcasting software. This built-in capture card maintains order at every angle for larger tournaments with multiple consoles or professional interviews and tutorials.
Pros:
- The four HDMI slots are incredibly handy for gamers who use multiple consoles.
- Unlike many of its competitors, the Cam Link Pro allows for onboard mixing of video content.
Cons:
- We’re big fans of the Cam Link Pro, but the fact that it cannot reach 4k resolution at high frame rates is definitely a downside.
Elgato Analog Video Capture Card
Make the memories last
If your content exists in an analog world, upgrade it to the digital universe with Elgato’s video capture hardware. While this device’s performance is a far cry from modern capture cards, this isn’t an issue for video cassettes. Each machine features RCA and S-video hookups, meaning classic systems like the N64 and original Xbox can get their due, too. We love this product as a gift for older users because of the setup wizard with guided directions that are easy to understand. This pick will turn cherished memories into timeless digital tapes for individuals who are sick of storing bulky VCRs and want a more secure backup than a cardboard box.
Pros:
- The exceptionally low system performance requirements make the card accessible to gamers of all experience levels.
- This card works on both PC and Mac, which is a big reason why it stands out from the pack.
Cons:
- The accessibility and user-friendliness are appealing, but there’s no denying that you can get better video resolution with other capture cards.
AVerMedia Live Gamer Bolt
Less buffering, more broadcasting
While streaming is prevalent across all game genres, competitive matches require every bit of processing power for smooth performance. That’s where AVerMedia comes into play. The Live Gamer Bolt is the MLG gamer’s dream, featuring top resolution and frame rates in a package that’s effortless to install. The Thunderbolt port means uncompressed content is streamed directly to your hub, delivering ultra-low latency that’s free of pixelation. As a fair warning, downscaling your resolution may be tricky, and firmware updates are a little tedious. Still, if you can overcome these technical hurdles, the unflinching resolution for tandem webcam and monitor streams is hard to beat.
Pros:
- The maximum 240 frames per second processing rate puts much of the competition to shame.
- The stylish rainbow color backlight is sure to add a bit of vibrancy to your gaming setup.
Cons:
- This pick is on the pricey side, but you’ll certainly get your money’s worth if you go with the Live Gamer Bolt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a capture card and a graphics card?
While they may have some overlapping responsibilities, capture cards and graphics cards are entirely different pieces of computer hardware. Your graphics card, or GPU, is responsible for rendering images and animations on your monitor while gaming or watching videos. GPUs also share a role in capturing video for recordings or streaming, which is where capture cards come into play. Capture cards are responsible for encoding the video on display and transferring it into a data file that others can view. The central processing unit or CPU usually does this task.
What are the most important specs to consider for a capture card?
Capture cards are impressive devices that take the strain off of your primary processors when recording video. Before purchasing a capture card, you’ll have to determine your main use cases. Because capture cards are geared towards PC streaming, choosing suitable port offerings is essential. Recovering VCR and DVD footage may require older cables, while switching to USB-C and Thunderbolt connectors could make your hardware incompatible. Next up is speed. If you’re gaming with countless competitors with cutting-edge graphics or using multiple cameras, ensuring a high resolution and low latency can be the difference between smooth broadcasts and choppy messes.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.