Streaming has now become quite popular amongst youngsters, especially with different platforms on the internet, especially with the groundbreaking response in the year 2021 of 24 billion hours of watching time. You can now find huge names, and these people invest much to elevate their production value, getting new equipment, professional cameras, lighting, multiple mixers with audio, and green screens. 

So if you are hoping to start a streaming platform of your own, then we believe you only need a little in the initial stages. For starters, you will need a capture card, making the recording process relatively easy and quick. Get a chance to showcase the best gaming moments to the world. 

Let’s dive in and find out the details on the best capture cards in 2023!

Top 5 Capture Cards for Streaming 

Here’s a list of the best capture cards in the market so you can make the most of your streaming. 

1. Elgato HD60 X

Elgato’s HD60 X takes the lead on this list since it provides the best value in terms of performance and cost. It is an external capture device that can record video in 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. 

One of the best aspects of the HD60 X is its excellent passthrough capabilities, letting you record or stream without sacrificing your gaming experience on your gaming platforms like PS5, Xbox Series X, or PC. The following settings are supported on the HD60 X: 4K at 60 frames per second, 1440p at 120 frames per second and 1080p at 240 frames per second.

To record and organize your clips, you can use either Elgato’s exclusive game capture software or any third-party application like OBS, Steamlabs, or Vmix. It can be set up by simply inserting the provided USB-C connector into your PC or Mac and attaching HDMI cables to your display and console/PC.

2. Elgato 4K60 S+

The inbuilt video encoder and ability to record content directly to an SD card make Elgato’s new 4K60 S+ the most compelling capture card on this list. There are no requirements for a computer to start recording; all you need to do is connect your console through HDMI and hit the capacitive touch button. 

The Elgato 4K60 S+ is a fantastic choice for traveling to conventions like PAX, where you can record gameplay videos of games before they go on sale, especially given its compact size shape. It has no discernible lag, 4K HDR, and 60 frames per second passthrough using the proper HDMI cable, making it something you can always have plugged in.

If you are a creator who isn’t very frequent with content creation and video posting, the cost of the 4K60 S+ may ultimately be a turnoff. The portability, SD card recording, and video-encoding capabilities are in-demand features for game capture. Still, if you wish to experience it, they come at a really high price. If you do not require every feature that the 4K60 S+ offers, you might not want to spend the extra money needed to get this top-rated capture card. Instead, you can look at other options. 

3. EVGA XR1 Lite or Pro

For users looking for an in the budget option, then the EVGA XR1 Lite provides good streaming and recording quality. It has a 4K passthrough and can record at 1080p at 60 frames per second, allowing you to stream at a lower resolution while still playing games in 4K. The XR1 Lite connects via USB 3.0 Type-C and is OBS certified. It works with both PC and all the newest gaming consoles, and you can now connect it with your PS4/PS5 and Xbox smoothly. 

The EVGA XR1 Pro is selling for roughly $100, and can stream in 1440p at 60 frames per second or 4K at 30 frames per second. Additionally, the XR1 Pro contains an audio mixer so you can adjust your sound instantly. Furthermore, the EVGA XR1 offers RGB lighting effects that may be changed significantly if you love an exotic touch.

3. Razer Ripsaw HD

If you are getting game capture cards from Razer, you are in for a treat because this brand is known for its top-notch gaming keyboards and mouse. The sleek and subtle Ripsaw HD is simple to set up anywhere on your desk, maintains a low profile, and captures up to 1080p at 60 frames per second with passthrough for 4K at 60 frames per second. Unfortunately, the device does not support HDR passthrough. 

If you intend to stream using a gaming headset, this capture device’s unique function allows you to connect a 3.5mm microphone and headphones to monitor your audio and record your speech, respectively. For you to start streaming your game footage and create your Twitch channel, especially for a budget-conscious gamer, is a Razer capture card and some good streaming software.

4. Live Gamer Duo

Any seasoned streamer will tell you that when a stream expands, the quantity of equipment required does as well. Most prominent streamers need help simultaneously capturing numerous devices, ranging from a game to a DSLR camera. It also comes with two HDMI inputs. 

AVerMedia’s Live Gamer Duo is equipped to manage and expand streaming requirements. This dual input option makes connecting to a camera or even another console very convenient and swift.

5. Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2 PCIe

An internal capture card like the Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2 should be taken into account by any streaming primarily from a gaming PC. Internal capture cards connect directly to the motherboard of a desktop, which generally results in a higher-quality capture with much less lagging. Additionally, less equipment and wires will be taking up desk space.

With its excellent 4K 60FPS capture quality, the 4K60 Pro MK.2 offers the finest and cleanest gaming capture. The 4K60 Pro MK.2 is a good pick for gaming computer streamers. 

Capture Cards for PC

Unfortunately, no, you can record the video on a PC using programs like OBS and OBS Streamlabs. However, relying solely on software can overburden your hardware, leading to frame rate reductions and grainy video. Your best option may be a capture card rather than purchasing a second PC specifically for streaming.

Your best option may be a capture card rather than purchasing a second PC, particularly for streaming. Although you can record and stream video while playing on consoles, this gives you fewer options than one of the top capture cards will. So grab onto the best ones from the list we have provided you and become one of the best gamers on different streaming platforms.

What to Look for in a Capture Card?

If you’re confused and can’t decide what makes up a good capture card, then we have the three factors that make choosing easier. 

Usage 

If you plan to use the capture card for home streaming and want a device that keeps everything clutter-free, then an internal card will be perfect. You can insert it into your PC’s motherboard to make the most out of it. Some people prefer portable capture cards to use on laptops, especially if they are a traveler. 

Refresh Rates

You can view 60 images per second—or 60 frames per second—on a screen with a refresh rate of 60 Hz. You don’t need to worry too much about this, given the great majority of capture cards can only record at 60 frames per second, but if you’re playing on a PC, you might still want to take advantage of the ultra-high refresh rates while recording. The Passthrough plays a significant role here. 

HDR

High-dynamic range, or HDR, is the wide range of colors a device or video game can display. Beautiful, vivid hues are frequently found in HDR-capable TVs and content, significantly influencing image quality. Although recording HDR video from your gaming console is an exciting idea, only users with HDR-capable televisions will be able to enjoy it due to the pricey equipment required. Keep an eye out for devices that support HDR passthrough if you still want to see how well your console supports HDR.

In Short

Capture cards are necessary today; they are the additional users need to amp up their streaming game. So if you plan to broaden your gaming horizons and get better at Twitch and other platforms, grab onto these capture cards. You can start with them to improve your work, and the top-rated stream cards will make your purchase easier. So without waiting further, add to the cart and try these cards to get better at what you do.

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