Written by Elspeth Galarza
Published: 03 Feb 2024
Reviewed by Camryn Rabideau
If you enjoy gaming and want to share your gameplay with the world, a capture card is an essential tool. A capture card allows you to record or stream your gameplay from a console or PC onto platforms like Twitch or YouTube. This is especially popular among gamers who want to create content for their followers. In this article, we will discuss the 5 best capture cards available on the market, so you can find the perfect one for your gaming setup.
Overall Score: 8/10
The UGREEN 4K Video Capture Card is a professional-grade capture card that excels in capturing and recording content at 1080P 60Hz refresh rate, offering high-quality HD video and audio. It supports 4K input and passthrough, as well as mic-in for commentary. The capture device is plug and play, making it convenient and fast to record and capture on USB C and USB A phones, tablets, laptops. It is compatible with various systems including Windows, Mac OS, Linux, iOS17, and Android. The compact and durable design makes it suitable for live streaming, recording, editing, and transferring high-resolution video on OBS, XSplit, Potplayer, and more.
Key Features
- Real 1080P 60FPS Capture Card
- 4K Input and Passthrough
- Support Mic-in for Commentary
- Plug and Play
- Compatible with Various Systems
Specifications
- Color: Black
Pros
- High-quality HD video and audio
- Plug and play functionality
- Compatible with various systems
Cons
- Some delay in video capture
- Limited to 1080p output despite 4K input
The UGREEN 4K Video Capture Card is a solid choice for gaming, streaming, and recording high-quality HD video and audio content. It offers advanced features such as 4K input and passthrough, mic-in for commentary, and wide compatibility with different systems. While it may have some limitations, the overall performance and quality make it a great option for gamers and content creators.
Overall Score: 8/10
Capture all your gaming and streaming needs with the avedio links HDMI capture card. This card supports high-quality video capture up to 4K@60Hz and is compatible with various devices including PS5 and Nintendo Switch. The USB 3.0 interface and audio input/output ports facilitate an immersive streaming experience.
Key Features
- 4K Capture Card: Capture high-quality game videos with passthrough support
- HD Capture Resolutions: Supports up to 1080p 60fps
- Audio Interface: 3.5mm audio input and output ports included
- Wide Compatibility: Works with various computer systems and capture software
- Plug and Play, Accessories Included: Easy to use with plug and play design and included accessories
Specifications
- Color: Black
Pros
- High-quality capture up to 4K@60Hz
- Easy to use with plug and play design
- Compatible with various computer systems and capture software
Cons
- May cause issues with hard drive space
- Limited 1080p capture and recording quality settings
- Occasional audio transmission issues
The avedio links HDMI capture card is a versatile and user-friendly device suitable for gaming and streaming enthusiasts. With its impressive capture capabilities and wide compatibility, it offers a great value for its price. However, users should be mindful of potential hard drive space and audio transmission issues when using this device.
Overall Score: 9/10
The Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2 is an internal capture card that enables users to stream and record 4K60 HDR10 with ultra-low latency on various gaming consoles. It offers instant game viewing, 240 Hz passthrough, unlimited capture, and flashback recording. The card is equipped with 4K60 HDR10 capture and passthrough, and it is compatible with PS5, PS4 Pro, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One X, OBS, Twitch, and YouTube. This capture card has received a high customer rating due to its seamless integration, reliable performance, and high-quality results.
Key Features
- Ultra Quality: 4K60 HDR10 capture and passthrough
- Instant Gameview: power your workflow with superior low latency technology
- 240 Hz Passthrough: enjoy your dual-PC setup without compromise
- Unlimited Capture: record endless footage directly to your hard drive
- Flashback Recording: slide back in time to save epic moments retroactively
Specifications
- Dimension: 2.20Lx4.76Wx0.75H
- Size: 4K60 Pro MK.2
Pros
- Seamless integration with various gaming consoles
- Reliable performance
- High-quality results
Cons
- Compatibility issues with certain HDMI cords
The Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2 is a powerful and reliable internal capture card that delivers top-notch performance and high-quality results. It is ideal for content creators and streamers who require seamless integration, ultra-low latency, and 4K HDR10 capture. While it may have some compatibility issues with HDMI cords, its overall functionality and performance make it a standout product in the market.
Overall Score: 7/10
The 4K HDMI Video Capture Card is an ideal accessory for any streamer looking to record high-quality video from various HDMI devices such as gaming consoles, cameras, and security cameras. It features a plug and play setup, 1080P HD video capture, compatibility with multiple systems, and microphone input for adding commentary. Connects easily to a PC or game system via HDMI and USB for seamless recording. It supports live streaming to platforms like Twitch, Youtube, and Facebook. While it can input 4K resolution, it outputs at 1080P. The compact size and USB 3.0 technology make it a convenient and versatile option for capturing and recording video.
Key Features
- Capture resolution up to 1080p for all HDMI devices
- Plug and play setup with no driver required
- Compatible with Windows and Mac OS
- HDMI loop-out for live streaming without delay
- Supports microphone input for commentary
Specifications
- Dimension: 3.00Lx2.00Wx1.00H
- Size: USB 3.0
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Compatibility with various devices
- Compact and portable design
- Supports live streaming to multiple platforms
Cons
- Output limited to 1080p
- Video quality may not match advertised standards
- Clunky software interface
- Lack of included accessories
The 4K HDMI Video Capture Card offers a budget-friendly option for basic recording needs. While it may have some limitations in terms of video quality and software interface, its ease of setup, versatility, and compatibility with various devices make it a decent choice for streamers and content creators.
Overall Score: 8/10
The 4K HDMI Video Capture Card is the perfect solution for capturing high-quality video from game consoles, teaching recordings, live streaming, and more. It supports 4K@60HZ input and 1920×1080@60Hz output, and is compatible with various devices and operating systems. This plug and play device offers real-time preview, screen sharing, and wide software compatibility. Its portable design makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. While it has some compatibility issues and concerns about durability, it provides excellent value for those seeking an affordable video capture card.
Key Features
- 4K Upgraded Version High Speed & Full HD: Up to 4K@60HZ High Definition Input,Output max resolution 1920×1080@60Hz.
- Real-time Preview & Screen Sharing: Capture HDMI video & audio simultaneously; suitable for conference rooms & online meetings.
- Plug and Play & Easy to Use: Portable streaming capture card with no need for driver installation or external power.
- Benefits & Satisfaction Guarantee: Low latency technology for real-time streaming; 24-hour customer service and satisfaction guarantee.
- Wide Compatibility: Advanced chip with compatibility for most acquisition software and support for various devices and operating systems.
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 2.40Lx1.18Wx0.67H
Pros
- High-quality video capture
- Real-time preview and screen sharing
- Plug and play, no driver installation required
- Wide software compatibility
- Portable and suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Cons
- Concerns about durability and USB port bending
- Issues with compatibility for some devices
The 4K HDMI Video Capture Card is an excellent choice for those in need of a high-quality, affordable video capture solution. Despite some concerns about durability and compatibility, this plug and play device offers real-time preview, screen sharing, and a wide range of software compatibility. It’s perfect for capturing high-quality video from game consoles, teaching recordings, and live streaming.
- Compatibility:
- Consider the compatibility of the capture card with your gaming console or PC.
- Check if the black magic capture card or elgato is compatible with your specific device.
- Performance:
- Look at the frame rate and resolution supported by each capture card.
- Consider the input lag or delay when using the capture card for streaming or recording.
- Software and Features:
- Compare the software provided by black magic and elgato for editing, streaming, and recording.
- Look for additional features such as live commentary, overlays, and multi-cam support.
- Price:
- Compare the prices of the black magic capture card and elgato to ensure you are getting the best value for your money.
- Consider any additional costs such as subscription fees or extra accessories needed for each capture card.
- Reviews and Reputation:
- Read customer reviews and ratings for both black magic and elgato capture cards to gauge user satisfaction.
- Consider the reputation of the brands and how reliable their products are known to be.
- Support and Warranty:
- Look into the customer support provided by black magic and elgato in case you encounter any issues with your capture card.
- Check the warranty period and coverage offered for each capture card to ensure you are protected in case of any malfunctions.
- Portability:
- Consider the size and weight of the capture cards if you plan to use them for on-the-go recording or streaming.
- Look for any additional accessories needed for portability, such as carrying cases or adapters.
- Future-proofing:
- Consider the scalability and upgrade options for both black magic and elgato capture cards to future-proof your setup.
- Look for any upcoming models or advancements in technology that may make one capture card more future-proof than the other.
- Community and Support:
- Look into the online community and support available for both black magic and elgato users, such as forums, tutorials, and troubleshooting guides.
- Consider the availability of third-party accessories and add-ons for each capture card to enhance your setup.
- Ease of Use:
- Consider the user interface and setup process for both black magic and elgato capture cards, especially if you are a beginner.
- Look for any compatibility issues or technical knowledge required to use the capture cards effectively.
- Accessories and Bundles:
- Check if black magic or elgato offer any bundled deals or packages that include additional accessories such as cables, adapters, or software licenses.
- Consider the availability and cost of additional accessories needed for each capture card, such as HDMI cables, microphone adapters, or mounting brackets.
Frequently Asked Questions about 5 Best Capture Card
The main difference between the two is the brand and the specific features each one offers. Black Magic capture cards are known for their high quality and professional-grade hardware, while Elgato is popular for its user-friendly interface and ease of use.
Both Black Magic and Elgato capture cards are suitable for streaming on Twitch, but it ultimately depends on the specific needs and preferences of the streamer. Some may prefer the advanced features of a Black Magic card, while others may find the simplicity of an Elgato card more appealing.
Yes, Black Magic capture cards are compatible with gaming consoles such as PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. They are designed to capture high-quality gameplay footage and can be used for recording or live streaming gaming content.
Yes, Elgato capture cards are compatible with Mac computers, making them a popular choice among Mac users for capturing and streaming gameplay or other content.
The price of a Black Magic capture card tends to be higher due to its professional-grade features, while an Elgato capture card is more budget-friendly for those looking for a reliable and user-friendly option.
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