HDMI Count: For using a video capture card, you have to connect the video output of your camera or console to the capture card. And then, if you are using a console, an HDMI cable goes from the capture card to your monitor. Although, for this functionality, you will need a capture with dual HDMI ports since a single port capture card is only ideal for cameras where you do not want to connect it to a monitor. Interface: To capture the video signal and send it to a broadcasting program like OBS or XSplit, the capture card also needs to be connected to your computer. While this is generally done via USB 3.0 for the best signal quality, there are also budget options with USB 2.0 ports. A few high-end models may even offer PCIe connectivity for much higher performance numbers. Resolution: While any given video capture card will allow you to share your gameplay or camera feed, not all of them may offer the optimum image quality. To ensure this, it is always a great idea to check the resolution of your video capture card. This includes both the input and output resolutions which are generally 4K 60 Hz and 1080p 30 Hz respectively for most capture card models except for a few.
To help you out further there is a detailed “Buying Guide” that should allow you to buy the best video capture card by the time you reach the end of this list.
9 Best Video Capture Cards Table in 2023
Best Video Capture Cards in 2023: Reviews
1. Elgato 4K Video Capture Card
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Elgato is most likely the first brand that comes to your mind if you are in the market to buy a new video capture card for using with your console or camera to record its video feed. The Elgato HD60 S video capture card is one of the oldest capture cards available out there which is quite popular thanks to its versatility. To make sure that it is a viable option for all kinds of scenarios, Elgato has offered dual HDMI ports on this unit. Unfortunately, despite its fairly high price tag, it has a poor input resolution of 1080p 60 Hz and an output resolution of 1080p 60 Hz which can be quite limited for many users. Although, you do get a USB 3.0 port for connecting this capture card to your computer. As Elgato is a highly popular and reputable brand, its capture card is backed by a 2-year warranty for longevity. Thankfully, you do get a high image quality out of it thanks to its input resolution of 4K 60 Hz and an output resolution of 1080p 30 Hz. It is able to offer this image quality despite having such a small and compact form factor as it uses USB 3.0 for connecting to your computer. Unfortunately, since Ipxozo is an affordable brand, it misses out on a warranty. Best Features:
Offers dual HDMI ports Works over USB 3.0 interface Rated input resolution of 1080p 60 Hz Rated output resolution of 1080p 60 Hz Comes with a 2 year long warranty period
Pros:
Compatible with consoles and cameras Uses high-speed USB 3.0 connectivity Long warranty for peace of mind
Cons:
Quite an expensive capture card with low resolutions
2. AVerMedia 4K Video Capture Card
AverMedia is a highly popular brand of streaming and broadcasting equipment that includes a wide range of high-end webcams, microphones, and even video capture cards. This AverMedia Live Gamer GC573 video capture card is the most powerful video capture card stated here which can be the perfect option for all those of you who want to capture the best image quality. Since this capture card is meant to be used with consoles and your second computer, it features dual HDMI ports. But unlike any other dual HDMI port capture card, this one supports multiple input and output resolutions of 4K 60 Hz, 1440p 144 Hz, and even 1080p 240 Hz. Not only can you bypass these exact resolutions to your monitor, but the same resolution is also sent to your computer. To achieve such high refresh rates and multiple resolutions, it relies on PCIe connectivity making it a non-viable option for laptop users. Since this is a highly premium video capture card, it also includes a 2-year warranty which is always great to have. Best Features:
Offers dual HDMI ports Works over PCIe interface Rated input resolution of 4K 60 Hz Rated output resolution of 4K 60 Hz Comes with a 2 year long warranty period
Pros:
Excellent performance for capturing gameplay footage Inbuilt RGB lighting for aesthetics Does not take up USB ports
Cons:
Cannot be used with a laptop
3. BlueAVS 4K Video Capture Card
In comparison to most other brands of video capture cards, BlueAVS is fairly new that still makes for a great option for a lot of buyers especially if you want to have a highly reliable capture card. BlueAVS video capture card is the most durable and reliable option stated here in this list. But talking about its functionality first, it has a single HDMI port which means that it is primarily made for using along with your camera and not console. Even at its fairly low price tag and compact form factor, you still get a decent input resolution of 4K 30 Hz and an output resolution of 1080p 30 Hz which is just enough for using with a camera. While you only get a USB 2.0 port with this capture card, it does include a handy 8-inch extension in the box. Although, the best thing about this video capture card is that it is backed by a lifetime warranty which makes it perfect for long-term usage. Best Features:
Offers single HDMI ports Works over USB 2.0 interface Rated input resolution of 4K 30 Hz Rated output resolution of 1080p 30 Hz Comes with a lifetime warranty period
Pros:
Perfect for long term usage Decent image quality for a camera Quite an affordable video capture card
Cons:
Cannot be used along with a console
4. Extenuating Threads 4K Video Capture Card
Extenuating Threads is quite a new brand of video capture cards that makes a few models which are generally ideal for using along with your console for capturing their gameplay footage. This Extenuating Thread video capture card is a highly affordable option especially when you consider its ideal usage and versatility. Because this video capture consists of dual HDMI ports, it can be used with both your console as well as your camera just per your requirements. Similar to most other video capture cards made for use with consoles, this one also includes an input resolution of 4K 60 Hz along with an output resolution of 1080p 60 Hz. To make sure that this image is not compromised at all in terms of its quality, this capture card has a USB 2.0 port. However, if you want a warranty along with your video capture card, then you should look elsewhere. Best Features:
Offers dual HDMI ports Works over USB 2.0 interface Rated input resolution of 4K 60 Hz Rated output resolution of 1080p 60 Hz
Pros:
Perfect for using with a console Dual HDMI ports with high-resolution support Quite a compact and portable form factor
Cons:
Misses out on a manufacturer warranty
5. TreasLin 4K Video Capture Card
TreasLin is one of the smaller brands when you are looking for a video capture card that happens to offer a great value for money to its users as you get various features for the price. This TreasLin video capture card comes at the 3rd position of this article because it offers an excellent value for money to the user since you get a lot for your money. For starters, this video capture card includes dual HDMI ports making it great for both consoles and cameras. Once you have connected your consoles, you can enjoy its input resolution of 4K 60 Hz along with an output resolution of 1080p 60 Hz which is on par even with more expensive options. To offer such a resolution, this video capture card relies on USB 3.0 connectivity. Although, if you want a highly reliable capture card, then you should look elsewhere since this one does not offer any. Thankfully, you do get a high image quality out of it thanks to its input resolution of 4K 60 Hz and an output resolution of 1080p 30 Hz. It is able to offer this image quality despite having such a small and compact form factor as it uses USB 3.0 for connecting to your computer. Unfortunately, since Ipxozo is an affordable brand, it misses out on a warranty. Best Features:
Offers dual HDMI ports Works over USB 3.0 interface Rated input resolution of 4K 60 Hz Rated output resolution of 1080p 60 Hz
Pros:
High image quality for streaming games Works with both cameras and consoles Great value for money capture card
Cons:
Lacks any form of manufacturer warranty
6. Mirabox 4K Video Capture Card
Mirabox is a brand of video capture card which is quite similar to TreasLin in terms of its features and performance as well as the value for money that you get from its offerings. The Mirabox video capture card can be a great pick for all those buyers who want to get the most out of their money while buying a capture card for using their console or camera. To work with both devices, this capture card relies on its dual HDMI port setup. Talking about the performance of these HDMI ports, they support a pretty high input resolution of 4K 60 Hz along with an output resolution of 1080p 60 Hz for a smooth gameplay capture. As you would expect, this video capture card relies on a USB 3.0 cable for connecting to your computer. Despite being a small brand, Mirabox still includes a 1-year warranty. Best Features:
Offers dual HDMI ports Works over USB 3.0 interface Rated input resolution of 4K 60 Hz Rated output resolution of 1080p 60 Hz Comes with a 1 year long warranty period
Pros:
High value for money capture card Offers great image quality Decent warranty period for longevity
Cons:
A bit bulky in size
7. IPXOZO 4k Video Capture Card
Ipxozo is a highly popular brand of video capture card since it offers some of the most affordable options out there that can be a great pick for buyers on a tight budget. The Ipxozo video capture card comes at the 1st position of this list since this can be a great pick for those who are looking for affordable options. Being an entry-level model, it is only ideal for using with your camera as there is only a single HDMI port in this capture card. Thankfully, you do get a high image quality out of it thanks to its input resolution of 4K 60 Hz and an output resolution of 1080p 30 Hz. It can offer this image quality despite having such a small and compact form factor as it uses USB 3.0 for connecting to your computer. Unfortunately, since Ipxozo is an affordable brand, it misses out on a warranty. Best Features:
Offers single HDMI port Works over USB 3.0 interface Rated input resolution of 4K 60 Hz Rated output resolution of 1080p 30 Hz
Pros:
Affordable video capture card Great for capturing camera footage Small and compact design
Cons:
Does not include a warranty
8. ZumYu 4K Video Capture Card
If you are looking for a video capture made for use with consoles that offers great image quality for your streams and recordings, then ZumYu and its offerings can be a great option. ZumYu’s video capture card comes at the 2nd position of this listicle as it is one of the best options for using along with your gaming console. This is primarily due to the reason that you get dual HDMI ports with this capture card along with a headphone jack and a mic input for additional functionality. Coming to the image quality offered by this video capture card, it supports an input resolution of 4K 60 Hz along with an output resolution of 1080p 60 Hz which is perfect for games. While this capture card is a USB 3.0 one in terms of its connectivity, it requires an additional USB port for its power requirements which can be a let down for many. Thankfully, you do get a high image quality out of it thanks to its input resolution of 4K 60 Hz and an output resolution of 1080p 30 Hz. It is able to offer this image quality despite having such a small and compact form factor as it uses USB 3.0 for connecting to your computer. Unfortunately, since Ipxozo is an affordable brand, it misses out on a warranty. Best Features:
Offers dual HDMI ports Works over USB 3.0 interface Rated input resolution of 4K 60 Hz Rated output resolution of 1080p 60 Hz
Pros:
Offers great image quality Comes with additional headphone and mic input jacks Relies on USB 3.0 for high-speed connection
Cons:
Requires additional USB port for power
9. XIANREN 4K Video Capture Card
While Xianren might not be as popular as other brands of video capture cards stated in this listicle and available out there, it is certainly a great option if you are looking for something affordable. Xianren’s video capture card is one of the cheapest capture card options available out there. This is due to the reason that it is only made for recording and capturing the video feed out of your camera as there is only a single HDMI port in this capture card. Since you will not be capturing any gameplay footage with this video capture card, its input resolution is only 4K 30 Hz along with a slightly lower output resolution of 1080p 30 Hz which is not as smooth as 60 Hz. As you are not capturing any high refresh rate footage, this capture card relies on a USB 2.0 connector instead of USB 3.0 with its included cable. Thankfully, you do get a high image quality out of it thanks to its input resolution of 4K 60 Hz and an output resolution of 1080p 30 Hz. It is able to offer this image quality despite having such a small and compact form factor as it uses USB 3.0 for connecting to your computer. Unfortunately, since Ipxozo is an affordable brand, it misses out on a warranty. Even though Xianren is an entry-level brand, you still get a 1-year warranty along with it. Best Features:
Offers single HDMI ports Works over USB 2.0 interface Rated input resolution of 4K 30 Hz Rated output resolution of 1080p 30 Hz Comes with a 1 year long warranty period
Pros:
Great for buyers on a budget Fairly compact capture card Backed by a standard warranty for reliability
Cons:
Does not capture high refresh rate
Buying Guide for the Best Video Capture Cards
Whether you want to share your console gameplay footage with your viewers or want to use a high-end camera for your Skype calls, in either case, you are going to need a capture card. These allow you to capture HDMI video signals from any device and send it to your computer for using in any program of your choice. Thus, some of the best video capture cards have been explained above along with their prominent features and specifications. And those of you who are interested in knowing further about video capture cards can also check out this detailed buying guide for the best video capture cards:
HDMI Count
One of the most important things to consider while buying a video capture card is to check the number of ports offered by it to ensure that it is suitable for your use case scenarios. Starting with using a video capture card for recording your camera feed, in that case, you will only need a single HDMI port on your capture card. This is due to the reason that an HDMI cable will go from your camera to your capture card. Then, its video signal is sent to your computer over USB or any other similar interface. On the other hand, if you have a gaming console, then you would also want to display the video output from it on your monitor and not just capture it. Thus, video capture cards made for use with consoles or second PCs have dual HDMI ports. In these scenarios, one HDMI cable is present between your console and capture card while the other one is present between the capture card and your monitor. As for the video capture signal, it is sent over to your computer via USB similar to a single HDMI capture card.
Interface
As mentioned earlier, for using a video capture card to get video signals on your computer, it has to be connected via some sort of interface. While older video capture cards use the slower USB 2.0 connector, modern ones generally rely on USB 3.0 for better speeds and image quality. Such video capture cards should be able to easily handle modern resolutions like 4K at high refresh rates. Although, if you truly want the best-performing capture card for recording or streaming your gameplay, then you should consider going with PCIe capture cards since they are much faster than USB 3.0 and offer better image quality. That being said, PCIe video capture cards can only be installed inside desktops and are not a viable option for using along with your laptop.
Resolution
Even if a given video capture card uses the high-speed USB 3.0 port, it may not offer the best image quality. Thankfully, you can easily ensure that your video capture card will offer the image quality by simply checking its resolution. While checking the resolution of any specific video capture cards, you will come across two ratings which are input resolution and output resolution Talking about the input resolution, it is essentially the resolution that your video capture can handle in terms of sending it back to your monitor but not sending to your computer over USB. Generally, this input resolution is quite high and rated at either 4K 30 Hz or 4K 60 Hz where the latter is better especially for gaming. For the resolution of the signal being sent to your computer, you need to check the output resolution of your video capture card. It tells you about the actual resolution that you can record and use in programs like OBS or XSplit. Even if you have a high-speed USB 3.0 video capture card, there is still a pretty high chance that it offers only up to 1080p 60 Hz output or recording resolution. However, a few high-end PCIe-based video capture cards can even support 4K 60 Hz as their output or recording resolution which is ideal if you want to upload high-quality videos with ease.
Warranty
While it certainly does not affect the performance of your video capture card, it is still a great idea to check the warranty of your video capture card. Usually, you will find video capture cards to include either a 1 year long or a 2-year warranty. That being said, a few models may be backed by a lifetime warranty for your peace of mind.
Conclusion
Just as you can guess by the name, a video capture card is used to capture or record video signals from any device. This can be your console, camera, a second PC, or virtually anything else that outputs its video signals over HDMI. Because of this, using one of the best video capture cards stated above can be a great option if you want to stream or record your gameplay. If you are still not able to pick the right video capture card for you, consider going through our ideal picks for the best video capture cards:
Even though the BlueAVS capture video card is highly affordable, it includes a lifetime warranty making it highly reliable. As for its resolution, it supports 4K 30 Hz input and 1080p 30 Hz output with its single HDMI port. Those of you who are interested in getting a capture card for recording gameplay can go with the AverMedia GC573 video capture card. While it is a PCIe capture card, this allows it to record and pass through 4K 60 Hz, 1440p 144 Hz, and even 1080p 240 Hz which is to be expected at the given price tag. TreasLin’s video capture card is a great value for money option as despite its low price tag you get a USB 3.0 port along with dual HDMI ports. Thanks to this, it allows it to have an input resolution of 4K 60 Hz and an output resolution of 1080p 60 Hz.
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