The best capture cards for PC available on the market.
There are many reasons why you might want to get the best capture card for PC. When it comes to recording, it allows you to capture footage with max resolution and framerate as well as adjust all relevant settings. As for streaming, a capture card offers everything you need to reach out and find your audience.
All capture cards have their strengths and weaknesses, but all the models reviewed below are compatible with most popular systems. Read about each one and find the optimal HD capture card for your needs.
Resolution: 4K | Frequency: 60 fps | Outputs: HDMI | Weight: 3.34 pound
⊕ Simple installation
⊕ Ideal option for streaming
⊕ Top-tier capture quality
⊖ Expensive
The Elgato PCI-Express is the perfect capture card for streaming, as it can be integrated into a computer with an HDMI port as well as a PlayStation or Xbox gaming console. This device does a great job of recording video footage in up to UHD resolution at 60 frames per second.
You can also set the capture card to 1080p or 2160p modes, which are the more preferable options when it comes to creating content on Twitch or YouTube, as this Elgato product is a great choice for both saving and uploading videos and streaming your gameplay live.
Resolution: 4K | Frequency: 60 fps | Outputs: HDMI/USB 3.0 | Weight: 12 pound
⊕ Simple setup
⊕ Amazing picture quality
⊕ SD card recording doesn’t require a PC
⊖ Costs quite a lot
The AGP is widely considered the best capture card for PC. It comes with two interfaces: HDMI and USB Type-C. It allows you to record videos in Ultra-HD resolution with a max framerate of 60. It also provides HDR10 support.
The case of the capture card features an SD-card slot, which can be used for recording footage without connecting it to a computer. The AGP has a bit rate cap of 140Mbps, far outperforming most other options on the market.
Resolution: 4К/1080Р | Frequency: 60 fps | Outputs: HDMI/USB3.0 | Weight: 10.4 pound
⊕ Affordable
⊕ Quick installation
⊕ Terrific portability
⊕ Stylish and compact build
⊖ Can heat up occasionally
Leadnovo is a cheap capture card that can be connected to a PC, or any other device you want to record from, via USB and saves footage in 1080p 60fps.
Thanks to the implemented USB 3.0 technology, you can also use an HDMI input to send both audio and video signals to your system, regardless if you’re using a computer, PlayStation, Xbox, Wii U, or Switch. If you need a portable capture card for recording game footage, this is the one for you.
Resolution: 1080P | Frequency: 60 fps | Outputs: HDMI/USB 3.0 | Weight: 2.71 pound
⊕ Cheap
⊕ Durable
⊕ Simple installation
⊖ Potential overheating problems
Supplied with extra-fast USB 3.0 technology, Full-HD resolution support, and a sound capture option, OGeeM makes a solid case for being the best capture card for PC. You can control this device with a plethora of third-party software including Direct Show on Windows, Video4Linux on Linux, and QuickTime on Mac while enjoying audio and widescreen support.
The OGeeM has an HDMI output and is a great fit for streamers and YouTubers as well as users that need a capture card for conference rooms or webcasting. Besides, this device is pleasantly compact and lightweight, making it the perfect travel companion.
Resolution: 1080P | Frequency: 60 fps | Outputs: USB 3.0/HDMI | Weight: 6.4 pound
⊕ Attractive price
⊕ Never suffers from overheating
⊕ Simple connection and setup
⊖ Subpar resolution
This game capture card offers 4K support at 60 frames per second, an HDMI 2.0 input, and is incredibly simple to install and use. Whether you need such a device for live streams, conferences, or video recording, the Zasluke has you covered. The capture card looks quite stylish too, sporting a black, brushed aluminum body that doesn’t need an external power source to function.
Equipped with super-fast USB 3.0 support, this device can record 1 single-channel HD HDMI signal. This product also allows you to scale footage up or down to 1080p at 60fps without involving the processor and with optional sound capture, ensuring you get to enjoy a high-quality, problem-free recording session.
| Image | Name | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Elgato PCI-Express
Easy |
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Elgato AGP
High quality |
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Leadnovo
Portable |
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To find the best capture card for PC, you first have to look at the maximum resolution and framerate provided by each option. It’s advised to only consider options that support at least a 1080p resolution. If you’re not tight on funds, then consider getting a model that can record footage in 4K instead.
All capture cards come with some sort of software, regardless of which brand you choose. That software is responsible for supporting the recording, streaming, and editing functionality of the device.
The level of quality of the software depends entirely on the manufacturer, meaning it usually makes more sense to go with a more reputable brand than to put your trust in a lesser-known company. It’s also recommended to look for capture cards that have additional features like commentary, streaming overlays, etc.
When picking the best capture card for PC, you have to check if a specific model has the correct input type for the computer you plan to record on. The most widely used input is HDMI, which can be found not only in PCs, but in Xbox, PlayStation, and Wii U consoles as well.
Older consoles rely on component cables instead, meaning you’ll have to purchase a capture card that supports such inputs if you want to record footage from vintage consoles like the Nintendo 64.
The capture card’s interface is responsible for connecting to the system that you employ for recording. Most models use USB as their default interface, with the second most widely featured options being PCIe, which allows you to stream without delay. However, the latter requires a bit more time to be set up properly.
The Elgato PCI-Express is the model used by most large streamers in 2024.
When it comes to pure quality, the Elgato AGP is the clear winner here.
The Leadnovo offers unparalleled portability and stands above all the rest in this category.
Amazon is the go-to marketplace for users looking for budget streaming gear.
