7 Best 4K Capture Cards 2025: Top Picks for Streaming
Content has become the ultimate king. This means every creator wants smooth, sharp visuals and also wants to stream their sessions and record cinematic content. However, this isn't possible without a 4K capture card. It bridges the gap between top-notch video and personal workflow. In this article, we'll explain what these capture cards are and how they work. We'll also share the best 4K capture cards so that you can become the content creator and streamer you've always dreamed of being.
Part 1: What Is a Capture Card?
A capture card is hardware that takes an external video signal from a camera, game console, mobile device, or another video source, and transfers it to a computer or streaming device. 4K capture cards enable you to record or livestream what that external device is showing, often with very low latency and high fidelity. Think of it as a bridge: input from your video source → capture card → computer → output (recording, streaming, editing, etc).
Capture cards typically come in three main types: external USB capture cards for plug-and-play portability, internal PCIe capture cards for high-performance desktop setups, and Thunderbolt capture cards for professional workflows that demand ultra-fast data transfer.
Bonus: The Best 4K Streaming Camera - OBSBOT Tail 2 Live Production Camera
When we talk about 4K capture cards, the spotlight is usually on how effectively they move video data from your camera or console to the computer for recording or streaming. But here's the catch: the capture card itself doesn't upgrade the raw video quality; it only transfers what your source device provides. That's where the OBSBOT Tail 2 makes perfect sense. It is designed for creators who want professional-grade visuals. It combines crisp imaging with AI tools so that what you send into your capture card is already polished, stable, and broadcast-ready.
Key Features:
- 4K@60fps & 1080@120fps Output: Delivers high-resolution, high-frame-rate video that capture cards handle natively, and 1080@120fps lets you record smooth slow motion shots, keeping livestreams and recordings fluid and cinematic.
- Direct HDMI & USB-C Connections: Offers reliable, low-latency links to capture cards, avoiding delays or compression for a clean feed straight into your streaming setup.
- AI Tracking 2.0:Recognizes and follows subjects automatically, adjusting framing and zoom. So your capture card always receives a professional feed without manual controls mid-stream.
- 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilization: Tail 2 stabilizes motion before it reaches the capture card, ensuring stable footage without jitter that needs fixing later.
- Large 1/1.5-Inch CMOS Sensor: Maintain detail and clarity even in low light, also giving your capture card a clean, noise-free signal for professional streams across platforms.
Part 2: The 7 Best 4K Capture Cards for Streaming
1. AVerMedia GC573 Live Gamer 4K
The AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K (GC573) is a PCIe capture card built for serious creators. It brings ultra-low latency, HDR support, and the ability to record extremely high frame rates. This makes it a powerhouse for both console and PC streaming.
Price: $179.99
Key specs:
- PCIe Gen2 x4 internal card
- 4Kp60 HDR10 capture and passthrough
- Record up to 240 fps at Full HD (1080p)
- Passthrough up to 1440p144 / 1080p240
- Ultra-low latency uncompressed video
- Multi-track surround sound with RECentral
- 3 customizable RGB lighting presets
- Bundled CyberLink PowerDirector 15 editor
Reasons to buy: Perfect for gamers who want buttery-smooth, next-gen performance with HDR and ultra-high frame rates. Reliable passthrough keeps gameplay lag-free while capturing pristine footage.
2. AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 (GC553G2)
AVerMedia's Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 (GC553G2) is an external USB capture card built for next-gen consoles and high-refresh PC gaming. With HDMI 2.1 throughput, it's designed to preserve smooth, tear-free gameplay. It does it while feeding your streaming PC a clean signal. This is ideal if you want modern features like VRR alongside 4K capture.
Price: $139.99
Key specs:
- USB 3.x external capture (HDMI 2.1 I/O) interface
- Capture of up to 4K60 (manufacturer software support required for certain modes)
- Passthrough of up to 4K120/4K144 (region/model dependent), VRR supported
- HDR/VRR passthrough and HDR capture support via software
- Supports PS5/PS5 Pro, Xbox Series X|S, PC
- Works with OBS/Streamlabs, AVerMedia Streaming Center/RECentral
- Bus-powered external unit (no internal install)
Reasons to buy: HDMI 2.1 with VRR and high-refresh passthrough make this a forward-looking external card for creators who want 4K60 capture while keeping ultra-smooth gameplay on a 120–144 Hz display.
3. Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2
Elgato's 4K Pro is a next-gen internal capture card that preserves high-end gameplay while you stream/record in pristine quality. With HDMI 2.1, true 10-bit HDR, VRR, and even 8K60 passthrough, this Elgato capture card 4k is built for creators who game at cutting-edge resolutions and refresh rates. This is because it will help provide 4K60 capture for their audience.
Price: $299.99
Key specs:
- PCIe 2.0 x4 (internal) interface
- Capture of up to 4K60 (10-bit HDR)
- Passthrough up to 8K60; 4K up to 120/144; 1440p up to 240; 1080p up to 240
- HDMI 2.1 I/O, VRR, ALLM
- Ultra-low-latency "Instant Gameview" preview
- Multi-app capture (record and stream simultaneously)
- Elgato Studio / OBS support; HDR→SDR tone-mapping
Reasons to buy: Top-tier HDMI 2.1 pipeline (8K60 passthrough + 4K60 HDR capture) keeps your gameplay uncompromised. It also helps in delivering a broadcast-ready feed, perfect for dual-PC or high-refresh PC/console setups.
4. AVerMedia Live Gamer Duo Capture Card
A creator-focused internal PCIe card with two HDMI inputs, Live Gamer Duo lets you bring in a console/PC feed and a DSLR/mirrorless camera at the same time. The 4K HDMI capture card is ideal for scenes with gameplay plus a face-cam, or multi-angle streaming.
Price: $249.99
Key specs:
- Interface of PCIe x4 (Gen 2)
- Dual HDMI (HDMI 2.0 + HDMI 1.4)
- Capture of 1080p60 (both inputs)
- Passthrough for up to 4K60 HDR, 1440p144, 1080p240
- HDR→SDR tone mapping, 4K→1080p downscale, frame-rate convert to 60 fps
- Zero-lag passthrough
- Works with Windows 10/11, works with OBS, Streamlabs, XSplit, vMix, RECentral
Reasons to buy: A single card that handles two clean HDMI sources at once, perfect for pro-looking streams (game + camera) without juggling multiple devices.
5. Elgato Game Capture 4K S
A compact, plug-and-play external card, Elgato 4K S delivers pixel-perfect 4K60 capture with zero-lag passthrough. It's built for next-gen consoles and portable/PC setups, supports VRR, and works across Windows, Mac, and even iPad. This makes high-quality streaming genuinely simple.
Price: $159.99
Key specs:
- External: USB-C 3.2 Gen1 (5 Gbps), UVC compliant
- Capture of up to 4K60 (HDR capture on Windows), 1440p up to 144, 1080p up to 240
- Passthrough of up to 4K60 HDR, 1440p144, 1080p240, VRR supported
- HDMI 2.0 input/output; near-zero latency (preview playable, ~30 ms on capable setups)
- Supports Windows, macOS, iPadOS
- Works with Elgato Studio, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, and Discord (multi-app friendly)
Reasons to buy: High-framerate 4K60 HDR capture in a truly portable form factor, no drivers, no fuss, and broad device support (consoles, PCs, iPad) with zero-lag passthrough.
6. AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra S GC 553 Pro
An external, plug-and-play 4K capture box built for next-gen consoles and laptops. Live Gamer Ultra S records up to 4K60 (or 1080p240) and supports VRR recording, RGB24 color, 5.1 surround, and ultra-wide resolutions. This means your stream will look clean without changing your gameplay setup.
Price: $149.99
Key specs:
- External USB capture (UVC), USB-C 3.x
- Capture of up to 4K60, 1080p240
- VRR recording; RGB24 color; 5.1 surround support
- Ultra-wide input support (3440×1440, 2560×1080)
- Works with OBS/Streamlabs; AVerMedia Streaming Center software
- Console/PC friendly (PS5/Pro, Xbox Series, Switch 2, PC/Mac/iPad)
Reasons to buy: One of the most feature-complete external 4K60 capture cards, VRR recording + 1080p240 capture, and 5.1 audio in a travel-friendly box at an accessible official price.
7. Blackmagic Design DeckLink Duo 2
A pro-grade internal PCIe card with four independent SDI channels, DeckLink Duo 2 is built for studios and multi-camera workflows. Each port can be set to capture or playback, so you can ingest multiple HD feeds, drive program/ISO outputs, or mix both on a single card. This is perfect for live production, playout, and broadcast control rooms.
Price: $545
Key specs:
- PCIe card (low-profile capable)
- 4 independent 3G-SDI connectors (bi-directional, each configurable as in/out)
- SD/HD up to 1080p60 (10-bit), multi-rate SDI
- Embedded audio, reference (black burst/tri-sync) support
- Supports Mac, Windows, Linux; WDM/DirectShow/QuickTime; Desktop Video SDK
- Works with DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, Avid, OBS, Wirecast, and more
Reasons to buy: If you need reliable multi-channel SDI I/O in one card, ISO recording, program/aux outs, or multi-cam ingest, DeckLink Duo 2 delivers broadcast-tested stability and flexibility at an attainable price.
Part 3: FAQs About 4K Capture Card
1. Can you use a 4K capture card on a 1080p monitor?
Yes. Even if your final display is 1080p, a 4K capture card can capture or record at 4K resolution. You can downscale your streaming/recording software to 1080p for output to your monitor or stream.
2. What is the highest quality capture card?
"Highest quality" depends on what you need: resolution (4K, possibly 8K), frame rate (60, 120, 240fps), HDR support, input/output types (HDMI, SDI), latency, color fidelity, internal vs external, etc.
3. What is a 4K capture card used for?
A 4K capture card is used to capture video from external devices and transfer it to a computer for high-quality streaming, recording, or broadcasting.
4. Does a capture card increase video quality?
A capture card itself doesn't magically improve the source quality. If your camera or console outputs 4K HDR, a good capture card will preserve that without adding lag or compression. But it cannot turn a poor-quality camera into a professional one.
5. Does the capture card affect the GPU?
Capture cards may still use some CPU or GPU power, especially for HDR or high-bitrate recording. Many handle part of the work internally, but for 4K streaming plus gaming, you'll still need a strong CPU and GPU to avoid slowdowns.
Conclusion
Investing in a quality 4K capture card ensures your streams and recordings look sharp and professional. While capture cards don't improve the source, they preserve detail and provide low-latency passthrough so you can game or present without lag. Paired with a strong camera like the OBSBOT Tail 2, your setup delivers broadcast-level content straight to YouTube or Twitch. From portable USB to powerful PCIe and Thunderbolt cards, there's a solution for every creator. With the right 4K capture card, your content pipeline is ready. So you can pick from this article and take your content quality to the next level.
