Best Capture Cards for PS5

Updated 2026-04-23 · 10 picks tested

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If you're streaming or recording PS5 gameplay, you need a capture card that handles 4K without breaking your setup. The best capture cards for PS5 range from budget-friendly USB dongles to professional-grade hardware that supports 4K60 passthrough with zero lag.

We've tested and ranked the top options across price points and use cases. Whether you're a casual streamer on a tight budget or a content creator demanding maximum performance, this guide covers everything you need to know to pick the right capture card for your PS5 setup.

You'll find detailed specs, real trade-offs, and honest verdicts for each product. We focus on what matters: latency, resolution options, software compatibility, and actual user experience—not marketing hype.

Buyer's guide

When shopping for a PS5 capture card, resolution and frame rate are your starting points. Most affordable options max out at 1080p 60FPS capture, which is fine for Twitch streaming. If you want to record 4K content for YouTube, you'll need to spend more—look for cards supporting 4K30 or 4K60 capture.

Passthrough is crucial for PS5. This feature lets you send video to your monitor while simultaneously capturing it, so you don't experience input lag while streaming. Budget cards sometimes skip this, forcing you to choose between monitoring gameplay or capturing it. That's a dealbreaker for most streamers.

USB 3.0 vs. USB-C matters more than you'd think. USB 3.0 is standard and widely compatible; USB-C is newer and sometimes offers better bandwidth for 4K capture. Check your PC or Mac's ports before buying.

Look at actual polling rates and latency specs. A 60FPS capture card with 100ms latency will feel sluggish. Premium cards advertise "ultra-low latency" or sub-50ms response times—worth the premium if you're streaming live.

Software support is often overlooked. Make sure the card works with OBS, Streamlabs, or whatever streaming software you use. Some cheaper cards have limited driver support on Mac or newer Windows versions.

Finally, consider your internet speed. A 4K60 capture card is pointless if your upload speed can't handle 4K bitrate. Most streamers capture at 1080p60 and upscale, which works better for Twitch anyway.

The picks

Elgato 4K S – External Capture Card for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, PC, Mac, iPad | 4K60, 1440p120, or 1080p240 Passthrough and Capture, HDR10, VRR, USB-C, Near-Zero Latency
#1 · Best Overall4.5 (1,222)

Elgato 4K S – External Capture Card for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, PC, Mac, iPad | 4K60, 1440p120, or 1080p240 Passthrough and Capture, HDR10, VRR, USB-C, Near-Zero Latency

$159.99

The Elgato 4K S is the sweet spot for PS5 streamers who want professional-grade performance without enterprise pricing. You get true 4K60 capture, flawless passthrough, and Elgato's rock-solid software ecosystem. This is the card you buy if you're serious about streaming but don't need bleeding-edge specs.

Pros

  • + Supports 4K60 passthrough and capture with zero lag
  • + Works with PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and PC/Mac
  • + HDR10 support preserves color accuracy for professional streams
  • + Compact external design fits any setup

Cons

  • Premium price at $159.99 may exceed casual streamers' budgets
  • Requires USB 3.0 port and HDMI 2.0 cable for full performance
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Elgato 4K X – Capture Up to 4K144 with Ultra-Low Latency on PS5|Pro, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, OBS and More, HDMI 2.1, VRR, HDR10, USB 3.2 Gen 2, for Streaming & Recording, PC|Mac|iPad
#2 · Best Premium Performance4.5 (1,222)

Elgato 4K X – Capture Up to 4K144 with Ultra-Low Latency on PS5|Pro, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, OBS and More, HDMI 2.1, VRR, HDR10, USB 3.2 Gen 2, for Streaming & Recording, PC|Mac|iPad

$247.99

The Elgato 4K X is built for streamers who want to future-proof their setup. It's the only card here supporting 4K144 capture and HDMI 2.1, making it ideal if you plan to upgrade to PS5 Pro or next-gen consoles. Expect to pay for that future-proofing.

Pros

  • + Captures up to 4K144 with HDMI 2.1 support for next-gen consoles
  • + VRR and ALLM enable variable refresh rate streaming
  • + Ultra-low latency under 50ms keeps gameplay responsive
  • + Handles 1080p240 for competitive esports capture

Cons

  • Most expensive option at $247.99; overkill for casual streamers
  • Requires high-end PC or Mac to handle 4K144 encoding in real-time
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BlueAVS 4K/60Hz & 1080P/240Hz HDMI Video Capture Card Recording, 4K HDR VRR ALLM Passthrough, USB-C External Capture Card for PS5/Xbox/Switch 2, Plug&Play for PC/Mac on OBS Streamlabs Game Streaming
#3 · Best Mid-Range Option4.4 (1,198)

BlueAVS 4K/60Hz & 1080P/240Hz HDMI Video Capture Card Recording, 4K HDR VRR ALLM Passthrough, USB-C External Capture Card for PS5/Xbox/Switch 2, Plug&Play for PC/Mac on OBS Streamlabs Game Streaming

$69.99

The BlueAVS 4K/60Hz is the smart choice if you want 4K passthrough without paying Elgato prices. You get HDR and VRR support, solid build quality, and flexibility for both casual streaming and competitive recording. The USB-C connector future-proofs your investment.

Pros

  • + 4K60 passthrough with 1080p240 capture capability for competitive play
  • + HDR and VRR support for modern console gaming
  • + USB-C connection offers faster bandwidth than USB 3.0
  • + Solid $69.99 price point between budget and premium tiers

Cons

  • 4K capture limited to lower frame rates; 1080p is the practical limit for 60FPS
  • USB-C may require adapter if your PC only has USB 3.0 ports
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Guermok Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C Capture Card for Streaming, 1080P 60FPS, Compatible with iPad Mac OS Windows, Quest 3, OBS, PS5/4, Switch2/1, Xbox, Camera (Silver)
#4 · Best Budget Pick4.4 (3,136)

Guermok Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C Capture Card for Streaming, 1080P 60FPS, Compatible with iPad Mac OS Windows, Quest 3, OBS, PS5/4, Switch2/1, Xbox, Camera (Silver)

$15.99

If your budget is under $20 and you're okay with 1080p capture, the Guermok is hard to beat. It's perfect for casual streamers, content creators testing the waters, or backup hardware. Just remember: no passthrough means you'll need a second display or accept monitoring lag.

Pros

  • + Incredibly affordable at $15.99—lowest price on this list
  • + Captures 1080p 60FPS reliably for Twitch streaming
  • + USB-C connector works with iPad, Mac, and Windows
  • + Plug-and-play setup with no drivers needed

Cons

  • No passthrough means you can't monitor gameplay while capturing
  • Limited to 1080p; no 4K support at any frame rate
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Capture Card Nintendo Switch, 4K HDMI Video Capture Card, 1080P 60FPS, HDMI to USB 3.0 Capture Card for Streaming Work with Camera/Xbox/PS4/PS5/PC/OBS
#5 · Best Multi-Console4.3 (2,082)

Capture Card Nintendo Switch, 4K HDMI Video Capture Card, 1080P 60FPS, HDMI to USB 3.0 Capture Card for Streaming Work with Camera/Xbox/PS4/PS5/PC/OBS

$27.99

The Nintendo Switch capture card is misnamed—it works great with PS5 too. If you own multiple consoles and want one card to rule them all, this is your budget solution. The 1080p60 output is reliable, though you'll miss passthrough for lag-free monitoring.

Pros

  • + Works seamlessly with PS5, Xbox, Switch, and PC/Mac
  • + 1080p 60FPS capture handles most streaming platforms well
  • + 4K HDMI input supports future console upgrades
  • + Affordable at $27.99 with solid 4.3★ rating across 2000+ reviews

Cons

  • 4K input doesn't mean 4K capture; actual output maxes at 1080p60
  • No passthrough option limits live streaming flexibility
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XIIXMASK Video Capture Card, Audio Video Capture Card, USB 3.0 Capture Card 4K HDMI Loop-Out, 1080P 60FPS/2K 30FPS Video Game Capture for Streaming Works for PS5/Switch/Camera/PC/OBS(Black)
#6 · Best for Streaming Beginners4.3 (1,777)

XIIXMASK Video Capture Card, Audio Video Capture Card, USB 3.0 Capture Card 4K HDMI Loop-Out, 1080P 60FPS/2K 30FPS Video Game Capture for Streaming Works for PS5/Switch/Camera/PC/OBS(Black)

$25.99

The XIIXMASK is the beginner's sweet spot. You get passthrough for responsive gameplay, reliable 1080p60 capture, and an affordable price tag. It's perfect if you're just starting to stream and want to avoid the learning curve of expensive hardware.

Pros

  • + 1080p 60FPS capture is ideal for Twitch, YouTube, and Discord streaming
  • + HDMI loop-out passthrough lets you monitor gameplay without lag
  • + USB 3.0 connection is standard across all PCs and Macs
  • + Compact design fits in any streaming setup at $25.99

Cons

  • 2K 30FPS option is rarely useful; 1080p60 is the practical mode
  • No 4K support limits future-proofing for content archival
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4K HDMI Capture Card USB 3.0 – 1080P 60FPS Gaming & Streaming Video Capture Card with HDMI Loop-Out, Plug & Play, Low-Latency Recording for PS5/PS4/Xbox/Switch/OBS/PC/Mac
#7 · Best Value Performer4.4 (917)

4K HDMI Capture Card USB 3.0 – 1080P 60FPS Gaming & Streaming Video Capture Card with HDMI Loop-Out, Plug & Play, Low-Latency Recording for PS5/PS4/Xbox/Switch/OBS/PC/Mac

$26.99

This generic 4K HDMI capture card delivers solid performance at $26.99. You're paying for functionality, not a brand name. If you want passthrough, 1080p60 capture, and nothing fancy, this gets the job done without breaking the bank.

Pros

  • + 1080p 60FPS capture with HDMI loop-out passthrough included
  • + USB 3.0 plug-and-play setup requires zero configuration
  • + Low-latency recording keeps gameplay responsive during streaming
  • + Reliable 4.4★ rating from nearly 1000 verified users

Cons

  • No 4K support; strictly 1080p territory
  • Generic branding means limited customer support compared to Elgato
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Newhope HDMI Capture Card for Streaming, Full HD 1080P 60FPS Capture USB 3.0 Game Audio Video Capture Card,for Streaming Camera/Xbox/PS4/PS5/Switch/PC
#8 · Best for Casual Streamers4.3 (623)

Newhope HDMI Capture Card for Streaming, Full HD 1080P 60FPS Capture USB 3.0 Game Audio Video Capture Card,for Streaming Camera/Xbox/PS4/PS5/Switch/PC

$24.99

The Newhope is a no-frills 1080p capture card for streamers who don't need passthrough or 4K. It captures game audio, works across platforms, and costs under $25. Best for bedroom streamers or content creators who aren't worried about input lag.

Pros

  • + Full HD 1080p 60FPS capture handles Twitch streaming perfectly
  • + USB 3.0 compatibility works with virtually any PC or Mac
  • + Affordable at $24.99 with straightforward plug-and-play setup
  • + Game audio capture included for complete stream package

Cons

  • No passthrough option means you'll experience monitoring lag
  • Limited to 1080p; no 4K input or output support
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4K HDMI Capture Card for Streaming, Full HD 1080P 60FPS USB 3.0 Cam Link Game Audio Video Capture Card, Work with Camera/Nintendo Switch/Xbox/PS4/PS5/PC/OBS (Black)
#9 · Best Compact Design4.5 (413)

4K HDMI Capture Card for Streaming, Full HD 1080P 60FPS USB 3.0 Cam Link Game Audio Video Capture Card, Work with Camera/Nintendo Switch/Xbox/PS4/PS5/PC/OBS (Black)

$25.99

If portability matters and you're streaming at 1080p, this compact capture card delivers. The 4.5★ rating suggests solid build quality in a tiny footprint. It's ideal for content creators who travel or have minimal desk space.

Pros

  • + Ultra-compact form factor fits in any streaming bag or setup
  • + 1080p 60FPS capture with game audio for complete streaming solution
  • + 4.5★ rating despite lower review count shows consistent quality
  • + USB 3.0 plug-and-play works immediately with OBS and Streamlabs

Cons

  • No passthrough; you'll need a second monitor to avoid lag
  • Limited to 1080p; no 4K support whatsoever
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Portta HDMI Video Capture Card, Stream and Record in 1080P60 with Ultra-Low Latency, 4K HDMI in/Loop Out, USB 3.0 to PC Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2/PS4/PS5/Xbox/OBS
#10 · Best Low-Latency Budget Option4.1 (326)

Portta HDMI Video Capture Card, Stream and Record in 1080P60 with Ultra-Low Latency, 4K HDMI in/Loop Out, USB 3.0 to PC Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2/PS4/PS5/Xbox/OBS

$25.99

The Portta prioritizes low-latency performance over resolution. If you're streaming live and input lag is your biggest concern, this card delivers. The 1080p60 output is reliable, though the lower rating hints at spotty driver support on some systems.

Pros

  • + Ultra-low latency streaming keeps gameplay responsive during broadcasts
  • + 1080p 60FPS capture with 4K HDMI input/loop-out passthrough
  • + USB 3.0 connection standard across all modern PCs
  • + Affordable at $25.99 with solid build quality

Cons

  • 4K input support doesn't translate to 4K capture; maxes at 1080p
  • Lowest rating on this list at 4.1★ suggests occasional compatibility issues
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Frequently Asked Questions

Final word

The best capture card for PS5 depends on your streaming goals and budget. For most streamers, the Elgato 4K S strikes the perfect balance—you get 4K60 passthrough, zero lag, and professional-grade reliability at a reasonable price.

If you're on a tight budget, the Guermok or XIIXMASK deliver solid 1080p60 capture under $30. For competitive streamers or content creators planning to upgrade to PS5 Pro, the Elgato 4K X future-proofs your investment.

Start with your actual needs: Do you need passthrough? How much resolution matters? What's your upload speed? Once you answer those questions, pick from this list and start streaming. You can't go wrong with any of these capture cards for PS5.

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