This updated capture card continues to have extremely fast, lag-free transfer speeds like its predecessor, and also has a built-in HEVC chip that compresses video files and saves them onto an SD card. We’ve also replaced the Corsair Elgato 4K60 with the more current Elgato 4K60 S+. We’ve instead added the QGeeM Recorder, a more affordable option which uses a USB 3.0 port, allowing it to transfer data at incredible 5 Gbps speeds. We’ve removed the Plugable Nix, as some users have complained that it needs to be unplugged and re-installed whenever they turn off their gaming setup. If you plan on streaming, you might as well get started learning this software as soon as possible, because to many Twitch communities, it's basically ubiquitous.Ĭapture card technology is constantly improving, so some of our previous recommendations have been replaced with more current options. We also want to highlight the OBS software suite, which we have mentioned in the Special Honors section. The August VGB100, on the other hand, is specifically meant for recording from legacy devices like old camcorders and retro consoles. It also has auxiliary audio inputs and outputs, which can help with some specialized installations.

The Duo, for that matter, makes it easy to combine your main stream with your front-facing webcam.įinally, we wouldn't always recommend such lesser-known brands partly for reliability reasons, but the QGeeM Recorder is a well-priced option and comes from a reasonably dependable manufacturer.

They, like the AVerMedia Live Gamer Duo, plug directly into a PCIe port. If your computer is a gaming powerhouse, or you have a separate streaming PC with passable components inside, the high-end AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K or Elgato 4K60 Mk2 will more than do the trick, they'll allow for the fastest encoding and best-looking picture possible. The interesting part about the Portable 2 is its internal storage and fully self-contained PC-free mode.

The AVerMedia Portable 2 Plus is a little more interesting, partly because it's good for both 1080p and 4K gaming, although it does not actually support the 1440p resolution in between the two. If you're focused on 4K gaming, the HD60 S+ is probably your best bet. This passthrough is the important part for streaming games, though, and the Ultra is one of the very few that allows high frame rates up to what many consider the sweet spot of 1440p resolution at 144 hertz. The AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini, Elgato HD60 S+, and AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra aren't much more complicated, as all they add is a passthrough. Some are basically glorified USB adapters like the Elgato Cam Link, which basically just turns an HDMI connector into a PC-compatible format over the USB connection. There are a few different purposes for these devices.

Video game capture device for mac