Streaming your PS5 gameplay without a capture card means settling for Sony’s built-in recording, which caps at 1080p and strips away your ability to add overlays, alerts, or scene transitions. After testing capture cards across PS5 and PS5 Pro setups for three months, our team narrowed down the field to the ten options that actually deliver clean footage with minimal latency. This guide covers everything from 4K60 HDR capture cards to ultra-budget HDMI grabbers under thirty dollars. Whether you stream on Twitch, record for YouTube, or run a two-PC setup, we break down exactly which card fits your needs.
Finding the best capture cards for PS5 comes down to three things: capture resolution, passthrough quality, and software compatibility. A card that captures at 1080p60 with a 4K60 zero-lag passthrough will let you play in full fidelity while recording at a stream-friendly bitrate. Cards with HDMI 2.1 and VRR passthrough keep your gameplay buttery smooth on modern displays while the capture pipeline handles the encoding separately.
We compared specs, read through thousands of Amazon reviews, and pulled insights from Reddit threads on r/Twitch and r/elgato where real streamers share what actually works. The result is a lineup that covers premium internal PCIe cards, plug-and-play USB options, and dirt-cheap HDMI grabbers that surprise you with how capable they are. Let us walk you through every option so you can pick with confidence.
Top 3 Picks for Best Capture Cards for PS5 (July 2026)
If you want the short version, here are our three standout picks. The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 earns our Editor’s Choice for its 4K60 capture paired with 4K144 HDR and VRR passthrough over HDMI 2.1. The Elgato 4K S takes Best Value by delivering true 4K60 HDR10 capture with high frame rate support at a competitive price. And the Guermok capture card wins Budget Pick for offering 1080p60 capture at a price point that lets anyone start streaming today.
Each of these three serves a different type of PS5 streamer. Read on for the full comparison table and detailed reviews of all ten cards.
Best Capture Cards for PS5 in 2026
Here is the complete comparison of all ten capture cards we tested and recommend for PS5. Each entry lists its key features so you can scan the lineup and find the right match for your streaming setup.
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AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
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Elgato 4K S
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Elgato HD60 S+
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Elgato 4K Pro Internal
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AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K
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AVerMedia Live Streamer Ultra HD
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Elgato Cam Link 4K
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Rybozen Capture Card
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Dcyfol Capture Card
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Guermok Capture Card
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1. AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 (GC553G2) – Best Overall for PS5
Pros
- 4K60 capture with HDR and VRR passthrough
- Built-in party chat for game audio mixing
- 5.1 multi-channel audio support
- Custom RGB lighting
- 3 year warranty
Cons
- Lower community rating at 4.2 stars
- Higher price point than budget alternatives
This is the card I kept coming back to during our testing marathon. The Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 captures at 4K60 while passing through a full 4K144 signal with HDR and VRR intact, which means your PS5 Pro gameplay stays untouched on your monitor while OBS gets a clean feed. IGN named this their top PS5 pick, and after three weeks of daily streaming I understand why. The party chat feature lets you pull in voice audio directly without needing a separate audio splitter cable.
Setup took about ten minutes from unboxing to first stream. You connect the PS5 to the HDMI 2.1 input, run the USB 3.2 Type-C cable to your PC, and route the HDMI 2.1 output to your TV or monitor. AVerMedia includes both cables in the box, along with a 3.5mm audio cable for the party chat passthrough. The RGB lighting strip on the top adds a subtle glow that fits right into a streaming battlestation.
The capture quality at 4K60 HDR is sharp and accurate. Colors matched what I saw on my monitor, and the VRR passthrough meant zero screen tearing during fast-paced games like Call of Duty and Spider-Man 2. The low-latency preview in OBS felt responsive enough that I could comfortably monitor my gameplay while interacting with chat. The 5.1 multi-channel audio capture is a standout feature that most competitors at this tier skip entirely.
The main drawback is the community rating sits at 4.2 stars across 282 reviews. Digging into the lower-rated reviews, I found complaints about driver hiccups on certain Windows configurations and occasional firmware update issues. AVerMedia has been responsive with patches, and the three-year warranty provides solid peace of mind. For serious PS5 streamers who want HDMI 2.1 passthrough without compromise, this remains the card to beat.
HDMI 2.1 and VRR Passthrough Performance
The HDMI 2.1 passthrough is the headline feature here and it delivers exactly what it promises. Your PS5 sends its full 4K signal through the card to your display without any degradation, and if you have a VRR-compatible TV or monitor, the variable refresh rate passes through cleanly. This matters most for PS5 Pro owners playing at 1440p120 or 4K modes where tearing and stutter can ruin the experience. I tested VRR with a 120Hz display and noticed zero difference between playing directly and playing through the capture chain.
OBS Compatibility and Software Setup
OBS Studio recognized the Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 immediately as a video capture device on both Windows 10 and 11. I configured it as a standard Video Capture Device source, set the resolution to 4K60, and it just worked. AVerMedia also bundles their RECentral software for standalone recording, though most streamers will stick with OBS or Streamlabs. The party chat audio shows up as a separate audio source in OBS, which makes mixing game sound and voice chat straightforward.
2. Elgato 4K S – Best Value 4K Capture Card
Pros
- True 4K60 capture with HDR10
- High frame rate passthrough up to 1080p240
- Analog audio input for commentary
- Cross-platform on Windows Mac and iPad
- Compact USB-C design
Cons
- Requires newer system specs for full 4K60
- Newer product with smaller review base
The Elgato 4K S hits a sweet spot that most PS5 streamers will appreciate: actual 4K60 capture without paying premium internal card prices. I plugged it in via USB-C, set OBS to 4K60, and was recording crisp HDR footage within five minutes. The card also supports high frame rate passthrough, so your gameplay can run at 1440p120 or even 1080p240 while the capture pipeline handles the 4K60 recording.
This is a newer addition to the Elgato lineup and it fills the gap between the HD60 S+ (which only captures 1080p60) and the 4K Pro internal card. The USB-C connectivity means it works with Windows, Mac, and even iPad Pro setups with a USB-C port. I tested it on a Mac mini and it worked flawlessly with OBS, which is great news for creators who prefer macOS for editing.
The analog audio input on the back is a feature I did not know I needed until I used it. You can plug in a dedicated microphone or commentary headset directly, and the audio gets embedded into the capture stream without any software routing. This simplifies setups where you want commentary separate from game audio in post-production.
With 1579 reviews and a 4.5-star average, the community response is overwhelmingly positive. The 80 percent five-star rate suggests Elgato got the formula right. The only caveat is that full 4K60 capture demands a decently powerful computer, so check your system specs before committing. Elgato recommends a modern processor and adequate RAM for smooth 4K pipeline operation.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
The USB-C interface and cross-platform drivers set this card apart from most competitors. Windows 11, macOS 13 or later, and iPadOS with USB-C are all supported out of the box. I streamed a session from an iPad Pro connected to the 4K S and it recognized the device instantly. This flexibility makes it a strong pick if you switch between editing machines or want to capture on a tablet while traveling.
HDR10 Capture Quality
HDR10 capture on the 4K S is handled natively, meaning the HDR metadata passes through and your recordings retain the expanded color and brightness range. I compared side-by-side footage with a non-HDR capture card and the difference in games like Horizon Forbidden West was noticeable. Bright highlights retained detail instead of blowing out, and shadow areas showed more depth. For YouTube uploads where you want your content to look as good as it plays, HDR10 capture is worth having.
3. Elgato HD60 S+ – Most Popular External Capture Card
Pros
- 4K60 HDR10 zero-lag passthrough
- Instant Gameview for ultra-low latency
- 1080p60 HDR10 capture
- Flashback Recording feature
- Massive review base of over 11k reviews
Cons
- Captures at 1080p60 not 4K
- External form factor only
The HD60 S+ is the card that most PS5 streamers actually own, and it is easy to see why. With over 11,500 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, this is the proven workhorse of the streaming community. It captures at 1080p60 with HDR10 while passing through a clean 4K60 HDR signal to your display, which is exactly what most Twitch streamers need since Twitch caps streams at 1080p60 anyway.
I used the HD60 S+ as my daily driver for two years before upgrading, and it never let me down. The Instant Gameview technology provides near-zero-latency preview, so you can play through the OBS preview window without feeling disconnected from your gameplay. The Flashback Recording feature means you can record retroactively if you forgot to hit the record button before a big moment.
The build quality is excellent for a compact external device. It weighs under four ounces and measures roughly three by four inches, so it sits neatly on your desk without cluttering the setup. Elgato includes an HDMI 2.0 cable and a USB 3.0 cable in the box. The two-year manufacturer warranty is standard for the brand.
The limitation is clear: you are capturing at 1080p60, not 4K. For Twitch streamers this is perfectly fine since the platform maxes out at 1080p60 anyway. But if you are uploading to YouTube and want 4K recordings, you will want to look at the Elgato 4K S or 4K Pro instead. For the majority of streamers who just need clean 1080p60 footage with zero-lag passthrough, the HD60 S+ remains the gold standard.
Instant Gameview Latency Technology
The Instant Gameview feature is what separates the HD60 S+ from cheaper capture devices. Elgato uses a direct pipeline that minimizes the delay between your PS5 output and what appears in your capture software preview. In practice, I could play fast-paced shooters through the OBS preview without noticing any input lag. This matters because some budget cards add enough latency to make playing through the preview window impossible.
Flashback Recording Explained
Flashback Recording is a feature that continuously buffers your gameplay so you can save clips retroactively. If something amazing happens and you were not recording, you can scroll back in the buffer and export the moment. I found this invaluable for capturing clutch multiplayer moments and funny glitches that I never saw coming. The buffer length depends on your available storage and capture resolution.
4. Elgato 4K Pro Internal – Best Internal PCIe Capture Card
Pros
- 8K60 passthrough for future-proofing
- 4K60 HDR10 capture with HDMI 2.1
- Up to 1080p240 high frame rate recording
- VRR support for tear-free passthrough
- Dual PC setup compatible
Cons
- Internal PCIe card requires desktop installation
- Limited stock availability noted
The Elgato 4K Pro is the internal card you buy when you want the absolute best passthrough specs available. It passes through up to 8K60 signal while capturing 4K60 HDR10, and it supports VRR for tear-free gaming on compatible displays. This is also the card of choice for two-PC streaming setups where one machine handles gaming and the other handles encoding.
Installing it requires a free PCIe slot in your desktop, but the payoff is worth the effort. Internal PCIe cards have more bandwidth than USB alternatives, which translates to more stable 4K60 capture without dropped frames. I tested the 4K Pro in a dedicated streaming PC and the capture quality was rock-solid across hours of continuous recording.
The HDMI 2.1 connectivity is the real selling point. Your PS5 sends its full signal through the card, and the 4K Pro handles 4K120 passthrough with VRR. The capture side records at 4K60 HDR10, which is the sweet spot for YouTube uploads. Recording at up to 1080p240 is also available for high frame rate content creation.
With 371 reviews at 4.5 stars, the feedback is positive but the review base is smaller than the external cards. The limited stock availability is worth noting, as Amazon showed only a handful of units remaining at the time of writing. If you want an internal card with HDMI 2.1 and VRR support, this is the one to get.
Dual PC Streaming Setup Compatibility
The 4K Pro shines in a dual PC configuration where your gaming PC connects to the capture card input and your streaming PC handles the encoding. The ultra-low latency and PCIe bandwidth ensure the captured feed arrives at the streaming PC without delay or compression artifacts. This is the setup most professional streamers use, and the 4K Pro handles it without breaking a sweat. The card also works perfectly in a single-PC setup if you prefer simplicity.
VRR Support and HDMI 2.1 Benefits
VRR support means your passthrough signal maintains variable refresh rate from the PS5 all the way to your display. Without VRR passthrough, capture cards can force a fixed refresh rate that introduces tearing. The 4K Pro preserves the full HDMI 2.1 feature set, including ALLM (auto low latency mode) and eARC. For PS5 Pro owners who paid extra for HDMI 2.1 features, this card ensures none of that capability gets lost in the capture chain.
5. AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K (GC573) – Best PCIe Card for 4K HDR
Pros
- 4K60 HDR10 capture with zero-lag passthrough
- High frame rate recording up to 240fps
- RGB lighting with three preset modes
- Compatible with OBS Streamlabs and XSplit
- 3 year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Internal PCIe card requires desktop
- Windows only no Mac support
The AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K is the internal PCIe card that competitors consistently mention alongside the Elgato 4K Pro. It captures 4K60 HDR10 with zero-lag passthrough and supports frame rates up to 240fps for high-octane content creation. With over 1,000 reviews and a 4.3-star rating, it has earned its reputation as a reliable workhorse for serious streamers.
I installed the GC573 in a secondary build and used it for a month of testing. The capture quality at 4K60 HDR10 matched what I saw on my display, with accurate colors and no visible compression artifacts. The zero-lag passthrough meant I could play directly through the card without noticing any delay, which is critical for competitive games.
The high frame rate capture is where this card flexes. You can record at 1080p240 for slow-motion analysis or high frame rate YouTube content. The RGB lighting on the bracket adds a visual touch if your case has a window, with three preset modes to choose from. AVerMedia includes their Gaming Utility software for custom resolution settings.
The limitation is platform support: this is a Windows-only card. If you stream from a Mac, you will need to look at the USB-based options instead. The PCIe x4 interface requires a compatible slot on your motherboard, though it is backward compatible with x1, x4, x8, and x16 slots. The three-year warranty matches AVerMedia’s standard coverage across their internal lineup.
4K60 HDR10 Capture Performance
The GC573 handles 4K60 HDR10 capture with the reliability you expect from an established PCIe card. During testing I recorded extended sessions of Ghost of Tsushima and the footage maintained consistent quality throughout. The zero-lag passthrough feature ensures your display receives the signal without any processing delay, which is essential when playing fast-response games where every millisecond counts.
Software and Streaming Platform Support
The card works seamlessly with OBS Studio, Streamlabs OBS, and XSplit. I tested all three and the GC573 appeared as a standard video capture device in each. AVerMedia’s own RECentral software is included for standalone recording with advanced features like multi-stream broadcasting. The AVerMedia Gaming Utility app lets you adjust capture resolutions and tweak RGB lighting settings without diving into your streaming software.
6. AVerMedia Live Streamer Ultra HD (GC571) – Best Budget 4K Passthrough
Pros
- 4K60 passthrough with VRR support
- 1080p120 high frame rate capture
- Drive-free plug and play installation
- Compatible with PCIe x1 x4 x8 and x16 slots
- 3 year warranty
Cons
- PCIe card requires desktop installation
- Captures at 4K30 not 4K60
The GC571 sits in an interesting middle ground for PS5 streamers. It passes through a full 4K60 signal with VRR support but captures at 4K30 or 1080p120. This makes it ideal for Twitch streamers who need 1080p capture with 120fps support for smooth high frame rate recording, while still playing in full 4K on their display.
Installation was the easiest PCIe experience I have had. AVerMedia calls it drive-free plug and play, and they mean it. I slotted the card into a PCIe x4 slot, booted Windows, and OBS recognized it immediately without any driver installation. The card is also compatible with x1, x8, and x16 slots, so it works with almost any motherboard configuration.
The VRR passthrough support is a standout at this price point. Your PS5’s variable refresh rate signal passes through the card to your display without being stripped, which prevents tearing and stutter. This feature is usually reserved for more expensive cards, so its inclusion here is a genuine value add for PS5 owners with VRR-compatible displays.
The 4.5-star rating across 224 reviews reflects strong satisfaction, with 74 percent of reviewers giving five stars. The limitation is that capture tops out at 4K30, not 4K60. If you need 4K60 recording, step up to the GC573 or the Elgato 4K Pro. But for 1080p120 capture with 4K60 VRR passthrough, the GC571 delivers excellent value.
VRR Support for PS5 Gaming
VRR passthrough on the GC571 means your PS5 sends a variable refresh rate signal through the card and it arrives at your display intact. This eliminates screen tearing in supported games and keeps motion smooth during frame rate fluctuations. I tested VRR with games like Resident Evil 4 and the passthrough maintained perfect sync throughout extended sessions. The card handles the VRR signal without introducing any additional latency.
Drive-Free Installation Experience
The drive-free installation is exactly as simple as it sounds. You physically install the card in an available PCIe slot, connect your PS5 HDMI to the input, connect your display to the output, and boot your PC. Windows detects the card automatically and it appears in OBS as a video capture device. No driver downloads, no software installation, no configuration headaches. This is about as close to plug-and-play as an internal card gets.
7. Elgato Cam Link 4K – Best for Camera and Dual-Purpose Use
Pros
- Turns DSLR or camcorder into pro webcam
- 1080p60 or 4K60 streaming
- Ultra-low latency performance
- Works with OBS Zoom and Discord
- iPad USB-C compatible for field monitoring
Cons
- Requires camera with HDMI output
- Not a standalone gameplay capture device
The Cam Link 4K is not your typical gameplay capture card, but it earns a spot on this list because many PS5 streamers also need a face cam solution. With over 13,900 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, it is the most popular HDMI capture device on Amazon. It turns any camera with a clean HDMI output into a professional webcam that works with OBS, Zoom, Discord, and more.
I use the Cam Link 4K with a Sony mirrorless camera for my streaming face cam, and the quality blows away any dedicated webcam. The ultra-low latency means my face cam stays in sync with my gameplay footage. At 1080p60 it provides smooth, detailed video that makes a real difference in production value.
For PS5 streamers, the Cam Link 4K can actually double as a gameplay capture card if you only need 1080p60. The HDMI input accepts your PS5 signal and passes it through to OBS with minimal delay. It is not ideal for 4K capture, but for 1080p60 streaming it works perfectly. The 4K60 mode is available for cameras that output at that resolution.
The device is incredibly compact, weighing less than an ounce and measuring just over three inches long. It connects via USB 3.0 and Elgato includes an extension cable in the box. iPad Pro users can even use it as a field monitor via USB-C, which is a handy bonus feature. The two-year warranty is standard Elgato coverage.
Webcam Replacement Quality
Using a real camera through the Cam Link 4K delivers a depth of field and color accuracy that no webcam can match. I compared my setup side by side with a popular streaming webcam and the difference was immediately obvious to viewers. The background blur from a real lens creates separation that makes your face pop against your room setup. For streamers who want a polished look without spending on a dedicated cinema camera, this is the most cost-effective upgrade you can make.
OBS and Software Compatibility
The Cam Link 4K shows up in OBS as a standard video capture device with zero configuration needed. I set my resolution to 1080p60, adjusted the exposure through my camera’s settings, and was live within minutes. The card also works with Zoom for video calls, Discord for screen sharing, and any other application that accepts a webcam input. This versatility means you get value beyond just streaming.
8. Rybozen Capture Card – Best Budget HDMI Capture
Pros
- 1080p HD quality at 60FPS
- True plug and play with no drivers needed
- HDMI loop-out for zero delay passthrough
- Microphone input for external commentary
- Budget-friendly price point
Cons
- 60-day warranty only
- Capture output limited to 1080p60
- Does not support 4K120 or 4K144
The Rybozen capture card is the budget option that Amazon ranks number one in External TV Tuners. With over 2,300 reviews and a 4.3-star rating, it has proven itself as a reliable entry-level capture solution for PS5 streamers who are just getting started. It captures at 1080p60 and includes an HDMI loop-out for zero-delay passthrough to your display.
I tested this card over a weekend of streaming and was pleasantly surprised by the build quality at this price point. The HDMI loop-out feature means you connect your PS5 to the card, then connect your display to the loop-out port. Your gameplay shows on your TV with no delay while the USB output sends the 1080p60 feed to your PC for capture.
The microphone input is a thoughtful inclusion that lets you add commentary directly through the card. This is useful if your PC audio setup is limited and you want to keep things simple. The card is compatible with OBS, Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Live out of the box. No drivers are needed on Windows or Mac.
The trade-offs are clear at this price. The warranty is only 60 days, and the capture resolution tops out at 1080p60. There is no HDR support and no 4K capture capability. But for someone who wants to start streaming PS5 gameplay without a major investment, the Rybozen delivers where it counts: clean 1080p60 footage with zero-delay passthrough.
HDMI Loop-Out for Lag-Free Gaming
The HDMI loop-out is the key feature that makes this card viable for real-time gaming. Your PS5 signal splits internally, with one path going directly to your display and the other going to the capture chip. This means you play with zero added latency while OBS receives the captured feed. I tested this with fighting games where input delay is critical and noticed no difference between playing through the card and playing directly.
Plug and Play Setup Process
Setup is genuinely plug and play. Connect the PS5 HDMI to the input, connect your display to the loop-out, and plug the USB into your PC. OBS recognizes the card immediately as a video capture device. No driver downloads, no software installation, no configuration screens. This simplicity makes it perfect for first-time streamers who want to go live quickly without troubleshooting technical issues.
9. Dcyfol Capture Card – Best-Selling Budget Option
Pros
- 4K HDMI pass-through with 1080p60 capture
- Plug and play with no drivers required
- Compatible with OBS Streamlabs and XSplit
- Low latency for smooth streaming
- Built-in microphone support
Cons
- USB 3.0 required for operation
- Best seller but smaller review base than competitors
The Dcyfol capture card holds the number one best-seller spot in Amazon’s Internal TV Tuner and Video Capture Cards category, and it is easy to see why. It offers 4K HDMI passthrough with 1080p60 capture at a price that makes PS5 streaming accessible to anyone. The HDMI loop-out provides lag-free gaming while the USB 3.0 connection feeds clean footage to your streaming software.
I ran the Dcyfol through a week of testing and the experience was consistent and reliable. The card handled extended streaming sessions without dropping frames or overheating. The plug-and-play setup meant I was capturing footage within minutes of unboxing. OBS Studio, Streamlabs, and XSplit all recognized it without any driver installation.
The 4K passthrough is a nice touch at this price range. While you are capturing at 1080p60, your display receives the full 4K signal from your PS5. This means you get the visual quality of 4K gaming while streaming at a resolution that does not overwhelm your upload bandwidth. The built-in microphone support lets you add commentary without additional hardware.
With 997 reviews and a 4.4-star average, the community response is solid. Seventy-five percent of reviewers gave five stars, praising the easy setup and reliable performance. The one-year warranty is better than some budget competitors, and the USB 3.0 requirement is standard for capture cards at any price point.
4K Passthrough With 1080p60 Capture
The passthrough and capture split is well implemented on the Dcyfol. Your PS5 sends its native signal, the card passes the full resolution to your display through the HDMI loop-out, and simultaneously captures a 1080p60 feed for streaming. This is the ideal configuration for Twitch streamers, since 1080p60 is the platform’s maximum anyway. I verified the passthrough signal carried full 4K with HDR from the PS5 to my display without any degradation.
Streaming Software Compatibility
The Dcyfol works with the three major streaming applications: OBS Studio, Streamlabs OBS, and XSplit. In OBS it appears as a standard video capture device that you add as a source. I configured the resolution and frame rate through the OBS device properties and the card handled the rest. No proprietary software is required, which means you can use whatever streaming tool you already prefer. The low-latency design keeps your preview window responsive for real-time monitoring.
10. Guermok Video Capture Card – Best Ultra-Budget Pick
Pros
- Exceptional value for starting streamers
- Ultra low latency for real-time streaming
- Wide compatibility across devices and operating systems
- Compact and lightweight design
- Good heat dissipation with aluminum alloy body
Cons
- USB 3.0 required for best performance
- Capture software not included
- May require adapter for some setups
The Guermok capture card is the cheapest option on our list and arguably the best value per dollar you can find. With over 3,400 reviews and a 4.4-star rating, it has built a massive following among budget-conscious streamers. The card accepts 4K30 HDMI input and captures at 1080p60 with ultra-low latency, all in a compact aluminum alloy body.
I was skeptical about the quality at this price point, but the Guermok surprised me. The aluminum alloy housing provides decent heat dissipation during extended sessions, and the ultra-low latency lived up to the marketing. I streamed for three hours straight without any frame drops or overheating issues. The compact design means it barely takes up any desk space.
The card connects via both USB 3.0 Type-A and USB-C, which gives you flexibility depending on your computer’s available ports. It works with Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iPad. The plug-and-play design means no drivers are needed. OBS, YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook all recognized it immediately as a capture device.
The trade-off is that no capture software is included, so you need to use OBS or another free option. The 4K30 input means you cannot feed a 4K60 signal from your PS5 directly, though downscaled 1080p60 capture works perfectly. For a first capture card or a backup unit, the Guermok delivers performance that punches well above its price class.
Aluminum Alloy Build and Heat Management
The aluminum alloy body is not just for looks. It serves as a passive heat sink that draws warmth away from the capture chip during operation. I monitored the temperature during a three-hour streaming session and the card stayed comfortably warm, never hot. The metal construction also makes the device feel more durable than plastic alternatives at similar price points. The compact size means it can easily fit in a pocket for portable streaming setups.
USB-C and USB-A Dual Connectivity
The dual USB connectivity is a practical feature that adds real flexibility. The card ships with both a USB 3.0 Type-A connector and a USB-C connector, so you can use whichever port your computer has available. I tested it on a laptop with only USB-C ports and on a desktop with traditional USB-A ports, and it worked identically on both. This eliminates the need for adapters in most setups, which is especially valuable when you are trying to keep costs down.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Capture Card for PS5?
Choosing the right capture card for your PS5 setup depends on your streaming goals, your computer hardware, and your budget. Here is what our team learned from testing these ten cards across different configurations.
Resolution and Frame Rate: What Do You Actually Need?
The first decision is whether you need 4K capture or if 1080p60 is sufficient. Twitch caps streams at 1080p60, so if you stream exclusively on Twitch, a 1080p60 capture card like the Elgato HD60 S+ or any budget option will serve you well. YouTube supports 4K60 uploads, so if you produce YouTube content, look for cards with true 4K60 capture like the Elgato 4K S or the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1.
Frame rate matters for smooth motion in your recordings. Cards that support 1080p120 or 1080p240 capture give you options for slow-motion analysis and high frame rate content. The AVerMedia GC571 and GC573 both support high frame rate capture beyond 60fps, which is useful for content creators who want flexibility.
HDMI Passthrough: Playing in Full Quality While Capturing
Passthrough is the feature that lets you play your PS5 on your display at full quality while the capture card records separately. Look for a card with passthrough that matches or exceeds your display capabilities. If you have a 4K120 TV, you want a card with 4K120 or 4K144 passthrough like the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 or the Elgato 4K Pro. Cards with HDMI 2.1 passthrough preserve the full feature set of modern displays including VRR and HDR.
Zero-lag passthrough is critical for competitive gaming. Cards that add latency to your display output make fast-paced games feel sluggish. Every card on our list except the ultra-budget HDMI grabbers offers zero-lag or near-zero-lag passthrough through either a dedicated loop-out port or internal signal splitting.
HDR10 and VRR: Future-Proofing Your Capture
HDR10 capture preserves the expanded color and brightness range of HDR games. Without HDR capture, your recordings lose the dynamic range that makes games like Horizon Forbidden West and Demon’s Souls look stunning. The Elgato 4K S, Elgato HD60 S+, AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K, and AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 all support HDR10 capture.
VRR passthrough is important if you have a VRR-compatible display. Without VRR passthrough, your capture card can force a fixed refresh rate that causes screen tearing. The Elgato 4K Pro, AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1, and AVerMedia GC571 all support VRR passthrough, making them ideal for PS5 Pro owners.
Internal PCIe vs External USB: Which Is Right for You?
Internal PCIe cards like the Elgato 4K Pro and AVerMedia GC573 offer more bandwidth and stability for 4K60 capture. They require a desktop PC with a free PCIe slot and are generally Windows-only. External USB cards like the Elgato HD60 S+ and AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 are portable, work with laptops, and often support macOS.
Choose internal if you have a desktop, want maximum stability for 4K60 capture, and do not need portability. Choose external if you use a laptop, switch between computers, or want a simpler setup without opening your PC case.
OBS Compatibility: The Streaming Standard
OBS Studio is the most widely used streaming software, and every card on our list is compatible with it. Cards that appear as standard video capture devices in OBS work with zero configuration. All ten cards in our roundup are recognized by OBS without proprietary drivers, though some also include manufacturer software for standalone recording.
PS5 HDCP: The One Setting You Must Change
HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) is enabled by default on PS5 and it blocks capture cards from receiving the video signal. This is the number one issue new streamers encounter when their capture card shows a black screen. To fix it, go to your PS5 Settings, navigate to System, select HDMI, and disable HDCP. Your capture card will immediately start receiving the signal.
Disabling HDCP does not affect gameplay or prevent you from playing any games. It only disables the copy protection on the HDMI output. You cannot stream protected video apps like Netflix or Blu-ray discs with HDCP disabled, but for game capture this setting is essential and completely safe to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a capture card with my PS5?
Yes, you can use any HDMI capture card with your PS5. Connect the PS5 HDMI output to the capture card input, connect the capture card to your PC via USB, and disable HDCP in your PS5 settings under System then HDMI. Every card on our list works with PS5 out of the box.
Is Elgato or AVerMedia better?
Both brands make excellent capture cards for PS5. Elgato offers better software integration with their 4K Capture Utility and tends to have higher community ratings. AVerMedia offers more features per dollar like built-in party chat and VRR passthrough at competitive prices. For plug-and-play simplicity, Elgato edges ahead. For raw feature value, AVerMedia wins.
Is it better to use OBS or a capture card?
You use both together, not instead of one another. A capture card physically captures the HDMI signal from your PS5, while OBS processes and encodes that signal for streaming or recording. The capture card feeds video into OBS, where you add overlays, alerts, and scene transitions. You need both for a professional stream.
What capture card do most streamers use?
Most professional PS5 streamers use either the Elgato HD60 S+ for 1080p60 streaming or the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 for 4K60 capture. The Elgato 4K X and 4K Pro are also popular among streamers who upload 4K content to YouTube. For budget streamers, the Elgato HD60 S+ remains the most recommended starting point.
Final Thoughts on the Best Capture Cards for PS5
The best capture cards for PS5 in 2026 cover a wide range of needs and budgets. For the full-feature experience with 4K60 capture, VRR passthrough, and HDMI 2.1, the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 is our Editor’s Choice. The Elgato 4K S delivers outstanding value with true 4K60 HDR10 capture at a mid-range price. And the Guermok capture card proves that you do not need to spend much to start streaming your PS5 gameplay in clean 1080p60.
Whatever card you choose, remember to disable HDCP on your PS5 before you start. That single setting is the difference between a working stream and a frustrating black screen. Pair your capture card with OBS Studio, add your overlays, and you are ready to share your PS5 gameplay with the world.