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No matter where you are on your journey as a live streamer, providing high-quality content to your growing audience is essential for keeping your viewers engaged. One tool that can significantly enhance your stream quality is an HDMI capture card.
Whether streaming, recording, or gaming, the right capture card can elevate your setup by providing higher resolutions, lower latency, and professional-level customization and quality. But with so many options available, you may be wondering which one is right for you.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best HDMI capture cards for 2025 based on user experience level and budget.
Jump Ahead:
- What Is an HDMI Capture Card?
- Best HDMI Capture Cards for Streaming and Recording
- Do You Need an HDMI Capture Card?
What Is an HDMI Capture Card?
An HDMI capture card is a device that captures video and audio signals from external sources—such as gaming consoles, cameras, or other HDMI-enabled devices—and transmits them to your computer for streaming or recording using software like Streamlabs Desktop.
How It Works:
- Connect your external device (e.g., gaming console or DSLR camera) to the capture card via an HDMI cable.
- Plug the capture card into your computer.
- Use streaming software (like Streamlabs Desktop) to process and broadcast the video signal to platforms like Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook.
There are two types of HDMI capture cards:
- External Capture Cards: Portable and easy to set up, great for streamers who switch devices or travel frequently.
- Internal Capture Cards: Installed directly into a PC, offering higher performance and minimal latency.
P.S. In this blog, we’ll be focusing on external capture cards.
To learn more about HDMI capture cards and how to use one when streaming and recording, check out our deep dive guide.
Best HDMI Capture Cards for Streaming in 2025
Best for Beginners (Affordable & Easy to Use)
If you’re just starting out, these budget-friendly options provide great performance without a hefty price tag.
Elgato HD60 X
Operating System: Windows, Mac
A compact external capture card that supports 1080p 60fps and 4K passthrough. Set up without drivers and enjoy no limitations such as watermarks, time limits, or subscriptions.
AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini
Operating System: macOS 12, Windows 11, Windows 10
A compact, plug-and-play capture card that records 1080p 60fps gameplay with zero-lag HDMI pass-through for a seamless experience. Its built-in H.264 hardware encoder reduces CPU load, making it an ideal choice for console gamers and beginner streamers.
An affordable option for 1080p streaming with ultra-low latency.
Best for Intermediate Users (Great Quality & Performance)
For those who want higher resolution and improved performance without breaking the bank.
AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra
Operating System: macOS 10.13, Windows 11
Brings 4K60 HDR recording and ultra-smooth 120fps Full HD capture to serious gamers and streamers. With Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support, ultra-low latency, and a plug-and-play design, it ensures buttery-smooth gameplay capture without compromising performance
NZXT Signal 4K30
Operating System: Mac and PC
With plug-and-play setup and support for professional cameras, it’s a powerful upgrade for streamers looking to elevate their visuals beyond a standard USB webcam.
Best for Professional Streamers & Content Creators (High-End Performance)
Designed for serious creators who need the best quality and lowest latency.
Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus
Operating System: Windows, Linux, Mac, Chrome OS
A broadcast-quality external capture card designed for professionals who demand uncompressed 4K60 video capture with zero latency. Whether you're streaming esports, producing live events, or using high-end cameras, this capture card delivers flawless performance with unmatched reliability.
Razer Ripsaw X
Operating System: Windows® 10 64-bit or higher
Delivers crystal-clear 4K30 or 1080p60 capture with ultra-low latency HDMI 2.0 and USB 3.0 connectivity for seamless streaming. Its compact, plug-and-play design works with DSLRs and handheld cameras, letting creators shoot directly to their stream or hard drive without worrying about memory card space.
Do You Need an HDMI Capture Card?
Not every streamer requires a capture card. Here’s how to decide:
You Might Need One If:
- You stream console games from a Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, or Xbox.
- You want to use a DSLR or mirrorless camera for high-quality video.
- You prioritize professional-level streams with minimal latency.
- You plan to record gameplay footage in high-resolution.
- You want to run a dual PC streaming setup for better performance.
- You use multiple cameras and need to switch between them seamlessly.
You Might Not Need One If:
- You stream PC games directly from your computer .
- You use a standard webcam and don’t require additional input sources.
- You use software like Streamlabs Desktop or Streamlabs Console that allows you to connect cameras and gaming consoles without a capture card.
Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or professional streamer, choosing the right HDMI capture card can significantly impact your streaming and recording quality. While software solutions like Streamlabs Desktop and Streamlabs Console allow some streamers to skip capture cards altogether, investing in the right hardware ensures top-tier video quality and low latency.
