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10 Best Capture Cards 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Razer Ripsaw HD - Capture Card for Streaming

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,454
Resolution and Frame Rate
Input and Output Ports
Compatibility

Most important from
878 reviews

Resolution and Frame Rate
Video and audio quality deliver a clear and professional streaming experience at 1080p.
Input and Output Ports
The device is missing a necessary HDMI cable, which feels like a notable oversight given the price point.
Compatibility
Some users encounter frustrating issues that prevent the card from working properly, emphasizing the importance of compatibility checks.

The Razer Ripsaw HD is a solid choice for streamers who want to capture smooth, high-quality video at 1080p and 60 frames per second, making your streams look clear and professional. It also supports 4K pass-through at 60 FPS, so you can enjoy playing games on a 4K monitor without any lag or compromise in visuals while streaming in Full HD. With HDMI 2.0 and USB 3.0 connections, it offers quick data transfer with minimal delay, which is important for keeping your streaming in sync with your gameplay. The inclusion of a 3.5 mm audio input simplifies mixing your game and microphone sounds without needing complicated software, a nice feature for beginners or those who want an easy setup.

Compatibility is good as it works with both Mac and PC, though it is emphasized as being particularly suited for Mac systems. The device is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry or fit into a streaming setup without clutter. It captures video at 1080p only, so if you want to stream or record in higher resolutions, this might not fully meet your needs.

Latency is low, however, it does not include advanced hardware encoding options, which means your computer might need to handle more of the processing workload during streaming. The Razer Ripsaw HD provides a dependable, user-friendly capture card especially suited for those new to streaming or who want a hassle-free experience with good video quality at 1080p.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,454
Resolution and Frame Rate
Input and Output Ports
Compatibility

Most important from
878 reviews

Resolution and Frame Rate
Video and audio quality deliver a clear and professional streaming experience at 1080p.
Input and Output Ports
The device is missing a necessary HDMI cable, which feels like a notable oversight given the price point.
Compatibility
Some users encounter frustrating issues that prevent the card from working properly, emphasizing the importance of compatibility checks.
#2

Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Recorder 3G (BM-BDLKULSDMAREC3G)

Rating
8.8
Resolution and Frame Rate
Input and Output Ports
Compatibility

Most important from
429 reviews

Resolution and Frame Rate
Supports high-quality HD video capture with precise 10-bit color depth and professional chroma sampling, ensuring vibrant and accurate footage.
Input and Output Ports
Delivers flawless performance with no issues when used on a Mac via Thunderbolt, making it perfect for seamless OBS streaming setups.
Compatibility
Delivers flawless performance with no issues when used on a Mac via Thunderbolt, making it perfect for seamless OBS streaming setups.
Form Factor
The compact, lightweight design fits effortlessly into portable workflows without compromising on professional-grade video capture quality.

The Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Recorder 3G is a compact capture card designed mainly for video recording needs with Windows and Linux compatibility. It supports full HD 1080p resolution and professional 10-bit color depth with 4:4:4 and 2:2:2 chroma sampling, which is great for capturing high-quality video with accurate colors. It connects via Thunderbolt, offering a fast and reliable interface, perfect for users with compatible laptops or desktops. The device includes SDI and HDMI outputs, making it versatile for different video sources.

Its small form factor and lightweight design make it easy to fit into portable setups. It does not support resolutions beyond 1080p like 4K, which may limit future-proofing or users needing ultra-high definition capture. This capture card is a solid choice for professionals and content creators looking to record or capture high-quality HD footage on Windows or Linux, especially when portability and color precision matter. Those needing 4K support or ultra-low latency might want to explore other options.

Rating
8.8
Resolution and Frame Rate
Input and Output Ports
Compatibility

Most important from
429 reviews

Resolution and Frame Rate
Supports high-quality HD video capture with precise 10-bit color depth and professional chroma sampling, ensuring vibrant and accurate footage.
Input and Output Ports
Delivers flawless performance with no issues when used on a Mac via Thunderbolt, making it perfect for seamless OBS streaming setups.
Compatibility
Delivers flawless performance with no issues when used on a Mac via Thunderbolt, making it perfect for seamless OBS streaming setups.
Form Factor
The compact, lightweight design fits effortlessly into portable workflows without compromising on professional-grade video capture quality.
#3

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)

Rating
8.5
Resolution and Frame Rate
Input and Output Ports
Compatibility

Most important from
365 reviews

Resolution and Frame Rate
The capture card reliably streams and records 1080p video with minimal latency, maintaining smooth synchronization with gameplay or video sources.
Input and Output Ports
HDMI loop-out functionality allows uninterrupted gameplay on a monitor while simultaneously streaming, with no noticeable lag.
Compatibility
Works seamlessly with a variety of devices including gaming consoles and NVR systems, expanding its utility beyond just gaming.
Form Factor
Compact and portable design makes it convenient for on-the-go content creation or casual streaming setups.

This VIXLW 4K HDMI Capture Card is designed mainly for capturing Full HD 1080p video at 60 frames per second, which is solid for most streaming and recording needs. It supports HDMI input and USB 3.0 output, ensuring a stable and fast connection to your PC or Mac without needing additional drivers or power, making it very easy to use with a plug-and-play setup. The card works well with many devices like gaming consoles (PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch), cameras, and more.

One useful feature is the HDMI loop-out, which lets you play your game on a monitor with no noticeable delay while streaming. It also has a microphone input for adding live commentary, although this only works with a specific 3.5mm mic, which could be limiting for some users. Despite the product name mentioning 4K, it actually captures video at 1080p resolution, so it’s not suitable if you need true 4K recording. Latency is low, which means your stream will stay synced with your gameplay or video. The compact form factor makes it portable and easy to carry around.

This capture card provides a straightforward, reliable option for casual streamers or content creators wanting good quality 1080p capture without complex setup or extra equipment. For those needing higher resolutions or more advanced features, other models may be more appropriate.

Rating
8.5
Resolution and Frame Rate
Input and Output Ports
Compatibility

Most important from
365 reviews

Resolution and Frame Rate
The capture card reliably streams and records 1080p video with minimal latency, maintaining smooth synchronization with gameplay or video sources.
Input and Output Ports
HDMI loop-out functionality allows uninterrupted gameplay on a monitor while simultaneously streaming, with no noticeable lag.
Compatibility
Works seamlessly with a variety of devices including gaming consoles and NVR systems, expanding its utility beyond just gaming.
Form Factor
Compact and portable design makes it convenient for on-the-go content creation or casual streaming setups.

Buying Guide for the Best Capture Cards

When choosing a capture card, it's important to consider your specific needs and the type of content you plan to create. Capture cards are used to record and stream video from various sources, such as gaming consoles, cameras, or other devices, to your computer. Understanding the key specifications will help you select the best capture card for your requirements, ensuring high-quality recordings and smooth streaming experiences.
Resolution and Frame RateResolution refers to the clarity of the video, measured in pixels, while frame rate indicates how many frames per second (fps) the capture card can record or stream. Higher resolutions like 1080p or 4K provide sharper images, and higher frame rates like 60fps offer smoother motion. If you are a gamer or content creator who prioritizes high-quality visuals, opt for a capture card that supports at least 1080p at 60fps. For professional use or future-proofing, consider 4K resolution support.
Input and Output PortsCapture cards come with various input and output ports, such as HDMI, SDI, or USB. These ports determine the types of devices you can connect to the capture card. HDMI is the most common and supports most gaming consoles and cameras. SDI is typically used in professional settings. Ensure the capture card has the necessary ports to connect your devices. If you plan to use multiple devices, look for a capture card with multiple input options.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to how well the capture card works with your computer's operating system and software. Some capture cards are designed specifically for Windows or macOS, while others are compatible with both. Additionally, check if the capture card supports popular streaming software like OBS or XSplit. Ensure the capture card you choose is compatible with your setup to avoid any technical issues.
LatencyLatency is the delay between the input signal and the output display. Lower latency is crucial for live streaming and gaming, as it ensures real-time feedback and interaction. Capture cards with low latency provide a smoother and more responsive experience. If you are a live streamer or gamer, prioritize capture cards with minimal latency to enhance your performance and viewer experience.
EncodingEncoding refers to the process of compressing video data for storage or streaming. Some capture cards come with built-in hardware encoding, which offloads the processing from your computer, resulting in better performance and higher quality streams. If you have a powerful computer, software encoding might be sufficient. However, for less powerful systems or to reduce the load on your computer, a capture card with hardware encoding is a better choice.
Form FactorForm factor refers to the physical size and design of the capture card. There are internal capture cards that fit into your computer's PCIe slot and external capture cards that connect via USB or Thunderbolt. Internal capture cards generally offer better performance but require installation inside your computer. External capture cards are more portable and easier to set up. Choose the form factor that best suits your needs and setup.

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