Here are the best capture cards for Xbox Series X and PS5 to capture and stream breathtaking gaming content. With the next-generation gaming consoles arriving in November, prep your gaming setups with these best 4K capture cards to be the next Twitch star.
Regardless of your console setup, you need a capture card to stream your gameplays to the masses. And with the Xbox Series X and PS5 supporting higher resolutions such as native 4K at 120 frames per second, only the best 4K capture cards are a match for the next-gen consoles. These capture cards allow you to stream your console gameplay to multiple platforms such as Twitch, Mixer, YouTube, Facebook, and more, or record your best moments and highlights to review them later.
But there are no HDMI 2.1 capture cards in the market yet. Meaning you can’t get the full HDMI 2.1 features such as 4K at 120fps. You can only play and capture at resolutions of up to 4K60 using the current capture cards.
Table of Contents
Best Internal Capture Cards for Xbox Series X and PS5
When choosing the best capture device for your next-generation console, it comes down to two choices; internal or external capture card. Internal capture cards are the best since they install directly to your PC via PCI Express. That means zero latency, allowing you to play and capture your gameplay with absolutely no delays or lag.
The Elgato 4K60 Pro and AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K are the best internal capture cards for Xbox Series X and PS5. They are similar in many ways but do have some differences. However, if you’re a Mac user or don’t have a desktop, you can still capture and record your console using external capture cards.
Best External Capture Cards for Xbox Series X and PS5
External capture cards use an external interface such as USB or Thunderbolt 3 to connect to your streaming PC. Because of bandwidth limitations of different protocols, external capture cards have some added latency. You may notice some delays between when the action happens on your gaming display and when it’s displayed on your capture/streaming monitor.
The best solution is to choose capture cards with a faster interface such as Thunderbolt 3. The AVerMedia Live Gamer Bolt is an outstanding Thunderbolt 3 capture card with superior low latency to rival the internal capture cards. We have only included capture cards supporting 4K resolution to deliver the best performance for your Xbox Series X and PS5.
The Best Capture Cards for Xbox Series X and PS5
| Image | Product | Details | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Elgato 4K60 Pro | Max. Pass-Through Resolution: 4K60 HDR Max. Record Resolution: 4K60 HDR Interface: PCIe x4 OS: Windows | Check on Amazon |
 | AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K | Max. Pass-Through Resolution: 4K60 HDR Max. Record Resolution: 4K60 HDR Interface: PCIe x4 OS: Windows | Check on Amazon |
 | AVerMedia Live Gamer Bolt | Max. Pass-Through Resolution: 4K60 HDR Max. Record Resolution: 4K60 HDR Interface: Thunderbolt 3 OS: Windows, MacOS | Check on Amazon |
 | Elgato Game Capture 4K60 S+ | Max. Pass-Through Resolution: 4K60 HDR Max. Record Resolution: 4K60 HDR Interface: USB 3.0, SD Card OS: Windows | Check on Amazon |
 | AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra | Max. Pass-Through Resolution: 4K60 HDR Max. Record Resolution: 4K30 Interface: USB 3.1 (Gen 1) Type-C OS: Windows, MacOS | Check on Amazon |
 | Razer Ripsaw HD | Max. Pass-Through Resolution: 4K60 Max. Record Resolution: 1080p60 Interface: USB 3.0 Type-C OS: Windows | Check on Amazon |
1. Elgato 4K60 Pro – Best Capture Card for Xbox Series X and PS5
The first capture card on our list is the Elgato 4K60 Pro. Yes, you read it right. From the gold standard of capture devices, Elgato raises the stakes higher with their 4K60 Pro capture card capable of streaming and recording 4K HDR content at 60 frames per second. It is an internal PCIe card, which means zero latency. Play and stream everything in real-time allowing you to add reactions and commentary at the correct timestamps.
The Elgato 4K60 Pro supports 4K resolution at 60 fps with HDR10 for realistic game worlds and images. You can play and capture/record at 4K60 instantly thanks to their zero-latency Gameview technology. It’s the best capture card for the PS5 and Xbox Series X. Well, before HDMI 2.1 capture devices start to appear in the market.
The capture device also supports a different combination of resolutions and refresh rates, including 1080p at 240Hz and 1440p at 144Hz. But the real reason we chose the Elgato 4K60 Pro as the best over the other 4K capture cards is its superior software features.
Not all of your audience will have HDR-capable displays, and streaming 4K60 HDR videos may result in washed-out images and terrible colors. The card also supports advanced features, including flashback recording, live commentary, and unlimited capture to your hard drive. The Elgato 4K60 Pro comes with custom-built 4KCU software to manage your live capture and recordings. It also works with most streaming apps like OBS Studio, Streamlabs OBS, and XSplit.
Again, this is an internal capture device. Ensure you have an available PCIe x4 slot or higher on your PC. The card has two HDMI ports—one to your gaming console and the other to your display.
Our TakeElgato 4K60 Pro is an outstanding 4K capture card perfect for the Xbox Series X and PS5. The support for 4K60 HDR passthrough and capture makes it an ideal combo for the next-gen consoles. With its superior lower latency and advanced software features, the 4K60 Pro is easily the best 4K capture card available.
- 4K60 HDR passthrough and capture
- Supports flashback recording
- Very low latency
- Supports 1080p@240Hz and 1440p@144Hz
- Capture to multiple apps
- HDR to SDR conversion
- Requires a desktop
2. AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K – Best Alternative
AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K is another internal 4K capture card ready for the Xbox Series X and PS5. It supports 4K60 HDR passthrough and capture, bringing high-quality video capture to gamers and content creators. This capture card also supports higher refresh rates up to 240Hz in Full HD, like the Elgato 4K60 Pro. However, you cannot capture video to multiple apps or convert the HDR content to SDR on-the-fly.
The Live Gamer 4K brings gamers aesthetic to your rig with RGB lighting, something the Elgato 4K60 Pro lacks. It’s an internal capture card, which means extremely low latency, and according to Blunty TV, it is actually better than the Elgato 4K60 Pro.
Besides recording 4K60 with HDR, which is the best feature for PS5 and Xbox Series X, the Live Gamer 4K also supports different resolutions and refresh rates combos such as 1440p 144Hz and 1080p 240Hz. You can also record audio at 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound to give your viewers an authentic gaming experience. But the best feature yet is the support for ultrawide resolutions, perfect for your fancy 34inch or 49inch ultrawide monitor.
The Live Gamer 4K capture card comes with the RECentral software that can capture high-resolution HDR content and stream to multiple platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, Mixer, and Ustream. You also record and edit your 4K videos using the bundled CyberLink PowerDirector 15 software.
Our TakeThe AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K is similar to the Elgato 4K60 Pro in many ways. Both can record higher resolution and HDR content, but the Live Gamer 4K wins in terms of latency. Also, the Live Gamer 4K has exciting features, including ultrawide support, RGB lighting, and support for 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound passthrough. If you don’t want to capture to multiple apps or convert your streams from HDR to SDR, the AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K is the best capture card for your PS5 and Xbox Series X.
- Great aesthetics with RGB lighting
- 4K60 HDR capture and passthrough
- Ultrawide support
- 5.1/7.1 surround sound support
- Ultra-low latency
- Supports 1080p@240Hz and 1440p@144Hz
- Bundled software for recording, streaming, and editing
- Cannot capture to multiple apps
3. AVerMedia Live Gamer Bolt – Best External Capture Card for PS5 and Xbox Series X
While internal capture cards are the best, they are not an option for everyone. First, you need a desktop with an available PCIe x4 (or higher), and they won’t work with a MacBook. But we have the best solution for you, AVerMedia Live Gamer Bolt. The Live Gamer Bolt supports 4Kp60 HDR passthrough and recording, just like the internal cards in this roundup. The only difference here is it uses a Thunderbolt 3 interface to connect to your streaming PC, which adds a little bit of latency.
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Bolt comes with a compact, portable design with some RGB lighting to bring life to your streaming setup. The perforated body and cooling fan prevent any bottlenecks that may arise from overheating problems. On the back, you’ll find the connectivity ports, which include a Thunderbolt 3 port for your PC, two HDMI ports, and a 3.5mm audio input jack for live commentary.
This capture card rivals the best options in the market in terms of performance. Record crystal-clear 4Kp60 content with HDR for breathtaking contrasts and highlights, or capture higher refresh rates up to 240Hz in Full HD for the smoothest gameplay. The Live Gamer Bolt also supports 7.1 surround sound passthrough for the best immersive gaming experience.
The 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 port allows for incredibly low latency of less than 50ms. That allows you to play and capture everything in real-time and react to your best shots and skills at the correct timestamps. Onboard you’ll get the RECentral streaming app and PowerDirector 15 4K video editor. The AVerMedia Live Gamer Bolt works with the most popular streaming apps, including XSplit and OBS, and it works with both Mac and PC.
Our TakeThe AVerMedia Live Gamer Bolt is an excellent capture card that can record 4K60 content with HDR. It is the best external capture card for the Xbox Series X and PS5, thanks to its Thunderbolt 3 interface, which ensures ultra-low latency. It is as powerful as the leading internal capture cards, and though expensive, it is worth every penny.
- Thunderbolt 3 interface for low latency
- 4K60 HDR capture and passthrough
- Supports higher resolutions up to 240Hz
- RGB lighting
- 5.1/7.1 surround sound support
- Handy software included
- Added latency compared to internal cards
4. Elgato Game Capture 4K60 S+ – Record 4K60 HDR Without a PC
The Elgato Game Capture 4K60 S+ is another external capture card that can capture stunning 4K HDR content at 60fps. The best part? You don’t need a computer. The 4K60 S+ can directly record an SD card, allowing you to capture crystal clear gameplay from anywhere without a PC or software. Alternatively, you can record to your PC’s hard drive and stream in real-time via a USB 3.0 cable. However, USB 3.0 has more latency compared to Thunderbolt 3.
The 4K60 S+ is a lightweight and portable capture card measuring only 5.59 x 4.37 x 1.25 inches and 345 grams. It’s the best capture card for recording live eSports events and tournaments, or just anywhere. Install your SD card, and hit record. No drivers or software are required.
Elgato Game Capture 4K60 S+ supports 4K60 HDR passthrough and capture with zero lag and low latency making it an excellent capture card for the Xbox Series X and PS5. Like most Elgato capture cards, the 4K60 S+ supports flashback recording, allowing you to rewind the video to save your epic shots and best skills. The card also supports live commentary and automatically sets the recording resolution and file format to the console and display settings when recording directly to an SD card.
However, the Elgato Game Capture 4K60 S+ does not support 1080P240/1440P144 pass through and won’t capture to multiple apps.Manage your capture and recording using the dedicated 4KCU software custom-built for the 4K60 S+. Add your voice for live commentary, access features like flashback recording, and browse your recorded video files with ease. The capture also works with the leading streaming software such as OBS.
Our TakeWith most capture cards requiring a powerful PC, the Elgato Game Capture 4K60 S+ doesn’t need any PC or software to record stunning 4K60 HDR gameplay. You can take the capture card with you to concerts and gaming tournaments to record breathtaking gameplay. It’s from Elgato, so you can expect the best performance and advanced features, allowing you to deliver immersive and stunning content to your audience.
- Standalone recording, no PC required
- 4K60 HDR passthrough and capture
- Flashback recording
- Onboard hardware encoder
- Does not support 1080p240 and 1440p144 passthrough
- USB 3.0 adds latency
5. AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra – Best Budget Capture Card for Xbox Series X and PS5
With the best 4K capture cards expensive, the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra brings 4K60 HDR passthrough to your PS5 and Xbox Series X on a budget. But it has some caveats. The Live Gamer Ultra can only capture 4K at 30 frames per second. You can still play your games in stunning 4K quality at 60fps.
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra is an external 4K capture card with a black, perforated body and some red accents. It comes with a USB 3.1 (Gen1) Type-C interface to connect to your PC and two HDMI 2.0 ports for your gaming console and display. Expect some more latency here during streaming compared to the Thunderbolt 3 Live Gamer Bolt capture card.
Elsewhere, it’s business as usual. The Live Gamer Ultra supports 4K60 HDR gameplay so you can enjoy your games with breathtaking clarity and realistic images. It also supports different pass-through resolutions and refresh rates combos, including 1440p at 144Hz and 1080p at 240Hz. But the card can only record 4K gameplay at 30fps, 1440p at 60fps, 1080p at 120fps, and 1080p at 60fps with HDR.
AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra is still the cheapest capture card to record 4K content.Onboard you get advanced features such as support for ultrawide resolution and compatibility with both Mac and PC. This card comes with the RECentral software that allows you to capture and stream to multiple platforms. You can also edit your 4K footage using CyberLink PowerDirector 15 (product key included). Other apps compatible with this capture card are XSplit, OBS, Streamlabs, and more.
Our TakeAVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra is a great 4K capture card for the Xbox Series X and PS5 if you’re on a budget. The only downside is it only captures up to 4K at 30 frames per second. You can, however, play your games in 4K60 HDR quality. It’s easy to recommend the Live Gamer Ultra to budget streamers since it packs the premium features found in AVerMedia top capture devices.
- 4K60 HDR pass-through and 4K30 capture
- Support different resolutions and refresh rates
- Ultrawide support
- Works on both Mac and PC, no drivers required
- Software included
- Cannot capture 4K60
- Added latency
6. Razer Ripsaw HD – Cheapest Capture Card for Xbox Series X and PS5
Razer Ripsaw HD is another affordable capture card perfect for the PS5 and Xbox Series X. It is the cheapest option in this roundup, allowing you to play 4K games at 60fps, but it can only record at 1080p 60fps, with no HDR support.
The Ripsaw HD is a simple black box with Razer’s logo on the top surface. It has a USB-C interface, two HDMI ports, and audio input and output audio monitoring or adding live commentary. However, the Ripsaw HD is not compatible with macOS, but it works fine with all compatible Windows PC. No drivers are required.
The capture brings 4K60 gaming to your PS5 and Xbox Series X. It also supports other resolutions such as 1440p at 30fps. Razer Ripsaw HD isn’t the best capture card to get the best out of the next-gen consoles, but it is great for most users. If you don’t want to stream 4K content or don’t care about HDR, the Ripsaw HD can be an excellent addition to your console setup.
The Ripsaw HD does not come with any bundled software. But it works with the leading broadcasting apps in the market, including XSplit and OBS. Capture and stream 1080p content at 60fps to your audience with live commentary and minimal latency while you play your games in breathtaking 4K quality.
Our TakeThe Razer Ripsaw HD isn’t like the other capture cards that can capture 4K content. But it allows 4K60 gaming on your Xbox Series X and PS5 while recording at 1080p. You don’t get the full 4K experience here, but you can still stream high-quality footage to your viewers and add lots of customizations, including live commentary. You don’t have to spend much if you want to play 4K and capture 1080p footage.
- Cheap and affordable
- Solid build quality
- Uninterrupted 4K60 pass-through
- Superior audio capture and mixing
- Not compatible with Mac
- Cannot capture 4K
Best Capture Cards for Xbox Series X and PS5: Frequently Asked Questions
Will Elgato work with Xbox series X and PS5?
Yes. Since HDMI is backward compatible, all current Elgato capture cards will work with Xbox Series X and PS5. But the features will be limited to the HDMI version of the capture device.
What is the best game capture device for PS5 & Xbox Series X?
Since there are no HDMI 2.1 capture cards, the best capture device for PS5 and Xbox Series X is the one that supports 4K60 HDR pass-through and capture. Most of the featured capture cards in this option supports up to 4K at 60fps.
How do I set up a capture card for PS5?
Connect your PS5 to the HDMI input port and your monitor or TV to the HDMI output port. If it’s an external capture card, connect it to your PC via the available interface such as Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C and start live streaming right away.
Can a capture card record audio?
Yes. Capture cards support the game audio pass-through and capture. Some premium capture cards allow you to add multiple audio sources or live commentary to your recorded footage.
What is the best cheap capture card for PS5 and Xbox Series X?
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra and Razer Ripsaw HD are the cheapest capture cards for Xbox Series X and PS5, but they don’t support 4K60 capture.
