What to look for

  • 1080p60 capture — the standard for smooth streams on Twitch and YouTube.
  • 4K or 1080p passthrough so you play lag-free on your TV while recording.
  • USB 3.0 (not 2.0) for a clean, low-delay signal.
  • Note: PS5 needs HDCP turned off in Settings > System > HDMI to capture gameplay.

Prices move often — most picks here regularly sell for around or under $60. Check the current price before buying.

Our picks

Best for: Best overall budget card

EVGA XR1 Lite

1080p60 capture with 4K passthrough and USB-C — plug-and-play with OBS.

  • 4K passthrough
  • Plug and play
  • Reliable
  • Can be hard to find in stock
Check price on Amazon

Best for: Trusted brand

AVerMedia Live Gamer MINI

A compact 1080p60 card from a long-running capture brand with free recording software.

  • Compact
  • Good software
  • 1080p passthrough
  • No 4K passthrough
Check price on Amazon

Best for: Switch and laptops

Genki ShadowCast 2

A tiny dongle that turns a laptop into a display for your Switch or console — great for travel.

  • Tiny
  • Low latency
  • Use laptop as screen
  • No passthrough
Check price on Amazon

Best for: Clean streams

NZXT Signal HD60

1080p60 capture with 4K60 passthrough and simple setup, aimed at new streamers.

  • 4K60 passthrough
  • Simple setup
  • No drivers
  • Often a bit over $60
Check price on Amazon

Cables matter

Use a high-speed 4K HDMI cable for passthrough, and a USB 3.0 extension cable if your PC is far from your console.

FAQ

Why is my PS5 capture card showing a black screen?

Turn off HDCP on the PS5 under Settings > System > HDMI.

Do I need a capture card for Switch?

Yes — the Switch has no built-in streaming, so a capture card is required.

Is 1080p enough for streaming?

Yes. Most platforms stream at 1080p or lower, so 1080p60 capture is ideal.