Do you have the curiosity to know about the best capture card that is suitable for PS4 and Xbox? 🤔
Your search finally ends with this buyer’s guide.
The best part?
All the Capture Card For PS4 and Xbox mentioned in this buyer’s guide is manually tested by our review team based on Cost, Video Quality, and Ease of Usage.
So without further ado, Let’s dive right in. 🎭
If you love games, then you will definitely like this post, because in it, we will be discussing a lot about capture cards, which is an important accessory for an improved gaming experience.
Of course, every game player has spectacular moments, and for sure they want to capture such spectacular moments so that they can play them over and over again in the future.
If you want to capture amazing moments from your gameplay time on your PC or console, then you will be needing a capture card, and yes, it has to be a great brand to function as perfectly as you want. These little devices are not only great for gaming, but they also perform well for video recording and for saving your recorded videos in the best possible quality.
Additionally, recent game capture cards are now made to feature additional software that will support the inculcation of voiceover and easy editing of recordings, all these for the purpose of improving gaming experiences.
Presently, there are so many brand options to choose from that a newbie can easily get confused while looking out for the best option to meet their specific needs.
Well, if you are a newbie or even an experienced user that still gets confused when looking through the available options for your specific needs, then this guide will be important to you because, in it, we have especially examined the best brands available in the market.
Additionally, we have outlined the various categories of Capture cards as well as the things to look out for when buying one. First, here are five of the best capture cards to start the year with.
Best Capture Card: Our Top Picks 👌👌
1. Elongate Game Capture HD60 Pro
It should really not surprise you that we’ve started our list with this powerful capture card if you know its power and performance level.
The device works for high-end capture purposes. It records effortlessly, and at the same time can stream games from PS4, Xbox One, Wii, or in fact any other games console that supports the use of HDMI output without dropping the quality of its recordings.
It by far sets itself apart from every other capture card in its class, especially considering the inclusion of a lag-free instant Gameview.
What this does is give you access to theoretically play the game, directly with the capture software. This feature is highly useful for times when you may want to monitor your capturing but are stuck with just a single screen.
Another interesting recording feature of the Elgato HD60 Pro is the 1080p 60Hz capture that allows you to easily pause and rewind in times when you are attempting flashback recording.
On its physical features and designs, this device is built to be an internal PCI-E card and not a USB device like most other capture devices in its class. This is the specific feature that makes it able to work on Instant Gameview mode.
However, there is a need to point out that the feature also reduces its versatility. What we mean is that while other capture devices like the HD60 can be plugged into any laptop, making it usable anywhere and at any time, the HD60 Pro will rather be shut away inside the PC.
Of course, you can take your PC with you anywhere; you know for sure that it’s not going to be as easy as you want.
The card is designed to make use of a PCI-E x1 slot, so you naturally expect it to work comfortably with any motherboard manufactured within the last decade. It is equipped with an HDMI input that works to receive feed from your game console and another HDMI that is plugged into the TV or monitor.
On its setup, installation shouldn’t be much of a problem. All it takes is for you to just slot in the card, after which you will plug your output and input feeds, and you are good to go.
The software that the capture card operates with is simple to understand. The live feed coming from the console gets shown on the top left side and this will either be shown as instant as it comes in or delayed a little for the software to fully record the scene before it gets shown, all depending on the record option you are choosing.
Overall, the device operates on software that allows you to just easily jump into the task of streaming, recording, editing, and sharing the parts of your gaming exploit that you want to show off, without the troubles you’d have ordinarily gone through when recording and editing a video which makes it to perfectly fit in our best capture card list.
Below are some of the Pros and Cons of the Elongate Game Capture HD60 Pro that earned it a spot in our list of Best Capture Card to get in 2022.
Pros:-
- Very good quality of video recording
- Comes with software that is very easy to use
- Has a PCI-E interface that allows a lag-free view
Cons:-
- It is very expensive
- Its PCI-E interface causes a limitation in portability.
https://youtu.be/0IrLWdd5ick
2. Blackmagic Design Intensity Pro 4K
Like the name of this device must have suggested to you, it is simply pure magic. We can quite easily say that it is built to feature more than a vast majority of users need, which is a very big plus to it.
You will not be wrong if you tag it as a professional capture device that has the capability of handling broadcast or even movie media workflows. It also functions perfectly when used as a capture device for games.
Installation is not so difficult, although you will need to crack your PC open to be able to get it installed into a 4x PCI-E slot since it is a PCI-E card.
After installation, the software can then be downloaded from the official website of the company, or installed from the two SD cards that will be found in the box.
The device features an HDMI out and HDMI In that allows passthrough during the process of outputting captured video playbacks.
The pack also features a breakout cable that can only be qualified as a monster. The cable allows the capture and output of components, composite, and S-Video.
The feature offers some badass flexibility, giving you the ability to step back from the trend if you want. With the card’s highest capture settings, you can fill up a 480 GB SSD, within 30 minutes.
The point here is that if you are aiming to have an exceptionally good video quality during capture, and you, of course, want to capture at lossless settings, while keeping the quality of your capture as high as possible, then there is no hiding the fact that what you need is the Blackmagic Design Intensity Pro 4K.
It is also worth noting that the device captures 1080p. Don’t get too carried away by its name, because despite being named as Pro 4k, the device is still not suitable for capturing PlayStation 4 Pro.
Of course, we don’t expect it to, not when it was released way back in the early months of 2015 when HDMI 1.4 was obviously the biggest shot for it to accept 2160p.
Overall, despite its look and very few shortcomings, this capture card is still one of the most powerful cards in its class.
For professionals that seek to work without having the quality of their work compromised in any way, the card’s software allows users to save files, even without the need for compression.
Below are some of the Pros and Cons of The Blackmagic Design Intensity Pro 4K that earned it a spot in our list of Best Capture Card to get in 2022.
Pros:-
- It rates very high as one of the most powerful cards in its class.
- It seamlessly captures Ultra HD at 30fps and 1080p at 60 fps.
Cons:-
- It is relatively expensive, but that is covered by its performance level.
- It is gradually becoming outdated.
3. Razer Ripsaw
Capture cards are always mentioned in relation to gaming, and when it’s about gaming accessories, only a few companies do it as well as Razer.
Razer has gotten so good with manufacturing PC gaming accessories, that recently the company had to open its own retail store. So, it is not really surprising that the company’s capture card is making this review among the best.
The Ripsaw functions as an external device for capturing video. The main purpose of this device is to capture footage that will be used to create videos or to help live-streaming video games.
For its purpose, you may need a Windows PC that boasts enough hardware power, as weaker systems will hardly support this card and most other external capture cards in general.
Take one look at the pack and you know for sure that the device is produced for high-end users. Each pack contains a black USB 3.0 cable, 4-ft component AV cable, 3-ft. HDMI cable (black), component AV cable for PS3 connectivity, and a 3.5mm audio cable.
At a size of 5.1 × 3.4 × 0.7 inches, it is obvious that the Ripsaw is a bit bigger than the Elgato HD60, although the difference may not be felt if you don’t look properly. The box is colored black and has rounded corners.
On the front panel, you can see a large LED light that comes on as either red or green, depending on the software status of the device.
On the left part of the LED location are two audio input jacks at 3.5mm. The jacks are there to allow users the ability to mix audio from separate sources than the video they are creating, without needing another input device. The rear of the box features different jacks, each for HDMI in, HDMI out, component in, and USB 3.0.
On the setup of the device, the port labels are not exactly visible, although it takes quite an easy process to connect the Ripsaw. You can capture a signal from any gaming console that supports HDMI output, and it involves an even simpler process.
All you have to do is to let your HDMI cable run from the console to the input Jack located on the Ripsaw. Next, connect another HDMI cable from the output jack of the Ripsaw to your display device.
In case you will want to capture from a pre-HDMI system, simply just attach the component AV cable to the native component video cable of the console.
Once the video cables have been put in order, the next step will be to use the included USB 3.0 cable to connect the device to a Windows-enabled PC.
Once a connection is done properly, the LED on the Ripsaw will come on and a prompt message will ask you to download Razer’s Synapse Software.
On its performance, only a few capture cards can boast to beat the incredible performance power of this device. The Ripsaw uses very little latency to communicate with your PC, although you need to connect the Ripsaw to a TV before playing anything from your Xsplit window.
The Ripsaw stands at an advantageous position over Elgato when it comes to the audio mixing capabilities and component video support which makes it fit in our best capture card list.
Below are some of the Pros and Cons of The Razer Ripsaw that earned it a spot in our list of Best Capture Card to get in 2022.
Pros:-
- It has an LED light that helps users easily identify its connection status
- It is packed with enough connectivity components
Cons:-
- Not so good quality of video recording and streaming
- It may develop some software issues when subjected to some users.
4. AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2
Over the past few years, we’ve seen the relationship between gaming and streaming grow rapidly. While Razer, Elgato, and even diamond are all exciting choices, AVerMedia has recently stepped up their game with the all-new live game portable 2 plus. Guess what?
This card is definitely worth the look. One of the most fascinating things about this card is that it reflects the efforts of the manufacturers to integrate it into our daily workflow.
The portable 2 plus has a simple look, yet, you will not be able to take away the quality it represents, even on the first look.
Its aesthetic is red and black, giving it a look that fits with most modern gaming setups. The controls on the box are not too much since they’ve been limited to the ones that are most needed.
There is a big button, present at the center of the device with a light that moves from blue to red, depending on power and signal status. Once you want to record, tap on the button and you are good to go.
The button is also effective when you switch to PC mode, enabling you to start ReCentral 4 Recording with one tap on it. Like in the Razer Ripsaw, the front of this device also has two built-in 3.5mm ports, one for mic in and the other for a headset.
Other options on the front include a mode switch and a volume rocker to give it a cool but relatively serious look.
A glance at the back of the device and you will see a host of options and slots including HDMI in-out, a Micro SD card to be used when on stand-alone mode, and a Micro USB.
Other components you will find attached to this device in the box include the HDMI cable, an audio cord, a USB cable. The portable 2 plus has a very simple design that makes it need very few additional components. In addition, the device can be used even on the go, needing just a few minutes to come on.
There are two ways the device can be used. For on-the-go recording, you may want to try out the standalone mode. In this mode, the device will be able to run without the need for a PC.
All it takes is to plug in the USB cable to a power supply, get the HDMI cable connected, insert a sizeable Micro SD card, and you are good to go. That’s how easy it can get, and yes, it captures 1080p 60 in H.264, without stuttering, lagging, or developing any other issues.
You will be very impressed at how the device manages to capture footage. One part of it that’s very exciting is the part where users are able to use the included 3.5mm ports for the purpose of injecting audio commentary into their gameplay.
Overall, the company has really planned the device in a way that’s both fascinating and wonderful.
Truly, not everyone will be interested in a standalone device, but that shouldn’t worry you either since the device is also well designed to utilize a PC and still work perfectly.
Just use the USB to connect it and you are good to go without glitches. You don’t have to worry about settings and drivers since it is designed to be a simple plug-and-play device.
Pros:-
- Designed to work in two distinct modes to fit different usage classes.
- Easy to understand functionalities
- Set for usage straight from the box
Cons:-
- Relatively expensive.
5. Epiphan AV.io 4K
Most times, a high price is related to good quality, and this device is not very different. At $477, it is certainly the most expensive on our list and yes, it is worth every penny you’ll be spending on it. The device works for high-end capture purposes.
It records effortlessly, and at the same time can stream games from PS4, Xbox One, Wii, or in fact any other games console that supports the use of HDMI output without dropping the quality of its recordings.
The Epiphan AV.io 4K has a simple look, yet, you will not be able to take away the quality it represents, even on the first look.
Its aesthetic is simple but great, giving it a look that fits with most modern gaming setups. The controls on the box are not too much since they’ve been limited to the ones that are most needed.
The software that the capture card operates with is simple to understand. The live feed coming from the console gets shown on the top left side and this will either be shown as instant as it comes in or delayed a little for the software to fully record the scene before it gets shown, all depending on the record option you are choosing.
Overall, the device operates on software that allows you to just easily jump into the task of streaming, recording, editing, and sharing the parts of your gaming exploit that you want to show off, without the troubles you’d have ordinarily gone through when recording and editing a video.
Other components you will find attached to this device in the box includes HDMI cable, an audio cord, a USB cable.
The portable 2 plus has a very simple design that makes it need very few additional components. In addition, the device can be used even on the go, needing just a few minutes to come on which makes it fit in our best capture card list.
Below are some of the Pros and Cons of The Epiphan AV.io 4K that earned it a spot in our list of Best Capture Card to get in 2022.
Pros:-
- It is a top of its line product in terms of functionality.
- Set for usage straight from the box
- It is packed with enough connectivity components
Cons:-
- It is very expensive.
Categories of Capture Cards
Having known a lot about capture cards and the best available brands in the market, you are probably already thinking about getting one that will suit your personal usage.
It is, however, important to know that there are different categories of Capture cards and each brand falls under a particular category, although some may capture functionalities from more than one category.
It is important to know which category each falls under and whether it will meet your needs before going to purchase them. Below, we’ve outlined the most popular categories of Capture cards and a little about how they are used.
We will be discussing 5 distinct types of Capture cards
PC:-
This category stands out as the most popular and its popularity is not completely unrelated to the fact that it is one of the oldest categories. At times when you may decide to work on dual-system mode, it is this capture device that will help connect a secondary PC to the primary PC you are working on.
Its main duty is built around helping you maintain optimal performance across both computers as you work. This feature makes it great for competitive gamers.
Gamers who need to stream simultaneously, while playing at a competitive FPS rate will particularly find cards in this category interesting for their usage.
PlayStation:-
This is yet another very popular category of Capture cards. For gamers, this category of Capture cards will bring added flexibility to them as they look forward to doing fancy stuff while gaming. In comparison to simple software, the card helps users to easily stream record or edit gameplay footage.
Xbox:-
Xbox users will enjoy using this category of Capture cards. They are useful to them for larger size gameplay footage, which is a plus to them when compared to simple software. When used with Xbox, streaming, and editing is made easier and faster.
Mac:-
Not all capture cards work on Mac, therefore if you want to stream a game on a Mac platform, you will want to check and be sure that the category of Capture card you are picking supports this function.
3DS and Wii:-
When you want to transfer content between devices, you will want to buy a 3DS or Wii for perfect functionality.
Best Capture Card: What To Consider
Capture cards are very sensitive devices and their purchase may require a careful look into a lot of things.
For example, while you will naturally want to look into the cost of the capture cards to be sure that it will not eat too deep into your budget, you also want to be guaranteed of excellent performance, hence there’s a need to look at so many criteria before making your final choice of Capture cards.
If you are purchasing a capture card for the first time, here are four major criteria that you may want to look into before making your choice:
Cost:-
For every purchase you will be making, the price is a very important criterion to look at. You simply want to get the best deal in terms of price and for sure, you will be looking at your pocket to be sure that you can afford whatever product you opt for.
This is also an important aspect to look into capture cards. Depending on your needs and budget, you can go for cheaper cards if you will be using it for a few occasional videos.
However, if you will need to work on a high scale basis, you may need some of the high-cost capture cards, since most times, the high cost will be related to better performance.
Video Quality:-
No doubt, every buyer wants great quality in any of their purchases. If you are going to purchase a capture card, you want one that provides great video quality while giving enough support needed for high image resolutions.
You will also need to look at the frame rate, at least to be sure that it is high enough to aid the recording of valuable content.
Those that will need to record powerful games will need to look for capture cards that support Full HD or 4K resolution to help you maintain perfect results during live streaming.
Ease of Usage:-
Some of the popular capture cards available for high-end usage are characterized by a number of features that are meant to aid users to achieve a number of things with ease.
📗FAQ’s on Best Capture Card
Below are a couple of queries on Best Capture Card that everyone is expecting to answer and I did include the same for my readers.
Is it better to stream with a capture card?
So as long as you are playing a game and streaming on the same computer, a capture card will not improve your performance. Capture cards are supposed to be used in a second PC that is dedicated to streaming.
Do you need a capture card for PC?
You will need a way to record information from your gaming PC. For the most part, motherboards do not have video input devices on them. To solve this, you will need a capture card, preferably with HDMI and HD support.
Will a capture card help with streaming?
It helps users to capture their gaming consoles like PlayStation or Xbox etc.
Can I stream without a capture card?
Yes, you can with some apps.
Conclusion
For efficient usage, you need to know how the device is operated and how best to use the functionalities. For this reason, and to get the best out of a card, you want to get one that can be used easily. Check out specifications beforehand to be sure of all the functionalities and know how to handle them before purchase.
