Capture Card Guide: Elgato vs AVerMedia for Stream Setup

In the dynamic world of live content creation, where every frame and every millisecond counts, the choice of equipment can significantly elevate or hinder your production quality. While high-end cameras and powerful gaming PCs often steal the spotlight, a less visible but equally critical component for many serious streamers and content creators is the capture card. This essential device acts as the bridge between your gaming console, a secondary PC, or a professional camera and your streaming computer, converting high-definition video signals into a format that can be broadcast live or recorded for later editing.

For years, two names have dominated the capture card market, becoming synonymous with reliability and performance: Elgato and AVerMedia. Both brands offer a comprehensive range of solutions, from entry-level devices perfect for budding streamers to advanced cards designed for intricate dual-PC setups and professional broadcasting. Navigating their extensive product lines to find the "perfect" capture card for your specific needs can be daunting. This comprehensive guide will dissect the offerings from Elgato and AVerMedia, providing an in-depth comparison of their features, performance, software ecosystems, and value propositions, ensuring you make an informed decision to power your next stream.

Understanding Capture Cards: What They Are and Why You Need One

At its core, a capture card is a hardware component that takes a video signal from an external source (like a gaming console, a DSLR camera, or another computer's display output) and converts it into a digital format that your streaming or recording PC can process. Without a capture card, connecting a console directly to your PC for streaming isn't feasible, as your computer lacks the necessary hardware to interpret and utilize that video input effectively for real-time broadcasting or high-quality recording.

Why Not Just Software? The Performance Advantage

Many modern graphics cards and streaming software like OBS Studio offer software-based encoding and capture solutions. While these are suitable for single-PC gaming streams where the game runs on the same machine as the streaming software, they fall short in scenarios requiring an external video source. A dedicated capture card provides:

• Dedicated Hardware Encoding: Some capture cards feature their own encoders, offloading the processing burden from your CPU and GPU, which is crucial for maintaining game performance and stream stability, especially in dual-PC setups.
• Input Flexibility: They allow you to integrate multiple devices, such as consoles, professional cameras, or even retro gaming systems, into your modern streaming workflow.
• Superior Quality: By handling the video signal before it reaches your PC's processing pipeline, capture cards can often maintain a higher level of video fidelity, color accuracy, and low latency passthrough.
• Reduced Latency: Dedicated hardware is designed for speed, ensuring that the delay between your external source and your preview on the streaming PC is minimal, and often completely imperceptible on the passthrough display.

Types of Capture Cards: Internal (PCIe) vs. External (USB)

Capture cards generally come in two main form factors:

1. Internal PCIe Cards: These cards plug directly into a PCIe slot on your motherboard, much like a graphics card.
   • Pros: Offer the highest bandwidth, lowest latency, and most stable connection. Ideal for dual-PC streaming setups where absolute performance is paramount. No external power source usually required.
   • Cons: Requires an open PCIe slot in your streaming PC. Not portable. Installation involves opening your PC case.
2. External USB Cards: These are standalone devices that connect to your streaming PC via a USB cable (typically USB 3.0 or 3.1).
   • Pros: Highly portable and easy to set up. Ideal for console streamers, laptop users, or those who frequently move their setup. No need to open your PC.
   • Cons: Bandwidth can be a limiting factor compared to PCIe, potentially leading to slightly higher latency or specific resolution/frame rate limitations depending on the USB version and card's capabilities. May require external power.

Key Specifications to Consider

When evaluating capture cards, several technical specifications directly impact performance and suitability:

• Max Capture Resolution & Frame Rate: The highest resolution and frames per second the card can record or stream (e.g., 1080p60, 4K30, 4K60).
• Max Passthrough Resolution & Frame Rate: The highest resolution and frames per second the card can output to a separate monitor for real-time gaming, often higher than capture resolution (e.g., 4K60 HDR, 4K120 VRR).
• Latency: The delay between the input signal and the output on your streaming software. Lower is always better.
• HDR Support: High Dynamic Range for richer colors and contrast. Essential for modern console gaming.
• VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) Support: Critical for next-gen console and PC gaming passthrough, ensuring tear-free visuals on your gaming monitor.
• Interface: USB 3.0/3.1/3.2 (Type-A or Type-C) for external, PCIe x1/x4 for internal.
• Audio Inputs/Outputs: Beyond HDMI, some cards offer 3.5mm jacks for analog audio mixing or microphone input.
• Software Ecosystem: The accompanying drivers and applications for configuration, recording, and streaming.

Elgato: The Streamer's Staple

Elgato, a subsidiary of Corsair, has become almost synonymous with game capture. Their products are renowned for their user-friendliness, robust software, and tight integration within the broader Elgato ecosystem, including Stream Deck and Wave Link.

History & Reputation

Elgato entered the streaming hardware market with a strong focus on ease of use and accessibility for gamers. Their early Game Capture HD series quickly became a favorite among console streamers due to its simple setup and reliable performance. Over the years, Elgato has consistently iterated on its designs, pushing boundaries with 4K capabilities, HDR support, and increasingly lower latency. Their reputation is built on delivering a polished, plug-and-play experience, making them a top choice for both new and experienced streamers.

Key Product Lines

• Game Capture HD60 Series (S, S+, X): The flagship external line for 1080p60 streaming.
  • HD60 S: Older, USB 3.0, excellent for 1080p60.
  • HD60 S+: Adds 4K60 HDR passthrough, still capturing 1080p60 HDR. A very popular and versatile choice.
  • HD60 X: The latest iteration, offering 4K60 HDR10 passthrough with VRR, capturing up to 1080p60 HDR10 or 1440p60 HDR10. Features a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C interface.
• 4K Series (4K60 Pro, 4K60 S+, 4K X, 4K Pro): For high-resolution content creators.
  • 4K60 Pro (Mk.2): An internal PCIe card for capturing 4K60 HDR10 with 4K60 HDR10 passthrough. Ultra-low latency, ideal for dual-PC setups.
  • 4K60 S+: An external USB 3.0 card offering 4K60 HDR10 capture and passthrough, with an added bonus of standalone SD card recording. Great for portability or when a PCIe slot isn't available.
  • 4K X: The newest external USB card, offering up to 4K144 HDR passthrough (with VRR) and 4K60 HDR capture. It's designed for next-gen consoles and high-refresh-rate PC setups.
  • 4K Pro: The flagship internal PCIe card, offering stunning 4K144 HDR capture with 4K240/1440p360 passthrough, including VRR. Designed for the most demanding pro streamers and creators.

Elgato Strengths

• Software Polish and Ease of Use: Elgato's Game Capture software (and more recently, 4K Capture Utility) is incredibly intuitive. It's designed to be user-friendly, making setup and configuration straightforward, even for beginners.
• Ecosystem Integration: If you use other Elgato products like the Stream Deck or Wave Link, their capture cards integrate seamlessly, offering powerful control and audio mixing capabilities that enhance your entire streaming workflow.
• Low Latency: Particularly with their PCIe cards, Elgato consistently delivers some of the lowest capture latency on the market, crucial for maintaining sync and responsiveness.
• Reliability: Elgato devices are generally known for their stability and long-term performance.

Elgato Considerations

• Price Point: Elgato products often sit at the higher end of the price spectrum, especially for their 4K and Pro series cards.
• Specific Port Requirements: While generally good, some older Elgato cards were more sensitive to specific USB controllers. Newer models are much more forgiving.

AVerMedia: The Challenger with Innovation

AVerMedia Technology, a Taiwanese company, has a long history in multimedia capture and streaming, often pushing the envelope with innovative features and competitive pricing. They've been a strong competitor to Elgato, often offering similar or superior specifications in certain areas.

History & Reputation

AVerMedia has been a player in the video capture market for decades, predating the modern streaming boom. This deep experience translates into a wide array of products, from professional broadcasting solutions to consumer-grade capture cards. They are known for incorporating advanced features, sometimes even before competitors, such as standalone recording capabilities directly onto an SD card without a PC. Their reputation is built on delivering robust, feature-rich hardware that appeals to both tech-savvy users and those looking for strong performance at a competitive price.

Key Product Lines

• Live Gamer Portable Series (LGP2 Plus): External, highly portable, often with standalone recording.
  • Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus (GC513): A popular external USB card capable of 1080p60 capture with 4K passthrough. Its standout feature is PC-free recording directly to an SD card, making it incredibly versatile for on-the-go content creation.
• Live Gamer EXTREME Series (GC550, GC551, GC553): External USB cards focused on performance.
  • Live Gamer EXTREME 2 (GC551): Offers 1080p60 capture with 4K passthrough over USB 3.1 Type-C. Known for its low latency and customizable cover.
  • Live Gamer ULTRA (GC553): A compact external USB 3.1 Type-C card that supports 4K60 HDR capture and passthrough. A strong competitor to Elgato's 4K60 S+.
• Live Gamer 4K (GC573): Internal PCIe card for high-end 4K capture.
  • Live Gamer 4K (GC573): An internal PCIe x4 card designed for 4K60 HDR capture and 4K60 HDR passthrough. It also supports high refresh rates for passthrough (e.g., 1440p144, 1080p240), making it excellent for competitive PC gamers.
• Live Streamer DUO (GC570D): A unique dual-input PCIe card.
  • Live Streamer DUO (GC570D): An internal PCIe card offering two independent HDMI inputs, allowing you to capture two 1080p60 sources simultaneously. Ideal for multi-camera setups or specific professional applications.

AVerMedia Strengths

• Feature-Rich Offerings: AVerMedia often packs more features into their devices, such as standalone recording, customizable covers, and unique dual-input options.
• Competitive Pricing: Their products frequently offer comparable or superior specifications to Elgato at a slightly more accessible price point, providing excellent value.
• Robust Software (RECentral): AVerMedia's RECentral software is powerful, offering advanced recording and streaming options, multi-scene management, and overlay capabilities. While it can have a learning curve, it's very capable.
• High Refresh Rate Passthrough: Many AVerMedia cards, especially their PCIe models, excel at high refresh rate passthrough for competitive gamers.

AVerMedia Considerations

• Software Learning Curve: While powerful, RECentral can sometimes be less intuitive for absolute beginners compared to Elgato's software. Some users report a steeper initial setup.
• Less "Plug-and-Play": While generally reliable, some users find AVerMedia's drivers and software require a bit more attention during installation and updates compared to Elgato's seamless experience.
• Ecosystem Maturity: AVerMedia doesn't have as broad an integrated ecosystem as Elgato (e.g., no direct equivalent to Stream Deck or Wave Link).

Direct Comparison: Elgato vs. AVerMedia

When pitting these two titans against each other, the differences often come down to nuanced preferences in user experience, specific feature sets, and integration with existing hardware.

Feature Set & Performance

• Resolution & Frame Rate: Both brands offer top-tier 4K60 HDR capture and passthrough. Elgato's latest 4K X and 4K Pro push boundaries with 4K144 and even higher refresh rate passthrough, though AVerMedia's Live Gamer 4K (GC573) also boasts impressive high refresh rate passthrough capabilities.
• Latency: Both brands deliver excellent low latency, especially with their internal PCIe cards. Elgato often gets the nod for slightly lower latency on the capture feed itself, but in passthrough, both are virtually imperceptible.
• HDR & VRR Support: Modern cards from both companies fully support HDR10 for vibrant visuals and VRR for tear-free gaming passthrough, crucial for next-gen consoles.
• Software Ecosystems:
  • Elgato Game Capture/4K Capture Utility: Known for its simplicity, ease of use, and deep integration with the Elgato Stream Deck and Wave Link audio mixer. Great for those who value a streamlined, beginner-friendly experience.
  • AVerMedia RECentral: A more feature-rich application, offering advanced recording options, multi-scene management, and often more granular control. It can be more powerful for experienced users but might have a steeper learning curve.
• Dedicated Features: AVerMedia often includes unique features like standalone PC-free recording (LGP2 Plus) or dual HDMI inputs (Live Streamer DUO), which Elgato typically doesn't offer in its standard product lines.

Connectivity & Compatibility

• USB 3.0/3.1 vs. PCIe: Both offer strong external USB solutions and internal PCIe cards. The choice here largely depends on your setup (desktop vs. laptop, need for portability, available PCIe slots). PCIe generally provides superior stability and bandwidth.
• PC vs. Console: Both brands excel here. External USB cards are perfect for console streamers, while internal PCIe cards are often preferred for dual-PC streaming setups.
• Mac Compatibility: Both brands offer varying levels of Mac support, but it's crucial to check the specific model as support can vary, especially for newer cards or specific macOS versions. Generally, Elgato has a slightly stronger reputation for Mac compatibility.

Pricing & Value Proposition

Generally, AVerMedia tends to offer a slightly better price-to-performance ratio, often packing more features or higher specifications at a comparable or lower price point than Elgato. However, Elgato's premium often comes with unparalleled software polish, a more integrated ecosystem, and a reputation for extreme reliability and user-friendliness. The "value" depends on whether you prioritize raw features and specifications or a seamless, integrated user experience.

Table 1: Key Specifications Comparison (Popular Models)

Model	Type	Max Capture	Max Passthrough	HDR Support	VRR Passthrough	Interface	Approx. Price Range (USD)	Key Features/Notes
Elgato HD60 X	External	1080p60, 1440p60	4K60 HDR10	Yes	Yes	USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-C)	$180 - $200	Excellent balance of features, VRR support.
AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA (GC553)	External	4K30, 1440p60, 1080p120	4K60 HDR	Yes	No	USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Type-C)	$150 - $180	Solid 4K capture, competitive price.
Elgato 4K X	External	4K60 HDR	4K144 HDR	Yes	Yes	USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-C)	$230 - $250	Next-gen console ready, high refresh rate passthrough.
AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K (GC573)	Internal	4K60 HDR	4K60 HDR, 1440p144, 1080p240	Yes	No	PCIe x4 Gen 2	$200 - $220	Exceptional passthrough refresh rates, PCIe stability.
Elgato 4K Pro	Internal	4K144 HDR	4K240, 1440p360	Yes	Yes	PCIe x4 Gen 2	$300 - $350	Top-tier performance, highest refresh rate passthrough.
AVerMedia Live Streamer DUO (GC570D)	Internal	2x 1080p60	1080p60 (for each input)	No	No	PCIe x4 Gen 2	$250 - $280	Unique dual HDMI input for multi-cam setups.

Table 2: Software Ecosystem Comparison

Feature	Elgato Game Capture/4K Capture Utility	AVerMedia RECentral	Notes
Ease of Use	Excellent (Intuitive, streamlined)	Good (More features, steeper learning curve)	Elgato generally preferred by beginners for simplicity.
Recording Options	Standard (Quality, format, bitrate)	Advanced (Multi-track audio, segment recording)	RECentral offers more granular control for recordings.
Streaming Features	Direct integration with OBS/Streamlabs, simple streaming interface.	Built-in streaming platform integration, multi-scene management.	Both integrate well with major streaming software.
Audio Mixing	Excellent (Deep integration with Wave Link, separate audio tracks)	Good (Basic audio mixing, input level control)	Elgato excels with its Wave Link ecosystem for audio.
Overlay/Scene Management	Basic (Primarily relies on OBS/Streamlabs)	Advanced (Built-in scene editor, overlays, transitions)	RECentral offers more native scene management features.
Ecosystem Integration	Superior (Stream Deck, Wave Link, Facecam)	Limited (Focus on capture card functionality)	Elgato's broader product line creates a cohesive ecosystem.
Updates & Support	Frequent, reliable, strong community.	Regular, generally good, but some users report occasional driver issues.	Both offer good support, Elgato's community is vast.

Choosing the Right Capture Card for Your Setup

The "best" capture card isn't a universal truth; it's the one that perfectly aligns with your specific streaming goals, budget, and existing hardware. Here's how to narrow down your choice:

For the Casual Streamer/Beginner

If you're just starting and primarily stream console games at 1080p60, an external USB card like the Elgato HD60 S+ or AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus is an excellent choice. They are easy to set up, highly portable, and provide reliable 1080p60 capture with 4K passthrough. The Elgato offers a slightly more intuitive software experience, while the AVerMedia provides standalone recording for added versatility.

For Console Streamers (PS5/Xbox Series X)

For next-gen consoles, HDR and VRR passthrough are crucial. The Elgato HD60 X or Elgato 4K X are strong contenders, offering excellent passthrough capabilities and robust 1080p60 or 4K60 capture. The AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA (GC553) also provides 4K60 HDR capture and passthrough, offering a competitive alternative, though it lacks VRR passthrough. Prioritize a card that supports the highest passthrough resolution and refresh rate your gaming monitor can handle, along with HDR and VRR if your monitor and console support them.

For Dual-PC Streamers

For a dedicated dual-PC setup, an internal PCIe capture card is almost always the superior choice due to its ultra-low latency and superior bandwidth. The Elgato 4K60 Pro (Mk.2) or the newer Elgato 4K Pro are top-tier options, offering pristine 4K60 HDR capture and passthrough with minimal latency. The AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K (GC573) is a formidable alternative, often available at a slightly lower price point, offering comparable 4K60 HDR capture and even higher refresh rate passthrough options, making it ideal for high refresh rate PC gaming.

For Content Creators Requiring Maximum Quality

If your primary goal is to record uncompressed or minimally compressed 4K60 HDR footage for editing, or to stream at the highest possible fidelity, the flagship internal cards are your best bet. The Elgato 4K Pro is the current king, offering 4K144 HDR capture and industry-leading passthrough options. The AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K (GC573) is also exceptionally capable and might offer a better value proposition for similar performance.

Budget Considerations

If budget is a significant factor, AVerMedia often provides excellent features at a more aggressive price point. However, remember to factor in the entire ecosystem. If you plan to invest in a Stream Deck or Elgato mic, the integration benefits of an Elgato capture card might justify the slightly higher initial cost. Regardless of your budget, investing in a reliable capture card is crucial for consistent stream quality. Once your setup is solid, consider leveraging professional tools from streamhub.shop to further grow your audience and amplify your content's reach.

Setting Up Your Capture Card: A General Guide

While specific steps may vary slightly between Elgato and AVerMedia models, the general process for setting up a capture card is consistent.

Step 1: Unboxing and Connection

1. Unbox: Carefully remove your capture card and any included cables (HDMI, USB).
2. Connect Source to Input: Connect an HDMI cable from your gaming console (PS5, Xbox Series X, Switch) or gaming PC's graphics card output to the HDMI IN port on your capture card.
3. Connect Output to Display (Passthrough): Connect another HDMI cable from the HDMI OUT port on your capture card to your gaming monitor or TV. This is your "passthrough" connection, allowing you to play games with zero latency.
4. Connect to Streaming PC:
   • External Cards: Connect the USB cable from the capture card to a USB 3.0 (or higher) port on your streaming PC. Ensure it's a dedicated USB 3.0 port, not an older USB 2.0 port, for maximum bandwidth.
   • Internal Cards: Install the PCIe card into an available PCIe x1 or x4 slot on your streaming PC's motherboard. Secure it with a screw.

Step 2: Driver and Software Installation

Once physically connected, your operating system (Windows or macOS) will likely detect new hardware. This is where brand-specific software comes in:

• Elgato: Download the latest Game Capture HD software or 4K Capture Utility from the Elgato website. Install it, and the necessary drivers will be included.
• AVerMedia: Download RECentral and the latest drivers for your specific model from the AVerMedia website. Install both.

Follow the on-screen prompts. A reboot might be required. Once installed, open the respective software to confirm your capture card is recognized and showing a signal.

Step 3: Integrating with OBS Studio/Streamlabs Desktop

This is where your capture card truly comes to life for streaming:

1. Open OBS Studio or Streamlabs Desktop.
2. Add a New Source: In the "Sources" box, click the '+' icon.
3. Select "Video Capture Device": Give it a descriptive name (e.g., "PS5 Capture Card").
4. Select Your Device: In the properties window, use the "Device" dropdown menu to select your capture card (e.g., "Game Capture HD60 X," "AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA").
5. Configure Resolution/FPS: Set the "Resolution/FPS Type" to "Custom" and choose your desired resolution and frame rate (e.g., 1920x1080, 60 FPS). Match this to your capture card's capabilities and your stream's output.
6. Audio Setup:
   • Under "Audio Output Mode," select "Output desktop audio (WaveOut)" or "DirectSound" if you want the capture card's audio to pass through to your desktop.
   • Alternatively, you can select "Monitor and Output" in OBS's Audio Mixer for the capture card source if you want to hear it through your headphones while also having it on stream.
   • Ensure the audio input device for your capture card is enabled in the OBS Audio Mixer.
7. Syncing: If you notice audio/video desync, you might need to add a "Render Delay" filter to your video capture device source in OBS (right-click source > Filters > + > Render Delay). Start with small values (e.g., 200ms) and adjust until synced.

Step 4: Optimization Tips

• Update Drivers: Always keep your capture card drivers and software up-to-date.
• USB Port Check: For external cards, ensure you're using a USB 3.0 or higher port. Try different ports if you experience issues.
• HDMI Cables: Use high-quality, certified HDMI cables, especially for 4K and HDR signals.
• System Resources: Ensure your streaming PC has sufficient CPU, GPU, and RAM to handle the encoding and streaming tasks, alongside the capture card's input.
• Troubleshooting: If you see a black screen, double-check all cable connections, ensure the input source is powered on, and verify HDCP is disabled on your console or source device if applicable (Elgato and AVerMedia cards typically bypass HDCP for gaming consoles, but it's worth checking).

Once your capture card is running smoothly and integrated into your streaming software, you're ready to produce high-quality content. To ensure your meticulously crafted streams reach the widest possible audience, consider exploring professional growth services. For example, platforms like streamhub.shop offer strategic solutions to amplify your channel's visibility and engagement, helping you connect with more viewers effectively.

The Future of Capture Technology

The capture card market is far from stagnant. As gaming consoles and PC hardware continue to push boundaries, capture card manufacturers are rapidly innovating to keep pace:

• Higher Refresh Rates and Resolutions: Expect more widespread support for 4K120, 8K60, and even higher refresh rates (e.g., 1440p240, 1080p360) for both passthrough and capture.
• Advanced Connectivity: USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 will offer even greater bandwidth for external cards, potentially closing the performance gap with internal PCIe solutions.
• Enhanced HDR and VRR: Deeper HDR support (e.g., HDR10+, Dolby Vision) and more comprehensive VRR implementations will become standard, ensuring the captured footage perfectly mirrors the gaming experience.
• AI-Powered Features: We might see AI integration for upscaling, noise reduction, or even real-time content analysis for improved encoding and streaming quality.
• Evolving Software Suites: Capture card software will continue to evolve, offering more advanced tools for content management, editing, and direct integration with more streaming platforms.

Staying current with these advancements ensures your streaming setup remains cutting-edge. As the technology landscape shifts, platforms such as streamhub.shop are invaluable for maintaining momentum and ensuring your channel's growth keeps pace with the quality of your content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a capture card necessary for streaming PC games?

Not always, but often recommended for optimal performance. If you're streaming PC games from the same PC you're playing on (single-PC setup), modern graphics cards and software encoders (like NVENC for NVIDIA or AMF for AMD) can handle the encoding without a dedicated capture card. However, for dual-PC streaming setups (one PC for gaming, one for streaming), a capture card is absolutely essential. It offloads the encoding burden entirely from your gaming PC, allowing for maximum in-game performance and a dedicated, stable stream output.

Can I use a capture card with a Mac?

Yes, many Elgato and AVerMedia capture cards offer Mac compatibility. However, it's crucial to check the specific model's specifications and driver availability for macOS, as support can vary. Generally, external USB cards tend to have broader Mac support than internal PCIe cards. Always visit the manufacturer's website to download the appropriate Mac drivers and software (e.g., Elgato's Game Capture for Mac or AVerMedia's RECentral for Mac).

What's the difference between passthrough and capture resolution?

Passthrough resolution refers to the video signal that the capture card sends directly to your gaming monitor or TV. This signal is typically unprocessed and designed to be as close to the original source as possible, often supporting very high resolutions (e.g., 4K) and refresh rates (e.g., 120Hz, 144Hz) with virtually no latency, allowing you to game comfortably. Capture resolution is the resolution and frame rate at which the capture card sends the video signal to your streaming PC for recording or broadcasting. This is often lower than the passthrough resolution (e.g., 1080p60, even if passthrough is 4K60) to manage file sizes, bandwidth, and processing power required for streaming.

How important is low latency for a capture card?

Extremely important, especially for competitive gamers. Low latency ensures that there's minimal delay between your input device (controller, keyboard/mouse) and what you see on your gaming monitor. With passthrough, latency is typically negligible. However, if you rely on the preview in your streaming software (e.g., OBS) for gaming, low capture latency becomes critical to avoid a noticeable delay that could impact your gameplay. For most streamers, a good capture card will have imperceptible latency through its passthrough, making it the preferred way to game.

Which capture card is best for PS5/Xbox Series X?

For PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, the key features to prioritize are 4K60 HDR passthrough and ideally VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) passthrough. The Elgato HD60 X (for 1080p60 capture with 4K60 HDR VRR passthrough) and the Elgato 4K X (for 4K60 HDR capture with 4K144 HDR VRR passthrough) are excellent choices from Elgato. From AVerMedia, the Live Gamer ULTRA (GC553) offers 4K60 HDR capture and passthrough, though it lacks VRR support. The internal Elgato 4K Pro and AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K (GC573) are top-tier for dual-PC setups with these consoles, providing the best performance and features.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision

Choosing between Elgato and AVerMedia ultimately boils down to a blend of your technical requirements, budget, and personal preference for software ecosystems. Both brands offer incredibly capable capture cards that can elevate your streaming and content creation to professional levels. Elgato often provides a more refined, user-friendly experience with strong ecosystem integration, ideal for those who value simplicity and seamless workflow. AVerMedia, on the other hand, frequently offers a compelling feature-to-price ratio, catering to users who appreciate advanced options and competitive performance.

Before making your final purchase, carefully evaluate your current setup, your streaming goals (e.g., 1080p60 console streaming, 4K PC content creation, multi-camera productions), and your budget. Read recent reviews, check system compatibility, and consider how the capture card will integrate with your existing peripherals. By investing wisely in a high-quality capture card, you lay a solid foundation for delivering exceptional content to your audience, ensuring every frame contributes to a professional and engaging stream.