Best HDMI 2.1 Capture Cards for 4K Gaming and Streaming

The best HDMI 2.1 capture cards let you record gameplay without forcing a 4K120 TV or high-refresh gaming monitor back to a 60Hz signal. For most creators, the Elgato 4K X is the easiest all-around choice because it works over USB with Windows, macOS, and supported USB-C iPads. Choose the AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K 2.1 (GC575) when you have an available PCIe slot and want a more affordable internal alternative. The important catch: a card’s passthrough ceiling is not automatically its recording ceiling. The right purchase depends on your host computer, HDMI signal, capture codec, and whether HDR or variable refresh rate (VRR) matters more than peak recorded frames per second.

Quick verdict: Which HDMI 2.1 capture card should you buy?

• Best overall external: Elgato Game Capture 4K X. A flexible USB 3.2 Gen 2 card for PS5, Xbox, handhelds, and dual-PC creators; high-refresh capture is format-dependent, and 4K HDR capture is limited to 30 fps.
• Best internal for 4K60 HDR: Elgato Game Capture 4K Pro. A Windows PCIe card with 4K60 HDR recording and exceptionally high passthrough modes, but no laptop or Mac installation.
• Best external alternative with chat connections: AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 (GC553G2). USB 10Gbps, 4K144 passthrough, and dedicated 3.5mm headset/gamepad connections; check software and firmware for high-frame-rate capture.
• Best value PCIe option: AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K 2.1 (GC575). HDMI 2.1 passthrough, ultrawide options, and 4K60 recording without buying an external USB box; 4K144 capture is restricted to supported AVerMedia software modes.
• Best for a mixed gaming-and-camera studio: AVerMedia Streamer ULTRA 2.1 (GC535). An external card with 4K30 RGB24 capture on supported Windows systems, but it defaults to HDMI 2.0 mode and costs more than gaming-first models.

Price and availability snapshot: US seller listings checked October 30, 2026. Sale prices and stock can change without notice; a card being listed as available here is not a purchase guarantee. None of these recommendations relies on a manufactured benchmark or a claimed in-house test.

HDMI 2.1 capture card comparison

These are manufacturer-specified ceilings, not measured performance results. A 4K144 passthrough figure describes what the display may receive, while the final recorded file can be 4K60, 1440p60, or another format. HDMI cable quality, the source’s output mode, Display Stream Compression (DSC), OBS settings, encoding hardware and the monitor’s EDID negotiation can further restrict what works together.

How we selected these capture cards

We required a documented HDMI 2.1 input and passthrough output on the exact product, not merely a listing that says “4K” or “120Hz.” Each candidate needed a credible US purchase path and official specifications that distinguish the gaming display signal from what capture software receives. We then compared USB versus PCIe installation, Windows and Mac support, HDR limitations, VRR, ultrawide modes, and the conditions attached to advertised frame rates. Manufacturer technical documents informed feature claims; US store pages informed the time-stamped prices and availability; independent in-depth reviews provided useful context on real setup friction rather than supplying imaginary site testing.

This produces five defensible picks instead of padding the list with old HDMI 2.0 products. In particular, Elgato 4K S and AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA S (GC553Pro) are legitimate capture devices, but their HDMI 2.0 inputs make them unsuitable for a roundup specifically promising HDMI 2.1 signal paths. The same distinction applies to product families with similar names: GC553G2 is not the older GC553, and GC575 is not the older GC573.

Best HDMI 2.1 capture cards reviewed by use case

Elgato Game Capture 4K X: Best overall external capture card

Best for: a PS5 or Xbox creator who also uses a gaming laptop, Mac, or second PC and wants to move the card between setups. The 4K X has HDMI 2.1 input/output and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 host connection; it avoids opening a desktop case and makes its own passthrough path to a television. Elgato documents supported high-refresh recording up to 4K144, but the key technical detail is the codec: that ceiling relies on supported compressed capture formats, while 4K HDR tops out at 30 fps on Windows. Mac and iPad users can play through an HDR signal, but Elgato says it tone-maps capture to SDR on those platforms.

For a console stream that is delivered at 1080p60, the advantage is not that viewers receive 4K144. Instead, you can retain responsive 120Hz gameplay on a suitable screen while sending a separately configured capture to OBS. On a gaming PC feeding a second streaming PC, the USB connection is similarly practical. Elgato lists 4K144 passthrough on native-mode displays, but its documentation warns that a display relying on DSC can lower the supported passthrough ceiling to 4K120. This matters most to owners of high-refresh 4K monitors: a label that says 144Hz does not establish every display timing will negotiate.

Trade-offs: the card is not a substitute for a 4K60 HDR capture setup if retaining HDR in the recorded video matters more than the highest SDR frame rate. A 5Gbps USB port may still work with reduced modes, but 10Gbps is the safer target when buying it for demanding capture. One independent Windows Central review reported occasional reconnection to detect the signal, a troubleshooting consideration rather than proof that every unit behaves that way. At the $249.99 Elgato US listing checked for this guide, it earns the overall position for versatility, not because it wins every recording format.

Elgato Game Capture 4K Pro: Best for Windows 4K60 HDR recording

Best for: a desktop Windows creator who can install a PCIe capture card and wants to record 4K60 HDR from an unencrypted HDMI source while gaming on a high-end display. Elgato specifies a PCIe 2.0 x4 interface, HDMI 2.1 input/output, and capture up to 4K60, including HDR. The manufacturer also lists passthrough up to 8K60 and 4K240 in supported configurations. These two numbers must not be conflated: you can pass a faster signal to the gaming screen without recording that same resolution and frame rate.

The 4K Pro is particularly useful for a fixed dual-PC station where a spare physical PCIe x4-compatible slot is available. It avoids sharing USB bandwidth with cameras and other peripherals, and its higher HDR capture ceiling differentiates it from 4K X. The purchase checklist is more complicated than with a USB box: confirm the motherboard slot and available PCIe lanes, check clearance around the GPU, and confirm a Windows recording host. Elgato explicitly says the card is not compatible with laptops. Its published limitation on DSC is also significant: unsupported DSC signals cannot be assumed to pass through simply because the display advertises a high refresh rate.

Trade-offs: buyers with a Mac, laptop or no free slot should choose 4K X or GC553G2 instead. The 8K60 headline is not a promise to capture 8K footage, and Elgato documents that the PS5 Pro’s 8K output format is not supported by this device even though 4K output is supported. The observed B&H listing was in stock at $239.99 on the check date; because retailer promotions can move quickly, use the exact current cart price before comparing its value to other models. Buy this over 4K X when 4K60 HDR recording and a permanent Windows desktop installation outweigh portability.

AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 GC553G2: Best external alternative for party chat

Best for: streamers seeking a 10Gbps USB card with HDMI 2.1 passthrough and direct headset or controller audio connections. AVerMedia’s GC553G2 includes a four-pole 3.5mm headset connection and a gamepad audio connection, an interesting differentiator for console commentary and party-chat routing. Its official specifications list up to 4K144 HDR/VRR passthrough, with 1440p240 and 1080p360 modes. The Windows software path supports up to 4K144 capture in specified modes, whereas AVerMedia lists up to 4K60 capture on macOS. The manufacturer specifically calls for a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port and stronger host hardware for 4K144 MJPEG capture.

This is the sensible alternative when you need external capture but prefer AVerMedia’s headset connections and software ecosystem. The important buying distinction is between ordinary 4K60 workflows and the special high-frame-rate mode: 4K144 is not a universal OBS recording guarantee. AVerMedia says a compatible monitor using DSC may limit passthrough to 4K120. Before purchasing for a 3440×1440 ultrawide, also ensure your intended firmware supports that mode; the US listing identifies a firmware requirement for ultrawide timing support.

Trade-offs: independent early reviews from PC Gamer and Windows Central praised HDMI 2.1 functionality but raised software/firmware concerns at launch. Those are historical reviews, not verified claims about every 2026 firmware build; they do justify updating and testing before a live event. The US manufacturer store showed an in-stock $199.99 listing when checked, whereas B&H described the same model as special order. Use the seller actually supplying your unit, rather than treating all retailers as equally available. Choose GC553G2 if chat routing and the lower checked manufacturer-store price are more useful than Elgato’s streamlined cross-platform approach.

AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K 2.1 GC575: Best value for a fixed Windows PC

Best for: desktop streamers with an available PCIe Gen 3 x4-compatible slot who want HDMI 2.1 features without a separate USB capture box. The GC575 supports 4K144 HDR/VRR passthrough, 1440p240, 1080p360, and a stated 3440×1440 120Hz ultrawide mode. AVerMedia lists 4K60 as a straightforward capture target and 4K144 as an option through its supported Streaming Center software workflow. It would be misleading to convert the latter into an unconditional promise for every recording app, codec, or system.

At the manufacturer’s checked $199.99 US price, GC575 can be especially attractive to a Windows creator who records at 4K60 or streams at 1080p60 but wants a 120Hz console or 144Hz PC display feed. A separately published independent TweakTown review described solid 4K60 capture and 4K144 passthrough and reported that OBS was usable, while also mentioning capture software freezing in some tests. The most valuable takeaway is the separation of a proven everyday capture target from optional high-frame-rate configurations that deserve setup testing.

Trade-offs: it has no external USB portability, and its Windows/PCIe orientation is a poor fit for a MacBook or gaming laptop. The exact motherboard slot must support the needed lanes and leave physical clearance; a spare slot blocked by a large GPU is not practically available. AVerMedia also cautions that DSC monitors may limit passthrough to 4K120. At the checked manufacturer price, prioritize this card over Elgato 4K Pro for savings when 4K60 HDR and extreme passthrough specifications are not the deciding requirements.

AVerMedia Streamer ULTRA 2.1 GC535: Best for a hybrid camera and gaming studio

Best for: someone who alternates between an HDMI gaming source and a camera-led production desk where image-format flexibility is worth a higher price. GC535 is a real HDMI 2.1 external capture device with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 host interface. Its differentiator is not faster game recording: the official capture ceiling is 4K60, with a documented 4K30 RGB24 option on supported Windows configurations. For a camera or product-demonstration source where color representation matters, that 4:4:4 RGB path can be more relevant than an unsupported claim of 4K144 recording.

There is an unusually important setup step here. AVerMedia ships GC535 operating in HDMI 2.0 mode by default. To access its advertised HDMI 2.1 4K144 passthrough with HDR/VRR, the user must enable HDMI 2.1 mode in Assist Central Pro. If the device is connected out of the box and only 4K60 passthrough appears, that alone does not prove the hardware is defective. AVerMedia also lists macOS capture at up to 4K30, not the Windows 4K60 ceiling. These limits make GC535 more specialized than a typical gaming-first USB recommendation.

Trade-offs: $369.99 at the checked US manufacturer listing makes it difficult to justify for someone who only wants console streaming. Its strength is a mixed production workflow, metal housing, and uncompressed-color option rather than price. If your recordings are straightforward game clips, buy 4K X or GC553G2; if you also produce camera material and value the documented RGB24 mode, GC535 is the one worth examining. Confirm that the desired color format and operating system are supported before committing to the premium.

Buying guide: Five checks that prevent the wrong capture card

Check the monitor signal first, not just the HDMI 2.1 logo

Write down the exact gaming display mode you refuse to lose: perhaps PS5 at 4K120 with VRR, a PC at 1440p240, or an ultrawide at 3440×1440 120Hz. Then compare that input-and-passthrough timing against the manufacturer’s matrix. HDMI 2.1 is a family of capabilities; its presence does not guarantee every mode, bit depth, chroma setting, or DSC combination. Elgato 4K Pro explicitly excludes DSC signals. Elgato 4K X and the listed AVerMedia GC553G2/GC575 devices have special limits when DSC is involved. For high-refresh 4K screens, this is the difference between buying a compatible box and discovering that the desired output mode disappears.

Use a correctly rated HDMI cable on both sides of the capture card where the mode requires it, and ensure the console, card and display support the same format. An HDMI 2.1 card cannot add 4K120 output to a console or monitor that does not support it. Some monitors advertise their highest refresh rates over DisplayPort with DSC rather than over HDMI in the exact same timing; read the display’s HDMI-specific mode list before spending.

Decide whether you need 4K60 HDR or high-frame-rate SDR

The recorded signal has different bandwidth and color requirements from the live picture. Elgato 4K X advertises very high-rate SDR capture in particular compressed formats but caps HDR capture at 4K30 on Windows. Elgato 4K Pro is a better fit if 4K60 HDR footage is your priority. On the AVerMedia devices, high-frame-rate capture claims require attention to software, format and system requirements. “4K144 capture” alone tells you less than knowing whether the working mode uses MJPEG, NV12, RGB24 or P010 and whether OBS can ingest the precise mode you intend.

For Twitch-style streams, viewers commonly receive a lower output resolution and frame rate than the player sees. That can make 4K120 passthrough plus stable 1080p60 recording more sensible than chasing the largest capture-number marketing claim. Choose the capture requirement based on your editing deliverable and storage budget, not just the refresh rate of your gaming monitor.

Choose USB 10Gbps for flexibility or PCIe for a fixed Windows system

USB-C describes a connector shape, not a guaranteed 10Gbps data link. For Elgato 4K X, AVerMedia GC553G2, and AVerMedia GC535, verify that the laptop or desktop host port can actually run USB 3.2 Gen 2 and that the cable is appropriate. Elgato documents reduced recording options over 5Gbps ports. Avoid assuming an arbitrary USB-C hub or front-panel port provides the same performance as a direct compatible host connection. If capture fails or frames are lost, test a direct 10Gbps connection before blaming the HDMI side.

A PCIe card is tidy for a permanent second-PC studio and avoids a cable on the desk, but you must check the electrical lane allocation, slot length and GPU clearance. Elgato 4K Pro specifies PCIe 2.0 x4; AVerMedia GC575 specifies PCIe Gen 3 x4. Both are intended for a Windows desktop capture host. If you plan to move the capture device between a laptop and desktop, USB is the practical choice even if the PCIe model looks cheaper today.

Verify platform support, party chat and protected-content behavior

Mac support is not equivalent to Windows feature parity. Elgato 4K X supports macOS and iPadOS with format-dependent limitations; GC553G2 lists a lower macOS capture ceiling than its Windows special mode; GC535 lists up to 4K30 recording on macOS. The Elgato 4K Pro and AVerMedia GC575 are Windows desktop choices. Treat Linux capability as unverified unless you check current device, driver, distribution and capture software support for the exact card.

Console chat audio needs separate thought. HDMI video capture does not guarantee recording all headset or party audio, because a console may send some sound only to a connected headset. GC553G2’s 3.5mm audio connections can simplify some wired audio arrangements; Elgato 4K X has an analog audio input that may require a compatible chat audio accessory. Plan the path before promising viewers that team chat will be included. Encrypted HDCP video is a different issue: capture cards are not intended to record protected streaming services. For PS5 gameplay, Elgato’s documented procedure is Settings > System > HDMI > Enable HDCP: Off, configured while the console is connected directly to its display. Do not attempt to defeat protection for copyrighted movies or services.

Use price and stock as a dated snapshot, not a permanent feature

The comparison table identifies the exact seller used for every quoted US dollar figure, with a common October 30, 2026 check date. It also distinguishes an available manufacturer-store listing from B&H’s special-order listing for GC553G2. A sale can end before a reader checks out, stock can fall to zero, and shipping location can alter delivery promises. Reconfirm the seller’s live stock, correct manufacturer part number, return policy and any current sale price immediately before ordering. Do not substitute a cheaper HDMI 2.0 model with a similar name just to retain a price target.

How to connect and verify an HDMI 2.1 capture setup

1. Confirm the host. For USB cards, identify a compatible 10Gbps port; for PCIe models, confirm the specified slot and install with the desktop powered down and disconnected. If you are unsure about internal installation, use a qualified technician or choose an external model.
2. Make the HDMI chain. Connect the console or gaming PC’s HDMI output to capture HDMI In, then capture HDMI Out to the gaming screen. Connect USB to the recording computer or install the PCIe device as required. Do not play through a delayed software preview when the passthrough display is available.
3. Check the gaming-screen output. On the source console or PC, select a resolution and refresh rate that the exact capture card and monitor both accept. If the screen drops back to 60Hz, examine the input/passthrough compatibility matrix, HDMI cable and DSC restrictions before changing OBS settings.
4. Check the captured feed. Open OBS Studio, select the desired scene, use the plus button in the Sources dock, choose Video Capture Device, and select the detected capture card under Device. Choose a resolution, frame rate and video format supported by that device on this operating system. For AVerMedia’s special 4K144 claim, verify supported Streaming Center software and hardware instead of assuming the OBS selection menu will expose it.
5. Run a short real recording. Check for audio sync, washed-out HDR conversion, dropped frames and the actual file’s resolution/frame rate. If the feed is black from a PS5, check the legitimate console gameplay HDCP setting first; if the USB card repeatedly disconnects, test a direct supported 10Gbps port and the included cable. Only after these checks should you change more advanced video-format options.

Frequently asked questions

Does a capture card with HDMI 2.1 record 4K at 120 fps?

Not necessarily. HDMI 2.1 passthrough can maintain 4K120 gameplay even if the recorded file is 4K60 or 1080p60. Elgato 4K X supports higher-rate recording in certain SDR formats, but it has different HDR recording limits. AVerMedia GC553G2 and GC575 advertise special Windows software modes for rates beyond 4K60. Read the exact input, capture format and software matrix rather than inferring a recording number from the passthrough specification.

Do I need an HDMI 2.1 capture card for PS5 or Xbox Series X?

Only if keeping compatible high-refresh features through the capture chain matters. If you play at 4K60, a good HDMI 2.0 capture card may already meet the task. HDMI 2.1 becomes more compelling when you want 4K120 passthrough, VRR, or higher-refresh PC monitor operation while recording separately. Even then, confirm that the source, TV and capture model support the same mode and that your stream output actually benefits from the card.

Can I capture 4K HDR on a Mac?

Do not assume so because the box says HDR passthrough. Elgato says the 4K X tone-maps HDR to SDR when capturing on Mac and iPad; its HDR capture modes are Windows-specific. AVerMedia lists no HDR capture on macOS for GC553G2 and lists up to 4K30 capture on macOS for GC535. If a true 4K60 HDR recorded file is nonnegotiable, check the exact currently supported capture path before buying and consider a compatible Windows host.

Why does my 4K144 monitor show only 4K120 through the capture card?

A common reason is that the display relies on Display Stream Compression or requires a timing/chroma format the capture device does not pass. Elgato 4K X and AVerMedia’s named high-refresh models document a 4K120 ceiling in certain DSC combinations; Elgato 4K Pro does not support DSC signals at all. Another possibility is that the cable, HDMI source output, or monitor’s HDMI port does not support the requested mode. Check those components individually before assuming a firmware problem.

Is a USB or PCIe HDMI 2.1 capture card better?

Neither is universally better. USB fits laptops, portable capture desks and cross-platform use when the correct host link is available. PCIe suits permanent Windows desktops and avoids a USB host-bandwidth constraint, but requires a physical expansion slot and internal installation. The best choice follows where the footage will be encoded and what recording mode you need, not an assumption that the connector alone controls latency or output quality.

Are 4K S, HD60 X, GC553Pro and GC573 HDMI 2.1 alternatives?

They may be useful cheaper capture cards, but they should not be silently substituted for the five HDMI 2.1 models above. Elgato 4K S, for example, has HDMI 2.0 input/output; AVerMedia GC553Pro also lists HDMI 2.0. Older similarly named products can differ sharply in passthrough limits. Check the full model or part number printed on the manufacturer specification page before treating a retailer’s “4K” label as equivalent to HDMI 2.1.

Final thoughts

Buy the Elgato 4K X if you want one HDMI 2.1 capture card that can move between a PS5, Xbox, laptop and dual-PC setup, and your chosen USB host supports its recording mode. Pick Elgato 4K Pro instead for a fixed Windows machine where 4K60 HDR files matter. For a lower checked US price, GC575 is the stronger internal-value choice and GC553G2 is the external alternative with useful audio connections; both require care when interpreting 4K144 capture claims. Only pay extra for GC535 if the camera-and-gaming production use case and 4K30 RGB24 path justify its cost. Before checkout, write down your target display timing, recorded format, operating system, and available USB/PCIe connection, then verify all four against the exact product’s compatibility table.