The best capture cards with passthrough for PC let you play at high resolution and refresh rates while sending a separate video feed to your streaming or recording software. That makes them useful for PC gaming, consoles, and multi-device setups.
Our 2026 roundup includes internal PCIe cards and USB models with options for 1080p60 capture, 4K passthrough, HDR, high-refresh gameplay, and simple plug-and-play streaming.
Best 10 Capture Cards with Passthrough for PC Picks for 2026
Best for High-End PC Streaming
- 4K60 HDR10 capture
- HDMI 2.1 with VRR passthrough
- Up to 1080p240 recording
Best For: High-end Windows PC and dual-PC streaming setups
Best Plug-and-Play Value
- 1080p60 capture
- 4K HDMI passthrough
- No drivers or external power needed
Best For: Beginner Windows and Mac streamers
Best for Modern Consoles
- 4K60 capture with HDR10
- 1440p120 and 1080p240 passthrough
- USB-C and analog audio input
Best For: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch 2 capture
Best Budget Multi-Device Option
- 4K60 HDMI loop-out
- 1080p60 or 2K30 capture
- USB-A/USB-C and mic input
Best For: Budget streaming across consoles, PCs, and cameras
High-Refresh Pick
- 4K60 capture and passthrough
- Supports 1440p120 and 1080p120 inputs
- 3.5mm audio in and mic out
Best For: PC streamers needing high-refresh passthrough
Control-Focused Pick
- 1440p60 capture and 4K30 capture
- 1440p144 HDR and 4K60 HDR passthrough
- Built-in audio mixer and control dial
Best For: Windows streamers wanting HDR and physical controls
Value 2K Pick
- 4K30 input and loop-out
- 2K30 or 1080p60 capture
- USB-A and USB-C recording support
Best For: PC users prioritizing 4K monitoring over 4K recording
Best Plug-and-Play Pick
- 1080p capture over USB 3.0
- HDMI loop-out for live gameplay
- Plug-and-play with mic input
Best For: PC streamers seeking simple 1080p capture
Best Value 4K Passthrough
- 1080p capture at 60fps
- 4K HDMI loop-out
- Includes cables and USB adapter
Best For: Smooth PC streaming with 4K display passthrough
Best Flexible Input Support
- 4K60 HDMI input and loop-out
- 1080p60 or 2K30 capture
- Broad console, camera, and PC compatibility
Best For: Multi-device setups needing high-resolution passthrough
Best for High-End PC Streaming – Elgato 4K Pro
For demanding PC setups, the Elgato 4K Pro is one of the most capable capture cards with passthrough for PC. Its HDMI 2.1 connectivity, 4K60 capture, high-frame-rate support, and VRR passthrough are designed for smooth gameplay and advanced broadcasting.
Best For: PC streamers, dual-PC setups, and gamers who need high-resolution, high-refresh-rate passthrough.
Pros:
- Supports 4K60 HDR10 capture and up to 1080p240 recording.
- HDMI 2.1 input and output support high frame rates.
- VRR passthrough and ultra-low latency help maintain smooth gameplay.
- Works with popular streaming and video-call apps on Windows 10.
Cons:
- Requires a Windows 10 PC with an available PCIe slot.
- Internal installation is less convenient than USB capture devices.
The Elgato 4K Pro is a strong choice when image quality, refresh-rate flexibility, and advanced PC integration matter more than portability or simple plug-and-play setup.
Best Plug-and-Play Value – Redragon VC321
The Redragon VC321 is a straightforward option among capture cards with passthrough for PC. It accepts up to 4K30 input, captures at 1080p60, and provides zero-latency HDMI passthrough for real-time gameplay while connecting to Windows or Mac over USB 3.0.
Best For: Beginners and creators who want an external capture card for consoles, cameras, or DSLRs without driver installation.
Pros:
- Captures 1080p video at 60fps from up to 4K30 input.
- Zero-latency HDMI passthrough supports responsive gameplay.
- Plug-and-play design needs no additional drivers or power source.
- Compatible with Windows 7 and later and macOS 10.15 or newer.
Cons:
- Capture resolution is limited to 1080p60.
- It does not offer the higher-refresh-rate passthrough features of premium models.
For accessible external capture across multiple platforms, the VC321 offers a practical balance of simple setup, 1080p60 recording, and console-friendly passthrough.
Best for Modern Consoles – Elgato 4K S
The Elgato 4K S is a compact external choice for capture cards with passthrough for PC and console gaming. It captures in 4K60 while supporting 1440p120 and 1080p240 passthrough, plus HDR10 and analog audio input for commentary or in-game chat.
Best For: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch 2 users who want high-frame-rate passthrough with USB-C connectivity.
Pros:
- Captures 4K60 video with HDR10 support.
- Supports 1440p120 or 1080p240 passthrough.
- USB-C connectivity works with Windows 11, macOS 13 or later, and compatible iPadOS devices.
- Includes a 3.5mm analog audio input for commentary or in-game chat.
Cons:
- Requires relatively recent operating systems and hardware.
- Its listed capture resolution is 1080p despite supporting 4K60 capture features.
The 4K S is well suited to current-generation consoles and creators who want a portable USB-C workflow without giving up high-refresh-rate passthrough or HDR support.
Best Budget Multi-Device Option – USB 3.0 HDMI Capture Card
This USB 3.0 HDMI model is a flexible budget pick among capture cards with passthrough for PC. It supports 4K60 HDMI loop-out, 1080p60 or 2K30 capture, USB-A/USB-C connectivity, and a microphone input for live commentary.
Best For: Budget-conscious streamers using PCs, consoles, cameras, or multiple operating systems.
Pros:
- Provides 4K60 HDMI loop-out while capturing up to 1080p60 or 2K30.
- Includes both USB-A and USB-C connection support through the included cable.
- Works with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iPadOS 17 or later.
- 3.5mm mic input supports voice commentary during streams or recordings.
Cons:
- It does not capture 4K video.
- The mic input does not record party chat.
- OBS may need to be restarted after audio setup.
This model makes sense when affordable 4K passthrough and broad device compatibility are more important than 4K recording or premium software features.
High-Refresh Pick – 4K60 Capture Card
For shoppers comparing capture cards with passthrough for PC, the Guermok GM-72A stands out with 4K capture, 4K60 passthrough, and support for high-refresh 1440p and 1080p sources. It also includes convenient audio connections and plug-and-play compatibility.
Best For: PC streamers and gamers who want 4K60 passthrough, high-refresh gameplay support, and flexible audio connectivity.
Pros:
- Captures up to 4K at 60FPS through USB 3.0.
- Supports 4K60 passthrough plus 1440p and 1080p input at up to 120FPS.
- Includes 3.5mm audio input and microphone output.
- Works with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and PadOS without driver installation.
Cons:
- USB 2.0 ports are limited to up to 1080p.
- 4K capture uses format-dependent frame-rate limits, including 4K25 with YUY2.
The GM-72A is a feature-rich option for a PC setup that needs smooth passthrough and broad device support. Use a USB 3.0-or-higher port to access its higher-resolution capabilities.
Control-Focused Pick – EVGA XR1 Pro
The EVGA XR1 Pro is a strong choice among capture cards with passthrough for PC, combining 1440p capture with HDR passthrough and hands-on controls. Its built-in audio mixer and control dial make it useful for streamers who want quick adjustments without relying entirely on software.
Best For: Windows streamers who want HDR passthrough, OBS certification, and onboard audio controls.
Pros:
- Captures up to 1440p at 60FPS or 4K at 30FPS.
- Supports 1440p at 144Hz HDR and 4K at 60Hz HDR passthrough.
- Includes a built-in audio mixer, control dial, and customizable ARGB lighting.
- Offers plug-and-play setup and a two-year limited warranty.
Cons:
- Its listed operating-system support is Windows.
- Capture resolution tops out at 1440p, while 4K is listed for capture at 30FPS.
- Requires a USB 3.1 interface and an HDMI-compatible device.
With its HDR passthrough and physical controls, the XR1 Pro is geared toward a more polished desktop streaming setup. It is especially appealing if OBS compatibility and quick audio adjustments are priorities.
Value 2K Pick – UGREEN HDMI Loop-Out Capture
For buyers seeking practical capture cards with passthrough for PC, the UGREEN 25773 offers 4K input and loop-out while recording up to 2K at 30FPS or 1080p at 60FPS. Its dual USB-A and USB-C interface and aluminum housing add flexibility for everyday streaming setups.
Best For: PC users who want low-latency 4K loop-out with moderate-resolution capture.
Pros:
- Supports 4K30 input and 4K30 HDMI loop-out for real-time monitoring.
- Captures up to 2K at 30FPS or 1080p at 60FPS.
- Provides both USB 3.0 Type-A and Type-C recording connections.
- Uses a driver-free, externally powered-free design with aluminum heat dissipation.
Cons:
- It does not support 4K capture.
- PS4 and PS5 require HDCP to be turned off.
- It is not compatible with Fire TV Stick, and Windows 7 requires USB 3.0 drivers.
The UGREEN card is a sensible fit when passthrough matters more than 4K recording. Its 2K and 1080p capture modes cover common streaming needs while its 4K loop-out helps preserve a high-resolution gaming display.
Best Plug-and-Play Pick – 1080p HDMI Capture Card
For shoppers comparing capture cards with passthrough for PC, this VIXLW model offers 1080p capture, USB 3.0 connectivity, and HDMI loop-out for live gameplay. It works without drivers or an external power supply and supports common streaming software and operating systems.
Best For: PC streamers who want straightforward 1080p capture with microphone support and low-latency HDMI passthrough.
Pros:
- Captures HDMI video at up to 1080p and supports USB 3.0.
- HDMI loop-out is designed for playing while capturing without noticeable delay.
- Plug-and-play setup works with Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- 3.5mm TRS microphone input supports external commentary.
Cons:
- Capture resolution is limited to 1080p.
- The microphone input accepts only a 3.5mm TRS standard microphone headset.
This is a practical entry-level option if dependable 1080p capture matters more than advanced resolution formats. Its loop-out and simple setup make it well suited to console or camera streaming through a PC.
Best Value 4K Passthrough – Newhope 1080p 60FPS Capture
This Newhope model is a strong choice among capture cards with passthrough for PC because it combines 1080p at 60fps capture with 4K HDMI loop-out. It is driver-free, includes the needed cables and adapter, and supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and iPadOS 17 or newer.
Best For: Gamers who want smooth 1080p streaming while viewing gameplay on a separate 4K-capable display.
Pros:
- Captures Full HD video at 1080p 60fps.
- 4K passthrough supports playing on an external display with low latency.
- Works with OBS, VLC, Zoom, Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Includes an HDMI cable, USB cable, USB adapter, and two-year manufacturer warranty.
Cons:
- USB capture is specified at 1080p rather than 4K.
- Microphone input accepts only a 3.5mm TRS standard microphone headset.
With its combination of 60fps capture, 4K loop-out, broad compatibility, and included accessories, this is a well-rounded option for a new streaming setup. Choose it when passthrough quality and easy installation are priorities.
Best Flexible Input Support – 4K60 Loop-Out Capture Card
For users needing versatile capture cards with passthrough for PC, this VIXLW unit supports 4K 60Hz HDMI input and loop-out while capturing up to 1080p at 60fps or 2K at 30fps over USB 3.0. Its aluminum alloy housing, broad device compatibility, and included USB-A to USB-C adapter add flexibility for gaming and camera setups.
Best For: Streamers who need 4K60 passthrough, multiple capture resolutions, and compatibility with consoles, cameras, and PCs.
Pros:
- Supports 4K 60Hz HDMI input and 4K60 loop-out.
- Captures up to 1080p 60fps or outputs up to 2K 30Hz over USB 3.0.
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, OBS, Streamlabs, and other software.
- Includes USB-A cable and USB-A to USB-C adapter.
Cons:
- Does not support 4K120 or 4K144Hz input.
- Microphone input does not record party chats.
- Warranty coverage is listed as 60 days.
This model is the most flexible choice of the three for higher-refresh gaming sources and mixed device setups. Its capture output remains below 4K, but the 4K60 loop-out preserves a higher-resolution viewing path while you stream.
How We Picked the Best Capture Cards with Passthrough for PC
We compared these 10 models by their capture resolution, passthrough limits, supported refresh rates, connection type, software compatibility, audio handling, and intended use. We also separated internal PCIe designs from USB capture devices because each suits a different PC setup.
Specifications can vary by input resolution, HDR mode, cable quality, and software settings. Before buying, confirm that the card supports the exact console, monitor, GPU output, and refresh rate you plan to use.
Quick Comparison
| Best For | What to Prioritize | Typical Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive PC gaming | High-refresh passthrough and low latency | Internal PCIe or high-bandwidth USB model |
| 4K console gaming | 4K passthrough, HDR support, and reliable HDMI compatibility | 4K-capable capture card |
| 1080p streaming | 1080p60 capture and USB 3.0 connectivity | Compact USB capture card |
| Multi-platform creators | Broad console support, audio flexibility, and OBS compatibility | Feature-rich USB or PCIe model |
Key Buying Factors for Capture Cards with Passthrough for PC
Capture Resolution and Frame Rate
Capture resolution determines what your stream or recording receives, while passthrough determines what appears on your gaming display. A card may pass through 4K at 60Hz but capture at 1080p60. That is often sufficient for live streaming, but creators making high-resolution recordings should verify the capture specification separately.
Passthrough Refresh Rate and Latency
Look for passthrough support that matches your monitor and games. Competitive players may need 120Hz or higher at 1080p or 1440p, while 4K players should check for 4K60 support. “Zero latency” generally refers to the direct HDMI output; the preview inside streaming software can still have delay.
Connection and Installation
Internal PCIe cards can provide strong bandwidth and a tidy desktop setup, but they require an open slot and a compatible desktop PC. USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 models are easier to move between systems, though they depend on a suitable port and reliable cables. Avoid using a USB hub unless the manufacturer explicitly supports it.
HDR, Audio, and Software Support
If you use HDR gaming, check whether HDR passthrough and capture are both supported. Also confirm HDMI audio handling, microphone or auxiliary inputs, and compatibility with OBS Studio, Streamlabs, or your preferred application. Driver requirements matter most for internal cards and advanced features.
Who Should Buy Which Capture Cards with Passthrough for PC?
Choose an internal card such as the Elgato 4K Pro if you have a dedicated desktop streaming PC and want a clean, high-bandwidth installation. Choose a USB model for a laptop, occasional streaming, console capture, or a setup that needs to move between systems.
For 1080p60 broadcasts, an affordable USB 3.0 card is usually enough. For 4K consoles, HDR displays, or high-refresh gameplay, spend more on a model whose passthrough specifications match your display. Before checkout, verify the required HDMI version, USB port, operating-system support, and whether your target resolution is captured or only passed through.