If you game on a high-refresh monitor, the right capture card should let you keep smooth 1440p 240Hz gameplay on your display while capturing clean footage for streaming or recording.
This roundup focuses on cards that balance passthrough quality, latency, and compatibility for modern consoles and PCs.
Best 10 Capture Card for 1440p 240Hz Passthrough Picks for 2026
Internal PCIe Flagship
Elgato 4K Pro for High-End Passthrough
- HDMI 2.1 in/out with VRR passthrough
- Up to 4K60 HDR10 capture, 1080p240 recording
- Internal PCIe design with ultra-low latency
Best For: Premium desktop builds and dual-PC streaming
Budget USB Pick
XIIXMASK 4K Loop-Out Capture Card
- USB 3.0 plug-and-play setup
- 4K60 capture with 4K60 passthrough
- Supports 1440p144FPS and 1080p240 input
Best For: Affordable streaming and recording with loop-out monitoring
Portable USB-C Choice
Elgato 4K S for High-Refresh Consoles
- 1440p120 or 1080p240 passthrough
- 4K60 capture with HDR10 support
- Near-zero latency and analog audio in
Best For: Portable setups that prioritize smooth passthrough
Premium External Runner
- 4K60 HDR/VRR passthrough
- Low-latency external USB 3.2 Gen 1 capture
- Supports ultra-wide 3440x1440 and 2560x1080
Best For: External streamers who want VRR and wide-screen support
Compact 4K HDR Pick
4K60 HDR / 1080p240 Capture Card
- 4K@60Hz HDR passthrough
- Captures up to 1080P@240Hz
- USB-C plug-and-play with audio I/O
Best For: Gamers who want smooth high-FPS capture and easy setup
PCIe Performance Option
- Internal PCIe Gen 3 x4 design
- Up to 240Hz refresh-rate support
- 4K144 HDR pass-through and ultra-low latency
Best For: Desktop streamers who want HDMI 2.1 and internal PCIe performance
Budget-Friendly Twin
4K60 HDR / 1080p240 Capture Card
- 4K@60Hz HDR passthrough
- Captures up to 1080P@240Hz
- USB-C plug-and-play with VRR support
Best For: Creators who want an easy external card with high-FPS support
Premium HDMI 2.1 4K Passthrough
AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
- 4K144 HDR/VRR passthrough
- 4K60 capture for OBS/Twitch/YouTube
- Low-latency with party chat support
Best For: High-refresh console and PC gamers who want HDMI 2.1 passthrough
Best Match for 1440p 240Hz
- 1080P 240Hz passthrough support
- 1440P 144Hz capture with HDR/VRR/ALLM
- Plug-and-play on Windows, macOS, and Linux
Best For: High-refresh gamers wanting broad compatibility and flexible capture modes
Value 1440p VRR Pick
AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3
- VRR passthrough at 1440p120
- Up to 1080p240 capture and 4K30 recording
- Plug-and-play for major consoles and computers
Best For: Creators who want simple setup and VRR support without HDMI 2.1
Internal PCIe Flagship – Elgato 4K Pro for High-End Passthrough
If you want a capture card for 1440p 240Hz passthrough and also want room to grow, the Elgato 4K Pro is built for a high-end PC setup. Its HDMI 2.1 in/out, VRR passthrough, and ultra-low latency make it a strong choice when smooth gameplay and clean capture both matter.
Best For: Streamers and dual-PC users who want premium passthrough, VRR support, and internal PCIe performance.
Pros:
- HDMI 2.1 in/out with VRR passthrough for smooth gameplay.
- Supports up to 4K60 HDR10 capture and 1080p240 recording.
- Ultra-low latency helps keep gameplay and broadcast in sync.
- Works with common apps like OBS, Streamlabs, Zoom, and Teams.
Cons:
- Requires a PCIe slot, so it is not a portable USB option.
- Capture resolution tops out at 1080p in the provided specs/details.
This is the right pick if you want a more permanent capture setup with strong passthrough support and broad software compatibility. It is especially appealing for users who care more about stable high-refresh gaming on the display side than about an external dongle-style setup.
Budget USB Pick – XIIXMASK 4K Loop-Out Capture Card
The XIIXMASK is a practical capture card for 1440p 240Hz passthrough searches because it explicitly supports 2560×1440 at 144FPS and 1920×1080 at 240FPS, plus 4K60 HDMI loop-out. If you want a simple USB 3.0 option for streaming, recording, or mirroring, it covers the basics without driver setup.
Best For: Budget-minded users who want plug-and-play USB capture with high-refresh support and HDMI loop-out.
Pros:
- Supports 4K60 capture and 4K60 passthrough.
- Handles 2560×1440 at 144FPS and 1080p at 240FPS input.
- Plug-and-play with no drivers or external power required.
- Includes 3.5mm audio in and mic out for commentary.
Cons:
- Passthrough is limited to 4K60, not 1440p240.
- Refresh-rate support is listed as input handling, not full passthrough at 240Hz.
For straightforward USB capture, this model offers a useful mix of compatibility and convenience. It is a sensible pick if you need high-refresh support for recording and a loop-out path for live monitoring, but do not need premium internal-card features.
Portable USB-C Choice – Elgato 4K S for High-Refresh Consoles
The Elgato 4K S is a compact capture card for users who want 1440p 240Hz passthrough support in a portable USB-C form factor. It pairs 4K60 capture with 1440p120 or 1080p240 passthrough, making it a strong fit for modern consoles and PC setups that still value high refresh.
Best For: Console and PC players who want a small USB-C card with high-refresh passthrough and low-latency capture.
Pros:
- Supports 1440p120 or 1080p240 passthrough.
- Records in 4K60 with HDR10 support.
- Near-zero latency is ideal for responsive gameplay.
- Includes analog audio in for chat or commentary.
Cons:
- Capture resolution in the supplied details is listed as 1080p.
- Requires newer OS support, including Windows 11 or macOS 13+.
This is a strong middle ground if you want a streamlined external card without giving up high-refresh passthrough. It is especially useful for players who need a small, modern device that works across consoles and PCs while still offering HDR and low-latency performance.
Premium External Runner – AVerMedia GC553Pro Ultra S
The AVerMedia GC553Pro is a strong external choice if you want a capture card for 1440p 240Hz passthrough searches and care about smooth gameplay first. It supports 4K60 HDR/VRR passthrough, ultra-wide screens, and low-latency capture, which makes it well suited to modern gaming setups.
Best For: Streamers and gamers who want external plug-and-play capture with VRR support and wide-screen compatibility.
Pros:
- 4K60 HDR/VRR passthrough for smooth play on supported devices.
- Low-latency capture for more synchronized gameplay and streaming.
- Supports ultra-wide resolutions like 3440×1440 and 2560×1080.
- Plug-and-play setup with Windows, Mac, and iPadOS support.
Cons:
- Passthrough is 4K60 rather than a listed 1440p240 mode.
- USB capture resolution is listed as 4K60, but software/platform support still depends on your setup.
This model is best when you want a polished external capture experience with strong compatibility and modern gaming features. If your priority is clean passthrough plus easy setup, it is a compelling choice for streaming and recording from consoles or PC.
Compact 4K HDR Pick – 4K60 HDR / 1080p240 Capture Card
If you want a capture card for 1440p 240Hz passthrough-style gaming setups, this model is aimed at high-refresh play with 4K@60Hz HDR input and passthrough plus capture up to 1080P@240Hz or 2K@144Hz. It is a practical option for streamers who want near-zero-latency gameplay, VRR support, and a straightforward USB-C workflow for OBS or similar software.
Best For: Console and PC gamers who want smooth high-FPS capture, VRR passthrough, and simple plug-and-play streaming.
Pros:
- Supports 4K@60Hz HDR passthrough and up to 1080P@240Hz capture.
- VRR passthrough is designed to reduce tearing, flicker, and lag.
- USB 3.2 Type-C host connection with no driver installation required.
- Includes 3.5mm audio in/out for live commentary and audio monitoring.
Cons:
- Not designed for HDCP-encrypted content such as Blu-ray discs or TV sticks.
- High-refresh performance depends on using the original USB3.x cable and proper HDMI 2.0 cabling.
- For PS4/PS5 use, HDCP must be disabled first.
Overall, this is a feature-rich external capture option if you want high-frame-rate recording without a complicated setup. The combination of HDR passthrough, VRR support, and mobile streaming features makes it especially flexible for mixed console and creator use.
PCIe Performance Option – AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K 2.1
For a capture card for 1440p 240Hz passthrough workflows, this internal PCIe model is built for high-end setups and focuses on low-latency recording with HDMI 2.1. It supports up to 240Hz refresh-rate combinations, 4K144 HDR pass-through, and capture resolutions listed at 1080p240 and 1440p120, making it a strong fit for serious PC and console streaming rigs.
Best For: Desktop streamers and advanced users who want an internal PCIe card with HDMI 2.1 features and ultra-low latency.
Pros:
- HDMI 2.1 internal PCIe card with ultra-low-latency game capture.
- Supports refresh rates up to 240Hz and ultra-wide resolutions.
- Lists 4K144 HDR pass-through plus 1080p240 and 1440p120 capture support.
- Plug-and-play installation for Windows 10/11 systems.
Cons:
- Requires a desktop PCIe slot, so it is not as portable as external capture cards.
- Minimum system requirement is Windows 10×64/11×64 or later.
- Best suited to users who specifically want an internal installation.
This is the most premium-feeling option in the group if your priority is internal installation and HDMI 2.1 bandwidth. It is especially attractive for users who want high-refresh gameplay support without relying on an external USB capture box.
Budget-Friendly Twin – 4K60 HDR / 1080p240 Capture Card
This model matches the core feature set of a capture card for 1440p 240Hz passthrough-style gaming, with 4K@60Hz HDR input and passthrough and capture up to 1080P@240Hz or 2K@144Hz. It is a practical external choice for players who want VRR passthrough, low-latency gameplay, and a simple USB 3.2 Type-C setup for recording or streaming.
Best For: Console and PC users who want a straightforward external capture card with high-FPS support and broad device compatibility.
Pros:
- Supports 4K@60Hz HDR passthrough and up to 1080P@240Hz capture.
- VRR passthrough helps reduce screen tearing and flicker.
- USB 3.2 Type-C host port with plug-and-play operation.
- Includes 3.5mm mic input and audio output ports for commentary and monitoring.
Cons:
- Does not support HDCP-encrypted content.
- Requires original USB3.x cable for best results and proper high-refresh support.
- PS4/PS5 users must disable HDCP before use.
In practice, this is a sensible external capture pick for creators who want the same headline specs as a more expensive unit without the complexity of an internal install. Its main appeal is the balance of high-FPS passthrough, broad compatibility, and easy day-to-day use.
Premium HDMI 2.1 4K Passthrough – AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
If you want a capture card for 1440p 240Hz passthrough, the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 is built around high-end HDMI 2.1 gaming setups. It captures up to 4K60 while delivering 4K144 HDR/VRR passthrough, so it fits modern consoles and PCs where smooth gameplay and low-latency monitoring matter most.
Best For: Players and streamers who want HDMI 2.1 passthrough, low latency, and 4K60 capture for PS5, Xbox, or PC setups.
Pros:
- 4K144 HDR/VRR passthrough supports smooth high-refresh gameplay.
- 4K60 capture is suitable for streaming on OBS, Twitch, and YouTube.
- Low-latency design helps keep gameplay and monitoring in sync.
- Includes party chat support and 5.1-channel audio capture.
Cons:
- Capture resolution tops out at 4K60, not 1440p240 recording.
- Requires Windows 10/11 x64 or later for operation.
- More features than some users need if they only want basic pass-through.
This is the strongest pick if passthrough quality is the priority and your setup benefits from HDMI 2.1 headroom. It is especially appealing for console gamers who want advanced audio features alongside smooth high-refresh output.
Best Match for 1440p 240Hz – BlueAVS 4K Capture Card
For a capture card for 1440p 240Hz passthrough, this BlueAVS model is the most directly aligned option in the group. It supports up to 1440P 144Hz capture and 1080P 240Hz passthrough, along with HDR, VRR, and ALLM, making it a flexible choice for competitive gaming and stream-friendly setups.
Best For: Gamers who want the closest fit for high-refresh passthrough, plus flexible capture modes for OBS and multi-platform use.
Pros:
- Supports 1080P 240Hz passthrough and 1440P 144Hz capture.
- HDR, VRR, and ALLM support help preserve smooth, responsive gameplay.
- UVC/UAC plug-and-play works with Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Includes a 3.5mm audio port for voice chat and line-in mixing.
Cons:
- 1440p passthrough is listed at 144Hz, not 240Hz.
- Needs a USB 3.0/5Gbps port for stable operation.
- Capture is capped at 4K60 rather than higher-end recording modes.
If your priority is high-refresh gaming with broad compatibility, this BlueAVS card is the most practical fit here. It is especially useful when you want strong passthrough features without a more expensive HDMI 2.1 setup.
Value 1440p VRR Pick – AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3
If you are shopping for a capture card for 1440p 240Hz passthrough but can work within a lower passthrough target, the AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3 is a strong value option. It records up to 4K30 and offers VRR passthrough at 1440p120 or 1080p120, which makes it a solid fit for smoother gameplay monitoring without stepping up to HDMI 2.1.
Best For: Streamers and console players who want dependable plug-and-play capture with VRR passthrough at 1440p120.
Pros:
- VRR passthrough at 1440p120 or 1080p120 supports smoother gaming.
- Up to 1080p240 capture and 4K30 recording cover common streaming needs.
- Plug-and-play setup keeps installation simple.
- Works with PS5, Xbox, Switch, Windows, Mac, and more.
Cons:
- Does not provide 1440p240 passthrough.
- Capture maxes out at 4K30, which is lower than some rivals.
- Uses HDMI 2.0 rather than HDMI 2.1.
This model makes sense if you want a simpler capture solution and can live with 1440p120 passthrough instead of 240Hz. It is a practical pick for creators who value easy setup and stable VRR support over cutting-edge passthrough specs.
How We Picked the Best Capture Card for 1440p 240Hz Passthrough
We prioritized models that support HDMI 2.1 features, low-latency passthrough, and practical capture resolutions for modern gaming setups. For a Capture Card for 1440p 240Hz Passthrough, the most important question is whether it can pass the signal through without forcing you to drop refresh rate, HDR, VRR, or ALLM support.
We also considered capture quality, connection type, and real-world ease of use. Internal PCIe cards are usually the best fit for desktop streamers who want the strongest performance, while USB capture cards are better for plug-and-play setups and multi-device flexibility.
Quick Comparison
In this group, the top-tier options are the cards with HDMI 2.1 passthrough and broad support for high refresh rates. Some models emphasize 4K capture with 1440p120 or 1080p240 passthrough, while others focus on low-latency external capture and simpler installation. If your main goal is playing at 1440p 240Hz, prioritize passthrough support first, then look at capture resolution and HDR/VRR compatibility.
Key Buying Factors for Capture Card for 1440p 240Hz Passthrough
Passthrough Resolution and Refresh Rate
Not every card that says “4K” will actually preserve 1440p 240Hz. Check the passthrough spec specifically, and confirm it supports your target refresh rate at your preferred resolution.
HDMI 2.1 and Gaming Features
HDMI 2.1 is the safest choice if you want modern console support and high bandwidth. Look for VRR, HDR, and ALLM passthrough if you use them, since losing those features can hurt both image quality and gameplay feel.
Internal Vs. External Design
PCIe capture cards typically offer the cleanest desktop integration and strong latency performance. USB capture cards are easier to move between systems, but performance can vary depending on your USB controller and laptop or desktop bandwidth.
Capture Resolution Vs. Passthrough Needs
You do not need 240Hz capture to enjoy 240Hz gameplay. Most buyers should focus on what the card records cleanly, such as 4K60, 1440p120, or 1080p240, while ensuring passthrough stays unrestricted.
Who Should Buy Which Capture Card for 1440p 240Hz Passthrough?
If you want the best all-around option for a desktop streaming rig, choose an internal PCIe card with HDMI 2.1 and proven high-refresh passthrough. If you want portability or a simpler setup, a USB card with 1440p240-class passthrough support is the more practical choice.
Console players should verify PS5, Xbox Series X/S, or Switch compatibility before buying, especially if they rely on HDR and VRR. Competitive PC gamers should favor the card that most reliably preserves their monitor’s full refresh rate, since that is the core requirement for a Capture Card for 1440p 240Hz Passthrough.