Looking for a capture card for 4K 120Hz passthrough? The best options let you play at full frame rates while recording or streaming with minimal delay and clean image quality.
Below, we focus on models that balance passthrough performance, capture resolution, HDMI 2.1 features, and real-world ease of use for console and PC setups.
Best 10 Capture Card for 4K 120Hz Passthrough Picks for 2026
4K120 Passthrough Pick
AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
- 4K60 capture with 4K144 HDR/VRR passthrough
- Low-latency external HDMI 2.1 capture
- Built-in party chat support and 5.1 audio capture
Best For: Console streamers who want HDMI 2.1 passthrough and low-latency capture
Compact USB Option
- 4K60 capture with HDR10 support
- 1440p120 or 1080p240 passthrough
- Near-zero latency USB-C design
Best For: Users wanting a compact USB-C card for high-refresh passthrough
Value Streaming Choice
AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3
- VRR passthrough at 1440p120 or 1080p120
- 4K30 capture with ultra-low latency
- Plug-and-play external setup
Best For: Streamers who want simple high-refresh passthrough without HDMI 2.1
Internal Power Pick
- HDMI 2.1 in/out with 8K60 passthrough
- 4K60 HDR10 capture and up to 1080p240 recording
- VRR support with ultra-low latency
Best For: Desktop and dual-PC streamers who want an internal HDMI 2.1 card
4K 60Hz HDR Capture
- 4K@60Hz HDR input and passthrough
- Up to 1080P@240Hz or 2K@144Hz capture
- VRR support plus mic in/out
Best For: Streamers needing HDR passthrough and high-FPS capture
4K60 Streamer Pick
- 4K@60FPS capture and 4K@60Hz passthrough
- 2K@120FPS and 1080P@120FPS support
- 3.5mm audio in and mic out
Best For: Users wanting easy plug-and-play capture with 120FPS support at lower resolutions
Ultra-Low Latency Choice
- 4K@60Hz capture with 2K@120Hz and 1080p@240Hz support
- HDR and VRR for smoother gameplay
- Utility software for EDID and audio control
Best For: Gamers prioritizing low latency and high-refresh output below 4K
Compact 4K60 Pass-Through Streaming Pick
AVerMedia StreamLine MINI+ GC311G2
- 4K60 HDR pass-through
- 1080p60 recording
- Plug-and-play setup
Best For: Streamers wanting simple setup and low-latency pass-through
High-Refresh Console and PC Choice
- 4K60 capture with 1440p144 / 1080p240 passthrough
- HDR, VRR, and ALLM support
- 3.5mm audio mixing port
Best For: Competitive gamers who want flexible high-refresh passthrough
Budget-Friendly Plug-and-Play Option
- 1080p60 capture
- Plug-and-play setup
- Compact portable design
Best For: Beginners who want simple 1080p60 capture on a budget
4K120 Passthrough Pick – AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
If you want a capture card for 4K 120Hz passthrough that also pushes beyond the basics, the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 is built around HDMI 2.1, low latency, and strong console support. It captures up to 4K60 while passing through 4K144 HDR/VRR, so it suits players who want smooth gameplay on a PS5, PS5 Pro, Xbox Series X/S, or PC setup without giving up streaming quality.
Best For: Streamers and console players who want HDMI 2.1 passthrough with low-latency 4K capture.
Pros:
- 4K60 capture with 4K144 HDR/VRR passthrough for high-refresh gaming.
- Low-latency design helps keep gameplay and stream output in sync.
- Built-in party chat support and 5.1 channel audio capture add convenience.
- Works with OBS, Streamlabs, Twitch, YouTube, and Windows 11.
Cons:
- Requires Windows 10 x64 / 11 x64 or later for the listed system support.
- Capture tops out at 4K60 rather than matching the highest passthrough rate.
This is a strong choice if your priority is smooth HDMI 2.1 passthrough and practical streaming features in one external unit. The RGB lighting is a bonus, but the real value is the combination of 4K60 capture and high-refresh passthrough.
Compact USB Option – Elgato 4K S
The Elgato 4K S is a compact capture card for 4K 120Hz passthrough setups when you care more about flexible high-frame-rate support than internal PCIe installation. It records in 4K60, supports 1440p120 or 1080p240 passthrough, and adds HDR10 support plus near-zero latency for a simple USB-C streaming setup.
Best For: Players who want a small USB-C capture card with high-refresh passthrough and easy cross-platform use.
Pros:
- Supports 1440p120 or 1080p240 passthrough for high-refresh gaming.
- 4K60 capture with HDR10 support on Windows.
- Near-zero latency keeps gameplay response tight.
- USB-C design works with PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and more.
Cons:
- Does not offer 4K120 passthrough specifically.
- Video capture resolution is listed as 1080p in the details, so features may depend on workflow.
For a streamlined external option, this model is easy to recommend if your monitor setup centers on 120Hz or higher at 1440p or 1080p. It is not the most ambitious spec sheet in the group, but it is practical and versatile.
Value Streaming Choice – AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3
If your priority is a dependable capture card for 4K 120Hz passthrough-adjacent gaming rather than full HDMI 2.1 features, the AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3 focuses on 4K30 capture and high-refresh pass-through support up to 1440p120 or 1080p120. It is a plug-and-play style external device for PS5, Xbox, Switch, and PC users who want low-latency gameplay capture without a more expensive internal card.
Best For: Streamers who want an easy external card with 120Hz passthrough support at 1440p or 1080p.
Pros:
- VRR pass-through at 1440p120 or 1080p120.
- Ultra-low latency passthrough helps avoid gameplay lag.
- Plug-and-play setup keeps installation straightforward.
- Broad console and platform compatibility, including Windows and Mac.
Cons:
- Capture is limited to 4K30, not 4K60.
- No HDMI 2.1 support listed, so it is less future-proof than newer options.
This is a sensible midrange choice if you mainly want smooth high-refresh passthrough and simple streaming rather than top-end capture specs. It offers good value, especially for users who do not need 4K60 recording.
Internal Power Pick – Elgato 4K Pro
For a capture card for 4K 120Hz passthrough in a desktop build, the Elgato 4K Pro is the internal option here, with HDMI 2.1 in/out, 8K60 passthrough, and 4K60 HDR10 capture. It is designed for PC users who want ultra-low latency, VRR support, and high-frame-rate recording up to 1080p240 in a PCIe-based setup.
Best For: Desktop streamers and dual-PC users who want an internal HDMI 2.1 capture card.
Pros:
- HDMI 2.1 input/output with 8K60 passthrough.
- 4K60 HDR10 capture plus up to 1080p240 recording.
- VRR support and ultra-low latency for smooth gameplay.
- Compatible with many apps, including OBS, Streamlabs, and Zoom.
Cons:
- Internal PCIe design means it is not as portable as USB capture cards.
- Requires Windows 10 and a PCIe slot.
This is the most capable internal pick in the group if you are building a dedicated streaming PC or dual-PC rig. It is overkill for casual setups, but excellent when you want a clean installed solution with top-tier passthrough and capture features.
4K 60Hz HDR Capture – 4K/240Hz HDR/VRR Recorder
If you want a capture card for 4K 120Hz passthrough-style gaming setups, this model is aimed at creators who need smooth monitoring, HDR support, and high-refresh capture. It tops out at 4K@60Hz HDR passthrough, but it also handles very fast recording modes like 1080P@240Hz and 2K@144Hz, which makes it a strong fit for competitive gameplay and live streaming.
Best For: Streamers and gamers who want 4K@60Hz HDR passthrough, VRR support, and very high-FPS recording.
Pros:
- Supports 4K@60Hz HDR input and passthrough.
- Records up to 1080P@240Hz or 2K@144Hz for fast-action games.
- VRR passthrough helps reduce tearing, flicker, and lag.
- Includes 3.5mm mic input and audio output for commentary and monitoring.
Cons:
- Does not offer 4K@120Hz passthrough.
- HDCP must be disabled on PS4/PS5 for use.
- Requires the original USB 3.x cable for best performance.
Overall, this is a practical pick if your priority is smooth passthrough, HDR, and very high frame-rate capture rather than true 4K 120Hz output. Its broad device support and plug-and-play setup make it easy to drop into an OBS or console streaming workflow.
4K60 Streamer Pick – 2K120 USB-C Capture Card
This capture card for 4K 120Hz passthrough searches best when you want strong 4K monitoring and high-refresh capture without extra power or drivers. It supports 4K@60FPS capture with 4K@60Hz passthrough, plus 2K@120FPS and 1080P@120FPS input for smoother recording of fast gameplay and live content.
Best For: Creators who want a simple USB-C capture card with 4K passthrough and 120FPS support at lower resolutions.
Pros:
- 4K@60FPS capture with 4K@60Hz HDMI passthrough.
- Supports 2K@120FPS and 1080P@120FPS input.
- Includes 3.5mm audio in and mic out ports.
- Plug-and-play design with broad OS and device compatibility.
Cons:
- Does not provide 4K@120Hz passthrough.
- USB 2.0 ports are limited to 1080P.
- OBS audio setup requires a software restart after changes.
For users building a flexible streaming or mirror-monitoring setup, this is a straightforward option with useful audio inputs and wide compatibility. It is especially appealing if you care more about 120FPS at 1080p or 1440p than pushing 4K at 120Hz.
Ultra-Low Latency Choice – 4K60 HDR/VRR Capture Card
When shopping for a capture card for 4K 120Hz passthrough, this model stands out for low-latency monitoring, HDR support, and fast refresh rates below 4K. It captures in 4K@60Hz and supports passthrough up to 1080p@240Hz and 2K@120Hz, making it a solid fit for console streaming, recording, and gameplay review.
Best For: Players who want HDR, VRR, and ultra-low latency with high-refresh passthrough for 1080p and 2K gaming.
Pros:
- Captures 4K@60Hz and supports 2K@144Hz plus 1080p@240Hz.
- VRR and HDR support help smooth and improve image quality.
- Ultra-low latency design is suited to real-time monitoring.
- Utility software allows EDID, VRR, audio, and firmware control.
Cons:
- Does not support 4K@120Hz passthrough.
- Utility software is available for Windows and macOS only.
- Broad device support is noted, but the listing is centered on PC-based capture workflows.
This is a strong choice if you want the benefits of HDR and VRR without giving up easy setup. It is better suited to high-refresh 1080p and 2K gaming than to true 4K 120Hz pass-through use cases.
Compact 4K60 Pass-Through Streaming Pick – AVerMedia StreamLine MINI+ GC311G2
If you want a capture card for 4K 120Hz passthrough-style setups, the AVerMedia StreamLine MINI+ is a compact option to consider, especially if your priority is smooth play with low-latency capture. It supports 4K60 HDR pass-through, plus high-refresh gameplay modes up to 1440p144 and 1080p240, while recording in 1080p60 for streaming and content creation.
Best For: Streamers who want an easy plug-and-play USB capture card with strong pass-through and broad software support.
Pros:
- 4K60 HDR pass-through with ultra-low latency for real-time play
- Captures in 1080p60 and supports high-refresh input modes up to 1440p144 / 1080p240
- Plug-and-play setup with no drivers needed
- Works with OBS, CameraFi, Camo Studio, and AVerMedia Streaming Center
Cons:
- Recording resolution is limited to 1080p
- Pass-through is 4K60, not 4K120
- Best results depend on having the required system specs for your platform
This is a practical choice if you want a straightforward capture card that prioritizes low-lag pass-through and simple setup over higher-end recording specs. It is especially appealing for console players and beginner-to-intermediate streamers.
High-Refresh Console and PC Choice – BlueAVS 4K Capture Card
For a capture card for 4K 120Hz passthrough setups, the BlueAVS model stands out because it supports high-refresh output modes while keeping capture quality focused on streaming and recording. Its 4K60, 1440p144, and 1080p240 support, along with HDR, VRR, and ALLM passthrough, make it a strong fit for modern consoles and gaming PCs.
Best For: Competitive gamers and streamers who want high-refresh passthrough with flexible audio mixing.
Pros:
- Supports 4K60 capture with 1440p144 and 1080p240 passthrough modes
- HDR, VRR, and ALLM passthrough for smoother gameplay
- True UVC/UAC plug-and-play compatibility on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Includes a dedicated 3.5mm audio port for line-in or headset audio mixing
Cons:
- Capture resolution tops out at 4K60 rather than 4K120
- Requires a USB 5Gbps port for stable operation
- More feature-rich than basic plug-and-play cards, so casual users may not need all of it
This is the most feature-packed option here for high-refresh gaming setups. If you need passthrough features like VRR and ALLM plus simple OBS-friendly compatibility, it is a strong pick.
Budget-Friendly Plug-and-Play Option – Dcyfol USB 3.0 Capture Card
If you need a capture card for 4K 120Hz passthrough-style gaming setups without complicating the workflow, this Dcyfol USB 3.0 model keeps things simple. It focuses on 1080p60 capture, low-latency performance, and plug-and-play use, making it a basic but practical choice for PS5, Xbox, Switch, PC, and Mac.
Best For: Beginners and portable streamers who want an easy USB capture card for standard 1080p60 capture.
Pros:
- Plug-and-play operation with no drivers needed
- Supports 1080p60 capture with low-latency performance
- Compatible with OBS Studio, Streamlabs, and XSplit
- Compact and portable for travel or LAN setups
Cons:
- Capture resolution is limited to 1080p
- Pass-through is basic compared with higher-end high-refresh models
- Less suited to users who want advanced passthrough features
This is the simplest option in the group and makes sense if your priority is quick setup over advanced refresh-rate support. It is best viewed as an affordable everyday capture device rather than a feature-heavy flagship.
How We Picked the Best Capture Card for 4K 120Hz Passthrough
For this roundup, we prioritized passthrough capability first, then looked at capture quality, latency, format support, and setup flexibility. A strong Capture Card for 4K 120Hz Passthrough should preserve responsive gameplay while handling modern features such as HDR, VRR, and HDMI 2.1 when available.
We also considered whether each model is better suited to external or internal installation, since that affects convenience, port availability, and long-term use.
Quick Comparison
In simple terms, the top-tier HDMI 2.1 models are best for users who want the most headroom for high-refresh gaming. Midrange external cards are usually the easiest to set up and still offer excellent 4K60 capture with high-refresh passthrough at lower resolutions. Budget-friendly USB capture cards are fine for casual streaming, but they typically trade away advanced passthrough features.
Key Buying Factors for a Capture Card for 4K 120Hz Passthrough
HDMI 2.1 and Passthrough Limits
Check whether the card truly supports 4K120 passthrough or only lower-resolution high-refresh output. Some products advertise 4K60 capture but can passthrough 120Hz only at 1440p or 1080p.
Capture Resolution Vs. Passthrough Resolution
These are not the same. You may game at 4K120 on the display while capturing at 4K60, 1440p120, or 1080p60 depending on the device. Choose the combination that matches your streaming goals.
VRR, HDR, and Low Latency
If you play fast-paced console or competitive games, VRR and HDR support matter. Low-latency processing helps keep the display feel responsive while maintaining a clean feed for OBS or similar software.
Internal Vs. External Design
Internal cards often deliver a cleaner desktop setup and stronger feature sets, while external USB models are simpler to install and move between systems. Choose based on your PC case, laptop use, and cable management needs.
Software and Driver Support
A great hardware spec sheet still needs reliable software. Look for stable drivers, broad app compatibility, and straightforward audio routing if you plan to stream regularly.
Who Should Buy Which Capture Card for 4K 120Hz Passthrough?
Competitive console players and creators who want the best future-proof setup should focus on HDMI 2.1 models with true 4K120 passthrough. Streamers who care more about convenience than top-end refresh rates can choose a strong external 4K60 option. If you only need casual recording or a basic secondary display feed, a simpler USB capture card may be enough.
For most buyers, the right choice comes down to whether you need maximum passthrough performance now or an easier, lower-cost setup that still handles modern gaming well.