10 Best Capture Cards With Passthrough for Smooth 4K Gaming in 2026

A capture card with passthrough lets you send gameplay to your streaming or recording software while continuing to play on your TV or monitor with minimal interruption. The right model can preserve high refresh rates, HDR, and sharp image quality without complicating your setup.

We compared 10 USB and HDMI capture cards with features ranging from 1080p60 output to 4K60 passthrough. Use the guide below to match resolution support, connectivity, latency, and system requirements to your console or PC.

Best 10 Capture Card with Passthrough Picks for 2026

Best Plug-and-Play Value – Acer USB 3.0 HDMI Capture Card

acer USB 3.0 HDMI Capture Card, 4K HDMI Loop-Out, 1080P 60Hz for Streaming

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If you want a straightforward capture card with passthrough, the Acer OCB5B0 combines 4K HDMI input with 1080p60 capture and HDMI loop-out. Its USB 3.0 connection, mic input, and support for common streaming software make it a practical option for gaming, teaching, and live content.

Best For: Gamers and creators who want simple 1080p60 capture, microphone commentary, and broad device compatibility.

Pros:

• Accepts 4K input while capturing up to 1080p at 60Hz.
• Includes HDMI loop-out and low-latency audio-video capture.
• Plug-and-play design supports USB Type-A and Type-C connections.
• Built-in 3.5mm mic input helps keep commentary with the video.

Cons:

• Capture resolution tops out at 1080p rather than 4K.
• USB 3.0 is required for USB 3.0 performance.

The Acer is a flexible everyday choice when ease of setup matters more than 4K recording. It is especially appealing for users who need Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, camera, and computer compatibility in a compact device.

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Best High-Refresh Passthrough – AVerMedia GC311G2 StreamLine MINI+

AVerMedia GC311G2 USB-C Game Capture Card, 1080p60, 4K60 HDR Pass-Through

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The AVerMedia GC311G2 is a capture card with passthrough designed for smooth high-refresh gameplay. It can pass through 4K60 HDR to a compatible display while sending 1080p60 video to a Windows, Mac, or compatible USB-C iPad, with support for even higher refresh rates at lower resolutions.

Best For: Competitive gamers and streamers who prioritize responsive gameplay, HDR passthrough, and dependable software compatibility.

Pros:

• Passes through 4K60 HDR while capturing up to 1080p60 SDR.
• Supports passthrough up to 1440p144 or 1080p240 HDR.
• Works with PS5, PS5 Pro, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PCs, and cameras.
• Driver-free operation supports OBS, Camo Studio, and AVerMedia Streaming Center.

Cons:

• Captured video is limited to 1080p60 and does not retain HDR.
• Requires relatively specific computer hardware for some setups.

Choose this model if passthrough performance is the priority. Its 4K HDR display support and high-refresh options make it a stronger fit for fast games than basic 4K-input capture cards, though it is best paired with a capable system.

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Best Premium 4K Capture – Elgato 4K S

Elgato 4K S Capture Card for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2

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For creators who want higher-resolution recording, the Elgato 4K S is a capture card with passthrough that records in 4K60 and supports HDR10. It also handles high-frame-rate gameplay, making it a more advanced choice for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and compatible computer setups.

Best For: Serious console creators who want 4K60 capture, HDR support, and high-refresh passthrough.

Pros:

• Captures video at up to 4K60.
• Supports 1440p120 and 1080p240 passthrough.
• HDR10 support includes tone mapping on Windows.
• Analog audio input can capture game chat or commentary.

Cons:

• Requires Windows 11, macOS 13 or later, or a compatible iPadOS setup.
• Uses USB-C and may require a suitable USB 3.0 Type-C port.

The 4K S is the strongest fit here for users who need 4K recording rather than merely 4K display passthrough. Its high-refresh support and analog audio input add useful flexibility for polished gameplay content.

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Best Durable Budget Design – ByteWave USB 3.0 HDMI Capture Card

ByteWave USB 3.0 HDMI Video Capture Card, 4K Passthrough, HD 1080P60 Output

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The ByteWave AV-CC07 is a capture card with passthrough for buyers who want 1080p60 recording and 4K30 passthrough in a compact enclosure. Its aluminum shell, braided USB 3.0 cable, microphone input, and broad platform support make it suited to everyday streaming and portable setups.

Best For: Streamers and educators seeking an affordable, portable capture card with basic 4K passthrough and extra physical durability.

Pros:

• Captures 1080p60 and passes through a native 4K30 signal.
• Aluminum alloy shell is designed for heat dissipation.
• Plug-and-play operation needs no external power or additional apps.
• Supports Windows, Mac, consoles, Android devices, and popular streaming software.

Cons:

• 4K passthrough is limited to 30Hz.
• Capture resolution is limited to 1080p rather than 4K.
• USB 3.0 is required for the highest stated bandwidth.

ByteWave makes sense when you want the essentials without a complicated setup. It offers useful console compatibility and a cooler-running metal body, but users with 4K60 displays or 4K recording needs should consider a more advanced model.

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Premium 4K Passthrough – Live Gamer Ultra S

The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra S is a high-end capture card with passthrough for gamers who want smooth 4K gameplay while recording or streaming. It supports 4K60 HDR and VRR passthrough, along with high-refresh options for compatible displays and devices.

Best For: PS5, Xbox, Switch 2, and PC users who need high-resolution, high-refresh gameplay passthrough and advanced OBS workflows.

Pros:

• Supports 4K60 HDR and VRR passthrough.
• Handles 1440p144 and 1080p240 gameplay modes.
• Supports ultrawide inputs and 5.1-channel audio on Windows.
• Works with Windows, macOS, and iPadOS systems.

Cons:

• 5.1-channel audio support is specified for Windows workflows.
• Advanced features require compatible displays, devices, and software.
• Its feature set may be more than basic streamers need.

With its combination of 4K60 capture, HDR/VRR passthrough, and high-refresh support, the Live Gamer Ultra S is designed for demanding gaming setups where play quality should remain smooth during capture.

Practical 2K Loop-Out – UGREEN HDMI Capture Card

The UGREEN HDMI capture card with passthrough is a practical choice for streaming and recording at up to 2K30. It accepts 4K30 input and provides 4K30 HDMI loop-out for low-latency monitoring, while USB-A and USB-C connectivity makes it flexible for different recording devices.

Best For: Streamers and creators who want affordable 2K capture, 4K input loop-out, and broad operating-system compatibility.

Pros:

• Captures up to 2K at 30fps and supports 1080p at 60fps.
• Accepts 4K30 input and provides 4K30 HDMI loop-out.
• Includes USB 3.0 Type-C and Type-A connectivity.
• Works with Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.

Cons:

• It does not support 4K capture.
• PS4 and PS5 require HDCP to be turned off.
• It is not compatible with Fire TV Stick.

The UGREEN model is well suited to users who prioritize easy setup and monitoring over 4K recording. Its 4K loop-out is useful for viewing gameplay on a display while capturing at more modest resolutions.

Flexible High-Frame-Rate Capture – XIIXMASK USB 3.0 Capture Card

The XIIXMASK USB 3.0 capture card with passthrough supports up to 4K60 capture and 4K HDMI passthrough for real-time monitoring. It also offers 1080p120 recording, USB-A/C connectivity, and dedicated 3.5mm audio input and microphone output ports.

Best For: Gamers and streamers who want high-frame-rate 1080p capture, 4K passthrough, and convenient external audio connections.

Pros:

• Supports 4K60 capture and 4K HDMI passthrough.
• Handles 1080p at up to 120fps.
• Includes USB-A/C connectivity and several video formats.
• Offers 3.5mm audio input and microphone output ports.

Cons:

• USB 3.0 capture may require suitable host hardware for higher modes.
• Actual compatibility can vary by source device and software.
• Its audio ports may be unnecessary for users with a separate audio setup.

This model stands out for combining 4K passthrough with 1080p120 support and built-in audio connections. It is a versatile option for gameplay capture, streaming, meetings, and camera-based setups.

Best Overall Value – Rybozen 1080P 60FPS Capture Card with Passthrough

If you need a capture card with passthrough for console streaming, this model combines 1080p capture with an HDMI loop-out for low-delay gameplay. It supports 4K input up to 60Hz, while capture output reaches 1080p at 60Hz or 2K at 30Hz.

Best For: Gamers who want straightforward OBS streaming, HDMI passthrough, and microphone commentary support.

Pros:

• HDMI loop-out is designed for playing without noticeable passthrough delay.
• Captures up to 1080p at 60Hz and accepts 4K input up to 60Hz.
• Plug-and-play operation requires no driver or external power supply.
• Works with Windows and macOS, plus common streaming software.

Cons:

• Does not support 4K at 120Hz or 144Hz.
• Output is limited to up to 2K at 30Hz.
• The microphone input accepts only a 3.5mm TRS standard headset.

This is a practical choice when reliable 1080p60 capture matters more than high-refresh-rate 4K capture. Its loop-out, mic input, and broad compatibility make it a flexible starter setup for console and camera streaming.

Best 4K Passthrough – XIIXMASK 4K Loop-Out HDMI Capture Card

This capture card with passthrough is suited to high-frame-rate console setups, offering 4K 60Hz HDMI input and 4K 60Hz loop-out. It captures at up to 1080p60 or 2K30 through USB 3.0 and includes USB-A/USB-C connectivity.

Best For: PS5, Xbox, Switch, and camera users who want 4K passthrough while recording or streaming at 1080p60.

Pros:

• Supports 4K 60Hz input and loop-out.
• Offers 1080p60 or 2K30 capture output.
• Dual USB-A/USB-C connectivity improves device flexibility.
• Includes mic-in for adding external commentary.

Cons:

• OBS may need to be restarted after audio setup to restore sound output.
• The microphone input does not record party chats.
• Requires appropriate USB 3.0 connectivity for its listed capture performance.

Among these options, this model stands out when 4K passthrough is the priority. Its aluminum-alloy construction, dual-port cable arrangement, and 1080p60 capture target make it a capable match for modern console streaming.

Best Portable Option – Guermok 1080P 60FPS USB Capture Card

The Guermok is a compact capture card with passthrough-style low-latency sharing for recording and streaming, but it is intended for capture software rather than direct display casting. It supports up to 4K30 input and outputs up to 1080p60 or 2K30 over USB.

Best For: Portable streaming, video meetings, online teaching, and users who need USB-C compatibility.

Pros:

• Captures up to 1080p at 60Hz or 2K at 30Hz.
• Compact, lightweight design is convenient for mobile setups.
• Plug-and-play operation needs no additional driver or external power.
• Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and multiple capture applications.

Cons:

• It is for capture use only and is not intended to cast directly to a monitor or TV.
• The included adapter may be recognized as USB 2.0, reducing available bandwidth.
• It supports one-way HDMI-to-USB-C transmission; USB-C-to-HDMI conversion may lose signal.

This is the most travel-friendly choice, provided you plan to use OBS or another capture application. It offers useful 1080p60 performance in a small package, but its connection limitations make it less suitable for direct display passthrough than the other options.

How We Picked the Best Capture Card with Passthrough

We focused on the features that matter most in a Capture Card with Passthrough: supported input and output resolutions, refresh rates, HDR compatibility, connection type, and ease of use. The roundup includes compact USB 3.0 and USB-C models as well as higher-performance options designed for current consoles and PC gaming.

We also considered whether each device is better suited to casual recording, live streaming, competitive play, or a more advanced 4K setup. Specifications can vary by computer, software, HDMI source, and cable, so confirm compatibility before buying.

Quick Comparison

• 1080p60 capture: A practical target for Twitch, YouTube, and most console streams.
• 4K passthrough: Lets you play in 4K while sending a lower-resolution feed to your computer.
• 4K60 passthrough: Best for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and gaming PCs using high-refresh 4K displays.
• USB 3.0 or USB-C: Faster connections generally provide more bandwidth and lower risk of dropped frames than older USB standards.

Key Buying Factors for a Capture Card with Passthrough

Resolution and Refresh Rate

Check both capture and passthrough specifications. A device may support 4K passthrough but capture only at 1080p60. For smooth gameplay, verify whether it supports the refresh rate you use, such as 60Hz, 120Hz, or higher.

HDR, Color, and Latency

HDR passthrough can preserve a richer gaming image on your display, while RGB and color-format support may matter for PC workflows. Passthrough should feel effectively real time, but your monitor, HDMI cables, and console settings can affect the result.

Connection and Software Compatibility

USB 3.0 is common and broadly compatible; USB-C is convenient on newer laptops but may require an adapter. Confirm your computer has the necessary port and bandwidth. Most models work with popular software such as OBS, but operating-system support and included drivers can differ.

HDMI Features and Setup

Look for HDMI input and loop-out or passthrough ports, plus support for copy protection standards when relevant. Consoles typically need HDCP disabled for gameplay capture, and protected streaming content generally cannot be recorded.

Who Should Buy Which Capture Card with Passthrough?

Choose a basic 1080p60 model if you want affordable streaming or recording from a console, camera, or secondary PC. Choose 4K passthrough with 1080p60 capture if you play in 4K but do not need 4K recordings. Choose a 4K60-capable model when preserving high-resolution gameplay and HDR is a priority. Finally, prioritize USB-C or a compact design if portability and laptop compatibility matter most.