The best budget capture cards for gaming will be the ones that can record at 4K or 1080p, and they should also have a low latency.
The 4k video capture card is a type of camera that can record in 4K resolution. It is one of the best budget cards available in 2021.
Video game capture devices are an excellent way to improve the quality of your streaming, but they may rapidly become prohibitively costly.
The good news is that there are several great cheap capture cards available if you’re a novice.
The issue with less expensive capture cards is that you get what you pay for.
Cheap capture cards are often constructed improperly and include inferior technology, resulting in a slew of problems.
As a result, you’ll need to strike a balance between price and budget. Fortunately, we’ve brought presents with us!
After studying what top gamers and prominent twitch broadcasters use and looking through hundreds of various “cheap” capture cards…
We’ve compiled a list of the top five budget capture cards that have proved to perform effectively and record your juicy highlights and big-brain moves.
But enough with the rhetoric; let’s get started!
Overall, the best
Capture Card Elgato HD60 S+
- Captures 1080p at 60 frames per second.
- Can capture 4K at 30 frames per second in HDR10
- Simply plug in and play
Runner Up
Mini Capture Card for AVerMedia Live Gamer
- Captures 1080p at 60 frames per second.
- Hardware encoder built-in
- RECentral is a piece of native software.
Editors’ Pick
Capture Card by FcrenHuang
- Captures 1080p at 60 frames per second.
- It’s possible to stream in 4K resolution.
- To test, the best starting capture card is
The 5 Best Budget Capture Cards in a Nutshell
Elgato HD60 S+ (number one)
Pros
- Captures 1080p at 60 frames per second.
- Recorded in 4K at 30 frames per second with HDR 10 (not the greatest, but it’s there).
- Is it possible to play games at 4K resolution?
- Simple to set up and use
- Compatible with OBS
Cons
- There is no passthrough for 1080p At 240Hz.
- There is no passthrough for 1440p At 144Hz.
- There is no HDR passthrough.
The Elgato HD60 S+ is one of the most popular external capture cards on the market, and it’s also one of the most inexpensive.
You may record your games at 1080p 60 frames per second while playing them in 4K.
Although it isn’t the most “high-end” capture card, the 1080p quality is plenty for your audience to appreciate.
It also offers the shortest latency while previewing your games, allowing you to connect your gaming console/PC to your television and play.
You can record in 4K, but we don’t suggest it since you’ll only be able to capture at 30 frames per second, which will make your stream appear choppy and decrease the quality.
The HD60 S+ is connected to your computer through a USB connection, which is recognized immediately. It operates similarly to how a camera would be plugged in…
You won’t need to utilize third-party tools like OBS or Streamlabs since Elgato has its own game capture software.
Because the HD60 S+ lacks a built-in encoder, you’ll need to use a dual PC setup or connect your console to your PC to use this card.
The Elgato Game Capture HD60 S is $20 less expensive, but it doesn’t record in 4K and has a longer delay while seeing gameplay previews. If those two features aren’t important to you, the basic S instead of the S+ will save you money.
2. Mini Capture Card from AVerMedia
Pros
- Capture and broadcasting capabilities in 1080p 60FPS
- RECentral, which offers a good number of features, is native software.
- Encoder on the hardware (not recommended for streaming since it does not work with overlays)
- Pass-through with no lag
Cons
- Encoder is exclusively for Windows users (sorry, Mac and Linux people).
- Customer service is poor.
AVerMedia is the only business we know of that can directly compete with Elgato’s streaming devices, and their “small” capture card is their most affordable option.
Unless you’re running a high-end machine, their “small” capture card enables you to broadcast at a smooth 1080p At 60FPS, which is all you’ll need for an HQ stream.
It lacks the 4K capture capabilities of the Elgato HD60 S+, but it does feature a built-in hardware encoder that alleviates the load on your computer.
You can’t use the encoder with overlays, and you can only utilize the audio that’s already in your movie (which is a shame).
As a result, we don’t suggest streaming while using the encoder. It is preferable to use it to capture and record games.
If you wish to broadcast with this capture card, you’ll need a dual-PC configuration, as is customary.
You’ll get a zero-lag pass-through with uncompressed game video directly to your PC with this capture card.
AVerMedia does have its own native software, called RECentral, which gives you a lot of choices to experiment with.
The AVerMedia Mini is the ideal option if you don’t want to limit yourself to a single manufacturer and don’t want to pay upwards of $99 on a capture card.
FcrenHuang Capture Card No. 3
Pros
- At a smooth 60 frames per second, 1080p video is recorded.
- With HDR, you may broadcast in 4K resolution.
- Easy to set up and use
- It’s compatible with OBS.
- Doesn’t get too hot
Cons
- The number of audio capturing choices is restricted.
When I was looking for additional “unknown” branded options, I stumbled upon the FcrenHuang capture card and was pleasantly delighted.
The quality of the capture card will not astound you. It’s the kind of thing that just does what it’s supposed to do…
And that goal is to broadcast in 1080p at 60 frames per second.
At this pricing range, you can also stream 4K video with HDR, which is very unexpected. If you wish to broadcast in 4K, this functionality alone makes this capture card appealing.
It’s simple to use; just plug in both HDMI cables, connect the USB to your computer, connect your audio and microphone, and you’re ready to go.
There’s nothing more you need to do at this point.
The biggest worry when purchasing a “budget-friendly” capture card is that it may overheat after a lengthy period of streaming.
You won’t have to worry about that with the FcrenHuang capture card since it includes enough ventilation.
We strongly suggest utilizing this capture card if you want to try out a capture card before purchasing the pricier alternatives.
4. Capture Card Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2
Pros
- Allows you to output to two different applications at the same time.
- At a steady 60 frames per second, the camera records 4K video.
- Passes through 144Hz and 240Hz, allowing you to benefit from high refresh rates.
- In general, PCIe technology is more dependable than USB.
Cons
- It is necessary to have a good streaming PC that can handle better quality recordings.
- It is not transportable.
This is the best-valued internal capture card given its capabilities if you wish to record 4K at a steady 60FPS.
This capture card can only be installed on a PCIe motherboard, therefore you’ll need a dual PC configuration to use it…
There are advantages and disadvantages to PCIe vs. USB connections, however PCIe capture cards are more dependable and have less problems.
However, this capture card fulfills all of your requirements. It supports 120Hz, 144Hz, and 240Hz pass-through, so you can take advantage of your monitor’s high refresh rates.
The capture card supports resolutions up to 2160p @ 60FPS, as well as HDR 10-bit pass-through and recording, making it ideal for high-quality gameplay capture…
Furthermore, the 4K60 MK.2 can simultaneously output two programs, which may be a game-changer for many broadcasters…
You may record and stream at the same time using this function.
Using the capture card as a middleman, you may record your games in raw 4K resolution while broadcasting in OBS at a lesser 1080p quality.
Because doing all of these activities at the same time puts a strain on your gaming gear, you’ll want to be sure your backup streaming PC is up to the job.
The 4K60 MK.2 is the most budget-friendly choice for those features if you want to broadcast and record in 4K quality and be able to stream and record at the same time.
MiraBox Capture Card, No. 5
Pros
- Captures 1080p at 60 frames per second.
- 4K @ 30FPS is possible.
- Easy to set up and use
- It goes nicely with OBS.
Cons
- It becomes heated, which may cause problems with the quality of the outputs.
MiraBox is a capture device that works well if you wish to broadcast in 1080p at 60 frames per second.
If you don’t like Elgato or AVerMedia, MiraBox is a good alternative.
To be clear, MiraBox does not record 4K video and can only shoot 1080p at 60 frames per second.
If you want to game at 4K resolution, however, you will be able to pass through 4K resolutions at 30FPS with no latency.
There are no drivers or software to install; the capture card works flawlessly straight out of the box.
Because the MiraBox lacks sufficient ventilation, it is prone to get heated, lowering the quality of your video if you don’t allow it enough room.
It’s also a bit difficult to work with.
If your computer doesn’t recognize the capture card straight away, try restarting it with the capture card connected.
In the end, the capture card performs well, particularly when used in conjunction with OBS.
The MiraBox is a great option if you want a plug-and-play solution.
How To Choose The Best Budget Capture Card For Your Stream Buyer’s Guide
Other than broadcasting and recording games, capture cards may be used in a number of ways.
Despite the fact that game capture devices can be perplexing…
Depending on whether you want to broadcast, record, or pass through your games, capture cards have various features.
So, in this part, we’ll clear up any misunderstandings and show you how to choose the best capture card for your streaming setup, beginning with…
What Is The Purpose Of A Capture Card?
A video capture card is a device that captures on-screen information while connected to a computer.
The material is encoded using your CPU and GPU, and then either played out live or turned into a video file.
What happens on one screen is “passed through” via a video capture card to another.
When establishing a capture card system, you have three options:
- Dual PC Setup (Recommended): It’s best to utilize two PCs, one for gaming and the other for encoding what you record. PC gamers should utilize it the most.
- Game Console To PC Configuration (Recommended): Similar to a Dual PC setup, except instead of playing on your PC, you play on your preferred console.
- Using a single PC with a built-in encoder in the capture card, rather than delegating the task to another PC, the capture card takes care of it. It has limits, and the output quality will not be as excellent as a secondary PC, but it is less expensive.
How to Select the Appropriate Capture Card
When looking for a capture card, you should first consider whether you want to broadcast, record, or just pass through your games.
Following that, respond to the following questions:
- What resolution would you want to stream in?
- What resolution would you want to record in?
- Which device are you going to use to pass your monitor through?
- What refresh rate do you want to use if it’s a monitor?
All of these considerations will influence the kind of capture equipment you choose.
The Definitive Guide to Streaming
If you’re just getting started or want to obtain good quality broadcasts, stream at 1080p At 60FPS (or above).
1080p is a good enough resolution for your visitors to appreciate. Your stream is free of pixelation and difficult-to-see components.
The basic minimum for live broadcasting should be 60 frames per second. 60 frames per second is sufficient for smooth gaming.
Anything less than 60 frames per second becomes choppy. You wouldn’t want to play at anything less than 60 frames per second, so why stream at anything less?
That’s why, even if your cheap capture card supports 4K resolution, you’ll require a minimum FPS of 60.
For some of you, 30FPS may be “good enough,” so try it out on your machine and see how you like it.
High-Definition Gameplay Recording
Streaming is not the same as recording your games.
Most capture cards offer greater recording capabilities than streaming, enabling you to record at a higher quality and at a faster frame rate. Just make sure you can record at least 60 frames per second.
If you intend to share your films on YouTube, Facebook, or other social media, most budget capture cards will enable you to record at 1080p, which is great video quality.
Sharing Your Gameplay With Other Devices
Passing through your gameplay is one of the “cool” features that capture cards provide, targeted more at console gamers than PC users.
With a capture card, you may connect your console to a monitor or TV and play your games using the “preview” window.
Keep in mind that not all capture cards offer zero-lag pass-through, therefore while looking at the characteristics of a capture card, check for the delay.
If you want to game on a large screen but find that connecting your console straight to your TV causes a lot of input latency, utilizing a capture card as a middleman can help you out a lot.
Additionally, if you wish to use a monitor with a high refresh rate, you may do so. Just make sure the capture card can handle 144Hz or 240Hz and the resolution you want.
The Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2 is the only capture card on our list that can operate at higher refresh rates. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to accomplish this with any other capture card.
Most Commonly Asked Questions
Streamers Use What Kind of Capture Card?
AVerMedia’s 4K Capture Card is used by popular streamers including shroud, Dr Disrespect, and TimTheTatman (GC573).
Elgato and AVerMedia are the most popular capture cards on the market, on average…
Because most streamers have a dual-PC setup, the PCIe version is preferred over the USB version.
What Is The Best Elgato Capture Card?
The higher the quality of your video, the more money you pay.
The Elgato 4K60 S+ is the way to go if you want a standalone capture card that can handle all of your encodings.
It’s a USB-compatible capture card with a built-in hardware encoder that can generate HEVC/H.264 video with the ability to store film to an SD card.
Elgato’s 4K60 Pro is around $100 less expensive and is best used with a dual-PC setup.
The card supports 1080p At 240Hz and 1440p @ 144Hz pass-through gaming.
You Might Also Like: In 2021, Here Are The 5 Best Elgato Key Light Alternatives For Streamers (For Any Budget)
Our Best Budget Capture Card Winner
The maximum resolution you’ll be able to broadcast at with most “cheap” capture cards is 1080p @ 60FPS, which is ideal if you’re just starting out as a streamer.
The Elgato HD60 S+ is the cheapest capture card that we would recommend.
We believe the Elgato HD60 S+ is the most dependable affordable capture card on the market, making it ideal for beginners.
When viewing the “preview” window, the HD60 S+ enables you to game in 4K while recording 1080p quality.
Although the HD60S+ will cost you back about $130, the AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini will set you back around $99; however, you won’t be able to play games in 4K resolutions.
If you’re just getting started with capture cards, the FcrenHuang capture card is a good place to start. It’s inexpensive and effective.
Final Thoughts
By now, you should have a good idea of what to look for in a budget capture card and how to do thorough research to find one that works for your live streaming setup.
Capture cards make recording, broadcasting, and passing over your games a lot simpler for the most part, but they may become expensive fast.
If you’re just getting started, we suggest beginning with the resources you already have and gradually improving your streaming basics as your budget allows.
Capture cards aren’t required. You can get away with streaming utilizing just OBS and your computer’s resources.
They may, however, substantially improve the quality of your stream.
Building a proper capture card system will reduce the strain on your gaming PC and allow you to record at the highest quality. Live streaming consumes a lot of resources from your PC and the internet, so building a proper capture card system will reduce the strain on your gaming PC and allow you to record at the highest quality.
If you’ve had luck with any of the capture cards on our list, please leave a comment below and tell us about your collection; we’d love to hear about it!
Have fun streaming!
Elgato Game Capture HD60S is the best budget capture card for 4K or 1080p. It has a plug-and-play design with no software required. Reference: elgato game capture hd60 s.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can a capture card record in 4K?
Yes, a capture card can record in 4K.
Does a capture card give better quality?
This is a difficult question to answer, as there are so many different types of capture cards. Some have better quality than others, but it is very difficult to tell which one will give the best quality without trying them out for yourself.
Do you need a capture card to stream 1080p?
No. You can stream 1080p without a capture card, but you will have to use a much lower bitrate for this.
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