Streaming PS5 gameplay at high quality takes more than just hitting the Share button on your controller. The best capture cards for PS5 give you full control over your stream quality, let you use professional software like OBS, and capture footage at resolutions the built-in recording simply cannot match. Whether you are chasing 4K60 HDR recordings for YouTube or smooth 1080p60 streams on Twitch, the right capture card makes all the difference.
Our team spent weeks testing capture cards from Elgato, AVerMedia, and budget brands to find what actually works with the PS5 in 2026. We focused on real-world performance, checking passthrough latency, HDR handling, VRR support, and how each card behaves when you are mid-stream with OBS running. Some cards impressed us instantly. Others revealed quirks that only show up after a few hours of continuous use.
This guide covers eight options ranging from professional 4K60 HDR cards down to budget picks under $25. We will walk you through what each card does well, where it falls short, and which type of PS5 streamer it suits best. By the end, you will know exactly which capture card fits your setup and budget.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Capture Cards for PS5
These three cards represent the best options across three tiers. The Elgato 4K S delivers the cleanest 4K60 HDR capture with near-zero latency. The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 offers HDMI 2.1 passthrough and party chat at a mid-range price. The Rybozen handles 1080p60 streaming for a fraction of the cost, making it the entry point we recommend for new streamers.
Best Capture Cards for PS5 in 2026
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Elgato 4K S Capture Card
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Elgato HD60 S
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AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
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AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K (GC573)
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AVerMedia Live Streamer Ultra HD (GC571)
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Rybozen 4K HDMI Capture Card
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Dcyfol 4K HDMI Capture Card
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AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3 (GC551G2)
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1. Elgato 4K S Capture Card – 4K60 HDR Capture with Near-Zero Latency
Elgato 4K S Capture Card for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2
4K60 Capture
HDR10 Support
1440p120 Passthrough
USB-C
Analog Audio In
Pros
- Stunning 4K60 HDR capture quality
- Near-zero latency passthrough
- Cross-platform with PS5 Xbox and Switch 2
- Analog audio input for commentary
- USB-C connectivity
Cons
- Requires USB 3.0 Type-C port
- Windows 11 needed for HDR tone mapping
I connected the Elgato 4K S to my PS5 and immediately noticed how clean the capture pipeline felt. The card grabbed 4K60 footage from games like Spider-Man 2 and Final Fantasy XVI without dropping frames during intense action sequences. Colors looked vibrant with HDR10 enabled, and the tone mapping on Windows 11 preserved shadow detail that lesser cards crush into black.
The passthrough experience was where this card really shone. Playing at 1440p120 felt identical to playing directly on the TV. I could not detect any added latency, which is critical for fast-paced shooters like Call of Duty where split-second reactions matter. My team tested this over a 4-hour streaming session and the signal stayed rock solid the entire time.
On the technical side, Elgato built this card around USB 3.0 Type-C, which gives it enough bandwidth for 4K60 capture without compression artifacts. The analog audio input is a thoughtful addition. I plugged my commentary mic directly into the card and mixed game audio with voice in OBS without any desync issues. This is something budget cards struggle with consistently.
The one drawback worth mentioning is the system requirement for HDR tone mapping. You need Windows 11 for the full HDR pipeline to work. Mac users can still capture in SDR without issues, but the HDR magic is Windows-only. Also, make sure your PC or laptop has a USB 3.0 Type-C port, because a standard USB-A connection will not cut it.
Best Setup for 4K HDR PS5 Capture
To get the most out of the Elgato 4K S, set your PS5 to output 4K with HDR enabled. In OBS, select the Elgato as your video capture device and enable HDR tone mapping in the device properties. Use the CBR rate control at 60 Mbps for 4K60 recording. This gives you broadcast-quality footage without overwhelming your storage.
One tip from our testing: disable HDCP on your PS5 before starting. Go to Settings, System, HDMI, and toggle HDCP off. Without this step, most capture cards including this one will show a black screen instead of your gameplay.
Compatibility with OBS and Streaming Software
The Elgato 4K S works flawlessly with OBS Studio, Streamlabs, and XSplit. Elgato also includes their own 4K Capture Utility software, which handles recording well if you prefer a simpler workflow. The card appears as a standard video device in OBS, so you can add it as a source and configure resolution, frame rate, and color space in seconds.
For dual-PC streaming setups, the USB-C connection makes it easy to move the card between systems. We tested it on both a desktop and a laptop, and the plug-and-play detection worked without needing driver reinstalls each time.
2. AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 (GC553G2) – HDMI 2.1 Powerhouse
AVerMedia 4K60 Capture Card with HDMI 2.1, Low Latency, 4K144/4K120 Passthrough, Game Capture Device for PS5, PS5 Pro, Xbox, Switch, Streaming on Twitch, OBS on Mac & PC, GC553G2 Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
4K60 Capture
4K144 HDR Passthrough
HDMI 2.1
Party Chat
RGB Lighting
Pros
- 4K60 capture with 4K144 HDR passthrough
- HDMI 2.1 input and output
- Built-in party chat with 5.1 audio
- Customizable RGB lighting
- Low latency performance
Cons
- Requires USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 cable
- No PC-free mode or SD card slot
- Some 144Hz capture quality issues
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 is the card I reached for when I wanted HDMI 2.1 passthrough without paying premium prices. This card passes through 4K144 with HDR and VRR to your gaming monitor while capturing at 4K60. For PS5 owners with 120Hz or 144Hz displays, that passthrough capability means you do not sacrifice your high refresh rate gaming just to stream.
I tested the party chat feature by plugging my gaming headset directly into the capture card. AVerMedia includes a 4-pole 3.5mm audio cable that handles both game audio and microphone input. This worked well for capturing in-game chat during multiplayer sessions, something that typically requires extra hardware or software workarounds on other cards.
The capture quality at 4K60 is sharp and clean. Colors rendered accurately during HDR capture, and I did not notice any banding in dark scenes. The RGB lighting on the card itself adds a nice aesthetic touch if your streaming setup is visible on camera. AVerMedia lets you customize the lighting through Windows Dynamic Lighting, though the control options are somewhat limited.
Where the card stumbled slightly was in 144Hz capture mode. Some users in our testing group reported occasional quality dips when capturing at high frame rates. For standard 4K60 or 1080p60 capture, the card performed flawlessly. But if you specifically need 1440p144 capture for competitive content, you may want to verify performance with your specific setup.
VRR and HDR Passthrough Performance
Variable Refresh Rate passthrough is one of the standout features for PS5 gamers. With VRR enabled, the card passes through the dynamic refresh rate signal to your monitor, eliminating screen tearing without adding input lag. I tested this with Horizon Forbidden West and the gameplay stayed smooth throughout extended sessions.
The HDR passthrough preserves the full HDR10 signal from your PS5 to your display. This means you see the same vibrant colors and deep contrast on your gaming monitor as you would without the capture card in the chain. The capture itself also retains HDR metadata when using compatible software.
Party Chat and Audio Features
The built-in party chat support is a real differentiator. Most capture cards require you to route game chat through your PC or use a separate audio mixer. The Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 handles this with a direct headset connection and 5.1 multi-channel audio capture. For PS5 streamers who play multiplayer games regularly, this eliminates a significant pain point in audio routing.
Keep in mind that the card requires the included USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C cable. Regular USB-C cables may not provide enough bandwidth for 4K60 capture. AVerMedia includes the correct cable in the box, so do not lose it.
3. Elgato HD60 S – The Proven 1080p60 Workhorse
Elgato HD60 S, External Capture Card, Stream and Record in 1080p60 with ultra-low latency on PS5, PS4/Pro, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One X/S, in OBS, Twitch, YouTube, works with PC/Mac
1080p60 Capture
Ultra-Low Latency
True Passthrough
Flashback Recording
USB 3.0
Pros
- Rock-solid 1080p60 capture
- Ultra-low latency passthrough
- Flashback recording feature
- Excellent OBS integration
- Proven reliability with 25000+ reviews
Cons
- 1080p capture only not 4K
- Requires USB 3.0 connection
The Elgato HD60 S has been the go-to capture card for console streamers for years, and after testing one I understand why. This card just works. I plugged it into my PS5, connected it to my PC via USB 3.0, and OBS recognized it instantly. No fiddling with drivers, no configuration headaches. The simplicity alone makes it worth considering if you want a hassle-free streaming experience.
Capture quality at 1080p60 is excellent for Twitch streaming. The footage looks crisp, colors are accurate, and the frame rate stays locked at 60fps even during graphically intense games. With over 25,000 reviews and a 4.6-star average rating, this card has proven its reliability across thousands of setups. That kind of track record matters when you are streaming live and cannot afford hardware failures.
The Flashback Recording feature is something I did not know I needed until I used it. The card constantly buffers your gameplay, so if something amazing happens on screen, you can slide back in time and save that clip retroactively. This is perfect for capturing unexpected moments in games like Elden Ring where you cannot predict when something shareworthy will occur.
The limitation here is obvious: the HD60 S captures at 1080p60, not 4K. If you are streaming to Twitch, this is not a problem since Twitch caps most streams at 1080p anyway. But if you want to record 4K footage for YouTube, you will need to look at the Elgato 4K S or the AVerMedia options higher on this list.
1080p60 Streaming Quality for Twitch
For Twitch streaming, 1080p60 is the sweet spot. The HD60 S delivers clean 1080p footage that looks professional on most viewer screens. Set your OBS bitrate between 4500 and 6000 kbps for 1080p60, and the resulting stream will look smooth and detailed without buffering issues for your audience.
The true passthrough feature means zero lag on your gaming display while the card captures simultaneously. I played fighting games like Street Fighter 6 through the HD60 S and could not feel any input delay compared to playing directly on the TV.
Software Ecosystem and OBS Integration
Elgato’s software ecosystem is where the brand pulls ahead of competitors for many streamers. The 4K Capture Utility software handles recording with a clean interface, and OBS integration is seamless. The card also works with Streamlabs, XSplit, and any software that supports standard video capture devices.
For Mac users, the HD60 S works with OS-level capture tools and OBS for Mac. The cross-platform compatibility is a genuine advantage over some AVerMedia cards that are Windows-only for their companion software.
4. AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K (GC573) – Internal PCIe 4K60 HDR Beast
AVerMedia GC573 Live Gamer 4K, Internal Capture Card, Stream and Record 4K60 HDR10 with ultra-low latency on PS5, PS4 Pro, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One X, in OBS, Twitch, YouTube
Internal PCIe x4
4K60 HDR10 Capture
240fps HFR
Zero-Lag Passthrough
RGB Lighting
Pros
- 4K60 HDR10 capture quality
- Up to 240fps high frame rate capture
- Zero-lag passthrough
- PCIe x4 for maximum bandwidth
- Includes CyberLink PowerDirector 15
Cons
- Internal card requires PC installation
- Needs PCIe x4 slot
- Higher system requirements for 4K60 HDR
The AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K is the only internal PCIe capture card in this guide, and it brings serious advantages for dedicated streaming PCs. I installed it in a spare PCIe x4 slot on my desktop, and the bandwidth difference compared to USB capture cards was immediately apparent. 4K60 HDR10 capture looked cleaner with fewer compression artifacts, especially in dark scenes.
This card captures at up to 240fps, which is useful if you play PS5 games that support 120fps and want to record at high frame rates. The zero-lag passthrough means your gaming display gets the raw signal with no processing delay. For competitive gamers who stream, this combination of high frame rate capture and zero-lag passthrough is hard to beat.
AVerMedia includes CyberLink PowerDirector 15 with the card, which is a capable video editing suite for creating YouTube content from your captured footage. The RGB lighting on the card adds visual flair if you have a windowed PC case. You can switch between three preset lighting modes through the AVerMedia Gaming Utility software.
The main barrier here is installation. You need a desktop PC with an available PCIe x4 slot and a GPU powerful enough to handle 4K60 HDR processing. AVerMedia recommends at least an NVIDIA GTX 1060 or AMD RX 5700, plus an Intel Core i5-6XXX or AMD Ryzen 3 XXX processor. If your streaming PC meets these requirements, this card delivers the best capture quality per dollar among internal options.
Internal PCIe vs External USB Performance
The PCIe x4 interface provides significantly more bandwidth than USB 3.0, which translates to cleaner capture at high resolutions. In side-by-side testing with USB-based 4K60 cards, the Live Gamer 4K produced noticeably better shadow detail and fewer color banding issues. The difference is subtle but visible when comparing captured footage pixel by pixel.
Internal cards also avoid the USB connection issues that external cards sometimes face. There is no cable to come loose mid-stream, and the card draws power directly from the motherboard. For a permanent streaming setup, this reliability factor matters.
4K60 HDR10 Recording Quality
The HDR10 capture on this card is excellent. I recorded Demon’s Souls gameplay with HDR enabled, and the captured footage preserved the deep blacks and bright highlights that make HDR worthwhile. The tone mapping is handled well, and the resulting files are compatible with YouTube’s HDR upload pipeline.
One thing to note: 4K60 HDR recording produces large files. A 30-minute recording can easily exceed 15GB. Make sure you have fast storage and plenty of free space before committing to extended HDR capture sessions.
5. AVerMedia Live Streamer Ultra HD (GC571) – Budget Internal Card with VRR
AVerMedia HDMI Capture Card for Streaming and Video Gaming, 4K60 Pass-Through with Ultra-Low Latency on PS5, PS4 Pro, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One X, Switch Games - GC571 Live Streamer Ultra HD
Internal PCIe
4K60 Passthrough
1080p120 Capture
VRR Support
Plug and Play
Pros
- 4K60 passthrough with VRR support
- 1080p120fps high frame rate capture
- Plug and play no drivers needed
- Compatible with PCIe x1 x4 x8 x16 slots
- 3 year warranty
Cons
- 4K30 capture only not 4K60
- Internal card requires PC installation
- Requires available PCIe slot
The AVerMedia Live Streamer Ultra HD fills an interesting gap in the market. It is an internal PCIe capture card priced lower than most external 4K options, yet it supports VRR passthrough and 1080p120 capture. I installed this in a budget streaming PC and was impressed by how straightforward the setup was. No drivers, no configuration, just plug it in and start capturing.
The 4K60 passthrough is the headline feature for PS5 gamers. Your PS5 outputs 4K to your display through the card with VRR support, so you get tear-free gaming at full resolution. The capture side maxes out at 4K30 or 1080p120, which is a reasonable trade-off for the price. For Twitch streaming at 1080p60, this card handles the job without breaking a sweat.
The VRR support is what makes this card stand out in its price range. Most budget capture cards do not pass through the VRR signal, which means you either live with screen tearing or disable VRR on your PS5. The GC571 preserves the VRR signal, so your gaming experience stays smooth while the card captures in the background.
The drive-free plug-and-play design means the card works the moment you install it. Windows recognizes it as a standard capture device, and OBS picks it up immediately. No AVerMedia software installation required, though you can use RECentral 4 if you want AVerMedia’s recording interface.
VRR Support for Tear-Free PS5 Gaming
VRR, or Variable Refresh Rate, dynamically adjusts your display refresh rate to match the game frame rate. This eliminates screen tearing without the input lag of traditional V-Sync. The PS5 supports VRR natively, and the GC571 passes this signal through to compatible monitors and TVs.
During my testing with God of War Ragnarok, which supports unlocked frame rates with VRR, the passthrough felt identical to a direct PS5-to-TV connection. No tearing, no stuttering, no added latency. This is a big deal for budget-conscious streamers who do not want to compromise their gaming experience.
PCIe Slot Compatibility Guide
The GC571 works in PCIe x1, x4, x8, and x16 slots. This flexibility means you can install it in almost any desktop PC, even if your primary x16 slot is occupied by your GPU. The card is physically a x1 form factor, so it fits in any available slot on your motherboard.
If you have a mini-ITX board with limited slots, check that you have at least one open slot after installing your GPU. The low-profile design of the GC571 also means it fits in slim cases with the included low-profile bracket.
6. AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3 (GC551G2) – High Frame Rate External Capture
AVerMedia 4K Capture Card for Streaming,1440p120 Video Capture Device for PS5/Pro, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC, compatible with Twitch, OBS, Windows, Mac - GC551G2 Live Gamer Extreme 3
External USB
4K30 Capture
VRR Support
1080p240 HFR
Audio Mixing
3 Year Warranty
Pros
- 4K30 capture with HDR passthrough
- VRR support at 1440p120 and 1080p120
- Up to 1080p240 high frame rate recording
- Zero latency pass-through
- Audio mixing for game and mic
- 3 year warranty
Cons
- Software Windows only
- Requires USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port
- More expensive than budget alternatives
- Some OBS configuration difficulty reported
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3 targets streamers who need high frame rate capture without going to an internal card. I tested it primarily for 1080p120 and 1080p240 capture, and it handled both modes well. For competitive PS5 games that support 120fps, being able to capture at that frame rate gives your recordings and streams a noticeably smoother look.
The 4K30 capture mode is serviceable for recording gameplay at 4K resolution, though 30fps is a limitation for fast-moving content. The real strength of this card is the VRR passthrough at 1440p120 or 1080p120, which lets you game at high refresh rates while capturing at the frame rate that suits your content.
Audio mixing is built into the card, which means you can balance game audio and microphone input without needing a separate mixer. I connected my headset and commentary mic, adjusted the levels in the AVerMedia software, and everything synced correctly in OBS. This is a feature that beginners will appreciate because it simplifies the audio routing considerably.
The card comes with an HDMI 2.0 cable and a USB Type-C to Type-A cable in the box. The build quality feels premium, and at 85 grams it is light enough to carry in a backpack for streaming on the go. The 3-year warranty provides peace of mind for a piece of hardware you will rely on daily.
High Frame Rate Capture for Competitive Play
Capturing at 1080p240 is overkill for most streamers, but 1080p120 is increasingly relevant for PS5 content. Games like Rocket League, Call of Duty, and Fortnite benefit from 120fps capture because the footage looks smoother when you slow it down for highlights or analysis videos. The Live Gamer Extreme 3 handles these high frame rate modes without dropping frames.
For standard 60fps streaming, the card performs comparably to other options in this price range. The advantage is having headroom for high frame rate content when you need it.
Audio Mixing for Stream Audio
The audio mixing feature lets you connect both game audio and a microphone to the card simultaneously. You adjust the balance using the AVerMedia software on Windows, and the mixed audio feeds directly into OBS as a single source. This simplifies your OBS audio setup significantly compared to routing game audio and mic audio separately.
Note that the audio line-in has a slight noise floor that some users have reported. In my testing, it was only noticeable during completely silent moments and was not audible during actual gameplay. If you need pristine audio for professional production, a dedicated audio interface may still be preferable.
7. Rybozen 4K HDMI Capture Card – Best Budget Option Under $25
Capture Card, 4K HDMI Video Capture Card, Game Capture Card, 1080P 60FPS Video Capture Device, HDMI to USB 3.0 Capture Card for Streaming, Work with Camera/Xbox/PS4/PS5/PC/OBS
1080p60 Capture
4K Input Support
Plug and Play
HDMI Loop-Out
Mic Input
Pros
- Incredibly affordable
- Plug and play no drivers needed
- Works with PS5 Xbox Switch and PC
- HDMI loop-out for real-time monitoring
- Microphone input for commentary
- Includes USB-A to USB-C converter
Cons
- USB cable is very short
- 4K recording maxes out at 30fps
- Occasional audio bugs requiring reconnect
- Recording quality can be inconsistent
I will be honest: I did not expect much from a capture card at this price point. But the Rybozen 4K HDMI Capture Card surprised me. For basic 1080p60 streaming from a PS5, it gets the job done. I set it up in under five minutes, connected my PS5, and was streaming to Twitch through OBS without any major issues.
The card accepts 4K input signals from the PS5 and passes them through to your display via the HDMI loop-out. Capture resolution maxes out at 1080p60, which is exactly what most Twitch streamers need. The plug-and-play design means no driver installation, and it works with both Windows and Mac.
With over 2,300 reviews and a 4.3-star rating, this card has proven popular among budget-conscious streamers. Many reviewers note that it punches above its weight class for basic streaming. The HDMI loop-out is a nice touch at this price, as it lets you monitor your gameplay in real-time without additional hardware.
The trade-offs are real, though. The included USB cable is frustratingly short, so you will likely need an extension cable. Some users report occasional audio bugs that require unplugging and reconnecting the card. And while the card accepts 4K input, 4K recording maxes out at 30fps, which looks choppy for gaming content. For 1080p60 streaming, these limitations do not matter.
What to Expect at This Price Point
Budget capture cards in the $20 to $30 range all use similar internal hardware. The Rybozen distinguishes itself with reliable plug-and-play performance and broad compatibility. You will not get the same capture quality or reliability as a $130 Elgato, but you get roughly 80 percent of the functionality for about 15 percent of the price.
This card is best suited for streamers who are just starting out and want to test the waters before committing to more expensive hardware. It is also a good backup card to keep in your bag in case your primary capture card fails mid-stream.
OBS and Streaming Software Compatibility
The Rybozen works with OBS Studio, Streamlabs, XSplit, and any software that supports UVC video devices. In OBS, it appears as a generic USB video device. Select it as your video capture source, set the resolution to 1080p and frame rate to 60, and you are ready to stream.
One limitation: you cannot use this card with multiple streaming applications simultaneously. If you try to open the capture device in two programs at once, one will fail to connect. For single-application streaming, this is not an issue.
8. Dcyfol 4K HDMI Capture Card – Portable Budget Streaming Solution
4K HDMI Capture Card USB 3.0 – 1080P 60FPS Gaming & Streaming Video Capture Card with HDMI Loop-Out, Plug & Play, Low-Latency Recording for PS5/PS4/Xbox/Switch/OBS/PC/Mac
1080p60 Capture
4K HDMI
USB 3.0
HDMI Loop-Out
Plug and Play
Compact Design
Pros
- True plug and play no drivers required
- Excellent 1080p60 video quality
- Works with OBS Streamlabs and XSplit
- Low-latency pass-through for gaming
- Compact and portable design
- Wide device compatibility
Cons
- Limited technical specs available
- May need extra audio configuration
- No included HDMI cable
The Dcyfol 4K HDMI Capture Card is the second budget option on our list, and it edges out the Rybozen in a few areas. I found the 1080p60 capture quality slightly cleaner, with fewer compression artifacts in fast-moving scenes. The plug-and-play setup was equally straightforward, and OBS detected the card instantly on both Windows and Mac.
This card holds the number one best-seller spot in its Amazon category, which speaks to its popularity among budget streamers. The HDMI loop-out provides real-time monitoring, and the compact design makes it easy to carry for streaming setups outside your home. I took it to a friend’s house for a co-streaming session and the entire setup took minutes.
The low-latency pass-through is surprisingly good for a card at this price. Playing PS5 games through the pass-through felt responsive, with no noticeable input delay compared to a direct connection. For casual and semi-competitive streaming, this level of performance is more than adequate.
The main downside is the lack of detailed technical specifications. Dcyfol does not provide extensive documentation, so you may need to experiment with OBS settings to get optimal audio levels. Some users report needing additional configuration for audio sync, though I did not experience this issue during testing.
Portability and On-the-Go Streaming
The compact size of the Dcyfol card makes it ideal for streamers who travel or stream from multiple locations. It fits easily in a laptop bag alongside a USB cable and HDMI cable. Since it requires no external power, you can run it entirely from your laptop’s USB port.
If you attend gaming events or stream from conventions, this card gives you a lightweight capture solution that works with any USB 3.0 equipped laptop. Just connect your PS5 to the card’s HDMI input, the card to your laptop via USB, and your TV to the HDMI loop-out.
HDMI Loop-Out Performance
The HDMI loop-out on the Dcyfol mirrors your PS5 output to a connected display with minimal added latency. I tested this with a 4K TV and the passthrough signal looked identical to a direct PS5-to-TV connection. The card does not downscale the passthrough signal, so you still get full 4K on your gaming display even though capture is limited to 1080p60.
One thing to note: the card does not include an HDMI cable in the box. You will need to use the HDMI cable that came with your PS5 or purchase a separate one. Budget for this additional cost when comparing prices.
How to Choose the Best Capture Card for PS5
Choosing the right capture card comes down to understanding your streaming goals, your PC hardware, and your budget. Let me break down the key factors that should drive your decision.
Resolution and Frame Rate: 4K60 vs 1080p60
The first decision is what resolution and frame rate you want to capture. If you are streaming to Twitch, 1080p60 is the standard. Almost all the cards in this guide can handle that. For YouTube recording where you want the highest possible quality, 4K60 capture makes a visible difference, especially in visually rich PS5 games.
Consider your audience too. Most Twitch viewers watch on 1080p or smaller screens, so the difference between 1080p60 and 4K60 capture is minimal on the viewer end. For YouTube, where viewers may watch on 4K TVs, the higher resolution matters more.
HDMI 2.1 vs HDMI 2.0: Why It Matters for PS5
The PS5 supports HDMI 2.1, which enables 4K120 output. If you have a 120Hz TV or monitor, you want a capture card with HDMI 2.1 passthrough to take full advantage of that capability. Cards like the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 pass through 4K144 signals, meaning you can game at high refresh rates while capturing at 4K60.
HDMI 2.0 cards limit passthrough to 4K60, which is still excellent for most games. But if you play competitive titles at 120fps and want to maintain that experience while streaming, HDMI 2.1 passthrough is worth the investment.
Internal vs External Capture Cards
Internal PCIe capture cards like the AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K (GC573) and Live Streamer Ultra HD (GC571) offer better capture quality due to higher bandwidth. They are ideal for dedicated streaming desktops with available PCIe slots. The trade-off is that they require installation and only work with desktop PCs.
External USB capture cards like the Elgato 4K S and HD60 S are portable, easy to set up, and work with laptops. They are the better choice for streamers who need flexibility or use a laptop as their streaming machine. USB 3.0 and USB-C connections provide enough bandwidth for 4K60 capture on modern external cards.
VRR and HDR Support Explained
VRR, or Variable Refresh Rate, matches your display refresh rate to the game frame rate, eliminating screen tearing. The PS5 supports VRR natively, but not all capture cards pass the VRR signal through. If VRR matters to you, look for cards that explicitly support VRR passthrough, like the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 or the GC571.
HDR capture preserves the expanded color and brightness range of HDR-enabled PS5 games. Cards with HDR10 support can capture and retain HDR metadata, which is important if you produce HDR content for YouTube. The Elgato 4K S and AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K both handle HDR10 capture well.
HDCP: What It Is and How to Disable It on PS5
HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) is an anti-piracy feature that encrypts the HDMI signal between your PS5 and your display. It prevents capture cards from recording gameplay by showing a black screen instead of the video feed. This is the single most common issue new PS5 streamers encounter.
To disable HDCP on your PS5, go to Settings, then System, then HDMI, and toggle HDCP off. You need to do this before connecting your capture card. Once HDCP is disabled, your capture card will display your PS5 gameplay normally. Note that some streaming apps like Netflix require HDCP, so you may need to re-enable it when watching movies.
USB Connection Types and Bandwidth
Capture cards connect to your PC via USB, and the USB version matters for capture quality. USB 3.0 (also called USB 3.2 Gen 1) provides 5 Gbps bandwidth, which is sufficient for 1080p60 and 4K30 capture. USB 3.2 Gen 2 provides 10 Gbps, which is needed for 4K60 capture.
Check your PC or laptop specifications to verify which USB ports you have. Using a 4K60 capture card on a USB 2.0 port will result in dropped frames and poor capture quality. The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 specifically requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, so make sure your system has one before purchasing.
Software Compatibility: OBS, Streamlabs, and RECentral
All eight cards in this guide work with OBS Studio, the most popular streaming software. Elgato cards also work with Elgato’s own 4K Capture Utility, while AVerMedia cards are compatible with RECentral 4. Budget cards like the Rybozen and Dcyfol work as generic UVC devices, which means any software that supports webcam input can use them.
If software reliability is your top concern, Elgato’s ecosystem is generally considered the most polished based on forum discussions and user feedback. AVerMedia’s RECentral software is functional but has received more mixed reviews for stability. For most streamers, OBS is the primary software regardless of which card you choose.
FAQ
Is Elgato or AVerMedia better for PS5?
Both brands make excellent capture cards for PS5. Elgato generally wins on software reliability and ease of use, with their 4K Capture Utility and OBS integration being particularly polished. AVerMedia tends to offer more features per dollar, such as HDMI 2.1 passthrough, VRR support, and built-in party chat at lower prices. If you prioritize software stability, go with Elgato. If you want maximum features and value, AVerMedia is the stronger choice.
Can you use a capture card on a PS5?
Yes, you can absolutely use a capture card with a PS5. Connect your PS5 HDMI output to the capture card input, then connect the capture card to your PC via USB. The card passes the video signal to your gaming display while simultaneously capturing footage for streaming or recording. Just remember to disable HDCP in your PS5 settings first, otherwise the capture card will show a black screen.
Is the Elgato HD60 S better than the 4K S?
The Elgato HD60 S and 4K S serve different needs. The HD60 S captures at 1080p60 with ultra-low latency and has a proven track record with over 25,000 reviews. The 4K S captures at 4K60 with HDR10 support and offers 1440p120 passthrough. If you stream to Twitch at 1080p, the HD60 S is sufficient. If you record 4K content for YouTube or want HDR capture, the 4K S is the better choice.
What is the highest quality capture card for PS5?
The highest quality capture card for PS5 is the Elgato 4K S, which captures at 4K60 with HDR10 support and near-zero latency. For internal PCIe options, the AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K (GC573) offers 4K60 HDR10 capture with up to 240fps high frame rate recording and zero-lag passthrough, making it the top pick for dedicated streaming PCs with available PCIe slots.
Do I need a capture card to stream PS5 gameplay?
You do not strictly need a capture card to stream from a PS5, since the console has built-in streaming directly to Twitch and YouTube. However, a capture card gives you significantly more control over stream quality, lets you use professional software like OBS with overlays and alerts, enables higher quality recording, and allows dual-PC streaming setups. For serious content creation, a capture card is strongly recommended.
Final Thoughts on the Best Capture Cards for PS5
Finding the best capture cards for PS5 in 2026 comes down to matching the card to your streaming goals. The Elgato 4K S is our top pick for 4K60 HDR capture quality and near-zero latency passthrough. The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 delivers the best value with HDMI 2.1 passthrough and party chat features. And the Rybozen capture card proves that you can start streaming on PS5 for under $25 without sacrificing the basics.
Whatever card you choose, remember to disable HDCP on your PS5, use the correct USB port for your card bandwidth requirements, and configure OBS with the right resolution and bitrate settings. With the right capture card in your setup, your PS5 streams will look professional from day one.