If you want to stream or record without sacrificing your gameplay experience, a capture card with passthrough is the easiest way to keep things smooth. It lets you play on a TV or monitor while sending video to your PC for capture.
Below, we’ve narrowed the field to 10 strong picks for different setups, from budget USB models to higher-end internal cards for 4K and HDR workflows.
Best 10 Capture Card with Passthrough Picks for 2026
Premium 4K Capture
Elgato 4K S for PS5, Xbox, and Switch 2
- 4K60 capture with vivid detail
- 1440p120 or 1080p240 passthrough
- HDR10 support and analog audio input
Best For: Gamers who want high-quality console capture with smooth passthrough
Budget-Friendly 4K Passthrough
XIIXMASK USB 3.0 4K60 Capture Card
- 4K60 capture with HDMI passthrough
- 1080p120 support for high-frame-rate input
- Plug-and-play with USB-A/USB-C and audio ports
Best For: Users who want simple setup and broad compatibility
Internal PCIe Pick
- 4K60 HDR10 capture with zero-lag pass-through
- Internal PCIe x4 design for PC builds
- Up to 240 fps high-frame-rate capture
Best For: Dedicated PC streamers who want top-tier internal capture
Premium PCIe Pick
4K144 HDR Pass-Through for Competitive Play
- 4K60 recording with ultra-low latency
- 4K144 HDR passthrough and up to 240Hz refresh support
- Internal PCIe 3.0 card for Windows 10/11
Best For: Competitive gamers and streamers who want maximum passthrough performance
Portable USB Pick
Portable 4K Passthrough for Easy Streaming
- 1080p60 capture with native 4K30 passthrough
- Plug and play with no external power needed
- Metal shell and broad Windows/Mac compatibility
Best For: Creators who want an easy, portable USB capture setup
Balanced Loop-Out Pick
2K Recording with 4K Input Pass-Through
- 4K@30Hz input and loop-out monitoring
- Up to 2K 30fps capture with low latency
- USB-A/C dual interface and broad OS support
Best For: Users who want dependable passthrough and flexible compatibility
4K Passthrough Streamer Pick
NearStream CCD10 HDMI Capture Card
- 4K60, 1440p120, or 1080p240 passthrough
- 1080p60 capture over USB-C 3.0
- Windows, macOS, and Linux support
Best For: High-refresh console streaming with simple 1080p60 capture
Budget 4K Pass-Through Choice
- 1080p60 capture with real USB 3.0
- 4K@30Hz zero-latency pass-through
- Plug-and-play, no external power
Best For: Affordable 1080p60 capture with basic 4K30 passthrough
Premium HDR Pass-Through Option
AVerMedia StreamLine MINI+ GC311G2
- 4K60 HDR pass-through with ultra-low latency
- 1080p60 capture with high-refresh gameplay support
- Plug-and-play with Streaming Center and OBS
Best For: HDR console streaming with beginner-friendly setup
Premium 4K Capture – Elgato 4K S for PS5, Xbox, and Switch 2
If you want a capture card with passthrough that keeps gameplay sharp while you record, the Elgato 4K S is built for modern consoles and streaming setups. It supports 4K60 capture, 1440p120 or 1080p240 passthrough, and HDR10 tone mapping on Windows, making it a strong choice for high-quality game capture without giving up smooth play.
Best For: Streamers and console players who want high-resolution capture with low-latency passthrough on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, or Switch 2.
Pros:
- 4K60 capture with crisp detail and vivid color
- 1440p120 or 1080p240 passthrough for high-frame-rate gaming
- HDR10 support with tone mapping on Windows
- 3.5mm analog audio input for chat or commentary
Cons:
- Capture resolution is listed as 1080p in the product details
- Best feature set depends on Windows 11 or macOS 13+ support
- Not the most flexible option if you need broad OS compatibility
Overall, this is a polished option if your priority is a dependable capture card with passthrough for next-gen consoles and high-refresh-rate play. It focuses on clean 4K60 recording, strong passthrough performance, and simple audio integration.
Budget-Friendly 4K Passthrough – XIIXMASK USB 3.0 4K60 Capture Card
The XIIXMASK USB 3.0 model is a practical capture card with passthrough for users who want broad device support and easy setup. It captures up to 4K60FPS, offers 4K HDMI passthrough, and supports 1080p120 for high-frame-rate recording, so it works well for streaming, gameplay, and mirroring without adding much complexity.
Best For: Buyers who want an easy plug-and-play capture card with passthrough and wide OS compatibility.
Pros:
- Up to 4K60FPS capture with 4K HDMI passthrough
- 1080p120 high-frame-rate support for smoother recording
- Plug-and-play setup with no drivers or external power
- 3.5mm audio input and mic output for commentary
Cons:
- Built for USB 3.0, so setup depends on having the right port
- Platform listing is Windows-focused in the supplied details
- Video capture resolution is listed as 1080p in the product specs
For a simple, versatile setup, this card covers the basics well and adds useful passthrough for real-time monitoring. It is especially appealing if you want a straightforward capture solution for consoles, cameras, and mixed-device workflows.
Internal PCIe Pick – AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K GC573
If you prefer an internal capture card with passthrough, the AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K GC573 is built for serious PC-based streaming and recording. It delivers 4K60 HDR10 capture with zero-lag pass-through, plus high-frame-rate capture up to 240 fps, making it a strong fit for demanding gameplay setups.
Best For: PC streamers who want an internal PCIe capture card with 4K60 HDR10 and ultra-low latency passthrough.
Pros:
- 4K60 HDR10 capture with zero-lag pass-through
- High-frame-rate capture up to 240 fps
- Internal PCIe x4 design for a clean PC setup
- Works with OBS, Streamlabs, XSplit, Twitch, and YouTube
Cons:
- Requires Windows 10 or Windows 11
- Needs a compatible PCIe x4 installation, so it is less portable
- Minimum system requirements are more demanding than basic USB capture cards
This is a strong choice when performance matters more than portability. Its internal design, low-latency passthrough, and 4K HDR support make it ideal for a dedicated streaming PC or recording rig.
Simple 1080p Streaming – XIIXMASK USB 3.0 4K Loop-Out Card
This capture card with passthrough is a good fit if you care more about smooth 1080p streaming than maximum capture resolution. It supports 4K 60Hz HDMI input with loop-out, records at 1080p60 or 2K30, and keeps latency low enough for real-time preview and live gameplay.
Best For: Streamers and console players who want affordable passthrough with dependable 1080p capture.
Pros:
- 4K 60Hz HDMI input with 4K 60Hz loop-out
- 1080p60 and 2K30 capture options
- Mic-in support for adding commentary
- Wide compatibility with OBS, VLC, Zoom, and major consoles
Cons:
- Does not record party chats according to the notes
- Capture resolution tops out below 4K
- Requires a Windows operating system per the listed minimums
For users who mainly want smooth full-HD capture with passthrough, this model covers the core needs without much fuss. It is especially useful for live streaming, meetings, and gameplay where stable monitoring matters more than 4K recording.
Premium PCIe Pick – 4K144 HDR Pass-Through for Competitive Play
If you want a capture card with passthrough for high-refresh gaming, the AVerMedia GC575 is built for players who care about both capture quality and display performance. It supports 4K60 recording, 4K144 HDR pass-through, and refresh rates up to 240Hz, making it a strong fit for modern console and PC setups where smooth gameplay matters.
Best For: Competitive gamers and streamers who need ultra-low-latency capture with high-refresh passthrough.
Pros:
- 4K144 HDR pass-through and support for refresh rates up to 240Hz
- Records up to 4K60 with ultra-low latency game capture
- Internal PCIe 3.0 design for a clean Windows 10/11 setup
- Includes HDMI 2.1 cable and plug-and-play installation support
Cons:
- Windows-only minimum system requirement
- Internal PCIe card format is less portable than USB options
This is the most performance-focused pick in the group if you want passthrough that can keep up with current-gen gaming features. It is especially compelling for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S users who want low-latency capture without giving up display fluidity.
Portable USB Pick – Portable 4K Passthrough for Easy Streaming
The ByteWave USB 3.0 model is a practical capture card with passthrough if you want a simple, portable setup for streaming and recording. It captures at 1080p60 while sending a native 4K30 signal to a second display, and its plug-and-play design makes it easy to start using with minimal setup.
Best For: Streamers, teachers, and creators who want a portable USB capture card with 4K passthrough.
Pros:
- 1080p60 capture with native 4K30 passthrough
- Plug and play with no external power supply required
- Metal shell and heat dissipation design for long-term use
- Wide compatibility with Windows, Mac, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, and more
Cons:
- Capture resolution tops out at 1080p rather than 4K
- Passthrough is limited to 4K30
For users who value convenience over maximum capture resolution, this model covers the essentials well. It should suit game capture, commentary, and general content creation, especially if you want a compact USB solution that is easy to move between setups.
Balanced Loop-Out Pick – 2K Recording with 4K Input Pass-Through
The UGREEN USB 3.0 card is a sensible capture card with passthrough for buyers who want loop-out monitoring and broad device support without moving up to a pricier 4K capture model. It supports up to 2K 30fps capture, 4K@30Hz input and loop-out, and low-latency monitoring for real-time gameplay preview.
Best For: Casual streamers and multi-device users who want 4K input passthrough with 2K capture.
Pros:
- 4K@30Hz input and 4K@30Hz loop-out with zero-latency monitoring
- Captures up to 2K 30fps or 1080p 60fps
- USB-A/C dual interface for flexible connections
- Wide compatibility with Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android
Cons:
- 4K capture is not supported
- PS4 and PS5 require HDCP to be turned off
- Not compatible with Fire TV Stick
This is a balanced option if you need reliable passthrough and easy monitoring more than the highest capture resolution. Its wide OS support and dual USB interface make it a useful everyday tool for streaming, recording, and general video transfer.
4K Passthrough Streamer Pick – NearStream CCD10 HDMI Capture Card
If you want a capture card with passthrough that keeps gameplay smooth while you stream or record, the NearStream CCD10 is built around high-refresh output and low-latency capture. It supports HDMI loop-out up to 4K60, 1440p120, or 1080p240, while capturing at 1080p60 over USB-C 3.0 for a practical balance of play quality and recording quality.
Best For: Streamers who want high-refresh passthrough plus 1080p60 capture from consoles or cameras.
Pros:
- Passthrough supports 4K60, 1440p120, or 1080p240 for smooth play on a monitor or TV
- Captures up to 1080p60 with low-latency USB-C 3.0 performance
- Works with Windows, macOS, and Linux for flexible setup
- Includes dual 3.5mm audio ports for mic or headset input
Cons:
- Capture resolution tops out at 1080p60, not 4K capture
- Some 4K30 capture modes require specific system hardware
- Best experience still depends on compatible software such as OBS or PotPlayer
Overall, the CCD10 is a strong pick if passthrough performance matters more than 4K recording. It covers the essentials well for consoles, DSLRs, and PCs without overcomplicating the setup.
Budget 4K Pass-Through Choice – Swudloe C7-01 Capture Card
This capture card with passthrough focuses on straightforward 1080p60 recording and 4K@30Hz loop-through for players who want an easy, no-driver setup. The Swudloe C7-01 is a basic USB 3.0 option for streaming, recording, and capturing gameplay from consoles, cameras, and PCs without needing external power.
Best For: Budget-minded streamers who want 1080p60 capture and 4K30 passthrough.
Pros:
- Supports 1080p60 capture with a real USB 3.0 chipset
- Offers 4K@30Hz input and zero-latency pass-through
- Plug-and-play operation with no drivers or external power supply
- Works with many systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android
Cons:
- Passthrough is limited to 4K@30Hz
- Capture output is capped at 1080p60
- Mic-in is supported, but party chat is not recorded
For basic live streaming and recording, the C7-01 delivers the core features most buyers need at a simple setup level. It is a practical pick if you do not need high-refresh passthrough.
Premium HDR Pass-Through Option – AVerMedia StreamLine MINI+ GC311G2
For shoppers comparing a capture card with passthrough, the AVerMedia StreamLine MINI+ stands out for 4K60 HDR pass-through and 1080p60 recording. It is designed for low-latency play on Switch 2, Xbox, PS5, PC, and more, while keeping setup simple with plug-and-play USB capture and AVerMedia’s Streaming Center.
Best For: Players who want HDR passthrough and beginner-friendly streaming software.
Pros:
- 4K60 HDR pass-through with ultra-low-latency performance
- Records at 1080p60 while allowing high-refresh play up to 1440p144 or 1080p240
- Plug-and-play setup with no drivers required
- Supports Windows, macOS, and iPadOS 17 or later
Cons:
- Capture resolution is limited to 1080p60
- Some features depend on compatible software such as Streaming Center or OBS
- Best system support varies by platform and device type
The MINI+ is a polished choice if you want strong passthrough quality and an easy start to streaming. Its mix of HDR support, low latency, and flexible software compatibility makes it especially appealing for modern console setups.
How We Picked the Best Capture Card with Passthrough
For this roundup, we prioritized capture cards with passthrough that offer dependable real-time monitoring, broad console compatibility, and sensible recording resolutions. We also looked for models that fit different user needs: plug-and-play USB options, internal PCIe cards for lower latency, and choices that support modern consoles and higher refresh-rate displays.
We focused on practical factors that matter day to day, including passthrough resolution, capture resolution, latency, connection type, and whether the card is a better fit for console streaming, desktop recording, or mixed-use setups.
Quick Comparison
In general, USB capture cards are the simplest choice if you want fast setup and portability. Internal PCIe models are better if you want a more permanent streaming rig and the lowest possible overhead. If you play on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, or a newer Nintendo system, confirm that the passthrough mode matches your display goals, especially if you want 4K, HDR, or higher refresh rates.
Some products in this list emphasize 4K passthrough with 1080p capture, which is a smart balance for many streamers. Others are aimed at higher-end workflows where 4K60 recording and HDR support matter more than price or simplicity.
Key Buying Factors for a Capture Card with Passthrough
Passthrough Resolution and Refresh Rate
Make sure the card can pass through the resolution and refresh rate you actually use. A 4K passthrough card may still capture at 1080p, which is often enough for streaming while keeping gameplay crisp on your display.
Capture Quality
If you care about editing, archival footage, or higher-end streams, look for clean 1080p60 or 4K60 capture. For most streamers, 1080p60 is the sweet spot because it is widely supported and easier on system resources.
Latency and Connection Type
Internal PCIe cards usually offer the most consistent low-latency performance, while USB 3.0 cards are more convenient and flexible. If you are gaming competitively, latency should be one of your first filters.
Console and Display Compatibility
Check support for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, and any HDR or high-frame-rate features you want to preserve. A Capture Card with Passthrough should fit your monitor, TV, and console settings without forcing compromises.
Who Should Buy Which Capture Card with Passthrough?
Choose a USB model if you want an easy setup, portability, or a straightforward way to capture console gameplay. Choose an internal PCIe card if you are building a dedicated streaming PC and want the most polished long-term setup.
If you mainly stream to platforms like Twitch or YouTube, a 1080p60 capture card with solid passthrough is usually enough. If you want future-proofing or already play on premium displays, step up to 4K60 and HDR-capable hardware. The best choice is the one that matches your display, console, and workflow—not just the highest spec on the box.