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

The right capture card with passthrough lets you record or stream gameplay without forcing your monitor or TV to run through the computer. It can preserve a high-refresh gaming signal while sending a separate feed to streaming software.

These 10 options cover budget USB 3.0 models, 1080p60 capture, 4K passthrough, HDR support, and higher-end hardware for PS5, Xbox Series consoles, Switch, and PC setups. Compare the specifications carefully, because passthrough resolution and capture resolution are often different.

Best 10 Capture Card with Passthrough Picks for 2026

Best Plug-and-Play Pick – Acer 4K 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 1080p at 60Hz output and HDMI loop-out. Its USB 3.0 connection, low-latency audio-video capture, and plug-and-play setup make it practical for gaming, streaming, classes, and recording.

Best For: Gamers and creators who want simple 1080p60 capture with 4K input and convenient mic connectivity.

Pros:

• Supports 4K input and smooth 1080p at 60Hz output.
• HDMI loop-out and low-latency capture support real-time monitoring.
• Built-in 3.5mm mic input simplifies live commentary.
• Works with major systems, consoles, cameras, OBS, VLC, and other software.

Cons:

• Capture resolution is listed up to 1080p, rather than 4K recording.
• USB 3.0 is required for USB 3.0 performance.

The Acer is a sensible everyday option when reliable passthrough, simple setup, and 1080p60 capture matter more than advanced high-refresh recording. Its included Type-A and Type-C connectivity also helps it fit different setups.

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Best High-Refresh Option – Guermok 4K60 Passthrough Capture Card

Guermok 4K@60FPS Capture Card for Streaming, 2K@120FPS USB3.0 HDMI Capture

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For a capture card with passthrough aimed at high-refresh gaming, the Guermok GM-72A supports 4K at 60Hz passthrough plus capture options up to 4K60 in MJPEG. It also handles 1440p120 and 1080p120 input, making it a flexible choice for compatible gaming and streaming systems.

Best For: Gamers who need 4K60 passthrough, high-refresh input support, and flexible audio connections.

Pros:

• Supports 4K at 60Hz HDMI passthrough.
• Handles 1440p120 and 1080p120 input for high-refresh gaming.
• Includes 3.5mm audio input and microphone output.
• Broad compatibility with consoles, computers, Quest devices, and streaming software.

Cons:

• USB 2.0 ports are limited to up to 1080p.
• Capture formats and frame rates vary by resolution and format.

The Guermok offers the strongest combination of passthrough and refresh-rate support in this group. Use a USB 3.0-or-higher port to access its higher-resolution capabilities, and verify that your computer meets the listed requirements.

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Best Premium Control Setup – EVGA XR1 Pro HDR Capture Card

EVGA XR1 Pro Capture Card, 1440p/4K HDR Capture/Pass Through, Certified for OBS, USB 3.1, ARGB, Audio Mixer, PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, 144-U1-CB21-LR

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The EVGA XR1 Pro is a capture card with passthrough for users who want HDR support, an integrated audio mixer, and physical controls. It captures up to 1440p at 60fps or 4K at 30fps, while passing through up to 1440p at 144Hz HDR or 4K at 60Hz HDR.

Best For: Streamers and gamers who value HDR passthrough, audio control, and OBS-certified setup.

Pros:

• Supports 1440p60 and 4K30 capture.
• Offers 1440p144 HDR and 4K60 HDR passthrough.
• Built-in audio mixer and control dial provide hands-on adjustments.
• OBS-certified plug-and-play operation requires no driver installation.

Cons:

• Capture tops out at 1440p60 or 4K30, depending on the selected mode.
• Its listed platform and system requirements focus on Windows with USB 3.1.
• It is heavier and larger than the compact USB capture options listed here.

The XR1 Pro is a feature-rich choice for a more controlled streaming desk. Its HDR passthrough and built-in mixer are especially useful when your setup includes a high-refresh display and frequent audio adjustments.

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Best Compact 2K Value – UGREEN 4K30 Loop-Out Capture Card

UGREEN 4K@30Hz Loop Out HDMI Capture Card for 2K 30FPS 1080P 60FPS USB 3.0

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The UGREEN 25773 is a practical capture card with passthrough for recording up to 2K at 30fps while accepting and looping out a 4K30 signal. Its USB-A and USB-C interface options, aluminum housing, and low-latency monitoring make it suitable for everyday streaming and recording.

Best For: Users who want 2K recording, 4K30 loop-out, and broad device compatibility without external power.

Pros:

• Supports 4K30 input and 4K30 HDMI loop-out.
• Captures up to 2K at 30fps or 1080p at 60fps.
• Offers USB 3.0 Type-C and Type-A connectivity.
• Plug-and-play design works across 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, and iPhone cannot be used as a data acquisition device.

UGREEN is a good fit when 2K30 capture is sufficient but your display or source benefits from 4K30 loop-out. The clear compatibility limitations are worth checking before purchase, particularly for Apple mobile and Fire TV Stick workflows.

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Premium HDR Pick – Elgato 4K S

If you want a capture card with passthrough for high-refresh gaming, the Elgato 4K S combines 4K60 capture with 1440p120 or 1080p240 passthrough. It also adds HDR10 support, near-zero latency, and an analog audio input for commentary or in-game chat.

Best For: Gamers and creators using PS5, Xbox Series X/S, or Switch 2 who want high-resolution capture and high-refresh passthrough.

Pros:

• Captures video in 4K60 quality.
• Supports 1440p120 and 1080p240 passthrough.
• HDR10 support with tone mapping on Windows.
• Works across Windows, macOS, and iPadOS with compatible hardware.

Cons:

• Windows HDR tone mapping requires Windows 11.
• Requires a USB 3.0 Type-C connection and compatible system specifications.

The 4K S is the strongest option here for demanding console setups, especially if smooth high-refresh passthrough matters as much as recording quality. Its analog audio input also makes it more flexible for voice and chat capture.

Best Value Passthrough – ByteWave USB 3.0 HDMI Capture Card

This ByteWave capture card with passthrough records at 1080p60 while sending a native 4K30 signal to a secondary display. Its USB 3.0 connection, plug-and-play setup, microphone input, and broad device compatibility make it a practical choice for streaming and recording.

Best For: Streamers, educators, podcasters, and gamers seeking an affordable 1080p capture setup with 4K passthrough.

Pros:

• Captures at 1080p60 and supports 4K30 passthrough.
• Plug-and-play operation without external power.
• Metal shell and heat-dissipation design for extended use.
• Compatible with Windows, Mac, consoles, Android, and software such as OBS and Twitch.

Cons:

• Capture resolution is limited to 1080p rather than 4K.
• USB 3.0 is required for USB 3.0 performance.
• The supplied notes do not specify an exact included accessory list.

ByteWave offers a useful balance of price-conscious features and flexibility. Choose it when 1080p60 recording is sufficient but you still want 4K passthrough for a sharper gaming display.

Reliable 1080p Choice – Elgato HD60 S

The Elgato HD60 S is a straightforward capture card with passthrough for 1080p60 console gaming. It provides true passthrough for lag-free play, ultra-low-latency Instant Gameview, and recording tools such as Flashback Recording and unlimited capture to a hard drive.

Best For: Console players and streamers who need dependable 1080p60 capture with zero-lag passthrough.

Pros:

• Captures gameplay at 1080p60.
• True passthrough supports lag-free console play.
• Instant Gameview provides ultra-low-latency monitoring.
• Flashback Recording can save moments retroactively.

Cons:

• Does not offer 4K capture or 4K passthrough in the supplied specifications.
• Listed minimum requirements specify Windows 10 and a compatible older-generation PC configuration.
• Warranty coverage is listed as one year.

The HD60 S remains a focused option for 1080p streaming rather than high-resolution recording. Its passthrough and Flashback Recording features are especially useful for gamers who prioritize responsive play and simple highlight capture.

Versatile 4K Loop-Out Pick – XIIXMASK 1080p60 Capture Card

For shoppers seeking a capture card with passthrough, the XIIXMASK combines 4K 60Hz HDMI input and loop-out with up to 1080p 60fps or 1440p 30fps capture. Its USB-A/USB-C connectivity and microphone input make it a flexible option for streaming, recording, and commentary.

Best For: Gamers and streamers who want 4K passthrough, high-frame-rate capture, and external microphone support.

Pros:

• Supports 4K 60Hz HDMI input and 4K 60Hz loop-out.
• Captures up to 1080p at 60fps or 1440p at 30fps.
• Includes USB-A/USB-C connectivity and a 3.5mm mic-in for commentary.
• Works with major consoles, cameras, computers, OBS, Zoom, and other software.

Cons:

• Does not record party chat.
• OBS may need to be restarted after audio setup.
• Listed minimum requirements specify a Windows operating system.

The XIIXMASK is a feature-rich choice if 4K loop-out and flexible device compatibility matter most. It is especially practical for creators who want commentary input without giving up smooth 1080p60 capture.

Portable Streaming Choice – Dcyfol 1080p60 HDMI Capture Card

This Dcyfol model is a practical capture card with passthrough for creators who want 1080p 60fps recording while viewing a 4K HDMI source in real time. Its plug-and-play USB design supports common streaming software and a range of consoles, cameras, and computers.

Best For: Beginners, traveling creators, and gamers who need a compact USB 3.0 setup with low-latency passthrough.

Pros:

• Captures video at 1080p 60fps and supports 4K HDMI real-time preview.
• Provides 4K HDMI loop-out for playing without the capture feed interrupting gameplay.
• Plug-and-play compatibility with OBS, Streamlabs, and XSplit.
• Compact, lightweight design with included adapters and extension cables.

Cons:

• Requires a USB 3.0 port.
• Supports Windows and macOS, with no Linux compatibility listed.
• Its 4K capability is described as preview/loop-out rather than 4K capture.

The Dcyfol focuses on easy setup and portability rather than advanced capture resolutions. It is a sensible fit for a straightforward console or camera streaming station where 1080p60 output and low-latency passthrough are sufficient.

Simple Commentary Setup – Newhope 1080p60 Capture Card

The Newhope is a straightforward capture card with passthrough designed for smooth 1080p 60fps recording and real-time gameplay on an external display. It requires no drivers or external power and adds a 3.5mm microphone input for live commentary.

Best For: Console streamers and educators who want an easy plug-and-play capture setup with microphone support.

Pros:

• Captures HDMI video at 1080p 60fps with low latency.
• Supports real-time HDMI loop-out for delay-free play on an external display.
• Plug-and-play operation requires no drivers or external power.
• Includes a 3.5mm mic-in and works with OBS, VLC, Zoom, and multiple operating systems.

Cons:

• The microphone input accepts only a standard 3.5mm TRS microphone headset.
• Capture resolution is listed as 1080p; 4K is for passthrough rather than capture.
• Compatibility details do not list Windows 11 specifically.

Newhope keeps the setup simple while covering the core needs of console streaming and video capture. Choose it when driver-free operation, 1080p60 performance, and basic commentary input are more important than higher-resolution recording.

How We Picked the Best Capture Card with Passthrough

We focused on models that combine HDMI input, USB connectivity, and a physical HDMI loop-out or passthrough connection. The selection includes affordable 1080p60 devices, models with 4K passthrough, and higher-performance options designed for 1440p or 4K gaming. We also considered console compatibility, advertised latency, USB standards, HDR support, audio handling, and suitability for common software such as OBS.

Because manufacturer specifications can vary by resolution and refresh rate, check the detailed limits before buying. A card may accept a 4K signal for passthrough while capturing only 1080p video over USB.

Quick Comparison

Best For	Look For	Typical Capability
Budget streaming	USB 3.0 and 1080p60 capture	Simple console or PC recording
High-refresh gaming	4K60 or 1440p120 passthrough	Smoother gameplay on the display
HDR console setups	HDR-compatible passthrough	Better image quality on supported displays
Advanced streaming	Reliable drivers, audio controls, and modern USB	More flexible OBS and microphone workflows

Key Buying Factors for a Capture Card with Passthrough

Passthrough Versus Capture Resolution

Passthrough determines what reaches your television or monitor, while capture resolution determines what your computer records or streams. For example, a card can pass through 4K video but send a 1080p60 feed to OBS. Confirm both specifications, along with supported refresh rates such as 60Hz, 120Hz, or higher.

Latency and Refresh Rate

Low-latency passthrough is essential for competitive games. If you play at 120Hz, look for a model that explicitly supports 1440p120 or 4K120 passthrough rather than assuming a 4K label guarantees it. A capture card should not require you to play through the preview window.

USB, Audio, and Compatibility

USB 3.0 or faster is generally preferable for uncompressed 1080p60 capture. Check whether the included cable supports the required speed and whether the device works with your operating system and streaming application. HDMI audio support, microphone mixing, party chat, and HDR handling can also affect your setup.

Who Should Buy Which Capture Card with Passthrough?

Choose an inexpensive USB 3.0 model if you mainly stream at 1080p60 and need straightforward HDMI loop-out. Pick a 4K-passthrough card if your console or PC feeds a 4K display but your stream remains 1080p. Gamers using 120Hz or 1440p monitors should prioritize explicit high-refresh specifications. For frequent streaming, HDR gaming, multiple audio sources, or a more polished OBS workflow, a premium model with stronger software support and audio controls is usually worth the additional cost.