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

The right capture card with passthrough lets you stream or record gameplay without sacrificing the responsive display experience you get from your console or gaming PC. The products in this roundup cover affordable USB options, higher-refresh-rate models, and internal cards designed for demanding setups.

Before choosing, check the difference between passthrough resolution and capture resolution, then match the card to your console, monitor, computer ports, and streaming software. A model that supports 4K input may still capture at 1080p, so understanding those specifications is essential.

Best 10 Capture Card with Passthrough Picks for 2026

Best Value USB Capture – ByteWave 4K Passthrough Capture Card

The ByteWave AV-CC07 is a practical capture card with passthrough for streamers who want 1080p60 recording while sending a 4K30 signal to a second display. Its USB 3.0 connection, plug-and-play setup, microphone input, and broad device compatibility make it a flexible choice for gaming and general video capture.

Best For: Gamers, streamers, educators, and creators who need 1080p60 capture with 4K30 passthrough.

Pros:

• Captures up to 1080p60 and supports 4K30 passthrough.
• Metal shell, braided USB 3.0 cable, and low-latency operation support extended use.
• Works with Windows and Mac and supports consoles, PCs, Android devices, and popular streaming software.
• Includes microphone input and requires no external power or additional apps.

Cons:

• Capture resolution is limited to 1080p rather than 4K.
• USB 3.0 is required for the stated high-bandwidth performance.

For buyers seeking an affordable, versatile capture card with passthrough, the ByteWave offers a strong feature mix. It is especially suitable when smooth 1080p60 streaming matters more than native 4K recording.

Best Premium External – Elgato 4K S Capture Card

The Elgato 4K S is a premium external capture card with passthrough for current consoles and high-refresh gaming setups. It records in 4K60, supports 1440p120 or 1080p240 passthrough, and adds HDR10 support for compatible Windows workflows.

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

Pros:

• Captures video at up to 4K60.
• Supports 1440p120 and 1080p240 passthrough for high-refresh gameplay.
• HDR10 support, near-zero latency, and analog audio input expand its streaming capabilities.
• Compatible with PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, Windows, macOS, and iPadOS with USB-C.

Cons:

• The listed Windows platform requirement is Windows 11, with newer macOS or compatible iPadOS requirements also specified.
• It uses a USB-C connection, so suitable connectivity is needed.

The 4K S stands out for buyers who want a compact external device without giving up 4K60 capture or high-frame-rate passthrough. Its system requirements are more specific, but the feature set is well suited to modern gaming hardware.

Best Flexible Midrange – UGREEN 4K Loop-Out Capture Card

The UGREEN 25773 is a flexible capture card with passthrough that accepts a 4K30 input and loops it out to a display while recording up to 2K30 or 1080p60. Its dual USB-A/USB-C interface and support for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android make it adaptable to different recording setups.

Best For: Streamers who want 4K30 loop-out, 2K recording, and broad operating-system support.

Pros:

• Supports 4K30 input and 4K30 HDMI loop-out for low-latency monitoring.
• Records up to 2K30 or 1080p60 and supports MJPEG and YUY2 formats.
• Includes both USB-A and USB-C connectivity and requires no driver installation or external power.
• Works with multiple systems and devices, including Switch, PS5, Xbox, Meta Quest, PCs, and iPads.

Cons:

• It does not support 4K capture; maximum recording resolution is 2K30.
• PS4 and PS5 require HDCP to be turned off.
• It is not compatible with Fire TV Stick, and Windows 7 requires USB 3.0 drivers.

UGREEN is a sensible middle-ground option for buyers who prioritize flexible connections and loop-out monitoring over 4K recording. Check the stated device restrictions before purchase, especially for older systems and protected HDMI sources.

Best Internal PCIe Option – Elgato 4K Pro Capture Card

The Elgato 4K Pro is an internal capture card with passthrough built for high-end Windows desktops. With HDMI 2.1 connectivity, it supports 8K60 passthrough, 4K60 HDR10 capture, 1080p240 recording, and VRR for a smooth dual-PC or console streaming setup.

Best For: Desktop streamers and competitive gamers who need HDMI 2.1, VRR, and high-refresh passthrough.

Pros:

• Supports 8K60 passthrough and 4K60 HDR10 capture.
• HDMI 2.1 enables up to 1080p240 recording and high-bandwidth connections.
• VRR passthrough and ultra-low latency help preserve smooth gameplay.
• Works with OBS, Streamlabs, Twitch Studio, Zoom, Teams, and other streaming apps.

Cons:

• Requires a Windows 10 system with an available PCIe slot.
• It is an internal card rather than a portable USB solution.
• The supplied specifications list video capture resolution as 1080p despite the product’s 4K60 capture feature.

The 4K Pro is the strongest fit for a properly equipped desktop where maximum passthrough bandwidth and high-refresh gaming are priorities. Its internal PCIe design delivers advanced capabilities, but it is less convenient than an external capture card.

Balanced Starter – Acer USB 3.0 Capture Card

If you need a practical capture card with passthrough for console streaming, the Acer OCB5B0 combines 4K HDMI input with 1080p at 60Hz capture and HDMI loop-out. Its plug-and-play design, USB-A and USB-C support, and built-in mic input make it a convenient choice for gaming, classes, and live content.

Best For: Gamers and creators who want straightforward 1080p60 capture with 4K input and low-latency monitoring.

Pros:

• Supports 4K input and 1080p at 60Hz output.
• HDMI loop-out enables real-time monitoring.
• Includes 3.5mm mic input for commentary.
• Works without extra drivers or external power.

Cons:

• Capture output is limited to 1080p or 720p rather than 4K.
• USB 3.0 is required for USB 3.0 performance.

The Acer is a sensible everyday option when dependable 1080p60 streaming matters more than high-refresh capture. Its broad console, computer, camera, and software compatibility adds flexibility for mixed setups.

High-Refresh Pick – Guermok 4K60 Capture Card

The Guermok GM-72A is a versatile capture card with passthrough for users who want 4K60 loop-out alongside high-frame-rate capture options. It supports 4K capture in MJPEG mode, 2K and 1080p input up to 120FPS, plus USB-A or USB-C connectivity.

Best For: Streamers and gamers who need 4K60 passthrough, high-refresh gameplay support, and flexible audio connections.

Pros:

• Supports 4K60 capture and 4K60 HDMI passthrough.
• Handles 1440p120 and 1080p120 input.
• Provides 3.5mm audio-in and microphone-out ports.
• Includes an HDMI cable and USB-C-to-USB-A adapter.

Cons:

• USB 2.0 ports are limited to up to 1080p.
• Recommended computer specifications may exclude older systems.

With its high-refresh support and included accessories, the Guermok is the strongest fit here for demanding gaming setups. Be sure your computer has a USB 3.0 port and meets the listed system recommendations.

Feature-Rich Alternative – XIIXMASK 4K60 Capture Card

The XIIXMASK offers a capable capture card with passthrough for 4K60 workflows, with 4K60 capture and HDMI passthrough plus 1080p at 120FPS support. Its dual USB-A/USB-C connection, audio ports, and broad device compatibility suit streaming, recording, and video calls.

Best For: Users seeking 4K60 capture, 1080p120 support, and broad compatibility across consoles, computers, cameras, and streaming software.

Pros:

• Supports 4K60 capture and 4K HDMI passthrough.
• Supports 1080p at 120FPS for high-frame-rate recording.
• Includes 3.5mm audio-in and mic-out connections.
• Works with USB-A or USB-C and requires no drivers.

Cons:

• The supplied specifications do not list 1440p120 support.
• Its feature set may be more than needed for basic 1080p streaming.

This model is a well-rounded choice for users who want modern resolution and frame-rate support without a complicated installation. Its two-year manufacturer warranty is an additional advantage for longer-term ownership.

Versatile USB Streaming – UGREEN 2K Capture Card

If you need a capture card with passthrough-style flexibility for gaming, camera feeds, or mobile streaming, the UGREEN model offers 4K HDMI input, 2K output at 30Hz, and 1080p output at 60FPS. Its USB-A and USB-C connectivity also makes it practical for computers, tablets, phones, and Quest devices.

Best For: Streamers who want broad device compatibility, USB-A/USB-C support, and a choice between 2K30 and 1080p60 workflows.

Pros:

• Supports 4K30 input, 2K30 output, and 1080p60 compatibility.
• USB 3.0 provides high-speed transfer with low latency.
• Works with Windows, macOS, Linux, supported iPads, and major streaming software.
• Aluminum housing helps with heat dissipation and EMI shielding.

Cons:

• Supports only unidirectional HDMI input to USB output.
• iPadOS devices require version 17 or later.
• Console sources may require HDCP to be disabled.

The UGREEN is a flexible choice for mixed streaming setups, especially when USB-C support and higher-resolution HDMI input matter. Confirm that your source and display setup support the desired 2K mode before buying.

Loop-Out Gaming Setup – XIIXMASK 4K Pass-Through Capture Card

The XIIXMASK is a capture card with passthrough functionality built around 4K60 HDMI loop-out. It captures up to 1080p60 or 2K30 over USB 3.0, making it suitable for live gaming, recording, meetings, and streaming while retaining a high-resolution HDMI output.

Best For: Console and camera users who want 4K60 loop-out, USB-A/USB-C connectivity, and a dedicated mic input for commentary.

Pros:

• Supports 4K60 HDMI input and loop-out.
• Captures up to 1080p60 or 2K30 through USB 3.0.
• Includes a 3.5mm mic-in for external commentary.
• Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iPadOS 17+, and software such as OBS and Zoom.

Cons:

• The mic input does not record party chat.
• OBS may need to be restarted after audio setup.
• Capture output is limited to 1080p60 or 2K30 despite 4K60 loop-out.

Choose this model if smooth 4K60 loop-out is more important than capturing at 4K. Its mic input adds useful commentary support, but buyers should plan around the stated audio and capture-resolution limits.

Simple Console Streaming – Rybozen 1080p Capture Card

This Rybozen capture card with passthrough support is designed for straightforward HDMI streaming and recording. It accepts 4K input signals, captures up to 1080p, and provides HDMI loop-out for playing or monitoring with no stated gameplay delay when configured correctly.

Best For: Windows and Mac users seeking a plug-and-play capture device for consoles, cameras, PCs, and OBS-based streaming.

Pros:

• Supports HDMI input up to 4K30/60Hz and 1080p120/144Hz.
• Provides HDMI loop-out for low-delay gameplay monitoring.
• Plug-and-play operation requires no driver or external power.
• Includes a 3.5mm mic input for external commentary.

Cons:

• Capture output is limited to 1080p, with output support up to 2K30.
• Mic input accepts only a 3.5mm TRS standard microphone headset.
• Listed compatibility is centered on Windows and Mac OS.

This is a practical entry-level option for users who want simple setup and HDMI loop-out rather than high-resolution capture. It is a good fit for common console and camera workflows, provided its output limits meet your recording needs.

How We Picked the Best Capture Card with Passthrough

We focused on the specifications that matter most in real streaming and recording setups: HDMI input support, passthrough resolution and refresh rate, maximum capture quality, USB connection speed, compatibility, and installation type. The lineup includes compact USB 3.0 devices for laptops and desktops as well as an internal PCIe card for users who want higher-end performance and a cleaner permanent installation.

We also considered whether each model suits current consoles such as the PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch 2, along with common streaming software and webcams, microphones, and overlays. Product claims should still be checked against your exact display, cable, and computer configuration.

Quick Comparison

Use case	Recommended specification	Why it matters
Basic streaming	1080p60 capture, USB 3.0, 4K passthrough	Good image quality without adding noticeable display delay
4K console gaming	4K input and 4K passthrough	Preserves a sharp signal for a 4K gaming display
High-refresh gaming	1440p120 or higher passthrough	Better suited to competitive play and fast monitors
Advanced desktop setup	Internal PCIe connection and high-bandwidth support	Reduces cable clutter and can provide more consistent performance

Key Buying Factors for a Capture Card with Passthrough

Passthrough Versus Capture Resolution

Passthrough is the signal sent onward to your TV or monitor, while capture resolution is what reaches your computer and streaming software. Many affordable devices accept a 4K signal but capture at 1080p60. That can be perfectly suitable for Twitch or YouTube, but it is not the same as recording native 4K.

Refresh Rate and Gaming Latency

For story-driven console gaming, 4K60 passthrough may be enough. Competitive players should look for higher refresh-rate support, particularly at 1080p or 1440p. Passthrough should feel close to direct HDMI connection, but your total setup can still introduce delay through displays, cables, software previews, or incorrect settings.

Connection, Compatibility, and Setup

USB 3.0 models are easy to move between systems, but connect them to a genuine high-speed USB port and use suitable HDMI cables. Internal cards require an open PCIe slot and a desktop case. Also verify operating-system support, HDCP limitations, console audio behavior, and whether your streaming application recognizes the device without additional drivers.

Who Should Buy Which Capture Card with Passthrough?

Choose an inexpensive USB 3.0 model if you mainly stream at 1080p60 and want simple plug-and-play setup. A 4K passthrough model is a better fit for console owners who want to play on a 4K television while sending a lower-resolution feed to a PC. Users with high-refresh 1440p displays should prioritize explicit 120Hz or higher passthrough support rather than relying on a general 4K input claim.

For a fixed desktop studio, an internal card such as a higher-bandwidth PCIe option can make sense, especially when you need advanced resolution support and fewer external cables. Finally, creators who want native 4K recording should confirm that the capture specification—not just the passthrough specification—supports 4K at the required frame rate.