Best Video Capture Cards for Editing and Saving Your Projects
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AVerMedia Live Gamer Bolt -
Hauppauge ImpactVCB-e PCI Express Video Capture Board 1381 -
Elgato Systems Game High 1080p Definition Video Capture Card -
AVerMedia Live Gamer Duo. Dual HDMI 1080p Video Capture Card (GC570D) -
StarTech.com PCIe Video Capture Card -
Buyer's Guide
A video capture card is a computer component which facilitates the capture of video and audio for playback/editing and saves it to a hard drive or SD card. These cards are frequently used to stream and record data while PC gaming, or from a console game through a computer, but they can also be used for digitizing analog video. There are also external video capture devices that can be used to input and record video and audio either from a secondary source or from the computer itself, but this list focuses on internal components.
These best video capture cards in 2022 were chosen because they give you the best picture quality thanks to support for up to 1080i HD video, so you can easily control the resolution and size of your video. They support at least HDMI and DVI connections, though included adapters may be necessary for certain video types with these cards. All of these models also include pass through performance that lets you play a game or use other software in real time while also recording what you are doing without creating any delay or lag.
Detailing the Best Video Capture Card of 2022
AVerMedia Live Gamer Bolt - Top Pick
If you're looking for an easy solution to capturing HD video up to 1080p from your computer and recording it for later use, then this is as good as it gets. This component installs easily using just a PCIe slot on a motherboard and works with whatever additional hardware you have (such as a dedicated video card and audio card). Once connected, AVerMedia provides intuitive video recording software with various settings you can select for capturing and streaming what you do.
Honestly, this is one of the easiest cards to use because it includes a button that connects to the card and sits outside of your computer to easily stop and start your recording at will, eliminating the need for a hotkey. While the card itself only has a pair of HDMI connections for video, a DVI to HDMI adapter is included so you can use it with DVI connections. A pair of 3.5mm audio ports is included with this card as well.
Hauppauge ImpactVCB-e PCI Express Video Capture Board 1381 - Runner Up
This card from Hauppauge lives up to its name pretty well since it's quite a large component that offers you a lot of choices for video streaming and capture. You get options for a few different recording formats with this card, including up to 1080i from an external component and both NTSC and PAL for recording from your computer. This card has an HDMI input for high-definition component video but keep in mind it only works with un-encrypted HDMI sources.
One of the best features of this card is it includes a ton of adapters for AV cable input and output, which gives you a lot of video recording options. This card even includes IR technology to work as a remote control for your TV system or cable box, changing the channel or input to work more efficiently with your other hardware. This internal card is easy to use and set up but requires a system with a Windows OS and a PCIe slot. And while the included software is decent enough for recording and sharing video, there are better options to be had out there.
Elgato Systems Game High 1080p Definition Video Capture Card - Honorable Mention
This is probably your best overall option if you primarily want a video capture card for streaming or recording video games on your PC or via a console. It offers the absolute best video performance possible since it can capture HD video up to 1080p at 60 fps, which is as good as or better than any other card out there. The specs are a bit of overkill if you’re looking to just do some casual video capture, but the quality can make you stand out among other streamers and gamers posting videos.
This card features Flashback Recording which lets you go back on your computer to a previous spot in your gaming and start recording, even if you weren’t already recording. You can easily stream your video along with some neat features to add custom overlays (such as a webcam) during recording for editing and later use. The included software is also very intuitive, making it easy to stream, record, and edit your video. Although you can buy adapters for other input types, this video capture card works best ideal with an HDMI input or just working right off your computer.
AVerMedia Live Gamer Duo. Dual HDMI 1080p Video Capture Card (GC570D) - Consider
This video capture solution installs into a PCIe slot on your motherboard, and the software that AVerMedia includes with this card is easy to use and gives you all the options you need. You get up to 1080i HD video with this card which is great for casual use but it lacks some of the picture quality and clarity of 1080p. While this card only has an HDMI input, it includes an adapter that gives you S-Video, composite, and component connections for more functionality than other capture cards. You’ll have to set up your own hotkey to indicate when the card should start and stop recording which makes it a little less convenient than having a dedicated start/stop button. While this isn't a huge issue, it's something to consider if you're concerned with overall ease of use.
StarTech.com PCIe Video Capture Card - Best Video Capture Card
This is a good video capture card from StarTech which has excellent support for up to 1080p HD video at 60 fps, both from within a computer and from external components. Despite the impressive level of performance, this card lacks a physical HDMI port but there is a DVI connector and HDMI adapter provided. This is not a major issue but something to consider if you primarily use HDMI cables since the adapter adds an unnecessary element.
This video card offers support for a wide range of standards, such as NTSC, PAL, and MPEG4, plus it works with many multiple versions of Windows. While the high frame rate is impressive, the biggest issue with this card is it's rather high price point. However, this is an excellent option if you find it on sale below the suggested retail price.
Buyer's Guide
A Guide to Choosing the Best Video Capture Card
A video capture card is an essential tool for capturing, streaming and recording gameplay and any other videos from your computer or console. It can also help capture the feed of your webcam and record it for you to view or post later. Video capture cards are really popular in the gaming industry for this very reason. You can easily stream and record any video on these cards and transfer it to an SD card or your computer for further processing.
Unlike other image processing cards, a video capture card captures the video and records it. However, the specifications of a video capture card make it stand out from the rest.
So how do you choose the best video capture card for streaming and recording? This guide will help you select the suitable capture card for your use by thoroughly walking you through all the essential aspects of a video capture card. Here is how you can get the best video capture cards in 2021.
How To Choose the Right Video Capture Card?
If you have already used a video capture card, you might know that several specs like the HDMI count, resolution, video quality and interface make or break a capture card's efficiency. However, if you haven't used a video capture card yet, there's no need to worry. Here are some of the specs that you should look for in a video capture card.
Interface
The interface of a capture card is how it connects with a computer or console to record videos. One of the standard interfaces used is the USB which is easy to set up and use. There are two types of USB connectors for video capture cards: USB 2.0 and USB 3.0.
USB 2.0 is mainly used in older versions of capture cards and is slower. USB 3.0 is faster and supports modern resolutions like 4K at high refresh rates; hence, it is the common choice for current capture card owners.
However, USB is not the best interface for streaming and recording through a video capture card. You can attain high-quality images and faster processing time using the PCIe interface. These capture cards are harder to install and are only compatible with desktop PCs which is they are not very popular.
Type of input
The type of input your capture card supports is critical to consider. The kind of input of the capture card should be compatible with the device you're going to connect your capture card to. Most PCs and gaming consoles use HDMI connections to connect to a capture card. So if your device supports an HDMI connection, your capture card should follow suit.
However, some other gaming consoles use cables to connect to a video capture card. If you have one of those consoles, your capture card should support a cable connection.
Resolution
The resolution of your video capture card is really important based on what you will be using it for. If your usage is professional streaming and recording, you might want the best image quality that a video capture card can offer. You can determine this by checking the input resolution and output resolution of the card.
The input resolution tells you the input image quality that your capture card can receive from your console or PC. This is not the final recording resolution of the card, though. The output resolution is the resolution in which the recording will be. Most capture cards can support high input resolution like 4K 60Hz. This is usually only up to 1080p 60Hz when using a USB 3.0. However, with PCIe capture cards, you might even get 4K 60Hz.
HDMI Count
We have already talked about HDMI in input types. However, the number of HDMI ports in a video capture card can vary from model to model. You need to figure out how many HDMI ports will you require to operate your capture card. If you're connecting your card to a camera and only need to record the images or video, you will need only one HDMI connection. However, if you're streaming a game, you will need a connection to a monitor or TV to display the video as well. For this reason, dual HDMI ports will be required by the capture card. Make sure you evaluate your use of the capture card and understand how many HDMI ports you will need before buying one.
Warranty
While this is not one of the specs that affect the quality of the video your capture card records or streams, you should check the warranty before purchasing. Many good video capture cards come with 1 or 2 years of warranty. However, if you're a professional or think you could do with a more extended warranty, some capture cards also provide a lifetime warranty. This allows you to relax and use the card without having to worry about the warranty running out.
FAQs
Q: Can I use the capture card on the same PC that I’m playing on
A: When streaming or recording a game you're playing on a PC, you must connect your video capture card to another PC or computer for output or recording. If you encode the video on the same machine that you're recording, you're doing it all wrong and need to reevaluate. You may damage your computer or the capture card if you do this.
Q: Can I record audio with a video capture card?
A: Not all video capture cards come with the option to record audio. However, you might find some capture cards that capture both video and audio, allowing you to record a complete experience. These cards can also stream audio besides recording it.
Q: Can video capture cards lag?
A: You will find that all video capture cards experience some lag. However, the amount of lag will depend on a series of factors, including the build of your capture card, the game you're streaming, and your PC's hardware.
