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

A capture card with passthrough lets you send gameplay to your PC for streaming or recording while continuing to play on your TV or monitor with minimal disruption. The right model can preserve high resolution, HDR, and refresh rates without complicating your setup.

We selected 10 options spanning internal PCIe cards, USB 3.0 and USB-C devices, 1080p capture, and 4K passthrough. Use the comparison and buying advice below to narrow the list based on your console, PC, display, and workflow.

Best 10 Capture Cards with Passthrough for PC Picks for 2026

Premium PC Capture – Elgato 4K Pro

For creators searching for capture cards with passthrough for pc, the Elgato 4K Pro is a high-end internal option built around HDMI 2.1. It supports 8K60 passthrough, 4K60 HDR10 capture, high-refresh recording, and VRR for a smooth gaming and broadcasting setup.

Best For: PC streamers, dual-PC setups, and gamers who need high frame rates and advanced passthrough features.

Pros:

• Supports 8K60 passthrough and 4K60 HDR10 capture.
• Records up to 1080p240 and supports VRR passthrough.
• Works with major streaming apps and supports dual-PC setups.

Cons:

• Requires a Windows 10 PC with an available PCIe slot.
• As an internal card, it is less portable than USB capture devices.

The 4K Pro is a strong fit when maximum performance matters more than portability. Its PCIe installation and Windows requirement make it best suited to a dedicated desktop streaming system.

Compact Cross-Platform Pick – AVerMedia GC311G2

The AVerMedia GC311G2 is a practical choice among capture cards with passthrough for pc, combining 4K60 HDR passthrough with 1080p60 capture in a compact USB-C design. Its high-refresh support and driver-free operation suit both new and experienced streamers.

Best For: Console and PC players who want an external capture card for Windows, macOS, or compatible USB-C iPad setups.

Pros:

• Passes through 4K60 HDR while capturing at 1080p60.
• Supports up to 1440p144 or 1080p240 HDR passthrough.
• Works with consoles, PCs, cameras, Windows, macOS, and compatible iPads.

Cons:

• Captured video is limited to 1080p60 SDR.
• Requires USB 3.0 and the listed computer specifications.

This model balances smooth local gameplay with straightforward external streaming. It is especially appealing if you need broad device compatibility without installing an internal card.

Console-to-PC Streaming – Elgato 4K S

The Elgato 4K S offers a simple external route for gamers comparing capture cards with passthrough for pc. It captures 4K60 video, supports 1440p120 or 1080p240 passthrough, and adds HDR10 support plus an analog audio input for chat or commentary.

Best For: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch 2 players who want a compact USB-C capture solution.

Pros:

• Captures gameplay at 4K60.
• Supports 1440p120 and 1080p240 passthrough.
• Includes HDR10 support and a 3.5mm analog audio input.

Cons:

• Requires Windows 11, macOS 13 or later, or a compatible iPadOS device.
• USB 3.0 Type-C connectivity is required.

With near-zero latency, high-refresh passthrough, and console-focused compatibility, the 4K S is a well-rounded external option. The analog input is useful when chat or spoken commentary is part of your setup.

Audio-Ready Value Option – ezcap333P 4K HDMI Capture Card

The ezcap333P is a versatile pick for shoppers seeking capture cards with passthrough for pc and extra audio control. It combines 4K60 capture and passthrough with 1080p120 recording, plug-and-play setup, and dedicated microphone, headset, and line-in connections.

Best For: Streamers who want an external capture card with flexible audio mixing and support for Windows or Mac.

Pros:

• Supports 4K60 capture and passthrough.
• Records 1080p120 for smoother fast-action footage.
• Includes 3.5mm mic, headset, and line-in ports.
• Works with Windows, Mac, PS5, Xbox, Switch, OBS, YouTube, Discord, and Twitch.

Cons:

• Requires USB 3.0 and the listed system specifications.
• Has a shorter one-year manufacturer warranty than some alternatives.

The ezcap333P stands out when audio routing is as important as video passthrough. Its broad software and device support makes it a flexible choice, while the 4K60 capability keeps gameplay viewing detailed and responsive.

High-Refresh Choice – Guermok 4K60 Capture Card

For shoppers comparing capture cards with passthrough for PC, the Guermok GM-72A stands out with 4K60 capture and 4K60 HDMI passthrough. It also supports high-refresh inputs up to 1440p120 and 1080p120, making it a flexible option for gaming, streaming, and screen recording.

Best For: PC streamers and gamers who want 4K capture, high-refresh input support, and integrated audio connections.

Pros:

• Supports up to 4K60 capture and 4K60 passthrough.
• Handles 1440p120 and 1080p120 input for high-refresh gaming.
• Includes 3.5mm audio input and microphone output.
• Works with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, PadOS, OBS, Streamlabs, and other listed platforms and software.

Cons:

• Requires USB 3.0 or higher for its advertised performance; USB 2.0 is limited to 1080p.
• Capture formats vary by resolution, including MJPEG 4K60 and YUY2 4K25.

The Guermok is the strongest fit here for users prioritizing both 4K60 passthrough and high-refresh input support. Its included adapter and audio cables also make it convenient for a PC streaming setup.

Simple PC Streaming Pick – acer USB 3.0 HDMI Capture Card

The acer OCB5B0 is a practical choice among capture cards with passthrough for PC, combining 4K HDMI input with 1080p60 output. Its USB 3.0 connection, mic-in port, and driver-free setup suit straightforward game capture, streaming, classes, and video calls.

Best For: Users who want an easy-to-use 1080p60 capture card with 4K input, HDMI loop-out, and direct microphone support.

Pros:

• Accepts 4K input and provides smooth 1080p60 performance.
• Uses YUY2 output, which the product notes describe as providing richer colors than MJPEG.
• Includes a 3.5mm mic-in for commentary, teaching, or vlogging.
• Plug-and-play design works with listed Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, console, and streaming-app setups.

Cons:

• Its stated output performance tops out at 1080p60 rather than 4K capture.
• USB 3.0 is required to run at USB 3.0 performance.

The acer card keeps the setup simple while covering the essentials for PC streaming: HDMI loop-out, 1080p60 output, mic-in, and broad compatibility. It is a sensible fit when ease of use matters more than higher-resolution capture.

Value Loop-Out Option – XIIXMASK 1080p60 Capture Card

The XIIXMASK USB 3.0 model is a value-oriented option for capture cards with passthrough for PC. It supports 4K60 HDMI input and loop-out while sending up to 1080p60 or 1440p30 video to the computer, with dual USB-A/USB-C connectivity for flexible setup.

Best For: Gamers and creators who need 4K60 passthrough, 1080p60 capture, and broad console and computer compatibility.

Pros:

• Supports 4K60 HDMI input and 4K60 loop-out.
• Captures up to 1080p60 or 1440p30 through USB 3.0.
• Offers USB-A and USB-C connectivity with the included cable.
• Includes 3.5mm mic-in for commentary and works with OBS, VLC, PotPlayer, Zoom, and listed consoles and operating systems.

Cons:

• Does not capture at 4K; advertised capture modes top out at 1440p30 and 1080p60.
• The product notes say the mic input does not record party chats.
• OBS may need to be restarted after audio setup to restore sound output.

The XIIXMASK offers the key passthrough feature PC gamers typically need while keeping capture focused on 1080p60 and 1440p30. Its dual-port cable and broad compatibility make it a flexible budget-minded choice.

Best Plug-and-Play Value – 1080p 60FPS HDMI Capture Card

If you need capture cards with passthrough for PC, this Rybozen model combines 1080p capture with HDMI loop-out for gaming without a noticeable display delay. It accepts 4K30/60Hz and 1080p120/144Hz input, while capture output reaches up to 1080p at 60FPS.

Best For: PC streamers and console gamers who want straightforward OBS-compatible capture, HDMI passthrough, and microphone commentary support.

Pros:

• 1080p capture at up to 60FPS for streaming and recording.
• HDMI loop-out supports responsive gameplay viewing.
• Plug-and-play operation on Windows and macOS without drivers or external power.
• Includes a 3.5mm TRS microphone input for commentary.

Cons:

• Capture output is limited to 1080p, while output supports up to 2K30Hz.
• Does not support 4K120Hz or 4K144Hz input.
• Microphone input accepts standard 3.5mm TRS microphones only.

This is a practical choice when reliable 1080p streaming matters more than higher-resolution capture. Its loop-out and simple setup make it especially suitable for a PC-based gaming station.

Best Portable Streaming Pick – 4K HDMI to USB 3.0 Capture Card

For shoppers comparing capture cards with passthrough for PC, this compact Dcyfol device offers 1080p 60FPS capture, 4K HDMI real-time preview, and seamless passthrough for compatible gaming sources. It connects over USB 3.0 and works with common streaming software without requiring drivers.

Best For: Content creators who move between PC, console, camera, LAN-party, or travel setups and want a lightweight capture solution.

Pros:

• Records or streams 1080p video at 60FPS.
• Supports 4K HDMI real-time preview and passthrough.
• Works with OBS Studio, Streamlabs, and XSplit on Windows and macOS.
• Compact design includes USB and USB-C connection accessories.

Cons:

• It captures at 1080p 60FPS rather than recording 4K video.
• Requires a USB 3.0 port on the computer.
• Some advertised compatibility and performance depend on the connected source and software.

This model balances portability and useful passthrough features. It is a sensible fit for creators who need to switch between several HDMI devices while keeping setup uncomplicated.

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

If high-resolution passthrough is your priority, the Guermok GM-34A-DE is one of the more capable capture cards with passthrough for PC. It can accept up to 4K60 HDMI input and pass through up to 4K60 in YUV420 mode, while capturing up to 1080p60 or 2K30.

Best For: PC gaming streamers and live-production users who want responsive 4K external-monitor viewing plus flexible audio connections.

Pros:

• Supports 4K60 HDMI passthrough with minimal latency under specified modes.
• Captures up to 1080p60 or 2K30, depending on software and bandwidth.
• Provides microphone, audio input, headphone monitoring, and speaker output ports.
• Works without drivers with OBS, Streamlabs, VLC, XSplit, Zoom, and Teams.

Cons:

• 4K60 passthrough uses YUV420; RGB/YUV444 passthrough is limited to 4K30.
• It does not capture 4K video; maximum capture is 2K30 or 1080p60.
• Mic input supports standard 3.5mm TRS microphones, not USB or some TRRS headset microphones.

The Guermok stands out when passthrough quality and audio flexibility matter more than 4K recording. Check your display mode, software, and USB bandwidth requirements before buying.

How We Picked the Best Capture Cards with Passthrough for PC

We evaluated these capture cards based on passthrough resolution and refresh-rate support, capture quality, connection type, compatibility, and practical streaming needs. We also considered whether a model is better suited to a desktop PC, laptop, console setup, or high-refresh gaming display.

Passthrough and capture are separate specifications. A card may pass a 4K signal to your display while recording at 1080p, so check both figures before buying. Features such as HDR support, USB bandwidth, driver or software compatibility, and audio handling can also affect the real-world experience.

Quick Comparison

Best For	Recommended Type	What to Prioritize
High-end desktop streaming	Internal PCIe card	High-resolution passthrough, low latency, and stable bandwidth
Laptop or flexible setups	USB-C or USB 3.0 card	Plug-and-play compatibility and a fast USB connection
Console streaming	4K-capable HDMI card	4K60 passthrough, HDR support, and console compatibility
Budget 1080p streaming	USB 3.0 card	1080p60 capture and reliable HDMI loop-out

Key Buying Factors for Capture Cards with Passthrough for PC

Passthrough Resolution and Refresh Rate

Match the card to your gaming display. A 4K60 passthrough model is a sensible baseline for current consoles, while competitive PC gamers should look for support for higher refresh rates such as 120Hz or 144Hz where available. Do not assume that “4K” automatically means 4K at 60Hz.

Capture Resolution

For most live streams, 1080p60 remains practical and widely supported. If you create edited videos, record gameplay locally, or want more detail for cropping, consider a card with 4K capture. Confirm the required software and system performance before choosing a higher-resolution workflow.

Connection and Compatibility

USB 3.0 and USB-C cards are convenient, but they need a suitable high-speed port and cable. Internal PCIe cards generally offer a tidy, stable desktop installation. Check support for Windows, your streaming application, HDMI version, HDCP restrictions, and the ports on your source device.

HDR, Audio, and Latency

HDR passthrough can improve the image on your gaming display, but some capture software may require configuration to record HDR correctly. Also verify audio routing, microphone support, and whether the card introduces noticeable delay. For competitive play, use passthrough for the display rather than monitoring through the preview window.

Who Should Buy Which Capture Cards with Passthrough for PC?

Choose the Elgato 4K Pro if you want a premium internal solution for a desktop PC and need advanced passthrough performance. The AVerMedia and Elgato USB options are better suited to creators who want a recognized brand and a simpler external setup.

Models from ezcap, Guermok, acer, XIIXMASK, and the other USB 3.0 options are worth considering for budget-conscious streaming, secondary systems, or basic console capture. Prioritize the model whose passthrough specification matches your display; a lower capture resolution is often acceptable, but limiting your gaming refresh rate is not.