Recording Games in the best settings without affecting console personal is a daunting task. It requires extensive research to find the best capture card that can execute the task smoothly. A lot of gamers around the globe love to record their games. They can use those videos on Youtube to build their fan base or upload them to Twitch or any other social media platform.

Many high-end gaming PCs come with in-built game recording software. For example, Windows 10 comes with Xbox Game bar and Nvidia graphic card like RTX 2070 comes in an internal game capture tool. Recording via software is always limited because of the availability of the hardware. The better system you have the best video you will get. But what about consoles?

PS5 and Xbox Series X also feature internal recording, to an extent using this feature will not deliver you the best expected quality video. For this, we can use Capture cards, dedicated hardware attached to a computer that delivers the best quality video up to 4K. No need to engage your console, just enjoy playing games, and leave the rest on the capture card.

I am going to list the five best capture cards you can pick today from the market. I am adding both costly and affordable cards, my objective is to keep options for all budgets.  It is on you what you can go for. Capture cards work independently, attached to the console on one side and to the PC on the other video capturing does not impact an inch of performance of the console.

Best 5 Capture Cards to Buy for Xbox and PS5

There are internal and external capture cards in the market. The internal one is better due to their connectivity with the system, while the external one brings in the on-the-go game recording solution with additional features. It is on you what type of capture card you need.

1. AverMedia Live Gamer Bolt GC555 (Full HD @240fps Guaranteed)

Starting with the star of our list AverMedia GC555 is something to give a try. It is an expensive capture card but it comes with important features that other capture card lacks. If money is not a problem then AVerMedia GC555 can fulfill your capture needs. Powered by Intel Thunderbolt 3 interface GC555 holds 2160p60 HDR max recording power.  AverMedia GC555 costs $449 (INR 43.8K approx). The price may make you think it is expensive, but when it comes to feature and error-free 4K streaming setup then GC555 is a pro on the grounds.

  • Interface: Thunderbolt 3*
  • Input & Output (Pass-Through): HDMI 2.0
  • Max. Pass-Through Resolution :
  • 2160p60 HDR /1440p144/ 1080p240
  • Max. Recording Resolution:
  • 2160p60 HDR* /1440p144/ 1080p240
  • Supported Resolution:
  • 2160p, 1440p, 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 576p, 480p
  • Record Format: MPEG 4**

2. Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro Mk. 2 (Expensive but Awesome)

A PCI internal capture card that focuses on 4K @60fps recording. I started with Elgato for multiple reasons. First, it gets attached to your motherboard delivering the best quality video on your hard drive. Designed for 4K resolution Elgato 4K60 does not compromise with the performance. You need a high-end system to get the max out of such a card. Core i7 or Ryzen 7 powered system with a powerful graphics card & SSD is recommended. If you hate to compromise with the quality then this card is worth buying. It is an expensive card that costs approx $235.99 (INR 27K).

  • Proprietary capture software
  • 1080p60 Capture
  • 2160p60 HDR10 Passthrough
  • 2160p60 Capture
  • HDR10 Capture
  • 1080p240 / 1440p144 Passthrough
  • Instant Gameview
  • Flashback Recording, Live Commentary, Unlimited Capture
  • Interface: PCIe x4
  • Max Bitrate: 140 Mbps

3. AVerMedia Live Gamer Duo (Dual HDMI Input)

AVerMedia Live Gamer Duo is designed for streamers. It comes with dual HDMI input where one is used to capturing games and the second for capturing a live feed from a digital camera. If you are looking for a card that has support for a Digital Camera then this one is best to go for. AVerMedia Live Gamer Duo is an internal card that sits on the PCI slots of a PC. Attach your console and digital camera together to create a live streaming screen where the audience can watch you while playing games. The card does not support 4K recording, it is ideal for 1080p capture. It is expensive than Elgato 4K60, costs $249.99 (INR 25K).

  • Two separate HDMI inputs, one for your gameplay and one for you
  • 4Kp60 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Pass-through
  • High Refresh Rate Pass-through at Full HD up to 240Hz
  • Simultaneously record from both inputs in uncompressed Full HD
  • Capture HDR gameplay from input one in Full HD
  • Ultra-Low Latency allows you to play right on the software device monitor
  • 3 preset RGB modes to make your case unique

4. AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA – GC553  (Affordable 4K Passthrough)

AVerMedia GC553 can be considered as a capture card that comes from very expensive to least expensive with 120fps power. This card has a 4K HDR pass-through so you won’t miss the quality if you want. AverMedia GC5533 is an ideal card for those who want HD recording but also want to keep 4K in the pocket. Simple to set up, you can hook up your PS5 and Xbox one with this external capture card to grab the screen. AVerMedia GC553 cost $200 (INR 22K approx)

  • Interface: USB 3.1 (Gen 1) Type C
  • Video Input: HDMI 2.0
  • Video Output (Pass-Through): HDMI 2.0
  • Audio Input: HDMI 2.0
  • Audio Output (Pass-Through): HDMI 2.0
  • Max Pass-Through Resolutions:2160p60 HDR /1440p144 / 1080p240
  • Max Record Resolutions:2160p30 / 1440p60 / 1080p120 / 1080p60 HDR
  • Supported Resolutions (Video input):2160p, 1440p, 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 576p, 480p

5. Razer Ripsaw HD (Best for Xbox)

Razer Ripsaw HD comes with a 4K passthrough and delivers similar features to Elgato 4K60. If you are looking for something exclusive for Xbox then this card is good. Razer Ripsaw HD  is an external card powered by a USB 3.0 interface. Almost 40% cheaper than Elgato, this capture is capable of delivering powerful HD performance. Razer Ripsaw HD  is a plug and play card also supports the PlayStation console. But the card has more power on Xbox, and ideal hardware to bridge streaming setup. If you are not really looking for a 4K recording then this card stands on top of our list. It cost $159.99 (INR 12-14K).

  • Max Capture Resolution: Uncompressed 1080p 60 FPS
  • HDMI 2.0 & USB 3.0 connectivity
  • Video input: Digital – HDMI 2.0
  • Audio input: Digital – HDMI

This was our list of best capture cards you can use on PS4 and Xbox Series X. All cards focus on offering max support to next-gen console but remember you need high-end hardware to utilize its power. A system powered by Core i7 or Ryzen 7 processor with a minimum of 8GB RAM and an SSD. You can draw the best of these cards only if the capture card is hooked to the best hardware. You will not face any issue with the quality and can build the best HD streaming setup easily.