Best Capture Cards for 1080p 60fps

The AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 captures uncompressed 1080p60 video over USB-C and passes a 4K60 signal through to your display. It competes directly with the Elgato 4K S on specs but typically costs less, making it the best value option if you want reliable 1080p 60fps capture without paying a premium for the Elgato name.

The HDMI 2.1 input is the ULTRA 2.1's biggest technical advantage. While you are capturing at 1080p60, the HDMI 2.1 port means the card can handle next-gen console signals at full bandwidth without downscaling issues. That future-proofs your setup if you eventually want to capture at higher resolutions. The passthrough also supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), so your gaming monitor retains its adaptive sync features even with the card in the chain.

AVerMedia's RECentral software is straightforward and lets you adjust capture settings, record directly to disk, and apply basic color corrections. Like the Elgato, it works as a standard UVC device in OBS, so you do not need to run AVerMedia's software while streaming if you prefer to manage everything inside OBS.

Build quality is solid. The aluminum housing dissipates heat well during long capture sessions, and the card stays cool to the touch even after several hours. If you want 1080p 60fps capture with HDMI 2.1 support and VRR passthrough at a lower price than the Elgato 4K S, the ULTRA 2.1 is a strong value pick.

The AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA S is the cheapest name-brand capture card that reliably handles 1080p 60fps. It uses USB 3.0 Micro-B instead of USB-C and HDMI 2.0 instead of HDMI 2.1, but neither of those compromises matters for 1080p60 capture. You still get uncompressed video, low-latency passthrough, and full OBS compatibility.

The HDMI 2.0 passthrough caps at 4K30, which is worth knowing if you play at 4K on your monitor. If your gaming display is 1080p or 1440p, the passthrough limitation is irrelevant. But if you want to play at 4K60 on your primary monitor while capturing at 1080p60, you should step up to the ULTRA 2.1 or the Elgato 4K S instead.

What makes the ULTRA S appealing is simplicity. Plug in your console or PC via HDMI, connect the USB cable to your streaming PC, open OBS, and select the device. There is no driver installation on Windows 10 or 11. AVerMedia's RECentral software is available if you want it, but OBS handles everything you need for streaming. The aluminum housing stays cool, and the compact size means it fits easily on a crowded desk.

If your budget is tight and you only need 1080p 60fps capture for Twitch or YouTube streaming, the ULTRA S gets the job done without unnecessary features. It is the cheapest reputable option available that you can rely on mid-stream.

The Elgato Game Capture Neo is the smallest capture card in this guide, and it is designed for streamers who need something portable or who have limited desk space. Despite its tiny size, it still captures 1080p 60fps video over USB-C and includes HDMI passthrough so you can play on your primary display while capturing.

The Neo uses the same UVC standard as the larger Elgato cards, which means it works with OBS, Streamlabs, and every other major capture tool without proprietary drivers. Elgato's Camera Hub software is available for color and exposure adjustments, but you can manage everything inside OBS if you prefer. The plug-and-play experience is identical to the 4K S, just in a smaller package.

The trade-off is that the Neo does not support 4K passthrough. It passes through at 1080p60 or lower resolutions, which is fine if your gaming monitor is 1080p. If you play at 1440p or 4K on your primary display, the passthrough will downscale the signal. For most 1080p 60fps streaming setups, this is not an issue at all, but it is worth understanding before you buy.

The Neo also doubles as a webcam input for video calls, Discord, and recording software. If you want a capture card that fits in your pocket, works with any HDMI source, and delivers clean 1080p 60fps without taking up desk space, the Game Capture Neo is a strong choice.

The Razer Ripsaw HD is a premium external capture card that captures uncompressed 1080p 60fps video with 4K60 passthrough. It uses a USB-C connection and HDMI 2.0, and it is built around Razer's focus on low-latency gaming performance. If you want a capture card that feels like a gaming peripheral rather than a generic video device, the Ripsaw HD delivers.

The 4K60 passthrough is the headline feature. You can play your console or PC games at full 4K60 on your primary monitor while the card captures at 1080p60 simultaneously. The passthrough latency is low enough for competitive play, and Razer specifically markets this card toward gamers who do not want their capture hardware to affect their gameplay experience.

The Ripsaw HD works as a standard UVC device, so OBS, Streamlabs, and XSplit all detect it automatically. Razer does not bundle dedicated capture software, which some users prefer because it means fewer background processes. The aluminum body is compact and matches the aesthetic of other Razer peripherals, which matters if you care about desk coordination.

At its price point, the Ripsaw HD sits above the budget options but below the Elgato 4K S. The main reason to choose it over the 4K S is if you prefer Razer's ecosystem or if you find it on sale. Both cards deliver the same 1080p 60fps capture quality, so the decision comes down to price, brand preference, and passthrough needs.