10 Best Capture Cards With HDR10 Passthrough in 2026 for Smooth 4K Gaming

The best capture card with HDR10 passthrough lets you record or stream gameplay without sacrificing the picture quality and responsiveness you see on your gaming display.

We compared 10 options across 4K support, refresh rates, HDR handling, latency, connectivity, and setup features to help you choose the right card for your console or PC workflow.

Best 10 Capture Card with Hdr10 Passthrough Picks for 2026

Best Value 4K Pick – OREI VC-4K60

The OREI VC-4K60 is a versatile capture card with HDR10 passthrough for gamers and creators who want high-resolution capture without external power or driver installation. It supports 4K input and capture, plus high-frame-rate 1080p modes and VRR.

Best For: Streamers, online meeting users, and creators using Windows, macOS, or Linux with consoles, cameras, or PCs.

Pros:

• Supports 4K@60Hz input and capture, along with 1080p@120/240Hz.
• HDR10 passthrough and VRR support help preserve vivid, smooth gameplay.
• USB 3.0 plug-and-play design supports UVC/UAC and 48kHz PCM audio.

Cons:

• The notes do not specify detailed minimum system requirements.
• USB 2.0 compatibility is available, but performance may depend on the connection.

With broad platform compatibility, low CPU utilization, and a one-year warranty, the VC-4K60 is a practical all-around option for straightforward 4K capture and HDR passthrough.

Best for Easy Streaming – AVerMedia GC551G2 Live Gamer Extreme 3

The AVerMedia GC551G2 is a convenient capture card with HDR10 passthrough for streamers who prioritize responsive gameplay and simple setup. It captures up to 4K30 while passing through 4K60 HDR and supporting high-refresh-rate modes.

Best For: Console streamers using PS5, Xbox Series X/S, or Nintendo Switch, especially those who need direct headset or microphone connections.

Pros:

• Passes through 4K60 HDR and supports VRR at 1440p120 or 1080p120.
• Ultra-low-latency design is suited to live gameplay and streaming.
• Built-in 3.5mm audio input and output simplify commentary and game-chat capture.
• Works with Windows, macOS, iPadOS, OBS, and Twitch without extra drivers or power.

Cons:

• Capture is limited to 4K30 rather than 4K60.
• The listed minimum requirements call for a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port.

This model is a strong fit when HDR passthrough, smooth high-refresh gameplay, and integrated analog audio matter more than 4K60 recording.

Best Compact Console Option – Elgato 4K S

The Elgato 4K S is a compact capture card with HDR10 passthrough designed for current consoles and cross-platform recording. It captures 4K60 video, supports 1440p120 or 1080p240 passthrough, and includes tone mapping for HDR content on Windows.

Best For: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch 2 users who want high-quality capture with near-zero-latency passthrough and analog audio input.

Pros:

• Captures 4K60 video with vivid HDR10 support and Windows tone mapping.
• Supports 1440p120 and 1080p240 high-frame-rate passthrough.
• USB-C connectivity and cross-platform support include Windows, macOS, and iPadOS.
• 3.5mm analog audio input can capture game chat or commentary.

Cons:

• The supplied specifications list 1080p as the video capture resolution despite the 4K60 capture claim.
• Windows HDR tone mapping is specifically identified for Windows.

Elgato’s 4K S is a focused choice for console creators who want 4K60 recording, high-refresh passthrough, and a compact USB-C workflow.

Best High-Refresh Performance – AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1

The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 is a premium capture card with HDR10 passthrough for high-refresh gaming setups. Its HDMI 2.1 connection can pass through up to 4K144 HDR and VRR, while supported Windows systems can capture up to 4K144 in MJPEG.

Best For: PC and console gamers with HDMI 2.1 displays who need high-refresh passthrough, HDR workflows, party chat, and advanced audio support.

Pros:

• HDMI 2.1 passthrough supports up to 4K144 HDR/VRR, 1440p240, or 1080p360.
• Windows capture supports up to 4K144 MJPEG; macOS capture reaches up to 4K60.
• USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C works with Windows, Mac, and iPad.
• Dual 3.5mm ports support party chat and compatible 5.1-channel audio workflows.

Cons:

• 4K144 capture requires a supported Windows PC and AVerMedia Streaming Center.
• macOS capture is limited to up to 4K60.
• Displays using DSC may limit 4K passthrough to 4K120.

For demanding HDMI 2.1 gaming environments, the Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 offers the broadest high-refresh capability in this group, though its top modes depend on the computer, display, and software used.

Best All-Around Capture Card – ASUS TUF Gaming CU4K30

If you need a dependable capture card with HDR10 passthrough, the ASUS TUF Gaming CU4K30 combines 4K HDR passthrough with flexible capture rates for console and PC streaming. Its USB 3.2 Type-C plug-and-play setup and OBS certification make it a practical choice for creators who want a straightforward workflow.

Best For: Gamers seeking versatile 4K, 1440p, and 1080p capture with HDR passthrough and OBS compatibility.

Pros:

• Passes through up to 4K HDR at 60 Hz while capturing up to 4K at 30 Hz.
• Supports 2K at 60 fps and Full HD at 120 fps for flexible recording options.
• Plug-and-play UVC connectivity and certified OBS Studio compatibility simplify setup.
• Controller and headset connections can share team audio with the audience.

Cons:

• Requires a USB 3.2 Type-C port and a system capable of handling the selected resolution and frame rate.
• 4K capture is limited to 30 fps.

The CU4K30 is a well-rounded option when passthrough quality, high-frame-rate Full HD capture, and easy OBS integration matter more than 4K recording at 60 fps.

Best High-Refresh Option – AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA S

The AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA S is a strong capture card with HDR10 passthrough for modern high-refresh gaming setups. It supports 4K60 HDR and VRR passthrough, along with high-frame-rate 1440p and 1080p modes, while adding ultrawide input and multi-platform compatibility.

Best For: PC and console gamers using HDR, VRR, high-refresh displays, or ultrawide resolutions.

Pros:

• Supports 4K60 HDR and VRR passthrough for smooth gameplay on compatible displays.
• Handles 1440p at 144 fps and 1080p at 240 fps passthrough or supported capture modes.
• Supports ultrawide inputs, including 3440×1440 and 2560×1080.
• Offers 5.1-channel audio capture on Windows and works with Windows, macOS, and iPadOS.

Cons:

• Some features, including 5.1 audio and VRR recording, depend on supported software and operating systems.
• Its advanced feature set may be more than needed for basic 1080p streaming.

Choose the ULTRA S if your setup includes VRR, ultrawide gaming, or high-refresh gameplay. It is especially compelling for users who want more than standard 4K60 passthrough.

Best Portable Pick – Elgato Game Capture Neo

The Elgato Game Capture Neo is a compact capture card with HDR10 passthrough designed for simple console streaming and recording. It passes through 4K60 HDR while capturing Full HD at 1080p60, and its small USB-powered design works with PCs, Macs, iPads, and several console platforms.

Best For: Streamers who prioritize a compact setup, easy compatibility, and 4K HDR passthrough with 1080p60 capture.

Pros:

• Provides 4K60 HDR passthrough without reducing the console output resolution.
• Captures or streams Full HD video at 1080p60.
• Compact design is no larger than a smartphone for easier transport and setup.
• Works with Elgato software, OBS Studio, Discord, QuickTime, Teams, and Zoom.

Cons:

• Capture resolution is limited to 1080p60 rather than 4K recording.
• Compatibility depends on the operating system and supported device configuration.

The Game Capture Neo is a sensible fit for straightforward 1080p streaming when you want to keep 4K HDR gameplay on the display. Its portability and broad software support make it convenient for smaller or mobile setups.

Best All-Around Choice – AVMATRIX UC1218-4KS

If you need a capture card with HDR10 passthrough for console streaming, the AVMATRIX UC1218-4KS combines 4K60 loop-out with HDR10 and VRR support. It captures up to 4K30 uncompressed video over USB 3.0 while supporting high-refresh passthrough up to 1080p240, 2K144Hz, or 4K60.

Best For: Gamers who want flexible console capture, high-refresh gameplay, and built-in mic or line mixing.

Pros:

• HDR10 and VRR passthrough with HDMI 2.0 loop-out
• Uncompressed RGB24 capture up to 4K30 via USB 3.0
• Works with OBS, Streamlabs, XSplit, and major desktop operating systems
• Includes 3.5mm mic and line inputs for commentary mixing

Cons:

• Capture resolution is lower than its maximum 4K60 passthrough resolution
• Requires a USB 3.0 port and a capable computer

The UC1218-4KS is a well-rounded option when passthrough quality matters as much as the recorded feed. Its broad format support, audio inputs, and three-year warranty make it especially practical for regular streaming setups.

Best for 4K60 Capture – NearStream CCD30

The NearStream CCD30 is a capture card with HDR10 passthrough designed for high-resolution gaming and dual-PC workflows. It captures up to 4K60 through USB-C 3.1 and passes through 4K60, 1440p120, or 1080p240, while HDR10 applies to passthrough only—not the captured video.

Best For: Users prioritizing 4K60 capture, high-refresh gameplay, and clear HDR viewing on a compatible display.

Pros:

• Captures up to 4K60 using USB-C 3.1
• Supports 4K60, 1440p120, and 1080p240 passthrough
• Includes microphone input and headphone monitoring
• Compatible with consoles, cameras, PCs, OBS, Windows, macOS, and Linux

Cons:

• HDR10 is supported for passthrough but not video capture
• 4K60 MJPG capture requires relatively powerful computer hardware
• Includes a one-year manufacturer warranty

The CCD30 stands out for buyers who want genuine 4K60 capture alongside smooth high-refresh passthrough. Check your computer specifications carefully, particularly if you plan to use its 4K60 MJPG mode.

Best for Custom Controls – PORTTA DX20R

The PORTTA DX20R is a capture card with HDR10 passthrough for users who want broad refresh-rate support and software control. It supports 4K60 capture and passthrough, plus 2K144Hz and 1080p240Hz modes, with HDR, VRR, multiple video formats, and a companion utility for configuration.

Best For: Streamers who want adjustable EDID, VRR, audio, and firmware settings in a compact device.

Pros:

• Supports 4K60, 2K144Hz, and 1080p240Hz workflows
• Includes HDR and VRR technology for smoother gameplay
• CapHub utility enables video, audio, EDID, VRR, and firmware controls
• Compact 68-gram design with plug-and-play Windows, macOS, and Linux support

Cons:

• The utility software is available for Windows and macOS, not Linux
• Supplied details do not list dedicated microphone or headphone ports

The DX20R is a strong fit when simple plug-and-play operation is useful but fine-tuning is also important. Its software controls can help optimize compatibility across consoles, displays, and streaming configurations.

How We Picked the Best Capture Card with Hdr10 Passthrough

We focused on capture cards that explicitly support HDR10 or HDR passthrough and can preserve a high-quality signal for gaming. Our comparison considers input and passthrough resolution, supported refresh rates, HDMI generation, USB bandwidth, latency, compatibility with common streaming software, and ease of setup.

We also included a range of designs, from compact plug-and-play USB models to HDMI 2.1 cards built for 4K at high refresh rates. Specifications can vary by resolution, color format, and connected hardware, so confirm the manufacturer’s limits before buying.

Quick Comparison

What to Compare	Why It Matters
Capture resolution	Determines the quality of recordings and streams.
Passthrough refresh rate	Helps preserve smooth gameplay on your monitor or TV.
HDMI and USB standards	Higher-bandwidth connections support demanding 4K signals.
HDR and VRR support	Maintains contrast, color, and responsiveness when compatible.
Software compatibility	Influences setup with OBS, consoles, and video applications.

Key Buying Factors for a Capture Card with Hdr10 Passthrough

Resolution and Refresh Rate

Check both the capture limit and the passthrough limit. A card may capture at 4K while passing through a higher-refresh 1080p or 1440p signal. If you play at 4K 120Hz, choose a model specifically rated for that combination rather than relying on a general 4K label.

HDMI 2.1, HDR, and VRR

HDMI 2.1 is important for newer consoles and PCs using 4K at 120Hz or higher. HDR10 passthrough preserves supported high-dynamic-range output, while VRR can help reduce tearing. Your console, display, cable, and settings must also support these features.

Latency and USB Connection

Near-zero-latency passthrough is desirable for competitive gaming, but capture latency and preview latency can still vary by software and computer. USB 3.0 or faster is generally necessary for high-resolution capture; connect the card directly to a suitable port when possible.

Compatibility and Setup

Look for UVC/UAC support and stated compatibility with OBS or your preferred software. Plug-and-play models are convenient, while advanced cards may require specific drivers, firmware, cables, or settings for HDR and high-refresh operation.

Who Should Buy Which Capture Card with Hdr10 Passthrough?

Choose a compact USB model if you want simple console streaming, occasional recording, or a portable setup. Choose a 4K60 card for high-quality uploads and standard live streams. Choose an HDMI 2.1 model if you use a PS5, Xbox Series X, or gaming PC at 4K 120Hz or higher. Choose a card with strong VRR and HDR support when preserving the original gaming experience matters as much as the recording quality.