The best capture cards with HDR10 passthrough let you play in vivid HDR while sending a separate video feed to your streaming or recording setup. The right model can preserve smooth gameplay, reduce delay, and simplify console-to-PC workflows.
This roundup compares 10 options ranging from compact USB devices to high-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 cards, with attention to resolution, refresh-rate support, compatibility, and practical streaming features.
Best 10 Capture Card with Hdr10 Passthrough Picks for 2026
Best All-Around Value
- 4K@60Hz capture support
- HDR10 passthrough and VRR
- Plug-and-play USB 3.0 design
Best For: Flexible streaming and recording across Windows, macOS, and Linux
Best External Low-Latency Pick
AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra GC553
- 4Kp60 HDR passthrough
- Up to 4Kp30 capture
- Ultra-low-latency monitoring
Best For: PS5 and Xbox Series X/S gameplay streaming
Best Internal HDMI 2.1 Card
- 8K60 passthrough
- 4K60 HDR10 capture
- HDMI 2.1 and VRR support
Best For: Windows desktops and dual-PC streaming setups
Best High-Refresh HDMI 2.1 Option
AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
- 4K144 HDR/VRR passthrough
- Up to 4K144 Windows capture
- Party chat and 5.1 audio
Best For: High-refresh PC and console gaming setups
Premium HDR Capture
- 4K60 video capture
- HDR10 support with Windows tone mapping
- 1440p120 and 1080p240 passthrough
Best For: Modern console gaming and high-resolution streaming setups
Balanced HDR Passthrough
- 4K60 HDR passthrough
- 1080p60 capture
- Up to 1440p144 or 1080p240 passthrough
Best For: Full HD streaming while gaming on an HDR display
Flexible 4K Workflow
- 4K60 capture and passthrough
- HDR10 passthrough for compatible displays
- 3.5mm mic input and headphone output
Best For: Flexible console, camera, and dual-PC streaming setups
Best Overall
- 4K HDR passthrough at 60Hz
- Captures up to 4K at 30fps
- Plug-and-play with OBS support
Best For: Flexible console streaming and recording
Best High-Refresh Pick
- 4K60, 1440p144, and 1080p240 support
- HDR and VRR passthrough
- Works with Windows, macOS, and Linux
Best For: High-refresh and ultrawide gaming
Best Compact Control
- 4K60 capture with high-refresh passthrough
- HDR, VRR, and ultra-low latency
- Optional software for detailed control
Best For: Compact HDR and VRR streaming setups
Best All-Around Value – OREI VC-4K60
If you want a versatile capture card with HDR10 passthrough, the OREI VC-4K60 combines 4K video support, VRR, and USB 3.0 connectivity in a compact plug-and-play design. It can capture up to 4K at 60Hz while supporting Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Best For: Streamers and creators who need broad platform compatibility, high-resolution capture, and smooth gaming passthrough.
Pros:
- Supports 4K@60Hz input and capture, plus 1080p at 120/240Hz.
- HDR10 passthrough and VRR support help preserve smooth, high-quality gameplay.
- UVC/UAC compatibility, 48kHz PCM audio, and no external power or driver installation.
- Includes a one-year manufacturer warranty.
Cons:
- The supplied notes do not state minimum system requirements.
- USB 2.0 compatibility is supported, but USB 3.0 is the more suitable interface for maximum performance.
The OREI is a strong general-purpose choice for console streaming, recording, meetings, and content creation, particularly when you want HDR10 passthrough without committing to an internal card.
Best External Low-Latency Pick – AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra GC553
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra GC553 is a practical capture card with HDR10 passthrough for console players who want to play through a monitor with virtually no latency. It supports 4Kp60 HDR passthrough while capturing up to 4Kp30.
Best For: PS5 and Xbox Series X/S users who prioritize low-latency gameplay and reliable 4K HDR passthrough.
Pros:
- Provides 4Kp60 HDR passthrough for compatible setups.
- Captures up to 4Kp30, 1440p60, or 1080p120.
- Designed for ultra-low-latency monitoring with uncompressed video.
- Includes USB Type-C connectivity and a three-year manufacturer warranty.
Cons:
- 4K, HDR, and high-frame-rate recording require a supported NVIDIA graphics card.
- Its maximum capture rate is 4Kp30 rather than 4Kp60.
- Listed operating-system support is Windows 11 and macOS 10.13, with additional Windows requirements specified.
Choose the GC553 when smooth, direct gameplay matters more than 4K60 recording. Its HDR passthrough and low-latency design suit console-focused streaming rigs.
Best Internal HDMI 2.1 Card – Elgato 4K Pro
The Elgato 4K Pro is an internal capture card with HDR10 passthrough aimed at powerful Windows desktops. Its HDMI 2.1 input and output support 8K60 passthrough, while capture reaches 4K60 and 1080p240.
Best For: Desktop streamers and dual-PC users who want high-frame-rate HDMI 2.1 passthrough and internal installation.
Pros:
- Supports 8K60 passthrough and 4K60 HDR10 capture.
- HDMI 2.1 connectivity accommodates high-frame-rate sources.
- Records up to 1080p240 and supports VRR passthrough.
- Works with OBS, Streamlabs, Twitch Studio, Zoom, Teams, and other listed apps.
Cons:
- Requires a Windows computer with an available PCIe slot.
- The supplied details list Windows 10 as the operating system.
- Its internal format is less suitable for laptops or users seeking a portable setup.
The 4K Pro is the high-performance option here for a compatible desktop. Its HDMI 2.1 features make it especially appealing for high-refresh gaming and advanced dual-PC workflows.
Best High-Refresh HDMI 2.1 Option – AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
For demanding gaming setups, the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 is a capture card with HDR10 passthrough that supports up to 4K144 HDR/VRR passthrough. It connects over USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C and can capture up to 4K144 on supported Windows systems.
Best For: High-refresh PC and console gamers who need HDMI 2.1 passthrough, party chat, and flexible Windows, Mac, or iPad connectivity.
Pros:
- Supports 4K144 HDR/VRR passthrough, 1440p240, and 1080p360.
- Captures up to 4K144 MJPEG on supported Windows PCs and up to 4K60 on macOS.
- Includes HDMI 2.1, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, party-chat, and 5.1-channel audio support.
- Compatible with PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC, Mac, and iPad workflows.
Cons:
- Windows is required for the listed 4K144 capture capability; macOS capture tops out at 4K60.
- Displays using DSC may limit 4K passthrough to 4K120.
- Its advanced features require a compatible high-refresh setup and Windows 10/11 x64 or later.
This is the most capable choice for high-refresh gaming in the group. Consider it when 4K144 passthrough, VRR, party chat, and multi-channel audio matter more than a basic plug-and-play capture workflow.
Premium HDR Capture – Elgato 4K S
The Elgato 4K S is a versatile capture card with HDR10 passthrough support for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and other HDMI devices. It captures at 4K60 and supports high-refresh passthrough up to 1440p120 or 1080p240, making it a strong fit for detailed recording and responsive gameplay.
Best For: Gamers who want 4K60 capture, high-refresh passthrough, and cross-platform compatibility in a compact USB-C device.
Pros:
- Captures video at up to 4K60.
- Supports 1440p120 and 1080p240 passthrough.
- HDR10 capture support with tone mapping on Windows.
- Includes a 3.5mm analog audio input for chat or commentary.
Cons:
- Windows HDR10 capture features require Windows 11.
- High-resolution recording requires a compatible computer and USB 3.0 connection.
Choose the 4K S if you want more than basic Full HD capture and need a capture card that can support modern consoles, high-refresh gaming, and HDR workflows. Its broad platform support and analog audio input add flexibility for streaming setups.
Balanced HDR Passthrough – AVerMedia StreamLine MINI+
The AVerMedia StreamLine MINI+ is a practical capture card with HDR10 passthrough for compatible 4K60 displays while recording or streaming at 1080p60. Its high-refresh HDMI 2.0 passthrough and driver-free operation make it well suited to smooth gameplay and straightforward streaming.
Best For: Streamers who prioritize 4K60 HDR gameplay passthrough while producing reliable 1080p60 captures.
Pros:
- Passes through 4K60 HDR while capturing at 1080p60.
- Supports passthrough up to 1440p144 HDR or 1080p240 HDR.
- Works with consoles, PCs, cameras, Windows, macOS, and compatible USB-C iPads.
- Driver-free operation supports OBS, Camo Studio, and AVerMedia Streaming Center.
Cons:
- HDR applies to passthrough; captured video is limited to 1080p60 SDR.
- System requirements vary by operating system and capture format.
The StreamLine MINI+ is a good middle ground for creators who want to keep HDR and high refresh rates on their gaming display without needing HDR in the recorded file. Its 1080p60 capture target is especially suitable for common livestream workflows.
Flexible 4K Workflow – NearStream CCD30
The NearStream CCD30 is a capture card with HDR10 passthrough for compatible HDMI sources and displays, while its USB-C 3.1 connection supports capture modes up to 4K60. It also adds high-refresh passthrough, broad operating-system support, and dedicated microphone and headphone connections.
Best For: Dual-PC streamers, console creators, and camera users who need flexible capture formats plus local audio connections.
Pros:
- Supports up to 4K60 capture and 4K60 passthrough.
- Offers 1440p120 and 1080p240 high-refresh passthrough.
- Works with Windows, macOS, and Linux and supports OBS.
- Includes 3.5mm microphone input and headphone monitoring.
Cons:
- HDR10 is supported for passthrough only, not video capture.
- 4K60 MJPG capture requires relatively powerful computer hardware.
- Includes a one-year manufacturer warranty.
The CCD30 stands out for setup flexibility: it can handle consoles, cameras, or a second PC and offers several capture formats for different systems. It is a strong option when audio monitoring and Linux compatibility matter, provided your computer meets the requirements for the desired resolution.
Best Overall – ASUS TUF CU4K30
The ASUS TUF CU4K30 is a versatile capture card with HDR10 passthrough for gamers who want high-quality gameplay on their display while recording or streaming to a PC. It supports 4K HDR passthrough at 60Hz, with capture up to 4K at 30fps, 2K at 60fps, or 1080p at 120fps.
Best For: Gamers seeking a durable, OBS-certified capture card with flexible resolution and frame-rate support.
Pros:
- Supports passthrough up to 4K HDR at 60Hz.
- Captures up to 4K at 30fps, 2K at 60fps, or Full HD at 120fps.
- Plug-and-play USB 3.2 Type-C connection and certified OBS Studio compatibility.
- Controller and headset connections can share team audio with viewers.
Cons:
- 4K capture is limited to 30fps.
- Requires a compatible USB 3.2 Type-C port and a system that meets OBS requirements.
Its alloy housing, audio connections, and broad capture options make the CU4K30 a practical all-around choice, especially when 4K HDR passthrough matters more than recording at 4K 60fps.
Best High-Refresh Pick – BlueAVS Cyber4K
The BlueAVS Cyber4K is a capture card with HDR10 passthrough designed for high-refresh gaming. It supports passthrough and capture modes up to 4K at 60Hz, 1440p at 144Hz, and 1080p at 240Hz, while retaining ultrawide 21:9 screen ratios.
Best For: PS5, high-refresh PC, and ultrawide gamers who want smooth passthrough and flexible recording formats.
Pros:
- Supports 4K60, 1440p144, and 1080p240 passthrough and capture modes.
- Supports HDR and VRR, with no cropping or image compression during passthrough.
- UVC/UAC plug-and-play operation works with Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Includes line-in and headset connections for flexible audio mixing.
Cons:
- Requires a USB 5Gbps or faster port for the stated performance; USB 2.0 is limited to 1080p.
- Its wide range of modes may require checking compatibility with the host system and software.
With unusually strong high-refresh support and ultrawide compatibility, the Cyber4K is a compelling choice for competitive gaming setups where preserving frame rate and screen ratio is a priority.
Best Compact Control – PORTTA DX20R
The PORTTA DX20R is a compact capture card with HDR10 passthrough that combines 4K60 capture with support for high-refresh passthrough up to 1080p at 240Hz and 2K at 120Hz. It also adds VRR, low-latency operation, and optional software controls.
Best For: Streamers who want a small, high-refresh capture device with HDR, VRR, and adjustable settings.
Pros:
- Captures up to 4K at 60Hz and supports 1080p at 240Hz.
- Supports HDR and VRR for smoother, higher-quality gameplay.
- Plug-and-play compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- CapHub software can adjust audio, firmware, EDID, VRR, and video settings.
Cons:
- The supplied details list capture at 2K 144Hz, while passthrough specifications separately list 2K 120Hz.
- Advanced controls require downloading the optional CapHub utility.
The DX20R stands out for its compact 68-gram design and control features. It is a strong fit for users who want 4K60 capture without giving up HDR, VRR, or high-refresh gameplay passthrough.
How We Picked the Best Capture Card with Hdr10 Passthrough
We focused on capture cards that support HDR passthrough or HDR10 workflows, then compared their capture limits, passthrough resolution and refresh rates, connection type, latency, and operating-system compatibility. Models were selected to cover different needs, including PS5 and Xbox Series X/S gaming, Switch capture, PC streaming, internal desktop installations, and portable USB setups.
Because “4K” can describe either passthrough or recorded video, we treated those specifications separately. A card may pass through 4K at a high refresh rate while capturing at 4K30, 1080p60, or another lower setting.
Quick Comparison
| Best For | What to Prioritize | Likely Fit |
|---|---|---|
| 4K HDR console streaming | 4K passthrough, HDR support, 4K capture | Elgato 4K S, OREI, NearStream |
| High-refresh HDMI 2.1 gaming | 4K120 or 4K144 passthrough, low latency | AVerMedia GC553G2 |
| Internal desktop setup | PCIe installation and high bandwidth | Elgato 4K Pro |
| 1080p streaming | 1080p60 capture and reliable HDR passthrough | AVerMedia GC311G2 |
| Budget or basic recording | UVC support, USB 3.0, straightforward setup | OREI, 4K60 HDMI models |
Key Buying Factors for a Capture Card with Hdr10 Passthrough
Passthrough Versus Capture Resolution
Check both numbers before buying. Passthrough determines what appears on your gaming display, while capture resolution determines what reaches OBS or recording software. If you want 4K HDR gameplay with a 1080p stream, a 4K passthrough card may be sufficient. For 4K recording, confirm the device and software support 4K at the desired frame rate.
Refresh Rate and HDMI Standard
Competitive players should verify support for 120Hz, 144Hz, or higher at their chosen resolution. HDMI 2.1 models are the better match for newer consoles and gaming PCs using 4K120, while HDMI 2.0 devices may be enough for 4K60 setups. Also check whether HDR, VRR, and high-refresh passthrough can operate simultaneously.
Connectivity and Compatibility
USB 3.0 and USB-C capture cards are easier to move between systems, but they require a suitable high-speed port and cable. Internal PCIe cards can provide strong bandwidth and a cleaner permanent setup. Confirm support for your version of Windows or macOS, OBS or other software, and your console’s HDCP settings. Protected video from streaming apps generally cannot be captured.
Audio, Latency, and Setup
Look for UVC/UAC support, headphone or microphone routing if needed, and low-latency passthrough. A card should let you play from the direct HDMI output rather than monitoring the delayed software preview. Include compatible HDMI cables in your budget, especially for HDMI 2.1 features.
Who Should Buy Which Capture Card with Hdr10 Passthrough?
Choose an HDMI 2.1 model such as the AVerMedia GC553G2 if 4K120 or 4K144 gaming is central to your setup. Pick the Elgato 4K Pro for a powerful desktop streaming workstation, or an external USB option if you need portability and simpler installation. Console streamers targeting 4K HDR should compare the Elgato 4K S, OREI, NearStream, and ASUS options by their exact capture limits and refresh-rate requirements. For 1080p60 broadcasts with HDR passthrough, the AVerMedia GC311G2 can be the more practical choice. Before ordering, match the card’s maximum passthrough and capture modes to your display, console, computer ports, and streaming resolution.









