The best capture cards with HDR10 passthrough let you record or stream video while preserving a bright, high-dynamic-range signal on your gaming display. The right model depends on your console or PC, target resolution, refresh rate, and connection type.
This roundup compares 10 options ranging from portable USB devices to high-end HDMI 2.1 and internal cards, with practical guidance for choosing the best fit.
Best 10 Capture Card with Hdr10 Passthrough Picks for 2026
Best Internal 4K HDR Pick
- 4K60 HDR10 capture and passthrough
- High-frame-rate capture up to 240 fps
- PCIe design for Windows desktops
Best For: Windows desktop streamers who want high-quality internal capture
Best Plug-and-Play USB Option
- 4K60 capture and HDMI passthrough
- 1080p120 high-frame-rate support
- USB-A/USB-C and broad OS compatibility
Best For: Portable multi-device streaming and recording
Best HDMI 2.1 Upgrade
- 8K60 passthrough with 4K60 HDR10 capture
- HDMI 2.1 and VRR support
- Up to 1080p240 recording
Best For: Advanced Windows and dual-PC gaming setups
Best Value HDR10 USB Card
- 4K60 capture with HDR10 passthrough
- VRR support at 1080p120/240Hz
- Plug-and-play UVC/UAC compatibility
Best For: Cross-platform USB streaming and console capture
Best All-Around HDR10 Pick
AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra S 4K60
- 4K60 HDR and VRR passthrough
- 1440p144, 1080p240, and ultrawide support
- Windows, Mac, iPad, console, and PC compatibility
Best For: Flexible 4K capture and high-refresh gaming setups
Best Plug-and-Play Option
ASUS TUF Gaming Capture Card CU4K30
- Up to 4K HDR passthrough at 60 Hz
- 4K30, 2K60, and 1080p120 capture
- UVC plug-and-play and OBS certified
Best For: Simple HDR streaming with console or PC
Best for High-Refresh Gaming
AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
- 4K144 HDR and VRR passthrough
- 1440p240 and 1080p360 support
- HDMI 2.1, party chat, and 5.1 audio
Best For: Competitive gaming with compatible high-refresh HDMI 2.1 displays
Best Compact Pick
- 4K60 HDR passthrough
- 1080p60 capture
- Compact 93-gram design
Best For: Portable console capture and streaming
Best High-Refresh Pick
PORTTA DX20R HDMI Capture Card
- 4K60 capture and passthrough
- Supports HDR and VRR
- Up to 1080p240 passthrough
Best For: Competitive high-refresh gaming setups
Best Long-Warranty Pick
- 4K60 HDR passthrough
- 1080p60 SDR capture
- Three-year manufacturer warranty
Best For: Driver-free streaming with high-refresh gameplay
Best Internal 4K HDR Pick – Live Gamer 4K
If you want a capture card with hdr10 passthrough for a Windows gaming PC, the AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K combines 4K60 HDR10 capture with zero-lag passthrough. Its PCIe design and support for high-frame-rate capture make it especially suited to demanding console and PC streaming setups.
Best For: Windows users seeking 4K60 HDR10 capture, high-frame-rate recording, and an internal PCIe installation.
Pros:
- Supports 4K60 HDR10 capture and passthrough.
- Captures up to 1080p240 or up to 240 fps according to the supplied specifications.
- Works with OBS, Streamlabs, XSplit, Twitch, and YouTube.
- Includes customizable RGB lighting and resolution/frame-rate settings.
Cons:
- Requires a compatible Windows PC and PCIe x4 slot.
- 4K60 HDR operation calls for relatively capable hardware.
The GC573 is a strong choice when image quality and high refresh-rate capture matter more than portability. Its internal format is less convenient for laptops, but it offers a focused feature set for a permanent streaming workstation.
Best Plug-and-Play USB Option – 4K60 USB Capture Card
The XIIXMASK is a practical capture card with hdr10 passthrough alternative for users who prefer a portable USB setup. It supports 4K60 passthrough, 4K60 capture, and 1080p120 recording while connecting to a broad range of computers and mobile platforms without drivers or external power.
Best For: Streamers needing a flexible USB capture card for consoles, cameras, and multiple operating systems.
Pros:
- Offers 4K60 HDMI passthrough and 4K60 capture.
- Supports 1080p120 high-frame-rate input and recording.
- USB-A/USB-C connectivity works with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iPadOS 17+.
- Includes 3.5mm audio input and microphone output ports.
Cons:
- The supplied notes do not specifically identify HDR10 support.
- USB 3.0 is recommended for the stated 4K60 capture capability.
This model stands out for compatibility and easy setup rather than specialized desktop integration. It is a useful choice for creators who move between systems or need direct audio connections alongside HDMI capture.
Best HDMI 2.1 Upgrade – Elgato 4K Pro
For advanced setups, the Elgato 4K Pro is a capture card with hdr10 passthrough designed around HDMI 2.1 connectivity. It supports up to 8K60 passthrough, 4K60 HDR10 capture, 1080p240 recording, and VRR passthrough for smooth gameplay.
Best For: Serious Windows streamers and dual-PC users who need HDMI 2.1, VRR, and high-resolution passthrough.
Pros:
- Provides up to 8K60 passthrough and 4K60 HDR10 capture.
- Supports HDMI 2.1 and recording up to 1080p240.
- Includes VRR passthrough and ultra-low-latency operation.
- Works with OBS, Streamlabs, Twitch Studio, Zoom, Teams, and other listed apps.
Cons:
- Requires a Windows 10 system with a PCIe slot.
- The supplied details list 1080p as the video capture resolution despite the 4K60 HDR10 highlight.
The 4K Pro is the most forward-looking option here for HDMI 2.1 gaming and high-refresh displays. Its internal installation and Windows requirement make it less suitable for casual or laptop-based capture.
Best Value HDR10 USB Card – OREI VC-4K60
The OREI VC-4K60 is a straightforward capture card with hdr10 passthrough for streaming, recording, and gaming. Its USB 3.0 connection supports 4K60 capture, while HDR10 passthrough, VRR, and UVC/UAC compatibility cover important features for modern console setups.
Best For: Creators who want 4K60 USB capture with HDR10 passthrough and broad Windows, macOS, and Linux support.
Pros:
- Supports 4K60 capture and HDR10 passthrough.
- Offers VRR support at 1080p120/240Hz.
- Uses plug-and-play UVC/UAC protocols without external power or driver installation.
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, cameras, PCs, and major consoles listed in the notes.
Cons:
- The supplied notes do not state detailed minimum system requirements.
- Its 1-year warranty is shorter than some competing options in this roundup.
OREI delivers a balanced USB feature set for users who want HDR10 passthrough without installing an internal card. Its automatic format detection and low-CPU-utilization design also make it a sensible general-purpose streaming tool.
Best All-Around HDR10 Pick – AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra S 4K60
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra S is a versatile capture card with HDR10 passthrough, VRR support, and 4K60 capture. It suits console and PC players who want smooth gameplay while recording or streaming through OBS Studio, Streamlabs, or AVerMedia’s software.
Best For: Gamers seeking 4K60 HDR and VRR passthrough with ultrawide and multi-platform support.
Pros:
- Supports 4K60 HDR and VRR passthrough, plus 1440p144 and 1080p240 modes.
- Captures VRR video and supports 21:9 ultrawide inputs.
- Offers RGB24 full-color capture on Windows and 5.1-channel audio support.
- Works with Windows, macOS, iPadOS, consoles, and PC sources.
Cons:
- Some advanced capture features depend on Windows and AVerMedia software.
- 5.1-channel audio support is specified for Windows workflows.
With broad device compatibility and strong high-refresh support, the Live Gamer Ultra S is a practical choice for creators who want more than basic 4K capture without giving up HDR10 and VRR passthrough.
Best Plug-and-Play Option – ASUS TUF Gaming Capture Card CU4K30
The ASUS TUF Gaming Video Capture Card is a straightforward capture card with HDR10 passthrough for console and PC streaming. Its USB 3.2 UVC design works without extra drivers or utilities, while passthrough supports up to 4K HDR at 60 Hz.
Best For: Streamers who prioritize simple setup, OBS compatibility, and reliable HDR passthrough.
Pros:
- Passes through up to 4K HDR at 60 Hz with near-zero-latency operation.
- Captures up to 4K at 30 fps, 2K at 60 fps, or Full HD at 120 fps.
- Plug-and-play UVC connectivity requires no additional drivers or utilities.
- Controller and headset connections can share team communications with viewers.
Cons:
- 4K capture is limited to 30 fps.
- Its listed passthrough performance does not include the higher refresh rates of the HDMI 2.1 models.
The CU4K30 is a sensible fit for users who want a simple, OBS-certified setup and HDR10 passthrough, especially if 4K30 recording is sufficient for their streaming workflow.
Best for High-Refresh Gaming – AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 is a high-end capture card with HDR10 passthrough built for HDMI 2.1 gaming. It can pass through up to 4K144 HDR and VRR, while Windows users can record up to 4K144 with supported settings.
Best For: High-refresh PC and next-generation console setups that need 4K144 HDR/VRR passthrough.
Pros:
- Supports 4K144 HDR and VRR passthrough, plus 1440p240 and 1080p360.
- Windows capture reaches up to 4K144 MJPEG through Streaming Center.
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C supports Windows, Mac, and iPad connections.
- Includes party-chat connections, 5.1 audio support, and HDMI 2.1 connectivity.
Cons:
- 4K144 capture is specified for supported Windows PCs; macOS capture reaches up to 4K60.
- Displays using DSC may limit 4K passthrough to 4K120.
- Its advanced performance requires compatible HDMI 2.1 equipment and displays.
For competitive players using high-refresh HDMI 2.1 displays, the Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 offers the strongest passthrough specifications in this group. Check your display, DSC behavior, and computer support before buying.
Best Compact Pick – Elgato Game Capture Neo
If you want a compact capture card with HDR10 passthrough for console gaming, the Elgato Game Capture Neo offers 4K60 HDR passthrough while capturing Full HD video at 1080p60. Its small, 93-gram design works with consoles, computers, iPads, and several popular recording or streaming applications.
Best For: Gamers who want a portable, straightforward capture setup for PS4, PS5, Xbox, Switch, iPhone, PC, Mac, or iPad.
Pros:
- Supports 4K60 HDR passthrough without reducing the console display resolution.
- Captures or streams Full HD video at 1080p60.
- Compact smartphone-sized design with ultra-low-latency gameplay.
- Works with Elgato software, QuickTime, OBS Studio, Discord, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom.
Cons:
- Capture resolution is limited to 1080p rather than 4K recording.
- Supplied platform details list Windows 10 and macOS Monterey 12, so newer systems should be checked for compatibility.
The Game Capture Neo is a practical choice when smooth 4K HDR gameplay matters more than recording in 4K. Its compact build and broad software support make it especially convenient for portable or multipurpose setups.
Best High-Refresh Pick – PORTTA DX20R HDMI Capture Card
The PORTTA DX20R is a versatile capture card with HDR10 passthrough for users who prioritize high refresh rates and flexible video formats. It supports 4K at 60Hz, 2K at up to 144Hz, and 1080p at up to 240Hz, along with HDR, VRR, and ultra-low-latency operation.
Best For: Competitive gamers and streamers using high-refresh displays with Windows, macOS, or Linux systems.
Pros:
- Supports 4K@60Hz capture and passthrough, plus 2K@144Hz and 1080p@240Hz modes.
- Includes HDR and VRR technology for smoother, more detailed gameplay.
- Plug-and-play compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Linux without driver installation.
- CapHub software provides video, audio, firmware, EDID, and VRR controls.
Cons:
- The supplied details list video capture output options, but do not specify HDR recording output.
- Some advanced settings require downloading the separate CapHub utility.
With its unusually broad refresh-rate support, the DX20R is a strong fit for fast-paced gaming setups. It is most compelling for users who want more control over HDR, VRR, audio, and EDID behavior than a basic capture card provides.
Best Long-Warranty Pick – AVerMedia StreamLine MINI+
The AVerMedia StreamLine MINI+ is a dependable capture card with HDR10 passthrough for creators who want 4K60 HDR gameplay on their display while recording or streaming at 1080p60. It also supports high-refresh passthrough up to 1080p240 and works with consoles, PCs, cameras, Macs, Windows systems, and USB-C iPads.
Best For: New and established creators seeking driver-free 1080p60 streaming with high-refresh gameplay support and a three-year warranty.
Pros:
- Provides 4K60 HDR passthrough with Full HD 1080p60 capture.
- Supports up to 1440p144 HDR or 1080p240 HDR passthrough.
- Driver-free operation works with OBS, Camo Studio, and AVerMedia Streaming Center.
- Includes compatibility with PS5, PS5 Pro, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PCs, cameras, and USB-C iPads.
Cons:
- Captured video is limited to 1080p60 SDR; HDR applies to passthrough.
- Requires relatively specific computer hardware and operating-system versions.
The StreamLine MINI+ balances easy setup with strong passthrough performance. Its 1080p60 capture ceiling suits most streaming workflows, while the high-refresh support and three-year manufacturer warranty add confidence for regular use.
How We Picked the Best Capture Card with Hdr10 Passthrough
We focused on signal quality, HDR10 or HDR-compatible passthrough, capture resolution, refresh-rate support, latency, connectivity, and setup requirements. We also considered whether each model is better suited to consoles, gaming PCs, portable streaming, or professional recording workflows.
Because “4K” can describe either passthrough or captured video, check both specifications carefully. Some cards pass through 4K at high refresh rates but capture at a lower resolution, while others support 4K60 recording.
Quick Comparison
| Best For | Look For | Typical Choice |
|---|---|---|
| 4K HDR console streaming | 4K60 capture and HDR10 passthrough | USB 3.0 or USB-C card |
| High-refresh gaming | HDMI 2.1, 4K120 or higher passthrough | Premium external or internal card |
| PC recording | PCIe installation and low latency | Internal capture card |
| Travel and simple setup | UVC/UAC support and bus power | Portable USB capture card |
Key Buying Factors for a Capture Card with Hdr10 Passthrough
Passthrough Versus Capture Resolution
Passthrough is the signal sent to your monitor or TV, while capture resolution is what reaches your computer. For a 4K HDR setup, look for 4K60 passthrough and 4K60 capture if you want recordings that match your display. If you play at 120Hz or 144Hz, prioritize a card that supports that refresh rate through passthrough even if your stream output is 1080p or 4K60.
HDMI Version and Refresh Rate
HDMI 2.1 is important for newer consoles and gaming PCs using 4K at 120Hz or higher. HDMI 2.0 models can still be excellent for 4K60 HDR, but they may limit high-refresh gaming. Verify support for features such as VRR, HDR10, and the exact resolution and refresh-rate combination you use.
Connection and Software Compatibility
USB 3.0, USB 3.2, or USB-C models are generally easier to install and move between systems. Internal PCIe cards can offer consistent bandwidth and cleaner desktop setups but require an open slot and compatible software. Confirm support for OBS, your operating system, UVC/UAC operation, and any required drivers.
Latency, Audio, and HDCP
Near-zero-latency passthrough helps you play from the connected display rather than from the preview window. Check whether the card supports stereo or multichannel audio as needed. HDCP-protected content from streaming services generally cannot be captured, so these devices are intended for compatible game and camera sources.
Who Should Buy Which Capture Card with Hdr10 Passthrough?
Choose a premium HDMI 2.1 model if you use a PS5, Xbox Series X, or high-end PC at 4K120 or above. Choose a 4K60 HDR card for standard 4K console streaming and recording. Choose an internal PCIe card when you mainly stream from a desktop PC and want a permanent, high-bandwidth installation. Choose a portable USB model for laptops, travel, cameras, or uncomplicated plug-and-play setups. Finally, verify your complete signal chain—source, capture card, display, cable, and software—before buying to ensure HDR and your desired refresh rate work together.