Modern consoles and gaming PCs can deliver sharp 4K video at high refresh rates, but recording or streaming that gameplay requires a capture card that will not compromise your display.
These 10 picks cover internal and USB models, HDMI 2.1 options, HDR support, variable refresh compatibility, and more affordable solutions for different setups.
Best 10 Capture Card for 4K 120hz Passthrough Picks for 2026
Best Overall
AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
- 4K144 HDR/VRR passthrough
- Up to 4K144 Windows capture
- Party chat and 5.1 audio support
Best For: High-refresh HDMI 2.1 gaming setups
Best Internal Card
- Up to 8K60 passthrough
- 4K60 HDR10 capture
- PCIe design with VRR support
Best For: Windows desktop streaming and dual-PC setups
Best Plug-and-Play Option
AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3
- 4K60 HDR passthrough
- 4K30 capture
- No drivers or external power required
Best For: Simple console streaming with headset audio
Best Compact Choice
- 4K60 capture
- 1440p120 and 1080p240 passthrough
- HDR10 and analog audio input
Best For: Cross-platform USB capture for modern consoles
Best Premium Option
- 4K60 HDR and VRR passthrough
- Supports 1440p144 and 1080p240
- Ultrawide and 5.1 audio support
Best For: Advanced PC and console streaming
Best Established Brand
- 4K HDR passthrough at 60 Hz
- Full HD capture up to 120 fps
- Plug-and-play OBS-compatible setup
Best For: Simple multi-resolution streaming
Best Budget High-Refresh Pick
- 4K60 passthrough and capture
- Supports 1440p120 and 1080p120 input
- Includes 3.5mm audio and mic ports
Best For: Affordable high-refresh streaming setups
Best with Extra Features
- 4K60 HDR10 capture and pass-through
- High-frame-rate capture up to 240 fps
- PCIe card for Windows streaming PCs
Best For: Dedicated Windows PCs and demanding HDR capture setups
Best Plug-and-Play Value
- 4K60 capture and HDMI pass-through
- 1080p120 high-frame-rate support
- USB-A/USB-C and broad OS compatibility
Best For: Portable console, camera, and laptop streaming
Best High-Refresh Passthrough
- 4K60 capture with 1080p240 passthrough
- 2K120, HDR, and VRR support
- Works with Windows, macOS, and Linux
Best For: Gamers prioritizing 1080p240 or 2K120 passthrough
Best Overall – AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
If you need a capture card for 4K 120Hz passthrough with room for even higher refresh rates, the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 is a particularly capable choice. It supports 4K144 HDR/VRR passthrough, 4K144 capture on supported Windows PCs, and USB-C connectivity for consoles, computers, Macs, and iPads.
Best For: Gamers who want high-refresh HDMI 2.1 passthrough, broad device compatibility, and advanced audio features.
Pros:
- Supports up to 4K144 HDR/VRR passthrough, plus 1440p240 and 1080p360.
- Captures up to 4K144 MJPEG on supported Windows PCs.
- Includes party-chat support, 5.1-channel audio, and RGB lighting.
- Works with Windows, Mac, and iPad over USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C.
Cons:
- 4K144 capture requires a supported Windows PC and software workflow.
- Displays using DSC may limit 4K passthrough to 4K120.
- Advanced 5.1-channel audio support is limited to compatible Windows workflows.
The GC553G2 is the strongest fit here for demanding HDMI 2.1 setups. Its high refresh-rate support is excellent, though display compatibility and Windows requirements should be checked before buying.
Best Internal Card – Elgato 4K Pro
The Elgato 4K Pro is an internal capture card for 4K 120Hz passthrough and high-frame-rate PC or console gaming. Its HDMI 2.1 input and output support up to 8K60 passthrough, while capture reaches 4K60 HDR10 and up to 1080p240.
Best For: Windows desktop users building a PCIe-based single-PC or dual-PC streaming setup.
Pros:
- Supports up to 8K60 passthrough for compatible displays.
- Captures 4K60 HDR10 and up to 1080p240.
- Provides HDMI 2.1 connectivity with VRR passthrough.
- Works with OBS, Streamlabs, Twitch Studio, Zoom, Teams, and other apps.
Cons:
- Requires a Windows 10 computer with an available PCIe slot.
- It is an internal card rather than a portable USB solution.
- The supplied specifications list video capture resolution as 1080p, despite the listed 4K60 capture capability.
Choose the 4K Pro if you prefer an internal installation and want substantial passthrough headroom beyond 4K120. Confirm your PC has the required PCIe slot and Windows setup.
Best Plug-and-Play Option – AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3
For a straightforward capture card for 4K 120Hz passthrough, the AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3 keeps setup simple over USB. It captures 4K30 while passing through 4K60 HDR, and it supports VRR at 1440p120 or 1080p120.
Best For: Console and cross-platform streamers who prioritize easy setup, low latency, and headset audio connections.
Pros:
- Offers 4K60 HDR passthrough with VRR support at 1440p120 and 1080p120.
- Captures gameplay at 4K30.
- Plug-and-play design requires no extra drivers or external power.
- Includes 3.5mm audio input and output for chat and commentary.
Cons:
- It does not capture 4K at 60 frames per second.
- Its listed passthrough options do not specify 4K120.
- Requires a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port and a supported Windows 11, Mac, or iPadOS device.
The GC551G2 is a practical option when simple installation matters more than maximum 4K frame rates. It is well suited to 4K60 HDR passthrough and high-refresh 1440p or 1080p gaming.
Best Compact Choice – Elgato 4K S
The Elgato 4K S is a compact USB-C option for a capture card for 4K 120Hz passthrough, with support for 1440p120 and 1080p240 playback and capture workflows. It also supports 4K60 capture, HDR10, and analog audio input for commentary or in-game chat.
Best For: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch 2 users who want a simple cross-platform USB capture setup.
Pros:
- Supports 1440p120 and 1080p240 passthrough.
- Captures video at up to 4K60.
- Offers HDR10 support with tone mapping on Windows.
- Works with Windows 11, macOS 13 or later, and iPadOS with USB-C.
Cons:
- The supplied notes do not specify 4K120 passthrough.
- HDR tone mapping is specified for Windows.
- Requires USB 3.0 Type-C and compatible computer hardware.
The 4K S is a sensible pick for high-frame-rate 1440p or 1080p gaming and 4K60 recording. If true 4K120 passthrough is essential, verify the display and signal requirements carefully before choosing it.
Best Premium Option – Live Gamer Ultra S
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra S is a strong choice if you need a capture card for 4k 120hz passthrough alternatives centered on smooth high-refresh gameplay. It supports passthrough up to 1440p144 or 1080p240, along with 4K60 HDR and VRR, while capturing up to 4K60.
Best For: Gamers who want HDR/VRR passthrough, ultrawide support, and advanced recording features for console or PC streaming.
Pros:
- Supports 4K60 HDR and VRR passthrough.
- Handles 1440p144 and 1080p240 modes.
- Offers ultrawide input support and 5.1-channel audio on Windows.
- Works with Windows, macOS, and iPadOS.
Cons:
- Capture resolution is listed at up to 4K60 rather than 4K120.
- 5.1-channel audio support is specified for Windows workflows.
This is the most feature-rich option here for high-refresh gaming below 4K120, especially if VRR, HDR, ultrawide displays, and flexible platform support matter more than 4K120 capture.
Best Established Brand – ASUS TUF CU4K30
The ASUS TUF Gaming CU4K30 is worth considering when shopping for a capture card for 4k 120hz passthrough but prioritizing reliable 4K HDR passthrough and straightforward streaming. It passes through up to 4K HDR at 60 Hz and supports up to 120 fps at Full HD.
Best For: Streamers who want plug-and-play USB 3.2 connectivity, OBS compatibility, and flexible 4K, 2K, or 1080p workflows.
Pros:
- Supports 4K HDR passthrough at 60 Hz.
- Captures up to 4K at 30 fps, 2K at 60 fps, or Full HD at 120 fps.
- Plug-and-play UVC design requires no extra drivers or utilities.
- Includes controller and headset connections for shared team audio.
Cons:
- Passthrough is specified up to 4K60, not 4K120.
- 4K capture is limited to 30 fps.
- It has a heavier 423 g design than the compact Guermok option.
The CU4K30 is a practical, well-rounded pick for creators who value OBS certification and simple setup. Choose it for 4K60 passthrough and 1080p120 capture rather than true 4K120 operation.
Best Budget High-Refresh Pick – Guermok GM-72A
The Guermok GM-72A offers useful high-refresh support for shoppers comparing a capture card for 4k 120hz passthrough. It provides 4K60 passthrough and accepts 1440p120 or 1080p120 input, making it suitable for smooth gameplay monitoring and streaming.
Best For: Budget-conscious streamers who need 4K60 passthrough, 120Hz input support, broad operating-system compatibility, and simple USB setup.
Pros:
- Supports 4K60 passthrough and up to 4K60 capture in MJPEG mode.
- Accepts 1440p120 and 1080p120 high-refresh input.
- Includes 3.5mm audio input and microphone output.
- Works without drivers across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and PadOS.
Cons:
- USB 2.0 ports support only up to 1080p.
- Its listed 4K capture formats vary by chroma and frame-rate mode.
- Passthrough is limited to 4K60 rather than 4K120.
With its compact design, included adapter, and broad software support, the GM-72A is an accessible choice for high-refresh 1080p or 1440p streaming. It is best viewed as a 4K60 passthrough device, not a true 4K120 solution.
Best with Extra Features – Live Gamer 4K
If you want a powerful capture card for 4K 120hz passthrough setups, the AVerMedia GC573 is a strong internal-PC option for recording and streaming. It captures 4K60 HDR10 and supports high-frame-rate capture up to 240 fps, while its 4K60 HDR pass-through is designed for low-latency gameplay.
Best For: Windows users building an internal capture setup for 4K HDR recording, console streaming, or high-frame-rate gameplay.
Pros:
- Captures 4K60 HDR10 video and supports 4K60 HDR pass-through.
- Supports high-frame-rate capture up to 240 fps.
- Works with OBS, Streamlabs, XSplit, Twitch, and YouTube.
- Includes customizable RGB lighting and resolution settings through AVerMedia Gaming Utility.
Cons:
- Requires a Windows PC and an available PCI Express x4 slot.
- High-resolution capture requires a sufficiently powerful PC and graphics card.
The GC573 is best suited to a dedicated Windows streaming or recording computer rather than a portable setup. Its combination of HDR support, high-frame-rate capture, and ultra-low-latency pass-through makes it a capable choice for demanding console and PC workflows.
Best Plug-and-Play Value – USB 4K60 Capture Card
The XIIXMASK is a flexible USB option for shoppers seeking a capture card for 4K 120hz passthrough-style gaming setups. It supports 4K60 capture and HDMI pass-through, plus 1080p120 input and recording, without requiring drivers or external power.
Best For: Console players, laptop users, and streamers who want a portable USB capture card with broad device and operating-system compatibility.
Pros:
- Supports 4K60 video capture and 4K HDMI pass-through.
- Handles 1080p at up to 120 fps for high-frame-rate recording.
- Works with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iPadOS 17+.
- Includes USB-A/USB-C connectivity and 3.5mm audio input and microphone output.
Cons:
- Its listed high-frame-rate capture support tops out at 1080p120 rather than 4K120.
- USB 3.0 performance and computer configuration can affect the recording workflow.
This model emphasizes easy setup and compatibility. It is a practical choice for streaming consoles, cameras, or mobile devices when you value USB portability, audio connections, and 4K60 pass-through over native 4K high-refresh capture.
Best High-Refresh Passthrough – PORTTA DX20R
The PORTTA DX20R is a versatile choice for buyers comparing a capture card for 4K 120hz passthrough. It captures 4K at 60Hz while supporting passthrough up to 1080p240 and 2K120, with HDR and VRR features aimed at smoother gaming.
Best For: PS5, Xbox, and PC gamers who need high-refresh passthrough options alongside 4K60 capture and software-based control.
Pros:
- Captures 4K60 and supports passthrough at 1080p240 and 2K120.
- Supports HDR and VRR for enhanced image quality and smoother gameplay.
- Works with Windows, macOS, and Linux without driver installation.
- CapHub Utility provides audio mixing, firmware updates, and EDID/VRR controls.
Cons:
- It does not list 4K120 capture or passthrough; its 4K mode is specified at 60Hz.
- Some advanced controls require downloading the CapHub Utility.
The DX20R stands out when high-refresh 1080p or 2K passthrough matters as much as 4K capture. Its VRR, HDR, and configuration tools add flexibility, though buyers specifically requiring 4K120 should note the listed 4K limit is 60Hz.
How We Picked the Best Capture Card for 4K 120hz Passthrough
We focused on the features that matter most when choosing a Capture Card for 4K 120hz Passthrough: supported input and passthrough resolutions, refresh-rate limits, HDR handling, variable refresh support, connection type, latency, software compatibility, and setup requirements. We also separated true HDMI 2.1 designs from products that capture at a lower resolution while passing through a higher-refresh signal.
Product listings can vary by firmware, computer hardware, and connected display, so confirm the manufacturer’s specifications before buying. Passthrough and capture are different capabilities: a card may pass through 4K at 120Hz while recording at 4K60, 1440p, or 1080p.
Quick Comparison
| Best For | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| 4K high-refresh console gaming | HDMI 2.1, 4K120 or higher passthrough, HDR, and VRR support |
| PC streaming | Internal PCIe installation, stable drivers, and high-bandwidth passthrough |
| Simple USB setup | USB 3.x connectivity, plug-and-play support, and broad OBS compatibility |
| Budget recording | Verified capture resolution, low latency, and clear compatibility limits |
Key Buying Factors for a Capture Card for 4K 120hz Passthrough
Passthrough Versus Capture Resolution
Check both numbers separately. A card advertised with 4K120 passthrough may capture only 4K60 or 1080p. That can still be ideal for streaming because most platforms and workflows do not require 4K120 recording, while your local display remains smooth.
HDMI 2.1 Bandwidth
For 4K at 120Hz with HDR, HDMI 2.1 is usually the safest choice. HDMI 2.0 models can be excellent for 4K60 or 1440p120, but they may require reduced chroma, resolution, or refresh settings for higher-bandwidth signals.
HDR, VRR, and Latency
Gamers should confirm support for HDR formats and variable refresh technologies such as VRR, FreeSync, or G-SYNC. Near-zero-latency passthrough is important because your monitor or TV should receive the signal directly rather than forcing you to play through the preview window.
Internal or USB Design
Internal PCIe cards are a strong choice for desktop streamers who want a permanent, high-bandwidth setup. USB cards are easier to move between computers and work well with laptops, but they depend on the correct USB 3.x port and cable. Avoid using a slower USB port that can restrict performance.
Software and Audio Compatibility
Verify support for OBS Studio, your preferred streaming application, and your operating system. Also check whether the card handles HDMI audio, party chat, microphones, and console audio formats as expected. Driver and firmware updates can affect stability.
Who Should Buy Which Capture Card for 4K 120hz Passthrough?
Choose an HDMI 2.1 model if you use a PS5, Xbox Series X, Switch 2, or gaming PC with a 4K120 display and want to preserve high-refresh passthrough.
Choose an internal card if you stream regularly from a desktop and value a tidy, permanently installed setup. It is often the better fit for demanding PC workflows.
Choose a USB card if you stream from a laptop, switch between systems, or want the simplest installation. Confirm the computer has a suitable USB 3.x connection.
Choose a 4K60 or 1440p120 model if your display does not use 4K120, or if you prioritize affordable recording over maximum passthrough bandwidth. Before checkout, match the card’s input, passthrough, capture, HDR, and VRR specifications to your exact console and monitor setup.