A capture card for 4K 120Hz passthrough lets you record or stream gameplay without forcing your monitor or TV down to a slower refresh rate. That matters for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and modern PC gaming, where responsiveness and image quality are equally important.
We’ve selected ten options ranging from affordable USB devices to advanced HDMI 2.1 cards, so you can match capture quality, passthrough performance, connectivity, and software support to your setup.
Best 10 Capture Card for 4K 120hz Passthrough Picks for 2026
Top-Tier HDMI 2.1
- 4K144 capture and passthrough
- HDMI 2.1 with VRR support
- Up to 1080p240 capture
Best For: High-refresh PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC streaming
Simple VRR Streaming
AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3
- 4K60 HDR passthrough
- VRR at 1440p120 or 1080p120
- Plug-and-play with 3.5mm audio
Best For: Easy console streaming with HDR and VRR
Internal Performance Pick
- 8K60 passthrough
- 4K60 capture with HDMI 2.1
- VRR and up to 1080p240 recording
Best For: Windows desktop and dual-PC streaming setups
Proven 4K HDR Value
- 4Kp60 HDR passthrough
- 4Kp30 and 1440p60 capture
- Ultra-low-latency gameplay
Best For: Console gaming with HDR passthrough and flexible capture modes
Best Value 4K120 Option
- 1440p120 and 1080p120 input support
- 4K60 capture and passthrough
- 3.5mm audio and mic connections
Best For: Budget-conscious streamers needing high-refresh 1080p or 1440p support
Best Plug-and-Play Build
- 4K HDR passthrough at 60Hz
- 1080p120 and 2K60 streaming support
- UVC plug-and-play with OBS certification
Best For: Gamers seeking HDR, easy setup, and a durable capture box
Best Advanced Passthrough
- 4K60 HDR and VRR passthrough
- 1440p144 and 1080p240 support
- Ultrawide input and 5.1 audio features
Best For: Advanced PC and console setups using HDR, VRR, or ultrawide displays
Balanced 4K Gaming Pick
- 4K60 capture with HDR10 support
- 1440p120 or 1080p240 passthrough
- 3.5mm analog audio input
Best For: Console gamers recording 4K gameplay while playing at high refresh rates
High-Refresh HDMI 2.1 Choice
AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
- 4K144 HDR/VRR passthrough
- 4K144 capture on supported Windows PCs
- Party chat and 5.1-channel audio support
Best For: Advanced PC and console setups using HDMI 2.1 displays
Budget-Friendly Multiplatform Option
- 4K60 capture and passthrough
- 1080p120 high-frame-rate support
- Broad OS and device compatibility
Best For: Beginners building an affordable 4K60 streaming setup
Top-Tier HDMI 2.1 – Elgato 4K X
The Elgato 4K X is a strong choice when you need a capture card for 4K 120Hz passthrough and want modern HDMI 2.1 connectivity. It supports 4K144 capture and passthrough, VRR passthrough, HDR10, and ultra-low-latency operation through USB 3.2 Gen 2.
Best For: Gamers and streamers using PS5, Xbox Series X, or PC who want high-refresh-rate passthrough and flexible app support.
Pros:
- Supports 4K144 capture and passthrough with HDMI 2.1.
- VRR passthrough helps reduce screen tearing.
- Captures up to 1080p240 and works with OBS, Streamlabs, Twitch Studio, and more.
Cons:
- Requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port for its full capabilities.
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 operation reduces capture resolution.
The 4K X is the most future-ready option here for high-refresh gaming, particularly if your setup supports HDMI 2.1 and VRR.
Simple VRR Streaming – AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3 is a practical capture card for 4K 120Hz passthrough, with VRR support at 1440p120 or 1080p120. It records at 4K30 while passing through 4K60 HDR, and its plug-and-play design avoids extra drivers or external power.
Best For: Console streamers who want straightforward setup, 4K HDR passthrough, and direct headset or microphone connections.
Pros:
- Offers 4K60 HDR passthrough and VRR passthrough up to 1440p120.
- Plug-and-play operation works with OBS and Twitch.
- Includes 3.5mm audio input and output for game chat and commentary.
Cons:
- Capture resolution tops out at 4K30.
- Requires a USB 3.2 Type-C port.
This model balances useful high-refresh passthrough with easy setup, making it a sensible choice when 4K30 recording is sufficient.
Internal Performance Pick – Elgato 4K Pro
The Elgato 4K Pro is an internal PCIe capture card for demanding Windows setups. It provides 8K60 passthrough, 4K60 capture, HDMI 2.1 connectivity, VRR support, and up to 1080p240 recording for high-performance gaming and streaming.
Best For: Windows users with a desktop PCIe slot, including dual-PC streamers who want high-resolution passthrough and capture.
Pros:
- Supports 8K60 passthrough and 4K60 capture.
- HDMI 2.1 enables high frame rates up to 1080p240 recording.
- VRR, HDR10, and ultra-low-latency operation support smooth gameplay.
Cons:
- Requires a Windows 10 computer with an available PCIe slot.
- It is an internal card rather than a portable USB device.
If you have a compatible desktop, the 4K Pro offers the strongest passthrough ceiling in this roundup and is well suited to advanced streaming systems.
Proven 4K HDR Value – AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra is a straightforward capture card for 4K 120Hz passthrough-style setups, offering 4Kp60 HDR passthrough and low-latency gameplay. It captures at 4Kp30, while also supporting 1440p60 and 1080p120 recording.
Best For: Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and Switch users who prioritize 4K HDR passthrough with responsive gameplay.
Pros:
- Provides 4Kp60 HDR passthrough.
- Supports 4Kp30, 1440p60, and 1080p120 recording.
- Offers ultra-low-latency viewing for playing on a PC monitor.
Cons:
- Capture is limited to 4Kp30.
- The supplied notes specify NVIDIA graphics support for 4K, HDR, or high-frame-rate recording.
This is a solid option for users who want HDR passthrough and several recording modes without needing 4K60 capture.
Best Value 4K120 Option – Guermok GM-72A
If you need a capture card for 4k 120hz passthrough on a budget, the Guermok GM-72A offers high-refresh input support up to 1440p120 and 1080p120. It captures up to 4K60 through USB 3.0 and provides 4K60 HDMI passthrough, with added 3.5mm audio connections for commentary or external audio.
Best For: Streamers who want flexible console and PC compatibility, high-refresh 1080p or 1440p input, and simple plug-and-play setup.
Pros:
- Supports 1440p120 and 1080p120 input.
- Captures up to 4K60 and offers 4K60 passthrough.
- Includes 3.5mm audio input and microphone output.
- Works with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and PadOS without drivers.
Cons:
- USB 2.0 connections are limited to up to 1080p.
- Its listed passthrough maximum is 4K60 rather than 4K120.
The GM-72A is a practical choice when 120Hz support at 1080p or 1440p matters more than true 4K120 passthrough. Confirm that your computer has a USB 3.0 or newer port for the advertised performance.
Best Plug-and-Play Build – ASUS TUF CU4K30
The ASUS TUF Gaming Capture Card CU4K30 is a sturdy capture card for 4k 120hz passthrough shoppers who also want broad refresh-rate support. It passes through 4K HDR at 60Hz and supports 2K and Full HD input up to 120 FPS, while capturing up to 4K30.
Best For: Gamers who prioritize HDR passthrough, OBS compatibility, console audio connections, and a durable enclosure.
Pros:
- Supports 4K HDR passthrough at 60Hz.
- Handles 2K up to 60 FPS and Full HD up to 120 FPS for streaming.
- Plug-and-play UVC connection requires no extra drivers.
- Includes controller and headset connections for team communications.
Cons:
- Capture is limited to 4K30, rather than 4K60.
- The supplied notes list 4K60 passthrough, not 4K120 passthrough.
- Requires a USB 3.2 Type-C port and a system meeting OBS requirements.
Choose the CU4K30 for a polished, reliable setup centered on HDR and high-refresh Full HD gaming. It is less suitable if your goal is native 4K120 passthrough or 4K60 recording.
Best Advanced Passthrough – AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA S
For a modern capture card for 4k 120hz passthrough setup, the AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA S adds HDR and VRR passthrough alongside high-refresh modes. It supports passthrough up to 4K60, 1440p144, or 1080p240, with VRR recording options and ultrawide input support.
Best For: PC and console streamers using HDR, VRR, ultrawide displays, or high-refresh 1440p and 1080p workflows.
Pros:
- Supports 4K60 HDR and VRR passthrough.
- Passes through 1440p144 and 1080p240 for smooth gameplay.
- Supports VRR recording, ultrawide resolutions, and 5.1-channel audio on Windows.
- Works with Windows, macOS, and iPadOS systems.
Cons:
- Its listed 4K passthrough maximum is 60Hz, not 4K120.
- Some VRR recording and 5.1 audio features depend on Windows software.
- Requires compatible displays and sources for HDR, VRR, and high-refresh modes.
The Live Gamer ULTRA S is the strongest fit here for advanced display features and high-refresh gaming below 4K. If you specifically require 4K120 passthrough, verify the source and display requirements because the supplied specifications top out at 4K60.
Balanced 4K Gaming Pick – Elgato 4K S
If you need a capture card for 4K 120Hz passthrough, the Elgato 4K S is a practical choice for high-refresh console gaming. It supports 1440p120 or 1080p240 passthrough while capturing up to 4K60, with HDR10 support and near-zero latency for a responsive setup.
Best For: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch 2 users who want 4K recording with high-frame-rate passthrough.
Pros:
- Supports 1440p120 and 1080p240 passthrough.
- Captures up to 4K60 with HDR10 support on Windows.
- Works across Windows, macOS, and compatible iPadOS devices.
- Includes a 3.5mm analog audio input for chat or commentary.
Cons:
- Its listed capture resolution is 1080p, despite 4K60 capture support in the highlights.
- Windows HDR10 capture requires Windows 11.
The 4K S balances high-refresh gameplay and 4K recording without requiring an especially complex setup. Its 1440p120 passthrough and broad platform compatibility make it a flexible option for console-focused creators.
High-Refresh HDMI 2.1 Choice – AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
For a capture card for 4K 120Hz passthrough, the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 is the most capable option in this group. Its HDMI 2.1 passthrough supports up to 4K144 HDR/VRR, while compatible Windows systems can capture up to 4K144.
Best For: PC and console streamers with HDMI 2.1 displays who want 4K high-refresh passthrough, VRR, and advanced audio features.
Pros:
- Supports up to 4K144 HDR/VRR passthrough.
- Offers 1440p240 and 1080p360 passthrough modes.
- Windows capture supports up to 4K144 MJPEG on supported systems.
- Includes party chat, 5.1-channel audio support, and dual 3.5mm ports.
Cons:
- 4K passthrough may be limited to 4K120 when using a display with DSC.
- 4K144 capture is limited to supported Windows PCs; macOS supports up to 4K60 capture.
- Its advanced features require compatible hardware and workflows.
This is the strongest fit when preserving high refresh rates matters as much as recording quality. HDMI 2.1, HDR, VRR, and flexible audio connections give it a clear advantage for demanding PC and console setups.
Budget-Friendly Multiplatform Option – USB 3.0 HDMI Capture Card
This USB 3.0 model is a straightforward capture card for 4K 120Hz passthrough alternative, offering 4K60 HDMI passthrough and 1080p120 capture. It is designed for plug-and-play use across computers, consoles, cameras, and common streaming software.
Best For: Beginners who need broad device and operating-system compatibility with 4K60 passthrough.
Pros:
- Provides 4K60 capture and 4K HDMI passthrough.
- Supports 1080p120 high-frame-rate input and recording.
- Works with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iPadOS 17+.
- Includes 3.5mm audio input and microphone output connections.
Cons:
- It does not list 4K120 passthrough; the specified passthrough limit is 4K60.
- 4K capture and 1080p120 support may depend on the connected system and software.
This card makes sense for affordable 4K60 workflows rather than true 4K120 gaming. Its driver-free design, dual USB-A/USB-C connection, and wide software support make it convenient for first-time streamers and mixed-device setups.
How We Picked the Best Capture Card for 4K 120hz Passthrough
We focused on devices that support high-resolution passthrough, low-latency monitoring, and practical compatibility with current consoles and gaming PCs. The selection includes HDMI 2.1 models designed for 4K at 120Hz or higher, as well as HDMI 2.0 and budget cards that are better suited to 4K60 passthrough or lower-resolution capture.
We also considered capture specifications, variable refresh rate support, HDR handling, connection type, operating-system compatibility, and whether the card is internal or externally powered through USB. Capture and passthrough are separate specifications, so a card may pass through 4K120 while recording at a lower resolution.
Quick Comparison
- Best overall HDMI 2.1 option: Elgato 4K X, with 4K144 passthrough and broad modern gaming support.
- Best internal option: Elgato 4K Pro, suited to desktop PCs needing high-end passthrough and capture.
- Best AVerMedia HDMI 2.1 choices: Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 and Live Gamer Extreme 3 for high-refresh console or PC setups.
- Best 4K60-focused options: AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra, Live Gamer ULTRA S, and Elgato 4K S.
- Best value choices: The generic USB 3.0 models and ASUS CU4K30, depending on your required resolution and refresh rate.
Key Buying Factors for a Capture Card for 4K 120hz Passthrough
HDMI 2.1 and Refresh-Rate Support
If you want a true Capture Card for 4K 120hz Passthrough, prioritize HDMI 2.1 input and output. Check the complete specification rather than relying on a product title: some cards support 4K120 passthrough but capture only at 4K60, 1440p, or 1080p.
Capture Resolution and Frame Rate
Choose based on what you plan to publish. 4K capture is useful for archival footage and high-quality videos, while 1440p or 1080p capture can reduce storage, editing, and streaming demands. High-frame-rate capture is especially useful for competitive gameplay and slow-motion editing.
VRR, HDR, and Latency
Variable refresh rate support helps preserve smooth gameplay on compatible displays, while HDR passthrough maintains a wider range of brightness and color. Near-zero-latency passthrough is important because you should play from the display output, not from the preview window in streaming software.
Connectivity and Software
USB 3.0 can handle many 1080p and 4K60 workflows, but high-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 cards may require USB 3.2 or a PCIe installation. Confirm compatibility with OBS, your preferred streaming application, macOS or Windows, and the available ports on your computer.
Who Should Buy Which Capture Card for 4K 120hz Passthrough?
Buy an HDMI 2.1 model if you use a 4K120 TV or monitor and do not want to sacrifice refresh rate while streaming. The Elgato 4K X, AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3, and Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 are the strongest fits for that use case. Choose the Elgato 4K Pro if you have a dedicated desktop and prefer an internal card.
For 4K60 console streaming, the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra, ULTRA S, or Elgato 4K S can be more practical and economical. The ASUS CU4K30 is worth considering when HDR, 120Hz passthrough at supported resolutions, and USB connectivity are priorities. Budget USB capture cards make sense for casual recording, secondary systems, or 1080p streaming, but verify their actual passthrough and capture limits before buying.