10 Best External Capture Cards With HDMI 2.1 Passthrough for 2026

If you want to stream or record gameplay without sacrificing your display’s full performance, an external capture card with HDMI 2.1 passthrough is the smart place to start.

In this roundup, we focus on models that balance smooth passthrough, practical capture quality, and easy setup for consoles, PCs, and creator workflows.

Best 10 External Capture Card with Hdmi 2 1 Passthrough Picks for 2026

Premium HDMI 2.1 Pick – Elgato 4K X for high-refresh gaming

If you want an external capture card with hdmi 2 1 passthrough for modern consoles and high-refresh gameplay, the Elgato 4K X is built for that job. It supports HDMI 2.1 in/out, VRR passthrough, HDR10, and ultra-low latency capture, making it a strong pick for gamers who want smooth pass-through play while recording or streaming.

Best For: Streamers and console players who want HDMI 2.1 passthrough, VRR support, and high-frame-rate capture for PS5, Xbox, Switch, or PC.

Pros:

• HDMI 2.1 in/out with VRR passthrough for smooth gameplay.
• Captures up to 4K144 and up to 1080p240 for high-refresh workflows.
• HDR10 support and ultra-low latency help keep gameplay and video in sync.
• Works with OBS, Streamlabs, Twitch Studio, Zoom, Teams, and more.

Cons:

• May be more capture card than needed if you only stream at 1080p60.
• Best value is tied to setups that can actually use HDMI 2.1 features.

Overall, this is the most feature-rich option in the group for people building around next-gen console output and high refresh rates. If HDMI 2.1 passthrough matters, the 4K X is the most future-facing choice here.

Budget 4K60 Option – Guermok 4K60 capture card with mic input

If you need an external capture card with hdmi 2 1 passthrough-style convenience for everyday streaming, the Guermok HDMI capture card is a practical option, though its pass-through tops out at 4K60 rather than HDMI 2.1 gaming features. It records up to 1080p60 or 2K30, supports 4K60 HDMI input and loop-out, and adds mic and audio ports for a more flexible streaming setup.

Best For: Budget-conscious streamers, meeting hosts, and casual gamers who want easy 4K60 loop-out plus mic monitoring.

Pros:

• 4K60 HDMI input and loop-out with ultra-low latency monitoring.
• Captures up to 1080p60 or 2K30 for streaming and recording.
• Mic in, audio in, headphone monitoring, and speaker output ports.
• Plug-and-play compatibility with OBS, Streamlabs, Zoom, Teams, and more.

Cons:

• Pass-through is 4K60, not a true HDMI 2.1 feature set.
• Microphone input is limited to standard 3.5mm TRS mics.

This is a flexible, lower-cost capture card for common streaming needs, especially if you care about audio inputs and simple setup. It is not the right pick for pushing the latest HDMI 2.1 gaming modes, but it covers the basics well.

Beginner-Friendly Streamer Pick – AVerMedia StreamLine MINI+ for easy 4K60 passthrough

For buyers looking for an external capture card with hdmi 2 1 passthrough-friendly console support without a complicated setup, the AVerMedia StreamLine MINI+ keeps things simple. It offers 4K60 HDR pass-through, 1080p60 recording, and ultra-low latency performance, while also supporting high-refresh gameplay modes up to 1440p144 or 1080p240 on compatible systems.

Best For: Beginners and multi-platform streamers who want plug-and-play capture with 4K60 HDR pass-through.

Pros:

• 4K60 HDR pass-through with ultra-low latency.
• Records at 1080p60 for smooth streaming output.
• Supports high-refresh gameplay up to 1440p144 or 1080p240.
• Plug-and-play operation with beginner-friendly software support.

Cons:

• Pass-through is 4K60, so it is not a full HDMI 2.1 feature set.
• Capture resolution is capped at 1080p, not 4K recording.

This model is a strong choice if you want an easy-to-use capture card that still handles modern console gaming well. It is especially appealing for streamers who value quick setup and stable 1080p60 recording over maximum capture resolution.

Practical Loop-Out Pick – XIIXMASK 4K loop-out capture card

If you are shopping for an external capture card with hdmi 2 1 passthrough-adjacent loop-out on a tighter budget, the XIIXMASK card is focused on dependable 4K HDMI input and real-time preview. It supports 4K 60Hz HDMI input and loop-out, with capture up to 1080p60 or 2K30, plus a mic-in port for commentary and widely compatible software support.

Best For: Streamers who want a simple USB 3.0 capture card with 4K loop-out, mic-in, and broad device compatibility.

Pros:

• 4K 60Hz HDMI input and loop-out for real-time monitoring.
• Captures up to 1080p60 or 2K30 for streaming and recording.
• Mic-in support makes commentary and voiceover setups easier.
• Broad compatibility with OBS, VLC, Zoom, Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android.

Cons:

• Does not offer true HDMI 2.1 passthrough features.
• Audio setup may require an OBS restart after configuration.

For users who want a straightforward capture card with useful audio inputs and wide compatibility, this is a solid utilitarian pick. It is best viewed as a practical 4K loop-out capture solution rather than a next-gen HDMI 2.1 gaming card.

Best for Easy Setup – AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 4K60 Capture Card

If you want an external capture card with hdmi 2 1 passthrough for modern consoles and a high-end gaming display, this AVerMedia model is built around that use case. It captures up to 4K60 while passing through 4K144 HDR/VRR, so you can play smoothly on PS5, PS5 Pro, Xbox Series X/S, or PC while streaming in OBS or Streamlabs.

Best For: Gamers who want premium HDMI 2.1 passthrough, low latency, and party chat support in one device.

Pros:

• 4K60 capture with 4K144 HDR/VRR passthrough for high-refresh gameplay
• Low-latency design for real-time streaming and recording
• Built-in party chat support with headset connection and 5.1 channel audio capture
• Works with OBS Studio and Streamlabs on Windows and Mac

Cons:

• Requires Windows 10 x64/11 x64 or later for the listed system support
• Premium feature set may be more than casual streamers need

This is the strongest pick if passthrough quality matters as much as capture quality. The RGB lighting and chat features are nice extras, but the core value is smooth HDMI 2.1 passthrough with solid 4K capture for current-gen consoles.

Flexible High-Refresh Option – BlueAVS 4K60 USB-C Capture Card with HDR VRR Passthrough

If you need an external capture card with hdmi 2 1 passthrough-like high-refresh support for a mix of consoles and gaming PCs, this BlueAVS model stands out for flexibility. It captures up to 4K60 and passes through 1440P144 and 1080P240, with HDR, VRR, and ALLM support for smoother gameplay and cleaner streaming in OBS.

Best For: Streamers who want strong refresh-rate support across 4K, 1440p, and 1080p setups.

Pros:

• Captures up to 4K60 and supports 1440P144 / 1080P240 passthrough
• HDR, VRR, and ALLM support for tear-free, responsive gaming
• USB-C external design with true plug-and-play UVC/UAC operation
• Includes a 3.5mm audio port for line-in or headset audio mixing

Cons:

• Passthrough is highly capable, but the listing does not specify full HDMI 2.1 branding
• Best results depend on using a USB 5Gbps port

This is a practical choice if you care about both capture quality and high-refresh passthrough behavior. It is especially appealing for mixed setups where one day you are streaming PS5 and the next you are capturing a competitive PC monitor at 144Hz or 240Hz.

Budget-Friendly Loop-Out Pick – Guermok 4K60 Capture Card with 4K Passthrough

If you want an external capture card with hdmi 2 1 passthrough-style loop-out on a simpler budget-friendly device, this Guermok model is easy to understand and easy to use. It captures up to 4K60 and supports 4K60 passthrough, plus 2K120 and 1080P120 input support, making it useful for gameplay, camera capture, and general live streaming on Mac, PC, and more.

Best For: Buyers who want a straightforward 4K capture card with broad compatibility and audio input/output.

Pros:

• 4K60 capture with 4K60 HDMI passthrough
• Supports 2K120 and 1080P120 high-frame-rate input
• Includes 3.5mm audio in and mic out for commentary or ambient sound
• Plug-and-play design with wide OS and device support

Cons:

• Passthrough tops out at 4K60 rather than higher HDMI 2.1 refresh rates
• USB 2.0 ports are limited to 1080P performance

For simple streaming setups, this card covers the basics well without adding complexity. It is a sensible pick if you mainly need 4K60 capture, pass-through monitoring, and easy audio integration across a wide range of devices.

Dual-Input Streaming Option – Osee GoStream M2 Dual 4K Input Capture Card

If you want an external capture card with hdmi 2 1 passthrough for a multi-source setup, the Osee GoStream M2 is built around dual HDMI inputs and a low-latency USB 3.0 workflow. It records up to 1080p 60fps while also offering 4K60 input support, plus HDMI output for connecting a TV or projector during live play or monitoring.

Best For: Streamers and presenters who want dual HDMI sources, PIP/PBP layouts, and built-in mic/audio input support.

Pros:

• Dual 4K60 HDMI inputs for two source devices
• 1080p 60fps recording with ultra-low latency over USB 3.0
• Built-in 3.5mm microphone and audio I/O ports
• Supports PIP/PBP layouts and screen switching

Cons:

• Output capture is listed at 1080p rather than 4K
• Requires a compatible setup for HDMI output and UVC settings
• Windows is the only operating system explicitly detailed in the specs

The GoStream M2 stands out if you need more than a basic single-input capture card. Its dual-input design and built-in audio options make it especially practical for game streaming, live demos, and conference-style production.

Loop-Out Value Pick – UGREEN 4K@30Hz Loop-Out USB 3.0 Capture Card

The UGREEN unit is a practical external capture card with hdmi 2 1 passthrough-style monitoring for users who want 4K input, local loop-out, and straightforward USB 3.0 recording. It captures up to 2K 30fps, supports 4K@30Hz input and loop-out, and is designed for low-delay streaming from consoles, PCs, and other HDMI devices.

Best For: Gamers and streamers who want a compact, durable capture card with real-time preview and broad device compatibility.

Pros:

• 4K@30Hz input with 4K@30Hz loop-out for local monitoring
• Captures up to 2K 30fps and 1080p 60fps
• USB-A and USB-C dual interface support
• Plug-and-play design with aluminum housing

Cons:

• 4K capture is not supported
• PS4 and PS5 require HDCP to be turned off
• Not compatible with Fire TV Stick

This model is a solid fit if your priority is stable pass-through monitoring and easy setup rather than maximum capture resolution. It offers a balanced feature set for everyday streaming, recording, and console play.

Best Simple Pick – Dcyfol 4K HDMI Loop-Out USB 3.0 Capture Card

If you need a straightforward external capture card with hdmi 2 1 passthrough-like real-time play support, this Dcyfol model keeps the formula simple: USB 3.0 capture, HDMI loop-out, and plug-and-play setup. It is aimed at users who want 1080p 60FPS gaming and streaming without driver installation or a complicated workflow.

Best For: Beginners and mobile creators who want a lightweight capture card with low-latency passthrough and easy setup.

Pros:

• Plug-and-play use with no drivers needed
• HDMI loop-out for playing while capturing
• Supports 1080p 60FPS recording and low-latency use
• Works with OBS Studio, Streamlabs, and XSplit

Cons:

• Specs list 1080p capture rather than true 4K capture
• Only Windows and macOS are detailed in the notes
• No advanced audio input/output features are listed

For a lightweight setup, this card covers the basics well: real-time preview, broad console compatibility, and an easy USB workflow. It is best suited to creators who want convenience and portability over extra hardware features.

How We Picked the Best External Capture Card with Hdmi 2 1 Passthrough

We prioritized External Capture Card with Hdmi 2 1 Passthrough models that support modern gaming features, stable USB connectivity, and capture modes that make sense for real-world streaming. The best picks combine high-refresh passthrough, low latency, reliable software support, and clear audio handling.

We also looked at how well each card fits different use cases, from casual console recording to higher-end setups with 4K and HDR displays.

Quick Comparison

If you mainly want the cleanest gaming experience, prioritize passthrough first and capture specs second. If you stream competitively, low latency and OBS compatibility matter most. If you create clips, look for strong 1080p60 or better capture plus simple audio routing.

Key Buying Factors for an External Capture Card with HDMI 2.1 Passthrough

Passthrough Resolution and Refresh Rate

Check the highest passthrough your display and console support together. HDMI 2.1 can matter most if you want 4K120 or 4K144 gameplay while the card records separately. If your setup is 1080p60 or 1440p120, a less expensive card may be enough.

Capture Quality

Do not confuse passthrough with capture. Some cards pass through 4K144 but record at 1080p60 or 4K60. That may be perfect for streaming, but creators who want sharper archival footage should confirm the actual recording ceiling.

Latency and Software Support

Low latency is essential if you play from the passthrough display. Also confirm compatibility with OBS, streaming software, and your operating system so setup stays simple.

Audio Features

Mic inputs, audio output ports, and reliable HDMI audio passthrough can make a big difference for commentary and console chat capture. If you use a headset mix or external mic, these details matter more than raw video specs.

Connection and Power

USB-C or USB 3.2 Gen 2 connections often help keep data transfer stable. For bus-powered units, make sure your laptop or desktop can deliver enough power without dropouts.

Who Should Buy Which External Capture Card with Hdmi 2 1 Passthrough?

Competitive gamers and premium console owners should look for the strongest HDMI 2.1 passthrough and the highest refresh-rate support. Streamers who want dependable everyday use should choose a card with solid 1080p60 or 4K60 capture and broad software compatibility. Budget buyers can save money with 4K passthrough models that still capture at 1080p60, which is often more than enough for live streams and highlight clips.

In short, the best External Capture Card with Hdmi 2 1 Passthrough is the one that matches your display, your console or PC output, and the quality you actually need to record or stream.