:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/is-bumble-down-or-is-it-you-48022631-60fa27943f30495aa6790ac6c353b275.jpg)
IOS+Android Guide to Invisible YouTube Viewing for 2024
IOS+Android Guide to Invisible YouTube Viewing
How to Play YouTube in Background on iPhone and Android
Richard Bennett
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
When it comes to music, the majority of song lovers now prefer listening to it on their iPhone or Android phones, and most of them are still searching for a method to play YouTube in the background so they can enjoy their favorite tracks without much battery consumption.
Another reason why people may want to listen to YouTube in the background could be that they want to use their phone for other purposes such as for text messaging, Internet browsing, accessing Facebook, etc. on the device simultaneously.
With that said, here you will learn how to play YouTube in the background on iPhone or Android both with and without any specific app.
Best Paid Solution for Playing YouTube in Background: YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium, formerly YouTube Red, is a paid subscription with three types of plans namely ‘Individual’, ‘Family’, and ‘Student’ offered by the streaming giant for $11.99, $17.99, and $6.99 per month respectively. All the plans give you ad-free and uninterrupted streaming experience.
Note: The price of the plans may vary depending on the region of your residence and Google policies. Nevertheless, no annual subscription is available at the time of this writing, and the amount is deducted from your account on monthly basis.
While each plan has its own merits and demerits, the most used one is Individual that also gives free access to YouTube Music, an app that is available for Android and iOS devices, and is specifically dedicated to the music where you can watch and listen to your favorite tracks published on the platform.
What makes YouTube Music popular among the premium subscribers is its ability to play the music even when the app is not active and/or when the phone screen is turned off. Furthermore, you can even configure the app to play the audio without video, thus significantly reducing the battery consumption.
Note: Unlike the YouTube main app itself, YouTube Music is limited only to the music, and cannot play other videos.
Once you have subscribed for the YouTube Premium Individual plan, and downloaded and installed the YouTube Music app, you can follow the instructions given below to play YouTube in background Android or iPhone smartphone.
Step 1: Launch YouTube Music and Start Streaming
Launch YouTube Music, search for your favorite music using the Search icon at the top-right corner, tap the song in the suggestions list, and then tap the name of the track to start playing.
Step 2: Switch to Audio Only (Optional)
Tap anywhere on the video player window, and tap Audio from the top of the screen to switch to the audio only mode where the video of the song won’t be played.
Step 3: Play YouTube in Background
Use your phone-specific button or option to minimize YouTube Music. You can then either continue using your smartphone normally, or turn off the screen to play YouTube in background.
How to Play YouTube Videos in Background on iPhone
If you don’t want to pay for YouTube Premium, there are a few other workarounds that you can try to play YouTube in background on your iPhone. One of the easiest methods among them is explained below:
Step 1: Play YouTube Video on Browser
Launch Safari on your iPhone, and go to www.youtube.com (important). Make sure to type the URL in the address bar so the YouTube app doesn’t start, and you can access YouTube from within the browser window itself.
Use the regular method to search for the video you want to play in the background, and tap the Play button to start streaming.
Step 2: Open a New Tab
Tap the All Tabs icon from the bottom-right corner of the browser, and tap + from the bottom-center. Notice how the YouTube video continues to play even when you are on the new tab.
Step 3: Play YouTube in Background
Press the Home button or swipe up on iPhone X or above to get to the Home screen. You can notice how YouTube still continues to stream. From this point onward, you can either start using your iPhone normally, or turn off the screen and let your device play YouTube in background.
How to Play YouTube Videos in Background on Android
The process to play YouTube in background on an Android smartphone is slightly different than what it is on an iPhone if you don’t have a Premium subscription. To get this done on your Android, you must:
Step 1: Switch to Desktop Mode
Launch Google Chrome (default) on your Android phone, and go to www.youtube.com. Click the More options icon (with three vertically aligned dots) from the top-right corner of the browser, and check the Desktop site box from the menu that appears.
Step 2: Search for and Stream a Video
Use the Search bar at the top of the interface to search for and tap the video you want to stream.
Step 3: Play YouTube in Background
Once the video starts streaming, get back to the Home screen, pull down the Notification bar from the top (if the streaming stops), and press the Play button to play YouTube in background on your Android smartphone.
3 Best Apps to Play YouTube Videos in Background on Android
Instead of using the above workaround on Android, if you want something simpler and more straightforward, there are a few apps that can help you play YouTube videos in background. Some of the most used programs are listed below:
VLC for Android
Being one of the most versatile media playing software, VLC needs no introduction, and icing on the cake was added when the program was made available on Google Play Store. After you have installed VLC on your Android phone, you can launch the YouTube app, search for and tap the video you want to play in the background, tap the streaming video, tap the ‘More options’ icon from the top-right corner, and tap ‘Play in VLC’ from the available options.
Minimize play in background
This app does exactly what its name suggests. The program has a ‘Minimize player’ mode that allows you to stream YouTube videos in a small window that reduces its size and resides at the bottom of the screen, thus letting you use your Android phone for other important tasks simultaneously.
Background player for YouTube Vanced minimizer
Yet another app available on Google Play Store that lets you search for your favorite videos on YouTube, stream them, and then minimize the player to a floating window that goes down to the bottom of the screen. This lets you play YouTube in background in order to allow you to use your phone for other tasks.
Best Video Editing Software for YouTube
Conclusion
Watching YouTube videos has become a part of people’s day-to-day life now. While many of them use the platform to learn new skills through the tutorials that are available for free, others love the idea of having unlimited and unrestricted access to the gigantic database of music videos that they can dig in to find and play their favorite tracks. For the latter scenario, the processes explained above are likely to come in handy in order to play YouTube in background so the users can take full advantage of their iPhone or Android smartphone in case they only want to listen to the audio, and are not interested in watching the video while streaming.
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
When it comes to music, the majority of song lovers now prefer listening to it on their iPhone or Android phones, and most of them are still searching for a method to play YouTube in the background so they can enjoy their favorite tracks without much battery consumption.
Another reason why people may want to listen to YouTube in the background could be that they want to use their phone for other purposes such as for text messaging, Internet browsing, accessing Facebook, etc. on the device simultaneously.
With that said, here you will learn how to play YouTube in the background on iPhone or Android both with and without any specific app.
Best Paid Solution for Playing YouTube in Background: YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium, formerly YouTube Red, is a paid subscription with three types of plans namely ‘Individual’, ‘Family’, and ‘Student’ offered by the streaming giant for $11.99, $17.99, and $6.99 per month respectively. All the plans give you ad-free and uninterrupted streaming experience.
Note: The price of the plans may vary depending on the region of your residence and Google policies. Nevertheless, no annual subscription is available at the time of this writing, and the amount is deducted from your account on monthly basis.
While each plan has its own merits and demerits, the most used one is Individual that also gives free access to YouTube Music, an app that is available for Android and iOS devices, and is specifically dedicated to the music where you can watch and listen to your favorite tracks published on the platform.
What makes YouTube Music popular among the premium subscribers is its ability to play the music even when the app is not active and/or when the phone screen is turned off. Furthermore, you can even configure the app to play the audio without video, thus significantly reducing the battery consumption.
Note: Unlike the YouTube main app itself, YouTube Music is limited only to the music, and cannot play other videos.
Once you have subscribed for the YouTube Premium Individual plan, and downloaded and installed the YouTube Music app, you can follow the instructions given below to play YouTube in background Android or iPhone smartphone.
Step 1: Launch YouTube Music and Start Streaming
Launch YouTube Music, search for your favorite music using the Search icon at the top-right corner, tap the song in the suggestions list, and then tap the name of the track to start playing.
Step 2: Switch to Audio Only (Optional)
Tap anywhere on the video player window, and tap Audio from the top of the screen to switch to the audio only mode where the video of the song won’t be played.
Step 3: Play YouTube in Background
Use your phone-specific button or option to minimize YouTube Music. You can then either continue using your smartphone normally, or turn off the screen to play YouTube in background.
How to Play YouTube Videos in Background on iPhone
If you don’t want to pay for YouTube Premium, there are a few other workarounds that you can try to play YouTube in background on your iPhone. One of the easiest methods among them is explained below:
Step 1: Play YouTube Video on Browser
Launch Safari on your iPhone, and go to www.youtube.com (important). Make sure to type the URL in the address bar so the YouTube app doesn’t start, and you can access YouTube from within the browser window itself.
Use the regular method to search for the video you want to play in the background, and tap the Play button to start streaming.
Step 2: Open a New Tab
Tap the All Tabs icon from the bottom-right corner of the browser, and tap + from the bottom-center. Notice how the YouTube video continues to play even when you are on the new tab.
Step 3: Play YouTube in Background
Press the Home button or swipe up on iPhone X or above to get to the Home screen. You can notice how YouTube still continues to stream. From this point onward, you can either start using your iPhone normally, or turn off the screen and let your device play YouTube in background.
How to Play YouTube Videos in Background on Android
The process to play YouTube in background on an Android smartphone is slightly different than what it is on an iPhone if you don’t have a Premium subscription. To get this done on your Android, you must:
Step 1: Switch to Desktop Mode
Launch Google Chrome (default) on your Android phone, and go to www.youtube.com. Click the More options icon (with three vertically aligned dots) from the top-right corner of the browser, and check the Desktop site box from the menu that appears.
Step 2: Search for and Stream a Video
Use the Search bar at the top of the interface to search for and tap the video you want to stream.
Step 3: Play YouTube in Background
Once the video starts streaming, get back to the Home screen, pull down the Notification bar from the top (if the streaming stops), and press the Play button to play YouTube in background on your Android smartphone.
3 Best Apps to Play YouTube Videos in Background on Android
Instead of using the above workaround on Android, if you want something simpler and more straightforward, there are a few apps that can help you play YouTube videos in background. Some of the most used programs are listed below:
VLC for Android
Being one of the most versatile media playing software, VLC needs no introduction, and icing on the cake was added when the program was made available on Google Play Store. After you have installed VLC on your Android phone, you can launch the YouTube app, search for and tap the video you want to play in the background, tap the streaming video, tap the ‘More options’ icon from the top-right corner, and tap ‘Play in VLC’ from the available options.
Minimize play in background
This app does exactly what its name suggests. The program has a ‘Minimize player’ mode that allows you to stream YouTube videos in a small window that reduces its size and resides at the bottom of the screen, thus letting you use your Android phone for other important tasks simultaneously.
Background player for YouTube Vanced minimizer
Yet another app available on Google Play Store that lets you search for your favorite videos on YouTube, stream them, and then minimize the player to a floating window that goes down to the bottom of the screen. This lets you play YouTube in background in order to allow you to use your phone for other tasks.
Best Video Editing Software for YouTube
Conclusion
Watching YouTube videos has become a part of people’s day-to-day life now. While many of them use the platform to learn new skills through the tutorials that are available for free, others love the idea of having unlimited and unrestricted access to the gigantic database of music videos that they can dig in to find and play their favorite tracks. For the latter scenario, the processes explained above are likely to come in handy in order to play YouTube in background so the users can take full advantage of their iPhone or Android smartphone in case they only want to listen to the audio, and are not interested in watching the video while streaming.
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
When it comes to music, the majority of song lovers now prefer listening to it on their iPhone or Android phones, and most of them are still searching for a method to play YouTube in the background so they can enjoy their favorite tracks without much battery consumption.
Another reason why people may want to listen to YouTube in the background could be that they want to use their phone for other purposes such as for text messaging, Internet browsing, accessing Facebook, etc. on the device simultaneously.
With that said, here you will learn how to play YouTube in the background on iPhone or Android both with and without any specific app.
Best Paid Solution for Playing YouTube in Background: YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium, formerly YouTube Red, is a paid subscription with three types of plans namely ‘Individual’, ‘Family’, and ‘Student’ offered by the streaming giant for $11.99, $17.99, and $6.99 per month respectively. All the plans give you ad-free and uninterrupted streaming experience.
Note: The price of the plans may vary depending on the region of your residence and Google policies. Nevertheless, no annual subscription is available at the time of this writing, and the amount is deducted from your account on monthly basis.
While each plan has its own merits and demerits, the most used one is Individual that also gives free access to YouTube Music, an app that is available for Android and iOS devices, and is specifically dedicated to the music where you can watch and listen to your favorite tracks published on the platform.
What makes YouTube Music popular among the premium subscribers is its ability to play the music even when the app is not active and/or when the phone screen is turned off. Furthermore, you can even configure the app to play the audio without video, thus significantly reducing the battery consumption.
Note: Unlike the YouTube main app itself, YouTube Music is limited only to the music, and cannot play other videos.
Once you have subscribed for the YouTube Premium Individual plan, and downloaded and installed the YouTube Music app, you can follow the instructions given below to play YouTube in background Android or iPhone smartphone.
Step 1: Launch YouTube Music and Start Streaming
Launch YouTube Music, search for your favorite music using the Search icon at the top-right corner, tap the song in the suggestions list, and then tap the name of the track to start playing.
Step 2: Switch to Audio Only (Optional)
Tap anywhere on the video player window, and tap Audio from the top of the screen to switch to the audio only mode where the video of the song won’t be played.
Step 3: Play YouTube in Background
Use your phone-specific button or option to minimize YouTube Music. You can then either continue using your smartphone normally, or turn off the screen to play YouTube in background.
How to Play YouTube Videos in Background on iPhone
If you don’t want to pay for YouTube Premium, there are a few other workarounds that you can try to play YouTube in background on your iPhone. One of the easiest methods among them is explained below:
Step 1: Play YouTube Video on Browser
Launch Safari on your iPhone, and go to www.youtube.com (important). Make sure to type the URL in the address bar so the YouTube app doesn’t start, and you can access YouTube from within the browser window itself.
Use the regular method to search for the video you want to play in the background, and tap the Play button to start streaming.
Step 2: Open a New Tab
Tap the All Tabs icon from the bottom-right corner of the browser, and tap + from the bottom-center. Notice how the YouTube video continues to play even when you are on the new tab.
Step 3: Play YouTube in Background
Press the Home button or swipe up on iPhone X or above to get to the Home screen. You can notice how YouTube still continues to stream. From this point onward, you can either start using your iPhone normally, or turn off the screen and let your device play YouTube in background.
How to Play YouTube Videos in Background on Android
The process to play YouTube in background on an Android smartphone is slightly different than what it is on an iPhone if you don’t have a Premium subscription. To get this done on your Android, you must:
Step 1: Switch to Desktop Mode
Launch Google Chrome (default) on your Android phone, and go to www.youtube.com. Click the More options icon (with three vertically aligned dots) from the top-right corner of the browser, and check the Desktop site box from the menu that appears.
Step 2: Search for and Stream a Video
Use the Search bar at the top of the interface to search for and tap the video you want to stream.
Step 3: Play YouTube in Background
Once the video starts streaming, get back to the Home screen, pull down the Notification bar from the top (if the streaming stops), and press the Play button to play YouTube in background on your Android smartphone.
3 Best Apps to Play YouTube Videos in Background on Android
Instead of using the above workaround on Android, if you want something simpler and more straightforward, there are a few apps that can help you play YouTube videos in background. Some of the most used programs are listed below:
VLC for Android
Being one of the most versatile media playing software, VLC needs no introduction, and icing on the cake was added when the program was made available on Google Play Store. After you have installed VLC on your Android phone, you can launch the YouTube app, search for and tap the video you want to play in the background, tap the streaming video, tap the ‘More options’ icon from the top-right corner, and tap ‘Play in VLC’ from the available options.
Minimize play in background
This app does exactly what its name suggests. The program has a ‘Minimize player’ mode that allows you to stream YouTube videos in a small window that reduces its size and resides at the bottom of the screen, thus letting you use your Android phone for other important tasks simultaneously.
Background player for YouTube Vanced minimizer
Yet another app available on Google Play Store that lets you search for your favorite videos on YouTube, stream them, and then minimize the player to a floating window that goes down to the bottom of the screen. This lets you play YouTube in background in order to allow you to use your phone for other tasks.
Best Video Editing Software for YouTube
Conclusion
Watching YouTube videos has become a part of people’s day-to-day life now. While many of them use the platform to learn new skills through the tutorials that are available for free, others love the idea of having unlimited and unrestricted access to the gigantic database of music videos that they can dig in to find and play their favorite tracks. For the latter scenario, the processes explained above are likely to come in handy in order to play YouTube in background so the users can take full advantage of their iPhone or Android smartphone in case they only want to listen to the audio, and are not interested in watching the video while streaming.
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
When it comes to music, the majority of song lovers now prefer listening to it on their iPhone or Android phones, and most of them are still searching for a method to play YouTube in the background so they can enjoy their favorite tracks without much battery consumption.
Another reason why people may want to listen to YouTube in the background could be that they want to use their phone for other purposes such as for text messaging, Internet browsing, accessing Facebook, etc. on the device simultaneously.
With that said, here you will learn how to play YouTube in the background on iPhone or Android both with and without any specific app.
Best Paid Solution for Playing YouTube in Background: YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium, formerly YouTube Red, is a paid subscription with three types of plans namely ‘Individual’, ‘Family’, and ‘Student’ offered by the streaming giant for $11.99, $17.99, and $6.99 per month respectively. All the plans give you ad-free and uninterrupted streaming experience.
Note: The price of the plans may vary depending on the region of your residence and Google policies. Nevertheless, no annual subscription is available at the time of this writing, and the amount is deducted from your account on monthly basis.
While each plan has its own merits and demerits, the most used one is Individual that also gives free access to YouTube Music, an app that is available for Android and iOS devices, and is specifically dedicated to the music where you can watch and listen to your favorite tracks published on the platform.
What makes YouTube Music popular among the premium subscribers is its ability to play the music even when the app is not active and/or when the phone screen is turned off. Furthermore, you can even configure the app to play the audio without video, thus significantly reducing the battery consumption.
Note: Unlike the YouTube main app itself, YouTube Music is limited only to the music, and cannot play other videos.
Once you have subscribed for the YouTube Premium Individual plan, and downloaded and installed the YouTube Music app, you can follow the instructions given below to play YouTube in background Android or iPhone smartphone.
Step 1: Launch YouTube Music and Start Streaming
Launch YouTube Music, search for your favorite music using the Search icon at the top-right corner, tap the song in the suggestions list, and then tap the name of the track to start playing.
Step 2: Switch to Audio Only (Optional)
Tap anywhere on the video player window, and tap Audio from the top of the screen to switch to the audio only mode where the video of the song won’t be played.
Step 3: Play YouTube in Background
Use your phone-specific button or option to minimize YouTube Music. You can then either continue using your smartphone normally, or turn off the screen to play YouTube in background.
How to Play YouTube Videos in Background on iPhone
If you don’t want to pay for YouTube Premium, there are a few other workarounds that you can try to play YouTube in background on your iPhone. One of the easiest methods among them is explained below:
Step 1: Play YouTube Video on Browser
Launch Safari on your iPhone, and go to www.youtube.com (important). Make sure to type the URL in the address bar so the YouTube app doesn’t start, and you can access YouTube from within the browser window itself.
Use the regular method to search for the video you want to play in the background, and tap the Play button to start streaming.
Step 2: Open a New Tab
Tap the All Tabs icon from the bottom-right corner of the browser, and tap + from the bottom-center. Notice how the YouTube video continues to play even when you are on the new tab.
Step 3: Play YouTube in Background
Press the Home button or swipe up on iPhone X or above to get to the Home screen. You can notice how YouTube still continues to stream. From this point onward, you can either start using your iPhone normally, or turn off the screen and let your device play YouTube in background.
How to Play YouTube Videos in Background on Android
The process to play YouTube in background on an Android smartphone is slightly different than what it is on an iPhone if you don’t have a Premium subscription. To get this done on your Android, you must:
Step 1: Switch to Desktop Mode
Launch Google Chrome (default) on your Android phone, and go to www.youtube.com. Click the More options icon (with three vertically aligned dots) from the top-right corner of the browser, and check the Desktop site box from the menu that appears.
Step 2: Search for and Stream a Video
Use the Search bar at the top of the interface to search for and tap the video you want to stream.
Step 3: Play YouTube in Background
Once the video starts streaming, get back to the Home screen, pull down the Notification bar from the top (if the streaming stops), and press the Play button to play YouTube in background on your Android smartphone.
3 Best Apps to Play YouTube Videos in Background on Android
Instead of using the above workaround on Android, if you want something simpler and more straightforward, there are a few apps that can help you play YouTube videos in background. Some of the most used programs are listed below:
VLC for Android
Being one of the most versatile media playing software, VLC needs no introduction, and icing on the cake was added when the program was made available on Google Play Store. After you have installed VLC on your Android phone, you can launch the YouTube app, search for and tap the video you want to play in the background, tap the streaming video, tap the ‘More options’ icon from the top-right corner, and tap ‘Play in VLC’ from the available options.
Minimize play in background
This app does exactly what its name suggests. The program has a ‘Minimize player’ mode that allows you to stream YouTube videos in a small window that reduces its size and resides at the bottom of the screen, thus letting you use your Android phone for other important tasks simultaneously.
Background player for YouTube Vanced minimizer
Yet another app available on Google Play Store that lets you search for your favorite videos on YouTube, stream them, and then minimize the player to a floating window that goes down to the bottom of the screen. This lets you play YouTube in background in order to allow you to use your phone for other tasks.
Best Video Editing Software for YouTube
Conclusion
Watching YouTube videos has become a part of people’s day-to-day life now. While many of them use the platform to learn new skills through the tutorials that are available for free, others love the idea of having unlimited and unrestricted access to the gigantic database of music videos that they can dig in to find and play their favorite tracks. For the latter scenario, the processes explained above are likely to come in handy in order to play YouTube in background so the users can take full advantage of their iPhone or Android smartphone in case they only want to listen to the audio, and are not interested in watching the video while streaming.
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
Expert-Endorsed GPUs for Top Quality Online Video Playback
The Top 10 Capture Cards for YouTube
Richard Bennett
Nov 04, 2022• Proven solutions
If you are like to share gameplay videos, it’s very important that you have a high-quality capture card. With the help of a capture card, you can easily get all of the in-game footage that you need to make amazing videos and grow a healthy YouTube channel . In this article we will break down the top 10 capture cards for gaming YouTubers in 2018:
- Elgato Game Capture HD 60 Pro
- Elgato Game Capture HD 60 S
- Star Tech 4 Port PCI Firewire Adaptor Card with Digital Video Editing
- Hauppage Colossus 2 PCI Express Internal 1080P HD-PVR
- Elgato Game Capture HD
- Imillet HDMI Video Capture with USB 3.0/2.0 Dongle
- HDML Cloner Box Pro
- Pyle PVRC43 Standalone Digital Video Recorder
- HDML Cloner Box Evolve
- AVerMedia AVerCapture HD
Click here for more tips on being a YouTube gamer .
1. Elgato Game Capture HD 60 Pro
Price: $204
Compatibility: Windows, Switch, 360, Xbox One, PS4
Specs: Internal PCI 4k 30fps
Highlights: Made for streaming. Improved benchmark speeds.
This capture card works with an HDMI interface as well as the ability to be plugged into any type of PC game device. The process for setting it up and recording is extremely simple and the casing has been designed for improving the performance of the system and making it easier to integrate with many different devices. With an up to 16 MB per second capture bitrate, this is a pro tool.
2. Elgato Game Capture HD 60 S
Price: $160
Compatibility: Xbox one, switch, ps4
Specs: This device does 1080p at 60 fps
Highlights: This is one of very few game capture devices that come with USB 3.0 compatibility for easy access to almost any type of gaming device.
The card itself is mind-blowingly easy to set up with its external USB. It’s made for live streaming to YouTube, Twitch, and other platforms. There’s very low latency available on this card and it is one of the highest quality tools for console players.
3. Star Tech 4 Port PCI Firewire Adaptor Card with Digital Video Editing
Price: $80
Compatibility: PC, Xbox, PS4
Specs: 1080p, 60 fps
Highlights: This USB 3.0 capture card can be quite easily installed almost anywhere and captures up to 60 frames per second for live streams.
This card comes with a wide range of ports including DVI, Component, HDMI, VGA, and USB. It’s tough to find a capture card that has so many different ports available and this can ensure that it’s possible to capture on almost any type of gaming system or device. A helpful tutorial is also included with this capture card to ensure that you can get the best video format from every console.
4. Hauppauge Colossus 2 PCI Express Internal Card
Price: $135
Compatibility: TV, DVR, Satellite, Xbox, PC, PlayStation
Specs: 1080p, 60 fps
Highlights: This card is an internal PCI card allowing it to remain as a consistent capture device inside a PC.
This card is perfect for recording live programs from a TV to your computer, offloading programs off of your DVR, as well as recording live game footage from PlayStation, Xbox, or your PC. Included alongside this card is the chance to use Stream EEZ for live streaming directly to platforms like Upstream, Twitch, and YouTube.
5. Elgato Game Capture HD
Price: $159
Compatibility: Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, PC, Mac
Specs: 1080p at 60fps
Highlights: The game capture HD offers a one-click sharing system to YouTube as well as flashback recording where you can turn back 10 or 15 minutes to record content that just happened.
Overall this is one of the easiest capture cards to set up because it comes with USB 3.0 and HDMI connections. For most modern gaming consoles, it offers the same type of features including the flashback recording solution to record retroactively. The device includes unlimited game capture at a fairly reasonable price and a creation suite so that you can do multitrack recording from your webcam. Editing footage from the card makes it very easy to quickly export clips for all of your content and publish them on social media. This game capture device is also known for its extremely compact design. It is only around the size of a mobile phone, meaning it can be quite easily carried in your pocket.
6. Imillet HDMI Capture Card with USB 3.0 Dongle
Price: $148
Compatibility: Plug and play with no drivers needed. PC, Mac, Linux, any iOS
Specs: 1080p 60 fps
Highlights: Doesn’t require any type of driver installation. This will work on any operating system or computer for quick recording.
The card itself is known for its USB 3.0 support as well as USB 2.0, and for not needing drivers. There is no more compatible card on the market right now. If you have had issues with other cards in the past or you regularly run Linux, you should consider this device to be prepared for all your recording needs. The device will detect the input and adjust output automatically to ensure a crystal-clear picture based on the type of device that you’re recording from. Imillet also offers a great warranty of six months free replacement as well as 12 months free repair on the card for anyone that is ordering it. The software that comes with the card is extremely simple but it does the job quite effectively, allowing for quick recording from multiple devices and simple detection for a video signal and output. Input formats can range from 480p to 1080p and frame rates can go as high as 60 frames per second. The device has great stats for its live capture but many people have experienced problems when trying to record from DVR specifically.
7. HDML Cloner Box Pro
Price: $135
Compatibility: Compatible with game consoles, windows, mac.
Specs: 1080p video at 60fps max
Highlights: The HDML Cloner Box comes with its own remote and the option to record using VGA, AV, YPbPr, and HDMI.
With so many different inputs available on this card it’s possible to record from almost any type of gaming device. With the hardware encoder which is on board, you can save videos as MP4 files and then instantly transfer them over to a flash drive on the device. You can get all of your saved files available without even having access to a PC. The box works as a standalone and it doesn’t have to be plugged into a computer to work. Free editing and converter software are included but with a storage memory card placed in the device and you can record a huge amount of footage and then edit it on your PC later on. With the quick connect feature, it is easy to set up recording and then perform all the functions you need for recording, stopping, and pausing on the remote as you use it. This remains one of the only cards available where it works as a standalone and allows for the chance to save videos to a flash drive or storage device without having to have a computer plugged in. The free converter software and video editing that comes with this device add extra value as well. An optional two-year warranty can make sure that you are ready for anything concerning this card.
8. Pyle PVRC43 Standalone Digital Video Recorder
Price: $80
Compatibility: TV, VCR, DVD, Digital camcorder, Laptop, PC, Mac, Game console
Specs: 480p
Highlights: This works as a standalone recorder with up to 32 GB of onboard memory. There’s no need to plug it into a computer for it to work and with the help of the memory card, you can record a wide range of output videos in AVI.
This card is designed as a standalone option and it’s extremely small with a USB 2.0 interface. Overall the quality of this card is not quite as technically advanced as some of the others on our list but it can record a video that is perfectly appropriate for the web or sharing over platforms like YouTube. The device can be set up quite easily with the help of an RCA connection cable, USB power cable, or other options. Generally, you may need access to an RCA to HDMI adapter if you want to record video off of a more modern laptop or camera. Where this device takes over on its competitors is the idea of just how simple it is to use. It weighs less than a pound and has a ‘one-button operation’ to start and pause recording. As of the completely standalone option, it doesn’t require any type of connection to a computer to record video. If you are looking for one of the simplest capture cards on the market that outputs to AVI in web quality, this is it.
9. HDML Cloner Box Evolve
Price: $121
Compatibility: HDMI input standalone mass compatibility
Specs: 4k video input, 1080p 60fps output
Highlights: This is a standalone USB capture device that comes with its remote. It also features dual HDMI slots allowing for up to two sources of video during recording (so you can also record from a facecam).
The card itself features a stream and capture function so that you can stream gameplay to any type of USB storage device. By plugging in a hard drive you can just press one button to record gaming videos and then handle the process of live streaming, editing, and more. Through two HDMI inputs supported and a very powerful remote control, you record on any device with fantastic image quality and without even having to plug it into any type of computer. While many of these standalone style capture boxes only support the use of minimal storage, this is a device that is capable of getting hooked up to any type of USB external hard drive for a chance to capture nearly unlimited video on your Cloner Box. As a bonus, the MP4 video editing software that is included will make the process of trimming, copying, and converting easier than ever. This has incredible value to the overall product. As an additional bonus, this Cloner Box also features a quick heat dissipation capability which can help to prevent lagging and other common problems that occur with many types of capture boxes when they overheat. A free microphone slot in addition to the HDMI slots makes recording professional voiceovers for any gameplay videos as easy as possible!
10. Avermedia Avercapture HD
Price: $99
Compatibility: Any console, PC, Mac
Specs: This device is capable of capture in full 1080p/60fps as well as the style encoding for quick streaming and easy video capture.
Highlights: The timeshift feature available on this device makes it simple to record retroactively as well as offer ultralow streaming and recording over time. The device makes it easy to capture and stream and it comes with a competitive two-year warranty.
This card works as a USB capture card from most any type of device, it captures through a component input or HDMI input and it has some of the lowest latency for any type of team capture. With one slot for video input as well as an audio input slot, it’s possible to record quick gameplay and voiceovers at any time with very minimal setup. Streaming and recording in full 1080p are done quite easily on this device and it’s designed to use less processing power than some of the competitors to ensure minimal game lag. RECental is included as part of this device so that you can set up live streaming to many of the top platforms available online. The timeshift function comes with a one-hour buffer ensuring if a great gameplay moment happens, you can shift back and begin recording from that time. Commentary and sharing are made easy with the software that’s included with this device. It makes sharing and recording an easy process for any avid video recorder.
Let us know what capture card you use and if you’re happy with it!
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett
Nov 04, 2022• Proven solutions
If you are like to share gameplay videos, it’s very important that you have a high-quality capture card. With the help of a capture card, you can easily get all of the in-game footage that you need to make amazing videos and grow a healthy YouTube channel . In this article we will break down the top 10 capture cards for gaming YouTubers in 2018:
- Elgato Game Capture HD 60 Pro
- Elgato Game Capture HD 60 S
- Star Tech 4 Port PCI Firewire Adaptor Card with Digital Video Editing
- Hauppage Colossus 2 PCI Express Internal 1080P HD-PVR
- Elgato Game Capture HD
- Imillet HDMI Video Capture with USB 3.0/2.0 Dongle
- HDML Cloner Box Pro
- Pyle PVRC43 Standalone Digital Video Recorder
- HDML Cloner Box Evolve
- AVerMedia AVerCapture HD
Click here for more tips on being a YouTube gamer .
1. Elgato Game Capture HD 60 Pro
Price: $204
Compatibility: Windows, Switch, 360, Xbox One, PS4
Specs: Internal PCI 4k 30fps
Highlights: Made for streaming. Improved benchmark speeds.
This capture card works with an HDMI interface as well as the ability to be plugged into any type of PC game device. The process for setting it up and recording is extremely simple and the casing has been designed for improving the performance of the system and making it easier to integrate with many different devices. With an up to 16 MB per second capture bitrate, this is a pro tool.
2. Elgato Game Capture HD 60 S
Price: $160
Compatibility: Xbox one, switch, ps4
Specs: This device does 1080p at 60 fps
Highlights: This is one of very few game capture devices that come with USB 3.0 compatibility for easy access to almost any type of gaming device.
The card itself is mind-blowingly easy to set up with its external USB. It’s made for live streaming to YouTube, Twitch, and other platforms. There’s very low latency available on this card and it is one of the highest quality tools for console players.
3. Star Tech 4 Port PCI Firewire Adaptor Card with Digital Video Editing
Price: $80
Compatibility: PC, Xbox, PS4
Specs: 1080p, 60 fps
Highlights: This USB 3.0 capture card can be quite easily installed almost anywhere and captures up to 60 frames per second for live streams.
This card comes with a wide range of ports including DVI, Component, HDMI, VGA, and USB. It’s tough to find a capture card that has so many different ports available and this can ensure that it’s possible to capture on almost any type of gaming system or device. A helpful tutorial is also included with this capture card to ensure that you can get the best video format from every console.
4. Hauppauge Colossus 2 PCI Express Internal Card
Price: $135
Compatibility: TV, DVR, Satellite, Xbox, PC, PlayStation
Specs: 1080p, 60 fps
Highlights: This card is an internal PCI card allowing it to remain as a consistent capture device inside a PC.
This card is perfect for recording live programs from a TV to your computer, offloading programs off of your DVR, as well as recording live game footage from PlayStation, Xbox, or your PC. Included alongside this card is the chance to use Stream EEZ for live streaming directly to platforms like Upstream, Twitch, and YouTube.
5. Elgato Game Capture HD
Price: $159
Compatibility: Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, PC, Mac
Specs: 1080p at 60fps
Highlights: The game capture HD offers a one-click sharing system to YouTube as well as flashback recording where you can turn back 10 or 15 minutes to record content that just happened.
Overall this is one of the easiest capture cards to set up because it comes with USB 3.0 and HDMI connections. For most modern gaming consoles, it offers the same type of features including the flashback recording solution to record retroactively. The device includes unlimited game capture at a fairly reasonable price and a creation suite so that you can do multitrack recording from your webcam. Editing footage from the card makes it very easy to quickly export clips for all of your content and publish them on social media. This game capture device is also known for its extremely compact design. It is only around the size of a mobile phone, meaning it can be quite easily carried in your pocket.
6. Imillet HDMI Capture Card with USB 3.0 Dongle
Price: $148
Compatibility: Plug and play with no drivers needed. PC, Mac, Linux, any iOS
Specs: 1080p 60 fps
Highlights: Doesn’t require any type of driver installation. This will work on any operating system or computer for quick recording.
The card itself is known for its USB 3.0 support as well as USB 2.0, and for not needing drivers. There is no more compatible card on the market right now. If you have had issues with other cards in the past or you regularly run Linux, you should consider this device to be prepared for all your recording needs. The device will detect the input and adjust output automatically to ensure a crystal-clear picture based on the type of device that you’re recording from. Imillet also offers a great warranty of six months free replacement as well as 12 months free repair on the card for anyone that is ordering it. The software that comes with the card is extremely simple but it does the job quite effectively, allowing for quick recording from multiple devices and simple detection for a video signal and output. Input formats can range from 480p to 1080p and frame rates can go as high as 60 frames per second. The device has great stats for its live capture but many people have experienced problems when trying to record from DVR specifically.
7. HDML Cloner Box Pro
Price: $135
Compatibility: Compatible with game consoles, windows, mac.
Specs: 1080p video at 60fps max
Highlights: The HDML Cloner Box comes with its own remote and the option to record using VGA, AV, YPbPr, and HDMI.
With so many different inputs available on this card it’s possible to record from almost any type of gaming device. With the hardware encoder which is on board, you can save videos as MP4 files and then instantly transfer them over to a flash drive on the device. You can get all of your saved files available without even having access to a PC. The box works as a standalone and it doesn’t have to be plugged into a computer to work. Free editing and converter software are included but with a storage memory card placed in the device and you can record a huge amount of footage and then edit it on your PC later on. With the quick connect feature, it is easy to set up recording and then perform all the functions you need for recording, stopping, and pausing on the remote as you use it. This remains one of the only cards available where it works as a standalone and allows for the chance to save videos to a flash drive or storage device without having to have a computer plugged in. The free converter software and video editing that comes with this device add extra value as well. An optional two-year warranty can make sure that you are ready for anything concerning this card.
8. Pyle PVRC43 Standalone Digital Video Recorder
Price: $80
Compatibility: TV, VCR, DVD, Digital camcorder, Laptop, PC, Mac, Game console
Specs: 480p
Highlights: This works as a standalone recorder with up to 32 GB of onboard memory. There’s no need to plug it into a computer for it to work and with the help of the memory card, you can record a wide range of output videos in AVI.
This card is designed as a standalone option and it’s extremely small with a USB 2.0 interface. Overall the quality of this card is not quite as technically advanced as some of the others on our list but it can record a video that is perfectly appropriate for the web or sharing over platforms like YouTube. The device can be set up quite easily with the help of an RCA connection cable, USB power cable, or other options. Generally, you may need access to an RCA to HDMI adapter if you want to record video off of a more modern laptop or camera. Where this device takes over on its competitors is the idea of just how simple it is to use. It weighs less than a pound and has a ‘one-button operation’ to start and pause recording. As of the completely standalone option, it doesn’t require any type of connection to a computer to record video. If you are looking for one of the simplest capture cards on the market that outputs to AVI in web quality, this is it.
9. HDML Cloner Box Evolve
Price: $121
Compatibility: HDMI input standalone mass compatibility
Specs: 4k video input, 1080p 60fps output
Highlights: This is a standalone USB capture device that comes with its remote. It also features dual HDMI slots allowing for up to two sources of video during recording (so you can also record from a facecam).
The card itself features a stream and capture function so that you can stream gameplay to any type of USB storage device. By plugging in a hard drive you can just press one button to record gaming videos and then handle the process of live streaming, editing, and more. Through two HDMI inputs supported and a very powerful remote control, you record on any device with fantastic image quality and without even having to plug it into any type of computer. While many of these standalone style capture boxes only support the use of minimal storage, this is a device that is capable of getting hooked up to any type of USB external hard drive for a chance to capture nearly unlimited video on your Cloner Box. As a bonus, the MP4 video editing software that is included will make the process of trimming, copying, and converting easier than ever. This has incredible value to the overall product. As an additional bonus, this Cloner Box also features a quick heat dissipation capability which can help to prevent lagging and other common problems that occur with many types of capture boxes when they overheat. A free microphone slot in addition to the HDMI slots makes recording professional voiceovers for any gameplay videos as easy as possible!
10. Avermedia Avercapture HD
Price: $99
Compatibility: Any console, PC, Mac
Specs: This device is capable of capture in full 1080p/60fps as well as the style encoding for quick streaming and easy video capture.
Highlights: The timeshift feature available on this device makes it simple to record retroactively as well as offer ultralow streaming and recording over time. The device makes it easy to capture and stream and it comes with a competitive two-year warranty.
This card works as a USB capture card from most any type of device, it captures through a component input or HDMI input and it has some of the lowest latency for any type of team capture. With one slot for video input as well as an audio input slot, it’s possible to record quick gameplay and voiceovers at any time with very minimal setup. Streaming and recording in full 1080p are done quite easily on this device and it’s designed to use less processing power than some of the competitors to ensure minimal game lag. RECental is included as part of this device so that you can set up live streaming to many of the top platforms available online. The timeshift function comes with a one-hour buffer ensuring if a great gameplay moment happens, you can shift back and begin recording from that time. Commentary and sharing are made easy with the software that’s included with this device. It makes sharing and recording an easy process for any avid video recorder.
Let us know what capture card you use and if you’re happy with it!
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett
Nov 04, 2022• Proven solutions
If you are like to share gameplay videos, it’s very important that you have a high-quality capture card. With the help of a capture card, you can easily get all of the in-game footage that you need to make amazing videos and grow a healthy YouTube channel . In this article we will break down the top 10 capture cards for gaming YouTubers in 2018:
- Elgato Game Capture HD 60 Pro
- Elgato Game Capture HD 60 S
- Star Tech 4 Port PCI Firewire Adaptor Card with Digital Video Editing
- Hauppage Colossus 2 PCI Express Internal 1080P HD-PVR
- Elgato Game Capture HD
- Imillet HDMI Video Capture with USB 3.0/2.0 Dongle
- HDML Cloner Box Pro
- Pyle PVRC43 Standalone Digital Video Recorder
- HDML Cloner Box Evolve
- AVerMedia AVerCapture HD
Click here for more tips on being a YouTube gamer .
1. Elgato Game Capture HD 60 Pro
Price: $204
Compatibility: Windows, Switch, 360, Xbox One, PS4
Specs: Internal PCI 4k 30fps
Highlights: Made for streaming. Improved benchmark speeds.
This capture card works with an HDMI interface as well as the ability to be plugged into any type of PC game device. The process for setting it up and recording is extremely simple and the casing has been designed for improving the performance of the system and making it easier to integrate with many different devices. With an up to 16 MB per second capture bitrate, this is a pro tool.
2. Elgato Game Capture HD 60 S
Price: $160
Compatibility: Xbox one, switch, ps4
Specs: This device does 1080p at 60 fps
Highlights: This is one of very few game capture devices that come with USB 3.0 compatibility for easy access to almost any type of gaming device.
The card itself is mind-blowingly easy to set up with its external USB. It’s made for live streaming to YouTube, Twitch, and other platforms. There’s very low latency available on this card and it is one of the highest quality tools for console players.
3. Star Tech 4 Port PCI Firewire Adaptor Card with Digital Video Editing
Price: $80
Compatibility: PC, Xbox, PS4
Specs: 1080p, 60 fps
Highlights: This USB 3.0 capture card can be quite easily installed almost anywhere and captures up to 60 frames per second for live streams.
This card comes with a wide range of ports including DVI, Component, HDMI, VGA, and USB. It’s tough to find a capture card that has so many different ports available and this can ensure that it’s possible to capture on almost any type of gaming system or device. A helpful tutorial is also included with this capture card to ensure that you can get the best video format from every console.
4. Hauppauge Colossus 2 PCI Express Internal Card
Price: $135
Compatibility: TV, DVR, Satellite, Xbox, PC, PlayStation
Specs: 1080p, 60 fps
Highlights: This card is an internal PCI card allowing it to remain as a consistent capture device inside a PC.
This card is perfect for recording live programs from a TV to your computer, offloading programs off of your DVR, as well as recording live game footage from PlayStation, Xbox, or your PC. Included alongside this card is the chance to use Stream EEZ for live streaming directly to platforms like Upstream, Twitch, and YouTube.
5. Elgato Game Capture HD
Price: $159
Compatibility: Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, PC, Mac
Specs: 1080p at 60fps
Highlights: The game capture HD offers a one-click sharing system to YouTube as well as flashback recording where you can turn back 10 or 15 minutes to record content that just happened.
Overall this is one of the easiest capture cards to set up because it comes with USB 3.0 and HDMI connections. For most modern gaming consoles, it offers the same type of features including the flashback recording solution to record retroactively. The device includes unlimited game capture at a fairly reasonable price and a creation suite so that you can do multitrack recording from your webcam. Editing footage from the card makes it very easy to quickly export clips for all of your content and publish them on social media. This game capture device is also known for its extremely compact design. It is only around the size of a mobile phone, meaning it can be quite easily carried in your pocket.
6. Imillet HDMI Capture Card with USB 3.0 Dongle
Price: $148
Compatibility: Plug and play with no drivers needed. PC, Mac, Linux, any iOS
Specs: 1080p 60 fps
Highlights: Doesn’t require any type of driver installation. This will work on any operating system or computer for quick recording.
The card itself is known for its USB 3.0 support as well as USB 2.0, and for not needing drivers. There is no more compatible card on the market right now. If you have had issues with other cards in the past or you regularly run Linux, you should consider this device to be prepared for all your recording needs. The device will detect the input and adjust output automatically to ensure a crystal-clear picture based on the type of device that you’re recording from. Imillet also offers a great warranty of six months free replacement as well as 12 months free repair on the card for anyone that is ordering it. The software that comes with the card is extremely simple but it does the job quite effectively, allowing for quick recording from multiple devices and simple detection for a video signal and output. Input formats can range from 480p to 1080p and frame rates can go as high as 60 frames per second. The device has great stats for its live capture but many people have experienced problems when trying to record from DVR specifically.
7. HDML Cloner Box Pro
Price: $135
Compatibility: Compatible with game consoles, windows, mac.
Specs: 1080p video at 60fps max
Highlights: The HDML Cloner Box comes with its own remote and the option to record using VGA, AV, YPbPr, and HDMI.
With so many different inputs available on this card it’s possible to record from almost any type of gaming device. With the hardware encoder which is on board, you can save videos as MP4 files and then instantly transfer them over to a flash drive on the device. You can get all of your saved files available without even having access to a PC. The box works as a standalone and it doesn’t have to be plugged into a computer to work. Free editing and converter software are included but with a storage memory card placed in the device and you can record a huge amount of footage and then edit it on your PC later on. With the quick connect feature, it is easy to set up recording and then perform all the functions you need for recording, stopping, and pausing on the remote as you use it. This remains one of the only cards available where it works as a standalone and allows for the chance to save videos to a flash drive or storage device without having to have a computer plugged in. The free converter software and video editing that comes with this device add extra value as well. An optional two-year warranty can make sure that you are ready for anything concerning this card.
8. Pyle PVRC43 Standalone Digital Video Recorder
Price: $80
Compatibility: TV, VCR, DVD, Digital camcorder, Laptop, PC, Mac, Game console
Specs: 480p
Highlights: This works as a standalone recorder with up to 32 GB of onboard memory. There’s no need to plug it into a computer for it to work and with the help of the memory card, you can record a wide range of output videos in AVI.
This card is designed as a standalone option and it’s extremely small with a USB 2.0 interface. Overall the quality of this card is not quite as technically advanced as some of the others on our list but it can record a video that is perfectly appropriate for the web or sharing over platforms like YouTube. The device can be set up quite easily with the help of an RCA connection cable, USB power cable, or other options. Generally, you may need access to an RCA to HDMI adapter if you want to record video off of a more modern laptop or camera. Where this device takes over on its competitors is the idea of just how simple it is to use. It weighs less than a pound and has a ‘one-button operation’ to start and pause recording. As of the completely standalone option, it doesn’t require any type of connection to a computer to record video. If you are looking for one of the simplest capture cards on the market that outputs to AVI in web quality, this is it.
9. HDML Cloner Box Evolve
Price: $121
Compatibility: HDMI input standalone mass compatibility
Specs: 4k video input, 1080p 60fps output
Highlights: This is a standalone USB capture device that comes with its remote. It also features dual HDMI slots allowing for up to two sources of video during recording (so you can also record from a facecam).
The card itself features a stream and capture function so that you can stream gameplay to any type of USB storage device. By plugging in a hard drive you can just press one button to record gaming videos and then handle the process of live streaming, editing, and more. Through two HDMI inputs supported and a very powerful remote control, you record on any device with fantastic image quality and without even having to plug it into any type of computer. While many of these standalone style capture boxes only support the use of minimal storage, this is a device that is capable of getting hooked up to any type of USB external hard drive for a chance to capture nearly unlimited video on your Cloner Box. As a bonus, the MP4 video editing software that is included will make the process of trimming, copying, and converting easier than ever. This has incredible value to the overall product. As an additional bonus, this Cloner Box also features a quick heat dissipation capability which can help to prevent lagging and other common problems that occur with many types of capture boxes when they overheat. A free microphone slot in addition to the HDMI slots makes recording professional voiceovers for any gameplay videos as easy as possible!
10. Avermedia Avercapture HD
Price: $99
Compatibility: Any console, PC, Mac
Specs: This device is capable of capture in full 1080p/60fps as well as the style encoding for quick streaming and easy video capture.
Highlights: The timeshift feature available on this device makes it simple to record retroactively as well as offer ultralow streaming and recording over time. The device makes it easy to capture and stream and it comes with a competitive two-year warranty.
This card works as a USB capture card from most any type of device, it captures through a component input or HDMI input and it has some of the lowest latency for any type of team capture. With one slot for video input as well as an audio input slot, it’s possible to record quick gameplay and voiceovers at any time with very minimal setup. Streaming and recording in full 1080p are done quite easily on this device and it’s designed to use less processing power than some of the competitors to ensure minimal game lag. RECental is included as part of this device so that you can set up live streaming to many of the top platforms available online. The timeshift function comes with a one-hour buffer ensuring if a great gameplay moment happens, you can shift back and begin recording from that time. Commentary and sharing are made easy with the software that’s included with this device. It makes sharing and recording an easy process for any avid video recorder.
Let us know what capture card you use and if you’re happy with it!
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett
Nov 04, 2022• Proven solutions
If you are like to share gameplay videos, it’s very important that you have a high-quality capture card. With the help of a capture card, you can easily get all of the in-game footage that you need to make amazing videos and grow a healthy YouTube channel . In this article we will break down the top 10 capture cards for gaming YouTubers in 2018:
- Elgato Game Capture HD 60 Pro
- Elgato Game Capture HD 60 S
- Star Tech 4 Port PCI Firewire Adaptor Card with Digital Video Editing
- Hauppage Colossus 2 PCI Express Internal 1080P HD-PVR
- Elgato Game Capture HD
- Imillet HDMI Video Capture with USB 3.0/2.0 Dongle
- HDML Cloner Box Pro
- Pyle PVRC43 Standalone Digital Video Recorder
- HDML Cloner Box Evolve
- AVerMedia AVerCapture HD
Click here for more tips on being a YouTube gamer .
1. Elgato Game Capture HD 60 Pro
Price: $204
Compatibility: Windows, Switch, 360, Xbox One, PS4
Specs: Internal PCI 4k 30fps
Highlights: Made for streaming. Improved benchmark speeds.
This capture card works with an HDMI interface as well as the ability to be plugged into any type of PC game device. The process for setting it up and recording is extremely simple and the casing has been designed for improving the performance of the system and making it easier to integrate with many different devices. With an up to 16 MB per second capture bitrate, this is a pro tool.
2. Elgato Game Capture HD 60 S
Price: $160
Compatibility: Xbox one, switch, ps4
Specs: This device does 1080p at 60 fps
Highlights: This is one of very few game capture devices that come with USB 3.0 compatibility for easy access to almost any type of gaming device.
The card itself is mind-blowingly easy to set up with its external USB. It’s made for live streaming to YouTube, Twitch, and other platforms. There’s very low latency available on this card and it is one of the highest quality tools for console players.
3. Star Tech 4 Port PCI Firewire Adaptor Card with Digital Video Editing
Price: $80
Compatibility: PC, Xbox, PS4
Specs: 1080p, 60 fps
Highlights: This USB 3.0 capture card can be quite easily installed almost anywhere and captures up to 60 frames per second for live streams.
This card comes with a wide range of ports including DVI, Component, HDMI, VGA, and USB. It’s tough to find a capture card that has so many different ports available and this can ensure that it’s possible to capture on almost any type of gaming system or device. A helpful tutorial is also included with this capture card to ensure that you can get the best video format from every console.
4. Hauppauge Colossus 2 PCI Express Internal Card
Price: $135
Compatibility: TV, DVR, Satellite, Xbox, PC, PlayStation
Specs: 1080p, 60 fps
Highlights: This card is an internal PCI card allowing it to remain as a consistent capture device inside a PC.
This card is perfect for recording live programs from a TV to your computer, offloading programs off of your DVR, as well as recording live game footage from PlayStation, Xbox, or your PC. Included alongside this card is the chance to use Stream EEZ for live streaming directly to platforms like Upstream, Twitch, and YouTube.
5. Elgato Game Capture HD
Price: $159
Compatibility: Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, PC, Mac
Specs: 1080p at 60fps
Highlights: The game capture HD offers a one-click sharing system to YouTube as well as flashback recording where you can turn back 10 or 15 minutes to record content that just happened.
Overall this is one of the easiest capture cards to set up because it comes with USB 3.0 and HDMI connections. For most modern gaming consoles, it offers the same type of features including the flashback recording solution to record retroactively. The device includes unlimited game capture at a fairly reasonable price and a creation suite so that you can do multitrack recording from your webcam. Editing footage from the card makes it very easy to quickly export clips for all of your content and publish them on social media. This game capture device is also known for its extremely compact design. It is only around the size of a mobile phone, meaning it can be quite easily carried in your pocket.
6. Imillet HDMI Capture Card with USB 3.0 Dongle
Price: $148
Compatibility: Plug and play with no drivers needed. PC, Mac, Linux, any iOS
Specs: 1080p 60 fps
Highlights: Doesn’t require any type of driver installation. This will work on any operating system or computer for quick recording.
The card itself is known for its USB 3.0 support as well as USB 2.0, and for not needing drivers. There is no more compatible card on the market right now. If you have had issues with other cards in the past or you regularly run Linux, you should consider this device to be prepared for all your recording needs. The device will detect the input and adjust output automatically to ensure a crystal-clear picture based on the type of device that you’re recording from. Imillet also offers a great warranty of six months free replacement as well as 12 months free repair on the card for anyone that is ordering it. The software that comes with the card is extremely simple but it does the job quite effectively, allowing for quick recording from multiple devices and simple detection for a video signal and output. Input formats can range from 480p to 1080p and frame rates can go as high as 60 frames per second. The device has great stats for its live capture but many people have experienced problems when trying to record from DVR specifically.
7. HDML Cloner Box Pro
Price: $135
Compatibility: Compatible with game consoles, windows, mac.
Specs: 1080p video at 60fps max
Highlights: The HDML Cloner Box comes with its own remote and the option to record using VGA, AV, YPbPr, and HDMI.
With so many different inputs available on this card it’s possible to record from almost any type of gaming device. With the hardware encoder which is on board, you can save videos as MP4 files and then instantly transfer them over to a flash drive on the device. You can get all of your saved files available without even having access to a PC. The box works as a standalone and it doesn’t have to be plugged into a computer to work. Free editing and converter software are included but with a storage memory card placed in the device and you can record a huge amount of footage and then edit it on your PC later on. With the quick connect feature, it is easy to set up recording and then perform all the functions you need for recording, stopping, and pausing on the remote as you use it. This remains one of the only cards available where it works as a standalone and allows for the chance to save videos to a flash drive or storage device without having to have a computer plugged in. The free converter software and video editing that comes with this device add extra value as well. An optional two-year warranty can make sure that you are ready for anything concerning this card.
8. Pyle PVRC43 Standalone Digital Video Recorder
Price: $80
Compatibility: TV, VCR, DVD, Digital camcorder, Laptop, PC, Mac, Game console
Specs: 480p
Highlights: This works as a standalone recorder with up to 32 GB of onboard memory. There’s no need to plug it into a computer for it to work and with the help of the memory card, you can record a wide range of output videos in AVI.
This card is designed as a standalone option and it’s extremely small with a USB 2.0 interface. Overall the quality of this card is not quite as technically advanced as some of the others on our list but it can record a video that is perfectly appropriate for the web or sharing over platforms like YouTube. The device can be set up quite easily with the help of an RCA connection cable, USB power cable, or other options. Generally, you may need access to an RCA to HDMI adapter if you want to record video off of a more modern laptop or camera. Where this device takes over on its competitors is the idea of just how simple it is to use. It weighs less than a pound and has a ‘one-button operation’ to start and pause recording. As of the completely standalone option, it doesn’t require any type of connection to a computer to record video. If you are looking for one of the simplest capture cards on the market that outputs to AVI in web quality, this is it.
9. HDML Cloner Box Evolve
Price: $121
Compatibility: HDMI input standalone mass compatibility
Specs: 4k video input, 1080p 60fps output
Highlights: This is a standalone USB capture device that comes with its remote. It also features dual HDMI slots allowing for up to two sources of video during recording (so you can also record from a facecam).
The card itself features a stream and capture function so that you can stream gameplay to any type of USB storage device. By plugging in a hard drive you can just press one button to record gaming videos and then handle the process of live streaming, editing, and more. Through two HDMI inputs supported and a very powerful remote control, you record on any device with fantastic image quality and without even having to plug it into any type of computer. While many of these standalone style capture boxes only support the use of minimal storage, this is a device that is capable of getting hooked up to any type of USB external hard drive for a chance to capture nearly unlimited video on your Cloner Box. As a bonus, the MP4 video editing software that is included will make the process of trimming, copying, and converting easier than ever. This has incredible value to the overall product. As an additional bonus, this Cloner Box also features a quick heat dissipation capability which can help to prevent lagging and other common problems that occur with many types of capture boxes when they overheat. A free microphone slot in addition to the HDMI slots makes recording professional voiceovers for any gameplay videos as easy as possible!
10. Avermedia Avercapture HD
Price: $99
Compatibility: Any console, PC, Mac
Specs: This device is capable of capture in full 1080p/60fps as well as the style encoding for quick streaming and easy video capture.
Highlights: The timeshift feature available on this device makes it simple to record retroactively as well as offer ultralow streaming and recording over time. The device makes it easy to capture and stream and it comes with a competitive two-year warranty.
This card works as a USB capture card from most any type of device, it captures through a component input or HDMI input and it has some of the lowest latency for any type of team capture. With one slot for video input as well as an audio input slot, it’s possible to record quick gameplay and voiceovers at any time with very minimal setup. Streaming and recording in full 1080p are done quite easily on this device and it’s designed to use less processing power than some of the competitors to ensure minimal game lag. RECental is included as part of this device so that you can set up live streaming to many of the top platforms available online. The timeshift function comes with a one-hour buffer ensuring if a great gameplay moment happens, you can shift back and begin recording from that time. Commentary and sharing are made easy with the software that’s included with this device. It makes sharing and recording an easy process for any avid video recorder.
Let us know what capture card you use and if you’re happy with it!
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
- Title: IOS+Android Guide to Invisible YouTube Viewing for 2024
- Author: Joseph
- Created at : 2024-05-31 13:49:08
- Updated at : 2024-06-01 13:49:08
- Link: https://youtube-stream.techidaily.com/iosplusandroid-guide-to-invisible-youtube-viewing-for-2024/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
