The 7 Best Capture Card Under $100 Reviews

A capture card is one of the many computer accessories that aid in computer operations. A capture card converts video signals into digital data format for a computer to understand. You have to connect the card to devices such as game consoles, DVD players and video recorders to your computer that displays video content on the screen. The best capture card under 100 works with all computer OS.

The main important thing about capture cards is that they help you to improve image qualities of old videos to more clear ones. If you have been wondering how you can increase your video image quality of your poorly recorded video, then you have a solution. Most video producers utilize capture cards to produce the best videos for their clients. That is why commercial video pictures are vivid.

Capture cards come in two different types depending on how they connect to the computer. We have a circuit board mounted that comes with the computer from the factory and those that require you to connect to your computer via the USB ports. For them to work well, connect your DVD or game console to the Card. The best capture card for PC has instantaneous display upon connection.

How do Capture Cards Work?

Upon connecting the capture card to your computer via either computer ports or using Thunderbolt 3 Dock you then connect your output device, which might be a DVD player or game console normally placed on a computer gaming table desk via HDMA, RCA or USB cable. A Thunderbolt 3 Dock is an appliance that enables you to connect everything to your computer at once. It has different types of ports.

For computers with a circuit board mounted capture card, you just connect your output device and you are ready to go. Modern Capture cards accept connection from TV decoders and displays on the monitor. During the process of capture card adaptation of the input content, a series of activities happen within the computer.

The computer turns the data into digital formats with clear attributes. Digital inputs such as decoders have their contents processed faster than the analog sources such as recorders. Furthermore, digital sources have better images as compared to analog sources. However, some computers with high processor speeds will give you the desired results within a short time whether using analog or digital device.

Data converted into digital format cannot display at once since it is in large volumes. The computer releases contents in batches. Converted content first stays in the buffer zone and releases in batches to ensure that the computer does on crush due to overworking. A buffer zone is like a holding yard where contents stay awaiting display.

For smooth operations, computers utilize tools called drivers. Every computer has distinct drivers for each activity. There are drivers for games, webcams, and Microsoft office.

What are the seven Best Capture Cards under $100?

Having done a thorough research, I came up with numerous types of capture cards. They include the following.

1. MiraBox Capture Card

mirabox-capture-card
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The device has stronger Compatibility with all 1080P and 720P formats. The formats ensure super quality output that leaves you amazed by the quality display. It is an HDMI device with faster data transmission of data to the processor.

The machine has the USB3.0 port, which is a high-speed transmission port as compared to USB 2.0. It has zero latency meaning that it plays instantly upon connection. Capture cards that connect via RCA may be slow.

Interestingly, no need to install a driver into your computer since the device supports plug and play. Moreover, it is compatible with windows 7, 8 and 10. Again, it also works well with Linux and Mac OS computers.

Pros

  1. It does not require drivers
  2. It supports various computer OS
  3. It is compatible with 1080p and 720p
  4. It has zero latency
  5. Has high-speed USB 3.0

Cons

  1. A bit costly

2. Elgato Game Capture Card HD60 S

Elgato Game HD60S
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The machine allows easy connection of DSLR, camcorder, and smartphone or action camera to your computer. It allows you to create a live video chat on your computer using the best camera ever. Moreover, the connection is surprisingly fast because it has very low latency.

It also supports 1080p and 4k videos at 30 FPS. For sure, it creates a wonderful cinema scene and can be a very good tool to have in your family house for entertainment.

To add on, the machine gives you real-time feedback. Again, it gives you the freedom to record footage directly to your hard drive. Such an option helps you to have humble time for future reference of the saved content.

Pros

  1. Real-time feedback
  2. It has low latency issues
  3. Allows easy connection of cameras and camcorders
  4. Easy recording and storage
  5. Supports various video formats

Cons

  1. No RCA connection

3. Hauppauge WinTV

Hauppauge WinTV
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The device allows an original transmitted format without any quality loss. It means that content reaches the computer memory without any changes. It is among the best for video production and editing studios.

Again, the device allows dual TV tuners whereby you can watch one channel as you record another for future reference. It helps you grasp favorite broadcasts happening at the same time. Again, you can have two different windows on the same screen at the same time.

The device includes WinTV, USB2.0 TV tuner, a portable TV antenna, a small remote control that uses batteries, a USB extension cable and an activation code to download WinTV software version 8 for your computer. With this, you do not need to buy a TV.

Pros

  1. Allows two window display
  2. Can record episodes
  3. Small size
  4. No content changes
  5. Easy to use

Cons

  1. A bit costly

4. AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus

AverMedia 2 Plus
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The machine allows four different devices to display on the same screen. These may be a laptop, DVD player, game console and a PC each having its own window. It allows you to perform different tasks at the same time.

Interestingly, you do not need any driver to make the device function. It supports various video resolutions such as 1080P (60Hz & 30HZ), 1080i, 720p, 576p, 576i, 480i, and 480p.

Besides, it supports audio formats such as – PCM 2.0. Unfortunately, it does not support Dolby Digital and DTS. The good thing is that it has a two-year guarantee whereby you can return if it fails. Above all, it has a lifetime tech support.

Pros

  1. Two-year warranty
  2. Lifetime tech support
  3. No driver needed
  4. Allows four different tasks at a go
  5. Supports various video resolutions

Cons

  1. Does not support Dolby Digital and DTS

5. ELG Video Capture

ELG Video Capture
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Use Elgato Video capture to transfer videos from VCR and other analog video sources to your computer. It enables you to make valuable changes to low-quality videos to get high-quality ones. The software provides a good guideline for every step you require to make things work right.

The device can capture video in the universal H.264 digital format. Such formats are suitable for iPad, Windows Live Movie Maker, iMovie, and YouTube again; the device comes with Elgato Video Capture, Composite-to-SCART adapter, and RCA stereo cable.

Its video resolution is 640×480 with 4:3 or 640×360 with 16:9. All these resolutions ensure quality images that leave you fully entertained. It is best suited for video production studios as well as home entertainment.

Pros

  1. Supports analog sources
  2. It has software with guidelines
  3. It has universal video capturing
  4. Composite-to-SCART adapter
  5. RCA stereo cable

Cons

  1. A bit costly

6. HDML-Cloner Box Pro

HDML-Cloner Box Pro
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The device is both a video capture device and a video recorder. Being a multipurpose gadget, it helps you perform many tasks that might have needed separate devices. On top of this, it saves you money that you could have used to buy a different machine.

Again, you can instantly playback videos with remote control. It can capture and record Full HD 1080p HDMI videos from game consoles and other video sources.

It has an H.264 hardware encoder. You can save videos as MP4 files to USB flash drive for future reference. Surprisingly, you do not need a PC to perform all these. The device accepts analog video to digital video conversion.

Pros

  1. Acts as a video capture device and video recorder
  2. Supports analog video to digital video conversion
  3. H.264 hardware encoder
  4. It allows MP4 video saving
  5. Remote control

Cons

  1. It is expensive

7. HDML-Cloner Box Turbo

HDML-Cloner Box Turb
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When you buy this device, know that no PC is required. It is a standalone HDMI video capture recorder for the video player and game consoles among others. Expect a free 16GB USB flash drive.

Again, the device is easy to use. All you need to do is to press one button to record your content. Moreover, the device is tiny and portable. It will never give you a headache when you want to carry it. Interestingly, you can capture and go live on YouTube or Facebook with XSplit or OBS on Windows.

Besides, it allows live commentary. Modern Video DJs use this device to commentate on videos. Moreover, it is compatible with various playback platforms.

Pros

  1. No need for a PC
  2. Free 16 GB USB flash drive
  3. Easy to use
  4. Allows commendation
  5. Compatible with various playbacks

Cons

  1. Does not support analog input

Bottom Line

Capture cards have revolutionized the video making industry. The devices use intelligent technology to ensure that you get quality videos. The ability to edit old low-quality videos and make them appear modern is one of the best features of these devices.

Again, you find that some can receive digital TV packages. They save you the cost of buying TV screens and instead allow you to utilize your computer screen or projector. The best capture card to buy is the one that supports live TV, video recording, video editing, and all forms of inputs.

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