UGREEN makes HDMI capture cards for several kinds of laptop setups, from simple 1080p streaming to high-resolution capture with HDMI passthrough. The right choice depends on your source device, the resolution and frame rate you want to record, and whether you need extras such as a headphone jack, microphone input, or charging. Below, we compare five UGREEN options and explain what each one can—and cannot—do.
Quick Comparison: Best Ugreen Hdmi Capture Cards For Laptop
| Product | Capture capability | Standout feature | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| UGREEN 2K Capture Card with USB-A and USB-C | Up to 2K at 30Hz or 1080p at 60FPS | 4K input; USB-A and USB-C connections | Everyday streaming and recording |
| UGREEN 2K Capture Card with HDMI Loop-Out | Up to 2K at 30FPS | 4K input and loop-out for local viewing | Streaming while playing on a separate display |
| UGREEN Capture Card with Mic Input | Up to 2K at 30Hz or 1080p at 60FPS | Microphone input and 4K passthrough | Commentary and streaming setups |
| UGREEN Capture Card with 100W PD | Up to 2K at 30FPS | 100W power delivery and 4K loop-out | Charging a compatible handheld while capturing |
| UGREEN 4K60 Capture Card with VRR and HDR | Up to 4K at 60Hz; lower-resolution high-frame-rate modes | VRR, HDR, and three 3.5mm audio ports | Advanced capture setups |
Our Picks: Best Ugreen Hdmi Capture Cards For Laptop reviews
1. UGREEN 2K Capture Card: A Flexible Pick for Everyday Laptop Streaming
This compact UGREEN capture card takes an HDMI signal from a console, camera, or other compatible source and sends it to a laptop over USB. It supports capture up to 2K at 30Hz or 1080p at 60FPS, while accepting a 4K input signal. That makes it a practical option if you want a sharp image without needing 4K recording.
The card has both USB-A and USB-C connections, which can make it easier to connect to different laptops and tablets. Its aluminum alloy casing is designed to dissipate heat, and the device is described as driver-free for supported systems. It works with common capture software such as OBS Studio, QuickTime Player, and VLC.
Keep in mind that 4K input does not mean 4K capture. The listed capture limit is 2K at 30Hz, and the source must send video over HDMI. PlayStation and Xbox sources also need HDCP turned off for capture to work. For a basic laptop setup, its dual USB connection options are useful; the loop-out model below is a better fit if you want a separate screen for local gameplay.
Pros:
- Captures up to 2K at 30Hz or 1080p at 60FPS
- Accepts 4K HDMI input
- Includes USB-A and USB-C connections
- Aluminum alloy casing and broad software support
Cons:
- Does not capture 4K video
- Requires HDCP to be disabled on supported PlayStation and Xbox sources
Verdict: Choose this model if you want a straightforward capture card with USB-A and USB-C options and do not need 4K recording or HDMI loop-out.
2. UGREEN 2K Capture Card with HDMI Loop-Out for a Separate Display
This model is designed for a setup where your laptop records or streams the video while a second display shows the source locally. It accepts 4K at 30Hz and provides 4K at 30Hz HDMI loop-out, but capture is limited to 2K at 30FPS. In other words, the HDMI signal can pass to a display at 4K, but the laptop recording will not be a 4K capture.
USB-A and USB-C connections provide options for connecting to compatible recording devices. The card supports MJPEG and YUY2 formats, which give you choices for balancing compression and image clarity in supported software. Its aluminum case is intended to help with heat dissipation during longer sessions, and setup does not require an external power supply or driver installation on most supported systems.
This is a more suitable pick than the first model if local HDMI passthrough matters to you. It is not the right choice if you need 4K recordings, and the product information says it is not compatible with Fire TV Stick. For PlayStation capture, HDCP must be turned off; iPhone is also not supported as a UVC capture device.
Pros:
- 4K HDMI input and 4K loop-out at 30Hz
- Captures up to 2K at 30FPS
- USB-A and USB-C connection options
- No external power supply is required
Cons:
- Does not capture 4K video
- Not compatible with Fire TV Stick, and iPhone is not supported as a capture source
Verdict: Pick this card when you want to send HDMI video to your laptop and a separate display, and 2K capture is enough for your recordings.
3. UGREEN Capture Card with Mic Input for Live Commentary
This UGREEN capture card is aimed at streamers who want to add their own voice commentary. It captures up to 2K at 30Hz or 1080p at 60FPS, accepts 4K at 60Hz input, and offers 4K at 30Hz loop-out. Its listed microphone input supports 48kHz, 16-bit audio, so you can connect a mic for narration while capturing HDMI video.
The USB 3.0 connection supports high-speed data transfer, and the card is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS 17, and Android according to the supplied product information. Its ABS+PC casing is described as part of a cooling design. The extra audio connection can make this a more convenient fit for commentary than the simpler capture cards, though it adds value only if you plan to use a wired microphone.
There is a key resolution distinction here: 4K is supported for input and passthrough, but capture is listed up to 2K at 30Hz. The product information also calls out iPadOS 17 or later for USB-C iPad compatibility and requires HDCP to be turned off for supported PlayStation and Xbox capture. If you need 4K recording rather than 4K passthrough, consider the higher-capability model below.
Pros:
- Includes a microphone input for commentary
- Captures up to 2K at 30Hz or 1080p at 60FPS
- Accepts 4K at 60Hz input and supports 4K at 30Hz loop-out
- Supports a range of operating systems and capture programs
Cons:
- Does not capture 4K video
- USB-C iPad use requires iPadOS 17 or later
Verdict: This is the better fit if you want a dedicated mic input for commentary and can work within its 2K capture limit.
4. UGREEN 2K Capture Card with 100W Power Delivery
This capture card combines HDMI capture with power delivery, making it especially relevant for a compatible Switch or Steam Deck setup. It captures up to 2K at 30FPS or 1080p at 60FPS and supports 4K at 30Hz HDMI loop-out. The 100W PD feature can charge compatible source devices while you stream or record.
The aluminum alloy casing is designed to help manage heat, and the product is described as plug-and-play with Windows, macOS, and Linux support. Its HDMI passthrough can send video to a display while the USB connection carries the capture feed to your laptop. That combination can reduce the need for separate capture and charging accessories in a handheld gaming setup.
Check the device limits before buying: this model does not support HDMI devices such as PS4, PS5, or Xbox, and its power delivery does not charge output devices such as a laptop or Quest 3. It is therefore a specialized option, not the most flexible choice for a mixed-console setup. The 100W figure refers to supported charging input, not laptop charging from the capture card.
Pros:
- Supports up to 100W PD charging for compatible source devices
- 4K at 30Hz HDMI loop-out
- Captures up to 2K at 30FPS or 1080p at 60FPS
- Aluminum alloy casing and plug-and-play design
Cons:
- Does not support PS4, PS5, or Xbox HDMI sources
- Does not provide power to a laptop or Quest 3
Verdict: Choose this model for a compatible handheld gaming setup where charging and capture at the same time matter more than broad console support.
5. UGREEN 4K60 Capture Card with VRR, HDR, and Extra Audio Ports
This is the most capable capture option in the group on paper. It supports capture up to 4K at 60Hz, with additional listed modes including 2K at 144Hz, 2K at 120Hz, and 1080p at 240Hz. It also supports 4K at 60Hz HDMI input and loop-out, along with VRR and HDR. Those features make it the most relevant choice for a high-frame-rate gaming setup, provided your source, laptop connection, software, and display can support the modes you want.
Three 3.5mm ports give you separate connections for headphones or speakers, an active microphone, and line-in audio from a mixer. The aluminum case and cooling holes are designed to help with heat dissipation. The card supports MJPEG video format and works with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS 17, and Android, according to the supplied information.
There are two important cautions. The listing data marks this model as unavailable, so check the linked listing before planning a purchase. Also, the highest listed capture modes require a USB 3.0 Type-A or Type-C output device for optimal performance and low delay. This is more feature-rich than the other picks, but it may be unnecessary if you only stream at 1080p or 2K.
Pros:
- Supports capture up to 4K at 60Hz
- Supports 4K at 60Hz input and loop-out
- Includes VRR, HDR, and three 3.5mm audio ports
- Offers high-frame-rate capture modes at lower resolutions
Cons:
- Listing data marks the product as unavailable; confirm its status before buying
- High-performance use requires a USB 3.0 Type-A or Type-C connection
Verdict: If you need advanced capture modes, VRR, HDR, and several audio connections, this is the strongest feature set here—but confirm availability and your device compatibility first.
How to Choose a UGREEN HDMI Capture Card for Your Laptop
Match capture resolution to your actual recording needs
Capture resolution and HDMI input resolution are not always the same. Several cards in this list accept a 4K signal but capture only up to 2K at 30Hz or 1080p at 60FPS. If you want a 4K recording, the 4K60 model is the only one here listed with 4K capture. For regular streaming, a 1080p or 2K capture limit may be enough, depending on your content and software.
Check frame rate as well as resolution
A higher resolution does not automatically mean smoother motion. The first and third models list 1080p capture at 60FPS, while several others list 2K capture at 30FPS. The 4K60 model also lists faster capture modes at lower resolutions. Choose based on what you record: fast gameplay may benefit from a higher frame rate, while presentations or slower footage may prioritize resolution.
Decide whether you need HDMI loop-out
Loop-out sends the HDMI signal onward to a display while the capture card sends video to your laptop. This can help when you want to play or monitor the source on a separate screen. The loop-out models in this guide support different limits, so check both the input and passthrough specifications. Loop-out is not the same as capture: a card can pass 4K video to a display while recording at a lower resolution on the laptop.
Confirm laptop ports and capture software
Check whether your laptop has the USB connection the card uses and whether that port supports the needed data speed. Some models offer USB-A and USB-C options, while others are designed around USB 3.0. Confirm that your chosen program, such as OBS Studio or QuickTime Player, supports the capture card and video format you plan to use. A USB-C connector alone does not guarantee that a laptop can capture at every listed resolution or frame rate.
Review source-device limits before you buy
These products are designed for HDMI input, so your source must provide video through HDMI. Some console sources require HDCP to be turned off for capture, and the 100W PD model specifically excludes PS4, PS5, and Xbox. The loop-out model is listed as incompatible with Fire TV Stick, and iPhone is not supported as a UVC capture device with that model. Check the product-specific compatibility notes against your console, camera, or handheld.
Choose extras that fit your setup
If you want to add voice commentary, the model with a microphone input is a direct fit. If you need to charge a compatible handheld while capturing, consider the 100W PD option, keeping its device limits in mind. For a more involved streaming setup, the 4K60 model adds VRR, HDR, and separate audio connections. If you do not need these extras, a simpler capture card may be easier to match to your laptop workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can these UGREEN capture cards record 4K video?
Most models here accept 4K HDMI input but capture at a lower resolution, such as 2K at 30Hz or 1080p at 60FPS. The 4K60 model is listed as supporting capture up to 4K at 60Hz. Always confirm that your source, USB connection, laptop, and software also support the mode you want.
Which UGREEN capture card is best for a basic laptop streaming setup?
The first model is a straightforward option for everyday streaming, with USB-A and USB-C connections and capture up to 2K at 30Hz or 1080p at 60FPS. If you want to monitor the source on a separate screen, the loop-out model may suit you better.
Do I need a separate HDMI display to use a capture card?
No. A capture card can send video to your laptop for recording or streaming without a separate display. HDMI loop-out is useful if you also want to send the source signal to a monitor or TV for local viewing.
Can I use one of these cards with a PlayStation or Xbox?
Compatibility depends on the specific model. The first three models list support for certain PlayStation or Xbox sources when HDCP is turned off. The 100W PD model says it does not support PS4, PS5, or Xbox HDMI devices. Check the product details for your exact source before purchasing.
Can I use a UGREEN capture card with an iPad?
Some models list compatibility with USB-C iPads, with iPadOS 17 or later required for USB-C iPad use. The capture card still needs to support the source, connection, and software setup you plan to use.
Will a 100W PD capture card charge my laptop?
The 100W PD model is described as charging compatible source devices such as a Switch or Steam Deck while capturing. Its listing says it cannot charge output devices such as PCs or laptops, so do not choose it as a way to power your laptop.
Final Recommendation
For a simple laptop streaming setup, the UGREEN 2K capture card with USB-A and USB-C is a practical starting point. Choose the loop-out model if you want to play or monitor on a separate screen, the mic-input model if commentary is important, or the PD model for a compatible handheld that you want to charge while capturing. The 4K60 model offers the broadest capture and audio feature set, but its listing is marked unavailable in the supplied product data. Before ordering any of them, compare the capture limits and compatibility notes with your laptop and HDMI source.