AVerMedia
AVerMedia 4K60 Capture Card with HDMI 2.1
Bottom line: The AVerMedia 4K60 Capture Card with HDMI 2.1 ($209.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-21 04:13 UTC): 4K60 capture with 4K144 HDR/VRR passthrough over HDMI 2.1; main trade-off: recording tops out at 4K60 even when passthrough runs at 4K144.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ 4K60 capture with 4K144 HDR/VRR passthrough over HDMI 2.1
- ✓ Keeps PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X at 4K120 on your display while you record
- ✓ Built-in headset jack for party chat, no extra chat cable needed
- ✓ Captures 5.1 channel audio for surround-sound recordings
- ✓ Works with OBS Studio and Streamlabs on both Mac and PC
Cons
- ✗ Recording tops out at 4K60 even when passthrough runs at 4K144
- ✗ Listing doesn't state the USB connection type or host system requirements
- ✗ No standalone recording listed; needs a PC or Mac running capture software
- ✗ RGB control needs Windows 11 Dynamic Lighting, AVerMedia Tool or MSI software
Manufacturer description
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 (GC553G2) is an HDMI 2.1 capture card for console and PC streamers who don't want to trade smooth gameplay for a clean recording. It captures PS5, PS5 Pro, Xbox and Nintendo Switch gameplay at 4K60. At the same time, it passes the signal through to your display at up to 4K144 with HDR and VRR, so you keep playing at your monitor's full refresh rate while the stream runs. Low-latency capture keeps audio and video in sync in OBS Studio and Streamlabs. The card works with Twitch and YouTube on both Mac and PC. Party chat runs through the card itself. Plug a…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored AVerMedia 4K60 Capture Card with HDMI 2.1 using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the streaming gear category. AVerMedia's streaming gear lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for streaming gear of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the AVerMedia GC553G2 record gameplay at 4K120 or 4K144?
No. It records at up to 4K60. The 4K144 and 4K120 figures apply to HDR/VRR passthrough, which sends the full refresh rate to your TV or monitor while the card records a 4K60 copy.
Does the Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 work on a Mac?
Yes. AVerMedia lists Mac and PC support, and you can capture and stream with OBS Studio or Streamlabs to platforms like Twitch and YouTube.
How do I capture party chat with this capture card?
Plug your gaming headset directly into the GC553G2. You can balance game and chat volume from the card while you stream or record, with no separate party chat cable.
Which consoles are compatible with the GC553G2?
AVerMedia lists PS5, PS5 Pro, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch, plus PC gameplay. HDR/VRR passthrough is listed for PS5/Pro, Xbox Series X/S, PC and Mac setups.
Can I change or turn off the RGB lighting?
You can customize the RGB lighting through Windows 11 Dynamic Lighting, the AVerMedia Tool or MSI software. For the current warranty terms, check the product listing.
Key Features
- 4K Capture Card for Streaming: Seamlessly capture and stream PS5, PS5 Pro, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch gameplay in 4K60 resolution. Compatible with popular streaming platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, and Live gaming with OBS Studio and Streamlabs.
- 4K144 HDR/VRR Pass-Through: Enjoy stunning 4K144 HDR/VRR pass-through for smooth gameplay, delivering high quality for streaming, recording, and gaming on PS5/Pro, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Mac.
- Low Latency Capture Card with 4K144Hz Passthrough for Real-Time Gameplay: Experience seamless gameplay streaming and recording with minimal delay via OBS, Twitch, and YouTube. Enjoy synced audio and video for an immersive gaming and viewing experience.
- Live Party Chat Support: Connect a gaming headset directly to the GC553G2 HDMI 2.1 capture card and manage game/chat volume while gameplay streaming or recording, no extra party chat cable needed, with added 5.1 channel audio capture.
- Customizable RGB Lighting: Elevate your setup with customizable RGB lighting. Use Windows 11 Dynamic Lighting, AVerMedia Tool, or MSI Software for the perfect gaming ambiance.
Full Specifications
| Brand | AVerMedia |
|---|---|
| Platform | PlayStation, Xbox |
| AV Output | YUY2, NV12, RGB24, P010(HDR), MJPEG |
| Model Name | Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 |
| Model Number | Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 |
| Compatibility | PC, PS5, Xbox, Switch, Mac |
| Built-In Media | 4-Pole 3.5mm Audio Cable, HDMI 2.1 Cable, LIVE GAMER ULTRA 2.1 (GC553G2), Quick Start Guide, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C Cable |
| Item Type Name | Game Capture |
| Item Dimensions | 2.7 x 7.3 x 6.3 inches |
| Mfr Part Number | GC553G2 |
| Antenna Location | Video Recording |
| Compatible Devices | Gaming Console, Personal Computer |
| Hardware Interface | HDMI |
| Warranty Description | 3 year manufacturer |
| Video Capture Resolution | 4K60 |
| Customizable RGB Lighting | Elevate your setup with customizable RGB lighting. Use Windows 11 Dynamic Lighting, AVerMedia Tool, or MSI Software for the perfect gaming ambiance. |
| Minimum System Requirements | Operating System: Windows 10 x64 / 11 x64 or later |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Video Recording |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00850036764465 |
| Other Special Features of the Product | 5.1 Multi-Channel Audio, Built-in Party Chat, Custom RGB Lighting, HDMI 2.1 Input/Output, Low Latency |
| Full listing title | AVerMedia 4K60 Capture Card with HDMI 2.1, Low Latency, 4K144/4K120 Passthrough, Game Capture Device for PS5, PS5 Pro, Xbox, Switch, Streaming on Twitch, OBS on Mac & PC, GC553G2 Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 |
Ready to buy?
AVerMedia 4K60 Capture Card with HDMI 2.1, Low Latency, 4K144/4K120 Passthrough, Game Capture Device for PS5, PS5 Pro, Xbox, Switch, Streaming on Twitch, OBS on Mac & PC, GC553G2 Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
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