Customer Ratings & Reviews

I was looking for a capture card to stream from my Switch and Wii U. I've never owned one before, and I'll admit I was hesitant to go with a brand other than the well-known Corsair Elgato products, especially since it has lower reviews on average. However, the price was so good, and the 4K passthrough was useful in case I wanted to stream from for my desktop computer through it (the only Elgato Best Buy had in stock was the S, which doesn't have that passthrough), so I went ahead and took a chance. I really could not be happier with the product. I've been using it for nearly two weeks now and I have zero complaints, aside from one thing that was quickly fixed, which I will note here in case anyone else has the same problem. When I first streamed directly from the capture card, I noticed issues in certain games, particularly older ones, where colors would flicker, as well as other similar image issues. This is how it will look if you stream directly from the capture card; a realtime, uncompressed picture. What I ended up doing to get it to work was downloading AVerMedia's firmware for the capture card. This gave me an additional capture card option in OBS: along with the Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus option, there's also one titled "Live Gamer Portable 2 PLUS Stream_Engine - 1." This is what you want! It will delay the capture by about half a second, but it will compress the image so you see everything perfectly as you do on your TV. Please ensure that you do this if you want perfect image quality. Again, aside from that, no issues at all whatsoever. The capture card is even a permanent fixture of my setup now. I have it set up so my Switch, Wii U, and desktop PC are all connected through a switcher (which also has 4K passthrough), and it all works perfectly. I can use them normally any time I want to, and when it's time to stream, no additional setup is required because it's all hooked up already. The headphone jack in front is perfect, too, as it unifies the audio of any system you plug into the device through the capture card. The sound still comes through the TV as well, but it's as simple as muting it. And if the headphone volume is too low like it was for me at first, you can adjust that through AVerMedia's program as well. So it's really just a super, simple, straightforward capture card that streams your image perfectly once you download the firmware. Some things to keep in mind are that the two HDMI cables included are very short (see the cable from my Portable 2 Plus to my HDMI switcher), so make sure you have lengthier ones if they're needed for your setup, and it needs to be plugged into a USB port at all times or else you won't get any picture through the device (which is probably my only legitimate complaint in the end). Since there's some distance between my TV and my streaming device, what I do is keep the capture card by my TV, and use both a USB extender and headphone extender to have them reach me and my laptop. I guarantee, though, that once you have it all set up and updated, this capture card perfectly delivers for streaming and recording. One last thing to note, in case anyone is confused, is that this device does NOT capture in 4K. 4K passthrough only means that you can still see the image in 4K through your TV or monitor, but it only captures video up to 1080p. This is fine for me since I'm only streaming in 720p anyways (for the sake of my viewers' internet connections), and probably fine for most average users as well, but look elsewhere if you are looking to capture video in 4K.

I have a box opening video on YouTube https://youtu.be/To1w0eSZeHQ Using this Streaming Device on an HP Elite 800 G1 SFF (Small Form Factor) i7 (4700) 16 Gigs Ram and only the built-in video graphics for Minecraft 1.16.40 on two non-4K monitors. Records video and audio without any noticeable frame drops or FPS loss. No visible Lag. I am recording directly into a 128 Gig Mini SD Card (which is the largest size this unit can handle). I consider upgrading my graphics to a Geforce GTX 1650 LP card, but found I didn't need to. IMPORTANT NOTES: 1) I am not live streaming. If I was live streaming I would upgrade my video card because when live streaming the device uses the actual computer system to decode and compress the stream and you will want at least 16 Gigs of ram or higher. 2) When using the software provided by Avermedia, it consumes the maximum amount of ram. I have 16 Gigs and this Avermedia Devices software consumed 12 Gigs of Ram. 3.) The contents provided very poor directions. You will need to go to their website. But even their website is poorly designed and locating the software (That you have to download) and there are four different software. Finding the software is very frustrating, its spread out and isn't clearly labeled. Additionally, the instructions provided online are also very vague. 4.) I spent a whole day watching YouTube Videos and scouring the web trying to find information about how to get it to work. None of it worked. At least seven times, I was on the verge of returning this device, because getting it operating is a nightmare. The software doesn't recognize my computer, so I don't use their software, I stream directly to mini-sd card. I'd have returned it, if I planned to stream live. This may be, the lack of one of the recommended graphics card. During my last attempt before returning it, after following their directions multiple times, it suddenly began working. The problem is, There is a step that you have to plug it into a AC USB plug (which isn't mentioned or clearly described). Then you have to follow the steps. After that you plug it into your computer USB Port, and it should work, at least for streaming to the card. 5.) This device is only USB 2.0 and not USB 3.0, which means it depends on your computer processor, ram and graphics card since UBS 2.0 isn't fast enough to process the 60FPS directly on the device when streaming live. 6) Once you get it working, its a great device Ultimately, you'll need a ton of patience to get it working, and if you're successful, you'll have a great budget device that will save you $300 compared to Elgato's device which can record to Mini SD Card.

Works well. Easy plug and play. Bought for capturing Nintendo switch. Does what its supposed to. Would recommend if you're just starting out with live streaming or screen capturing for videos as it is so easy to setup. Cant speak much for high intensity streaming as I haven't pushed it's limits.

With the lack of availability of the Cam Link, I purchased the AverMedia Portable 2 Plus. I know it isn't as compact as the Cam Link BUT it works beautifully to use my Sony A7ii as a live webcam. I did need to purchase an additional HDMI Mini to run from my Sony camera to the Live Gamer 2 Plus but other than that, perfect. I am using OSB software and Sony A7II.

I needed something to capture my gameplay from my Playstation Classic and Nintendo Switch. My setup sits very far from my PC, so I needed something that could record gameplay as a standalone device. This great little capture device filled that job duty just perfectly! I purchased a separate 64 GB micro SD card as required. Be sure that your SD card meets the minimum specs detailed in the manual. Overall, the capture quality is really good, maybe not on par with a more expansive name brands that I won't name here, but very good. I recommend this if you're needing stand alone game capture without the need of a PC, which most do.

If you are feeling the pressure to maybe buy an Elgato or something more expensive, DON'T. This gem right here is a beauty right out of the box. True effortless plug-and-play makes it super easy to use and the commentary chat is AMAZING!!! The way the mixer inside the capture card automatically pushes your party to the forefront is so satisfying. AND to top it all off, you get 4K pass through w/ auto scaling which is around $250 if you want to go Elgato. 1000% recommend this product.

This product has very good capture quality! The gameplay is fluid and sound is really good! I think the only thing I would suggest that would help make this product better is instructions on how to use it with recording software like OBS for people that are not familiar with it. So that they have more understanding how to properly use it. But I guess that may be asking for a lot. Haha For what the product is, this is a quality capture card and works effectively.

I only use it to stream my Sony A6100.. I’ll prob get another one to stream consoles on my PC. Check out my channel on YouTube to see it in action: AJ CORE TV

Great capture card if you don’t want to buy another mic to use for your stream it’s worth jus buying this

This interface is a gem. The main reason why i adore this pass through is because it has hdmi, which always isint standard these days, and can capture at 4k resolution. I do some streaming, but a lot of gaming. I notice that on my old passthrough that i was forced to feed directly into my PC which had an onboard passthrough... which could not capture 4k. Not on this unit...everything fits nicely in one small super portable capture card. The only thing i noticed was that the provided HDMI cables were a touch too short for where i was planning to set up. Outside of the accessories falling a touch short, this card is an all star that is easy to use. Worth the buy!

While this capture card is best suited for recording console game footage, it can technically record any source that connects to an HDMI cable.  The packaging and manual reminds the user to adhere to all copyright laws, but it is capable of recording any video/image (in 1080p).  The unit is portable as it is small enough to put in a pocket, and once you figure out how to use it, recording is quite simple.  Unfortunately, using the capture card right out of the box can be tricky because the instructions are absolutely terrible.  The physical booklet only labels the basic parts of the unit and instructs users to download RECentral software for recording onto a laptop.  No other guidance is provided and all other information is online.  When everything is set up and working correctly, it is very easy to use.  But, because instructions are so confusing, troubleshooting is a bit of a nightmare. The 3 capture modes are not labeled on the unit, or in the included booklet. So be aware that:      Left position = PC Recording (capture card is being powered by the USB cable plugged into your PC)      Middle position = PC Free Recording / Record Directly to the Micro SD card.  (USB power cable can be connected to a power brick or to a game console.)      Right position = Card Reader / Data transfer mode.  (In this mode your computer recognizes the capture card only as an additional data drive.) Because there is no screen on the capture card, colored lights are used to communicate the current status of the card.  But, neither the booklet nor the online instructions clearly indicate what the different capture card LED lights indicate.  Here is a general idea of what the lights mean:      Blue - Flashing Light:  The capture card is not ready / something is loading      Blue - Solid Light:  The capture card is ready to record      Red – Solid Light:  Error / Something is wrong.  It is best to switch the capture mode & attach to a PC to adjust settings      Red – Flashing Light:  In the process of recording video content PC recording provides the most options as far as streaming content, or adding a webcam overlay so viewers can watch you while you play, but it seems to be less reliable and often causes the frame rate to drop (leading to visual lag).  The PC also needs to be tethered to the capture card via the USB cable.  And, because the included HDMI cables are extremely short (only 20 inches), the laptop is preferred and it usually ends up on the floor near the console / TV.  Overall, I do believe that this is a functional and affordable option for recording gameplay (or for slowly stealing content from Netflix, YouTube, or your cable box – if that’s what you’re into).  Just be aware that kids may need help with the initial set-up and will definitely need help if troubleshooting is required.  If you do run into trouble and the solid red light is displayed, first try switching to PC Mode, connect the USB cable to your computer, then go into settings, and turn off the “HDCP protection”. Best Buy truly seems to have the best price (by far) at this time. But, do your research and use their price matching policy if you need to. PROS: + Can record ANY content passed through an HDMI cable.  (Please adhere to copyright laws.) + HDMI Pass-Through recording works well & has no lag + Small size makes it portable + Allows the user to record audio commentary while recording + Records the chat audio from all online players + Easy to start & stop recording with the press of a single button + Comes with all of the cables needed (including USB, Audio, & HDMI cables) + Can be used as a card reader (for Micro SD only) + The AverMedia RECentral 4 software is reasonably intuitive and feature rich + With PC recording, you are able to easily overlay webcam footage (or a 2nd screen) over game footage CONS: - Extremely Vague / Poor instructions - Modes are not labeled on the unit or in the manual which leads to confusion & frustration - Manual / Instructions do not detail what each display/lighting color means (and there is no screen on the device to display a clear message) - Errors are tricky to troubleshoot as instructions are not clear - Does NOT record 4K video (records in 1080p) - Does not come with a Micro SD card - The included HDMI cables are extremely short (20 inches) - No power switch.  The capture card remains on until the USB cable is removed. - Unit gets rather hot (as there is no internal cooling fan) - PC recording (and firmware updates) requires software to be downloaded from the website.  The unit should come with a Micro USB card containing the software.  The micro USB card could then be used for recording footage and for updating the firmware. - Frame rate frequently drops during laptop recording resulting in footage that can be choppy - 3.5 mm audio in/out jacks are located close together.  Depending on your headset cables, the cords might be too large to plug in simultaneously.  Example:  My Xbox one headset has a volume dial at the base of the connection.  This dial is too large and got in the way of the other sound cable from being connected at the same time.

Capturing video gameplay has become a popular activity in recent days. A lot of gamers like to record their games and broadcast it to followers on channels like YouTube and even though console systems like the Xbox have a way of recording clips, it’s not the same as recording an entire gaming session. For that, you need a device like the Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus from AVerMedia. This unit makes it possible for you to record your gameplay as Ultra HD video through HDMI 2.0. It features a pass-through, lag-free performance. With the Live Gamer, you have the ability to include live commentary and party chat by connecting a headset. The capture card comes with a stout package that includes one HDMI cable, one 4-pole 3.5mm audio cable, one USB cable, and a quick start guide. At first look, the Live Gamer appears to be an easy to use, plug-n-play recording device for gamers. It seems that all you have to do is plug your console into the device, then plug the output signal into your computer to manage the recording. Unfortunately, it’s not quite so easy. You do need to download specialty software to work with your recordings and the quick start guide doesn’t provide a lot of instruction on how to get started. You actually have to download the full user guide in order to learn how to make the system work. The full user manual is hard to follow even for someone like me, who works with technical devices all the time. And, when you go to the webpage to download the software, there are multiple versions to choose from. The most recent version is v4.3.0.34 (beta). There are three capture modes that can be selected on the front of the unit. There is a slider switch that allows you to go between each mode. Even though there are small icons below the switch the modes are not labeled. From left to right, the modes are PC recording, PC-free recording, and Card reader. LED indicators help communicate to the user the current status of the card. Again, this isn’t something that the user guide really describes or defines. This system can do more than just record video game play. It’s designed to be able to record any video that is showing on the input signal. You are supposed to avoid copyright materials, but it is capable of recording any video signal that is pushed through the set-up. Once you get it set-up, it’s fairly easy to use, but the set-up is a little tricky based on the poor instructions. If you are getting this for a kid, you will need to help them with the set-up. This does seem to be a functional option for recording gameplay or any other streaming content. It’s affordable and as long as you have the set-up (PC computer, console, and TV) available, you should be able to get some good use out of this device.

The AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus is a solid choice if you’re looking to up your game streaming or recording setup without too much hassle. Here’s why it might be a good fit for you: Design and Build Quality First off, this thing is pretty sleek and compact. It’s easy to throw in your bag if you’re heading to a friend’s place or a gaming event. The build feels solid, and the big red record button is hard to miss – super handy when you’re in the middle of an intense game. Performance When it comes to performance, the LGP2 Plus delivers. It captures 1080p video at 60 fps, which means your recordings will be smooth and look great. One of the best features is the 4K pass-through at 60 fps. So, even if you’re playing in 4K, you won’t notice any lag or drop in quality while you’re recording or streaming in 1080p. Ease of Use Setting it up is pretty straightforward. You can record directly to an SD card without needing a PC, which is awesome if you want to keep things simple. It’s plug-and-play with both consoles and PCs, so you don’t need to be a tech wizard to get started. Potential Drawbacks There are a couple of things to keep in mind. The software that comes with it isn’t the most intuitive, so there might be a bit of a learning curve. Also, it’s a bit pricier compared to some other options out there, but the features and build quality justify the cost. Overall All in all, the AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus is a great capture card if you want high-quality recordings and an easy setup. Whether you’re streaming or just capturing gameplay for YouTube, it’s a reliable piece of gear that won’t let you down.

This really seems meant more for console gaming, and does not require access to a PC for recording and streaming game play. I didn't try this with a console, as that wasn't what I used it for, but other websites recommend this highly for that purpose. It has 4K and HD capabilities. It works with a PC, and is a plug and play device, so that makes getting started very quick. This can also be used as a card reader, which is great, but if that's all you're looking for, there are cheaper options. It comes with everything you need to get started except for a micro SD card and instructions, which are accessible online; there is a guide included, but it just shows where the cords go in multiple languages. I was surprised it came with HDMI cables, as those usually do not come with devices, and this one has two included. It also can connect with a record or stream from mobile devices. One of the connections is for a headset, which is kind of important for streaming, although I suppose you could try without. For the SD card, you would need a higher speed one, or it will likely affect the quality of the recordings; a class 10 would be best. I would definitely recommend this device.

I was interested in this item because I play a lot of online games and wanted to record and Upload my gameplay. It was very easy to hook up simple plug-in play. The size was great because it didn't take up much space on the desk or on the entertainment center when hooking up to my PS4. As you can see in the picture below. It comes with all chords necessary and very nicely designed. This is a first for me using something like this so I don't have much to compare against. But for a beginner like me this is perfect

I purchased this as an easy to use capture device to start streaming with. It's been fairly easy to work with and imports into OBS Studios nicely. When I first set up I had some issues but soon figured out that the USB cable I was using to connect it to my computer was too slow. The cable provided in the box works but isn't super long. I had to rearrange a few things but it worked! This isn't the highest quality, nicest capture card on the market but it's not too bad in price and works well.

In this review, I explain how to set this up. It was easy for me and took less than 10 minutes and I didn't read the online manual. The AverMedia device indicates what to put where, as in HDMI in and out, etc. I had no issues setting it up. It is a simple plug and play as described. I really love this product! I was able to stream on a gaming platform last night with no issues. Explanation for setup: On the back of the device, this is where stuff goes: Furthest port on the left: HDMI cord that plugs in here and to your TV. Middle port: HDMI cord that plugs in here and to your gaming console. Mine is a PS4. Third port: USB cable that plugs into your computer. On the front of the AverMedia device: Left port: Audio cord that plugs in here and to your gaming controller. Right port: Plug your gaming headset in here. Also, go to your system settings on your console and disable HDCP. If you don't, it will give you a copyright message on whatever streaming software you use. I forgot to do this at first but it was a quick fix! HDCP has to be disabled so a person cannot illegally stream Netflix, Hulu, etc to people from their consoles. So when you do want to watch TV shows, make sure to re-enable HDCP. Essentially I plan to be turning it on and off based on my uses. Anyway! I really hope that helps for anyone that might be struggling. I highly recommend this product. I chose this over Elgato, after thoroughly reading reviews on both. I even have very low specs on my laptop, and it worked great! I have an i5 series with only 8gb ram and still worked. The AverMedia capture card is super helpful and the streaming is very high resolution on whatever platform you choose. I am SO glad I went with this one! Very happy customer here.

this is a decent product but not for the price that i paid. it was $150 when i bought it and though it works perfectly as it should, there is a big issue in quality of life and some to performance. so the micro USB is really annoying and only allows 1080p 60hz capture. it does this rather well and there is a slight delay when you have the passthrough to your monitor. now if your computer can handle it, then set this card as a second monitor that mirrors your primary monitor. should eliminate the lag going to your screen. this might have been a great device for sub$100. the controls are clunky and dont make much sense, but can be mastered with a couple hours of reading plus trial and error. the included software is atrocious. its fuctional, but not really user friendly,

so first and for more most this capture card is awsome!! So if ur new to streaming and this is ur first graphic card great decision. Pros: *U can record to SD *u can stream live threw pc from game console *no pc needed for recording *separate party and commentary mic options *easy set up Cons: *instructions not available for use only connection *color choices of capture card (personal dislike) *hdmi cables that come with device are short Again this is just my take on the avermedia 2-plus. I do recommend there's plenty of videos on YouTube to help get going.

This was my first capture card I bought for myself. I've used the Elgato HD60, but this one was considerably cheaper, so I decided to go with it. I've been pleasantly surprised! It streams my Switch in decent quality and was easy to integrate with SLOBS. Setup was easy - just plug and go, really! I haven't used PC-free mode yet, but I can vouch for it as a streaming device.