Elgato
Elgato HD60 S+ External Capture Card
In: Best Capture Cards 2026
- 4K60 HDR passthrough
- 1080p60 HDR capture
Category guide
Streaming Accessories: Capture Cards, Lights, Mics and Controllers
The right accessories improve stream quality and workflow.
- 3 roundups · 2 reviews · 1 comparisons · 2 guides
- Updated
- No paid placements
Shop the shortlist
Top streaming accessories we recommend
Standout picks from our best-of lists. Tap any product for features, pros and cons.
- Razer
Razer Kiyo Pro
In: Best Streaming Webcams for Content Creators
- Strong low-light performance
- 1080p at 60 fps
- Elgato
Elgato 4K X Capture Card
In: Best Capture Cards 2026
- HDMI 2.1 with high refresh passthrough
- Up to 4K capture
- Elgato
Elgato Facecam MK.2
In: Best Streaming Webcams for Content Creators
- Uncompressed 1080p60 video
- Manual ISO and shutter control
Best by need
Best streaming accessories for every buyer
Ranked shortlists for specific budgets and use cases. Start with the one that matches yours.
- Best Capture Cards 2026: Console and PC Gameplay RecordingCapture cards record or stream console gameplay to a PC.See the picks
- Best Streaming Accessories 2026: Capture Cards, Stream Decks, and Green ScreensCapture cards, Elgato Stream Deck, and green screens compared.See the picks
- Best Streaming Webcams for Content Creators: Full Setup PicksThe best webcams for content creators building out a full streaming setup, covering frame rate, low-light performance, and field of view froSee the picks
Know before you buy
About Streaming Accessories
Good audio matters more than video for most streams. Lighting improves webcam quality more than upgrading the camera.
Capture cards bring console gameplay into streaming software.
How to choose streaming accessories
Microphone
Upgrade audio first.
Lighting
Soft front lighting improves video.
Capture card
Needed for consoles.
Webcam
1080p is enough for most.
Stream deck
Shortcuts simplify control.
Research-based picks from specs, independent reviews and owner feedback.
No paid placements, ever.
Our methodologyQuick buying tips
What matters most in streaming accessories
- Upgrade audio first.
- Soft front lighting improves video.
- Needed for consoles.
- 1080p is enough for most.
- Shortcuts simplify control.
Deep dives
In-depth reviews
Learn first
Buying guides & how-tos
- Buying guideHow to Set Up OBS for Streaming: Settings, Scenes, and Output ConfigurationConfigure OBS for Twitch or YouTube streaming by setting output resolution, bitrate, encoder, and audio levels. This step-by-step guide coveRead
- Buying guideOBS Not Working: How to Fix Common Streaming and Recording ProblemsFix OBS problems including black screen capture, dropped frames, high CPU usage, and audio sync issues. Covers the most common OBS errors anRead
- Buying guideStreaming Setup Buying Guide 2026: Everything You Need to Start StreamingA complete streaming setup needs a webcam, microphone, lighting, and capture card (for console). This guide covers every accessory in prioriRead
Answers
Streaming Accessories: common questions
What is the best streaming accessorie to buy?
One of our strongest picks is the Elgato HD60 S+ External Capture Card, a standout in our Best Capture Cards 2026 list. The Razer Kiyo Pro is another excellent choice.
How do I choose the right streaming accessories?
Start with your main use and budget, then compare our shortlists: Best Capture Cards 2026, Best Streaming Accessories 2026, Best Streaming Webcams for Content Creators.
What should I look for when buying streaming accessories?
Upgrade audio first.
Is the Stream Deck worth it for small streamers?
For streamers who manage multiple OBS scenes, run alerts, save clips, or trigger actions during streams: yes. The Stream Deck makes these actions instant from a single button press rather than requiring keyboard shortcuts or mouse navigation. For streamers who primarily play games and rarely change scenes or trigger actions, the Stream Deck adds minimal workflow improvement.
What bitrate should I stream at on Twitch?
For 1080p60 streaming on Twitch: 6000 Kbps is the Twitch non-partner maximum. For 720p60: 3000-4500 Kbps provides good quality without excessive bandwidth use. For stable streaming, your upload speed should be at least 1.5x the bitrate, a 6000 Kbps stream requires at least 9 Mbps upload speed consistently.
What encoder should I use in OBS?
GPU encoding (NVENC for Nvidia, QuickSync for Intel) is recommended over CPU encoding (x264) for most setups. GPU encoding handles the same quality as x264 at a fraction of the CPU usage, leaving more CPU resources for the game. The quality difference at the same bitrate is minimal for streaming purposes. Use x264 only if your GPU encoder is not available or you are rendering recording files for maximum compatibility.
What resolution and frame rate should I stream at?
For most streamers: 1080p60 is the target for PC gaming content. 720p60 is appropriate if your upload speed or PC performance limits 1080p streaming. 1080p30 is not recommended, 60fps is significantly more watchable for gaming content than 30fps at the same resolution.
Is the Logitech C922 good for streaming in 2026?
Yes for 1080p streaming setups where the camera is a supporting element, not the primary content. The C922 provides reliable 1080p30 or 720p60 with fast autofocus. For streaming where facial detail is critical (Just Chatting, IRL) or you want to record source files for editing, the newer Brio 500 or Brio 4K provides better image quality.