So, you’ve got a shiny new PS5 and a trusty laptop nearby, and you’re wondering: Can I just hook them up with an HDMI cable and play directly on my laptop screen? Spoiler alert — it’s not that simple. But don’t worry, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about connecting your PS5 to a laptop. By the end, you’ll understand the limitations, your options, and how to get your gameplay showing on that laptop screen.
Let’s dive in.
Can I Use an HDMI Cable to Connect My PS5 Directly to My Laptop?
Here’s the big question, and the answer might disappoint you a bit: No, you can’t connect your PS5 to your laptop using just an HDMI cable.
Most laptops come with HDMI output ports, not input ports. That means the HDMI port on your laptop is designed to send the display signal out to a monitor or TV — it can’t receive video from another device like a PS5. So, if you plug your PS5’s HDMI cable into your laptop’s HDMI port, nothing will happen.
Think of the HDMI ports like a one-way street. Your laptop’s HDMI is set up to send its own video signal out, not to receive someone else’s.
Why Don’t Laptops Have HDMI Input?
Most laptops are built for productivity or casual use, not for capturing video from external consoles or cameras. An HDMI input requires special hardware that’s rarely included in consumer laptops. If your laptop did have HDMI input, it would basically be a tiny TV!
So, if your laptop only has an HDMI output (which is almost always the case), you can’t use an HDMI cable alone to view your PS5 gameplay on your laptop screen.
What Are the Requirements or Limitations for Using a Laptop as a PS5 Display?
Since HDMI alone won’t cut it, you need extra equipment and software to make it happen. Let’s look at the requirements and limitations.
1. A Video Capture Device (Capture Card)
To get your PS5’s video signal into your laptop, you need a capture card. This is a small device that has:
- An HDMI input port (to connect the PS5).
- A USB output port (to connect to your laptop).
The capture card takes the PS5’s HDMI signal and sends it to your laptop through USB, where software displays the video.
Example: The Elgato HD60 S is a popular capture card for this purpose. It plugs into your laptop via USB 3.0 and lets you stream or record PS5 gameplay.
2. Software to View or Stream Gameplay
The capture card usually comes with software that shows the PS5’s video on your laptop. Alternatively, you can use programs like OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software), which is free and widely used by gamers to stream or record gameplay.
3. USB and Processing Speed
Your laptop needs to have:
- A USB port compatible with the capture card (USB 3.0 for most modern cards).
- Enough processing power to handle video input without lag. A low-end laptop might struggle to display smooth gameplay.
4. Internet Connection (Optional for Remote Play)
If you don’t want to buy hardware, there’s another way: Sony’s Remote Play app. This lets you stream your PS5 gameplay over Wi-Fi to your laptop, but it requires:
- A stable, fast internet connection.
- Both devices connected to the same network (or good broadband if remote).
Remote Play isn’t perfect — you might notice some latency or reduced video quality — but it’s free and doesn’t require extra hardware.
Limitations Recap
| Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|
| HDMI input on laptop | Usually not available on laptops |
| Capture card | Needed for HDMI input and high-quality video |
| Software (OBS, capture) | Required to display video |
| USB 3.0 & processing power | Needed for smooth performance |
| Internet & Remote Play app | Alternative without extra hardware |
Are There Alternative Methods to Display PS5 Gameplay on Laptop Screen?
Absolutely! Since HDMI input ports on laptops are rare and capture cards can be pricey, you have some alternatives:
1. Sony PS Remote Play
This is the easiest way to connect your PS5 to a laptop without extra hardware.
- Download PS Remote Play from Sony’s official website.
- Connect both your PS5 and laptop to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Log in with your PlayStation account on Remote Play.
- Your laptop will stream the PS5’s screen over your network.
Remote Play works well if your internet connection is fast and stable. But expect some lag and slightly lower resolution compared to a direct HDMI connection.
2. Use a Capture Card
The capture card method (explained above) provides the best video quality and minimal delay because it’s a direct wired connection.
3. Streaming Services (Less Common)
Some gamers use streaming platforms like Twitch or YouTube and watch their own gameplay on their laptop browser. This is indirect and introduces more delay, so it’s not ideal for live playing.
Do I Need Additional Hardware or Software to Connect PS5 to a Laptop?
Yes. Because your laptop doesn’t have an HDMI input, you’ll need additional hardware, software, or both to play your PS5 on your laptop screen.
What Hardware Do You Need?
- Capture card: This is the most reliable solution. Popular models include Elgato HD60 S, AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable, and Razer Ripsaw HD.
- HDMI cable: To connect the PS5 to the capture card.
What Software Do You Need?
- Capture card software, usually provided by the manufacturer.
- Optional: OBS Studio or similar software if you want to stream or record.
- Alternatively, PS Remote Play app by Sony.
Step-by-Step: How to Connect Your PS5 to a Laptop with a Capture Card
Ready for the practical part? Here’s how to set it up.
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
- PS5 console
- HDMI cable (usually comes with PS5)
- Capture card (e.g., Elgato HD60 S)
- Laptop with USB 3.0 port
- Software for capture card or OBS Studio
Step 2: Connect PS5 to Capture Card
Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the HDMI OUT port on your PS5.
Plug the other end into the HDMI IN port on your capture card.
Step 3: Connect Capture Card to Laptop
Plug the capture card into your laptop’s USB 3.0 port.
Your laptop should detect the device automatically.
Step 4: Install and Open Capture Software
Install the software that came with your capture card, or download OBS Studio.
Open the software, and configure it to display video from the capture card.
You should now see your PS5’s screen on your laptop.
Step 5: Adjust Settings for Best Performance
- Set the resolution (1080p is usually fine).
- Set frame rate (60 FPS is ideal for smooth gameplay).
- Reduce latency settings if available.
Step-by-Step: How to Use PS Remote Play to Stream PS5 to Laptop
If you don’t want to buy a capture card, try Remote Play.
Step 1: Prepare Your PS5
- On your PS5, go to Settings > System > Remote Play.
- Enable Remote Play.
- Make sure your PS5 is in Rest Mode or turned on.
Step 2: Download PS Remote Play on Laptop
- Go to Sony’s official Remote Play website.
- Download and install the app for Windows or macOS.
Step 3: Connect and Log In
- Open the app on your laptop.
- Log in with your PlayStation Network account.
- The app will search and connect to your PS5 on the same network.
Step 4: Start Playing
Once connected, your PS5 screen appears in the app window. You can now play using your DualSense controller connected to your laptop.
FAQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I use any HDMI cable with capture cards? | Yes, standard HDMI cables work fine. |
| Will using capture cards cause input lag? | Minimal lag, but high-quality capture cards reduce it significantly. |
| Is PS Remote Play free? | Yes, it’s a free app from Sony. |
| Can I use a USB-C port for capture cards? | Some capture cards support USB-C, but check compatibility with your laptop. |
| Can I play PS5 games on a laptop without a controller? | You can use a controller connected to the laptop or PS5. Remote Play also supports this. |
Final Thoughts
Trying to connect your PS5 directly to a laptop with just an HDMI cable? It’s a no-go because laptops don’t have HDMI inputs. But that’s not the end of the story.
If you want the best quality and the lowest delay, get a capture card. It’s a bit of an investment but totally worth it if you want to stream or just play on your laptop screen.
If you’re not ready to spend money, Sony’s Remote Play app is a neat alternative. It’s free, easy to set up, but depends on your internet speed and may introduce some lag.
Remember: your laptop’s HDMI port is for output only — so HDMI cables alone won’t do the job. Hopefully this clears up the confusion so you can enjoy your PS5 gameplay wherever you want.
References
[1] According to Sony’s official Remote Play website, PS Remote Play lets you stream your PS5 directly to your PC or Mac (https://remoteplay.dl.playstation.net/remoteplay/).
[2] Elgato’s product page explains how their capture cards work to bring console gameplay to a PC in real time (https://www.elgato.com/en/gaming/game-capture-hd60-s).
[3] According to TechRadar, most laptops only come with HDMI output ports, which means they cannot receive external video signals directly (https://www.techradar.com/news/can-you-use-your-laptop-as-a-monitor-for-your-console).
If you have questions or want advice on specific capture cards or setups, just ask!
Danny Inayat