If you are looking for a way to play your PlayStation 4 using a laptop screen instead of a television, you are not alone. Whether your TV is in use or you are travelling with limited equipment, using your laptop as a PS4 display sounds like a convenient solution. However, the process is not as simple as connecting an HDMI cable between the two.
This article explains whether you can hook a PS4 to a laptop, what options are available, and how to make it work using either hardware or software solutions. It also covers the limitations you may face and how to get the best possible experience.
Why HDMI Alone Will Not Work
Many people assume that connecting an HDMI cable from the PS4 to the laptop will turn the laptop into a monitor. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Both the PS4 and your laptop’s HDMI port are output only. This means they are designed to send video and audio signals, not receive them. Since there is no HDMI input on most laptops, the devices cannot communicate directly using a simple cable.
To hook a PS4 to a laptop successfully, you need a method that allows your laptop to receive and display the signal coming from the console. There are two main approaches to do this: using a capture card or using Sony’s Remote Play software.
Using a Capture Card
A video capture card is a piece of hardware that connects to your laptop via USB and includes an HDMI input. This allows you to plug your PS4 into the capture card and then view the console’s output through software on your laptop. It essentially tricks the laptop into acting like a monitor by using the capture card as a middle step.
To use this method, you will need a capture card such as the Elgato HD60 S, a USB 3.0 port on your laptop, and a high-speed HDMI cable. After installing the necessary software, connect the PS4 to the capture card and launch the app to see your PS4 display on your laptop screen.
While this setup works well and offers decent image quality, there can be slight input lag. For most games, the delay is not a major issue, but for fast-paced titles where split-second reactions are important, it may be noticeable. This method is most popular with streamers and content creators who want to record gameplay on a laptop while playing on the same screen.
Using Remote Play
If you want a simpler and more affordable option, Sony’s Remote Play feature is the easiest way to hook your PS4 to a laptop. Remote Play lets you stream your PS4’s display over your home network to a laptop or other compatible device. You do not need any special cables or hardware. You only need a stable Wi-Fi connection and the official Remote Play app installed on your laptop.
To use Remote Play, download the app from Sony’s website and install it on your Windows or macOS laptop. Make sure your PS4 is updated and that Remote Play is enabled in the console settings. Sign in with your PlayStation Network account and connect your controller to the laptop using USB or Bluetooth. Then launch the Remote Play app and follow the prompts to begin streaming your console to your laptop screen.
This method works best when both the PS4 and the laptop are connected to the same high-speed network. For the smoothest experience, use a wired Ethernet connection where possible. Remote Play supports resolutions up to 1080p with 60 frames per second, depending on your connection quality.
Connecting Your Controller
No matter which method you choose, you will still need a controller to play. With a capture card, your controller connects directly to the PS4 as usual. With Remote Play, your controller connects to the laptop instead.
DualShock 4 controllers can be connected via USB or Bluetooth. Most laptops with Windows 10 or 11 support Bluetooth pairing, and macOS devices support it as well. Once connected, your controller will work just like it does when plugged into the console.
Limitations and Considerations
While it is possible to hook a PS4 to a laptop, both methods come with some trade-offs. Capture cards add cost and may introduce slight input delay. Remote Play relies heavily on a strong Wi-Fi signal and may experience lag or reduced video quality if the network is unstable.
It is also important to remember that these solutions allow you to display the PS4 screen on your laptop, not control the PS4 using your laptop’s keyboard or mouse. You will still need a controller to play games as normal.
Some laptops may also struggle with demanding streaming software or may not have the right ports or specifications for capture cards. Always check system requirements before purchasing hardware or installing new apps.
Conclusion
You can hook a PS4 to a laptop, but it requires more than a simple HDMI cable. Because laptops do not have HDMI input ports, you need to use either a capture card or Sony’s Remote Play software. Both methods work well and offer different advantages depending on your needs and equipment. With the right setup, you can enjoy your favourite PlayStation games on your laptop screen whether for casual play or professional streaming.