The Best Webcams for Crystal-Clear Video Sessions
Webcams are versatile devices. Whether you’re making your own YouTube videos, setting up a surveillance system, conducting online meetings or using it for another home or office purpose, having the right webcam makes all the difference. Before you buy one, take into account how you’ll use it most of the time. Then, look for a webcam that meets your needs.
The main factors to consider include resolution — look for a cam that delivers at least 720p, but preferably 1080p. Frame rate is another important consideration; look for a webcam that delivers at least 30 frames per second. An integrated microphone, sleek design and a lens that automatically adjusts for optimal lighting and focus are also important.
There’s a variety of great options out there. We’ve compiled a list of 10 of the best webcams on the market to help you choose the one that’s best for your needs.
Best Overall: Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam
This solid mid-range option works well for most users. The Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam is optimized for recording and streaming, with 1080p resolution, a 78-degree field of view, automatic light correction and a full-HD glass lens that automatically focuses to provide clear, sharp and consistent video streaming. It’s compatible with Windows 7, 8 and 10, as well as macOS X 10.9 and higher, Chrome OS, Android v5.0 and above and XBox One. Reviewers loved the professional video quality paired with easy setup and the user-friendly design.
Best Value: Logitech HD Webcam C615
You don’t have to spend a lot to get a high-quality webcam. Case in point? The Logitech HD Webcam C615 features a compact, fold-and-go design. Its 360-degree swivel provides a combination of flexibility and performance that outpaces anything that webcams built into your computer or mobile device can match. Reviewers loved the small footprint and praised the great audio and video.
Best Quality: Logitech BRIO Ultra HD Webcam
Ultra-high definition, 4K quality with high dynamic range, autofocus and a premium glass lens is just the beginning of what you get with the Logitech BRIO Ultra HD webcam. It also features a 5x digital zoom, three field of view settings and two omnidirectional microphones. Noise-canceling technology helps deliver crystal-clear audio, while RightLight 3 Light Correction provides professional-quality visuals — including good performance in low light, according to reviewers. They also found it easy to install and operate, and they appreciated the included clip cover for privacy when not in use.
Best for Social Streaming: Mevo Plus
When it was designed, the Mevo Plus was the next generation of Facebook Live’s Mevo Camera. The updates and improvements make this an ideal webcam for social media streaming. Create high-resolution videos at 1080p and 4K, edit those videos right on your phone and rest assured that you can transmit videos even over far distances. These features make the Mevo Plus a particularly great option for travel bloggers. Users also noted how well it created a professional studio look without extra equipment — another plus for buyers who want a webcam that’s streamlined.
Best for Gamers: Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam
Two of the most important features for gamers are image quality and lighting. The Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam delivers on both counts, with an adjustable ring light and a combination of high frames per second and high resolution. Gamers aren’t the only ones who appreciate the balance of lighting that this handy webcam provides; it’s also a solid option for streaming live videos. Users praised the ring for saving them time, money and effort in setting up additional lighting. It also looks super-sleek.
Best Starter Webcam: Ausdom AW620 HD Webcam
Looking for a webcam that can work with just about any operating system? Consider the Ausdom HD webcam, which was designed for maximum versatility. This sleek little webcam delivers sharp images and boasts a tripod-ready design and noise-filtering technology. This inexpensive, plug-and-play webcam doesn’t require software updates, earning it praise for simplicity and being an “awesome buy for the price,” one reviewer noted. However, you will need to control your lighting manually for best results.
Best for Skyping: Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000
If you just need a good webcam for video chatting and infrequent recording, the Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 could be a great, budget-minded option. It provides 720p live video calling, a wideband microphone, autofocus and a TrueColor system that keeps the exposure optimal for excellent lighting, whether you’re on a video conference for work or chatting with the family. Users praised its great picture quality, especially for the price, and they also noted that it easily handled dark and light settings with ease. They also praised the crisp and clear sound of the audio.
Best Wide-Angle Webcam: Genius 120-Degree Ultra Wide Angle HD Webcam
Need to capture a larger area? The wide, 120-degree range of the Genius 120-degree webcam delivers the range you need to capture up to five people at once, making it an ideal option for gaming or conferences. It delivers 1080p, HD resolution with up to 30 frames per second. It also has a sensitive stereo microphone, 12-megapixel interpolation and a retro-inspired design that looks cool all on its own. Users were pleased that it easily recognized Linux out of the box but mostly sang the praises of its extraordinary wide screen.
Best for Video Conferencing: Logitech MeetUp HD Video and Audio System
Perfect for small meeting rooms, the Logitech MeetUp conferencing system delivers business-grade video for meetings, conferences, webinars and more. According to users, it’s easy to set up and run, and it delivers a 120-degree field of view that helps everyone remain visible on camera. It also features a three-microphone audio system, microphone frequency response of 90hz to 16khz and high HD video quality for stellar results.
Best for General Business Use: Logitech C930e 1080p HD Video Webcam
If you need an effective, business-friendly webcam but you don’t need something designed to cover an entire room, consider the Logitech C930e 1080p HD video webcam. It delivers 1080p HD video at 30 high-quality frames per second (“the resolution is amazing,” said one user). It also features a 4x digital zoom, 90-degree extended view, Skype and Microsoft Lync certification and an external privacy shutter to prevent potential spying.
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