What is the best webcam ever?
The best webcam should make you look your best no matter if you're in a dimly lit bedroom or home office. These webcams do the heavy lifting for you and make video calls or streaming easy. We've tested all the options out there to find the best ones to grab.
The best streaming webcam might differ from the best webcam for your remote working setup. If you're simply looking for the best picture quality at a reasonable price, the Logitech C922 HD Pro is a solid 1080p webcam choice. If you're looking for more, then the Elgato Facecam may be your sort of cam. While it's flashy, it's also incredibly versatile and boasts superb picture quality as well as some quality-of-life features content creators will appreciate.
Many of these webcams support HD and 4K up to 60 fps, which adds to the price tag. If you're perfecting your streaming set-up, you want that extra resolution and higher frame rate capability. Streaming puts the most demand on a webcam to show off your gorgeous makeup in high res or any swift motions you make (within the constraints of the limited bitrate and resolution of a typical Twitch or YouTube stream).
Written by
Written by
Jorge Jimenez
Hardware WriterJorge knows a thing or two about webcams, more importantly, he knows exactly what a streamer or content creator should be looking for to make their face shine. Whether your budget is lavish or modest, he's personally tested out all the most popular webcams and knows which ones deserve your attention.
The quick list
Recent updates
The best webcam
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(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Elgato)
(Image credit: Elgato)
(Image credit: Elgato)
Elgato's webcam is positioned as a premium camera for streamers who aren't quite ready to invest in more expensive options, such as a DSLR camera, but are still looking for the best picture they can get.
Out of the box, the picture quality of the Facecam is great, though we noticed it seeming a little over-exposed on first impressions. This does feel like a deliberate choice by Elgato, however. It makes the image come off brighter and lighter than your typical webcam, which you could argue is something most streamers want for their main shot.
Thankfully, one of the best parts of the Facecam package is its Camera Hub software. It's a simple control app that lets you adjust your camera settings in case that's not the ultra-bright look you want.
Out of the box, the picture quality of the Facecam is great.
The Facecam offers uncompressed video at 1080p/60fps, which is a pretty huge deal and might be the biggest reason streamers will want to pick this thing up. Without getting into a deeper conversation about encoding and compression, the short version is you'll have a final video output with less artifacting with the Facecam than you would when using most other webcams. And all without needing to bump down your resolution or frame rate in programs such as OBS.
The camera itself uses a Sony STARVIS sensor, a slice of silicon traditionally used in security cameras optimized for low-light environments. I tested the Facecam in a lower light setting to see how it hangs against the Razer Kiyo Pro, itself a webcam that specializes in making places with terrible lighting look better.
The Elgato Facecam wins out by just looking better overall compared to Kiyo Pro's odd fisheye effect at higher FOVs. If you're still torn on the two, let me just say for the record, the Facecam beats out Razer's offering, hands down.
The Elgato FaceCam is a good first attempt at a webcam, and a fine addition to the Elgato catalogue of streaming gear. It's specially targeted for streamers providing clean, low latency video footage for their broadcasts, so long as they are willing to pay a premium for it. But it sure delivers.
Read our full Elgato Facecam review.
The best budget webcam
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(Image credit: Logitech)
(Image credit: Logitech)
(Image credit: Logitech)
2. Logitech C922 HD Pro
The best budget webcam
Our expert review:
Average Amazon review:
Specifications
Capture resolution:
1080p
Capture speed:
30fps
FOV:
90 degrees
Special features:
Dual microphones
View at WalmartView at AmazonView at NeweggReasons to buy
+
Excellent picture quality
+
Good low-light performance
+
Great Price
Reasons to avoid
-
30 fps limit
Most readers can stop here. Unless you're looking for specific features in a webcam, then there is no better cam than the Logitech C922 HD Pro, because it's both the best budget webcam and the one that makes the most sense for the average PC user.
The Logitech C922 HD Pro has been around for years, and has been floating around in our best webcam guide for about as long, too. And with good reason, it just ticks pretty much every box from a webcam do-want list. Its sharp 1080p images, paired with a wide field of view and great autofocus, make it a fantastic video conferencing choice.
The best value webcam around for its performance and its overall feature set.
It is limited to 30 fps in full 1080p mode, but if you want a slicker picture you can switch to 720p and snag a smoother 60 fps level for your video. But if you're just needing a cam for work, or to catch up with your buddies online that's all you need.
But if you're looking for a webcam that will deliver beautiful, slick, high resolution content, then you are going to have to look elsewhere on this list. And spend a fair bit more, too.
Because, while the Logitech C922 HD Pro isn't cheap, is it the best value webcam around for its performance and its overall feature set.
Low-light performance is great, and the noise level didn't shoot through the roof when I turned off a few lights. White balancing is actually pretty accurate most of the time, too, although the default saturation can make the scene look a little washed out in bright lighting conditions.
Most of the settings can be adjusted through Logitech's Camera App. Streamers should also appreciate C922's excellent compatibility with the background replacement app, ChromaCam. All in all, the Logitech C922 performs its core duties exceptionally well and won't break the bank.
For streamers who don't need a full-screen high-res picture, the C922 is a great webcam to get started since you can track on down for less $100 at most retailers. There's also the C930e, for the titans of industry among us, but we prefer this cheaper option.
The best webcam for content creators
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(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Logitech)
(Image credit: Logitech)
(Image credit: Logitech)
The StreamCam was designed for, you guessed it, streamers and other content creators—so much so, you can rotate the StreamCam on its three-axis clip for portrait mode in case you wanted your content more mobile-friendly. Or keep it horizontal. Whatever you choose, the mount can easily be angled face-down up to 90 degrees if you want people to look at your keyboard and mouse movements, or your fingers playing an instrument. No extra gear is required, but the StreamCam does come with an additional mount that can screw onto a tripod for more complex arrangements.
It also shoots in full 1080p at 60fps. That's better than Logitech's three-year-old C922 webcam's 1080p/30fps, which has become a standard in a lot of streamers arsenal due to its competitive price. And it works with major streaming software like OBS and XSplit.
The StreamCam's works impressively well in low-light environments.
Logitech's Capture 2.0 software automates a lot of the settings most people don't bother with, like exposure, white balance, and face-tracking. There's even a chroma key feature in case you work with a green screen. While this won't replace something as in-depth like OBS or XSplit, Logitech Capture 2.0 is a quick and dirty option if you need to record videos at a steady pace. It does take multiple sources including your screen but found that using the transitions between different scenes was a bit hinky. The face-tracking is an impressive feature if you move around a lot on camera and can be toggled on/off via that same software.
The StreamCam works impressively well in low-light environments. Whether you're using prosumer-grade key lights or a desk lamp, the StreamCam manages to consistently focus on your face which is tough even for top-tier webcams.
Its microphone is serviceable and supports stereo and mono, but I'd recommend one of the best microphones for gaming instead of using the built-in one if you plan on doing anything more than a video call.
There are a few gripes I have with the camera itself. While the USB-C cable is a smart choice, the cable itself is on the shorter side at less than five feet. This is limiting in case you had plans to shoot any content outside of a desk environment. The cable is also is built into the webcam, so if you bend or break the cable, you are out of luck and a lot of cash. But this is still a way cheaper option than using a DSLR camera as a webcam that you often see popular streamers use, and requires less set-up.
Read our full Logitech StreamCam review.
The best low light webcam
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(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Razer)
(Image credit: Razer)
(Image credit: Razer)
The Kiyo Pro improves on Razer's previous webcams with a slightly different approach to handling lighting in dark spaces. It ditches the ring light in favor of a sophisticated light sensor to tackle the gloom.
Honestly, getting rid of the ring light was a good move for Razer since it always seemed like a novelty feature on the old Kiyo. Even in darkly lit environments, that ring light never felt bright enough actually to improve your shot, and I often found that the ring light itself was more distracting than useful. Which was why it never quite made it to the top of the our roundup.
The Kiyo Pro's other improvements include HDR (off by default), 1080p resolution at 60fps, wide-angle lens, and omnidirectional microphone. It's a feature-packed webcam for streamers.
The light sensor helps significantly compared to the popular Logitech StreamCam, its closest competitor specs-wise. During daytime shots, the abundance of light coming from windows can almost completely blow out half of my shot on the StreamCam while the Kiyo Pro manages to adjust on the fly. Though admittedly, it's a little heavy on the contrast.
Night-time or darker rooms is where the Kiyo Pro truly shines (pun absolutely intended).
Night-time or darker rooms is where the Kiyo Pro truly shines (pun absolutely intended). You can see how the Pro compensates for low-light environments, and the Kiyo Pro might be the best low-light webcam I've used in years. It manages to illuminate me and my background enough to make the camera usable with even a little light.
The wide-angle lens allows for more of your background to show off, but if you look close enough at some of these shots, you can see an almost fish-eye lens effect to them, which I'm not too keen on. Thankfully, you can switch to a lower FOV which looks so much better.
The Kiyo Pro also comes with an omnidirectional microphone. My microphone test script turned up some pretty crisp and clear audio, too, but picked up a ton of background noise like my desktop PC. If you're serious about streaming, you really should nab yourself a decent microphone to sound your best, and Razer itself makes one of the best cheap microphones right now.
The Kiyo Pro is one of the more expensive non-4K webcams you can find right now. With enough tweaking, you will be able to make the most of this webcam, but it's not naturally adept in every situation and the autofocus issue is a real pain. The right choice for anyone who wants the stream but who doesn't have the room or the luxury of setting up studio lighting for the best shot, perhaps, but not the ultimate webcam solution just yet.
Read our full Razer Kiyo Pro review.
The best 4K webcam
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(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
First and foremost, the OBSBot Tiny 2 is our pick for the best 4K webcam, but this is a cam that offers so much more. It's actually-useful AI features elevate if from a humble webcam into something else.
The Tiny 2's image quality excels. It does a great job of capturing details, contrast, and colors. It's does an adequate job In low light situations too, but in the end there's no substitute for a larger sensor. Adding a key light will take care of that, dramatically enhancing picture quality.
Hardware wise, the Tiny 2 boasts a 50MP, 1/1.5-inch CMOS sensor with an f1.9 aperture and a 26mm focal length. This allows it to achieve that creamy bokeh, separating the foreground from the background for a real professional look. The glass can handle up to 4X zoom and offers both autofocus and manual focus.
The Tiny 2 can supports 4K video at 30 fps with HDR. Other supported resolutions include 1080p, 960p, and 720p, supporting framerates of 60, 30, 25, 24, 20, and 15 frames per second. Output options include MJPEG, YUV, and H264 formats, catering to the preferences of the majority of video creators. The Tiny 2 seamlessly collaborates with OBS Studio, Nvidia Broadcast, Zoom, Teams, and Google Meet.
OBSBot really outdid itself with its fully featured webcam app
OBSBot really outdid itself with its fully featured Webcam app. It houses the main sections for tweaking tracking modes, setting presets, and it includes a virtual joystick for gimbal and zoom control. The AI section offers specialized options for Desk Mode, Whiteboard, Hand tracking, and Group video. It can even recognize limited voice and gesture commands.
The tabs for Image and Beauty includes options for various effects, exposure, color grading, and filters. And its got some really fun features like being able to alter body parts. That's the kind of thing that will bring out the inner child in all of us. It's a really feature rich app and it adds a lot of value to the overall package.
Overall, the OBSBot Tiny 2 is one of the most impressive all-round cameras we've ever laid eyes on. No matter if you're checking in on a Zoom call, a streamer, or whipping up a funny TikTok dance. Its ability to capture stunning high-resolution video, track movements, and respond to commands is a game-changer for the solo creator. While the price might be steep, considering what you get, it's well worth the investment.
Read our full OBSBot Tiny 2 review.
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How we test webcams
Discord's video conferencing feature has taken the world by storm. As such, we've included it in our testing software suite alongside Skype. We test the video quality in both apps at the maximum supported resolution. OBS is still our choice go-to app for streaming and video recording, while images are captured in the default Windows Camera app.
We used OBS to stream and record videos from each camera, testing them both fullscreen and scaled down to a "face cam" size. We also used each manufacturer's webcam software to take the highest possible resolution pictures with each and manually adjusted settings like white balance, brightness, auto-focus, and others where applicable. Each of these situations was tested with multiple lighting setups, from overhead fluorescent bulbs to nothing but the monitor's glow in front of me.
The process of selecting the right webcam is much like choosing a good camera. Most of the metrics we use to determine camera quality also apply to webcams. You should pay attention to the image quality, color accuracy, focus speed, and customizable features. Although many of us have dedicated microphones, the onboard microphone can come in handy too.
One of the greatest determiners of image quality is the amount of noise present in an image. Most webcams have no trouble producing good image quality when lighting is ample. The extra quality of the best webcams is more accurately reflected in low light; however, the camera needs to compensate for the lack of light digitally. Generally speaking, more expensive webcams come with higher quality sensors and usually have less pesky color blots compared to cheaper ones.
The other crucial aspect is the color of the images. Before we even begin to examine the color quality, we should pay attention to the white balance. White balance gauges the temperature of the lighting from your surrounding environment and sets the white point accordingly. The image may be masked with a blue or yellow tint if the white point is incorrectly set. Unless a tuning utility is included, the webcam's processor usually automatically adjusts the white balance.
Next is exposure, saturation, and contrast—all three are equally important. Exposure is the brightness of the image, saturation is the depth of the colors, and contrast is the difference between black and white. Brightness ensures that you can be seen clearly, while saturation and contrast make your images pop. Again, unless the software is included, the webcam's processor normally adjusts these settings automatically. More expensive webcams are more adept at replicating the most accurate scene.
Some webcams also have built-in microphones, which we test by recording a short video in our studio or home offices.
Software for webcams is just as critical—if not more so—than other peripherals. Although many streaming and conferencing apps have built-in adjustment options, using the manufacturer's driver software allows you to adjust the settings globally.
Aside from the video quality, I also took a look at their ease of use. Each manufacturer has a different method of attaching a webcam to the monitor, so I tested them across different monitor shapes and sizes. I considered whether the webcam cord was long enough to reach from the top of a monitor to a case underneath a desk. I tested how easy they were to angle and readjust and if they would fall off or reposition themselves if I bumped the desk. I tested their plug-and-play nature and noted whether the webcams automatically downloaded drivers or software. Lastly, I recorded audio with their built-in microphones, but this was not a heavy influencing factor as a webcam should be bought with video in mind first.
Webcam FAQ
What resolution webcam do I need?
If you plan to record at full-screen resolution, you may want to look at a 4K webcam. However, if you plan on streaming or keeping your webcam confined to only a small portion of your screen, the improved resolution will likely be lost, so sticking with a 1080p webcam should be more then enough for most folks.
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Here are our top picks for webcams, followed by what you should know when shopping for them.
If you have a laptop , you most likely already have a webcam. It probably isn't very good, though. Small lenses, skewed colors, awkward exposure, and grainy indoor video are just some of the problems you might experience with cheap, built-in webcams. A dedicated webcam can solve these problems and give you the flexibility to aim it wherever you want. It's a worthwhile investment if you're planning to spend a lot of time on calls, recording vlogs, or doing anything else with video.
Video chat is big these days. More people than ever before are working from home and many of them are hopping on video conference calls. You want to look your best in a video meeting, and that goes beyond showering and actually getting dressed. What you really need is a decent webcam.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Dell Pro Webcam
Best Overall
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
The Dell Pro Webcam offers strong performance for its reasonable price. Its 2K resolution makes it sharper than most others on this list and it's not nearly as expensive as 4K models. The microphone works well, too, which is a distinct advantage over the mic-free Dell Ultrasharp Webcam.
Who It's For
This is our default recommendation for anyone who wants sharper-than-1080p picture quality for under $100. The Dell Pro Webcam can't stand up to 4K webcams in terms of detail capture, but it's the best pick for most people.
PROS
- Sharp 2K video
- Clear audio
CONS
- Noisier than it should be for the resolution
- Sluggish auto framing
SPECS
Name Value Resolution 2K QHD Field of View 78 degrees Microphone Windows Hello All SpecsGET IT NOW
$99.99 Dell
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Dell Pro Webcam ReviewLogitech StreamCam
Best for Vertical Video
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
The Logitech Streamcam is a few years old, but it's still competitive with more recent models. This 1080p, 60fps camera records in both horizontal and vertical orientations, so it's just as useful for TikTok as for video calls. Otherwise, dual microphones capture reasonably clear audio and the Logitech Capture app provides useful software support.
Who It's For
This is an ideal option if you are just starting out with recording or streaming content because it includes stereo microphones (and thus saves you some money). It's a little pricey for a 1080p webcam, but the companion software and vertical recording features add significant value.
PROS
- Crisp, smooth video.
- Lots of recording options.
- Includes screen and tripod mounts.
CONS
- Expensive.
- Logitech Capture software doesn't stream.
SPECS
Name Value Resolution 1080p Field of View 78 degrees Microphone Windows Hello All SpecsGET IT NOW
$139.99 Logitech
$132.61 Amazon
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Logitech StreamCam ReviewRazer Kiyo Pro Ultra
Best Picture Quality
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
The Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra simply offers the best picture quality we've seen in a webcam, with superb 4K detail. Its 1/1.2-inch sensor enables excellent low-light performance too, preventing you from looking noisy in darker environments. Finally, its f/1.7 aperture means you get actual bokeh (something that most webcams don't even try) for a naturally defocused background.
Who It's For
If you're a content creator who doesn't want to deal with connecting a phone or a separate digital camera to your computer, consider this premium webcam a wise investment. Just keep in mind that the shallow focal plane isn't ideal if you frequently want your background to be in focus at the same time that you are.
PROS
- Fantastic video quality
- Produces genuine bokeh
- Strong low-light performance
- 4K30, 1440p30, and 1080p60 modes
CONS
- Expensive
- Narrow focus plane
- Mediocre microphone
- Synapse 3.0 software only works on Windows
SPECS
Name Value Resolution 4K Field of View 82 degrees Microphone Windows Hello All SpecsGET IT NOW
$299.99 Razer
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Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra ReviewAnker PowerConf C300
Best for Groups
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
The Anker PowerConf C300 has the widest lens out of all the cameras on this list at 115 degrees. That makes it ideal for getting everyone in a small conference room in the frame at once. Its 1080p 60fps video could be a little sharper, but it handles awkward lighting well and picks up voices fairly clearly.
Who It's For
The Anker PowerConf C300 works well for groups of people who all need to be on camera simultaneously, as well as for small businesses that don't want to break the bank on a fancier videoconferencing solution.
PROS
- Very wide angle is good for groups
- Strong low-light performance
- Solid microphone
CONS
- Angle can be too wide for a single person
SPECS
Name Value Resolution 1080p Field of View 115 degrees Microphone Windows Hello All SpecsGET IT NOW
$99.99 Amazon
Learn More
Anker PowerConf C300 ReviewCreative Live! Cam Sync 1080p V2
Best Ultra-Affordable Webcam
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
The 1080p Live! Cam Sync V2 won't impress anyone with its specs or performance, but it's still an excellent choice that offers better quality than your laptop's built-in webcam. Creative also sells a 4K Live! Cam Sync V3 for about $10 more, but we haven't tested that model yet.
Who It's For
If you want to save money on your webcam upgrade, this is your best bet. It's not quite suitable for streaming or recording, but it works just fine for video calls.
PROS
- Relatively inexpensive
- Bright picture
- Loud, clear sound
- Built-in privacy filter
CONS
- Noisy video
- Audio isn't particularly clean or crisp
SPECS
Name Value Resolution 1080p Field of View 77 degrees Microphone Windows Hello All SpecsGET IT NOW
$29.99 Amazon
$59.99 Creative Labs
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Creative Live! Cam Sync 1080p V2 ReviewCreative Live Cam Sync 4K
Best Entry-Level 4K Webcam
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
The Creative Live! Cam Sync 4K offers a native resolution of 4K for just $60, making it an inexpensive way to upgrade how you look on video calls. It doesn't compete with more expensive cameras in terms of image quality, but its mic array is a definite upgrade over the one built into your laptop.
Who It's For
This is the step-up webcam to get if the Dell Pro isn't within your budget and you want more cropping flexibility than a 1080p camera allows.
PROS
- 4K capture from an adjustable, wide-angle lens
- Good audio quality
- Inexpensive
CONS
- Video quality doesn't look very crisp
- Noisy low-light performance
- Underwhelming app
SPECS
Name Value Resolution 4K Field of View 95 degrees Microphone Windows Hello All SpecsGET IT NOW
$54.99 Amazon
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Creative Live Cam Sync 4K ReviewHyperX Vision S
Best Video-Only 4K Webcam
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
The HyperX Vision S is the second sharpest webcam we've tested, behind only the much more expensive Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra. It has a much deeper focus plane than the Kiyo Pro to keep both you and your surroundings crisp at the same time, though it means you don't get the cinematic bokeh effect. But depending on what you want a webcam for, that might not be a big disadvantage.
Who It's For
If you want a very sharp picture and don't want to get too fancy with framing and focus, the HyperX Vision S is a strong choice that costs less than the Kiyo Pro Ultra. Just be aware that it doesn't have a microphone, so you'll have to use your computer's microphone, a headset, or a USB mic.
PROS
- Very sharp picture
- Strong low-light performance
CONS
- No microphone
- Software is a bit buggy
SPECS
Name Value Resolution 4K Field of View 90 degrees Microphone Windows Hello All SpecsGET IT NOW
$199.99 Amazon
Learn More
HyperX Vision S ReviewPoly Studio P5
Best Webcam Under $100
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
The midrange Poly Studio P5 comes in above the price of the Creative Live! Cam Sync V2, but below that of the Dell Pro Webcam. Clean mic quality and a relatively sharp picture are highlights.
Who It's For
The Poly Studio P5 is a strong value and a good choice for people who want a better-than-budget experience. Like the aforementioned Creative model, it's better for standard video calls than content creation, but that might be all you need it for.
PROS
- Crisp, clear audio
- Strong low-light performance
- Physical privacy cover
- USB port for headset dongles
CONS
- Picture is a bit soft
- Monitor clip has limited adjustments
SPECS
Name Value Resolution 1080p Field of View 80 degrees Microphone Windows Hello All SpecsGET IT NOW
$39.99 Amazon
Learn More
Poly Studio P5 ReviewBuying Guide: The Best Webcams for 2024
What Webcam Frame Rate and Resolution Do You Need?
A webcam can only get as sharp as its sensor can resolve pixels. Full HD (1080p) resolution is a good starting point for a decent webcam, but if you want to up your picture quality (or be able to crop your frame and keep it sharp), a 4K webcam is what we recommend. Quad HD 2K (2,560 by 1,440) is a rare but flexible middle ground between those two. Stay away from 720p models if you can; they offer the softest image quality and are likely no better than your laptop's built-in webcam.
The frame rate affects how smooth your video looks. A 60fps webcam presents you in a much more realistic and natural way than a 30fps webcam, so be sure to pay close attention to that spec before buying.
What Kind of Lens Does Your Webcam Need?
The lens on a webcam is just as important as the sensor, and generally bigger is better. It determines how much light reaches the camera sensor, which affects how you look in less-than-ideal lighting scenarios. This is known as the aperture size, and most cameras express this value as f/(number). The lower the number, the wider the aperture and the more light that comes through. Webcams don't often advertise their aperture sizes, but they generally range from f/2.0 to f/2.8.
Should You Choose a Webcam With a Wide or Narrow Field of View?
The lens also determines the camera's field of view, which is important for framing. If you want to capture only your face and cut out your messy bedroom, get something with a narrow field of view (or a high enough resolution that you can crop the frame). If you want to record an entire conference room, make sure the webcam has a wide field of view. Typically, these ranges fall between 65 and 90 degrees, with 78 degrees serving as a common middle ground. In this case, the smaller the number, the smaller the field of view.
Does Your Webcam Need Autofocus?
Most inexpensive webcams are fixed-focus. That means the lenses don't adjust to keep you in focus, or are simply set to capture you within a wide enough range that you show up clearly. This behavior is fine if you sit directly in front of the camera a few feet away, but it's easy to wander out of the focal plane (particularly if you want to show something up close).
More expensive webcams often include an autofocus system, which means their lenses adjust to make sure you're clear at any distance from the camera. This is preferable because you don't have to worry about sitting in the same spot to remain in focus.
Some higher-resolution cameras have what's called AI autofocus, which combines autofocus with digital zoom to center the frame around your face as you move around within the camera's field of view. This is a handy feature, but it can't replace properly framing the shot ahead of your conference.
The Best Webcam Lighting
Even the best webcams struggle in a dark room. If you want a clear, sharp picture, you need good lighting. Overhead lights and sunlight are helpful but rarely consistent. Some webcams, like the Razer Kiyo, have a built-in ring light, but otherwise, an adjustable fill light, like the Logitech Litra Glow, works reliably.
Logitech Litra Glow (Credit: Logitech)
Are Webcam Microphones Good Enough?
You aren't going to get amazing sound from your webcam's mic array. Sometimes you can find a webcam with a mic that sounds pretty good, but the acoustics of your room and the simple distance between you and the webcam means there's a limit to how clear your voice sounds.
With that in mind, some high-end webcams like the Dell UltraSharp Webcam forego microphones entirely. These webcams focus on video quality and assume that you have a dedicated USB mic or gaming headset with a boom mic—either of which will provide better sound than any webcam mic. We recommend using a USB mic or headset if you're serious about recording, streaming, or any video calls that might be recorded for future use. Obviously, these would come at an extra expense.
Can You Use Your DSLR or Mirrorless Camera as a Webcam?
Fujifilm X-S20 (Credit: Jim Fisher)
Do you have a mirrorless or SLR camera? Good news! You can use it to (potentially) get far better picture quality than any consumer webcam. Our guide to setting up your digital camera as a webcam walks you through all the requisite steps for recording and streaming from your favorite camera.
How to Turn Your Smartphone Into a Webcam
Droidcam (Credit: Droidcam)
Alternatively, if your phone has a good camera, you can try using it as a webcam. Check out our guide on turning your phone into a webcam with free software.