Best WebCams

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 7, 2024
A webcam is a device that is able to erase borders and shorten the distance between extended families via Internet. Now not only ...Read more
PROS

The RightLight™ 3 technology works in conjunction with the HDR function to automatically adjust exposure and contrast, meaning that you will always look your best in front of your audience. The software that comes with the app will allow you to blur any background distractions or simply replace it with any image you want.

CONS

Some users find the detachable clip a bit impractical.

OUR VERDICT

The Logitech BRIO is easily the best camera for YouTube. But if you do not particularly care for the latter website, you might still want to consider this webcam as it will allow you to stream on Twitch, talk to your colleagues on Skype, or simply record videos in the Ultra HD resolution.

detailed parameters
Attach-ability

Universal, table stand, and clip-on

Resolution

3840 x 2160 4K Ultra HD

Frame Rate

30 FPS

Photo Quality

~8 megapixels

Lens Quality

Glass

Functions

Built-in infrared sensor, Adjustable field of view, RightLight™ 3 with HDR, Detachable clip, Privacy shade

Connection Type

Wire connection via USB (3.0 USB version required for 4K Ultra HD)

Supported OS

Windows, Mac OS, Chrome OS

Warranty

3 years

PROS

A decent Full HD webcam at an affordable price that’s gonna record high-quality videos in most lighting conditions. The cam features a glass lens for efficient light transmission and autofocus to make your shots clearer and less distorted even if you move.

CONS
Full HD is good only for Skype. For the rest video activity, you may need to change resolution down to 720p.
OUR VERDICT

What we have here is a mid-priced Full HD webcam with tech characteristics of more expensive models to record all bright and memorable moments of your life and broadcast them.

detailed parameters
Attach-ability

Universal, table stand, and clip-on

Resolution
1920 x 1080 Full HD
Frame Rate

30 FPS

Photo Quality
15 megapixels
Lens Quality

Glass

Functions

Auto face tracking, Motion detection, 2 built-in stereo microphones, Automatic light correction, Integrated H.264 compression

Connection Type

Wire connection via USB

Supported OS

Windows, Mac OS, Chrome OS, Android

Warranty

2 years

PROS

At 6.5 feet, the USB cable will not keep you quite as tied to the case. The model's starting point is 2.7 inches, so you can use the camera without moving more than one step away from it. The facial enhancement features always show you from your best side. 

CONS

Does not work well in low-light scenarios. 

OUR VERDICT

In addition to Windows, Mac OS, and Chrome OS, the NexiGo A229-AF is compatible with Android, so you can work with Android-based devices. The model's stereo microphone will be able to reduce ambient noise without affecting the sound quality, so you can communicate even in loud settings.

detailed parameters
Attach-ability

Universal, table stand, and clip-on

Resolution

1920 x 1080 Full HD

Frame Rate

30 FPS

Photo Quality

2 megapixels

Lens Quality

Plastic

Functions

Stereo microphone, Automatic low-light correction, Privacy cover

Connection Type

Wire connection via USB

Supported OS

Windows, Mac OS, Chrome OS, Android

Warranty

1 year

PROS

This Full HD glass lens webcam delivers the incredibly clear 30 FPS video. It records video at a wide angle of up to 110 degrees, providing smooth video calling in 16:9 widescreen. Additional device drivers are not required.

CONS

The picture may seem too contrasty.

OUR VERDICT

The XPCAM A9 is lauded for its microphone that can pick up sound up to 10 ft. away. In addition, it has good light correction, allowing its use in dark rooms. The convenient stand and universal clamp makes it compatible with all laptops, PCs, and consoles.

detailed parameters
Attach-ability

Universal, table stand, and clip-on

Resolution

1920 x 1080 Full HD

Frame Rate

30 FPS

Photo Quality

2 megapixels

Lens Quality

Glass

Functions

Built-in microphone with noise reduction technology, Automatic low light correction, Privacy cover

Connection Type

Wire connection via USB

Supported OS

Windows, Mac OS, Chrome OS, Linux

Warranty

30 days

PROS

Using the privacy cover, you can not only ensure that even the best hackers will not be able to record you but also protect the lens from moisture and dust. The camera streams and records without optical distortion, making the content look authentic and lifelike. 

CONS

The viewing angles are pretty limited (70 degrees). 

OUR VERDICT

The Amcrest AWC201-B Webcam will let you start streaming and recording right away. The camera works without requiring drivers. You won't need to install any third-party software to ensure that the 'cam is working fine. Plus, it is compatible with most streaming and video chat software.

detailed parameters
Attach-ability

Universal, table stand, and clip-on

Resolution

1920 x 1080 Full HD

Frame Rate

30 FPS

Photo Quality

2 megapixels

Lens Quality

Plastic

Functions

Built-in microphone with noise-reduction technology, Privacy cover

Connection Type

Wire connection via USB

Supported OS

Windows, Mac OS, Chrome OS, Android, Xbox One

Warranty

1 year

Back to the Roots of Vlogging

People like Louie Cole from FunForLouie or Devin Graham that is behind the Devinsupertramp would make you think that vlogging is all about these crazy adventures that you have to take in order to entertain your audience. But the roots of video blogging don't have anything to do with that sort of lifestyle. The very first vloggers would just sit in front of a camera and bare their soul to the audience, talk about the things that excite them or the topics that they consider to be of the utmost importance. And with the Logitech BRIO, you can easily do the same.

What we have here isn't just a vlogging camera under 200 bucks. It is also one of the simplest and most convenient models that a variety of different people can use to jump-start their vlogging career. And even if you do not particularly care for vlogging, you can use this webcam for other recording purposes, as well as video conferencing with your colleagues and streaming on Twitch or any other similar platform. The model doesn't even care whether you prefer to sit in a bright office or in a dimly lit room as the Logitech's very own RightLight™ 3 technology that works in conjunction with the High Dynamic Range function automatically adjusts exposure and contrast, meaning that you will always look your best in front of your audience, be it thousands of viewers or your mother at the other end of the Skype call.

You Decide What to Share

Though we are talking about a rather affordable vlogging camera, that didn't stop Logitech from implementing a premium glass sens and the technologies required to allow the sensor to shoot and capture video in the Ultra HD resolution. Plus, the aforementioned HDR will make sure that the sort of imagery your viewers are going to experience will be as close to reality as possible.

The camera also comes with three adjustable fields of view. Using the latter, you will be able to focus the camera only on those areas that you want your viewers to see. And, speaking of the things you would or wouldn't want other people to see, the software that comes with the app will allow you to blur any background distractions in case you wouldn't want to invite your viewers to whatever is going on there or simply replace it with any image you want. Of course, you gotta share something with your audience, and the 5x digital zoom on this small vlogging camera will provide you with the option of displaying a closer view of the details that you'd like other people to observe. That said, where's video there's always audio, and a couple of omnidirectional microphones that come with the cam feature the sort of noise cancellation technologies that will make you want to throw your old mic out. And if you wouldn't really describe yourself as a trusting kind, the model has you covered with an external shutter that turns the camera off and an infrared sensor that works with the majority of facial recognition apps.

To sum it all up, the Logitech BRIO is easily the best camera for YouTube. But if you do not particularly care for the latter website, you might still want to consider this webcam as it will allow you to stream on Twitch, talk to your colleagues on Skype, or simply record videos in the Ultra HD resolution.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $170.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B01N5UOYC4

What customers say about this product

Features(3.8)

Beautiful picture, works well in low light. Supports Windows 10 Hello authentication so you can unlock your computer with just your face.

Key Specs(4)

Can’t find a better webcam for vlogging or for Skyping with family, especially with kids running etc where people need to clearly hear what you and the kids are saying from some distance.

Great Image Quality

The Logitech C920 HD Pro Webcam can become the best bang for your buck. It’s a reasonably priced cam with Full HD resolution that is able to take up to 30 frames per a second and come out with impressive quality pictures. The cam features a glass lens for efficient light transmission and autofocus to make your shots clearer and less distorted even if you move.

However, if you decide to use this cam for playing online games, you will need to switch to 720p, otherwise, the video quality may get lost. Full HD 1920 x 1080 is available for video chatting on popular messengers and social websites. For other purposes, 720p is recommended (if the quality matters, sure).

The people behind Logitech have never been especially obsessed with aesthetics and this product is no exception. The camera's black profile is stern and simplistic, albeit relatively sleek. The camera measures fairly standard 1 x 3.7 x 1.2 inches, so you'll have no issues clipping this webcam onto most monitors or finding enough space for the webcam on the desk and use the supplied table stand to attach the 'cam.

More Than Functional

For whatever reason you want to buy a webcam, the Logitech C920 will suit you best. Even if you plan to broadcast cooking shows right at home, rely on the cam and do the work. The face tracking function will always keep you in the sight no matter how far your stovetop is gonna be placed from the cam, so you can fry eggs, make pizza or whatever you want and make sure that autofocus will not lose a track of you. The Logitech C920 is an ideal option for those who are involved in any type of activity. Dance, sing, rap and do whatever you want in front of the cam and be sure that your movements are gonna be captured in the best possible way. Isn't it a great deal for the price it is sold?

The Logitech C920 has got two microphones for recording stereo-like videos in full sound, a Carl Zeiss quality glass lens for taking precise and crisp images and a long cord for using the cam freely around. The aforementioned stand sits on rubber tips that prevent slipping and ensure firm fixation of the cam onto any surface, be it standard tables/desks, displays, tripods, and more.

The minor inconvenience that you may face when using this cam is that it doesn’t turn left or right unless you mount it on a tripod. The construction is made in a way to swivel only up and down, which is not that bad to be honest, considering that you can always either turn a monitor itself or use a full-length tripod.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $69.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00829D0GM

VIDEO

What customers say about this product

Key Specs(4)

Was looking for a good resolution camera for home based job and needed great quality in resolution at good price, read reviews and picked up 2 of these, and they didn't disappoint

Features(4)

The mounting gear that came with camera made it very easy to mount and adjust to the correct height and angle. It is a good camera for either personal or business use.

Practically Infinite Range

The NexiGo A229-AF has its moments and while these moments are not necessarily few and far between, they're also not predominant. We like the price and the specs relative to the price, but even at this low-end price point, there are webcams that do certain things better. Even where low-end models are concerned, 2-megapixel complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS) are not great.

On the plus side, we can easily get behind the camera's 2.7-inch starting point and its virtually infinite range. The autofocus feature on this device is pretty capable as well, making sure that the video always looks sharp. While we've seen decent autofocus examples before, the same cannot be quite said about the model's facial enhancement features, at least not when you look at budget webcams. Nevertheless, these features are present there and they're top-notch, putting the user's best side first.

But, again, the camera is far from flawless. As subjective as this point is, the model's dress sense is questionable, and so is its footprint. Measuring 3.9 x 2.2 x 2. inches, this device could have been designed more compact, reducing the stereo microphone's size. The same move would have also made this camera more visually appealing because, as it is right now, there's something awkward about its design, something that almost makes the device look ungroomed/unkempt. The good news is that, even compared with high-end mode models' privacy covers, the one that's used here is practical and smooth, clicking shut without making noise or presenting challenges. Also, despite its somewhat bulky size, this webcam weighs a little above 7 ounces, so you can move it around the screen with a few fingers without feeling inconvenienced.

Canceling Noise

Barring sensors, web cameras are only as good as the microphones they integrate. With this model, the mic is respectable. Its noise-canceling tech is pretty good at reducing ambient noise as well as enhancing the video's sound quality. Even in noisy environments, you will not fail at capturing the sounds you want and avoiding the ones you don't. Last but not quite least, the USB cable measures 6.5 feet, so you can put the camera even on the side that's farther from the screen.

In closing, provided you don't mind the sensor's 2-megapixel quality, the NexiGo A229-AF will give you your money's worth. Plus, besides Windows, Mac OS, and Chrome OS, this model even works with Android devices.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $54.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B08931JJLV

High Quality Picture

Nothing can match a face-to-face interaction, but in our modern world, more and more communication goes online. Get prepped for an important job interview or a friendly chat with the XPCAM web camera. It doesn’t compromise on picture quality, giving you the Full HD resolution backed up with a sensitive mic.

The XPCAM takes your calls and conferences to the pro level with its powerful glass lens. It supports the 1080p Full HD image at 30 fps, making your video stream crisp and clean every single time. Impress the HR department of your dream company – or surprise a friend with how natural you look. Considering the price tag, this webcam offers a really good value for your money.

The wide, up to 110 degrees angle view will display more of you during a call in the 16:9 format. This feature makes it easy to record, stream, game, or video chat. Add the auto light correction plus the HDR tech, and you’ve got a powerful device for all your video-related needs. The only issue here is that the level of contrast may seem too high for one’s taste. Otherwise, you’ll be impressed with how amazing this camera is.

You’ll Be Heard

Worried about the sound quality? You shouldn’t be. The XPCAM comes with a sensitive microphone that picks up your voice at a 10 ft. distance. This way, you won’t be tied to the camera during streaming or presenting. Yes, the sound doesn’t really match the amazing picture, but it’s sufficient for work or fun, and the audio is clear overall.

The universal clip that comes with this cam is a must-have for PC or laptop owners. Put it on and change the angle without the annoying fall-offs at the worst possible moment. The clip is sturdy enough to hold the cam in its place throughout the call or stream. What’s more, you get a small tripod for using the webcam anywhere you’d want.

Great, but what about the privacy and safety? The XPCAM is equipped with a privacy cover, and you don’t have to be a conspiracy theorist to appreciate it. Should something unexpected happen in your room, simply put it down to avoid the embarrassment.

Summing up, the XPCAM is surprisingly good in the picture quality department and gives you good sound for all your streams and calls. Home, office, or vacation, it is fit for any place or use.

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B082X91MPP

Military-esque Appeal

The Amcrest AWC201-B Webcam looks almost military-esque. In general, most people like web cameras a little less bulky but, with this one, we can see these people coming around. Plus, even though you can presume so from the pictures, the camera is not really that large. Measuring 4.9 x 2.7 x 2.2 inches, we're talking about maybe an extra inch here and an extra inch there, which is noticeable, no doubt, but also not as much as one might reckon. We're not quite sure why there are these two massive wings to the lens' side but, again, this is all about preference and some may find them aesthetically pleasing.

As much as we like talking about aesthetics though, when you're discussing webcams, appearance matters the least. The microphone, on the other hand, matters quite a bit. In this case, the mic contributes even more than usual, with its dual noise-reducing setup ensuring excellent stereo audio and clarity. Even the noisiest environments will let you stream without worrying about the people on the other end not being able to understand the message you're relaying.

Even though lenses sell webcams more than every other component combined, we'll leave them for last. Before that, the 'cam comes equipped with a mounting clip and a 1/4-inch tripod thread, so you can use practically any surface, even those that are not 100% flat and even. Connection-wise, not unlike most web cameras, this one uses the USB port and lets you work with Windows, Mac OS, Chrome OS, even Android Xbox One. The cable that the model is shipped with measures 5.5 feet (167 centimetres), so you can place the camera quite far away from the content source.

No Optical Distortion

Cutting to the chase, the lens is where the magic happens. That said, by "lens", we're also talking about the tech behind that lens, including the 1/3-inch CMOS image sensor. Aside from the viewing angles limited to 70 degrees, which is pretty middling these days, the tech here does not disappoint. You can easily stream Full HD (1920 x 108)P) content at 30 fps without any optical distortion. Thanks to the camera's native high-res setup, you can stream webinars, record online lessons, lead video conferences, and more.

Finally, something that most web cameras are doing nowadays, this one also comes featuring a privacy cover, so you can shield the camera knowing that no one can spy on you as well as protect the lens from dust.

Long story short, as long as its size does not bother you, the Amcrest AWC201-B Webcam should fit whatever bill you're looking at/for.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $39.99
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B085STB7FR

Infographics


What Is a Webcam?

Were you born two-three decades ago, would you ever believe that it would be possible to communicate with your friends, relatives or colleagues from abroad in a real-time mode and see them just as if they were right in front of you? Yeah, most people back in the days probably would've never believed this science fiction-esque idea either. Nevertheless, with the invention of a webcam, this concept has become a reality.

Most applications today (both computer and mobile) offer their users an opportunity to video call the contacts from their list and shorten the distance between each other by times in a single click. All you need to have is a device to install a webcam (in case with smartphones, installation is not required) and a decent camera. In our review of the best webcams, we’ll show how various models differ and how to make the right choice.

When talking via a webcam, sometimes you may want to keep your conversations private. This is where using headphones is a must. Consider these five Bluetooth headsets we’ve handpicked for you in our other review.

What Features to Compare

Image Quality

The image quality of a webcam is the foremost thing to consider when looking for a unit to attach to a PC. Primarily it’s determined by a few technical parameters - a resolution matrix and a frame rate. Let’s take a closer look at each of them and define their importance in terms of the quality.

  • Matrix resolution stands for picture clarity and its sharpness. When they talk about resolution, what they really mean is a number of horizontal and vertical pixels on a display. The more pixels are there in the image, the sharper it is gonna be. This is where you may want to turn your eye to a cam with at least 3 mPixels so the image on a screen looks pretty clear and visually defined. Today, most popular webcams offer 1280 x 720 resolution. It’s not an ideal picture, but quite satisfactory when viewed as a thumbnail. The perfect picture quality is guaranteed with 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) resolution. Those consumers who look for true quality and outstanding picture sharpness should not compromise and go for Full HD, no doubts. The only thing you need to be aware of is that without having a proper high-speed Internet the pictures of the kind may frizz and get distorted.
  • Frame rate determines the smoothness of the pictures and is expressed in FPS (abbreviated from Frames Per Second). The higher the frame rate is, the smoother the picture is gonna be. What values should you look for? Well, the optimal rate is measured at minimum 30 FPS so you can start from there.
  • Photo quality (measured with megapixels) will tell you how good or bad your pictures are gonna be. In the end, the camera is oftentimes used for taking shots, not only videos, and this parameter shouldn't be overlooked just as well.

Lens Quality

The lens quality also matters. Quite often, instead of expensive lenses, they use a plastic optic, that not only cuts the price of the model down but also worsens the picture quality by times. Plastic lenses don’t transmit as much light as glass lenses do, and often turn dark in a course of time. If you look for a long-lived webcam, you should definitely check out what type of lens they use in a cam and preferably, go for a glass option. Yes, it would cost you a little bit more, but it’s also gonna last considerably longer.

Functional Capabilities

When you’ve decided on resolution, frame rate and lens quality, make sure to check what else is there that a webcam offers. Functional capabilities will introduce you to the type of connection as well as the whole functional of a cam, including all its nifty features and functions like Editor, Face detection, Light correction and more. The scope of functional capabilities varies in different models, so you should not overlook this aspect and go for a cam with the best available opportunities.

Construction and Attach-ability

The last but not the least criterion that you should pay attention to is construction and attach-ability of a chosen cam. Quite often it is the construction that becomes crucial and decision-making factor for most consumers. Not everyone buys a cam for home use only. If you plan to use it for making online presentations or video courses to broadcast on the Internet, it’s got to provide you with flexibility options and the optimal angle for video capture.

How to:

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