Best webcams in 2024: the 1080p and 4K webcams I recommend for gamers and streamers

14 Apr.,2024

 

The best webcam should make you look your best no matter if you're in a dimly lit bedroom or home office. We've tested all the options out there to find the best ones to grab, including options best suited to video calls at work and those intended for streaming to your adoring fans.

If you're looking for the best webcam overall, that would be the Elgato Facecam MK. 2. It's incredibly versatile and boasts superb picture quality, as well as some quality-of-life features content creators will appreciate. Importantly, it's a major improvement on the original Facecam, but notably cheaper too. If you're simply looking for the best picture quality at a reasonable price, the Logitech C920 is a solid 1080p webcam choice, even after all these years.

Many of these webcams support 1080p, some at 60 fps, and fewer 4K, which adds to the price tag. If you're perfecting your streaming set-up you might want that higher frame rate capability, but you really want a webcam that deals well with the lighting conditions wherever you're streaming from. An extra light will also go a long way to improving picture quality.

Curated by...

Curated by...

Jacob Ridley

Senior Hardware Editor

As a child of the '90s, Jacob knows what makes a terrible webcam. Moreover, his years of experience with the latest and greatest webcams has cemented in his mind what makes one great. From the classic C920 to the finest 4K, he knows which webcam to recommend.

The quick list

Recent updates

The best webcam

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

1. Elgato Facecam MK.2

The best webcam

Our expert review:

Average Amazon review:

Specifications

Capture resolution:

1080p

Capture speed:

60 fps @ 1080p | 120 fps @ 720p

FOV:

84 degrees

Special features:

Camera Hub app, HDR mode

View at AmazonView at Best Buy

Reasons to buy

+

HDR image is excellent

+

Uncompressed 1080p60 and 720p120

+

Fixed focus

+

Software is outstanding

+

Smart new design

Reasons to avoid

-

Fiddly privacy shield

-

Requires Nvidia graphics card for some features

Buy if...

✅ You want a great 1080p webcam: If you don't feel the need for 4K, which many users really don't need in a webcam, then the Facecam MK.2 is the best webcam around.

✅ You want comprehensive customisation: The Camera App makes for light work of little tweaks and changes, and it offers HDR mode to really bring out the best in your capture.

Don't buy if...

❌ You want a cheap webcam: The best budget webcam is the Logitech C920, and it also offers 1080p capture. It's just not anywhere near as refined as the Facecam MK.2.

❌ You don't have an Nvidia graphics card: Some of the features on the Facecam are locked with Nvidia's Broadcast app, which requires one of its own GPUs. These aren't must-have options, at least.

The best webcam money can buy is the Elgato Facecam MK.2. Improving on a few key features over its predecessor, and our previous pick for the best webcam, the Facecam MK.2 delivers a fantastic picture quality for video calls, streaming and recording.

The Facecam MK.2 offers uncompressed 1080p video capture. This makes for an artefact-free video stream. It's not 4K-capable but that works just fine for anyone looking to use this camera for streaming, rather than recording, be that on Twitch, Google Meet, or Zoom.

Built using the same Sony STARVIS sensor as the original Elgato Facecam, the MK.2 does differ in its smaller 'eye' and generally shrunken form factor. It's less domineering over your monitor for its size reduction, and altogether retains the same, if not better, quality. The way in which the webcam clips onto a monitor has also been greatly improved with the MK.2, and it features a privacy shield. All very useful quality-of-life upgrades.

What's more, despite its improvements, the MK.2 released at a lower price than its predecessor.

One of the more impressive features on the Facecam MK.2 is the inclusion of an HDR mode. This mode's effectiveness will depend on your exact lighting setup, but we generally much preferred the capture quality and appearance with HDR mode enabled. The Facecam MK.2 will do well in low-light situations, but HDR mode also helps a great deal with high light levels, such as a bright window directly behind the user. HDR mode will lock you out of some of the fine-tuning options within the Camera Hub software, but it's not much of a concern to the average user.

Overall, the Facecam MK.2 is simply an all-round excellent 1080p webcam, and one that will suit pretty much any gamer, streamer, content creator or corporate drone.

Read our full Elgato Facecam MK.2 review.

The best budget webcam

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

2. Logitech C920

The best budget webcam

Our expert review:

Average Amazon review:

Specifications

Capture resolution:

1080p

Capture speed:

30 fps

FOV:

78 degrees

Special features:

Dual microphones

View at WalmartView at AmazonView at Newegg

Reasons to buy

+

Good picture quality

+

Great price

+

Simple set-up

Reasons to avoid

-

30 fps limit

Buy if...

You need a cheap webcam for video calls: You won't find a better blend of value and quality than the C920, even after all these years of it being around.

Don't buy if...

❌ You want a privacy shield: You can purchase 3D-printed privacy shields for the C920 rather cheaply, but it doesn't come with one. You could also instead spend a small amount more on the Streamplify Cam, which has one built-in.

Most readers can stop here. Unless you're looking for specific features in a webcam then there is no better than the Logitech C920. It's both the best budget webcam and the one that makes the most sense for the average PC user.

The Logitech C920 has been around for years, and has been floating around in our best webcam guide for about as long, too. Occasionally we've opted for the minorly different C922, but whichever is cheapest at the time is best.

Almost everyone on-team has used one at some point, and many still do to this day. Myself included—I have owned a C920 for probably over ten years now and it still works the same as the day I bought it. You can't argue with that, really.

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. For a working world filled with Google Meets and Zoom calls, it works a treat for not a whole lot of money.

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, like the MX Brio or OBSBot Tiny 2. And spend a fair bit more, too.

For streamers who don't need a full-screen high-res picture, the C920 is a great webcam to get started since you can track on down for less $100 at most retailers. There's also the C930e and C922, for the titans of industry among us, but we prefer this cheaper option.

The best budget webcam for streamers

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

3. Streamplify Cam

The best budget webcam for streaming

Our expert review:

Specifications

Capture resolution:

1080p

Capture speed:

60 fps

FOV:

90 degrees

Special features:

Built-in privacy shield

Check Amazon

Reasons to buy

+

Affordable

+

Smooth video output at 1080p/60fps

+

Plug and play connectivity is very useful

Reasons to avoid

-

No accompanying software may not suit some

-

Still photos can look a little grainy

Buy if...

✅ You need a privacy shield for peace of mind: You don't have to fiddle with third-party shields or stickers here: the Streamplify Cam comes with a privacy shield built-in.

✅ You need a 1080p60 picture: 60 fps can make all the difference for sharing video on social media, which is why we recommend the Streamplify as a budget option for streamers.

Don't buy if...

❌ You want the best overall picture quality: The 2 MP camera on the Cam isn't the best you can buy, even in a modest price range.

The best budget webcam for streamers is the Streamplify Cam. You might not be familiar with the brand as it's quite new, but we've nevertheless been impressed with the range of features its cheap and cheerful webcam offers.

The 1080p capture might not be individually convincing versus the often a little cheaper C920, though you would be missing out on the 60 fps that the Streamplify Cam offers. That extra frame rate, which is pretty rare in this price range, comes in handy if you want to stream or capture a generally smoother feed for sharing elsewhere, such as social media platforms.

The Streamplify Cam comes with a built-in privacy shield, which consists of the entire body conveniently sliding back and forth across the camera lens.  

The wide 90-degree FOV comes in handy for setting up shots, and you can fully swivel the Streamplify Cam around a full 360 degrees for further adjustments. There's also a screw-in tripod included in the box, should you wish to ditch the top down on-the-monitor angle we're usually stuck with. Handy if you're a budding streamer looking to make life a bit easier, or perhaps you might want to set up a secondary webcam for a different angle to zhush up your feed.

With solid performance in a range of lighting conditions, though admittedly slightly flat colours, we remain pretty impressed with the Streamplify Cam considering its price tag. You won't find any software included to tweak with much on the camera, but you can get a good deal done in third-party software, even OBS.

Read our full Streamplify Cam review.

The best 4K webcam

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

Buy if...

✅ You absolutely must have 4K: It's tough to believe, but the MX Brio is reasonably priced compared to some 4K webcams, such as the OBSBot Tiny 2. It's darn good, too.

Don't buy if...

❌ You could pass on 4K: It's a lovely luxury to have a high resolution ready to go if you need it, but 4K webcams don't come cheap. You can get the Facecam MK.2 for a lot less.

The Logitech MX Brio is the best 4K webcam, and the most advanced camera Logitech has made to date. It's offers a combination of a fantastic 8.5MP Sony STARVIS sensor with great autofocus and auto exposure settings.

You can score either 4K at 30 fps or 1080p at 60 fps on the MX Brio. That means it's not only a high resolution camera when you need it, but a darn good one for streaming or content creation, too. Though admittedly the use cases for a 4K webcam are slim for most PC users, if you do need the higher resolution for recording footage then you won't be disappointed with the MX Brio.

It's a chunky webcam, though it's longer than it is high, which helps keep it from imposing too greatly on the top of your monitor. Besides an active use LED, which lets you know when the camera is in use, there's also a built-in privacy shield for peace of mind when the cam's out of action.

The MX Brio's high resolution wouldn't mean much if it weren't for autofocus and auto exposure settings that really work wonders on the Brio. Where we've previously seen a webcam get blown out by bright light or washed out by trying to deal with low-light, the Brio manages both rather well. There's also an HDR mode that helps bring a bit more colour and depth to a bright picture.

The only major downside to the MX Brio is the price. I know, shocker. It's more cash than the Elgato Facecam MK.2 by some margin, despite being very similar in many ways, except the 4K max resolution. You have to consider whether you really need the 4K resolution on the MX Brio before buying one—many will likely find it's actually not altogether that useful, except in a few niche circumstances. 

If you're sure about wanting 4K, look no further than the MX Brio.

Read our full Logitech MX Brio review.

The best low light webcam

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Razer)

(Image credit: Razer)

(Image credit: Razer)

Buy if...

✅ You live in a cave (or more generally don't get much natural light): You don't have to be a cave-dweller to benefit from a webcam that excels in low lighting conditions.

Don't buy if...

❌ You want the best 1080p picture quality: The Kiyo Pro is great, but it's not quite on par with the Facecam MK.2.

The Kiyo Pro is the best low-light webcam because it improves on Razer's previous webcams with a slightly different approach to handling lighting in dark spaces. It ditches the ring light, which wasn't always bright enough to make a big difference, in favor of a sophisticated light sensor.

Getting rid of the ring light was a good move for Razer.  It felt like a novelty, but more so it just wasn't going to actually improve the overall image. The light sensor on the Kiyo Pro, however, actually does. Even in darkly lit environments, the Kiyo Pro maintains an impressive picture.

The Kiyo Pro's other improvements include HDR, 1080p resolution at 60 fps, a wide-angle lens, and an omnidirectional microphone.

The light sensor helps significantly compared to the Logitech StreamCam. 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. It's a bit contrast heavy as a result, but that's worth it for the night-time performance.

The Kiyo Pro truly shines (pun absolutely intended) at night. The Kiyo Pro manages to keep me separated enough from my background while keeping both well lit to make the camera usable with even a little light.

Though perhaps the best feature of the Kiyo Pro nowadays is that, since it's a little older than some others on this list, it's frequently discounted. When it's well below $100, we can't recommend it enough, so don't miss that opportunity if it arises. That's a discount we see frequently on Amazon, too.

Read our full Razer Kiyo Pro review

The best high-end webcam

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

Buy if...

✅ You want to experiment with new angles: If you're a streamer or content creator hoping to branch out beyond the traditional webcam-on-face angle, you'll find plenty of flexibility to do that with the OBSBot.

Don't buy if...

❌ You just want a straightforward webcam and nothing more: You could spend big on the OBSBot and ignore all its great features or you could save your cash on another 4K or 1080p webcam that costs a whole lot less. 

The OBSBot Tiny 2 is our pick for the best high-end webcam, but what does that really mean? Well, it comes with some actually useful AI and tracking features that 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 frame rates 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. 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.

Also tested

<a href="http://hawk.ly/m/Epos-S6/i/pcg-dj" data-link-merchant="hawk.ly"">Epos S6
The Epos S6 is a surprisingly decent webcam from a brand that, sadly, isn't in the game anymore. It's kaput, and that takes the Epos S6 out of the running for our guide.

Read our full <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/epos-s6-4k-webcam-review/" data-link-merchant="pcgamer.com"" data-link-merchant="hawk.ly"" target="_blank">Epos S6 webcam review.

<a href="http://hawk.ly/m/Dell-Ultrasharp-WB7022/i/pcg-dj" data-link-merchant="hawk.ly"" target="_blank">Dell Ultrasharp WB7022
A professional 4K webcam, the Ultrasharp offers a fine alternative to other 4K options. Though we still like our pick more.

Read our full <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/dell-ultrasharp-wb7022/" data-link-merchant="pcgamer.com"" data-link-merchant="hawk.ly"" target="_blank">Dell Ultrasharp WB7022 review.

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 more staple corporate video calling software, such as Google Meets and Zoom. 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.

We use OBS to stream and record videos from each camera, testing them both fullscreen and scaled down to a "face cam" size. We also use each manufacturer's webcam software to get a feel for it. We take the highest possible resolution pictures with each webcam and manually adjust settings like white balance, brightness, auto-focus, and others where applicable.

We tend to use the latest and greatest webcams ourselves for a period of at least a few weeks to really get to grips with what it's like to use the product day-to-day.

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. So we make sure to see how this all stacks up in actual use.

Aside from the video quality, we also look at their ease of use. Each manufacturer has a different method of attaching a webcam to the monitor, so we test them across different monitor shapes and sizes. We consider whether the webcam cord is long enough to reach from the top of a monitor to a case underneath a desk.

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. 

What should I look for in a webcam?

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.

If you don’t already have a laptop with a built-in webcam — or the one on your laptop isn’t very good — you might need a standalone webcam. Maybe it’s to be able to show your face during work or school. Maybe it’s for chatting with friends or for side projects, like livestreaming or recording yourself.

Before I show you my favorite options, there are some clever routes to take that don’t require you to buy a webcam. You can use your phone and this app that’ll fool your computer into thinking it’s a webcam. Apple’s Continuity Camera feature in iOS 16 and macOS 13 lets you literally attach your iPhone to your MacBook lid to use it as your webcam. Or you can go in the total opposite direction and connect a pricey DSLR or mirrorless camera to your computer to use as a webcam — a very good one, at that. 

But assuming you simply want to purchase a webcam, our goal is to make it easier for you to find the one that matches your needs and your budget. We tested popular models from brands like Logitech, Microsoft, Dell, Opal, Elgato, as well as some models from brands that you might not have heard of.

Each camera’s video quality was judged by using it with Zoom (where footage is prone to compression, as it is with other web-based video calling apps), as well as with OBS Studio or VLC to see how it compares with a locally stored recording.

Note: Until further notice, keep in mind that some of Logitech’s webcams may not perform their features as advertised if you’re using them with an M1 or M2-based Mac computer. Its current two-pronged software strategy for macOS, which includes Logi Tune and G Hub, don’t offer the same depth of webcam customization as Logitech Capture. That app is still available for download for Windows and Intel-based Macs, but Logitech no longer supports it.

The best webcam for most people

The Logitech C920S Pro HD is a decent, inexpensive 1080p webcam with a built-in privacy shutter.

Logitech C920S Pro HD

Usually priced around $60, Logitech’s C920S Pro HD provides better video and mic quality than others that I tested in this price range. It can record in 1080p resolution at up to 30 frames per second, and while you won’t have an issue finding other similarly priced webcams with those specs, the C920S Pro’s out-of-box color balance, exposure, and relatively fast autofocus made it stand out from others I tested.

Logitech C920S Pro HD specs

  • Works with: Windows, Chrome OS, macOS (limited functionality on M1, M2 chips)
  • Max resolution: 1080p/30fps
  • Field of view: 78 degrees
  • Digital zoom: 1.2x
  • Built-in microphone: Yes
  • Auto or fixed focus: Auto
  • Includes monitor mount: Yes
  • Has tripod-compatible mount: No
  • Cable length: Five feet

The picture quality has sufficient detail, and even in my relatively dark apartment, the C920S Pro had no trouble making my facial features look sharp. But it wasn’t a flawless presentation overall, as is to be expected for the price. In less-than-ideal lighting scenarios, the C920S Pro made my skin look oversaturated, with red spots where the webcam couldn’t compensate for the lack of lighting. Though in a work or play environment flush with natural light, this was noticeably less of an issue.

Picture quality aside, the C920S Pro has several welcome features, like a generous 78-degree field of view, status lights that activate when the webcam is being used, and an included privacy shutter. Some other nice features at this price include its strong articulating stand, which can sit atop your monitor or just as easily screw into a tripod. It’s just a great value for the price.

The best 4K webcam

The Insta360 Link can record in 4K/60fps, and its gimbal gives it excellent tracking capabilities. Photo by Cameron Faulkner / The Verge

If you have $300 to spend on a webcam, the Insta360 Link is our new go-to recommendation. That’s around the same price as Opal’s C1 and Elgato’s Facecam Pro mentioned below, but some key factors give the Link an edge. It’s a 4K-ready webcam with a gimbal and loads of features.

Insta360 Link specs

  • Works with: Windows, macOS
  • Max resolution: 4K/30fps, 1080p/60fps
  • Field of view: 79.5 degrees
  • Digital zoom: 4x
  • Built-in microphone: Yes
  • AI face tracking: Yes
  • Auto or fixed focus: Auto
  • Includes monitor mount: Yes
  • Has tripod-compatible mount: Yes
  • Cable length: Roughly five feet

That gimbal might be the star of the show for you. Instead of sitting stationary like most other webcams, the 0.5-inch Sony sensor is mounted to a motorized, three-axis arm that lets it move around. The gimbal allows the Link to track your head, and with an AI feature switched on, it can zoom in on your head, the top half of your body, or your whole body, if you’re standing far enough away. Insta360’s expertise in the action cam sector is showing in this consumer webcam.

The gimbal allows for a few alternate modes that might cut down on the tech you need to show off your work or to put your hobby on display on Twitch. One is deskview mode, which aims the Link’s slightly downward to show off your desk. There’s an overhead mode that aims the sensor directly at the ground (you’ll need to get clever with a tripod mount to utilize this or mount it oddly to your monitor). Then there’s a whiteboard mode, which tells the camera to look for four guiding stickers (included in the box) that prompt it to zoom in once it discovers them. This one seems gimmicky, but it works as intended and it could be great for people giving presentations.

Aside from those interesting features that make its $300 price more digestible, the Link delivers great video quality that’s better than any other webcam that I’ve tried so far. In my review, I primarily compared it to the Opal C1, which matches the Link’s 4K/30fps spec. Out of the box, the Opal C1 delivers a more contrast-rich image by default, while the Link looks more true to life and sharp but slightly duller by comparison (this can be tweaked to your taste in Insta360’s companion app). As for mic quality, neither option delivered stellar audio nor canceled out voices completely coming from across the room, although the Link was a little better at reducing some computer fan noise.

As I said in my review, I’d be happy to have either one of these two webcams on my desk for a virtual meeting. But when it comes to features, the Link is the more impressive option if you want to pay $300 for a webcam.

Other sub-$100 webcams we tested that you might like

The Microsoft Modern Webcam is okay, but its picture quality is not as good as the C920s Pro HD. Weirdly, its microphone doesn’t work at all in macOS and requires a separate utility to enable in Windows. For the price, just get the Logitech C920s.

Microsoft Modern Webcam

$ 70

51 % off

$ 34

$ 70

51 % off

The Modern Webcam can record in 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second. It has a 78-degree field of view, and there’s a built-in privacy slider that can cover the lens. It features a microphone, but it’s not turned on by default and doesn’t work in macOS.

$34 at Amazon$35 at Microsoft Store

Logitech’s C270 HD is the cheapest webcam-like object you can get, at around $20. Its 720p/30fps picture is fuzzy at best. Most people should spend more.

Logitech C270 HD

$ 40

38 % off

$ 25

$ 40

38 % off

The C270 HD shoots in 720p resolution at 30 frames per second. It features a 55-degree field of view, and it has a mono microphone. It’s nothing fancy, but it gets the job done.

$25 at Amazon$30 at Logitech

For this category, we also tested the Logitech Brio 500, but at $129.99, its 1080p/30fps video quality wasn’t that much better than the C920S Pro HD, although it added AI face tracking, which is a nice feature to have at this price. We hope that its clever privacy shutter and flexible mounting system make it into future (and more affordable) iterations, but this one isn’t totally worth its price unless you’re in love with the design.

Lastly, Dell’s barrel-shaped QHD webcam is tempting at $99.99, but its video quality looked awful. The capture feed doesn’t look natural, with darks having strange and overblown highlights. Plus, its longer shape is awkward if you plan to mount it to your laptop lid.

Other good high-end webcams we tested

The Opal C1 is an unconventional 4K webcam with DSLR-like quality and interesting machine-learning image effects. I was impressed with the image quality and features when I first reviewed it in late 2021, but it costs $300, and its software is still in beta and only works on Mac. The Insta360 Link is also $300 but doesn’t have the latter two drawbacks.

Opal C1

$ 300

Opal’s C1 is a $300 webcam that delivers DSLR-like video quality with its clever mix of hardware and software. But it’s Mac-only and the software is still in beta.

$300 at Opal

The Elgato Facecam Pro records in 4K/60fps but doesn’t have a built-in microphone. Most dedicated streamers won’t use the webcam’s built-in mic anyway, but others should take note.

The $140ish Logitech StreamCam is a great 1080p/60fps webcam with dual mics and smooth video capture, but features-wise, it’s stuck in the middle between the sub-$100 Logitech C920s and the Insta360 Link.

Logitech StreamCam

$ 170

41 % off

$ 100

$ 170

41 % off

The StreamCam supports 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second. It has a 78-degree field of view along with two omnidirectional mics. Unlike most other options, the StreamCam connects via USB-C. On Macs with M1 and M2 processors, you won’t be able to access all of its advertised features.

$100 at Amazon$100 at Best Buy$110 at Walmart

For this category, I also tested the OSBOT Tiny 4K, which like the Insta360 Link can rotate and move around to follow you in the frame. It also supports optional hand gestures to control its AI face tracking and zoom level. It even advertises the same 4K resolution at 30 frames per second recording. However, I was less impressed with its recording quality, and its companion software — while comprehensive — isn’t as polished as Insta360’s. Also, it’s physically larger, so it doesn’t sit as easily on top of a laptop display lid (and the included monitor mount is cheaply constructed). I think if you find it for $200 or less, I’d consider getting that model, but not when it’s priced within $100 or less of the better option that is Insta360’s Link.

Updated February 1st, 6:00PM ET: For 2023, we’ve tested new models, like the OSBOT Tiny 4K, Dell’s QHD webcam, and more. We also added a new pick for the best premium webcam, the Insta360 Link.

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