The rise of remote work and video conferencing among professionals has led to an unprecedented demand for webcams. Currently, industry experts value this market at almost 7 billion dollars, with more growth projected in years to come.
Best Webcams For Remote Work and Livestreams
Check out these top-selling external webcams for video chats, meetings, and streaming.
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While you could use the built-in camera that comes with most laptops and phones, these devices are no match for external webcams which offer better resolutions and smoother streaming for video chats and live streaming.
What should you consider before buying a webcam?
- Video Resolution: Higher resolution mean better quality video and streaming. Most webcams will have 1080p (HD) or 720p (standard) resolution.
- Frame Rate Per Second (FPS): The FPS determines how smooth your video streams are. For uninterrupted streaming, you need at least 30 FPS.
- Autofocus: High-end webcams usually come with autofocus that conveniently calibrates your lens for you. Cheaper models may not come with this feature but will allow you to adjust them manually.
- Lens: Choose between glass or plastic lenses for your device. Glass lenses tend to have way better image quality than plastic ones.
- Microphone: Not all webcams have built-in mics, and you may have to purchase one separately depending on brand and model.
We compiled a list of best-selling webcams and compared prices, features, and user reviews to determine which one is the best. Our overall pick was the Logitech C920x, but we’ve selected several other webcams that you might like as well.
To set up the rest of your streaming studio, check out our recommendations for the best computer mics, best monitors, and best headphones.
Our Top Picks
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Pros
- Excellent for online meetings and video calls
- Auto and Manual focus
- Able to change background settings
Cons
- Doesn’t operate well under dim light
- No privacy shutter
Product Snapshot
Across the internet, the Logitech C920x has always been a firm favorite among webcam users. It features the standard 1080p resolution at 30 FPS and is the gold standard for those who hop on Zoom often. This webcam comes with a dual built-in mic that can capture audio up to 30 feet away, auto and manual focus, and a Split XCam feature that lets you change settings without needing to buy background props. Our only issue is that this camera doesn’t do well in low light.
Specs
- Connectivity
- USB
- Resolution
- 1080p
- FPS
- 30 FPS
Pros
- Integrated ring light
- Customizable video settings
- 82-degree field of view
Cons
- No privacy cover
- Does not have manual focus settings
Product Snapshot
Except for a few cosmetic differences, very little has changed with the recently released, Kiyo Razer X from the original Kiyo. This unobtrusive webcam delivers top-quality imagery for meetings and streaming at a decent price. It comes with multiple settings options, so you can stream at either 1080p/30 FPS or 720p and 60 FPS for even smoother, crystal-clear HD videos.
The Kiyo Razer X adjusts easily at any angle and can be conveniently mounted on a monitor or a tripod. Additionally, its wide-angle 82-degree lens is perfect for video streaming featuring multiple people. If it wasn’t for a lack of a privacy shutter and manual focus settings, this camera would have definitely been our number one pick.
Specs
- Connectivity
- USB
- Resolution
- 1080p/720p
- FPS
- 30 FPS/60FPS
Pros
- Settings are saved directly to the webcam
- Wide-angle lens
- Good for low light settings
Cons
- Expensive
- No built-in mic
Product Snapshot
Is the Elgato FaceCam worthy of its price tag? We would have to say yes. This low-latency webcam features superior image quality and video streaming so good that it can easily compete with budget DSLRs.
Although it is mainly marketed to content creators, teachers, and gamers, the Elgato FaceCam is perfect for just about anyone who wants a premium webcam and doesn’t mind paying a high price for it.
Its best features include a Sony sensor that is optimized for low light situations, a premium 82-mm wide-angle glass lens for phenomenal video output, and a flash memory that allows you to save setting right to the camera (no more resetting if you use it with other devices). Our biggest gripe with the Elgato Face Cam is that there’s no built-in mic so you’ll have to buy your own.
Specs
- Connectivity
- USB
- Resolution
- 1080p
- FPS
- 60 FPS
Pros
- Suitable for Zoom and Skype calls
- Auto and manual focus
- Privacy shutter
- Built-in mic
Cons
- Images may overexpose depending on external settings
Product Snapshot
When all you need is a basic webcam for meetings and video chatting sessions with family and friends, the NexiGo N930AF is a no-frills option that delivers seamless video output at an affordable price. This camera features auto and manual focus for sharp images and a privacy shutter for your safety when it’s not in use. It also comes with a built-in noise-canceling mic that enhances your voice and removes background noise. Although streaming quality is good enough for Zoom and Skype calls, if you are a content creator or a Livestream host, you may want to explore more premium options.
Specs
- Connectivity
- USB
- Resolution
- 1080p
- FPS
- 30 FPS
Pros
- Cheap
- Built-in mics
- Wide-angle webcam
- Works well in all light settings
Cons
- No auto-focus
Product Snapshot
For under $50 you’d be hardpressed to find a better budget option than the E-meet C960. This camera is compact and has all the features you would need for online teaching, and video conferencing. We like that it has a 90-degree field of vision which is way more than webcams that are twice its price and is also wide enough to fit multiple people in the frame.
This camera works well in all light settings and comes with customizable settings that you can adjust for light and sharpness. Plus, it features dual noise-reduction mics. While you may not experience the most amazing image quality with this device, as long as you use it in smaller spaces and have lots of natural light, it will get the job done.
Specs
- Connectivity
- USB
- Resolution
- 1080p
- FPS
- 30 FPS
Where to Buy
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Pros
Pros
Pros
Pros
Pros
Pros
- Excellent for online meetings and video calls
- Auto and Manual focus
- Able to change background settings
- Integrated ring light
- Customizable video settings
- 82-degree field of view
- Settings are saved directly to the webcam
- Wide-angle lens
- Good for low light settings
- Suitable for Zoom and Skype calls
- Auto and manual focus
- Privacy shutter
- Built-in mic
- Cheap
- Built-in mics
- Wide-angle webcam
- Works well in all light settings
Cons
Cons
Cons
Cons
Cons
Cons
- Doesn’t operate well under dim light
- No privacy shutter
- No privacy cover
- Does not have manual focus settings
- Expensive
- No built-in mic
- Images may overexpose depending on external settings
- No auto-focus
Connectivity
Connectivity
Connectivity
Connectivity
Connectivity
Connectivity
USB
USB
USB
USB
USB
Resolution
Resolution
Resolution
Resolution
Resolution
Resolution
1080p
1080p/720p
1080p
1080p
1080p
FPS
FPS
FPS
FPS
FPS
FPS
30 FPS
30 FPS/60FPS
60 FPS
30 FPS
30 FPS
FAQs
Are webcams better than built-in laptop cameras?
Most external webcams offer better video quality and have additional features that built-in laptops do not have.
What is a ring-light?
Ring-lights are lighting tools that can attach directly to your camera’s lens. It is known as a glamour or beauty light because it acts as a balanced light source for you.
Is a 720p webcam good enough for Zoom?
Yes, a camera with a 720p resolution should be adequate for Zoom conferencing calls.