Products featured are independently selected by our editorial team and we may earn a commission from purchases made from our links; the retailer may also receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. The best way to make sure that you appear clear and professional on the screen – and don’t put your peers through a fuzzy picture – is through the use of a webcam with a ring light. But for maximum results and much less hassle, the best way to participate in video conferences or streaming events is by picking up a webcam with built-in ring light. Many of the best webcams with ring lights are specifically designed for high-definition streaming, which is essential if you are trying to make your work from home space as professional and polished as possible. Like all of the best webcams, this one has a plug-and-play setup, a noise-reducing microphone, sharp, HD imaging, and compatibility with Windows, Mac, and Android devices – plus Xbox One. The webcam has an auto-focus lens and dual studio microphones that simultaneously block out ambient noise and amplify your voice.
Look Your Best On Video Chat With These Webcams With Built-In Ring Light
Products featured are independently selected by our editorial team and we may earn a commission from purchases made from our links; the retailer may also receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. The best way to make sure that you appear clear and professional on the screen – and don’t put your peers through a fuzzy picture – is through the use of a webcam with a ring light. But for maximum results and much less hassle, the best way to participate in video conferences or streaming events is by picking up a webcam with built-in ring light. Many of the best webcams with ring lights are specifically designed for high-definition streaming, which is essential if you are trying to make your work from home space as professional and polished as possible.
Like all of the best webcams, this one has a plug-and-play setup, a noise-reducing microphone, sharp, HD imaging, and compatibility with Windows, Mac, and Android devices – plus Xbox One. The webcam has an auto-focus lens and dual studio microphones that simultaneously block out ambient noise and amplify your voice.
What You Need to Know Before You Buy a Webcam
Whether you need it for business meetings, training webinars, video podcasts, or chatting with your family, getting the right high-quality webcam matters. Webcams without high frame rates produce images that stutter and periodically freeze on the screen. However, it’s wise to stick with a glass lens, which improves performance without significantly raising the price.
Motion sensing can turn a webcam into a security system, and some models come with this feature built in to the device.
If you plan to post clips to social-networking sites, low-quality videos can affect viewers negatively. For more professional work, such as uploading videos to YouTube or streaming on Twitch, invest a bit more for a full HD 1080p camera. If you need the absolute best quality, research webcams that record at resolutions above 1080p, up to 4k Ultra HD. These cameras should be reserved for special cases or if you make a living from creating online content.
Most webcams are affordable, but you tend to pay for what you get, so be sure to weigh your feature needs and budget needs carefully. Make a note of your computer and operating system, then check the requirements for the webcam that caught your eye. Most webcams have minimum processor speed, memory, and hard drive requirements. If you plan to work with high-definition video on an older system, you may run into compatibility problems.
8 BEST Webcams for Zoom Conference Meetings
All the best webcams also excel at video streaming to other platforms, including Google Hangouts, Facebook Live, YouTube and Twitch. Privacy Cover View Price → NexiGo FHD TOP RATED Widely Compatible & Multi Application HD Webcam 1080p Autofocus View Price → Logitech C270 BEST BUDGET Mono Noise-Reducing Mic
Firm Mounting Option View Price → Logitech BRIO Ultra BEST BUSINESS Spectacular video quality
HD 5X Zoom View Price → Meeting Owl Pro BEST 360 DEGREE Universally Compatable It has an impressive list of features kicking off with a Full High Definition 1080p video camera that captures stunning resolution at 30fps (frames per second). The glass lens on the Logitech C920 S features an accurate and responsive autofocus system that keeps you front, centre and in focus during your critical Zoom call. The Logitech C920 S features a rigid build quality plus a functional clip to attach it to the top of your monitor or open laptop.
I love that it has a little privacy shutter that can drop down over the lens for when the kids walk in screaming and fighting during your work Zoom call! As the FHD title suggests, it captures Full High Definition 1080p video recording at 30fps, ensuring that your next webchat with family is of the highest quality.
What’s more, it features white balance correction much like a photography camera, ensuring that colours appear accurately and your skin tone isn’t too grey or orange! The NexiGo FHD delivers an intuitive and straightforward installation with a plug-and-play mentality of simply connecting the camera to the computer via the included USB cable.
If you need to present away from your desk, you can set the camera to infinity for optimal picture quality – the 65-degree field of view is perfect for this. The NexiGo FHD features a single built-in noise-cancelling microphone to reduce ambient and background noise, making it great for use at home if others are present. The FHD is one of the best webcams for personal or business Zoom video calls, and the price is competitive too. The C270 webcam is a no-fuss and highly affordable product ideal for taking Zoom calls on a laptop or desktop.
The compact size and minimal weight (2.65oz) mean it will not put undue pressure on your laptop screen, or topple over when you type. It’s robustly built and folds up compactly(for a webcam), so you can drop it in your laptop bag without any issues for those that work on the go.
It includes a single microphone plus a little LED indicator when the camera is live and capturing your every action – there’s nothing worse than wiping breakfast from your beard only to realise that the whole boardroom is watching you! If you work in a business that conducts regular Zoom video conferences or team meetings, the Logitech BRIO Ultra is the best choice of webcam in 2021.
Its lens has a glass construction for optimal picture quality, and the webcam features a 5x digital zoom that’s easy to control. Thanks to the zoom function, the field of view ranges from 65 to 90-degrees – you can sit at your desk or the head of the meeting room table. As for audio quality, the Logitech BRIO Ultra has a pair of stereo microphones that are omnidirectional and noise-cancelling. The BRIO is a professional webcam with impressive features suited to the home or work environment.
While the price is high, it’s one of the best webcams to conduct meetings and gain valuable face time with colleagues. If you’re looking for a Zoom HD webcam solution that steps into the future, look no further than the Meeting Owl Pro.
That’s the fascinating part about the Meeting Owl Pro; it uses voice and motion detection to know where to focus the camera from the 360-degree footage. Despite its odd appearance, the Meeting Owl Pro has won multiple awards for its unique design and performance.
However, given its hefty price, this is a product best suited to larger companies looking for a serious business device to conduct regular Zoom meetings in a boardroom with multiple participants. I would describe the Vitade 960A Pro as the best webcam for influencers, streamers, contentment creators, vloggers and web presenters.
With the Vitade 960A Pro attached to your laptop or monitor, you’ll appear in high resolution and well lit on your next presentation. The lens has fast and accurate autofocus and a low light correction feature to optimise video quality and appearance from this HD webcam. The LifeCam captures crystal clear 720p HD widescreen video at 30fps via the stylish looking camera, making it ideal for work or family calls. The lens has a field of view of 73-degrees, a minimum focal distance of 5″, and it features a 5x digital zoom controlled to work seamlessly with the autofocus function. A single noise-cancelling built-in microphone captures audio and does a good job of reducing background murmurs. True to their design ethos, the Razer Kiyo Pro looks more like a bespoke retro camera lens than a webcam.
Its barrel lens design connects neatly with a laptop or gaming PC to deliver 1080p video resolution at a staggering 60 fps! What makes the Kiyo Pro one of the best webcams is its Type 1/2.8 CMOS sensor and Razer’s STARVIS technology to manage image quality and adapt in real-time to low light conditions.
If you drop the frame rate down to 30fps, you can enable the HDR function allowing greater video quality, colour density and exposure compensation across the dynamic range of this impressive 1080p webcam. If you’re using this camera for dynamic video feed in a range of spaces, it features an adjustable field of view up to an ultra-wide 103-degrees. Also, the precision glass lens has an f/2 aperture, allowing you to blur the background behind the subject, and use it in low light. Image quality of this level is unusual for a webcam – you’ll be wanting to use it for much more than simple Zoom calls! You should also consider external speakers, Bluetooth headphones, a built-in microphone, and a high-quality webcam for the best experience. The cameras built into a laptop or computer monitor are usually small with low image quality or resolution.
Best webcams 2021: top picks for working from home and streaming
The best webcams can often cost a pretty penny, especially if you need features like a fast framerate, high resolution and a high-quality sensor for low light environments. If you have a specific purpose in mind, such as live streaming on Twitch or YouTube, remote calling into the office or even just catching up with distant loved ones, then don’t panic – we’ve compiled the best options into an easy list to help you make the right choice, and avoid purchasing something that will look like you’re filming in the 1970’s. Remote working became commonplace and regional lockdowns across the world forced people to remain in their homes, unable to meet with family and friends. Razer Kiyo Pro The best webcam on the market Specifications Resolution: 1080p Features: Variable FOD, smart exposure and focus, detachable cable TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Buttery smooth 60fps 1080p + HDR setting + Great low-light capabilities Reasons to avoid – Too expensive/powerful for most people needs – Simple adjustments, no ball joint swivel
This beast doesn’t come cheap but it delivers a performance worth every penny, especially given its flexible features that make it well suited just everything from remote calling into a conference meeting to streaming live on platforms like Twitch. Elgato Facecam The best webcam for streamers Specifications Resolution: 1080p, 60fps Features: Variable FOD, fixed focus, Sony sensor TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Great Sony sensor + Fantastic 60fps 1080p + Incredible software Reasons to avoid – Niche userbase – No mic / autofocus
The Elgato Facecam might be in second place overall, but thanks to some divisive design choices that make this a niche buy that sways itself towards content creators, this is actually our top pick if you need a webcam purely for streaming or creating YouTube videos. The choice to not include a microphone or autofocus capabilities will make it seem like a half-baked product for anyone just looking for a webcam, but the inclusion of those features often proves to be more trouble than they’re worth for folk broadcasting on sites like Twitch or YouTube.
The Logitech C920 has been one of the best webcams on the market since its release in January 2012, consistently beating out rival products that promise more affordability or better performance – and for good reason.
This is a beloved favorite across the entire spectrum of streamers, content creators, and office professionals alike, and when cost, quality, and performance are all calculated, the C920 is still one of the best everyday webcams you can buy, despite being almost a decade old.
Logitech StreamCam The best Logitech webcam for content creation Specifications Resolution: 1080p Features: Smart auto-focus and exposure, AI-enabled facial tracking, 9:16 format, built-in electronic image stabilization, USB Type-C connectivity TODAY’S BEST DEALS Check Amazon Visit Site Reasons to buy + Content creation features + Facial tracking + Auto-focusing Reasons to avoid – Too expensive for simple office use – Fixed USB-C cable connection This feature-rich 1080p webcam has many tools to offer for your content creation needs as well, including auto-focusing, smart exposure, facial tracking, up to 60fps frame rate, and a flippable design so you can take photos and videos in 9:16 format.
It’s capped at 720p, but then so are some conferencing applications like Google Meets, and it’s reliable plug-and-play capabilities make it a great option for anyone who needs a highly affordable webcam without getting scammed by wholesale products with inferiors sensors. Instead, it’s made for business conferencing and presentations, with its 1080p recording, 720p live video calling and wideband mic to deliver crystal clear sound. Logitech BRIO 4K Pro B2B conferencing in Ultra HD Specifications Resolution: 4K Features: High dynamic range (HDR), integrated optical and infrared sensors, Windows Hello support, three field of view (FOV) presets TODAY’S BEST DEALS Check Amazon Visit Site Reasons to buy + 4K options + Tripod screw mount + Easy to deploy Reasons to avoid – The camera cover was an afterthought – Weird method of connecting the clip For working professionals or office staff, most conference calling software such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams will restrict your broadcast quality to 1080p resolution and 30fps to preserve bandwidth.
For content creators such as YouTubers or Streamers, there is a range of powerful webcams available, with some reaching 4K resolution and 60fps for buttery smooth video. These webcams are overkill for occasional use, but with features like a variable field of view (or FOV) and adjustable resolution or and zoom, the extra cash could be a worthy investment to your hobby. Logitech, Razer and other well-known webcam manufacturers can provide a product that is more likely to work well across a wide range of different machines, so whether you’re looking to run your camera on a new gaming desktop or an old Chromebook, you should see similar results. A cheap 1080p/30fps webcam from Amazon or eBay may disappoint you if the drivers and sensors are not up to the same standards as trusted products on our list, so don’t take the resolution and framerate as gospel that you’ll be getting great video quality.
Webcams with unsatisfactory sensors struggle if a subject isn’t well lit, resulting in a fuzzy ‘static’ like interference known as background noise. Whether they’re from Microsoft, Razer, Logitech , or one of the cheaper brands whose products punch above their weight, there’s a plethora of choices to pick from to help you upgrade your streaming or video conferencing.
Since more communication is happening online these days, it’s crucial to have your zoom calls with friends and video conferencing meetings that are crystal clear. It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to keep in touch with your extended network, putting together the perfect work-from-home setup or getting ready for back to school season, invest in one of these made for computer cameras to make sure your family and colleagues can see your bright, shiny face.
Best webcams 2021: top picks for working from home and streaming
The best webcams can often cost a pretty penny, especially if you need features like a fast framerate, high resolution and a high-quality sensor for low light environments. If you have a specific purpose in mind, such as live streaming on Twitch or YouTube, remote calling into the office or even just catching up with distant loved ones, then don’t panic – we’ve compiled the best options into an easy list to help you make the right choice, and avoid purchasing something that will look like you’re filming in the 1970’s. Remote working became commonplace and regional lockdowns across the world forced people to remain in their homes, unable to meet with family and friends. This beast doesn’t come cheap but it delivers a performance worth every penny, especially given its flexible features that make it well suited just everything from remote calling into a conference meeting to streaming live on platforms like Twitch.
The Elgato Facecam might be in second place overall, but thanks to some divisive design choices that make this a niche buy that sways itself towards content creators, this is actually our top pick if you need a webcam purely for streaming or creating YouTube videos. The choice to not include a microphone or autofocus capabilities will make it seem like a half-baked product for anyone just looking for a webcam, but the inclusion of those features often proves to be more trouble than they’re worth for folk broadcasting on sites like Twitch or YouTube. The Logitech C920 has been one of the best webcams on the market since its release in January 2012, consistently beating out rival products that promise more affordability or better performance – and for good reason. This is a beloved favorite across the entire spectrum of streamers, content creators, and office professionals alike, and when cost, quality, and performance are all calculated, the C920 is still one of the best everyday webcams you can buy, despite being almost a decade old. Logitech StreamCam The best Logitech webcam for content creation Specifications Resolution: 1080p Features: Smart auto-focus and exposure, AI-enabled facial tracking, 9:16 format, built-in electronic image stabilization, USB Type-C connectivity TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon Low Stock View at Ebay View at Lenovo AU Reasons to buy + Content creation features + Facial tracking + Auto-focusing Reasons to avoid – Too expensive for simple office use – Fixed USB-C cable connection
This feature-rich 1080p webcam has many tools to offer for your content creation needs as well, including auto-focusing, smart exposure, facial tracking, up to 60fps frame rate, and a flippable design so you can take photos and videos in 9:16 format.
It’s capped at 720p, but then so are some conferencing applications like Google Meets, and it’s reliable plug-and-play capabilities make it a great option for anyone who needs a highly affordable webcam without getting scammed by wholesale products with inferiors sensors. Instead, it’s made for business conferencing and presentations, with its 1080p recording, 720p live video calling and wideband mic to deliver crystal clear sound.
Logitech HD Webcam C310 The best cheap webcam Specifications Resolution: 720p Features: Noise reduction, Auto light correction, Zoom and Skype compatible TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon Prime View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Very affordable + Auto light correction Reasons to avoid – Only 720p – Mono mic For working professionals or office staff, most conference calling software such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams will restrict your broadcast quality to 1080p resolution and 30fps to preserve bandwidth.
The light and color detection will vary for each model though, so you’ll still see a variance in recording quality depending on what webcam you buy.
For content creators such as YouTubers or Streamers, there is a range of powerful webcams available, with some reaching 4K resolution and 60fps for buttery smooth video.
These webcams are overkill for occasional use, but with features like a variable field of view (or FOV) and adjustable resolution or and zoom, the extra cash could be a worthy investment to your hobby. Logitech, Razer and other well-known webcam manufacturers can provide a product that is more likely to work well across a wide range of different machines, so whether you’re looking to run your camera on a new gaming desktop or an old Chromebook, you should see similar results. A cheap 1080p/30fps webcam from Amazon or eBay may disappoint you if the drivers and sensors are not up to the same standards as trusted products on our list, so don’t take the resolution and framerate as gospel that you’ll be getting great video quality. Webcams with unsatisfactory sensors struggle if a subject isn’t well lit, resulting in a fuzzy ‘static’ like interference known as background noise.
Whether they’re from Microsoft, Razer, Logitech , or one of the cheaper brands whose products punch above their weight, there’s a plethora of choices to pick from to help you upgrade your streaming or video conferencing. Since more communication is happening online these days, it’s crucial to have your zoom calls with friends and video conferencing meetings that are crystal clear.
It’s true that most laptops or all-in-one computers already come with a webcam installed but having a dedicated one will offer more features and higher resolutions. It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to keep in touch with your extended network, putting together the perfect work-from-home setup or getting ready for back to school season, invest in one of these made for computer cameras to make sure your family and colleagues can see your bright, shiny face.
You can also use cheap desk lamps in a pinch by directing them against a wall to reduce the harshing lighting and create a diffused appearance.
The best webcam for home office in 2021
If you’re coming at this a relative newbie, click to jump straight to our section on what to consider when buying a webcam, where we run through the basics. The Razer Kiyo has one USP that puts it up above the competition: a built-in ringlight, which is made up of twelve LEDs set in a circle. A type of light favoured by YouTubers and TikTokers, a ringlight provides an even and balanced illumination that’s made to be flattering to the face.
Its 720p resolution still looks great even if it doesn’t match the Razer Kiyo’s 1080p, and the Logitech HD C310 is a beautifully simple webcam, setting itself up within moments of being plugged in.
The microphone is also excellent, with built-in proprietary noise-reducing technology for cleaner audio and an overall better experience for anyone fortunate enough to be on the other end of your broadcast. Seamlessly integrating with any mainstream video-conferencing software, the Logitech HD C310 is a cost-effective choice for business users looking for a bargain webcam. This isn’t a particularly new or advanced Microsoft webcam, but it is a highly dependable and affordable option for making your video calls look significantly better. The nice thing about the Microsoft LifeCam Cinema is that it’s also extremely small and light, so won’t clutter up your working space too much. You may not have heard of Depstech, but they are a well-known manufacturer of optical devices such as borescopes and otoscopes – as well as an increasing range of webcams. We also like the fact that the mount allows you rotate through a full 360° – which is useful when either clipped over your laptop stand, or screwed onto a tabletop tripod. The Logitech C922 is our favorite camera for streaming and the perfect choice if you also fancy broadcasting live to YouTube, or sharing your gaming exploits via Twitch. A fantastic cheap webcam for those on a strict budget, the HD-3000 proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a decent upgrade over most built-in laptop cameras.
The camera provides face tracking and low-light adjustment, it has a built-in microphone, and it easily attaches to your computer screen. This webcam is capable of live streaming 1080p Full HD footage at a super-smooth 60fps, while automatic face tracking keeps autofocus reliably locked on to you and nothing else. The StreamCam doesn’t let audio take a back seat, either, as dual front-facing microphones ensure you sound crystal clear.
The lens has different angles of view – 65, 78 and 90 degrees – ensuring everything stays in frame, and can be tweaked to suit your office layout.
This newly-introduced budget webcam is an interesting option for those that want to show a wider angle view with your Zoom meetings. While a resolution of 720p is basic high definition, if your laptop is a cheaper or older model you may well be surprised at the jump in quality.
While it might seem like a no-brainer that more resolution is better, in practice, you may find that your internet connection struggles to broadcast a 4K or even Full HD image without stuttering. If you find you are tinny and difficult to understand when talking into your laptop, it’s worth knowing that most webcams have a better microphone to help improve sound recording.
• Look out for extra features too… our top choice on this list offers built-in ring-lighting, to help you look at your best on screen even in a dingy room.
Kogan Technologies Full HD 1080p Video Camera
Kogan has made a career out of undercutting big-name vendors with cheap hardware, but the Full HD 1080p Video Camera really takes the biscuit. With a reality-defying RRP of $369, the Kogan Full HD 1080p Video Camera is three times cheaper than the average high-definition camcorder. While it’s true that the product falls short in several key areas — including sound, low-light performance and optical zoom — it is still better than a sub-$400 HD camcorder has any right to be.
For the asking price, it truly is an astonishing product, provided you don’t expect it to compete with market leaders like Canon or Sony.
As has become customary for all modern camcorders, the Full HD Video Camera also offers a still image mode, which provides a maximum resolution of 8-megapixels (via interpolation software). While it doesn’t match the quality of a dedicated stills camera, it remains more than adequate for occasional happy snaps, with inbuilt face detection and red-eye reduction lending a helping hand.
We did find the autofocus to be a bit erratic at times, but you won’t be using the Kogan to shoot award-winning video; consequently, a little blurriness here and there shouldn’t pose much of a problem. To assist nocturnal shooting, Kogan has included both an inbuilt light and a dedicated night mode, but neither work particularly well.
We could probably mention a few other faults (including a garish user interface and short battery life), but to do so would be needlessly critical. If you want to own a high-def camcorder without paying through the nose, the Kogan Full HD 1080p Video Camera is the deal of the century.
Kogan Full HD 1080p Video Camcorder review: Kogan Full HD 1080p Video Camcorder Camera
Kogan doesn’t hide this camcorder’s other main selling point under a rock either, proudly stating its 1080p credentials as part of the product name. So far, so good, but it’s only when you delve into the Kogan’s menu structure that you realise where, in a features sense, this camcorder skimps. There’s are four resolutions on offer (1080p, 720p, WVGA and QVGA) but no details on, nor the ability to alter, the recording bit rate. The one upside with such a simple and limited menu system is that it’s very easy to get to grips with, simply because there aren’t many choices on offer. The Kogan Camcorder features an built-in microphone and front mounted light source, with no capability to use any external peripherals for either purpose. That’s acceptable for dumping into most consumer editing packages, although if you’re serious about videography you’ll find more flexibility in an AVCHD stream.
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