1. The list in brief
2. Best webcam overall
3. Best 4K webcam
4. Best webcam under $50
5. Best for game streaming
6. Best webcam for video calls
7. Best affordable webcam
8. Best streaming webcam
9. Best low light webcam
10. Best business webcam
11. How to choose
12. How we test
13. Best webcams FAQ
Let me be perfectly honest with you: I don’t exactly love looking at myself during regular video conferencing calls. If you’re anything like me and don’t savor staring at your face, the best webcams can definitely help out; be it through improving image clarity or boosting brightness in low-light conditions.
The best webcams have so many different usage case scenarios depending on your particular needs, too. Whether you want the best 4K webcam, best webcam for streaming or the best affordable webcam that won’t put too much of a dent in your bank balance, our picks of the top cams have you covered. Our current pick for best webcam overall is the Anker PowerConf C200, which delivers bright and crisp 2K footage for under $100.
Whether you’re pining for the best budget cam that’s going to come in at under $50 or want a top-tier model that will make your mug look amazing in glorious 4K resolution, our choices of the best webcams have all been thoroughly tested.
The quick list
Our favorite webcam is Anker's excellent Powerconf C200. For under $100, you're getting a 2K cam that delivers brilliant video quality, no matter what your lighting setup is.
If you want the finest 4K image quality for video calls or streaming, the Logitech MX Brio is the best option on the market. Not only does it broadcast pristine pictures, it's also exceptionally good in low light conditions.
No bells and whistles — just a solid 720p webcam that you can pick up for less than $50. So long as you're not looking for a full feature set, and you just need something for the obligatory family and work calls, this is the one to get.
Elgato's latest Facecam gives you a lot for its $149 price tag, including amazing image quality (even in low light), DSLR-level customization controls, and a HDR picture at up to 60 FPS.
The cleverest cam we've seen in a good long while and one that is perfect for video conferencing. Boasting innovative software and a gimbal-mounted camera, the auto tracking of the Insta360 is super classly.
Despite its wallet-friendly price tag, this Logitech punches well above its weight. Picture quality is excellent, we appreciate the 78-degree field of view and we love its sleek, versatile design.
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If you're a passionate content creator, this is the webcam for you. Not only does it sport an attractive design, it can also be mounted in both landscape and portrait modes.
This 1080p webcam has an impressive 4x digital zoom that adjusts well to low-light conditions. Compellingly priced, we also appreciate its privacy shutter.
Need to be looking (and sounding) at your best in the big team meetings? Look no further than Anker's PowerConf C300 with a 1080p/60 FPS picture, sensitive dual mics and a focusing time of just 0.35 seconds.
The best webcams you can buy today
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The best webcam overall
The best webcam under $100 is the Anker Powerconf C200. For the price, you get a 2K webcam that delivers excellent video in all sorts of lighting conditions, an adjustable field of view, and an integrated privacy shutter for those times when you don't want to be seen.
In our review, we found its 5MP camera sensor was great at accurately displaying colors, even if the overall image was a bit grainy. Its dual mics were very sensitive — it could head us from 30 feet away — but its AI noise cancellation was great at blocking out extraneous noise. Anker's software also lets you tweak the image and audio settings very easily, In all, this is a great bargain for an excellent webcam.
Read our full Anker Powerconf C200 webcam review.
| Test | Notes | How it stacks up |
|---|---|---|
| Picture quality | Excellent 2K images | ★★★★★ |
| Low-light quality | Fantastic in low-light scenarios | ★★★★☆ |
| Software | Horizontal flip, anti-flicker, Pick-up mode | ★★★★☆ |
The best 4K webcam
If you need to look your absolute best during an important conference call or you're a serious streamer, the Logitech MX Brio is simply a sensational 4K webcam. Sure, it's not exactly cheap at $199, but for that outlay you're getting a cam that outputs image quality that simply can't be beaten.
It also boasts some seriously impressive AI features. AI-enhanced auto light correction ensures this webcam picks out the smallest details in a dark room, while the MX Brio's dual beamforming mic utilizes AI to reduce background noise. Logi software also allows you to calibrate color and brightness settings, letting you make further tweaks to the already outstanding out-of-the-box picture performance. If you have the money, the Logitech MX Brio 4K is a slam dunk purchase.
Read our full Logitech MX Brio 4K review.
| Test | Notes | How it stacks up |
|---|---|---|
| Picture quality | Amazing clear picture quality | ★★★★★ |
| Low-light quality | AI-enhanced auto light correction works brilliantly | ★★★★★ |
| Software | Three fields of view, dual beamforming mic with AI noise reduction | ★★★★☆ |
The best webcam under $50
A popular affordable option, the Logitech C310 offers solid 720p picture quality within a simple design that should mount just fine on most monitors and laptop screens. The C310 can automatically adjust to lighting conditions to get the best possible picture, and with the included Logitech Webcam Software, you can use it to customize the frame or set the webcam up as a motion detector.
You’ll have to spring for something more expensive if you want 1080p video or tripod mounting options, but if all you need is a solid camera for everyday video calls that costs less than $50, the C310 is one of the best webcams for most people.
Read our full Logitech C310 review.
| Test | Notes | How it stacks up |
|---|---|---|
| Picture quality | Good enough for quick Zoom calls | ★★★☆☆ |
| Value for money | A 720p webcam for under $50? Sign me up! | ★★★★★ |
| Software | Super easy to setup, but limited control. | ★★★★☆ |
The best game streaming webcam
When it comes to game streaming on the likes of Twitch or YouTube, your webcam needs to have an amazing picture quality, a deep suite of customization options to get that image just right, and the versatility to fit in with any setup. Elgato's Facecam MK.2 nails all three, and does so at just $149.
That 1/ 2.5" Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor paired with Elgato's Prime Lens optics gives you a crispy picture that is full of color, and even supports HDR for a cinematic contrasty look. On top of that, the framerate is buttery smooth at 60 FPS by default (going up to 120 FPS at 720p if you want that super slow-mo).
Combine that with the 1/4-inch thread to screw onto your desk with ease, a software suite that gives you DSLR levels of control, and a built-in privacy shutter, you've got all the makings of a solid snapper atop your monitor — provided you can look past the lack of a built-in microphone, and turn off the oddities of AI post processing.
Read our full Elgato Facecam MK.2 review.
| Test | Notes | How it stacks up |
|---|---|---|
| Picture quality | A fantastically sharp, contrasty picture quality. | ★★★★★ |
| Low-light quality | Some odd AI post-processing, but great in low light | ★★★★☆ |
| Software | Software is complex, but gives you a ton of control. | ★★★★☆ |
The smartest webcam
This is the smartest, most innovative webcam we've seen in a long time. The Insta360 Link has a 3-axis, gimbal-mounted camera that can track you as you move around the room. But that's just the beginning: It has a number of AI-enhanced modes, including Whiteboard, in which it will automatically find, and then resize and center, a whiteboard in a room, so that callers on the other end have the clearest view possible. It can also zoom in to just your face, half your body, or show your entire body; you can also have it zoom in and out using hand gestures.
But all of its fancy features would mean nothing if the video was poor; fortunately, its 1/2-inch image sensor delivers some of the best image quality we've seen, day or night. Even in a dark room, it was able to show us perfectly, using nothing more than the light from our monitor. For power users, this is the webcam to get.
Read our full Insta360 Link review.
| Test | Notes | How it stacks up |
|---|---|---|
| Picture quality | Generally great, but HDR not available in 4K | ★★★★☆ |
| Low-light quality | Decent, though not outstanding | ★★★☆☆ |
| Software | AI zoom, auto subject tracking, Insta360 Link Controller | ★★★★★ |
The best value webcam
There’s a reason you’ve probably seen the Logitech C920s HD in just about any conference room — this is one of the best webcams you can buy overall. The C920s HD records sharp videos at 1080p and 30 frames per second, and has a wide 78-degree field of view that’s ideal for both solo conference calls and large meeting rooms. Its sleek black design is equally ideal for clipping to displays or attaching to tripods, and its companion software offers customizable backgrounds and avatars. And, it has a privacy shutter to physically block the camera's lens.
If you need something higher-end for gaming, the Logitech C922 Pro Stream webcam is an enhanced version of the C920s that touts 60fps video recording at 720p. But if you’re just seeking the best overall quality for video calls, the Logitech C920s Pro HD is the way to go.
Read our full Logitech C920s Pro HD review.
| Test | Notes | How it stacks up |
|---|---|---|
| Picture quality | Very good for a 1080p cam | ★★★★☆ |
| Low-light quality | Automatic light correction excels | ★★★★☆ |
| Software | LogiCapture lets you adjust autofocus and auto white balance | ★★★★☆ |
The best streaming webcam
If you’re a serious streamer or avid content creator, the Logitech StreamCam is one of the best webcams you can buy. This high-end webcam records at 1080p at a smooth 60 frames per second, making it ideal for Twitch streams and high-quality YouTube videos. The StreamCam has the unique ability to be mounted in both landscape or portrait modes, so you can use the latter orientation to shoot content for platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
This excellent streaming webcam offers a high-speed USB-C connection, a variety of mounting options and 3 months of XSplit Premium streaming software. Its refreshingly attractive design, which comes in white and charcoal, is also a great touch. We were highly impressed with its image quality; it's definitely worth the premium.
Read our full Logitech StreamCam review.
| Test | Notes | How it stacks up |
|---|---|---|
| Picture quality | Superb 1080p/60 fps vibrant performance | ★★★★☆ |
| Low-light quality | Reasonable but shadows can be a problem | ★★★☆☆ |
| Software | Logitech Capture, text overlay, scene effects | ★★★★☆ |
The best low light webcam
For just around $100, the Poly Studio P5 presents a compelling alternative to Logitech's many webcams. We were impressed with the P5's 1080p camera, digital zoom, and ability to adjust to low-light conditions. In our tests, we thought it was on par with the Logitech C922.
The P5 only has a single microphone, so it's not as capable of isolating your voice against background noises as webcams with two or more mics — but if you're really concerned about audio quality, you should pick up one of the best microphones. Poly's software also lets you fiddle with various visual settings, too. And, its small size means it won't stick out much.
Read our full Poly Studio P5 webcam review.
| Test | Notes | How it stacks up |
|---|---|---|
| Picture quality | Generally good but background noise can be problematic | ★★★☆☆ |
| Low-light quality | Fantastic at adjusting to low-light conditions | ★★★★★ |
| Software | Poly Lens App lets you adjust a variety of gamma, focus and exposure settings | ★★★★☆ |
The best business webcam
If you're making a lot of conference calls for work, then you should check out the business-centric Anker PowerConf C300 webcam. It has a sharp 1080p camera that can record at up to 60 frames per second and an adjustable field of view that can be as narrow as 78 degrees or as wide as 115 degrees.
We loved its Auto Frame mode, which is particularly useful if you move around a lot during conference calls. Plus, thanks to dual stereo mics and impressive low-light capabilities, your Zoom companions won’t miss a syllable — or a shadow. And, it has a physical shutter, to help ensure your privacy.
Read our full Anker PowerConf C300 webcam review.
| Test | Notes | How it stacks up |
|---|---|---|
| Picture quality | Strong 1080p with a wide angle. | ★★★★☆ |
| Low-light quality | Bit noisy around the edges, but still impressive. | ★★★★☆ |
| Software | A limited suite of customization options. | ★★★☆☆ |
How to choose the best webcam for you
How to choose the best webcam for you
When looking for the best webcam, you should consider a few key factors including resolution, framerate and price.
Video Resolution
You'll be hard-pressed to find a webcam with a resolution of less than 720p; most budget webcams, like the Logitech C310 and Logitech C270 (both of which cost less than $30) can stream at this resolution.
The next step up — and the most common resolution — are 1080p cameras like our favorite, the Logitech C920s. Cameras at the resolution typically cost $50 to $100, and are best for most consumers.
If the highest-quality video is required — and you're not using your camera as a webcam — then you'll want a webcam that can stream at 4K, like the Logitech Brio. However, almost every webcam that can stream at 4K will cost more than $100.
Field of View
If you only need a webcam to stream video of yourself, then you can get away with a webcam that has a fairly narrow field of view; most models have about an 80-degree FOV. If you need a webcam for a group setting, you'll want one with a wider FOV, such as the Anker PowerConf 300, which has a 115-degree FOV. Some of the better webcams will even let you adjust the field of view.
Microphones
Cheaper webcams will typically have just one microphone, which is fine for plenty of situations. However, if you work in a noisier environment, you'll want a webcam with two or more microphones, as well as software that can help isolate your voice from the sounds all around you. Another alternative — which will deliver even better audio — is to invest in one of the best microphones.
Extra features
It’s also worth considering any special features a webcam has. The Razer Kiyo has a built-in ring light, making it ideal for folks who are recording in low-light rooms and don’t have one of the best ring lights handy. Logitech cameras generally have robust software options for customizing your shots, and the StreamCam can shoot in both landscape and portrait modes, which is worth considering if you’re shooting video for mobile consumption.
How we tested these webcams
How we test the best webcams
To find out which are the best webcams, we put them through a series of tests in our home office. First, we see how easy they are to set up, and how well they sit on top of our laptop and monitors.
Next, we evaluate the performance of their cameras in varying lighting conditions; after all, not everyone has the best ring lights in their home office. We look to see how well the camera captures our face, how detailed the image is, and how it reacts if we move around the room.
Audio is just as important, so we test the camera's microphone by talking with others while we have background noise - be it a TV or music.
We also look at the software that comes with the camera (if any). How intuitive is it, and what sort of things does it let us do with the camera?
After that, we take the camera's price into consideration to see if its performance and features are a good value.
Best webcams FAQ
Best webcams FAQ
What is a good webcam brand?
There are several, quite frankly. As you can plainly see from the way the list above has been compiled, Logitech is on fire when it comes to consistently producing some of the very best webcams around. That doesn't mean you have to go the Logi route, though. Insta360, Anker and Dell all make excellent webcams that are well worth considering, too.
Do I need a 4K webcam?
The short answer? Probably not. 4K webcams are generally a lot more expensive than their 1080p equivalents and unless you find yourself in scenarios where you regularly need to view yourself in 4K, you're better off saving your money and going with a lower resolution cam. Of course, if you're a content creator on YouTube or Twitch and regularly stream the best PS5 games that often output at 2160p their Quality modes, then a 4K cam could be worth considering.
Can I use my phone as a webcam?
You sure can, my friend. There are multiple ways to use your phone as a webcam, thanks to third-party software that syncs your smartphone to your PC. Here's how to use your phone as a webcam when you're really in a pinch.
