If you always count on the integrated webcam of your laptop or if your office PC does not have it, it could be time for an upgrade. Whether you are a remote worker who jumps on video calls, a content creator who needs net sequences or a player looking to upgrade your streaming configuration, the right webcam can make all the difference. A good webcam does not only improve image quality – it can also offer better low light performance and smoother image frequencies, while some even have integrated microphones or features fueled by AI To keep you alive. We have gathered the best webcams for each type of user, whether you need a professional configuration for zoom calls or a high resolution camera for streaming on Twitch.
Table of contents
Best Webcams for 2025
Factors to consider before buying a webcam
Resolution and field of vision
While some more recent computers have 1080p webcams, most integrated cameras have a 720p resolution, so you will want to search for an external webcam that has a higher resolution. FHD webcams will offer you better video quality; Ideally, you are looking for something that can manage 1080p at 60fps or 30 images per second. If you are considering a cheap 720p webcam, be sure to get one that supports at least 30 frames per second (most) or, even better, 60 frames per second. However, if your main concern is a better image quality during video calls, 1080p is the way to follow.
Some webcams can shoot in 4K, but it is exaggerated for most people. Not to mention most video conference services like Zoom, Google Meet and Skype do not even support 4K video. Regarding streaming, Twitch Maxes with 1080p video, but youtube added 4K live streaming In 2016. In the end, with photos of 4K webcam having such a limited use, most people can manage with a solid 1080p camera.
The field of vision (FOV) controls the quantity you can hold in the frame when you save. Most of the webcams I tested had a default vision field of around 78 degrees, which captured me and enough of my experience to prove that I really need to organize my home office. On cheaper webcams, you will generally see narrower fields of view (about 60 degrees), and these are not necessarily bad. They will not show as much of your history, but it also means that you will not be able to put as many friends or family members in the context when you organize zoom birthday parties. On the other hand, more expensive webcams can allow you to adjust the field of vision to be even wider than the average, and some even offer features such as digital zoom.
Autofocus and other “auto” features
Webcams with Autofocus will keep the quality of clean image without too much work on your part. You should be able to move, go back and forth and stay up to the point all the time. Some models of autonomous webcam also allow you to manually adjust the focus, if you have specific needs. The devices with a fixed focus are less practical, but they tend to be more affordable.
In the same vein, automatic framing, a feature that some high -end webcams now offer. Similarly to Apple’s central functionality, the camera adapts automatically to keep you at the center of the frame even when you move. It was a functionality available only on the most high -end webcams, but you can now find it on devices of less than $ 200.
You will also see other “auto” features listed in webcam specifications, including correction of automatic light. This will adjust the camera settings to compensate for a weakly lit part. If you do not have lively lights or often make calls in places where you cannot control the lighting, this feature will be precious. Alternatively, you could consider using your camera without a mirror as a high quality webcam solution, taking all the advantages and functionalities with you (although in a heavy package).
Microphones
Most webcams have integrated microphones which, depending on your configuration, could end up being closer to you than the own microphones on your computer. Check if the model you are considering has mono or stereo microphones because it is better. Some even use noise reduction technology to keep your voice noisy and clear. While audiophiles and streamers will want to invest in an autonomous microphone, most others can get by using the integrated microphone of a webcam.
Design
There are not a ton of fascinating breakthroughs with regard to the design of the external webcam. Most are round or rectangular devices that register on a monitor or laptop screen. Some have the possibility of pivoting or screwing a tripod stand and others can simply sit on your desktop next to your computer. But unless you really like people looking at you, the latter is not ideal. We recommend that you crush your webcam in your instructor and make sure it is or slightly above the eye level.
Some webcams go beyond adding material extras such as integrated lights and lens covers. The first can help you stand out in a dark room, while the second does it so that the pirates cannot see you without your knowledge.
Price
Most external webcams are just good enough to be a step compared to the integrated camera of your computer cost between $ 60 and $ 150. If the webcam has the same resolution as that of your laptop, you must look for other specifications such as automatic light correction, a wider field of vision or an extra-long connection cable that can provide a step quality or ease of use.
Spending $ 150 or more means that you may get advanced features that tend to be present in a professional webcam such as 4K resolution, vertical and horizontal recording options, stereo microphones, customizable and more video settings. But unless you spend hours on video calls every day or broadcast several times a week, you can sit on a low -budget webcam and skip most of these high -end options.
How to test webcams
We mainly test webcams by putting them through as much use of the real world as possible. We examine their conception, their flexible and their ease of repositioning, and note how heavy they are and if it affects their ability to stay in place while sitting on a screen. We use each webcam for at least a consecutive week as the main camera for all video cats, and we make sure to use the device in different lighting environments to test low light performance. We also use all integrated microphones as the main audio inputs on video calls. Finally, although most of these webcams are plug-and-play, we test any owner software which is intended to work with each webcam, has refined things like the field of vision, video resolution and effects, and using All special features such as Show mode on Logitech Webcams.
Other webcams that we have tested
Logitech C920S Pro HD
Our first higher choice, the Webcam Logitech C920s Pro HD There remains a solid option for those who have less than $ 100 to spend and really need only a 1080p basic camera to upgrade their configuration, or something affordable to make them more beautiful on these inevitable calls for zoom. It has a field of vision of 78 degrees, decent microphones and an integrated practical confidentiality component. Brio 500 has moved away from this model first thanks to its advanced light correction, automatic telectus and show mode.
This article originally appeared on engadget to
