Whether you have a crammed schedule full of video calls or you’re starting your first game streaming channel on Twitch or YouTube, a quality webcam is just about as important as having a quality microphone. When you’re connecting with people on video calls or with an audience while streaming games, the ability to show the people on the other end of the internet a clear stream of what you’re doing is a vital piece of making a strong connection.The kind of webcams you’ll find on most laptops generally are the bare minimum of what you can use to get the job done. And, while you can try a solution like using your phone as a webcam over an IP connection, a proper webcam will be a simpler and more effective solution. The dedicated hardware of a standalone webcam can offer a clear picture with minimal latency, and some even go above and beyond by delivering 60fps or 4K video. You’ll quickly notice the difference, and so will the people watching your stream. Plus, most webcams have handy mounts for attaching to the top of your monitor for good a viewing angle.We’ve picked out a great bunch of webcams that can step up your streaming and video calls, especially if you pair them with a quality microphone for streaming. (Note: Web cameras are in extreme demand so weve highlighted multiple retailers but they might temporarily be out of stock.)
TL;DR These are the Best Webcams:
1. Logitech C920S HD Pro Webcam
Best Webcam
The Logitech C920S HD Pro Webcam hits the best balance of giving you great Full HD video at a reasonable $80 price. For those more familiar with the Logitech C920, the C920S is slightly upgraded version that comes with a physical screen cover for some added privacy.While its not the most expensive or feature-rich model the Logitech offers, the C920S grants you great 1080p video with sharp picture quality, excellent autofocus, and decent low-light. If you’re looking for specialized features like 4K recording or 60 frames per second, you’ll have to look elsewhere on our list.
2. Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000
Best Budget Webcam
The LifeCam HD-3000 may not offer full HD resolutionits a 720p at 30fps affairbut it does have very nice picture quality, a built-in stand, and noise-canceling for its onboard mic. Microsoft touts this cams TruColor technology as producing more realistic colors and skin tones, and it seems to do fairly well in low-light situations too.If you’re looking for a basic webcam for your desktop or one that performs just a little better than the one built-into your laptop, Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 is an excellent choice. And at only around $40, the LifeCam is the most affordable option on this list.
3. Logitech C922 Pro Stream
Best 60fps Webcam
No, youre not seeing double, but you would be forgiven for thinking thats the case. The Logitech C922 is almost identical to the C920S but with a few extra improvements for game streaming to justify (debatably) its increase in price. You can still record 1080p video at 30fps, like its predecessor, but the C922x also adds 720p resolution streaming at 60fpsmeaning it can match the refresh rate of your 60fps gameAnother streamer focused feature is this webcam’s integrated ability to remove the background around you. The effect looks convincing enough but a physical green screen will always look better. The C922 also adds a higher quality glass lens and better low-light correction. We still think the original C920S is a better value, but if those extra features are important to you, the C922 is a great option.
4. Razer Kiyo
Best Streaming Webcam
The Razer Kiyo is similar to the Logitech C922x in that it can stream 1080p at 30fps, or 720p video at 60fps. But what sets the Kiyo apart is its integrated light ring, which allows for a more professional looking capture even in a dimly lit environment. Ring lights have been a semi-secret tool in videographers kits for years, as they have a tendency to make subjects look more evenly lit and in turn softens skin tones and features. Theres a reason theyre nicknamed Diva Lights.5. Logitech Brio
Best 4K Webcam
Sure, full HD is great, but what if youre looking to future proof your video setup with 4K resolution and even HDR compatibility? Well, the Logitech Brio is the webcam for you. With a 2160p resolution running at 30fpsor 1080p resolution at 60fpsthe Brio is one of the highest resolution webcams on the market right now. Plus, its capable of recording in High Dynamic Range (HDR) if youve got a compatible display.The included stand for the Brio is also pretty nice, and opens up more possibilities for positioning the cam around your desk environment. It actually reminds me a bit of the stand under a PlayStation 4 camera. The only downside? Its incredibly expensive.
6. Logitech C930e
Best Webcam for Work
Okay, this might look like we just added the same Logitech webcam for the third time between C920S and C922, but stick with us here because the Logitech C930E is by far the best webcam for work. Although it records videos at the same 1080p and 30fps as a few of our picks, this webcam comes with a premium Carl Zeiss lens. It also has one of the widest pictures thanks to the lens’ 90-degree field of view.The end result is video calls that look cleaner, sharper, and bigger. Its perfect for group meetings or family video calls if you have multiple people in the same room as you. Of course, that nice lens comes at a premium and it costs nearly twice as much as the C920S.
7. Logitech StreamCam
Best High-End Webcam
The Logitech StreamCam is just about the only webcam on the market that lets you record both at 1080p and 60fps. The StreamCam also features a fancy built-in omnidirectional microphone complete with a small noise filter.The SteamCam has auto-exposure and auto-focus features, and it comes with a completely streaming software suite. You also get a tripod mount along with the regular monitor mount, and you can even rotate the camera if you prefer to shoot smartphone-style video in a portrait orientation.
Kevin Lee is IGN’s Hardware and Roundups Editor. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspam
Home>>Sports>>If you’re looking to start streaming, or just want a better Skype experience with the folks, you need a webcam. Here’s our picks for the very best, at every price point.
Sports