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Jun 09, 2024

Best Webcams 2023

Connecting one of the best webcams to your computer can have a dramatic impact on how you look online—whether you’re on a video call, in a virtual meeting or live streaming on Twitch. Adding a webcam

Connecting one of the best webcams to your computer can have a dramatic impact on how you look online—whether you’re on a video call, in a virtual meeting or live streaming on Twitch. Adding a webcam to your laptop or desktop computer is an easy upgrade over your laptop’s existing camera. Plus, you can often get extra features with a dedicated webcam, such as a higher resolution and face tracking.

The best webcams will make you look great during video calls and video conferences.

Dedicated webcams come in various shapes, sizes and resolutions. Most can mount on top of your laptop or monitor, but many also have a standard 0.25-inch screw thread so you can mount the webcam on a tripod or stand. More expensive models add higher resolutions (2K and 4K) and possibly even artificial intelligence for face tracking, so you always stay centered in the frame when you move around the room.

To rank the best webcams available today, we combined our extensive first-hand experience with robust research. We chose the Anker PowerConf C200 as our pick for best webcam overall, but also found several others worthy of your consideration. Whether you want something affordable or need a top-notch 4K camera with an integrated ring light, microphones and speakers, here are our top picks.

Amazon

Resolution: 2K | Field of view: 65, 78 or 95 degrees | Frames per second: 30 | Autofocus: Yes

Best for: Stepping up image clarity with a general-use webcam.

The Anker PowerConf C200 is our top pick because it’s loaded with impressive features at an absurdly affordable price. Not only does this webcam have a 2K sensor, but it also features both a directional and an omnidirectional microphone—which together provide excellent vocal pickup and AI-based noise cancellation. It also has a built-in privacy cover and comes with easy-to-operate software. Plus, while on camera, if you hold a product or item in front of you, in less than 0.5 seconds, the camera refocuses on what you’re holding up and then just as quickly refocuses on you when you put the item down.

The webcam measures just 2.4 x 2 x 1.6 inches and weighs 2.9 ounces. Thanks to its extremely compact design, the Anker PowerConf C200 is easy to transport and attach to a laptop or desktop computer monitor. Meanwhile, because the camera uses a large aperture lens, it performs well in low light. What’s lacking in this webcam, however, is a built-in speaker. But you can easily use any Bluetooth headphones, earbuds, or your computer’s internal speakers.

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Logitech

Resolution: 1080p | Field of view: 78 degrees | Frames per second: 30 | Autofocus: Yes

Best for: Use in video calls or virtual meetings.

The Logitech C920s Pro is one of the best and most affordable 1080p resolution webcams you can buy. You can't adjust the field of view, but you can zoom in by up to 1.2x using Logitech’s included Capture software.

This webcam comes with a built-in privacy shutter that allows you to block the video feed with a flick of your finger. It has dual microphones for stereo audio capture from up to 3 feet away. The camera captures clear video using built in autofocus and automatic lighting enhancements. Add in its affordable price and this capable webcam is a real winner.

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Amazon

Resolution: 1080p | Field of view: 82 degrees | Frames per second: 30 (at 1080p), 60 (at 720p) | Autofocus: Yes

Best for: Seamlessly adding light to your video calls.

The innovative Razer Kiyo combines strong optics with a built-in ring light. This combination gives you everything needed for a clear video call right out-of-the-box. The ring light ensures your face is well lit and seen clearly while you’re on your video calls. If you're willing to drop resolution down to 720p, the Razer Kiyo can handle up to 60 fps. The webcam has a built-in omnidirectional microphone that can pick up sound from anywhere in a room, which means you might need a more targeted mic to avoid picking up ambient sounds.

The Razer Kiyo clips onto the top of a monitor or laptop screen, or you can mount it on a tripod. Compact and foldable, it requires no extra gear or space for additional lighting. This makes it an excellent choice if you travel with your laptop computer or use it from a couch or bed—situations which are not conducive for setting up a separate ring light.

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Amazon

Resolution: 1080p | Field of view: 78 degrees | Frames per second: 30 (at 1080p), 60 fps (at 720p) | Autofocus: Yes

Best for: Participating in video calls on a budget.

The NexiGo N930AF is a budget-friendly webcam that gets the job done. And it does so without compromising quality. Its 1080p video at 30 fps is comparable to that on more expensive webcams. It can also handle up to 60fps, but at 720p resolution. The camera’s autofocus design keeps you sharp and in focus as you move around, handy if you shift positions while in a meeting. And its automatic light correction boosts image quality in low light areas. You can use the webcam’s included software to adjust picture brightness, sharpness, hue, contrast and saturation manually. But you can’t adjust the field of view; it’s fixed at 78 degrees.

The directional noise reduction microphone helps eliminate ambient sounds in the background, however it’s audio capture doesn’t measure up to that of pricier competitors. This compact and foldable webcam includes a flexible clip/base and tripod mount. It also has a privacy cover so you can block the webcam’s lens when you don’t want to be seen.

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Amazon

Resolution: 1080p | Field of view: 80, 90, 103 degrees | Frames per second: 24, 30, 60 | Autofocus: Yes

Best for: Live streaming with HDR-enhanced clarity and color vibrancy.

The Razer Kiyo Pro ditches the built-in ring light built into the baseline Kiyo, because for this higher-end model, the company assumes frequent streamers already have a more robust ring light or light source available. Instead, the Kiyo Pro focuses on the power features, with three preset field-of-view options that provide a choice between a wide, mid and tight view. The webcam also captures compressed or uncompressed video at 1080p, with support for up to 60 fps. This means you can achieve extra-smooth webcam footage, especially when you’re in motion. If you prefer, there are also options for 30 fps and 24 fps (which works well for creating a more cinematic feel). When you engage the high dynamic range (HDR) mode, you get a better-lit video feed, but only at 30 fps.

The Kiyo Pro features a large lens with a secure mounting mechanism that easily attaches to your desktop computer’s monitor or laptop computer. Razer's Synapse software makes the various options and settings easy to adjust. While its mix of features makes it an excellent webcam overall, we think it’s a great webcam for live streaming (if you don’t require 4K).

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Amazon

Resolution: 720p | Field of view: 55 degrees | Frames per second: 30 | Autofocus: No

Best for: Basic personal video calling needs.

The Logitech C270 is an older model that still gets attention for its budget price. If you need a basic camera for personal video calls from a fixed position—and you aren't too worried about how you look—this 720p camera can meet your needs. However, we don’t recommend using it for work-related calls or meetings. This webcam is a good choice for an older laptop setup that lacks a webcam or needs a camera replacement.

The C270 has limited automatic exposure and color adjustment, plus a fixed-focus and non-adjustable 55-degree field of view. Thus, you don’t want to be moving around at all during video calls. This webcam easily mounts on any laptop or desktop monitor. If you want an affordable and functional webcam, the Logitech C270 can certainly do the job.

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Amazon

Resolution: 4K | Field of view: 90 degrees | Frames per second: 30 | Autofocus: Yes

Best for: Business video calls or live streams with top-notch video and sound.

The Poly Studio P15 offers the core functionality needed to look and sound your absolute best when in a video call, virtual meeting, or live streaming. The 4K camera offers crisp images with rich colors. Meanwhile, the integrated 3 microphones with noise cancellation and built-in speaker ensure others can hear you clearly, and you can hear them.

When you need privacy, simply close the camera’s privacy shutter. This webcam is Zoom and Microsoft Teams certified, and it uses AI technology to block out ambient noise and keep you centered in the frame, even if you're moving around. It also adapts well to low light and gives you up to 4x zoom. The camera manually pans and tilts as needed. Use the supplied USB Type-C cable to connect the P15 to your Windows or Mac desktop or laptop computer.

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Amazon

Resolution: 1080p | Field of view: 78 degrees | Frames per second: 60 | Autofocus: Yes

Best for: Live streaming and video calls.

Aimed at creators or live streamers, by design this webcam works well with Streamlabs Desktop, Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) and other live streaming applications. Plus, it works well with services like Twitch, Instagram Live and YouTube for live streaming. It can stream and record in 1080p at 60 fps. The included Logitech Capture software adjusts the webcam’s settings and audio. Plus, you can use the software to create borders, effects and overlay on-screen text.

StreamCam has both autofocus and auto-framing to keep you clearly in the center of the 78-degree field of view frame, even when you’re moving around. Also, you can use the webcam in either landscape or portrait mode. In addition, the webcam manually tilts and pans to help you find the perfect angle. The built-in microphone includes a noise reduction filter. The StreamCam mounts easily on a monitor; or you can mount it on a tripod instead.

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Amazon

Resolution: 4K | Field of view: 65, 78, 90 degrees | Frames per second: 30 (at 4k), 60 (at 1080p), 90 (at 720p) | Autofocus: Yes

Best for: Business-related video calls, virtual meetings or live streaming.

The Logitech Brio literally speeds ahead of the pack by providing smooth 720p video capture at 90 frames per second. Besides standing out for its high frame rate, the Brio can switch among 4K, 1080p and 720p, depending on your needs. You also get an adjustable field of view and a 5X digital zoom. It uses automatic lighting adjustments with HDR imaging support to compensate for low light or backlit environments.

The webcam’s design oozes quality—with a sturdy build, solid mounting clip and an attractive overall design. It works with Windows Hello for quickly and securely logging into your PC. It’s also certified for Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet and a slew of other video streaming services.

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Razer

Resolution: 4K | Field of view: 72 to 82 degrees | Frames per second: 30 | Autofocus: Yes

Best for: Cutting-edge webcam imaging features and autofocus tracking.

Designed for use with Windows-based computers only, the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra offers stunning 4K resolution at 30 fps, but it also supports 2K at 30 fps; 1080p at 24, 30 or 60 fps; and 720p at 30 fps or 60 fps—all with autofocus. As Razer’s top-shelf webcam, this model is versatile and loaded with advanced features. For example, the webcam has a compact design and uses a Sony Starvis 2 sensor—the largest image sensor found in any webcam as of this writing. This allows it to perform well in any lighting situation while showcasing DSLR-like detail and clarity.

The Kiyo Pro Ultra’s HDR imaging, large image sensor and features like advanced face tracking, autofocus and auto exposure make this camera stand out from the pack. It’s ready to make you look your best during any video call or a live stream where you’re presenting to a large audience. The nifty bokeh effect will automatically blur your background when activated, while keeping your face in crystal-clear focus. And the webcam allows you to adjust the zoom, pan, tilt, ISO and shutter speed. It also a built-in privacy shutter you can twist closed to keep private moments private.

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