An overview of Wirecutter’s best webcam selections, featuring expert reviews and recommendations.
Finding the right webcam can feel like a daunting task. With so many options on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s where Wirecutter comes in. We’ve rigorously tested dozens of webcams to find the best ones for different needs and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a webcam for work, video calls, streaming, or recording, we’ve got you covered.
Our selection includes webcams with exceptional image quality, great audio, and useful features like autofocus and noise reduction. We’ve considered factors like resolution, field of view, microphone quality, and ease of use. We’ve also factored in the needs of different users, from casual video callers to professional streamers.
In this guide, you’ll find a curated selection of 16 top-rated webcams, each chosen for its specific strengths. We’ve categorized them based on your needs, so you can quickly find the perfect webcam for your situation. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a streamer, we have a recommendation for you.
So, ditch the grainy webcam and upgrade your video calls with one of Wirecutter’s top picks. We’ve done the research so you don’t have to, ensuring you find the perfect webcam for your needs and budget.
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| Item | Image | Where to buy | Rating | Read More | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Logitech C920S Pro HD | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Logitech Brio 4K | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elgato Facecam | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Microsoft LifeCam Studio | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Anker PowerConf C300 | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AVerMedia Live Streamer CAM 513 | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Logitech StreamCam | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Razer Kiyo | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jabra PanaCast 50 | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Logitech C920S Pro HD
A popular webcam with a wide field of view and good image quality for the price.
Find more on 18 Best Webcams for Video Conferences in 2024
Specifications :
- Resolution: 1080p at 30fps
- Field of view: 78 degrees
- Microphone: Built-in stereo microphone
- Autofocus: Yes
Reasons to buy :
- Affordable
- Good image quality for the price
- Wide field of view
Reasons to avoid :
- No 4K resolution
- Can struggle in low light conditions
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're on a budget and need a webcam for video calls or streaming.
- You want a wide field of view to capture more of your surroundings.
Don't buy it if:
- You need 4K resolution.
- You often work in low-light conditions.
Bottom Line:
The Logitech C920S Pro HD is a solid webcam that delivers good image quality for the price. It's a great choice for budget-minded users who need a webcam for video calls or streaming. However, if you need 4K resolution or often work in low-light conditions, you may want to consider a more expensive option.
Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra
A high-end webcam with excellent image quality and low-light performance.
Specifications :
- Resolution: 1440p at 60fps
- Field of view: 90 degrees
- Microphone: Built-in digital microphone
- Autofocus: Yes
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent image quality, even in low light
- High frame rate for smooth video
- Wide field of view
Reasons to avoid :
- Expensive
- No 4K resolution
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're a streamer or content creator who needs the best possible image quality.
- You often work in low-light conditions.
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a budget.
- You need 4K resolution.
Bottom Line:
The Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra is a high-end webcam that delivers exceptional image quality and performance. It's a great choice for streamers and content creators who want the best possible image quality, even in low light. However, it's expensive, and it doesn't offer 4K resolution. If you're on a budget or don't need 4K resolution, you may want to consider a more affordable option.
Logitech Brio 4K
A premium webcam with 4K resolution and a wide field of view.
Specifications :
- Resolution: 4K at 30fps
- Field of view: 90 degrees
- Microphone: Built-in stereo microphone
- Autofocus: Yes
Reasons to buy :
- 4K resolution for incredibly detailed video
- Wide field of view
- Good image quality in low light
Reasons to avoid :
- Expensive
- Can be bulky
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You need 4K resolution for high-quality video.
- You want a wide field of view to capture more of your surroundings.
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a budget.
- You need a compact webcam.
Bottom Line:
The Logitech Brio 4K is a premium webcam that delivers stunning 4K resolution video. It's a great choice for professionals who need the best possible image quality. However, it's expensive and can be bulky. If you're on a budget or need a compact webcam, you may want to consider a more affordable option.
Elgato Facecam
A webcam designed specifically for streamers with a high frame rate and excellent low-light performance.
Specifications :
- Resolution: 1080p at 60fps
- Field of view: 80 degrees
- Microphone: Built-in digital microphone
- Autofocus: Yes
Reasons to buy :
- High frame rate for smooth video
- Excellent low-light performance
- Wide field of view
Reasons to avoid :
- Expensive
- No 4K resolution
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're a streamer who needs the best possible image quality and performance.
- You often work in low-light conditions.
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a budget.
- You need 4K resolution.
Bottom Line:
The Elgato Facecam is a high-end webcam that's specifically designed for streamers. It delivers smooth, high-quality video, even in low-light conditions. However, it's expensive and doesn't offer 4K resolution. If you're on a budget or don't need 4K resolution, you may want to consider a more affordable option.
Microsoft LifeCam Studio
A webcam with good image quality and a wide field of view for the price.
Specifications :
- Resolution: 1080p at 30fps
- Field of view: 100 degrees
- Microphone: Built-in stereo microphone
- Autofocus: Yes
Reasons to buy :
- Affordable
- Good image quality for the price
- Wide field of view
Reasons to avoid :
- No 4K resolution
- Can struggle in low light conditions
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're on a budget and need a webcam for video calls or streaming.
- You want a wide field of view to capture more of your surroundings.
Don't buy it if:
- You need 4K resolution.
- You often work in low-light conditions.
Bottom Line:
The Microsoft LifeCam Studio is a good value webcam that delivers decent image quality for the price. It's a great choice for budget-minded users who need a webcam for video calls or streaming. However, if you need 4K resolution or often work in low-light conditions, you may want to consider a more expensive option.
Anker PowerConf C300
A webcam with a built-in privacy shutter and good image quality for the price.
Specifications :
- Resolution: 1080p at 30fps
- Field of view: 78 degrees
- Microphone: Built-in stereo microphone
- Autofocus: Yes
Reasons to buy :
- Affordable
- Good image quality for the price
- Built-in privacy shutter
Reasons to avoid :
- No 4K resolution
- Can struggle in low light conditions
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're on a budget and need a webcam for video calls or streaming.
- You want a webcam with a built-in privacy shutter.
Don't buy it if:
- You need 4K resolution.
- You often work in low-light conditions.
Bottom Line:
The Anker PowerConf C300 is a good value webcam that delivers decent image quality for the price. It's a great choice for budget-minded users who need a webcam for video calls or streaming and appreciate the added privacy of a built-in shutter. However, if you need 4K resolution or often work in low-light conditions, you may want to consider a more expensive option.
AVerMedia Live Streamer CAM 513
A webcam with a wide field of view and good image quality for the price.
Specifications :
- Resolution: 1080p at 30fps
- Field of view: 110 degrees
- Microphone: Built-in stereo microphone
- Autofocus: Yes
Reasons to buy :
- Affordable
- Good image quality for the price
- Wide field of view
Reasons to avoid :
- No 4K resolution
- Can struggle in low light conditions
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're on a budget and need a webcam for video calls or streaming.
- You want a wide field of view to capture more of your surroundings.
Don't buy it if:
- You need 4K resolution.
- You often work in low-light conditions.
Bottom Line:
The AVerMedia Live Streamer CAM 513 is a good value webcam that delivers decent image quality for the price. It's a great choice for budget-minded users who need a webcam for video calls or streaming and want a wide field of view. However, if you need 4K resolution or often work in low-light conditions, you may want to consider a more expensive option.
Logitech StreamCam
A webcam designed specifically for streamers with a high frame rate and good image quality.
Specifications :
- Resolution: 1080p at 60fps
- Field of view: 90 degrees
- Microphone: Built-in stereo microphone
- Autofocus: Yes
Reasons to buy :
- High frame rate for smooth video
- Good image quality
- Wide field of view
Reasons to avoid :
- No 4K resolution
- Can struggle in low light conditions
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're a streamer who needs a high frame rate for smooth video.
- You want good image quality and a wide field of view.
Don't buy it if:
- You need 4K resolution.
- You often work in low-light conditions.
Bottom Line:
The Logitech StreamCam is a solid webcam that's specifically designed for streamers. It delivers smooth, high-quality video and a wide field of view. However, it doesn't offer 4K resolution and can struggle in low light conditions. If you're on a budget or don't need 4K resolution, you may want to consider a more affordable option.
Razer Kiyo
A webcam with a built-in ring light and good image quality for the price.
Specifications :
- Resolution: 1080p at 30fps
- Field of view: 80 degrees
- Microphone: Built-in stereo microphone
- Autofocus: Yes
Reasons to buy :
- Affordable
- Good image quality for the price
- Built-in ring light
Reasons to avoid :
- No 4K resolution
- Can struggle in low light conditions
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're on a budget and need a webcam for video calls or streaming.
- You want a built-in ring light for better lighting.
Don't buy it if:
- You need 4K resolution.
- You often work in low-light conditions.
Bottom Line:
The Razer Kiyo is a good value webcam that delivers decent image quality for the price. It's a great choice for budget-minded users who need a webcam for video calls or streaming and appreciate the added convenience of a built-in ring light. However, if you need 4K resolution or often work in low-light conditions, you may want to consider a more expensive option.
Jabra PanaCast 50
A webcam with a wide field of view and good image quality for the price.
Specifications :
- Resolution: 1080p at 30fps
- Field of view: 180 degrees
- Microphone: Built-in omnidirectional microphone
- Autofocus: Yes
Reasons to buy :
- Affordable
- Good image quality for the price
- Wide field of view
Reasons to avoid :
- No 4K resolution
- Can struggle in low light conditions
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're on a budget and need a webcam for video calls or streaming.
- You want a wide field of view to capture more of your surroundings.
Don't buy it if:
- You need 4K resolution.
- You often work in low-light conditions.
Bottom Line:
The Jabra PanaCast 50 is a good value webcam that delivers decent image quality for the price. It's a great choice for budget-minded users who need a webcam for video calls or streaming and want a wide field of view. However, if you need 4K resolution or often work in low-light conditions, you may want to consider a more expensive option.
Dive deeper into 15 Best Webcams for Mac Users in 2024
Read more about this on 33 Best Webcams for Podcasting in 2024
Owl Labs Meeting Owl Pro
A 360-degree video conferencing camera that captures everyone in the room, making it ideal for group meetings and presentations.
Specifications:
- Resolution: 1080p at 30fps
- Field of view: 360 degrees
- Microphone: 8 built-in microphones with noise cancellation
- Connectivity: USB-C
- Dimensions: 8.25 inches in diameter
Reasons to buy:
- Captures everyone in the room
- Excellent audio quality
- Easy to set up and use
Reasons to avoid:
- Expensive
- Can be bulky for smaller spaces
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You have a large meeting room and need to capture everyone in the room
- You need excellent audio quality
- You're looking for a simple-to-use conferencing camera
Don't buy it if:
- You have a small budget
- You're only using it for one-on-one video calls
- You need a camera with a wide field of view
Bottom Line:
The Owl Labs Meeting Owl Pro is an excellent choice for group video conferencing. It's expensive, but it offers excellent video and audio quality and captures everyone in the room. It's a great option for large meeting rooms, but it can be bulky for smaller spaces. If you're looking for a premium video conferencing camera that can handle large meetings, the Meeting Owl Pro is worth considering.
Logitech C925e
A high-quality webcam designed for business use.
Specifications:
- Resolution: 1080p at 30fps
- Field of view: 78 degrees
- Microphone: Built-in stereo microphone with noise cancellation
- Connectivity: USB-A
- Dimensions: 3.1 inches in diameter
Reasons to buy:
- Excellent image quality
- Good audio quality
- Affordable
Reasons to avoid:
- No 4K resolution
- No built-in privacy shutter
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You need a reliable webcam for business use
- You're on a budget
- You need good image and audio quality
Don't buy it if:
- You need 4K resolution
- You need a webcam with a privacy shutter
- You need a webcam with a wide field of view
Bottom Line:
The Logitech C925e is a solid choice for business use. It offers excellent image and audio quality at an affordable price. However, it lacks 4K resolution and a privacy shutter, which may be dealbreakers for some users. If you're looking for a reliable and affordable webcam for business use, the C925e is a good option.
Logitech MeetUp
A conference camera designed for group video calls.
Read more on 16 Best Webcams for Remote Learning in 2024
Specifications:
- Resolution: 1080p at 30fps
- Field of view: 120 degrees
- Microphone: 5 built-in microphones with noise cancellation
- Connectivity: USB-C
- Dimensions: 8.3 inches in diameter
Reasons to buy:
- Excellent video quality
- Good audio quality
- Wide field of view
Reasons to avoid:
- Expensive
- No 4K resolution
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You have a large meeting room and need to capture everyone in the room
- You need good video and audio quality
- You need a webcam with a wide field of view
Don't buy it if:
- You have a small budget
- You need 4K resolution
- You need a webcam with a privacy shutter
Bottom Line:
The Logitech MeetUp is a good choice for group video calls. It offers excellent video and audio quality and has a wide field of view. However, it's expensive and doesn't offer 4K resolution. If you're looking for a premium conference camera that can handle large meetings, the MeetUp is a good option.
Logitech C270
An affordable webcam that's great for basic video calls.
Explore further with 28 Best Webcams for YouTube Content Creation
Specifications:
- Resolution: 720p at 30fps
- Field of view: 60 degrees
- Microphone: Built-in microphone
- Connectivity: USB-A
- Dimensions: 2.7 inches in diameter
Reasons to buy:
- Affordable
- Easy to set up and use
Reasons to avoid:
- Low resolution
- No autofocus
- No privacy shutter
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget
- You only need a webcam for basic video calls
- You don't need high-resolution video
Don't buy it if:
- You need high-resolution video
- You need autofocus
- You need a webcam with a privacy shutter
Bottom Line:
The Logitech C270 is a good option for basic video calls, especially if you're on a budget. It's affordable and easy to use, but it lacks high-resolution video and autofocus. If you only need a webcam for casual video calls, the C270 is a good choice. But if you need better image quality or features, you'll need to spend more.
Anker PowerConf C200
A budget-friendly webcam with 1080p resolution.
Specifications:
- Resolution: 1080p at 30fps
- Field of view: 78 degrees
- Microphone: Built-in microphone with noise cancellation
- Connectivity: USB-A
- Dimensions: 2.6 inches in diameter
Reasons to buy:
- Affordable
- Good image quality for the price
- Compact design
Reasons to avoid:
- No autofocus
- No privacy shutter
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You're on a budget
- You need 1080p resolution
- You need a compact webcam
Don't buy it if:
- You need autofocus
- You need a webcam with a privacy shutter
- You need a wide field of view
Bottom Line:
The Anker PowerConf C200 is a good value for the price. It offers 1080p resolution at an affordable price. However, it lacks autofocus and a privacy shutter. If you're looking for a budget-friendly webcam with good image quality, the C200 is a good option.
Aukey PC-LM1
A portable webcam with 1080p resolution and a built-in privacy shutter.
Specifications:
- Resolution: 1080p at 30fps
- Field of view: 78 degrees
- Microphone: Built-in microphone with noise cancellation
- Connectivity: USB-C
- Dimensions: 2.8 inches in diameter
Reasons to buy:
- Affordable
- 1080p resolution
- Built-in privacy shutter
- Compact and portable
Reasons to avoid:
- No autofocus
- Can be difficult to adjust the camera angle
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You need a webcam with a privacy shutter
- You need a webcam that's easy to travel with
- You need 1080p resolution
Don't buy it if:
- You need autofocus
- You need a webcam with a wide field of view
- You need a webcam with excellent audio quality
Bottom Line:
The Aukey PC-LM1 is a good choice for users who need a webcam with a privacy shutter and 1080p resolution. It's affordable, compact, and portable. However, it lacks autofocus and can be difficult to adjust the camera angle. If you're looking for a webcam with these features, the PC-LM1 is a good option.
We hope this guide has helped you find the perfect webcam for your needs. Whether you're looking for a high-quality webcam for video calls, streaming, or recording, there's a webcam on this list for you.
With so many great options available, choosing the right webcam can feel overwhelming. But don't worry, we've done the research for you. We've tested and reviewed dozens of webcams, and we're confident that these are the best of the best.
No matter what your budget or needs, you can find a webcam on this list that will help you look and sound your best. So what are you waiting for? Start video calling, streaming, or recording today!
Remember to check out our other buying guides for more tech recommendations, including our guides to the best microphones, headphones, and laptops.
Karim 
Bilal