The best webcams for boosting your video quality

A basic necessity in 2021.
By Bethany Allard  on 
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Overview

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Best 4k Option

Logitech Brio

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Best For Streamers

Logitech StreamCam

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Best For Lighting

Razer Kiyo Streaming

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Best Budget Choice

Logitech c270

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Best For Group Meetings

Anker PowerConf C300

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If there’s one thing you can count on in this world, it’s that if you need a picture or video with image quality that seems straight out of 2015 (or even earlier), you can turn to your computer's built-in webcam. If we sound salty about this, it probably has something to do with the fact that this past year and a half has had us confronting our grainy, backlit selves on our screens more than anyone should ever have to.

The good news is that despite what your built-in webcam would have you believe, you don’t actually have to cringe at your subpar video quality every time you hop on a call. There is another way — using an external webcam.

Wait, you might be wondering, haven’t external webcams been around for a while? Aren’t they just as reliably grainy?

No! They're not! We promise better options are out there. Before you get to choosing the right cam for you, there are a few basics you’ll need to know.

What’s the real difference between an external webcam and a built-in webcam?

Let’s start with the most obvious difference. An external webcam clips on the top of your screen or sits on a little tripod, rather than being a part of your computer or laptop. You'll then plug it in to a USB or Thunderbolt port to get it working. This little bit of extra bulk and wires can give you a clearer image than most built-in webcams. Most external webcams, and especially those you invest a bit more in (we’re still talking under $100) will come with software that lets you manually adjust features resolution, frames rate (we'll get to both of those in a minute), white balance, exposure, contrast, and so on. Ultimately, an external webcam can be an easy way to make your video quality look more consistent with the technology of this year.

Do I have to spend a lot of money to get a good external webcam?

Short answer — no. There are webcams on the cheaper end out there that are definitely a step up from built-in webcams. Of course, the more you pay, the clearer the image and greater the customization options, but upgrading to an external webcam doesn’t mean you have to spend a ton. With that said, there are cheaper webcams that make almost no discernible difference, despite what they might claim, but you'll find none of those on our list. One more thing — some of the ad photos on these webcams will have you believe that with the right resolution, your USB cam can give you DSLR image quality, but realistically the only product that can give you DSLR image quality is a DSLR.

What factors should I focus on when looking for a webcam?

Lighting

Most of us are not versed in the art of video lighting and it shows. But that's okay! Even if you've managed to find a nice spot with decent natural lighting, not all cameras are great at handling changes in the lighting throughout the day. If you find that your facial features are almost always lost to overexposure or that your image looks so dark you're giving villain-in-a-found-film-horror-movie-energy (absolutely a vibe but maybe not the one you want on client calls), you'll want to look out for webcams that handle changing light conditions well and have software that allows you to adjust the features we mentioned above, like contrast, exposure, and white balance.

Image Resolution and Frame Rate

A camera that can capture 1080p/60fps is cool, but maybe not entirely necessary if you’re sitting completely still during your weekly Zoom meeting. If you only understand 1080p as something that’s vaguely good, don't worry — we’re going to break image quality and frame rate down real quick, right here and right now.

Basically, there are a few image resolutions you’ll come across, including 360p, 720p, 1080p, and 4K. You’re likely familiar with these thanks to little settings cog on YouTube videos. As you might have guessed, the higher the resolution, the higher the picture quality, with high definition (or HD) clocking in at 720p and 1080p, and 4K reigning supreme as an ultra-high-definition (or UHD) option.

While the image resolution is all about clarity, frame rate is all about smoothness. Typically, a higher frame rate like 60fps looks a bit more smooth and streamlined than a 30fps, though 30fps will definitely still take you far with lag-free video. So then, the gold standard for a super crisp, super clear video would be 4K/60 fps, right? Well, no. One, because even the highest quality webcams really only support 4K/30 fps, and two, for most video call needs, including streaming (and especially if your video feed comes from a smaller window), 1080p/30fps or even 720p/30fps will still look pretty damn good. Plus, only higher-powered computers can really handle top-tier resolution and frame rate so that it actually looks the way it's supposed to.

Field of View

I’m going to take a wild guess and bet that you'll appreciate a webcam that'll frame you nicely. In other words, the frame isn't so small that you worry the smallest adjustment will leave you out of the picture, and not so big that the entire room is on display (though this could be useful for groups). For this, you'll want to pay attention to the field of view, which describes the width of the area a camera captures. The standard sweet spot on most webcams hovers around 80 degrees, which can fit about two people comfortably.

Built-in Mics

Some cameras come with one built-in mic, two built-mics, mics that cancel out ambient noise, or no mics at all. If crisp sound quality is super or even kind of important to you, you’ll probably be best off springing for an external USB microphone. Webcam mics are never really built to wow. However, if your computer setup has no mic at all, you'll definitely want to grab a webcam that comes with one so you can make sure you're being heard on your calls.

Do external webcams bring more security risks?

Honestly, there aren’t really any privacy risks that an external webcam will bring that a built-in one doesn’t already. But with any webcams, external or otherwise, you should be aware that webcam hacks are very much a thing, even if you don’t have your camera on. IP webcams are the easiest to hack, but you’ll find none of those on this list. Basically, the rule of thumb is that if you have a webcam, you should be covering it every time it’s not in use. There are external covers you can buy for most kinds of webcams (some people opt for sticky notes but that might not be your best long-term solution), and some webcams — including ones on this very list — come with their own privacy covers.

Let's say you want a webcam that gives you a clear picture, allows for some image customization, works well with regular video calls for work, school, maybe even some streaming, and that doesn't cost you an arm and a leg. This webcam exists — it's the Logitech c920s.

The internet goes hard for the Logitech webcams in general, but the c920s stands out for what it gives you for what it costs —  HDR quality, great color balance out of the box, an fps that works for video calls and streaming alike, and an included privacy shutter. It's one of the most versatile webcams out there and you don't need a supercomputer to reap its benefits. If you want to use the Logitech Capture software to play around your image you can, but that isn't necessary for a nice, quality video feed. While it may not be the best for certain specialized needs, this webcam has rightfully earned its spot as an overall cult favorite.

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If you’re looking for the best picture a webcam can offer without getting a full-on DSLR, you’re going to want to check out the Logitech Brio. 

No software is necessary to enjoy the auto-white balance and autofocus, but with Logitech Capture, you can adjust the frame rate, resolution, field of view, exposure, zoom, brightness, sharpness, and contrast. With these adjustments, you can really make your image pop, justifying the higher price point of this webcam. However, older computers, or even newer computers that are simultaneously running other programs (like say, a streaming software) might find that Logitech Capture can lag, if outright not work. Additionally, only a select few services (not including Twitch and Zoom) support 4K quality at this time. It should also be noted that without a USB 3 port, you won’t be able to access this camera’s full 4K potential.

With that said, this is a powerful camera that will give you one of the clearest images a webcam can, even if you don't use the 4K. In addition to the resolution, this camera also has three different fields of view and a pretty decent-sounding mic. This is definitely a high-end choice, but one that can deliver on the good features it promises. 

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Whether you’re streaming games, cooking, music, or art content, you’re going to want your video to look professional — and the Logitech StreamCam is here to help.

This cam captures 1080p at 60fps, which sets it among higher-resolution webcams on the market. Plus, you won't be paying for a 4K resolution that most streaming popular streaming services (minus YouTube) don't yet support. Its facial tracking abilities allow for a nearly undetectable autofocus as well as an auto-framing feature that, while maybe not the most useful to gamers, will be great for those planning on moving around a bit while they broadcast (this feature helps make up for having only a 78-degree field of view). As with other Logitech models, Logitech Capture also allows for great customization.

Part of what sets this webcam apart, though, is how little manual customization it needs to perform well. Whether you're using the lighting from your bedroom or have invested in a lighting rig specific for your stream, the StreamCam adjusts so that your colors pop, and you never look overexposed. Other features include a portrait mode accessed by simply turning the camera and built-in microphones, both of which are cool, but maybe not the most useful for most users, as streamers tend to stick to landscape mode and use external mics for the best sound possible. Still, this is a sound investment for newbies looking to upgrade or veterans who don’t quite want to make the leap into DSLR territory yet.

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Not every work-from-home setup is blessed with a conveniently placed window, but extra external lighting can be expensive and take up more space than you’re willing to give. The Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam gives you the lighting you need as a part your webcam, with its adjustable ring light putting the spotlight on you in even the most cavelike of rooms. 

The ring light makes up the circumference of this uniquely circular webcam. With a simple twist to the left or right, you can adjust the intensity of the webcam so it lights up your space without making you feel like you're staring directly into the sun. Despite being smaller than your average ring light, the Razer Kiyo still performs surprisingly well. While you shouldn't expect this webcam to be your absolute everything (the microphone leaves something to be desired), the built-in lighting paired with its 1080p resolution will give you an enviable image that really shines. 

 

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If you're enamored with the idea of improving the video quality on your Zoom calls but less enamored with the idea of shelling out big, allow us to introduce you to the Logitech c270. 

For less than $30, you'll get a camera with a 720p HD picture, a simple plug-and-play setup, and the reliability to work for regular calls. Its lens may be plastic instead of glass, the field of view might be a bit tighter, and customizable features may be lacking, but this camera will provide you an improved image clarity that your coworkers, friends, and families will definitely notice. And if all you're looking for is a bit of improvement without incurring a lot of damage to your bank account, what more could you ask for? 

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Professional video calls are here to stay, meaning that webcams that can handle group calls or presentations are necessary. For that, there's the Anker PowerConf C300. 

Simply put, this webcam's out-of-the-box 115-degree field of view does not mess around. With one of the widest frames in the webcam game, no one will be awkwardly half-in-half-out of frame for your big group presentation. Plus, the 1080p resolution helps your video stream look professional. If you feel you need to walk around to really make your points and impress your boss, the camera can track and pan to follow your movements. For teachers streaming lessons to students remotely, this feature, combined with the wide frame, can especially come in handy. It's also not a bad choice for relatives who like to video call together to stay in touch. 

Though you can also adjust the field of view to be a bit smaller, the image quality on this webcam looks the best at its standard 115 degrees, making this camera the clear standout for any of your group call needs.

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Bethany Allard
Shopping Reporter

Bethany Allard is a Los Angeles-based shopping reporter at Mashable covering beauty tech, dating, sex and relationships, and headphones. That basically means she puts her hair through a lot, scrolls through a lot of dating apps, and rotates through a lot of different headphones. In addition to testing out and rounding up the best products, she also covers deals for Mashable, paying an especially obsessive amount of attention to Apple deals and prices. That knowledge comes in handy when she's covering shopping holidays like Prime Day and Black Friday, which she's now done for three years at Mashable.

She graduated from New York University with a B.A. in Journalism and English Literature. You can follow her on X @betallard and reach her by email at [email protected]. In her free time, you'll find her playing her Switch, hanging with her cat Mila, or cooking something new in her kitchen.


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