The best webcams are essential if you want to look your best during an important conference call. While pretty much all modern laptops come with cams, you're still far better off buying an external snapper if you care about image clarity or you regularly deal with challenging light conditions.
We review a lot of webcams here at Tom's Guide, and we put every single one under rigorous tests to make sure whether a model is worth your money or not. The most important factor when it comes to shopping for a new webcam comes down to resolution, with 4K cams obviously costing more than 1080p ones. Thankfully, Ultra HD webcams have come down in price quite a lot over the last few years.
The best webcam I'd recommend to most people is the Anker PowerConf C200. This 2K cam produces superb pictures, and it costs less than $100. The Logitech C920s Pro HD is another great option if you're on a budget, and can be regularly found on sale for around $70.
My following picks of the best webcams you can buy right now span a variety of budgets, so if you're looking to push the boat out, I can easily recommend the excellent Logitech Brio MX 4K. If you can't justify picking up a $200 cam, fret not, as my choices also cover far less expensive options.
The best webcams you can buy today
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Best overall
The best webcam under $100 is the Anker PowerConf C200. For the price, you get a 2K webcam that delivers excellent video in all sorts of lighting conditions, an adjustable field of view, and an integrated privacy shutter for those times when you don't want to be seen.
There are so many reasons to buy this thoroughbred cam. Though it lacks a swivel figure, the PowerConf C200 absolutely excels in every other department. It’s a real looker, that 2K resolution means it serves up noticeably sharper images than 1080p cams and it provides great bang for your buck — normally retailing for around $60 at time of writing.
In our review, we found its 5MP camera sensor was great at accurately displaying colors, even if the overall image was a bit grainy at times. Its dual mics were very sensitive — it could hear us from 30 feet away. On the flipside, its AI noise cancellation was great at blocking out extraneous noise. Anker's software also lets you tweak the image and audio settings very easily.
Considering this snapper usually retails for around $60, its 2K image quality is absolutely outstanding at such a reasonable price point. Not only will you look crystal clear during that next important conference call, it also won’t matter what time said call takes place, as the Anker PowerConf C200 is great at picking your face out in dimly lit conditions (in part thanks to its larger aperture size.
The small form factor of Anker’s cam is also pleasing. Measuring in at 2.4 x 2 x 1.6 inches and weighing only 2.9 ounces, its size and weight make it easy to perch on top of a monitor or laptop.
The fact that this little cam’s privacy shutter is physically built into the C200 is another great design choice. As is the addition of tripod threading on the bottom, which allows you to easily place Anker’s cam down on your desk and adjust viewing angle appropriately.
In all, this is a great bargain for an excellent webcam. Right now, you're simply not going to find a better value snapper for your PC than the awesome Anker PowerConf C200.
Read our full Anker Powerconf C200 webcam review.
| Test | Notes | How it stacks up |
|---|---|---|
| Picture quality | Excellent 2K images | ★★★★★ |
| Low-light quality | Fantastic in low-light scenarios | ★★★★☆ |
| Software | Horizontal flip, anti-flicker, Pick-up mode | ★★★★☆ |
Best value
There’s a reason you’ve probably seen the Logitech C920s HD in just about any conference room — this is one of the best webcams you can buy overall. The C920s HD records sharp videos at 1080p and 30 frames per second, and has a wide 78-degree field of view that’s ideal for both solo conference calls and large meeting rooms.
Looking for an excuse to buy this brilliant, budget cam? There are plenty. The Logitech C920s excels in both sunny and dim conditions, which is largely down to Logi’s fantastic RightLight 2 tech. Staying on the software front, LogiCapture provides robust settings tweaks, allowing you to adjust its auto-focus, white balance and zoom features of this plug and play webcam.
Its sleek black design is equally ideal for clipping to displays or attaching to tripods, and its companion software offers customizable backgrounds and avatars. It also has a privacy shutter to physically block the camera's lens.
Throw in those crisp 1080p pictures, dual omnidirectional mics and autofocus, you’re getting a superb value cam, as the Logitech C920s can normally be found for under $60. The fact you also detach this webcam’s privacy filter is another bonus, and there’s so much to love about Logi’s peripheral at this price point.
Though it's larger (and definitely sturdier) than many of the company’s cheaper webcams, this is still a reasonably small and lightweight snapper. It measures in at 3.7 x 2.8 x 1.7 inching, tipping the scales at 5.7 ounces. Though it doesn’t come with a tripod out of the box, Logitech has at least included a handy tripod-ready universal mounting clip, which means you can attach this classy snapper to your monitor.
If you need something higher-end for gaming, the Logitech C922 Pro Stream webcam is an enhanced version of the C920s that touts 60fps video recording at 720p. But if you’re just seeking the best overall quality for video calls, the Logitech C920s Pro HD is the way to go.
Read our full Logitech C920s Pro HD review.
| Test | Notes | How it stacks up |
|---|---|---|
| Picture quality | Very good for a 1080p cam | ★★★★☆ |
| Low-light quality | Automatic light correction excels | ★★★★☆ |
| Software | LogiCapture lets you adjust autofocus and auto white balance | ★★★★☆ |
Best premium
If you need to look your absolute best during an important conference call or you're a serious streamer, the Logitech MX Brio is simply an astounding 4K webcam. Sure, it's not exactly cheap at $199, but for that outlay you're getting a cam that outputs ultra crisp images that simply can't be beaten.
A nighttime delight due to how well the MX Brio 4K is able to pick out small details in a darkened room, you should definitely buy this webcam if your budget can stretch to its admittedly hefty $200 price tag.
It also boasts some seriously impressive AI features. AI-enhanced auto light correction ensures this webcam picks out the smallest details in a dark room, while the MX Brio's dual beamforming mic utilizes AI to reduce background noise. A handy feature if you happen to be working from home and your kids start screaming/the dog starts howling its heart out.
Logi's software also allows you to calibrate color and brightness settings, letting you make further tweaks to the already outstanding out-of-the-box picture performance. And hoo-boy is the image quality the MX Brio serves up something special. When you switch this snapper to 4K mode, the clarity of your calls (at least on your end), are going to look absolutely sensational.
In our review, we hailed this Logi snapper as "the Michael Jordan of webcams." Calling it "ruthlessly efficient and in an NBA zone of its own." It's tough to think of any higher form of praise that could be given to Logitech's top-tier cam.
There is a small caveat if you're in the U.K. and tempted to take the plunge on the MX Brio 4K. If you have any lightbulbs switched on that fall into the cam's field of view, you may encounter distracting on-screen flickering. This is down to a power frequency issue, with the 50Hz refresh rate causing a conflict with the Brio's 30 fp shutter speed. Thankfully, this isn't something folks in the U.S. should experience.
If you have the money $200 spare, the Logitech MX Brio 4K is a slam dunk purchase you should definitely consider picking up. It truly is the king of Ultra HD snappers. Oh, and need a final reason to buy this cam? It’s highly adjustable tripod stand is one of the best we’ve ever tested
Read our full Logitech MX Brio 4K review.
| Test | Notes | How it stacks up |
|---|---|---|
| Picture quality | Amazingly clear picture quality | ★★★★★ |
| Value for money | AI-enhanced auto light correction works brilliantly | ★★★★★ |
| Software | Three fields of view, dual beamforming mic with AI noise reduction | ★★★★☆ |
Best for game streaming
When it comes to game streaming on the likes of Twitch or YouTube, your webcam needs to have amazing picture quality, a deep suite of customization options to get that image just right, and the versatility to fit in with any setup. Elgato's Facecam MK.2 nails all three, and does so at just $149.
That 1/ 2.5" Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor paired with Elgato's Prime Lens optics gives you a crispy picture that is full of color, and even supports HDR for a cinematic contrasty look. On top of that, the frame rate is buttery smooth at 60 fps by default (going up to 120 fps at 720p if you want that super slow-mo effect).
Need further reasons you should consider buying the Facecam? It supports HDR and its pictures look buttery smooth thanks to its 60 fps output. Software is another strongpoint, providing you with DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) features that boost overall image quality big time.
We had nothing but great game streaming experiences while using the MK.2, too. Broadcasting hundreds of miles of gorgeous racing action in Gran Turismo 7 — PS5’s premier driving simulator — proved to be an utter pleasure. Thanks to the Facecam’s silky smooth 60 fps frame rate, synching our races with the steering inputs we used proved a doddle.
Combine that top-tier game streaming with the 1/4-inch thread that screws onto your desk with ease, a superb software suite that gives you DSLR levels of control, a built-in privacy shutter, and you're left with the makings of an extremely solid snapper to grace the top of one of the best gaming monitors. You just need to be able to look past the lack of a built-in microphone and turn off the oddities of its AI post-processing.
Our Elgato promo codes can help you save on high-quality streaming and content creation gear. Use our codes to get discounts on Elgato’s popular products, including capture cards, webcams, and microphones.
Read our full Elgato Facecam MK.2 review.
| Test | Notes | How it stacks up |
|---|---|---|
| Picture quality | A fantastically sharp, contrasty picture quality. | ★★★★★ |
| Low-light quality | Some odd AI post-processing, but great in low light | ★★★★☆ |
| Software | Software is complex, but gives you a ton of control. | ★★★★☆ |
Best for video calls
This is the smartest, most innovative webcam we've seen in a long time. The Insta360 Link has a 3-axis, gimbal-mounted camera that can track you as you move around the room.
But that's just the beginning of the reasons you should consider buying this cam. It has a number of AI-enhanced modes, including Whiteboard, in which it will automatically find, and then resize and center, a whiteboard in a room, so that callers on the other end have the clearest view possible. It can also zoom in to just your face, half your body, or show your entire body; you can also have it zoom in and out using hand gestures, which is a seriously cool touch that doesn't go unappreciated.
Yet all of its fancy features would mean nothing if the video was poor; fortunately, its 1/2-inch image sensor delivers some of the best image quality we've seen, day or night. Even in a dark room, it was able to show us on-screen perfectly, using nothing more than the light from our monitor. For power users, this is the webcam to get.
A good example of said snazzy software? That would be Streamer mode: as long as the streaming platform supports 9:16 video, you can instruct this snapper to rotate its camera 90 degrees to support filming your videos vertically.
Even in a dark room, it was able to show us on-screen perfectly, using nothing more than the light from our monitor. Although it's a slight shame the Insta360 Link's HDR mode only works at resolutions of either 1080p or 720p.
For power users, though, there's no question this is the webcam to get. And that's no mean feat considering how many amazing cams that are all currently vying for your hard-earned money on the market right now. Quite simply, this is a completely classy cam and the one to buy if you want the smartest snapper around that is perfect for conference calls.
Read our full Insta360 Link review.
| Test | Notes | How it stacks up |
|---|---|---|
| Picture quality | Generally great, but HDR not available in 4K | ★★★★☆ |
| Low-light quality | Decent, though not outstanding | ★★★☆☆ |
| Software | AI zoom, auto subject tracking, Insta360 Link Controller | ★★★★★ |
Best for laptops
The Opal Tadpole is the smallest webcam you’re likely to find, especially one that offers 4K video. It looks the part, with a sleek minimalist design that won’t look out of place on even high-end laptops.
That tiny form factor alone gives laptop users who want to upgrade their internal cam enough of a reason to buy the Opal Tadpole, as this teeny little camera measures just 1.37 by 1.57 inches and weighs a little over an ounce. Opal supplies the Tadpole with a USB-C cable which can double up as a wrist-strap, too, if you fancy using your webcam as a clothing accessory. What’s more, the company also sells a circular case, to disguise the Tadpole as a yoyo. Kind of dorky, but we like it.
Despite its tiny proportions, the powerful Tadpole packs a 4K UHD Sony imaging sensor, which delivers really sharp images with decent contrast and natural temperature. Put simply, it’s a fabulous 4K performer..
Thanks to an f/1.8 maximum aperture lens, the Tadpole produces nice, soft background blue, and its AF is pretty good too, tracking faces reliably during calls. This webcam will certainly be a massive step up in quality over most built-in laptop cameras.
Sound-wise, the Tadpole features a directional microphone tailored to capturing sound from within the camera’s 70 degree field of view.We couldn’t really hear much difference between the Opal’s mic and laptop mics, so if audio quality is of paramount importance to you, check out the Poly Studio P5 instead.
The Tadpole has a few drawbacks, though. Firstly, this webcam is laptop-dedicated. If you have a ball of Fun Tak or you can jerry rig it onto one of the best iPhone tripods, it’ll work with desktops, but it isn’t designed to do so. Its clip opens to only 35-degrees, meaning it may not fit over chunkier laptop displays, either.
At $129, the Tadpole isn’t going to break the bank, and it’ll make a really good replacement for a broken laptop webcam or microphone. It’ll also be great if you simply want to up the quality of your video calls or live streams with as small a footprint as possible. If you’re a desktop user, though, we’d recommend going for another 4K webcam, such as the Logitech MX Brio. But if you just need an awesome little snapper you can clip onto your laptop, this is the cam to get.
Read our full Opal Tadpole review.
| Test | Notes | How it stacks up |
|---|---|---|
| Picture quality | Fantastic 4K/60p output with decent contrast and nice background blur. | ★★★★★ |
| Low-light quality | A decent f/1.8 maximum aperture keeps things bright | ★★★☆☆ |
| Software | N/A (as the Tadpole is plug and play) | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
Best for streaming
You should buy the Logitech StreamCam if you’re a serious streamer or avid content creator, the Logi’s peripheral is one of the best webcams you can buy; coming packed full of all the bells and whistles YouTubers could desire. This high-end webcam records at 1080p at a smooth 60 frames per second, making it ideal for Twitch streams and high-quality YouTube videos.
Need another great reason to buy the StreamCam? It has the unique ability to be mounted in both landscape or portrait modes, so you can use the latter orientation to shoot content for platforms like Instagram and TikTok. That’s not a feature many rival cams can boast about. And although it lacks a privacy shutter, which is disappointing, the fact the StreamCam sports a premium glass lens takes the sting out of the shutter issue a little.
The StreamCam also makes use of AI-enabled facial tracking allowing for smart auto-focus and exposure. During our tests, this cam proved especially strong at facial tracking. Even if you attach this snapper to a laptop then turn it sideways, Logi’s peripheral’s auto exposure allows the webcam’s lighting to match your environment. Image stabilization, which keeps the camera from shaking if you accidentally knock it, is another welcome feature.
This excellent streaming webcam offers a high-speed USB-C connection, a variety of mounting options and 3 months of XSplit Premium streaming software. Its refreshingly attractive design, which comes in white and charcoal, is also a great touch. We were highly impressed with its image quality throughout the price process, and there's no denying it's definitely worth the premium price tag. Again, if you’re big into streaming, this is the webcam you should buy. If you're looking to potentially save some money, be sure to check out our Logitech discount codes for the latest deals.
Read our full Logitech StreamCam review.
| Test | Notes | How it stacks up |
|---|---|---|
| Picture quality | Superb 1080p/60 fps vibrant performance | ★★★★☆ |
| Low-light quality | Reasonable but shadows can be a problem | ★★★☆☆ |
| Software | Logitech Capture, text overlay, scene effects | ★★★★☆ |
Best in low light
Normally found for $50 or less, the Poly Studio P5 presents a compelling alternative to Logitech's many webcams. We were impressed with the P5's 1080p camera, digital zoom, and ability to adjust to low-light conditions.
Among one of several compelling arguments for buying the Poly Studio P5 is just how well it performs in low light conditions. And during the daytime, the P5 also produces super-vibrant images that really impressed us during our testing.
The P5 only has a single microphone, so it's not as capable of isolating your voice against background noises as webcams with two or more mics — but if you're really concerned about audio quality, you should pick up one of the best microphones.
Another aspect of the Poly Studio P5 we really dig is its compact design. Unlike most modern webcams you can buy today, this stylish snapper sports a circular, almost bullet-shaped design. It further distances itself from the pack with an alluring speckled-gray finish.
Software is a strong point with this webcam, as it allows you to fiddle with various visual settings, such as hue, contrast, sharpness and gamma levels, which can all be tweaked via simple to use sliders.
At such a reasonable price point, it’s tough to get overly nit picky when it comes to the Poly Studio 5, particularly when it performs so admirably in low light conditions. Its teeny form factor means it won't stick out much. And when it comes to cams, smaller is almost always better. And that 4x digital zoom is a thing of beauty.
Read our full Poly Studio P5 webcam review.
| Test | Notes | How it stacks up |
|---|---|---|
| Picture quality | Generally good but background noise can be problematic | ★★★☆☆ |
| Low-light quality | Fantastic at adjusting to low-light conditions | ★★★★★ |
| Software | Poly Lens App lets you adjust a variety of gamma, focus and exposure settings | ★★★★☆ |
Best 4K/60 fps
Are you looking for superior video quality? Then Elgato Facecam Pro is a great choice for your next snapper. This is an outstanding webcam for streamers and content creators. This cam delivers stunning 4K video at 60 fps, thanks to the Sony 1/1.8-inch Starvis CMOS sensor which provides sharp and vibrant imagery ideal for streaming to Twitch or YouTube.
Its companion software, the Elgato Facecam Hub, is one of the Facecam Pro’s standout features. While the webcam is plug-and-play, the software unlocks its full potential; allowing you to quickly adjust settings like zoom, pan and tilt, shutter speed, ISO, and more. Additionally, you can enable the Facecam Pro’s excellent face-tracking feature which smoothly follows your movements, ensuring you stay in frame at all times.
The Facecam Pro isn’t without its drawbacks though, as it doesn’t feature a built-in mic. This omission means you’ll need an external microphone, but if you’re serious about streaming, you should invest in one of the best microphones available. Also, the webcam’s low-light performance is a little lacking, as it produces grainy images when lighting isn’t ideal.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Facecam Pro remains a top contender for users who value image quality and advanced features. Offering a smooth, professional-grade experience, the Facecam Pro will fit right into your existing streaming setup.
Read our full Elgato Pro webcam review.
| Test | Notes | How it stacks up |
|---|---|---|
| Picture quality | Almost flawless during the daytime | ★★★★★ |
| Low-light quality | Average in dim conditions | ★★★ |
| Software | Extensive options that include manual zooming and shutter speed adjustment | ★★★★☆ |
How to choose the best webcam for you
When looking for the best webcam, you should consider a few key factors including resolution, framerate and price.
Video Resolution
You'll be hard-pressed to find a webcam with a resolution of less than 720p; most budget webcams, like the Logitech C270 (which costs less than $30) can stream at this resolution.
The next step up — and the most common resolution — are 1080p cameras like our favorite, the Logitech C920s. Cameras at the resolution typically cost $50 to $100, and are best for most consumers.
If the highest-quality video is required — and you're not using your camera as a webcam — then you'll want a webcam that can stream at 4K, like the Logitech Brio. However, almost every webcam that can stream at 4K will cost more than $100.
Field of View
If you only need a webcam to stream video of yourself, then you can get away with a webcam that has a fairly narrow field of view; most models have about an 80-degree FOV. If you need a webcam for a group setting, you'll want one with a wider FOV, such as the Anker PowerConf 300, which has a 115-degree FOV. Some of the better webcams will even let you adjust the field of view.
Microphones
Cheaper webcams will typically have just one microphone, which is fine for plenty of situations. However, if you work in a noisier environment, you'll want a webcam with two or more microphones, as well as software that can help isolate your voice from the sounds all around you. Another alternative — which will deliver even better audio — is to invest in one of the best microphones.
Extra features
It’s also worth considering any special features a webcam has. The Razer Kiyo has a built-in ring light, making it ideal for folks who are recording in low-light rooms and don’t have one of the best ring lights handy. Logitech cameras generally have robust software options for customizing your shots, and the StreamCam can shoot in both landscape and portrait modes, which is worth considering if you’re shooting video for mobile consumption.
How we tested these webcams
To find out which are the best webcams, we put them through a series of tests in our home office. First, we see how easy they are to set up, and how well they sit on top of our laptop and monitors.
Next, we evaluate the performance of their cameras in varying lighting conditions; after all, not everyone has the best ring lights in their home office. We look to see how well the camera captures our face, how detailed the image is, and how it reacts if we move around the room.
Audio is just as important, so we test the camera's microphone by talking with others while we have background noise - be it a TV or music.
We also look at the software that comes with the camera (if any). How intuitive is it, and what sort of things does it let us do with the camera?
After that, we take the camera's price into consideration to see if its performance and features are a good value.
Best webcams FAQ
What is a good webcam brand?
There are several, quite frankly. As you can plainly see from the way the list above has been compiled, Logitech is on fire when it comes to consistently producing some of the very best webcams around. That doesn't mean you have to go the Logi route, though. Insta360, Anker and Dell all make excellent webcams that are well worth considering, too.
Do I need a 4K webcam?
The short answer? Probably not. 4K webcams are generally a lot more expensive than their 1080p equivalents and unless you find yourself in scenarios where you regularly need to view yourself in 4K, you're better off saving your money and going with a lower resolution cam. Of course, if you're a content creator on YouTube or Twitch and regularly stream the best PS5 games that often output at 2160p their Quality modes, then a 4K cam could be worth considering.
Can I use my phone as a webcam?
You sure can, my friend. There are multiple ways to use your phone as a webcam, thanks to third-party software that syncs your smartphone to your PC. Here's how to use your phone as a webcam when you're really in a pinch.
Today's best webcam deals
For an easy way to save on your webcam purchase, check out our guides to the best Anker discount codes, Logitech promo codes, and Elgato coupon codes.
