1. The list in brief
2. Best webcam overall
3. Best value webcam
4. Best premium webcam
5. Best for game streaming
6. Best webcam for video calls
7. Best webcam for laptops
8. Best streaming webcam
9. Best low light webcam
10. Best business webcam
11. How to choose
12. How we test
13. Best webcams FAQ
Even as someone who doesn't love looking at himself on video calls, I appreciate the added image quality the best webcams bring to the table. Compared to your average laptop webcam, dedicated models boast improved image clarity and boost brightness levels in dark rooms.
The best webcam I'd recommend for most people? That would be Anker PowerConf C200, which produces vibrant, crisp footage at 2K resolution, and all for under $100. If you want to really push the boat out and have the cash to spare, the Logitech MX Brio is the current king of 4K cams.
Whether you need a budget cam that you can pick up for $50 or less, or you're after a top-tier model that will make your face look extra clear in 4K, my picks of the best webcams have all been thoroughly tested and won't let you down.
The quick list
Our favorite webcam is Anker's excellent Powerconf C200. For under $100, you're getting a 2K cam that delivers brilliant video quality, no matter what your lighting setup is.
If you want the finest 4K image quality for video calls or streaming, the Logitech MX Brio is the best option on the market. Not only does it broadcast pristine pictures, it's also exceptionally good in low light conditions.
Despite its wallet-friendly price tag, this Logitech punches well above its weight. Picture quality is excellent, we appreciate the 78-degree field of view and we love its sleek, versatile design.
Elgato's latest Facecam gives you a lot for its $149 price tag, including amazing image quality (even in low light), DSLR-level customization controls, and a HDR picture at up to 60 FPS.
The cleverest cam we've seen in a good long while and one that is perfect for video conferencing. Boasting innovative software and a gimbal-mounted camera, the auto tracking of the Insta360 is super classly.
Touted by Opal as the "first portable webcam", the teeny Tadpole is a terrific 4K cam. It's laptop-only, though, as it doesn't come with a stand and its clip is narrow.
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If you're a passionate content creator, this is the webcam for you. Not only does it sport an attractive design, it can also be mounted in both landscape and portrait modes.
This 1080p webcam has an impressive 4x digital zoom that adjusts well to low-light conditions. Compellingly priced, we also appreciate its privacy shutter.
The best webcams you can buy today
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The best webcam overall
✅ You want a well designed webcam: The Anker PowerConf C200 is a looker. Compact and with a 95 degree adjustable FOV, this is one of the best designed webcams.
✅ Excellent image quality: 2K resolution is the absolute sweet spot when it comes to picture quality in a modern webcam. Anker's product is noticeably sharper than its 1080p rivals.
✅ You want a great value webcam: The PowerConf C200 gives you a whole lotta bang for your buck as it normally retails for just $69. That's a fantastic price.
❌ You need a swivel feature: Unfortunately the Anker PowerConf C200 can't swivel, which makes it a touch restrictive to use. It's in no way a deal-breaker, though.
❌ You want the widest viewing angles: 78 degrees is the ideal viewing angle when using the AnkerWork app with the PowerConf C200, but there's no denying the more premium C300 sports wider angles.
The Anker PowerConf C200 is the webcam that's easiest to recommend to most people. It offers superb value for money, its 2K image resolution looks fantastic on video calls, it sports robust software, and features like anti-flicker and a privacy shutter are much appreciated. ★★★★
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.
In our review, we found its 5MP camera sensor was great at accurately displaying colors, even if the overall image was a bit grainy. Its dual mics were very sensitive — it could head us from 30 feet away — but 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.
In all, this is a great bargain for an excellent webcam. At time of writing, you're simply not going to find a snapper that brings so much to the table at a price point that normally hovers around the $60 mark.
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 | ★★★★☆ |
The best value webcam
✅ You want maximum value from your cam: The Logitech C920s Pro HD is probably the best budget webcam you can find for conference calls today.
✅ Excellent in all lighting conditions: Whether you're taking a call in a sunny room or in dim conditions at night, the auto-lighting of this cam is exceptional. That's largely down to Logi's RightLight 2 tech.
✅ You're craving top class software: The LogiCapture software is robust to say the least. It lets you turn off auto-focus, adjust white balance and tweak zoom features.
❌ You're an Amazon Prime member: This webcam is currently only available brand new on Amazon if you buy its Privacy Shutter Bundle for $109. Thankfully, the Logitech C920s Pro HD is $59 at Best Buy, and that's for a new model, not a renewed one like on Amazon.
❌ You need to tweak FOV: If you want a webcam where you can jump in with a few family memebers and still be seen in frame, the C920s Pro HD may not be the snapper for you as you can't widen its field of view.
The Logitech C920s Pro HD is a quality webcam that won't break the bank. This is a high quality cam, especially considering its price tag. If you want a device that works well in both light and dim conditions and one that also sports strong software, the C920s is a great choice. ★★★★
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.
Its sleek black design is equally ideal for clipping to displays or attaching to tripods, and its companion software offers customizable backgrounds and avatars. And, it has a privacy shutter to physically block the camera's lens.
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 | ★★★★☆ |
The best premium webcam
✅ You need the best image quality possible: When it comes to video call quality, it simply doesn't get any better than the Logitech MX Brio. Its 4K output looks incredible.
✅ The best tripod stand around: The Brio 4K's stand is terrific. It's highly adjustable and can be set to a variety of positions, making it easy to get your face framed for that next important call at just the right angle.
✅ It's a nighttime delight: Logtiech's premium cam is an outstanding performer in low light conditions. If you're a streamer who plays video games in a dark room, the MX Brio 4K will pick up every small detail of your face.
❌ You're on a tight budget: The Logitech MX Brio 4K is a premium webcam sold at a suitably premium price. Even though it's fantastic, $199 is a serious chunk of change.
❌ There are shutter speed issues: If you're in the U.K and planning to buy the Brio you may experience distracting image flicker because there's a conflict with the 50Hz refresh rate and this cam's 30 fps shutter.
The Logitech MX Brio 4K is the best webcam when it comes to pure picture quality. Taking video calls with the resolution set to 4K looks unbelievably sharp, and the Brio can pick out every little detail in your office regardless of the lighting conditions you're working with. ★★★★
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 a sensational 4K webcam. Sure, it's not exactly cheap at $199, but for that outlay you're getting a cam that outputs image quality that simply can't be beaten.
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. Logi 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. If you have the money, the Logitech MX Brio 4K is a slam dunk purchase.
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 | ★★★★☆ |
The best game streaming webcam
✅ You're a dedicated game streamer: If you regularly stream games over YouTube or Twitch, the Elgato Facecam MK.2 is the webcam for you. Picture quality is great, it's versatile and it rocks a strong set of customization options.
✅ It's a smooth performer: Elgato's cam feels brilliantly smooth thanks to its 60 fps output. Throw in HDR support, and the Facecam is both responsive and super vibrant.
✅ A DSLR dream: The software you get with the Facecam is granite-strong, providing you with DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) features that boost overall image quality.
❌ AI features don't quite work as they should: The AI components of this cam are somewhat lacking, leading to images that can appear bizarrely artificial.
❌ It doesn't come with a USB-C cable: While it's good this webcam supports USB 2.0 compatibility, it's feels pretty stingy that Elgato don't include a USB-C cable in the box.
❌ You need a mic in your webcam: Another area where the Facecam annoyingly cuts corners is in the audio department, as it lacks a built-in microphone.
The Elgato Facecam MK.2 is one of the strongest performing Full HD webcams on the market that impresses thanks to its buttery 60 fps performance and support for HDR. It's an ideal cam for folks who regularly stream games and is also attractively priced. ★★★★
When it comes to game streaming on the likes of Twitch or YouTube, your webcam needs to have an 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 framerate is buttery smooth at 60 FPS by default (going up to 120 FPS at 720p if you want that super slow-mo).
Combine that with the 1/4-inch thread to screw onto your desk with ease, a software suite that gives you DSLR levels of control, and a built-in privacy shutter, you've got all the makings of a solid snapper atop your monitor — provided you can look past the lack of a built-in microphone, and turn off the oddities of AI post processing.
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. | ★★★★☆ |
The best webcam for video calls
✅ You want the smartest snapper: The Insta360 Link is super smart, and that's because it boasts the company's awesome Insta360 Link Controller. The coolest feature? Hold your palm up to the camera and auto-tracking is immediately enabled.
✅ It's fantastic for business calls: Thanks to the Insta360 Link's AI-enhanced Whiteboard mode, which will resize and center a whiteboard during an online meeting, this is a great webcam for those who regularly host virtual business calls.
✅ A cam that tracks like few others: The 3-axis gimbal mount is one of this webcam's strongest features, as it allows this snapper to easily track you should you start moving around your room.
❌ HDR support falls somewhat short: As impressive as the 4K picture quality of the Link is, it doesn't support HDR (High Dynamic Range) at this resolution. That's a bummer.
❌ It doesn't come with a USB-C cable: While it's good this webcam supports USB 2.0 compatibility, it's pretty stingy that Elgato don't include a USB-C cable in the box.
❌ You can't manually tweak its FOV: If feels like a bit of an oversight that you can't manually tweak this cam's field of view, though you can at least zoom in on a subject.
The Insta360 Link is simply one of the smartest webcams we've ever tested here at Tom's Guide. If you're a power user, this is the snapper for you. Its innovative Whiteboard mode makes it ideal for presentations, while its gimbal mount is utterly excellent. ★★★★
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: 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.
But 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 perfectly, using nothing more than the light from our monitor. For power users, this is the webcam to get.
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 | ★★★★★ |
The best laptop webcam
✅ You want a cam that's perfect for laptops: Most in-built webcams suck, so if you want to upgrade the snapper on your portable PC, the Opal Tadpole is the way to go. It provides ace pictures and will easily clip onto your laptop.
✅ It's a tiny wonder: It's wild just how teeny the Tadpole is. Opal claims it's actually the smallest webcam in the world, weighing just 1.02 ounces, we totally believe Opal.
✅ A fabulous 4K performer: The Opal Tadpole uses a 4K imaging sensor and a f/1,8 maximum aperture lens to produce wonderfully detailed video performance.
❌ You're a desktop user: Because the Tadpole is limited to a rear clip that can only open to a mere degrees, it's really only suitable for hooking onto slim laptop lids.
❌ Quality audio is important to you: The subpar directional mic on the Tadpole struggles to pick up audio outside of this snapper's field of view, while it also sounds quite echoey.
❌ You're on a tight budget: It's so easy to love the Tadpole small form factor, but $129 is a lot to pay for a webcam that's only suitable for laptops users.
The Opal Tadpole is the teeniest 4K webcam we've ever tested at Tom's Guide. Not only is it a cute little snapper, it's plug and play and produces outstanding 4K broadcasts. Due to its form factor, though, this is strictly a cam for laptops users only. ★★★★
The Opal Tadpole is the smallest webcam you’re likely to find, especially one that offers 4K video! This tiny little camera packs a UHD Sony imaging sensor, plus a direction mic into an ultra portable package that’ll easily fit inside your pocket or backpack. Its image quality is fantastic, and thanks to its sleek design it won’t look out of place even on high-end laptops.
It 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. What’s more, the directional microphone is alright, but we found it a little echoey in testing.
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.
| 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) | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
The best streaming webcam
✅ You need a quality cam for streaming: If you're serious about streaming games or love creating other online content, this attractive 1080p webcam excels thanks to its top class picture quality and speedy frame rate.
✅ You want to switch perspectives: There aren't a ton of cams out there that let you switch from landscape to portrait mode when the cam is mounted, but the StreamCam allows you to this easily.
✅ Extensive, excellent soft: The firm's Logitech Capture software works great with the StreamCam. It allows you to add text overlays, filters, colored borders and backgrounds to your calls.
❌ You want a privacy shutter: One of the few flaws surrounding the Logitech StreamCam is its lack of a privacy shutter; essentially a small physical cover that can be placed over the cam's sensor to block your video output.
❌ Quality audio is important to you: The subpar directional mic struggles to pick up audio outside of this snapper's field of view, while it also sounds quite echoey.
❌ Money is tight: The StreamCam can often retail for as much as $170, though it does go on sale quite regularly . Still, this is often one pricey webcam.
The Logitech StreamCam is obviously targeted at, well, streamers. Yet that doesn't mean more general users won't find a lot to enjoy from this snapper. Its 1080p pictures are punchy with particularly accurate colors. The StreamCam's mic also produces clean audio, while the Logitech Capture software is top notch. ★★★★
If you’re a serious streamer or avid content creator, the Logitech StreamCam is one of the best webcams you can buy. 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.
The StreamCam also 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.
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; it's definitely worth the premium.
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 | ★★★★☆ |
The best low light webcam
✅ You often make video calls at night: The Poly Studio P5 comes into its own in dim conditions. Set this puppy up in a low light room, and it will have no trouble both tracking you, while also picking out the details in the darkness.
✅ You're ready for your close up: The 4X digital zoom on the Studio P5 impressives, and this cam is good at auto-adjusting when you fiddle with your zoom level.
✅ It lets you keep your privacy: Privacy shutters really should come in the box with every webcam, but many models sadly don't include them. Thankfully the Studio P5 does, and it's also tripod-ready.
❌ FOV is a deal-breaker for you: If you only appear on cam on your own, this may not be a big deal. Yet the fact you're stuck with the P5's 80 degree FOV can feel restrictive when more expensive models can support up to 115 degrees, making them better choices for family group calls.
❌ Noise canceling is decent, but could be better: The single directional microphone in the Studio P5 serves up reasonably clear sounds, but if you want to up your audio game, you really need to pair it with one of Poly's headsets.
The Poly Studio P5 is a great little webcam that gets the job done in the dimmest conditions. Poly's peripheral is particularly good at adjusting to the light in your room, say, after you move a couple of lamps. It's also well designed, boasts strong zoom levels and provides great value. ★★★★
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. In our tests, we thought it was on par with the Logitech C922.
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.
Poly's software also lets you fiddle with various visual settings, too. And, its small size means it won't stick out much. When it comes to cams, a smaller form factor is almost always better.
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 | ★★★★☆ |
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
