Best Webcams of 2022 – Futurism

Video chats, conference calls, and live streaming are here to stay. Unfortunately, laptop cameras arent very flattering, especially when youre trying to look professional or make a good impression. Webcams improve resolution, frame rate, focus, and almost everything else.

However, these handy devices can get pricey. If you create content professionally, a premium webcam makes you look like the pro that you are. For those doing conference calls with family and friends, you probably dont need 4K video and three microphones. Check out our picks of the best webcams along with a short guide to help you decide what type of webcam you need, as well as a budget that fits your desired results.

Best Overall: Razor Kiyo Pro Best for Streaming: Logitech StreamCam Best for Mac: Elegato Facecam Best with Microphone: Logitech Brio Best Budget: Logitech C310

Many of the same features that are important for a standard camera apply to a webcam. For example, we considered the field of view, focus features, and resolution. With webcams, we also considered if they had a microphone and the quality of that microphone. Finally, we had to factor in the quality of the build, including the lens.

Field of View: The field of view needs to be wide enough that you can sit within 18 to 24 inches of the camera, between 60 degrees to 95 degrees, and appear sharp and clear.

Focus Features: Fixed focus webcams have their place and usefulness, especially when they offer a clear image at the prescribed focal length. Models with autofocus get bonus points for the added clarity they offer to moving images.

Resolution: We looked for models with good performance at their set (or adjustable) resolutions. Some people may only need 720p, while others need the clarity of 4K for content creation.

Microphone: Webcam microphones arent too much better than a laptop microphone. However, we considered how many and the type of microphone the webcam had when making our picks.

Build quality: A webcam with a high-quality build will last longer. If the rest of the materials, including the lens, are of similar quality, it can create better images, too. Take better pictures when youre not working with the best digital cameras.

Why It Made The Cut: An impressive low-light sensor improves images in dim conditions and excellent autofocus keeps images sharp, clear, and smooth.

Specs: Video Resolution: 1080p Weight: 6.88 ounces Microphone: Yes

Pros: Excellent exposure in dim light Impressive microphone Offers several resolution options

Cons: Expensive

The Razor Kiyo Pro offers one of the most impressive mixes of image quality, focus features, and low-light video out there, making it one of the best webcams available. This model could easily work for professional use or someone breaking into content creation.

The low-light sensor truly puts most other webcams to shame. It can focus clearly on your face even when youre only lit by your computer screen. However, it also does well when adjusted to its full 103-degree field of view. You can also crop the field of view to 80-degree or 90-degree angles, too.

You can also adjust the resolution based on the available bandwidth and video quality you need. It offers 1080p at 60fps, HDR at 30 fps, 720p at 60 fps, 480p and 360p at 30fps. The Riyo Pro also stands out for the microphone. Its surprisingly clear and sharp, picking up voices throughout a room. However, youll still get some ambient noise and echo based on the room setup.

The downside of this model is the price. Its an investment thats worth making if video quality matters for your profession or you love looking good.

Why It Made The Cut: The Logitech StreamCam offers automatic framing and crisp video at a wide range of frame rates and orientations, making it the best webcam for streaming.

Specs: Video Resolution: 1080p Weight: 10.23 ounces Microphone: Yes

Pros: Automatic framing Variety of recording options Includes two mounts

Cons: Expensive Logitech Capture can jam up smaller systems

The Logitech StreamCam is an excellent option for those entering the livestream space. The package includes everything you need to get started, including two microphones and mounts. While the microphones cant compete with standalone models, theyre much better than a laptop microphone.

The StreamCam comes with two mounts, one for monitors and laptop screens and a tripod mount for flat surfaces of any kind. This model works with standard streaming and recording software, but you also have the option of using Logitech Capture. If you choose the Capture software, youll access several extra features on the StreamCam that are worth accessing. The webcam automatically records in the Capture software, so you can use the raw footage from an outside software or the processed footage from Capture.

This model also includes a wide range of recording options, including 1080p, 720p, and 360p at 24, 25, 30, 50, or 60 fps (frames per second). You get access to autofocus, image stabilization, white balance, and digital zooming that keeps the camera focused on your face.

All of those features come at a high price. And, if you run the Logitech Software, it may jam up your system if you dont have enough memory available.

Why It Made The Cut: The Elegatos resolution impresses, as do the manual adjustments, and it comes with a fantastic companion app that makes it stand out as the best webcam for Mac.

Specs: Video Resolution: 1080p Weight: 3.63 ounces Microphone: No

Pros: Excellent vertical adjustment and 360-degree swivel Sharp images Consistent video quality thanks to the fixed focus

Cons: Requires tweaking to prevent overexposure in natural light No microphone

The Elegato Facecam offers bright, clear images and excellent manual adjustment options, making it the best webcam for Mac. However, it takes some tweaking out of the box to get your images to look just right, but that tweaking comes with some benefits.

One of those benefits is the Facecams fixed focus design. Autofocus models can keep you in focus as you move. However, sometimes theres a jumping effect that happens as the camera tries to refocus. That doesnt happen with the Facecam.

It brings more vertical adjustments to the mounting than comparable models, and it can swivel 360 degrees for even more recording options and angles. The Facecams app does some awesome things, too, like letting you adjust the exposure settings. That lets you get reasonable images in dim light and perfectly adjusted video in natural light. However, theres no microphone. Thats not too big of a problem, considering youll get better audio with a standalone microphone anyway.

Why It Made The Cut: Two omni-directional microphones capture better audio than you usually find on a webcam, launching the Logitech Brio into the best webcam with microphone category.

Specs: Video Resolution: 4K Weight: .74 pounds Microphone: Yes

Pros: Compatible with Windows Hello Outstanding audio Great Ultra HD 4K resolution Adjustable field of view

Cons: No optical zoom

The Logitech Brio offers much more than two omni-directional microphones (even though those features are why its on this list). The microphones pick up sound while dampening the ambient noise that plagues other webcam mics.

With those mics comes Ultra HD 4K resolution. If youre only doing conference calls, you dont need 4K since current conferencing software doesnt support it. But content creators can certainly use the visual boost of 4K. You can also adjust the field of view to 90 degrees, 78 degrees, and 65 degrees.

This model is compatible with Windows Hello for yet another recording and editing option. With all of that, its missing optical zoom, which isnt a deal killer but would be nice on a webcam at this price.

Why It Made The Cut: The Logitech C310 may only have 720p resolution, but its superior to built-in webcams and comes at a price that makes it the best budget webcam.

Specs: Video Resolution: 720p Weight: 4.6 ounces Microphone: Yes

Pros: Easy to install and setup Works well with video conferencing software and apps Autofix lighting

Cons: Choppy video at higher resolutions Poor microphone

The Logitech C310 offers excellent 720p resolution for video conferencing and video chats. If youre looking for a webcam for home use thats a step above your built-in webcam, this is the model. It includes an autofix lighting feature that adjusts brightness for better visuals in changing light conditions.

The C310 can also take five megapixel still shots for fun reminders of your favorite chat moments. However, at higher resolutions, the video can get choppy. Also, the microphone definitely doesnt help your audio much. Its on par with your laptop microphone, rather than a step up.

Resolution determines how sharp the cameras image appears. Today, 1080p is pretty standard, though some of the less expensive models may have 720p. A 720p webcam offers an improvement over the laptops camera and works well for lower bandwidth connections. If you want and need the best resolution, 4K webcams can zoom in while staying crystal clear and sharp.

A webcams frame rate affects how smooth the images appear. A slow framerate will make the video look jerky or blurred. To keep the video looking smooth and natural, youll need around 60 fps (frames per second). Less expensive webcams may have 30 fps, which works as long as youre not using the video professionally. Higher-end models offer around 90 fps. Some cameras let you pick from several different resolution and frame rates to fit varying recording situations and needs.

The webcams lens, in large part, determines the field of view. Field of view dictates the framing or how close the image appears to the camera. A narrow field of view works if you only need to show your face for a video chat. You may need a wider field of view for conference calls that need to show several people gathered in a conference room.

Models with a high resolution may let you adjust your field of view or crop in and not lose any of the video quality. Lower resolution models will lose quality if you crop in or have a fixed field of view. The most common field of view range falls between 65 degrees and 90 degrees, with 78 degrees being somewhere in the middle. Some models offer a wider field of view of over 100 degrees.

Fixed focus webcams cannot adjust their focal length. Consequently, theyre set to a field of view thats most likely to capture someone within a predetermined distance, and you cant change that field of view. Typically, they offer a clear picture if youre sitting in front of the camera. However, when using a fixed focus webcam, you can easily get out of focus if you move too far from or close to the camera.

Autofocus webcams cost significantly more because they automatically adjust the focus to keep an object or person clear and sharp, even if they move closer or further from the camera. A few high-resolution models may also include AI autofocus, which adds digital zoom to the autofocus capabilities.

Webcams microphones arent spectacular, but they often improve the audio that youd get with your laptops microphone. The final audio quality depends more on the room setup, including your distance from the camera and the acoustics of the room, than they do on the webcam microphone.

Because webcams tend to favor video over audio, some models do not have a microphone at all, with the assumption that youll use a USB microphone or another audio device to improve sound quality. A model with a microphone will save you money in the long run, though youll get better audio quality with a standalone microphone.

Q: What should you look for when buying a webcam?When youre buying a webcam, look for a model that fits your budget and offers the resolution, field of view, and focus features you need. Content creators should factor in a larger budget for a webcam with autofocus, 4K or 1080p resolution, and possibly an adjustable field of view. For offices or home offices, a model with a wider field of view and autofocus will make sure everyones clear and visible. For general home use, a budget-friendly fixed focus model with 1080p or 720p resolution will do.

Q: How much should I spend on a webcam?The amount you spend should reflect what you want to do with the webcam. Professional content creators will probably want to budget $125 to $200, though there are a few webcams that fall around $100 that offer excellent video quality.

If youre buying the camera for business conferences or online gaming, factor in about $50 to $100. For general home use, you can get a camera thats several steps above your laptop camera for under $50.

Q: How many megapixels is good for a webcam?A good webcam will take at least two megapixel captures. Models that take five or higher offer better quality, with some taking up to 15 megapixels.

Q: Is a 720p webcam good enough for Zoom?A 720p resolution is good enough for Zoom if you have limited bandwidth. Keep the available bandwidth in mind, too if theres more, 1080p will look better. However, 1080p may jerk or pause at lower bandwidths because it requires more compression.

Q: Is a webcam better than a laptop camera?In almost all cases, a webcam is better than a laptop camera. It doesnt take much of an investment, under $30, to improve upon some of the best built-in laptop cameras. You can also upgrade your workspace with one of the best laptops.

Q: Is it worth getting a webcam?For professionals, it is absolutely worth getting a webcam. The quality of the video will far outpace anything your laptop can do. Theyre also a great investment for a home office or office conference room. When it comes to general home use, its up to you. If you use your laptop camera a lot, it might be worth it. But if you only use it to communicate with family, it depends on how good you want to look for grandma and grandpa.

The Razor Kiyo Pro takes the top spot as the best webcam for the combination of video and audio quality. The multiple resolutions and frame rates also provide versatility in your recording options. If youre on a tight budget, Logitech C310 vastly improves the video quality for general home use and stays within a limited budget.

This post was created by a non-news editorial team at Recurrent Media, Futurisms owner. Futurism may receive a portion of sales on products linked within this post.

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Best Webcams of 2022 - Futurism