There was a time that to meet someone across the country for a meeting, you had to fly there to meet them. Thankfully, technology has made this a thing of the past and to meet with someone, you don’t even have to leave your office thanks to the advent of webcams.
Whether you’re video conference calling via Zoom or recording your latest video for YouTube, webcams have changed how we do business and we wanted to take a look at the 9 best webcams of 2020 to help you pick the right one.
Before we do though, let’s take a look at what factors you need to consider before buying a webcam.
You should also consider looking at our post on the best microphones, so you sound your best too.
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Important factors to consider before buying a webcam
Resolution
Depending on what you’ll be using a webcam for, will determine the resolution you seek out. If you’re going to be recording and publishing video, having as high a resolution as possible is a good idea. However, if you’re going to be doing some video conferencing with the camera, 720p is good. Below we’ve included HD, 4K, streaming & budget cameras for your consideration.
Microphone
The microphone that’s built into your computer is rarely the best quality that you can get. Unless you’re going to be using an external mic during recordings, then you want to make sure that the quality of the microphone is something you pay attention to.
Price
You wouldn’t think so but the amount of money that you’ll end up spending on a webcam can be surprising. You can easily spend too much and not get the features you need. You shouldn’t have to spend money you don’t have. You can get a high-quality webcam with the features you need without blowing your budget.
9 Best Webcams of 2020
Below we look at the best video conference call webcams of 2020, including top picks for the Macbook Pro, Windows 10, Stream, Zoom Meetings & Linux.
- Logitech C922 Pro Stream – $270 (Best Overall)
- Mevo Plus – $399 (Best High-End)
- Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 – $199
- Logitech Brio – $339 (Best for Apple Mac)
- Microsoft LifeCam HD-5000 – $125
- Logitech C930E – $299 (Best for Video-Conferencing)
- Logitech HD Webcam C615 – $200
- Microsoft Lifecam Studio – $147
- Logitech HD Webcam C270 – $129 (Best Budget)
Prices are approximate. Live rates are shown below.
9 Best External Webcams & Zoom Video Conference Cameras of 2020 Compared
Logitech C922 Pro Stream
The best overall webcam
Resolution: 1080p | Framerate: 30 fps | Field of view: 78 degrees
If you’re looking for a webcam with a 1080p camera, fantastic audio quality, low-light correction, and background removal, then look no further than the C922 from Logitech. Reasonably priced, the C922 supports 720p/60fps streaming and is one of the best webcams the company has made. So if you’re looking for a webcam that checks every box on your list, look no further.
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Latest Price on Amazon:
- FULL HIGH-DEF 1080P STREAMING Stream and record vibrant, true-to-life video. The glass lens and full HD 1080p captures the most exciting details, bright and natural colors in fluid video at 30fps,...
- HD 720P AT 60FPS STREAMING Serious streamers need the hyperfast frame rate of 60 fps at 720p for particularly smooth video, and thats just what the C922 delivers. You'll be live broadcasting with no...
- BRIGHTER IMAGES Equipped with HD autofocus and light correction, the C922 fine-tunes to the lighting conditions to produce razor-sharp high def images even if youre in a dim setting.
- FULL STEREOPHONICS Fitted with two microphones, one on either side of the camera, the C922 Pro Webcam is able to capture more realistic sound from every angle, so that your voice comes through...
- Free Tripod included
Mevo Plus
The best high-end webcam
Resolution: 1080p | Framerate: N/A fps | Field of view: 150 degrees
Sometimes to get the best technology, you need to spend a little more and if you’re able to do that with your budget, may we suggest the Mevo Plus. An incredibly powerful webcam, the Mevo Plus can record in 4K resolution and you can use it with your PC, Macs, laptops as well as your mobile device. A perfect option for recording events, the Mevo Plus can broadcast entire meetings, exhibitions, and events. While it does have a higher price tag, the versatility it offers makes up or it.
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- Stream to Vimeo, Livestream, Facebook, YouTube, Periscope and Twitter in up to Full HD 1080p from virtually anywhere over Wi-Fi or LTE.
- Your mobile device is now your personal video editing suite - zoom, pan and cut with Ease, all from a single camera & app. Available for Android (6 or higher) and iOS (9.3 or higher).
- New - 802.11ac Wi-Fi chip with 2x2 MIMO antennas delivers faster data transmission speeds, stronger Wi-Fi performance and increased range.
- 150 all-glass Lens and Sony 4K/ 12MP CMOS sensor enables recording in stunning 4K or streaming in up to full 1080P HD.
- Features built in stereo microphones, plus the ability to plugin external audio for crystal clear sound , Operating temperature - 35-77F.Facebook maximum streaming resolution is 720p
Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920
The best mid-range webcam
Resolution: 1080p | Framerate: 30 fps | Field of view: 78 degrees
While it’s not the most expensive webcam or has the most features, the C920 is one of the most well-regarded webcams that Logitech produces. With its combination of 1080p recording, low-light recording, and sharp picture quality, it continues to be a go-to for those who use it for videoconferencing or recording a vlog. All this combined with an affordable price makes it a smart buy every time.
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- Full HD 1080p video calling (upto 1920 x 1080 pixels) with the latest version of Skype for Windows; Webcam with 5 foot cable
- 720p HD video calling (upto 1280 x 720 pixels) with supported clients; Full HD video recording (upto 1920 x 1080 pixels). Max Resolution: 1080p/30fps 720p/30fps
- Video compression, Built in dual stereo mics with automatic noise reduction; Automatic low light correction, Tripod ready universal clip fits laptops, LCD or monitors
- Compatible with: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 or later; Works in USB Video Device Class (UVC) mode: Mac OS 10.10 or later (HD 720p on FaceTime for Mac or other supported video calling clients;...
Logitech Brio
The Best Webcam for Macs
Resolution: 1080p| Framerate: 30 fps | Field of view: 90 degrees
Thanks to its slimline design, the Brio from Logitech won’t look out of place sitting on top of the monitor of the stylish Apple computer you have on your desk. With 4K resolution that provides incredible video quality. The webcam also includes HDR (High Dynamic Range) support as well, which can boost the video quality of this impressive webcam. With Windows Hello support its also great for Windows PCs but overall, its a great choice for Mac owners.
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- SPECTACULAR VIDEO QUALITY: A premium glass lens, 4K image sensor, high dynamic range (HDR), and autofocus deliver beautiful, true to life video
- LOOK GREAT IN ANY LIGHT: RightLight 3 automatically adjusts exposure and contrast to compensate for glare and backlighting. Supports multiple connection types, including USB 2.0 Type A and USB 3.0...
- 4K Streaming and recording Windows: works with camera for Windows 10, XSplit, OBS. Mac: works with SwiftCapture . WINDOWS HELLO CERTIFIED: Powered by both optical and infrared sensors, BRIO delivers...
- HD 5X ZOOM: Digitally zoom, pan, and choose from three field of view options while maintaining HD resolution
- ENTERPRISE READY: Certified for Skype for Business and Cisco, and compatible with popular video meeting apps including Zoom, WebEx, BlueJeans, Facebook Messenger, and more
Microsoft LifeCam HD-5000
Best Webcam for Business
Resolution: 720p | Framerate: 30 fps | Field of view: N/A
With 1080p recording and 720p streaming, the LifeCam HD-5000 from Microsoft is a great webcam for your business. The included TrueColr feature helps to change the exposure on the fly to make sure your video looks its best. A wideband microphone and autofocus feature helps ensure your audience will only have the best image. With its easy setup and reasonable price, its a great option whether you own a large or small business
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- True 720p HD video - 720p sensor records true HD-quality video at up to 30 fps.
- Auto Focus - Stay in focus at any distance.
- 16:9 widescreen - For cinematic video recording.
- TrueColor Technology - Automatically delivers bright and colorful video, in virtually all lighting conditions.
Logitech C930E
Best Webcam for Video Conferencing
Resolution: 1080p | Framerate: 30 fps | Field of view: 90 degrees
With a great 1080p resolution and wide 90-degree field of view, the C930E from Logitech can capture everyone in the room and with the built-in video encoding, it also offers an excellent image quality without straining your computer. If you use Skype for video conferencing, the C930E is Skype certified for both PC and Mac making its versatility even more valuable.
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Latest Price on Amazon:
- Business Grade Hd Video Webcam: Full 1080P Hd Video At 30 Frames Per Second For High Quality Video Conferences On Pc Or Mac
- Widest Field Of View: 90-Degree Extended View Plus Pan, Tilt And 4X Digital Zoom; Perfect For Whiteboard Presentations And Product Demos. Tripod-ready universal clip fits laptops, LCD, or CRT monitors
- Uvc H.264 Encoding: Frees Up System Bandwidth And Delivers A Smoother Video Stream By Putting Video Processing In The Camera; Optional Camera Settings application for control of pan, tilt, and zoom
- Plug-and-play compatibility: Certified for Microsoft Lync 2013 and Skype; compatible with most UC and web conferencing applications
- This business product comes in brown box and does not ship with retail software (e.g. the Logitech Webcam Software found in the retail product, for example in Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920)
Logitech HD Webcam C615
The best compact webcam
Resolution: 1080p | Framerate: N/A | Field of view: 60 degrees
When you travel a lot, if you need to take a webcam with you, carrying about something that takes up a lot of room can be annoying. The C615 from Logitech gives you a great webcam at a smaller size. You can record in 1080p and video conference at 720p which makes having video chats with clients as easy as can be. The only real downside if the length of the USB cord but this can be a minor issue if you’re looking for a great webcam on the go.
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Latest Price on Amazon:
- 960-000735
Microsoft Lifecam Studio
A professional webcam at a great price
Resolution: 1080p | Framerate: N/A | Field of view: 360 degrees
While aesthetically, the Lifecam Studio isn’t the most pleasing, the 1080p recording and 720p video conferencing, with wide-angle viewing at an affordable price more than makes up for its design. With a TrueColor color correction system that helps you look great in every video and its ability to rotate a full 360 degrees, the Lifecam Studio from Microsoft may not look like much but it still a great webcam.
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- 1080p HD widescreen sensor - For superior sharpness and image quality.
- Advanced high-precision optics - Auto Focus, High-precision glass element lens
- Clear, high-quality video -TrueColor Technology automatically delivers bright and colorful video,
- High-fidelity microphone - For more natural, detailed audio.
- 1080p HD widescreen sensor - For superior sharpness and image quality
Logitech HD Webcam C270
A great budget-friendly webcam
Resolution: 720p | Framerate: 30 fps | Field of view: 60 degrees
Offering solid 720p picture quality along with automatically light adjustments, the C270 from Logitech is a great, affordable webcam that can easily mount to both desktop and laptop screens. Using the included Logitech Webcam Software you can customize the frame or even use the webcam as a motion detector. While if you’re looking for better resolution, you’ll want to find something more expensive, for everyday use, the C270 is an incredible webcam.
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Latest Price on Amazon:
The 9 Best Webcams of 2020
The use of a webcam in 2020 is akin to having a laptop or smartphone. Having all the necessary technology at your fingertips not only helps you connect to the rest of the world but also your customers and potential clients. We hope our list of the best webcams in 2020 helped you pick the best one for your needs.
The Best Microphones
We recommend you check our post on the best microphones, so you sound your best too!
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