The best webcams

If your laptop's webcam isn't up to snuff for your video calls and meetings, it might be time for an external camera.

Whether it's for work, vlogging, live streaming on Twitch, or just calling with your family, friends on Skype, there are webcams in all shapes and sizes on the market. But, which is the best to satisfy all your needs?

In this article, we explain in our buying guide what to look out for when looking for a webcam, and we present the best ones to you.

1

Anker C300 - The best in all areas

• Most
  • Customizable 115° field of view
  • Great image quality
  • HDR
• The lessers
  • Random AI Zoom

• Indicated price:

The Anker C300 is a small but capable webcam that will suit most users, whether video conferencing or livestreaming games on Twitch, among others.

Unlike most models on the market which tend to top out at 90 degrees, the C300 offers an impressive 115 degree lens capable of shooting at [email protected]

This viewing angle is wide enough to capture much of the environment around you, so it's perfect for group calls. Plus, Anker lets you digitally crop it for tighter shots.

It does not have an optical zoom but it is improved by the inclusion of HDR. Using the latter, it exhibits impressive image quality in well-lit rooms, or even when the light begins to dim.

Sold with the AnkerWork software, compatible with Windows and Mac, it offers advanced functions, including face tracking using artificial intelligence. You can also adjust the image, enable HDR, and adjust resolution and frame rate.

The Anker C300 features a hinged black clip and a separate foldable stand to securely hook it to your monitor.

2

Logitech C922 - The best for streamers

• Most
  • Several mounting options
  • Tripod provided
  • XSplit Gamecaster Free Trial
• The lessers
  • No 60 fps mode at 1080p
  • 78 ° field of view

• Indicated price:

Logitech, in many ways, leads the PC peripheral market with high-quality products, and the C922 webcam proves it again. It's small, produces great quality video and has multiple editing options.

The camera has two resolution settings: 1080p at 30 fps and 720p at 60 fps. So you can focus either on frame rate or overall quality. It is also equipped with a stereo microphone, a Carl Zeiss glass lens with HD and adaptive autofocus, for clear and sharp videos.

This Logitech does very well in low-light and backlit environments, thanks to the built-in light correction, and its temperature of 78 degrees is also impressive.

The C922 provides automatic background removal, although it's not perfect, it's more than enough. It works best with simple, clear backgrounds. Those who demand perfection can add a green screen.

The Logitech Capture app allows you to preview your webcam and change settings, these will be applied to all apps that rely on the camera.

The C922 can be placed on top of your PC monitor or on your desk. You will appreciate the fact that this webcam has a support and a mini tripod.

3

Ausdom AF640 - The easiest to use

• Most
  • 90° FOV
  • Support polyvalent
  • Plug-and-play sur PC et Mac
• The lessers
  • Faded colors
  • Slow autofocus

• Indicated price:

Ausdom may not have Logitech's pedigree but its AF640 camera won't disappoint.

It is equipped with a glass lens, an adjustable support, and a base for adding a tripod. The AF-640 offers a wide-angle field of view as well as video capture up to 1080p at 30fps. Finally, it has a noise cancellation function, thanks to its integrated microphone, and a centered autofocus on the face.

Whether you're video conferencing in the office or video calling from your living room, one of the strengths of the AF640 is its ultra-wide 90° field of view. You get more field of view than most cameras in its class, and the Ausdom also brings impressive image clarity.

Its built-in mount is incredibly versatile, with a rubberized base that won't slip unless placed on a flat surface or on a tripod.

With its plug-and-play compatibility with Windows and macOS, it's ideal for those who want hassle-free setup and instant use.

4

Hypercam HD - At the best price-performance ratio

• Most
  • Affordable
  • Plug-and-play
  • Decent 1080p image quality
• The lessers
  • No 60 fps mode in 1080p
  • 78° FOV
  • No tripod mount

• Indicated price:

The Hypercam HD is an excellent value for money webcam with a range of cutting-edge features.

The picture quality, 1080p HD, is significantly better than our laptop's 720p HD camera, and the sound is clear.

Unlike some cheaper webcams, its lens has a 78-degree field of view, the same as the high-end Logitech C922.

The Hypercam incorporates HD autofocus and light correction, as well as two microphones. It is adjustable up to 170 degrees.  

There's no tripod mounting option, but you can clip it to your laptop or monitor screen.

Installation is simple: just plug the USB cable into your computer and the driver installs automatically for almost immediate use.

5

Papalook PA930 - The most versatile

• Most
  • QHD video output
  • 90° FOV
  • Multiple mounting options
• The lessers
  • The image lacks vibrancy
  • Disappointing background noise suppression

• Indicated price:

Papalook's PA930 webcam features an f/2.0 sensor that produces QHD (2560 x 1440) video at 30 fps by default, but also supports Full HD (1920x1080) at 60 fps, both with HDR . The high resolution is beneficial for business or personal calls, while the improved frame rate is convenient for live streaming. It is very interesting to be able to choose between the two.  

In general, images from the PA930 show a good amount of detail and decent exposure, although they can lack vibrancy at times. For other than occasional use, we recommend pairing it with warm lighting.  

The PA930 also features two stereo microphones, saving many people the hassle of purchasing dedicated audio equipment. It reproduces voices faithfully, although there is a lot of background noise (yet Papalook advertises built-in noise cancellation).   

However, the main asset of this webcam lies in its versatility. The PA930 can switch from a normal view to a 90° wide-angle view with a simple click, allowing you to adjust the output depending on the number of people in the photo.

The plastic stand can rotate 360° and is impressively flexible, meaning it can attach to the top of almost any laptop or screen. You might not want the camera always directly facing you, which is why Papalook included a mini tripod in the box. It is very easy to install and works well on most flat surfaces.

This simplicity of installation extends to the webcam itself. There is no special software to download, so just connect the 2m USB-A cable to a compatible device and select it in the corresponding app. Officially, the PA930 is compatible with all recent versions of Windows, macOS, ChromeOS and Android.

You also get privacy protection when the webcam is not in use.

6

Logitech StreamCam - Best for Portrait Mode Recording

• Most
  • Recording in portrait/landscape mode
  • Performance 1080pà 60i/s
  • AI Face Tracking
• The lessers
  • Expensive

• Indicated price:

Logitech's StreamCam is the brand's first to record both horizontally and vertically. The device is created with content creators and video game broadcasters in mind.

It has options such as AI facial recognition, automatic image stabilization and Full HD video capture up to 60 fps.

It works through Logitech Capture recording and streaming software to fine-tune the look of the stream. This software allows you to compose two separate StreamCam streams, overlay titles and graphics, and use a green screen.  

The StreamCam is also compatible with third-party software, such as Open Broadcaster Software and XSplit, to stream directly to YouTube, Facebook Live and Twitch, and video conferencing software.

The StreamCam comes with a tripod mount and a monitor mount.

7

Creative Live! Cam Sync 1080p V2 - The best price/features balance

• Most
  • Integrated privacy shutter Multiple mounting options
  • Video and audio performance
• The lessers
  • Not 60 fps at 1080p
  • Difficult-to-use companion app

• Indicated price:

The Live! Cam Sync does without high resolutions and sticks to what most users can expect from a webcam for telecommuting: a reasonable price and good functions.

First, it has a flip-up privacy shutter that blocks the lens when you don't want to be seen. The unit is rotatable so you can easily get the exact angle you want, while the bendable clip adjusts to fit most PC and laptop screens. Its 1,8m USB-A cable should be long enough, even if your PC is installed under your desk.

As the name suggests, this webcam has a resolution of 1080p and offers good, but unspectacular video quality. Audio quality is also decent, so you don't have to rely on your laptop's built-in mics, which vary in quality...  

You don't need to install it, but the simply-named Creative App has a few settings and functions you can adjust. For video, just choose between 50Hz and 60Hz to avoid flickering from artificial lighting.

There are more audio features, one of which is voice detection, which automatically mutes and unmutes the webcam mic, and the other reduces background noise.

8

AverMedia Cam 315 - A jack-of-all-trades

• Most
  • Versatile mounting system
  • Pilot light and privacy shutter
  • FOV 95 °
• The lessers
  • Video can be noisy
  • No autofocus

• Indicated price:

The AverMedia Cam 315 features a versatile design, which rotates 360 degrees. Its stand offers a similar design to its competitors, with a small adjustable hinge, as well as a 1/4" thread for a tripod.

A confidential shutter covers the lens and it sports two microphones as well as a blue LED to indicate when the PW315 is on.

As for its image quality, it's a Full HD (1080p) webcam with a refresh rate of 60 frames per second and a 95-degree wide-angle lens.

Thanks to its USB-A port, you can simply plug in the PW315, without having to install any drivers or software, and it works smoothly with applications such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, etc. It is also compatible with Windows, macOS and Chrome OS.

To have a little more control over its use, you can install the CamEngine app from AverMedia. This lets you adjust things like brightness, contrast, and zoom, and take advantage of more advanced features like AI Framing. The latter helps you crop and pan automatically.

9

AverMedia Live Streamer Cam 513 - La meilleure webcam 4K

• Most
  • 4K video recording
  • 94° FOV
  • Great image quality
• The lessers

• Indicated price:

The AverMedia Cam 513 stands out from the other webcams in our comparison because it is equipped with the 8 Mp Exmore R CMOS image sensor for 4K video capture at 30 fps, or 1080p at 60 fps for imagers. faster. That, combined with an impressive 94-degree field of view, perfect for cropping and zooming without noticeable loss of detail.

Its CamEngine software is a vital utility for getting the most out of the Cam 513. You can access more advanced features, like Snapchat-like filters.

It uses AI to crop and track your face, the result isn't perfect, but you also have the option to manually adjust each crop for different shots and angles. These shots can be programmed using hotkeys, allowing for extreme zooms and spectacular ultra-wide shots on the fly.

The Cam 513 is also equipped with a privacy shutter. The adjustable stand can be attached to most screens and can also be attached to a desktop tripod.

The only real downside is that there is a slight noise coming from the webcam during use, it's possible to hear this using the built-in mic.

10

Razer Kiyo - In the best light

• Most
  • Integrated ring light
  • Versatile mounting options Perfect low light
• The lessers
  • No companion app

• Indicated price:

While many webcams look the same, the Razer Kiyo stands out with a tiered light ring surrounding the camera for even illumination, even in the dark.

It turns on automatically when using the webcam, and can be adjusted (or turned off completely) via a dial.

The Kiyo has a 4 Mp sensor with variable resolution: 1080p at 30 fps or 720p at 60 fps.

The Kiyo also has an L-shaped joint and a wide flat base on which you can place the camera on your computer screen or on a desk. Finally, for more stability, it has a tripod support.

Note that it is devoid of application, its settings will therefore have to be modified according to the program used.

A simple preview app with access to device settings would have been nice, especially for the price. Overall, however, the Razer Kiyo is impressive and the perfect choice if your PC is in a low-light environment.

11

Papalook PA552 - For good inexpensive lighting

• Most
  • Affordable
  • Integrated ring light
  • Versatile mounting options
• The lessers
  • Very basic companion app
  • Disappointing microphones
  • No 720p mode at 60fps

• Indicated price:

If the room you're filming in is dimly lit and you don't want to invest in additional lighting, then the Papalook PA552 might be the webcam for you. Just like the Razer Kiyo, it offers 3 brightness levels to illuminate your face, even at night.

Thanks to its 5-layer lens, record videos in 1080p at 30 fps, so you get a high quality image.

This is a fixed focus camera, therefore for background blurring you will need to install third party software.

The field of view is quite wide (75 degrees), which is handy for capturing multiple people in a single shot. For closer framing, consider using recording tools such as OBS to crop parts of the piece.

The PA552 can also be adjusted up to 90 degrees to maintain your privacy, and the included stand is sturdy. Its mini tripod will also be used to test a different angle from a desk for example.

Unfortunately, the two omnidirectional microphones are no match for the webcam. The audio is extremely poor, we recommend using your device's built-in mic or bringing a USB mic.

This plug-and-play webcam is easy to use and works great with third-party recording software.

Webcams: buying guide

Resolution

While resolution is generally a good indicator of overall video quality, it's not the only criterion to consider.

Your requirements will largely depend on how you use the webcam; if it's for sending simple videos to your friends or for playing live on Twitch or YouTube, then 720p or 1080p HD resolution should suffice. This is because the vast majority of video apps, from Streamlabs OBS to Skype, support a maximum of 1080p, and that doesn't seem to be changing anytime soon.

To stream 4K flawlessly would require a fairly strong internet connection (minimum 25Mbps to 45Mbps).  

There's not really a need for a 4K webcam right now, unless you're looking to record video locally, instead of streaming it.  

Plastic or glass lenses

Some high-end webcams boast of having glass lenses, compared to the plastic ones of cheaper webcams. However, the difference is not so noticeable, especially when used for video chatting or live streaming.  

Microphone

A built-in microphone is very convenient for video calls since it eliminates the need for a headset and your experience is more natural. However, if this function is welcome for video calls, it is less so among streamers. Consumers prefer to use dedicated microphones or headsets with built-in/detachable mics, as they usually provide much clearer sound.

Some have advanced options, such as noise reduction to filter out keystrokes, as well as other ambient sounds.

Additional features

Webcams are not the same, they can have different shapes, sizes, their capabilities, such as image correction to background removal and, in the case of the Razer Kiyo, lighting integrated for uniformity.

It is advisable to do some research on the performance of these devices, especially in the case of background suppression. Results can be very mixed depending on the amount of light and other environmental factors.

Still, if you find one that works well, it will give you a more professional webcam video stream, without having to invest in a physical green screen for chroma keying.

Compatibility

Another feature to consider is compatibility. Generally speaking, all webcams should work with applications such as Skype, Google Hangouts, XSplit Gamecaster, OBS.., but have specific support for other applications.  

Although it depends on the webcam and software used, it may give you access to settings and more features.

And, in the case of XSplit Gamecaster, supported webcams may offer a free trial.

Webcam Privacy

Some webcams have a lens cap or privacy shutter. So you can be sure and reassured that no one can see you through your camera when you're not using it.

However, most webcams do not have them. We therefore recommend that you purchase a separate privacy shutter and stick it on the webcam. Higher-end models also have one or two lights indicating that they are on.