The best webcams can be a versatile tool for your streaming setup, and might help you come across better in a video meeting. If you're trying to grow a following on Twitch, a webcam will help you interact in an authentic way with your audience and will let your personality shine through. For those reasons, we've pulled together a list of the best webcams on the market for content creators and remote workers alike.
Alongside resolution, it's worth keeping an eye on a webcam's framerate, too. Most streaming platforms broadcast in 60fps, so having a camera that matches that, and your gameplay via one of the best capture cards, will definitely be of use. However, more budget-friendly options will be able to pick up 30fps which will still appear smooth and shouldn't create too many sync issues when it comes to video editing.
If you're looking for a webcam because you're serious about a streaming setup then you'll want a camera that records at 1080p. You could also go for even smoother 4K quality, but those might be better for full-time content creators since they tend to be the most expensive. For basic video conferencing without breaking the bank, 720p might do the trick, although 1080p isn't too much more expensive now, in all honesty. Depending on your creative vision, the best webcams might be a vital streaming for gamers tool. There are plenty of folks who manage to have successful streaming careers without one, but it certainly gives your audience something to cling on to.
If you aren't looking to become the next Twitch star, this guide will still be of use to you. Coming through blurry or jittery in a video meeting certainly isn't ideal, and the best webcams on the list below will ensure that's a thing of the past for you.
Best webcams available in 2023
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If you're at all familiar with that camera's design, the Kiyo Pro Ultra will be virtually indistinguishable from it. It has the same chunky build quality and rock-solid stand but now houses the biggest sensor ever placed inside a webcam. It also has a lens cover and internal shutter, giving you some simple privacy and protection options.
Sequels are so hard to get right these days. Particularly when one comes out hot on the heels of something as good as the Razer Kiyo Pro, which we deemed the best webcam on the market. The Kiyo Pro Ultra had a lot to live up to, and if you take things back even further to the original Kiyo, Razer might as well have a trilogy of films to cap off here. Other than a seriously steep price of admission to the tune of $300 / £300, this has smashed box office records, instantly become the best film in the series, and left all genre competitors in its wake.
There's no way around it - the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra takes some stunning footage, and can capture 4K in 30fps, or lesser resolutions in up to 60fps. Even without a ring light to help you, the images are so well-balanced. It's almost as though the Kiyo Pro Ultra performs better in low-light scenarios than in the daytime when there was plenty of light in the room. This is excellent for streamers who rely on RGB lighting in a dark room. Razer's Synapse software helps to keep things under control, and you can use it to fine-tune basically any aspect of the webcam you need to.
This is a webcam for content creators that will roll a DSLR camera and face-cam into one package. As a result, you'd be hard-pressed to find a pricier webcam, and unless you really need 4K capabilities, it isn't necessary to spend this much. That said, I don't think there's a better webcam on the market if your budget can stretch this far.
The Insta360 Link is the epitome of the Scottish phrase "great gear comes in sma' bulk." Which, hopefully, translates pretty easily to "good things come in small packages." For such a small camera, it packs a lot of power and a myriad of features inside it. As well as being an adorable little companion that genuinely resembles a small digital pet, it's easily one of the top webcams you can get at the moment.
I find it really hard not to humanize this webcam's design, in all honesty. As soon as it sparks to life, it resembles a tiny WALL-E, with all the animated expression a single tiny eye can give it. It's so weirdly adorable, and its impressive movement pace exudes a feeling of excitement that's hard to come by from technology these days.
It's not all looks though, the Insta360 Link is packed with great-performing features for content creators and remote workers. AI facial tracking, 4K resolution, whiteboard mode (for presenting during video calls), and clever gesture controls are just the tip of the iceberg here, and more versatile uses even include things like DeskView.
Of all the webcams with AI facial tracking I've seen, the Insta360 Link is the best, and most natural. So much of the time, this feature in webcams is really distracting, and often obtrusive. If it isn't tracking the subject's every slight movement, it's probably accompanied by a hilarious zoom that, every time I see, makes me feel like I've been pulled into one of Oblivion's NPC interactions.
Admittedly, this is one of the pricier webcams you can go for, and most people don't need this many features. If you can afford it though, this is a super versatile webcam that won't let you down.
If you want something that goes above and beyond the call of duty (particularly for streaming), the Razer Kiyo Pro has you covered. It's expensive, but that high price tag nets you equally high quality.
Where most webcams struggle with low-light environments of the kind you'd find in a streaming setup, the Kiyo excels. Its sensors nail the landing in almost any scenario, be it darkened rooms lit only by your monitor or bright offices awash with overexposure. It's noticeably better than the competition in that regard.
It's worth the price of admission if you're a streamer or influencer. It's one of the best premium webcams you can get your hands on right now
Razer Kiyo Pro review
In our testing, we were initially let down by the Razer Kiyo Pro's lack of built-in ring light as we had with the original model, however, our fears were quickly put aside when the performance was taken into account. This webcam features a stellar low light sensor which made for impressive results even in darkened and dimly lit rooms illuminated by nothing more than a monitor's glow.
Razer started the year with a bang, announcing the Kiyo Pro Ultra, a 4K update to this popular webcam. We're currently sourcing one to review, and once we do, we'll be sure to update this page. If anything, this camera might be more prone to a price drop now, making it even better value than before.
Anyone looking for an entry-level best webcam option that won't break the bank should check out the Logitech C270. This dinky little webcam will only set you back around $30 / £30, and takes up very little real estate on a monitor or laptop screen, especially with its handy and adjustable clip on the rear. That price comes with a few limitations though - namely resolution. This is a 720p HD webcam with 30fps max framerate, so not quite the right quality if you're looking to get into game streaming or YouTube video creation.
But, for remote working and online meetings, this is a great option. The image isn't always perfectly sharp and struggles in some lighting situations, but the Logitech camera software is great for making adjustments to the picture quality. You can tweak the exposure, white balance, brightness, and even zoom in or adjust the framing to make the most of your positioning. There's an option to have the focus follow your face too if you're particularly animated. It works with some success, but the fixed option definitely delivers the best results.
The OBSBOT 4K Tiny is one of the best webcams for your money - though, with its $269 / £269 MSRP, this model is far from the cheapest camera you can have atop your monitor. That premium price tag is justified through the gesture-based A.I. motion tracking, which we found in our testing to work incredibly well. Not only can you be captured in full view when sitting at your desk, but the OBSBOT 4K Tiny can also move around, and zoom out, to fit you in the frame at all times, too.
Now, all the motion tracking wizardry in the world would be for naught if the OBSBOT 4K Tiny didn't capture you in a respectable way. Fortunately, the 2160p maximum resolution sensor, complete with HDR and auto white balancing, looks exceptional and is easily on par with some of the higher-end offerings in our roundup. We're fans of the bright and crisp color reproduction even in motion against harsh natural, and artificial light, too. So, if you value quality imagery, and if you want to be kept in shot no matter how much you move around, then this webcam could be perfect for you.
The OBSBOT Tiny 4K is certainly worthy of a place in your setup for everything from video calls to live streaming
OBSBOT Tiny 4K review
You can make many adjustments through your desired video editing/streaming software, though, the OBSBOT 4K Tiny does come with its own software bundled in. The program is fairly basic but it does get the job done, including options for HDR toggles, and physical joystick like-movements of the lens itself. Keep in mind, however, that the OBSBOT 4K Tiny is limited to 2160p @ 30 FPS, so if you want smooth 60 FPS then you'll need to knock things down to Full HD.
The Logitech StreamCam is aimed squarely at the amateur streaming market. More specifically, it's focusing on members within that market running high-quality machines that can really push this device to its limits.
With footage captured at up to 1080p resolution at 60fps, you're getting particularly impressive video quality here, all running silky smooth and taking advantage of additional software features like backlight correction, center framing, and image stabilization.
There's no denying that the Logitech StreamCam produces an excellent video quality, on par with far more expensive devices
Logitech StreamCam review
You may need to fiddle with a few of these settings to get everything working just right for you, dropping down the framerate to allow the center framing to react quickly, for example, but if your PC can withstand the considerable power draw this webcam requires, this is an amazing piece of kit.
At $120 / £110, the AverMedia PW315 webcam has certainly strayed away from the budget space. However, with 1080p streams at 60fps on offer, it's certainly found an excellent price point here. We usually see this kind of video quality on webcams ranging from $140 to $200, and while there are a few slip-ups that keep this cost down, there's plenty of value here for those looking for more professional Zoom call quality or starting out in streaming.
In natural lighting, video quality feels effortlessly clear. With excellent quality and snappy framerates, you're certainly getting a premium experience when it comes to everyday use. However, this camera does struggle a little in lower lighting, and that may pose a problem considering this device does fall into a blurred line between premium and mid-range.
there's plenty on offer here to entice the mid-range streamer or the professional looking to smarten up their conference calls
AverMedia PW315 review
AI features are also baked into the device's Cam Engine software. On paper these allow your camera to track you within the frame and ensure you're always on screen while you move in front of it. You do need some considerable power to achieve a smooth effect with this, though, and in most of our tests it came out a little too slow.
The Teza 4K Ultra HD webcam is one of the best webcams on the market for anyone looking for an affordable 2160p solution. In our testing, we've found that this unit offers a bright and sharp image for both streaming and video conferencing, with a wide field of view and decent white balance options.
With an MSRP of $139.99 / £119.99, the Teza 4K Ultra HD webcam is aggressively priced for its feature set being substantially cheaper than many other 2160p webcams. The only real drawback for the Teza 4K Ultra HD webcam comes in the form of built-in microphones. While certainly respectable for being heard in a video chat, they are no replacement for a dedicated microphone or headset.
We've been using the Trust Teza 4K Ultra HD webcam as part of our setup for many months now with great results across the board. The picture quality is perhaps best demonstrated when streaming or recording footage through dedicated software, such as OBS or PowerDirector, however, we're always well lit and in focus when taking video conference calls, too.
Best webcam 2023: FAQs
What webcam is best for streaming?
In our eyes, the best webcam for streaming is the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra. It has excellent picture quality, an HDR mode, works great in low lighting, and can record in 4K. Through great software, you have ultimate control over the Ultra's every element, and for streamers and content creators, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better option. Unfortunately, with great power comes a high price, so keep this in mind. A more affordable mid-range option for streaming is the AverMedia PW315. It'll give you great picture quality for a little less money.
Is it worth getting a webcam?
At a time where many of us are still working from home or doing flexible hours in the office, a good webcam can help you to be seen in your best light. Should you be considering starting a Twitch or YouTube streaming channel, though, then a decent webcam should be strongly considered in order to stand out on the platform and bring out the best of your personality in your content.
Which brand makes the best webcams?
While there are many different brands making some of the best webcams, we've found that Razer, Logitech, Avermedia, and Trust are the most reliable names on the market right now. No one wants to spend money on a new camera only to be disappointed by poor visuals or a lacking lifespan. In our testing, these are the models worth your time and attention.
What is the best webcam for work from home?
We'd argue that if you're just looking for one of the best webcams for video conferencing and working from home, you don't need to splash out quite as much on something which is geared at content creators. In our opinion, you'd be quite safe with something like the Logitech C270. It only records in 720p, but also won't break the bank.
What is a good webcam video quality?
If you're looking for a webcam for some basic video conferencing, 720p webcams should be all you really need. For any budding streamers or content creators, you'll definitely see the benefit of getting a 1080p webcam that can record at 30-60fps. The extra clarity, combined with the stability of a decent framerate will match up with any gameplay recording you're doing at the same time, and will most likely match the streaming service you're broadcasting on. There are also 4K webcams, but these are usually the most expensive option.
Is a webcam better than a laptop / portrait phone camera?
While laptops and smartphones have continued to get sharper sensors and smarter technology behind smaller cameras, a dedicated webcam, in most cases, will look better. There's also the question of convenience, however, as you can attach a webcam to the top of your monitor, or set up in bespoke fashion on a desk without having to worry about battery lives of either your laptop or phone. Dedicated webcams tend to offer more controls, too, such as wider field of view, adaptive auto focus, and superior microphone sound in many instances.
For more from Team Green specifically, we recommend checking out the best Razer streaming gear, and the best capture cards can help you your gaming streams look their best, too.
