Tom's Guide Verdict
The Insta360 Link 2C is a clever webcam that records 4K video at 30 fps, shoots sharp and detailed stills, and has excellent autofocus and tracking. The webcam can be controlled with hand gestures, and it features different mic settings depending on the environment you’re in. It also comes with detailed companion software that’s easy to use. However, you’ll need the app to get the best low-light performance.
Pros
- +
Premium build
- +
Excellent autofocus and tracking
- +
Lovely 4K 30 fps video
- +
Crystal clear images
- +
Detailed companion software
- +
Good low-light performance...
Cons
- -
...depends on app settings
- -
External mic recommended
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When we reviewed the Insta360 Link ($299), we called it the most innovative webcam. If you were eyeing up that cam but wished it was smaller so you could travel with it, your prayers have just been answered. Meet the Link 2C, a 4K webcam that's hugely clever and slightly cheaper than the first-gen model.
Capable of broadcasting 4K video at 30 fps and shooting sharp images that reveal never-seen-before spots on your face, the Link 2C is an excellent all-rounder. Like its predecessor, you can use hand gestures to control it, and the in-depth companion software makes it easy to adjust picture settings, add backgrounds and more. The webcam comes with a magnetic L-shaped mount which is sturdy, and the overall build quality is excellent. For $149, this is a steal.
Is there anything holding it back from being one of the best webcams? Read my full Insta360 Link 2C review to find out.
Insta360 Link 2C review: Specs
| Specs | Insta360 Link 2C |
|---|---|
| Price | $149 / £149 |
| Max resolution | 4K @ 30 fps |
| Image sensor | 1/2-inch |
| Aperture | f/1.8 |
| Focal length | 26mm |
| Field of view | 79.5º |
| Zoom | Digital, up to 4x |
| Microphone | Built-in with AI noise-canceling |
| Size | 2.5 x 1.2 x 1 inches |
| Weight | 3.9oz (with magnetic mount) |
| Mounting | Magnetic L-shaped |
| Colors | Black |
Insta360 Link 2C review: Cheat sheet
- What is it? A 4K portable webcam and the smaller sibling of the Insta360 Link 2
- Who is it for? For office-goers wanting excellent video quality
- How much does it cost? The Insta360 Link 2C is available for $149 / £149
- What do we like? Its compact and portable body, crystal clear 4K video, various tracking features and gestures, and in-depth software
- What don’t we like? Low-light and built-in mic performance are merely okay
Insta360 Link 2C review: The ups
For $149, you get a plethora of goodies, from the Insta360 Link 2C’s design and build quality and 4K video capabilities, to the Smart Control hand gestures and in-depth companion software.
Built like a tank
As far as webcams go, the Insta360 Link 2C is one of the most premium snappers I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing. The webcam is made of hard plastic while the L-shaped mount is constructed using metal parts. The mount is equipped with a strong magnet which the webcam easily attaches to. In my testing, it was difficult to detach the webcam from the mount; a fact that speaks volumes about its excellent and sturdy build.
If you’re wondering what the difference between the Link 2 and Link 2C is, it’s in the design. The Link 2 has a gimbal for a wider range of motion. The Link 2C is more portable as it’s smaller, measuring just 2.5 x 1.2 x 1 inches, similar to the Obsbot Meet 4K ($149). Minimalistically designed with a lovely matte black coating, the Link 2C checks my aesthetics box big time.
Adding to the Link 2C’s appeal is the little rocker switch on its side which closes the lens. Nifty!
It’s in the details
If a webcam can show me the tiniest of spots on my face, it’s a good webcam. The Insta360 Link 2C does just that. The second-gen’s specs are the same as the first-gen’s. The Link 2C is equipped with a 1/2-inch sensor and captures 4K video at 30 fps or 1080p video at 60 fps, and high-res stills. Compared to my MacBook Air M2’s 1080p webcam, the Link 2C is far superior.
The first photo above was taken with the Link 2C, and the second with my MacBook’s webcam, and the first is sharper and much more detailed — even the octopus plushy in the background is in focus. In the second photo, you can’t even read the tattoo on my arm, which isn’t a great sign.
As for getting stuck in the details, don’t judge me for the coffee stains on my beloved Pink Floyd coaster in the photo above. But this just goes to show how the Link 2C highlights the smallest of details. It has also blurred me perfectly, thanks to True Focus mode which I’ll talk about soon.
Talk to the hand
The Insta360 Link 2C is an extremely smart webcam, so much so that you can instruct it to do things with hand gestures. Want it to frame you automatically and follow you? Raise your hand to enter or exit Auto Framing. Want it to focus on the whiteboard during a presentation? Hold up the peace sign with your fingers to enter or exit Whiteboard Mode. Zoom in? No problem, hold up an L and gesture up to zoom in and down to zoom out.
These gestures worked exceptionally well in my testing, as can be seen in the video above. What I really like about these Smart Control gestures is that you don’t need to download the software to enable them. I can’t install third-party apps on my work MacBook so this is a blessing.
Unboxing video, anyone?
The Insta360 Link 2C features a handy True Focus mode. For streamers who like to unbox tech or even just show their viewers a particular product, this works really well. Utilizing Phase Detection Autofocus, the cam will automatically focus on the product at the center of the frame. If the product is at the edge, it’ll prioritize faces.
You can see how well this works in the video above. I picked up a variety of objects on my desk and the Link 2C successfully focused on each. The Elgato Facecam Pro ($299) is capable of this too, but you’ll need to loosen the purse strings a lot.
In-depth software
One thing we loved about the first-gen Insta360 Link was the detailed companion software: Insta360 Link Controller, available on Windows and macOS. Here, you can enable and disable Smart Control gestures, blur the background or add a smooth natural-looking bokeh, choose from several backgrounds, adjust the brightness, saturation and other picture settings, and enable HDR.
You can see the different background settings available above. I personally love how the bokeh effect works as it doesn’t seem as aggressive as background blur.
The software is just as user-friendly as the BenQ ideaCam S1 Plus’ ($169) EnSpire software — if not more.
Insta360 Link 2C review: The downs
I’ve really had to nitpick to find issues with the Insta360 Link 2C, because what can’t this webcam do? One of the issues I had with it was easily fixed by enabling a setting in the companion software, and the other is more of a pre-purchase consideration.
Seeing in the dark
Most webcams don’t perform exceptionally well in low-light conditions. Even the pricier Elgato Facecam Pro struggles in the dark, so how does the Insta360 Link 2C hold up? Its f/1.8 aperture, in theory, should make it a good companion for meetings in the dark. However, if you don’t have the companion app installed and use the webcam straight out of the box, you’ll be disappointed.
The first photo above was taken using the Link 2C with unedited settings, and the second using my MacBook Air M2’s webcam. Both photos have a lot of noise. While the second looks worse as my face looks washed out, the first isn’t great either.
Next, I dove into the software’s settings and enabled HDR. This really improves the Link 2C’s low-light performance, as can be seen in the photo above. There’s still some noise in the image but it’s much better than the one you saw earlier.
The Link 2C can offer good low-light performance, providing you tinker with the software. But if you want superb low-light performance without editing picture settings, try the BenQ ideaCam S1 Plus instead — it’s got a built-in ring light!
Can you hear me?
The Insta360 Link 2C features a built-in mic with AI noise-canceling and three voice modes: Voice Focus for when you’re alone, Voice Suppression for busy environments, and Music Balance for content creation and livestreams. I wouldn’t say the Link 2C’s mic is fantastic but it certainly isn’t the worst either, as webcams rarely come with good microphones.
In the clip of me above, you can hear my words loud and clear but there is a bit of tinniness to it. This video was taken with Voice Focus on, and I’m satisfied with it. The pricier Elgato Facecam Pro doesn’t even have a built-in mic.
Regardless, if you’re a serious content creator or give presentations on the daily, it’s worth investing in one of the best microphones.
Insta360 Link 2C review: Verdict
Should you buy the Insta360 Link 2C? Absolutely . If you’re a content creator, streamer, or someone who does a lot of presentations daily, this is the webcam. The Link 2C delivers smooth 4K footage at 30 fps, and shoots detailed and sharp images. Features like True Focus are great for streamers as you can focus on the product you want to showcase. And you can control the webcam with hand gestures — easy. Its companion software also ensures anyone can edit picture settings, as it’s incredibly simple to use.
The Link 2C lacks a little in the low-light department but that’s quickly fixed by adjusting the exposure and enabling HDR in the software. Also, remember that webcams usually don’t have great built-in mics and the Link 2C isn’t much different. Invest in an external microphone instead.
Overall, if you need a superior webcam, the Link 2C will keep you satisfied for a long, long time. Your colleagues will be asking you what webcam you’re using. This is our current favorite webcam on the market.
