Whether you're a Zoom call regular or a committed streamer, it's essential to buy the best webcam — be it to connect to your desktop PC or to spruce up the picture beyond that built-in snapper on any of the best laptops.
With a dedicated piece of hardware, webcams benefit greatly from larger sensors and better lenses, which help drastically improve image quality and performance in low light. But we get one question a lot here at Tom's Guide: which one should I buy? Well, after reviewing over a hundred over the past few years, we're in a good place to point you in the right direction based on your needs.
And those needs span all over the place. Maybe you're giving a lot of Google Meet presentations and want to add to that professionalism with something quick and easy to set up. Or maybe you're a streamer looking for a high quality cam with a high refresh rate. We've done the rigorous testing, and can safely tell you the best webcams to invest in.
Currently, the best webcam I'd recommend to most people is the peerless Insta360 Link 2C. This 4K cam delivers unbelievable image quality, and it has the honor of being the only webcam we've ever given a perfect 5/5 review to. As for streaming, there are some expensive choices out there, but I'd go for the $150 Elgato FaceCam Mk. 2 for it's impressive sensor, DSLR-esque levels of customization and that 60 FPS frame rate with HDR.
But whatever the budget and needs, I've got you covered. Let's get into our best picks.
The quick list
The highest rated webcam in Tom's Guide history. Its 4K images are sublime, build quality exudes class, autofocus and tracking features excel, and its software is terrific. The king of cams.
Our favorite sub-$100 webcam is Anker's excellent Powerconf C200. For around $60, you're getting a 2K cam that delivers brilliant video quality, no matter what your lighting setup is.
Boasting excellent tracking features and pristine 4K image quality, this is the premium webcam. At $299, the Tiny 2 ain't cheap, yet it’s so high-tech and incredibly well-made.
Elgato's latest Facecam gives you a lot for its $149 price tag, including amazing image quality (even in low light), DSLR-level customization controls, and a HDR picture at up to 60 FPS.
One of the most clever cam ever and one that is perfect for video conferencing. Boasting innovative software and a gimbal-mounted camera, the auto tracking of the Insta360 is classy.
A truly elite webcam from perhaps the most respected peripheral maker in the world. $200 isn't chump change, but the 4K image quality the MX Brio puts out is simply sublime.
Load the next 3 products...
If you're a passionate content creator, this is the webcam for you. Not only does it sport an attractive design, it can also be mounted in both landscape and portrait modes.
There are a number of quality 4K cams out there now, and the Meet 4K is one of our faves. Not only is image quality drool-worthy, its head tracking app is fab, while its magnet attachment is also superb.
Touted by Opal as the "first portable webcam", the teeny Tadpole is a terrific 4K cam. It's laptop-only, though, as it doesn't come with a stand and its clip is narrow.
About the author
With years of experience in Twitch streaming and taking many Zoom meetings during the pandemic, I know a lot about what makes a good webcam great. It's not just about the build quality and sensor specs, it's about what the company does with the hardware and how you can tune the picture to perfection.
The best webcams you can buy today
Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.
The best webcam overall
Who is this for?
If you're in serious need of upgrading your picture quality without breaking the bank, this is one of the best value 4K webcams you can get — perfect for streamers and professionals alike.
Why is this the best overall webcam?
A 4K webcam at $150 would have just been a bit of a joke not that long ago. But here we are in 2024, with incredible picture quality at a supremely good price. Pair that with in depth companion software to tweak that image, and you've got a winner.
What do we like?
👍 Incredible 4K picture: If clarity is the name of the game, than the 4k 30 FPS picture the Insta360 Link 2C produces tops the charts. It's phenomenally clear with great color reproduction and solid low light performance too.
👍 In-depth control: Plug and play is a cinch on this camera, but for those who want to make some additional adjustments, the controller software is easy to use with plenty of in-depth options. Plus being able to control the webcam with hand gestures is a nice addition.
👍 Excellent value for money: And even better is that you get all of this capability for $149! It's a compact, lightweight camera you can take anywhere with you — sporting 4K HDR picture quality and plenty of smart capabilities — and it costs a lot less than you'd expect.
What don’t we like?
👎 Use an external microphone: Whether it's a solid external mic for streaming or the mic in your AirPods, the built-in one on here isn't the greatest. It can pick up your voice well, but it can sound a little too compressed.
Bottom line
With a sleek, durable and extra-portable build holding the best image quality we've ever seen in a webcam, it's no wonder than Insta360 Link 2C tops our list as the best overall webcam. It's an amazing option whatever your demands are.
The best budget webcam
Who is this for?
The Anker PowerConf C200 is for those who need to improve their camera quality on a shoestring budget. Usually retailing at around $60, this is quite the bargain when you take into account what it can do!
Why is this the best budget webcam?
There are cheaper webcams that are pretty bad! But the Anker PowerConf C200 gives you an impressive feature set at a super cheap price — a 2K picture quality with great low light performance, an integrated privacy shutter and a tiny design. And even better, it all comes in at just shy of $60.
What do we like?
👍 Solid 2K picture with adjustability: This resolution may not be 4K, but it's still impressively crispy on Zoom calls. Combine that with the adjustable field of view and excellent low-light performance, and you'll see the PowerConf C200 is adaptable to any circumstances.
👍 Integrated privacy shutter: With some websites and apps having odd approaches to privacy settings in terms of when it will and will not use your webcam, an integrated shutter is important. Anker delivers on this in the PowerConf C200.
👍 Amazing price: It's $60...well, now $50 thanks to the $10 discount on Amazon right now.
What don’t we like?
👎 No swiveling: When it comes to angling your webcam correctly, it's good to have a swivel integrated on the mount. The PowerConf C200 doesn't have this, so it can be a little awkward to find the right framing.
Bottom line
Dirt cheap, but not bad because of it. The Anker PowerConf C200 is an impressive webcam with strong 2K picture quality and a sleek construction — all at an impressively low price. This is the best cheap webcam for your money.
Best premium
Who is this for?
This is for the pixel-peeping picture enthusiasts who want the best picture no matter the budget.
Why is this the best premium webcam?
That $299 price looks steep, but the Obsbot Tiny 2 makes it worthwhile with a mind-blowingly good 4K picture and outstanding smarts in a tiny construction. With all of this and a great software suite, you get a lot of mileage for your money.
What do we like?
👍 The best picture quality in a webcam: Whether in challenging lighting conditions or not, the 4K images the Obsbot Tiny 2 produces are outstanding. The color balance is near-perfect and the app features allow you to tune this to your liking too.
👍 A smart marvel: On that rotating rock, the Obsbot Tiny 2 can automatically pan and tilt to follow you around as you speak. On top of that, the omni-directional microphone can adjust itself intelligently to minimize ambient noise and highlight your voice.
What don’t we like?
👎 Expensive: There are now two ways around this. This camera is $299 — that is a hefty price to pay for a webcam, when you can find similar smart features and a picture quality that's close to this at a cheaper price.
Bottom line
If you need the ultimate picture quality, Obsbot Tiny 2 is the way to go. This is a phenomenal webcam, with amazing picture quality and incredible smart tech features. It just might be overkill for the average person.
The best game streaming webcam
Who is this for?
This is for the streaming enthusiasts. As an all-in-one suite for providing a crispy and smooth picture, this is a great option for boosting your stream quality.
Why is this the best game streaming webcam?
The Facecam MK.2 is an amazing webcam for game streamers — packing a 1080p picture with up to 120 FPS fluidity, a comprehensive editing suite with built-in storage to save your settings directly to the camera, and a versatile hardware construction to be fitted into your setup.
What do we like?
👍 Crispy and smooth picture quality: 1080p may sound lower in quality than the other options above, but its what Elgato does with this that matters. A wide open 1/ 2.5" Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor with Elgato's Prime Lens optics makes for an impeccable crispiness and color — even in low light. And on top of that, you can get up to 120 FPS for some slow motion fun.
👍 Integrated privacy shutter: Once again, for those conscious about privacy, the FaceCam has a privacy shutter. Instead of it being a simple detachable cover you'd probably lose, this one is integrated into the sleek design.
👍 DSLR levels of customization: Provided you know what you're doing, and you know your apertures from your f-stops, you can use the super in-depth settings to really boost that image quality based on your surroundings and lighting.
What don’t we like?
👎 No built-in microphone: As a streamer, I know you're going to be bringing your own microphone to the party anyway. But for those clutch moments where you need to take a quick call, there's no built-in mic on the FaceCam.
Bottom line
For enthusiasts and pros alike, the Elgato FaceCam MK.2 is a seriously impressive piece of kit for upgrading how you look on stream — fluid enough to keep up in real-time with 60 FPS gameplay with plenty of customization.
The best webcam for conference calls
Who is this for?
This is the cam who finds themselves taking more work meetings in a day than actually doing work (I feel your pain). If you're giving plenty of presentations and need something that works around your remote working space, this is the one to get.
Why is this the best conferencing webcam?
The Insta360 Link is a stellar webcam for web conferencing because of three key things: the 4K picture is crispy clear, the gimbal mount allows it to automatically track you around a room if you walk while you talk, and the Whiteboard mode is fantastic for presentations.
What do we like?
👍 Solid 4K picture quality: When you're giving presentations to a large audience, picture quality is critical. The Insta360 Link absolutely delivers on this with a sharp 4K picture with impressive color balance.
👍 That gimbal is *chef kiss*: With a webcam being a stationary item, you'd think a gimbal is a bit of an odd addition. But when you see what it does with the software, including being able to track you around a room, it's a freeing experience for your presentation style.
👍 Great included software: Bringing AI enhancements, the ability to hot switch between traditional widescreen and TikTok-ratio 9:16 on the fly, and plenty of customization, Instalink's camera app gives you an easy UI to do a lot.
What don’t we like?
👎 HDR limitations: If you want that extra boost in brightness and contrast that comes with HDR, you're limited to just 720p or 1080p. 4K does not support HDR.
👎 Expensive: At $299, this is a beefy investment for the sake of a gimbal to follow you around. Many conferencing pros out there may consider going for a cheaper model and adapting their presentation style to it.
Bottom line
For conferencing power users, though, there's no question this is the webcam to get. And that's no mean feat considering how many amazing cams that are all currently vying for your hard-earned money on the market right now. Quite simply, this is a completely classy cam I find easy to recommend.
The best Logitech webcam
Who is this for?
If your setup surrounds Logitech peripherals, and you want the option that plugs in the nicest with everything you have (and the software), the MX Brio 4K is the choice for you.
Why is this the best Logitech webcam?
Many Logitech webcams hit certain audiences hard and aren't that adaptable to other groups. The MX Brio 4K can be all things to all people with a gorgeous picture and a super adjustable stand. Just watch out for that price.
What do we like?
👍 Great picture (even in low light): That sensor is a mini miracle — a sexy 4K 30 FPS picture even in low light. Colors are well maintained, and graininess is incredibly minimal in challenging dark areas.
👍 Top audio quality: Built-in webcam mics can be a mixed bag, but the AI-infused dual beamforming mics on here do a great job of cancelling out any atmosphere and highlighting your voice without any of that artificial compression.
What don’t we like?
👎 Pricey: $199 is not the most expensive 4K webcam we've seen on here, but without any of the tracking bells and whistles, it is a steep investment to make.
👎 Watch out for that 50Hz lighting: This is a bit geeky, but let me explain. Your standard lighting in the UK runs at a power frequency equivalent to 50Hz. It's not something you notice in person, but on a 30 FPS webcam, you will see a flicker. If you're using lighting, make sure you grab some smoother LED light bars or something!
Bottom line
This is the best webcam in Logitech's range — provided you've got the cash for it. Provided you're conscious of that little niggle with home lighting if you're in the UK, this is a slam dunk purchase.
The best streaming webcam
Who is this for?
If you're a serious multi-purpose streamer, from just chatting and make-up tutorials to gaming, the Logitech Streamcam is adaptable around you.
Why is this the best Logitech webcam?
Many Logitech webcams hit certain audiences hard and aren't that adaptable to other groups. The MX Brio 4K can be all things to all people with a gorgeous picture and a super adjustable stand. Just watch out for that price.
What do we like?
👍 Great picture (even in low light): That sensor is a mini miracle — a sexy 4K 30 FPS picture even in low light. Colors are well maintained, and graininess is incredibly minimal in challenging dark areas.
👍 Top audio quality: Built-in webcam mics can be a mixed bag, but the AI-infused dual beamforming mics on here do a great job of cancelling out any atmosphere and highlighting your voice without any of that artificial compression.
What don’t we like?
👎 Pricey: $199 is not the most expensive 4K webcam we've seen on here, but without any of the tracking bells and whistles, it is a steep investment to make.
👎 Watch out for that 50Hz lighting: This is a bit geeky, but let me explain. Your standard lighting in the UK runs at a power frequency equivalent to 50Hz. It's not something you notice in person, but on a 30 FPS webcam, you will see a flicker. If you're using lighting, make sure you grab some smoother LED light bars or something!
Bottom line
This is the best webcam in Logitech's range — provided you've got the cash for it. Provided you're conscious of that little niggle with home lighting if you're in the UK, this is a slam dunk purchase.
The best 4K webcam
Who is this for?
If your primary concern is a 4K picture, this is the webcam to get — a tiny product with big implications on crispy, smooth imagery.
Why is this the best 4K webcam?
No frills and no gimmicks, the Obsbot Meet 4K webcam is a stellar option for seriously upping your image quality during meetings. With compatibility in OBS and video call apps, a versatile magnet attachment and head tracking, this brings a lot to the table.
What do we like?
👍 Amazing picture in a small package: At just 2 x 1 inches in size, you'd be surprised at the gorgeous 4K picture this can produce. It's crystal clear, can do auto framing via the gimbal, and you can do some touching up including custom backgrounds.
👍 Magnetic attachment brings a lot to the table: The magnetic attachment clip means that rather than being limited to just a clip fixed to the frame, you can pop it off and stick it on the quarter-inch tripod attachment with ease.
What don’t we like?
👎 AI features can be gimmicky: AI in cameras can either be quietly useful in the background, or loud and a little gimmicky. In here, we're not entirely sure what the AI is doing with head-tracking, but it can sometimes be slow on the tracking.
Bottom line
At $149, the Obsbot Meet 4K is a great choice with adaptability and a solid picture quality. With customization deep in its software, a magnetic attachment that makes it very versatile and FPS settings to alter it just right, you can get a lot done here.
The best laptop webcam
Who is this for?
This is for the laptop users who want to beef up the webcam quality beyond the (usually) potato that is built into your system.
Why is this the best laptop webcam?
The Opal Tadpole does a lot in its tiny frame — a fantastic 4K picture, plug and play is a cinch, and this is all in a 1.37 x 1.57-inch frame with a wrist strap on the USB-C cable. For those who are always on the go, this is a stellar option.
What do we like?
👍 Small and sleek: At 1.37 x 1.57 inches in size, this is a tiny camera that can be easily stashes in your bag. And hell, if you just wanted to be a dork and wear your webcam as a clothing accessory, the USB-C cable doubles up as a wrist strap.
👍 Impressive 4K picture: Thanks to the Sony 4K UHD sensor and a lens with f/1.8 aperture, the Tadpole creates a gorgeous picture with a nice, soft bokeh around the subject.
What don’t we like?
👎 Limited audio: Sound-wise, the Tadpole features a directional microphone tailored to capturing sound from within the camera’s 70 degree field of view. I couldn’t really hear much difference between the Opal’s mic and laptop mics.
Bottom line
At $129, the Tadpole isn’t going to break the bank, and it’ll make a really good replacement for your current built-in webcam. It’ll also be great if you simply want to up the quality of your video calls or live streams with as small a footprint as possible
Also tested...
The webcams above represent the cream of the crop in their respective categories, but they're far from the only snappers we've tested here at Tom's Guide. There are many quality cams we've reviewed that are still well worth considering, and below I'll quickly run you through some of my favorites that only just missed the cut against the best webcams on the market.
How to choose the best webcam for you
When looking for the best webcam, you should consider a few key factors including resolution, framerate and price.
Video Resolution
You'll be hard-pressed to find a webcam with a resolution of less than 720p; most budget webcams, like the Logitech C270 (which costs less than $30) can stream at this resolution.
The next step up — and the most common resolution — are 1080p cameras like our favorite, the Logitech C920s. Cameras at the resolution typically cost $50 to $100, and are best for most consumers.
If the highest-quality video is required — and you're not using your camera as a webcam — then you'll want a webcam that can stream at 4K, like the Logitech Brio. However, almost every webcam that can stream at 4K will cost more than $100.
Field of View
If you only need a webcam to stream video of yourself, then you can get away with a webcam that has a fairly narrow field of view; most models have about an 80-degree FOV. If you need a webcam for a group setting, you'll want one with a wider FOV, such as the Anker PowerConf 300, which has a 115-degree FOV. Some of the better webcams will even let you adjust the field of view.
Microphones
Cheaper webcams will typically have just one microphone, which is fine for plenty of situations. However, if you work in a noisier environment, you'll want a webcam with two or more microphones, as well as software that can help isolate your voice from the sounds all around you. Another alternative — which will deliver even better audio — is to invest in one of the best microphones.
Extra features
It’s also worth considering any special features a webcam has. The Razer Kiyo has a built-in ring light, making it ideal for folks who are recording in low-light rooms and don’t have one of the best ring lights handy. Logitech cameras generally have robust software options for customizing your shots, and the StreamCam can shoot in both landscape and portrait modes, which is worth considering if you’re shooting video for mobile consumption.
How we tested these webcams
To find out which are the best webcams, we put them through a series of tests in our home office. First, we see how easy they are to set up, and how well they sit on top of our laptop and monitors.
Next, we evaluate the performance of their cameras in varying lighting conditions; after all, not everyone has the best ring lights in their home office. We look to see how well the camera captures our face, how detailed the image is, and how it reacts if we move around the room.
Audio is just as important, so we test the camera's microphone by talking with others while we have background noise - be it a TV or music.
We also look at the software that comes with the camera (if any). How intuitive is it, and what sort of things does it let us do with the camera?
After that, we take the camera's price into consideration to see if its performance and features are a good value.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good webcam brand?
There are several, quite frankly. As you can plainly see from the way the list above has been compiled, Logitech is on fire when it comes to consistently producing some of the very best webcams around. That doesn't mean you have to go the Logi route, though. Insta360, Anker and Dell all make excellent webcams that are well worth considering, too.
Do I need a 4K webcam?
The short answer? Probably not. 4K webcams are generally a lot more expensive than their 1080p equivalents and unless you find yourself in scenarios where you regularly need to view yourself in 4K, you're better off saving your money and going with a lower resolution cam. Of course, if you're a content creator on YouTube or Twitch and regularly stream the best PS5 games that often output at 2160p their Quality modes, then a 4K cam could be worth considering.
Can I use my phone as a webcam?
You sure can, my friend. There are multiple ways to use your phone as a webcam, thanks to third-party software that syncs your smartphone to your PC. Here's how to use your phone as a webcam when you're really in a pinch.
Today's best webcam deals
For an easy way to save on your webcam purchase, check out our guides to the best Anker discount codes, Logitech promo codes, and Elgato coupon codes.
