Webcams have always been part of our digital social life. Webcams help us stay connected with friends and family. Having the best webcam for streaming will give you a clear perspective.
Whether it's for work, education, chatting with family, or video game streaming, you need the best webcam for streaming to meet your needs. (Image via Logitech)
With Covid-19, we are all adapting to the new norm. Which is working, studying, and connecting with family from home. Instances of online informal meetups are becoming more common. Live streaming goes beyond streaming video games and chatting with friends.
Budget webcams do not fit the bill for streaming clear and crisp videos. You need the best webcam for live streaming to control framing, focus, and sound. The built-in webcams will probably fail. They come with issues like tiny set lenses, fudgy colors, amateurish exposure, and pixelated video.
The solution to address these issues is a well-dedicated webcam. One that takes away all the hassles and you must do is aim and shoot. It’s a productive investment if you’re recording or streaming video content. It’s great for people who frequently make online calls, or engage in live video streams be it games or education.
The interesting bit is that even the most expensive webcams for streaming are quite affordable. The top-end models with built-in lights, 4K streaming and stereo mics would be a small bump on your pockets.
You need a webcam for live streaming to meet your needs effectively.
What Makes the Best Webcam for Streaming
Resolution
For a quality webcam, the resolution and frame rate are important aspects to look for. For sharp pictures, you need a webcam with a sensor capable of pixel resolution. Most decent webcams have 1080p resolution. A 4K webcam is better.
FPS
Frames per Second (fps) or frame rate greatly impact the video quality. For real and true-to-life videos get a webcam with 60fps. The rule of thumb here is bigger the better.
Aperture Size
The aperture size determines the light required by the camera sensor for a clear picture under different light conditions. The aperture size range should fall between f/2.0 and f/2.8. It translates into a bad picture if the aperture is outside of that range.
Lens
The lens determines the camera’s field of view. For a close-up shot of only the face, you need a narrow field of view. Meaning a higher resolution webcam allows frame cropping.
Videos that feature a group of people have a wide field of view that requires good resolution. This brings up the autofocus of your webcam.
With fixed focus, you are fine if sitting close and don’t move or have to show something in a closeup. With auto-focus, you don’t have to worry about your positioning or even showing documents. The lenses will adjust to keep the picture clear.
Microphones
The microphones on the webcam should be good. Best streaming webcams have integrated microphones with stereo or multi-channel input, capturing more realistic sound.
Typical Price Points for Webcams
It’s always better to get an idea about the prices for decent live streaming webcams. The average price of high-end webcams is around US$200, with some costing upwards of US$650. However, you can find numerous, unbranded options for less, from as low as US$13.
The best quality webcams for streaming full HD videos have built-in sound and other features. These webcams are typically around US$200 – US$250.
Best HD Webcam for Video Conferencing
Logitech HD Webcam C310
Video Resolution 720p
Framerate 30fps
Default Aspect Ratio 16:9
Field of View 60°
Designed for simple use, the C310 can make video calls in crisp HD720p resolution at 30fps. The 60° diagonal field-of-view of the webcam gives a perfect widescreen experience.
The HD webcam’s RightLight 2 feature adjusts to ambient lights, providing better contrast and saturation in a live stream. The integrated noise-reducing mic can capture your voice from as far as 1.5 meters (5 feet) away.
The Logitech HD Webcam C310 is compatible with all popular video conferencing platforms and operating systems.
Specification:
- Default aspect ratio: 16:9 (widescreen)
- Video Resolution: 720p
- Framerate: 30fps
- Field of view: 60 degrees
- Focus type: fixed-focus
- RightLight™ 2 with HDR for clear image in various lighting environments
- Audio: mono, built-in single noise-reducing mic
- Connector: USB Type A
- Universal mounting clip for different displays and laptops
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, and ChromeOS
- Works with popular calling platforms
Best Entry-level HD Webcam
Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000
Video Resolution 720p True HD
Default Aspect Ratio 16:9
The Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 gives you colorful and sharp videos to easily post on your social media. The camera is ideal for recording, streaming live video calls, and group chats. It is even certified for Skype HD Calls.
Microsoft’s LifeCam software enhances the videos with a variety of filters and effects. The app can capture photos and videos, and save them to your hard drive, and share them on social media.
The HD-3000 uses the patented TrueColor Technology to deliver bright and colorful videos in almost every lighting condition. The universal attachment base allows you to use this budget webcam with any notebook, desktop, or laptop.
You get crystal-clear audio with the integrated noise-reducing microphone. Microsoft designed this webcam for online chatting. It’s an ideal webcam for presentations for meetings or classes.
Specification:
- Video Resolution: 720p true HD quality
- Default aspect ratio: 16:9 widescreen
- Audio: 16bit stereo
- Connector: USB 2.0
- TrueColor technology for bright and colorful videos
- Certified for Skype for Business
- Share videos on Messenger, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter
Affordable Professional Live Streaming
PTZOptics Webcam 80
Video Resolution 1920x1080p
Framerate 30fps(1080p); 60fps (720p)
Field of View 80°
The PTZOptics webcam works well for live streaming with pro-level controls for video production. The simple on-screen menu allows producers to fine-tune everything from shutter speed to iris to white balance and contrast.
These professional-grade controls provide clear and crisp images for any type of video communication. The webcam can record and stream live videos in full HD. The wide-angle lens gives up to 8X digital zoom. This affordable webcam has a variety of live streaming setups preprogrammed for Mac and PC.
The USB camera is setting new standards amongst the best webcams. The PTZOptics Webcam is perfect for business executives, gamers, and vloggers. This technologically advanced and feature-rich webcam is for everyone, anywhere.
Specification:
- Video Resolution: 1920x1080p
- Framerate: 30fps (1080p); 60fps (720p)
- Field of view: 80 degrees
- Connector: USB 2.0
- Wide Angle Lens
- Plug and Play
- Universal Software and Hardware Compatibility
Best HD Streaming Webcam
Logitech C922 HD Pro
Video Resolution 1080p; 720p
Framerate 30fps(1080p); 60fps (720p)
Field of View 78°
For serious streamers on Twitch, YouTube, and other platforms, the Logitech C922 is a perfect choice. It live-streams videos in broadcast quality with reliable audio, auto-focus, and a 78° diagonal field-of-view.
You can record and stream videos in full HD with 1080p resolution at 30fps or switch to 720p at 60fps. This means broadcasting with no lag. The HD auto-focus and light correction work in tandem to produce sharp and clear footage in any lighting condition.
The C922 Pro Webcam captures more realistic sound from multiple angles with two built-in omnidirectional microphones. With the all-in-one Capture app, you can easily record, edit, add transitions, and text overlays, or customize webcam settings.
To top off everything, the webcam comes with a 3-month license for the XSplit live streaming app.
Specification:
- Video Resolution: 1080p; 720p
- Framerate: 30 fps & 60 fps
- Field of view: 78 degrees
- Focus type: auto-focus
- Audio: stereo, dual omni-directional
- Connector: USB Type A
- Tripod-ready universal mounting clip fits laptops, LCD, or monitors
- Works with popular calling and streaming platforms including OBS and XSplit
Best Webcam for Low-light Environment
Razer Kiyo
Video Resolution 1080p - Full HD & 720p
Default Aspect Ratio 4:3
Framerate 30 fps (1080p); 60 fps (720p)
Field of View 81.6°
Good lighting means bright and clear images. With its elegant built-in solution, Razer Kiyo is an ideal solution to address bad lighting. The camera has an integrated ring light that can maintain even lighting in a dark room.
With studio-like lighting and adjustable brightness levels, you can forget about setting up several lights. The Razer Kiyo can record and live-stream in full HD of 1080p resolution at 30fps. To maintain visual fidelity switch to 720p resolution at 60fps.
The default resolution is 4:3. It’s suitable for both video calls and live streaming. Regardless of the use, the neutral color representation provides less saturation, so the subject appears crisp and clear.
You have complete control over toggling between Auto and Manual Focus and adjusting Brightness, Contrast, Saturation, and White Balance. You can choose between different image presets or create multiple profiles Razer Synapse 3.
Razer designed the Kiyo specifically for video game streaming. It’s great for video calls, recording live streams, and more.
Specification:
- Default aspect ratio: 4:3
- Video Resolution: 1080p – Full HD & 720p
- Framerate: 30 fps (1080p); 60 fps (720p)
- Field of view: 81.6 degrees
- Image resolution: 4 megapixels (2688 X 1520)
- Audio: 16bit mono
- Connector: USB 2.0
- Integrated Ring Light
Best Ultra-wide Webcam
ClearOne Unite 20 Pro
Video Resolution 1080p - Full HD, 30fps
Default Aspect Ratio Ultra-wide Angle
Field of View 120°
ClearOne Unite 20 Pro’s ultra-wide-angle provides the best cinematic video experience. The Unite 20 Pro from ClearOne is a professional-level webcam, with a 120° field-of-view. The webcam supports live video streams in full HD, 1080p at 30fps.
In addition, the larger CMOS sensor provides an effective pixel ratio of up to 2.07M.
The tuned aperture captures footage even in low-lighting conditions. The built-in microphone captures sound with advanced 2D and 3D noise reduction. Using the app, you can easily control white balance, contrast, and backlight compensation. This amazing webcam can be easily mounted on any laptop or desktop PC.
That means you can easily create your ultimate work environment using any machine, running any operating system. Yes, you can use the Unite 20 Pro with any PC with Mac, Windows, Linux, or Chrome operating systems. This webcam is ideal for vloggers, gamers, and even meetings or online chats.
Specification:
- Default aspect ratio: ultra-wide angle
- Video Resolution: 1080p – Full HD @ 30fps
- Field of view: 120 degrees
- Focus: f/2.8mm
- Shutter speed: 1/30s to 1/10000s
- Connector: USB 2.0
- Super-high SNR with advanced 2D and 3D digital noise reduction.
- Easily mounted on a PC or laptop display.
- Compatible with major OS and web-conferencing applications including ClearOne’s COLLABORATE Space
- Pairs with ClearOne CHAT 50 or CHAT 150 speakerphone
Best Broadcasting Webcam
Logitech StreamCam
Video Resolution 1080p (up to 1920x1080)
Default Aspect Ratio 16:9
Field of View 78° diagonal
Framerate MJPEG: 60fps to 5fps
If you want to share your passion with the world, start producing pro-level content with Logitech StreamCam. Broadcast yourself on any streaming platform with this tiny tool. It features exquisite image quality, two integrated front-facing microphones, versatile mounting alternatives, and USB-C connectivity.
You can stream and record lively and natural video with complete fluidity and depth in full HD 1080p at 60fps. With AI-enabled facial tracking, you don’t have to worry about adjusting focus and exposure or even your positioning.
Additionally, your StreamCam can switch between portrait or landscape modes instantly. You can enable this feature in the Logitech Capture app. The app also automates settings for aperture, frames, stability, and more, liberating you to stay focused on your content.
Finally, Logitech optimized the StreamCam to work with Open Broadcaster Software, XSplit, and Streamlabs. It provides effortless video streaming to platforms like YouTube, Twitch, etc.
Specification:
- Default aspect ratio: 16:9
- Video Resolution: 1080p (up to 1920×1080)
- Framerate: MJPEG: 60fps to 5fps
- YUY2, NV12: 30fps to 5fps
- Field of view: 78 degrees diagonal
- Focus type: Autofocus (10 cm to infinity) / face-based autofocus with Logitech Capture
- Audio: stereo or dual mono channel; Dual omnidirectional mic with noise reduction
- Connector: USB 3.1 Type A
- Detachable universal mounting clip fits laptops, LCD, monitors, and tripods
- Compatible with Windows 10 and macOS 10.14
- Support for OBS, XSplit, and StreamLabs
Best 4K Webcam with HDR
Logitech BRIO
Video Resolution 4K, 1080p, and 720p
Field of View 90°/78°/65° (dFOV)
Framerate 30fps (4K/1080p/720p); 60fps (1080p/720p); 90fps (720p)
Business meetings require everything in perfect order. Now that most of these meetings are happening online, it’s important to use good quality webcam. Logitech Brio is the best-in-class business webcam.
The Brio streams pristine videos with excellent resolution, depth of field, active autofocusing, and up to 5x lossless zoom.
There are three field-of-view presets for perfect framing. A 65° diagonal for an ideal shoulder-up view or 78°- and 90°-degrees diagonal views to capture more room. Get 5X zoom in perfect 4K resolution with any of the digital FOV settings.
With HDR and patented RightLight 3 technology, you can stream, record, or chat in any environment. The tech gives a clear and crisp image in all lighting conditions. It has two, built-in, omnidirectional mics with noise cancellation. It’s capable of picking up audio from up to one meter without losing the clarity and tonality of the sound.
The Logi Tune Desktop app simplifies controls and customizations unobtrusively and even delivers firmware updates. The Brio also provides quick and secure facial recognition with its optical and infrared sensors. This is great for people with difficulty remembering their passwords.
The Logitech BRIO is also certified for Skype for Business and MS Teams, working seamlessly with other online meeting apps.
Specification:
- Video Resolution: 4K, 1080p, and 720p
- Framerate: 30fps (4K/1080p/720p); 60fps (1080p/720p); 90fps (720p)
- Digital Zoom: 5X
- Focus type: auto-focus
- RightLight™ 3 with HDR gives sharp imagery in any lighting conditions
- Field of view: 90°/78°/65° (dFOV)
- Audio: stereo, dual omnidirectional
- Connector: USB Type A, supports Type C with adapter
- Detachable universal mounting clip fits laptops, LCD, or monitors
Ultra HD webcam for Apple Pro XDR Display
Logitech 4K Pro for Apple Pro
Video Resolution 4K Ultra HD, 1080p Full HD, 720p HD
Default Aspect Ratio 16:9
Framerate 30fps (4K/1080p/720p); 60fps (1080p/720p); 90fps (720p)
Field of View Diagonal 90°; Horizontal 82.1°; Vertical 52.2°
Here’s the ultimate match, the best webcam for the best display. Logitech designed the 4K Pro exclusively for the Apple Pro XDR Display. The 4K Pro uses the exact dimensions of the monitor. It comes with a secure magnetic mount to hold it in place. The anodized aluminum finish complements the aesthetic.
The webcam delivers 4K Ultra HD video streaming with crystal-clear output in superb resolution, color, and detail. The Logitech RightLight 3 coupled with HDR technology adjusts to highlight the subject in any given lighting conditions.
The Logitech Camera Settings app for Mac lets you easily adjust brightness, saturation, contrast, zoom, and image control functions. Rotate the display to switch to portrait mode. The 4K Pro’s magnetic foot will firmly hold to keep the webcam in place.
With the 4K Pro Webcam, you can connect and collaborate using video conferencing apps like Google Meet, Zoom, and others. Made on exacting Swiss standards, this high-quality webcam is worthy of Pro Display XDR and your live streaming needs.
Specification:
- Default aspect ratio: 16:9
- Video Resolution: 4K Ultra HD, 1080p Full HD, 720p HD
- Framerate: 30fps (4K/1080p/720p); 60fps (1080p/720p); 90fps (720p)
- RightLight™ 3 with HDR gives sharp imagery in any lighting conditions
- Field of view: Diagonal 90°; Horizontal 82.1°; Vertical 52.2°
- Digital Zoom: 5X
- Focus type: auto-focus
- Optional settings in the camera app provide control for pan, tilt, or zoom
- Audio: integrated dual omnidirectional mics with noise cancellation
- Connector: USB Type C, Plug-and-play
- Magnetic mounts to fit Apple Pro Display XDR