8 Best Webcams to Buy for Zoom Meetings, and Live Streaming
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The global pandemic not only changed how we shop, it changed the way we communicate. Zoom and other video conferencing apps quickly replaced in-person conversations, and if you’ve been working from home lately, and you want a clearer, sharper picture resolution, you might want to purchase a new web camera. Regardless of whether you’re video conferencing, vlogging, gaming, distance learning, or live streaming, we rounded up a list of eight of the best webcams that will fit every kind of budget. The cameras on our roster range from more expensive options that will run you about $1700, to a budget-friendly $20 camera (while it’s on sale).
When shopping for webcams, pixel resolution is one of the more important features to think about for these cameras, and really any gadget that produces video. The webcams on our list are the standard 1080p resolution but you can always upgrade to 4K, and it doesn’t automatically mean that you’ll have to pay more. Below, find our list of the best web cameras, and for more tech stories check out our picks for the best soundbars, best Blu-Ray players, and markdowns on your favorite tech gear.
Nexigo 1080p HD Web Camera
Looking to get exceptional video quality for a cheap price? The Nexigo 1080p HD Web Camera more than delivers. It’s powered by the 1080p Full HD 2 Megapixel CMOS, and is designed to produce exceptionally sharp and clear videos at resolutions up to 1920 x 1080 30fps (frames per second). It features a built-in noise canceling microphone and is great for Zoom, Facetime and other video calling, Twitch, Xbox, and more.
Logitech C920 HD Pro Web Camera
The Logitech C920 also works for your Skype or Zoom calls, YouTube, live streaming, and it’s great for Macs. Apart from the remarkably clear images and vibrant coloring, the HD autofocus and light correction adjusts to the room conditions giving you consistent high definition imaging. The camera features dual mics, and five-element glasses for razor-sharp images.
Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam
The Razer Kiyo Streaming webcam is a ring light in one. Specifically designed for streaming, the webcam supports video and audio recording in 720p 60fps/1080p 30fpd. It’s also features a rotating bezel and an adjustable ring light that lets you dim and brighten the lighting as you see fit.
PTZOptics 30X-SDI Live Streaming Broadcast Camera
The PTZOptics 30x-SDI webcam features a 30x optical zoom with 1920×1080 resolution, and simultaneous outputs (3G-SDI, HDMI, and IP streaming). You can mount the camera on just about any surface (including the ceiling). It works for Android and has iOS compatibility for Mac and iPhone users, which means that you can live stream from any smartphone, computer, or tablet on your Wifi network.
Meeting Owl Pro
Besides how cool it looks, the Meeting Owl Pro is an all-in-one video conferencing camera, mic, and speaker. The 1080P HD, WiFi-enabled gadget captures 360-degree audio up to 18′, and automatically focuses on whoever is speaking. If you want to make your meeting or classroom size even larger, there’s an option to pair multiple Meeting Owl Pros using Owl Connect.
Obsbot Tiny Al-Powered PTZ Webcam
The small but mighty, Obsbot Tiny webcam has AI tracking with auto-frame, and maintains stable and smooth tracking. The technology makes it so that you’re automatically framed and centered for all of your streams and videos. It’s compatible with Zoom, Skype, Cisco Webex, Twitch, TikTok and other apps.
HuddleCam HD Conference Camera
HuddleCam’s 1080p PTZ HD conference camera is equipped with 3x optical zoom (you can also upgrade to the 10x) and a USB connection so that you can wireless connect it to your PC , Mac, and Chromebox. You can adjust the pan, tilt, and zoom, and fine-tuning other settings. You can even mount it upside down! This remote controlled device works great for GoToMeeting, WebEX, Skype, YouTube Live, and Facebook Live.
Hrayzan 1080p HD WebCam
This is one of the better budget webcams out there, and it’s on sale for less than $20. The Hrayzan 1080p full HD webcam has crystal clear video, and a 110-degree wide angle with a built-in microphone. Besides videoconferencing, you can use it for gaming, blogging and live streaming. Like the other cameras on the list, the Hrayzan 1080p is compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, Android TV, Skype, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and more.