Best Webcam 2021: Our Top Picks For November


If you're wanting to look good on camera, then the chances are you'll need the best webcam, be it if you're streaming, gaming, or just spending a lot of time on Zoom calls.

With a webcam, a key thing to look out for is video quality, so if you're going to be streaming, opting for a 4K webcam may be better than a 1080p choice, for example. Also, be aware of a webcam's mic setup and quality - some will have multi-mic choices for better pickup.

So, whether you're looking for a handy all-rounder in the Logitech C920 or a cracking pick for streaming with the Elgato Facecam, we've got you covered.

Let's get to it!

Best Webcam

Best Webcam All-Rounder - Logitech C920

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Image Credit: Logitech

Manufacturer: Logitech | Video Quality: 1080p | Diagonal FOV: 70.42 degrees | Swivel: No | Microphones: 2 | Weight: 200g

The Logitech C920 was released all the way back in 2012, but that hasn't stopped it from being earmarked as one of the best webcams available today.

You'll find support for a 1080p resolution at 30fps and also 720fps at 60fps which should mean that any video will be crisp and look pretty good at the very least.

This Logitech offering also comes with what looks to be pretty good autofocus and auto light correction, especially in low light. To brighten up your setup though, some cracking smart lights wouldn't go amiss, though.

There's also stereo audio and a dual microphone setup so anything you say should be picked up and sound decent.

Best Webcam For Esports - Razer Kiyo Pro

Image Credit: Razer
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Image Credit: Razer

Manufacturer: Razer | Video Quality: 1080p | Diagonal FOV: Adjustable between 80°, 90° and 103° | Swivel: No | Microphones: 1 | Weight: 299g

If you're looking to burst into the esports scene, you may want an excellent webcam, and we think the Razer Kiyo Pro is a solid choice.

In terms of image quality, you're getting uncompressed Full HD 1080p at 60fps, which should make your stream look high-quality and run smoothly.

This webcam also features HDR at 30fps, which brings out the vibrancy of colours, which could be great at displaying the various hues from your RBG gaming setup.

The Razer Kiyo Pro also features a variable angle lense, adaptive light sensor and a built-in microphone which we think makes it a fantastic choice for any esports streamer.

Best Webcam For Streaming And Gaming - Elgato Facecam

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Image Credit: Elgato

Manufacturer: Elgato | Video Quality: 1080p | Diagonal FOV: 83.2 degrees | Swivel: Yes | Microphones: None | Weight: 96g

It may sound silly, but the Elgato Facecam is a webcam specifically designed to be a camera, and it's for this reason that we think it's great for both gamers and those in the streaming game.

You'll find that this has been engineered with pro broadcasting in mind thanks to 1080p video at 60fps for a sharp output and features a pro-grade Sony camera sensor with a prime 24mm focal length.

There isn't a microphone built into the Elgato Facecam since the chances are, if you're a streamer, you'll have invested in a great standalone mic as it is.

Best Budget Webcam - Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000

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Image Credit: Microsoft

Manufacturer: Microsoft | Video Quality: 720p | Diagonal FOV: 68.5 degrees | Swivel: Yes | Microphones: 1 | Weight: 89.9g

For more of a no-frills choice that's perfect for the office, we think the Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 looks like a great choice.

There are 360 degrees of swivel, which can be handy if you do need to adjust things during a call, and a 68.5-degree field of view also means that this is a good choice for solo calls.

Video quality at 720p is good enough for Zoom or Teams, and you'll also find low-light correction, which can usually be found on webcams double or triple the price of the LifeCam HD-3000.

A weight of 89.9g also means it's light enough to pick up and take out with you on the train if you're working on the go.

Best 4K Webcam - Logitech BRIO

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Image Credit: Logitech

Manufacturer: Logitech | Video Quality: 4K | Diagonal FOV: 65 degrees | Swivel: Yes | Microphones: 2 | Weight: 107g

If 4K video is a priority for your conferencing or even gaming needs, then the Logitech BRIO should be the first thing on your shopping list.

The big standout here isn't just the fact it supports crisp 4K video with a tight 65-degree diagonal FOV, but also the fact this webcam also works with 1080p at 30 or 60fps, and also 720p at 30, 60 or 90fps, which allows for some truly sharp video.

The BRIO also features a dual omnidirectional mic setup that'll pick up any audio within the vicinity you're working or recording in. By their very nature, omnidirectional mics pick up audio from any direction, which should be great for Zoom calls.

Otherwise, be sure to find additional software support through the bundled Logi Tune. This allows you to finetune the webcam's settings, including manual adjustment of white balance and contrast for instance, to make sure you look great.

Best Webcam For Office - Microsoft LifeCam Studio

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Image Credit: Microsoft

Manufacturer: Microsoft | Video Quality: 1080p | Diagonal FOV: 75 degrees | Swivel: Yes | Microphones: 1 | Weight: 128g

Microsoft's own office webcam veteran, the LifeCam Studio, makes its way onto our list as the top pick for office use.

This is largely down to its wide-angle 75-degree lens that works well for fitting two people into a frame, which means this should be a great option for true group video calling on Zoom or Teams, for instance.

The Microsoft LifeCam Studio will use a lot of PC power when utilising its 1080p broadcast capabilities, but its output should therefore be sharp for a webcam and perfect for office duties.

You'll also have a built-in mic with acoustic noise cancellation which means you should be heard loud and clear during those meetings.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Webcam

What frame rate is best for webcams?

For webcams, you'll want to go for something with at least a 30fps output due to the fact that with anything less, your video may look jittery.

Some options like the Logitech BRIO for example will offer options to go up to 60fps or 90fps, although this will sacrifice video quality - this candidate offers 1080p at 60fps and 720fps at 60 or 90, as well as the standard 30fps.

Do I need a 4K webcam?

If video quality is your top priority, then getting a 4K webcam would be a great investment as you're making sure that you'll look great on any calls or if you're broadcasting.

However, there's nothing wrong with 1080p options, especially those that can work at 60fps like the Elgato Facecam as this will look rather smooth.

How important is FOV for a webcam?

FOV, or field of view, can be particularly important if you're wanting to work out what's going to be in your background when you're on Zoom calls to colleagues, friends or streaming.

Opting for something with a tighter angle such as the Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000's 68 or so degrees is great for a single person setup and not too much background.

However, if you want to show off an intriguing setup or you're a streamer, then going for a wider diagonal field of view will be great, so options like the Elgato Facecam with 83.2 degrees FOV should be on your list.

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