- If you need to join a videoconference or conduct a live-stream to Facebook or Twitch, you need a good computer webcam.
- Logitech's C920 has been a top pick in webcams since 2012.
- It has great image quality, a flexible stand, and comes in at a reasonable price.
Webcams aren't just for catching up with friends or dialing into a meeting anymore. Live streaming and personal video production have given the humble webcam new life. Webcams with 1080p resolution have been readily available since 2012, opening up the door for recordings that look a lot better than the built-in webcam on your laptop.
In this buying guide, we've rounded up the best webcams you can buy based on our testing, including the Logitech C920, Logitech C922x, Logitech 4K Brio, and Razer Kiyo. We also consulted a number of buying guides and first-hand reviews from experts and buyers alike to choose our picks.
A great webcam should work right out of the box, and any included software should provide added functionality. The camera should offer a sharp, clean image with accurate autofocus that doesn't jump around too much. It also helps to include a stand with flexible options. Image resolution used to be a bigger issue, but even the most budget-friendly webcams on our list support 720p at 30 frames per second, and the Brio pumps out a full 60 fps at 1080p.
Instead of reaching for higher resolutions, most modern webcams have added value with extra features. The Logitech Brio's depth-sensing technology lets you ditch clumsy backdrops and green screens to insert any digital background of your choosing, and facial recognition can unlock your computer the moment you sit down. The Kiyo's built-in lighting takes some of the labor out of streaming. If you do just need something simple for dialing into a meeting, the Logitech C615 and Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 will save you some cash without cutting corners.
Here are the best webcams you can buy in 2019:
- Best webcam overall: Logitech C920 webcam
- Best 4K webcam: Logitech Brio
- Best webcam for streaming: Razer Kiyo
- Best affordable webcam: Logitech C615
- Best 720p webcam: Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000
Read on to check out our top picks.
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