If you are still relying on a laptop’s built-in webcam, or if your desktop doesn’t have one, it may be time to upgrade. Whether you're a remote worker jumping on a video call, a content creator who needs a clear shot, or a gamer who wants to upgrade his streaming settings, the right webcam can make everything different. A good webcam not only improves image quality—it also provides better low-light performance and smoother frame rates, while some even have built-in microphone or AI-driven features to make you look sharp. Whether you need a professional setup for zoom phones or a high resolution camera for Twitch, we offer the best webcam for every type of user.
Table of contents
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Best webcams of 2025
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Factors to consider before buying a webcam
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How we test webcam
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Other webcams we tested
Best webcams of 2025
Factors to consider before buying a webcam
Resolution and field of view
Although some newer computers have 1080p webcams, most built-in cameras have a resolution of 720p, so you need to look for an external webcam with higher resolution. The FHD webcam will give you better video quality; ideally, you're looking for something that can handle 1080p at 60fps or 30fps. If you are considering a cheap 720p webcam, make sure to get support at least 30fps (mostly) or even higher 60fps. But if your main focus is better image quality during video calls, 1080p is the way to go.
Some webcams can shoot in 4K, but that's too much for most people. Not to mention that most video conferencing services like Zoom, Google Meet, and Skype don't even support 4K video. Twitch maximizes video with 1080p when it comes to streaming, but YouTube added 4K live streaming in 2016. Ultimately, thanks to such a limited 4K webcam lens, most people can get it with a reliable 1080p camera.
Field of view (FOV) controls how much it can fit in the frame during recording. Most webcams I tested had a default field of view of about 78 degrees, which attracted me and my background enough to prove that I really needed to organize a home office. On cheaper webcams, you usually see a narrower field of view (about 60 degrees) that doesn't necessarily have to be bad. They won't show you as much background, but it also means that when you go to a magnified birthday party, you won't be able to squeeze as many friends or family as possible into the frame. On the other hand, more expensive webcams may allow you to adjust your field of view wider than average, and some even offer features like digital zoom.
Autofocus and other “auto” functions
A webcam with autofocus will keep the image quality sharp without your work. You should be able to walk around, walk back and forth, and keep focus all the time. If you have specific needs, some standalone webcam models can also manually adjust the focus. Devices with fixed focus are less convenient, but tend to be more affordable.
The same is the automatic frame, which is what some high-end webcams now offer. Similar to Apple's center stage features, the camera will automatically adjust, and even if you move around, the camera will get you into the center of the frame. This used to be a feature that was only available on most advanced webcams, but now you can find it on devices under $200.
You will also see other “automatic” features listed in the webcam specification, most notably automatic light correction. This will adjust the camera settings to make up for the dim room. This feature is valuable if you don’t have bright lights, or often answer calls in places where you can’t control the lighting. Also, you might consider using a reflective camera as a high-quality webcam solution and bring all the benefits and features with you (although in a tedious package).
microphone
Most webcams have built-in microphones that may be closer to you than your own, depending on your settings. Check if the model you are considering has a mono or stereo microphone, as the latter is better. Some people even use noise reduction technology to make your voice loud and clear. While enthusiasts and streamers will want to invest in standalone microphones, most others can get it using the webcam’s built-in microphone.
design
There aren't many fascinating breakthroughs when it comes to external webcam design. Most are round or rectangular devices that clamp onto a monitor or laptop screen. Some people have the ability to spin or screw onto a tripod stand, while others can simply sit on a table next to a computer. But unless you really like to have people stare into the nose, the latter is not ideal. We recommend cutting your webcam to the monitor and making sure it is at eye level or slightly higher.
Some webcams also go beyond hardware add-ons, such as built-in lights and lens covers. The former can help you stand out in a dark room, while the latter makes it impossible for hackers to view you through a webcam without their knowledge.
price
Most external webcams are enough to compare to the built-in camera of your computer, and the price is between $60 and $150. If the resolution of the webcam is the same as the internal resolution on the laptop, you should pay attention to other specifications such as automatic light correction, a wider field of view, or an extra-long connection cable that can provide quality or easy upgrades.
Spending $150 or more means you may get advanced features that tend to exist in Pro webcams that will often be found in 4K resolution, vertical and horizontal recording options, stereo microphones, customizable video settings, and more. But unless you spend hours on video calls every day or stream multiple times a week, you can settle in on your budget and safely skip most high-end options.
How we test webcam
We mainly test webcams by using them through as much reality as possible. We checked their designs, their flexibility, and how easy it was to reposition, and noted whether their weight and the ability to stay when sitting on the top of the screen would affect their abilities. We use each webcam for at least one week in a row as the primary camera for all video chats and make sure the device is used in different lighting environments to test low-light performance. We also use any built-in microphone as the primary audio input in video calls. Finally, while most of these webcams are plug-ins, we tested any proprietary software designed to work with each webcam, tweaking field of view, video resolution, and effects, and using any special features like Logitech Show Mode webcam on Show Mode.
Other webcams we tested
Logitech C920S Pro HD
For those who spent less than $100, our previous preferred Logitech C920S Pro HD webcam is still a solid choice, and it actually only takes a basic 1080p camera to upgrade its settings, or it can make them in inevitable Zoom calls look better. It has a built-in 78-degree field of view, a nice microphone and convenient privacy shutter. The Brio 500 stands out from this model thanks to its advanced optical correction, automatic frame and performance mode.
This article originally appeared on Engadget
