Nowadays, most laptops and tablets come with built-in webcams – it’s even possible to do some video conferencing via your phone if you so wish – but for the best webcam experience possible, it’s worth investing in a dedicated option.
Part of the problem is that too many built-in webcams are capped at a 720p resolution which doesn’t exactly push the boat out when it comes to making you look your best on camera. By comparison, there are tons of 1080p webcams on the market and even a handful of 4K options that can help you to stand out on your next video call.
We’ve reviewed numerous webcams over the years, and so have picked the highest scoring options for you to peruse in this very list. We’ve also made sure to pick a variety from budget options to those that excel at streaming.
If you’re looking to upgrade more than just your webcam, you can also check out our round-ups of the best monitors as well as the best wireless keyboards. For all things webcams, just keep on reading.
Best webcams at a glance
- Best overall webcam: Logitech StreamCam – check price
- Logitech MX Brio: Logitech MX Brio – check price
- Best budget webcam: Logitech Brio 100 – check price
- Best streaming webcam: HP 960 4K Streaming Webcam – check price
- Best small webcam: Logitech Brio 300 – check price
- Best webcam for low light: Nacon Full HD Webcam – check price
How we test
We use every webcam we test as our main device for video conferencing throughout the review period, while also running its proprietary software through its paces.
We’ll also check the device’s compatibility with more widely available software for professionals and content creators, as well as testing all the features.
- Excellent video output
- Solid microphones
- Sleek, modern design
- Comparably expensive to other 4K webcams
- Large stand won’t fit on laptop screens
- Sleek, grey design
- Convenient mounting solution
- Smooth and detailed output
- No HDR can cause images to lack a bit of pop
- Lack of 4K output may turn some off
- Cool cone-shaped design
- Mounting system is nice and secure
- Good quality output with solid motion
- Dated 1080p/30fps combo
- Logi Tune software is light on options
- Compact frame is easy to mount
- Decent detail on displayed images
- Options+ offers solid customisation
- Uninspiring looks
- Privacy shutter attachment is a little odd
- Sleek, modern looks
- Detailed images at a range of light levels
- Extensive software customisation
- Misses out on some software features
- Over-eager low light compensation
- Thoughtful design
- Ring light makes a difference in low light conditions
- Reasonably detailed output
- No additional software
- Cheaper feeling construction
Logitech StreamCam
Best overall webcam
Pros
- Sleek, grey design
- Convenient mounting solution
- Smooth and detailed output
Cons
- No HDR can cause images to lack a bit of pop
- Lack of 4K output may turn some off
The Logitech StreamCam scored an almost faultless 4.5 stars from us. It offers a sleek and modern design, with our reviewer noting that the size and shape make it the centrepiece of your streaming setup. The StreamCam is predominantly made of plastic and carries a reassuring heft which reinforces the excellent build quality. We liked the inclusion of fabric around the lens as it added some more texture and personality to the otherwise plastic shell.
We found mounting the StreamCam to be easy as it comes with a secure-clip-in system that gives you the chance to use it in portrait and landscape orientations. It also comes with the standard tripod thread at the bottom, giving it even more versatility.
This webcam is capable of outputting video in Full HD (1080p) at 60fps. We felt that it provided an excellent amount of detail and smooth motion, making it a joy to use for streamers. The face-tracking and Auto Framing features were particularly coherent, making it very easy for us to stay in frame and in focus even while moving around.
If you are interested in a high-end webcam, you might want to consider the Insta360 Link or HP 960 4K Streaming Webcam, both of which can capture content in 4K resolution. As you would expect, these 4K webcams are a lot more expensive than the StreamCam, so you’ll have to decide if a higher resolution is more of a priority than an affordable price tag.
Overall, if you’re after smooth footage and a polished and mature design, the StreamCam ticks all these boxes. It may even be the best choice for streamers who are first starting out or those who are constantly engaged in work calls since it has support for all third-party video call services including Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
Reviewer: Reece Bithrey
Full Review: Logitech StreamCam review
Logitech MX Brio
Best 4K webcam
Pros
- Sleek, modern looks
- Detailed images at a range of light levels
- Extensive software customisation
Cons
- Misses out on some software features
- Over-eager low light compensation
If you’re relying on a cheap webcam, or the default snapper in your laptop, chances are that the video feed is going to look a little grainy due to the low resolution. That won’t be the case with the Logitech MX Brio, which is capable of recording video in 4K.
It also has an excellent HDR mode that we found to provide sharp contrast and colours. We were impressed with the camera’s performance in both low light and standard environments.
Despite its quality, the Logitech MX Brio takes up little space, being able to perch atop your monitor and swivel up to 90 degrees to make sure it captures your entire face. The camera even comes with a privacy shutter to cover the lens when not in use.
If you simply want the best webcam capable of capturing video in 4K, then the Logitech MX Brio gets our shout. But if you want more advanced software features, and are prepared to spend more, then it’s worth considering the Insta360 Link too.
Reviewer: Reece Bithrey
Full Review: Logitech MX Brio review
Logitech Brio 100
Best budget webcam
Pros
- Compact frame is easy to mount
- Decent detail on displayed images
- Options+ offers solid customisation
Cons
- Uninspiring looks
- Privacy shutter attachment is a little odd
Logitech is at the top of the mountain when it comes to home working peripherals and its range of webcams is a key part of that. It doesn’t just do high-end either, and we rate the Logitech Brio 100 as the best budget webcam you can buy.
Affordability really is what makes the Brio 100 such a great pick but, of course, that has to be backed up by quality to make it value for money. It comes with a 1080p resolution and up to 30fps. We found the visuals to be up to a good quality, especially for such a cheap option. It’s auto-light balancing feature also worked like a treat too. The Brio 100 comes with a built-in microphone, which was crisp and clear.
The frame of the webcam makes it easy to mount on a monitor, while the Logi Options+ software brings handy customisation options. And, for your peace of mind, there’s a privacy shutter attachment too.
Reviewer: Reece Bithrey
Full Review: Logitech Brio 100 review
HP 960 4K Streaming Webcam
Best streaming webcam
Pros
- Excellent video output
- Solid microphones
- Sleek, modern design
Cons
- Comparably expensive to other 4K webcams
- Large stand won’t fit on laptop screens
What do you expect of a 4K streaming webcam? Well, the HP 960 4K Streaming Webcam does exactly what it says on the tin. Stunning video quality, that’s here. Crisp and clear microphones, absolutely present. These are the two key factors that make this high-quality webcam our favourite for streaming.
The 4K resolution is paired with 30fps capabilities and offers boosted colour through HDR (high-dynamic range). If you’re after a smoother frame rate then you can drop down to 1080p for 60fps too. The wide FOV and Auto Frame functions are ideal for setting up your frame perfectly, ideal for streamers who like to move around or want their whole set-up shown. Additional features like the HP Accessory Center offer a bunch of handy configuration options as well.
The compact webcam doesn’t look half bad either, with an understated modern design. It’ll sit neatly on top of your monitor and can be easily linked up using USB-C.
The biggest issue with this HP webcam is that it’s expensive. The Elgato Facecam MK.2 is a great alternative, with lower capture quality at 1080p/60fps, but with plenty of clever software that still makes it ideal for streamers.
Reviewer: Reece Bithrey
Full Review: HP 960 4K Streaming Webcam review
Logitech Brio 300
Best small webcam
Pros
- Cool cone-shaped design
- Mounting system is nice and secure
- Good quality output with solid motion
Cons
- Dated 1080p/30fps combo
- Logi Tune software is light on options
After a webcam that doesn’t cost the Earth and, perhaps most importantly, doesn’t add an unsightly chunk to the top of your monitor, the Logitech Brio 300 is the pick for you.
The stylish, cone-shaped design makes this a webcam that you won’t be embarrassed to have seen atop your display. At 53.1 x 45 x 65.6mm, the Brio 300 is positively dinky, meaning you could easily take it on the go if needed.
The results are strong too, with the Logitech Brio 300 offering up accurate colour across its 1080p resolution, and a smooth 30fps. There is a 70-degree field of view as well, providing great angles for video conferencing. It is, of course, not as good as a dedicated mic but the singular microphone onboard offers good clarity if you don’t fancy donning a headset or shelling out for a full microphone.
Along with looking stylish, the Brio 300 has the environment in mind, with each model being built with, at least, 48% post-consumer recycled plastic. The design also affords users an integrated privacy shutter for peace of mind.
Logitech’s handy Logi Tune software is included with the Brio 300. The software isn’t as complex as its more powerful options for creators or gamers but many will welcome the simplicity. A key feature it retains is Auto Light Enhancement, aiding the look of your camera feed by fixing overexposed images.
Reviewer: Reece Bithrey
Full Review: Logitech Brio 300 review
Nacon Full HD Webcam
Best webcam for low-light rooms
Pros
- Thoughtful design
- Ring light makes a difference in low light conditions
- Reasonably detailed output
Cons
- No additional software
- Cheaper feeling construction
Some webcams shoot fantastic video in daylight, but struggle to produce decent results when faced with a dark, dingy room. It’s possible to buy a camera with an advanced enough sensor to tackle such conditions, but they’re usually very expensive. The Nacon Full HD Webcam has a clever solution, featuring a light-up ring to brighten up your face.
The light ring can be controlled by a little pad on the webcam’s face, with three available modes with varying levels of brightness and temperature. It’s a versatile webcam in terms of design too, capable of being propped on top of a monitor, or even attached to a tripod.
It shoots video in 1080p at 30fps, which isn’t particularly exciting, but we nevertheless found it to offer a solid amount of detail with reasonably natural colours. The Nacon struggles in low light though, making it really important to make use of the glow-up ring in such conditions.
The Nacon Full HD Webcam is a pretty simple webcam truth be told, but with the glow-up ring, built-in microphone and reasonable capture quality, it’s still a worthy buy at its affordable price point.
Reviewer: Reece Bithrey
Full Review: Nacon Full HD Webcam Review
FAQs
If you’re looking for the very best image quality available, then a 4K webcam is definitely worth considering. They may cost a fair bit more than a more standard 1080p option though.
We’d say to go for a 1080p webcam, given the large boost in resolution and therefore picture quality that they offer. In addition, if you’re using a laptop, these typically have 720p webcams inside, so going for one wouldn’t represent that much of an upgrade.
A dedicated webcam will generally be better than a laptop camera, given the higher resolutions they typically offer for more detailed and better quality images, as well as (in some cases) the additional features with an additional suite of software.
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Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
