Most laptops and all-in-one desktop PCs now include a built-in webcam, so it’s not essential to buy any additional equipment for video calls. However, those built-in cameras do tend to be fairly basic, with moderate resolution and image quality, a limited viewing angle, and few controls. Business users who want to project a more professional image can benefit from a dedicated webcam that delivers a better image as well as include a high-quality microphone and other features.
Cheaper webcams tend to offer 720p resolution (1280x720 pixels), and some of the better 720p cameras do provide perfectly good image quality. Increasingly, though, high-definition cameras are becoming the norm, offering 1080p (1920x1080) or even 4K (4096x2160) resolution. Other features to think about include an adjustable stand that allows you to tilt and swivel the camera, a wide-angle lens, and a noise-cancelling microphone.
Most webcams use a standard USB connection, so they’re compatible with both PCs and Macs and generally can be used with standard video apps such as Skype and Zoom. However, Mac users should also check to see if the camera requires a special app from the manufacturer that provides additional features.
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High-quality lens supporting 4KHDR (High Dynamic Range) for stunning visual qualityOffers three angles (65, 78, and 90-degree)
As the rather long-winded name suggests, the Brio Ultra HD Pro is Logitech’s top-of-the-range personal webcam for business users and our pick for best webcam. (There’s another model called the Brio Stream, which looks virtually identical, but is aimed at gamers.) It’s packed with features, including a high-quality glass lens that supports full 4K (4096x2160) resolution with HDR (High Dynamic Range) for optimum picture quality. You’ll need a PC or a Mac with USB 3.0 or USB-C to use the 4K mode, but the camera also offers 1080p and 720p modes for older computers. The Brio provides three viewing angles, with 65 degree designed for simple head-and-shoulders shots, while 78 degree can fit another person into the image, and 90 degree provides a wider view of the room for presentations and demos. There’s also a 5X digital zoom available, although this only works when using 1080p resolution, along with a privacy shutter, dual noise-canceling microphones, and optical and infrared sensors that support Windows Hello for extra security. Pros:
4K resolution with HDRCan adjust between three viewing angles (65, 78, and 90)Optical and infrared sensors support Windows Hello
Cons:
Not all software features are optimized for 4KExpensive
Rotational camera piece allows facial trackingFeatures multiple modes (DeskView, Presentation)4K resolution with autofocusing
The Insta360 Link is the first webcam from the camera company, but it delivers on nearly all fronts. We tested the gimbal-like system and gave it a 9.1/10 rating for its crisp 4K resolution, DSLR-like autofocusing, and assortment of AI-powered tracking features. Such features include facial tracking (thanks to the rotatable camera piece), hand gestures for zooming in and out, a presentation mode to emphasize the colors of a whiteboard, and even DeskView mode – which pans the webcam downward to capture the contents on your tabletop. At $299, the Insta360 Link is not the cheapest webcam on the market, but it’s also not the most expensive (as you’ll see later down the list). For the price, you’re getting an impressive spec list that will benefit business professionals, content creators, and educators alike. A single USB-C cable is all that’s needed to power the unit. Pros:
DSLR-like, 4K high-resolution output with autofocusingBounty of software tuning available via the Link appAI-powered gimbal features that adapt to your use cases
Cons:
Pricier than traditional webcams at $299Can feel warm to the touch after a meeting or two
Scratch-resistant Gorilla GlassLens provides three viewing anglesBuilt-in microphone
The Kiyo webcam was one of the products that helped Razer expand out of its traditional gaming market, gaining good reviews that helped to attract many people who are now working from home. It’s no surprise, then, that Razer has now followed up with the Kiyo Pro. Some have been disappointed that the Kiyo Pro sticks with the same 1080p resolution (1920x1080) as its predecessor, while increasing the price to $199 (now selling for as low as $99). However, Razer has added new features that ensure the Kiyo Pro can cope with the varied and unpredictable lighting conditions of a home office. The scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass lens can record 1080p video at 30fps with HDR to provide stronger colours and contrast, or it can step up to 60fps – without HDR – for smooth, sharp animation. The lens provides three different viewing angles and also includes an adaptive light sensor designed to cope with low-light conditions. Unfortunately, Razer’s Synapse software, which controls the camera settings, isn’t available on the Mac, so the Kiyo Pro currently is Windows-only. Pros:
Compact, circular webcam design1080p resolution produces sharp videoBuilt-in microphones
Cons:
Underperforms in low lightRequires USB 3.0 port and nothing less
Flexible tilt mechanism Features Sony’s STARVIS CMOS sensorComes with detachable privacy cover
Even before the pandemic, the content creating industry had seen exponential growth. With more and more teens investing in shooting video, streaming, and publishing digital content, companies like Elgato (now owned by Corsair) have met the call of duty. The latest from the Stream Deck creator is the Facecam, a 1080p webcam that supports 60fps output, has a fixed-focused f2.4 aperture sensor, and dials into Elgato’s extensive software support for broadcasters. Hardware-wise, Facecam’s boxy form factor and highly flexible tilt mechanism set it apart from the rest of the gaming-centric webcams. While there are no ring lights, users can take advantage of the in-body Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor to deliver great video output, no matter the lighting conditions. The camera comes geared with all the tools a streamer would want, including a detachable privacy cover when a broadcast is done. Pros:
1080p 60fps camera delivers crisp video qualityUses hardware and software that’s optimized for streamingFixed-focused Sony sensor keeps you in focus all the time
Cons:
Chunkier than traditional webcamsRequires USB 3.0 port and nothing less
2K resolution for conferencingBuilt-in light bar also serves as privacy coverFour microphones
If you’re among the many who have transitioned to the WFH lifestyle, then you may be well aware of just how cluttered a desk can be when gearing up for a video call. A webcam, speaker, and microphone setup can be a burden on its own. Toss in anything more, and you’ve got a desk full of electronics and dangling cables. Enter the AnkerWork B600 Video Bar. It’s Anker’s all-in-one conferencing solution that bundles a 2K-resolution webcam, four microphones, dual speakers, and a built-in light bar that doubles as a privacy cover when closed. The video bar isn’t cheap; it retails at $219 but can be had at a discount at many third-party retailers. But for the price, you’re getting all that’s needed to hop on any video call with confidence. Anker also bundles the B600 Video Bar with its proprietary companion software, which gives you Windows or Mac access to the camera’s features, including visual effects, field-of-view, resolution, and even light bar intensity. From testing the video bar, we found it served its purpose of replacing all the extra video-conferencing hardware that’s typically left on the office desk. Pros:
All-in-one design is convenient to useAmple amount of hardware and software customization2K-resolution webcam is crystal clear
Cons:
Speakers are side-firing and sound passable at bestExpensive at $219
1080 and 720p video modes90-degree field of viewConnect conference cam doubles as speakerphone
Logitech’s webcams are primarily intended for personal use, but the company also makes a number of “ConferenceCams,” which are more versatile, such as the Connect. The cylindrical Connect is designed to sit on a desk, rather than being attached to a computer screen, but you can pan and tilt the glass lens using the handheld remote control (which also covers the lens for privacy when the Connect isn’t in use). The camera provides 1080p and 720p video modes, with 4X digital zoom, and its 90-degree field of view is good for stepping back and giving presentations, or covering small groups in an office. There are two internal microphones, and the Connect also can work as a speakerphone for audio calls, using Bluetooth to connect to your mobile devices. It even includes a rechargeable battery so that you can quickly pick it up and carry it from room to room, allowing you to use it as a standalone speakerphone without requiring a USB connection to your PC or Mac. Pros:
Sleek cylindrical designPortable and can be used with the built-in batteryHandheld remote control doubles as privacy cover
Cons:
Expensive at $499No optical zoom or digital panning
1080p resolution90-degree viewing angle with auto focusAdjustable stand allows you to capture multiple angles
Logitech has been in the webcam business for decades, and its current range covers everything from low-cost cameras for home users right up to boardroom video-conferencing systems costing thousands of pounds. But if you’re after an affordable business-quality webcam, then the C930e is a good place to start. Equipped with a high-quality glass lens, the C930e delivers 1080p resolution – which can be scaled down to 720p if required – and a 90-degree viewing angle with autofocus, so that you can step back to a whiteboard for presentations if need be. There’s also 4X digital zoom for close-up work, dual microphones. and a privacy shutter in case you’ve just stumbled out of bed in the morning. You can tilt and swivel the camera on its adjustable stand, which can be clipped onto a laptop or external monitor. There’s a tripod connector, too, though you’ll need to provide the tripod yourself. Pros:
No-frills webcam with excellent video qualityPrivacy shutter built-in4X digital zoom for distant showcases
Cons:
No optical zoomVery basic form and functionality for the price
Features 8-inch touchscreen5MP cameraSupports Bluetooth
Lenovo’s handy little VOIP 360 Camera Speaker seems to have been discontinued, but the company recently launched a new range of ThinkSmart collaboration devices that includes a variety of video and audio devices for home and office use. The ThinkSmart View is an unusual option for video calls, effectively acting as a self-contained terminal. The all-in-one unit combines a touch-sensitive 8-inch screen with 1280 by 800 resolution, a 5MP camera, twin microphones and a built-in speaker. And rather than using USB to connect directly to your computer, it uses Wi-Fi to connect to your home or office network. It also supports Bluetooth, so you can use a wireless headset or external speakers if you want. The ThinkSmart View is available directly from Lenovo, and costs $349.99. However, there are two versions of the View, designed for either Zoom or Microsoft Teams, so make sure you choose the right one. Pros:
8-inch display to interact and take video calls withSpecially designed versions for Zoom and Microsoft TeamsSupports live captions and subtitles
Cons:
Camera angle is not adjustableMust be recharged, unlike traditional webcams
360-degree camera with HD videoSplit screen effectMicrophone with an 18-foot radius
Owl Labs made quite a splash when it launched the first Meeting Owl back in 2018, and the company followed up that success with the updated Pro model (the original Meeting Owl is still available from a few online retailers, so make sure you select the correct model). Today, its latest and greatest is the Meeting Owl 3. The Meeting Owl 3 is priced at $999, admittedly rather expensive for simply working from home, but it’s an excellent option for small groups that may want to maintain social distancing while working in a huddle room. The Meeting Owl 3’s most innovative feature is its 360-degree camera, which provides HD video (1920x1080) with a split-screen effect that shows a panoramic view of the entire room along with a close-up Smart Zooming view of the current speaker. You can also lock the camera onto a specific part of the room, which can be useful for individuals who are giving presentations or lectures while working from home. The Meeting Owl 3 also includes a built-in microphone with an 18-foot (5.49m) radius so that you can all spread out a little and a “tri-speaker” for room-filling sound. Pros:
360-degree camera captures everythingBuilt-in tri-speaker is great for groupsSmart software features to focus on presenters
Cons:
Very expensive at $999
4K webcamAI-powered facial recognition (supports Windows Hello)Two microphones
Cisco recently announced a new range of Webex Desk devices aimed at both home and office workers, and the first to arrive is the Webex Desk Camera. You can’t buy directly from Cisco, unfortunately, but it’s worth shopping around online as the Desk Camera is a competitively priced 4K (3840x2160) webcam, costing around $170 or £160 (inc. VAT) from Cisco’s third-party resellers. It’s designed for use in low-light conditions for people working from home, and uses a combination of auto-focus and AI-powered face-recognition to keep you in focus. The face-recognition features also allow it to support Windows Hello for extra security. Adding to the Webex Desk Camera’s value for money are twin microphones that support better-than-CD 48KHz stereo audio. It can work as a conventional webcam, clipping onto a laptop screen or an external monitor but also can work alongside other Webex Desk products, and provides remote management features for IT departments via the Webex Control Hub. Pros:
4K high-resolution outputFace-recognition supports Windows HelloRemote management features via Webex Control Hub
Cons:
Chunkier than the standard webcamLimited availability
