Best webcam 2021: Top cameras for video calling

 


(Pocket-lint) - A great webcam is one of the absolute must-haves for any aspiring streamer, but that's not to say that they're exclusively for creators of content.

If you still use your computer as part of a remote working arrangement for video calls, whether occasionally or regular, a great webcam is a very useful tool. You may have a webcam on your laptop already of course, but you just want to boost the quality.

All of these webcams are capable of at least 720p HD, some of which can achieve 1080p Full HD and even 4K Ultra HD as well.

However, it's also a very competitive market, with lots of cameras to choose from and a lot of lists of specs that at first glance look very alike.

That's exactly why we took the time to comb the market for you, whittling down the masses into a helpful shortlist, accounting for various budgets, with some of the very best models out there. Check out the ones below.

Our pick of the best webcams to buy today


Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000



There's a fair chance you just want a webcam to make sure that if you decide to make the odd video call, you're not sunk, and are also keen to keep costs down. Microsoft has a very solid range of affordable cameras, none more so than the HD-3000 LifeCam.

It's super cheap, but it records fantastic 1080p video and has decent audio recording in the kit (720p when live). It's perfect for Skype calls, and a fairly convincing choice at a great price.

Logitech C922 Pro Stream



Whether it's delivering buttery-smooth Full HD footage for live streaming, or picking up consistent audio for all-important conference calls, we think Logitech's C922 can really do anything you need it to. It's not by any means, cheap, though.

It also has excellent low-light performance to ensure that you won't be capturing a washed-out mess even though you're filming in the dead of night. Good adaptability makes for a wonderful webcam.

Logitech Streamcam



Another excellent webcam from Logitech is the Logitech Streamcam. This one is a little more costly, but is specifically built for streamers with a variety of features that make it efficient and helpful. Not only is it capable of recording 1080p video at 60FPS, it also has numerous mounting options that mean that it can be used in both landscape and portrait modes.

The Streamcam can be used to capture portrait-style square videos that are ideal for Instagram and the like. It also comes with Capture software from Logitech that allows you to do all kinds of stuff, including adding filters, text overlays, other sources, and more. Highlights for us, however are the excellent autofocus capabilities and quality of video capture that make it well worth owning the Streamcam.

Razer Kiyo


However if you are more serious about the streaming side of things, and particularly if you understand that you are likely to record mostly in low-light or evening environments, gaming expert Razer has made a webcam doozy for you.

Thanks to the ring of soft LED light around its lens, the Kiyo almost looks like the selfie-camera of an influencer, but that means it has great lighting to go with its 1080p resolution. It's quick and easy to use and in no time can get your stream look professional.

Logitech BRIO



Logitech makes another entry on our list, with a webcam that is likely to be beyond the imaginary budgets of most people, but brings to the table the increasingly important 4K video option. It also has HDR on board, making for a seriously impressive image quality.

There are a few nice touches to let you get into your PC with a look, such as Windows Hello, plus a 90-degree field of view to get decent viewing angles. It's expensive, but if 4K is your goal, it's a huge scream.

Microsoft LifeCam Studio




That said, if you want to invest only one more shade, one of Microsoft's other cameras is Aukey's real competitor. The LifeCam Studio is more costly than the HD-3000 above but the higher price is explained by better performance.

It's a pretty serious-looking webcam, perfect in a home study for boardrooms or workplaces but equally useful. As standard, it has great live 720p recording and 1080p resolution, plus a wideband microphone that allows for clear audio. It's a perfect choice if you need a webcam for work and are able to invest a little more on high quality.











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