In an age where we are constantly in online meetings, whether in an interview or debrief with your boss, it is important to look professional and your overall best. So how can this be done? A good start to looking good on a webcam is simply to have a good webcam.
Although it may seem obvious, finding the right webcam for you and your device may be more complicated than you think. To ease some of this stress, below we have listed some of the best webcams to use, along with their advantages, disadvantages, additional features, costs, and more.
There are many options for finding the right webcam for you. Maybe the one on your computer already works just fine or you might have to buy a more expensive one. In either case, what’s most important is finding the one that will make you look the best on camera.
This post will provide the six best webcams to use that will help you nail your upcoming interview or boost your confidence in your next meeting. Whatever it is, you don’t want to go in with a blurry image or zoomed-in face.
Why is Finding the Best Webcam Important?
Having a good webcam means having high resolution, a high frame rate, and the opportunity to have a productive meeting. It is so important to have the best webcam because it allows you to look more professional and prepared for anything that comes your way.
Barely being able to be seen or constantly glitching can be extremely annoying for you and whoever you are talking to, but could also lead to the end of a meeting or interview. No one wants to deal with technological issues while trying to do business, and that is why we are going to help by listing the best possible webcams below.
6 Top Rated Webcams
1. Logitech Webcam HD Pro C920
The Logitech C920 has exceptional quality, at an affordable price. At around $70 on Amazon, it is one of the cheaper webcams you can buy without sacrificing quality. It also provides a sturdy build that you can rely on to last awhile without breaking or malfunctioning. In some markets, they list this as one of the best webcams you can buy. It is easy to use, has great autofocus, and offers a multitude of mounting options.
Along with these qualities, the Logitech C920 has some minor disadvantages that may steer you from purchasing. This webcam does not come with a built-in lens cover, but you can easily buy ones online for pretty cheap prices.
If you are a user looking for a wider frame of view, I would recommend steering clear of this product because it does not show much of your background. While it comes with a built-in microphone, it is not very good, so that’s something to keep in mind if you also needed a new mic.
Other than these critiques, this is a top-rated webcam that has many positive reviews and has worked well for many users before. If you are on a bit of a budget and are satisfied with the specifications above, this is the perfect camera for you.
2. Logitech Brio 4K Pro
The Logitech Brio 4K, although a little more on the pricey side at around $160, provides its owners with several useful features. This webcam has an amazing image with a well-reviewed autofocus that makes videoing yourself easy. It also comes with a built-in microphone with amazing quality, so you will not have to worry about the other expense of buying one separately.
What’s great about this webcam is that it includes auto white balance which adjusts the color balance according to your lighting so you do not appear washed out. It has a glass lens and comes with a privacy shutter to attach if you desire for the camera to be blocked at any point.
The Logitech Brio is also one of the few webcams that support 4K Ultra HD 2160p/30fps, which is a fancy way to say the image is very clear.
One of the few negative things about this webcam is that it is expensive. However, if you want something that is going to be worth your money and impress whoever you are talking to online, this is the camera to buy.
3. Microsoft LifeCam
The Microsoft LifeCam can provide something that the other webcams cannot and that is Microsoft’s true color technology. This software adjusts to the environment and colors you are surrounded by in order to provide the most flattering image of yourself.
The LifeCam also comes with a built-in well-performing microphone to spare you the cost of buying one separately, and has a glass lens. It’s not too expensive and goes for around $65 on Amazon.
Some cons of this product include a more awkward, rigid, build that sometimes is difficult to mount on top of the computer you are using. Reviews also say it does not have the best image quality at around 720p. There is no zoom feature on this product, so the user would have to manually move it closer or farther depending on the angle you desire.
This camera is said to be too expensive for the quality of the image, but ultimately, can work for you if you desire the true color technology or want a reliable built-in microphone.
4. Logitech HD Webcam C310
At only $35, the Logitech HD Webcam C310 is the cheapest webcam on this list. The Logitech brand is very reliable and makes good cameras so you already know you cannot go wrong with this one. It shoots at 720p for HD videos creating a clear image.
Because the Logitech HD Webcam C310is extremely light, it can be easily mounted on either a laptop or desktop with two swivel points. Additionally, it comes with a built-in noise-reducing mic that can be used even in noisier settings. This camera also includes the auto-light correcting feature making you appear clearer and brighter to the viewer.
Reviews say it is very easy to use and can be plugged right into the device you are using.
Although there are many positives to buying this webcam, there are of course some flaws with it. For example, some critics say it has a weak low-light performance and is produced cheaply. It is also said to have a faulty mounting mechanism that isn’t totally reliable. Overall, if you are looking for something reliable that you will be using well into the future, I would not recommend this webcam. However, if you just want something cheap and basic, this is a good option.
5. Razer Kiyo Pro
The Razer Kiyo Pro is a very good webcam and costs around $62. It comes with a built-in ring-light surrounding the camera which helps with the user’s image quality. It is designed more for streaming with a well-performing lighting system that you can adjust to the environment you are in. Its features include autofocus, high definition, motion-detecting, and low light.
This webcam is mainly raved about for its amazing lighting abilities, however, it may not be the best to use for Zoom. It has been reported to be a little bit finicky with the app and may not be the best cam to rely on for an important meeting on Zoom. It is mainly made for streamers and gamers, but is still a good and well-performing webcam.
6. Built-In Camera
If your device’s built-in camera works just fine for you, it is okay to just stick with this! It is very possible that your laptop/desktop already has a quality camera that works well for you. Do not feel pressured to buy a separate camera if you have one you are satisfied with.
I would recommend researching your device’s camera, quality, and durability. The most recent Mac in 2021, is said to have the best webcam yet for their products. With 1080p video qualities, it delivers a clear image of who you’re talking to.
I don’t think it needs to be stated, but using your built-in cameras is a beneficial convenience and saves you money. If you have an older computer, I would recommend buying a separate webcam because you are more likely to have issues with an older model.
Choosing the Best Webcam for You
Whether you buy the Microsoft LifeCam or the Logitech Brio 4K Pro, you can’t go wrong with a webcam from this list. However, it is still important to research and find the one that is going to work best and make you look your best. Having to leave an important meeting because your image is fuzzy or your camera is going in and out, is never a good look.
Reading about these cameras will ensure that you find the correct one if you do not want to use your laptop’s built-in cam. Go through the listed webcams above and find which is best for your budget, computer, and use. It will make all the difference in your next meeting for work.