Video conferencing is clearly part of our new normal, and if you’re working from home, and you probably need a webcam. Most major webcams are sold out and slow to get restocked, but there are plenty of webcams with lesser-known names you can buy on Amazon for a fraction of the price. The question is, are they any good?
We purchased six inexpensive webcams from Amazon, got them in two days, and compared them with each other and with two major name-brand models to see how they stack up.
Left: Razer Kiyo. Right: Logitech C922
We’ll start with two name-brand webcams to establish a baseline. The Logitech C922 is a $100 model that can record 1080p video at 30fps and 720p at 60fps. It features autofocus and light correction, a 78-degree field of view, and stereo microphones. The C922 also comes with a desktop tripod, so you can use it on a flat surface, as well as on the top of your monitor. All of the non-name-brand webcams we tested don’t have a tripod, but they do feature monitor clips similar in design to the C922’s.
The C922 is a small but nicely built, measuring just under four inches wide and just over an inch tall. The lens is tiny, but that’s standard for webcams. The stereo microphones are a welcome touch, letting you capture mono or stereo audio, and generally getting a nice, full sound.
The monitor clip is a flat slab of black plastic on a hinge, with soft-touch rubber on the underside and on a small foot that flips down to help stabilize the webcam against the back of your monitor. You can also fold the clip closed and use a built-in tripod hole with the included tripod, or any standard tripod.
The C922 captures a nicely exposed picture, though facial details look a bit soft. The stereo microphones pick up my voice well enough to hear, but it's rife with echoes and sounds distant.
The Razer Kiyo is another $100 webcam. It can capture video at 1080p30 or 720p60, and features an 81.6-degree field of view. It doesn’t have stereo microphones or a tripod like the C922, but it features a built-in LED ring light for illuminating your face even in dark settings.
The Kiyo is completely circular, with the lens mounted directly in the center and the white ring light around it. The sides of the camera are a movable dial for adjusting the brightness of the ring light when in use. The monitor clip is a thick, puck-shaped base that folds to work as a tabletop stand, or unfolds to attach to the top of your screen. It also features a tripod mount hole.
The camera captures a very sharp picture, showing lots of detail in my beard and on my shirt. Unfortunately, the microphone is so soft that it's nearly unusable; speaking clearly at the same volume at which I addressed the C922, all I can hear is a quiet mumble in my test recording.
So among the more expensive, name-brand webcams, the C922 offers better sound, while the Kiyo offers a far superior picture. Neither is particularly excellent overall, with each showing some form of weakness in either visual clarity or sound quality.
The much more expensive $170 Logitech StreamCam shows neither of these issues, with good sound and sharp 1080p60 video, but it’s nearly twice the price of either of these name-brand webcams, and several times more expensive than the affordable models we tested.
Webcam Test FootageWebcam Test Footage
Now that we’ve established a name-brand baseline for webcams, let’s look at the lesser-known webcams we got on Amazon. Above is a comparison video we shot of all eight webcams, so you can see the difference between them yourself.
$49.99
at Amazon
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The Nexigo webcam is clearly aping the Kiyo’s design, with a circular body and an LED ring light built around the lens. The ring light is adjusted through a silver touch sensor just below the lens, rather than a rotating dial on the body of the camera. It sports stereo microphones, seen through two small holes on the back. The monitor clip is about as well-designed as the C922’s; it unfolds with an extra foot to help stabilize the camera when it’s mounted on the top of a monitor, and it features a tripod screw mount as well.
Video quality is about on par or slightly below the C922, with a generally slightly fuzzy picture. The lens is also a fair bit tighter than the C922's or Kiyo’s lenses, even though the product page says it’s “wide angle.” Sound quality is markedly worse than the C922, though it’s actually audible, which puts it a step above the Kiyo.
$29.99
at Amazon
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The Jelly Comb is one of the nicer-looking webcams I tested, with a horizontal cylindrical design featuring a prominent lens and a strip of silver to break up the black plastic. The lens mount tells two lies about microphones, however, with twin sets of molded “pinholes” of solid plastic to give the impression of a set of stereo microphones, and a bit of metal grille tucked to the right to hint at another microphone larger than what’s actually on the webcam. In reality, the webcam’s mic is the tiny pinhole to the right of the lens mount. The monitor clip is nearly identical to the one on the Nexigo, with the flip-out foot and tripod mount.
The test recording I made with this webcam offers some of the best sound, tempered by one of the worst pictures of the bunch. My voice can be heard more clearly than on the C922, but every detail in frame looks fuzzy.
$49.99
at Amazon
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The Vitade webcam is nearly identical to the Nexigo, except its ring light is circular rather than pinched in on the sides. It has the same body shape, the same touch sensor for the ring light (which is also weaker than the light on the Kiyo), and the same monitor clip as both the Nexigo and the Jelly Comb.
This is where you can start to see that many of these webcams are using some of the same parts. It comes through on the video quality side, as well. The picture and sound on the Vitade are identical to the Nexigo: The lens is a bit tight, the audio is muffled, and the picture is a little fuzzy, but not unusable for video chat.
$19.89
at Amazon
See It
This is the biggest webcam of the group, and the only one with a removable cable. All of the other models, including the C922 and Kiyo, have hardwired USB cables, while the Depstech camera has a micro USB port on the back. Other than that, the design is big and dull, with a large, pill-shaped black plastic body with a flat face featuring a lens set in the center. There are stereo microphones, and they’re actually mounted on the front unlike the Nexigo and Vitade. It really cuts corners on the monitor clip, though, as it doesn’t have a stabilizing foot or a tripod mount.
The Depstech webcam can record at QHD (2,560 by 1,440), making it the highest resolution of all the webcams in this group. That said, I captured test video at 1080p to compare the general video quality with the other webcams directly, for consistency.
This camera has one of the widest lenses of the group, capturing a frame as large as the Kiyo’s. It isn’t quite as sharp, but it’s serviceable. The sound is the big surprise here, though. The microphones on the Depstech webcam are the most sensitive I’ve experienced on any webcam yet. This isn’t necessarily a good thing, however; you can hear the audio clipping from me speaking at a fairly normal volume, and my voice sounds like an adult from a Peanuts cartoon.
$13.99
at Amazon
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The Whew webcam looks like a thinner version of the Depstech, with a lens in the center and a single pinhole microphone instead of stereo. The monitor clip is downright tiny, and again lacks a stabilizing foot (so securing it to the top of your monitor might be tricky) or tripod mount.
It has a relatively narrow lens, like the Nexigo and the Vitade. Audio and video quality are also very similar, with a somewhat fuzzy picture and muffled sound. I wouldn’t be surprised if the internals of the camera are nearly identical to the Nexigo and Vitade, just without the ring light.
$24.99
at Amazon
See It
Finally, we come to a shameless knockoff of the C922, the Firsting webcam. It’s clearly designed to look like the Logitech model, with distinctive stereo microphone “ears” to the sides of the lens. But it's not as well-made as the C922, with far fewer details, a flimsier build, and no indicator light. It comes with a tiny monitor clip with no foot or tripod mount.
Video from the Firsting is fuzzy, but the sound is among the best of the group. Audio is clear, even if it has a slightly muffled echo. While it looks and feels cheap, the Whew's performance is quite decent across the board.
Well, the good news is that all of these inexpensive webcams you can buy on Amazon work decently. Considering they cost a fraction of the price, it isn't surprising that none have video quality that comes close to the Razer Kiyo, and only one has sound quality that approaches the Logitech C922. These are still perfectly usable webcams, and are likely a slight upgrade over what's built into your laptop.
Sound quality is an issue across the board, not simply for the Amazon-purchased webcams, but for name-brand models as well. Unless your room is an acoustically ideal space, you should seriously consider getting a separate microphone or using a headset with a decent boom mic for much better audio quality than anything these webcams can capture. A Blue Snowball Ice mic is just $50, and will result in much clearer sound than a webcam's microphone can provide.
It's also worth noting that if you have a decent digital camera, you might not need to buy a webcam at all. Check out our guide to using your digital camera as a webcam to get started.
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The best budget webcam may not cost much but it will be a vast improvement on your laptop's internal webcam. And so you'll both look and sound better on your Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and other videoconferencing platforms.
Alternatively, you could spend hundreds on the best 4K webcams, but do you really need to? After all, most of the webcams on this list cost less than $50 / £50 at the time of writing, yet still offer great-quality video and audio.
Below you'll find the best cheap webcams available today, for Windows computers and Macs, covering a range of prices, and with resolutions ranging from 780p to 1080p Full HD. However, if there's something specific you need that isn't catered for here, see our general guide to the best webcams.
Our top picks
Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.
Best budget webcam overall
(Image credit: Amy Davies/Digital Camera World)
The eMeet c960 is our pick as the best budget webcam overall. It's easy and straightforward to set up and is compatible with both Windows and Mac. With Full HD 1080p video at 30fps, and a 90-degree field of view, the picture quality is very good. You can angle the camera up and downwards, and if you're in a dimly lit room, you'll appreciate the in-built auto low-light correction tech. Plus you get a privacy cover and good audio from two omnidirectional noise reduction mics.
As you'd expect from the price, this is fairly basic. For example, there's no digital zoom and no autofocus. But it'll still make your video calls look and sound much better than your computer's in-built webcam, for a low price indeed.
For more details, see our eMeet C960 webcam review.
Best budget webcam for business
(Image credit: Microsoft)
Best for business use
Average Amazon review:Resolution:
1080p
Sensor:
5MP
Frame rate:
30fps
Field of view:
75 degrees
System requirements:
Windows 7 or later, Mac 10.7+
Privacy shutter:
No
Size:
45 x 60 x 114mm
Weight:
128g
View at NeweggView at AmazonView at Amazon+
HD video recording
+
5MP still
+
Crystal-clear audio
-
No privacy shutter
If you're looking for a webcam for business use, but are short on funds, then here's a great option. The LifeCam Studio from Microsoft is currently discounted on Amazon on both sides of the Atlantic, bringing it into the realm of cheap webcams, but still has some pretty high-end features.
These include a Full HD 1080p resolution for video recordings, and up to 720p on video calls. The CMOS sensor lets you take 5MP stills, and the 75° diagonal field of view and 360° rotation capability make it easy to capture everything that's going on. Audio is high quality, too, thanks to the inclusion a wideband microphone, and it boasts Microsoft’s TrueColor system for more accurate colors. Finally, although you might not expect it of a Microsoft product, it works with Macs as well as Windows computers.
Best budget 4K webcam
(Image credit: Depstech)
The best budget 4K webcam
Average Amazon review:Resolution:
4K
Sensor:
1/3” Sony CMOS
Frame rate:
30fps
Privacy shutter:
Yes
Field of view:
80 degrees
Compatible with:
Windows, Mac OS
Size:
16 x 9.1 x 8.1 cm
Weight:
175g
View at AmazonView at AmazonView at Amazon+
4K picture quality
+
Dual mics
+
Noise cancelling tech
-
4K is overkill for most uses
Most, if not all, 4K webcams cost much more than this - but if you want the best in image quality than this is a great opion. The Depstech 4K webcam, comes with noise cancelling dual mics, that will pick up your voice and filter out background noise automatically.
Its picture quality is pretty darned good, too, thanks to an 8MP Sony CMOS sensor and intelligent autofocus, making this webcam a great choice for streaming. It comes with a tripod and a flexible clip supporting 360 degrees horizontal adjustment. Do be warned that many online services do not support 4K, so you won't always see the benefit from the increased resolution.
Best budget webcam for portability
(Image credit: Jessica Weatherbed/Digital Camera World)
The C310 HD, like the rest of the cheap webcams on our list, does not offer Full HD resolution. However, 720p at 30fps will be good enough for most purposes. And on the plus side, this device is very easy to set up. It's also very small (71 x 31 x 26mm) and super-light (75g).
This cheap webcam boasts auto light correction tech and noise reduction, but in practice, we didn't find either of these strikingly effective. So we'd mainly recommend this one if smallness and lightness are your priority; if you have a Chromebook (it's compatible with Chrome OS); or if you find one very cheap.
For more details, see our Logitech C310 webcam review.
Best budget webcam for versatility
(Image credit: Logitech)
The best budget webcam for mounting versatility
Average Amazon review:Resolution:
720p
Sensor:
1.2MP
Frame rate:
30fps
Field of view:
60 degrees
System requirements:
Windows 7 or later / Mac 10.10 or later / Chrome OS
Size:
73 x 32 x 67mm
Weight:
75g
Privacy shutter:
No
View at WalmartView at AmazonView at Dell+
Long range microphone
+
Longer cable than most
+
Low price
-
Not the cheapest
Logitech has a number of sub-$50 webcams available right now, and they're all pretty good. The C505e is very similar to the c310 (number 4 on our list); the main differences are the long-range microphone and extra-long cable.
The former is a single, omnidirectional mic with noise-reduction technology, which is engineered to support clear conversation up to 3m away, even in busy environments. The latter is a seven-foot long USB-A cable, along with a universal clip, giving you huge flexibility in terms of where to position your webcam.
See also Best Logitech webcams
Best cheap webcam
(Image credit: Alistair Charlton/Digital Camera World)
At the time of writing, the C270 is the cheapest Logitech webcam on our list, despite being very similar to the C310 (number 4 on our list). That said, you do get a less powerful sensor (3MP to the C310's 5MP) and the field of view is slightly narrower (55 degrees, to the C310's 60 degrees).
Also, note that the C310 is a bit bulkier. On the whole, though, both webcams offer 780p resolution at 30fps, both are around the same weight, and both are compatible with Windows, Mac, and ChromeOS. So if every penny counts to you, the C270 is definitely worth considering.
For more details, see our Logitech C270 HD review.
Best budget webcam for features
(Image credit: Microsoft)
The best budget webcam for features
Average Amazon review:Resolution:
720p
Sensor:
1MP
Frame rate:
30fps
Field of view:
73 degrees
System requirements:
Windows
Privacy shutter:
No
Size:
51 x 128 x 129mm
Weight:
95g
View at AmazonView at AmazonView at Newegg+
Quality sensor
+
Autofocus
+
5x digital zoom
-
Windows only
Microsoft is a reliable and trusted tech brand, and a recent drop in price means its LifeCam Cinema webcam is now within the realms of "cheap". Note, though, that it's only compatible with Windows, so if you're using a Mac or Chromebook, you'll need to look elsewhere.
Otherwise, this well-made webcam has a lot to offer. With a quality, precision-cut, 5MP CMOS sensor, you'll enjoy a great picture with 720p resolution. And you'll benefit from a range of features, including TrueColor Technology, digital pan, tilt, and 5x digital zoom, auto focus (ranging from 6 inches to infinity), and automatic image adjustment with manual override.
Also consider
(Image credit: Alistair Charlton/Digital Camera World)
If you're watching the pennies, then the Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 offers a significantly cheaper alternative to the LifeCam Cinema, featured above. In fact, at the time of writing, it's the cheapest webcam we can recommend today (as long as you have a Windows computer to use it with).
Like the former, you still get 720p resolution, a noise-reducing microphone, and TrueColor technology. The main things you're compromising on are the lack of autofocus, a narrower viewing angle, a less powerful (4MP) sensor, and a more limited digital zoom (4x). But given the current price differential, you may well find that acceptable.
For more details, see our Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 review
FAQs
For a budget webcam, a resolution of 720p should generally be considered sufficient for most video conferencing and online communication needs. This level of resolution provides a good balance between image quality and bandwidth requirements. If your budget allows for it, though, you'd ideally opt for a webcam with 1080p resolution or higher for even better image clarity.
A frame rate of 30 frames per second (fps) is generally considered sufficient for video conferencing, online streaming, and casual content creation. Keep in mind, though, that other factors such as resolution, low-light performance, and autofocus capabilities also contribute to overall video quality. If you're streaming professionally though, you may want to consider a webcam with a higher frame rate. (And indeed, you shouldn't really be looking for a budget webcam if this is going to be your job!).
Yes, many budget webcams come equipped with built-in microphones. However, it's essential to note that the audio quality can vary between cheap webcams. If high-quality audio is crucial for your needs, you may want to consider investing in a separate microphone.
How to choose the best budget webcam
Finding the best budget webcam for you involves considering which features are most important to you. First, how essential is high picture quality? When it comes to resolution, 720p is often sufficient for basic video calls, opting for a 1080p webcam can provide clearer and more detailed images. But you should also consider each webcam's low-light performance, autofocus capabilities, and field of view.
Frame rate is another crucial aspect. A standard frame rate of 30fps is generally sufficient for most applications, but if you engage in activities like gaming or high-speed movements, a webcam with a higher frame rate might be preferable for smoother video playback.
Built-in microphones are common in webcams, but their quality can vary. Ensure the microphone meets your audio needs or be prepared to invest in a separate microphone for improved sound quality.
How we test the best budget webcams
We test all webcams in the same way, whether they're priced high or low. We thoroughly examine each model by subjecting it to everyday tasks, including video calls, conference sessions, streaming and recording sessions.
Our testing process places a strong emphasis on image quality, going beyond the specifications listed on paper, such as resolution and frame rate. Our evaluation extends to assessing color and clarity under diverse lighting conditions, encompassing both natural and artificial light, bright and dark environments. Additionally, we scrutinize the sound quality of each webcam.
Rather than solely relying on technical specifications, we focus on real-world scenarios to provide a comprehensive understanding of each webcam's capabilities. This meticulous testing approach ensures that our recommendations are based on practical performance.
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