Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2: review

Looking to grab a camera for your Nintendo Switch 2? Well, the Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 is a cheaper option that provides video functionality for both GameChat and certain in-game features.

This model comes from video game accessory player Hori, but is actually licensed by Nintendo itself. It’s a pretty interesting model, offering a flexible design that works for both docked and handheld modes. You can insert it directly into your Nintendo Switch 2 via its USB-C connector, or you can instead plug it into a base, which can be connected to your Switch 2 console with an included cable.

In fact, there’s even a clip on the underside of the base that can be used as a mount. I found this to be stable and easy to use, although it’s worth noting that it won’t fit on chunkier displays – my TV, for example, proved to be too thick. Still, the overall versatility of the camera’s design is something that I look for when testing the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories, and it is highly practical.

Just generally, this camera is well designed. It’s phenomenally compact and lightweight, making it easy to fit into a top-class case, like the Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case, for example. The camera can also be angled to your liking, there’s an effective privacy shutter on board, and it’s got a classy, albeit basic, black finish.

Sure, it doesn’t have the pizzazz of the Hori Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 – that model’s main selling point – but if you’re looking for something understated, then it isn’t half bad.

But with regret, this is where my praise starts to run dry for Hori’s Nintendo Switch 2 accessory. Why? Well, if you’re looking for strong performance, then Hori’s USB Camera is not for you. It has the same specs as the Piranha Plant camera, meaning it offers a 480p resolution. Yes, that’s the same quality we saw on the Nintendo DSi, which was released in… 2008. Ouch.

That low resolution means that you’re getting pretty dismal picture quality overall. The camera made my face look blurry, with finer details like lines on my face and individual hairs looking blocky and poorly defined. If you’re using the camera in TV mode and sitting at a distance, the restrictions of 480p are even more prominent. A logo on my clothing melded into a blob, and everything in my room lacked clarity.

Even colors look washed out, lacking saturation and that true-to-life tone you’d hope for. When I switched over to the 1080p official Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, these issues were thrown into even sharper relief. With that model, I was instantly struck by more eye-popping colors, with the striking red of a Switch 2 game box and the delicate pink of flowers in my living room a joy to behold. Sure, my face still wasn’t incredibly clear at a distance, but it appeared far less blurry than it did with the Hori USB Camera.

One more small thing. The field of view on the Hori USB Camera isn’t fantastic. At 85 degrees, it can cram a decent amount into the picture, but again, the 110 degrees you get from the official Switch 2 camera is optimized far better for those who want to get four or more players in view, say.

I want to make one thing clear, though. Despite its low resolution and fairly limited field of view, the Hori USB Camera is, at least, functional. I didn’t experience any bugs or compatibility issues, 30fps performance was pretty consistent, and it tracked my face pretty well when playing Mario Kart World.

Another thing worth considering is that Hori’s USB Camera is usually a fair bit cheaper than the official Switch 2 camera. Although this model has a list price of $59.99 / £29.99 / AU$64.95, I’m already seeing it go for less, with some online retailers selling it for under $35 / £20 / AU$45. Meanwhile, the official camera launched at $54.99 / £49.99 / AU$69.95, and is usually full price in the US – though I’ve spotted it going for less than £30 in the UK and AU$60 in Australia.

Is this model worth buying, then? Well, for the majority of people, I’m tempted to say no. There are the obvious issues, like poor picture quality and color replication, but it’s also worth flagging that there aren’t tons of games that support camera functionality. A few titles – like Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV and Mario Kart World – have segments that use video, but the list of supported software is slim at the moment.

If you simply need a camera that functions and is easy to use, then this model works. It’s a little cheaper than the official model, and is pleasingly flexible too. But the Piranha Plant alternative is similarly priced and has a fun factor that the USB Camera lacks, meaning it ends up being a fairly hard sell.

Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 review: price & specs

Should I buy the Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 review: also consider

How I tested the Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2

• Tested across the course of one week
• Used at home in handheld and TV mode
• Compared directly against rival models

I used the Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 within a one-week testing period, assessing every aspect of its performance and design. For the most part, I had it set up with my Nintendo Switch 2 docked and connected to the Sky Glass Gen 2 TV.

For the testing itself, I made use of the Switch 2’s USB Camera testing function in the settings menu, but also used it while playing Mario Kart World online. I also compared it against the official Switch 2 camera to judge picture quality, color accuracy, and motion.

I’ve tested a whole lot of Nintendo Switch 2 accessories here at TechRadar – everything from rival camera models through to the Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector and PowerA Wired Earbuds for Nintendo Switch 2. I’ve also owned a Nintendo Switch 2 from launch, and have reviewed a range of games for the console, like Kirby Air Riders and Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake.

• Read more about how we test
• First reviewed: December 2025

In today’s work-anywhere culture, people are more connected than ever. As work becomes more mobile and meetings more virtual, one form of cyber threat is quietly becoming more common: audio surveillance.

Cybersecurity now extends far beyond protecting email accounts and stored files. In a hybrid working environment, where conversations happen over video conferencing, voice messages and shared screens, it’s not only your data that is at risk. The conversation itself can become a target.

And here is the reality, according to Forbes, an overwhelming 95% of all cybersecurity breaches are caused by human error. This includes everything from sharing sensitive information without proper safeguards to joining calls over unsecured networks.

It doesn’t always take a sophisticated hack to cause real damage. Sometimes, the risk comes from the tools we trust, the places we connect from or the assumptions we make about who’s listening.

The illusion of safety

Imagine opening your laptop at a coffee shop, putting on your headset and jumping into a client meeting. The connection seems strong, the audio is crystal clear and everything feels just right. But what if someone else is eavesdropping?

In hybrid work, we often step outside the secure walls of the office and into environments we can’t control. That flexibility is a defining feature of modern productivity, but it also opens the doors to silent risks. An unsecured café Wi-Fi network, for instance, can make it remarkably easy for malicious actors to intercept audio streams or access shared content without detection.

Every call, screen share and calendar invite can include sensitive materials, such as financial data, customer details, upcoming campaigns, or internal strategy. A breach of confidential information could result in serious consequences, including regulatory penalties, disciplinary action, financial and reputational liability, or even job loss.

Recent research published in ScienceDirect highlights just how vulnerable virtual collaboration can be. A comprehensive review of video conferencing platforms revealed persistent security flaws, including weak encryption protocols and insufficient access controls, that leave meetings open to unauthorized access and potential surveillance.

For hybrid professionals working from hotels, shared spaces or home networks, this means even the most routine call could be silently compromised if the right safeguards aren’t in place.

More than just a call

In hybrid work, our headsets, webcams and conferencing tools have become the new endpoints of trust. But here’s the uncomfortable truth; a headset isn’t just a device, it’s a data hub that carries voice, client queries, business sensitive information and, in many cases, biometric data like tone, speech patterns and emotional cues.

The risks aren’t just external either. With the rise of AI, even internal tools are learning from the voices of everyone in a company. If not built securely, they could share that information with more than just your team. We live in a world where what we say can be stored, analyzed and even weaponized.

That’s why companies are rethinking how they protect their people, not just their files. Security isn’t just about firewalls anymore, and IT teams need to consider about everything from what a headset hears to how your video bar streams to the cloud.

The quietest threats are the loudest warnings

It’s easy to spot a phishing email or a suspicious link. But the more subtle threats, like unsecured pairing between a headset and a laptop, or a public connection masking malicious intent, are the ones that slip through the cracks.

Imagine walking into a crowded room and announcing your company’s quarterly results out loud. You’d never do it. But working unprotected in a public space can be equally as revealing.

As reported by Comparitech, cybercrime is projected to cost the global economy $10.5 trillion USD annually by 2025. Businesses need to think beyond whether they will be targeted or not, it’s an inevitability.

Raising the Standard

Business leaders need to adopt the ethos that the only individuals who should be on a call are the ones who’ve been invited. That’s why all devices need to have an emphasis on security.

This includes encrypting conversations, implementing secure device pairing and building-in automated defenses against man-in-the-middle attacks. And implementation alone isn’t enough, IT teams need to stress-test solutions with in-house and contracted ethical hackers. This ensures customer trust is built into the very fabric of the tools we use.

Hybrid work is here to stay, and that’s a good thing. It gives workers freedom, flexibility and balance. But with that freedom comes a new kind of responsibility: to protect the digital spaces businesses occupy, the voices employees share and the people they connect with.

The next time you plug in your headset, ask yourself “who else might be listening?”. The biggest risks don’t always come with red warning signs; sometimes, they arrive quietly, just like a spy among us.

We list the best business phone systems.

This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

In all my years of life, the thought of adding a webcam to my computer hadn’t once occurred to me. I’ve always just stuck with my built-in laptop camera and hoped for the best, and in fairness, that’s usually done an OK job for video calls.

But recently I reviewed the Insta360 Link 2C, and after integrating it into my setup, I could never ever go back to my standalone laptop cam. If you're somebody who takes a lot of video calls, streams video, creates content, or teaches online, I’d argue a webcam is an absolute must-have.

So, what exactly makes an external webcam so special? Here are 3 improvements the Insta 360 Link 2C has made to my work life; the key benefits to acquiring one of the best webcams.

1. Massively improved picture quality

A lot of laptop webcams lack the higher resolution picture quality that you can get with a top quality external option. My 1080p Windows Surface camera, for example, has nothing on the 4K quality of the Insta360 Link 2C.

Sure, you won't see premium 4K video with every video calling platforms, but if you’re a content creator or you simply want a top-tier look, 4K support is going to be a game-changer. If you take a video on the Link 2C, for example, you can get up to 4K 30fps quality – though models like the Elgato Facecam Pro can even offer 4K 60fps recording.

When switching between my Insta360 webcam and my built-in laptop camera, the former was so much better at highlighting finer details – aspects like individual hair strands, facial hairs, and markings on my face, for instance. So, if you want to show yourself in the best possible light, grabbing a 4K webcam could make a huge difference.

2. Better tracking and framing

I also really appreciate my Insta360 Link 2C's ability to track my movements and keep my face centered during any video call. The Link 2C makes use of auto-framing and AI tracking technology, which is ideal if, like me, you’re a fidgety person or moving around a large space.

What’s more, the Link 2C makes use of gesture controls, which enhance the quality of tracking. For instance, you can make an L shape with your hand and move it up or down to zoom in or out respectively. On top of that, you can hold your palm up to the webcam, which then frames the shot to your face – pretty useful!

But wait…I’m not done yet, because the Link 2C makes use of enhanced Phase Detection Auto Focus, which seamlessly captures details of objects you hold up.

Finally, there’s a whiteboard mode, which keeps anything on which you’re writing squared and in focus. If you need to be animated and use props on camera, say for online tutoring, that kind of functionality is transformative.

3. Detailed filters and customizability

Finally, I want to shine a light on the high levels of customizability you can unlock with a great webcam like the Insta360 Link 2C.

If you tap into the Insta360 Link Controller software, you can play around with a variety of picture settings including contrast, exposure, and white balance (all that good stuff). In addition, you can activate a number of filters, including blur, bokeh, and even makeup.

All of these options are most welcome if you want to optimize your picture for low-lit rooms, say, or if you want more granular control over your appearance on-screen. Luckily, a lot of other webcams offer this degree of personalization – even cheaper alternatives like the Obsbot Meet SE.

So, do you own a webcam? I’d love to hear how it’s made a difference to your setup, and which models you’ve enjoyed using, so make sure to get chatting in the comments.

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Built-in webcams have gotten pretty proficient in recent times - and for good reason. More people today than ever before rely on webcams to communicate for work, school, and creative endeavors.

So that got me thinking: does anyone really need an external webcam anymore? Maybe skating by with your laptop or phone is good enough. The more I dug into it, though, the more reasons I saw for some of us to have a webcam, and for others to stick with what they already have.

Are laptop cameras good enough?

Built-in laptop cameras are the strongest argument for no longer needing a webcam in 2025. Just about every laptop webcam you’ll see today either has a resolution of 720p or 1080p, which matches the quality you'll find in the majority of external webcams.

Combine that resolution with the suite of ever-evolving software for making the laptop image look sharper, blurring your background, and tracking your movements, and it may seem like your laptop webcam is good enough to save you from having to pay for a new camera.

And for many people, it is.

If you primarily use your webcam for the occasional video chat with family and friends, or a quick daily standup at work, you probably don't need the added benefits of a new webcam and are better off saving your money.

But as I'll delve into more later, there are a number of reasons why you may need something with a little more kick to it than what's already in your laptop.

But first, let's talk about the external webcam you already have in your pocket.

Using your phone as a webcam

I've seen this trend more and more as phone cameras improve and receive a lot of those same software benefits that laptops have gotten. It's a savvy idea: hook your iPhone or Android up to your laptop or PC and let it act as an external webcam for an easy quality boost.

TechRadar contributor Alex Blake wrote a great piece that dives into whether you should ditch the webcam for your phone, and as he discusses in the article, your phone camera is going to beat your laptop webcam almost every time.

If you're using an iPhone and a computer running macOS, this is as simple as using the Continuity Camera. For Android users (or iPhone users who want to sync up with a Windows machine) you can use one of the best webcam apps instead.

This solution does come with its own host of trials and tribulations, though.

Namely, you're going to need to position your phone somehow. The best way to do so is with a phone tripod or gimbal, though these can be tough to adjust and some are rather expensive.

Plus, you'll have to set your phone up all over again when you're done with the call or stream, whereas you can sit a webcam atop a monitor and easily reset its position.

And what if you need to use your phone during the video call, or your phone runs low on battery? You're out of luck.

Using your phone as a webcam is a solid answer for a quality upgrade, but it's not the right choice for everyone.

If you see yourself here, you may still need a webcam

There are a few main reasons I'd recommend opting for an external webcam.

If you often participate in long meetings, meet with new clients, or give presentations at work, looking your best will make a good impression and improve the quality and clarity of the call for others.

Similarly, if your laptop camera isn't quite up to snuff and you frequently work on group projects or create content and video assignments for school, a new webcam can be a boon for your classmates and grade.

Speaking of creating content, streaming has absolutely blown up in popularity in recent years, and if you're trying to stand out from the crowd, a high-quality cam can definitely set you apart.

It's also a good idea for prospecting YouTubers to look clear and presentable. It's not entirely necessary, but if you're serious about content creation, picking one of the best webcams in your budget will really improve the caliber of your content.

There are a number of features a good webcam will have that your laptop and phone simply won't, such as an adjustable mount and superior autofocus and low-light balance capabilities. Some even have excellent built-in microphones that will blow your laptop mic out of the water.

So if any of these sound like you, there's a good chance you'll benefit from picking up a new webcam. However, if your video needs consist of you jumping on a call with a friend now and then, the webcam in your laptop is very likely good enough to suffice.

If you own a laptop or desktop, chances are that you already have a 720p webcam. It's the de facto industry standard: the baseline for both laptop-integrated and standalone USB webcams.

But is it enough? These days, it's not difficult to find a third-party webcam featuring Full HD 1080p resolution – in fact, even the cheapest option in our ranking of the best webcams is FHD.

Aspects such as sharpness and color reproduction can vary greatly even between webcams of the same resolution, but at this point, the TechRadar Computing team does agree: we consider 1080p to be the most suitable starting resolution for webcams.

Is a 720p webcam good enough?

Off the face of it, then, it would certainly appear that we recommend a 1080p webcam unilaterally. More premium laptops typically have built-in 1080p webcams these days, too – and you can quite easily pick up a 4K standalone webcam online, if you're willing to spend a bit more.

Of course, that's not to say that a 720p webcam means you need to upgrade immediately – especially not if you've already got a perfectly decent laptop that doesn't otherwise need replacing.

720p is sometimes referred to as 'HD Ready', and it's still sufficient for most people. If you only use your webcam for Zoom calls with coworkers, you probably don't need to upgrade.

We care about e-waste here at TechRadar, so we won't encourage you to replace a 720p webcam that still works fine simply because you could get a higher resolution. In fact, you could also consider using your phone as a webcam, which could save you some cash.

Upgrading to 1080p and beyond

There are reasons to upgrade, though. The difference between 720p and 1080p is often pretty noticeable in practice, and the leap up to 4K is even more significant (although of course, you'll also be constrained by your display resolution, so don't shell out for a 4K webcam if you only have a 1080p monitor).

If you want to use your webcam for any sort of content creation, from livestreaming on Twitch to recording video for a podcast or YouTube videos, then you're absolutely going to need a 1080p webcam. This is effectively the 'baseline' resolution for modern content creation; 4K is obviously better, but 1080p is generally going to be sufficient since most of your audience won't be watching on 4K screens anyway.

It's also worth noting that at this point, getting a 1080p webcam isn't expensive. There are plenty of great 1080p webcams out there that won't break the bank, and as time goes on, it's likely that 720p cameras will eventually fade into obscurity (just as 480p 'Standard Definition' did before it).

If you've been contemplating upgrading, but have been concerned about price, know that it really shouldn't be a concern at this stage. HP, Obsbot, and Logitech all have great FHD webcams that don't cost a ridiculous amount.

Ultimately, whether or not you upgrade to a 1080p webcam is your choice. Even if you're not planning on creating content with your webcam and simply want to look better on calls with family and colleagues, then it's not a bad move to future-proof your setup.

Just remember: your video quality on live calls will also be dependent on the speed of your internet connection, so that may be another thing you need to upgrade!

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We all spend a lot of time on video calls these days, whether that’s for work or catching up with friends and family. Throw streaming into the mix and you could find yourself in front of the camera much more than you bargained for.

That means it’s important to consider whether you should use one of the best webcams – either standalone or built into your computer – or use a phone as your video camera instead.

Both have their pros and cons, but which one is best for you? That’s the question that we’ll answer in this guide.

The benefits of phone cameras

Despite advances in recent years, in most cases webcams simply cannot match the quality output you get from using a phone as your computer camera. As long as your phone is relatively recent, its lenses will likely outperform a dedicated webcam nine times out of 10.

Apple’s Continuity Camera system is a good example. When you place your iPhone on top of your monitor, it will automatically be recognized as a webcam in macOS. The quality of the iPhone’s camera means your videos look incredible in almost every situation and lighting condition.

I’ve reviewed tons of webcams and can honestly say that my iPhone’s camera is far better than anything else I’ve put under the microscope. I recently upgraded to an iPhone 16 Pro, but even when I was using an iPhone 12 Pro late last year, its output was still far better than much more recent webcams.

The good news is that you don’t need to be inside Apple’s ecosystem to enjoy the benefits of using a phone as a webcam. Pair the Link to Windows app in Windows with a phone running Android 9 or later, for example, and you get a similar setup.

Alternatively, the Camo app lets you use any phone – any digital camera, in fact – as a webcam on both Windows and macOS.

It works with phones, DSLRs, action cameras, built-in and standalone webcams, and even Continuity Camera itself. It gives you a lot more control over your output than Continuity Camera, too, such as the ability to edit exposure, white balance, flash level, and more. It also comes with overlays, presets and filters, all of which let you tweak your video to perfection.

Another advantage of using a phone as a webcam is that it contains a lot of advanced hardware and software that enhances your image on calls and while streaming.

Modern phones contain dedicated image signal processors and can boast faster image processing, compression and data transfer than traditional webcams. On the software side, they can stabilize output, enhance performance in low light, and more.

That all makes a modern phone an excellent choice for a webcam. If output quality is of paramount importance to you, you’ll likely find yourself heading towards this option for your video calls and streaming.

But don’t discount webcams

That said, there are times when you will likely want to use a webcam. For example, if you need to use your phone while your call or streaming session is ongoing, you won’t want to have it occupied as a webcam.

Phones can be used wirelessly when serving as a webcam, but you have to be careful that they don’t run out of battery in the middle of a video or call. That’s usually not something you have to worry about with a webcam, as most connect directly to your computer using a cable that keeps them juiced up. Additionally, phones might also overheat more easily than a webcam, given they’re not all intended to be filming for long periods of time.

It’s worth considering the fact that you might need more accessories for a phone, too, such as a mount to hold it onto your computer’s display. While these are usually inexpensive, the costs can add up. Most webcams, on the other hand, come with stands and mounts built in.

And that’s not the only cost involved in using a phone. If you don’t have a suitable phone to use as a webcam, you face the choice of shelling out hundreds of dollars (or more) on a new phone, or simply going without. Typically, webcams are far more affordable.

Generally, dedicated webcams are also a bit easier to set up than using a phone. The difference isn’t always huge, but there can still be a few more steps when using a phone (although Apple has done a good job of making Continuity Camera incredibly easy to set up and use).

Which should you choose?

Phones are almost always more expensive than webcams, because they do far more than just stream video. But let's face it, everyone already owns a phone anyway – so that extra cost won't be a factor, beyond any accessories you might need to buy.

What you will usually get from a phone is a much higher-quality camera packed inside, and their more advanced hardware and software gives them a distinctive edge over a standalone webcam in many cases.

But as with many things in life, it also depends on your situation. A webcam remains the best choice if you don't want to buy extra accessories, need to use your phone while you’re streaming or on a video call, or just want the ease of use that a dedicated device provides.

Ultimately, either will do a great job at enhancing your video calls compared to the built-in camera found in most laptops or monitors, so you can't go wrong with either.

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Video calls at work used to be a vaguely exotic thing – but these days many of us spend half of our lives on them. And with working from home also increasingly common, it's more important than ever to think carefully about the type of webcam you buy.

Picking one of the best webcams is a great start, but you also have decisions to make about the type of webcam you purchase, and what features it has to ensure picture-perfect video calls.

We’ve pulled together a list of the nine most important things you should consider when it comes to choosing a webcam for working from home.

1. Solid resolution and refresh rate

If hopping on a video call is just a regular part of your day, you’re going to want to ensure your webcam is broadcasting a good-quality picture for your call colleagues to ensure you can be seen clearly at all times.

Much of that comes down to resolution. Ideally, you should look for a webcam that offers a resolution of at least 1080p, although 4K is better. You should avoid 720p (or less) if you can help it.

Additionally, don’t forget to consider refresh rate, which is often measured in Hz. A higher refresh rate (generally 60Hz or more) results in smoother footage. A refresh rate of 30Hz is acceptable, but 60Hz or higher is ideal.

2. Autofocus and low-light sensitivity

There’s more to a good video feed than resolution and refresh rate. You should also look out for cameras that offer autofocus, as this will ensure you look sharp even if you need to move around and adjust the distance between yourself and your webcam.

Light sensitivity is another vital visual consideration. A webcam that is too dark in in low-light situations and too washed out in bright sunlight isn’t a very flexible one. Make sure to read webcam reviews before you buy to check performance in these conditions.

3. A quality built-in microphone

A webcam’s visual quality is only part of the picture – its audio quality matters too. After all, if you want to be heard clearly on your calls, you need to invest in a webcam with a good microphone. Again, you should check reviews to see how your chosen device fares here.

Unfortunately, built-in webcam microphones don’t tend to be particularly impressive. It’s worth thinking about whether you should invest in one of the best standalone microphones in order to ensure crisper sound on your video calls. There’s plenty to choose from for a range of budgets.

4. Adjustability

Some of our favorite webcams are those that are flexible enough to adapt to your needs. For instance, those that offer tilt and pan movements can easily be adjusted to keep you in the frame. There are even webcams that can automatically track you as you move around the room.

Adaptability applies to the software side of things, too, as this gives you the ability to tweak your output using various settings and sliders. Many webcam manufacturers bundle their own apps with their devices, but third-party alternatives exist too. These apps can let you edit exposure, frame rate, white balance, depth of field, field of view, zoom level, and more.

5. A privacy cover

It’s far from unheard of for people to hack into a webcam and record the footage it shoots, all without the owner having a clue – partly because hackers can also disable the light that shines when video is being recorded. That’s a massive privacy risk that you won’t want to take.

Fortunately, many webcams come with privacy covers built in. These can be moved over the lens to block it when the camera isn’t in use. If your webcam doesn’t have one of these, you can get attachments that do the same job. It might sound like a small feature, but it’s worth it to help protect your privacy.

6. A reliable connection

The way you connect your webcam to your computer is something you shouldn’t gloss over. After all, if the connection breaks, your video call could be cut short prematurely.

Most webcams are wired, and it’s worth checking how long the cable is before buying. Will it comfortably reach from your computer to your monitor without stretching?

As well as that, you need to know what connector the webcam uses to hook its cable up to your computer. Most will be either USB-C or USB-A, but you need to know before buying, otherwise you might have to purchase an additional adapter.

7. A solid mount

The last thing you want when you’re halfway through a video call is for your webcam to wobble on its perch or, worse, fall off your monitor. Checking that your webcam has a reliable way to be mounted onto a screen is therefore an essential factor to bear in mind.

Some webcams use simple clip mounts that anchor them in place. Others use an adhesive pad or put a sticky surface on the clip. That might give an extra degree of staying power, but it also runs the risk of leaving a sticky residue on your screen, which you might want to avoid. See if other buyers have mentioned this issue before purchasing your chosen webcam.

8. Durability

There’s no point in getting a new webcam if it’s so flimsy that it falls apart within a few months – that would be a real waste of money. That’s why a camera’s durability is one of the key aspects when choosing which one to get.

Don’t cheap out here – you get what you pay for, and a bargain webcam doesn’t look so attractive when it’s so poorly made that it won’t stand the test of time.

When you’ve found a webcam that seems to meet your needs, check its specifications page to see what it’s made from. Most will be constructed out of plastic, but there are some that use metals like aluminum to add extra rigidity.

Similarly, a glass lens will last longer than a plastic one and, given how central it is to any webcam, it’s important not to overlook this.

9. A good price

Finally, you want to ensure your chosen webcam is within your budget. We’ve mentioned the importance of not cheaping out, but you also shouldn’t overstretch yourself and get something you don’t need.

Check the list of features and be sure that the webcam you're considering is right for you before spending your hard-earned cash.

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One night last November the traffic graphs at sports-betting firm, 1win, went vertical. Hours later the lines flattened, LEDs flicked green, ticket closed. End of story—until forensics showed that, while terabits of junk battered the perimeter, someone tip-toed off with 96 million customer records. The fireworks were loud enough that nobody heard the vault door click.

The culprit? Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.

What was once digital vandalism—flood the pipe, claim bragging rights—has evolved into outright misdirection, hogging every console and CPU cycle while the real break-in unfolds elsewhere.

DDoS Attacks Today

Carriers that once saw two DDoS incidents a day now log hundreds, and 44% of these attacks are over in under five minutes. Blink and you miss the smoke screen—plus the burglary behind it.

Why the surge? Because a 100-gig “booter” subscription (to DDoS-for-hire services) costs less than Netflix. And because botnets ship pre-assembled: for instance, Eleven11bot drove hijacked webcams to launch record-breaking DDoS attacks, peaking at 6.5 Tb/s in February. That’s more than ten times Mirai’s original, 2016 record.

Attackers don’t show up to smash the furniture; they keep you chasing alarms while they lift the valuables—exfiltrating data, dropping ransomware, wiring in next week’s back-door.

Many teams let their guard down once the second latency graphs sag to normal, unaware they’re celebrating on the wrong lap. Stateful firewalls, last-minute ACLs (Access Control Lists), and a heroic operator attempt to handle raw volume right up to the moment an attacker overloads the very gear meant to stop them.

Picture the firewall as a nightclub bouncer armed with an exquisitely detailed guest list. Flood the door with a million party-crashers and the clipboard becomes decoration. In the chaos, the bouncer waves everyone through.

That reflex is fail-open.

Fail-open isn’t magic—it’s physics. Cram the firewall’s state table with a volumetric SYN flood and, once memory pegs, the firmware panics and slips into bypass, in a last-ditch attempt to keep links alive and traffic flowing. If the inspection daemon seg-faults under the strain, the chassis bridges traffic until it restarts. Kill the power or flap a link and the hardware relay shorts the ports together.

From the security operations center (SOC) chair, it’s eerie: logs go silent, session counters plunge, line-rate traffic barrels on, and NetFlow suddenly shows inbound RDP the policy never touched. The attacker didn’t avoid your defenses; they used them as the on-ramp.

What To Do Next

MITRE’s ATT&CK playbook spells it out: adversaries have been observed launching DDoS “to support other malicious activities, including distraction.” In other words, getting the service back up is merely Act I.

Four moves that can help your team keep the fireworks outside:

1.Baseline the who and the why, not just the how much

It’s midnight. Five thousand no-name IP-cams halfway across the globe all at once decide your Domain Name System (DNS) authoritative name-server is their new best friend. Bandwidth may not spike massively, but intent screams: cameras don’t spontaneously flood DNS.

Your detection engine should instantly flag anomalies like “Devices that typically whisper Network Time Protocol (NTP) are suddenly screaming DNS.” Layer flow data onto BGP, turning suspicious cameras into red dots on a heat map.

2.Let automation throw the first punch—under a minute, or it’s too slow

No human can out-type a terabit flood. Hand the reflex to silicon—gear that fires back before you’ve even seen the spike.

The second packets-per-second cross your threshold, edge routers should automatically shed malicious traffic or redirect it to mitigation gear, reverting when conditions stabilize.

3.Give your firewalls an airbag—let a stateless layer eat the crash

Firewalls are brilliant chess players with one fatal flaw: every new flow grabs a square on a state table, and that board is only so big. Fill it, and the box either drops everything or—worse—fails open. As a safeguard, bolt on a stateless “airbag” a hop upstream. It doesn’t care about SYNs or sequence numbers; it cares about the who and what—five thousand white-label cameras suddenly pelting your DNS server, for instance.

The second that odd waveform appears, the airbag inflates: drops the anomalous traffic on device or punts the junk to a scrubber. No sessions to track, no table to exhaust; just raw line-rate math absorbing the impact while the firewall keeps pondering the finer stuff: TLS fingerprints, strange HTTP verbs, and bots masquerading as browsers.

4.Audit the bouncers—make sure none of them silently swing the rope aside

Fail-open is a configuration choice, not a cosmic constant. Dramatically unplugging boxes mid-attack isn’t necessary; review your configurations instead. Verify each inline device explicitly states how it behaves if software crashes, links fail, or power dies. Anything set to silently bypass traffic without approval belongs at the top of tomorrow’s change list.

DDoS fireworks dazzle, but nobody robs the vault just for the spectacle. Spot the diversion, stay clear-eyed, and keep the attackers outside looking in. Next time the sky lights up, keep at least one eye on the basement door.

We've listed the best small and medium business (SMB) firewall software.

This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

Insta360 Link 2C: review

The Insta360 Link 2C is a webcam that has pretty large shoes to fill. When the Chinese camera company released its predecessor a few years back, it was lauded as a top-tier, premium option, thanks to its excellent 4K video and smart use of AI. So now comes the Insta360 Link 2C, which aims to offer even more AI capabilities and superior noise cancellation among other things. So, does it deliver?

Well, before I answer that definitely, I want to start by exploring picture and video quality on the Insta360 Link 2C. Now, whether I was taking a video call on Google Meet or simply messing around with the camera app on my Windows laptop, I always looked ultra clear, with finer details – including individual hair strands, facial hairs, and markings on my face all bubbling to the surface.

That’s largely thanks to the Insta360 Link 2C offering up 4K resolution – something we always look for in our hunt for the best webcams. Of course, that premium quality isn’t going to come through on all video calling software, but if you’re a content creator or simply want top-tier performance, 4K support is going to be a must-have. For reference, this webcam also supports lower resolutions, such as 1080p, 720p and 360p, at varying frame rates.

Yes, if you’re taking a video in 4K, for example, you’re going to get 30fps – more than enough for some, but 4K 60fps is available on models like the pricey Elgato Facecam Pro. 60fps is available on the Link 2C, though you’ll have to drop the resolution to 1080p or 720p.

When holding up objects like an earbuds charging case or a piece of paper, the webcam was also excellent at shifting focus onto them. That’s thanks to enhanced Phase Detection Auto Focus, which speedily captures details on anything you want to highlight to your colleagues, students, or family on a video call.

And there are so many more features to uncover too, many of which can be found on the free-to-download Insta360 Link Controller software. Here, you’re able to mess around with a range of picture settings like exposure and white balance, as well as try out different filters – stuff like blur, bokeh, and even a makeup tool. I felt that the Link 2C could be a bit better in low-light conditions, but this doesn’t have to be the case if you drill into the settings in this companion. Simply jump in and activate HDR while also flicking brightness up and you’ll see a big improvement.

Insta360 Link Controller also lets you toggle gestures on and off – something I was really looking forward to using. If you hold your hand up – you know, like those big red hands on crossing lights – you can frame the shot to you. There’s also a whiteboard option, which will keep whatever you’re writing on squared and in focus. Both of these work well, and I found them useful when making a video call or just having a bit of fun in the companion software.

But one option that didn’t work so seamlessly for me, was the zoom in and zoom out gesture. You have to make an ‘L’ shape with your hand, which will make the webcam’s green LED light flash. After this, you can move that L shape up or down to zoom in or out respectively. But I found this to work a little more sporadically than I’d hoped. A good amount of the time, it worked well, but I often found that I had to make the L shape multiple times before it was registered, or the zooming would end a little prematurely.

Still, the vast majority of features worked without question on a very consistent basis. Stuff like auto-framing and AI tracking followed my movements with ease – ideal for an especially fidgety person like myself. Meanwhile, the 2C adds pause-track areas, which help the webcam to recognize areas that it shouldn't track you – perhaps if you don’t want to show under your desk, say.

One of the improvements that the Link 2C is intended to bring is superior noise cancelling. That’s something you’re gonna want if you’re taking calls in a busy office environment, for example. I asked a colleague to make some noises while I called my friend and the results were decent, all things considered. Clapping, for instance, was still very much audible, but stuff like typing and light chatter was dulled nicely.

There are three modes: Voice Focus, Voice Suppression, and Music Balance – but none of these are going to offer the clarity you’ll get from the best microphones for streaming. Ultimately, my voice didn’t sound ultra-crisp on the 2C, but it will plate up clear enough quality for more casual users.

Still, audio is handled pretty well by webcam standards. But something that’s truly fantastic about the Link 2C is its design. It has a real premium metallic feel and finish, diminutive magnetic clip-stand and discreet detailing around the lens. It’s also ultra practical thanks to its compact size, slider for covering the camera and USB-C connectivity. There’s no gimbal or tripod for the 2C model, but if you’re after that, you can grab the standard Link 2 model.

There’s only one way I can tie all of this together and that’s by talking about price. Now, my mind was genuinely blown by the price of the original Insta360 Link – it was almost $300 / £320 / AU$570! But the Link 2C is far more affordable, while still offering some improvements over its predecessor, including better noise cancelling and a sleeker look. This newer webcam will set you back just under $150 / £150 / AU$250, and given the overall performance and quality of the product, I’d say that’s strong overall value for money.

So, at the end of it all, would I recommend the Insta360 Link 2C? Yes, definitely! You get super sharp video, responsive auto-frame adjustment, decent audio (well, by webcam standards), and really neat companion software for fine-tuning everything to your liking. In honesty, the Link 2C has given my setup the facelift I didn’t even know it needed – I’m seeing more detail and fluidity than ever, in each video call. And that’s something I’ve really grown to appreciate.

Sure, the zoom in/out gesture could be a little more reliable and I’d still be inclined to purchase a separate mic for the best speech clarity. But from the upgrade I’ve seen to my work the Insta360 Link 2C is still a fantastic all-round package.

Insta360 Link 2C review: price & availability

• $149 / £149 / AU$249
• Launched in September 2024

The Insta360 Link 2C launched alongside the Link 2 in September 2024, two years after its predecessor. The Link 2C carries a list price of $149 / £149 / AU$249, which is drastically, and I mean drastically, cheaper than the original model cost at launch. Yep, the original Insta360 Link released with a list price of $299 / £319 / AU$569 – woah. But don’t be fooled: the 2C has made some improvements over its predecessor, with better noise cancelling, AI features and a prettier build. I know which one I’d pick!

It’s worth noting, by the way, that the Link 2C comes in two color variants: Arctic White; or the version I tested, Graphite Black. The version you pick should have little to no bearing on the price you pay.

Insta360 Link 2C review: specs

Should you buy the Insta360 Link 2C?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Insta360 Link 2C: also consider

How I tested the Insta360 Link 2C

• Tested in a one-week period
• Made video calls and experimented with photo and video independently
• Exhausted range of features and settings in companion software

I had the Insta360 Link 2C connected to my work setup across a one-week period, testing out its various features and functions. Well, actually, I’ve kept it in my setup beyond initial testing – I’ve enjoyed using it that much!

In order to assess the Link 2C’s quality I tried making a number of video calls, taking photos, and playing around with picture settings in the Insta360 Link Controller software. I compared it to my laptop’s inbuilt camera, tried out gesture controls and also tested quality in both natural and low-light conditions.

Speaking more generally, I’ve tested a huge quantity of products here at TechRadar as a resident Reviews Writer. That covers everything from the latest TVs through to electric shavers – I’ve got experience right across the board.

• First reviewed: June 2025
• Read more about how we test

Obsbot Meet SE webcam: Two-minute review

The webcam market has long been dominated by a few familiar names, with the Logitech C920 reigning supreme for years. However, the recent arrival of the Obsbot Meet SE signals a shift in the landscape. This compact powerhouse, priced at an incredibly competitive $69, delivers a level of performance and features that surpasses many of its rivals, including the venerable C920.

The Obsbot Meet SE represents a significant leap forward in webcam technology. Its most striking feature is the exceptional image quality for the price. Colors appear remarkably accurate and vibrant, showcasing a great level of detail thanks to a 1.8 f-stop: the wider aperture allows for greater light capture, and Dual Native ISO with two separate ISO settings means the Meet SE can effectively minimize image noise and preserve detail in a wider range of lighting scenarios. This all results in brighter and more detailed images, even in challenging lighting conditions; particularly beneficial for streamers and content creators on a budget who may not have access to professional studio lighting.

Being able to fit all of this into such a small package is down to the stacked CMOS sensor. The stacked design allows for faster data processing and improved low-light performance, resulting in sharper images with reduced noise. Here's a side-by-side comparison of the Osbot Meet SE up against the Logitech C920, one of the best cheap webcams, and you can immediately see the difference in sharpness, quality, detail, and colour balance.

The built-in microphones do the job, but I personally wouldn't rely on them too much. They're fine in a quiet room, but in a busy office they picked up a little too much background noise for my liking.

Beyond its impressive image quality, the Meet SE boasts a suite of features that set it apart from the competition. Setup is incredibly straightforward. Simply plug the camera in, and it's ready to use. The intuitive proprietary software provides easy access to adjust settings like exposure, contrast, and sharpness, allowing users to fine-tune the image to their preferences. To make the most of these, you’ll need to download the Obsbot app - an annoyance, I know, but I really would recommend it to make the most of this little powerhouse.

In terms of the listed performance quality and features, you can capture smooth, fluid motion with 1080p at 100 frames per second or 720p at 150 frames per second. I personally found that 1080p at 60 fps is the sweet spot for this camera. The AI auto-framing feature ensures that you always remain in focus. I didn't think I moved around that much while on camera, but it's actually rather helpful.

Elsewhere, the gesture control feature that has become standard on Obsbot's cameras is here too, enabling hands-free operation - but I’d personally turn it off immediately, as anytime I waved my hands around on a call to illustrate what I was saying, the camera would start doing something I didn't want it to do. I understand the idea and how it could be useful for some users, but for me, it was just a frustration.

You can also seamlessly switch to vertical orientation either in the Obsbot app or by manually rotating the camera on the magnetic stand if you want to film yourself vertically. The final feature to discuss here is the 4X digital zoom, though I didn't really end up using this much; if I needed to show something, I would simply hold it up the camera, and the autofocus worked so well that zooming in felt unnecessary. Still, it's nice to have if you need it.

The Obsbot Meet SE impresses not only with its performance but also with its sleek and compact design. The first thing that surprised me when I got it out of the box was how small it was. To give you an idea of just how small it is, here is a picture of it with an SD card for comparison.

This size and its rectangular shape with rounded edges give it a really nice, cute design aesthetic, made even more evident with colors like the Aurora Green option. Obsbot also offers the Space Grey or Cloud White options for those of us who prefer a darker or cleaner look to our setup; the perfect way to have a solution for every buyer.

Its minimalist aesthetic is a welcome departure from the bulkier, more angular look of most of the best webcams. The inclusion of a magnetic mount adds a touch of convenience, allowing for easy placement and removal on various surfaces. However, this also means it can be knocked easily and isn’t as sturdy as a permanent mount. The mount itself can also be a bit fiddly to set up and feel a bit insecure, but it works fine once it's in place.

Obsbot Meet SE webcam: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $69 / £65 / AU$119
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? The US, UK, and Australia

Priced at $69 / £65 / AU$119, the Obsbot Meet SE offers exceptional value for the price. It significantly outperforms the similarly priced Logitech C920 in terms of image quality, features, and overall performance while remaining competitively priced.

There are some other great webcams out there around this price, but for my money, what helps to make the Obsbot Meet SE stand out is that it also looks great and comes in three color choices. This makes it an excellent choice for content creators and anyone seeking to enhance their video conferencing experience without breaking the bank while getting a nice-looking webcam at the same time.

Obsbot Meet SE webcam: Specs

Should you buy the Obsbot Meet SE webcam?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Obsbot Meet SE webcam: Also consider

How I tested the Obsbot Meet SE webcam

• Tested the webcam in video calls
• Spent a while experimenting with the gesture command feature
• Compared image quality to other webcams

I used the Obsbot Meet SE for video calls and general image quality testing, as well as trying it out with various lighting levels to see how well it performed. I also tried out the gesture controls, and did some side-by-side comparisons with other webcams that offer the same resolution.

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed March 2025

Obsbot Tiny SE webcam: Two-minute review

The Obsbot Tiny SE is an entry-level pan-tilt-and-zoom gimbal webcam with AI features that punches well above its weight. At a remarkably affordable price point of $99 / £109 / AU$199, it offers a compelling blend of features and performance that makes it a strong contender, but only if you need a camera that can follow you around a room.

The low price point is probably down to the Obsbot Tiny SE maxing out at 1080p resolution. If you’re a stickler for 4K, check out the Obsbot Tiny 2, but for most users, 1080p strikes an excellent balance between quality and practicality. What's more important is that this webcam will go up to 100 frames per second, if you’re moving around a room, gesturing, or being rather animated in general having smooth motion is going to be important.

The webcam utilizes a 1/2.8-inch CMOS sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, resulting in decent low-light performance with minimal noise and grain. This is a significant advantage for home offices with terrible lighting; gamers who prefer a moody, backlit setup will also appreciate how well this webcam performs.

Here is a side-by-side image comparison against the budget webcam king, the Logitech C920. As you can see, the lines are sharper, the details are clearer, and the color balance is better.

The Tiny SE is, as the name suggests, tiny. Especially for a camera that includes motors able to follow you around a room. There is something undeniably cute about something so small following you around a room. Its compact design ensures it doesn’t hog space on your desk or screen. Here is a picture with it next to an SD card to give you an idea of how small it really is:

The webcam comes with a standard monitor mount, making it easy to clip onto your laptop or desktop display. For added versatility, it also includes a 1/4-inch thread for mounting on tripods or other camera accessories.

The USB-C connection ensures compatibility with modern devices, and the included USB-C to USB-A adapter covers legacy ports. This thoughtful inclusion makes it adaptable without forcing you to rummage through your drawer of forgotten dongles and adapters.

The built-in AI tracking is a showstopper. Whether you’re pacing during a presentation or showcasing a product for your audience, the webcam keeps you perfectly framed. You can choose between different framing like upper-body tracking, or close-up shots.

The tracking works pretty well, keeping subjects in focus even when they move around the frame. Paired with the smooth 100 FPS recording, the result is buttery-smooth footage that doesn’t feel like a typical static webcam shot.

Gesture controls are a fun addition that I personally found annoying but I could see being useful for someone who is presenting. Need to zoom in? Flash an “L” with your hand. Want it to follow your movements? Raise your hand, and it locks onto you. Sometimes however it interprets hand gestures incorrectly and will zoom into a random area or follow you when you don’t want it to. Try it out for yourself to see if it's useful, but personally, I turned it off.

When testing the built-in microphones for the Tiny SE in a quiet room, my voice is clear with good range for webcam use, although a small amount of room echo and noise are present. The mic isn’t exceptional but then I was never expecting it to be and it does struggle a little in a crowded office. You'll always sound better with a dedicated headset or microphone but for a webcam, the Tiny SE offers acceptable audio quality.

In terms of usability, the setup process is straightforward. Plug it in and you’re good to go. The Obsbot Center software does take this webcam to the next level and while it is annoying installing an app for a webcam, it really is worth it to get the most out of the Tiny SE. Its intuitive interface makes adjusting settings a breeze, whether you’re tweaking the tracking mode or fine-tuning image quality. You can adjust ISO, shutter speed, white balance, and refresh rate, as well as play with its AI features. The software also supports integration with tools like the Elgato Stream Deck, letting you set up presets for different angles or zoom levels at the push of a button.

While the AI-driven tracking around a room is almost flawless, the autofocus leaves something to be desired. While it technically works, it isn’t as snappy or accurate as autofocus found in higher-end and more expensive models. There’s noticeable focus hunting and occasional warping, which can be distracting when trying to present or walking around. It’s one of the few compromises they clearly made to keep the price so low.

Obsbot Tiny SE webcam: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $99 / £109 / AU$199
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? The US, UK, and Australia

Here’s where the Obsbot Tiny SE hits it out of the park: the price. At $99 / £109 / AU$199, this webcam is fighting way above its weight class. Comparable models with similar features and gimbal tracking often cost significantly more. The Tiny SE provides a budget-friendly option for those who want tracking without the premium price tag.

Obsbot Tiny SE webcam: Specs

Should you buy the Obsbot Tiny SE webcam?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Obsbot Tiny SE webcam: Also consider

How I tested the Obsbot Tiny SE webcam

• Tested the webcam in video calls
• Spent a while experimenting with the gesture command feature
• Compared image quality to other webcams

I used the Obsbot Tiny SE for video calls and general image quality testing, as well as trying it out with various lighting levels to see how well it performed. I also tried out the gesture controls, and did some side-by-side comparisons with other webcams the offer the same resolution.

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed March 2025

One of the biggest challenges for Logitech is that its best webcams are expensive compared to no-name rivals on Amazon that have similar specifications. As a recent example, consider the £219 MX Brio 705 for Business I reviewed four months ago.

Admittedly, that was a top-end device packed with features and capable of 4K streaming at 30fps. The Brio 105 is a more modest offering that’s limited to 1080p and a 58° field of view (the Brio 705 offers a choice of three FoVs). But in practice, how much resolution and flexibility do most people need? If it’s only you, sitting at your desk, attending a meeting, 1080p is absolutely fine, and a 58° FoV will place you large in the frame.

More to the point, image quality is excellent. Not just in strong light, but also when I turned off my office light at night and relied on my screen’s backlight. The Brio 105 still did a fine job, without any amateurish artefacts.

The other plus side of buying from Logitech is that the Brio can be managed from Logitech’s mature software, whether Logi Options+ for individuals or Logi Tune for businesses (you can deploy it using Logitech Sync). There’s also a three-year warranty, while the webcam has been certified for Google Meet and Works with Chromebook -and it will naturally work on Windows and macOS with all the usual conferencing platforms. Logitech takes sustainability seriously, too, promising that the plastic parts are made from 77% post-consumer recycled plastic and that this is a carbon neutral product.

From a practical point of view, it’s good to see a basic but functional plastic shutter that you can slide over the lens when not in use, and while the single mic lacks any advanced features, I found it worked fine in a home office environment. The Brio is light enough to sling into a bag, but the whole assembly will come with you as the 1.5m USB-A cable is captive rather than detachable, as is the basic two-part mechanism to keep it in place atop your screen.

Of course, you can save cash by buying a £15 webcam with the same specs. But it won’t perform as well in low light and definitely won’t be as easy to roll out and manage for businesses.

We also ranked the best budget webcams.

HP 960 4K Streaming webcam: Two-minute review

Most of my experience with the HP 960 4K Streaming Webcam was overwhelmingly positive. It began as soon as I took the device out of the box and the theme continued right through all of my testing. 

The first thing I noticed was that this doesn't look like your standard webcam. Rather than the longest side being its width, this webcam is actually much longer in depth. This provides the necessary room for the lens and sensor that are required to deliver a superior image quality.

The camera itself boasts a very capable f/2.0 18mm lens that really is the star of the show. The pill-shaped metal case guarantees not just aesthetic appeal but also the required strength to withstand any knocks that come its way. The rest of the unit is made of plastic, but it's strong enough to ensure nothing is going to easily break.

Everything about the design oozes class, with beautiful trims and details added to the front and back of the head of the webcam itself. I also love the simple color palette featuring a mix of grey, black, and white - it really looks the part.

The webcam tilts a full 90 degrees, making it possible to focus on the subject no matter what the angle of your laptop screen or monitor. The hinge has just the right level of friction to move smoothly but also stay in a fixed position. The hinge quality continues across the main leg, ensuring it can clamp securely onto any display. It is also able to rotate 360 degrees for extra flexibility in terms of pointing toward the subject, wherever it may be.

And now I come to pretty much the only negative thing about this webcam. Because of its depth and overall weight, the center of gravity is actually a lot further back than most webcams. This means you'll want to make sure you have a substantial enough display to avoid it getting pulled down by the weight. You'll be absolutely fine with a standard monitor and most laptops, but unfortunately, I had problems with it on my MacBook Pro 14-inch. My notebook's display just wasn't beefy enough to hold it in place.

The USB-C port for the cable is located at the back of the webcam, and the lead is detachable. This is perfect for travel purposes and for mitigating the impact of a broken cable (you can just replace the cord, rather than the device being as good as done for with an integrated cable). The cable goes from the USB-C port at the webcam end to a USB-A port at the computer. If you only have USB-C ports on your PC, then you'll need an adapter.

The webcam also has a nice detachable privacy cover that fits over the entire front panel. This connects magnetically, making snapping it into place an oddly satisfying experience. It's good that the cover is removable, because otherwise it would ruin the appearance rather, but on the downside, this also means there's a risk of the cover getting lost. 

Other than a standard mount on top of a monitor, the webcam can also be mounted on a tripod using the 1/4-inch 20 thread that is located underneath. Considering this is a webcam for live streaming and video clip recording, the presence of this tripod thread is indeed very welcome.

Regarding this HP webcam's image quality, suffice it to say that I was very impressed. The camera is able to handle almost all lighting conditions incredibly well. My main test was to compare natural lighting conditions versus low light, and the camera was able to deliver an impressive image in both situations. This demonstrates the quality of both the lens and the sensor.

The webcam is also able to deliver fantastic results when the shot includes a wide dynamic range between highlights and lowlights. With the HDR setting activated in the software, AI is able to bring back detail where it would otherwise be blown out or lost.

The camera supports three fields of view, including 78, 90, and 100 degrees. This level of flexibility enables users to focus or zoom out where needed. Framing can also be controlled automatically using the impressive AI-powered auto-framing feature. This is one of the best abilities provided by the webcam, as it's able to track between head, head and shoulder, or upper body, with the software deciding where to crop.

This framing feature is both smooth and reliable, although it does take a couple of seconds to react to you moving in the shot. In future versions, I would love to see it be able to instantly respond and smoothly track the subject without this delay.

Audio quality follows in much the same vein as video quality. There are two microphones, one located on each side of the webcam. The dual-mic setup allows for distortion- and noise-free output that is far superior to what you would expect from most webcams. It does a fantastic job of canceling out background noise and instead focusing on the voice of the subject. You won't need a separate microphone when using the HP 960.

This is the webcam that has it all. There are a few improvements to be made, including the overall weight, and the response time of the auto-framing feature, but I'm being pretty picky on those points. The HP 960 4K Streaming Webcam is one of the best in its class - it's well-designed and built, plus it delivers excellent video and audio quality. If you need a webcam that doubles up as a capable video camera, then this is well worth considering.

HP 960 4K Streaming webcam: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $219.99 / £180 / AU$295
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? It's on sale globally

The HP 960 4K Streaming Webcam is available worldwide for $219.99 / £180 / AU$295. The price puts it comfortably between the Opal Tadpole webcam and the Elgato Facecam Pro. In other words, HP's 960 is a premium offering towards the top end of the webcam market.

It is yet to be seen whether this device will knock the Osbot Tiny 2 off the 'best premium' spot in our best webcams buying guide but it's certainly in with a chance. For the money, you get a 4K resolution, high-quality noise-free audio, and a ton of software features for pushing the camera to its highest level.

If you're hunting for something more budget-friendly then take a look at either the Logitech C920 or the HP 325 FHD webcam.

• Value: 4 / 5

HP 960 4K Streaming webcam: Specs

Should you buy the HP 960 4K Streaming webcam?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

HP 960 4K Streaming webcam: Also consider

How I tested the HP 960 4K Streaming webcam

• I used the webcam with FaceTime and Google Meet
• I tested general performance as well as special features
• I made sure to test it under a variety of lighting conditions

From the moment of unboxing, I loved testing the HP 960 4K Streaming Webcam. It feels great in the hand, is a premium product, and is a joy to use.

I tested the webcam with popular video call apps FaceTime and Google Meet to put the device through its paces. I tried the HP 960 on both my small MacBook Pro 14-inch laptop as well as an MSI Prestige 16 alternative. This helped me determine how the weight of the device would affect different laptops.

I was also sure to test the webcam across different lighting conditions, including bright and low-lit rooms.

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed in August 2024

HP 325 FHD webcam: Two-minute review

The HP 325 FHD is a surprisingly good-looking webcam. The left and right edges are fully curved, giving a nice pill shape to the overall look. The camera is dead center in the chassis, with the HP logo to the left and the microphone to the right. Everything about the webcam head design is well-balanced and appealing.

The USB-A cable is hardwired to the webcam, which is nice for convenience, but it does mean that if any part of that cable breaks, then you've lost the whole device. The fact that the cord comes out of the back also means that the overall aesthetic is slightly affected for the worse.

The webcam head is able to rotate 360 degrees thanks to the ball head mechanism, and it rotates beautifully smoothly, staying in whichever position you leave it in. There is also a privacy monitor clip that can be attached to the camera. This is a removable part, which means the chances of losing it are somewhat high (depending on how careful you are, naturally). 

After unboxing the device, it's very clear why this webcam is so affordable. Almost every part of the HP 325 FHD is plastic and it's about as far from premium as it could get. This is no problem for the main webcam unit, as it's robust enough. I tried to crush it, bend it, and warp it, but it resisted admirably.

The hinge, on the other hand, feels pretty cheap, and I could have broken it if I tried. The hinge could also benefit from being stiffer so that it clamps more strongly on the laptop. I really liked the Opal Tadpole webcam because of the spring-loaded clip (the hinged part includes rubber pads, to keep your laptop or monitor free from scratches).

The final notable part of the design is the 1/4-20 UNC thread that is located on the bottom of the webcam. This makes it possible to attach the webcam to a tripod if you want to use it for streaming an event or something similar.

Moving away from the design and build quality, let's discuss the image quality. In reality, it's not too bad, but you really need to help it along the journey. Given poor lighting, this camera really comes up short. But with natural daylight that is evenly spread across your face, the webcam performs absolutely fine. That said, we also have to remember that this webcam is under $35 (£50 / AU$50) - and temper our expectations accordingly.

The 1080p resolution sets this webcam apart from a lot of its competitors and the additional pixels on top of 720p help push it up a little in terms of image quality.

Some webcams are incredibly good at managing a wide dynamic range but this isn't one of those cameras. If you need a lens and sensor that will deliver results no matter what setting you're in, then I would stay away from the HP 325 FHD webcam.

One of the positive points of the camera is that it has a 66-degree viewing angle. This is ideal for those who want to get multiple people into a shot, including couples who are on FaceTime with their relatives or teams in a business meeting.

When we're on a video call, we don't just want to look great – we also want to sound great. This is where the HP 325 FHD webcam really starts to struggle. The single microphone array just isn't enough to avoid distortion and noise, which makes it pretty much unusable for audio. Instead, you'll want a separate microphone that delivers better results.

Overall, the HP 325 FHD webcam struggles with some elements of its build quality, the lack of quality in low light, and the poor audio performance. But there's also a lot that's commendable here: the price makes it impressively affordable, the webcam looks great, and it provides a good level of image quality if the lighting conditions are right.

HP 325 FHD webcam: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $34 / £49.78 / AU$51
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? The US, UK, and Australia

The HP 325 FHD webcam is available in the US, UK, and Australia. Priced at $34 / £49.78 / AU$51, this webcam is definitely budget-friendly, but there are cheaper options out there. It's currently part of our best webcams buying guide, sitting in the 'best budget' category.

Entry-level options usually top out at 720p resolution, whereas this HP webcam boasts 1080p. You might think it should therefore attract a higher price tag, but actually, given the overall image and video quality, this price seems a decent enough fit – the HP 325 FHD is great value overall.

If you're after a more premium product, then you'll want to take a look at something like the Elgato Facecam Pro or Logitech C920.

• Value: 4.5 / 5

HP 325 FHD webcam: Specs

Should you buy the HP 325 FHD webcam?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

HP 325 FHD webcam: Also consider

How I tested the HP 325 FHD webcam

• I used the webcam with FaceTime
• I tested its general performance as well as special features
• I tested the camera under a variety of lighting conditions

This webcam from HP was incredibly easy to set up, and I was up and running in no time. I tested every feature available using FaceTime, and made sure to give the camera a good run in different lighting conditions, including bright and low-lit rooms.

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed in August 2024

Opal Tadpole webcam: Two-minute review

The Opal Tadpole is an incredibly capable webcam that is well-engineered and beautifully designed. The video quality is respectable, but my lasting impression of the Tadpole was not to do with the sensor's capabilities but rather that it just felt really good to use. All of this is due to the thoughtful and well-implemented design, as well as the minimalist feature set. This should come as no surprise, considering the Opal co-team has history with Google, Uber, and Jump.

The Tadpole, as the name suggests, is small. At only 3.5 x 4.5 cm, the unit itself sits neatly and unobtrusively at the top of any laptop screen. When I first started using it, a few people initially asked me what on earth it was, but after a while, the device just faded into the background. So, if you’re after one of the tiniest webcams on the market at the moment, then your search is over.

The small size results in an overall weight of less than 50 grams, so there’s no chance of any unnecessary strain being applied to your screen hinge. This also makes it a dream to transport around, but more on that later.

Rather than a magnetic mount, the Opal team has opted for an adjustable clip. This means that the whole unit is either on or off, rather than having a permanently located mount. I personally prefer this implementation, because there is no chance of me losing any individual parts and thereby rendering the whole piece of kit useless.

The range of the clip is 35 degrees, which was more than adequate for my Macbook Pro and is indeed perfect for almost all laptops. One of the concerns I initially had was about damaging my laptop. I didn’t want to scratch my metal back or crack the glass of the screen. I therefore gave the clip a good look before applying it to my laptop. After seeing that the clip was primarily made of silicone rubber, I proceeded to mount it. In reality, I needn’t have been concerned. The rubber ensures that the laptop is well protected.

The build quality is high, with a painted aluminum front and an anodized aluminum back. Despite not being the most expensive webcam on the market, the Tadpole certainly feels as premium as the best. Chemically strengthened glass will help with longevity although, for obvious reasons, I didn’t test how robust the glass was.

The cable, which measures 55cm in length and 3.7mm in diameter, is woven for greater durability. I love a woven cable, so that’s a win for me. It’s just the right length for attaching to a laptop, and thanks to the magnetic end, it can be looped around your wrist as you move between meetings. Even though I appreciate the design feature, I didn’t find much use for this type of portability. 

Moving away from the design and build quality, I’m sure you're interested in knowing about the camera itself. Generally, it’s pretty good, although not as good as the built-in webcam on my MacBook Pro 2023. As a result, I’ll inevitably stick with that, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t many people who would benefit from this type of webcam - after all, many laptops have sub-par 720p webcams or no webcam whatsoever.

The Sony IMX582 RS sensor does a fantastic job of producing clean video with minimal noise, even in the shadows. Color replication is strong, with vibrant colors chosen over and above a flat profile. The image therefore pops nicely, which is exactly what you want when appearing in front of others at a meeting or when video-calling your parents.

The f/1.8 lens is made up of six elements and is able to let in a significant amount of light, something that is particularly noticeable when using it in low light. Unfortunately, the dynamic range that is supported by the lens and its sensor is not quite wide enough. It was a real shame that during my meetings I had to put up with bright backgrounds, such as windows, that were almost completely blown out. It’s understandable that cameras like this would struggle here, but the Tadpole struggled more than I would have liked to see.

In terms of resolution, the 48 MP image is binned to 1080p, which is more than enough for most laptops. For most people, there is little point in spending more on a 4K webcam when it will make almost no difference to the visual experience - that territory is more for professional online content creators.

As important, if not more so, is the quality of the audio. One of the biggest challenges to providing good audio from a webcam is that they’re often omnidirectional and therefore pick up way too much background noise. Some webcams overcome this by using noise filtering, but Opal has landed on a completely different solution. 

By using a directional microphone, the Tadpole captures only what is directly in front of the camera. The solution, in essence, creates a tunnel through which sound is funneled. As a result, any sound that doesn’t travel down this tunnel isn’t heard. It’s a genius little idea and puts the results in the hands of engineering rather than leaving it to programmers to work out.

This directional microphone does a pretty good job, with almost all low-to-medium level background noise removed. It didn’t work entirely in a crowded room but was certainly better than omnidirectional alternatives.

Another audio feature is the ability to mute calls with a single tap of the integrated capacitive button on the USB-C cable. This is a nice little feature to have, though I certainly wouldn’t buy the webcam because of it.

One of the biggest selling points of the Tadpole is its portability. It is small, lightweight, and packs neatly into a purpose-made carry case that looks like a yoyo. The case is built well and allows the cable to neatly protrude out the side, doubling up as a loop for carrying. Simply put, this is one of the best carry cases for a webcam that I’ve ever seen. The magnetic clip makes it quick and easy to take in and out, with just enough strength to ensure it doesn’t accidentally fall out.

The Opal Tadpole is one of the best options in the mid-range webcam space. It delivers better quality than the super-budget alternatives but lacks additional features that are seen in the more expensive and premium webcams. Video quality is more than good enough for most situations, although it does sometimes struggle to deal with bright light sources. The directional mic is a nice feature that does a good job of cutting out a reasonable amount of background noise. Overall, the Tadpole is a very capable webcam.

Opal Tadpole webcam: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $129 (about £105 / AU$200)
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? US with worldwide shipping

At $129 (about £105 / AU$200), the Opal Tadpole sits in the middle between the super-budget Logitech HD Webcam C310 and the eye-wateringly pricy Elgato Facecam Pro. The former lacks good image quality and feels a bit cheap in the hand, whereas the latter delivers amazing 4K video at 60 fps - for a high price.

If you want to compare like for like in terms of price, then the Tadpole is only a little more expensive than the Logitech C920, which wins the status for 'best overall' webcam in our best webcams buying guide - though it lacks the unparalleled portability of the Tadpole. 

For the asking price here, you get decent video quality and some nice features, including single-tap muting. If you're after something a little better than the cheapest options on the market, then the Opal Tadpole is a respectable choice.

The Opal Tadpole ships worldwide, with associated shipping costs. For the UK, that is set at an additional $8. The yo-yo case also costs an additional $19, but it's worth the price in my opinion.

• Value: 4 / 5

Opal Tadpole webcam: Specs

Should you buy the Opal Tadpole webcam?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Opal Tadpole webcam: Also consider

How I tested the Opal Tadpole webcam

• I used the webcam for my video calls
• I tested its general performance as well as its special features
• I made sure to test it under a variety of lighting conditions

As soon as it came through the door, I was keen to get the Opal Tadpol webcam out of the box and hooked onto my laptop. Everything about the design and functionality oozes quality, so I wanted to get it setup as soon as I could.

After a few minutes of getting it up and running, I spent time in video calls to test it's many features. I also made sure to give it a good run around in different lighting conditions, including bright and low-lit rooms.

With a few neat features, I also checked those out so I could determine the degree to which I would use them on a regular basis. I also used the carry case to help me transport the webcam around. 

Read more about how we test

First reviewed April 2024

Right now, there’s no need to use one of the best webcams to record yourself in video calls and meetings, as there are plenty of third-party apps that let you use your phone as a webcam. Even Apple has got in on the act with its Continuity Camera system, and it now seems that Microsoft also wants a slice of the pie.

According to Android Authority, Microsoft is working on adding this functionality to its Phone Link app that helps connect Android phones to Windows. That could be a major boost to anyone who doesn’t want to spend money on a webcam when they already have excellent cameras built into their smartphone.

Android Authority claims that code in the 1.23102.190.0 version of the Phone Link app gives the game away. The outlet has spotted code strings that reference setting up a camera stream on your computer, with controls allowing you to switch to the front or back cameras, enable Do Not Disturb, and more.

As well as that, there look to be a raft of video effects that you might be able to apply, ranging from HDR and night modes to soft focus, image stabilization, face retouching, and more. There’s also an 'auto-framing' feature that sounds similar to Apple’s Center Stage.

Plenty of competition

Phone Link can already access your camera, but in its current state this just mirrors video-calling apps on your phone. The new code, on the other hand, suggests that Microsoft is working to bring video-conferencing functionality into Phone Link itself.

It’s not known which devices this feature will be available on, but Android Authority speculates that it could end up being limited to products that include Phone Link as a system app. That would include a number of the best Samsung Galaxy phones, as well as the OnePlus 11 running Android 14, for example.

When – or if – this feature does launch, it’ll face some stiff competition. For instance, the Camo app is a superb tool for using your phone as a webcam, and contains a ton of fine-grained control for perfecting your videos. Microsoft will need to work hard to overcome that challenge.

Stepping back for a moment, there’s no guarantee that this feature will eventually make it into Phone Link. It could be that Microsoft is simply experimenting with it, and might scrap the feature before launch. Time will tell, but if Microsoft can do what Apple has done with Continuity Camera it could be a great addition for Windows and Android users.

You might also like

• Microsoft wants to help even more Android phones be useful Windows allies
• The best webcams 2023: top video cameras for PCs
• Your Mac can finally have a great webcam, thanks to your iPhone

Obsbot Tiny 2: Two-minute review

If you want to see what a webcam of the future looks like, take a peek at the Obsbot Tiny 2. This webcam packs a serious punch, not just in performance but also – or more accurately, especially – in advanced features you won’t see elsewhere, making it the best webcam to buy right now.

If you have the money for it, that is.

But that’s how it's always worked, right? With great features comes an even greater price tag, and in the case of this aptly-named webcam (it really is tiny at just 47 x 44 x 62.02 mm), that means more than $300 / £250, which feels like a punch in the gut if you’re itching to get it. 

At least your wallet can rest in peace knowing it wasn't “unalived” for nothing because you get a whole lotta bang for your buck here.

Even in its design, you can already tell that this is no ordinary webcam. Touting an elegant, lightweight and pocket-friendly design, the Obsbot Tiny 2 looks and feels solidly built and premium. Made of magnesium alloy that feels luxurious to the touch, it’s clear that Obsbot spared no expense in building it. 

Of course, being a premium piece of kit, you wouldn’t want to just toss this in your pocket or backpack, which is why Obsbot provides a robust case to protect it while you’re gallivanting around Asia or something. And you should protect it. After all, the camera is mounted on a gimbal, and you wouldn’t want anything heavy breaking it off the axis. That would then ruin the purpose of the whole webcam.

While it has a lot of features that most webcams on the market only wish they had, it’s got all the requisite ones too. A small light indicator up front lets you know which mode it’s in or if the gesture controls are working properly. There's a female tripod thread on the underside of the gimbal and a USB-C port for connecting the webcam to your PC or laptop. 

Naturally, it comes with a mount for your monitor. The cool thing about this mount, however, is that it’s magnetic, so the webcam just snaps onto it in a fraction of a second for convenience. If you want a bit more versatility, you can get extra accessories like a tripod, a remote control, and even a mic – for an extra cost, of course.

Where the Obsbot Tiny 2 really shines is in its feature set, a list that is pretty long for a webcam. The coolest of those features is its Dynamic Gesture Control, which has apparently been improved from its previous version. There are three gestures currently available – I’m really hoping Obsbot will add more with the firmware update – which can trigger the camera’s zoom, dynamic zoom, and subject tracking. It’s very responsive and works incredibly well, although you might have to practice a little before you get those gestures down.

Speaking of subject tracking, the AI Tracking with Auto Zoom is also incredibly responsive and works smoothly, thanks in large part to that built-in gimbal.

Tiny 2 also comes with Voice Control, which has nine different commands, letting you do things like wake the webcam, put it to sleep, adjust zoom, turn subject tracking on and off, and switch from one reset position to another. This, too, works beautifully, and you need not raise your voice for the webcam to hear your commands.

These three features can be used without having to download the Obsbot Webcam app, but if you do fancy expanding the webcam’s features, installing the app will let you do exactly that. With it, you can do things like change modes, manually adjust the view, change the field of view, and play with the exposure settings.

Then there’s Beauty Mode, which allows you to apply retouching effects and beauty filters, enabling you to do things like smoothing your skin, brightening your eyes, and even changing your body shape. Now, I don’t advocate for drastically changing one’s appearance on screen and in photos, as that’s one of the reasons we get body image disorders, but, if you need to make some minor adjustments to look your best on camera, go for it. We all use filters; there’s no judgment.

Bear in mind, though, that you have to turn on the Virtual Camera setting in the Obsbot Webcam app and then select the 'virtual camera' option as your webcam in whatever video app you’re using for these beauty effects to reflect in your feed or footage. Plus, the app has to remain open for it to work.

Though its sensor and aperture aren’t quite as big as that on the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra, it does have a slightly bigger sensor than the Elgato Facecam Pro. On paper, that means it should offer a wider dynamic range than the latter as better noise handling. 

Sadly, overblown highlights and dark shadows are not uncommon on the Obsbot Tiny 2 because its dynamic range is not quite as wide. Not that there are considerable details lost, especially if you’re in a well- and evenly-lit room, but it’s still worth mentioning in case you’re planning to set up somewhere with uneven lighting or where it’s really dark. If you want to recover some of the details lost or maybe have a more creative exposure, you can adjust that, plus contrast, saturation, sharpness, hue, and white balance on the app as well – but only to a degree. 

In addition, its autofocus can sometimes be iffy. Most of the time, it’s reliable and responsive, but it has moments of sluggishness.

And since I’m on the subject, something is going on with the mic. During testing, there was no difference in volume, no matter how much I adjusted it. Plus, while I come out sounding audible, my voice does sound a little distorted and harsh. There’s also a lot of sibilance.

That said, there’s a lot to love about its performance. Again, its AI Tracking and Auto Zoom work smoothly and are very responsive. More importantly, the picture quality is fantastic, especially in 4K – it's sharp with fine grain or noise and good contrast. It also comes with what Obsbot calls PixGain HDR, which captures two images in the two native ISOs separately but simultaneously, then combines them to reduce motion blur, resulting in crisper picture quality.

Overall, you’re still getting great footage with this webcam – more than good enough for your business meetings or streaming content. That's especially true with its suite of extra features that help you have more professional-looking videos.

Obsbot Tiny 2: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $329 / £269 / AU$519 
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, the UK, and Australia

At $329 / £269 / AU$519, the Obsbot Tiny 2 is expensive. How expensive exactly? It’s more expensive than the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra, which outside of the Tiny 2 is the best webcam on the market if money is no object. It’s more expensive than the Elgato Facecam Pro, a premium option known for being the world’s first webcam that shoots in 4K at 60fps.

The Tiny 2 is outmatched by these two in dynamic range, autofocus, and, in the case of the Facecam Pro, 4K frame rate. However, it’s superior in terms of smart features. The question is, which aspects of a webcam are more important to you? And, is it worth that sizable hole in your wallet if it’s the latter?

Personally, I would say no, based on my daily webcam usage. But, if I had deeper pockets, I would probably buy it just to get all those wonderful features.

• Value: 3.5 / 5

Obsbot Tiny 2: Specs

Should you buy the Obsbot Tiny 2?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Obsbot Tiny 2: Also consider

How I tested the Obsbot Tiny 2

• I spent a couple of weeks testing the Tiny 2
• I used the webcam for my daily work meetings
• I tested its general performance as well as its special features

Spending at least two weeks with the Obsbot Tiny 2, I used it as my main webcam for daily work video calls, testing its picture quality and slew of extra features during those calls to see how well they worked. 

Of course, I also spent some time experimenting with those features, using the Obsbot Webcam app to play around with the gimbal as well as the camera's exposure and the beauty filters.

I’ve been reviewing webcams for TechRadar for a few months now. However, prior to this, I tested and reviewed a lot of DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, giving me extensive experience in cameras. I’m also a film and digital photographer.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2023

The hybrid work boom has blurred the lines between work and play – even in the most demanding use cases. This has been driven by the booming games industry, which is now hugely competitive and is producing high end technology to reflect the high stakes involved. This in turn is raising expectations of what technology can and should do in other areas of life – including work.

Between April 2020 and November 2021, the UK gaming industry contributed an annual total of £2.88 billion to the UK's GDP, a figure that has rapidly grown during the past decade. The pandemic triggered a golden era of gaming technology spend in the UK, with sales hitting £453m and £464m in 2020 and 2021 respectively. The profile of the gamers themselves has also dramatically moved on from the stereotypical male demographic. In 2020, females who identify as gamers outnumbered males for the first time. Gaming is now a mainstream activity with mass market attention, it's not just for those who take it seriously, but also those who enjoy to play causally too.

This industry, centred on entertainment, might seem diametrically opposed to the world of work, but they’re actually closer than you might think. Gaming is raising the bar for advanced and immersive experiences, and enterprises are looking to follow. As such, high-performance hardware, advanced graphics, responsive peripherals and cloud-based services that were traditionally associated with gaming are now changing the way we work for the better.

An immersive experience for everyone

For gamers, minute details matter. Technology can mean the difference between virtual life and death. Gamers are accustomed to using stream-ready 4K webcams, headsets and microphones that deliver crystal-clear audio and video communication. Responsive keyboards that can register inputs accurately and quickly, especially for fast-paced and competitive games, are a must. Not to mention powerful processing and high-resolution displays for sharp and vivid images in 4K quality.

For anyone using this kind of technology regularly, office equipment which historically has had a different purpose to gaming equipment may feel like a step down. As work requires the same high levels of collaboration as gaming environments and the same level of detail – particularly in creative fields – it should command the same calibre of technology. In this arena too, details matter. If technology can deliver a competitive advantage, it can be worth its weight in gold.

I, for one, value the flexibility that hybrid work can deliver. But if I’m joining a meeting from home, I don’t like the feeling of being a million miles away from my colleagues. If gaming technology can make me and others feel like we’re escaping a zombie apocalypse or scoring a goal in a World Cup final, it can surely make me, and other gamers feel connected to the workplace – wherever we are.

Gaming makes its mark

Not only does gaming technology improve productivity and performance, it also helps attract the best talent, as people expect firms to provide the tools they need to do their best work.

Take peripherals for example. I might not be making an appearance at the Apex Legends Global Series any time soon, but even for me it’s clear to see the influence that gaming is having on the devices we’re using. I use Poly peripherals and the combination of high-quality audio and video features with noise cancellation, smart controls and sleek design wouldn’t look out of place in competitive gaming scenarios.

Similarly, high powered PCs aren’t exclusively for gaming. Solutions such as HP’s line of Z workstations are attractive to a variety of users because they can do it all. These workstations feature powerful processors, graphics cards, memory and storage that can handle demanding tasks in work and play environments.

The challenge for businesses

You might think of gaming technology’s march into the office as an unnecessary extravagance, but the reality is that the technology currently being used by some businesses is affecting employees in a number of ways. For example, research by HP uncovered the phenomenon of ‘tech shame’, where the awkwardness of technical hitches in meetings affects younger workers in particular. Young people are 10 times more likely to feel shame in these scenarios when compared to their older peers. Younger employees are more likely to buy their own tech after remote meeting issues – but what about the others that don’t and who continue to be frustrated?

Workers know that better exists, because in many cases they’re already using it in gaming contexts or are aware of others doing so. Take gaming headsets for example. The global market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% between 2022 and 2030. If these devices are getting better and more popular for gamers, there’s a risk that businesses will be left behind if they don’t pay attention to the marketplace and the growing expectations of their staff. Workers are seeing what’s available, and at a time when competition for talent is fierce, the technology that companies use could be a big differentiator when looking for the most switched on and gifted employees.

Gaming just got serious. No longer should it be seen by top performing businesses as a distraction because the technology that has propelled gaming to become a multibillion-pound industry in the UK is now putting on its suit and tie and is entering the workplace. The challenge for businesses is to keep abreast of this fascinating space and see how innovation there can benefit their own work. We’re already seeing gaming technology make work more immersive, collaborative and fun. These aspects boost the bottom line and make sure the top talent comes to your company – and stays there.

We've featured the best WFH apps.

Buying a webcam may not be something you ever thought you would need to do; and why would you? Most laptops come fitted with a functional, fairly standard camera that copes with what few requirements you have for it. 

However, since the Covid-19 pandemic, most of us likely require a webcam more than ever before. Perhaps because you’re working remotely and conference calls replaced in-person meetings, or you got grandma online in lockdown so now you can have family catchups from the other side of the world. For whatever reason, a good quality camera is now a necessity in day-to-day life, so it’s important to know what to look for, and which webcam best suits your needs.

That's what I'm here for, and the following article will talk you through the different specs you’ll find in the product descriptions of any webcam, and what features you should be looking for. Do you go for Logitech or Razer? Or do you just go to Amazon and find the first cheap webcam with a few good reviews? It all depends on what you intend to do with your webcam.

Logitech takes up a huge chunk of the best webcams of 2023, and for good reason. Well-known brands usually ensure top quality from their products, distributing them for testing and reviewing by a whole host of independent parties, including us, and we have already compiled a list of our favourite models this year. But here are my top three webcams that will hopefully make your choice a little easier.

If you're intending to buy a webcam to make working from home easier, and you want better image quality than your phone's front camera can provide, look no further: the Logitech C920 is our pick for the best all-round webcam on the market. Durable and versatile, it will probably go above and beyond what you need it for on a daily basis.

Or, if you're on a smaller budget, Logitech has a more affordable but equally functional model that could be perfect for you. The Logitech HD Webcam C310 is over half the price of the C920 and still has a lot of the same features.

Or maybe you've got money to spend on a fully-featured model, that comes fully equipped with everything from AI Tracking to excellent 4K images. If that’s the case, then the Insta360 Link is for you. While this one is a lot more expensive than the average webcam, including a lot of premium webcams, it promises to live up to its price tag. It may be a bit overkill if you only need a webcam for Zoom meetings, but if you're a content creator you could not ask for better.

What to look for

It's important to consider what you need the webcam for, and how often you're going to be using it, before committing to a purchase. It's possible to get a decent webcam without stretching your wallet too far, and which does everything you need it to. And even if you can afford to buy a premium, name-brand webcam, if you're not using it for content creation, you may be wasting your money. You can get a webcam that is a good all-rounder, and meets all your needs, without paying much more than $100.

No matter what you want to use your webcam for, resolution is always going to be important. Whether you're going for a premium camera or our budget pick, you're going to want a decent resolution. Most laptops these days come fitted with a bog-standard webcam which runs at 720p. 

Now, although this is a bit outdated, if you're buying a camera for the sole purpose of calling long-distance friends or tuning in to classes online, 720p would be absolutely fine. But videos recorded at 720p are now considered to be fairly low resolution, and if you were using your webcam to record footage for YouTube, this may have a negative impact on your viewers. For content creation, you should be looking at products with a resolution of 1080p, preferably at 60fps (frames per second).

What specs do you need?

Important to note is that webcams operate with a minimum processing speed and memory capacity, which shouldn't be of any great concern for you if you have a fairly new PC, as it should meet any minimum requirements the webcam has. Additionally, webcam manufacturers ensure their cameras work on the most up-to-date version of Windows, but not necessarily other operating systems. Not all webcams may be compatible with your laptop if you're the owner of a Mac or Chromebook. It's worth noting the operating system you use, and double checking it against the webcam of your choice before you purchase it, just in case.

When shopping for anything, it can be easy to get distracted by the sparkly bells and whistles that come with any product, especially if you don't entirely know what they do. But it’s also important to check the key specifications to make sure the webcam you're looking at buying meets your bare necessities.

Aside from resolution, the camera’s frame rate is fundamental, especially if you're a streamer; having a high resolution at a low frame rate can create images that stutter and/or freeze, which would negatively affect the quality of your content just as much as a low resolution would. A frame rate of 30fps is recommended, but for streaming or social media content, 60fps is optimal. One of the best webcams you can buy right now is the Razor Kiyo Pro Ultra, which is a premium webcam with a 4K resolution, making it perfect for nearly everything. The downside is that it’s only 4K at 30fps, which means using it for streaming won't have the most seamless and fluid videos that could be achieved with a webcam that has a high resolution at 60fps.

Another thing to look out for are the different types of microphones your next webcam may have built-in. Not all do, which, if you've got your own recording set up, isn’t the end of the world as you'll likely already have your own separate microphone, or the budget to buy one. And if you're like me, and your laptop has been responsible for any video calling you have to do, your PC's built-in microphone may do just fine for the occasional call. 

But a lot of webcams come with their own microphones, which should mean your image is not only clear and of a better quality, but so is your sound. What's important to look for is the direction of the microphone; if it is at a fixed point, then you are limited to how much (or how far) you can move around your camera before it is unable to hear you. However, some mid to higher-end models come with omni-directional microphones, which means you can be recorded in almost any direction from your camera; so, it's something to bear in mind if you're likely to be moving around a lot while recording.

Something we're seeing more of is AI Tracking, and you're likely to see it mentioned in the description of some webcams, especially those at a higher price. AI Tracking promises to make image and audio quality better by using facial recognition and noise reduction to intelligently known where you are, and keep you in shot. This may improve your work if you’re uploading to a social networking site, but if your reason for buying a webcam is purely for work calls, most webcams with auto-focus and noise reduction will give you a good enough quality, without breaking the bank.

Should you wait for deals?

With any new accessory for your PC, regardless of your price range, waiting for Black Friday or Prime Day deals could get you a top-quality product with a decent discount. However, events such as these, which result in prices being dropped substantially, all fall towards the end of the year, which is great so long as you don't urgently need a webcam in February.

Ultimately, webcams for everyday use aren't horrifically steep in price and you can probably get one to fit your requirements without going much higher than $200. But if you're on a strict budget, waiting for big deals like Prime Day could mean you get a webcam outside of your price range without splurging. 

There are also ways to get discounts without waiting for late autumn; head on over to our Deals page, it's a great place to look for a discount before you commit to buying a new piece of tech, all year round.

Our top picks

With high-definition footage and background removal abilities, this camera will have you looking crisp and clear in your work calls. This webcam also comes with auto-light correction so regardless of whether you're calling from your hotel or your home office, this camera will be able to keep your footage looking great, regardless of the lighting.

While most standard webcams fitted into laptops film at 720p, this one has the ability to film at 1080p. It’s worth noting that most conference calling software actually caps footage at 1080p to save bandwidth, so for work you quite literally couldn't do better than the C920. 

The biggest downside for this camera is that it’s fixed, meaning it won't swivel or offer wide angle shots. For most people, it's unlikely this will be much of an issue, especially if you're unlikely to be moving very far while recording. If you want a webcam for streaming, this may not be the best option, as it also doesn't shoot at 1080p at 60fps. But for work or casual calls, the lack of swivelling available won't be detrimental.

While this webcam isn't all singing and all dancing, it’s by no means poor quality. With Zoom and Skype compatibility, this webcam is perfect for your casual calls and even attending online lectures. It comes with a mono microphone, which can pick up your voice from up to 1.5 metres away, as well as offering noise reduction. So, although it isn't an omni-directional mic, it can definitely hear you while you sit at your desk.

The Logitech HD webcam also shoots at 720p, which may be a little outdated but is still fairly good quality, so your family, friends or classmates will still be able to see you clearly. It also offers auto-light correction which may save you money in the long run, as there’s no need to buy a special LED ring light to ensure great visibility and a clear image, you can just stay near the natural light or the desk lamp you already own.

This model is definitely perfect for anyone on a budget, as it comes in at nearly a third of the price of the previous camera mentioned on this list. Not to mention, Logitech is a trusted brand that makes good quality cameras, regardless of their capabilities, so you can be sure this webcam is durable and reliable and won't break any time soon.

If you're looking for the best of the best equipment to use for filming or streaming, you could not do better than the Insta360 Link. One of the only cameras on our best webcams 2023 list that has 4K Ultra HD support, but also films at 1080p at 60fps. This means footage recorded on this webcam will be seamless and smooth, offering the best quality for viewers on the platform of your choice.

The cutting-edge technology used to control this webcam relies entirely on hand gestures, meaning there are no buttons or switches on the model and the design remains sleek. While this may put some people off, the innovative gesture control makes switching between modes easy and effortless. 

Additionally, this model features AI Tracking that uses facial recognition to track the subject and keep you front and centre. It’s equipped with auto-focus that means your footage should never be fuzzy, and you should always be in  focus.

This webcam is definitely in the higher bracket when it comes to price tags, selling for roughly $364 on Amazon, but there's very little it can't do. It offers some of the best quality filming on the market and even comes with its own tripod for ease of filming anywhere. If you don't have an extraordinary budget to splurge on a camera this expensive, there are definitely cheaper alternatives, but maybe none that are quite this good.

Microsoft has issued a fix for a bug that has been locking owners of some Windows devices – including the Surface Pro X – out of their webcams. Unfortunately, it’s only a band-aid repair job; a temporary critical troubleshooter update, rather than a proper camera driver update.

The bug, which was caused by an expired security certificate, completely disabled the integrated webcam on a number of devices – specifically those running Windows on older ARM processors including the Qualcomm 8cx Gen 2 and Microsoft’s own SQ1 and SQ2 chips. Most notable among these is Microsoft’s own Surface Pro X.

Microsoft’s fix, which is detailed in the patch notes here, involves deploying an automatic troubleshooter. However, company-owned Surface devices with automatic troubleshooting disabled will need to have it run manually, which is an arduous process. Microsoft also warned that using the troubleshooter could result in reduced webcam functionality and image quality, so… not the greatest of fixes.

What’s going on with Microsoft’s certs right now?

There’s no news on exactly when a proper driver update might turn up, but hopefully we won’t have to wait too long. In its official statement, Microsoft claimed it was ‘working with OEMs’ to deliver an actual fix, since some of the affected devices aren’t within the Surface line.

I’m concerned that this isn’t the last we’ve seen of troublesome bugs like this, though. It’s been less than a month since Microsoft fixed an entirely different issue caused by an expired certificate in Windows, and while these things happen, Microsoft wasn’t exactly swift to rectify the issue in that particular situation.

I’m left wondering if expiring certs are going to become Microsoft’s next big headache. Windows 10 uses a lot of digital certificates for day-to-day operations and interacting with third-party software, and if Microsoft doesn’t keep ahead of the game by ensuring these are up to date, we’re going to see a spate of other bugs like this one.

Sure, maybe it’s nothing to worry about. Microsoft’s newer Surface Pro 9 5G runs Windows 11 on the ARM-based SQ3 processor, and was notably unaffected by the webcam issue. And with Windows 12 likely launching next year, perhaps a slowdown in support for Windows 10 is to be expected. But still, I’m a tad concerned – hopefully Microsoft can prove me wrong.

Microsoft is to stop manufacturing its own-branded peripherals - such as mice, keyboards, and webcams - for the first time since the 1980s, but there’s a catch.

The news follows a conversation between senior communications manager Dan Laycock and The Verge, which spelled out the end for Microsoft peripherals.

While it’s unlikely that they will become collectors’ items, Microsoft isn’t to stop selling peripherals altogether. Instead, it will build its existing Surface portfolio in an effort to try to appeal to more consumers.

Microsoft Surface only

The company’s Surface range of products currently includes a series of budget and high-end laptops and tablets, as well as a single all-in-one desktop targeted at professional users.

To match their Surface-branded hardware, buyers can opt for Surface-branded peripherals that include a variety of mice, keyboards, keyboard cases for tablets, styluses, and a selection of docks.

The company has also dabbled in the audio market with headphones and earphones, indicating a willingness to expand, which ties in with the latest announcement that it would indeed focus on its Surface brand.

Laycock explained to The Verge: “We will continue to offer a range of Surface branded PC Accessories - including mice, keyboards, pens, docks, adaptive accessories, and more.”

There are some areas currently untouched by the Surface brand, including webcams. TechRadar Pro has asked Microsoft about plans to expand its produce range.

As for Microsoft-branded accessories, they will remain on sale for as long as supplies last at their current price points, which are typically a fair chunk cheaper than their Surface counterparts, so if you’re after a bargain, act fast.

• Check out the best productivity apps to use on your Surface or other PC

Dotted around my home are a handful of security cameras. I have a Nest Cam Outdoor for my backyard, a Nest Hello video doorbell at my front door, and in my living room a Nest Dropcam that's been watching my home for a decade. Within a year, it'll be a useless collection of glass, metal, plastic, and silicon, and it's all Google's fault.

This week Google announced that it's discontinuing support for Dropcam. This doesn't just mean that the wireless (aside from power) webcam will no longer get software and firmware updates. It means it will stop working with the Google Nest App. 

I manage all three cameras through the one app, which is awesome. As Google explained in an email I received on Friday, "Starting April 8, 2024, your Dropcam will no longer work. You won’t be able to use the Nest app to check the status of your Dropcam, view live streams, receive notifications, or change settings."

In other words, a piece of smart home security system hardware I bought more than a decade ago and that's been working perfectly for years will cease to perform its singular task.

In the email, Google somewhat disingenuously notes that when it launched Dropcam 10 years ago, " it was one of the first smart cameras on the market." They're almost half right. Dropcam has been around since at least 2010 when it was an independent company. Then Nest, which had been acquired by Google only months before, purchased them in 2014.

Google spent years rebranding, reskinning, then ultimately pushing Dropcam into the shadows. That didn't seem to bother my Dropcam, (officially known as Dropcam DCAM-001-THD) which quietly captured HD-quality video and streamed it over my Wi-Fi network to first my Dropcam app and eventually the Nest app, allowing me to check in on my home (video and audio) from anywhere in the world.

Now the clock is ticking on its demise.

An empty offer

But wait. Google is doing right by devoted Dropcam owners like me. It's offering me a 50% discount on a new Nest Cam. It's a nice device with not only HD-quality video, but night vision and a really wide 135-degree field of view. It normally costs $99.99 but I could get it for $50. 

Or not.

Turns out the deal is only good for people who also pay for Google's Nest Aware cloud-based video monitoring. For $6 a month, you can go back and see all the videos your Nest Cam captured. Without it, you can only see live video and motion alerts-based clips for last hour or so. I have never paid for Nest Aware (I don't need another monthly bill), so I am not qualified for this discount.

Maybe it's for the best because, as of April 8, 2024, whatever video history Google has from my Drop Cam would no longer be available anyway. For those that do have a history, Google suggests downloading it ASAP.

Google seems intent on tightening its smart home loop to both simplify its use and maybe make it more secure (this may all be in preparation for a wholesale switch to the more unified Matter platform).

In addition to killing off Dropcam, Google is ending its "Works with Nest" program. It's been in the process of winding support for third-party products within the Nest ecosystem for years but now it's set a cut-off date. Connections between Nest and these devices will stop working on September 29, 2023. 

This will get worse

I'm slowly coming to grips with the harsh reality of smart home technology. Unlike your analog deadbolt lock and key that might remain unchanged and functional for decades, smart home technology is almost alive. It's constantly getting software updates and will always need software support for both its firmware and the app that controls it. 

Eventually, they might stop supporting your old smart light, lock, and camera in favor of a new and better one. New software will support both old and new devices, but not indefinitely. Eventually, you'll be forced to replace that smart home piece of technology, and far sooner than you might've had to replace that classic door lock.

This is our new reality and the end of the line for my Dropcam. I get one more year with it and then, well, I guess I'll take Google up on its free recycling offer.

Bye, Dropcam, thanks for keeping a digital eye on my home. I really do appreciate it,

Obsbot Meet 4K: Two-minute review

Unlike the newer 4K webcams that hit the shelves in the last few months, the Obsbot Meet 4K keeps things svelte. And, by svelte, I mean that it’s even smaller and lighter than a GoPro – weighing only 2.54oz (72g) and just 56 X 44 X 32mm (2.2 X 1.73 X 1.26in) in size. It’s pretty impressive, therefore, that it’s capable of capturing 3840 x 2160 videos. 

It also feels luxurious to the touch, thanks in part to its matte finish and rounded edges, yet solid and robust as well. So even if you haven’t heard of the name Obsbot before, you can trust that this isn’t some low-quality webcam that emerged from obscurity during the pandemic.

Taking a more minimalist design, there aren’t a lot of physical controls here, but there is one useful button you’ll be behooved to know – the status button, located conveniently at the top, which functions as the sleep button, the Auto Framing button, and the virtual background button. It’ll let you access these features without having to open the supporting app.

A light indicator that clues you in on the webcam’s status or which feature is turned on is present on one of the top front corners while a female tripod thread is on hand at the bottom so you can mount it on a tripod or a gimbal. And there’s a privacy cover included – though it’s tiny and not built-in, so be conscientious about keeping it safe, lest you risk losing it.

While its design is compelling enough to capture anyone’s attention, it’s really its list of physical and internal features that will get you hooked. Don’t get me wrong; it delivers picture quality that’s great, but it’s its treasure trove of features, many of which you won’t find on even the most feature-rich webcams, that take centerstage here, which I am absolutely fine with. More than absolutely fine, in fact. 

So, whether you’re looking for a webcam for Mac or for Windows, you’re going to want to check it out before you make your choice.

As a plug and play device, there’s really no initial setup before use. The Obsbot Meek 4K is also well-crafted so it won’t cause you any headaches, whether you’re a webcam newbie or an experienced user. During my testing, it worked as soon as I plugged it in, with no firmware or compatibility issues whatsoever.

But Obsbot takes “easy” to the next level here. One of my favorite features is its ability to magnetically snap on to its included mount. It has a magnetic bottom for landscape mode as well as a magnetic side for portrait mode. Obsbot then combines that with its brilliantly smooth auto-orientation feature as well, allowing it to rotate its footage based on the webcam’s physical orientation. 

We now live in a time when chatbots can write their own novels and weave hi-res images, so devices without the auto-rotate capability should be left in the past where they belong.

The portrait mode isn’t always going to be of use. If you’re using a third-party video conferencing software, for example, the image will still be in landscape mode. It’s just your actual footage that’s in portrait, which can be a bit of an eyesore for other people on the call. However, this mode is useful when you’re streaming on or creating content for social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, both of which are portrait orientation-friendly.

Another great feature is the Obsbot Webcam app, which has many settings on offer to let you hone in your footage and even make creative exposures (making it dimmer to set a specific mood, changing your field of view, setting a focus lock). The app isn’t going to be as extensive as say, the Razer Synapse app – you aren’t able to change your ISO, shutter speed, and aperture settings, and the noise reduction toggle doesn’t seem to do much. But there’s still a lot of customization options – turn the Auto Framing off, for example, and you can change your frame, select your field of view, and digitally pan the camera.

Speaking of Auto Framing, the feature is incredibly intuitive and very good at following its subject around and keeping them in frame. I found it to be very smooth with its transitions as well, which means you can count on it to not annoy your viewers or the other people in your video call with jittery footage, even when you’re moving around too much.

It is, however, a little disappointing that the auto focus struggles to keep up sometimes. In fact, I found the autofocusing here to be one of the webcam’s weaknesses. It’s not that it’s bad or jittery, as it does adjust very smoothly. But, it is a little slow, even more so in darker scenes.

The Obsbot Meet 4K’s picture quality is, naturally, pretty sharp and detailed, thanks to its 3840 x 2160 resolution. Even with Google Meet’s cap of 720p, you’ll come out looking better than if you were using a lower-res webcam. However, due in part to its 1/2.8-inch Sony sensor (that’s pretty big compared to what’s on the Elgato Facecam Pro or the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra), the dynamic range isn’t very wide here, resulting in loss of detail, especially in bright highlights. 

There’s also something about the webcam’s processing, I’ve noticed, that creates unnatural and unflattering pixels in situations where there’s uneven lighting. During my tests, for example, I turned on my Govee Glide Hexa in one corner of my room and kept the other corner unlit, and the area between them started looking glitchy in my footage, as if the webcam could not decide how to properly expose it.

The good news is that it performs much better with even lighting and, much to my surprise, offers excellent noise handling. There weren’t a lot of noticeable chromatic and luminance noise, even during really dark scenes, and there wasn’t exaggerated smoothing either. That’s something I appreciate a lot, especially because I have a south-facing apartment and small windows, which means I don’t get a lot of natural lighting. And, its auto-exposure works really well, managing to adjust in a way where I was still very visible when I turned off all the lights and there was barely any light to work with.

Because it still tops out at 30fps when you’re shooting in 4K, you’ll experience a lot of ghosting here. There is the anti-flicker setting on the app that you can toggle – you have your choice of 50Hz and 60Hz – to reduce it, but sadly, the difference is minimal. Forget about the HDR feature; it gives you a slightly wider dynamic range, but it’s not really true HDR so it doesn’t help with getting detail back in dark shadows and bright highlights.

Those don’t really matter to most people, however, even your thousands of TikTok and YouTube viewers, so I wouldn’t necessarily call those deal-breakers. I don’t mind them either; it’s not like I’m looking at how good my footage looks when I’m on a video call with colleagues or jumping on a briefing with a brand.

The one thing that kind of bugs me, though, is that because the Obsbot Meet 4K is so small, it tends to get very hot – even within the first few minutes of use. That hasn’t throttled its performance so far, but I just worry about its longevity if it’s constantly on the verge of overheating. The first two to three hours of my time are usually spent on video calls, which means that the webcam is running hot for that long every day. 

It’s a tad concerning, but I’ll make sure to update this review if something negative does happen in the coming months.

Obsbot Meet 4K: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $199 / £178 / AU$289
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

The Obsbot Meet 4K, readily available in the US, UK and Canada, isn’t a cheap webcam with its $199 / £178 / AU$289 price of entry. However, it’s brimming with innovative features, many of which are unique to it – its ability to magnetically snap to its included mount, for example, makes it incredibly easy to manage and is something we haven’t seen before. So, you’re getting great value for your money. 

There are other 4K webcams out there that might deliver a more elevated picture quality with a wider dynamic range, a bigger aperture, a bigger sensor, and more. The Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra and the Insta360 Link are great examples. However, they also cost a bit more, so if you want to keep it under $100/£100/AU$300, this is your best bet. 

•  Value: 4 / 5 

Obsbot Meet 4K: Specs

Should you buy the Obsbot Meet 4K?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Obsbot Meet 4K: Also consider

How I tested the Obsbot Meet 4K

• I tested the webcam for a week
• I used it for work and personal calls in different lighting conditions
• I paid special attention to the quality of its footage and to its special features

I used the Obsbot Meet 4K as my work and personal webcam for a week, using it during work video calls, product briefings, and personal calls with friends. Because it’s got a lot of features, I tested those as well to make sure that they work and deliver as promised.

I also used the Obsbot app to really examine footage, especially in different lighting conditions, to check not just its overall picture quality, but things like noise handling, dynamic range, autofocus, and exposure compensation as well.

I’ve been reviewing webcams for TechRadar for a few months now. However, prior to this, I tested and reviewed a lot of DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, giving me extensive experience in cameras. I’m also a film and digital photographer.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed March 2023

Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra: One-minute review

The Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra may best serve streamers and content creators who need an all-powerful webcam that delivers high resolution, wide dynamic range, and a snappy yet smooth autofocus. However, it also makes a case to the rest of us who may not necessarily need a kitted-out webcam that it really does pay to invest in one. 

Admittedly, it’s too much webcam for regular folks. But, I’ve been using this webcam for daily video calls for a couple of weeks now, and I have never looked so good in my meetings. Its 4K resolution, wide dynamic range, and excellent metering, as well as HDR technology, do wonders for my complexion. Meanwhile, its snappy auto-focusing keeps me in focus and its omnidirectional mic keeps my voice clear no matter how animated I get during. Also, its built-in privacy shutter makes me feel safer when I’m not on a call.

I get it; for most of us, these peripherals are essentially a means to an end. We’ve switched from in-person meetings to video calls, but apart from putting on a nice top or shirt and making sure we don’t look like we just rolled out of bed, we really couldn’t be bothered, let alone invest in anything but a cheap webcam. So long as it works, right?

But, whether or not you’re a professional content creator, as long as $299.99 / £299.99 / AU$499.95 is something you can afford, the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra is the best webcam to get right now.

Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? $299.99 / £299.99 / AU$499.95 
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, the UK, and Australia

The price tag on the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra, admittedly, feels like it’ll hurt your wallet before you even pull out your credit card. That eye-watering $299.99 / £299.99 / AU$499.95 is a doozy and will probably turn away half of you reading this review right now. Who wants to pay $300 / £300 for a webcam, after all? That’ll feed a family of four for at least a week, which is a big reason why it’s scoring a little low in this section.

However, if you’re serious about the content you're creating or if you want to invest in premium, top-quality peripherals for your PC setup, you will get your money’s worth from the Kiyo Pro Ultra. Check out the Razer promo codes currently available to see if they could help you save more.

It’s similarly priced to the Elgato Facecam Pro that launched in late 2022 and is its direct rival. There are things the Elgato does better, like offering 60fps at 4K resolution, but the Kiyo Pro Ultra also comes with a slightly bigger Sony Starvis sensor and a slightly bigger aperture. So, one isn’t necessarily better than the other; it’ll ultimately boil down to your specific preferences.

The Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra is now available for purchase in the US, UK and Australia.

• Value: 3.5 / 5

Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra: Design

• Sizable but not bulky
• Plug and play
• Built-in privacy shutter

In comparison to the Elgato Facecam Pro, however, the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra feels easier to handle as it’s a little more compact. That’s not to say it isn’t big, because at about three inches in diameter and over two inches thick, it is a lot bigger than the other Razer Kiyo models – and most webcams, for that matter. But, it just feels a little more compact than the Facecam Pro. 

It is fairly heavy at 348g without the lens cover, which means it’ll be too big for mounting on any laptop screen, even the 18-inch Blade that Razer is rolling out. However, it sits just fine atop a regular computer monitor, thanks in large part to its wide L-shaped mount that really secures it and keeps it in place (as well as offers good articulation).

Despite its intimidating size, the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra is very easy to set up, being plug and play. It has a 1.5-meter braided cable that may be pretty thick but is manageable. 

And, while it comes with an unattached camera cover, something the Elgato Facecam Pro doesn’t even bother with, it throws in a built-in privacy shutter for good measure – in case you do lose that cover. 

I find the privacy shutter easy to use and effortless to turn (counter-clockwise to close, clockwise to open), so you don’t inadvertently move the entire webcam and ruin a shot or force you to readjust your framing.

Naturally, the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra comes with software support. It’s compatible with Razer Synapse so you can quickly access it along with your other Razer peripherals. Synapse has its own pre-existing issues that I won’t talk about here, but I have found that it had zero issues detecting the camera. 

It also offers a deeper level of customization and a lot more control so that you can be more creative with your videos, especially when you’re creating content. To name a few, you can do digital zooming and panning, set things like ISO (100 to 6400), shutter speed (1/2000s to 1/10s) and brightness, and change resolutions, which comes in handy when you want a little less ghosting.

• Design: 4.5 / 5

Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra: Performance

• Largest sensor we’ve seen on a webcam
• Fantastic autofocus, wide dynamic range, great low-light performance
• Only 4K at 30fps

Razer webcams have always delivered when it comes to video quality, specifically with low-light performance and noise handling. But, the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra takes things to the next level, and I’m talking beyond that 4K resolution (the Razer Kiyo Pro sticks with 1080p resolution).

The Kiyo Pro Ultra takes the Elgato Facecam Pro’s 1/1.8-inch Sony Starvis CMOS sensor, which previously held the title of the largest sensor on a webcam, and raises it its 1/1.2-inch Sony Starvis sensor. This sensor allows it a wider dynamic range, better noise handling, and creamier blur. I have yet to make side-by-side comparisons of the two models, but that’s going off the benefits of larger sensors in general.

Again, Razer Kiyo cameras have always been amazing with their low-light performance, and that’s still the case here. The Kiyo Pro Ultra’s low-light performance is impressive, as is its noise handling. There’s still some chromatic noise and maybe very faint luminance noise in darker areas, especially when you’re working with just your display as the source of light – though I do feel that’s the worst-case scenario – but you’re getting really fine grain and barely noticeable over-smoothing. Toggle the 2D and 3D noise reduction to on, available on the Synapse app, and you’re getting an even cleaner image.

More discerning users might, as I have, see hints of chromatic aberration in darker areas as well. However, unless you’re actively looking for them, you might not even notice.

The 8.5mm wide angle lens on the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra more than does the job, delivering very sharp, very detailed visuals at 4K resolution while offering creamy bokeh backgrounds and foregrounds with its f/1.7 aperture. I may be a little biased here, as lenses with bigger than f/2.8 aperture have always been my dream – as a non-pro photographer, those lenses have always been out of reach, price-wise – but having that massive aperture on a webcam really is a treat.

The only thing streamers might take issue with is that shooting at 4K resolution will limit them to 30fps, unlike Facecam Pro, which hits 60fps. I have noticed some ghosting in my own footage, particularly when I’m making fast movements in frame, but it’s really nothing too distracting, in my opinion. If you want super crisp, artifact-free visuals, you can always go down to 1080p at 60fps; just bear in mind that there will be some loss of detail.

No matter the resolution you’re on, however, you can guarantee almost impeccable focus. The autofocus on this webcam is not just incredibly responsive and snappy, but it delivers really smooth transitions as well, even when you’re making fast movements. It helps a lot that the advanced face-tracking technology it’s using is incredibly effective. 

Not to say that its autofocusing is perfect. I have seen it struggle a couple of times for no reason – there was one incident when I was in frame and not moving, and the focus just got hazy and struggled to refocus – but it works as it should 98% of the time. Its shortest focusing distance is about five inches, though, so keep that in mind when you’re showing off products during your streams.

There is manual focus on hand, which is useful when you want to focus on something behind you or there are several subjects in the frame. Toggle this on via Synapse, otherwise, the camera will intuitively focus on the subject closest to it.

Speaking of settings on Synapse, the digital zoom and pan toggles are very simple to use, even when you’re not well-versed in such things. Just keep in mind that they aren’t available when you’re shooting in 1440p or 4K and have the lens distortion compensation on. You probably should just turn the lens distortion compensation setting off anyway, as it isn’t very noticeable. If there’s any lens compensation happening, I really cannot tell.

The HDR feature is also subtle, though still noticeable. Available in Dark Room and Bright Room modes, I have noticed that it adds a little more dynamic range on my face, making it slightly more radiant because the effect just ever so slightly gives it more life and depth. Using the Dark Room mode does recover a lot of detail in highlights – i.e. my light panels when turned on in a fairly dark room.

Synapse also offers three metering modes: average, center, and face. And, I find them to be accurate. However, if you want more creative exposures, especially when creating content, there’s an exposure compensation slider available, as well as brightness, contrast, saturation, and white balance adjustments.

Finally, not all webcams come with a built-in mic, which is why I love that the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra not only comes with it, but it’s an omnidirectional one as well. It works pretty well too. Even when I’m a little over three feet away from the webcam and out of frame, it still picks up my voice clearly – any farther than that, you’re still audible but you will sound farther away.

The mic’s sound quality is decent as well, like a good boom mic on a gaming headset. It is a little compressed, however, as if it has a cutoff of around 10KHz. It’s more than adequate for voice calls, personal video chats, and small multi-person meetings, of course. But, if you’re streaming or filming content, you should consider using a USB mic instead. 

• Performance: 4.5 / 5

Should I buy the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra?

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If our Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra review has you considering other options, here are two more to consider...  

Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra: Report card

• First reviewed February 2023

How I tested the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra

We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.

Read more about how we test

Usually, Android devices are the testbed for innovative smartphone features that Apple designers eventually improve upon and incorporate into their devices; but it seems that, for a change, Google wants to adopt a popular iOS 16 feature for an upcoming version of its OS.

At WWDC 2022 Apple unveiled an iOS 16 and macOS Ventura 13 update called Continuity Camera. Rather than relying on your Mac’s inbuilt webcam, you could instead use one of the best iPhones running the latest OS, and take advantage of its souped-up cameras, microphone, and video effects.

Third-party apps could allow the best Android phones  to be used in a similar way, but according to Google Open Source Project changelogs, it appears that a feature similar to Continuity Camera could become a baked-in feature for a future version of Android (via Mishaal Rahman on Twitter).

Currently named 'DeviceAsWebcam', it would (as you can probably guess from the name) turn “an android device into a webcam.” However, little else is known about the feature right now.

It does appear that it will allow for a wired USB connection – which suggests you won’t be limited to one computer OS, as is the case with Continuity Camera – though it’s unclear if Continuity Camera features like Desk View (which lets you see your desk and face at the same time), or Centre Stage and Studio Light (which keep you in the shot, and make you appear brighter than the background respectively) will appear in the Android iteration.

What’s more, there’s no guarantee we’ll see DeviceAsWebcam appear anytime soon. While it’s certainly possible that it will launch with Android 14, depending on how far into development the tool is, we could see it delayed until Android 15, which is at least a year away, or even Android 16.

We’ll have to wait and see what Google announces at Google I/O 2023 – it’s big annual developer’s conference, which we expect will be in May – but be on the lookout for DeviceAsWebcam among the list of new tools headed to our Android smartphones.

Elgato Facecam Pro: One-minute review

The Elgato Facecam Pro is the webcam we never thought we needed until it showed up and showed us just how good we can have it. Ok, maybe for most of us, a 4K at 60fps webcam might be the dream, but it’s certainly not a necessity. After all, most of us only really use ours for video meetings with colleagues and video calls with friends and family, and we’re pretty sure none of them is going to look at your footage and say, “Ew, you’re so low-res right now!”

However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a need for such a peripheral in this new world where content creation is everybody’s new “dream job.” So, while we might not all want to shell out a few hundred bucks/quid for a webcam, those who make their living live-streaming, creating YouTube videos, and/or making TikToks will certainly appreciate its worth.

There are two things that set the Elgato Facecam Pro apart from the sea of still amazing webcams on the planet: it’s got the largest sensor on a webcam, and it’s the first webcam to deliver 4K at 60fps videos. These – on top of the other features Elgato has stuffed in its 4.6 x 1.5 x 3.1-inch frame – make it an absolute game-changer for folks who rely on their webcams to pay the bills.

That’s a good thing since its price of entry is more than what most of us are willing to pay – it’s hardly a cheap webcam. The Elgato Facecam Pro isn’t the ideal webcam for the majority of the population, but it’s certainly the best webcam for quite a few users.

Elgato Facecam Pro: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? $299 / £299
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US and the UK

At $299 / £299, the Elgato Facecam Pro’s price tag is certainly an eye-watering revelation, especially to budding content creators who don’t have the budget to make TikTok videos on such a pricey webcam. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that its older brother, the Elgato Facecam, was $199 / £189 at launch, so you are looking at a premium webcam line here.

That price is also understandable considering you’re getting a larger camera sensor and 4K at 60fps shooting capabilities. It also makes sense if you take a look at the competition. Razer’s current premium webcam, the Razer Kiyo Pro, will set you back $199 (£199, AU$329), and that tops at 1080p at 60fps and only has USB connectivity. So, paying $100 / £100 for more features, a considerably higher resolution, and a bigger sensor isn’t really that big of a stretch.

That said, it is still pretty expensive for many streamers and content creators, let alone most webcam users. So, we’re knocking a point and a half off the Elgato Facecam Pro’s value rating because of that.

• Value: 3.5 / 5

Elgato Facecam Pro: Design

• It’s a massive webcam
• Plug-and-play setup, USB-C connectivity
• No privacy shutter or cover

The first thing you’ll likely notice about the Elgato Facecam Pro is its size. At 4.6 x 1.5 x 3.1 inches, it is a sizable one – almost double the size of the Elgato Facecam – with what we assume are vents near the back to minimize overheating of its more powerful innards. 

Its size and the vents make it look legit, more like the pro equipment it is rather than a consumer webcam. It’s fairly lightweight for its size, thanks in large part to its plastic construction. However, at 240g (0.53lb) without the mount, it might be too big or heavy to mount on a laptop, even a 17-inch one. 

You might want to consider investing in one of Elgato’s standalone mounts – like the Mini Mount – if you’re traveling and only have your laptop handy. The included mount, to be fair, keeps it pretty stable when mounted on monitors and has up/down articulation so you can angle the Facecam Pro to your liking.

Being plug-and-play, like the Facecam, it’s blissfully fast and easy to set up, and its USB-C connectivity makes it Mac-friendly. The USB-C cable feels robust and high quality but is very flexible, making it easy to put away or get out of the way. Sadly, there’s no physical privacy shutter or cover, unlike the Facecam… at least, not included in the box.

Meanwhile, Elgato’s Camera Hub seems to have been upgraded to offer better support for the Facecam Pro. It’ll also give you a lot of control over the webcam’s settings, which means you’ll have more creative control over your exposures. It’ll let you adjust the shutter speed (1/10,000s to 1/30s) and ISO (100 to 3200), set the white balance anywhere from 2500K to 12,000K, digitally pan and tilt the lens, and even change the focus manually. You can even save your current or preferred settings, thanks to the built-in flash memory.

The Elgato Facecam Pro’s auto-exposure and auto-focusing are pretty spot-on – and we’ll get to that in the next section – but, we certainly recommend playing around with the settings, even if you’re a bit of a novice when it comes to camera exposures. There’s a lot of room for error here, and you won’t break the webcam by experimenting. Even if you set its white balance to the warmest temperature and everything looks orange, the software makes it easy to revert to the ‘right’ settings. Just toggle that switch from manual to auto.

• Design: 4.5 / 5

Elgato Facecam Pro: Performance

• 4K at 60fps video resolution
• Auto-focusing is on-point, especially with good lighting
• Great dynamic range, great noise reduction

Though we haven’t personally tested every premium webcam on the market, we know how many of them struggle with things like dynamic range, noise handling, and fast auto-focusing. That’s understandable as webcams don’t exactly have the biggest sensors or the fastest technology – at least, not next to the best cameras for videos.

But, the Elgato Facecam Pro is certainly taking things up a notch and setting that webcam standard higher. Previously, the Razer Kiyo Pro topped the list in terms of dynamic range and features – although when we pit it against the Elgato Facecam, the latter proved to be better at handling noise in low light.

The Elgato Facecam Pro seems to have taken everything those two had on offer, combined it all, and turned it up to 10. You’re looking at sharp, highly-detailed, butter-smooth footage here, with Sony’s 1/1.8-inch Starvis sensor allowing for 4K at 60fps recording – though, of course, that means you’re getting a superior production value, whether you’re live streaming or making a TikTok video.

You’re also getting much more. The dynamic range is impressive, allowing it to retain a lot of detail in the darkest areas while keeping overblown highlights very minimal. During testing, we tried turning off all the lights, leaving only the monitor and laptop displays on, plus our phone’s flashlight shining on this reviewer’s face, and we had to work a little harder to find the overblown highlights.

Its low-light performance and noise handling are among the best we’ve seen as well. There’s some chromatic noise and a little bit of luminance noise in the darkest areas when we’re using it at night, but both are kept well under control. There’s no exaggerated, unnatural smoothing either.

Also thanks to the sensor, the picture quality you’re getting is incredibly detailed. You’ll see every hair and the smallest blemish in sharp detail. And, even when you’re zooming all the way in at 1080p, these details are well-preserved – much better than you’d have on a 1080p webcam, for sure. Do keep in mind, however, that we’re still dealing with digital – not optical – zoom here, so it’s never going to be the sharpest quality.

Thanks to its 60fps recording capability, you’re also getting crisp and smooth movements. We haven’t seen any signs of ghosting during video calls or when recording videos. And, those extra frames should be very useful when you’re hoping to get some slow-motion clips.

Auto-focusing is on-point as well, incredibly snappy and smooth in well-lit conditions, whether the subject is four inches away or all the way in the back of the room. It isn’t as fast in low-light situations, but that’s true for most cameras out there – even high-end full-frame ones – so that’s unsurprising. Plus, it still hits the mark and smoothly. That is, it doesn’t struggle to find focus in low light; it just does it slower.

If you want to control the focus, you can also toggle it on Camera Hub to manual and set it yourself, either via the distance slider or using the three distance presets: near (6 inches), mid (32 inches), and far (50 inches). This comes in handy when there are several people in the frame, but you don’t want your footage to be constantly adjusting its focus.

Also on Camera Hub is the ability to pan and tilt. Like the zoom function, those are done digitally, so don’t expect that lens to move or the quality to be just as good. But, these are still very handy, especially when you want to keep your frame tight but don’t want to physically adjust the webcam. 

This capability is done on the hardware level, however, so it works with other apps like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. The only issue is you still need to make the adjustments on Camera Hub, which is a little inconvenient. It’s less tedious if you own a Stream Deck, however, as you can set four pan/tilt presents and quickly change from one to the other using the device. 

• Performance: 4.5 / 5

Should I buy the Elgato Facecam Pro?

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Elgato Facecam Pro: Report card

• First reviewed November 2022

How we test

We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.

Read more about how we test

At WWDC in June 2022, one of the most exciting features Apple unveiled was Continuity Camera for macOS Ventura. This lets you simply place your iPhone on your Mac and instantly use it as a webcam. In true Apple style, there’s no fiddly setup – it just works, and we’re going to show you how you can use it in this guide.

Continuity Camera doesn’t just give you a new webcam and leave it at that. It uses a bunch of clever iOS features, including Center Stage, Stage Light, Portrait mode, and a nifty Desk View that shows your desk alongside your face on calls. Give it a try and it’ll soon become your favorite tool for video calls.

Tools and requirements

• iOS 16.1
• macOS 13 Ventura
• You’ll need to make sure your Mac and iPhone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and logged in with the same Apple ID (with two-factor authentication enabled), and both have Bluetooth turned on

Steps

1. Place your iPhone close to your Mac

You can perch your iPhone on a stand on top of your MacBook’s screen, mount it on an external monitor, or place it anywhere else you please. As long as it’s close enough to your Mac, it shouldn’t matter.

First of all, place your iPhone on a stand close to your Mac. While Apple’s WWDC demo only showed Continuity Camera working with a MacBook, it can also work with the iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, and more.

2. Make sure your iPhone and Mac are connected

With your iPhone in place, open a video calling app. In this example we’re going to use FaceTime, but any other video-calling app should work.
As long as your Mac and iPhone meet the requirements, you’ll get a new overlay on your iPhone’s screen as soon as FaceTime opens.

This overlay should read 'Connected to [your name]’s [Mac name].' For example, 'Connected to Alex’s Mac mini.'

Underneath are two buttons. Press Pause to temporarily pause your video, or press Disconnect to stop it completely.
If your iPhone isn’t the default camera, open FaceTime, click Video in the menu bar and make sure your iPhone is selected under the Camera heading.

3. Change the camera to your iPhone

Your Mac will now be using your iPhone’s rear camera(s) as a webcam. You can get started with a new call straight away, if you like.

Continuity Camera gives you some other options. Click the Control Center icon and you’ll see a Video Effects button in the top left. Click it for some extra features.

4. Using Center Stage

At the top is Center Stage. This will move the focal point of your camera as you move around the room, always keeping you in the center of the frame. Note that you’ll need an iPhone 11 or later to use Center Stage.

5. Using Portrait Mode

Underneath Center Stage is Portrait mode - this adds a soft blur to your picture and is useful for hiding background details. Note that this feature needs an iPhone XR or later.

6. Using Studio Light

Next up is Studio Light, which brightens the subject of the video and darkens the background, helping you stand out. Note that this feature requires an iPhone 12 or later.

7. Using Desk View

Finally, there’s Desk View. This works a little bit of magic to show both your face and the surface of your desk at the same time. It’s great if you want to demonstrate something to your audience, such as teaching people a card trick or showing off your latest drawings.

Clicking Desk View in Control Center opens a new app, appropriately also called Desk View. This lets you control just the desk-facing footage, and it’s pretty simple. At the bottom is a slider to zoom in or out, but that’s about it.

You can check how your Desk View output looks alongside your FaceTime window. You might need to adjust your camera’s angle so that it captures both you and your desk (our standard camera setup resulted in something akin to “Shirt View” before we moved it). Play around with the zoom level in the Desk View app until it looks just right.

Continuity Camera tips

• If Continuity Camera isn’t working, open your iPhone’s Settings app, tap General > AirPlay & Handoff, and ensure the Continuity Camera Webcam toggle is on.

• If you dismiss the Continuity Camera overlay and unlock your iPhone, the video will pause automatically on your Mac. Lock your iPhone again to resume it.

• Some apps might not show the overlay straight away. In Zoom, for example, you need to create or join a meeting first. If you’re just on the main Zoom window, nothing happens on your iPhone.

• As well as your iPhone’s camera, you can tell your Mac to use your iPhone’s microphones as well. For instance, in FaceTime, click Video in the menu bar and select your iPhone under the Microphone heading. To use your iPhone’s mics, you’ll need an iPhone XR or later.

Final Thoughts

Continuity Camera combines a bunch of Apple’s existing tech, including Portrait mode and Center Stage, with the superb cameras already on your iPhone. The fact that you can use existing hardware ought to give webcam makers pause for thought, as Continuity Camera is simple to use and doesn’t require any additional devices.

It’s also a great example of Apple blending its software and hardware to create something awesome. That’s especially with Desk View, which creates two different video angles from just one device - it’s a pretty great idea.

Insta360 Link: One minute review

The Insta360 Link is the latest in the Insta line of high-quality cameras. Priced at $300 (£319 / AU$569), this is an absolutely premium webcam, far higher than the average market price. But it is worth every penny considering all the features it comes with. As a bonus both the webcam and all its accessories are available in plenty of regions outside the US, including the UK and Australia.

Its biggest selling point is its AI-powered features, which means no buttons are required to operate it. Once you connect it to the USB port of your laptop or PC, you can mount it in three ways as it automatically powers on. The light's color on the webcam's body signifies the mode it’s in. Green means it’s on and ready while blue indicates successfully switched modes.

The AI is quite precise when a video camera is activated, as it automatically swivels the head of the webcam around to adjust the view and center you in the image. And instead of buttons, the Insta360 registers hand gestures to switch modes, like whiteboard mode and tracking, which works pretty well despite some slight wonkiness at the start as you slowly adjust to the control method.

4K quality is the other big selling point and it’s absolutely gorgeous, running at an impressive 30 FPS at that resolution or a butter smooth 60 FPS if you’re willing to bump it down to a still FHD 1080p. Compared to whatever low-quality built-in webcam you’re using on your laptop, this beats it out by leagues. We guarantee you’ve never looked as good as you do through the Insta360 Link, making it the best business webcam around. After using this baby, we don’t know how we could ever go back to a 720p blurry cam (read: we can’t).

Build quality is excellent with a sleek and efficient black design, though it’s naturally a little more delicate than the average webcam due to its AI nature. But it’s well assembled and doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy in the slightest. The accessories including a portable tripod and overhead stand, are similarly well-built and yet portable. We especially love the small tripod, which takes up so little space.

The Insta360 Link, ultimately, is a very unique webcam, though it is also one of the best webcams you'll ever use. It’s extremely expensive even among high-end devices due to the AI-controlled technology built into it. As such, it’s difficult to compare it to most other webcams, though the Razer Kiyo Pro and Elgato Facecam would most likely come the closest in terms of quality and price. 

Insta360 Link: Price and availability

• Expensive but worth the price
• Widely available

The Insta360 Link is available now at $300 (£319 / AU$569) and is available in a wide variety of markets including the US, UK, and Australia. The various accessories that also pair with the webcam are available in the same markets as well.

As for the price, it’s much more expensive than most other webcams in the market, even the premium ones. However, considering how much tech went into it, the cost is more understandable. You’re not only paying for the webcam itself but for the AI-controlled interface which most webcams simply don’t have.

• Value: 5 / 5 

Insta360 Link: Design

• Sleek and small frame
• Very cute
• Accessories are well-designed

What’s striking about the Insta360 Link’s design, other than its sleek black look and uniquely shaped lens head, is the fact that said lens head swivels around. The reason for this design choice becomes apparent as soon as you power it on and initiate a video call, as you watch it come to life and adjust itself to focus on you.

Whether or not this was intentional, its movements are equal parts smooth and charming, stirring an odd but not unwelcome sense of affection for it, as if it was an adorable robot waking itself up to be your camera for the day. It evokes a sense of care as well, as we found ourselves handling it much gentler than a normal webcam.

The accessories that come with it are also sturdy and well-designed, a happy marriage of portability and sturdiness. We particularly liked the tripod, as it’s refreshing to have one that can actually fit in your pocket. The overhead stand is quite handy as well, useful for top-down shots. The USB cable is also handy, as it’s a Type-C naturally and comes with a handy Type-A adapter.

• Design: 5 / 5

Insta360 Link: Features

• Tons of AI-controlled modes
• Great software support and accessories
• Good range of mounts

The Insta360 Link is an AI-controlled webcam, so gestures aimed at its lens replace any buttons that more traditional webcams use. Depending on which gestures you perform, it activates a different mode which includes zoom-in, tracking, and a special whiteboard mode that allows you to better focus the webcam on one during a video call. It also auto-adjusts its own lens head to keep you in the frame at all times, which is incredible to watch.

These modes are robust and incredibly helpful for all kinds of business tasks that both remote and in-office workers may need. For the whiteboard mode, there are even special little stickers you place on each corner, which helps the webcam focus for a clearer picture. And firmware updates give you even more control over the device.

The tripod and overhead stand also give you more options for displaying video, instead of the monitor mount that many other webcams offer. And because they’re so portable, you can actually pick them up and travel with them anywhere. We also appreciate the USB link cable that comes out of the box, as well as the recognition markers that can be placed on whiteboards for better viewing during video meetings.

• Features: 5 / 5

Insta360 Link: Performance

• AI controls are quite good
• 4K image quality is gorgeous

Not including the AI controls, the Insta360 Link is an excellent 4K webcam capable of maintaining a solid 30 FPS. And if you prefer framerate over resolution, turning the resolution down to 1080p will net you an incredibly smooth 60 FPS. There’s even a 720p mode, and while it’s nice the option was included it’s completely unnecessary.

The webcam’s AI controls are truly impressive, with the lens head in particular moving with a level of precision I didn’t think possible. Mode switching using hand gestures is ingenious and for the most part, works pretty well. Of course, with any AI technology, there will always be growing pains but once you get accustomed to them it’s easy to use.

It connects instantly to any laptop or PC you hook it up to, and after a ten-second period of inactivity the lens head activates privacy mode and dips down to obscure the camera automatically. It’s a simple yet thoughtful feature that prevents any impromptu footage from being released to your video chat meeting. Also, it makes the webcam seem like it’s looking down in modesty which is adorable.

• Performance: 5 / 5

Should you buy an Insta360 Link?

Buy it if...

Don't buy if...

Also consider

Insta360 Link: Report Card

• First reviewed September 2022

How We Test

We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.

Read more about how we test

The best business webcams offer excellent picture quality, high resolutions, and a range of tracking features that make online meetings and video conferencing a breeze.

My team and I have tested a full range of the best webcams and even the best cheap webcams - but for ultra-professionalism, a business webcam is best. These devices, easily attached to the top of your monitor or laptop, come with a host of additional tools, including AI and motion tracking to ensure you're always in the frame.

The Dell UltraSharp 4K Webcam is the best business webcam for most people. It boasts those important high resolutions for crisp detail, alongside HD zoom, privacy cap, and more. And it's even compatible with Windows Hello for logging on via facial recognition. Check out our thoughts below, alongside some great alternatives that meet a range of uses and budgets, whether you're always jumping in and out of meetings, or you just need a top business webcam for those weekly video calls with colleagues.

The best business webcams in 2026

Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best business webcam picks on our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.

The best business webcam overall

Dell's UltraSharp 4K webcam is designed for the work-from-home professional. This 4K webcam has incredible video quality, regardless of if you are in a fluorescent-lit room or a professional video studio.

The creators of this camera took inspiration from DSLR cameras to create a consistently high-quality image. Additionally, this camera is minimalist in design with its sleek cylindrical design and magnetic mounts. A magnetic camera cover can also be moved to the back of the camera when the camera is being used.

You can use the Dell Peripheral Manager to adjust various aspects of the webcam, including the resolution, framerate, and field of view.

The camera features built-in AI that can auto-frame a subject, keeping you centered and in focus even if you are moving around. Lastly, a 5x digital zoom and integration with Dell PCs allow features such as ExpressSign-in and Windows Hello.

Save on high-performance laptops and accessories with our latest Dell discount codes. Find great deals on tech for work and play.

• ^ Back to the top

The best business webcam for content creation

The Logitech StreamCam is a brilliant business webcam. While it's not primarily designed for business use (it is more for content creators like YouTube streamers), the fact that it offers excellent features like auto-focusing, smart exposure, facial tracking, up to 60fps frame rate, and a flippable design, means it is a great choice for professionals anyway.

It's also 1080p, so you get a clearer picture than 720p cameras, and it connects via USB Type-C, so there are faster, more stable, video transfer speeds as well.

The video output is at 60 fps and you will notice how much smoother it looks compared to typical 30 fps webcams. But keep in mind that not all conferencing software (including Google Meet) have the capability to display videos at 60 fps.

Read our full Logitech StreamCam review

See if you can save on your next webcam with our Logitech coupon codes.

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The best business webcam for the home office

Home offices are typically less well-lit than offices, so you may find yourself wanting a business webcam that operates extremely well in low-light conditions. And that's where the Logitech C922 Pro Stream comes in.

This business webcam features the same classy design as its predecessor, the C920, but also has some key upgrades. For a start, the C922 boasts excellent 1080p video quality, which is great for hosting video calls, and its automatic low-light correction makes it a fantastic cam for streaming with the lights off.

Although it offers 60 fps recording, it's only at 720p resolution. It supports background removal, which is helpful if you're taking part in a virtual meeting and you don't want people to see what's in the background (a blessing for people working from home while their kids are off school!).

The webcam also has two omni-directional microphones for stereo audio that capture audio from many angles to create a clear and natural sound.

Should you buy the Logitech C922 Pro Stream?

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The best business webcam for streaming

If you want to really impress your co-workers and clients, then the Logitech Brio might be the webcam you’ve been looking for. With a 4K UHD resolution and HDR, the Logitech Brio has brought high fidelity to the world of the best business webcams. This means you can stream in crystal clear ultra high definition.

At 4K resolution, the webcam offers 30 fps, but you can move it up to 60 fps by lowering the resolution to 1080p. Want even smoother recording? Reduce the resolution to 720p and you can enjoy a framerate of 90 fps.

If you need to show off products on the stream, where broadcasting every detail is important, then this is a great choice. If that wasn’t enough, it also boasts Windows Hello functionality, allowing you to securely log into your PC just by looking at the camera.

Read our full Logitech Brio review

• ^ Back to the top

How to choose the best business webcam

When searching for the best business webcams, one of the first things you'll want to look out for is the resolution. If you plan to stream high-quality video with clear details, then a high resolution camera is a must (1080p or 4K).

You'll want to consider the webcam's overall image quality, low-light performance, color and HDR functionality, and AI features (like auto-framing or facial tracking).

Check what type of connectivity options the webcam offers (USB Type-C offers faster video transfer speeds) and the quality of the microphone.

It'll also help if the webcam has background removal features, and Windows Hello functionality for swift logging in.

How we test the best business webcams

We've tested the best business webcams on standard specs, like the resolution, framerate, connectivity options, and pricing.

We evaluated the video quality based on how clear and vibrant it looked in bright light, regular light, and low light conditions. We checked what type of AI features they had, like facial tracking, auto-focusing, auto-framing, and auto light correction.

The microphone quality is essential in webcams, so we assessed that and tested the quality of the HDR option where relevant. We also considered whether they had background removal capabilities and adjustable resolution and framerate.

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One-minute review

Webcams rose to prominence again over the course of the pandemic, but the issue with the market remained; after a point, the majority of webcams are pretty similar.

Enter Obsbot, a new name in the industry that’s offering a decidedly unique line of webcams, combining the power of new technologies such as AI with videography. Filling the gap in the market between general consumer webcams and professional conferencing gear, the Obsbot Tiny 4K is the smaller, 4K edition of the company’s flagship product, the Obsbot Tail, and crams much of the same technology of the latter into a smaller package. 

Tiny is in the name, and it’s certainly the game – although this model isn’t quite as diminutive as some of the best webcams on the market. Standing at 3.5-inches / 89.4mm tall (5.5-inches / 142mm with mount), the Obsbot has a 2-axis PTZ gimbal that allows for motorized tracking and 150-degree range of rotation, 45 degrees horizontal adjustment at 120 degrees per second. 

In terms of quality, the Obsbot Tiny 4K has a lot to offer. Its dynamic range is great, and its face-prioritizing auto-exposure adds a lot of finesse to the resulting video. However, you’ll be best-served in a well-lit environment, as we’ve come to expect from most webcams, because the Tiny 4K didn’t perform so well in dimmer settings.

Nevertheless, the tracking technology on this neatly designed webcam is truly impressive, delivering smooth yet speedy focus on its subject, while also allowing the use of gestures to zoom and refocus the camera. The ability to use hand signals in this way is a neat idea, but in real-world use it proved rather clunky, especially if the camera was already battling a low-light setting.

The Obsbot isn’t the most affordable webcam on the market, but if you’re a creator wanting a no-fuss experience with your camera, a student needing something that will level up your work (and play), or you need a webcam that enables you to smoothly sail through presentations in business settings, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better smart webcam than the Obsbot.

Obsbot Tiny 4K price and availability

The Obsbot Tiny 4K is available for $269.00 (£229.00, AU$449.00) on the Obsbot.com store, and is also available on Amazon. All prices mentioned here are without tax included, so you'll want to check the adjusted price for your region. 

This makes the Obsbot a very expensive option for most - more, even, than some the best webcams we've tested, but that's largely down to its 4K capabilities as well as its other value-adding features. It's not a totally unreasonable price for its quality, but it's certainly not budget friendly. The non-4K Obsbot Tiny model retails for $199.00 (£169.00, AU$329.00).

If you want to go all-out, there's also a combo package that comes with the Obsbot Tiny remote control, a USB-A to USB-C data power cable with an on-off switch and an extendable tripod, which will set you back $259.00 (£309.00, AU$564.00). In our experience with the Obsbot Tiny 4K, we didn't feel like we missed much without these accessories, barring the tripod - but you can easily find a compatible alternative online. 

All Obsbot Tiny 4K packages come with a neat carry case for your mount, webcam and cables, which is great if you want the freedom to travel and stream. 

Value: 4/5

Obsbot Tiny 4K design

It’s the Obsbot Tiny 4K webcam’s looks that will initially grab your attention. It’s stylish, simple and svelte, comprising a matte black casing and rounded design. Standing at a neat 3.5-inches / 89.4mm tall, the webcam is lightweight and sufficiently petite to be portable. 

For thinner screens and laptops, the rounded base will be a little too clunky, but the foldable clip, which comes with adhesive pre-attached, should keep it securely affixed to a thicker monitor – still, it isn’t quite as sturdy as other webcam clips we’ve seen. If you’d prefer to use a different mount for the Tiny 4K, you can easily switch it out; the clip snaps on magnetically to the underside of the base, where there’s also a UNC ¼-20 interface. The Tiny 4K can also be mounted upside down and natively flip its output.

Above the base, there’s a small screen through which coloured lights display the status of the webcam: green when active; blue when initialising or registering a gesture.

Then we get to the fun part of the Tiny 4K – the 2-axis PTZ gimbal and the rounded lens. Obsbot has done well to straddle the line between a stylish, futuristic design and simplicity, and the gimbal and lens is the perfect example of this. There’s no built-in lens cover, but that’s because the webcam can be forced into privacy mode by holding the lens to face the base for a few seconds. 

The webcam comes with two cables: one 1.5m USB-C to USB-C cable, and one USB-A to DC power cable, plus one USB-C female to USB-A male adapter.

Design: 5/5 

Obsbot Tiny 4K features

Object tracking is one of the key selling points of the Tiny 4K, and we were pleased with how well it works. You can choose between Full Body and Headroom mode in the companion app; the former offers faster motor movement, while the latter delivers a greater field of view around the face specifically. 

In either mode, you can’t dart around the room and expect to be followed perfectly. However, for its intended use in presentations or while streaming, it works very well, with the motors offering smooth and relatively swift movement that really impressed us during testing.

This all brings us to one of the Obsbot Tiny 4K’s more notable inclusions: gesture control. We have pretty mixed feelings about this tech, since it seems to work really well until it just… doesn’t. If there’s any background interference, the camera appears to struggle to identify your hand – which is somewhat of an issue if, as was the case in our testing, your home office is in a room with a busy background. 

Generally speaking, the Tiny 4K’s face-priority auto-exposure performed fine, ensuring our image was well balanced with our surrounding light levels. The face priority feature is OK, but in a similar vein to gesture control, sometimes the camera just appears to drift off and blur, especially in low light. 

One of our favorite features was arguably the simplest: privacy mode. Just turn the lens face-down on its gimbal and after a few seconds, it will cut off all audio and video feeds. The webcam will also enter a sleep zone following a period of inactivity, with three options available: 3 seconds, 2 minutes, or 10 minutes.

Features: 4/5

Obsbot Tiny 4K performance

The Obsbot Tiny 4K has a 1.2/8-inch sensor with a beautiful 3840 x 2160 picture resolution, and is capable of shooting 4K video at 30fps or 1080p at 6fps, both of which deliver clear and smooth footage. 

One of the key benefits of 4K is zoom clarity, and it’s well utilized in the Obsbot – the device’s 4K digital zoom offers a strong and clear image, which is great for getting up close and personal with your audience.

The webcam delivers a great plug-and-play experience, but also comes with a companion application for those wanting to make some tweaks; on the whole, though, the webcam pretty much does it all for you. It’s compatible with Windows 7, 8 10 or later, macOS 10.13 or later, and with 7th-gen Intel Core i5 or later. 

The Obsbot Tiny 4K firmware application is simple enough to use, and while it isn’t the prettiest UI out there, it offers a good amount of control. This covers manual gimbal control, toggling HDR, face-priority autofocus and white balance, as well as the standard brightness, saturation, sharpness and contrast settings. 

For such a sophisticated camera, we’d have liked to have seen a little more from the firmware – specific frame rate or resolution adjustments, for example – but there are, of course, third-party options out there.

That being said, if you’re working in low-light environments or have pale skin, you might want to switch off the white balance and play with the colors. The Tiny 4K, like many webcams, leans on the cool side, which is great for brightening up your environment, but not so much for representing true-to-life hues. 

With its 86-degree field of view, the Tiny 4K offers superb framing in tandem with its object tracking, keeping you comfortably front and center, with plenty of space around you. This, like the gesture control, also means that you might not want to use the Tiny 4K in a busier or more in-situ home office as we did during testing. 

We weren’t wowed by the microphones, but that’s par for the course with webcams. They do a reasonably good job with mostly clear audio, bar the occasional pickup of background noise and a faint hissing sound. For the best audio quality, we’d always recommend using either a headset mic, a dedicated XLR, or one of the best USB microphones over built-in microphones. 

Performance: 4.5/5

Obsbot Tiny 4K scorecard

Buy if...

Don't buy if...

Dell is expanding its remote work options with the new, modestly priced Dell Pro Webcam: Model WB5023, which can shoot in 2K Quad HD (QHD) resolution. 

At $135, the Pro Webcam comes packed with features that ensures high-quality video and audio, so there’s a lot to cover here. First is support for Digital Overlap High Dynamic Range (DOL-HDR), a technology developed by Sony. The feature allows the Pro Webcam to take multiple frames simultaneously and stack them to reduce distortion. Next is Video Noise Reduction which greatly reduces the amount of static present in a stream; which can be pretty useful for those night time meetings. 

Facial Detection Auto Exposure is also present on Dell’s Pro Webcam to focus on a user’s face while also ensuring optimal lighting. Auto Exposure takes into account the ambient light in a shot so your face can be seen clearly. And the final notable software feature is AI Auto Framing allowing the camera to follow you around. As seen in the announcement, this can be useful if there are objects behind that are a part of your presentation.

Resolution and hardware

It’s also worth pointing out the Webcam’s resolution can be adjusted. The 2K QHD (2560 x 1440 pixels) resolution mentioned earlier is locked at 30 frames per second, but the frame rate can be improved, according to a report by Windows Central. You can lower the resolution down to either Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) or regular HD (1280 x 720 pixels) and get a max frame rate of 60 FPS. But if your connection is particularly bad, you can lower the frame rate down to 24 FPS.

The software suite arguably houses the Pro Webcam’s best features, whereas on the hardware side, the quality is more scattered. First the good: Dell’s Pro Webcam comes with a built-in noise reducing microphone, blocking outside sound in order to focus on a user’s voice. This is something that the higher resolution Dell UltraSharp 4K Webcam lacks. 

However the Pro Webcam’s field of view (FOV) is rather lacking compared to the Ultrasharp. It only has two FOV configurations: 65 or 78 degrees. The Ultrasharp can go up to a full 90 degree view. If you don’t have a lot to show in your presentation, this probably isn’t a big deal, but if you do, you’ll have to cram as much as you can in a shot on the new Pro Webcam.

The other issue is it uses a USB-A connection instead of a USB-C. This narrows down the amount of capable devices that you can use with Dell’s Pro Webcam. There are adapters that you can use to make up for the lack of capability such as the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Express Dock, but should you have to buy another device for something that should have been standard? At least it's long, as according to The Verge, the USB-A cable has a length of 4.9 feet (1.5 meters).

Ambiguous availability 

Reports are going around stating the new Pro Webcam is currently available for purchase, but after checking Dell’s website, it’s not on there. In fact, we couldn’t find it anywhere. We reached out to Dell and asked when the new camera would go on sale, and we'll update the story if we hear back. Still, despite the ambiguous availability, Dell’s new Pro Webcam appears to be a solid pick at a glance. Great resolution and tons of features, all at a decently priced package.

Update 8-23-2022: Dell got back to us. The Pro Webcam – WB5023 is now available for purchase on their website."

How well will the Dell Pro Webcam stack up against the best webcams on the market? We'll see once we get the webcam in for review.

Getting your hands on one of the best cheap webcams can be an important (and wallet-friendly) decision, especially for those of us who have embraced remote or hybrid working in the wake of COVID-19. If you're spending any time working from home, having a good-quality webcam can make a big difference.

Sure, many of the best laptops and tablets (and even some monitors) come with built-in webcams these days, but due to their ultra-compact designs, they lack the image quality and features of standalone webcams. An external webcam will often include a higher quality lens and sensor for improved image quality, may support higher refresh rates for smoother video capture, and include features such as high-quality microphones and background noise cancelling.

While we have loads of great suggestions in our best webcams guide, you don't have to spend a fortune to upgrade your video calls, so on this page you'll find our picks for the best cheap webcams that offer excellent value for money, and will still make your video calls, whether they are for work, education or just to keep in contact with friends and family, look great.

TechRadar has been reviewing webcams for over 15 years now, and we have gone through thousands of products to find the best cheap webcams around. This handy buying guide is designed to help you choose the right one for your needs and budget.

The best cheap webcam in 2025

Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best cheap webcam picks on our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.

The best cheap webcam overall

The Logitech C920s Pro may not be the cheapest option on this list, but it's still inexpensive, especially for a webcam that has the "pro" label on its name. Unlike other "cheap" webcams that are more stripped down, it comes loaded with useful features like a privacy shutter and Logitech’s RightLight 2 technology that allows you to adjust lighting conditions, brightness and contrast.

This is a 1080p camera, and while it is limited to 30fps, we found its visuals to be sharp and smooth, so you know you'll look good when you're on a business video call with clients and colleagues. You'll come out loud and clear as well, thanks to its dual-mic setup for stereo audio.

Overall, the Logitech C920s Pro is the best webcam that manages to balance great performance, nice features, and a fairly inexpensive price. If you're happy to spend a little more, you should get it.

Read our full Logitech C920s Pro review

Editor's note: The Logitech C920s Pro is quite an old model now, but it's still a fantastic budget webcam, especially as you can often find it on sale that makes it even better value for money. We've been reviewing more modern budget webcams, and will be giving this buying guide a big update in November, 2025. The Logitech C920s Pro will remain in this guide, but we currently consider the HP 325 FHD webcam to be the best cheap webcam you can buy in 2025, and it'll be added to this guide soon.

The best cheap webcam for tight budgets

The JLab JBuds USB webcam is a nice upgrade from just about any stock webcam that came with your laptop. It provides a solid 1080p image at 30 Hz – most laptops’ webcams max out at 720p still – and a nice wide 93 degree field of view, wider than some pricier models out there.

While we’re in the middle of testing it, we do notice a few corners that have been cut. There’s no privacy shutter. The audio quality is not very impressive. And, the autofocus is a bit on the slow side. That said, the autofocus works well if you’re not moving around too much.

Beyond those limitations, there’s plenty to like such as its universal, adjustable clip that’s threaded on the bottom for a tripod mount and the 360 degree turning radius of the camera. It also comes with two different colored faceplates for a small amount of personalization. We also appreciate the long, braided cable. And, it’s compatible with PC, Mac, and ChromeOS.

The best cheap webcam for professionals

While the Logitech Brio 300 may lack some of the more sophisticated features found in its siblings, this cheap webcam excels thanks to its small form factor, USB-C connectivity, and sharp autofocus. If you're after something powerful and affordable for business use then you can't go wrong with this camera's feature set all for a respectable $60 / £70 / AU$100 price tag.

The auto-light correction and 70-degree field of view are what elevate this budget model beyond its older rivals, it can ensure you're well-lit and presented in the frame. The included noise-canceling microphone is a solid edition, but you'll likely be using one of the best USB microphones for superior audio quality anyway. The Logitech Brio 300 measures in at a truly tiny 2.58 x 2.09 x 1.78 inches (HxWxD) and a mere 2.72 oz which means it's ideal to take on commutes to the office, too.

The best cheap 720p webcam

Logitech makes brilliant webcams, and the Logitech HD Webcam C310 is a fantastic budget offering. It may be stripped down and its resolution is limited to just 720p at 30fps, but most people need all the fancy frills anyway. In fact, most users just need a reliable, good quality webcam to see through their daily video calling needs. And, for those folks, this is the best cheap webcam.

It offers very good image quality for the price, which is the most important thing. In fact, if you have an internet connection that struggles with high definition videos, then this is actually an advantage. While it may be light on features, it comes with its share of them including the automatic light correction or RightLight 2, which we found to be effective at delivering cleaner, better-looking visuals.

Those who prefer tighter frames will appreciate its 60° diagonal field of view. Meanwhile, those who live in loud, busy households will love that the mic comes with noise-reduction capabilities.

The best cheap 1080p webcam

The Logitech G922 Pro Stream features the same classy design as its predecessor, the C920. It also inherits the same excellent 1080p video quality, great for hosting video calls, and Logitech’s RightLight 2 automatic low-light correction that proves to be a major advantage whether you’re streaming on YouTube or doing business calls, especially in low light. Of course, that 1080p resolution should also keep things futureproof.

But wait, there’s more. This inexpensive webcam also supports background removal, making it ideal for budding YouTubers and game streamers. Its 720p at 60fps comes in handy as well, especially when streaming fast-paced games. And, it includes a free 3-month premium XSplit license.

In other words, we found this to be a versatile webcam that’s ideal for different users, from professionals doing daily business calls to gamers who love streaming their games. It’s the most expensive one on this list, but considering its capabilities and the fact that you can use it for different purposes, you’re getting a lot of value.

Take a look at our Logitech discount codes for the best Logitech offers and savings.

The best cheap 4K webcam

The Depstech DW49 might not come from a well-known peripheral brand, but it's certainly one of those alternatives that have surfaced during the pandemic that are completely worth your while. That's especially if you're looking for a 4K webcam but don't have the budget for a brand-name option and are not super picky about its dynamic range.

Being much cheaper than other 4K webcam options, there are compromises here. The visuals you're getting aren't going to be the cleanest or the most vibrant. In fact, its low light performance isn't anything to write home about, so it's best to use this in better lighting situations.

However, it remains to be a great option for most people, including business professionals hoping to impress clients new and old. The autofocus is snappy, as is its auto-exposure. It also comes with a few extras, including a privacy cover, a metal tripod, and a clip mount with 360-degree rotation.

The best cheap webcam in 2025: FAQs

How to choose the best cheap webcam for you

You have to consider more than just price when choosing a cheap webcam. Otherwise, you’ll end up spending more replacing that lemon of a webcam you got off Amazon.

In fact, it’s important to dig deeper as plenty of cheap webcams are promoted as having features that imply a quality resolution or frame rate. But, instead of being misled and end up with a webcam with bad software or low quality sensors, let us help you separate the good from the bad.

When shopping around for a cheap webcam, don't just pay attention to the price. Same rules apply as when choosing a non-budget webcam: you must pay attention to the true resolution, frame rate, field of view, and the built-in microphone.

These days, 720p webcams are still good, but if you want to future-proof your rig, get a 1080p one with 30fps at the very least. Depending on what you'll be using it for, you should also decide whether you want a wide field of you or a narrower one, which is better if it's just you that's going to be in front of the camera.

You likely won't know this until you've tested it, but see what is being said about how well it handles different lighting conditions, especially dark ones. Being cheap, these webcams are probably not going to handle low light as well, but some are better at it than others.

In 2026, having the best webcam for your needs is vital. Whether you're a remote worker, a content streamer, or just looking to video chat with family and friends, it's always important to have a webcam that ensures you look and sound good on calls.

While most laptops these days include built-in cameras, they rarely offer the clarity, color accuracy, or low-light performance that a dedicated webcam provides.

There’s no doubt that discrete webcams have evolved rapidly in the past few years, too. Resolution and frame rates have increased, autofocus has become faster and more reliable, and built-in microphones now capture cleaner, more natural audio thanks to smart background noise reduction. Some even feature AI-powered auto-framing, head-tracking, or background correction to help you look sharp without extra setup, like the nifty Obsbot Tiny SE featured below.

Choosing the right model for you will depend on your personal needs. Streamers and content creators should be looking for 4K webcams with wide dynamic range, while office workers may prioritize consistent 1080p quality and secure privacy shutters. I've also included an ultra-compact option, the Opal Tadpole, which is ideal for travel or hybrid workers who need to move between locations on the regular.

A dedicated webcam also lets you position your camera more naturally, rather than relying on the fixed angle of a laptop lid. The result is a much-improved on-screen presence; an upgrade that’s especially noticeable during meetings, interviews, or live broadcasts. Whether you’re improving your home office or streaming setup, the best webcams make sure you’re seen and heard clearly every time you go live.

The best webcams in 2026

Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the webcams I've selected for this list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that my recommendations can be trusted.

The best webcam overall

Priced at $69 / £65 / AU$119 and delivering 1080p resolution at up to 100 frames per second, the Obsbot Meet SE offers truly exceptional value for the price - enough to finally unseat the legendary Logitech C920 from its long-standing position as the best webcam overall.

It significantly outperforms the similarly priced C920 in terms of image quality, features, and overall performance, and its incredibly compact design (with three colors available) looks great too, able to slot unobtrusively into any setup. It also boasts some clever AI-powered features, like effective autofocus and auto-framing, as well as gesture controls - and while the latter might not be for everybody, they're easy to turn off via the bundled Obsbot software.

Read our full Obsbot Meet SE review

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The best budget webcam

No longer shall budget webcam users be consigned to the misery of a 720p video feed; the HP 325 FHD Webcam is here, bringing 1080p camera goodness to users without too much cash to splash on their home setups. If you just want something simple and reliable, this is the one to pick.

Sure, not all 1080p webcams are created equally - the HP 325's video quality isn't as sharp or bright as the Obsbot Meet SE I've listed above, and I'd recommend a headset with a mic for better audio performance - but for video calls with friends, family, and coworkers, it gets the job done. Typically available for less than $30 / £30 / AU$50, it's a solid no-frills pick for anyone who wants something decent but doesn't want to break the bank.

Read our full HP 325 FHD Webcam review

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The best 4K webcam

The Insta360 Link 2C is currently the best 4K webcam you can buy in 2025. It takes everything we liked about the original Insta360 Link, while adding features and capabilities that make it an excellent webcam upgrade.

Of course, there's the clear and sharp 4K resolution, but it also comes with new AI-powered tools, such as noise cancellation and tracking which means you'll look (and sound) your very best when using this webcam during video calls.

Phase Detection Auto Focus is another feature we really loved when reviewing the Insta360 Link 2C, which allows the webcam to intelligently focus on objects that you hold up, making it a great webcam for teachers, tutors and other people who want to show and explain things via video call.

Unlike a lot of other webcams, the free software for the Insta360 Link 2C, called Insta360 Link Controller, offers a suite of useful settings that with some careful tweaking allows you to get the best possible image quality. Auto-framing uses AI to keep you in shot, and the overall design of the Insta360 Link 2C is stylish and robust. It's not cheap, but this is a quality webcam in almost every sense.

Read our full Insta360 Link 2C review

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The best premium webcam

The Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra is one heck of a camera, sporting one of the largest sensors on any webcam, which means you're getting a wider dynamic range and better low-light performance. It also helps that its aperture is a massive f/1.7, which will help to produce attractively blurred backgrounds in your streamed content, and that it has both HDR and 3D noise reduction via the Razer Synapse app.

In our tests, its autofocus proved snappy, and Synapse gives you full control over focusing, exposure, digital zooming and panning, and more for a level of customization most other webcams lack. You're also getting a built-in privacy shutter and omnidirectional mic. The singular downside - aside from the hefty price tag - is that at 4K your framerate is capped at 30fps, but that's literally the only criticism I can level at this webcam.

Read our full Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra review

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The best webcam for content creation

A webcam that looks and feels premium, the HP 960 4K Streaming Webcam sports a somewhat unusual barrel-shaped design with a magnetic snap-on privacy cover and a wealth of powerful AI-powered features. These include auto-tracking and auto-framing, which work great, supplementing the fantastic 4K video quality.

Performance in dynamic lighting conditions is great, and the camera offers three different FOV modes, ideal for capturing more than one person at a time. The dual-mic setup offers some of the best audio performance we've ever seen on a webcam, too. While the $219.99 / £180 / AU$295 price tag will deter some users, this is nonetheless an excellent webcam for anyone looking to create video content.

Read our full HP 960 4K Streaming Webcam review

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The best for professionals

A professional-grade webcam, the Logitech MX Brio is a strong choice for any remote worker who wants to look good - and perhaps share some physical documents - on video calls. While the 'Desk Mode' option that lets you flip down the camera to display the space in front of your monitor is a little fiddly in practice unless you have a large desk, this is still a generally excellent premium webcam.

The video quality is a sharp 4K, with some AI image enhancement features baked into the Logitech software, but it's equally easy to just connect and use it with virtually no setup. Although it's fairly large, the universal mount can be used with a laptop as well as a desktop monitor, or attached to a tripod. Finally, the privacy shutter works by rotating the ring around the lens - a mechanically satisfying little feature.

Read our full Logitech MX Brio review

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The best for travel

Thanks to a Sony-designed mirrorless internal camera, the adorable Opal Tadpole webcam delivers excellent 1080p performance in a phenomenally tiny package. Thanks to a sharply focused directional mic, it's great at picking up audio from you and only you, and the all-in-one design uses a clip rather than a folding or magnetic mount - in other words, there are no removable parts to go missing here.

It might not offer the rich feature sets seen from other webcams on this list, but that's sort of the point: portability and simplicity are the name of the game here, and the Tadpole nails those two pillars of design effortlessly. Plus, the Opal Composer software lets you make a good amount of adjustments to your recording. With its tiny design (and the optional carry case), it's perfect for clipping onto your laptop or even your phone or tablet for a better video call experience while you're out and about.

Read our full Opal Tadpole review

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The best for conference calls

With its affordable price tag of $99 / £109 / AU$199, the Tiny SE is another fantastic webcam from Obsbot, bringing advanced features that you'd usually only get with much more expensive webcams.

There's the AI-powered tracking, which ensures that whoever is talking during a video call is kept in focus, and its built-in gimbal means this webcam can physically pan and tilt, and follow you around the room.

This makes it, in our view, the best webcam for conference calls and large meetings, as it does a fantastic job of keeping track of who is speaking, even if there are a lot of people in the meeting room, and businesses will appreciate the low price tag. However, you'll want to also invest in a microphone, as the built-in one isn't great, and if you're looking for a webcam for a single person who will be sitting still, then there are much better, and more affordable, options on this page.

Read our full Obsbot Tiny SE review

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Best webcams: FAQs

How to choose the best webcam for you

As the world returns to something resembling normalcy, the best webcams for laptops and PCs are finally back in stock. Whether they’re from Microsoft, Razer, Logitech, or one of the cheaper brands whose products punch above their weight, there’s a plethora of choices to pick from to help you upgrade your streaming or video conferencing.

Since more communication is happening online these days, it’s crucial to have your Zoom calls with friends and video conferencing meetings that are crystal clear. And, that means you need to invest in one of the best webcams for your computer setup. It’s true that most laptops or all-in-one computers already come with a webcam installed but having a dedicated one will offer more features and higher resolutions.

It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to keep in touch with your extended network, putting together the perfect work-from-home setup, or getting ready for back-to-school season, invest in one of these made-for-computer cameras to make sure your family and colleagues can see your bright, shiny face. From the webcams ideal for game streaming to excellent webcams for Zoom, we’ve collected our top picks here as well as included our price comparison tool to help you find the best deal.

How we test the best webcams

Here at TechRadar, we don't use any specific testing programs to benchmark a webcam as their quality differences should be visually noticeable. Instead, models will be stacked up against products with similar specifications and prices to see how they compare, as well as running through a few real-world testing scenarios.

We keep lighting levels consistent and test for well-lit and low-light conditions to put the webcam sensor through its paces. Webcams with unsatisfactory sensors struggle if a subject isn't well-lit, resulting in a fuzzy 'static' like interference known as background noise. We make note of how accurate the colors are in any recorded footage and the overall clarity of video and photographs taken on the webcam.

We also compare features like field-of-view (often abbreviated to FOV), frame rate, and resolution, as well as any supporting software that ships with the product. Operating systems like Windows 11 have a camera application capable of making minimal adjustments to contrast and hue, but there are branded applications like Razer Synapse and Logi Tune that can better adjust your footage.

The hardware itself will also be checked for mounting options and available movements, such as a swivel ball joint or fixed positioning. Finally, any onboard microphone will be checked for clarity and its ability to filter out background noise, though it's worth mentioning that most webcams on the market have quite poor-quality microphones when compared to the best headsets or the best USB mics.

Today's best webcam deals

Logitech has become a household name when it comes to PC hardware, and that's especially true for webcams - just take a look over at our best webcams buying guide, and you'll find more than one Logitech product in there. If you really want a Logi cam for a specific purpose, though, you've come to the right place: these are the best Logitech webcams for all needs and budgets.

From the ever-reliable Logitech C920 - the webcam I've personally used at home for more than six years, its design unchanged for more than a decade thanks to its excellent reliability and ease of use - to high-end professional-grade models like the MX Brio, I've carefully selected only the best webcams for you.

So whether you're looking for a cheap webcam to see you through video calls when you're working or studying from home, or a powerhouse 4K webcam for pro-grade streaming on Twitch or YouTube, I've got you covered. Check our my tops picks below.

The best Logitech webcams in 2024

The Logitech C920 is a beloved favorite across the entire spectrum of streamers, content creators, and office professionals alike. And, when cost, quality, and performance are all calculated, the C920 is still the best webcam you can buy today, despite being released back almost 11 years ago.

With crisp 1080p HD resolution, fantastic lighting and great color reproduction that's on the cooler side, this affordable webcam is a great option for most people – from professionals who need to connect with their colleagues and clients to casual users who want to stay in touch with loved ones. It also has a terrific low-light performance for the price, which makes it ideal for dark offices and dimmer environments (a streamer's RGB-lit setup, for instance). Setup is also a breeze, and it works across various devices, making it very versatile.

If you're looking for something that shoots at a higher frame rate – at 60fps, for example – you might be disappointed at it tops at 30fps at its highest 1080p resolution. So, its picture quality is not going to be as crisp and as smooth. However, to most people, that doesn't really matter. Overall, the sheer quality and features of this Logitech webcam often make much more expensive products not worth the extra cash.

Read our full Logitech C920 review

The Logitech HD Webcam C310 is the best blend of budget and quality you can get if you're not looking to splurge on something with more features. This 720p webcam comes with Logitech’s RightLight 2 auto-light correction technology so you’ll always be shown in the best possible lighting regardless of environment.

It packs a 5MP camera, which is honestly great for most budget-minded users who do not really need anything high res – students and casual users looking to connect with loved ones, for instance. As some conference calling software like Google Meets restricts your resolution to 720p anyway, this could also be the perfect home office webcam.

It's unlikely you'd want to use this for streaming, however. Being budget, there are quite a few concessions here. And, you wouldn't want to be rolling out 720p content in this 4K world. However, it's the best Logitech webcam for anyone who just needs a budget Logitech webcam for things like work calls or Zoom chats with family.

The Logitech StreamCam is one of the best Logitech webcams for streamers and online broadcasters who want buttery smooth and high-quality video without the fuss of setting up a mirrorless camera and a capture card. That isn't to say you have to use the StreamCam for Twitch or YouTube.

However, features including auto-focusing, smart exposure, facial tracking, up to 60fps frame rate, and a flippable design so you can take photos and videos in 9:16 format certainly mean it's best utilized by content creators who can take full advantage. You can even mount it on a tripod, and it uses USB Type-C for fast and more efficient video transfer speeds.

Not that regular webcam users shouldn't get it either. It's very easy to use and to setup. Straight from plugging in, you can enjoy Logitechs latest release with minimal (if any) adjustments needed. We even use it for our daily video calls at work. But, it is also a little too pricey and feature-rich for such tasks. Get it only if you can maximize its features or if you've got the extra cash.

Read our full Logitech StreamCam review

An update to Logitech's long-running Brio product line, the MX Brio delivers exceptional video quality thanks to its 4K camera and AI image enhancement features. While it does come with an equally premium price tag, this is a serious webcam for users who want to create streaming content or just look great while video conferencing.

The MX Brio comes with a veritable heap of features, from a robust software suite with plenty of customization options to tweak your webcam experience to a beamforming twin microphone array with automatic background noise reduction. It also features 'Desk Mode', which lets you tilt the camera forward to show your work surface - useful for sharing physical documents on camera, although we found it a little wobbly in practice.

Still, if you're on the hunt for a high-end webcam, this is an excellent choice - and it's often available for cheaper than some of the premium competition, like Razer's Kiyo Pro Ultra.

Read our full Logitech MX Brio review

The Logitech C925e Business Webcam is a solid choice for anyone that needs to make calls in an environment where bandwidth is shared. The H.264 with Scalable Video Coding can help minimize dependence on computer and network resources, giving you smooth streams during those important calls.

Given you can't usually set up a professional lighting sig at your office desk, the C925e also has RightLight 2 technology to help you get the most out of any lighting situation. Meanwhile, the 1080p/30 fps video shooting resolution is just what most office professionals need for their daily meetings with colleagues and clients.

However, know that the fixed 78° field of view means that it's best-suited for individuals rather than teams. And, its 30fps frame rate makes it less-suited for streaming and content creation. For most everything else though, including online classes, it's a great mid-range Logitech webcam.

It's a bit of a stretch to put this in your home office, but for small conference or meeting rooms its the perfect choice. The Logitech MeetUp is a professional webcam with an integrated full-range speaker system for great playback clarity and uses Logitechs RightSound technology to effectively capture speech around the room while suppressing unwanted background noise.

The 4K camera can automatically track movement and adjust to find the perfect room framing regardless of how many people like to move around. There's even a 5x HD zoom to make sure the setup is also well-suited for smaller groups or single users.

It's a pricey product, so even if you're a professional, there might be better value options for you on this list. However, for a business that needs to make frequent group broadcasts, the investment should prove itself worthy of such an expense.

How we test Logitech webcams

TechRadar doesn't use any computer programs to benchmark a Logitech webcam as their quality is visually noticeable. Instead, models will be stacked up against products with similar specifications and MSRP to see how they compare, and ran through a few scenarios.

We keep lighting levels consistent and test for well-lit and low-light conditions to put the webcam sensor through its paces. We make note of how accurate the colors are in any recorded footage and the overall clarity of video and photographs taken on the webcam.

We also compare features like field-of-view (often abbreviated to FOV), frame rate and resolution, as well as any software that ships with the product. Operating systems like Windows 10 have a camera application capable of making minimal adjustments to contrast and hue. The hardware itself will also be checked for mounting options and available movement, such as a swivel ball joint or fixed positioning. Finally, any onboard microphone will be checked for clarity and its ability to filter out background noise.

Most webcams feel like drab PC accessories rather than proper cameras, but action cam maker Insta360 is aiming to take them up a notch with its a new 4K, gesture-controlled computer cam.

The Insta360 Link packs a lot of the tech seen in tough cams like the Insta360 One RS, like a 1/2in sensor and phase-detect autofocus, and combines them with a 3-axis gimbal and some clever software tricks. The result is a webcam that's also good enough to double as a vlogging or livestreaming camera.

Some of the Insta360 Link's software skills are similar to ones we've seen recently from the likes of Apple and Meta. Like Apple's 'Center Stage' for iPads, the Link can track your movements to keep you in frame as you move around. But because the Link has a gimbal that physically moves the camera around, it should retain better image quality than the digital zoom used in Apple's equivalent.

Another mode, called DeskView, has echoes of the Apple's Continuity Camera for iPhones, which lets you stream an overhead view of your desk during work meetings. 

But it's the gesture controls that promise to elevate the Insta360 Link above your average webcam. Raise your hand to the camera, and you'll be able to zoom in and out, and also activate camera modes like Whiteboard mode, which will crop in to give co-workers or students a clearer view of your presentation.

The raw quality of the Insta360 Link's video and audio also promises to be more like a high-end action camera than a cheaper webcam. Alongside that 1/2in sensor, its lens has a bright f/1.8 aperture and there's also an HDR mode to help with high-contrast lighting, plus phase-detection autofocus and dual noise-canceling microphones.

The Link has a built-in clip to attach to the top of your screen and Insta360 says it's compatible with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype and Google Meet on both macOS and Windows computers. You can order it from today for $299 / £319 / AU$569.

Analysis: A pricey but intriguing new webcam player

The Insta360 Link isn't the first webcam we've seen with a gimbal or movement-tracking powers – the Obsbot Tiny 4K has similar skills and, like the Link, is also quite pricey. Alternatives like the Razer Kiyo Pro and the Elgato Facecam are also some of the best webcams around for gamers and livestreamers.

But what's particularly interesting about the Link is that Insta360 has lots of experience in developing unique hardware and software that's particularly popular among social media creators. Despite the company's name, it doesn't just create 360 cameras – it's also makes some of the best action cams around, like the Insta360 One RS.

Given how closely the Link resembles a DJI Pocket 2 for your computer, we're surprised that the likes of DJI and GoPro haven't jumped into the webcam space yet. But Insta360's slightly belated move certainly makes sense, even if many of its potential buyers may have already invested in a premium webcam.

While a 1/2in sensor is relatively large for a webcam, the Link is still unlikely to match the quality of the best mirrorless cameras. We have also found some of Insta360's products to be a little undercooked in the software department at launch, requiring a few firmware updates before they are truly polished.

But despite these caveats, we're looking forward to seeing how Insta360's hardware and new software skills combine in our full Insta360 Link review soon.

The Razer Kiyo Pro and the Elgato Facecam have been battling it out for some time now to take that coveted ultimate webcam title. But, while it might look like the pricier, more feature-rich Razer Kiyo Pro has it in the bag, the more important question is, “which webcam is best for you?” And, the answer to that isn’t as simple as it seems. 

When it comes to the best webcams, it’s more about what you’ll need it for more than anything else. Anybody can benefit from getting the absolute best laptop on the market, for example. After all, we all have ever-changing, ever-expanding computing needs. But, when it comes to webcams, most of us won’t likely need anything more than an affordable or even cheap webcam because our needs aren’t likely going to evolve from video-conferencing with co-workers and video-calling loved ones daily. 

Of course, with these two premium models, it is slightly different. If you’re here trying to figure out the differences between the two, you’re likely already in the business of creating online content (whether that’s streaming, making high-quality YouTube videos, or making money off of TikTok) or thinking about it. And, you’re looking into a high-resolution webcam with features that would be most useful for such an undertaking.

Still, the original premise is the same. The most ideal one for you isn’t necessarily the one at the absolute top. Both the Razer Kiyo Pro and the Elgato Facecam have their own strengths and weaknesses, after all. Luckily, we’re here to break it all down as we’ve used, tested, and reviewed both webcams ourselves.

In the case of Razer Kiyo Pro vs Elgato Facecam, here’s everything you need to know before deciding on a verdict.

Razer Kiyo Pro vs Elgato Facecam: Price and availability

• The Razer Kiyo Pro is little pricier
• The Elgato Facecam is better for money-saving consumers

Razer Kiyo Pro’s wallet-whimpering $199.99 (£199.99, AU$329.95) isn’t exactly for the budget-minded, and already that makes a massive difference to some people. That isn’t to say that Elgato Facecam’s $169.99 (£189.99, AU$299.95) price tag is much kinder to your bank account. In fact, we’d put both in the premium price range. But why spend $30 more on a webcam that might not be the most ideal for you? 

Although on the flip side, $30 isn’t that much more if you’ll benefit more from the Kiyo Pro’s features like autofocusing, variable field of view, and HDR support – features that the Facecam doesn’t have. 

We’re not trying to be evasive here, merely pointing out that it’s a matter of perspective (and again, your needs). However, if it’s just a matter of saving as much money as possible, the Elgato Facecam has the advantage. 

Winner: Elgato Facecam

Razer Kiyo Pro vs Elgato Facecam: Design

• The Kiyo Pro is heavier
• The Elgato Facecam’s cuboid design is more unique

We love the spherical design that Razer has adopted for its webcams. At the same time, we also appreciate the Elgato Facecam’s cuboid design with its rounded corners, rounded sides and concave anterior that give it a much more interesting look. But, last time we checked aesthetics is still a matter of personal taste, for the most part, so we’re leaving it up to you to figure out which look you like best.

One important thing some folks might find useful is the weight. The Razer Kiyo Pro, at 196.3g, is a lot heavier than the Facecam, which is only 103g, and also top-heavy. That isn’t a big deal in the grand scheme of things, especially because both the hinge and the mount that hold up the camera are pretty robust and manage to keep the whole thing in place. But, if you have it mounted on a small or thin laptop, that added weight might eventually take its toll. 

While the Kiyo Pro has the advantage of having a braided USB-C to USB-A cable, that cable is a lot shorter than the cable on the Facecam, which means that the closer it is to your computer, the better. That’s especially because while the Facecam works beautifully when connected via a hub, the Kiyo Pro needs to be ported directly to a computer to function properly.

Winner: Elgato Facecam

Razer Kiyo Pro vs Elgato Facecam: Features

• The Razer Kiyo Pro has more advanced features

Being marketed as a “professional video standard for streaming and video conferencing,” the Razer Kiyo Pro affords a few premium features you won’t find in the Elgato Facecam. That includes a variable field of view, auto-focusing, and an omnidirectional mic – all of which will prove very useful to professionals, businesses, and small work teams who put in more than your typical share of hours on video calls. 

It also comes with HDR support for higher dynamic range in low lighting. In addition, the Razer Synapse software offers access to more advanced settings than Elgato’s Camera Hub to let users tweak their video and image quality further.

Meanwhile, Elgato’s Facecam is missing a mic, has a fixed focus, and only a digital zoom. Then again, it is poised as a made-for-streaming webcam. As such, it makes sense for it to not have auto-focusing that might only distract viewers and a mic built-in since most streamers use a dedicated mic that offers better, broadcast-quality audio. 

And, while the Camera Hub is a little lighter on customizable settings, it comes with an ISO range of 100 to 6400 that you can set yourself. If you’re not familiar with camera lingo, it pertains to the camera sensor’s light sensitivity. The higher the number, the more sensitive the sensor is to light, making it ideal for low lighting situations. The smaller the number, the less sensitive it is, making it ideal for bright lighting situations.

The software also allows you to set the shutter speed, which is essentially how long the camera’s aperture is open to let the light in, anywhere from 1/200 to 1/10 of a second. Experimenting with these two settings, which you can only do if you have exposure compensation turned off, should allow you better-exposed videos and images when you’re dealing with dim lighting.

Just keep in mind that anything above 2500 ISO will leave your image with very noticeable luminance noise, and it just gets worse the higher that number is. Meanwhile, using shutter speeds slower than 1/60 of a second will result in a lot of ghosting. 

In terms of features, it’s only fair to call the Razer Kiyo Pro the winner here.

Winner: Razer Kiyo Pro

Razer Kiyo Pro vs Elgato Facecam: Setup

• Setting up the Razer Kiyo Pro was a pain during testing
• Both are plug-and-play

Both webcams are designed to be plug-and-play. However, we did run into a bit of a hiccup connecting the Razer Kiyo Pro the very first time. The Elgato Facecam worked like a charm. We connected it via our monitor’s USB hub, and immediately our PC recognized it. As did the Camera Hub and Zoom. It also worked beautifully the first time we tested it.

We didn’t have such luck with the Kiyo Pro. We connected it to the same USB hub before we realized that for it to work properly, it has to be plugged directly into the computer. And, even then, neither the PC nor the Razer Synapse 3 software was detecting it. We had to first update the software and then repair it before it finally detected the webcam. It took a while for us to get it up and running.

Winner: Elgato Facecam

Razer Kiyo Pro vs Elgato Facecam: Overall video quality

• Each webcam has strengths and weaknesses
• Wide dynamic range on the Kiyo Pro is impressive
• Noise handling on the Elgato Facecam is better

Both webcams boost pro-grade lenses and sensors designed to deliver clean and crisp visuals at 1080p at 60fps. However, Razer’s very proud of the Kiyo Pro’s light sensor and pixel size combo, working together to deliver better picture quality than many 4K cameras. And, we must say, you can tell the difference.

Don’t get us wrong; the Facecam’s picture quality is great as well, especially when there’s enough light in the room to work with. The webcam, we’ve noticed, is pretty good at minimizing artifacts. You won’t notice a lot of ghosting, it keeps luminance and chromatic noise low, even in darker areas, and its exposure compensation is spot on. And, it does a terrific job of keeping you sharp – its slightly smaller f/2.4 probably helps with that.

The only thing to complain about here is that its dynamic range isn’t very wide, which means that you’ll lose a lot of details in bright highlights and dark shadows. In contrast, this is where the Kiyo Pro shines. The dynamic range on the Kiyo Pro is, for lack of a better word, outstanding. Razer makes a fuss about its low light performance, and this wide dynamic range certainly contributes to that. 

Of course, the Kiyo Pro has its issues as well. We’ve noticed some purple fringing and a lot of chromatic noise even in situations when it’s not too bright and not overly dark. We’ve noticed more ghosting and some stuttering as well with HDR on. There’s also the fact that because its aperture is f/2.0, which means it’s got a bigger opening, small movement forward or back will cause you to be out of focus. Luckily, the autofocus, while not the fastest or the smoothest, is pretty responsive – although, at the same time, it’s also very distracting.

Winner: They’re just about tied

Razer Kiyo Pro vs Elgato Facecam: Low-light performance

• The Razer Kiyo Pro has excellent low-light performance

The Razer Kiyo Pro is the clear winner in low-light performance. Not only does it boast what Razer calls its adaptive light sensor that works beautifully, but it comes with an aperture of f/2.0 and an impressively wide dynamic range. So, it’s able to let more light in while managing to preserve a lot of details in highlighted and shadowy areas. These are key when shooting in low-lighting situations or at night.

We’re seriously impressed. The details we’ve lost using the Facecam (due to its narrow dynamic range), we’ve mostly gotten back with the Kiyo Pro, which also means more flattering, better-looking videos and images.

Of course, with the Elgato Facecam, you could always turn off the exposure compensation, increase the ISO and slow down the shutter speed. But, by doing so, you’re also risking increasing luminance noise and a lot of ghosting, two things you don’t want when you’re trying to create professional-looking content. There is a noise reduction toggle in the Camera Hub software, but this effect doesn’t look natural at all as it does over-smoothing to compensate for the noise. 

Winner: Razer Kiyo Pro

Razer Kiyo Pro vs Elgato Facecam: Verdict

With both webcams losing(-ish) some battles and dominating others, there’s no clear winner here, no one webcam that rules over others. But, can there really only be one? (Cue Queen’s Princes of the Universe). We already know that both the Razer Kiyo Pro and the Elgato Facecam are a cut above the rest, but beyond that, whatever’s the best still depends on your needs.

If you love shooting in low light, need a wider dynamic range for your videos, or will utilize the extra features it has on offer, the Razer Kiyo Pro might be best for you. That’s even if it does cost a lot more than other webcams out there. However, if a fixed focus, the ability to set your ISO, or an option that’s easier on your wallet is what you need, the Elgato Facecam might be best suited to you.

Unfortunately, Apple's webcams on its Mac computers have been a running joke in recent years due to their low quality, but a DIY stand looks to finally improve this once macOS Ventura is released.

Though we've seen improvements in the front cameras in Apple's iPhones in recent years, with features like filters, Portrait mode and more added, the lower quality on the Mac has remained the same.

This was put to the forefront when its Studio Display was released in March. While a software update tried to fix the bugs of webcam streams being blurry, it didn't seem to improve the quality much.

However, there's a new 3D-printed stand that can enable Continuity Camera in macOS Ventura, which uses your iPhone as a webcam for your Mac, and I can't wait to use it for my MacBook Pro.

Not long to wait

While I've been loving using a Mac again after going iPad-only for several years, one takeaway from this change is how much of a step-down the webcam in the Mac is, compared to the FaceTime camera in the iPad Pro.

If I was in a Zoom or Skype call for example, the recipient would see me in high-quality, even with filters applied. But on the Mac, everything looks grainy, and while I thought it may be because the lens was smudged, I've since conceded that it's purely down to the webcam itself.

Which is why I'm looking forward to Continuity Camera in macOS Ventura. This one feature makes me look forward to the macOS update, as it lets me snap my iPhone to the back of the MacBook Pro, and use it for those important video calls each week.

But Jonathan Wight has already solved the issue of making us wonder when the accessory for clamping the iPhone to the Mac will arrive, thanks to his 3D-printed solution.

I don't have a 3D printer, but there are some friends who do own one. With the public beta arriving in July according to Apple, it's tempting to install macOS Ventura, have the above printed out for me, and see how well the feature works.

On one hand, the new feature is an admission by Apple that they can't improve the Mac webcams fast enough, so this is the next best thing. But on the other hand, your iPhone has another use while you're working on your Mac other than charging.

Regardless of what the reasoning was behind Continuity Camera, it's one feature I'm looking forward to trying out, almost as much as the new lock screen in iOS 16. But do keep in mind, that this will only work with iPhone models with MagSafe, which allows peripherals to magnetically connect to the smartphone to charge, become a holder, and now, a camera.

If you're wanting to try this out and you have an older iPhone, there are some good deals for an iPhone 13 to make sure you're ready for Continuity Camera once macOS Ventura arrives later this year.

One of the most surprising announcements at WWDC 2022 was Apple's plan to let you use your iPhone as a Mac webcam, thanks to a new feature called Continuity Camera. But while the software trickery on show in this macOS 13 Ventura feature is impressive, I wish Apple had just built it into a new version of its old iSight webcam from 2003 instead.

On paper, Continuity Camera makes a lot of sense. Many Mac users also own an iPhone – so why not let them use their phone's superior cameras to deliver a better webcam experience for video calls? Lots of people already use third-party apps like EpocCam and Camo Studio to do this and (unfortunately for them) Apple's feature looks like a more streamlined, wireless equivalent.

But no matter how good the software looks, the implementation will always feel a bit clunky. You'll need to clip your iPhone to your Mac using an accessory like the ones coming from Belkin later this year. Rumor has it that Jony Ive still has his head in his hands after witnessing this desecration of the Mac's clean silhouette.

Because Continuity Camera works wirelessly with your Mac, there's always the danger of video lag, too. And this means Apple is surely using some kind of video compression to make the experience usable, which could impact video quality. These are things I'm looking forward to testing out – but I'll be expecting a few more blips than in the demo call shown at WWDC 2022.

Computational webcam

To be fair, some of the features shown in that Continuity Camera demo were hugely impressive. 

There were a couple of familiar ones – Portrait mode, for example, will blur your background, while Center Stage crops and zooms the wide-angle camera image to keep you in the center of the frame as you move around.

But the really impressive features give us a good hint at the kind of computational video powers that'll likely come with the iPhone 14. Studio Light, which will only work on iPhone 12 models (or later) that are running the incoming iOS 16, is the video version of the same feature that you can use in today's iPhone Portrait Mode for photos. It promises to brighten your face, which should be particularly handy if you're near a window and one half of your face is in shadow – although that wasn't the case in the WWDC 2022 demo.

Even better, at least in theory, is Desk View. This somehow uses the lower portion of the view from your iPhone's ultra-wide angle lens (if you have an iPhone 11 or later) to create an overhead view of your desk, which is streamed simultaneously with a a front-on video feed of your face. It looks like a hugely impressive piece of computational video processing for anyone who regularly gives live demos, though we suspect it may need a generous helping of light to work well.

Despite all of this software ingenuity, though, I'd much rather see it all baked into a next-gen version of Apple's iSight webcam, which landed back in 2003. That unnecessarily beautiful webcam came from the same gene pool as the Power Mac G5, and connected over FireWire. It even had noice-cancelling microphones, and a little stand that attached magnetically to your Mac or monitor.

What iSight didn't have was any of the computational smarts that we saw in the Continuity Camera demo, but that doesn't mean Apple couldn't build a new one with an A15 Bionic processor and a choice of two lenses.

Better iSight

Despite its promise, it feels like Continuity Camera could be as clunky as its name. To use it wirelessly, you'll need to turn on both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your Mac and iPhone (or iPad, if you want a truly huge webcam). Both devices must also be signed into the same Apple ID with two-factor authentication.

Once you've set all that up, there's a chance that it will indeed work as smoothly as shown in Apple's WWDC 2022 demo. But what if you get a phone call? This could be routed through your Mac thanks to Wi-Fi calling, but there are still other issues, like battery drain and overheating, for your iPhone to overcome.

I'd much rather leave a new iSight Pro camera, with all of the same software goodness like Studio Light and Desk View, attached to my Mac via USB-C and keep my iPhone free. Any time I've tried to use my iPhone as an accessory, for example as a bike computer or dash cam, I've tended to go back to using dedicated devices instead due to the compromised experience. And I suspect it'll be the same here.

I'm sure some people will enjoy upgrading their webcam experience without having to shell out for one of the best webcams for MacBooks. But as our guide to those webcams shows, there's still a huge, post-pandemic demand for high-end webcams – and a new Apple iSight camera would be a way better fit than clipping an iPhone to your Mac.

If you find today's webcams a bit clunky and underwhelming, Apple will soon let you replace them on your Mac with... your iPhone. Thanks to a new macOS Ventura feature, you'll soon be able to upgrade your video calls by clipping an iPhone to your Mac and using it a wireless webcam.

The new Continuity Camera feature will take the video feed from your iPhone's rear camera, and also supports computational modes to boost the video quality. These include Portrait Mode, for blurring the background, and Center Stage for keeping you in the center of the frame while you move around. 

Perhaps most impressive, though, are two new software-based features that Apple demoed at WWDC 2022. One of these is a new Studio Light feature, which brightens your face and darkens the background. This imitates the effect of a ring light and should be ideal if you're sitting near a window.

Even better is Desk View, which uses your iPhone's ultra-wide-angle lens to simultaneously show a front-on view of you, plus an overhead view of your desk. It's an impressive display of smartphone processing and software trickery, though it isn't yet clear how good the image quality will be.

While Apple demoed Continuity Camera working in FaceTime, it will also work with any MacOS video or other conferencing apps like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WebEx, and more. Apple says it's also working with Belkin to create accessories, available "later this year", that clip onto your Mac and hold it at the ideal angle.

Analysis: Better than built-in webcams?

While we've been crying out for Apple to improve the webcams on its MacBooks, this new feature makes a lot of sense – even if it's slightly clunkier than simply having a more powerful built-in camera.

From Apple's demos, Continuity Camera appears to work pretty seamlessly – your Mac will apparently automatically detect your iPhone and use it as a camera. It looks like you won't even have to wake up your phone or plug in any cables. 

Of course, we'll have to see how well the feature works when it lands later this year, but the computational video features do look particularly useful. The Studio Light feature should help solve a common video call problem – having a bright background and an underexposed face – while Desk View is both hugely impressive and pretty useful if it works as advertised.

Continuity Camera won't replace dedicated webcams like the Elgato Facecam overnight, as these include powerful lenses and Sony Starvis sensors to serve up a high-quality experience for content creators. 

But for the average person who owns a Mac and an iPhone, and is underwhelmed by their current webcam experience, Continuity Camera could become a hugely popular way to video call both friends and co-workers.

Logitech and Razer might not be the only webcam manufacturers, but theirs are among the best. Logitech’s webcams were in such high demand during the pandemic that they were sold out for months. They still are, especially with people switching to a hybrid working setup and still need to jump on video conferences. Razer’s feature-rich webcams, on the other hand, are popular with gamers and streamers.

The question now is, which manufacturer offers the best webcams? It’s not a matter of quality, as both Logitech webcams and Razer offerings are well-known for making excellent computer peripherals. Both also have very similar products in terms of price, resolution, and ergonomics.

In the battle of Logitech vs Razer, it’s a matter of how you’ll utilize your webcam. Lucky for you, we’ve tested quite a few of them ourselves and can help you figure out which brand to go with and which model to go for.

Logitech vs Razer webcams: similarities

The thing that makes choosing hard between these two manufacturers is that their webcams are largely similar in terms of the basic features. Both Logitech and Razer have 4K resolution models, for example, sitting at the same price range and target the same audience – the pros. Meanwhile, their mid-range webcams come with 1080p resolution and are more affordable and accessible to casual users.

That’s not all; most Logitech and Razer webcams come with versatile, articulating mounts built-in. Thanks to them, you don’t need to spend extra on an accessory or come up with ridiculous ways to mount yours because simply attaching it tool-free to your laptop or display isn’t possible.

Logitech vs Razer webcams: differences

Delve in deeper, and you’ll find significant differences between these two manufacturers that should make it easier for you to decide. Logitech targets consumers and business users, which means that it focuses on making webcams and webcam accessories that are simple yet sleek, feature-filled but not festooned with extra frills. 

The company has an offering or two for content creators, like the Logitech 4K Pro Magnetic Webcam and the Logitech Litra Glow streaming light. But, it’s still the brand to go for if you’re a casual user, a business professional, or a budget-conscious consumer looking for a functional and reliable option.

Razer, unsurprisingly, targets gamers and streamers, which means that its webcam models – it has three so far – are packed with features that such users appreciate. Such features include compatibility with popular streaming programs and fully customizable settings, which should prove helpful to game streamers both novice and pro. Its most expensive offering even comes with adaptive light sync and an adjustable field-of-view so that you’ll always look good no matter where and what time of the day you’re streaming.

Razer’s webcams, therefore, are best for users who are passionate about gaming and producing gaming-related content, rather than casual or business users. Not that they can’t be used to jump on a video call with your family or with your colleagues, but they may be less of a great value. You’re paying for those extra streaming features, after all. A 1080p Razer webcam will set you back as much as a Logitech 4K webcam. There are also no budget options in Razer’s lineup.

Which webcam is for you?

The Logitech StreamCam gets our vote as the best webcam overall because it ticks off many things for several types of users. It’s a webcam designed for streaming, but it also serves casual users looking to connect with family and friends, as well as remote working professionals, extremely well. Among its great features include the dual omnidirectional mic that helps reduce environmental noise, auto-framing and its aperture/ISO real-time adjustments. It also uses a USB-C port to make it easy for ultrabook and Mac users, and isn’t as pricey as other business webcams.

Read our full review: Logitech StreamCam

High-profile business professionals require that 4K resolution for that sharp, top-notch image quality that will impress everyone, whether they’re in a team meeting or actually meeting with clients that demand the best. That’s where the Logitech Brio UHD Pro webcam comes in handy. It comes with all the premium features as well as many high-end frills, including HDR, RingLight 3, digital zoom and three different fields of view so you can look your best, plus two omnidirectional mics with noise-canceling technology so you’ll sound your best. It’s also certified for many streaming, broadcasting and video conferencing apps. At this point, its Windows Hello support feels like icing on cake. It’s not cheap, but it’s more than worth it for its target market.

With its bigger pixel size, adaptive light sensor, HDR support and ultra-sensitive CMOS sensor, the Razer Kiyo Pro is able to focus on having better low light performance instead of delivering ultra high definition image resolution. That makes sense, especially for game streamers who need the best low-light performance. Of course, you’re still getting superb resolution. Thanks to its 5GB/s stream signal, you don’t have to compress your video, which means you’ll stream at the best picture quality possible. It’s expensive, especially for a 1080p webcam, so only invest if you can maximize those features.

Read our full review: Razer Kiyo Pro

Not everyone needs 1080p resolution for video calls, which means not everyone needs to spend more than $50 on a webcam. Those who just need a great quality one to connect with family and friends will love Logitech C270, which is one of the best cheap webcams on the market. It’s not only compatible with Zoom and Skype, but it also boasts auto light correction and a mic that reduces background noise to make sure there are no distractions when you’re on those calls. The best part is the appealing price tag, which is under $30.

Budding streamers who can’t afford the $200 price tag of the Razer Kiyo Pro will certainly be happy with its younger brother, the Razer Kiyo. It’s limited to 30fps, but it comes with its own set of excellent streaming-focused features that make it a great entry-level streaming webcam. Perhaps its marquee feature is the studio-like ring light that comes built-in, which is customizable and ensures that you don’t spend extra on good lighting. The webcam itself is fully customizable via Razer Synapse 3 so you know you can still achieve that excellent broadcast-level picture quality without shelling out money you might not have.

Digital transformation is happening at a faster pace than ever, spurred on to a new level by the Covid-19 pandemic, and companies are increasingly looking to embrace more innovative technologies – from migrating to the cloud to getting a better handle on applying AI to data. In fact, there was a 65% increase in spending on digital and technology initiatives in businesses in 2021.

For this to be successful, having the skilled workforce in place to work with new technology is critical, and employers must provide quality training and development opportunities. The UK government is promoting this kind of advancement too – by putting a big focus on its ‘levelling-up’ agenda and aiming to support UK businesses to offer adult skill development across the country.

To make this type of training successful, employees need to be empowered to be proactive, productive and happy in their work – to give them the time to upskill efficiently and effectively. This in turn requires the right technology and tools. Businesses will struggle to give employees a quality learning experience with legacy software and hardware that is slow or complicated to use, and in turn struggle to stay competitive. To combat this, employers need to start investing in intuitive tech that helps employees work smarter – not harder.

Personal devices are the building block

The starting point for organizations to develop a productive, proactive workforce is to offer quality personal devices and hardware. Without a strong base of reliable solutions, such as quality mice, keyboards, webcams and tablets for working on the go, employees can’t perform to the best of their ability – and training and upskilling programs run the risk of being time-consuming and ineffective, or not embraced at all.

For example, if remote training sessions are carried out using low-quality personal webcams, they are likely to be unproductive and employees won’t be able to learn and absorb new information clearly. Similarly, if employees are working from home without the optimal setup for them – for example, without ergonomic mice or the the best office chairs – the quality of their learning experience will be diminished.

Beyond just the learning experience, employee comfort and wellbeing must be a priority to get the best out of employees’ new skills. Giving them the right base to work at their best will help maximize investment into training, and keep business working at the cutting edge of their industry.

Intuitive tech, intuitive training

The next step is to consider how easy peripherals are for employers to embrace and use. Devices that are seamless to start using – for example wireless headsets – which have easy onboarding and one-click connections will help employees to work, and embrace learning, without distractions or delay.

In addition to more traditional forms of group and classroom-style learning, there is an increasing move towards organizations investing in on-demand, tailored online learning options for employees – which employees carry out on their own devices. Without a trainer or team around them, reducing any possible barriers to engaging with learning is key.

By being able to increase focus and concentration the task at hand, employees will in turn be able to boost their productivity. Devices can also be designed with this in mind – for example, with mice that have customizable buttons or integrated shortcuts, employees can tailor both their learning experience and how they work with new technology in their day-to-day role to best the most effective for them.

Don’t forget about meeting rooms

The move towards a hybrid working model means that meeting rooms also need to be equipped to support training and skill development. It’s likely that even with in-person training sessions, some participants will be joining remotely – and their learning experience must be on par with those in the room.

To achieve this, organizations must invest in conferencing systems with high-quality video and audio, as well as more advanced features like being able to zoom and frame participants, and auto correct colour and exposure. Innovative technology like AI viewfinders can even use computer vision to detect participants in a room, allowing the camera to then auto frame and detect participants when they are speaking.

Other innovations, like AI-powered whiteboards, are also coming to the market, and can broadcast whiteboard content into video meetings with perfect clarity and use AI to ‘ghost’ the writer’s hand, so no content is obstructed. This means that remote learners are empowered with the same clear view as those in the room – boosting the quality of their training and upskilling.

As companies continue to put digital transformation plans in place, upskilling employees to work with digital tools will remain an important part of business’ strategy. To make learning programs a success in a hybrid working world, employees need both the time and the technology to focus on upskilling. 

By investing in the right personal working tools and video conferencing equipment, employees will have a more productive working experience – and free up time to engage with learning & development. With this kind of seamless, reliable tech, training sessions can also be more effective, and employees will be better able to put their new skills into practice for the long term.

We've featured the best standing desks for home office and WFH.

Over the last decade, laptops have thoroughly supplanted desktops as the default standard when it comes to corporate devices, and they've been instrumental in helping remote working become a pervasive business trend.

The most useful feature of laptop devices - and the characteristic from which they take their name - is their portability. Notebooks have been getting continually slimmer and lighter, and the result is a category which feels equally at home on the train or in the coffee shop as it does at a desk. 

However, while laptops form an absolutely key part of building an IT strategy to support remote and hybrid working, they should be combined with other tools and technologies in order to really get the maximum value out of this strategy. It's perfectly possible for remote workers to get by at their normal level of efficiency with nothing but a laptop, but additional investments can add an enormous amount of flexibility.

This can range from something as simple as ensuring that your workers have access to mice and keyboards, all the way to complex cloud software rollouts to facilitate remote collaboration. For example, a standalone monitor should be considered an all but essential purchase for anyone who's going to be regularly working from home.

Having to hunch over your laptop at the kitchen table isn't particularly good for your spine, whereas a proper monitor - ideally on a dedicated desk - encourages good posture. It's also excellent for boosting productivity levels and aiding multitasking. Having more physical screen real-estate to work with means more space to fit additional windows side-by-side, rather than swapping between them, or to display more information at once when focusing on a single task.

Opting for a monitor also doesn't need to impede mobility for staff who are often on the go. Displays which support USB-C connectivity can deliver power, data and video information all via a single reversible cable. When staff need to leave their usual workstation, all they need to do is remove one cable and their laptop will be ready to go, with a full charge.

Another key benefit of providing remote staff with monitors is that many function as docking solutions as well, with a variety of ports available. Commonly found as a feature of USB C-compatible monitors, this docking capability expands the array of ports beyond what a laptop might usually have access to, including ports like ethernet, as well as additional USBs inputs.

This allows for much greater flexibility, and also permits a semi-permanent structure whereby certain key devices such as webcams or storage drives can be left constantly attached via the monitor, rendering it easily accessible when connected, but without the hassle of manually having to disconnect and reconnect devices when staff need to travel.

On this subject, it's important not to overlook the importance of webcams to remote working. Although this may sound like a bit of a no-brainer, many organizations focus solely on the videoconferencing platform that they're using to conduct their meetings, rather than the hardware being used to participate in them.

All laptops will have built-in webcams and microphones to facilitate video calls - but upgrading remote staff to a dedicated webcam with higher image quality, more sophisticated microphones and more additional features can make them come across as more professional, confident and comfortable in both external and internal meetings.

Physical comfort is just as important as emotional comfort, however, and it’s important to consider how the ergonomics of your staff’s environment affect their happiness and productivity. Staff who aren't comfortable will be less satisfied, and will also need to take more breaks. They could even develop long-term health consequences as a result of a poorly optimized workspace. You don't need to get everyone a £3,000 Herman Miller office chair, but giving people the option of something with a bit of lumbar support - as opposed to a dining chair, or something from Ikea - will bring long-term benefits for both employee health and overall performance.

Finally, you should consider how you want your remote staff to communicate with the rest of the business. Cloud-based collaboration platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams have risen in popularity as a way to ensure that organizations can collaborate quickly and effectively, but managing it isn't necessarily easy, particularly from a hybrid context. You'll need to put measures in place to ensure that remote workers don't feel left out of the loop and still feel like part of the team.

Part of the beauty of remote working is that most roles can be accomplished perfectly well from anywhere, with only a laptop and an internet connection. However, by providing them with the same level of support and resourcing as they'd get in an office-based setting will not only unlock notably higher levels of productivity, it will also help increase staff retention and employee satisfaction.

We've featured the best standing desk for home office and WFH.

The 10 best webcam tips we’ve gathered here are no longer just for the rare digital nomad – It’s post-2019 after all. Whether you’re working from home, connecting with friends and family on the other side of the country, or just trying to stay in touch while in quarantine, video calls and conferencing have become a part of everyday life and are likely to remain that way for some time.

However, using a webcam and preparing for a video call takes a little bit of forethought. Luckily, you don’t have to be a tech wizard. Just follow these tips to minimize potential issues, limitations or frustrations so that you can focus on what matters and connect with the people you care about.

1. Choose the webcam best for you 

Not all webcams are equal. Whether you’re rocking an older computer or just need a higher resolution, it’s still wise to be more discerning about your webcam.

Consider first what kind of resolution you need. There are some excellent 4K options out there, like the Logitech Brio Ultra, but they’re a bit pricey and really only necessary for a handful of users. Most people will be more than happy with a webcam sporting a 1080p resolution or even a 720p one that comes with a higher refresh rate for a smoother-looking video quality. 

There are plenty of great and affordable options out there from well-known manufacturers such as Logitech, Elgato, Dell, Microsoft, and even gaming-focused companies such as Razer so consider those before jumping on a bargain bin option on Amazon.

2. Be aware of your audio 

Audio is an important but often under-considered aspect of video calls, streaming, and conferencing. Most stand-alone webcams come with decent mics, often offering stereo sound or background noise rejection. But, if you’re just using your laptop or are in a lively space, such as jumping on a call in a large auditorium, your results may vary wildly.

So, be aware of your audio. Do a practice call with a friend if you need to. If your voice is hard to hear or the mic you’re using picks up a lot of background noise, there are ways to upgrade. One of the easiest is to invest in a headset or headphones with a built-in mic. 

This will make it easier not just for everyone to hear you since you’ll have a dedicated microphone inches from your mouth but for you to hear the conversation better as well. If using headphones or a headset feels or looks too awkward for you, many companies from Logitech to Razer offer USB-enabled mics that can be plugged directly into your PC or Mac that offer excellent sound and often include some kind of background noise rejection.

3. Pay attention to natural lighting 

You’ve got the perfect webcam, you have your audio all sorted out, and you’ve set up at your desk with a nice view of the backyard right behind you. There’s just one problem – everyone on that video conference call is going to see a shadowed silhouette instead of your smiling face. So, pay attention to the natural lighting in your setup.

Not only do you not want a lot of backlighting, you want to make sure there’s enough lighting on you so that others on your video call can see you clearly. Turning on the light in your room or even a lamp, as long as it’s positioned so that the light is hitting your face – whether directly or indirectly – might be enough. 

Also, be aware that your monitor or screen might emit a blue-tinged light. Consider changing the color temperature of the screen or using warmer lights for a more natural look.

4. Consider using a ring light 

One quick way to up your lighting game is to invest in a ring light. Getting one of these will take you to the next level by directing soft light onto you so you’re fully and evenly lit. By using a ring light, you’ll also minimize shadows that might appear if you’re just using an overhead light.

You don’t have to get some professional ring light that a photographer would use. Options like the Logitech Litra Glow can clip onto your monitor for easy placement while something like the Elgato Ring Light, a larger and more multi-functional lighting solution, can clip onto your desk. Even better, solutions like these ring lights can be controlled by an app for more finetuning.

And, if you feel like you’re investing in too many gadgets, you can go with a webcam that already has a ring light attached like the Razer Kiyo.

5. Consider webcam placement 

There’s a reason most laptops with built-in webcams put the camera above the screen – webcam placement is important. Not only do you not want your colleagues or family looking up at your nose, but you also don’t want to be too close or too far from the camera.

Set the webcam as close to your level as possible with just enough distance so that the webcam sees your head and shoulders to try and recreate the experience of sitting across from someone at a table. You can open the settings of the app you’re using to see what the webcam is picking up. 

6. Take care of your background 

When you join a video call, you don’t have to set up a fancy backdrop like you’re about to start your own YouTube channel, but you also don’t want what’s happening behind you to distract colleagues, clients or family from your call. 

Make sure to clean up your space, get rid of anything that might take attention away from the conversation, and, keeping our previous tip in mind, avoid any sort of strong backlighting. Also, keep in mind that many video conferencing apps offer backgrounds that will replace everything except you in the frame for an easier and quicker way to keep the attention on you. Just don’t pick an obnoxious background.

7. Test your settings beforehand 

The last thing you want to do when jumping on a video call is to find out that no one can see or hear you once the call has already started. This is particularly true if you’re connecting with a potential client.

Instead of dealing with technical issues along with that impending sense of doom while others wait around for you to troubleshoot, check that the app is picking up the video and audio signal prior to your call. All the apps have a preference section in their menu where you can see what others will see as well as check mic levels. Don’t forget that your operating system also has a section for both your webcam and mic settings. You’ll want to check there if your app is not receiving what it’s supposed to.

8. Remember to mute when not speaking 

Unless your office is also soundproofed or miles away from civilization, there’s a very good chance that sounds of life will make their way into your video call. Whether it’s a pet, a child, or some commotion outside like construction, those sounds might be out of your control. However, you can minimize what others hear to some degree.

Start by being on mute at default. Unless you’re talking, there’s really no reason to have an active mic that’s picking up even the sounds of you breathing. If you’re using a headset with a built-in mic, there should be a physical mute button that’s within easy reach. 

If yours doesn’t have one, just about every video conferencing app, whether it’s Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet, has a mute button, almost always indicated by a pictograph of a microphone. Clicking that will mute and unmute the audio that others hear coming from you.

9. Look at the webcam when engaged 

When we talk to others in person, it’s natural to make eye contact, and that instinct doesn’t go away when you’re on a video call. I know I’ve found myself staring at pixelated eyes thinking I’m making eye contact, only to realize that’s not really the case.

If you want to look like you’re really engaged, especially when it’s your turn to speak, look directly at the webcam. That way, it seems like you’re looking at whoever you’re speaking with instead of looking like your attention is elsewhere. Of course, if you’ve followed our earlier tip on webcam placement, this might be a very minor adjustment

10. Remember that there might be some lag 

Not everyone has blazing fast internet, and that’s important to keep that in mind when video conferencing. Even with the best connections, there will be a little delay or lag from when you speak to when the person on the other end hears and sees you. 

So, unless you’re ready to rehearse a soliloquy, make sure to include slightly longer pauses after questions and statements to allow others the time to chime in. No one likes having to speak over others, especially over a video call. And, since you spent so much time making sure you look good on your call, you don’t want to ruin it by accidentally coming off as a bad listener.

• Feel like you need an upgrade? Check out our list of the best webcams on the market

It’s no secret that the webcams on Apple’s Mac devices leave a lot to be desired, with no better example than the Studio Display’s recent issues. But the Camo app looks to solve this, with a new update that enables it to be used for FaceTime calls, alongside native support for Discord, WhatsApp, Slack, and more.

While a firmware update for the Studio Display is in testing, which looks to fix some of the issues that the webcam in the display has been suffering from, it seems that there’s still a long way to go before it’s acceptable for use in calls, especially for the price that the display is being sold for.

Yet Camo is one of those ‘why didn’t I think to do this before?’ apps, as we all carry around mobile devices that have fantastic single, dual, and triple cameras that can easily trounce Mac webcams.

While it’s free to download, there’s a monthly subscription fee of $4.99 / £4.39 / AU$5.49, with a lifetime license of $79.99 / £69.98 / AU$87.99 which enables more features. We gave Camo a try with an iPhone 13 Pro, and we were surprised with the results.

Lights, Camera, App

Installing the app on both macOS and iOS was a simple task, but it was only when we were trying to configure the app on macOS that it felt overwhelming, due to the many options available to customize the iPhone’s camera.

However, after getting used to Camo after an hour, you come to realize that you only need to focus on some menus on the left to change between the lenses on your iPhone. Camo already integrates with Zoom, FaceTime and other conferencing apps, so you just need to switch the video in their settings to ‘Camo’ and you’re all set.

Of course, you’re going to need to find a mount for your iPhone to make sure that it gets your good side when in those conference calls.

Comparing the Macbook Pro 14-inch webcam to my iPhone 13 Pro’s rear camera was night and day. The quality was as good as a Pro webcam from Razer or Logitech, with different resolutions and focus options to choose from. Camo didn’t trip up once with latency or a crash as I was testing it in various apps, either.

Why do Mac webcams still suck?

While I don’t own a Studio Display, it does raise the question of why the webcams in Macs are still not good. Apple certainly talked up the camera in the Studio Display when it was announced in March, but real-world tests have shown it to be well below par.

We’re at a point where the iPhone SE 3’s front camera can take better quality photos and videos than what the camera from the $1,500 Cinema Display from Apple can achieve. But Camo can solve this problem, even with its free option.

For now, an improvement we’d like to see for Camo is to have your Mac connect to an iPhone without a wire

However, for now it solves a big issue that Apple is currently dealing with in its Cinema Display, so if you want to look glamorous in 4K in conference calls, Camo offers that opportunity for you.

• Apple's Studio Display is found to be running iOS 15.4 - is this the 27-inch iMac?

You can usually tell when there’s a high demand for something when you start seeing numerous knockoffs and dupes from internet-based independent sellers and retailers popping up on Amazon. At the height of the pandemic, with everyone on Earth seemingly looking for ways to connect with others without leaving their homes, webcams had their time in the spotlight. Naturally, lesser-known manufacturers and even unknown brands had to get in on the action. 

This proved to be a blessing then, especially because big-name manufacturers like Logitech and Microsoft couldn’t keep up with the demand. Most of the best webcams were sold out for months, leaving a chunk of the population seeking alternatives. Enter the new breed of webcam brands from Amazon, which not only helped ease the burden but also offered cheaper options.

Now that webcams from trusted manufacturers are mostly back in stock, is it still worth buying a cheap webcam on Amazon? Let's find out.

Cheap webcams: low price may not be what it seems

In general, webcams from unknown Amazon brands with names that look like a bunch of letters randomly strung together (HZQDLN and DEPSTECH) are cheaper than their big-brand counterparts. 

You’ll find, for example, that a 1080p webcam from XPCAM or even the better-known NexiGo would set you back at least half of what you’ll pay for were you to get it from Logitech, Microsoft or Razer. In fact, they cost about the same as Logitech and Microsoft’s 720p offerings. Not only that but these webcams are often discounted on Amazon, allowing you to save even more.

That’s excellent news, especially for the average consumer simply looking for a functional webcam that won’t set them back more than $50/£50.

When you start to go into the realm of 4K webcams, that rule doesn’t always apply. Sure, you’ll find sub-$100 options like the DEPSTECH DW49 and the Sansisco 4K. But, you’ll also see many “cheap” 4K webcams that either cost just as much as their big-name counterparts or are only $20 or so cheaper. The WyreStorm Focus 210 Webcam 4K and the NexiGo N950P are good examples. 

If you’re going on Amazon to find a cheap webcam, it might be worth exploring what Logitech and Dell have to offer first, especially if you’re using that webcam for work or business, which we’ll discuss more later.

The battle of 1080p webcams

Looking in the budget aisle already shows that you want to spend as little as possible, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re also willing to sacrifice features or picture quality. Whether buying a cheap webcam on Amazon is worth it or not largely depends what you’ll be using it for. 

If you’re looking at cheap webcams because you want something that’s good enough for video calls with friends and family, then the combination of their cheap price tag, 1080p resolution and positive reviews on Amazon make them worth considering, even if you’re not familiar with the brand. Same for remote workers who don’t need anything fancy, just a working webcam for those daily standups and meetings with the team.

The XPCAM FHD Webcam, for example, enjoys a 4.3 out of 5 rating on Amazon and mostly positive reviews from verified customers praising it for its build, easy set up and included accessories (tripod and privacy shutter). Many have also praised it for its good picture quality.

Meanwhile, the NexiGo N60 has a higher 4.4 out of 5 rating and more than 21,000 reviews. Verified customers applaud not just its easy installation, but also its picture quality and auto focus feature. One reviewer even said that its picture quality is better than that of his iMac. 

Even if you need something with special features like a ring light or a noise-cancelling mic, it’s worth scouring Amazon for a cheap option. The NexiGo StreamCam N930E, for example, comes with both those things while still costing less than any 1080p webcam Logitech has on offer currently.

Going 4K

People who spend money on a 4K webcam are typically using it for business. And, by that we mean everyone from owners of local brick-and-mortar establishments and content creators to those with high positions in financial institutions. After all, 4K webcams are still pretty expensive and most people do not need that ultra high-definition resolution for their video calls.

If you’re considering getting a 4K webcam for your business, you might be better off going with a trusted brand. That’s because you don’t really know anything about those vendors on Amazon, which means you don’t know whether or not they themselves are manufacturing those webcams and if they’re even developing the firmware being used. When you’re dealing with sensitive information, that firmware could easily be used (and that webcam could easily be hacked) to obtain that information. 

Those cheap 4K webcams might be $20/£20 or $30/£30 cheaper, but there’s also a higher risk of a security breach that might cost you even more money – or worse, your actual business. 

If you’re just getting a 4K webcam just because you want super sharp picture quality when on your personal calls, something like the DEPSTECH DW40 or the Sansisco 4K Webcam should suffice. However, if you’re dealing with sensitive or classified information that might be used against you, it’s not worth the risk – even if there are a few things you can do to minimize that risk. 

• Check out the best cheap webcams

Over the past two years we’ve seen a rapid digital acceleration in the workplace, in order to support the growing number of hybrid workers. However, it’s not only the workplace where this acceleration has happened. The education sector is greatly benefiting from the digital shift, with a vast number of EdTech products now helping bring a more comprehensive and personalized learning space to students, whether they be remote or in-person.

Remote and hybrid learning platforms have become the norm for education around the world, and technology has been essential in supporting this. However, schools can no longer afford to rely on bare bones technology that acts as a temporary solution. To reap the benefits of hybrid learning, schools and universities now need to be investing in advanced technology that helps to both replicate in-person teaching and enhance the learning experience.

Many are already investing in such technology, with the demand for EdTech being stronger than ever, with educators looking to equip classrooms with solutions that will benefit future learners. Technology is no longer being used as a ‘quick-fix’ – it is now an essential tool for creating engaging experiences for students, no matter where they’re learning from.

Keeping connected, keeping collaborative

Not being able to collaborate as effectively is one of the main criticisms of hybrid learning, and it is especially important that remote students are equipped to be able to share resources, take part in discussions and develop peer relationships. This can’t be achieved without quality audio and video-conferencing solutions.

In the classroom, advanced video-conferencing solutions can help promote interaction, boost engagement, and enhance digital learning. For example, the use of an AI-powered whiteboard camera gives teachers a new means of sharing content with remote students while also making the information accessible to in-person students. By connecting both parties with technology, teachers can deliver a learning experience that mirrors in-person learning as closely as possible and captures the imagination of their students.

At home, schools should be looking to equip their remote students with quality headsets that block out background noise and distractions, and webcams that facilitate face-face interaction as if students were working together side by side. Using external webcams rather than relying on integrated laptop cameras lets students be seen clearly in any lighting conditions. Using high quality audio and video solutions means teachers don’t need to be worrying about blurry pictures or loud background noise when collaborating with remote students during the day.

Comfort is key

With hybrid working, the home has been transformed into the workplace, and for students, it’s now also their classroom. Parents working from home means students are often setting up wherever is free, using their own equipment to connect with teachers and peers. However, working long hours in spaces not designed to support them can take a serious toll on their bodies – risking health issues such as back pain and repetitive strain injury.

Feeling uncomfortable in class makes it difficult for students to focus on their tasks, and the distraction of awkward tools leads students to disengage from their learning. Therefore, it’s important to consider the ergonomics of the remote technology that schools are equipping their students with. By swapping out normal mice and keyboards for ergonomic models that let hands rest naturally and reduce stress on neck and shoulder muscles, schools can help students learn more productively while putting less strain on their bodies.

Working alongside students’ unique needs

Using technology in the classroom helps to advance personalized learning, assisting students with their individual needs on a greater level. No two students are the same and utilizing the wide variety of education tools on offer can counteract the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to education. Letting students get creative with tools that match their learning style not only supports their learning but makes the overall experience more enjoyable.

A personalized approach to teaching and learning is an effective way to make sure students stay engaged and get the most out of their lessons. Using technology such as interactive tablets and pens helps give students more control over their learning, from primary school all the way up to university. Being able to organize their thoughts in whatever manner helps them best; whether that be with diagrams, mind-maps, bullet points or more; helps students be more intuitive in how they learn. With the power to learn and grow in a way that suits them, students take pride in their learning and process information better than before.

Looking to the hybrid learning future

There are clear benefits to the hybrid model, with flexibility allowing students and teachers to teach and learn in new and exciting ways. To maximize these benefits, it’s important that schools and universities are provided with the right technology. With the proper solutions, hybrid learning shifts from being a barrier to being an opportunity for creative experimentation in the classroom – wherever that may be.

Check out the best online courses and online class sites.

 Two-minute review:

The Logitech Mevo Start is a camera that sits within the ‘Logitech for Creators’ family of products, designed to offer a much better broadcasting experience than can be achieved via traditional webcams or DSLR cameras. 

The appeal of the Mevo isn’t in its resolution or refresh rate like many of the best webcams on the market, but rather in its features and software that allows you to pair multiple cameras together and switch between them during a live broadcast via a mobile app.

Picture this: you want to start a live broadcast cooking or crafting show on a streaming website like YouTube or Twitch, and you want to have a camera focused down on your hands to demonstrate your actions to your audience. You also want to have a camera that’s forward-facing, just like most traditional broadcasts, but setting up two different cameras and then finding suitable software to easily switch between the two while live (and presumably running your show solo) is a pain. 

This is where the Logitech Mevo Start will shine, and while it might be considered as overkill for a traditional Twitch or YouTube streamer, content creators have long been using setups that emulate the expensive and complex studios of full broadcasting sets. It’s possible to recreate what the Mevo is offering with a combination of different hardware and software applications, but not with the same simplicity, which could quickly overwhelm anyone looking to upgrade.

Traditional event live streaming could also see some benefits, as you can use the Mevo cameras to stream remotely if you have a decent internet connection, which doesn’t restrict it to content creators - traditional event live streaming could also make use of the features that the Logitech Mevo Start is offering, from sports commentary to broadcasting a performance to a remote audience.

You can buy a single Logitech Mevo Start camera for $350 / £326 / AU$600, though they’re also available as a pack of three if you want to make the most out every angle you have, which will set you back $999 / £999. We couldn't find the 3-pack available anywhere on the Australian Logitech site sadly, but Ubuy has a listing for AU$1,737. 

This is a particularly niche product which makes it difficult to recommend to anyone looking for a new webcam for video chats with friends and family, but for small creators looking to expand and add some pizazz to their shows, or businesses and schools who need an easy-to-use broadcasting solution, you’ll be hard-pressed to find something that can compete with the Logitech Mevo Start.

 Design

The Mevo Start cameras are larger than a typical webcam but much smaller than a DSLR camera, measuring in at 3.4 x 1.3 x 2.9 Inches / 8.7 x 3.4 x 7.5cm and weighing 8.1 ounces /  232g. On the underside, you’ll find a standard-sized thread for mounting the camera onto a tripod or boom arm, though you’ll have to supply your own as these are not provided.

On the rear of the camera, you’ll find the power button, as well as a MicroSD card slot, a 3.5mm TRS audio input and USB-C charging port, though if you don’t want to use a dedicated mic then there are three small holes on the top of the device that are actually the built-in microphone. 

The camera also has a few useful light indicators, with one on the front that will change from red to green when recording, and four small lights on the rear that are used to indicate the battery levels of the device. There are no confusing buttons or anything else that requires you to manually operate the camera on the hardware, so all controls are done via one of several apps on your phone.

Yes, depending on your requirements you may need to only use one, but there are three apps you should be aware of that work with the Mevo system: the Logitech Mevo app, the Logitech Mevo Multicam app and the Mevo mic app. All three are available for Android and iOS, but it would have been nice to consolidate these into a single application if only for convenience, as switching between them can be cumbersome.

The standard Logitech Mevo application allows you to control the camera from your phone, showing you a live feed and giving you a list of places for you to wirelessly stream to, such as Twitch, YouTube and Facebook (providing you’ve connected your accounts and have a stable internet connection). Not happy with your audio? You can use the microphone built into your mobile device via the Mevo Mic application if you feel it sounds better.

Finally, the Logitech Mevo Multicam app allows you to control…well, multiple Mevo cameras, so if you plan on streaming a large event or presenting a show that would benefit from several different angles, you can easily switch between active Mevo cameras.

 Performance

It sounds like there’s a lot to manage here, but compared to the amount of filming equipment you’d need to replicate what the Mevo can offer, it’s far easier to set up and manage, which makes it ideal for anyone new to this style of broadcasting, or streamers looking to develop the presentation of their content.

The resolution options go up to 1080p at 30FPS so you’re not getting 4K quality from this, which means it really doesn’t shine a light on what a professional setup can achieve, but given its price that’s hardly surprising.

The quality is decent, and above average for a webcam, but a far cry from a DSLR or even a modern smartphone camera. If you want to make adjustments then the Logitech Mevo app allows you to control a few things like exposure, shutter speed and white balance, as well as apply some presets that should improve the recording quality in certain environments, such as ‘backstage’ and ‘outside’.

If you wanted to zoom into a shot mid-stream you can also do so, though it won’t zoom in all that far and you’ll lose some quality be doing so as this is digital rather than optical.

There’s also a HDR mode, as well as a handful of filters you can apply over your footage if you’re feeling particularly artistic. It can take a while to juggle two apps if you’re using more than one Mevo Start camera, but given it can allow for a single individual to control a broadcast that would typically need a small team to run, we can give it a pass.

The built-in microphones do a fairly good job, especially if you’re recording in an enclosed environment without any echo. You get a few different controls here too, allowing you to alter the recording volume, or switch between different optimization modes such as 'Wind’ and 'Music’, as well as a manual Audio Gain Control, toggle to keep audio levels consistent.

The results are impressive, but we really would suggest that you include a dedicated microphone if you want your broadcast quality to match that of your favorite YouTubers or presenters as despite offering better audio recording than pretty much any webcam we’ve tested, it doesn’t come close to something like the Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone.

We used the Mevo Start in Webcam mode to take some of the test images, as you can see above. The quality is great, and the sensor works well enough in dim light to prevent any background noise, but you'll get higher quality from a cheaper premium webcam such as the Logitech Brio or Razer Kiyo Pro.

Note that taking images like this will require you to head into the Logitech Mevo Start app and to switch the camera over to Wired Webcam mode, and we didn’t see that connecting it to a desktop or laptop also charged the Mevo Start while in use, so you’re still at the mercy of the cameras battery life.

It's mentioned on the Logitech for Creators website that you can expect around six hours of recording time on a single charge, and this feels fairly accurate. When we set the camera to run, it managed around five hours and 47 minutes, though we were not using its live streaming functionality during these tests. The cameras also got pretty dang hot after just 20 minutes, but we didn’t see this cause any issues.

In all, it's clear that the Logotech Mevo Start system isn't for everyone, but for small broadcasting teams or brands looking to try live streaming local events and content, it removes a lot of required manpower all while being affordable when compared to the equipment used in professional studios.

We'd love to see this with 4K capabilities, even if that requires the cameras to be connected to a laptop or computer, but if you're trying to work out how you can add some professional-looking flare to streams of family events like weddings, or shows and podcasts on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, there's not much that can match the Logitech Mevo Start's multitasking capabilities.

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You can browse through all the latest Logitech promo codes for ways to save money on this webcam and more from the peripherals manufacturer.

Apple fans were less than impressed with the release of the Studio Display earlier this week for a variety of reasons, especially regarding the poor quality of the webcam that was built into it.

Yes, the Studio Display arguably has bigger issues to worry about, many of which we outlined in our own review of the screen, such as its lack of HDR (High Dynamic Range) and the low refresh rate of 60Hz, but there is a pattern to most of the Apple computing releases in the last few years – and that's modularity.

It's no secret that the fruit-themed company loves to charge its customers an outrageous amount of cash for add-ons, with $700 / £700 / AU$940 wheels for the Mac Pro desktop computer being just one such example. It's even made buying the stand for the studio display a nightmare as each stand is specific to a certain model of the Studio Display, meaning you can't just switch it out for another stand at a later date – instead, you're forced to buy an entirely new display.

As you're also expected to buy the Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard separately to complete the full Mac Studio setup, why make the choice to integrate a webcam into the Studio Display at all? Sure, it could be convenient, but Apple is missing the chance to slap yet another expensive peripheral that its customers are obligated to buy.

Out of iSight, out of mind

Once upon a time, many years before I really started to appreciate the world of computing outside what games I could 'sneakily' install onto the family Windows desktop PC, Apple did actually have a dedicated webcam. 

The iSight camera was introduced back in 2003 and rocked a ¼-inch color CCD sensor with 640×480-pixel VGA resolution, which are laughable by today's standards (not even hitting a single megapixel at 307.2 kilopixels) but it seems to have inspired the design of recently released offerings like the Dell Ultrasharp 4k. 

The name iSight has since been adopted in MacBook laptops and iMac systems for their integrated camera, but I feel like Apple could do well by releasing a stand-alone model that's updated for 2022. 

The last few years of working through a global pandemic have shown that connectivity is more important than ever, and while webcams and microphones were seen as nice additional extras before, more attention is being placed on how to make digital communications look and sound better.

Apple-branded microphones for Mac systems is another thing that I believe could do well for the brand, but that's a conversation for another day. Creating a dedicated webcam would give additional space for better sensors and lenses, giving Mac users access to professional quality broadcasting, rather than cramming all that hardware into the slim screen of the Studio Display.

It's not a far stretch given every generation of the iPhone has improved on its camera, to the point where people on TikTok and Instagram claim to know what phone you've used to record a video, with Apple's hardware considered to be the cream of the crop.

I want an iPhone quality webcam

There are ways around this, including using an actual iPhone as a webcam if you have an older handset lying around (or a spare model of a recent release for those with bags of cash), but that requires you to download an app and do a little setup to get it working properly.

The webcam included in the Studio Display isn't even that bad if you compare it to those seen in modern laptops, but people clearly expect better from the premium tech brand, and quite rightly so. A workstation-grade setup targeting creatives in 2022 shouldn't have a webcam that looks like it was included as an afterthought. 

Right now there are professional streaming webcams that offer an incredible step-up in quality, bridging the gap between what we used to expect from a webcam and what we know can be achieved with a professional DSLR or Action camera. 

We've created a list of the best webcams on the market if you wanted to have a browse, but for those who want some quick recommendations, check out the Razer Kiyo Pro and the Elgato Streamcam. Both offer 60fps live broadcasting and full 1080 resolution, with much better sensors than those found in the Studio Display camera.

Those sensors eradicate background noise (that static-like fuzz that appears when your webcam is struggling to capture enough light), and generally offer the best image quality available in a webcam right now without upgrading to a video capture card and camera setup.

If I was using a Mac system though, I'd want an official Apple camera to match, and I really think the brand is missing a trick by not creating one. The entire Apple range caters to creatives and influencers after all, and expecting the folks who can afford to fork out for such expensive equipment to live with subpar camera quality feels a tad on the nose.

Give us a new iSight webcam Apple. I'm not saying I'll buy it as I can't afford your products anyway, but I'm sure it'll be a great asset for those who can. I promise I won't even roll my eyes too hard if you try and charge $400 for it.

• Apple is already having to fix the worst part of the Studio Display

Most businesses are already familiar with the concept of a conference, and whether that’s in person, by phone or on video, the premise remains the same. We’re used to connecting with colleagues and clients to discuss business opportunities, but how we conference is due to change in the 2020s and beyond.

Whether you want to equip your business with everything needed for a futureproof conference or you’re just curious about what comes next, below are some of the key changes happening in the workplace.

Video calling is here to stay 

With a rise in home working and other hybrid working routines as a result of the pandemic, it makes sense to keep workers distanced in order to prevent the spread of any infections and illnesses. 

In an effort to keep people connected, businesses have invested in video conferencing systems for their workers. While choosing the best system for your company, you’ll realize that user experience is high on the agenda. What this means is unique to each business, and includes things like having additional features, support for high resolution video and audio, or how accessible any program may be to less-than-tech-savvy staff. Historically, users have had to adapt the way they work in order to fit a particular application, but the best video conferencing systems now compete to offer exactly what the client wants.

At the dawn of the pandemic when people were adjusting to a new hybrid working routine, poor camera quality and dodgy angles were acceptable. Two years later this is no longer the case, with businesses investing in business webcams that feature high-definition lenses and powerful microphones.

Improved accessibility 

Teams are turning their backs on traditional desktop computers in favor of more portable options, including any combination of laptops, tablets and smartphones. This, and the widespread rollout of 5G networks globally, means high-resolution video and audio should be expected as standard.

This mobile revolution will force video conferencing suite makers to offer just as strong an experience on a mobile device as a computer, so we can expect easy-to-use user interfaces full of powerful features.

Those communicating from outside of the business - who may not have the relevant system installed on their machine - will be able to participate in calls online through the implementation of browser-based applets. Although likely to be lacking in some features, these browser-based experiences will help create a streamlined experience without the need to install countless apps.

Our experiences will become augmented 

Thanks to the superfast speeds provided by 5G cellular connections and gigabit broadband, the web will continue its evolution from a simple read-write setup to include augmented and virtual reality, and this extends to our conference rooms.

Tech will range from simple background blurring and voice isolation to help cancel out sounds like dogs barking and babies crying, to virtual spaces where co-workers are able to communicate with one another in a digital room.

Companies operating across international borders will be keen to hear that technology soon to arrive on our computers will enhance their experience in real-time. Similar to text translation, live voice translation will streamline multilingual conversations without the need to employ multiple translators.

Artificial intelligence will feature dynamic face tracking helping participants to maintain eye contact enabling them to pick up on thousands of social and visual cues, blurring the boundaries between in-person and online encounters.

With an increased reliance on cloud-based systems, companies will become less dependent on their own hardware and servers. This will help to both reduce costs and to provide the same experience for users whether they are in the office or not.

More of a focus on internal communications 

We’re familiar with the idea of conferencing for external networking, but the 2020s will see conferencing become just as useful internally. We’ve already explored the concept of project-based working that challenges the conventional hierarchical structure that usually occurs in the workplace, and internal conferencing will only aid this.

In the interest of team-based work, the physical landscape will change. Conventional rows of desks will be partly replaced by multipurpose huddle and conference rooms. A good conference room will give users access to an array of hardware such as large displays and video bars, while focus rooms give workers the opportunity to collaborate digitally.

A deeper integration of video conferencing suites will eliminate the need for some workers to commute, while improving collaboration and productivity. Internal calls will become daily occurrences, but they will be kept short and to the point.

Any messages or follow-up discussions that can be moved to email or instant messaging platforms will help shift the focus of conferencing away from intense screen use as ‘conferencing’ begins to adopt a more fluid meaning - many of us are already too familiar with Zoom fatigue.

Informal is the new formal 

While video conferencing in entirely reliant on technology, even in-person conferencing will involve a certain degree of tech. Most will welcome the change in language used, which will become more conversational than formal. This makes corporate environments more welcoming, boosting many workers’ productivity. Businesses will be able to attract a more diverse workforce as a result.

As gamification becomes more prevalent in online tools, it’s likely to make its way to real-life encounters too. Zoom participants can respond with emojis, for example, and more interactive tools like polling and Q&As will be more commonly integrated into our encounters.

Enhanced security 

As businesses begin to outsource their online tools rather than maintain in-house solutions, any software or piece of equipment will need to have its security tuned up.

Expect VPNs to become mainstream, allowing users to mask their location and prevent prying eyes from gaining unwanted access to confidential data. All communications, from instant messaging to video calls, will be end-to-end encrypted so that only the intended machines and accounts are involved.

We feature the best online collaboration tools.

Logitech is well known for making some of the best webcams on the market, but its latest product announcement is actually something to improve the quality of your camera footage rather than another webcam model itself. 

The Litra Glow is a lighting solution that can be mounted onto your laptop or desktop monitor just like a webcam, and is designed to softly illuminate your face in a similar way to professional studio lighting. It joins the Logitech for Creator's lineup, a list of products designed to help content creators improve the quality of their streams, videos and general broadcasting, and has an official MSRP of $59.99 / £59.99 / AU$89.95.

Having insufficient lighting can cause even the most expensive webcams marketed towards professional content creators to look grainy and low quality because the sensor within the camera will struggle to capture a decent image without enough light in the environment.

Much in the way that a photography studio will be equipped with fancy DSLR cameras, they'll also be set up with a lot of lighting kit to illuminate the subject. Simply put, your camera only does half the work, so ensuring you're well lit will greatly improve the quality of even a cheap webcam with low resolution, removing things like background noise (the static-like 'grain' that appears when a camera is struggling with a poorly lit shot) and freeing up some of the exposure time to instead maintain a high framerate.

Logitech isn't the only brand to have introduced a lighting solution to complement other broadcasting equipment, with Razer having released the official Razer Ring Light to use with its Razer Kiyo webcam line, and Elgato having its own ring light, as well as the Key Light and Key Light Air.

What makes this different is that most of the other offerings on the market require a dedicated stand or tripod to set up behind your display, while the Litra Glow has the same mount style as an actual webcam, allowing it to rest on top of your monitor next to your camera. If that doesn't suit then it is possible to mount it onto a standard tripod, but the option to keep your desk clear is a great benefit to remote workers looking to improve their webcam quality in meetings without causing additional clutter.

We won't know how well it performs against other options on the market until it gets tested for a full review, but the bases of providing more light to your filming environments is a sure-fire way of getting a boost to your webcam and camera quality without having to ever mess with your hardware settings.

Analysis: Office equipment could learn a few things

I have my doubts that offices will be adopting webcam lighting solutions any time soon, but remote and home workers should look into products like the Litra Glow if they have the cash to spare. Low-quality webcams and microphones in meetings can have an effect on how you're perceived, which is why top streamers tend to have high-quality equipment. You're simply more enjoyable to watch and listen to when you... well, look smart and sound clear.

Decent lighting is hardly going to turn a beast into a beauty but it's a point often neglected by people in a working environment. It's less important during casual meetings or catch-ups, but the amount of digital press conferences and industry broadcasts I've seen where it's apparent that an important speaker is calling from a poor-quality laptop webcam is a little embarrassing.

Its appeal to remote workers aside, the Litra Glow design is interesting as it's one of the few non-invasive lighting solutions on offer right now, and certainly more affordable than professional studio lighting. We see a similar appeal with the original Razer Kiyo webcam that has an integrated ring light built around the camera, though its small size doesn't provide the best results.

This panel-style 'softbox' light could offer something more natural, and it's small enough to toss into a bag and take on the go if you frequently travel for work or broadcasting. That kind of portability for lighting is nothing to sniff at.

The elephant in the room of course is that buying something to illuminate your face can cost money, and 'cheap' solutions might not provide the results you're looking for. If you're in a pinch, just try recording yourself or your subject outside in daylight, or positioned facing a window. It doesn't cost a thing, and anyone watching your broadcast will thank you for it.