Key Points
- Our choice for the #1 Best Overall Webcam for Zoom on Earth today is the Logitech Brio 4K Webcam.
- Webcams can be surprisingly affordable, ranging between $40 and $200.
- With a good webcam, you can hold Zoom business meetings without leaving your house. Distance learning is also easier thanks to these devices.
- When shopping for a webcam, consider the device’s video resolution, field of view, frame rate, low-light-level adjustment, and budget.
While we may struggle to find the best laptops, headphones, and microphones for the ultimate Zoom experience, we often forget one important accessory: the webcam.
A good webcam is as important as a laptop, especially in the age of remote work that necessitates regular virtual meetings. A good webcam is also a must-have for anyone taking up live streaming as a hobby or income-generating job.
Some people often wonder why they should buy a webcam when they can use their laptops’ in-built camera. However, a webcam provides the perfect mix of resolution, noise-canceling technology, and field of view.
Moreover, no one wants to struggle with a 720P in-built laptop camera when you can get a 4K webcam that depicts your facial symmetry, even in standard indoor lighting.
Well, without further ado, below are our 5 best webcams for Zoom on Earth today!
- Best Overall: Logitech Brio 4K Webcam
- Most Intelligent: Dell UltraSharp Webcam 4K UHD
- Best for Business Meetings: Poly Studio P5
- Most Premium: OBSBOT Tiny 4K Webcam
- Most Budget-Friendly: NexiGo N930AF Autofocus Webcam
#1 Best Overall Webcam: Logitech Brio 4K Webcam
- Ultra 4K HD resolution
- Auto light adjustment
- Noise-canceling technology
- 3 fields of view presets (90°, 78° or 65°)
The Logitech Brio 4K Webcam tops our list of the best webcams for Zoom you can buy today, offering the perfect blend of design and performance.
Delivering 4K videos at 30 FPS, this webcam is the ultimate choice for video meetings as it doesn’t lag even when you power down the resolution to 720p, which records at 30 to 90 FPS.
Moreover, Logitech packed this webcam with HDR technology, which makes Zoom meeting videos as realistic as possible because the webcam accurately captures bright and dark areas. Plus, with RightLight 3, this webcam automatically adjusts to your lighting environment to make the images crisp.
Thanks to the Logitech Brio’s versatile field of view, you can adjust the webcam to focus on you or give your co-workers a sneak peek of your home by adjusting the webcam to 90 degrees. The icing on the cake is this webcam’s noise cancelation feature, which makes your voice audible in any environment. The webcam has an in-built microphone with a 1.22m mic range.
Our only criticism is that this webcam is expensive, but it is expected for the features offered. Check out the Logitech Brio 4K Webcam on Amazon.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Delivers 4K videos | It is expensive. |
| The Logitech Brio webcam’s noise cancelation feature is welcoming. | |
| Has an adjustable field of view |
Most Intelligent: Dell UltraSharp Webcam 4K UHD
- Low light feature
- USB connection
- 2.4-inch screen size
- Privacy shutter cap allows you to conveniently snap the cover on the lens and keep it protected when not in use
If you’re looking for a 4K webcam for Zoom meetings, you cannot do much better than the Dell UltraSharp Webcam.
Thanks to the webcam’s 4K UHD video quality, your colleagues will clearly see you during Zoom meetings. Also, say goodbye to lagging issues, as this Dell webcam streams at 30 FPS.
Moreover, with a 65, 78, and 90 degrees field of view, you can adjust the webcam’s area of sample. And with the Dell UltraSharp’s advanced AI auto-framing, this webcam will crop out the distracting backgrounds and use various algorithms to adjust the webcam’s settings to ensure you’re always included in the frame.
The Dell UltraSharp webcam is powered by the Dell Peripheral Manager software, allowing you to adjust the webcam’s color, brightness, and contrast to suit your environment and intended output. Adding to this webcam’s specs is the Video Noise Reduction feature, which cleans your audio by removing unnecessary sounds from blowing winds and ticking clocks so your audio will remain super clear.
Dell designed this webcam for effortless mounting as the webcam sits perfectly on your computer without blocking the pixels. Plus, it comes with a privacy shutter cap that helps you cover the lens when not using the webcam.
For a webcam with multiple advanced features, it’s unfortunate that it lacks a built-in microphone, which is its biggest shortcoming. Furthermore, it’s expensive, costing $176. Check out the Dell UltraSharp Webcam on Amazon.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This webcam’s 4K UHD video quality is impressive. | It lacks a built-in microphone. |
| You can easily adjust the webcam’s field of view for better focus. | The Dell UltraSharp webcam is expensive. |
| The Dell UltraSharp’s software allows you to adjust the webcam’s settings. |
Best for Business Meetings: Poly Studio P5
- 1080p HD laptop camera
- For video conferencing and distance learning
- Monitor and tripod mount
- Privacy shutter
- Works with Teams and Zoom
The Poly Studio P5 tops our list of the best webcams for Zoom when accounting for business meetings.
Its manufacturer, Poly Inc., has cemented its position as a leading manufacturer of business-focused solutions for teleconferences. Thus, it is not surprising that one of the products in its catalog appears on this list. This webcam has a 1080p resolution, which you can tone down to 720p. Furthermore, the P5 won’t embarrass you with lagging issues, as it records at 30 FPS.
It also has an autofocus with 4x zoom, ensuring the webcam tracks your face during presentations. You also get a 50Hz to 16KHz microphone that does wonders, especially when you are the main speaker. The microphone has a noise-cancelation feature that makes you consistently audible even when attending a meeting at home with your children playing in the next room.
Privacy is everything during Zoom meetings, especially when working from home. The P5’s privacy shutter blocks the lens so that other Zoom guests cannot see your home when you’re away from the webcam. Another extra feature is the Poly Lens Software, which you can use to tweak the webcam’s settings to look your best in every meeting. Unfortunately, you are only limited to 1080p video calls, which is this webcam’s main criticism. Check out the Poly Studio P5 on Amazon.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You will not experience any lagging when video calling at 30 FPS. | You are limited to 1080p and 720p picture quality. |
| The Poly Lens Software allows you to customize the webcam’s settings. |
Most Premium: OBSBOT Tiny 4K Webcam
- AI-powered auto-framing
- Gesture control
- HDR 4K
- Dual omnidirectional mic
- 4x zoom in and out
Next on our list of the best webcams for Zoom is the OBSBOT Tiny 4K, a premium webcam appreciated for its advanced features and performance.
Thanks to the webcam’s 4K and 1080p resolution, you can take video calls at 30 and 60 FPS, respectively. You can also capture every moment of the Zoom meeting with rich clarity and authentic color. Furthermore, OBSBOT’s HDR technology guarantees that you will look great in any lighting. This webcam also comes with an 86-degree field of view that captures your entire background.
However, where this webcam shines the most is its auto-tracking feature, which tracks your movements when making a presentation. And with auto framing, you will remain inside the frame regardless of your body movements. Moreover, the OBSBOT webcam boasts an advanced gesture control feature, convenient for hands-free navigation. Other notable features include a Sleep Mode and a privacy feature you can activate by tilting the webcam.
Our only criticism of the OBSBOT Tiny 4K Webcam is its $239 price tag. Check out the OBSBOT Tiny 4K on Amazon.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Has a 4K resolution | Its price tag places it beyond most people’s budget. |
| This webcam’s auto-tracking and auto-framing features are impressive. | |
| Has an 86-degree field of view |
Best Budget-Friendly: NexiGo N930AF Autofocus Webcam
- With microphone
- Autofocus
- 1080p HD USB web camera
- Compatible with Zoom/Skype/Teams/Webex
The NexiGo N930AF Autofocus is one of the best webcams for Zoom when shopping on a tight budget.
Delivering 1080p videos at 30 FPS, you wouldn’t guess this webcam costs only $39. Moreover, the webcam’s autofocus feature is exceptional as it places you at the center of attention.
However, we were unimpressed that this webcam lacks a digital zoom, which has become an almost must-have for webcams. The NexiGo N930AF makes up for this flaw by having above-average noise reduction technology, allowing you to maintain your professional voice during business Zoom meetings.
This webcam also pairs seamlessly with devices running on Windows 7 and macOS 10.6 OS versions and above. Overall, this webcam gives good value for your money considering its price tag. Check out the NexiGo N930AF Autofocus on Amazon.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Delivers clear 1080p videos | Lacks the digital zoom feature, which is underwhelming |
| Offers great value for money | |
| Comes with effective noise reduction technology |
©ipanacea/Shutterstock.com
How to Pick the Best Webcams for Zoom on Earth Today: Step-by-Step
Nobody wants a low-quality webcam that doesn’t accurately reveal their facial symmetry. Moreover, a good webcam should be clear in low and high lighting and filter all background noises.
So, if you want a near-perfect device, here are some factors to consider:
- Video resolution
- Field of view
- Autofocus
- Budget
Let’s break them down below.
Video Resolution
Every webcam has a selling point, and many manufacturers use video resolution as their main marketing tactic. Though it’s not the first thing you would typically consider, a high-resolution webcam always delivers sharper and more detailed images. At a minimum, go for a 1080p webcam, which delivers videos at 30 FPS. But you can still dig deep into your pocket and settle for a device like the Logitech Brio, a 4K webcam that boosts your professional image.
Field of View
The field of view is the angled area covered by a webcam, measured in degrees. Increasing a webcam’s field of view captures a large part of the surrounding area in the image. One of the things you should consider is the webcam’s ability to adjust the field of view. For instance, you can change the Dell UltraSharp’s field of view to either 65, 78, or 98 degrees, depending on the area you want to reveal in your image.
Autofocus
Surprisingly, most webcams today have autofocus, but their autofocus precision separates high-end models from budget webcams. Moreover, some premium models have advanced technology, which distinguishes people from the surrounding objects, thus focusing on you during your Zoom meetings. Intelligent webcams like the OBSBOT Tiny have an auto-tracking and auto-framing feature that ensures you remain in the frame regardless of your body movements.
Budget
Compare different webcams’ price tags before settling for a specific model. Though you can get a cheap webcam for as low as $40, buying an all-in-one webcam with a good resolution, advanced autofocus, and other intelligent features offers better value for money. You may break the bank for such a webcam, but you will get more for your money. Buying a premium webcam also offers better value in the long term than buying a cheaper alternative that only comes with basic features. Still, always be sure to create a budget and stay within that.
What to Know Before Buying a Webcam for Zoom Meetings
The main takeaway for anyone looking for a webcam for Zoom meetings is to never compromise on video and audio quality. A low-quality webcam makes your video output appear grainy and low-resolution. Your voice may also be inaudible, which would be a damper when making a presentation or taking an interview. Instead, get a mid-range or premium webcam that guarantees clear images and sound.
The webcam’s privacy features matter. A good webcam should have a privacy shutter, allowing you to seal the lens when away from the webcam. This will save you embarrassing moments often witnessed when attending Zoom meetings at home with other family members present.
Using a Webcam for Zoom: What It’s Like
If you have been using your in-built laptop camera for Zoom meetings, buying a quality webcam will completely change your experience. Most in-built laptop cameras are usually 720p, thus delivering lower-quality images than a 4K webcam.
On the other hand, webcams with HDR accurately capture dark and bright areas, so you will look professional irrespective of your surrounding lighting. Premium webcams also have advanced features, like auto-tracking and auto-framing, which boosts your Zoom experience.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Marcelo.mg.photos/Shutterstock.com.
