The Best Webcams For Streaming – Reviews & Complete Buyer’s Guide

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Creating content and streaming it online has become a huge way of making money online. It’s also a great way of sharing information with people who actually need it. There are a lot of things you will need in order to stream but a good streaming webcam is probably the most important of them all.

Webcams are a little different compared to traditional cameras. They are more personalized and videos that feature a “face cam” will get more hits than those created using professional cameras.

Besides, using videos and live streams is very popular. People want to see the face behind the content they love so much and putting yourself out there can be a great way of enhancing your online presence.

The great thing is that you can actually choose among a huge variety of webcam brands in the market right now. Each of these brands has so much to offer and later on in this post, we will give you a list of some of the best webcams for streaming out there. But first, we will start with a short buying guide on webcams.

Things to Look for When You Are Shopping for the Best Webcams for Streaming

PLAN - PRICE

Description

Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam

Features a front adjustable ring light that will reduce shadows in the videos

Compact design for easy portability

Very easy to use

Advanced autofocus features

Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam

Background replacement feature that allows you to stream live on any background you want

Comes with an omnidirectional microphone that reduces background noise

Ausdom AW620 Pro Stream Web Camera

An easy to use plug and play device

You get a tripod as part of the purchase

Manual lens focus feature to help you focus on specific objects on the video

AUKEY Webcam 2K HD with Auto Light Adjustment

Offers support for multiple video formats

Comes with an automatic light adjustment features

A very affordable option for the average streamer

Wide field of view

Genius 120-degree Full HD Conference Webcam

Comes with a wide field of view making it ideal for shoots with many people

Has a built-in stereo microphone that can filter background noise

1080p full HD image quality

Webcams are sold in two main categories. You can either decide to go for a built-in camera or choose an individual model. Built-in cameras, which come with your PC, are not recommended because they have a lower quality when it comes to resolution. In that case, if you want to give your audience a high-quality streaming experience, you will have to invest in a standalone camera.

Well, here are a few factors to keep in mind as you start shopping for the best webcams for streaming brands out there.

Resolution

The resolution is by far one of the most important specs of any webcam. It determines the quality of the video recorded. Resolutions differ from one camera to another. But if you just want the best, you will have to fully focus on HD or high definition cameras.

Additionally, you will notice that there are some high definition cameras that are better than others. For instance, as a buyer, you will come across terms like 720p, HD, 1080p, and 4K. All these are measures of resolution and you can pretty much get very good quality video from any of the options above.

However, 4K is much better than 720p when it comes to image quality. As a rule of thumb, the best camera for live streaming should be either 1080p or 4K in resolution. Although this will cost you more money, it will deliver a great experience for your audience. But in case you are on a tight budget, consider 720p and HD but nothing lower than that.

Frame Rate

The frame rate is also a crucial element of any webcam for streaming. The frame rate is actually the measure of how many frames per second the camera is able to record. This determines how smooth the motions in the video will be. As you know, a video is actually a collection of pictures that are taken and transitioned fast.

Webcams that have a higher frame rate per second will deliver the smoothest video playback. Standard streaming webcams in the market right now will have an FPS of 30 frames per second on average. Although this is not bad, if you want higher quality you will need to invest on webcams that can offer at least 60 frames per second.

Low Light Quality

Lighting is an integral part of making videos. Videos made in low-quality light will naturally end up being low-quality videos. Getting the proper lighting is not always that easy, especially for live streaming sessions.

There are just so many things that can affect lighting quality, some of which we don’t have any control over. This is the main reason why you must always choose a webcam that has automatic light correction features.

This ensures that you get the best possible image quality based on the kind of lighting that you are shooting under. But don’t rely on these features too much. Videos will always need proper lighting to be of high quality.

Even as you invest in the best webcams for streaming, you may also want to invest in proper lighting too. The low light quality enhancement features are only designed to work on emergency situations where you actually have no control over the lighting.

Lens Quality

The lens quality will also have an effect on the image quality of your webcam even if you are using a high-resolution device. As a matter of fact, one thing that actually differentiates various high-end webcam brands from the rest is the lens quality.

There are two broad lens options you can choose from – glass and plastic lenses. Glass lenses offer better quality compared to plastic ones. Although you can still find quality webcams that use plastic lenses, glass is often the preferred choice for people who are looking for that extra bit of image quality.

Auto Focus

Autofocus is a feature that allows your webcam to stay focused on the image you are recording regardless of slight movements. No one wants to watch a shaky live stream.

However, low-quality brands do not have auto focus capabilities so even when you shake slightly, the movement will reflect on the image being broadcasted. This is not good but you can take care of it by using good cheap webcam brands that come with the autofocus feature.

Price

Different people have different needs when it comes to live streaming. In that case, everyone will need a unique webcam to get the job done. This, however, means that the cost of different webcam brands will vary greatly.

High-end brands that deliver excellent features will cost relatively more compared to basic options. It is important to consider your budget before you start shopping for webcams online. The goal would be to get a camera that actually meets your streaming needs without eating too much of your budget.

However, in case you are only interested in delivering excellent quality for your audiences, you will need to spend a little extra on the webcam. High-quality cameras don’t come cheap but in the end, it will be an investment worth making.

Best Webcams for Streaming

As you start shopping for quality webcams, you will notice that there are many great options to go for. The market is flooded with great variety and knowing what to pick can sometimes be hard. But there’s no need to worry. We have actually gone out of our way to do some research on your behalf. We have analyzed some of these top webcam brands, their features and everything they have to offer.

Here is our list of the best video camera for live streaming in the Marketplace

1 – Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam

The Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam comes with a simple and minimalist design. The manufacturer removed all the fancy additions found in most high-end brands and made this webcam one of the most basic designs out there.

The camera is geared mostly towards gamers. Despite the fact that it’s not really that fancy, it still focuses on offering some of the features that any gamer would love including proper lighting control and image quality.

The Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam comes with an adjustable ring light that will remove shadows and automatically balance the lighting in the video. The Frames per Second (FPS) is also very good on this camera.

You get two image qualities to record your videos. If you decide to go for 720p, you will be able to use a frame per second rate of 60 which is quite high. Users who go for a better image quality of 1080p will get a lower FPS of 30.

These options give you great flexibility and they are both very good for live streaming. The camera is also very easy to use. It’s a plug and play design. Even someone who has never used webcams before will be able to get on with it in a matter of minutes. The Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam is compatible with a majority of gaming hardware out there.

Pros:

Features a front adjustable ring light that will reduce shadows in the videos
Compact design for easy portability
Very easy to use
Advanced autofocus features

Cons:

The ring light may cause the videos streaming live to look too bright

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2 – Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam

The Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam is another camera that’s geared for the gaming community. The webcam delivers an excellent resolution of 1080p with a frame rate of 30 FPS.

As a matter of fact, the Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam actually has one of the highest resolutions compared to any other camera that we have included in our list. This makes it one of the best webcams you can use to stream live videos, especially if you are looking for quality.

The Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam is mostly used by professional streamers who are not willing to compromise at all on image quality. But it can also be an ideal investment for a beginner streamer.

The webcam will offer automatic light correction that makes it easier for users to stream even in poorly lit environments. There’s also the auto focus feature to ensure that all captured images are razor sharp. These factors are very important in enhancing the experience of end viewers.

The only challenge with the Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam is the cost. It’s by far one of the most expensive options in this list but when you look at the technology it comes with, you will agree that it’s indeed worth the money.

Its background replacement technology in particular that allows users to integrate live images into background scenes is quite a treat for live streamers. In essence, the feature allows you to stream live on the backdrop of any background you want with ease.

The webcam also comes with a sturdy and strong construction. It will be able to prevent any potential damages as a result of unexpected falls. Overall, the Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam is a reliable camera that delivers excellent image quality.

It’s compatible with all the major operating systems including Windows and Chrome OS. For any professional streamer out there, this would be the best video camera for streaming to go for.

Pros:

Background replacement feature that allows you to stream live on any background you want
Comes with an omnidirectional microphone that reduces background noise
Video compression feature that helps users save large videos on a small storage space
Excellent resolution and image quality

Cons:

Important webcam software updates need to be installed manually
A bit expensive

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3 – Ausdom AW620 Pro Stream Web Camera

The Ausdom AW620 Pro Stream Web Camera is one of the few webcams out there that can actually work with all operating systems including Windows, Mac OS X, and others. The manufacturer of this device has also done very well to simplify its design and this makes it very easy to use.

It doesn’t matter whether you are a techie or not, this is the kind of webcam you plug in and start streaming right away. The image quality is also very impressive. The Ausdom AW620 Pro Stream Web Camera comes with a resolution of 1080p and a frame rate of 30 FPS. It’s a great choice for gamers and other professional streamers looking for the best quality out there.

The webcam will also give you manual lens focus that allows you to easily target specific objects as you stream or game live online. The built-in microphone is innovatively designed to remove background noise and capture great sound quality.

All these features make it possible for streamers to secure quality images and sound without having to go through many camera settings. It’s definitely recommended for professionals keen on giving their audiences the best viewing experience.

Pros:

Comes with a noise filtering technology to get rid of background noises
An easy to use plug and play device
You get a tripod as part of the purchase
Manual lens focus feature to help you focus on specific objects on the video

Cons:

Sometimes you may need to control the lighting manually in order to get quality images

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4 – AUKEY Webcam 2K HD with Auto Light Adjustment

The AUKEY Webcam 2K HD with Auto Light Adjustment is a webcam that actually combines excellent performance with outstanding ease of use. The camera is quite popular for its wide field of view that reaches a maximum angle of nearly 80 degrees.

The view is wide enough to make sure that even if there are two people involved in the shoot, they will all be covered effectively within the screen. The camera also comes with an Automated Light Adjustment feature that will make it possible for streamers to get good image quality under various lighting conditions.

For example, if you are shooting in a room that has very poor lighting, the camera will automatically adjust its lighting exposure to ensure that the objects being recorded are as clear as possible. Despite this, the wide field of view has to be the most important selling point for this webcam.

But it’s not actually the best in this regard. We still have a few brands that deliver a field of view of nearly 120 degrees. Nonetheless, the AUKEY Webcam is still a solid option. It offers great image quality, additional features, and ease of use. It would be a great pick for the average streamer on a budget.

Pros:

Offers support for multiple video formats
Comes with an automatic light adjustment features
A very affordable option for the average streamer
Wide field of view

Cons:

The image can sometimes get distorted for no reason. But this can be solved by making sure the webcam remains stable during the shoot.

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5 – Genius 120-degree Ultra Wide Angle Full HD Conference Webcam

In case you are looking for a webcam that delivers a large field of view, then you can be sure that the Genius 120-degree Ultra Wide Angle Full HD Conference Webcam will work for you. The camera can reach an impressive 120 degrees in range.

This means that up to five people can easily be covered in the shot without any problem at all. The camera is often preferred by people who want to shoot live events involving a lot of people like video conferences. The image quality is also quite good. You will get up to 12 MP and even though it’s not the best in the market, it’s still very good.

Setting up the camera is also not that hard. You just need to plug it into your PC, give it a minute to install important drivers, and you are ready to go. The device comes with integrated software options that actually allow you to instantly edit HD videos immediately after they have been recorded.

The Genius 120-degree Ultra Wide Angle Full HD Conference Webcam may not come with fancy high-end features compared to some top brands in this list but make no mistake, it’s a solid option especially for its image quality and the wide field of view. It’s definitely one of the best cheap webcam for streaming right now.

Pros:

Comes with a wide field of view making it ideal for shoots that need many people in the shot
Has a built-in stereo microphone that can filter background noise
1080p full HD image quality
Easy to set up and use

Cons:

The camera mount is made using plastic which can get worn out fast with regular use

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6 – Logitech BRIO Ultra HD Webcam

The Logitech BRIO Webcam is known for making live video streaming natural and real. It delivers high-quality 4K Ultra HD resolution for the best image quality out there. This makes the webcam a great option for important video conferencing. The camera also has a feature that adds light to targeted objects. This leads to high-quality razor-sharp images. The sound is also not that bad.

The Logitech BRIO Webcam comes with a built-in omnidirectional microphone that will easily cancel external noise leading to better sound in your videos. This also makes sure you don’t need to use headsets which can be a little weird in live streams.

The webcam is powered by both USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports. This makes it very compatible with a wide range of PCs. You will, however, need to have a 3.0 port on your computer in order to get the 4K Ultra HD resolution. The Logitech BRIO is quite pricey though. But despite this, it offers the best image quality and would be a great investment for professional streamers.

Pros:

Comes with a 5x digital zoom
Compatible with various operating systems
Offers an automatic light correction feature
Delivers 4K Ultra HD images

Cons:

A little bit pricey compared to the other webcams in our list

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7 – Mevo Plus – The Live Event Camera

The Mevo Plus – The Live Event Camera is actually an upgrade of the Mevo Camera, a brand that was originally created specifically for Facebook Live. It’s a great improvement too on its predecessor. The camera allows its users to create live videos that feature impressive resolutions.

You get the option to choose either the 1080p or the 4K options which are both very high quality. The Mevo Plus – The Live Event Camera is also quite versatile. It can be used to stream live from a PC or a mobile device.

So in case you are traveling for an event or perhaps you want to stream on the road, this would be one of the best cameras to go for. The camera also gives you an array of editing tools that can help you edit your videos instantly after recording.

On-site video editing capabilities can be a huge plus for people on the go. Travel and nature bloggers, in particular, will find the Mevo Plus – The Live Event Camera quite a catch. The camera is also in the high end when it comes to pricing but you will definitely get your money’s worth. It’s definitely one of the best webcams for streaming today.

Pros:

Can stream videos live even over long distances
You get on-site editing tools that help you edit videos right away
Comes with a built-in stereo microphone and an audio jack
Can be used on mobile devices as well as PCs

Cons:

The cost is a little high
You will need a very good Internet connection to stream high-quality images

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8 – Microsoft Q2F-00013 USB 2.0 LifeCam Webcam

The Microsoft Q2F-00013 USB 2.0 LifeCam Webcam is designed for users that have a large display. The webcam uses a combination of 1080p and 720p resolutions in live video calling. This makes it a perfect choice for both gamers as well as for video conferencing.

The camera can rotate 360 degrees. This is going to help you capture 360-degree videos. You also get a tripod as part of the package. The Microsoft Q2F-00013 USB 2.0 LifeCam Webcam comes with a wideband microphone that captures sharp and clear sounds without any noticeable background noises.

However, the camera has one simple problem. Even though you get the option to use the 1080p and the 720p resolutions, you will actually be able to hit a maximum of 720p when you are doing live streaming. Don’t get us wrong, 720p is still pretty good for a live video in terms of image quality.

But for a camera that promises a resolution of up to 1080p, it should be expected to offer such high standards in any situation. Nonetheless, the Microsoft Q2F-00013 USB 2.0 LifeCam Webcam is still a good choice for gamers and other types of streamers.

Pros:

Comes with true color technology and face tracking that help to control video and image quality
You’ll get a 1080p sensor for sharp high-quality images
Comes with Skype-certified software
Features a high fidelity microphone for crystal clear sound

Cons:

Can only work with Windows operating systems

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9 – Logitech C270 Desktop or Laptop Webcam

In case you are a budget buyer looking for a cheap webcam that still delivers excellent value, then you can consider this Logitech C270 Desktop or Laptop Webcam. It’s definitely one of the best webcams for streaming and will be quite ideal for basic streaming needs such as Facebook Live and Skype.

It is also by far one of the best options for people on a budget. Despite the low cost, there are some great features on this device. First, the camera offers a resolution of 1280×720 pixels which is actually higher compared to some of the more expensive cameras out there.

The camera is also a plug and play device. You don’t need any complex set up or installation. Just plug it in and start enjoying. The Logitech C270 Desktop or Laptop Webcam will offer HD videos with excellent image quality.

It’s probably one of the best alternatives to your standard laptop webcam. It won’t cost you that much and it is way better compared to the laptop webcam in terms of quality. The Logitech C270 is simply designed for the standard user with very basic streaming needs.

Pros:

Offers HD video calling of up to 720p
Has motion detection features
Great value for money

Cons:

The webcam can only work with the Windows OS which is quite limiting

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10 – Creative Blasterx Senz3D Depth Sensing Webcam

The Creative Blasterx Senz3D Depth Sensing Webcam is not one of the most popular webcam brands out there but it packs a few great features worth noting. First, this camera comes with a 3D facial scanner that ensures the camera remains in perfect focus. There are also some Augmented Reality functionalities in the camera.

This is actually what makes the Creative Blasterx Senz3D Depth Sensing Webcam look like a futuristic design that could be a game-changer in the webcam industry in the future. The camera also has a sleek and compact design.

The all-black finish is aesthetically pleasing, making the Creative Blasterx Senz3D Depth Sensing Webcam one of the best looking cameras out there. The image quality is also not that bad. In fact, it matches up to some of the top brands in the market right now.

Pros:

Comes with 3D facial tracking that helps with camera focus
You get automatic light correction technologies
Has a few AR functionalities to look out for

Cons:

A bit on the pricey side

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Conclusion

PLAN - PRICE

Description

Logitech BRIO Ultra HD Webcam

Comes with a 5x digital zoom

Compatible with various operating systems

Offers an automatic light correction feature

Delivers 4K Ultra HD images

Mevo Plus - The Live Event Camera

Can stream videos live even over long distances

You get on-site editing tools that help you edit videos right away

Comes with a built-in stereo microphone and an audio jack

Microsoft Q2F-00013 USB 2.0 LifeCam Webcam

Comes with true color technology and face tracking that help to control video and image quality

You’ll get a 1080p sensor for sharp high-quality images

Logitech C270 Desktop or Laptop Webcam

Logitech C270 Webcam offers HD video calling of up to 720p

Has motion detection features

Great value for money in the Logitech C270 features

Creative Blasterx Senz3D Depth Sensing Webcam

Comes with 3D facial tracking that helps with camera focus

You get automatic light correction technologies

Has a few AR functionalities to look out for

There are of course many webcam brands out there. Each of them has unique features that may suit the needs of different people. However, in case you are looking for something that will not let you down, you may want to consider the Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam.

The webcam is relatively more affordable compared to other high-end brands and it comes with a number of great features. First, the image quality offered here is quite impressive.

You also get additional features including automated light correction, auto focus, and others. The camera comes with a minimalist compact design for easy portability. It can work well for both professional streamers and the average guy with basic streaming needs.

The Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam is also not bad in terms of quality. In fact, it ranks among the best webcams for streaming in the market today. The only reason why it doesn’t make it to our top pick is because of the price. You can get literally the same features from the Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam but at a lower price.

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