Whether you’re starting your streaming career or simply wanting to update your gear, choosing the best streaming camera is crucial when it comes to viewer experience and, ultimately, your number of followers and subscribers. If you’re thinking about investing in a new webcam, we’ve prepared a list of the 10 best webcams for streaming.
1. Logitech 4K Pro Webcam
The Logitech 4K Pro Webcam is a 4K HDR webcam that supports streaming, recording and video calling in full quality. For 4K streaming, you get a maximum of 30 frames per second. But if you’re willing to downgrade to 1080p, you can stream at 60 frames per second, which is no mean feat. Add the stereo mic and a 90-degree-wide field of view and you’ve got a super high-quality webcam for your super high-quality streams.
This webcam is so good that it has no real downside. It is more expensive than your regular 1080p webcam, but that’s expected given that it’s a streaming beast.
- Resolution: 4K/30fps; 1080p/60fps; 720p/90fps
- Focus: Autofocus
- Built-in mic: Stereo
- Connection: USB-A plug-and-play; USB-C (adapter required)
Pros
- Film and stream in 4K
- 90-degree-wide and adjustable field of view
- Facial recognition and login with Windows Hello
- Focus shift based on movement
Cons
- Mounting clip is a bit awkward
Price
- $169
2. Logitech StreamCam
The Logitech StreamCam was built with streamers in mind. It has good video resolution with 1080p streaming and a frame rate of 60 frames per second. There’s also the face-tracking feature that works well, and the awesome low-light performance with smart exposure. Everything about this webcam is smart, including the ability to switch between portrait and landscape modes by simply turning the webcam.
It’s not the cheapest webcam out there, but its focus on live streamers makes it money well spent. The StreamCam is simply one of the best webcams for Twitch, YouTube, Facebook and other streaming platforms.
- Resolution: Up to 1080p/60fps
- Focus: Autofocus
- Built-in mic: Dual omnidirectional; stereo or dual mono channel
- Connection: USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C
Pros
- Face-tracking feature
- Superior low-light performance
- Easily switch between portrait and landscape modes
Cons
- The USB-C cable is a little short
Price
- $169
3. Elgato Facecam
The Elgato Facecam is a more niche choice, catering very specifically to live streamers and YouTubers. It doesn’t come with a built-in microphone or autofocus, as video content creators usually have no need for these features.
It has gorgeous, user-friendly webcam software as well, making recording and editing videos that much easier. With the EpocCam mobile app, you can also turn your phone into a second webcam.
- Resolution: 1080p/60fps
- Focus: Fixed
- Built-in mic: None
- Connection: USB-A 3.0 type C
Pros
- Intuitive software
- Integrates with other Elgato products
- Adjustable claw-type mount
Cons
- No mic or autofocus
Price
- $129
4. Razer Kiyo Pro
The Razer Kiyo Pro has been praised for its adaptive light sensor and ability to deliver clear, well-exposed video even in low-light conditions. It doesn’t come with a ring light like its predecessor the Razer Kiyo, but the lighting sensors have been improved so much it doesn’t really need one (and you can buy a cheap ring light separately).
The Razer Kiyo Pro can record in 1080p at 60 fps, or in HDR at 30 fps. The built-in mic is also a big improvement over the original Razer Kiyo. Don’t get us wrong — the original Razer Kiyo is still an excellent choice for a webcam and it even made it onto our list. But if you want an improved version and don’t mind shelling out more cash, then the Kiyo Pro could be the better choice for you.
While the Razer Kiyo Pro is a versatile webcam that streamers and professionals of all kinds can use, it does come with a high price tag. Also, the Razer Synapse software that comes with it could be a bit sleeker.
- Resolution: 1080p/60fps; 1080p HDR/30fps; 720p/60fps
- Focus: Autofocus
- Built-in mic: Omnidirectional
- Connection type: USB A-to-C cable; USB 3.0
Pros
- Sharp 1080p video
- Good low-light exposure
- Optional HDR
- Adjustable wide-angle lens
Cons
- Clunky UI on Synapse software
- No 4K
Price
- $199
5. Logitech C922 Pro Stream
As a leading webcam manufacturer, Logitech continues to be a staple on “best webcam” lists year after year. When you look at their C922 Pro Stream model, you can easily understand why. You can stream in 1080p at 30 frames per second or in 720p at 60 frames per second. The camera is equipped with two microphones for stereo recording, has good low-light performance, and comes with the versatile Logitech stand.
The C922 isn’t a flawless webcam, however. It doesn’t have a privacy shutter to physically block the lens. The background-removal feature requires third-party software to use (so you’re better off using a green screen).
- Resolution: 1080p/30fps; 720p/60fps
- Focus: Autofocus
- Built-in mic: Dual omnidirectional
- Connection type: USB A
Pros
- Comes with a tripod
- Has automatic light correction
- Two built-in mics
Cons
- No privacy shutter
- Background removal requires third-party software
Price
- $99
6. Dell UltraSharp WB7022
The Dell UltraSharp WB7022 competes with the Logitech 4K Pro Webcam as one of the best 4K webcams on the market. In addition to 4K streaming, you also get HDR support and AI-powered auto framing. With an adjustable field of view that goes up to 90 degrees, you can capture as much or as little as you want.
What you gain in video quality you lose in audio with the Dell UltraSharp — there’s no built-in mic. That’s good news for content creators who usually have an external mic, but less so for those who want a nice webcam for conference calls.
- Resolution: 4K/30fps; 1080p/60fps
- Focus: Autofocus
- Built-in mic: None
- Connection: USB-C to USB-A
Pros
- 4K streaming
- HDR recording
- Good performance for poorly lit rooms
- Advanced AI auto framing
Cons
- No built-in mic
- Awkward stand
Price
- $199
7. Razer Kiyo
The most prominent selling point of the Razer Kiyo is, of course, the light ring. The Kiyo is a streaming camera through and through, on par with the Logitech C922 in many ways. It also offers 1080p streaming at 30 frames per second and 720p streaming at 60 frames per second. But the fact that it includes an adjustable light that can be bright enough to make a noticeable difference when streaming is a great bonus for the Kiyo.
However, this webcam is also on the more expensive end of the spectrum for what it is, and there have been some reports of issues when used with OBS Studio.
- Resolution: 1080p/60fps; 1080p/30fps with HDR
- Focus: Autofocus
- Built-in mic: Omnidirectional
- Connection type: USB 2.0
Pros
- Smooth video at 1080p/60fps
- Optional HDR setting
- Works well in low light
Cons
- Pricey compared to other webcams in the same range
- May have issues when used with OBS Studio
Price
- $109
8. Insta360 Link
Insta360 is known for its action cameras, so it should come as no surprise that the Insta360 Link webcam is fully motorized with nearly 360 degrees of swivel. Feel free to get up and move around as much as you want — the Link will keep up with you. You can even use hand gestures to change settings and modes on the webcam. The large image sensor also lends it a higher-quality picture and better exposure in low-light settings.
The only major downside to the Insta360 Link is the price. It’s one of the most expensive on this list and you can get comparable video quality for less, just without the automatic tracking. If you’re someone who does a lot of moving around during your broadcasts, and you value high-quality video, then the Link could be a good choice for you.
- Resolution: 4K/30fps; 1080p/60fps
- Focus: Autofocus up to four inches away from the lens
- Built-in mic: Dual noise-canceling microphones
- Connection type: USB-C (with USB-A adapter included)
Pros
- Excellent color, sharpness and low-light performance
- Fully motorized with near-360-degree swivel
- Intuitive companion app
Cons
- Expensive
- AI zoom can be jumpy at times
Price
- $369
9. Elgato Facecam Pro
Not many other webcams stream in 4K at 60 fps like the Elgato Facecam Pro — but most people don’t need video that looks that good. It’s a powerful webcam for serious content creators. It also has a 90-degree field of view and autofocus lens. The Camera Hub software that comes with it also lets you make a lot of adjustments to your settings.
With all that power, though, comes a hefty price tag and a hefty webcam. The Facecam Pro is larger than you expect a webcam to be, even larger than the original Facecam. Elgato definitely upgraded the Pro webcam, but if you’re not a professional streamer or content creator, you can find a webcam of mostly comparable quality for less than half the price.
- Resolution: 4K/60fps
- Focus: Autofocus up to four inches away from the lens
- Built-in mic: None
- Connection type: USB-C
Pros
- Wide lens
- Sharp picture
- 4K and 60 fps video
- Variable focus
Cons
- No built-in microphone
- Requires a lot of setting adjustments for best performance
Price
- $299
10. Logitech C920
If you want an affordable, reliable webcam, then check out the Logitech C920. It’s been around for several years but it’s still one of the best values you can get on a webcam and a huge step up from your laptop’s built-in webcam. It can stream and record in 1080p at 30 fps, has a decent 78-degree field of view and an autofocus that easily tracks you if you shift around a bit.
The Logitech C920 is a little bulky and lacks a privacy cover — you’ll have to upgrade to the C920S for that. It also doesn’t stream in 4K but for most streamers and everyday video calls, 4K isn’t a necessity anyway.
- Resolution: 1080p/30fps
- Focus: Autofocus
- Built-in mic: Stereo
- Connection type: USB-A
Pros
- Affordable
- Reliable autofocus
- Sharp image quality for the price
Cons
- Microphone isn’t great
- No privacy cover
Price
- $69
More interesting options
The webcam market is full of amazing, reasonably priced devices, so anyone can find one suited to their needs. If you aren’t fully satisfied with the options above, consider the following webcams:
- Elgato FaceCam MK.2
- Logitech HD C310
- Logitech MX Brio
- Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra
- Anker PowerConf C200
- Dell UltraSharp
These webcams vary in price range and quality so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs and your budget. You can also check out our guide to live streaming equipment to learn what else your streaming setup needs besides a webcam.
FAQs
What is the best streaming camera?
The best webcam for streaming will depend on several factors — especially your budget. You can get a decent webcam for only $70 if you go with the Logitech C920. If you want high-quality video and a streaming camera packed with features, you could spend $370 for the Insta360 Link. Companies that are well-known for durable, quality webcams are Logitech, Elgato and Razer.
What is the best budget webcam for streaming?
The best budget webcam for live streaming is the Logitech C920. At just $70, it’s on the lower end of the pricing spectrum for webcams with comparable features and settings. It doesn’t stream in 4K and you’ll probably need an external microphone, but you can get 1080p resolution and a reliable autofocus with the C920.
Wrap-up
Any of the cameras on our list would work well as a streaming camera, it’s up to you to determine which features are most important and how much you’re willing to spend. Consider what kind of content you’ll be streaming and which platforms you’re streaming to. Once you know what your basic requirements are, it’s easy to find yourself the best webcam for streaming.
