By Mashable | Created at 2025-02-28 05:08:42 | Updated at 2025-03-10 11:25:12
1 week ago
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This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.
When it comes to webcams, there's one thing you can rely on: The webcam built into your computer isn't up to scratch. At least, not if you need it for professional purposes, whether that means video meetings or YouTube content creating.
The good news is that you don’t have settle for subpar video every time you hop on a call or drop your latest short. There is another way: an external webcam.
External webcams are clearer, more detailed, more advanced, and just, well, better. Before you buy one, however, there are a few basics you’ll need to know. Here's some helpful information, plus a selection of the best webcams, to put you in the picture.
What is an external webcam?
An external webcam clips on the top of your screen or sits on a little tripod and plugs in via USB or Thunderbolt, rather than being a part of your computer or laptop. Most external webcams — especially high-quality cams — come with software that lets you manually adjust features, resolution, frames rate, white balance, exposure, and so on. Ultimately, an external webcam can be an easy way to make your video quality better and more consistent.
Are external webcams expensive?
They don't have to be expensive. There are webcams on the cheaper end out there that are still a step up from built-in webcams. Of course, the more you pay, the clearer the image and greater the customisation options, but upgrading to an external webcam doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot.
What features do webcams have?
This isn't an exhaustive list, but it's useful to keep these things in mind when shopping for a webcam:
Built-in mics — Some cameras come with one built-in mic, two built-in mics, or no mics at all. If crisp sound quality is important to you, spring for an external USB microphone. Webcam mics are never really built to wow. However, if your computer setup has no mic at all, grab a webcam that comes with one so you can make sure you're being heard on your calls. Some mics also have noise cancelling capabilities to cut out ambient background interference.
Field of view — If you want a webcam that frames you nicely (as in, not so small that the smallest adjustment will cut you out of the picture, and not so big you see the whole room in the background) check out the field of view, which describes the width of the area a camera captures. The standard sweet spot on most webcams hovers around 80 degrees, which can fit about two people comfortably.
Image resolution and frame rate — There are a few image resolutions you’ll come across, including 720p (HD), 1080p (Full HD), and 4K (UHD). As you might have guessed, the higher the resolution, the higher the picture quality. While the image resolution is all about clarity, frame rate is all about smoothness. Typically, a higher frame rate like 60fps looks smoothest, though 30fps will still offer lag-free video. Only the highest quality webcams support 4K/30 fps and most video call/streaming platforms support 1080p/30fps.
Lighting — If you find that your facial features are almost always lost to overexposure or that your image looks so dark you're giving villain-in-a-found-film-horror-movie-energy (absolutely a vibe but maybe not the one you want on client calls), look out for webcams that handle changing light conditions well or have software that allows you to adjust contrast, exposure, and white balance.
Keep these things in mind when beginning your purchase process.
Are webcams a security risk?
There isn't a greater privacy risk with an external webcam than a built-in webcam. But with any webcams, external or otherwise, you should be aware that webcam hacks are very much a thing, even if you don’t have your camera on. The rule of thumb is that if you have a webcam, you should be covering it every time it’s not in use. There are external covers you can buy for most kinds of webcams and some webcams.
What is the best webcam?
We've searched high and low for the very best webcams and lined up a selection for you. There should be something for everyone and every budget in this roundup, including popular models from top brands such as Logitech, Anker, and Razer.
These are the best webcams in 2025.
There’s plenty to like about the Logitech C920S. It does all the basics well: a clear picture, image customisation, HDR quality, and video call and streaming features. All for a decent price. Indeed, webcam experts go hard for the Logitech range in general, but the C920S stands out for its value.
Other notable features include great colour balance out of the box, an fps that’s geared towards video calls, dual microphones, and a built-in privacy shutter. It’s one of the most versatile webcams out there. And you don't need a supercomputer to reap the benefits.
If you want to use the Logitech Capture software to play around your image you can, but that isn't necessary for a nice, quality video feed. While it may not be the best for certain specialised needs, this webcam has rightfully earned its spot as a high-performing all-rounder.
Professional video meetings are here to stay. That means webcams capable of handling group calls or presentations are now an office (or WFH) essential. As far as we're concerned, the best of the bunch is the Logitech MX Brio.
Perfectly suited your home office, it has impressive tech to ensure the sharpest image and sound at all times, with AI enhancing technology and dual beamforming noise-reducing microphones. Don't worry if your WFH setup is a bit dingy. This is more than capable of clear images in low light.
If you're presenting work you can simply point the camera down at any files on your desk and the camera flips them so they're the right way up for other people on the call. It's a nice touch that allows you to share notes and sketches. It's also certified for use with the most popular meeting software platforms, including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Chromebook, and Google Meet.
Not every work-from-home setup is blessed with a conveniently placed window. But extra lighting can be expensive and takes up space. The Razer Kiyo streaming webcam is one solution, thanks to an adjustable — not to mention powerful — ring light that comes built in to the camera itself.
The light makes up the circumference of what is a uniquely circular cam. It's smaller than your average ring light, but still performs surprisingly well. With a simple twist to the left or right, you can adjust the intensity. It lights up your space without it feeling like you're staring into the sun.
While you shouldn't expect this webcam to be your absolute everything (the microphone leaves a little to be desired), the built-in lighting paired with a 1080p resolution gives you an enviable image that literally shines.
For high quality content creation — whether it's live streams, YouTube videos, Insta Stories, or TikToks —the Elgato Facecam Pro is about as good as webcams come. For starters, it's video quality is incredible — 4K at 60fps — with sharp auto-focusing, all of which comes via a powerful Sony sensor.
You'll get access to the Elgato Camera Hub, which is a control centre for managing all the webcam's settings and creative tools. These include shutter speed and dynamic range, as well cinematic tools such as pan, tilt, crop, zoom, manual focus, and AI background effects. It will also remember your settings.
As a webcam for serious content creators it also comes at a serious price. That's the big drawback for this model, though as with any professional setup, it's an investment that will pay off in quality and performance. If you like Elgato but want something cheaper, there's also the budget priced Elgato Facecam Neo.
For content creators who want to look professional, the Logitech StreamCam is here to help. It captures HD at 60fps, putting it among higher-res options. Streaming-specific features include facial tracking and auto-framing, which are great for anyone who moves around a bit while they broadcast. And as with other Logitechs, the Logitech Capture software allows you to customise.
Part of what sets this webcam apart, though, is how little manual customisation it actually needs. Whether you're using the lighting from your bedroom or have a lighting ring, the StreamCam adjusts so that your colours pop, and you never look overexposed.
Other features include a portrait mode, which is accessed by simply turning the camera, plus optimisation for popular live streaming software. Overall, this is a sound investment for anyone who don’t want to make the leap to DSLR.
If background noise is an issue for you, the Anker PowerConf C200 should sound good. Quite literally. It’s built with dual AI microphones, which provide high quality noise cancellation by allowing you to choose between a directional or omnidirectional vocal pickup. The price puts this webcam in the mid-range, but customer reviews note that the audio is very good for the price.
The Anker PowerConf C200 looks good too, with a 2K resolution that outstrips the standard HD you get with most webcams. Remember that 2K is still too high for some platforms. Zoom videos calls, for instance, max out at 1080p.
Other good touches include auto white balance, a larger aperture for capturing maximum light, and three field of view options — though the widest field of view may compromise the image quality. But this is still great value.
If you're keen on the idea of improving the quality on your Zoom calls, but you’re less keen on shelling out big bucks, check out the Logitech C270. For less than £35, you’ll get a 720p HD picture, a simple plug-and-play setup, and reliable performance for regular work calls.
Features include a noise-reducing microphone, auto-light correction, and compatibility with video calling and streaming software.
OK, so it’s not the most advanced webcam on offer. It has a plastic lens and a tighter field of view. And there are no customisable features. But this is all about value. The Logitech C270 offers improved image clarity — your colleagues, friends, and families will definitely see the difference — while taking it easy on the wallet. What more could you ask for?
Joseph Green is the Global Shopping Editor for Mashable. He covers VPNs, headphones, fitness gear, dating sites, streaming services, and shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day.
Joseph is also Executive Editor of Mashable's sister site, AskMen.
Bethany Allard is a Los Angeles-based shopping reporter at Mashable covering beauty tech, dating, sex and relationships, and headphones. That basically means she puts her hair through a lot, scrolls through a lot of dating apps, and rotates through a lot of different headphones. In addition to testing out and rounding up the best products, she also covers deals for Mashable, paying an especially obsessive amount of attention to Apple deals and prices. That knowledge comes in handy when she's covering shopping holidays like Prime Day and Black Friday, which she's now done for three years at Mashable.
She graduated from New York University with a B.A. in Journalism and English Literature. You can follow her on X @betallard and reach her by email at [email protected]. In her free time, you'll find her playing her Switch, hanging with her cat Mila, or cooking something new in her kitchen.
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