Are you looking towards getting your first live streaming setup? If so, knowing the best webcam for streaming must be on your list.
However, choosing among dozens of webcams for streaming can be confusing. Especially if you are not familiar with technical terms surrounding camera technology.
For that reason, we wish to help you by listing some of the best streaming webcams in this article. Not only that, this article also explains what you should look for when getting a webcam.
So, if you ask “What webcam do streamers use?”, read on!
What Are The Best Webcam for Streaming?
When it comes to live streaming, there are many webcams worth recommending. Below are our best picks, starting from the most affordable:
1. NexiGo N60
- Price: $40
- Resolution & frame rate: 1080p at 30fps
- Field of view: 110 degrees
- Connection: USB-A
- Built-in mic: Yes
These days, good webcams for streaming do not have to cost more than a hundred Dollars. NexiGo N60 is one example.
While retailing for under $50, NexiGo N60 offers 1080p recording at 30 fps. That means it is capable of producing sharp-looking videos for most situations.
What’s more interesting, this webcam comes with software to adjust multiple video settings, including white balance, brightness, and contrast. Due to that, you can make your video quality better in various lighting conditions.
Apart from that, the best webcam for streaming has a built-in stereo mic, dust cover, and clip mounting. Combined with Windows, MacOS, and Android compatibility, NexiGo N60 is a bang for the buck.
2. Logitech C920
- Price: $80
- Resolution & frame rate: 720p or 1080p at 30 fps
- Field of view: 78 degrees
- Connection: USB-A
- Built-in mic: Yes
Logitech C920 is another proof that the best webcam for streaming does not have to break the bank. Offered for $80, this camera shares some similarities to the previous product we mentioned, including 1080p resolution, 30fps frame rate, and a stereo microphone.
What sets Logitech C920 from NexiGo N60 is the ability to enhance your lighting automatically. With its built-in ring light, you will appear brighter and sharper in the video even in a dim environment.
Though, you can also digitally adjust brightness and contrast within the webcam’s software. This software allows you to digitally zoom the camera as well, but mind that doing so can degrade the video quality.
Apart from that, Logitech C920 provides you with a 78-degree field of view. That being said, this best streaming webcam is more suitable for those who want a more compressed background than the wider viewing angle that NexiGo N60 offers.
Read : 11 Best Value Gaming Mics (Cheap)
3. ClearOne Unite 20 Pro
- Price: $80
- Resolution & frame rate: 1080p at 30fps
- Field of view: 100 degrees
- Connection: USB-A
- Built-in mic: Yes
With a similar price to Logitech C920, it is no surprise that ClearOne Unite 20 Pro shares similar features.
However, this camera can be considered an option of the best webcam for streaming because of its signal noise reduction, which is unexpected at its price. With this feature, the webcam promises better video transmission.
Not only that, ClearOne Unite 20 Pro offers backlight compensation. That means this webcam can better expose you while there are bright sources of light in the surrounding. Without this feature, your video can easily get underexposed when you are backlit.
ClearOne Unite 20 Pro supports Windows, MacOS, Linux, and even Chromebook. So, you do not have to worry about compatibility.
4. Logitech C922 Pro Stream
- Price: $99
- Resolution & frame rate: 720p at 60fps / 1080p at 30fps
- Field of view: 78 degrees
- Connection: USB-A
- Built-in mic: Yes
Physically, this product looks the same as its more affordable counterpart, the Logitech C920. However, the “Pro” moniker that Logitech C922 has does not exist for nothing.
Apart from features found in C920, C922 has two resolution options, 720p and 1080p. Also, it boasts two frame rate choices, 30fps and 60fps.
While 60fps can make your video more fluid than 30fps, note that it is only available at 720p. But do not worry since 720p still looks sharp in moderate screen sizes.
A higher frame rate is not the only highlight of C922. With a dual stereo microphone, this webcam promises a more natural-sounding audio output.
Also, C922 comes with a detachable tripod which allows for a more flexible placement than a clip-on mount. The bottom line, Logitech C922 is arguably a good option of the best webcam for streaming under $100.
5. Razer Kiyo
- Price: $109
- Resolution & frame rate: 720p at 60fps / 1080p at 30fps
- Field of view: 81.6 degrees
- Connection: USB-A
- Built-in mic: Yes
With some similar imaging capabilities as the previous options in this list, Razer Kiyo can be a little pricey. However, it still has a good value if you consider its large ring light.
That built-in lighting can effectively enhance your brightness in poorly lit rooms. Plus, you can adjust the amount of light using the webcam’s software to achieve the most flattering result.
Apart from that, Razer Kiyo comes with two mounting options. The default L-shaped mount is stable enough, but you can opt for a more rigid tripod that is sold separately.
Though, please remember that this webcam only supports Windows computers. Thus, it may not be the most versatile choice of the best webcam for streaming.
Read : 4k Streaming Internet Speed Recommendations
6. Anker PoweConf C300
- Price: $129
- Resolution & frame rate: 1080p at 60fps
- Field of view: 78, 90, and 115 degrees
- Connection: USB-C (comes with a USB-C to USB-A adapter)
- Built-in mic: Yes
Those who wish to stream 1080p videos at 60fps will be happy with Anker PowerConf C300 since it is the most affordable option on this list.
Nevertheless, that is not the only feature to like from the best webcam for streaming. Anker PowerConf C300 also offers a variable field of view to suit different situations. For example, you can choose 78 degrees for solo streaming and 115 degrees for showcasing your studio.
Not only that, this camera boasts some automatic features. Using the power of AI, Anker PowerConf300 promises better autofocus, exposure, and white balance than other products around the same price.
Since Anker PowerConf C300 supports Windows and MacOS devices, it should provide enough compatibility to most users.
7. Elgato Facecam
- Price: $149
- Resolution & frame rate: 1080p at 60fps
- Field of view: 82 degrees
- Connection: USB-C
- Built-in mic: No
If you are not satisfied with low-contrasted video output, Elgato Facecam could be the best webcam for streaming you need. This camera promises automatic white and black level balancing which improves video contrast in various lighting conditions.
Aside from contrast enhancement, Elgato Facecam is also known for its superior image clarity. This is thanks to its eight-element glass optics and Sony STARVIS sensor.
Though, this webcam does not come with a built-in microphone and lighting. That means it may not suit new live streamers who want an all-in-one streaming solution.
Also, Elgato Facecam has a fixed focus between 30 to 120cm. This may or may not be an issue depending on your activities. If you plan to move around a lot, make sure that you are within the focusing distance.
8. Logitech Streamcam
- Price: $169
- Resolution & frame rate: 1080p at 60fps
- Field of view: 78 degrees
- Connection: USB-C
- Built-in mic: Yes
Are you looking for the best webcam for streaming to mobile audiences? Logitech Streamcam is probably one of the nicest picks below $200 to replace your smartphone camera.
With its rotatable front element, you can turn this good webcam for streaming into a vertical mode. That being said, the camera allows you to stream into platforms like Instagram and TikTok, which favor vertical orientation for their content.
Other highlighted features of Logitech Stream include its superior automatic framing. With this capability, the webcam will lock its focus onto your face, ensuring that you are always in the frame while streaming.
Also, Logitech Streamcam easily integrates with Streamlabs and OBS. That means you can effortlessly set up the camera for streaming using the two popular software.
9. Dell UltraSharp WB7022
- Price: $199
- Resolution & frame rate: 1080p at 60fps / 4K at 30fps
- Field of view: 65, 78, and 90 degrees
- Connection: USB-C
- Built-in mic: No
Popular streaming platforms max out video resolution at 1080p as of now. However, you may still want to capture 4K videos without spending a grand on mirrorless or proper video cameras.
If that is what you need, Dell UltraSharp WB7022 will suffice for you. It might be one of the most affordable options of the best webcam for streaming capable of shooting 4K.
Apart from having top-notch image clarity, WB7022 also boasts HDR recording. This feature makes sure that both bright and dark areas of your video do not get blown out. In other words, your content will be more pleasing to the eye.
Though sporting a large resolution shooting capability, WB7022 has a relatively small size. Because of that, it can be a good choice for those looking for simplistic game streaming setup.
Some notable disadvantages this webcam presents are its inability to pan and the absence of separate flexible mounting. So, it can be hard to set a desired video composition using this camera.
10. Logitech Brio
- Price: $200
- Resolution & frame rate: 720p at 90fps / 1080p at 60 fps / 4K at 30fps
- Field of view: 65, 78, and 90 degrees
- Connection: USB-C
- Built-in mic: Yes
Logitech Brio is arguably a good little upgrade from Dell UltraSharp WB7022. While offering many of the latter’s features, including 4K capability, variable field of view, and HDR recording, Brio also provides a few advantages.
Firstly, Logitech Brio can shoot at 90fps albeit only in 720p. So, if you are looking for streaming fast-paced actions or animations, this best webcam for streaming is a must.
Secondly, you can detach Logitech Brio’s clip mount and screw the camera onto a tripod that supports the standard ¼ inch screw. That means you can freely place the webcam for a desired shooting angle.
Last but not least, Logitech Brio has a face recognition feature. While it is not a necessary ability for streaming, it may prevent unauthorized people from unlocking your computer.
Read : What is HLS in Streaming
11. Razer Kiyo Pro
- Price: $209
- Resolution & frame rate: 720p and1080p at 60fps or 30fps with HDR mode
- Field of view: 80, 90, and 108 degrees
- Connection: USB-A
- Built-in mic: Yes
Kiyo Pro looks just like the non-pro version without the built-in ring light. But do not worry! With almost double the price of its cheaper counterpart, this webcam offers a much better sensor that does not necessarily need integrated lighting to give a good result.
Another noticeable improvement that you can see in Kiyo Pro is the ability to shoot at 60fps in both 720p and 1080p. Thus, this webcam lets you get the best video output.
What’s more, Kiyo Pro allows you to choose between three field of view options. Meanwhile, the non-pro only locks you at 81.6 degrees viewing width.
Nonetheless, Razer Kiyo Pro might be a bit overpriced compared to some best webcam for streaming options around the same price, all of which can shoot at 4K.
12. Obsbot Tiny 4K
- Price: $269
- Resolution & frame rate: 1080p at 60fps / 4K at 30fps
- Field of view: 86 degrees
- Connection: USB-C
- Built-in mic: Yes
Looking for a webcam that has a stable automatic framing ability? Obsbot Tiny 4K is one of the best choices. Fitted with a two-axis stabilizer gimbal, this camera can handle abrupt movements and vibrations well.
That is not the only convenience you can get from the best webcam for streaming. Obsbot Tiny 4K supports hand gesture-activated digital zooming. By forming the letter L with your hand, you can zoom the video up to four times.
Apart from that, the best streaming webcam uses a magnet base to attach to its clip mount. That being said, you can remove the camera with ease if you want to put it on a tripod.
Despite the “tiny” name, though, Obsbot Tiny 4K is pretty big due to its gimbal. Therefore, you may consider placing the webcam on a firm surface like a desk shelf.
13. Insta360 Link
- Price: $299
- Resolution: 1080p at 60fps / 4K at 30fps
- Field of view: 67 and 79.5 degrees
- Connection: USB-C
- Built-in mic: Yes
Insta360 Link combines Obsbot Tiny 4K and Logitech Streamcam’s best selling points and improves them. Its three-axis gimbal offers great flexibility in tracking your face, but there is more freedom in choosing what to focus on.
For example, you can tilt the best webcam for streaming down to show whatever you are doing on your desk, such as drawing or crafting.
You can also let Insta360 Link’s lens rotate 90 degrees to activate its vertical mode. Thus, this camera is suitable for social media streamers as well.
What’s more, this intelligent webcam supports three different hand gestures for zooming in, focusing on whiteboards, and activating face tracking mode. So, you can seamlessly control it while doing what you want to show.
More importantly, Insta360 Link is significantly smaller than Obsbot Tiny 4K. That means you do not have to worry about the camera tumbling from your screen in the middle of a stream.
14. Elgato Facecam Pro
- Price: $299
- Resolution & frame rate: 4K at 60fps
- Field of view: 90 degrees
- Connection: USB-C
- Built-in mic: No
When it comes to shooting 4K videos exclusively at 60fps, there is currently no better option than Elgato Facecam Pro. Combined with a 90-degree viewing angle, this camera ensures that tiny details at every corner of your studio can be seen clearly.
Apart from image quality, the best webcam for streaming at 4K also prioritizes video transmission. This is possible with its support for USB 3.0 cables that deliver data faster than USB 2.0 that most other webcams use.
Being an industry leader in terms of performance, it just makes sense that Elgato Facecam Pro comes with an adequately sized heat vent on its back. To compensate for this feature, however, the webcam has to feature a bigger housing than the general cameras in this list.
Another thing to consider before buying Elgato Facecam Pro is its “normal” complementary features. Aside from its resolution and framerate, this product shares similar benefits with contenders below $200. So, new or casual streamers may want to opt for a more affordable webcam.
15. Poly P15 Personal Video Bar
- Price: $600
- Resolution & frame rate: 4K at 30fps
- Field of view: 90 degrees
- Connection: USB-C
- Built-in mic: Yes
If for some reason you need a webcam that does not only include a microphone but also a speaker, Poly P15 is probably one of the few choices available.
Despite the radical product idea, this pricey camera offers amazing audio input. With a three-element beamforming microphone array, echo cancellation, and noise suppression, it ensures that viewers cannot hear anything except your voice.
More importantly, the best webcam for streaming can shoot 4K at 30fps, which results in a very clear video output. Accompanied by software to adjust exposure, zoom, and color, Poly P15 will not disappoint in terms of imaging.
What some may consider a drawback of this camera is its humongous size and price, which makes sense for an all-in-one solution.
How to Choose The Best Webcam for Streaming?
The variety of best streaming webcams can confuse you. To help narrow down your options, consider the following criteria:
Resolution
Webcam resolution affects your video’s clarity. Thus, higher resolution equals a sharper image.
As you have read in this article, there are three common webcam resolutions:
- 720p (HD)
- 1080p (Full HD)
- 4K (Ultra HD)
All of them are good, but 1080p is the current best resolution you need for streaming. This resolution ensures great detail, even when viewed on large screens.
Though, paying attention to your computer’s performance and internet speed is necessary if you want to stream at 1080p. Especially if your PC or internet connection may get unstable.
If the stream gets slow, you should consider downgrading to 720p. This is why having the best webcam for streaming that supports variable resolutions, such as 1080p and 720p, can be beneficial.
But how about 4K? Currently, popular streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube allow you to stream at up to 1080p. So, 4K webcams can be considered overkill for live streaming. Plus, it is also important to have a good bitrate for streaming to avoid blurry or pixelated video.
However, if your budget allows, getting a 4K webcam is still a nice investment for the time when streaming platforms support such a resolution. Plus, you can record and upload 4K videos for on-demand viewing.
Frame Rate
Frame rate, measured in frame per second (fps), affects motion smoothness in videos. The higher your frame rate is, the smoother the video gets.
While the current imaging technology can generate up to 120fps, 30 and 60fps are the common frame rate in webcams for streaming. 30fps is good for most occasions, but 60fps may be necessary for streaming fast-paced animation such as in shooting and sports games.
Regardless of your choice, please note that a higher frame rate may not be available for 1080p or 4K mode. This is common in the best webcam for streaming that offer variable resolutions.
A few products we listed, for instance, only support 60fps at 720p. Meanwhile, those products also allow streaming at 1080p, but at 30fps.
Therefore, make sure that you read the product specifications if you want a webcam that allows for 60fps at 1080p or 4K.
Field of View
A webcam’s field of view (FOV) is measured in degrees and affects how much area can be captured. While many webcams’ FOV commonly ranges from 60 to 90 degrees, some products offer wider angles. So, which FOV do you need?
60 degrees is enough to show yourself alone. If you want to show a little bit of your surroundings, you can just move the webcam further away.
Meanwhile, 78 is more suitable if you want to show more than one person. To show a group of people, 90 degrees or more will be better.
Low-light Correction Capability
The best webcam for streaming offer low-light correction. This feature allows the camera to digitally optimize the lighting, thus making it easier to focus on you in a dimly lit environment.
That being said, having a webcam that is capable of low-light correction is a must if your studio lacks ambient lighting.
Nevertheless, some good webcams for streaming come with a ring light to make sure that you are properly lit. Some of them even offer the ability to adjust brightness, which can be versatile for most occasions.
Microphone Availability
Whether you need a webcam with a built-in microphone depends on your needs. If you plan to or already have a standalone mic, getting the best webcam for streaming with a microphone is not necessary.
However, as someone who is just starting as a live streamer and has a limited budget, getting all necessary equipment separately may be difficult. In that case, getting a good webcam for streaming with a mic saves you from spending more.
Which Best Webcam for Streaming Do You Want to Get?
This article covers more than 10 best streaming webcams to date. To help you find a good webcam for streaming, let’s take a look at the highlighted feature of each product below:
- NexiGo N60: offers exceptional features for just $40
- Logitech C920: has a built in-ring light and automatic lighting optimizer for $80
- ClearOne Unite 20 Pro: provides a good signal to noise reduction to enhance video transmission
- Logitech C922 Pro Stream: the most affordable webcam that can shoot at 60fps on this list
- Razer Kiyo: sporting a large built-in ring light to improve video brightness naturally
- Anker PowerConf C300: the most affordable option on this list for shooting 1080p videos at 60fps
- Elgato Facecam: has a white and black level balancing to give a proper contrast to scenes
- Dell Ultrasharp WB7022: the most affordable 4K webcam on this list
- Logitech Brio: can shoot at 90fps for a very smooth result
- Razer Kiyo Pro: offers 60fps shooting in both 720p and 1080p
- Obsbot Tiny 4K: comes with a two-axis stabilizer gimbal and supports a hand gesture for zooming
- Insta360 Link: comes with a three-axis stabilizer gimbal and supports multiple hand gesture control
- Elgato Facecam Pro: allows you to shoot 4K videos at 60fps
- Poly P15 Personal Video Bar: has good noise and echo cancellation while offering a built-in speaker
So, what is the best webcam for streaming that you would like to get? Or do you have other options that we have not included in this list? Let us know in the comments!
