Best webcams 2019: the top webcams for your PC

While it’s true that it’s hard to find a laptop or all-in-one PC without an HD webcam built in, many desktop PC users need an external solution. Luckily, there are so many webcams out there to choose from. These days, you can pick up one of the best webcams yourself for a similar – or even better – experience.

So, what should you look for in the best webcams? Well, like most things, it’ll boil down to how you use it. Are you looking to become the next Twitch celebrity? Or, do you just want to have some friendly video calls every now and then?

No matter what kind of webcam you’re looking for, we’ll help you find the perfect fit. From high-quality shooters with high-end aesthetics and high resolution, to affordable webcams that will get the job done, the best webcams are all right here. Plus, you’ll be able to get a great deal, as we’ve included our exclusive price comparison tool.

Logitech’s newest webcam, the Logitech G922 Pro Stream features the same classy design as the C920 before it, but it’s especially interesting for gamers this time around. The C922 still boasts excellent 1080p video quality when it comes to hosting video calls, and its automatic low-light correction makes it a great cam for streaming with the lights off. It also supports background removal, making it ideal for budding YouTubers.

The Razer Kiyo looks weird, that’s for sure, but it’s still one of the best webcams out there for streaming – something that’s unbelievably popular right now. But, with the Razer Kiyo, Razer has stripped away a lot of the bells and whistles that more premium webcams offer, focusing instead on what matters to game streamers – good image quality and lighting through a “Light Ring”. This ensures you don’t need to spend a ton of time configuring the stream – just plug in the Razer Kiyo and get to work.

If you’re looking for a webcam that prioritizes value above all else, or even if you just need it for video calls, the Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 is for you. You won’t get 1080p video at this price point, but you do get automatic color correction, a noise-cancelling unidirectional microphone and a stand to fit laptops and desktops alike. It’s an affordable solution to any PC without a camera, or even a camera that isn’t very good.

If you’re an aspiring journalist, or even if you’re just trying to capture footage in the real world, Mevo might be the best webcam for you. Either the Mevo or Mevo Plus will allow you to capture footage live, no matter where you are in the world – as long as you can connect to a mobile network. Plus, because Mevo is small and inconspicuous enough to not distract your subject in the middle of an interview.

Aimed at pro users with large displays, the LifeCam Studio features a familiar combination of 1080p recording and 720p live video calling. It rotates 360 degrees, and can be mounted on a tripod with autofocus. The wideband mic delivers crystal clear sound and Microsoft’s TrueColor system will shift the exposure dynamically to keep you well lit. It’s a great choice for business conferencing and presentations.

Read the full review: Microsoft LifeCam Studio

Have you ever looked at a webcam in disgust because it doesn’t push as many pixels as your smartphone? Well, the Logitech Brio might be right up your alley. With a 4K UHD resolution and HDR, the Logitech Brio has brought high fidelity to the world of the best webcams. And, if that wasn’t enough, it also features Windows Hello functionality and an easy to use stand which will let you position it wherever you need.

Creative may not be the first company you think of when you’re looking for the best webcams, but after the Creative Labs Senz3D, that will change. This space-age webcam has more features than you can shake a stick at, and the high-tech 3D scanner and facial tracking tech promises to lead to some intriguing things in both AR functionality and even gaming. It isn’t cheap, but you’re getting all the bells and whistles with this Creative webcam

The C930e claims to be Logitech’s most advanced HD webcam and it’s also one of the most expensive ones on the market. But, unlike traditional webcams, which rely on the PC to do the heavy lifting, this unit does the video encoding itself, which should in turn result in better video quality. The wide, 90-degree field of view means it’s well-suited to business videoconferencing and presentations, and of course it’s Skype-certified for PC and Mac.

Samsung smart TV’s aren’t compatible with most of the best webcams. Luckily, though, Samsung has its own proprietary camera for its H, HU, JS and JU models. We wouldn’t recommend buying one for Skype, as the smart TV version of Skype is no longer supported, but if you want to use Samsung’s own gesture control features and its virtual mirror for fitness apps, then it’s your only real option.

• This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Logitech C930e

If you’re looking for a full HD webcam without the full HD webcam price, this little webcam is currently pretty cheap. Bolstering resolutions up to 1080p HD while supporting 12MP stills, a noise-cancelling microphone and low-light compensation, this camera is feature-packed yet frugal. There’s no autofocus and you don’t get a big bundle of software, but the low, low price more than makes up for any shortcomings.

• This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Microsoft LifeCam Studio

• You can’t stream without the best wireless router

Bill Thomas has also contributed to this article