Discover ANY AI to make more online for less.

select between over 22,900 AI Tool and 17,900 AI News Posts.


The best webcams for 2025
The best webcams for 2025

Whether you're working from home, streaming on Twitch or just catching up with friends and family on Zoom, a good webcam can make a huge difference. Built-in laptop cameras still leave a lot to be desired — most struggle with low light, color accuracy and sharpness — which is why upgrading to one of the best webcams in 2025 is a smart move if you want to look your best on screen.This year’s top webcams go far beyond just boosting video quality. Many include features like AI-powered auto-framing, background blur, built-in microphones with noise reduction and 4K resolution for crystal-clear clarity. Whether you're after professional presentation, content creation tools or just something simple and reliable for everyday calls, we’ve rounded up the best options to suit every setup and budget.
Table of contents

Best webcams for 2025
Factors to consider before buying a webcam
How we test webcams
Other webcams we tested

Best webcams for 2025












Factors to consider before buying a webcam
Resolution and field of view
While some newer computers have 1080p webcams, most built-in cameras have a resolution of 720p, so you’ll want to look for an external webcam that has a higher resolution. FHD webcams will give you better video quality; ideally, you’re looking for something that can handle 1080p at 60fps or 30fps. If you’re considering a cheap 720p webcam, make sure to get one that supports at least 30fps (most will) or, even better, 60fps. However, if your primary concern is better picture quality during video calls, 1080p is the way to go.
Some webcams can shoot in 4K, but that’s overkill for most people. Not to mention most video conferencing services like Zoom, Google Meet and Skype don’t even support 4K video. When it comes to streaming, Twitch maxes out at 1080p video, but YouTube added 4K live streaming back in 2016. Ultimately, with 4K webcam shots having such limited use, most people can get by with a solid 1080p camera.
Field of view (FOV) controls how much can fit in the frame when you’re recording. Most webcams I tested had a default field of view of around 78 degrees, which captured me and enough of my background to prove that I really need to organize my home office. On cheaper webcams you’ll usually see narrower fields of view (around 60 degrees), and those aren’t necessarily bad. They won’t show as much of your background, but that also means you won’t be able to squeeze as many friends or family members into frame when you’re having Zoom birthday parties. On the flip side, more expensive webcams may let you adjust the field of view to be even wider than average, and some even offer features like digital zoom.




Autofocus and other “auto” features
Webcams with autofocus will keep the image quality sharp without much work on your part. You should be able to move around, step back and forth, and remain in focus the whole time. Some standalone webcam models let you manually adjust focus, too, if you have specific needs. Devices with fixed focus are less convenient, but they tend to be more affordable.
In the same vein is auto framing, a feature that some high-end webcams now offer. Similarly to Apple’s Center Stage feature, the camera automatically adjusts to keep you in the center of the frame even as you move around. This used to be a feature only available on the most premium webcams, but now you can find it on sub-$200 devices.
You’ll also see other “auto” features listed in webcam specs, most notably auto light correction. This will adjust the camera’s settings to make up for a dimly lit room. If you don’t have bright lights, or often take calls in places where you can’t control the lighting, this feature will be valuable. Alternatively, you might consider using your mirrorless camera as a high-quality webcam solution, taking all of the benefits and features with you (albeit in a cumbersome package).
Microphones
Most webcams have built-in microphones that, depending on your setup, might end up being closer to you than your computer’s own mics. Check to see if the model you’re considering has mono or stereo mics, as the latter is better. Some even use noise-reduction technology to keep your voice loud and clear. While audiophiles and streamers will want to invest in a standalone microphone, most others can get by using a webcam’s built-in mic.
Design
There aren’t a ton of fascinating breakthroughs when it comes to external webcam design. Most are round or rectangular devices that clip onto a monitor or your laptop screen. Some have the ability to swivel or screw onto a tripod stand and others can simply sit on your desk beside your computer. But unless you really like having people stare up your nose, the latter isn’t ideal. We recommend clipping your webcam to your monitor and ensuring that it’s at or slightly above eye level.
A few webcams go above and beyond by adding hardware extras like built-in lights and lens covers, too. The former can help you stand out in a dark room, while the latter makes it so hackers can’t view you through your webcam without your knowledge.
Price
Most external webcams that are just good enough to be a step up from your computer’s built-in camera cost between $60 and $150. If the webcam has the same resolution as the internal one on your laptop, you should look out for other specs like auto light correction, a wider field of view or an extra-long connecting cable that can provide a step-up in quality or ease of use.
Spending $150 or more means you might get advanced features that tend to be present in a pro webcam like 4K resolution, vertical and horizontal recording options, stereo mics, customizable video settings and more. But unless you’re spending hours on video calls each day or streaming multiple times each week, you can settle on a budget webcam and safely skip most of those high-end options.
How we test webcams
We primarily test webcams by putting them through as much real-world use as possible. We examine their design, how flexible they are and how easy they are to reposition, and make note of how heavy they are and if that affects their ability to stay put while sitting on top of a screen. We use each webcam for at least a week straight as our primary camera for all video chats, and we make sure to use the device in different lighting environments to test low-light performance. We also use any built-in microphones as our primary audio inputs on video calls as well. Finally, although most of these webcams are plug-and-play, we test out any proprietary software that’s intended to work with each webcam, tweaking things like field of view, video resolution and effects, and using any special features like Show Mode on Logitech webcams.
Others webcams we tested
Logitech C920s Pro HD
Our previous top pick, the Logitech C920s Pro HD webcam remains a solid option for those with less than $100 to spend and really only need a basic 1080p camera to upgrade their setup, or something affordable to make them look better on those inevitable Zoom calls. It has a 78-degree field of view, decent microphones and handy privacy shutter built in. The Brio 500 took the top spot away from this model thanks to its advanced light correction, auto-framing and Show Mode.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-webcams-123047068.html?src=rss

Rating

Innovation

Pricing

Technology

Usability

We have discovered similar tools to what you are looking for. Check out our suggestions for similar AI tools.

The best USB-C hub for 2025
The best USB-C hub for 2025

<p>Tablets and laptops are only getting <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/ipad-pro-2024-review-so-very-nice-and-so-very-expensive-210012937.html"& [...]

Match Score: 30.73

The best iPad deals available today include $150 off the iPad Air M3
The best iPad deals available today include $150 off the iPad Air M3

<p>It’s been a big week in Apple world: The new <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/iphone-17-review-closer-to-pro-110055511.html&qu [...]

Match Score: 29.38

The best Amazon Prime Day deals on Samsung, Blink, Anker and more, all for under $50
The best Amazon Prime Day deals on Samsung, Blink, Anker and more, all for

<p>If you're looking for Amazon Prime Day deals for less than $50, you've clicked through to the right place. As we hit day two of <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www [...]

Match Score: 29.08

Today's best iPad deals include a record-low price on the latest iPad Air M3
Today's best iPad deals include a record-low price on the latest iPad Air M

<p>Apple's four iPad models each have their value — the <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/tablets/ipad-mini-7-review-safe-boring-and-everythin [...]

Match Score: 28.89

The best Amazon Prime Day deals under $50 that you can get before the event is over
The best Amazon Prime Day deals under $50 that you can get before the event

<p>We've officially hit the last day of Amazon’s July<a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/amazon-prime-day/"> Prime Day</a> sale. But ther [...]

Match Score: 28.59

AirPods Pro 2 are $79 off, plus all of the best Apple deals you can get
AirPods Pro 2 are $79 off, plus all of the best Apple deals you can get

<p>It’s obvious that Apple products are some of the most sought-after in the tech world — that means sales are fewer and farther between than other gadgets, and they’re often the first thi [...]

Match Score: 26.90

The best Windows laptops for 2025
The best Windows laptops for 2025

<p>If you’ve held on to an aging Windows laptop for too long, it’s now a great time to upgrade. With all the hype around AI PCs, computer makers are rushing to release new designs featuring [...]

Match Score: 26.62

Get four Apple AirTags for $70, plus the rest of this week's best tech deals
Get four Apple AirTags for $70, plus the rest of this week's best tech deal

<p>It's time for another edition of Engadget's weekly deals roundup where we bring together worthwhile tech deals from the past week. If you're in the market for home entertainment gear, you're [...]

Match Score: 25.54

CES 2025: The best tech and gadgets we saw in Las Vegas
CES 2025: The best tech and gadgets we saw in Las Vegas

<p><a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/ces/">CES 2025</a> has come to a close — Friday was the final day of the show — and team Engadge [...]

Match Score: 23.90