7 Best Webcams with Microphones
This guide looks at the best webcam with microphone and why built-in mics make sense for some users. The quality of these microphones has gotten so much better in recent years. That’s especially true with products used for conferencing purposes. There are also webcams with excellent video and streaming capabilities, yet their mics are barely passable.
Audio quality should be a buying factor for anyone who cares about clarity. And it’s a vital consideration for professional applications. Many products today have dual built-in omnidirectional microphones that pick up sound from all directions.
Budget |
---|
Each HD Webcam w/ Mic |
4.6/5.0 |
Microphone(s): Dual |
Max Video Resolution: 1080p Full HD |
Audio processing chip and premium Autofocus. |
Check Amazon |
Best Value |
---|
Logitech C270 Webcam w/ Mic |
4.7/5.0 |
Microphone(s): Single |
Max Video Resolution: 720p HD |
This has HD video recording and streaming. |
Check Amazon |
Top Pick |
---|
Logitech C930e Cam w/ Mic |
4.8/5.0 |
Microphone(s): Dual Stereo |
Max Video Resolution: 1080P Full HD |
High-quality video and wide-angle autofocus lens. |
Check Amazon |
Advantages of a Built-in Webcam Mic
Microphones built into webcams are super convenient. You don’t have to invest in separate equipment, so that’s one less thing to worry about. Thus, fixed mics let you record video and audio simultaneously without any external gear. All-in-one webcams are also travel-friendly. That’s something contemplate if you’re mobile, as many people are nowadays.
Disadvantages of a Built-in Webcam Mic
The main drawback of any immovable mic is its fixed position. It can only point in the direction of your webcam, and that’s not always the ideal place to pick up sound. Still, most of the mics today have noise-canceling and echo-free technology. Even budget-end mics do a reasonable job now of filtering out unwanted background noise.
Alternatives to Built-In Webcam Mics
One alternative to the built-in webcam mic is the headset with a quality mic attached. Another is to use a dedicated standalone desktop or clip-on (lavalier) microphone. Separate mics tend to be less distant and produce a rounder, more warm sound. The Blue Yeti USB plug-n-play mics are excellent examples. However, this review guide focuses solely on the all-in-one webcams with built-in microphones.
Webcam Buying Considerations
You need to think about the full picture when choosing a new webcam. That means video quality, as well as audio. Below are the 7 primary webcam buying considerations:
- Set your maximum budget first
- Webcam software and operating system (OS) compatibility
- Design, size, and portable appeal if that’s important
- Camera quality and video resolution (should be at least 720p)
- Audio quality and number of built-in mics
- Field of View or FOV (the visible area captured by the camera)
- Other, i.e., anything else that pertains to your specific needs
About My ‘Best Webcam with Microphone’ Guide
I’ve research dozens of the current favorite webcams with built-in mics. Below are 7 mini-reviews for products across all budgets. Whether you need a webcam for personal or professional use, you should find it here. My first three reviews are for Best Budget computer webcam, followed by the Best Value cam, and the Top Pick. Use the table below to navigate the page.
Webcams with Microphone Comparison Table
Make and Model | Microphone(s) | Max Resolution | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Each HD Streaming Webcam w/ Dual Mic | Dual | 1080p Full HD | Check Price |
Logitech C270 Black Webcam w/ Mic | Single | 720p HD | Check Price |
Logitech C930e HD Webcam w/ Mic | Dual Stereo | 1080P Full HD | Check Price |
Avater HD Webcam w/ Microphone | Dual Stereo | 1080P Full HD | Check Price |
eMeet C980 HD Webcam w/ Microphone | 4-mic array | 1080P Full HD | Check Price |
ltl HD Webcam with Microphone | Single | 720p HD | Check Price |
TedGem HD PC Webcamw/ Microphone | Dual Stereo | 1080P Full HD | Check Price |
1. EACH Streaming Webcam w/ Dual Mic | Best Budget
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5
The Best Budget Webcam goes to the affordable HD 1080p from EACH. It’s a good-looking autofocus product with a bunch of useful features, including built-in dual microphones.
Webcam compatibility: Windows7/8/10, Mac OS 10.6 or above, Linux 2.6/2.4 or above.
EACH 1080P HD Webcam Highlights
The EACH 1080p HD computer webcam is a USB plug-n-play product for use with multiple platforms. It sports dual built-in noise-canceling mics along with an audio processing chip. Consider this webcam if you want to capture your voice in clear stereo free from background interference. This HD webcam also comes with a sliding privacy cover to protect it from potential hackers when not in use.
Other practical features include a wide-angle lens, 360° rotation, and a 180° adjustable base. Automatic light correction is another welcome feature. The tripod-ready universal clip grips easily onto laptop lids, desktops, and LCD monitors. There’s even a bonus metal desktop tripod thrown in with the current promotion, though it’s more of a gimmick than a practical tool (see next).
The Not So Good
The free tripod is a nice idea, though the quality is not. The plastic threads are prone to stripping unless you treat it with the utmost care. My advice is to invest in a better tripod if you need one.
Tech Specs |
---|
Brand: EACH |
Lens: 5 glass elements |
Mics: Built-in dual |
Max Video Resolution: 1080p |
Dimensions: 4.6 x 3.7 x 2.7” |
Product Weight: 11.2 oz. |
The Pros |
---|
Decent quality camera for its class |
Stereo microphones |
Audio processing chip |
Premium Autofocus |
Auto light correction |
Privacy shutter cover |
The Cons |
---|
Cheap tripod w/ plastic threads |
2. Logitech Black C270 Webcam w/ Mic | Best Value
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5
Logitech gets the Best Value slot with its popular C270 Webcam. It’s a well-made product that records and streams tack-sharp HD video at 720p. It also captures high-res 3MP snapshots.
Webcam compatibility: Windows XP (SP2+), Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 10.
Logitech C270 Webcam Highlights
The Logitech C270 (Black) is an incredible webcam considering its price, build, and features. It has a built-in mic with RightSound technology that effectively cancels out background noise. The audio quality is both clear and natural-sounding. This handy webcam works seamlessly with most Instant messaging (IM) applications and video chat platforms.
Camera highlights include RightLight technology that auto-adjusts when light levels fall. And the included universal clip fits quickly onto most CRT monitors and laptop lids.
The Not So Good
Mac users would appreciate this webcam, but it’s only compatible with Windows OS. The specs don’t mention Windows 10, either, though it works with that version too. Contact the seller if in doubt.
Tech Specs |
---|
Brand: Logitech |
Model: C270 |
Max Video Resolution: HD 720p |
Microphone: Built-in single |
Dimensions: 0.8 x 1.2 x 0.4” |
Product Weight: 2.7 oz. |
The Pros |
---|
HD video recording and streaming |
3MP snapshots |
Microphone w/ RightSound tech |
Auto-light adjustments |
Easy to mount w/ universal clip |
Broad IM Compatibility |
The Cons |
---|
Only works with Windows OS |
3. Logitech C930e HD Webcam w/ Mic | Top Pick
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
Another Logitech makes it into the Editor’s Top 3, this time with its business-grade C930e webcam. The camera captures Full HD video at 30fps (frames per second) on PCs and Macs.
Webcam compatibility: Windows 7, 8, 10, Mac OS X 10.7 or above, and Chrome OS.
Logitech C930e HD Webcam Highlights
This Top Pick Logitech webcam has a wide, 90-degree field of view (FOV). The autofocus lens offers pan-tilt and 4x digital zoom, which makes it an excellent choice for presentations. It can attach to most laptop lids, LCD screens, and CRT monitors with the included tripod-ready universal clip. Those viewing the sharp video calls also receive clear stereo audio from the built-in dual omnidirectional mics.
Other C930e highlights are automatic low-light correction, H264 Compression, and ease-of-use. It’s also worth noting that it’s Microsoft Lync 2013 and Skype certified and compatible with most web conferencing applications.
The Not So Good
The autofocus can be either slow to respond or too quick, especially when pulling away from the lens. It can also be overly active at times. It’s wise to keep the background as uncluttered as possible to avoid any irritating AF issues.
Tech Specs |
---|
Make & Model: Logitech C930e |
Field of View (FOV): 90° |
Max Video Resolution: 1080p |
Microphone: Built-in dual stereo |
Dimensions: 3.7 x 3.7 x 0.9” |
Product Weight: 5.6 oz. |
The Pros |
---|
High-quality video |
Wide-angle autofocus lens |
H264 Compression |
2 omnidirectional microphones |
Auto-light correction |
Adjustable mounting clip |
The Cons |
---|
Unpredictable autofocus |
4. Avater HD Webcam 1080P w/ Microphone
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
Meet the multifunction, easy-to-use, plug-n-play Avater HD 1080p Webcam. The device comes with a 180° rotatable clip, tripod thread, and a 110° wide-angle lens.
Webcam compatibility: Windows (all versions), Mac OS, Android, Chrome OS, and Smart TVs.
Avater 1080P HD Webcam Highlights
The Avatar Professional 1080p webcam captures premium-quality video at 30fps. Dim or changing light is not a problem, thanks to the cam’s auto-light correction and HDR technology. Its built-in microphone keeps your voice in focus using noise-reduction and echo-canceling technology. It’s one of the best webcams with built-in microphone for its price category if it offers what you need.
The Not So Good
The main drawback to the Avater 1080P HD Webcam is that it doesn’t have a privacy shutter. These slide shutters are becoming the norm with many cams to keep hackers out. There is a green ON light to let you know when it’s active, but shutters offer a simpler solution. There’s no digital or optical zoom feature, either, so make sure the fixed wide-angle meets your needs.
Tech Specs |
---|
Brand: Avater |
Field of View (FOV): 110° |
Max Video Resolution: 1080p |
Microphone: Built-in stereo |
Dimensions: 3.8 x 3.1 x 2.5” |
Product Weight: 5.1 oz. |
The Pros |
---|
High-quality video |
Crystal clear audio |
Echo-canceling microphone |
Wide-angle lens |
Auto-light correction |
180° rotatable tripod-ready clip |
The Cons |
---|
No privacy shutter |
No digital or optical zoom |
5. eMeet C980 Full HD Webcam w/ Microphone
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5
The eMeet C980 is a decent quality Full HD 1080p webcam. The company optimized this model for pro-level video recording, streaming, calling, and conferencing. Let’s check it out.
Webcam compatibility: Mac OS 10.10 and later, Windows 7,8, 10 and later, Android V5.0 and above, Chrome OS, and most video call and conferencing applications.
eMeet 1080P Full HD Webcam Highlights
This autofocus webcam has a wide 80° lens and streams high-quality video in 1080p @ 30fps. Images are crisp, bright, and display vibrant colors. Automatic low-light correction keeps the video consistently bright and grain-free, even in darker surroundings. The webcam has a couple of handy LED indicators for power ON, and camera IN USE. You also get a snug-fitting privacy cover and universal clip.
The C980’s audio performance complements its HD video with a built-in 4-microphone array. The speaker’s voice is well-isolated due to the advanced integrated noise-canceling technology. That includes Noise Reduction (NR) and Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AER) algorithms.
The Not So Good
The low-light adjustments are welcome, but sometimes it’s better to take control. Unfortunately, this webcam doesn’t come with any software to make manual adjustments. It tends to be a tad light-sensitive as well, so some users may need to tweak their environment for the best effect.
Tech Specs |
---|
Make & Model: eMeet C980 |
Field of View (FOV): 80° |
Max Video Resolution: 1080p HD |
Microphone: Built-in -mic array |
Dimensions: 6.2 x 2.36 x 2.72” |
Product Weight: 6.2 oz. |
The Pros |
---|
Superb video quality for its class |
Exceptional audio quality |
Automatic-light adjustments |
LED status indicators |
Privacy/security cap |
Tripod-ready universal clip |
The Cons |
---|
No manual light adjustments |
Can be a little light-sensitive |
6. ltl HD 720p Webcam with Microphone
Editor’s Rating: 4/5
The penultimate review goes to the ltl HD Webcam with Built-in Microphone. It’s another plug-n-play cam, so it’s ready to use in seconds with no drivers or set up needed.
Webcam compatibility: Windows 7, 8, 10 and later, Mac OS 10.10, and later, Chrome OS, and Android V 5.0, and above.
ltl HD 720p Webcam Highlights
This webcam looks similar to the Logitech C270, but with a much wider autofocus (AF) lens. The 120° field of view (FOV) is ideal for group meetings, especially in smaller spaces. And the auto-light correction keeps the speaker adequately illuminated at all times. The built-in noise-canceling microphone isolates the talker from unwanted background sounds.
There’s a green LED indicator on the front to let you know when the webcam’s running. The included universal clip keeps the cam secure on any laptop lid or LCD monitor.
The Not So Good
The ultra-wide lens is fixed, and that’s fine if you only want to shoot in a wide view. There’s no zoom feature, though, so you need to be sure that the FOV meets your expectations. LTL Home Products isn’t known for its electronic devices. That means there are fewer sales and less user feedback to mull over than with the more popular brands.
Tech Specs |
---|
Brand: ltl |
Field of View (FOV): 120° |
Max Video Resolution: 720p |
Microphone: Built-in noise-canceling |
Dimensions: 2.8 x 2.6 x 1.5” |
Approx. Weight: 2.5+ oz. |
The Pros |
---|
Smooth HD video |
Autofocus lens |
Built-in microphone |
Ultra-wide-angle lens |
Running LED indicator |
Universal clip |
The Cons |
---|
Fixed, ultra-wide lens (also a pro) |
New product; lesser-known brand |
7. TedGem 1080P PC Webcam w/ Microphone
Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5
The last review goes to the TedGem 1080P PC Webcam with built-in microphone. It works with all the favorite conference and chat platforms, including Skype, MSN, and Windows Live, etc.
Compatibility: Windows 7, 8, 10, Mac OSX, Chrome OS, Linux, Android 4.0 or higher, and others.
TedGem 1080P PC Webcam Highlights
TedGem’s PC Webcam is a quality, plug-n-play device with an impressive spec sheet. It captures bright and colorful Full-HD 1080p video at 30fps through its fixed 90° wide-angle glass lens. The .264 video compression ensures fast transmission speeds with no loss to image quality. And the light correction technology makes sure the speaker(s) stays well-lit in dim conditions.
This webcam has dual built-in digital stereo microphones with noise-reduction technology. The audio is clear, warm, and natural, with little to no interference from background noise.
The Not So Good
There aren’t any manual adjustments available for brightness, contrast, and color. Most users won’t need them, but software controls are always useful just in case. Another missing feature is a privacy lens cover to keep hackers from looking through your camera. Nor is there any on-camera ON, or RUNNING LEDs. Users must get into the habit of disconnecting the webcam when not in use.
Tech Specs |
---|
Brand: TedGem |
Field of View (FOV): 90° |
Max Video Resolution: 1080p Full HD |
Microphone: Dual Built-in stereo |
Dimensions: 3.9 x 3.2 x 2.6” |
Product Weight: 4.6 oz. |
The Pros |
---|
Sharp HD video |
Wide-angle lens |
Autofocus (AF) |
Automatic light correction |
2 built-in mics for enhanced audio |
.264 video compression |
The Cons |
---|
No software adjustments |
No privacy lens cover |
No status indicators |
Contents
- Advantages of a Built-in Webcam Mic
- Disadvantages of a Built-in Webcam Mic
- Alternatives to Built-In Webcam Mics
- Webcam Buying Considerations
- About My ‘Best Webcam with Microphone’ Guide
- Webcams with Microphone Comparison Table
- 1. EACH Streaming Webcam w/ Dual Mic | Best Budget
- EACH 1080P HD Webcam Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 2. Logitech Black C270 Webcam w/ Mic | Best Value
- Logitech C270 Webcam Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 3. Logitech C930e HD Webcam w/ Mic | Top Pick
- Logitech C930e HD Webcam Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 4. Avater HD Webcam 1080P w/ Microphone
- Avater 1080P HD Webcam Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 5. eMeet C980 Full HD Webcam w/ Microphone
- eMeet 1080P Full HD Webcam Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 6. ltl HD 720p Webcam with Microphone
- ltl HD 720p Webcam Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 7. TedGem 1080P PC Webcam w/ Microphone
- TedGem 1080P PC Webcam Highlights
- The Not So Good