7 Best Microsoft Teams Webcams
This guide reviews 7 Microsoft Teams webcams and cameras. But why choose Microsoft Teams from so many videoconferencing apps and platforms? Well, it now belongs to the much-loved and powerful Office 365 suite of MS services. It came about in 2016 to work seamlessly for the modern and diverse workforce. It claims an improved virtual meeting experience with built-in scheduling.
Microsoft Teams has an intuitive app. It provides Android users with audio and video calling, and audio only for iOS. The mobile app lets you start team chats via text, voice conferences, and video meetings. Microsoft Teams is also highly customizable and boasts cutting-edge security.
| Budget |
|---|
 |
| Microsoft LifeCam Studio for Business |
| 4.4/5.0 |
| FOV: 75° |
| Max Resolution: 1080p HD |
| Easy to set up, wide lens, face-tracking, wideband microphone, flexible mounting. |
| Check Amazon |
| Best Value |
|---|
 |
| Owl Labs 360 Original |
| 4.6/5.0 |
| FOV: 360° |
| Max Resolution: 270p |
| Plug-n-play, broad compatibility, 12ft pickup, perfect cam for smaller spaces. |
| Check Amazon |
| Top Pick |
|---|
 |
| Logitech MeetUp |
| 4.8/5.0 |
| FOV: 120° |
| Max Resolution: 4K |
| Plug-n-play, 5x zoom w/ pan-tilt, wide FOV, Expansion mic, Kensington Security. |
| Check Amazon |
Microsoft Teams Vs. Zoom
Zoom Rooms has been around since 2011 and made quite a name for itself. The platform is well-established and appreciated by those who use it. However, the newer Microsoft Teams is no minor competitor, and there are several reasons to consider it over Zoom.
MS Teams offers members more than just a meeting platform:
- It’s a chat-based workspace in a single, highly secure location
- It has everything a team needs in one place, i.e., calls, apps, tools, and files, etc.
- Immersive experiences with intelligent communications
- Accelerating product roadmap
- Simplicity at its best
How to Choose a Webcam for Microsoft Teams
There are webcams and cameras certified for use with Microsoft Teams. However, most of today’s products work flawlessly with all the video conferencing platforms. The one that suits your business model depends on the factors below:
- Your budget
- Specific needs and expectations
- Room size
- Number of attendees
You can easily compile a shortlist of products once you set a maximum budget. Specific needs and product expectations are a little trickier if this is your first camera for virtual conferencing. My advice is to take notes as you read through the mini-reviews. It won’t be long before you have a clearer idea.
Here’s a list of 7 conference webcam and camera buying considerations:
- Do you want an all-in-one unit, i.e., camera, mic, and speaker?
- Minimum video resolution for recording & streaming (at least 720p recommended)
- Preferred noise-canceling mic array and audio quality
- The lens’ field of view (FOV)
- Zoom capability, along with pan-n-tilt (PTZ) if needed
- Design, appearance, and portability if that’s important
- Other (your preferences here)
Think ahead
The room size and the number of attendees should be clear. Even so, think about future potential as well as your current setup when choosing new equipment. Some webcams and cameras are only for smaller rooms. Those products are ideal if you have 2–4 person teams and work from huddle spaces. But it soon becomes redundant if you expect to grow your team and room size anytime soon.
Reading Pros and Cons
It’s helpful to look at the feedback left by real users, but there’s a right way to go about it. For example, some older products continue to sell well, even if they’ve been around a while. Only read the most recent feedback for conference cameras where there are 100s or 1000s of comments. That’s because older gripes may no longer be relevant if the maker has since fixed those earlier issues.
Stick with brand names if you can. The market leaders are Logitech, Microsoft, Owl Labs, and the Jabra PanCast. Consider lesser-known brands only if they have a product that sells well and rates high.
About My ‘Microsoft Teams Webcams’ Guide
There are so many products available today. Variety is always good for the one shopping, but too much choice is overwhelming for first-time buyers. I’ve done the research and now have a shortlist of 7 cameras for virtual meetings and conferences. These are all superb products for use with Microsoft Teams and many of the other favorite video conferencing platforms.
My first 3 webcam and camera reviews are the Editor’s Choice for Best Budget, Best Value, and Top Pick. The table below shows the seven products in the order they appear on the page.
Microsoft Teams Webcams Comparison Table
| Make and Model | FOV | Max Resolution | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft LifeCam Studio Cam for Business | 75° | 1080p HD | Check Price |
| Owl Labs Original 360-Degree Meeting Owl | 360° | 270p | Check Price |
| Logitech MeetUp and Expansion Mic | 120° | 4K | Check Price |
| Logitech Brio Webcam Ultra-HD Webcam | Multi | 4K | Check Price |
| Logitech Conference Cam BCC950 | 78° | 1080p HD | Check Price |
| Logitech PTZ PRO 2 Video Conferencing Camera | 90° | 1080p HD | Check Price |
| Jabra PanaCast Panoramic Video Conference System | 180° | 4K | Check Price |
1. Microsoft LifeCam Studio for Business | Best Budget
Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5
The Best Budget Microsoft Teams Webcam goes to the MS LifeCam Studio Cam for Business. It’s an affordable product that comes packed with useful features, functions, and a wide lens.
- Best feature 1: High-average quality video and recording
- Best feature 2: Rugged build quality
- Plus points: Easy to set up, wide lens, face-tracking, wideband microphone, flexible mounting
- Minus points: 1080p recordings need third-party software
Microsoft LifeCam Studio for Business Highlights
Microsoft’s LifeCam Studio Cam for business is a superb plug-n-play camera for its category. Its picture and audio quality is on the high side of average compared to some rival products. High-precision glass lens elements add further to the image sharpness. This camera has a wide 75° field of view (FOV) and supports 720p video resolution at 30fps. And the 360° rotation gives your audiences a sweeping view.
The MS LifeCam auto-controls its exposure using face-tracking and TrueColor Technology. A built-in wideband microphone produces detailed, natural-sounding audio. This conference cam is tripod-ready to gives users more placement opportunities. It’s a well-made product and able to withstand moderate knocks. Durability is something to think about if your equipment goes from room to room.
The Not So Good
The LifeCam for business can deliver 1080p HD recording, but there’s a catch. The small print stipulates that you can only take advantage of the 1080p sensor with third-party software. The camera gives you high-average quality 720p recording and video calling out of the box. That’s ideal for personal use. A company looking for exceptional results, though, should consider a different model.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Brand: Microsoft |
| Model: LifeCam Studio for Business |
| Color: Black & silver |
| USB Port: 2.0 |
| Field of View (FOV): 75° |
| Video Resolution: 1080p, 720p |
| Zoom: 3x digital |
| Microphone: Built-in omnidirectional |
| Frequency Response: 100 Hz–18 kHz |
| Dimensions: 2.36 x 1.77 x 4.48” |
| Product Weight: 0.22 lbs. |
| The Pros |
|---|
| High-average picture quality |
| Smart, rugged build |
| Easy to set up |
| Wide-angle lens |
| Face-tracking technology |
| Autofocus |
| Zoom control |
| Wideband microphone |
| Flexible 360° mount |
| Tripod thread |
| Excellent value |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Need third-party software to exploit 1080p recording |
2. Original 360-Degree Meeting Owl | Best Value
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5
Owl Labs takes the Editor’s Best Value slot with its Original 360° Meeting Owl. It’s a smart video conferencing camera designed to work seamlessly with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Skype, etc.
- Best feature 1: Attractive, space-saving 360° conferencing camera
- Best feature 2: Auto tracks and highlights speakers
- Plus points: Plug-n-play, broad compatibility, 12ft pickup, perfect cam for smaller spaces
- Minus points: Lags a little between speakers, no travel/storage case
Owl Labs Meeting Owl Highlights
The plug-n-play Meeting Owl 360° is one of the most space-saving and feature-packed conference cams in its class. The company designed it to sit in the center of a table where it can capture all the participants. It sees and hears everyone equally, thanks to the 360° lens and 8 built-in noise-canceling mics. The pickup range is around 12ft, which is ideal for huddle spaces or a small office.
The Meeting Owl doesn’t need any manual adjustments. It’s a smart device that shifts focus to auto-highlight the one speaking. The video resolution is satisfactory at 720p @ 30fps. For larger spaces, you may want to consider the newer Meeting Owl Pro. That model delivers video at 1080p and has an extended 18ft microphone range.
The Not So Good
The Meeting Owl may lag a little when switching between speakers in larger rooms. It’s only a short lag, but noticeable all the same. That’s why Owl Labs promote it for smaller spaces. Lastly, the picture quality at 720p/30fps is decent but not outstanding. This product is portable, but it doesn’t come with a protective carrying case. At this price, one would expect some type of protection.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Brand: Owl Labs |
| Model: Meeting Owl |
| Color: Black |
| USB Port: 2.0 |
| Field of View (FOV): 360° |
| Video Resolution: 720p |
| Microphone: built-in 8 mic array |
| Dimensions: 4.4 x 4.4 x 10.8” |
| Product Weight: 2.65 lbs. |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Attractive, space-saving design |
| Plug-n-play simplicity |
| Excellent product for huddle spaces |
| 360° conferencing camera |
| Multiple microphones |
| Auto tracks & highlights speakers |
| Broad compatibility |
| 12ft mic pickup range |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Potential lag between speakers |
| Average image quality |
| No protective carrying case |
3. Logitech MeetUp and Expansion Mic | Top Pick
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
The Logitech Premier MeetUp Conferencing Cam with Expansion Microphone makes the Top Pick. It designed this product for professional huddle room setups and smaller offices.
- Best feature 1: Specifically designed for use in small spaces
- Best feature 2: 4K UHD max resolution
- Plus points: Plug-n-play, 5x zoom w/ pan-tilt, wide FOV, Expansion mic, Kensington Security
- Minus points: Expensive accessories, digital zoom
Logitech MeetUp + Expansion Mic Highlights
This popular video conferencing camera is ready to use the second you plug it in. The all-in-one design has a wide 120° wide-angle lens with pan-tilt and 5x zoom capability. This bundle includes the noise-canceling Expansion microphone. The Expansion accessory is invaluable for use in larger huddle spaces. It extends the pickup range from 8ft to 14ft and has 3 mics plus a custom-tuned speaker.
The Expansion mic also doubles as a Bluetooth speakerphone when connected to mobile devices. Security is tight when not using the MeetUp, thanks to the Kensington-compatible security slot.
The Not So Good
This version of Meetup comes with the Expansion Microphone. However, other accessories add further to the cost if you need them. They include items like the k400 keyboard, TV mount, and TV mount XL. The Logitech MeetUp has a digital zoom that’s inferior to optical zooms. That said, the digital zoom gets few complaints and is unlikely to be a deciding factor for most buyers.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Brand: Logitech |
| Model: MeetUp + Expansion Mic |
| Color: Black |
| Video Resolution: 4K, 1080p, & 720p |
| Field of View (FOV): 120° |
| Zoom: 5 x digital |
| Mics: Built-in + separate Expansion |
| Pickup Range for MeetUp: 13.1ft |
| Pickup Range for Expansion: 16.4ft |
| Dimensions: 4.92 x 7.83 x 18.5” |
| Product Weight: 2.3 lbs. |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Designed for Huddle spaces |
| Windows/Mac compatible |
| Plug-n-play simplicity |
| Expansion mic + speakerphone |
| 3 camera presets |
| 4K UHD max resolution |
| 5x zoom w/ pan-tilt |
| Wide-angle lens |
| RF remote control |
| Kensington Security |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Expensive accessories |
| Digital zoom |
4. Logitech Brio Conferencing Webcam Ultra-HD
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
Meet the Logitech Brio Ultra-HD plug-n-play conferencing webcam. It’s a bestselling product for use with all the favorite video meeting apps and software, including Microsoft Teams.
- Best feature 1: Exceptional UHD 4K video and audio quality
- Best feature 2: Automatically adjusts light and exposure
- Plus points: Plug-n-play, adjustable FOV, 5x zoom, facial recognition, dual mics, customizable
- Minus points: So-so detachable clip, no optical zoom
Logitech Brio Webcam Highlights
Logitech’s BRIO is a popular webcam choice for conferencing. But then it would be with its exceptional ultra-HD 4k video or 1080p at 60fps. Its 5x zoom, autofocus lens, and adjustable field of view (FOV) add further to the BRIO’s popularity. The dual noise-canceling built-in mics deliver lifelike echo-free audio to complement the high-quality, true-to-life video.
This conferencing webcam also has built-in RightLight™ 3 that auto-adjusts light as it changes. Other highlights include infrared (IR) facial recognition, an adjustable clip, and a tripod thread. And the removable shade flips down to give total privacy when needed.
The Not So Good
The adjustable clip is a welcome feature, but it doesn’t grip too well on thinner screens. It may even wobble on flat ultra-thin lids. The clip is also removable, but it doesn’t detach and reattach easily, so one needs to be patient and careful. Lastly, the zoom is digital, not optical. Still, there are few complaints from users with what is—after all—a welcome zoom feature.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Brand: Logitech |
| Model: BRIO |
| Color: Black |
| Field of View: 65°/78°/90° |
| Zoom: 5x digital |
| Focus Type: Autofocus |
| Microphone: 2 x omnidirectional |
| Dimensions: 4 x 1.1 x 1” |
| Product Weight: 0.36 lbs. |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Plug-n-play simplicity |
| Exceptional video/audio quality |
| Auto-adjusts light & exposure |
| Adjustable FOV |
| Zoom lens |
| Facial recognition technology |
| Customizable |
| The Cons |
|---|
| So-so detachable clip |
| No optical zoom |
5. Logitech Conference Cam BCC950 System
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5
Consider Logitech’s Conference Cam for Microsoft Teams if you meet in small spaces. It’s a high-quality product that presents groups of up to 4 people in ultra-sharp video with natural sound.
- Best feature 1: Ultra-sharp Carl Zeiss Optics
- Best feature 2: 1080p HD video
- Plus points: Plug-n-play, ultra-wide lens, camera for smaller spaces, clear audio, pan-tilt-zoom
- Minus points: Not suitable for large spaces, slow responding pan-n-tilt
Logitech BCC950 Conference Cam Highlights
Logitech launched its first BCC950 in 2012, and it’s still going strong for all the right reasons. Plug-n-play simplicity is at the heart of Logitech’s conferencing equipment. The BCC950 is no different. The wide 78° lens and 1080p Full-HD video give true-to-life pictures when set up correctly. Add to that the built-in noise-canceling echo-free omnidirectional mic, and 8ft pickup range.
Other highlights include remote and base controls, Pan/Tilt/Zoom, and a built-in speakerphone. You have fingertip controls for volume levels, mute, answering calls, and hang up. The BCC950 setup gives your viewers a realistic same-room experience, and that’s its purpose.
The Not So Good
Logitech’s designed the BCC950 primarily for small groups and spaces. You can stretch it, but the bigger the meeting, the less you’ll impress. The Logitech Group HD is a more suitable choice for larger conferences. The pan-n-tilt function is welcome, though it’s not consistently smooth as it is with some rival cameras. That’s something to think about if you expect to use pan-and-tilt a lot.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Brand: Logitech |
| Model: BCC950 |
| Color: Black |
| Field of View (FOV): 78° |
| Meeting Size: 2–4 persons |
| Max Video Res: 1080p Full HD |
| Zoom Control: 1.2x |
| Microphone: Omnidirectional |
| Dimensions: 6.81 x 6.97 x 4.88” |
| Product Weight: 2.28 lbs. |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Plug-n-play simplicity |
| Ideal cam for smaller spaces |
| Ultra-sharp Carl Zeiss Optics |
| High definition video |
| Crystal-clear audio |
| Ultra-wide lens |
| Pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Only suitable for small groups |
| Pan-n-tilt not consistently smooth |
6. Logitech PTZ PRO 2 Video Conferencing Camera
Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5
The penultimate pick is for Logitech PTZ Pro 2. It’s a versatile USB HD 1080P Video Camera that’s perfect for medium to large video conference calls. Let’s check it out.
- Best feature 1: Versatile camera for professional video applications
- Best feature 2: Full HD pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera
- Plus points: Wide lens, 3 presets, natural colors, 10x zoom, flexible mounting options
- Minus points: No speakerphone or mics
Logitech PTZ PRO 2 Highlights
Logitech’s PTZ PRO 2 is another quality camera for use with Microsoft Teams and others. The wide 90° field of view (FOV) lets your viewers see everyone in the meeting. This camera delivers tack-sharp images, near-perfect color reproduction, and boasts outstanding optical accuracy. Also, moving between presets is ultra-smooth, thanks to the motorized Pan, Tilt, and 10x Zoom (PTZ) functions.
Being able to zoom in or zoom wide can be invaluable for larger conferences and video presentations. It’s especially useful for closing in on objects, isolating whiteboards, and other details. It’s also worth noting that the PTZ PRO 2 uses advanced camera technology to free up bandwidth. The result of that is smoother video streams. Mounting options are flexible with the included hardware and tripod thread.
The Not So Good
This product doesn’t come with a built-in speakerphone or a mic. That means you must factor them into the cost unless you already have suitable audio equipment available. Accessories also result in extra stuff to move around and care for. It also makes setting up a little more involved. That’s not a major issue if your conferencing equipment has a permanent home.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Brand: Logitech |
| Model: PTZ Pro 2 |
| Color: Black |
| USB Port: 2.0 |
| Field of View (FOV): 90° |
| Video Resolution: 1080p |
| Autofocus Type: Auto |
| Thread: Standard tripod |
| Cable Length: 9.8ft |
| Microphone: 10x |
| Dimensions: 5.8 x 5.2 x 5.1” |
| Product Weight: 1.3 lbs. |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Versatile pro-level camera |
| Full HD pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) |
| Wide lens |
| 3 useful presets |
| Natural colors |
| Extended zoom range |
| Flexible mounting options |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Doesn’t include mic or speaker |
| Setting up is more involved due to the above |
7. Jabra PanaCast Panoramic Video Conference System
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5
The last review is for the Jabra PanaCast, Certified for Microsoft Teams. It’s a Panoramic Video System with 2 built-in mics and 3 lenses, designed for huddle spaces and small rooms.
- Best feature 1: Perfect solution for huddle spaces and small offices
- Best feature 2: Ultra-compact design
- Plus points: 3 cameras w/ 180° view, pan-tilt-zoom, adjustable FOV, built-in mics, mount
- Minus points: Cannot expand microphone range
Jabra PanaCast Highlights
The Jabra PanaCast has some useful, unique features, and a different look from many conference cams. It’s a plug-n-play device that exploits three 13MP cameras and real-time video stitching. The result is a full 180° natural view perspective of your small meeting room or huddle space. That means zero blind spots. Electronic pan-tilt-zoom or ePTZ gives the operator smooth control over the camera.
Another feature is the adjustable field of view (FOV) through Jabra Direct. The wide-angle options are 90°, 120°, 140° FOV, and 180°. You can quickly place the camera to the top of any laptop lid or monitor using the flexible built-in mount. There’s also an optional desktop stand or wall mount.
The Not So Good
You can’t add an external mic to expand the range. The Jabra PanaCast doesn’t offer any Bluetooth connectivity, either. Nor does it give users camera presets.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Brand: Jabra |
| Model: PanaCast |
| Color: Black |
| USB Port: 3.0 |
| Field of View (FOV): 180° |
| Max Video Resolution: 4K |
| Zoom: Intelligent |
| Microphone: Dual built-in |
| Dimensions: 6.1 x 3.7 x 1.8” |
| Product Weight: 0.53 lb. |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Excellent camera for huddle spaces |
| Ultra-compact design |
| 3 cameras w/ 180° view |
| Pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) |
| Adjustable FOV |
| Built-in noise-canceling mics |
| Camera mount |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Cannot expand microphone range |
| No Bluetooth connectivity |
| No camera presets |
Contents
- Microsoft Teams Vs. Zoom
- How to Choose a Webcam for Microsoft Teams
- Think ahead
- Reading Pros and Cons
- About My ‘Microsoft Teams Webcams’ Guide
- Microsoft Teams Webcams Comparison Table
- 1. Microsoft LifeCam Studio for Business | Best Budget
- Microsoft LifeCam Studio for Business Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 2. Original 360-Degree Meeting Owl | Best Value
- Owl Labs Meeting Owl Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 3. Logitech MeetUp and Expansion Mic | Top Pick
- Logitech MeetUp + Expansion Mic Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 4. Logitech Brio Conferencing Webcam Ultra-HD
- Logitech Brio Webcam Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 5. Logitech Conference Cam BCC950 System
- Logitech BCC950 Conference Cam Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 6. Logitech PTZ PRO 2 Video Conferencing Camera
- Logitech PTZ PRO 2 Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 7. Jabra PanaCast Panoramic Video Conference System
- Jabra PanaCast Highlights
- The Not So Good
