7 Best Webcam for Skype Calls
Skype was one of the first online communication tools to offer free voice calls and video chat. This guide reviews 7 of the best webcam for Skype interactions. The software interface is user-friendly and available for use on all modern internet-connected devices. That includes desktop computers, notebooks, smartphones & watches, and most other mobile devices.
Budget |
---|
YOUPECK Webcam for Skype |
4.7/5.0 |
FOV: Wide |
Resolution: 1080p HD |
Plug-n-play, wide-angle, autofocus, low-light correction, 180° rolling. |
Check Amazon |
Best Value |
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Vitade PC 960 Webcam |
4.6/5.0 |
FOV: 80° |
Resolution: 1080p HD |
Built-in ring light, 3 brightness levels, autofocus, dual mics. |
Check Amazon |
Top Pick |
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Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 |
4.8/5.0 |
FOV: 78° |
Resolution: 1080p HD |
Plug-n-play, dual stereo mics, noise reduction, universal clip. |
Check Amazon |
Why Buy a Webcam for Skype VoIP Calls?
Why buy a webcam when most computers and smart devices have built-in cameras and mics? The problem is that the onboard equipment is average at best. A dedicated webcam can take your live chat sessions to a new level. That means superior video and enhanced audio. Webcams also provide a range of fingertip controls and exciting features not found with integrated setups.
Buying Tips for Skype Compatible Webcams
There’s no shortage of webcams, but they’re not all equal despite the claims. There are some excellent cams at the budget end, but there’s also lots of junk. Which Skype-compatible webcam works best for you depends on your specific needs and expectations.
The 5 buying considerations below can help you to avoid common buying blunders.
- Your Budget
- Video resolution
- Lens quality and features
- Automatic light correction
- Miscellaneous
#1 Set your maximum budget
#2 Video & audio quality
#3 Lens quality and features
#4 Automatic light correction
#5 Miscellaneous
About My ‘Best Webcam for Skype’ Guide
Selecting products worthy of review took a while as there are so many of them now. The 7 webcam reviews on this page are all excellent products within their category. The first 3 are the Editor’s Best Budget cam, Best Value Pick, and the Top Choice. The rest are by price order, lowest to high.
Webcams for Skype Comparison Table
Make and Model | FOV | Resolution | Price |
---|---|---|---|
YOUPECK Multi-Use Webcam for Skype | Wide | 1080p HD | Check Price |
Vitade PC 960 Webcam for Skype | 80° | 1080p HD | Check Price |
Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 for Skype | 78° | 1080p HD | Check Price |
Anivia W5 Webcam for Skype | Wide | 1080p HD | Check Price |
Ziber USB Webcam, Desktop Lap for Skype | Wide | 1080p HD | Check Price |
Angetube Streaming Webcam | 66° | 1080p HD | Check Price |
Logitech Conference Webcam for Skype for Business | 78° | 1080p | Check Price |
1. YOUPECK 1080p PC Webcam for Skype | Best Budget
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5
The Editor’s Best Budget plug-n-play webcam for Skye goes to a product by YOUPECK. It’s the company’s affordable, feature-packed model that’s cross-platform compatible.
- Best feature 1: 1080p video calling on Skype
- Best feature 2: Built-in dual noise-reduction mics
- Plus points: Plug-n-play, wide-angle, autofocus, low-light correction, 180° rolling
- Minus points: Vague instructions, need to speak close into mic
YOUPECK 1080p Webcam Highlights
YOUPECK’s 1080p webcam delivers crystal-clear 1080p video for Skype calls. It drops to an acceptable 720p for other applications like FaceTime, Facebook, and other hangouts. The audio is crystal clear, thanks to the dual mics with built-in noise cancellation. The autofocus lens has a wide field of view (FOV). It’s ideal for small meetings where you need to get everyone into the frame at once.
The cam’s low-light correction technology keeps you looking great. It auto-brightens in dim light and auto-dims in overly bright conditions. You can easily place the camera wherever you need it with the versatile 180° clip-on base design.
The Not So Good
The features and value this webcam offers are first-rate considering its price. The biggest letdown is the vague instructions that some may find hard to decipher. It looks like the usual case of a poorly translated manual from Chinese to English. Another, more minor complaint, is that users must speak quite close to the cam for the mic to deliver the best audio.
Tech Specs |
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Brand: YOUPECK |
Color: Black |
Camera Resolution: 1080p, 720p |
Field of View: Not specified |
Zoom: No |
Microphone: Built-in dual mics |
Noise Cancellation: Yes |
Dimensions: 3.8 x 2 x 2.5” |
Approx. Weight: 8.5 oz. |
The Pros |
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Plug-n-play simplicity |
Cross-platform compatible |
Decent audiovisual for Skype |
Dual noise-reduction mics |
Wide-angle lens |
Autofocus |
Automatically corrects light |
180° clip-on base |
Excellent value |
The Cons |
---|
Vague manual |
Need to speak close into mic |
2. Vitade 960 HD 1080P Webcam for Skype | Best Value
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5
Vitade gets the Best Value slot with its plug-n-play 960 Webcam. It’s an excellent choice for use with Skype and social media applications like Facebook, Twitch, and YouTube, etc.
- Best feature 1: Versatile USB plug-n-play Full HD 1080p webcam
- Best feature 2: Advanced H.264 encoding
- Plus points: Built-in ring light, 3 brightness levels, autofocus, dual mics, tripod mount
- Minus points: Average strength clip
PC 960 HD 1080P Webcam Highlights
Vitade’s 960 webcam works seamlessly for streaming applications, video chat, and conferencing. Advanced H.264 encoding compresses digital video files without any loss of quality. That’s significant, as it delivers smooth, faster transmission speeds. Another neat feature is the built-in ring fill light with 3 adjustable brightness levels. Ring lighting provides a soft, even, more professional lighting effect.
The camera’s automatic low-light adjustment keeps the video consistently clear. The lens has an 80° wide-angle with autofocus, and the cam captures HD video in 1080p at 30fps. Dual built-in mics produce ultra-crisp audio. Mounting options include a built-in monitor clip and a tripod thread.
The Not So Good
The clip used to attach the cam to monitors tends to weaken after a while. A tighter grip would install more confidence for those who move around with their gear. The ring light has 3 settings, but the lowest setting is pointless as it’s too weak to illuminate the subject.
Tech Specs |
---|
Brand: Vitade |
Model: 960 |
Color: Black |
Camera Resolution: HD 1080P |
Field of View (FOV): 80° |
Zoom: No |
Microphone: Built-in dual |
Noise Cancelling: Yes |
Dimensions: 1.9 x 2.5 x 3” |
Product Weight: 5.3 oz. |
The Pros |
---|
USB plug-n-play webcam |
HD video w/ clear audio |
Advanced H.264 encoding |
Built-in ring light |
3 brightness levels |
Auto low light adjustment |
Autofocus wide-angle lens |
Dual built-in mics |
Built-in monitor clip |
Handy tripod mount |
Background replacement |
The Cons |
---|
Clip weakens after a while |
Lowest ring light setting is too dim |
3. Logitech HD Pro C920 Webcam for Skype | Top Pick
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
The Top Pick review is for Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920. It’s a bestselling product that offers Full-HD 1080p video calling with the newest version of Skype for Windows;
- Best feature 1: Full-HD 1080p video calls on Skype
- Best feature 2: HD autofocus + auto low-light light correction
- Plus points: Plug-n-play, dual stereo mics, noise reduction, universal clip, tripod mount
- Minus points: No horizontal adjustment, autofocus overly sensitive, instruction issues
Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 Highlights
This webcam sells well and enjoys favorable feedback from users, so that tells us plenty already. It’s a compact plug-n-play cam with a well-made universal clip that grips firmly to laptops and monitors. There’s also a handy tripod mount for those who want more flexible placement options. The Full HD autofocus glass lens has a wide 78° field of view (FOV) and delivers impressive clarity.
Logitech’s HD Pro C920 also has dual built-in stereo mics that produce superior audio. The mic’s noise-reduction technology suppresses unwanted background noise. Another feature worth a mention is the H.264 encoding. It works by compressing files to produce faster uploads with no loss of quality.
The Not So Good
The mount lacks horizontal adjustment, which is unusual for a webcam. The autofocus feature can be overly sensitive, and background distractions may sometimes confuse it. That’s not a problem shared by all users, so the environment most likely has an influence. The instructions are vague, and some users even get them in Chinese or receive none. Visit the Logitech website for better guidance.
Tech Specs |
---|
Brand: Logitech |
Model: C920 |
Color: Black |
Camera Resolution: 1080p |
Field of View (FOV): 78° |
Zoom: No |
Microphone: 2 x omnidirectional |
Dimensions: 2.8 x 7.5 x 8.9” |
Product Weight: 9.8 oz. |
The Pros |
---|
Popular, bestselling webcam |
Plug-n-play simplicity |
High-quality Skype video calls |
H.264 encoding |
HD autofocus lens |
Auto low-light correction |
Dual stereo mics |
Noise reduction technology |
Quality, universal clip |
Tripod mount |
The Cons |
---|
No horizontal adjustment |
Overly sensitive Autofocus |
Issues with instructions |
4. Anivia W5 1080p HD Webcam for Skype
Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5
Meet the affordable Anivia W5. It’s a USB plug-n-play 1080p HD Webcam that’s ideal for Skype calling and messaging applications. The cam works across multiple operating systems and device types.
- Best feature 1: Versatile webcam w/ sharp 1080p video at 30fps
- Best feature 2: Plug-n-play simplicity
- Plus points: Built-in stereo mic, noise reduction, rotatable clip, tripod-ready, beauty effect
- Minus points: Poor auto-light adjustment, cord easily tangles
Anivia W5 1080p HD Webcam Highlights
This cam is small, compact, and attaches easily to monitors, lids, tabletops, and tripods. Consider the Anivia W5 1080p HD Webcam if you want a versatile product with an affordable price tag. It works with all the popular video and streaming apps. Image quality is excellent for a webcam in its class. The built-in mic delivers clean audio while filtering out unwanted background noise.
The Anivia W5 webcam has a wide lens, though the company hasn’t specified its field of view (FOV). It also has a beauty effect that softens lines to produce a more attractive facial profile.
The Not So Good
This webcam has a high dynamic range (HDR) and auto low-light correction technology. However, it’s not as effective as costlier models, and darker settings can show some grain. Thus, some users may need to take more control of their lighting and rely less on the auto-adjustment feature. The 6ft USB cord is long enough for most users, but it easily tangles if moved a lot.
Tech Specs |
---|
Brand: Anivia |
Model: W5 |
Color: Black |
Camera Resolution: 1080p |
Field of View (FOV): Not specified |
Zoom: No |
Microphone: Built-in single |
Dimensions: 3.8 x 3 x 2.5” |
Product Weight: 3.2 oz. |
The Pros |
---|
Works across all platforms |
Pleasing video quality |
Beauty effect |
USB plug-n-play simplicity |
Built-in mic |
Noise reduction technology |
Versatile rotatable clip |
Tripod-ready |
Great value for its class |
The Cons |
---|
Poor auto-light adjustment |
USB cord easily tangles |
5. Ziber USB 1080p HD Webcam, for Skype
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5
This review looks at the Ziber 1080p HD Multi-Purpose Autofocus Webcam. It has a smart, aesthetically pleasing design and several impressive features. Let’s check it out.
- Best feature 1: Works with most video conferencing platforms
- Best feature 2: Full 360° rotation
- Plus points: Plug-n-play, noise-canceling mic, LEDs, auto exposure, image stabilization
- Minus points: Few reviews
Ziber USB 1080p HD Webcam Highlights
The Ziber 1080p HD Webcam has an impressive spec sheet. Its 6-layer, glass-coated AF lens produces clear image quality. It also has image stabilization and auto-exposure control. The wide lens makes it suitable for small groups of 2–4 people. It’s compatible with Skype For Business and many other video conferencing platforms. The cam’s built-in mic uses noise-canceling technology to enhance the audio.
There are several ways to mount the Ziber Cam. It fits comfortably on displays of various sizes, including TVs, laptop lids, and tripods. The 360° horizontal rotation adds further to its flexible positioning. On the front of the cam are 2 LED indicators for video ON, and USB connection.
The Not So Good
The main drawback to this new webcam is the lack of sales and feedback so far. The sales page is also missing some basic specs. It checks many of the right boxes, though. Even so, widespread usage is the best way to uncover all the pros and cons of any new product. Those who buy webcams based on extensive user feedback may want to choose a more established model with extra ratings.
Tech Specs |
---|
Brand: Ziber |
Color: Black |
Camera Resolution: 1080p HD |
Field of View (FOV): Not specified |
Zoom: No |
Microphone: Built-in single |
Dimensions: Not specified |
Approx. Weight: Not specified |
The Pros |
---|
Smart, compact design |
Plug-n-play Simplicity |
Ideal cam for Skype For Business |
Auto exposure control |
Image stabilization feature |
Works w/ major conferencing software |
Full 360° rotatable clip |
Built-in microphone |
LEDs status indicators |
The Cons |
---|
New product with little feedback |
6. Angetube 967 Streaming 1080P HD Webcam
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5
The penultimate review goes to the 6 Angetube 967 Streaming Webcam. You can expect clear and consistently sharp video thanks to the fast and accurate autofocus lens.
- Best feature 1: Compatible with Skype, Zoom, and Facetime, etc.
- Best feature 2: Well-made, high-quality build
- Plus points: Plug-n-play, adjustable fill light, H.264, built-in dual mics, noise cancelation
- Minus points: Ring light not ideal for all situations
Angetube 967 HD Webcam Highlights
This 1080p webcam is a well-made product with H.264 compression encoding. The compression improves video smoothness with zero loss to image quality. There’s also a beauty enhancement feature that subtly softens facial features. The wide lens has a 66° field of view (FOV), and is surrounded by an adjustable ring fill light with 3 brightness settings.
The built-in dual omnidirectional mics filter out unwanted background noise. It’s a standard feature now with a lot of webcams to keep the voice clear and isolated. Other highlights include a flexible mounting clip, a tripod mount, and background replacement for Windows.
The Not So Good
Ring fill lights offer a natural, even illumination. However, this one tends to be too bright for the eyes on the highest setting. And it may not be bright enough on the low and medium settings. Results are sure to vary depending on the space, available light, and the type of light. Thus, not everyone is complaining. You can also turn the ring light off and control the local environment yourself.
Tech Specs |
---|
Brand: Angetube |
Model: 967 |
Color: Black |
Camera Resolution: 1080p |
Field of View (FOV): 66° |
Zoom: No |
Microphone: Built-in dual omni |
Dimensions: 2.1 x 2.6 x 2.9” |
Approx. Weight: 5.3 oz. |
The Pros |
---|
Well-made cam, quality build |
Plug-n-play simplicity |
Works w/ Skype, Facetime, etc. |
Wide-angle lens |
Fast, accurate autofocus |
Adjustable fill ring light |
H.264 compression encoding |
Beauty enhancement feature |
Built-in microphones |
Microphone noise cancelation |
The Cons |
---|
The ring light is too bright or not bright enough in some situations |
7. Logitech Conference Webcam for Skype for Business
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
The last review is for another plug-n-play Logitech product—the Conference Cam BCC950. It’s an excellent choice if you use Skype for Business, Zoom, or any of the other popular platforms.
- Best feature 1: Bestselling webcam for small-group conferencing
- Best feature 2: Wide-angle lens w/ remote-controlled Pan/Tilt/Zoom
- Plus points: Plug-n-play, HD video, 1.2x zoom, pro speakerphone, fingertip controls
- Minus points: Not very portable, Pan/Tilt/Zoom sometimes choppy
Logitech Conference Webcam Highlights
Logitech Conference Cam BCC950 is a vast improvement over built-in webcams. Consider this product if you demand clear, bright HD 1080p video with accurate colors. This webcam takes small-group conferences to a professional level. The wide 78° field of view (FOV) lens is ideal for small groups of up to 4 persons. And the 1.2x HD zoom—or 4x in SD—is handy for when you need to shift focus.
The Conference Cam BCC950 has exceptional audio quality to complement its HD video. This all-in-one unit has a built-in omnidirectional mic with echo and noise cancellation. The pro speakerphone fills the room with natural-sounding audio. That makes virtual communication a more realistic experience. Fingertip console buttons and the included remote make light work of voice and video control.
Go Bigger w/ Logitech GROUP + Expansion Mics
Consider the Logitech GROUP + Expansion Mics version for larger conferences. It’s a beefed-up version of the BCC950 and can accommodate 14–20 people. It has a 90° wide-angle lens, 6 built-in mics, and 10x HD lossless zoom.
The Not So Good
This webcam comes with an 8ft USB cable and a separate power supply. It’s a tad cumbersome if you’re portable and need to carry the cam from place to place. The remote-controlled Pan, Tilt, and Zoom is a welcome feature for a lot of conference settings. It works okay, but it can be a little choppy at times, which is an annoyance for those viewing. That’s unlikely to be a deal-breaker, though.
Tech Specs |
---|
Brand: Logitech |
Model: BCC950 |
Color: Black |
Camera Resolution: 1080p |
Field of View (FOV): 78° |
Meeting Size: Up to 4 people |
Zoom: 1.2x (HD) 4x (SD) |
Microphone: Built-in omni-directional |
Dimensions: 6.81 x 6.97 x 4.88” |
Product Weight: 36.48 oz. |
The Pros |
---|
Plug-n-play simplicity |
Business-grade video |
High-quality audio clarity |
Popular webcam for meetings |
Wide-angle lens for small groups |
1.2x HD & 4x SD zoom |
Remote-controlled Pan/Tilt/Zoom |
Pro-level speakerphone |
Fingertip console/remote controls |
The Cons |
---|
Not very portable |
Pan/Tilt/Zoom sometimes choppy |
Contents
- Why Buy a Webcam for Skype VoIP Calls?
- Buying Tips for Skype Compatible Webcams
- #1 Set your maximum budget
- #2 Video & audio quality
- #3 Lens quality and features
- #4 Automatic light correction
- #5 Miscellaneous
- About My ‘Best Webcam for Skype’ Guide
- Webcams for Skype Comparison Table
- 1. YOUPECK 1080p PC Webcam for Skype | Best Budget
- YOUPECK 1080p Webcam Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 2. Vitade 960 HD 1080P Webcam for Skype | Best Value
- PC 960 HD 1080P Webcam Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 3. Logitech HD Pro C920 Webcam for Skype | Top Pick
- Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 4. Anivia W5 1080p HD Webcam for Skype
- Anivia W5 1080p HD Webcam Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 5. Ziber USB 1080p HD Webcam, for Skype
- Ziber USB 1080p HD Webcam Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 6. Angetube 967 Streaming 1080P HD Webcam
- Angetube 967 HD Webcam Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 7. Logitech Conference Webcam for Skype for Business
- Logitech Conference Webcam Highlights
- Go Bigger w/ Logitech GROUP + Expansion Mics
- The Not So Good