6 Best Webcams For Streaming
Live streaming is fast becoming one of the most prominent forms of media on the internet. Thanks to its intimate, yet far-reaching nature, streaming has become a fantastic way to engage with others, allowing a person to share all kinds of content including gaming, crafts, and topics of debate.
When it comes to streaming, one of the most important pieces of equipment to consider is a camera. While there are plenty of quality options on the market, ranging from big DSLR cameras down to small action cameras, webcams also continue to draw interest due to their often more simplified approach.
In this guide, we will be looking at the best webcams for streaming available today and comparing their various pros and cons. Before that, however, we will also be discussing a few reasons why a webcam is sometimes preferred for streaming. Therefore, if you are already up to speed and are just here for the products, feel free to skips ahead. Otherwise, it is worth going through the next section to familiarize yourself with the technology.
| Budget |
|---|
 |
| Microsoft L2 LifeCam HD-3000 |
| 4.2/5.0 |
| Live Streaming: 720p resolution only |
| Field of View: 60 Degrees |
| Low price tag, decent features, compact design. |
| Check Amazon |
| Best Value |
|---|
 |
| Razer Kiyo |
| 4.8/5.0 |
| Live Streaming: 1080p, 720p |
| Field of View: 90 Degrees |
| Premium quality, excellent feature-set. |
| Check Amazon |
| Top Pick |
|---|
 |
| Logitech Brio |
| 4.8/5.0 |
| Live Streaming: 2160p, 1080p, 720p |
| Field of View: 90 Degrees |
| Highest video quality, classy appearance. |
| Check Amazon |
Why choose a webcam for streaming?
There can be a multitude of reasons why you would want to opt for a webcam over a more traditional camera for streaming. However, we have listed the following as the main factors to consider.
1. Compatibility
One of the biggest benefits of using a webcam over a regular camera is the fact that it is far more likely to be compatible with your other devices. This is mainly due to the fact that a webcam has been specifically designed to work with PCs and other computing devices. Some webcams are even designed specifically for live streaming, giving them even better performance when it comes to this category.
An example of how a webcam simplifies the setup process is in the fact that many of them don’t require a capture card. Instead, you simply connect the camera to your PC (usually via USB), download the streaming software, and you are done.
2. Price
Another big advantage of using a webcam is that they are usually cheaper than their more-traditional counterparts. One of the reasons for this is that webcams have been designed for a more specific purpose than a regular camera, often only providing the ability to stream and record basic video.
This often means that they don’t include many of the advanced and expensive functionality typically found on DSLR or mirrorless cameras, such as the extensive image settings, interchangeable lenses, and photo-taking features. In contrast, DSLR and mirrorless cameras that are suitable for streaming tend to be rather expensive, as their ability to stream is an additional feature, rather than a primary function.
3. Additional features
The final reason why a webcam is often preferred to a regular camera is that some of them offer additional features that are useful to streamers such as background replacement, digital zoom, and autofocus. The latter two can, of course, be found on most cameras. However, background replacement is especially useful if you want to create a green screen effect without actually investing in one.
This is usually desired if you want your gameplay to serve as the backdrop while streaming. However, there is, of course, a wide variety of content you could choose to display in the background depending on the service you are providing your audience.
Top Webcams for Streaming
Webcams For Streaming Comparison Table
| Make and Model | Size | Resolution | Frame Rate | Field of View | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logitech Brio | Height: 27mm Width: 102mm Depth: 27mm | Live Streaming: 2160p, 1080p, 720p | 720p: 90fps 1080p: 60fps 2160p: 30fps | 90 Degrees | Check Price |
| Logitech C930e | Height: 29mm Width: 94mm Depth: 24mm | Live Streaming: 1080p, 720p | 1080p: 30fps 720p: 30fps | 90 Degrees | Check Price |
| Logitech C920 | Height: 29mm Width: 94mm Depth: 24mm | Live Streaming: 720p Recording: 1080p | 720p: 30fps 1080p: 30fps | 78 Degrees | Check Price |
| Logitech C925e | Height: 29mm Width: 126mm Depth: 32mm | Live Streaming: 1080p, 720p | 1080p: 30fps 720p: 30fps | 78 Degrees | Check Price |
| Razer Kiyo | Height: 93mm Width: 129mm Depth: 27mm | Live Streaming: 1080p, 720p | 720p: 60fps 1080p: 30fps | 90 Degrees | Check Price |
| Microsoft L2 LifeCam HD-3000 | Height: 109mm Width: 44mm Depth: 39mm | Live Streaming: 720p | 720p: 30fps | 60 Degrees | Check Price |
1. Top Pick: Logitech Brio
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
Logitech has been a major player in the webcam space for quite some time now, with their products making up the majority of this list as a result of their dominance. The first of these products is the Logitech Brio, a premium webcam designed to provide everything you need to get up and running with a quality live video feed.
Design
The Logitech Brio has a somewhat minimalist design with simple, clean styling, and a sleek form factor. This gives the device a relatively unique appearance, as Logitech has opted against the rectangular designs more commonly seen on their products.
The Brio is also a reasonably sized webcam measuring 27mm in height, 102mm in width, and 27mm in depth. This means it should be fairly easy to set up the device, as its compact form factor will prevent the Brio from taking up too much space.
Along with the camera unit, Logitech also provides a clip for attaching the device to a monitor or other piece of equipment. Alternatively, you can also attach a tripod to the webcam, thanks to the universal attachment included.
On the back of the camera, there is also an included USB-C port for connecting the Brio to your PC. This is great to see on the device, as USB-C is not only faster than previous iterations of the technology, but it is also more robust thanks to its reversible design.
Features
The Brio has a comprehensive feature-set that includes high-resolution video formats, impressive frame rates, and a very respectable 90-degree field of view. The webcam also includes a few other interesting features that are very useful when streaming, such as built-in microphones, autofocus, RightLight 3 with HDR, and facial recognition.
The resolution options available include 2160p, 1080p, and 720p. This means you should have no issues streaming on any of the popular streaming platforms with this device, as it provides enough versatility to allow you to be competitive on each of them. Having the ability to stream in 4K is also very beneficial if you wish to use the device for business meetings, as it will allow you to provide a clear, crisp video feed when talking to clients or other members of your organization.
The frame rates for each of these resolutions vary, with the Brio capable of providing 30fps at 2160p, 60fps at 1080p, and 90fps at 720p. These are pretty impressive specs for a webcam. However, this performance is of course reflected in the device’s price tag.
The microphones included are dual-omnidirectional and come complete with noise cancellation. For the most part, they work fine. However, you may want to invest in a separate microphone if you are looking to become a serious streamer.
The Brio also provides a 5x digital zoom, giving you increased versatility when it comes to framing your shots. This feature probably isn’t all that useful for streaming. However, it may be beneficial if you need to place the Brio far from where you are sitting.
RightLight 3 with HDR is a special technology by Logitech, which allows the Brio to perform well in a variety of lighting conditions. This is especially useful if you plan to stream for long periods of time, as during that time the lighting conditions could change significantly.
Rating: 4.8/5.0
The Logitech Brio is one of the best webcams on the market right now. Offering superior specs in both the design and functionality departments, the device is capable of doing it all, making it a fantastic option for anyone able to afford it.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Size: Height: 27mm Width: 102mm Depth: 27mm |
| Resolution: Live Streaming: 2160p, 1080p, 720p |
| Frame Rate: 720p: 90fps 1080p: 60fps 2160p: 30fps |
| Field of View: 90 Degrees |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Compact |
| Portable |
| High-quality streaming options |
| Plenty of versatility |
| High frame rates at 720p and 1080p |
| Decent frame rates at 4K |
| Wide field of view |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Will need to be placed at a distance for wide shots |
2. Logitech C930e
View on AmazonEditor’s Rating: 4.6/5
The next device on this list is the Logitech C930e. This webcam doesn’t have quite as many features as the Brio, but it remains a great option for streaming, while also being more affordable.
Design
The C930e has a more rectangular design compared to the Brio, giving it a more functional appearance. It also features a silver camera face, flanked either side by a black casing that covers the microphone units. There is also a folding stand that can be used to mount the device to a monitor or some other piece of equipment such as a tripod.
The device measures 29mm in height, 94mm in width, and 24mm in depth, making it slightly smaller than the Brio, giving it a slight edge in this department. It means you should have no issues finding a food spot for the webcam, as it won’t take up much room amongst your other equipment.
The cable protruding from the back of the device is already attached meaning you can’t easily swap it for another one if it becomes damaged. This isn’t ideal in most circumstances. However, the webcam does provide adequate protection to the end of the cable, meaning it is unlikely to receive much punishment from day-to-day use.
Features
As mentioned, the C930e isn’t as feature-rich as the Brio, but it does include respectable specs nonetheless. For starters, the camera provides the option to stream in both 1080p and 720p, with frame rates of 30fps available for both resolutions. The webcam also offers a 90-degree field of view as well as autofocus, 4x digital zoom, RightLight 2.0, and an Optional Camera Settings application.
RightLight 2.0 works much like RightLight 3. However, as the numbers suggest, it is the previous iteration of the technology and, therefore, not quite as refined. It still performs very well when it comes to live streaming though, especially in indoor environments.
The Optional Camera Settings application can be used to adjust a variety of different settings on the device such as pan, tilt, and zoom functions. The app itself is very intuitive and easy to use as well, meaning you shouldn’t struggle to create the shot you want. This software might seem like overkill if you are working with a simple setup. However, it is still a nice option to have available if you decide to get more creative with your shots at a later date.
Rating: 4.6/5.0
The Logitech C930e is a decent webcam for beginner streamers all the way through to more experienced professionals. The device isn’t packed with a plethora of features like some of the other options in this guide, but it excels when it comes to the basics, making it a good option for those looking to create a simple desktop setup.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Size: Height: 29mm Width: 94mm Depth: 24mm |
| Resolution: Live Streaming: 1080p, 720p |
| Frame Rate: 720p: 30fps 1080p: 30fps |
| Field of View: 90 Degrees |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Compact |
| Portable |
| High-quality recording options |
| Decent frame rates at 1080p |
| Wide field of view |
| The Cons |
|---|
| A higher frame rate at 1080p would have been referred |
| The frame rate at 720p is somewhat low |
| Will need to be placed at a distance for wide shots |
3. Logitech C920
View on AmazonEditor’s Rating: 4.5/5
The Logitech C920 is a streaming webcam featuring a variety of useful features as well as a fairly compact form factor. The device isn’t as new as some of the other options on this list, but it remains a great option for streaming thanks to both its simplicity and versatility.
Design
The C920 has an almost identical appearance to the C930e. However, it does benefit from a more uniform black camera face. There are also other slight differences between the two devices, including the placements of the logo, as well as minor alterations in the mounting clips.
The C920 measures 29mm in height, 94mm in width, and 24mm in depth, making it, as you would expect, the same size as the C930e. This means you will receive the same benefits from this device as the aforementioned model, as both webcams share the same form factor.
The C920 also includes a USB-A cable protruding from the back of the device. However, again like with the C930e, it too offers adequate protection to the cable, meaning it is unlikely to become damaged.
Features
The feature-set of the C920 isn’t particularly inspiring, but it does include all of the necessary functionality required of a streaming camera. The device isn’t necessarily a great choice for streaming on Youtube, due to its lack of a 4K resolution, but for most other platforms it will work just fine, allowing you to stay competitive when it comes to video quality.
The resolutions available on the C920 include 720p for live streaming and 1080p for recording. Both resolutions also each capture footage at 30 frames per second, which is slightly below the performance of the C930e. This is to be expected, however, due to the fact the latter is a more recent model.
The C920 also features a 78-degree field of view, making it well suited to desk use, but not a great option if you are looking to create wide-angle shots. The camera also includes autofocus, making it easier to set up your shots, as well as a respectable amount of noise reduction, meaning the camera performs better than expected in low-light.
The device also includes a built-in stereo microphone, which isn’t likely to blow you away. However, it will at least do the job until you are able to invest in a more premium microphone for your setup, making the C920 a good budget option.
Rating: 4.5/5.0
The Logitech C920 is a decent webcam for general use and for basic streaming. However, it isn’t quite able to compete with the more expensive options in this guide. The device does remain a good option for newbies as well as streamers on a budget though, so it is certainly a webcam to consider if you fall into one of these categories.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Size: Height: 29mm Width: 94mm Depth: 24mm |
| Resolution: Live Streaming: 720p Recording: 1080p |
| Frame Rate: 720p: 30fps 1080p: 30fps |
| Field of View: 78 Degrees |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Compact |
| Portable |
| High-quality recording options |
| Decent frame rates at 1080p |
| Decent field of view |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Relatively low-quality streaming resolution |
| A higher frame rate at 1080p would have been referred |
| The frame rate at 720p is somewhat low |
| Will need to be placed at a distance for wide shots |
4. Logitech C925e
View on AmazonEditor’s Rating: 4.6/5
The Logitech C925e is a webcam designed to sit somewhere in the middle of the previous models in this guide, offering decent streaming specs and a simplistic design. It isn’t the most budget-friendly device you will find, but if you are looking for something that can offer a bit of everything, the C925e has you covered.
Design
The C925e features minimalistic styling, with a somewhat functional appearance, giving the impression that the device is built for purpose. It is by no means the prettiest webcam in this guide, but its utilitarian aesthetic is still pleasing on the eye nonetheless.
The device measures 29mm in height and has a width of 126mm, as well as a depth of 32mm. This makes the C925e slightly larger than many of the other devices in this guide. However, it is still a reasonably sized webcam for the most part.
Like the other Logitech cameras in this guide, the C925e also comes with a mounting clip for attaching the webcam to other devices. The device also has a single USB-A cable protruding from the back, making it easy to connect to other devices, such as a PC.
Features
When it comes to features, the C925e performs admirably against the competition, offering competitive resolutions, decent frame rates, and a few other features that make it a solid buy for live streaming. The camera also provides a 78-degree field of view which is perfect for simple streaming setups.
The resolutions available include 1080p and 720p, making the C925e a great option for streaming on many of the major platforms. Both resolutions also provide a frame rate of 30fps, which is acceptable for 1080p, but a little underwhelming for 720p.
The other features on the device include autofocus, making it easier to create shots, as well as a privacy shutter, allowing you to close the lens when the webcam is not in use. The C925e also features built-in omnidirectional microphones, allowing the device to pick up audio if you don’t have a dedicated microphone.
The camera also features UVC H.264 encoding. This means that the video processing is done in the camera, freeing up bandwidth and delivering a smoother video stream in the process.
Rating: 4.6/5.0
The Logitech C925e is a decent all-rounder for streamers looking to create simple setups that get the job done. The device doesn’t have the premium features seen on the likes of the Brio, but it remains a great option for beginners and other individuals looking to get value for money.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Size: Height: 29mm Width: 126mm Depth: 32mm |
| Resolution: Live Streaming: 1080p, 720p |
| Frame Rate: 1080p: 30fps 720p: 30fps |
| Field of View: 78 Degrees |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Compact |
| Portable |
| High-quality streaming options |
| Decent frame rates at 1080p |
| Decent field of view |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Wider than a lot of the other devices in this guide |
| Relatively low-quality streaming resolution |
| A higher frame rate at 720p would have been preferred |
| Will need to be placed at a distance for wide shots |
5. Best Value: Razer Kiyo
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
Razer has become a major player in the computing space over the last decade, with peripherals such as gaming mice and keyboards receiving plenty of fanfare. The company also produces a variety of other excellent products however, with the Razer Kiyo being its premium offering in the webcam space.
Design
The Kiyo has arguably the most unique appearance of all of the products in this guide, featuring a circular design with a folding mechanism that allows the webcam to fold into a disc-like shape for increased portability. It is certainly a refreshing take on the webcam from an aesthetic perspective and it is yet another example of Razer’s ability to make even the more mundane peripherals look interesting.
The Kiyo measures 93mm in height, 129mm in width, and 27mm in depth, making it slightly larger than the majority of the competition on this list. Despite this, however, the device remains a decent size overall, meaning you shouldn’t struggle to find a place for it among the other devices in your setup.
Like on many of the other devices in this guide, the Kiyo also includes a single USB-A cable protruding from the back of the device, making it easy to connect to your other equipment. The cable is also adequately protected against damage thanks to a durable covering as well as part of the stand. In typical Razer fashion, the cable is also braided adding another layer of protection and helping to reduce entanglement.
Features
The Kiyo is one of the more feature-rich options in this guide, boasting competitive resolutions, good frame rates, and a plethora of other features that allow it to stand out. All of this functionality does come at a price, of course, but overall the Kiyo remains good value for money.
The resolutions available on the camera include 1080p and 720p. However, the Kiyo is able to provide 60 frames per second at 720p, rather than the underwhelming 30 frames we have seen on some of the other options in this guide. At 1080p, the frame rate does drop to 30fps though, meaning that the Kiyo is only able to put out average performance levels in this category. The camera does have a 90-degree field of view, however, meaning you should have little to no issues when framing your shots.
One of the more interesting features on the Kiyo is its built-in light which allows the device to keep objects in the frame evenly lit in a variety of different lighting conditions. This is an excellent feature to see on the device, as it means you might not need to invest extra money on lighting equipment.
The Kito also features a rotating bezel which is used to adjust the brightness of the device manually and on-the-fly. This is a very useful feature for making quick adjustments, such as during a stream, as it prevents the need to dive into any software settings in the middle of a broadcast.
Rating: 4.8/5.0
The Razer Kiyo might not boast the impressive resolution specs of the Logitech Brio, but it certainly excels in other areas thanks to the various features it includes. The camera is also very well built with a rather ingenious design, making the Kiyo a high-quality option for all types of streamers.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Size: Height: 93mm Width: 129mm Depth: 27mm |
| Resolution: Live Streaming: 1080p, 720p |
| Frame Rate: 720p: 60fps 1080p: 30fps |
| Field of View: 90 Degrees |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Fairly compact |
| Easily portable due to folding design |
| High-quality streaming options |
| Versatile |
| High frame rates at 720p |
| Decent frame rates at 1080p |
| Decent field of view |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Not as small as some of the other options in this guide |
| A higher frame rate at 1080p would have been preferred |
| Will need to be placed at a distance for wide shots |
6. Best Budget: Microsoft L2 LifeCam HD-3000
Editor’s Rating: 4.2/5
The Microsoft L2 LifeCam HD-3000 is an excellent option for those working with a tighter budget, as well as those who are merely testing the waters to see whether or not streaming is for them. The device doesn’t have the most glamorous of feature-sets, and it isn’t the most high-quality option you will find, but it does offer plenty of value for money, and is a competent performer when it comes to live streaming.
Design
The device has a rather compact form-factor, consisting of a small rounded camera module and a versatile mounting clip. Around the lens is a silver border, adding a little style to the device, while there are also a couple of company logos placed on the unit, reminding you it is a Microsoft product.
The camera measures 109mm in height, 44mm in width, and 39mm in depth, making it a decent size for a webcam. The folding mount is also collapsible, allowing the device to become even more compact for transport.
Moving around to the rear of the device you will notice a single cable extending out of the back which is, of course, used to connect the camera to your other equipment. The connector on the cable is also USB-A, meaning that, unless you have upgraded all of your equipment to USB-C, you should have no issues setting the webcam up.
Features
The HD-3000 isn’t blessed with the extensive feature-sets of some of the other devices in this guide. However, it does include enough to get you started on your streaming journey.
For starters, the device offers resolutions of up to 720p, meaning you will be able to provide a relatively clear video feed to your audience. The camera also offers a frame rate of 30fps, which isn’t great for 720p streaming, but at the same time, it shouldn’t compromise the quality of your video feed very much.
The camera also has a 60-degree field of view which is fine for simple streaming setups, but not well suited for those needing a wider frame to work with. For this reason, we recommend avoiding the HD-3000 if you have a lot of objects that you need to get into shots.
One of the more useful features on this device is Microsoft’s TrueColor technology, which allows the webcam to provide brightly-lit shots in most lighting conditions. It means that you shouldn’t struggle to produce a clear shot for your audience, unless, of course, you are sitting with a light directly behind you, or with your back to a window.
The camera also has a built-in omnidirectional microphone, which includes acoustic noise cancellation. This microphone is unlikely to be your primary choice when it comes to providing audio. However, it should do the job if you are working with a tight budget.
Rating: 4.2/5.0
The Microsoft L2 LifeCam HD-3000 is a decent option for streaming newbies and those on a budget, but it doesn’t offer enough to compete with the bigger players in this space. It will perform relatively well for basic streaming, but if you are looking for high-quality video and plenty of additional features, this isn’t the webcam for you.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Size: Height: 109mm Width: 44mm Depth: 39mm |
| Resolution: Live Streaming: 720p |
| Frame Rate: 720p: 30fps |
| Field of View: 60 Degrees |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Compact |
| Portable |
| Decent frame rate |
| Average field of view |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Relatively low-quality streaming resolution |
| A higher frame rate would have been preferred |
| Not suitable for wide shots |
Contents
- Why choose a webcam for streaming?
- 1. Compatibility
- 2. Price
- 3. Additional features
- Top Webcams for Streaming
- Webcams For Streaming Comparison Table
- 1. Top Pick: Logitech Brio
- Design
- Features
- 2. Logitech C930e
- Design
- Features
- 3. Logitech C920
- Design
- Features
- 4. Logitech C925e
- Design
- Features
- 5. Best Value: Razer Kiyo
- Design
- Features
- 6. Best Budget: Microsoft L2 LifeCam HD-3000
- Design
- Features
