7 Best Webcam for Zoom Calls
Zoom is a favored cloud-based platform used to connect people. Businesses use it for video conferences, webinars, audio discussions, and interviews. The free version of Zoom is fast becoming a popular tool to connect families and friends. Virtual meetups have become a lifeline for many people since the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns and social isolation.
Budget |
---|
Logitech BRIO HD Webcam |
4.5/5.0 |
Weight: 5.9 oz. |
FOV: Adjustable |
Versatile mounting, auto-adjusts lighting, echo-free audio, tight security. |
Check BH |
Best Value |
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Logitech BCC950 Conference Cam |
4.6/5.0 |
Weight: 2.28 lbs. |
FOV: 78° |
Plug-n-play, versatile control, clear audio, pan & tilt feature. |
Check Amazon |
Top Pick |
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Meeting Owl Pro Cam |
4.7/5.0 |
Weight: 2.65 lbs. |
FOV: 360° |
Quick set up, works seamlessly w/ Zoom, perfect audiovisual. |
Check Amazon |
There are now two ways to use Zoom:
- Zoom Meeting
- Zoom Room
#1 Zoom Meeting
#2 Zoom Room
Buying Considerations
Don’t skimp on the camera if you’re a business. It will contribute toward your professional image and last for many years with proper care. Likewise, employees who work remotely should also buy the best they can afford. Look at your webcam as a vital tool of the trade. You don’t need an overly expensive device for casual, social interaction on Zoom, but high quality is still nice to have.
Below are 5 things to consider before you invest in any webcam:
- Fix your budget
- Camera resolution
- Microphone quality
- Zoom quality and capability if that’s important to you
- Field of view (FOV)
Fixing your budget from the outset saves time and lets you quickly zoom in on your choices. The camera resolution should be 720p or higher, especially for business use. You want to sound clear too. If you’re happy with the camera, but let down by the audio, consider a separate dedicated mic. Better still, invest in a webcam that delivers superb audiovisual with built-in noise reduction.
Do you need a webcam with zoom capability? If yes, think about the range and how you need to zoom. Consider the webcam’s field of view (FOV) as well. The FOV depends on how many people you want to get on screen at once. The more there are, the wider the FOV should be.
About ‘My Best Webcam for Zoom Calls’ Guide
Whatever you use Zoom for, the quality of your video is only as good as the webcam. This review guide looks at 7 exceptional products. Each of these cameras guarantees to improve your communication and collaboration. A decent webcam is an essential piece of kit. Indeed, it’s the next best thing to being in the same room as the people you interact with.
Webcam for Zoom Calls Comparison Table
Make and Model | FOV | Max Resolution | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Logitech BRIO Ultra HD Webcam | Adjustable | 4K UHD | Check Price |
Logitech Video Conference Webcam BCC950 | 78° | 1080p Full HD | Check Price |
Meeting Owl Pro 360° Smart Conference Cam | 360° | 1080p Full HD | Check Price |
Huddly GO Video Conferencing Camera | 150° | 720p | Check Price |
AVer CAM340 USB 3.0 Ultra 4K Huddle Room Cam | 94° | 4K UHD | Check Price |
Polycom Studio, Premium Audio/Video System | 120° | 4K UHD | Check Price |
Logitech MeetUp and Expansion Mic HD | 120° | 4K UHD | Check Price |
1. Logitech BRIO Ultra HD Webcam | Best Budget
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
The Logitech BRIO Ultra-HD Webcam makes the Editor’s Best Budget Choice. It’s a top-selling product for video conferences on Zoom, for streaming, and recording.
- Best feature 1: 4K UHD recording
- Best feature 2: 5x digital zoom
- Plus points: Versatile mounting, auto-adjusts lighting, echo-free audio, tight security
- Minus points: No optical zoom, monitor clip has a weak grip
BRIO Ultra HD Webcam Highlights
High-quality webcams like the Logitech BRIO provide an all-in-one solution for professional users. Its standout features are the crystal-clear video and 5x zoom for closer interaction. This puppy delivers 4K Ultra-HD at 30 frames per second (fps) and 1080p at 30fps and 60fps. The detail, clarity, smooth streaming, and echo-free audio produce a life-like presence to any virtual meeting.
Another exceptional feature is the RightLight™ 3 and high dynamic range (HDR). It auto-adjusts the light so that you look consistently good. The adjustable clip lets you place the camera wherever you need it. That could be on top of a monitor, a tabletop, or a laptop computer. The tripod mount offers even more flexibility. The webcam also has a removable shade to provide privacy.
Adjustable Field of View & Security
Other features worth a mention are the adjustable field of view (FOV) and tight security. You can use a 65° FOV for single person head & shoulders, and 78–90° for groups. The convenient security feature uses infrared and optical sensors for facial recognition. Once set up, you just look into the lens to login. If it’s not you, then it’s impossible to gain access.
The Not So Good
The Logitech BRIO only has digital zoom, not optical, so it’s satisfactory rather than outstanding. The removable clip used to mount this webcam onto monitors doesn’t have the tightest grip. I haven’t read any reports of it failing, but it certainly has the potential to slip on ultra-thin laptop lids.
Tech Specs |
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Brand: Logitech |
Model: BRIO |
Color: Black |
Field of View: 65°, 78°, 90° |
Zoom: 5x digital |
Focus Type: Auto |
Microphone: 2 x omni-directional |
Dimensions: 4 x 1.1 x 1” |
Product Weight: 5.9 oz. |
The Pros |
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Crystal-clear UHD recording |
Smooth streaming |
Pan & Zoom controls |
Clear, echo-free audio |
Adjustable field of view (FOV) |
Versatile mounting choices |
Auto-adjusts light for best effects |
Facial recognition login |
The Cons |
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No optical zoom |
The clip has a weak grip |
2. Logitech Group HD Conference Webcam | Best Value
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5
Logitech gets the Best Value slot with its BCC950 Video Conference Webcam. It has 1 microphone, a speaker, and the ability to capture a meeting with up to 4 people. Let’s check it out.
- Best feature 1: 1080p HD video@ 30 frames per second
- Best feature 2: Wide 78° field of view
- Plus points: Plug-n-play, versatile control, clear audio, pan & tilt feature, pro speakerphone
- Minus points: Dated design, choppy pan-n-tilt, only works for small groups
Nam Logitech BCC950 Conference Webcam Highlights
Logitech’s BCC950 is a simple plug-n-play webcam that’s ideal for small group meetings. This webcam works seamlessly with Zoom and other video conferencing applications. Its autofocus lens and Carl Zeiss Optics deliver tack-sharp visuals in 1080p full-HD. The 78° field of view (FOV) and 180° Pan/Tilt/Zoom gives you full control over the group’s visibility.
The remote and base button controls let you adjust volume levels, mute, answer calls, and hang up. Audio features include a built-in full-duplex speakerphone with a pickup range of 8ft. And the noise-canceling, omnidirectional mic delivers clear echo-free audio.
The Not So Good
Appearance is personal, but this conference webcam looks a tad dated compared to some products. That doesn’t interfere with its capability, of course. The pan-n-tilt feature is welcome for group meetings on Zoom, but it’s a little choppy at times. Lastly, this is not the webcam for you if you have meetings of more than 4 people. The Logitech Group HD is a better choice for larger gatherings.
Tech Specs |
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Brand: Logitech |
Model: BCC950 |
Color: Black |
Field of View (FOV): 78° |
Meeting Size: 4 people |
Video Resolution: 1080p Full HD |
Zoom: 1.2x |
Microphone: Omni-directional |
Dimensions: 6.81 x 6.97 x 4.88” |
Product Weight: 2.28 lbs. |
The Pros |
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Superb video and audio quality |
Works seamlessly with Zoom |
Plug-n-play simplicity |
Ideal for small meetings |
Base buttons & remote control |
Pan/Tilt/Zoom feature |
Built-in duplex speakerphone |
Noise-canceling mic |
The Cons |
---|
Dated design |
Choppy pan-n-tilt |
Only accommodates 4 people |
3. Meeting Owl Pro 360° 1080p Smart Cam | Top Pick
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5
The Top Pick webcam for Zoom goes to the Meeting Owl Pro, a 1080p Smart Conference Cam. It’s “smart” because it shifts focus and zooms in on people as they speak.
- Best feature 1: 1080p 360° smart conferencing webcam
- Best feature 2: Ideal for medium to large size rooms/gatherings
- Plus points: Quick set up, works seamlessly w/ Zoom, perfect audiovisual, 18ft pickup range
- Minus points: High price tag
Meeting Owl Pro Conference Cam Highlights
The plug-n-play set up couldn’t be easier. All you do is plug the Owl Pro into your computer’s USB port and connect with others. The Meeting Owl Pro is an upgraded version of the original Owl. The company has given it twice the volume and 2x sharper video. It built the camera, speaker, and mics into a single upright unit. It’s a space-saving cam that sits neatly in the center of a desk or conference table.
You can use the Meeting Owl Pro with Zoom or any of the other conferencing platforms. The Owl Intelligence System™ uses both voice and vision to auto shift-the camera’s focus. Other highlights are the full 360° cover, 8 integrated smart mics, and the extended 18ft pickup range.
The Not So Good
This is a near-perfect webcam for any business that needs what it offers. It’s quite expensive at around 1000 dollars—at the time of writing. Still, it’s an excellent investment that should last for years.
Tech Specs |
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Brand: Owl Labs |
Model: Meeting Owl Pro |
Color: Gray |
Camera: 360° camera 1080p |
Field of View (FOV): 360° |
Connection: USB 2.0 |
Zoom: Smart magnification |
Microphone: 8 mic array |
Max Room Size: 15 x 20ft |
Dimensions: 4.4 x 4.4 x 10.8” |
Product Weight: 2.65 lbs. |
Warranty: 2 years limited |
The Pros |
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Smart, space-saving design |
Plug-n-play simplicity |
Tack-sharp video quality |
Crystal-clear audio |
8 microphone array |
Autofocus on speaker |
Extended pickup range |
Suitable for larger rooms |
Works with all conferencing platforms |
The Cons |
---|
High price tag |
4. Huddly GO Video Conferencing Camera
Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5
Meet the Huddly GO Video Conferencing Camera with auto-light adjustment. It’s a USB plug-n-play product that’s ideal for Zoom meeting rooms and other popular applications.
- Best feature 1: 150° ultra-wide-angle lens
- Best feature 2: Small and compact
- Plus points: Works well with Zoom, auto-flip feature, self-upgrading, embedded mounting
- Minus points: Average image quality
Huddly Go Highlights
The Huddly GO is a neat, compact video conferencing camera suitable for groups of 2–4 people. You’re ready to GO the moment you plug it in. It sports a 150° FOV ultra-wide-angle lens with 4x lossless HD zoom. The 720p video resolution at 30 fps delivers superb image quality. Regular auto-updates ensure continued image and feature enhancements long after purchase.
This device has a 180° auto-flip feature. That means it auto-flips the image back the right side up if you put the camera on its head. The tripod mount and an embedded mounting hinge give unlimited placement opportunities. There’s no built-in mic with this conferencing cam, so be sure to get a decent one in advance. The Movo Sevenoak USB Mic is a brilliant choice, but there are many others.
The Not So Good
The only complaint with the Huddly GO is the image quality. It’s perfectly viewable, but it lacks the clarity of some of its rival conference webcams.
Tech Specs |
---|
Brand: Huddly |
Model: GO |
Color: Brown |
USB: 3.0 |
Field of View (FOV): 150° |
Video Resolution: 720p @ 30fps |
Zoom: Digital |
Aperture: F/2.8 |
Microphone: None |
Dimensions: 2.82 x 1.6 x 1.3” |
Product Weight: 0.24 lb. |
The Pros |
---|
Small and compact |
Ultra-wide-angle lens |
Lossless zoom |
Plug-n-play simplicity |
Works with all conferencing platforms |
Auto-flip feature |
Self-upgrading |
Embedded mounting hinge |
Tripod mount |
The Cons |
---|
Average image quality |
5. AVer CAM340 USB 3.0 Ultra 4K Huddle Room Cam
Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5
The AVer CAM340 is a purpose-made huddle and small conference room camera. It records video up to 4K UHD at 25fps and has a 94° wide-angle lens.
- Best feature 1: Supports 4K Resolution @ 25 fps
- Best feature 2: Plug-n-play simplicity
- Plus points: Built-in TV mount, pan/tilt/zoom, built-in mic, wide FOV, maintains white balance
- Minus points: Quite expensive
AVer CAM340 4K Huddle Room Cam Highlights
The compact CAM340 is a plug-n-play conference camera packed with useful features. You can expect sharp image quality and accurate colors. Its wide, distortion-free lens gets everyone into the frame in a typical huddle room setup. The small cam has a 4x optical zoom feature and pan & tilt functionality. And its built-in noise-suppressing unidirectional microphone easily picks up the speakers in a room.
Another welcome feature is the way this small webcam maintains white balance. That means you look good under all types of light and conditions, i.e., dim, bright, or artificial lighting.
The Not So Good
This little huddle room camera does what it says on the box. It seems pricey, though, considering its build and size. But its size is also an advantage as it adds to the cam’s portability factor.
Tech Specs |
---|
Brand: AVer |
Model: CAM340 |
Color: Black/silver |
Field of View (FOV): 94° |
Aperture: F/2.8 |
Zoom: 4x optical |
Min working distance: 31.4 |
Status Indicator: LED |
Microphone: Built-in unidirectional |
Noise Reduction: 2D |
Dimensions: 2.4 x 2.4 x 3” |
Product Weight: 1.2 lbs. |
The Pros |
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Plug-n-play simplicity |
UHD super-sharp image resolution |
Built-in monitor mount |
Pan/tilt/zoom function |
Built-in microphone |
Wide field of view |
Maintains white balance |
The Cons |
---|
Quite pricy |
6. Polycom Studio, Premium Conferencing System
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5
The penultimate review is for the Poly Studio Conferencing System. It’s an exceptional piece of equipment made for small meeting rooms, huddle rooms, and the home office.
- Best feature 1: Automatic framing and speaker tracking feature
- Best feature 2: Works flawlessly with Zoom and other platforms
- Plus points: Plug-n-play, advanced audio/video, wide FOV, remote management
- Minus points: Large size
Polycom Studio Premium Audio/Video System Highlights
The Poly Studio Conferencing System is like the company’s Cube cam but with the speaker bar. It has a wide 120° FOV lens with 5x zoom, and boast 4K UHD capture resolution. This product works perfectly with Zoom and other conferencing platforms. You can have the camera running in no time, thanks to its USB connectivity and plug-n-play simplicity.
The advanced video and audio technology guarantee a superb audiovisual experience free from frustrations. Automatic group framing, along with accurate speaker tracking, also adds to the product’s appeal. The 6-element microphone array has a 12ft pickup range and noise-blocking technology. Other standout features are Remote Management, an Acoustic Fence, and wall mount kit.
The Not So Good
This webcam is too big to mount onto screens. It’s better to rest it on a table or other flat surface or fix it onto a wall. The size also means it’s not travel-friendly. Thus, it’s a conferencing system that’s better off with a permanent home.
Tech Specs |
---|
Brand: Polycom |
Model: Studio USB Soundbar |
Color: Black |
Field of View (FOV): 120° |
Zoom: 5x |
Capture Resolution: 4K UHD |
Camera Presets: 2 |
Microphone: 6 array stereo |
Microphone Range: 12ft |
Dimensions: 30 x 6 x 4” |
Product Weight: 8.5 lbs. |
The Pros |
---|
Stylish, professional design |
High-quality audiovisual |
Plug-n-play simplicity |
Automatic group framing |
Speaker tracking feature |
Works flawlessly with Zoom |
Acoustic Fence |
Advanced audio/video |
Wide FOV |
Remote management |
The Cons |
---|
Big size, needs space |
7. Logitech MeetUp + Expansion Microphone HD
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
The final review is for Logitech’s MeetUp. It’s a video conference cam designed for huddle rooms and smaller spaces. Its super-wide-angle lens ensures everyone in the meeting is visible.
- Best feature 1: 4K UHD camera + 5x HD zoom
- Best feature 2: Full-range speaker system
- Plus points: Plug-n-play, super-wide FOV, Pan/Tilt lens, table stand, wall mount, find & frame
- Minus points: Digital zoom
Logitech MeetUp + Expansion Mic Highlights
The Logitech MeetUp is a USB plug-n-play all-in-one conference cam. The Pan/Tilt/Zoom lens keeps everyone in the picture with its ultra-wide 120° field of view (FOV). The camera supports multiple video resolutions, including Ultra-HD 4K, as well as 1080p and 720p. It also features 5x HD zoom. This version of MeetUp includes the add-on Expansion microphone for use in larger huddle rooms.
The Expansion noise-cancelling mic can extend the audio pickup range to over 16ft. Other features are LED status indicators, a mute button, and the long 20ft cable. You can place the Logitech MeetUP using the included table stand or wall mount. There’s also an optional TV mount for those who want it.
RightSight™ Computer Vision
MeetUp’s RightSight™ computer vision is worth a mention. It auto-adjusts the camera and zoom lens to locate and frame everyone in the space. This system doesn’t jump between speakers like voice-tracking technology. Framing all the participants gives a smoother, more collaborative experience.
The Not So Good
The zoom feature is digital, which is inferior to optical. The quality is acceptable, though, so it’s a minor gripe and unlikely to be a deal-breaker.
Tech Specs |
---|
Brand: Logitech |
Model: MeetUp |
Color: Black |
Video Resolution: 4K, 1080p, 720p |
Field of View (FOV): 120° |
Zoom: 5x digital |
Microphone: Built-in + Expansion |
Pickup Range (MeetUp): 13.1ft |
Pickup Range (Expansion Mic): 16.4ft |
Dimensions: 4.92 x 7.83 x 18.5” |
Product Weight: 2.3 lbs. |
The Pros |
---|
High-quality camera w/ zoom |
Plug-n-play simplicity |
Includes Expansion mic |
Ultra-wide lens |
Pan/Tilt/Zoom |
Find & frame feature |
Multiple video resolutions |
Full-range speaker system |
Extended pickup range |
Includes table stand & wall mount |
The Cons |
---|
Digital zoom, not optical |
Contents
- #1 Zoom Meeting
- Super easy for first-timers
- #2 Zoom Room
- Zoom Room hardware
- Buying Considerations
- About ‘My Best Webcam for Zoom Calls’ Guide
- Webcam for Zoom Calls Comparison Table
- 1. Logitech BRIO Ultra HD Webcam | Best Budget
- BRIO Ultra HD Webcam Highlights
- Adjustable Field of View & Security
- The Not So Good
- 2. Logitech Group HD Conference Webcam | Best Value
- Nam Logitech BCC950 Conference Webcam Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 3. Meeting Owl Pro 360° 1080p Smart Cam | Top Pick
- Meeting Owl Pro Conference Cam Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 4. Huddly GO Video Conferencing Camera
- Huddly Go Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 5. AVer CAM340 USB 3.0 Ultra 4K Huddle Room Cam
- AVer CAM340 4K Huddle Room Cam Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 6. Polycom Studio, Premium Conferencing System
- Polycom Studio Premium Audio/Video System Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 7. Logitech MeetUp + Expansion Microphone HD
- Logitech MeetUp + Expansion Mic Highlights
- RightSight™ Computer Vision
- The Not So Good