As the world shifts to this new culture of video streaming led by Twitch and Zoom, a good webcam is almost a necessity as a good computer. However, you don't have to break the bank to have a high-quality webcam to meet all your streaming or video conferencing needs. For those new to the streaming space, it's actually more financially and technically feasible to stream in 720p as it will put less strain on your PC and wallet.
Most big tech companies have their own webcams, and some of them are great and have an array of features, but they're often expensive. Then there are the “cheap” webcams that work occasionally, but offer poor image and microphone quality, making it difficult for us to work from home. When it comes to the gaming space, a DSLR webcam is a preferred way to capture you on screen with its high quality video output, however, a webcam is more convenient for the ordinary gamer and you don't even have to ruin you. .
Related: The 5 best DSLR cameras of 2021 for streaming
Logitech HD C310 Camera
The Logitech C310 is perhaps the most basic of all webcams and it does a simple, simple job at just $35: representing you on video.
For what it's worth, Logitech as a whole makes good tech products, great gaming products, and of course, high-quality webcams. Despite its 720p resolution which should be fine for around 90% of people, especially those with slower internet speeds, the C310 really is as basic as it gets. Just plug it into the PC via the USB connection and it should work straight away. The built-in mic is good, but don't expect major features like noise cancellation and the like. For anyone looking to pair this with an Xbox console, don't. It won't work with Xbox consoles for those who want a cheap main camera when streaming direct from Xbox.
Logitech C922 Pro Stream
If you have a few more bucks to spend on a webcam, you can pick up the much-improved Logitech C922 Pro Stream on Amazon for around $75 (down from its $100 retail price). This webcam is not only one of the best value webcams on the market right now, it's probably one of the best webcams overall, following a line of C920-like products that each have their own distinct ranges and features. .
The C922 features 1080p recording at 30 fps and streams 720p at 60 fps, creating smooth video even at lower resolutions, which is perfect for those with slower internet connections. It also includes background removal and automatic low-light correction, perfect for budding streamers and YouTubers who don't want their room in the background of their streams. Plus, the C922 also includes its own mini tripod in case you don't want to mount it on top of your screen.
Related: The 5 best budget microphones of 2021 for streaming | Budget-friendly streaming mics
Razer kiyo
The Razer Kiyo might be that all-in-one webcam you didn't know you were looking for until you got it, but you're glad you found it. Another budget webcam on the higher end of the price scale, the Razer Kiyo retails for around $100, although it can be found on sale for nearly half the price.
Video quality aside, the biggest feature of the Razer Kiyo is its built-in light ring. The ring light perfectly illuminates your face for streams and video conferences, eliminating the need for separate keys or panels. It fits quite well on the camera itself, allowing you to control the brightness. The camera also handles well with whatever webcam software you use to adjust its levels, from Razer Synapse to Nvidia Broadcast. It records in Full HD 1080p at 30fps and 720p at 60fps. It has a surprisingly strong pinhole mic and mounts just as easily on top of your screen.
AVerMedia 313 Live Streaming
If you're looking to spend less than $100 on Amazon for a quality, somewhat budget-friendly webcam, and don't want to go the mainstream mainstream brand route, the AVerMedia Live Streamer Cam is an excellent choice. In its name alone, it is intended for streaming.
It works with just about any computer or device that has a USB 2.0 port. One solid feature it has over most of the other webcams on this list is the free CAM engine software that comes bundled. This lets you adjust camera settings like its sharpness and brightness, giving you complete and detailed control over your video. It shoots 1080p at 30 fps and has a good dual-sided microphone that picks up your voice well for video conferencing and even streaming for those who don't yet have a dedicated mic. The Live Streamer Cam also has its own privacy slider when you're not using the camera, another great quality of life feature not found in most other webcams.
Microsoft LifeCam
On the one hand, the Microsoft LifeCam is as professional a webcam as it gets (regarding video and audio quality) and extremely ideal and practical for streaming. On the other hand, it sounds like a home security camera that companies like ADT or Brinks should include in their security packages. Either way, the LifeCam is a solid choice for those looking for a no-frills budget webcam.
Design aside, the LifeCam Studio is built for video conferencing and streaming. It records at 1080p and streams at 720p with a wideband mic that gives some competition to a few budget USB microphones. As simple as the LifeCam is, it has its share of great features. One of them is its 360-degree rotation capability (in case you want to rotate your camera all over the place away from your setup), and it includes Microsoft's TrueColor system, which dynamically shifts the camera exposure to keep you as lit as possible in dark situations. It won't be as bright without lighting as the previously mentioned Razer Kiyo, but it will get you closer without an actual light on your face.
For just $60, the LifeCam is definitely worth considering with its video quality and small, but necessary features. Design-wise, well, that's up to you, but no one will see the streaming camera. They will only see you, and seeing you well and clearly is what matters most in the end.
For more hardware guides, check out the 5 Best High Refresh Rate Monitors of 2021 on Pro Gaming Guides!
