Whether it’s for work, the stream or simply to chat with loved ones, webcams are always useful accessories. Here is our comparison of the best webcams according to our tests.
Almost forgotten outside of laptops, the webcam has been making a comeback for a few years on our desktop PCs. In question: the explosion in the popularity of streaming, whether on Twitch or YouTube, but also, and above all, COVID requires, the lasting arrival of telework in our lives. A good webcam has thus become the essential accessory for organizing videoconferences without difficulty.
After big supply issues in 2020 and 2021, things have improved with renewed stock at most retailers. Result: public prices have fallen and we no longer need to fight against scalps which caused the prices to explode on marketplaces.
To find your way around, here is a comparison of the best webcams of the moment, based on our tests and our expertise.
The best PC webcams in 2022
Logitech C920: the best choice
A great classic of the PC webcam, the Logitech C920 remains to this day the “default” solution despite the arrival of many models over the years. Inexpensive, but offering sufficient characteristics for most uses, it will satisfy the greatest number, in particular thanks to its integrated microphone.
Present on the market for years, the C920 is in fact available in several versions: C920, C920S, C920e… They all share the same characteristics: they are capable of filming in Full HD at 30 frames per second, with a field of vision of 78°. That’s enough most of the time.
Launched several years ago, the 2-megapixel sensor is however slightly showing its age, particularly in terms of video color rendering, which will need to be adjusted in the settings, and its low-light capabilities. After long months marked by stock shortages and skyrocketing prices, it returned to an attractive price. For privacy enthusiasts, the C920e has a lens cap and mics disabled by default. This is our webcam recommendation. To take advantage of better video compression, we also recommend the Logitech C925E.
Why choose the Logitech C920?
- It is the versatile model par excellence
- Available now for less than 80 euros
- Full HD at 30 frames per second
Dell Webcam UltraSharp WB7022: the ambitious in 4K
Between streaming and telecommuting, webcams are currently experiencing a real golden age. Latest manufacturer to try the object: Dell, which offers with this Ultrasharp WB7022 a model dedicated above all to office automation.
If there’s one thing to be commended, it’s the design, build quality and attention to detail on this camera. We particularly appreciate the magnetic cover to physically block the shot.
Video capture is done in 4K 30 fps or Full HD 60 fps. The image quality is generally correct, the colors respected, both in good conditions and in low light. Note, however, that the autofocus is a bit weak. Note that it does not carry any microphone, a point to take into account when installing its equipment.
Finally, there is Windows Hello compatibility as well as some “AI” functions such as automatic framing which works well.
More at home for the office than for streaming, this webcam is a solid, but pricey choice. We detail it for you on our test of the Dell UltraSharp WB7022.
Why choose the Dell UltraSharp WB7022?
- Finishes and respect for privacy
- Windows Hello compatible
- 4K at 30 frames per second
Logitech StreamCam: the webcam for streaming
Launched and tested in our columns a short time ago, the Logitech StreamCam is the right choice for larger budgets. As its name suggests, Logitech wants to make it the ultimate solution for streaming and live. If it is indeed very good for this use, it is also quite simply a good webcam.
It films in 1080p at 60 frames per second, a rare thing, for even more fluidity. It manages the colorimetry particularly well for an image which, in addition to being precise and detailed, is well adjusted by default. Its field of vision is identical to the C920: 78°.
Much more recent than its predecessor, the StreamCam also adopts a USB-C connector, and does not deliver an adapter to USB-A in the box. Your PC will therefore need to have said port. The webcam is marketed around 125 euros in France and you will find all the details in our Logitech StreamCam test. Note that its availability may still be a bit random at some retailers. Sold at the base at 159 euros, it now regularly benefits from big discounts, which makes it an even more interesting choice.
Why choose the Logitech StreamCam?
- Full HD at 60 frames per second
- A better picture
- An effort on audio
Razer Kiyo Pro: comfortable in the shade
Among the great weaknesses of webcams, we will particularly note their reduced capacities when the ambient light is not ideal. A concern that Razer is trying to solve by equipping its brand new Kiyo Pro a larger than average Full HD sensor.
And we must admit that on this point the contract is fulfilled, even with a luminosity only created by our monitor, the image is quite usable. We also welcome the presence of a very effective HDR mode to compensate for backlighting.
However, everything is not perfect: the wide angle used distorts the image a little too much for our taste and the autofocus sometimes loses control a little. We also advise against using the Razer Synapse software, it does not add much and poses some problems for creating software webcams.
The Kiyo Pro is therefore a quality webcam, but whose software would have deserved a little more attention, especially at this price. We tell you more about it in the Razer Kiyo Pro test.
Why choose the Razer Kiyo Pro?
- Low light performance
- The effective HDR mode
- The successful design
Razer Kiyo: the webcam that lights you up
The streamers know it well: light is important. Razer has understood this well, with its Kiyo which has the particularity of integrating annular LED lighting directly on the webcam. This is a plus if you do not want to invest in dedicated equipment and therefore makes it a good webcam to start streaming.
The Kiyo is capable of filming in Full HD at 30 frames per second, or in 720p at 60 frames per second. It’s newer hardware and therefore offers better image quality than the C920. It also has the merit of having an adjustable foot, which allows it to be used on the desk. This can be practical if you have a rather special setup.
Why choose the Razer Kiyo?
- For the integrated ring LED
- 1080p at 30 frames per second
- The adjustable foot
Logitech C270: the very low price
You just need a little extra webcam and don’t want to spend more than 40 euros on it? Logitech is also known for its honest low prices. The Swiss brand thus offers a basic webcam model, the C270.
It is therefore an entry-level solution that will not work miracles, but it still films in 720p and will offer decent quality for videoconferencing. Available as a base at 35 euros, it benefits from discounts on most e-commerce sites, and is therefore often found around 25 euros.
Why choose the Logitech C270?
- For its low price
- For its ease of use
How to improve the quality of your webcam?
If you want to go to the next step, the two points that we must improve are the sound quality and the lighting. This last point is also crucial, the webcams offering a much better rendering when the brightness is high. Here is a small selection of accessories to improve its installation without breaking the bank.
Sound: Blue Snowball ICE
If the microphones integrated into the helmets do the trick for in-game chat or a meeting on Google Meet, they quickly show their limits, unless you are targeting high-end models. To take the next step, we therefore recommend that you invest in a dedicated microphone. For 60 euros, the Blue Snowball ICE offers excellent value for money.
Equipped with a cardioid polar pattern, it mainly picks up sounds in front of it. Its installation is plug and play and the recordings are quite correct. We just regret that the tripod provided is a little low. However, it is difficult to ask for much more at this price.
Lights: Neewer Ring Light
Even though sensors have made great progress in recent years, lack of light is still the biggest enemy of video. Using a dedicated lamp is therefore a good way to improve the rendering at low cost. Particularly versatile, this ring lamp signed Newer has the good taste to be delivered with all the necessary accessories to start.
We find in particular a tripod, a thread for webcams and cameras and a support for telephones. Given the price, the color temperature is not adjustable, but the 5500 K offered are particularly versatile.
If you want to find a quality product, check out our full selection of ring lights.
Understand everything before buying your PC webcam
How to choose your PC webcam?
Two elements seem essential to us to make your choice: the definition of the image and the refresh rate of the image. It takes at least 30 frames per second and HD definition. Full HD is preferred. Another important point: the field of vision of the camera; 78° is standard, some go up to 90°.
Why are Logitech webcams so popular?
After the end of the golden age of PC webcams, Logitech remained one of the few accessories companies to maintain investments in the segment. Now that they are back in fashion, the brand is reaping the rewards of this work while gradually redirecting its communication towards streamers.
Can you use your smartphone as a webcam?
Yes it’s possible. Whether it’s an Android smartphone or an iPhone, on Windows, macOS or Linux, you can use your smartphone as a webcam and it’s usually not very complicated.
Can you use your GoPro as a webcam?
You may have a GoPro lying around your home, which offers much better image quality than most built-in webcams. This is good since GoPro has recently offered a Webcam mode for the vast majority of its references.
You will therefore need at least a GoPro HERO4 Black and follow this user guide.
A good way to recycle a device that is often used very occasionally.
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