Affordable webcams
With the rise in popularity of videoconferencing, both for personal and professional use, it is more important than ever to have a high-quality webcam that produces crisp and clear video and audio. While you could certainly go out and spend well over $100 on a premium model with 4K video and tons of nifty features, this is probably overkill for the average user.
If you aren’t a professional streamer and aren’t recording ultra HD videos for YouTube and other media platforms, you may want to consider a cheap webcam instead. There are many great models capable of 1080p video that will be more than adequate for your needs.
What to consider when buying a webcam
Compatibility
Before buying any hardware for your computer, you should always check to make sure it is compatible with your machine. In the case of webcams, you need to make sure your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements listed in the product’s specifications and that the webcam in question works with your computer’s operating system. For example, if you have a MacBook or other Apple computer, you will need to buy a webcam that is compatible with macOS — and the same goes for Windows computers.
Connectivity
Webcams connect to computers via a USB port. As with software and hardware compatibility, it is important to check connectivity compatibility. Some webcams connect through a USB type-A port, while others connect via a USB type-C port. If there is a specific webcam you like but your computer doesn’t have the right type of USB port for it, you can purchase a USB type-A to type-C converter or vice versa.
Video quality
To determine the video quality of a webcam, look at both its resolution and frame rate. The higher the resolution, the clearer the images will be. As of now, you won’t find any cheap 4K webcams, so you’ll have to go with either a 720p or 1080p option.
Frame rate is responsible for video smoothness. Most cheap webcams will be capable of recording 30 frames per second, whereas premium models may offer 60 frames per second. You will notice that the frame rate is often dependent on the resolution, too, so it is not uncommon to find models that offer 60 FPS at 720p, but only 30 FPS at 1080p.
Microphone
Your computer more than likely has its own integrated microphone, however, you’ll find that the quality of those on webcams is often better. This is especially true if you choose a webcam with dual noise-rejecting microphones.
Privacy
With the increase of malware, webcam privacy is more important than ever. To reduce the chances of anyone being able to spy on you by hacking your webcam, some models feature physical covers that you can place over the lens when not in use. If there is a specific webcam you like and it doesn’t have a physical cover, you can make your own by using a piece of electrical tape.
Illumination
Lighting can often be an issue when live-streaming or recording videos for later publication. This is because, in most homes, the lighting comes from above, which creates shadows on your face. If you think lighting may be an issue and you don’t want to have to buy a separate ring light, consider buying a webcam that has an integrated light around the lens.
Best cheap webcams
NexiGo AutoFocus ePTZ Webcam N620E: Available at Amazon
Packed with a surprising combination of features considering the reasonable price, it’s hard to beat the N620E when it comes to value for the money. It boasts a light ring, 1080p video resolution, autofocus, 2x digital zoom, USB-C and USB-A connectivity and more.
NexiGo Streaming Computer Camera ?A229: Available at Amazon
Compatible with all popular operating systems and videoconferencing software, the A229 should be able to handle the needs of any user. It has five high-definition lenses, can capture video in 1080p resolution for crisp images and offers quick and easy manual focus adjustment.
Aoboco USB Pro Web Camera: Available at Amazon
Livestreamers and anyone else who requires good lighting when video chatting will like the Aoboco USB Pro web camera. It has a built-in illumination ring with three brightness levels, captures video in full HD and has dual noise-canceling microphones for clear audio quality. Conveniently, you can swivel the camera 360 degrees and tilt it up to 90 degrees.
NexiGo N60 Webcam: Available at Amazon
Those who need a webcam with a wide field of view can turn to the NexiGo N60, which is capable of wide-angle shots of 110 degrees. Also, thanks to the included lens cap and activity indicator lights, you can always be sure of your privacy. You should note, though, the focal length is fixed.
Microsoft LifeCam Studio: Available at Amazon and Staples
An enterprise-ready model, the LifeCam Studio is Skype certified and optimized for use with Microsoft Lync. It features TrueColor and ClearFrame technology that work together to ensure the images it captures are crisp and vibrant, and its tough aluminum housing should keep the internal components reliably protected in most situations.
Logitech C505 HD Webcam: Available at Amazon and Staples
The Logitech C505 can only record or stream in 720p and lacks privacy features, but it comes from one the most respectable names in the industry and is known for both its longevity and clear microphone pickup. It also features auto-light correction to improve video quality in dim rooms.
Larmtek W2 Webcam: Available at Amazon
If you are on a tight budget, you can turn to the Larmtek W2 to give you 1080p video capture capabilities without breaking the bank. It offers a 75-degree field of view, has a privacy cap and simple plug-and-play setup. Also, the clip is angle adjustable so you can move the camera up and down as needed.
ToLuLu 1080p Webcam: Available at Amazon
Despite offering clear 1080p video quality at 30 frames per second and a 110-degree field of view, the ToLuLu is one of the most affordable models that still operates reliably. It supports most popular streaming software and operating systems, however, the sound quality of the microphone is lackluster.
Brett Dvoretz is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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