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What are the best cheap webcams, and is 720p resolution good enough?
Working from home has become commonplace over the past few years, and so have Zoom meetings. In order to effectively work from home, most people need a webcam to conduct meetings and brainstorm with colleagues. But first, you need the right webcam to do the job.
But investing in a webcam doesn't mean you need to spend a fortune. We have the best cheap webcams for your home or office, offering the best performance at the best price.
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- Full HD 1080p
- Auto-focus
- Incorporated privacy shutter
- Limited frame rate
- Non-adjustable field of view
Tech Specs: Resolution: 1080p | Dimensions: 1 x 3.7 x 1.2 inches | Screen size: 2.7 inches | Connectivity: USB | Photo Sensor: CCD
Logitech C920s wins our pick for best cheap webcam overall, thanks to its generous build. This budget-friendly model is built with dual microphones to provide fantastic audio. The generous 78-degree diagonal field of view is paired with 1080p or 720p resolution. RightLight 2 technology keeps you in the right lighting, even if you're in a darker environment. When you are not using the camera, flip the privacy cover down to cover your lens. Plus, you can download the Logitech Capture app for extra features and bonuses.
- Super affordable
- Simple to use
- Auto light correction
- Non-adjustable field of view
- Low resolution
Tech Specs: Resolution: 720p | Dimensions: 1.02 x 1.23 x 2.8 inches | Connectivity: USB | Effective still resolution: 5 MP
Logitech C310 HD Webcam offers easy compatibility with your favorite video apps like Skype and Zoom, all in a compact package. Enjoy widescreen 720p viewing in HD with a 60-degree field of view. It features Logitech's RightLight 2 technology, as well as RightSound technology to neutralize surrounding ambient sound, so your audience can hear you better. With a universal clip, you can conveniently bring it wherever your travels may take you.
- Fantastic video
- Full rotation
- Extra features
- Requires powerful OS
- Some third-party software required
Tech Specs: Resolution: 1080p | Screen size: 4 inches | Connectivity: USB | Effective still resolution: 5 MP
Microsoft LifeCam Studio gives you HD quality with a 1080p resolution, plus a 75-degree diagonal field of view for wide-angle viewing. Both ClearFrame and TrueColor technology give you the best picture possible, plus a high-fidelity, a wideband microphone is enclosed for superior sound. With USB 2.0 connectivity, this is a fantastic option that comes already optimized for Microsoft Lync, making it perfect for all of your business needs.
- Adjustable ring light
- High frame rate
- Fantastic image quality
- Subpar mic
- Light may be too much for some users
Tech Specs: Resolution: 1080p | Screen size: 2 inches | Connectivity: USB
Razer Kiyo offers USB connectivity with either 720p or 1080p viewing, all in a compact package. The two-inch screen makes for easy viewing, and even better is the 5600K daylight-balanced ring light with adjustable brightness to keep your picture perfectly balanced, day and night. Plus, you have easy connectivity to all your favorite programs. With a Streamlabs certification, you have easy connectivity to several useful platforms, like OBS and XSplit, as well as Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams, YouTube, and Twitch.
- Three brightness levels
- 1080p resolution
- Dual mic
- Mediocre image quality
- No accompanying software
Tech Specs: Resolution: 1080p | Screen size: 5.8 inches | Connectivity: USB
Vitade 960AF offers 1080p viewing with three different brightness levels, so you can get your best lighting. Also incorporated is facial enhancement technology in order to get that perfect picture, plus wide-angle viewing with an 80-degree lens and 1080p resolution. H.264 Encoding Compression means you receive perfectly-sized video that won't eat up space on your computer. With convenient touch controls, this is a flexible design that can easily be transported along as you go about your day.
What is the best cheap webcam?
The Logitech C920s Pro may be the most expensive on our list, but it comes with top resolution and a small size that's easy to handle. To see how it compares, check out our comparison chart for the best cheap webcams.
Best cheap webcam | Cost | Resolution | Dimensions |
Logitech C920s Pro | $60 | 1080p | 1 x 3.7 x 1.2 inches |
Logitech C310 HD Webcam | $30 | 720p | 1.02 x 1.23 x 2.8 inches |
Microsoft LifeCam Studio | $56 | 1080p | 4.48 x 2.36 x 1.77 inches |
Razer Kiyo | $58 | 1080p | 2.72 x 7.87 x 1.89 inches |
Vitade 960AF | $45 | 1080p | 1.9 x 2.5 x 3 inches |
Which is the right cheap webcam for you?
Here we offer our expert recommendations based on research to help you find the best cheap webcam for your budget and needs.
Choose this best webcam... | If you want... |
Logitech C920s Pro | The best performance combined with affordability |
Logitech C310 HD Webcam | To take your webcam on the go |
Microsoft LifeCam Studio | A webcam worthy of the office |
Razer Kiyo | A webcam that can keep up with your streaming |
Vitade 960AF | Extra lighting for your webcam |
How did we choose these cheap webcams?
To find the best cheap webcams, we consider several different factors.
- Resolution: This determines the number of pixels in the picture, affecting sharpness and overall image quality. Standard cameras come with 1280 x 720 pixels, but you can receive 1920 x 1080 pixels (1080p) quality when you pay a little more.
- Field of view: The field of view determines how wide your picture will be, which can be a huge matter if you plan on filming multiple people in a single frame.
- Screen size: This also determines how large of a screen you can expect, depending on your comfort level.
- Cost: Budget is often a concern for many shoppers, so we look for the best affordable webcams that you can buy without sacrificing quality.
Is a 720p resolution good enough?
Many webcams offer a 720p resolution, which is typically adequate for your everyday needs like video calling. However, if you're looking for higher-quality imaging, a 1080p resolution may be more appropriate.
Is an external webcam better than a built-in webcam?
Built-in webcams are typically mid-tier quality with basic features. On the other hand, external webcams often offer higher-quality imaging with special features and specs to improve performance, as well as companion apps to control it all.
What does a cheap webcam cost?
Cheap webcams come in many forms and with all different types of features, affecting their overall cost. The best cheap webcams range in cost from $30 to $60, depending on the model you choose.
Are there alternative cheap webcams worth considering?
In our search, we also found these alternative options for the best cheap webcams.
Now, all you need to accompany your webcam is a computer. For shopping ideas, check out our picks for the best computers, best laptops, and the best Macs!