Whether it's to communicate via Zoom, or perhaps shoot new content for digital platforms, webcam technology has continued to evolve in order to match the diverse needs of consumers. But given webcam devices could be incredibly expensive to find a high-quality product, there are now plenty of brilliant affordable options out there.
The market is packed full of excellent webcams, which are intuitive to use, hold up against their more expensive rivals, and ultimately give more bang for their buck. Those looking to purchase a webcam in the near future should definitely check out these detailed and useful filming or live-streaming enablers.
Microsoft LifeCam Studio
Low-budget can often mean anything under $100, and the Microsoft LifeCam Studio comes in just under that price range. The professional device is stable and reliable, perfect for those long work-related Skype calls. With 1080p resolution, it definitely boasts a few benefits.
The clarity of the picture makes this multi-purpose, but with its design largely focused on those live communication needs, its no surprise that it brings a variety of options for color and light correction, alongside a smooth image that really can't be faulted. It's price definitely is a drawback though.
Razer Kiyo
Digital influencers are turning to their mobile devices more and more for reliable cameras, but the Razer Kiyo might actually fill in a niche gap in the market. With a unique visual design that guarantees better lighting, this webcam thrives in the realm of live-streaming.
With gaming largely in mind for the device, it boasts 720p resolution, allowing for a clear image under the pressures of being live. With the capability of streaming at 1080p, provided the frames drop to 30fps, the downside is once again that it can be found for just under $100 (at the higher end of the market).
Logitech C920s Pro
The Logitech name will surface a few times, considering the quality of the company's products. Indeed, the gear available could easily target the likes of GoPro as small-camera alternatives, albeit with a different setting. This 1080p camera is one for high-quality imaging.
The Logitech C920s Pro runs at 30fps and actually has a dual-mic stereo system, enhancing the sound quality. With plenty of customizable options, the Pro comes in at around the $70 range, making it more affordable to some, although potentially not fully earning its price tag.
Ausdom AF640
The specifications of what s actually need a webcam for are constantly changing. With unboxing videos and other such showcases, some customers are looking for cameras that give a wide viewing area, still operating at 1080p. The Ausdom AF640 offers up that incredible maneuverability and range.
Retailing in the $60 region, the camera is a genuine all-rounder, offering up a smooth quality of picture. While the lighting might not always be perfect when using the device, and it doesn't bring the perks of others on the market, the dual microphones are an absolute plus.
Microsoft LifeCam Cinema
Microsoft offers up a couple of alternative options in the webcam market and the LifeCam Cinema is one of the better ones, especially on a budget. It normally sits at $70, which is on the slightly more expensive end of the rankings, but it does allow for a gorgeous 720p sharpness in its image.
This is a really reliable camera though, which is largely designed to make communicating that much easier. It's intuitive to use and has a 30fps rate which means it's usually pretty consistent in its quality. Perhaps, it's a little too expensive for its benefits, but the widescreen camera is a great addition.
eMeet c960
It's hardly a cinematic IMAX camera, but the eMeet c960 is one of the best webcams out there, for those who simply want to talk to their friends and family. It's a great addition to any platform, whether it be Zoom, Facebook or Skype and is fairly reliable for streaming too.
Cheap and cheerful, the device can be found at around $40, which is much lower on the price scale. The double noise reduction mics and the 1080p options are perhaps far too good for such a price, and as an added bonus it performs excellently in low levels of light.
Logitech C922 Pro Stream
With Logitech, buyers may well be paying for the brand name, but the C922 Pro Stream and its 1080p picture, at 30fps, is definitely impressive. It's of course designed especially for those who are looking for a perfect webcam to stream with, aimed at industry professionals.
The price tag can come up to the $200 region, but, in recent years they have been available for as low as $70. So while it's still a little more expensive than other budget options, in of bang for buck they don't come much better. The light correction and background features are bonuses.
Logitech C270 HD
While movies are more likely to shoot with a GoPro to mimic the effect of a webcam, the Logitech C270 HD would certainly provide the kind of budget benefits a producer might be looking for. Sitting at $75 traditionally, it definitely has to live up to the price tag, and it really delivers.
However, compared to Logitech's other products, it's easy to find the C270 discounted far below its usual rate. Running at 720p at 30fps, it's crisp and compatible with a wide range of platforms. It was designed to provide genuine crisp and clear imaging, making it a perfect camera to either capture a moment through or hop onto a call on.
Rapoo Xw2k HD 2K
The Rapoo Xw2k HD 2K can really tick a lot of boxes for consumers. For starters, it's one of the few budget 2K cameras out there. That's a real plus for anyone hoping to stream, Skype, or even film at the top level. Yet, despite its quality, it retails at a recommended price of $60.
The noise-cancelling microphone, -friendly USB ports and auto-focus, alongside a wide image range, makes the price tag a little too good to believe. Overall, this is a sturdy piece of kit, which makes good on its promises and delivers with surprising style.
Depstech DW49
Not to be outdone, the Depstech DW49 can be found at $70 but provides 4K imaging, perfect for any influencers, live-streamers and professionals who absolutely have to have the best of the best. From a design perspective, the camera allows for such a wide and deep range of view.
Noise-cancelling dual mics add a lot of benefits, but the camera has also been proven to perfectly capture a live setting, only with some of the lag other webcams might provide. It's intuitive to use, and although its lighting isn't always perfect, for the combination of the price and the quality it's a must-have.