Webcams available: Best Webcams for 2023 | Tom’s Hardware

Best webcam 2023: the top webcams you can buy right now

If you don’t already have a laptop with a built-in webcam — or the one on your laptop isn’t very good — you might need a standalone webcam. Maybe it’s to be able to show your face during work or school. Maybe it’s for chatting with friends or for side projects, like livestreaming or recording yourself.

Before I show you my favorite options, there are some clever routes to take that don’t require you to buy a webcam. You can use your phone and this app that’ll fool your computer into thinking it’s a webcam. Apple’s Continuity Camera feature in iOS 16 and macOS 13 lets you literally attach your iPhone to your MacBook lid to use it as your webcam. Or you can go in the total opposite direction and connect a pricey DSLR or mirrorless camera to your computer to use as a webcam — a very good one, at that. 

But assuming you simply want to purchase a webcam, our goal is to make it easier for you to find the one that matches your needs and your budget. We tested popular models from brands like Logitech, Microsoft, Dell, Opal, Elgato, as well as some models from brands that you might not have heard of.

Each camera’s video quality was judged by using it with Zoom (where footage is prone to compression, as it is with other web-based video calling apps), as well as with OBS Studio or VLC to see how it compares with a locally stored recording.

Note: Until further notice, keep in mind that some of Logitech’s webcams may not perform their features as advertised if you’re using them with an M1 or M2-based Mac computer. Its current two-pronged software strategy for macOS, which includes Logi Tune and G Hub, don’t offer the same depth of webcam customization as Logitech Capture. That app is still available for download for Windows and Intel-based Macs, but Logitech no longer supports it.

The best webcam for most people

The Logitech C920S Pro HD is a decent, inexpensive 1080p webcam with a built-in privacy shutter.

Logitech C920S Pro HD

Usually priced around $60, Logitech’s C920S Pro HD provides better video and mic quality than others that I tested in this price range. It can record in 1080p resolution at up to 30 frames per second, and while you won’t have an issue finding other similarly priced webcams with those specs, the C920S Pro’s out-of-box color balance, exposure, and relatively fast autofocus made it stand out from others I tested.

Logitech C920S Pro HD specs

• Works with: Windows, Chrome OS, macOS (limited functionality on M1, M2 chips)
• Max resolution: 1080p/30fps
• Field of view: 78 degrees
• Digital zoom: 1.2x
• Built-in microphone: Yes
• Auto or fixed focus: Auto
• Includes monitor mount: Yes
• Has tripod-compatible mount: No
• Cable length: Five feet

The picture quality has sufficient detail, and even in my relatively dark apartment, the C920S Pro had no trouble making my facial features look sharp. But it wasn’t a flawless presentation overall, as is to be expected for the price. In less-than-ideal lighting scenarios, the C920S Pro made my skin look oversaturated, with red spots where the webcam couldn’t compensate for the lack of lighting. Though in a work or play environment flush with natural light, this was noticeably less of an issue.

Picture quality aside, the C920S Pro has several welcome features, like a generous 78-degree field of view, status lights that activate when the webcam is being used, and an included privacy shutter. Some other nice features at this price include its strong articulating stand, which can sit atop your monitor or just as easily screw into a tripod. It’s just a great value for the price.

Logitech C920s Pro HD

$

70

The C920s Pro HD can record in 1080p at 30 frames per second. It has a 78-degree field of view and two mics for recording in stereo. It also ships with a lens cover for privacy.

$70 at Best Buy$70 at Target

The best 4K webcam

The Insta360 Link can record in 4K/60fps, and its gimbal gives it excellent tracking capabilities.Photo by Cameron Faulkner / The Verge

Insta360 Link

If you have $300 to spend on a webcam, the Insta360 Link is our new go-to recommendation. That’s around the same price as Opal’s C1 and Elgato’s Facecam Pro mentioned below, but some key factors give the Link an edge. It’s a 4K-ready webcam with a gimbal and loads of features.

Insta360 Link specs

• Works with: Windows, macOS
• Max resolution: 4K/30fps, 1080p/60fps
• Field of view: 79.5 degrees
• Digital zoom: 4x
• Built-in microphone: Yes
• AI face tracking: Yes
• Auto or fixed focus: Auto
• Includes monitor mount: Yes
• Has tripod-compatible mount: Yes
• Cable length: Roughly five feet

That gimbal might be the star of the show for you. Instead of sitting stationary like most other webcams, the 0.5-inch Sony sensor is mounted to a motorized, three-axis arm that lets it move around. The gimbal allows the Link to track your head, and with an AI feature switched on, it can zoom in on your head, the top half of your body, or your whole body, if you’re standing far enough away. Insta360’s expertise in the action cam sector is showing in this consumer webcam.

The gimbal allows for a few alternate modes that might cut down on the tech you need to show off your work or to put your hobby on display on Twitch. One is deskview mode, which aims the Link’s slightly downward to show off your desk. There’s an overhead mode that aims the sensor directly at the ground (you’ll need to get clever with a tripod mount to utilize this or mount it oddly to your monitor). Then there’s a whiteboard mode, which tells the camera to look for four guiding stickers (included in the box) that prompt it to zoom in once it discovers them. This one seems gimmicky, but it works as intended and it could be great for people giving presentations.

Insta360 Link

$

300

The Link features a 0.5-inch Sony sensor mounted on a gimbal that can follow you around the room. It costs $299.99, and it comes with numerous features that take advantage of the gimbal’s flexibility.

$300 at Insta360$300 at B&H Photo

Aside from those interesting features that make its $300 price more digestible, the Link delivers great video quality that’s better than any other webcam that I’ve tried so far. In my review, I primarily compared it to the Opal C1, which matches the Link’s 4K/30fps spec. Out of the box, the Opal C1 delivers a more contrast-rich image by default, while the Link looks more true to life and sharp but slightly duller by comparison (this can be tweaked to your taste in Insta360’s companion app). As for mic quality, neither option delivered stellar audio nor canceled out voices completely coming from across the room, although the Link was a little better at reducing some computer fan noise.

As I said in my review, I’d be happy to have either one of these two webcams on my desk for a virtual meeting. But when it comes to features, the Link is the more impressive option if you want to pay $300 for a webcam.

Other sub-$100 webcams we tested that you might like

The Microsoft Modern Webcam is okay, but its picture quality is not as good as the C920s Pro HD. Weirdly, its microphone doesn’t work at all in macOS and requires a separate utility to enable in Windows. For the price, just get the Logitech C920s.

Microsoft Modern Webcam

$40$7043% off

$

40

The Modern Webcam can record in 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second. It has a 78-degree field of view, and there’s a built-in privacy slider that can cover the lens. It features a microphone, but it’s not turned on by default and doesn’t work in macOS.

$40 at Amazon$40 at Microsoft Store

Logitech’s C270 HD is the cheapest webcam-like object you can get, at around $20. Its 720p/30fps picture is fuzzy at best. Most people should spend more.

Logitech C270 HD

$25$4038% off

$

25

The C270 HD shoots in 720p resolution at 30 frames per second. It features a 55-degree field of view, and it has a mono microphone. It’s nothing fancy, but it gets the job done.

$25 at Amazon$25 at Logitech

For this category, we also tested the Logitech Brio 500, but at $129.99, its 1080p/30fps video quality wasn’t that much better than the C920S Pro HD, although it added AI face tracking, which is a nice feature to have at this price. We hope that its clever privacy shutter and flexible mounting system make it into future (and more affordable) iterations, but this one isn’t totally worth its price unless you’re in love with the design.

Lastly, Dell’s barrel-shaped QHD webcam is tempting at $99.99, but its video quality looked awful. The capture feed doesn’t look natural, with darks having strange and overblown highlights. Plus, its longer shape is awkward if you plan to mount it to your laptop lid.

Other good high-end webcams we tested

The Opal C1 is an unconventional 4K webcam with DSLR-like quality and interesting machine-learning image effects. I was impressed with the image quality and features when I first reviewed it in late 2021, but it costs $300, and its software is still in beta and only works on Mac. The Insta360 Link is also $300 but doesn’t have the latter two drawbacks.

Opal C1

$

300

Opal’s C1 is a $300 webcam that delivers DSLR-like video quality with its clever mix of hardware and software. But it’s Mac-only and the software is still in beta.

$300 at Opal

The Elgato Facecam Pro records in 4K/60fps but doesn’t have a built-in microphone. Most dedicated streamers won’t use the webcam’s built-in mic anyway, but others should take note.

The $140ish Logitech StreamCam is a great 1080p/60fps webcam with dual mics and smooth video capture, but features-wise, it’s stuck in the middle between the sub-$100 Logitech C920s and the Insta360 Link.

Logitech StreamCam

$129$17024% off

$

129

The StreamCam supports 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second. It has a 78-degree field of view, along with two omnidirectional mics. Unlike most other options, the StreamCam connects via USB-C. On Macs with M1 and M2 processors, you won’t be able to access all of its advertised features.

$129 at Amazon

For this category, I also tested the OSBOT Tiny 4K, which like the Insta360 Link can rotate and move around to follow you in the frame. It also supports optional hand gestures to control its AI face tracking and zoom level. It even advertises the same 4K resolution at 30 frames per second recording. However, I was less impressed with its recording quality, and its companion software — while comprehensive — isn’t as polished as Insta360’s. Also, it’s physically larger, so it doesn’t sit as easily on top of a laptop display lid (and the included monitor mount is cheaply constructed). I think if you find it for $200 or less, I’d consider getting that model, but not when it’s priced within $100 or less of the better option that is Insta360’s Link.

Updated February 1st, 6:00PM ET: For 2023, we’ve tested new models, like the OSBOT Tiny 4K, Dell’s QHD webcam, and more. We also added a new pick for the best premium webcam, the Insta360 Link.

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Up your printing game with a Supertank Printer

Looking for a printer with more print capacity that’s better for the environment and your wallet? Shop Staples selection of Supertank Printers for all the benefits of an inkjet printer with the convenience and savings of replacement ink bottles that last longer and cost less per page than standard inkjet printer cartridges.
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And don’t forget to browse Staples Ink and Toner Finder to find the right replacement ink for your new printer. No matter what printer you have, enter the brand, cartridge or printer model into the easy-to-use Ink and Toner Finder, and browse for compatible ink.

Boost productivity with help from Staples

Comfortable office furniture is essential to both productivity and happiness in the workplace. Create an inviting atmosphere for visitors with stylish and comfortable reception area chairs. Choose ergonomic chairs for greater comfort or standing desks to improve energy and mood at work. Monitor stands raise your computer monitor to eye level for correct posture and comfort while also creating more space on the desktop.

Organize your workspace with desktop organization solutions and file cabinets to keep your office tidy and running smoothly. Stock up on traditional notebooks or smart notebooks to record ideas and copy & printer paper to avoid running out as the deadline hits. Keep the breakroom stocked with your favorite snacks and beverages on hand. As always, fast delivery and high-volume supply make it easy to get what you need when you need it.

Make sure you’re prepared for the upcoming tax season

As the year comes to an end, it’s time to get your financial documents in order and prepare for the upcoming tax season. Keep your financial records up to date throughout the year with the right financial software for your personal or company needs. As well as making sure that your office is well stocked with the necessary tax forms and envelopes to get your employees or contract workers their paperwork as soon as possible. See how Staples can help you prepare for your taxes:

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From employees’ tax forms to software to keep your finance in order, or software to get your taxes done, Staples has you covered this upcoming tax season!

Rest assured it arrives safely & securely

Whether you are sending business documents or customer products, shipping and mailroom supplies from Staples make the process seamless.

Keep packing supplies ready for easy shipping. Padded envelopes and bubble mailers are perfect for shipping small, non-fragile items. Pack larger items in shipping boxes that are slightly larger than the item and use packing peanuts, bubble roll, or other packing materials to keep objects from moving in the box during transport. Choose the right packing tape to seal shipping boxes and keep them sealed. Staples carries clear acrylic packing tape for everyday shipping and reinforced packing tape, or water activated tape for packages that require a heavier duty seal.

Manage the day-to-day office correspondence smoothly with a wide selection of business envelopes, inter-office envelopes, and catalog envelopes in the mailroom. Have finger pads and envelope moisteners on hand for speedy document collation and a quick seal. Choose security envelopes for confidential office correspondence and inter-office communications. If your office or organization sends out large mailings, consider a paper folding machine and self-sealing envelopes to increase efficiency.

Hybrid work just got easier

Whether you work in a traditional office, from home, or anywhere in between, the right supplies and technology will keep you working efficiently no matter where you are. Update your tech with a new laptop computer or 2-in-1 tablet for work on the go. Keep important files accessible wherever you are with portable hardrives and USB flash drives that fit easily into a laptop bag. Choose a headset for virtual meetings or noise-cancelling headphones to block out unwanted sounds when working in public.

In your home office, make sure to have a comfortable set up that’s built with you in mind. Select an ergonomic office chair or gaming chair, and browse our selection of sit and stand desks for a convertible work area. Add an extra computer monitor to your set up, and choose from our wide selection of mice and keyboards. And don’t forget to stock up on office supplies. From notebooks and copy paper, to pens and highlighters, Staples offers flexible AutoRestock options on all the basics, so you can get supplies shipped to your door without having to remember to order.

All online webcams of the world — watch live broadcasts in real time on GEOCAM.

RU

webcam of the dayGostiny Dvor webcam, St. Petersburg

Take a virtual trip around the world using online webcams!
GEOCAM.RU is a webcam site from all over the world broadcasting in real time, which you can watch for free. Live webcams are structured by countries, cities and categories. We constantly monitor online broadcasts, so the number of non-working webcams on the site is minimized. Watch live broadcasts, comment, rate, travel online!

★★★★★ Popular webcams:

Webcam at Ol Donyo Lodge, Kenya

Webcam at ground bird and animal feeder, Sheffield

Webcam at squirrel feeder, Sheffield , England

Webcam at the bird feeder in Pretoria, South Africa

Webcam at the stork nest in the village of Bohuslavice, Czech Republic

Webcam at the bird feeder in Recke, Germany

Webcam on the embankment of the Griboyedov Canal, St. Petersburg

Finse railway station webcam

Water hole webcam in the Namib desert, Namibia

Secret Point beach webcam, Nusa Cheningan Island, Indonesia

• Countries and regions of the world:

  • Australia and Oceania

    Australia, New Zealand, French Polynesia, …

  • America

    Aruba, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Netherlands Antilles, United States of America, Chile, …

  • Antarctica

  • Africa

    Egypt, Kenya, Mauritius, Republic of South Africa, …

  • Eurasia

    Abkhazia, Belarus, Greece, Georgia, Israel, Italy, China, Russia, Syria, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, Japan, …

  • Special webcams

• Popular cities and regions:

  • • Adler
  • • Volgograd

  0037

  • • Dombay
  • • Yekaterinburg
  • • Kazan
  • • Kiev
  • • Kirillovka
  • • Cosmos
  • • Krasnaya Polyana • Krasnodar
  • • Crimea
  • • Lenihgrad region • Leningrad region • Leningrad region • Leningradsk
  • • Moscow Region
  • • Novosibirsk
  • • Omsk
  • • Perm
  • • Rostov-on-Don
  • • Samara
  • • St. Petersburg
  • • Saratov
  • • Sevastopol
  • • Sochi
  • • Tyumen
  • • Khabarovsk
  • • Chelyabinsk

• 00 9000 Lodge, Kenya
  Kenya
  Live PTZ webcam installed at the watering hole for African wild animals at Ol Donyo Lodge in Kenya. Ol Donyo Lodge is located where the Chulu Hills extend and touch…

  Time zone: GMT+03:00. Broadcast quality: 1080p video, ? with sound.
  Last online check: 02/22/2023

• Webcam in the village of Luchistoye, Alushta, Crimea
  Luchistoe, Russia
  The live webcam is installed on Pochtovaya Street in the village of Luchistoye in the Urban District of Alushta of the Republic of Crimea. The camera in real time shows the intersection of Pochtovaya and Shosseinaya…

  Time zone: GMT+03:00. Broadcast quality: 720p video.
  Last online check: 02/10/2023

• Webcam in the Dodo Pizza pizzeria on Pravda street in Ufa
  Ufa, Russia
  Live webcam is located in the kitchen in the Dodo Pizza pizzeria in Demsky district of Ufa, on Pravda street, 21. Rate an appetizing process of making pizza without leaving your home! At Dodo Pizza…

  Time zone: GMT+05:00. Broadcast quality: 1080p video.
  Last online check: 01/30/2023

• Webcam overlooking the Mzymta River, Krasnaya Polyana, Sochi
  Krasnaya Polyana, Russia
  Live webcam broadcasts a view of the Mzymta River in Krasnaya Polyana in Sochi in real time. Do you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Look at this beautiful webcam…

  Time zone: GMT+03:00. Broadcast quality: 720p video.
  Last online check: 02/17/2023

• Webcam in the Aquatic Sports Palace, Saransk
  Saransk, Russia
  An online webcam is installed in the Aquatic Sports Palace in Saransk. The camera in real time shows a view of a large swimming pool 50 meters long. For visitors and…

  Time zone: GMT+04:00. Broadcast quality: 1080p video.
  Last online check: 06. 02.2023

• Webcam of the Snezhny Bars Hotel, Dombay
  Dombay, Russia
  Live webcam is installed at the Snezhny Bars Hotel in the village of Dombay. The camera in real time shows a view of the surroundings of the hotel and Mount Moussa-Achitara. Live broadcast from…

  Time zone: GMT+03:00. Broadcast quality: 1080p video.
  Last online check: 12/16/2022

• Webcam at Secret Point Beach, Nusa Ceningan Island, Indonesia
  Nusa Ceningan, Indonesia
  Live webcam shows a stunning view of the gorgeous Secret Point Beach (Secret Point) on Nusa Island -Cheningan (Bali province) in Indonesia in real time. Most of the broadcast is occupied by a beautiful view of the Indian Ocean.

  Time zone: GMT+07:00. Broadcast quality: 1080p video.
  Last online check: 02/22/2023

• Webcam with a view of Chatyr-Dag and Perevalnoye, Crimea
  Perevalnoye, Russia
  Live webcam broadcasts a view of Chatyr-Dag from the village of Perevalnoye, Crimea.

  Time zone: GMT+03:00. Broadcast quality: 720p video.
  Last online check: 02/07/2023

• Webcam of the children’s camp «I-Camp», Peschanoe, Crimea
  Peschanoe, Russia Crimea. The camera in real time shows a view of the fan zone and the pools of the children’s camp. I&Camp—…

  Time zone: GMT+03:00. Broadcast quality: 1080p video.
  Last online check: 12/26/2022

Latest news and webcam announcements:

• 02/23/2023 Happy Defender of the Fatherland Day!
  Dear men, Happy Defender of the Fatherland Day! Be brave, courageous, strong, worthy in all life situations! Valor to you, heroism, strength and inspiration! We wish you goals and victories! Go straight and don’t give up! To carry out everything that is born in the head and protect everything that lives in the heart. Since February 23!
• 02/21/2023 Live online broadcast of the message of the President of Russia Vladimir Putin to the Federal Assembly, 2023
  The speech of the head of state will take place on February 21, 2023 at 12:00 Moscow time. It is expected that Vladimir Putin’s address to the Federal Assembly will take from one to one and a half hours.
• 02/13/2023 Notice of the closure of the mail service on geocam.ru
  We regret to inform you that Yandex has unilaterally changed the terms of the contract for the maintenance of the mail service for the site geocam.ru.
• 31.12.2022 Happy New Year!
  Happy New Year! We would like to wish that in the coming year the very miracle that we all dream of will happen to us. Although everyone has their own, but it is necessarily the most necessary and most important. We wish all of us to be alive and healthy, to do what brings us pleasure. And we also want to wish you more joyful moments that will turn into pleasant memories, and meetings with devoted friends, relatives and close people.
• 10/31/2022 Broadcasts from Sevastopol webcams are temporarily suspended
  On October 29, Kyiv used 16 air and sea drones during a terrorist attack on Sevastopol. The attack was successfully repulsed, all air targets were destroyed. In this regard, Sevastopol webcams and video streams from them will be temporarily closed and available only to special services. The decision was made at a meeting of the operational headquarters due to the publication of videos with the work of the city’s defense systems.

News »

New live cameras in the regions:

◦ Eurasia ◦ Russia ◦ Southern Federal District ◦ Crimea ◦ Republic of Crimea ◦ Simferopol District ◦ Perevalnoe ◦ Krasnodar Territory ◦ Greater Sochi ◦ Krasnaya Polyana ◦ Asia ◦ Indonesia ◦ Southeast Asia Bali ◦ Klunkung ◦ Nusa Cheningan ◦ Volga Federal District ◦ Mordovia ◦ Saransk ◦ North Caucasian Federal District ◦ Karachay-Cherkessia ◦ Dombay ◦ Bolshaya Alushta ◦ Radiant ◦ Sandy ◦ Bakhchisaray District ◦ Bashkortostan ◦ Africa ◦ Ufa ◦ Africa ◦ Africa ◦ Ufa0003

of the webcam category:

• ◊ Aquariums (14)
• ◊ Bars and restaurants (14)
• ◊ Basets (32)
• ◊ Bay and Gulfs (67)
• ◊ Vlulcanes (16)

77

• ◊ ski resorts (76)
• ◊ City species (133)
• ◊ Road webcams (593)
• ◊ attractions (114)
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• ◊ zoom
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• ◊ Seascapes (23)
• ◊ Bridges (52)
• ◊ Embankment (69)
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• ◊ online television (44)
• ◊ hotels (115)
• ◊ Monuments (37)
• ◊ Parks and gardens (47 )
• ◊ Squares (119)
• ◊ Beaches (149)
• ◊ PTZ Webcams (170)
• ◊ Weather Webcams (54)
• ◊ Underwater Webcams (3) 903 14)
• ◊ food preparation (7)
• ◊ production (10)
• ◊ poultry (157)
• ◊ river (72)
• ◊ Fish (20)
• ◊ Sports (35)
• ◊ Building platforms (25)
• ◊ Fountains (24)

webcams of Russia online in real time

The best real-time city live cams

Webcam rating by number of views

View city cameras online via internet

Webcams2. ru is a specialized site that allows you to view the infrastructure of individual cities through an extensive network of cameras. Site functionality can be divided into the following categories:

Alphabetical webcams
Using the category, the user will be able to use the alphabetical index, which lists common cities in Russia to access specific cameras. For example, in Moscow, in this way, you can track Red Square, Garden Ring, Sparrow Hills, the Moscow River and many other landscapes in real time via live broadcast. The information on the cameras is regularly updated (works through an automatic erase-write cycle), which will allow you to enjoy viewing literally around the clock. The amount of recorded information in this case reaches several hours, up to a dozen or more (that is, it is possible to rewind to track morning, night, or evening events as needed). At the same time, it should be taken into account that in relatively small cities like Penza, Saransk, Saratov and similar available cameras for monitoring and viewing, there can be much less, but in very small, regional cities with a population of less than 100 thousand people — often even completely There are no surveillance cameras available.

Webcams on the map
Within the category, the user is offered the option to use the embedded, interactive map to access the marked webcams. The principle of operation is simple: at first, not many cameras are available, however, as you increase the scale and move according to the selected regions and cities, the number of webcams increases. Thus, you can select a wide range of locations to track events of interest in real time. Additionally, you can use the functionality to search for a separately selected web camera (in this case, you need to enter the name of the city in a specialized form under the output of all available cameras in order of priority).

Cameras by regions and topics
This category allows you to use a convenient navigation menu to search for webcams according to the thematic component. For example, you can find cameras in ski resorts, for viewing buildings, the sea, embankments, as well as hotels and similar infrastructure. Under each thematic category (the same ski resorts) a detailed description of the location is available (suitable for general development and overly inquisitive people).