When looking for a good budget web camera for Zoom, there are several important factors to consider to ensure quality and performance without breaking the bank. A good budget webcam should offer at least 720p HD video resolution, though 1080p is preferable for a clearer picture. It should also have decent autofocus and a good-quality microphone for clear audio transmission. Plug-and-play USB connectivity is convenient for easy setup without needing additional software. Brand reputation can also be a factor, as well-known manufacturers often provide better customer support and reliability. Furthermore, a flexible mounting option can be crucial, allowing you to position the camera at the best angle. Lastly, reading user reviews can provide insights into real-world performance and reliability.
Best Webcam for Zoom Meetings of January 2025
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
Logitech C920e HD 1080p Mic-Enabled Webcam, certified for Zoom, Microsoft Teams compatible, TAA Compliant + Litra Glow Premium LED Streaming Light with TrueSoft, adjustable monitor mount
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With a 78° fixed field of view, the C920e webcam displays individual users in a well-balanced frame, while also providing sufficient room to visually share projects and other items of interest.
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The C920e webcam features two integrated omnidirectional microphones that capture your audio clearly from up to one meter away, so your voice always sounds natural and clear.
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Built-in HD autofocus ensures you’re seen clearly throughout your video calls. With automatic light correction, C920e delivers optics that help you look good in all your video meetings.
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The C920e webcam features an attachable privacy screen that flips up and down to cover or expose the lens. A simple glance at the cover confirms if the lens is able to see into your space or not.
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
Logitech MX Brio Ultra HD 4K Collaboration and Streaming Webcam, 1080p at 60 FPS, Dual Noise Reducing Mics, Show Mode, USB-C, Webcam Cover, Works with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet - Graphite
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Ultra HD 4K webcam: meet or stream in 4K resolution at 30fps or 1080p at 60fps, with our most advanced webcam sensor yet, with 70% larger pixels (1) for sharp image quality
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Let Them Hear Your Every Word: Integrated dual beamforming noise-reducing microphones minimize background noise with the aid of AI to make sure you are clearly heard
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Share Your Work: Tilt down your Logitech webcam to share notes and sketches on your desk with Show Mode, allowing for better collaboration on calls
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No Sneak Peeks: To protect your privacy between meetings, simply rotate the built-in webcam cover to completely block the web camera
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
Logitech 2017 Brio 4K Webcam
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Ultra 4K HD resolution: 4 times the resolution of a typical HD webcam; look your best and enjoy professional video experience wherever you are with 5x HD zoom.
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Auto light adjustment: Logitech RightLight 3 uses HDR technology to show you in the best light, even in low-light and backlit situations.
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Noise-canceling technology: Dual omni-directional mics suppress background sound so you can be heard clearly.
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3 field of view presets: Choose 90°, 78° or 65° dFOV via Logi Tune to include more of your environment or narrow the focus on you.
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Privacy shade: Flip up or and down to cover or expose the lens.
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Rating is 4.7 out of 5
Zoom Certified, NexiGo N940P 2K Zoomable Webcam with Remote and Software Controls | Sony Starvis Sensor | 1080P@ 60FPS | 3X Zoom in | Dual Stereo Microphone, for Zoom/Skype/Teams/Webex (Black)
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【2K QHD 5 Megapixels Sony Starvis Sensor】Powered by a 2K (2560x1440, 30fps) QHD 5-megapixel Sony Starvis CMOS Sensor, the N940P captures bright and crisp video even in low light. It's perfect for work, conferencing, and streaming!
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【USB Type A or C & Privacy Cover Included】 The NexiGo webcam is compatible with USB-A as well as USB-C input ports when using the included USB-C adapter. A webcam privacy cover is also included to provide security and peace of mind.
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【AutoFocus & Built-in Noise Reduction Mic】The NexiGo N940P webcam uses high sensitivity autofocus technology to quickly capture and focus on any subject. The built-in noise-canceling mic reduces ambient noise to enhance the sound quality of your video.
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Rating is 4.6 out of 5
OBSBOT Tiny 2 Lite 4K Webcam for PC, AI Tracking PTZ Streaming Camera with 1/2" Sensor, Gesture Control, 60 FPS, HDR, Microphones, Web Camera for Desktop Computer, Laptop, Meeting, Video Calls, etc.
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【Stay Pro, Stay Productive】The new version Tiny 2 Lite webcam 4K streamlines some streaming features (whiteboard mode and voice control) to prioritize teaching and meeting scenarios. Reasonable price, uncompromised quality. The inherited 4K resolution & 1/2'' CMOS sensor and easier operation make it a more professional business shooting partner.
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【Your Tracking Mode,Your Rule】The web cam boasts multiple tracking modes (e.g. upper body& hand tracking), to cater to a broader audience with diverse tracking needs. Beyond just these features, the PTZ camera also allows you to customize tracking areas and Non-tracking area, offering unparalleled freedom for personalized tracking.
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【Dynamic Gesture Control】 Along with the 2.0 dynamic gesture control, our streaming camera says goodbye to cumbersome manual operation. Simply face the web cam, make an “🖐” gesture to lock the portrait tracking target, and make an “👆” gesture to control the zoom easily.
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Rating is 4.5 out of 5
Logitech C920x HD Pro Webcam, Full HD 1080p/30fps Video Calling, Clear Stereo Audio, HD Light Correction, Works with Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, Hangouts, PC/Mac/Laptop/Macbook/Tablet - Black
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Webcam comes with a 3-month XSplit VCam license and no privacy shutter. XSplit VCam lets you remove, replace and blur your background without a Green Screen.
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Stereo audio with dual mics - Capture natural sound on calls and recorded videos.
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Advanced capture software – Create and share video content easily with Logitech Capture.
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
NexiGo N960E 1080P 60FPS Webcam with Light, Software Included, Fast AutoFocus, Built-in Privacy Cover, USB Web Camera, Dual Stereo Microphone, for Zoom Meeting Skype Teams Twitch
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【60FPS 1080p Webcam with Auto Focus】The NexiGo FHD Webcam comes with high definition 1920 x 1080p resolution at up to 60 frames per second (fps) refresh rate, and our enhanced autofocus helps to capture videos that are as accurate and true-to-life as possible.
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【Built-in Microphone】The built-in microphone with noise-canceling technology reduces ambient noise to enhance the sound quality of your video. Even in noisy surroundings, you can capture just the sounds that you want.
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【Widely Compatible】The NexiGo webcam is compatible with multiple operating systems. The webcam is compatible with Windows XP/7/8/10/11, Mac OS 10.6 or higher, Linux 2.6.24 or higher, Chrome OS 29.0.1547 or higher, and Ubuntu Version 10.04 or higher.
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Rating is 4.3 out of 5
NexiGo N60 1080P Webcam with Microphone, Adjustable FOV, Zoom, Software Control & Privacy Cover, USB HD Computer Web Camera, Plug and Play, for Zoom/Skype/Teams, Conferencing and Video Calling
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【Full HD 1080P Webcam】Powered by a 1080p FHD two-MP CMOS, the NexiGo N60 Webcam produces exceptionally sharp and clear videos at resolutions up to 1920 x 1080 with 30fps. The 3.6mm glass lens provides a crisp image at fixed distances and is optimized between 19.6 inches to 13 feet, making it ideal for almost any indoor use.
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【Zoom in and Out】With its fixed focal length lens, this webcam can capture high-definition video at a wide-angle of up to 110°, making it perfect for presentations. Moreover, you can adjust the field of view (FOV) and exposure by using the digital zoom feature available in the NexiGo software, which helps you customize it to better fit your personal workspace. Simply plug the USB into your computer and you're all set! You can download the software from the manufacturer website.
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【Built-in Noise-Cancelling Microphone】The built-in noise-canceling microphone reduces ambient noise to enhance the sound quality of your video. Great for Zoom / Facetime / Video Calling / OBS / Twitch / Facebook / YouTube / Conferencing / Gaming / Streaming / Recording / Online School.
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Rating is 4.2 out of 5
Logitech Brio 101 Full HD 1080p Webcam Made for Meetings and Works for Streaming — Auto-Light Balance, Built-in Mic, Privacy Shutter, USB-A, for Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Zoom, and More - Black
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Full Clarity: Look clearer in video calls with Full HD 1080p resolution
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Privacy with a Slide: The integrated webcam cover makes it easy to get total, reliable privacy when you're not on a video call
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Built-In Mic: The built-in microphone lets others hear you clearly during video calls
What is a webcam cover?
A webcam cover is a small, often adhesive device that can be attached to a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone to cover the front-facing camera. Its primary purpose is to enhance privacy and security by physically blocking the camera lens, preventing unauthorized or accidental access. Webcam covers are typically designed to be easily opened and closed, allowing users to quickly enable their camera when needed and cover it when not in use. They come in various forms, such as sliding covers, movable shutters, or simple stickers, and are considered an effective way to protect against potential hacking or other privacy invasions.
What is the difference between 720p and 1080p webcams?
The main differences between 720p and 1080p webcams are related to resolution and image quality:
- Resolution:
720p: This resolution is also known as HD (High Definition) and measures 1280 x 720 pixels. It provides a solid image quality for basic tasks, such as video calls and streaming where extreme clarity isn't necessary.
1080p: Known as Full HD, this resolution measures 1920 x 1080 pixels. It offers a higher definition image with more detail and clarity, making it preferable for professional streams, conferences, and situations where image quality is a priority.
- Image Quality:
720p: Because it has fewer pixels, the images and videos might appear less sharp, especially on larger screens. It's generally adequate for smaller displays and basic usage scenarios.
1080p: Provides better image and video clarity due to its higher pixel count. This results in sharper images, better color accuracy, and more detail, which is especially noticeable on larger screens.
- Performance:
720p: Often requires less bandwidth and processing power for streaming and recording, making it a good choice when internet speed or system resources are limited.
1080p: While offering better quality, it also demands more bandwidth and processing power. This means a stronger internet connection and more robust hardware are beneficial to support smooth performance.
- Price:
Generally, 1080p webcams are priced higher than their 720p counterparts due to their superior image quality and capabilities.
When choosing between the two, consider your specific needs, including budget constraints, the required image quality for your tasks, and the capabilities of your internet connection and device.
What is HDR technology in web cameras?
HDR, or High Dynamic Range, is a technology used in web cameras and other imaging devices to produce images with a greater range of luminosity. This means that areas of the image with intense light and deep shadow can be captured with more detail, providing a more balanced and natural-looking image.
In the context of web cameras, HDR technology works by capturing multiple images at different exposure levels and then combining them into a single image. This process helps to maintain detail in both the bright and dark areas of the frame, compensating for challenging lighting conditions such as backlighting or direct sunlight.
The result is a video or image output that more closely resembles what the human eye would see, with improvements in contrast, color accuracy, and overall image clarity. HDR technology is particularly beneficial for video conferencing, streaming, or creating content in less-than-ideal lighting environments, where maintaining detail across various lighting conditions within the same scene is crucial.
