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Upgrade your recording quality with a dedicated streaming webcam. You’ll be much better off than depending on your computer’s built-in cam.
A streaming webcam offers you higher resolution recordings and often comes with handy extra features. Luckily, they don’t have to break the bank either. There are webcams available for every budget.
The best webcam for streaming will be different for everyone, but we've compiled a list of some of the top cameras on the market to help you narrow down your decision. We'll explain which features to consider when creating clear content and how each impacts the quality of your stream.
How to Choose the Best Streaming Webcam
Every streamer has a different budget and unique needs. The best streaming webcam for you will depend on how much you have to spend and the features you need. For example, the best webcam for streaming video games won’t necessarily be the best webcam to stream a video podcast.
We’ve created a list of some of the features to pay attention to when comparing streaming webcams to help you determine the best camera for your needs. Keep reading to learn which webcam specs you should focus on and how they’ll affect the quality of your stream.
Resolution
Resolution is one of the most important webcam specs you should consider. Your camera's resolution determines video quality. A higher resolution means more pixels on the screen, which results in better video quality. You want viewers to see what you're streaming but don’t need to overspend on a camera with a very high resolution.
The most common resolutions for webcams are 4K, 1080p, 720p, and 480p. Though many cameras on the market offer 4K resolution, you can get a high-quality video with a 1080p camera for your stream.
Field of View
A camera’s field of view refers to the area captured by the lens when streaming. This spec is measured in degrees, and streaming webcams tend to have a field of view ranging from 50° to 120°. The field of view is measured diagonally and can be found in any camera’s specs list.
Content creators who are only recording themselves can consider cameras with a more narrow field of view. Consider a streaming webcam with a wide-angle field of view if you need to capture more than one person or an entire room.
Lens Quality
Any streaming webcam you purchase will have either a plastic or a glass lens. Plastic lenses are of poorer quality and can make your streaming video look hazy. Glass lenses produce a higher quality video. However, cameras with this type of lens tend to be more expensive.
Frame Rate
The number of frames or images a webcam captures and shows on your screen within a given amount of time is called the frame rate. Almost all webcams measure frame rate in frames per second (fps).
Having the correct frame rate on your streaming webcam is important because your video will be choppy and hard to view if your frame rate is too low. Standard webcams' most common frame rates are 30fps, 60fps, and 90fps. This means that most webcams capture and display either 30, 60, or 90 images every second.
Low-Light Performance
Even if you have a camera with the highest resolution and a great frame rate, you could still end up with a poor-quality video if your camera doesn’t do well in certain lighting conditions. Unless you have the time and budget to create a streaming studio with professional video lighting, you’ll need to get a camera with good low-light performance.
Webcams need light to capture images. How much light a webcam takes in depends on the size of its sensor. Many of the best webcams for streaming have sensors with auto-adjust features that make capturing excellent video quality in any lighting conditions easy. We recommend getting a webcam with an auto-adjusting sensor instead of spending a lot of time, money, and energy on a lighting setup, especially if you’re new to creating streaming content.
Manual vs Autofocus
Having a webcam with autofocus isn’t essential, but it makes capturing high-quality video much easier. Plus, it will save you time. Autofocus lets your camera adjust the lens as necessary to capture the best possible image without you having to do anything. This feature is handy if you’re streaming with more than one person or if you’re trying to capture an entire room or space in your stream. Most cameras have autofocus, but be sure to double-check when choosing yours.
Best 8 Streaming Webcams
Our list of the nine best webcams for streamers includes options for all budget levels. We took a look at some of the essential camera features like resolution, frame rate, and field of view. Learn more about the best cameras on the market and the specs of each to determine which is best for your streaming needs.
Best Budget Streaming Webcams
You can find a good webcam to use for streaming your content, even on a budget. More inexpensive webcams tend to have plastic lenses and don’t have many other cameras' automatic features. However, they can get you started streaming until you have a bigger budget for equipment. These are our picks for the best streaming webcam on a budget.
- Price: $25.95
- Resolution: 720p
- Frame Rate: 30fps
- Lens Material: Plastic
- Camera Megapixels: 1
- Focus Type: Manual
- Low-Light Performance: No low-light features
- Field of View: 68.5°
- Connection Type: USB 2.0
- Built-In Mic?: Yes
The Lifecam HD-3000 is an affordable option for beginners. The camera does not include low-light features, so we recommend placing your streaming setup somewhere you get plenty of natural light. This Microsoft camera doesn’t support tripod mounting but connects to a desktop or mobile device using the included camera base.
Pros:
- Built-in features to easily stream on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter
- Attaches to desktops, laptops, and notebooks with a universal attachment base
- The microphone includes noise-canceling features
Cons:
- It doesn’t perform well in low-light conditions
- Plastic lens reduces image quality
- Can’t mount on a tripod
- Price: $69.99
- Resolution:1080p or 720p
- Frame Rate: 30 fps
- Lens Material: Glass
- Camera Megapixels: 3
- Focus Type: Autofocus
- Field of View: 78°
- Low-Light Performance: RightLight 2 Auto-Correction
- Connection Type: USB
- Built-In Mic?: Yes
The Logitech c920s Pro HD cam supports multiple resolutions and has a high-quality glass lens that’s great for the price point. The c920s includes Logitech’s Capture software, which lets you customize your webcam settings for streaming. If you don’t want to appear on camera at any time during your stream, you can close the included shutter for privacy.
Pros:
- Includes a lens privacy shutter
- The lens is HD five-element glass
- It consists of the Capture app for easy stream customization and video editing
Cons:
- Max frame rate is only 30fps
- It doesn’t include wide-screen FOV options
- Resolution limited to 720p for video calls
Logitech c922 Pro HD Stream Webcam *
- Price: $79.99
- Resolution: 1080p or 720p
- Frame Rate: 60 fps
- Lens Material: Glass
- Camera Megapixels: 3
- Focus Type: Autofocus
- Low-Light Performance: RightLight 2 Auto-Correction
- Field of View: 78°
- Connection Type: USB
- Built-In Mic?: Yes
The c922 from Logitech offers options for resolution and frames per second. You can stream with your settings at 1080p/30fps or 720p/60fps. The fast frame rates ensure you won’t experience a choppy or laggy stream. The included software lets you zoom in and pan in your video stream.
Pros:
- Tripod included with the camera
- Free premium subscription to Xsplit included
- The internal microphone produces outstanding audio quality
Cons:
- Background removal feature can be buggy
- It doesn’t include a privacy shutter
- It doesn’t integrate with RealSense technology
* Note: Logitech cameras are not ideal for the Riverside platform and require a bit of a different set up to run smoothly. If you choose to use a Logitech camera, follow our support guidelines.
Best Moderate-Budget Streaming Webcams
We’ve got some suggestions if you’re looking to make an upgrade. The cameras in this section are a step up and include more advanced features, better resolution, and fps options. Keep reading to see our picks for the best streaming cams for a moderate budget.
- Price: $98
- Resolution: 1080p
- Frame Rate: 30fps
- Lens Material: Glass
- Camera Megapixels: 1.8
- Focus Type: Manual
- Low-Light Performance: Poor low-light features
- Field of View: 80°
- Connection Type: USB 2.0
- Built-in mic?: Yes
This cam was designed for live streaming and includes professional-level controls that most other streaming webcams at this price point don’t. The camera is small and easily portable and can be connected to a Mac or PC. The PTZOptics webcam comes with a 5-year warranty and can be used with almost any hardware or software.
Pros:
- Universal software and hardware compatibility
- Wide field of view
- Includes control options for shutter speed, iris, contract, white balance, and more
Cons:
- It doesn't perform well in low lighting
- It doesn’t track movement well due to low fps
- Built-in microphone does not perform well
- Price: $129.99
- Resolution:1080p or 720p
- Frame Rate: 30 fps
- Lens Material: Glass
- Camera Megapixels: 3
- Focus Type: Autofocus
- Low-Light Performance: RightLight 2 Auto-Correction
- Field of View: 90°
- Connection Type: USB
- Built-In Mic?: Yes
The Logitech c930e features a wide field of view and H.264 video compression. The camera’s sensor adjusts the video picture quickly and consistently delivers HD quality. The c930e includes the Logi Tune Desktop app, which gives you additional control over the settings on the streaming cam.
Pros:
- Crisp video quality at 1080p setting
- The microphone includes noise-canceling features
- No additional drivers are required to operate
Cons:
- It doesn’t have zoom features
- No photo or video capture software included
- No optical settings
- Price: $169.99
- Resolution: 1080p
- Frame Rate: 60 fps
- Lens Material: Glass
- Camera Megapixels:
- Focus Type: Autofocus
- Low-light Performance: RightLight 2 Auto-Correction
- Field of View: 78°
- Connection Type: USB-C
- Built-in mic?: Yes
This camera was explicitly designed with streamers in mind and provides clear video on top streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube. The Logitech Streamcam’s excellent auto light correction and autofocus make it an excellent option for the price. This cam picks up great audio using two omnidirectional microphones.
Pros:
- It comes with a 1-year hardware warranty
- Numerous recording options
- Screen and tripod mounts included
Cons:
- The field of view isn’t adjustable
- It doesn’t include a privacy shutter
- Can’t stream using the included software
Note: Logitech cameras are not ideal for the Riverside platform and require a bit of a different set up to run smoothly. If you choose to use a Logitech camera, follow our support guidelines.
Best Bigger-Budget Streaming Webcams
If you have a little more room in your budget for a streaming cam, check out these options available with 4K resolution and up to 90fps settings. These cameras also include advanced customization options and premium features you can use to make your stream look great and stand out from your competition. Keep reading to learn more about the camera you can get with a bigger budget.
- Price: $187.99
- Resolution: 4K, 1080p, 720p
- Frame Rate: 30fps (4K), or 60fps (1080p/720p)
- Lens Material: Glass
- Camera Megapixels: 8.3
- Focus Type: Autofocus
- Low-Light Performance: Advanced Auto-Correction
- Field of View: 90°, 78°, or 65°
- Connection Type: USB, USB-C
- Built-In Mic?: No
This webcam provides 4K quality and uses digital overlap HDR technology to produce a clear, warm picture in any lighting environment. Dell’s Ultrasharp Webcam also has AI auto-framing features to ensure you’re invariably centered on the screen to ensure your stream looks professional. The magnetic mount attaches easily to any monitor, making the setup very easy.
Pros:
- Three different field of view options
- Numerous customization options
- Offers 60fps at 1080p resolution
Cons:
- Audio quality can suffer because of no internal mic
- Magnetic camera stand can be shaky
- It can’t be used with a privacy shutter
- Price: $199.99
- Resolution: 1080p
- Frame Rate: 60fps
- Lens Material: Glass
- Camera Megapixels: 2.9
- Focus Type: Autofocus
- Low-Light Performance: Adaptive Light Sensor Auto-Correction
- Field of View: 103°, 90°, or 80°
- Connection Type: USB 3.0
- Built-In Mic?: Yes
Though the Razer Kiyo Pro doesn't offer 4K resolution like Logitech Streamcam, its superior sensor allows it to perform well and deliver crystal clear video in all lighting conditions. Because of its outstanding sensor, there is little difference between the video quality of the Kiyo Pro and other cams that offer 4K resolutions. This camera delivers high-quality video at 1080p/60fps, whereas many other cams only operate 1080p/30fps.
Pros:
- Exceptional adaptive light sensor
- Lens made of scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass
- Has super wide FOV options
Cons:
- It doesn’t integrate with Windows Hello
- Uses a USB 3.0 connection
- Autofocus feature doesn’t perform well
What’s the Best Webcam for Streaming My Content?
Still unsure which streaming camera is best for the type of content you create? Below, we’ve made recommendations for the best cameras based on the type of content created. Keep reading to find out which cameras are best for video game streamers, podcasters, and vloggers.
Best Webcam For Streaming Video Games
The best webcam for Twitch and other video game streaming is the Logitech c920s Pro HD. This camera has excellent resolution settings for the price, with a possible 30fps stream at 1080p. This camera has a narrow field of view. Great for streaming gamers, the USB makes it easy to connect to any type of device to start your gaming stream.
Best Streaming Webcam For a Live Podcast
The Razer Kiyo Pro is an excellent addition to any podcast studio because it performs well in all lighting conditions. If your podcast features multiple hosts or guests, there’s a good chance that you deal with flexible recording hours. Whether you’re recording during daylight or not, the Razer Kiyo Pro has your back.
Best Streaming Camera for Vlogging
Vloggers will love the Logitech c920s Pro HD cam because of the number of customization options the camera offers at such a low price point. With so many vloggers out there, it’s important that your stream stands out and makes a unique impression on viewers. This camera is also great because of the lens quality and the included privacy shutter for when you need a moment during your vlog stream.
Tips for streaming with a webcam
Always test your equipment
Check that your webcam is connected properly and working,. You don’t want to go live, only to find out you have technical difficulties. You can use our webcam tester to ensure your setup is perfect.
Use top-quality streaming software
It’s no help using a top-notch webcam if your webcam recording software doesn’t capture high-resolution video. We suggest you try Riverside, which offers high-quality multistreaming to various platforms, including any custom RTMP. You can also record video on Riverside at up to 4K resolution without worrying about internet issues getting in the way. Learn more, or start streaming seamlessly on Riverside!
Frame your video properly
First and foremost, make sure you have enough lighting. You can use natural light if you’re streaming during the day, or get yourself a video lighting kit to create a good 3-point lighting setup. You also want to make sure you background looks pleasant and there isn’t anything distracting your viewers.
Learn more: How to Record Webcam Video on Any PC (Mac & Windows)
Best Webcams for Streaming Creators
Because streaming content has become a popular way for people to make money with a podcast, the market is full of webcam options. Choosing the best one can be confusing, so make sure you choose a webcam with light correction features, good resolution, and decent frame rate settings. Though cameras come at all price points, we recommend spending a little extra on one for your streaming setup in order to get quality video pictures.
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