The best webcams are an essential PC upgrade for those working from home or stepping into the world of game streaming. They can also give you a huge boost in image quality compared to the built-in offerings found on your laptop.
Pro streamers often use a mirrorless camera for the best image quality and low-light performance. But for most users and gamers, a webcam with 1080p video capture at 30 frames per second will be enough to get started – not to mention significantly cheaper. Some webcams even support HDR, but the only streaming service that currently supports high-dynamic range is YouTube Gaming.
Our current best overall pick is the Logitech C920 as it simply offers such a solid combination of decent 1080p image quality and solid sound quality from its inbuilt mics and is generally great value. If you’re looking for a step up to 4K image quality, though, the Elgato Facecam Pro is the way to go.
Why you can trust our advice ✔ At PCGamesN, our experts spend hours testing hardware and reviewing games and VPNs. We share honest, unbiased opinions to help you buy the best. Find out how we test.
Best webcams in 2024:
How to choose the best webcam
If you want a new webcam, think about what you’ll use it for and how much you want to spend. The cheapest options are likely to be better than your machine’s built-in camera, but won’t offer 4K resolution or any tracking features. 60fps is the standard frame rate for most models, but if you want the movement to be more fluid, look at 90fps and above.
If you already have one of the best gaming microphones, you won’t need a webcam that has an integrated one. On the flip side, a webcam with a mic means you won’t have to buy one separately.