The Best Webcam For Streaming

With the advent of websites like Twitch, more people than ever before are looking to share their gaming sessions with the world. Whether it’s to hangout with a few friends or grow a following of millions, people stream their games for a variety of reasons – ranging from a simple pastime to a profitable career. While all you really need for a basic stream is an internet-connected computer, many people expand their gaming arsenal with some basic necessities that improve the quality of the stream for both the streamer and the viewers. A high-quality streaming webcam is an important part of staying connected with your audience and growing your channel from one of many to one of the best.

The Best Webcams For Streaming 2019 – Our Picks (Updated)

Let’s dive into some of our top picks for streaming webcams. Any of these webcams will suit the average streamer just fine, but you’ll notice that there’s a wide variance in terms of features and price that will make each model best suited for different streamers. Consider what is important for you in a streaming webcam, and you’ll surely be happy with any of these excellent-quality models.

Best All-Around Performer – Logitech HD Pro C920

Logitech is a major manufacturer of computer peripherals. From keyboards and gaming mice, to speakers and web cameras, they have it all. They have a variety of webcams at a number of different price points, but one of the best high-end models for streaming is the Logitech HD Pro C920.

The C920 is well-known for capturing top-notch video with a clear and crisp image quality. It has a small size that ensures it won’t take up a ton of space in your streaming setup, and it’s easily adjustable into a number of positions to allow you to find an implementation that will suit your needs. 

Perhaps one of the biggest draws of the Logitech HD Pro C920 is the fact that it can take high-resolution 1080p video. Your viewers will enjoy a camera feed with an ultra-realistic feel and it will really take your stream to the next level. While you may not start with a huge following of viewers, quality technology that allows you to “look the part” may be able to help you stand out from a sea of competitors. This resolution is also made possible due to H.264 technology present in the device, which automatically compresses video as you stream. This allows you to retain a high video quality while also saving on space and bandwidth.

Although a high resolution goes a long way towards making a great webcam stand out from the rest, it isn’t the only consideration to keep in mind when shopping around. Fortunately, the Logitech HD Pro C920 also has some other impressive specifications to back up its ranking on our top webcams for streaming. As mentioned above, one of the top things to look for in a streaming web camera is a glass lens, and The C920 features a Carl Zeiss-made lens that features some of the best performance on the market. The lens is also equipped with an adaptable autofocus that ensures you’ll be able to retain a clear and crisp image regardless of changes in the content of the video feed.

Low-light performance with the C920 is also admirable with an automatic light correction feature that corrects the lighting dynamically while it’s recording – ensuring that you’ll get a clear and crisp feed regardless of lightning conditions.

Pros

• HD Resolution
• Good Quality Microphone
• Excellent low-light performance

Cons

• Relatively expensive (check price)
• Limited compatibility with non-Windows operating systems

Best Budget Webcam – Microsoft Lifecam HD-3000

While more expensive models generally equate to a higher-quality camera, it’s certainly possible to achieve passable performance without breaking the bank. For a very affordable price, you can get your hands on a quality streaming webcam with a number of features. While this webcam is normally best suited to basic skype calls, it still has the chops to serve as an entry-level webcam for streaming that will allow you to get your video feed started for next to nothing.

Because of the lower price with the Microsoft Lifecam, you’ll notice that this camera only supports SD 720p streaming rather than the HD 1080p capabilities of high-end cameras. With that said, you’ll enjoy automatic color correction, a quality microphone that features some pretty impressive noise-cancelling functionalities, and a stand that will allow you to adapt the Lifecam to both a desktop and laptop setup.

While we don’t recommend this webcam for the serious streamer trying to turn Twitch into a career, it certainly gets the job done if you’re just streaming casually or testing the waters, so to speak. With how inexpensive this streaming webcam is, it’s the perfect opportunity to give setting up a video feed a try and continuing to experiment to make your channel the best it can be. For such a low price, there’s very little risk involved in giving the Microsoft Lifecam a try in order to tell whether the setup is right for you.

When starting a stream on Twitch, it can be tempting to run out and buy the best of the best in terms of equipment right away. However, audiences on the platform are notoriously fickle, and there’s certainly a possibility that you’ll invest quite a lot of money only to find that your channel isn’t growing at the same pace you’d like. If you’re interested in streaming just for the fun of it, investing in a high-end setup just to increase your own enjoyment may be worth it. If the appeal of video game streaming is to make profit, you could significantly cut into your earnings if you start dumping hundreds of dollars on webcams, microphones, lighting setups, and other sorts of streaming peripherals that could potentially make the aesthetics of your stream a little more appealing.

Overall, while the Microsoft Lifecam HD-3000 won’t give you top-of-the-line performance, it’s a step above an entry level camera that provides excellent value for the price.

Pros

• Affordable (see lowest price)
• Noise cancellation
• Decent microphone quality

Cons

• Lower resolution
• Middling performance

Best Budget Webcam (Runner Up) – Logitech HD C270

The fact that there’s another inexpensive webcam that makes our list is a testament to the quality you can find even in more affordable devices. With some of these webcams costing hundreds of dollars, it can be easy to think that you can’t get your stream set up for cheap. The Logitech HD C270 is another example of a streaming webcam that provides high-end performance for a low-end price.

The aesthetics of the camera belie the fact that this is a premium device, with a rather dull grey color and a small, oval-shaped construction. On the left side of the device you’ll find the camera itself, with a microphone on the other side in order to catch audio.

Because of the lower price, the Logitech HD C270 isn’t capable of recording in 1080p quality, It does, however, provide an excellent 720p stream for a price that won’t break the bank. Although it only has a 3 megapixel camera, Logitech has managed to optimize the camera’s software in order to produce some impressive video feeds despite the decreased specifications when compared to competitors.

In order to do so, it utilizes Logitech Fluid Crystal technology as well as automatic light correction. The fluid crystal technology is the main reason we’re able to see such a high-quality stream from this inexpensive camera, with improvements to sharpness, color, contrast, and clarity due to the innovations in software from this technology giant. The light correction is a little more self-explanatory – providing a high-quality video feed even if you’re sitting in a room bathed in bright sunlight.

One other issue with the camera is that it can be difficult to mount correctly. It comes with clips that allow you to place it on your monitor, but users have reported difficulty getting the camera to stay put. Having your streaming camera drop off your monitor in the middle of a stream can definitely make your session take a turn for the worse.

The Logitech HD C270 works with all Windows versions from 7 and beyond, and will also interface well with MacOS 10 and above as well as with ChromeOS.

Pros

• Very inexpensive
• Impressive software innovation makes a cheap camera perform excellently
• Excellent light correction

Cons

• Low quality microphone
• Lower resolution stream when compared to competitors
• Unstable mounting

Best Portable Webcam – Logitech C615

As the third of a number of Logitech models on this list, the Logitech C615 is a top-quality camera that makes it easy to transport while on the go. When you’re streaming, chances are that you’ll be doing so at a desk at home – bringing the importance of portability into question. However, with the advent of laptops that are incredibly powerful – often rivaling desktops – there are many streamers that are taking advantage of the portability of these devices to cast their content in multiple areas – whether that’s on the couch or on the road. With how many streamers are committed to a specific schedule in order to help grow their channels, a portable webcam will allow them to get online and start streaming regardless of their location.

The Logitech C615 is mostly designed for travellers and mobile workers that have to make video calls, but there’s no reason that an enterprising streamer can’t take advantage of this portability to allow them to keep their stream going regardless of the circumstances. The 615 offers 1080p recording as well as 720 when making a video call, and you’ll be able to take advantage of an autofocus system that is capable of handling pretty much any lighting system you can throw at it. From a brightly lit office to a late-night stream with your face glued to the screen, you should generally be able to produce a high-quality image that adjusts to your current conditions.

The Logitech C615 makes our list for the best portable webcam due to its unique “fold and go” technology. When space is at a premium, being able to fold down your webcam into a more compact design may make all the difference between transporting your streaming gear comfortably and turning it into a whole ordeal.

The web camera also swivels a full 360 degrees and offers an 8 megapixel camera that performs admirably considering the less expensive price point. Support for a tripod is a nice touch as well, allowing you to place your webcam in a stationary position that is unlikely to move during even the most serious gaming session.

Overall, if you’re looking for a webcam that moves as easily as you do, consider taking a look at the Logitech C615 and taking advantage of its flexibility. For travelers or even those without any specific streaming setup, this camera is certainly difficult to beat.

Pros

• Highly portable
• 1080p recording in select situations
• Autofocus

Cons

• Occasional 720p quality
• Lower resolution than high-end models

Best Microphone – Microsoft Lifecam Studio

As another entry from Microsoft – one from the same series, in fact – The Microsoft Lifecam Studio has a lot going for it. Perhaps the most notable addition with the Studio model is the wide-band microphone that provides some of the best audio quality we’ve seen from a webcam microphone. As mentioned above, the microphone on a webcam is far from the primary determinant of whether a streaming webcam is worth a buy, but the high-quality setup on the Microsoft Lifecam Studio is only one of the number of features this higher-end cousin to the Lifecam HD-3000 has to offer.

While the device does feature 1080p recording, the quality maxes out at 720p while streaming – an impressive resolution but still a far-cry from full 1080p capabilities. The webcam also features the ability to swivel a full 360 degrees and interfaces well with tripods, giving you the opportunity to adjust your webcam setup to best suit the needs of your stream. Microsoft’s signature Truecolor system is also capable of maintaining the best image quality possible in a variety of low light conditions, adjusting the exposure to keep you from blending into the darkness.

As mentioned above, one of the most expensive parts of setting up a stream – assuming you’re looking for a professional quality setup – is a microphone. By buying a two-in-one device such as the Microsoft Lifecam Studio, you may be able to save a lot of money, at least at first. If you find that your stream is growing and you want to up the quality even more, you can start to look into the numerous computer microphones available out there. Until then, however, The Microsoft Lifecam Studio is in a rather unique position as one of the few cameras that provides a quality video feed while still maintaining to capture some pretty top-notch audio.

Microsoft has marketed the Lifecam Studio as a go-to device for businesses, but regardless of the dedicated purpose, all of the best streaming cameras on this list should serve just fine in order to take your twitch channel to the next level.

Pros

• Top-tier microphone
• 360-degree swivel
• Truecolor System

Cons

• Maxes out at 720p Resolution
• Expensive (see lowest price)
• Some features focused on business use

Best Mac-Compatible Webcam – Tandberg Precision HD

The best Mac-compatible webcam is also a contender for the best high-end camera. As the most expensive webcam on this list, it’s definitely not a camera you want to buy on a whim, However, if you can stomach the price and want the best of the best for your Mac computer, the Tandberg Precision HD may suit you just fine.

Although the PrecisionHD only films in 720p, it maintains a 30 fps frame rate in order to provide smooth video. The plug and play functionality also means that your camera will be up and running as soon as you plug it in – no need for drivers or program installations at all.

But perhaps the most important feature of the PrecisionHD is its top-notch internal optics. The light correction is actually some of the best we’ve seen from a webcam, and it’s also one of the few webcams that features a high-quality optical zoom – maintaining an optimal resolution no matter how close the camera is to your face.

Many may wonder what the appeal is of streaming games on a Mac computer due to the lower population of games that support the operating system. With many high-end Macs boasting similar specs to gaming PCs, however, they’re certainly capable machines that can stream any number of games that happen to support Mac OS. Unfortunately, there are a lot of cameras on this list that don’t offer full support for Apple computers.

Pros

• Mac Compatible
• Excellent light correction
• Optical Zoom
• Plug and play functionality

Cons

• Very expensive
• 720p resolution

Best Integration – Razer Kiyo

While the majority of cameras on this list are top picks for streaming, few of them were specifically designed with gamers in mind. The majority of streamers are using high-quality general purpose webcams in order to provide a video feed, but there are a few companies that make webcams specifically tailored to gamers – one of them being Razer.

Razer as a company has built a reputation for building popular and capable peripherals that have seen applications ranging from casual use to professional gaming. They have peripherals at a variety of price points and have even recently expanded into building computers and phones. The Razer Kiyo is the gaming company’s take on a streaming webcam designed with sites like Twitch in mind.

Streamlabs is one of the premier ways in which people organize and control their streams, and the company has certified the Razer Kiyo as a top option for streamers ranging from beginners to high-end pros. 

Perhaps one of the most notable aspects of the Razer Kiyo is the built-in lighting that is designed to maintain an even level of illumination throughout the duration of your stream. The warm light is flattering and makes you look your best while illuminating harsh shadows. While the light adjusts a bit on its own to take into account various lighting conditions, the illumination overall is adjustable – allowing you to arrive at a lighting setup that works for you and your environment,

The Kiyo manages to give a consistent 60 fps at 720p quality, giving a high-quality resolution that won’t stutter or drop frames over the course of your stream. Razer claims that “this means that viewers can be completely immersed in the way you are, with footage just the way you see it in-game.” If you’d like to sacrifice some fps in exchange for a higher resolution, you can enjoy 1080p HD video at a solid 30 fps.

The Razer Kiyo is also optimized to support streaming on popular platforms such as Open Broadcaster Software and Xsplit – two of the most popular programs for broadcasting games from your PC to services like Twitch.

As part of the Razer ecosystem, the Kiyo integrates well with other Razer peripherals such as the keyboard and mouse. While there’s not a ton of collaboration between the different peripherals, it’s possible to do things like color coordinate, and there’s something to be said for your streaming setup looking as good as it performs.

Overall, as one of the only webcams specifically designed with game streaming in mind, the Razer Kiyo is a solid contender for one of the best webcams overall, giving you the opportunity to provide a well-lit stream with excellent image quality to your viewers.

Pros

• Built-in lighting
• 1080p Performance
• High frame rates

Cons

• Relatively expensive (see lowest price)
• No support for Mac

Best Low Light Performance – Logitech C922 Pro Stream

As the big brother of the Logitech HD Pro C920, Logitech C922 Pro Stream is one of the top models on the market. While it’s quite expensive, it certainly has the specifications to back that up. Out of all of the streaming webcams on this list the C922 Pro Stream has perhaps the best low light performance technology overall. If you find yourself in a dim or dark environment, the G922 does an excellent job of making full-use of all available light, giving you a clear and high-quality image even if you haven’t had the chance to look into a lighting setup. With 1080p capabilities, it also has one of the top resolutions on the list alongside the C920, so if you’re looking for the top quality possible, either of the two will be your best bets.

Although the Logitech HD Pro C920 is on the expensive side (see lowest price), we feel it’s certainly worth the investment. While the majority of viewers on websites like Twitch tend to stick to a few large streamers that have started to build a following, there’s still a chance for the little guys to capture a portion of this competitive market. By taking steps to make your stream look professional as possible, you have the chance to make a good first impression and have your viewers stick around enough to convince them that your stream is worth a watch. A streaming webcam isn’t the only factor to consider on that front, but it does go a long way towards giving your channel the extra oomph it needs to stand head and shoulders above the rest.

One interesting feature that the Logitech C922 Pro Stream brings over the competition is support for background removal, which will allow you to remain the focal point of your stream rather than your surroundings. While many people watch streams in order to see gameplay, for a lot of channels, the audience watches for the streamer. Ensure that the video feed is focused on you as you play with minimal distractions – perhaps even eliminating the need for a green screen.

Pros

• Great low light capabilities
• Unique background removal features
• 60 FPS streaming

Cons

• Very expensive
• Same design as the less expensive C920

Most Flexible Webcam – Hue HD Pro

One aspect that we mentioned in the guidelines section is durability, and the truth is that a lot of these webcams are pretty fragile. If you happen to knock them or bump them, it’s possible that you could be out a lot of money and have to purchase a new webcam – interrupting your stream and temporarily halting the growth of your channel.

One of the biggest benefits of the Hue HD Pro is its ability to bend around at will. As a small camera attached to the end of a flexible cord, you can find the perfect position for a facecam as you fight for the win in Fortnite or get that Pentakill in League of Legends. Also notable is its ability to work flawlessly on either a Mac or a PC, allowing almost anyone access to this colorful yet capable webcam.

While the microphone is not the best we’ve seen from a webcam – especially from some of the high-end models on this list – it does get the job done in a pinch. The camera can also double as a microscope which, while not important for streaming, also gives it some applications outside of growing your Twitch channel.

Overall, if you’re looking for a device with the capabilities to bend and attach to pretty much whatever you want, the Hue HD Pro may be your best bet. Just keep in mind that you’ll be sacrificing a bit of image quality, but that may very well be a worthwhile tradeoff in exchange for a hyper-durable webcam that can bend and move as you require.

Pros

• Highly Durable
• Flexible design
• Microscope functionality

Cons

• Lower quality recording
• Questionable microphone quality

Best High-End Camera – Logitech 4K Pro Webcam

While all of the cameras on this list are capable performers that have the ability to elevate your stream and bring in more viewers, the Logitech 4K Pro Webcam is a step above the rest. However, you’ll pay a premium for the ability to record 4K video. With that said, you’ll definitely get a lot of bang for your buck in the form of a camera that offers a high-quality picture that is far beyond anything we’ve seen from another camera.

The main draw of the Logitech 4K Pro Webcam is its ability to record in 4K video, but there are a number of other features that combine to make this top high-end web camera on our list. One such feature is the 5X digital zoom that will keep you in the shot no matter the distance, packaged with HDR that will bring out the best in your appearance regardless of the lighting conditions.

As mentioned above, there’s often a caveat with this high-definition webcams that the quality of their recording doesn’t always match the quality they’re capable of for streaming video content over the internet. Rest assured that the Logitech 4K camera has the ability to stream in 4K, which will give the highest fidelity video feed we’ve seen in a web camera so far. Whether his extra quality is worth the bump in price is debatable, but if you have money to burn and you want the best possible quality for your stream, this camera may be just what you’re looking for.

The demands of providing 4K content on the viewer’s device are also worth keeping in mind. Twitch and other streaming sites do offer many users the option to downscale the quality in order to keep up a higher connection, but in practice it will only be a select few that will be able to handle the load that a 4K stream puts on their computer. Keep that in mind when evaluating whether the $200 price of this webcam is worth the extra cost.

Expanding on the HDR functionality mentioned above, the Logitech LightRight technology included with this webcam allows you to dynamically adjust the range of lighting and capture the most important subject of your stream: you. By eliminating a lot of the background noise, Outside of complete darkness, you should be able to provide your viewers with the same quality they’ve come to expect from streams – whether you’re streaming in a dim living room or a overly-sunny office.

Other notable features with the Logitech 4K Pro Webcam are the abilities to integrate with facial recognition software and a unique feature to help reduce background noise and visual clutter. Add some well-needed security to your computer with Infrared detection with support for Windows Hello – providing protection against access to secure information, and the ability to reduce background clutter helps ensure you’ll remain the star of the show rather than any activity going on behind you.

Pros

• Best resolution around
• Facial recognition software
• HDR

Cons

• Mounting clip feels flimsy
• Lower build quality when compared to other Logitech cameras

Our Top Pick – Logitech HD Pro C920

It’s difficult to arrive at a top pick when considering all of these excellent webcams, as they all provide something unique and valuable to the aspiring streamer. Overall, however, our choice would have to be the Logitech HD Pro C920. While all the cameras will suit the average user just fine, the Logitech HD Pro C920 just strikes that perfect balance of features and affordability. While cameras like the Logitech 4K Pro camera provide the best quality around, they’re also significantly more expensive for a bump in resolution that the majority of your users won’t take advantage of. Cheaper webcams, while still getting the job done in one way or another, lack the refinement and staying power of this excellent streaming webcam.

What To Look For In A Streaming Webcam

When trying to decide on the best webcam to take your stream to the next level, it can be difficult to sort through the hundreds of different models to arrive at a camera that works for you. We’ve compiled some of the top streaming webcams from around the web, but there are some general tips and guidelines to keep in mind when shopping for the camera that will help you make an educated decision when it comes time to buy. The following specifications are important to ensuring you get your hands on the best possible webcam that is sure to suit your needs.

Frames Per Second (FPS)

One of the primary factors you want to consider when purchasing a webcam for streaming is the frames per second the device is capable of recording in. A video is really made up of a collection of thousands of frames strung together, and a higher FPS means that you’ll see smoother video playback and your viewers won’t have to deal with a choppy or low-quality feed while watching you play. There are a number of inexpensive options for webcams that still maintain a high level of quality – many of which are included in this compilation – but you still have to make sure that some basic criteria are met in order to ensure your viewers have the best possible experience. Making your stream easy to watch with few technical issues will help ensure your audience keeps coming back for more.

Generally, 30 frames per second is the minimum when it comes to buying a streaming webcam. Ideally, 60 frames per second or higher is suggested in order to provide a professional-quality feed.

Resolution

Next to Frames Per Second, Resolution is the most important factor to consider when buying a streaming webcam. While FPS determines how smoothly the video will play, resolution determines the image quality which goes a long way towards separating the amateur streamer from the pros.

It can be difficult to decipher what all the different numbers and letters mean when discussing resolution. With terms like 720p, HD, 4K and more all tossed around, it’s certainly easy to get lost when trying to figure out the resolution that’s right for you.

Essentially, all of these terms are referring to the amount of pixels in a given area in one way or another. The more densely concentrated and abundant the pixels are in a screen, the better the image quality will be. Many webcams are rated in terms of their Megapixel capabilities, and for the optimal video quality you’re going to want to look for the highest rating you can comfortably afford. 1080p and 4K are the best of the best when it comes to streaming, but 720p will also suit you just fine

Low Light Quality

Unless you’re an established streamer with your own lighting setup, chances are that your bedroom or living room isn’t lit up like a movie studio. While your best bet for ensuring you’re easily visible to your stream is to ensure your room is bright enough, having a webcam that can adjust to a wide variety of lighting situations is key to ensuring the maximum possible image quality is achieved each and every time. The darker the room is, the harder it will be for your camera to translate an accurate video feed to the audience. Buying a high-quality camera will save you money and hassle in the long run as you can avoid fretting over lighting conditions – at least for a while.

Lens Quality

As the lens is the primary way in which your streaming web camera receives and translates an image, it’s important that you don’t skimp on the quality of this integral camera feature. Fortunately, it’s not too difficult to arrive at what the best option will be in terms of lenses. Generally, lenses are either plastic or glass. In almost every case, you’ll be best served by opting for a web camera with a glass lens. With that said, there are some quality web cameras that have plastic lenses, and it’s not necessarily a deal-breaker if the device excels in other areas.

Autofocus

When it comes time to stream, it’s important that your camera can keep the image in focus regardless of changing conditions. While you’re not likely to be up and running around the room while playing your favorite games, sometimes lower quality webcams can lose focus even with minor shifts and movements that are bound to happen over the course of a streaming session. A webcam with the ability to autofocus will allow you to “set it and forget it,” allowing you to keep your attention on providing an entertaining stream rather than worrying constantly about whether you’re in focus.

Microphone

The majority of serious streamers will have a dedicated microphone to allow them to focus on providing the best both in audio and visual rather than trying to find a device that does both exceptionally well. With that said, quality microphones can also be pretty expensive, and a lot of the high-end web cameras also do an acceptable job of capturing audio. If you’re looking for an all-in-one device, there are definitely options, and it’s an important consideration to keep in mind if you don’t already have a quality audio setup

Durability

Durability isn’t discussed very often anymore when it comes to electronics, but the fact remains that you’re making a decent investment when you buy a high-end webcam. Having a model that can take a bit of a beating might help add to the life of this crucial equipment. With the majority of the best webcams, you’ll find that the devices are on the fragile side. If you’re worried about damaging this expensive piece of equipment, however, there are several options for a more sturdy webcam that can take a beaming.

Your first concern with a streaming webcam should always be things like resolution capabilities and the lens quality, but ensuring that your webcam has the capability to deal with an accidental drop may make all the difference when it comes to maximizing the life and potential of your brand new device,.

Recording Vs Streaming

Since you’re buying a webcam for streaming, it’s important to recognize whether the stated capabilities of your webcam are actually applicable to streaming. In a lot of cases, an “HD webcam” won’t actually be capable of providing that quality while streaming content over the internet due to the different requirements of transmitting the data over the internet in a live feed rather than just storing it in internal storage., It’s important to do a little research and determine whether the capabilities provided will actually apply when you set yourself up to start streaming on Twitch. There’s nothing worse than buying an HD camera and finding out that it’s not providing your viewers with the level of quality you intended.

We’ve made sure to list when the advertised streaming quality is different from the maximum capabilities, but if you’re shopping on your own, it’s worth the little bit of extra hassle in order to determine whether you’re truly getting what you paid for.

Get Your FREE ebook NOW!

 Learn how to build your dream gaming setup on a budget!

DOWNLOAD!

Thank you for joining us! Your ebook was emailed to you.