5 of the Best Webcams for Live Streaming

In recent years, streaming has exploded in popularity, with millions of content creators sharing their passions, gaming experiences, and expertise with audiences around the world. 

And whether you’re already a part of this community or are just starting out in the industry, you should know that having a high-quality webcam is essential for creating engaging and professional-looking content that stands out. 

With all the tremendous advancements in technology we’ve seen till today, there’s a wide range of webcams available, each offering various features to cater to different streaming needs and personal preferences. 

And given the fact that choosing just one from the many different options available in the market can be somewhat overwhelming for streamers, especially newer ones, we decided to create this comprehensive guide.

Here we will explore the very best webcams for streaming in 2023 considering factors like resolution, frame rate, low-light performance, etc. We will also provide you with some key considerations for buying a webcam as well as tips and techniques for making the most out of it. 

So, if you’re planning on getting a new webcam for streaming but haven’t decided yet which one may be best for you, this article is for you!

Breakdown of the Best Cameras for Live streaming

Introduction: The Importance of a Good Webcam for Streaming

In an overcrowded content creation and live streaming world where everyone is desperately trying to draw the attention of viewers, the importance of a good webcam cannot be overstated. It’s the lens through which streamers connect with their audience, share their experiences, and convey their personalities, so the choosing of a webcam for your stream cannot be taken lightly. 

Whether you’re a gaming enthusiast, an educational vlogger, or a business professional conducting webinars, the quality of your webcam can make or break your streaming success. Always keep in mind that a high-quality webcam doesn’t just offer clear visuals; it’s a gateway to professionalism, audience engagement, and a memorable online presence. 

As we delve deeper into the importance of a good webcam for streaming, we will uncover the key factors that every streamer, from novice to professional, should consider when making this critical choice, ensuring that their online presence leaves a lasting impact and a loyal following.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Webcam

Resolution

Viewers today expect clear, high-definition video, and a webcam with the right resolution ensures that your audience can fully appreciate your content.

While you could certainly get a budget-friendly webcam that allows you to stream with a 720p resolution, you should make an effort to get a higher resolution webcam, such as 1080p (Full HD) or 4K. These webcams provide sharper and more detailed video, making your streams appear professional and engaging.

Frame Rate

Frame rate, typically measured in frames per second (fps), determines how fluidly your movements and actions are captured on camera. 

While 30fps is often the minimum standard for decent video quality, a higher frame rate, such as 60fps and 120fps, results in smoother and more lifelike motion, making it ideal for gaming streams, fast-paced content, or simply for those looking for a neater, more professional appearance. 

Field of view

The FOV determines how much of your surroundings or backdrop is captured in the frame, which is especially important for streamers who want to showcase their gaming setups, home studios, or specific environments.

It is typically measured in degrees and represents the angular width of the scene that the camera lens can encompass. A wider FOV (normally above 80 degrees) captures more of the surroundings in the frame, while a narrower FOV (below 80 degrees) focuses on a smaller area with greater detail.

Connectivity and compatibility

The chosen webcam must be compatible with your operating system (e.g., Windows, macOS) and your preferred streaming software (e.g., OBS, Streamlabs OBS, XSplit) to ensure it functions properly. Additionally, the type of connection, whether it’s USB, HDMI, or other interfaces, needs to align with your computer’s available ports and streaming setup. 

Price

Considering a webcam’s price is vital when buying one for streaming because it allows you to strike a balance between your budget and the features and quality you need for your content. 

Webcams come in a wide price range, and while more expensive models may offer advanced features and higher resolution, more budget-friendly options can still provide excellent performance. 

The Best Webcams for Streamers: Our Top Recommendations

Logitech StreamCam

Resolution: 1080p. Frame rate: 60fps. FOV: 78 degrees. Price: $139.99.

The Logitech StreamCam is a popular choice among streamers for its outstanding video quality and versatility. With its 1080p resolution at 60fps, it provides crisp and smooth video. 

The camera’s auto-focus and exposure settings ensure you stay sharp and well-lit, even in varying lighting conditions. The StreamCam’s 78-degree field of view strikes a balance between capturing your face and surroundings. It also comes with versatile mounting options, making it suitable for various setups.

Razer Kiyo Pro

Resolution: 1080p. Frame rate: 60fps. FOV: Adjustable (103, 90, and 80 degrees). Price: $119.99.

The Razer Kiyo Pro is designed with streaming in mind with a superior 1080p resolution and 60fps frame rate that deliver top-notch video quality. But in my opinion, what truly sets it apart is its adjustable field of view, allowing you to zoom in or out to frame your content precisely as you want. The Kiyo Pro excels in low-light conditions, thanks to its advanced sensor, ensuring you look your best even when the lighting isn’t ideal.

Elgato Facecam

Resolution: 1080p. Frame rate: 60fps. FOV: 82 degrees. Price: $149.99.

The Elgato Facecam is a premium webcam known for its exceptional video quality. With a 1080p resolution at 60fps and an 82-degree field of view, it offers the necessary clarity and flexibility that every streamer needs. 

With plug-and-play simplicity, compatibility with popular streaming software, and Elgato’s renowned build quality, the Facecam is your ticket to delivering captivating, crystal-clear content that will leave your audience spellbound, setting you apart in the world of streaming.

Logitech Brio Ultra HD Pro

Resolution: 4K/1080p. Frame rate: 30/60fps. FOV: 90 degrees. Price: $199.99.

The Logitech Brio Ultra HD Pro stands out for its remarkable 4K resolution, making it an excellent choice if you prioritize the highest possible video quality for your streams. However, it can also capture 1080p at 60fps for smoother motion. 

Its versatile mounting options, USB-C connectivity, and compatibility with major streaming platforms make setup a breeze, while the integrated infrared sensor opens up possibilities for secure face recognition and background removal.

In addition, the Brio’s 90-degree field of view provides ample coverage, and its versatile features make it suitable for various streaming setups.

AVerMedia Live Streamer Cam 513

Resolution: 4K/1080p. Frame rate: 30/60fps. FOV: 94 degrees. Price: $138.78.

Just like the Logitech Brio, the AVerMedia Live Streamer Cam 513 offers both 4K and 1080p streaming options, catering to a wide range of streaming needs.

The webcam’s advanced HDR technology ensures vibrant colors and precise detail, while the ultra-wide 94-degree field of view captures more of your surroundings, making it the perfect option for those who would like to show off more of their setup.

Equipped with a high-quality Sony sensor, versatile mounting options, and customizable settings via the user-friendly CamEngine software, the AVerMedia Live Streamer Cam 513 empowers you to create captivating and professional streams that stand out from the crowd.

Dell UltraSharp Webcam

Resolution: 4k/1080p/720p. Frame rate: 24/30/60fps. FOV: Adjustable (65, 78, and 90 degrees). Price: $199.99.

The Dell UltraSharp Webcam is another powerful and versatile webcam on this list that offers stunning 4K Ultra HD resolution.

With HDR support and automatic low-light correction, it ensures you look your best in any lighting condition, from bright daylight to dimly lit spaces, while the webcam’s wide field of view and high-quality optics capture your surroundings and deliver lifelike visuals, making it ideal for not only streaming but also professional video calls, and content creation in general. 

Its sleek and adjustable design ensures a perfect fit for any setup, while the built-in privacy shutter offers peace of mind when the camera is not in use. 

Setting Up Your Webcam: Tips and Techniques

Positioning

Place your webcam at eye level or slightly above, ensuring that your face is centered within the frame and maintain a direct line of sight to the camera to engage with your audience effectively. 

Consistent positioning not only enhances your appearance but also fosters a professional and engaging connection with your viewers, so once you find the perfect place for it, try to always keep it there. 

Lighting

Professional-level lighting not only makes you look your best on camera but also improves the overall aesthetics of your stream, contributing to a more engaging and visually appealing viewing experience for your audience. 

Proper lighting enhances visibility, eliminates shadows, and ensures your face is well-lit and clear. You could have the best webcam of the moment, but if you have poor lighting in your setup, it can make it look like any other ordinary webcam.

As someone just starting out with streaming, it’s advisable to begin with a basic yet effective lighting setup. Consider investing in affordable LED ring lights or softbox kits with adjustable brightness and color temperature settings. These lighting options are user-friendly, provide even illumination, and help eliminate harsh shadows

Framing

Framing is another crucial thing to do when setting up your webcam for streaming because it defines how your audience perceives you and your content.

Proper framing ensures that your face and upper body are centered, visible, and well-lit, allowing viewers to connect with you personally and engage more effectively with your content.

Try to frame yourself in the center of the shot, with some headroom and your upper body visible. Maintain good posture and avoid being too close to or too far from the camera.

Frequently Asked Questions About Green Screens

What is the ideal webcam resolution for streaming?

The ideal webcam resolution for streaming is typically 1080p (Full HD). This resolution strikes an excellent balance between video quality and streaming performance, providing sharp and clear visuals without overburdening your internet connection or requiring extensive processing power.

What are the best brands of webcams for streaming?

While there are many reputable brands that sell high-quality webcams, naturally the best (in our opinion at least), are those highlighted in this article: Logitech, Razer, Elgato, AVerMedia, and Dell. 

Are webcams with built-in microphones sufficient for streaming?

Webcams with built-in microphones can be sufficient for streaming, especially for beginners or those on a budget. These integrated microphones provide convenience and are suitable for capturing basic audio during streams.

However, for streamers aiming for top-tier audio quality or those working in noisy environments, dedicated external microphones will certainly offer superior sound clarity and noise reduction capabilities.

On a Budget? Take a Look at the 2 Best Webcams for Streaming

Those high-end cameras can be pretty steep for many individuals, so to offer you a valid alternative, I decided to include two webcams on this list in addition to the three cameras. These Webcams are purpose-built for PC camera interfaces, so many of the odd quirks and issues that come with the Mirrorless cameras above, simply aren’t present.

Of course, These webcams come with their own drawbacks and caveats, mostly related to the quality of the video. You can’t really create any shallow depth of field with them, so in order to get a bokeh effect, you’d need to utilize a green screen, or use something like the NVIDIA Broadcast app to fake it. Additionally, they have a tendency to not keep any exposure/gain settings intact on reboot. This has been a personal gripe for myself and my C920, specifically when recording a video over multiple days. Matching the lighting between shots is a pain, even if you use all of the same values.

But you can’t beat the ease-of-use that webcams offer over every other solution. It is, for the most part, plug and play.

A Cheap Alternative: Use Your Phone as a Webcam Using an App

Even webcams even beyond your reach? Well, you might already have a camera or two you can tap into. If you have an old phone sitting in a drawer doing nothing except collecting dust, you might be able to use that! Fun Fact: there are a few special apps available on the phone designed to latch onto the camera built into modern phones. With it, you are able to send the phone’s video feed to your PC, and from that, into your live streaming program of choice. I recommend either SLOBS or OBS Studio, but if you prefer another, It will most likely work with them too.

Please note that using a phone as a webcam will introduce a level of video latency. You will need to adjust the sync offset ratio for it in the Advanced audio properties. Additionally, you’ll need to employ the use of a special kind of tripod for your phone. Even still, this is easily the cheapest option of the bunch, assuming you are anything like me and have a bunch of old phones sitting in a drawer for nostalgia’s sake. Or, you could just use your current phone, assuming it isn’t a dinosaur.

I won’t be going into detail for these, just letting you know about what app you would need to accomplish this.

For Android phone users – Newtek HX Camera & DroidCam

To access the camera within an android device, you will need to download one of two apps: Droidcam, or Newtek HX Camera. There are others in the store, however, they are untested, so your mileage may vary.

The Newtek HX Camera is based on the NDI interface and is super new. There are a few kinks to work out regarding it, according to some reviews on the play store, but with their track record with the Desktop and iPhone apps, I have faith that it will improve dramatically.

As for Droidcam, that one has been around for awhile, and has had the chance to fix a lot of the bugs. It is a solid application.

For iPhone users – EpocCam & NDI HX Camera are your options

Finally, we reach the iPhone Users. You guys have access to the NDI HX Camera from NewTek, and EpocCam. The iPhone version of the NDI app is a bit more mature and works a bit more smoothly than the Android counterpart. The EpocCam app is designed by Corsair and has an OBS integration built right into the app itself, so setting it up is probably the easiest out of the many options that I have researched.

The iPhone camera on models newer than 8 is a work of art, and far exceed the quality of even the best webcams on the market.

And that about covers it for this article; Thanks for reading, and see you in the next one!

Conclusion

Overall, despite the few recommendations we have provided in this list, the best webcam for streaming in 2023 will ultimately depend on your specific needs and budget. However, rest assured that each of the webcams listed here offers excellent video quality, features, and performance, making any of them a great choice.  

Simply choose the one that you believe aligns better with your streaming goals, so you can elevate your content and engage with your audience more effectively. 

Remember that while a high-quality webcam is essential, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Don’t think that getting top-notch equipment will instantly bring you thousands of followers; creating engaging and authentic content remains the core of successful streaming.and never forget that.