It would be great to have a cut-and-dried answer for what the best choice of webcam is; after all, who wants to slog through endless product reviews in order to make sure you’re getting the right one? However, it just isn’t that simple. Do you need a webcam for all those work-related Zoom meetings and video chats on the CamSurf app, or do you just want a better setup for your random video chats? Maybe you’re upgrading your gaming equipment, and you need a high-quality webcam that’ll capture everything as it happens.
There isn’t a perfect one-size-fits-all webcam for Mac computers, but below you’ll find the next-best thing: a roundup of various webcam models that can give you the specific features you need at the best possible price.
When you’re choosing your webcam, these are the features that it needs to get right:
- Frame rates – for a smooth video, you need at least 25-30 fps (frames per second).
- Resolution – hopefully HD, 4K is better.
- Extra features – a built-in mic, autofocus, noise reduction, and brightness adjustment, etc.
- Connection standards – modern laptops favor USB-C ports, while most webcams come with a USB 3.0 connection. Newer models are often available with USB-C connections, though.
- Apps – Some webcams have companion apps which let you personalize settings and ensure compatibility with other programs.
1. Wansview – Best budget webcam
- FPS – 30
- Resolution – 1080p
- Built-in mic – yes (with noise cancellation)
- Extra features – adjustable clip, low-light correction, USB 2.0 connection
- Field of view – 90°
- Price – $24.99
The Wansview webcam can give you decent HD picture quality even in low-light environments, which is impressive considering that you typically have to pay twice what this camera costs for similar features. The mic does a good job of picking up on your voice and ignoring background noise. The main drawback is that there’s no autofocus – you’ll have to manually adjust the lens. Use it as you work at home, or for casual video chatting.
2. AUKEY FHD – Value for money
- FPS – 30
- Resolution – 1080p
- Built-in mic – 2 (noise-reducing)
- Extra features – adjustable clip and hinges
- Field of view – unknown
- Price – $29.99
This affordable Aukey webcam will deliver a sharp image for any video chat, whether you’re using Skype, Zoom, or a video chat site. You can even use it in tandem with Streamlabs OBS software to create your own video content. The image stays clear for objects up to five meters away, and you can set it up almost anywhere – attach it to your laptop or computer, or use any flat surface for your setup.
3. Logitech C930e – Best webcam for business meetings
- FPS – 30
- Resolution – 1080p
- Built-in mic – yes (2 omnidirectional)
- Extra features – tripod-ready universal clip, 4x digital zoom, high-speed USB 2.0 certified (USB 3.0 ready)
- Field of view – 90°
- Price – $78.50
This camera works well with video services like Cisco, Skype for Business, Zoom, Broadsoft, LifeSize Cloud, BlueJeans, and Vidyo. You have the option to record at 1920×1080 resolution, and you can feel free to move around – the automatic light correction and autofocus features will ensure consistency and quality. The H264 video compression minimizes lag, while the versatile design lets you set it up almost anywhere you want (including on a tripod).
4. Razer Kiyo – Best webcam for streaming
- FPS – 60
- Resolution – 1080p
- Built-in mic – yes
- Extra features – autofocus, includes ring light, gets regular firmware updates
- Field of view – 81.6°
- Price – $117.60
If you want a camera that’ll make your live-streams look great, the Razer Kiyo is a solid choice. Use 720p resolution at 60fps, or 1080p at 30fps; one will show off the agility of your gaming avatar without lagging or stuttering, and the other will give you a sharp, crisp image for situations where there’s less movement. Even with the ring light, it’s a pretty compact camera. The software isn’t compatible with Mac, though, so Mac users won’t be able to fully customize their settings.
5. Logitech Brio – Best 4K webcam
- FPS – 30
- Resolution – 1080p, 4K
- Built-in mic – yes (2 omnidirectional)
- Extra features – several connection options (USB 2.0, 3.0, Types C and A)
- Field of view – 90°
- Price – $167.69
- FPS – 60
- Resolution – 1080p
- Built-in mic – yes
- Extra features – Autofocus, facial tracking, supports vertical video, USB-C 3.1 connectivity
- Field of view – 78°
- Price – $189.99
- FPS – 30
- Resolution – 720p, 1080p
- Built-in mic – yes (2, with automatic noise reduction)
- Extra features – automatic low-light correction, universal clip (tripod-ready), 5-foot cable
- Field of view – 78°
- Price – $79.97
- If you want a 4K camera for your Mac, this is one of the best ones you can find. It’s suitable for both live-streaming and recording videos, with high sound quality and automatic adjustments for contrast and exposure. The versatile connection options are a plus, but the 4K video will only work with USB 3.0. Manually zoom as much as 5x, and change the field of view between 65°, 78°, or 90°.
6. Logitech Streamcam – Best webcam for content creators
If you want to make videos for YouTube, Twitter, or Instagram, this could be the camera for you. Streaming is also easy, with optimization for OBS (Open Broadcaster Software). The USB-C ensures speedy video transfers so you won’t have to deal with lagging, but if you’re using an older Mac without a USB-C port you’ll need an adapter, which will interfere with the camera’s performance. There’s no external mic setup needed, and the 78° field of view will work for most situations (except where a wide-angle lens is required).
7. Logitech C920 – Editor’s choice
If you need a webcam that’s suitable for anything from video conferences to recording content for YouTube, this is a great pick. The 2 microphones give you stereo sound without picking up on background noise, and the autofocus keeps you looking sharp. There are pricier options with more flashy features, but for an affordable, all-purpose webcam, you can’t go wrong with this one.
If you’ve been spending more time indoors, webcams can be your best bet for staying connected. They aren’t just fun; they also help you keep up with friends, family, and the world in general.
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