One option is a Mac compatible USB webcam with a mic which most (but not all) webcams incorporate. However, separate headsets or earbuds can help you have a far better videoconferencing or Mac Skype call experience and help minimize background noise, echo and feedback. So, sit back, relax and get ready to find the best webcam for your setup. Luckily, the best webcams are about to get a lot cheaper – Black Friday and Cyber Monday are right around the corner.
If you don’t own a webcam, you should get one ASAP. It’s one of those things that seems unnecessary until you have one, and then it suddenly becomes useful for all kinds of things.
In the past year, I’ve used my own webcam for home surveillance, one-on-one video chats, and multi-user video conferences. Other uses include vlogging on YouTube and streaming video games. If you’re keen on earning a bit of side income, there are even ways to make money with a webcam.
![Best Streaming Webcam For Mac Best Streaming Webcam For Mac](/uploads/1/3/3/9/133947964/680188982.jpg)
Best buy my passport for mac. And the best part? You don’t need to spend much at all. Webcams are quite affordable compared to other kinds of gadgets, and you can find several high-quality options for less than $60. But we’ve done the work for you! Here are the best budget webcams currently available.
What to Look for When Buying a Webcam
Webcams are simple, but there are a few things you should keep in mind before diving in. Knowing what the following specifications mean will help you make the best webcam decision for your budget.
- Resolution. The higher, the better. These days, a webcam with a resolution under 720p (1280 x 720 pixels) just isn’t worth getting. On the other hand, 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels) is nice but unnecessary. Note that bigger resolutions require more bandwidth!
- Frame rate. The higher, the better. The standard right now is 30 frames per second, which isn’t exactly smooth but still good. Ignore any webcam under 15 frames per second. Note that while 60 frames per second looks great, it requires much more bandwidth.
- Adjustability. There’s nothing worse than a picture-perfect webcam that can only stare at the wall because it lacks adjustability. At the very least, it should tilt up and down. Trust me, you do not want to deal with the frustrations of a rigid webcam!
- Autofocus. This is a convenience feature, but it’s a big one, especially if you’re going to be moving around a lot on camera (which includes leaning in and out or moving side to side).
What about microphone quality? I’ve found that the built-in mics for most webcams, whether $5 or $50, are simply bad. They’ll do in a pinch, but if you actually care about sound, you should buy a dedicated microphone. These “podcast” microphones are great entry-level, affordable options.
1. Logitech HD Pro C920
Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920, Widescreen Video Calling and Recording, 1080p Camera, Desktop or Laptop WebcamLogitech HD Pro Webcam C920, Widescreen Video Calling and Recording, 1080p Camera, Desktop or Laptop Webcam Buy Now On Amazon $59.18
The Logitech HD Pro C920 has been our favorite webcam for years and there are no signs that this will change anytime soon. In terms of bang for your buck, it blows all other contenders out of the water.
Yes, it can shoot in 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second. Yes, it can autofocus. For still images, it can even capture at 15 MP. While the C920 does tilt up and down, it’s a shame that it doesn’t pan side to side.
This webcam is flexible enough to mount almost anywhere, and it even has a tripod mounting point, but the body is a bit bulky and doesn’t “fold down” like other Logitech webcams, making it less ideal for travel. But for day-to-day use at this price point, it can’t be beaten.
Best Webcams For Mac
2. Microsoft LifeCam Studio
Microsoft LifeCam Studio for BusinessMicrosoft LifeCam Studio for Business Buy Now On Amazon $59.95
Right away, you’ll notice that the Microsoft LifeCam Studio is ugly. It has the stiff, cold aesthetic that most Microsoft products tend to have. But if you can get past that, you’ll find that the LifeCam Studio is pretty darn good.
It can shoot in 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second and comes with some nice features like autofocus, color correction in low-light situations, and Skype certification. And unlike most webcams, its microphone isn’t terrible (this model was designed for business conferencing).
Like the C920, the LifeCam Studio has a tripod mount. Unlike the C920, the LifeCam Studio can tilt up and down and swivel around in 360 degrees, which makes positioning much easier. And no, it’s not only for Windows.
3. Logitech HD C615
If you like the C920 but can’t abide its lack of adjustability or don’t want to pay that much for a webcam, then consider the Logitech HD C615. The drop in price does come at a cost, though.
It can shoot in 1080p resolution but not at 30 frames per second. The image quality isn’t as sharp and the autofocus is slower and less accurate. Best stock analysis app for mac. But compared to other webcams at this price, the C615 absolutely wins.
The C615 has a tripod mount like the C920, but the C615’s is better because it can tilt and pan. Plus, the C615 folds down and fits inside a tiny portable case, making it the ideal choice for frequent travelers.
4. iRush GUCEE HD92
Webcam 720P, HD92 Full HD Web Camera with Microphone, Skype Webcams Crystal Clear Video Wide Angle, USB Web Cam for PC Laptop Desktop Notebook, Compatible with Windows 10/8 / 7 and Mac OS XWebcam 720P, HD92 Full HD Web Camera with Microphone, Skype Webcams Crystal Clear Video Wide Angle, USB Web Cam for PC Laptop Desktop Notebook, Compatible with Windows 10/8 / 7 and Mac OS X Buy Now On Amazon
The iRush GUCEE HD92 is a newcomer webcam from a not-so-well-known company with a polarizing aesthetic design, but delivers quite the punch for its price. It’s hard to say anything about long-term reliability yet, so I only recommend it if you’re willing to take a risk.
But for just one-third the price of the C920, the HD92 shoots in 720p at 30 frames per second with excellent image quality (thanks to its glass lens). It also automatically adjusts image quality in low-light situations. A big downside is that still images are only 2 MP.
The mounting clip is sturdy and the webcam itself has tilting and 360-degree swiveling for optimal positioning.
5. Genius WideCam F100
Genius 120-degree Ultra Wide Angle Full HD Conference Webcam(WideCam F100)Genius 120-degree Ultra Wide Angle Full HD Conference Webcam(WideCam F100) Buy Now On Amazon $49.99
Webcam For Mac
The Genius WideCam F100 serves a slightly different purpose than the others on this list. Whereas most webcams have a field of view between 50 to 90 degrees, this one’s field of view is 120 degrees. (A wider field of view can “fit more” in the image.)
Able to shoot in 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second, the F100 is nothing to sneeze at. Combine that with the wide angle and you have a webcam that’s perfect for situations like conference rooms with lots of people. Note that the wide angle does produce a bit of fish-eye distortion.
The F100 lacks autofocus, but that shouldn’t be a problem for its designed use cases. If you want to take still images, the F100 captures at 12 MP. It also has 360-degree swiveling for easy positioning.
Crucial Tips for All Webcam Users
Once you’ve chosen the right webcam for your needs, keep going and learn about how to look good on a webcam. Aside from common sense, there are a few tricks and tips that can help improve your camera presence.
And don’t forget that webcams can be hacked. Few things are more unnerving than the idea of some random person spying on you in your house through your own camera! Which is why we recommend covering your webcam when it’s not being usedWhy You Should Disable or Cover Your Webcam Right NowWhy You Should Disable or Cover Your Webcam Right NowIf you aren't careful, hackers can easily gain access to your webcam and spy on you without your knowledge. So you have two options: disable the camera or cover it up.Read More.
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- I keep reading that the C920 is not fully compatible with Windows 10, it has to be used in Win 7/8 to fully use its capabilities and that the high sensitivity of the microphone can be an issue.
Any comments? - All great suggestions!!!I am looking for a camera do video conferencing with my family in Europe and Asia. I currently use an old SONY HD camcoder with my media center PC that is connecte dto my TV in my living room.Any great suggestions?
- I think this is true for amazon and probably other stores based in US. Here in my country (Albania) the prices are really high. For example, you can find Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 for about €85 (around $105). Also in other countries in Europe prices are really high compared to amazon.com
Anyway, my favorite one is still C920, having one of the best video quality. As for the audio, I prefer Blue Microphones' Snowball. - The logitech C920 is a great camera, i bought one for both me an my girlfriend around 6 months ago. But I'd like to mention that pricing items for an article might not be the greatest idea around black friday sales. Yes, I seen it on sale over the past weekend for around 49.99, but now it is back up to 59.99 on amazon which is still cheaper than when I bought it which was 70 dollars each. It's official 'retail value' is still 99.99. Yes 59.99 isn't that much of a big deal, but it is still over the 50 dollar budget and it is definitely not normally priced at 50 dollars.
Also, to NOT comment on audio quality is a horrible decision. the microphone quality on the C920 is amazing, from my experience. It blocks out all background noise and works better than the mic on my expensive headset. - The webcam can be excellent but take into account that if you want to stream in HD you need a fast internet connection. Best gaming mouse for mac.
- that's the big thing to consider, both upload and download speeds.
- I use Logitech 922 which is one of the best and most popular cameras for live streams or use with recording to programs like Wirecast. Also I have USB over Ethernet software https://www.eltima.com/products/usb-over-ethernet/ which allows accessing my webcam remotely
- All great suggestions, Joel! I own a couple of those Logitech C920 -- the price has definitely come down. It is an excellent web cam that works quite nicely with Windows 8.1.
- Actually, I purchased two of them by mistake. I purchased the second for my son's Windows 7 computer, but he had needs that transcended the utility of the C920 on a Windows 7 computer. I ended up purchasing an older-model (and cheaper) Microsoft web cam for his computer that fit the bill, and now I have a leftover C920. I guess you live and you learn.