Are you searching for the best budget webcam that will make you look fantastic during your video meetings without draining your bank account? It’s a tough line to walk. As video conferencing becomes a staple of the modern workplace, cameras are becoming increasingly advanced.
These days, there are endless options, including 4K webcams, AI-powered devices, and all-in-one solutions that combine microphones, speakers, and video streaming.
The good news? You don’t necessarily need the most luxurious option for everyday meetings. Many top video conferencing apps, like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, don’t even support 4k streaming. So you don’t need to go over 1080p (at least for now).
I’ve tried and tested some of the top (low-cost) webcams on the market, to bring you this list of my favorite affordable options. Let’s dive in.
The Best Budget Webcam: 6 Great Picks
There’s no shortage of options competing for the title of the “best budget webcam” these days. A quick search on Amazon will give you dozens of options. For this list, however, I focused on reputable, well-known vendors offering high-performance cameras with a great selection of features (for the lowest possible price).
Since your definition of a “budget” camera might vary depending on your available cash, I’ve tried to stick exclusively to cameras that will cost you $100 or less.
1. Poly Studio P5: Excellent Low Light Compensation
Pros:
- Excellent 1080p resolution
- Convenient privacy shutter
- 4 x zoom
- Great low-light functionality
Cons:
- No adjustable Field of View
- Limited noise cancelling
The Poly Studio P5 might not be the latest camera released by Poly and HP, but it’s one of the most reliable and affordable options I’ve used. This powerful little webcam works seamlessly with Zoom and Microsoft Teams and can often be found for $50 or less on sites like Amazon.
Alongside a fantastic 1080p resolution, this camera includes an impressive 4x Zoom, integrated autofocus and tracking, and a single directional microphone. Although the microphone isn’t great for noise canceling (in my opinion), it’s a handy extra for those quick video meetings.
My favorite thing about this camera is how well it adapts to low-light situations, which is great if, like me, you can’t rely much on natural light from outside to fill your office space. The software included with the camera is another strong point, allowing you to adjust hue, contrast, sharpness, and more until you’re sure you look your absolute best.
The biggest downside is that you can’t adjust the field of view on your website, but it’s hard to complain when you get so much functionality for such a low price point.
2. HP 320 FHD 1080p: Best Budget Webcam for 360-degree Swivel
Pros:
- 360-degree swivel and tripod support
- Integrated microphone
- Full HD 1080p resolution
- Ease of use
Cons:
- Primarily designed for Chromebook
- Limited field of view
If you’re looking for the best budget webcam under $50 and still want phenomenal 1080p video quality, the HP 320 FHD could be the perfect choice. This is one of the simplest webcams I’ve used, designed specifically for instant, anytime video conferencing.
Just plug in the camera, attach it to your monitor with a clip, and the system automatically adjusts to the light around you. One particularly great feature is that you get 360-degree swivel and tripod support, although the field of view is limited to 66 degrees.
Still, this lightweight webcam is a great device to have on hand when you’re traveling, working remotely, or heading to a hot-desking office. It works with just about every operating system and countless video conferencing platforms.
Like the Poly Studio, this camera has a 4x digital zoom feature, an integrated privacy shutter, and a single directional microphone.
3. Logitech C920s Pro HD: Best Budget Webcam from Logitech
Pros:
- Fantastic picture quality
- Excellent companion software
- Sleek and lightweight design
Cons:
- Limited 60FPS recording
- No field-of-view adjustment options
Logitech is usually one of the first companies I’ll consider when purchasing a new webcam (alongside other workplace accessories). Not only are the company’s plug-and-play cameras extremely easy to use, but they always offer reliable video quality and access to fantastic companion software.
The C920s Pro HD webcam costs less than $70 and delivers exceptional value for money. It has 1080p streaming resolution at 30FPS, a full HD glass lens, and an impressive 78-degree field of view. You can even adjust your FOV, a rare feature in budget-conscious cams.
Unlike most affordable cameras, this device also comes with a dual microphone system built-in, meaning your audio quality will be just as good as your video picture. I also love how effectively this camera adapts to low-light conditions, ensuring you’ll look amazing in any conference call.
As an added benefit, you can use the Logi Tune software to adjust everything from your zoom level to contrast, lighting, and sharpness.
4. Logitech Brio 300: Stylish and Sustainable
Pros:
- Exceptional microphone with noise cancellation
- USB-C plug-and-play connectivity
- Broad compatibility
- Great light correction
Cons:
- Limited Zoom
Want the best budget webcam for both your bank account, and the planet? Logitech could have the perfect solution. The Logitech Brio 300 webcam range combines 1080p resolution (at 30FPS), with a mono noise-reducing microphone for excellent video and audio quality.
It includes an integrated privacy shutter, is certified for Microsoft Teams and Zoom, and even includes access to Logi Tune to adjust your camera experience.
What really sets this camera apart, in my opinion, is its sustainable design. This is one of the few cameras available today that will reduce your electronic waste signature, as it’s made with 48% recycled plastic. Still, if you’re not overly concerned about the environment, this camera still has a lot to offer, from sensational automatic light correction to a simple plug-and-play design.
The biggest downside is there’s only a 1x digital zoom option, so it’s not ideal if you want to focus in on your face during a video conference.
5. Microsoft LifeCam Studio: Excellent Professional Quality
Pros:
- Integrated color and light correction
- Premium sound recording
- Excellent wide field of view
Cons:
- Slightly clunky design
Created by Microsoft, the LifeCam Studio is a slight upgrade from Microsoft’s other budget-friendly camera, the “modern webcam”. While both options offer excellent 1080p resolution and 30FPS capture, as well as built-in features for image enhancement, I think this camera is just a little more robust. It’s not the most attractive option, but it delivers great results.
The LifeCam Studio webcam features a wideband microphone for crystal-clear sound and 360-degree rotating capabilities. It also offers 3x digital and optical zoom, state-of-the-art color and lighting correction, and support for augmented reality effects.
Like most of the best budget webcam options, this one features a plug-and-play design and works seamlessly with all of the conferencing software you might already use, like Microsoft Teams. It’s also a pretty durable device with a water-resistant coating, which might come in handy if you’re carrying your camera with you on the go.
6. Razer Kiyo Pro: Best Budget Webcam for 60FPS Streaming
Pros:
- 1080p 60FPS streaming
- High-performance adaptive light sensor
- Adjustable FOV with a wide-angle lens
- Great companion software
Cons:
- Pricier than most alternatives
The Razer Kiyo Pro only just made it into this list of the best budget webcam options, as it’s currently available from certain retailers for just under $100. Originally, this camera would have cost you a pretty hefty $200. One of the top-rated cameras on Amazon, the Kiyo Pro combines 1080p video quality with up to 60FPS streaming for a buttery-smooth visual experience.
It’s also one of the most durable cameras I’ve seen, with a fitted lens uniquely formulated with Gorilla Glass 3 to protect against chips and scratches. The Kiyo Pro automatically adjusts to any lighting and even includes access to software you can use to enhance every image.
Plus, there are integrated omnidirectional microphones, perfect for video conferencing. Notably, while I think the companion software is excellent, it can take a little work to understand when you’re first setting your camera up.
If you can get past the initial configuration headaches, however, this could be a great camera for not just meetings, but video recording and hybrid events too!
How to Choose the Best Budget Webcam
Hopefully, the options above have given you a good insight into some of the best cameras available for budget-conscious consumers. If you’re still struggling make a choice, here are a few points to consider:
- Resolution: You’ll notice all the budget webcams I’ve listed offer at least 1080p resolution. Although that’s the maximum you can use with a conferencing software like Zoom, I’d definitely recommend sticking to 1080p at a minimum. You could always upgrade to 4K too, just remember most conferencing software won’t support it.
- Field of view: Your Field of View, or FOV determines how much space you can capture. Most videoconferencing cameras offer a FOV of between 75 to 90 degrees. However, it’s always helpful to have the option to adjust your FOV for different circumstances. For instance, you might need a wider FOV for a huddle room conference.
- Image correction: Integrated image correction features, like auto focus, low light correction, and color correction are fantastic for boosting the quality of your image. Some cameras can even eliminate visual noise, or add filters to your video stream. Plus, you can find options like Logi Tune and Poly’s integrated software that allow you to make granular adjustments.
- Integrated microphones: While you can always use a separate microphone with your budget friendly webcam, an integrate microphone makes life a little easier. Ideally, you’ll want a high-quality mic with built-in noise cancellation, to eliminate background distractions. Fortunately, most cameras have their own noise-cancelling microphones these days.
- Other features: Alongside all of the features above, you might want to consider extra options, like 360-degree automatic swivelling, digital zoom, and the addition of a privacy cover for hybrid work security. Some cameras even have built-in AI features these days, but you might need to pay a little more for that kind of functionality.
Choose the Best Budget Webcam for Video Calls
Notably, I’ve only shared a handful of great options if you’re looking for the best budget webcam for video conferencing. There are plenty of other options out there, but you might be a little restricted depending on your budget. If you’re willing to spend a little extra, I’d definitely recommend checking out options like the Cisco Webex Desk camera, the Logitech Streamcam, or the Insta360 Link.
Additionally, keep in mind that you can always take things to the next level, by exploring video bars specially designed for individual users or smaller meeting rooms.
Check out the other reviews and lists here on UC Today for more of the best webcams, endpoints, and devices for your next video meeting.
