To find the best webcam for Youtube, you’ll need to determine the features that are right for you and your home. We recommend that you favor webcams that record video at a minimum of 1080p and 30FPS frame rates, and offer plug-and-play functionality with all major editing and media suites for MacOs, Windows, and ChromeOS, with additional connectivity to Android and iOS. Additional features to look for include Ultra HD/4K video recording capability, a high-precision glass lens, image correction technology like autofocus and low light compensation, and high-SPL dual stereo mics with noise cancellation.
After analyzing hundreds of reviews amongst a multitude of products with varying price points and features, we’ve determined that the Logitech C922x is the best webcam for Youtube you can buy on the market today. Keep reading about this, and our other top picks to learn more about the best webcams on the market.
Top 10 Best Webcams for Youtube
#1 Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam for Youtube
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: Game streaming-friendly frame rates, advanced image correction features, full stereophonic high-SPL mics, and extra-wide 78-degree FOV for a go-to choice in professional content creation.
- Precise autofocus
- High-speed frame rates for gaming content
- High-quality tabletop tripod included
- Updates require manual installation
The Logitech C922x Pro Stream is a 1080p/30FPS or 720p/60FPS webcam designed with professional content creation on major platforms, including Youtube and Twitch in mind. Its precision glass lens is augmented by advanced low-light compensation and fast autofocus for sharp, clear images at both resolutions, and its dual microphones capture true stereophonic audio with automatic noise cancellation and a high SPL for distortion-free sound.
Updates are performed manually, but are simple and fast and require no software expertise. The Logitech C922x’s superb image quality, game-streaming-friendly 60FPS mode, high fidelity sound, and plug-and-play functionality combined with its full compatibility with Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Android make it a powerhouse for Youtubers and other professional content creators, and it even comes with a high-quality tabletop tripod for increased mounting options. It’s a top-quality choice for anyone in search of the best webcams for Chromebook.
#2 Logitech C920S HD Pro Webcam for Youtube
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: A privacy shutter offers security from hackers and protection from the elements, while an extra wide-angle glass and a huge range of platform compatibility make it a great, safety-minded all-arounder.
- Full high def/30FPS video
- Plug and play for all major platforms
- Advanced autofocus
- Bulkier than some models
The Logitech C920S is a 1080p/30 FPS webcam with an extra wide-angle glass lens and a built-privacy shutter for security from hackers and protection from the elements when not in use.
It features advanced, fast autofocus and plug-and-play compatibility with a huge range of streaming, video calling, and content creation platforms for Windows, macOS, and Chrome Os, and its flexible, tripod-compatible mount gives it extra adjustability.
It’s somewhat bulkier than some models available, but its light weight means it’s still very much a good fit for nearly any device while still being a sturdy and durable piece of hardware. Its consistent subject clarity, image fidelity, wide-angle glass lens, and security-minded design make it a great choice for content creators and professionals who need a safe, reliable video calling option. It’s a great option if you want the best webcams for conference rooms.
#3 Logitech BRIO Webcam for Youtube
Award: BEST RESOLUTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: High FPS and Ultra HD video recording and modern image and framing features like facial recognition software make it a high-end option for pro content creators.
- 5x Zoom
- HDR-capable for deep shadow and color
- 4K/30FPS and 1080p/60FPS video
- Higher price point than many models
The Logitech BRIO is a 4K/30FPS and 1080p/60FPS Ultra HD webcam designed to deliver exceptional image quality with generous framing and image modification options for Youtubers, professional game streamers, and general live streaming. Advanced features include 5x digital zoom, low-light compensation, and RightLight™ 3 tech for HDR for rich, deep color and shadow. Multiple aspect ratio options such as ultra-widescreen add even more variety of shooting and editing options.
Its exceptional performance and host of advanced features come with a higher price point than many in its class. However, for some of the highest-fidelity results available from external webcams and the huge range of creative options it offers, it’s hard to beat. For wireless options, check out our best wireless webcams buying guide.
#4 Logitech C930e Webcam for Youtube
Award: BEST FOR HIGH-SPEED STREAMING
WHY WE LIKE IT: An extra-wide FOV, advanced video encoding for fast, hitch-free streaming, and uncommon framing options, including zoom and tilt, give it plenty of creative content possibilities with top-quality fidelity.
- 30% more field of vision than most
- Optimized for major streaming platforms
- UVC H.264 in-camera video encoding for fast, smooth streams
- Bulkier design than some models
The Logitech C930e is a 1080p/30FPS webcam optimized for both streaming and video calling platforms like Microsoft Lync, Youtube, and Skype, which utilizes patented UVC H.264 in-camera video encoding for smoother, faster streams than many models in the class. Advanced shot features like 4x zoom, tilt, and pan, and an extra-wide 90-degree field of view glass lens allow for a wide array of creative options for content creators, and stereo dual microphones capture crisp, low-distortion audio.
It’s slightly bulkier than many similar models in class and may fit more awkwardly on some smaller devices. However, its huge range of adjustability in mounting and framing and excellent picture and sound quality combined with optimizing for streaming and video conferencing platforms and apps make it a versatile performer for professional content creation, making it one of the best webcams for streaming on our list.
#5 Razer Kiyo Webcam for Youtube
Award: BEST FOR LOW ILLUMINATION SHOOTING
WHY WE LIKE IT: Compact and portable, with a built-in ring light for low light shooting and plug-and-play compatibility with all major gaming consoles.
- Powerful, integrated illuminator
- High-speed frame rate mode
- Compact, folding, portable design
- External mic required for optimal audio
The Razer Kiyo is a compact, lightweight 720p/60FPS or 1080p/30FPS webcam great for professional game streaming and professional content creation, even in challenging shooting conditions. Its built-in ring light helps manage shadows and compensate for low-light shooting, and its low-bulk folding design adds portability and fits well on any size device.
Its built-in mic doesn’t perform on the level of some in its class when it comes to SPL, but the high-speed shooting option and plug-and-play compatibility with all major gaming consoles makes it a great choice for game streaming. Moreover, its space-saving, compact foldability, and low light compensation design make it great for the discrete shooting of any professional content. It’s one of the best gaming accessories for professional gamers on our list.
#6 Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 Webcam for Youtube
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: A built-in laptop mount and desktop stand, digital zoom and other image correction and framing options, and plug-and-play compatibility with all major platforms for versatility at an exceptional value.
- TrueColor patented tech for rich color
- Digital pan, tilt, and 4x zoom
- Universal mount for laptops, desktops, notebooks, and monitors
- 720p resolution only
The Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 is an external webcam that records video at 720p/30FPS and features a variety of image enhancement and correction options, such as digital pan, digital tilt, and 4x digital zoom. Its built-in dual microphone captures quality audio with automatic noise reduction, and its universal mount/base/tabletop tripod gives you a wide variety of mounting and placement options.
The 720p/30FPS maximum resolution is lower than some professional YouTubers, and content creators will prefer, but its TrueColor image technology gives its lower-resolution images exceptional color depth and richness. Its variety of shooting modes, image correction features, and high framing and mounting adjustability makes it an extremely versatile webcam of great value. Paired with the best selfie light, you have a truly budget-friendly setup for content creation.
#7 Ausdom 640 HD Webcam for Youtube
Award: BEST AUDIO CAPTURE
WHY WE LIKE IT: Wide field of view, image correction technology, and HD video capture round out a full-featured option with high-performance audio and a noise-canceling stereo microphone.
- Noise-canceling stereo mic
- 90-degree FOV
- Autofocus and low light compensation
- Fairly bulky build
The Audsom Full HD is a 1080p resolution, 30FPS webcam with a 90-degree wide-angle lens excellent for video calling and high-SPL stereo dual built-in microphones for exceptionally clear, no-distortion audio. Features like fast autofocus and low light compensation help make framing great shots quick and easy, along with its full compatibility and optimization for most major content and streaming platforms like Youtube.
Its advanced digital sound features add some weight and bulk, but it’s still easily mountable on most laptops and notebooks. Its exceptional video quality and image correction feature, combined with its exceptional audio performance, make it great for conferences and noisy events where a defined, low-noise stereo sound image is crucial, or content creation where audio plays a key role. You might also want to check out the best webcams for Skype.
#8 Microsoft LifeCam Studio Webcam for Youtube
Award: BEST FOR WINDOWS USERS
WHY WE LIKE IT: A multi-element glass lens, ClearFrame image technology, and extra-wide FOV augment a high performer optimized for Windows specialty streaming and content platforms.
- 1080p/30FPS or 720p/60FPS
- Face tracking autofocus
- Designed and optimized for MS Lync video platform
- Less plug-and-play integration with macOS
The Microsoft LifeCam Cinema is a 1080p/30FPS or 720p/60FPS external webcam optimized for Microsoft’s Lync video calling and content-creation platform. The precision glass lens combined with its patented ClearFrame and TrueColor technology provides focus, clarity, and richness to images, while the high fidelity built-in dual microphone captures high-end audio for any purpose.
Its Windows-focused optimization means slightly less plug-and-play functionality for macOS platforms and devices, though it’s still fully compatible. However, advanced features like face-tracking autofocus and patented imaging software make it a top choice for Windows-based content creators and streamers. For Mac users, you’ll want to choose one of the best webcams for Mac instead.
#9 Mevo Plus Webcam for Youtube
Award: BEST ON-BOARD EDITING
WHY WE LIKE IT: 4K video recording and an advanced image processor combined with full-featured in-camera editing software for a powerhouse digital media hardware and software suite.
- Advanced image and framing features
- 2160p image resolution
- Full mobile device compatibility
- On the expensive side
The Mevo Plus is a 1080p/60FPS and 4K/30FPS external webcam and digital editing suite with an advanced image processor and precision glass lens. Its full-featured in-camera editing software is fully compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, allowing live streamers and other content creators to shoot, edit, and upload professional-quality media on-site and upload quickly to Youtube or other content platforms.
Its variety of advanced features include zoom, autofocus, and low light correction and its exceptional performance and versatility come with a considerably higher price point than many in the class. However, for professional quality content creation, whether on location or in the studio, it’s a complete digital media production option for everything from Youtube content to conferencing to professional 4k game streaming. You might also like our best gaming chair buying guide for next-level game streaming.
#10 Creative Blasterx Senz3D Webcam for Youtube
Award: BEST ADVANCED FEATURES
WHY WE LIKE IT: A modern, sophisticated option with advanced technology such as a depth-sensing infrared sensor, motion tracking for easy framing of fast-moving subjects, and facial recognition autofocus.
- Bluetooth and mobile app connectivity
- Intel RealSense tech offers facial recognition and gesture response
- Voice-controllable integration with Cortana
- Something of a learning curve for newcomers
- High price point in class
The Creative Blasterx Senz3D is a super-modern 1080p/30FPS infrared-equipped webcam with a large variety of cutting-edge features and tech that make it an innovative video tool offering many creative possibilities. A unique three-lens design captures complex visual data using an RGB camera, an infrared camera, and a depth sensing-laser projector for advanced facial recognition, body gesture recognition, and motion detection.
Additional advanced features like background replacement for green-screen effects, precise autofocus, and digital zoom make for an impressive media tool that, nonetheless may be overbuilt for some more casual streamers and content creators who want to avoid a high learning curve. However, its innovative tech and high image and sound quality offer possibilities not available to most webcams on the market.
How We Decided
We preferred webcams that record video at a minimum of 1080p and frame rates of 30FPS, preferably capable of 4K and 60FPS for professional game streaming and high-fidelity Youtube content creation. We favored webcams that offer plug-and-play functionality with all major editing and media suites for MacOs, Windows, and ChromeOS, with additional connectivity to Android and iOS.
We also liked webcams with high-precision, multi-element glass lenses and image correction and modification features like precise autofocus and low light compensation. Other advanced imaging features like facial-recognition autofocus, automatic frame finding, and motion sensors were also appreciated.
Finally, we liked webcams with high-SPL (sound pressure level) stereo dual microphones featuring built-in noise cancellation for clear, distortion-free audio capture.. We also liked webcams with extra wide-angle lenses (75-degree FOV or higher), and which connected via USB-3 or Thunderbolt for the highest transfer speeds and lowest latency video calling possible. Proprietary video compression technology for faster uploads and less hard drive bloat was also appreciated. It’s certainly one of the best computer accessories for content creators.
Best Webcam For Youtube Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- HD Video Recording
Though resolutions of 720p are acceptable for video calling and casual live streaming, at this point, the minimum specs for most original YouTube or other streaming service content are 1080p video. This guideline also includes webcams for vlogging. Moreover, if you’re unsure what does vlog mean, we have a guide that will help you.- Frame rates of 30FPS are adequate for most kinds of content, but professional game streamers often prefer 60FPS frame rates to match those of modern gaming consoles and high-end PC gaming.
- In that case, if you’re a pro game streamer, then you’ll want to look at high-end webcams for Twitch, as well as 4K vs 1080p webcams, especially if you want higher resolution while streaming.
- Ultra HD, 4K resolutions, while producing some dazzling images, usually aren’t necessary for most Youtube content, though again, for professional gaming, some content creators will want to match the 4k resolutions of their high-performance PC gaming rigs.
- It’s important to remember that higher resolutions and frame rates come with much higher file sizes, which means slower transfers and using more hard drive space.
- In short, learn which web cameras will work best for you by perusing our Logitech webcam roundup.
- Alternatively, you can also compare cameras, as you’ll see in our Razer Kiyo vs Kiyo Pro article. Or, review camera auto focus vs manual focus on a webcam for a more in-depth resolution setup.
- Sound
If you’re using the webcam to record your sound, then you want to make sure it’s capable of recording high-quality sound without distortion and clipping. A condenser mic with a high sound pressure level (SPL) and a wide dynamic range is desirable. Features like noise cancellation are also great for video conferencing purposes. It should also be able to record at least 16-bit, 44.4k sound files in the WAV, AIFF, or high-quality compressed format like MP4. If you are using a dedicated external mic like a USB mic, make sure you have enough ports on your laptop or desktop for both the mic or audio interface AND the webcam- USB, mini-USB, and thunderbolt connections are all common for webcams, audio interfaces, and, obviously, USB mics. Secondly, make sure your webcam’s dedicated software or the software that it connects to syncs easily to your sound source or records the sound itself. - High-Speed Connectivity and Plug and Play Functionality
While the fastest data streaming connections are Thunderbolt and USB-3 or USB-C, many models feature USB-2 or mini USB instead. This, however, doesn’t necessarily mean significant decreases in transfer speeds and increased video calling latency, as some external webcams also feature proprietary video compression technology that creates smaller file sizes without noticeable loss in fidelity.- Given the wide variety of options available to streamers when it comes to getting your content edited, transferred, compressed, and uploaded, a webcam that offers a variety of connectivity options is ideal, but keep in mind your needs as a content creator and make sure the ease of use is maintained even with a multitude of options and features.
- Webcams that connect to mobile devices can also be handy, either for using your device as a remote control or for using an Android or iOS editing app or video suite app to get your content online.
- Plus, understanding how webcam connectivity works will help you know when your webcam is on and when it’s off.
