Most laptops are coming out of the box with sub-par 480p or 720p cameras. This is why getting an HD web camera only makes more sense for anyone who wants a better quality for video conference calls, recording videos, or streaming games.
Since we already wrote about vlogging cameras, let’s get into why you need a webcam for video conferencing.
It provides higher video resolution, better flexibility, enables multiple persons to participate, and offers other advanced features (like auto-focus capabilities). In any of these use cases, it will help you look more professional.
Logitech Meetup HD conferencing system features a 4K camera with the 120-degree field of view, 5x optical zoom, and a built-in audio system.
To help you in the search for the right webcam for your video conferencing needs, we scoured the Internet and analyzed reviews from forums, review sites, and manufacturers’ websites and found 10 webcams that are regularly voted as best for video calls.
Things to Consider
Since the market is overflowing with webcams – some better, some worse – it can be hard to know where to start and what exactly to look for. To make your search easier, here are the four things you should pay attention to when selecting a webcam for your video conferencing needs:
1. Video resolution
Video resolution defines the quality of video – the higher the resolution, the better the video – so it should be the first thing to look into when choosing a webcam for video conferencing.
Good video recording and streaming capabilities can help mitigate the situations when the quality of the Internet connection is less than satisfactory, reducing the chance of pixelated, grainy, or frozen video.
2. Field of View
Unlike a standard webcam, the conferencing webcam typically has a wider field of view, i.e. is able to include multiple participants in one frame. This is especially useful if you’re doing a call where you have to include two or three people in the video.
For work meetings, you can either use a camera that is mounted on the wall or the one that can rotate and provide a full 360-degree view. The wide angle can be supplemented by other handy options like auto-flip, panning, tilting, zooming, and so on.
3. Audio quality
Some conference webcams come equipped with their own built-in audio system, enhancing the quality of sound transferred between the participants.
Some of these systems feature omnidirectional stereo microphones that can detect sound from far away and cancel any background noise that might occur in your environment. If audio quality is one of your top priorities, then one these webcams might be the best for you.
4. Ease of use
It is important that your webcam is easy to deploy, as well as compatible and optimized to work with your PC or laptop and communication app(s), without having to install any separate software or adjust any settings. In other words, your webcam of choice should ideally operate on the plug-and-play principle using a USB port.
QUICK OVERVIEW
The Best Webcams for Video Conferencing
| Products | Features |
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EDITOR’S PICK
4.3 60+ 60+
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at Amazon
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MOST REVIEWED
4.4 1,585+ 1585+
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TOP PICK
4 45+ 45+
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BUDGET PICK
4.3 150+ 150+
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at Amazon
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BUDGET PICK
4.2 225+ 225+
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at Amazon
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Logitech Meetup HD conferencing system features a 4K camera with the 120-degree field of view, 5x optical zoom, and a built-in audio system.
Under $200
Logitech C930e 1080P HD Video Webcam
The Logitech C930e is an ideal business partner, having been ‘certified’ for use on Skype for Business and Cisco Jabber. The device has also been optimized and provides for ‘enhanced integrations’ with other communication software such as Zoom, Lifesize, BlueJeans, among many other solutions.
The camera supports real-time video calling at 1080p. It also offers an extended view of 90 degrees and a 4x digital zoom even at its maximum resolution. The system is also backed by two omnidirectional mics for optimum sound clarity.
The C930e is one of Logitech’s most advanced webcams so far in the market. It boasts of a plethora of unique functionalities, such as relying on the H.264 codec for video compression. The RightLight 2 technology is fitted to ensure that the best visuals are shown even under low light, direct sunlight, and high contrast situations.
Moreover, while many other webcams depend on the PC to do the heavy-lifting, this unit is self-encoding. This, in turn, results in better video quality.
Logitech C925e Webcam
The Logitech C925e webcam lets you communicate with your colleagues in real-time and make full HD recordings. This camera is optimized for Microsoft Lync, Skype for Business, Cisco Jabber, and many other solutions, making it a must-have for serious business professionals.
The 1080p system allows you to record and stream all your conference calls in full HD at 30 frames per second. The in-built auto-focus and advanced lighting technology ensure that you’re seen clearly during meetings.
The H.246 video compression enables one to upload videos swiftly, so whenever you want to make presentations in a timely fashion, this is your go-to product.
Thanks to the 78-degree field of view and two integrated stereo microphones, you’ll all be seen and clearly heard. This business-grade webcam also comes with a universal clip that lets you attach it to any monitor, tripod, or computer.
Under $250
Logitech Conference Cam BC950
The Logitech conference cam BC950 is another flagship from the company that has both a camera and a microphone. It is ideal for both personal use and small conference rooms.
The BC950 has a 78-degree field of view with a 180-degree remote-controlled pan with tilt and zoom features. The 1080p camera can be extended to capture everyone in the room.
This device ensures that all parties are clearly heard, thanks to the in-built speakerphone and a noise-canceling Omni-directional microphone. The mics are designed to detect sound from people that are 8 feet away.
The remote controller is another helpful feature that saves you from moving up and down, trying to adjust and optimize the webcam when in a call, such as muting the audio or the microphone, tilting the camera, focusing on an individual speaker, etc.
Under $450
Huddly Go Video Conferencing Camera
For those looking for something more discreet without compromising video quality, the Huddly Go Video Conferencing Camera is the ideal choice. Its size makes it to be conveniently mounted on any computer, monitor, or television. Despite its size, this camera can capture a wide field of view of up to 150 degrees.
The Huddly Go video conferencing camera supports videos in 720p with 30 frames per second and HD zoom of up to 4x. Other advanced features include 3D noise reduction and low-latency video processing. For better image quality, this camera is designed with automatic color correction and white balance.
This webcam also supports various popular communication apps such as Skype, Zoom, Google Hangouts, BlueJeans, and Webex.
If the 150-degree angle of view isn’t enough, the camera comes with a 180-degree auto flip feature, which helps to install the camera upside down. This is an ingenious way of ensuring everyone in the meeting has been captured.
Under $700
Jabra PanaCast
The Jabra PanaCast webcam is an intelligent, 4K-enabled camera conferencing solution that is ideal for the business market. At first glance, the Jabra PanaCast looks like a miniature device, and one would be forgiven to undermine its ability.
The webcam has three cameras that sit at the front of the panel, with lights that turn to indicate it is in use. All cameras support high definition images of 720p through 4K, providing you with crystal clear video coverage at 30 frames per second (fps).
The system also features an intelligent zoom feature. This enables it to zoom in and out automatically when it detects additional people in the room and ensures that they are all covered in the video regardless of where they are seated.
There are also two onboard mics on the Jabra PanaCast, which triangulate and enhance its audio stream. This conferencing camera can be controlled directly from your phone by downloading and installing the Jabra Direct App (although it is not vital for its operation).
KanDao Meeting 360°All-in-one conferencing Camera
The KanDao Meeting is a powerful, plug-and-play conference camera system for all types of virtual meetings. It offers a 360-degree field of view, unlike any other webcam on this list.
This device transmits high definition quality videos that can be used with a variety of popular conferencing apps such as Zoom, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Webex, etc. The camera has two fisheye lenses that have a 220-degree wide field of view, featuring f/2.4 aperture.
The two lenses are placed on either side of the camera and offer real-time feedback with a resolution of up to 8K. The KanDao Meeting base features full-duplex speakers with echo and noise-canceling abilities.
There are also eight omnidirectional microphones at the speaker base that can detect sound from 13 feet away. The easy-to-operate webcam has buttons that you can use to operate it, whether to adjust the volume, mute it, change modes, etc.
You can also switch between the three conference modes available with the webcam.They include the discussion mode, which captures every speaker in the room and highlights them when they talk.
The second one is presentation mode, which dynamically changes the focus to the person who is speaking and the global mode, which captures the entire team at once.
Under $900
Logitech PTZ PRO 2 Video Camera for Conference Rooms
It is no brainer that Logitech is known for some of the best tech gadgets in the world. The company makes world-class webcams and conference cameras, and this Logitech PTZ Pro 2 is one of the best of both worlds.
This device offers quality video with clear light renditions that allow for 10x HD zooming and auto-focus. It delivers premium optics and life-like video calls, bringing people together.
The camera boasts of clean and precise images with a resolution of up to 1080p. The 90-degree field of view ensures that everyone can be included in the calls.
Everything can be optimized using the remote control, including the pan to the zoom functionalities, clarity, and even brightness levels. This way, you can enjoy all your conference calls seamlessly, wherever you are.
Logitech Meetup HD Video and Audio Conferencing System
The Logitech meetup HD video and conferencing system is the ultimate solution for smaller spaces. This is one of the most advanced conferencing systems featuring a 4K camera with a wide 120-degree field of view and 5x optical zoom.
There are three built-in beam-forming mics with high sensitivity, that are optimized to offer exceptional sound in small rooms. The plug-and-play setup makes it easier for anyone to use the device.
You can either place the Logitech Meetup on a monitor or table for convenient usage. There is an optional TV mount that can be used to put it above or below a television when you need a larger screen.
Under $1000
Logitech Group HD Video and Audio Conferencing System
Viewed as one of the most affordable solutions for larger group conferencing, the Logitech Group HD system turns any room into a conference facility.
Using it is quite simple, you only have to plug in the camera and speakerphone into a computer, and you’re good to go. The device is compatible with most UC, video conferencing, and cloud communication applications.
The 90-degree field of view offers razor-sharp video quality of up to 1080p with autofocus. It is also backed with an audio range of a radius of 20ft., optimized to be used by over 14 people.
The full-duplex speakerphone has four in-built omnidirectional mics that come with noise cancellation features.
Meeting Owl Pro
Meeting Owl Pro offers a 360-degree camera, speaker, and microphone array combo for the ultimate experience during a video conference.
The 1080p resolution camera provides crystal clear, high definition images with additional features you wouldn’t easily find in other webcams. For starters, it has the option to automatically focus on people when they start speaking.
The camera and the microphone work hand in hand to ensure seamless communication for the user. There are eight smart inbuilt microphones that can detect sound within a radius of 18 feet.
Setting up the device is quite easy, as all you need is to plug it into the power outlet and connect to your computer using the provided USB. This makes it ideal for use by both mid-sized and large conference room meetings.
Note: The camera resolution deteriorates when you zoom in and out during a call; hence, it might not achieve its maximum clarity potential.
