Since many people are working from home for the first time, a great and affordable webcam is a must. From conferencing with your boss to friendly online meetings and even streaming your favorite games on Twitch, a good webcam is the key to your home setup.
If you’re looking for a webcam just for work, there are many inexpensive options out there, but many of the traditional options are hard to find right now. If you want to stream gameplay and use a face camera, you will need a camera that can stream video with a resolution of at least 720 pixels.
Below are the 5 best budget webcams. They won’t support a huge amount of bells and whistles – and you won’t get 4K resolution out of them – but they will provide you with the basic functionality you need without breaking the bank.
Logitech C270i – $ 56 – 720p
The Logitech C270i is an older webcam model, but it still works with more modern platforms. This small webcam mounts on top of a monitor or laptop and can be easily adjusted to fit anywhere. The C270i also has a built-in microphone
If you’re looking for one of the best budget webcams with plug-and-play functionality that doesn’t require any setup on your part, it’s hard to go wrong with Logitech. The company has a long-standing reputation for quality products.
Amcrest 1080p webcam – $ 50 – 1080 Pixels
Amcrest is a company known for offering good products at affordable prices. The Amcrset 1080p webcam is more affordable than the Logitech C270i and offers higher resolution video transmission. It also has a 70-degree field of view, making it a reliable option for more than one person on a call.
– / –
The Amcrest webcam has a built-in dual-channel microphone to reduce background noise. It’s also plug-and-play; all you have to do is plug it into a USB 2.0 port and you will be ready to go. It works seamlessly on both Windows and macOS. The mounting clip fits almost any monitor.
There is also a tripod thread on the bottom of the camera, allowing it to be screwed onto a sturdier base if you need to place it in the center of a large conference table or similar location.
The Amcrest webcam also has a protective cover that folds over the camera lens. If you want the camera to not record when not in use, this is the best option.
Aukey FHD webcam – $ 50 – 1080 Pixels
Aukey is another company that, like Amcrest, has created a name that offers quality devices at lower prices. The Aukey FHD webcam costs $ 50 and offers 1080p at 30fps. It has built-in noise canceling stereo microphones to better pick up your voice without picking up the sound of the ceiling fan.
The Aukey FHD uses an adjustable stand that can sit straight or attach to a monitor or desktop. Aukey FHD is plug-and-play. Just plug it into your Windows or macOS device via USB 2.0 and it works without the need to download additional drivers.
One feature that sets the Aukey FHD apart is its ability to keep subjects in focus up to fifteen feet away. This helps to capture clearer video even in poorly lit rooms and allows the user to move around the frame without losing quality.
GESMA 1080p webcam – $ 35 – 1080 Pixels
If you’re looking for an incredibly inexpensive option, this budget webcam is cheaper than a trip to the grocery store. Designed specifically for work from home, this 1080p webcam is ideal for Skype and Zoom meetings
It also features an omnidirectional microphone that allows clear sound from any direction. The microphone uses noise canceling technology that automatically filters out background noise not associated with your voice.
The webcam attaches to the top of the monitor, but can be rotated 90 degrees for an optimal viewing angle. The GESMA 1080p webcam is specifically listed as working with Windows operating systems, but users have reported that it works with macOS as well. The webcam connects and works via a USB 2.0 port.
NexiGo webcam 1080p – $ 60 – 1080 Pixels
Many of the budget webcams on this list are older models now selling for a lower price, but the NexiGo 1080p webcam was created this year with Zoom and Skype in mind. It transmits videos at 1080p at 30fps, and the 3.6mm focal lens delivers clearer images.
The camera has a 110-degree field of view and a hinged cover. A built-in noise canceling microphone suppresses background sound to make your voice sound clear. This webcam is one of the best options on this list for video conferencing in a room with many other people.
Like the other options, NexiGo is also plug-and-play. It connects to your computer via a USB 2.0 port and will work with Windows and macOS. The mount is larger than most webcams and provides more stability when mounted on the back of a monitor.
NexiGo comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. If you find a product defect or malfunction within the first year, you may return it for a replacement or money back.
With so many people working from home for the first time, it can be difficult to find good webcams. Most people default to brands they know, but lesser known brands often have better value. Take a look at these 5 best budget webcams and enhance your home or streaming experience with clearer images and better sound.
–