13 Best Webcams For Live Streaming In 2023

To create an effective live streaming strategy, brands and content creators need to have the right equipment. And a camera is a must-have component to shine on the screen. If you plan to invest a moderate to good amount on your webcam, then we bring you a list of the best webcams for live streaming in 2023.

Before we dive deeper, let's first understand what a webcam is and why do you need one for live streaming.

What is a Webcam?

A webcam is a digital camera that connects to a computer. It captures and transmits still or live pictures and videos from one location to another, with an Internet connection. You can find webcams that come with the plug-and-play functionality thanks to their USB connectivity. At the same time, some are even simpler to work with because of their wireless capabilities.

Why choose a webcam for live streaming?

While professional-grade live streaming cameras are a trusted choice to create high-quality video for live streams, you don't always have to break the bank to go live.

In fact, if you are beginning with live streaming, then using the built-in camera in your laptop or computer may do the job. Many beginners also use their smartphones as a separate webcam, which have excellent image quality, but sometimes require a monthly subscription.

So, even though webcams may require additional investment, they make a good investment for the quality video and the many features they offer.

If you don't want to splurge on a professional-grade live streaming camera but still want to take your live streams' video quality a notch higher, choose a webcam. Apart from the simplicity and ease of use it offers, a webcam doesn't cost an arm and a leg. You can get a good-quality camera for less than $100.

Additionally, you don't need to be too tech-savvy to set up a webcam. With its direct connection, it can work without a power source. And, it doesn't even need a video capture device for most of the webcams out there. Some webcams even come with pan and zoom features to help you make your live streams even more impactful.

Picking the Best Webcam for Live Streaming – Things to Consider

To look and sound your best on-screen, you need a webcam that meets your requirements. Here are a few things to consider when you are about to buy a webcam for live streaming.

Resolution & Frame Rate

One of the necessities of a live stream is video quality. And a good webcam with a high resolution and frame rate can help you achieve it. The higher the resolution, the more clarity your live streams will have. And the more the frame rate, the smoother will be the movements on the screen. If you want one of the best webcams for live streaming, then aim for a resolution of at least 1080p and a frame rate of 60fps.

Field of View

Before you buy a webcam, consider your live streaming setup. Decide whether you want your face to be in the frame or want a larger field of view that captures your room in the frame too. Typically, a webcam's field of view ranges between 65 and 90 degrees, with 78 degrees being a preferred choice for many users.

Low-light performance

Webcams with the highest resolutions may still not be able to deliver quality video. Reason? Poor performance in low light settings. So, while choosing a webcam, look for the one with auto light correction. It will ensure good live streams even in a dim lighting environment.

Cost

No matter what all specs do you look for in a webcam, ultimately, it all comes down to the budget. While you can easily find a range of options starting from as low as $40, a high-end can cost 10X.

Autofocus

When streaming live, the last thing you'd want is disappointing video quality. And a webcam with autofocus ensures that doesn't happen. While most of the products on the market come with autofocus functionality, make sure that your preferred one comes with fast and precise autofocus so that you can move freely during your broadcasts.

Audio

If you think that a webcam's sole purpose is to improve video quality, then think again. A good webcam can amplify audio and provide a more natural-sounding environment to your live streams. While most webcams come with a built-in microphone, you can get quality stereo audio with a webcam with dual microphones. You might also consider using a separate USB or XLR mic. This way you

13 Best Webcams For Live Streaming

The best webcams for live streaming depend on the type of content you stream and your environment. Here are some of the top choices worth a try:

1. Logitech C920 HD Pro Webcam

Resolution: 1080p at 30 fps, 720p at 30 fps | Field of view: 78 degrees – Diagonal | Focus type: Autofocus | Built-in mic: Stereo | Price: $79.99

USP: The Logitech Capture app that lets you create, record, edit and customize your stream

Best for: Live streamers looking for a budget webcam that works well even in dim settings

The C920 offers full HD video (1080p at 30fps) with a full HD glass lens. Whether it's the HD auto light correction or dual mics that deliver clear stereo sound, this feature-rich webcam offers all you need for more fluid, more bright, more realistic live broadcasts.

It also comes with autofocus that adjusts your video, making it smooth enough to win your audience with a high definition that stays consistent. Try it for its razor-sharp images and color clarity, and it could be all you need to create high-quality live streams.

2. Logitech C922 Pro HD Stream Webcam

Resolution: 1080p at 30 fps, 720p at 60 fps | Field of view: 78 degrees – Diagonal | Focus type: Autofocus | Built-in mic: Stereo | Price: $99.99

USP: Its hyperfast frame rate and, of course, the Logitech Capture app for easy customization

Best for: Those looking for a high-quality webcam under $100

Imagine going live at full 1080p at 30fps or hyperfast HD 720p at 60fps. The C922 from Logitech lets you live this experience. Featuring a glass lens with autofocus and full HD streaming, it gives you live broadcasts that don't lag or distort. You also get no-drop audio with two omnidirectional microphones and light correction functionality for streaming in virtually any environment.

3. Logitech Brio Ultra HD Pro Business Webcam

Resolution: 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 30 or 60 fps and 720p at 30, 60, or 90 fps | Field of view: 90/78/65 degrees – Diagonal | Focus type: Autofocus | Built-in mic: Stereo, dual omnidirectional | Price: $199.99

USP: HDR technology & Windows Hello support

Best for: Those looking for a premium 4K webcam

Businesses can elevate their live streaming experience with Logitech Brio. Famous for its ultra 4K HD video collaboration excellence, this webcam boasts of the revolutionary RightLight™ 3 and high dynamic range (HDR) technology. Thus, with this one, you can look your best on-screen, regardless of the lighting environment.

One of the best webcams for live streaming, it's certified for business. It also supports Windows Hello, thanks to the integrated optical and infrared sensors. Brio's dual integrated omnidirectional mics with noise-canceling technology ensure excellent sound quality that cuts background noise. And its 5x HD zoom in 4K resolution means your audience can experience those up-close encounters in your live streams.

4. Logitech StreamCam

Resolution: 1080p at 60 fps in MJPEG | Field of view: 78 degrees – Diagonal | Focus type: Autofocus (10 cm to infinity) / face-based autofocus with Logitech Capture | Built-in mic: Dual omnidirectional with noise reduction filter, Stereo or dual mono channel | Price: $169.99

USP: OBS, XSplit, and Streamlabs Support

Best for: Live streamers who love creating Instagram and Facebook stories

Well, the name says it all. The Logitech StreamCam is designed for your live streams. It comes with USB-C connectivity so that you can be sure of efficient video transfer speeds.

AI-enabled facial tracking, along with auto-exposure, gives excellent focus and bright captures irrespective of the lighting conditions. To reduce camera shakes, there's built-in electronic image stabilization too. You also get flexible mounting options.

And, hey, if you are into Instagram and Facebook Stories, then the StreamCam can be your best friend. All you'd need is to turn your webcam to shift it into portrait mode. There you'll have it – full HD in the 9:16 format, the perfect format for your Instagram and Facebook stories.

5. Mevo Start

Resolution: 1080p | Field of view: 76 degrees – Horizontal | Focus type: Fixed | Built-in mic: 3 MEMS mic with spatial processing| Price: $399

USP: Wireless and wired modes

Best for: Those who want a multi-camera setup with a single webcam

If you want to take the hassles of live streaming away, try Mevo Start. Together with the Mevo Camera App, it lets you create broadcast-quality streams for almost every major live streaming platform. And you get up to 6 hours of built-in battery life as well.

While it may cost a premium, this feature-packed camera comes equipped with High Dynamic Range (HDR), white balance presets, and custom and auto exposure as well. With its USB-C connectivity, you can create longer streams without any worries.

6. Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000

Resolution: 720p at 30 fps | Field of view: 68.5 degrees – Diagonal | Focus type: Autofocus | Built-in mic: Omnidirectional | Price: $39.95

USP: Three-year limited warranty

Best for: Live streamers who need HD-quality on a budget

Simple to use and one of the best webcams for live streaming, the Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000, is all you need if you want a fuss-free webcam on a budget. From its 720p HD resolution to widescreen 16:9 format and the revolutionary TrueColor technology, this webcam comes with features that deliver bright, colorful video in almost every lighting condition. And the built-in omnidirectional microphone with acoustic noise cancellation offers crystal-clear audio for those perfect live streams.

7. Logitech C930e Business Webcam

Resolution: 1080p at 30fps, 720p at 30fps with supported clients H.264 video compression | Field of view: 90 degrees – Diagonal | Focus type: Autofocus | Built-in mic: Stereo, dual omnidirectional | Price: $129.99

USP: H.264 with Scalable Video Coding (SVC) and UVC 1.5 encoding

Best for: Businesses looking for a professional-grade webcam with H.264 support

With so many webcams to offer, it's no wonder Logitech has been setting the gold standard for webcams. And the C930e proves that. This advanced HD 1080p webcam is the right companion for live streamers who need a camera that can work well in any light setting.

It's also backed by RightLight™ technology for exceptional video quality. Still, the C930e's USP is its H.264 support with Scalable Video Coding (SVC) and UVC 1.5 encoding. So, you don't have to depend on your computer and network resources to deliver live streams that remain smooth even when the bandwidth is limited.

As for the audio, this webcam has dual integrated omnidirectional mics, which deliver clear audio, no matter how busy the background is.

8. Razer Kiyo

Resolution: 1080p at 30fps, 720p at 60fps, 480p at 30fps, 360p at 30fps | Field of view: 81.6 degrees – Diagonal | Focus type: Autofocus | Built-in mic: Omnidirectional | Price: $99.99

USP: The built-in ring light

Best for: Beginners who don't want to compromise on stream quality

The Razer Kiyo is hands-down the best-looking webcam on the list. Its built-in ring light makes it ideal for live streamers who usually record in low-light rooms and don't want to invest in a separate ring light.  And with features like 720p resolution at 60 fps and 1080p resolution at 30fps for Full HD, it indeed is an excellent pick for those looking for the best webcams for live streaming.

Whether you choose it for its studio-like lighting or full camera controls, it's a tech marvel you can't ignore. Enjoy auto white balance adjustment and auto low-light correction for video quality that impresses no matter the lighting condition you're streaming in.

9. ClearOne UNITE 20 Pro

Resolution: 1080 p at 30 fps | Field of view: 120 degrees - Horizontal | Focus type: Autofocus | Price: $96.02 (Walmart)

USP: Its 120° ultra-wide-angle field-of-view

Best for: Live streamers looking for a full-featured webcam with an impressive field-of-view

With 120° ultra-wide-angle field-of-view, the ClearOne UNITE 20 Pro Webcam is a live streamer's dream-come-true. Imagine what all you can share with this exceptional field-of-view – from your live streaming guests to your streaming setup and background. And it supports up to 1080p at 30fps Full HD, which means excellent video quality.

Although it features super-high SNR with advanced 2D and 3D noise reduction, don't expect a commendable audio performance from this one. It's recommended to pair this webcam with a ClearOne CHAT 50 or CHAT 150 speakerphone to experience high-quality audio.

10. AUSDOM AW620 1080P Webcam for OBS

Resolution: 1920 x 1080, 1280 x 720 (default), 640 x 480, 320 x 240 | Field of view: 65 degrees – Horizontal | Focus type: Manual | Built-in mic: Omnidirectional | Price: $119.99

USP: Wide compatibility (Windows XP, Windows 7, 8, 10 or later, Mac OS 10.6 or later, Chrome OS™, Android v5.0 or above)

Best for: Live streamers seeking a plug-and-play webcam with manual focus

Are you looking for one of the best webcams for live streaming that comes with a built-in noise reduction mic? If yes, then the AUSDOM AW620 could be a good choice here. With its 1920*1080 pixels resolution at 30fps, it delivers a tremendous live streaming performance. It also comes with multiple mounting options, thanks to its tripod-ready design. And its plug-and-play functionality means you need no driver or software to set it up. Easy to set up, easy to use.

11. Center Cam

Resolution: 1920x1080p at 30 fps | Field of view: 55 degrees| Price: $95

USP: Adjustable middle screen angle

Best for: Live streamers who want a middle screen webcam

This one-of-its-kind HD webcam features a middle screen focal angle to make your audience feel you're looking at them and not at the camera as you stream live. This revolutionary webcam comes with a spring clip for horizontal adjustments and a 1 ft long flex tube for vertical adjustments. And it's small enough that it doesn't get in the way while you look at the screen.

There's also a 6mm lens, a CMOS sensor, and auto white-balance functionality that ensure excellent video quality.

Designed keeping future upgrades in mind, it can accommodate alternate lenses too. Well, it's so flexible that it can grow with your live streaming setup!

12. [Elgato Facecam]

Resolution: 1080p at 60 fps | Field of view: 82 degrees – Diagonal | Focus type: Fixed | Price: $199.99

USP: Onboard memory

Best for: Premium quality seekers

The Elgato Facecam is the go-to camera for premium quality seekers out there. With true FHD 1080p resolution at 60fps and Sony STARVIS Sensor, this webcam is designed to produce brighter, clearer videos. Plus, you also get onboard memory that recalls preferred image settings on any computer you want.

To ensure that your live streams look as good as they sound, this webcam has studio-quality f/2.4 24 mm* all-glass Elgato Prime Lens. And you also get a USB 3.0 interface for image data transfer with the lowest latency.

13. Anker PowerConf C300

Resolution: 1080p at 60 fps | Field of view: Adjustable | Focus type: Auto | Built-in mic: Dual noise-canceling mics | Price: $129.99

USP: Adjustable field of view

Best for: Live streamers who want to broadcast like a pro

Need a smart webcam that's just as capable of fitting everyone in the frame as it is at canceling the background noise? The Anker PowerConf C300 is a great pick. Loaded with features like full HD 1080p and auto low-light correction, it's a reliable webcam for business professionals and content creators alike. 

Its built-in AI quickly adjusts the field of view and gives a burst of colors to make you look great when you're live in action. And its dual noise-canceling mics prevent those unwanted noises from disrupting your live streams.

Wrapping up

There's a lot to consider while choosing the best webcams for live streaming. Moreover, with the range of options available, finding the one that's meant for your live broadcasts is easier than ever.

If you love editing and customizing your shots, consider investing in one of the Logitech webcams. If you don't have a separate ring light, then the Razer Kiyo with its built-in ring light could be a great buy. And if you love shooting live videos on the go, the StreamCam with its landscape and portrait modes could be the best bet.

Well, that was about webcams. If you are one of those live streamers who love streaming to multiple platforms, StreamYard can be the browser-based live streaming studio you'll ever need. Check it out!