It's the key to your home setup
With many people working from home for the first time, a great, affordable webcam is a must-have item. From conference calls with the boss to social-distancing-friendly online gatherings and even streaming your favorite games on Twitch, a good webcam is key to your home setup.
If you are only looking for a webcam for work, there are a variety of budget-friendly options out there, but many of the traditional options can be tough to find right now. If you want to stream gameplay and use a face cam, you will want a camera that can stream at a minimum of 720p.
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The following are 5 of the best budget webcams They aren’t going to support a huge number of bells and whistles—and you aren’t going to get 4K resolution out of them—but they will give you the basic features you need without breaking the bank.
Logitech C270i – $56 – 720p
The Logitech C270i is an older model of webcam, but it still works with more modern platforms. This little webcam mounts on the top of your monitor or laptop and can easily be adjusted to sit wherever you need it. The C270i has a built-in microphone, too.
If you’re looking for one of the best budget webcams that’s plug-and-play, and won’t require any setup on your part, it’s hard to go wrong with Logitech. The company has a longstanding reputation for quality products.
Amcrest 1080p Webcam – $50 – 1080p
Amcrest is a company known for providing good products at affordable prices. The Amcrset 1080p Webcam is more affordable than the Logitech C270i and provides a higher resolution video feed. It also has a 70-degree viewing angle, making it a solid option for including more than one person on the call.
The Amcrest webcam has a built-in dual-channel microphone to help reduce background noise. It’s also plug-and-play; all you need to do is hook it into a USB 2.0 port and you will be up and running. It works seamlessly on both Windows and macOS. The mounting clip is designed to fit nearly any monitor.
There is also a quarter tripod thread on the bottom of the camera, allowing you to screw it onto a more sturdy base if you need to place it in the center of a large conference table or somewhere similar.
The Amcrest webcam also includes a physical privacy cover that flips down over the camera lens. If you want to ensure the camera isn’t recording when not in use, this is the best option.
Aukey FHD Webcam – $50 – 1080p
Aukey is another company that, like Amcrest, has built up a name providing quality devices at lower prices. The Aukey FHD Webcam is $50 and delivers 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second. It has built-in stereo microphones with noise reduction technology to better capture your voice without also capturing the sound of the ceiling fan.
The Aukey FHD uses an adjustable stand that can either sit flat or clip to a monitor or desktop. The Aukey FHD is plug-and-play. Just connect it through a USB 2.0 port into a Windows or macOS device and it will work without the need to download additional drivers.
One feature that differentiates the Aukey FHD is its ability to keep things within focus up to fifteen feet away. This helps it capture clearer video even in rooms that may not be as well lit, and allows the user to move around in frame without losing quality.
GESMA 1080p Webcam – $35 – 1080p
If you are looking for an incredibly low-cost option, this budget webcam will cost less than a trip to the grocery store. With 1080p resolution specifically designed for work-at-home setups, this webcam is ideal for Skype and Zoom meetings.
It also has an omnidirectional microphone that allows it to pick up clear audio from any direction. The microphone uses noise reduction technology that will automatically filter out background noise that isn’t your voice.
The webcam clips to the top of your monitor, but can be rotated up to 90-degrees for the optimal viewing angle. The GESMA 1080p Webcam is specifically listed as working with Windows operating systems, but users report that it also works with macOS. The webcam is plug and play via a USB 2.0 port.
NexiGo 1080p Webcam – $60 – 1080p
Many of the budget webcams on this list are older models that now retail for less, but the NexiGo 1080p Webcam was built this year with Zoom and Skype in mind. It streams at 1080p and 30 frames per second, with a 3.6mm focal lens to provide sharper images.
The camera has a 110-degree field of view, as well as a flip-down privacy cover. The built-in noise cancelling microphone dampens background audio so that your voice comes through clearly. This webcam is one of the best options on this list for video conferencing in a room with numerous other people.
Like the other options, the NexiGo is also plug-and-play. It connects to your machine 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 hooked over the back of the monitor.
The NexiGo includes a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. If you discover a defect or malfunction in the device within the first year, you can return it for a replacement or a refund.
With so many people working from home for the first time, good webcams can be hard to find. The majority of people default to name brands that they know, but lesser-known brands often carry the best value. Take a look at these top 5 budget webcams and enhance your work from home or streaming setup with a clearer picture and better audio.
