Finding one of the best cheap webcams has become more difficult. On top of last year’s shortages, the demand for these devices has also increased due to the pandemic. So, not only is it harder to find stock, but any restocks also sell out quickly. And, that’s without mentioning the fact that webcam prices are also skyrocketing.
Unfortunately, these days, webcams have become an inevitable part of our daily lives. Having the ability to connect with people via video calls and record yourself during those calls have become essential as our lives – both professional and personal – move to online spaces. And, that’s why we’ve put together a list of the best cheap webcams that are still available today.
These webcams might not come with some of the advanced features more expensive webcams boast such as multi-mic arrays, 4K resolutions and auto-pan and tilt. However, they also don’t compromise on image quality without being a drain on your wallet. If you’re working from home thanks to a video conferencing solution , you probably don’t want to spend a huge amount on a webcam anyway.
For the best cheap webcams, you’ve come to the right place. It’s hard to find an affordable one in stock right now, but with our help, you should be able to have one shipped directly to your home soon. If you are after more powerful and feature-rich devices, however, we’ve also got our best webcams guide, which covers webcams of all different prices.
1. Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000
Cheap, cheerful and ideal for Skype
Specifications
Resolution: 720p
Features: Colour correction, noise cancelling
Reasons to buy
+ Cheap+ Cheerful
Reasons to avoid
– 720p only
The Microsoft LifeCam Studio our pick for the best cheap webcam. Aimed at pro users with large displays, it features a familiar configuration of 1080p recording and 720p live video calling. It rotates 360 degrees, and can be mounted on a tripod with autofocus. The wideband mic delivers crystal clear audio, and Microsoft’s TrueColor system will shift the exposure dynamically to keep you well lit, making it a great choice for business conferencing and presentations.
2. Microsoft LifeCam Studio
A pro camera for pro people
Specifications
Resolution: 1080p
Features: Colour correction, hi-fi microphone, Skype
Reasons to buy
+ Wide field of view+ Wideband mic for better sound
Reasons to avoid
– Expensive– Really designed for corporate types
It isn’t the most attractive webcam, but the LifeCam Studio isn’t really designed to be attractive. Instead, it’s made for business conferencing and presentations, with its 1080p recording, 720p live video calling and wideband mic to deliver crystal clear sound. This is a serious peripheral – one that requires a powerful PC for max settings – but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking bells and whistles. For instance, it comes with 360-degree rotating capabilities and Microsoft’s TrueColor system, which will shift the exposure dynamically to keep you well lit.
Read the full review: Microsoft LifeCam Studio
(Image credit: Logitech)
3. Logitech HD Webcam C310
A brilliant budget webcam from Logitech
Specifications
Resolution: 720p
Features: Adjustablestand
Reasons to buy
+ Great value+ Easy to use
Logitech makes brilliant webcams, and the Logitech HD Webcam C310 is a fantastic budget offering, that offers very good image quality for the price. Resolution is just 720p, but for most people that won’t be an issue. In fact, if you have an internet connection that struggles with high definition videos, then this is actually a bonus.
(Image credit: Logitech)
4. Logitech C922 Pro Stream
It’s game on for Logitech’s newest webcam
Specifications
Resolution: 1080p
Features: Background removal, Low-light correction, 720p/60fps video while streaming, Stereo audio, autofocus, auto light correction
Reasons to buy
+ Great low-light capabilities+ Background removal feature+ Supports 720p/60fps streaming
Reasons to avoid
– Same design as the C920– No RealSense capabilities
The Logitech G922 Pro Stream features the same classy design as its predecessor, the C920, but it’s especially interesting for gamers this time around. The C922 still boasts excellent 1080p video quality, great for hosting video calls, and its automatic low-light correction makes it a fantastic cam for streaming with the lights off. It also supports background removal, making it ideal for budding YouTubers.
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