Best Webcam for Working From Home

For many of us, working from home relies on regular video conferencing sessions. With that, a suitable webcam is essential. Prices vary from under $50 to as much as $200 and beyond. Furthermore, a dizzying array of models is available from a growing number of manufacturers. So, which is the best for working from home?

Last year, webcam sales rocketed following orders to stay at home in response to the global pandemic. Manufacturers struggled to keep up with demand as an unprecedented call for new webcams outstripped supply. Sales have since slowed down, meaning that buyers now once again have plenty of choices.

In fact, choices have never been greater, with more new models launched in recent months than ever before. Accordingly, whittling them down, even to just a shortlist, can be no mean feat. To help, here’s a closer look at several options from Microsoft, Logitech and Razer.

Whether as a tool for working from home or more generally, Microsoft’s LifeCam HD-3000 is tough to beat on a budget. Its advertised price is $39.95. But it’s possible to pick up a LifeCam HD-3000 for as little as $30 by shopping around. Nicely constructed, as you’d expect from a Microsoft product, it’s a basic but perfectly capable webcam that’s designed to suit any number of applications.

With a maximum resolution of 720p, it can’t compete with costlier models in terms of video quality. However, 720p is perfectly adequate for the overwhelming majority of Skype calls or Zoom meetings. A noise-reducing microphone is also a nice addition for working from home, especially in slightly noisier households. All in all, and for the money, it’s hard to imagine a better low-cost solution than the Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000.

Many of the best webcams currently on the market fall squarely within the $75 to $125 price bracket. Among the very best at this price point is the C922 Pro HD Stream Webcam from Logitech. It is toward the lower end of this price range at just $79.99, which is all the more surprising.

A 1080p resolution, low-light correction, background-removal technology, and more are all packed into what’s an all-around fantastic webcam for the money. Superb audio quality is another perk – something that’s all too often overlooked with cheaper webcams. What’s more, it also comes with a handy tripod – another excellent addition that’s rarely included, even with much more expensive alternatives.

If there’s less of a focus on budget, then simply picking out the absolute best webcam available for working from home may well be the order of the day. In that case, look no further than the $199 Logitech Brio Ultra HD Pro Business Webcam.

It’s by far the most feature-packed webcam on this list. In fact, it would be easier to spell out the features that the Logitech Brio Ultra HD Pro Business Webcam doesn’t have. That’s because there really aren’t any.

Although pricey, the number one webcam for working from home boasts a frankly staggering specs. It includes 2160p resolution, 4K recording, 5x high-definition zoom, an omnidirectional microphone, and much, much more.

Logitech’s Brio Ultra HD Pro Business Webcam further features Windows Hello facial recognition functionality and support for Microsoft’s Cortana virtual assistant. Accordingly, it’s an especially nice addition to any existing high-end Windows system, whether that’s a laptop or a desktop PC.

Logitech continues to be the stand-out brand when it comes to webcams, whatever their purpose. In addition to the C922 Pro HD Stream Webcam and Brio Ultra HD Pro Business Webcam outlined above, further models like the $130 Skype-certified Logitech C930e 1080p Business Webcam are also great for working from home.

For those looking for something a little different, the Razer Kiyo webcam is also worthy of an honorable mention. Priced at $99.99, Razer’s Kiyo benefits from a built-in light ring. It’s ideal for anyone wishing to look their best and brightest on their next video call.

Designed more for live-streaming on services like Twitch, the 1080p Razer Kiyo’s plug-and-play setup means that it’s a breeze to get up and running. Accordingly, it’s also an equally good choice for those who need a simple webcam to use when working from home.

Alternatively, almost all of today’s best business laptops, smartphones, tablets and more all come with built-in cameras. More often than not, these can be used for video conferencing. As a result, it’s possible to save anywhere from $30 to $200+ by utilizing an existing piece of tech instead of shelling out on a new gadget.

Whichever route you take, if you need a webcam or another camera-equipped device to successfully work from home, it’s important to keep it in good working order. Whether you opt for a separate product or choose to simply use the in-built camera from another piece of equipment, be sure to consider protecting it with an extended warranty.

Upsie offers a comprehensive range of warranties for laptops, smartphones, tablets, and dozens of other products. Some warranties for working from home include printer, scanner, and router policies. They offer comprehensive protection against manufacturer defects, mechanical failures and more. While Upsie cannot protect your webcam, they can protect just about any other electronic device in your home for complete peace of mind.