5 of Our Favorite Webcams

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Current social distancing policies continue to keep many of us at home, forcing us to rely on those technologies that support our ongoing virtual lifestyle. Of those technologies, perhaps none are in higher demand than webcams. Whether you need it for work, play, or just to stay in touch, the right webcam can help you stay connected even as we're forced to be apart. To help you decide which webcam is the "right" one for you, we've put together a list of some of our favorites.

Logitech C920s

If you aren't yet familiar with Logitech's webcam bona fides, you soon will be. No other brand has dominated the category the way Logitech has, with multiple offerings that cover just about every need and situation. We'll start with the C920s HD Pro Webcam, which you've probably seen or interacted with at some point in the past. That's because the C920s is a conference-room staple, with countless businesses and institutions relying on it for all their teleconferencing needs. Ask any of those businesses why it's such a favorite and they'll likely comment on the sharp picture quality and 78-degree field of view, which is good for bigger meeting rooms. On top of that, it's easy to install and use. So even if your current conference room is just a desk at the back of your kitchen, you won't need to call IT to help set it up.

Logitech C920s HD Pro Webcam
Logitech C920s HD Pro Webcam

aoni A31

Now, if the C920s is a little outside your budget, you should definitely check out the A31 Full HD Webcam. For a significant amount less, the A31 delivers performance that rivals the C920s, making it one of the best bang-for-your buck webcams available. Like the C920s, the A31 is rated to shoot video up to 1080p at 30 fps and capture 2MP stills. It's versatile, easy to install, and delivers surprisingly good audio. It doesn't have the same dedicated software support as the C920s, but it works with both Windows and Mac, and its plug-and-play design allows you to set it up in seconds. Another we feature we really like is A31's 84-degree field of view, which is a good size for capturing both groups and individuals. For an in-depth look at the A31 Full HD Webcam, be sure to check out our hands-on review.

aoni A31 Full HD Webcam
aoni A31 Full HD Webcam

Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000

Logitech might have the most extensive webcam catalogue, but it's hardly the only game in town. Microsoft's LifeCam HD-3000 Webcam is a good alternative to the Logitech C310, because it offers similar video quality at the same price point. Like the C310, the LifeCam HD-3000's 720p resolution isn't on the same level as some of the more advanced webcams (the Logitech C920s, for example), but it's most likely a step up from your built-in computer camera. On top of that, the LifeCam's 68.5-degree field of view is larger than what you get from the C310. Lastly, because it's from Microsoft, the LifeCam HD-3000 fully supports Skype, which could be a deciding factor if that's your preferred teleconferencing application.

Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 USB Webcam
Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 USB Webcam

Logitech BRIO

We go from one of the best, budget-friendly webcams on the market to one with arguably the best overall picture quality. The Logitech BRIO is a 4K-capable webcam with HDR support, meaning all of the hi-res images it captures are sharp, clear, and color-accurate. Its 90-degree field of view is great for wide-angle shots of your environment, and the companion software that comes with it lets you take advantage of that FOV even further with pan and digital zoom features. Because of all attention the BRIO gets for its picture quality, people sometimes miss that it also has excellent sound quality, thanks to its two omni-directional microphones with noise cancellation. Now, if you're thinking about getting the BRIO, one thing to keep in mind is that not all teleconferencing systems and applications fully support 4K video. Take care to check the specifications and requirements of your preferred teleconferencing method to ensure that it supports the BRIO.

Logitech BRIO Webcam
Logitech BRIO Webcam

Zoom Q2n-4K

The last "webcam" on our list is a little bit of a cheat. Technically, the Zoom Q2n-4K is categorized as a video camera that's designed for musicians, but it's also a really great webcam, especially for those looking to livestream their performances. Equipped with a 4K camera and easily the best and most professional sound recording system on our list, the Q2n-4K should definitely be your go-to webcam if making and sharing music is your top concern. Now, if music isn't your focus, but you still want a webcam with 4K support, it might still be worth it to pick up the Q2n-4K. It's slightly more expensive than the Logitech BRIO, but not by much. Plus, it has a ton of great video features (HDR support, 150-degree wide-angle-lens, multiple scene options and filters, etc.) and if somewhere down the road you do need to capture clear, professional-quality audio, you've got one of the best options available.

Zoom Q2n-4K Handy Video Recorder
Zoom Q2n-4K Handy Video Recorder

Now that we're living in the age of COVID-19, doing things remotely is the new normal. Because of that, the need for webcams has never been higher. We hope the five in our list give you some good ideas about which webcams to look at, but if you have additional questions, please comment below or contact us at any time. Our chat lines remain open and we are always ready to help. Speaking of help: If you have a favorite webcam, we'd love to hear which one and why.

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