Choosing a webcam can be a confusing process—there are plenty of good ones out there, and many people have different preferences depending on the type of video conferencing they plan to do. To help you make your decision, I’ve laid out some pros and cons of the major features to look for in a webcam. I’ll tell you what I like about each one and then name our top picks based on those likes.
Type: There are two main types of webcams that you’ll use with your Mac: wired and wireless. Most users will prefer wireless, as they’re easier to install and set up. In addition, since they don’t have wires, they’re easy to move around or take with you when traveling.
A lot of people want excellent sound quality so they can communicate with their friends or family without any annoying background noise, but while this is an important feature it’s not necessarily the most important one. Look at all of your needs before deciding which is best for you. What kind of microphone do you need? How much storage space do you need? Is it compatible with other programs, such as Skype or Google.
If you’re looking to get a webcam, there are quite a few things to consider: price, quality, and options. Will you be using it at home? If so, do you need something that can easily be moved from room to room? Do you want to make sure it supports the latest in video chat tech like Skype or Google Hangouts? Do you need one with an adjustable stand? Do you want it to come with software or will you manually adjust your camera settings?
If you’re going to use your webcam for business meetings, then the lighting becomes more important. Does the camera have a wide angle lens? Does it have a built-in microphone and software so that you don’t have to install anything else on your computer? Does it have an option for mounting on a tripod if needed?
We live in a digital age, and that means that most of our interactions are conducted virtually. We use video calls to talk to friends, family members, and colleagues instead of picking up the phone. Businesses conduct presentations and meetings with video calls instead of in-person discussions. People who have moved away from their loved ones can still see each other on a screen. It’s clear that the technology is here to stay and that it’s something we all need.
So, how do you choose what webcam to buy? First, it depends on what you’re using your webcam for. A lot of people will just want a simple webcam for FaceTime or Skype calls and will be happy with an entry-level model that does the job for free or cheap (if it comes with a laptop or desktop computer). However, if you’re looking for something more high-tech like recording video or streaming content, you may have different requirements in terms of microphones and picture quality. The more features you need from your webcam, the more expensive it will tend to get.
But that doesn’t mean there aren’t great options out there!
These are the 7 best Mac webcams right now
Here are some great webcams at every price-point:
1. Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam (Best HD Mac webcam, Under $150)
If you’ve got a Mac, there’s a good chance you also have at least one webcam. But which one to choose? The best webcam for video chatting is one that suits your needs, regardless of whether or not it’s the cheapest.
The Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam is my favorite for its superior quality and low price. It can be had for only $99, and it works great with both Macs and PCs. It will automatically adjust from low light to bright light, so you’ll look your best in every situation, even if you’re not used to the spotlight. It features HD 720p video quality and H.264 encoding. Best of all, it has an automatic flip screen so you won’t have to worry about making sure your room layout is perfect or having a different camera angle depending on what you’re doing. The sleek design easily blends into any environment and performs like an advanced piece of technology without breaking the bank.
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The Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam for Mac is not only specifically designed with streaming and recording in mind, but it’s also optimized to give you professional quality video on sites like Twitch and YouTube. The camera uses a 78 degree field of view, which allows you to capture everything that’s going on around you while still maintaining a high level of resolution and clarity. The full HD glass lens is accompanied by Logitech’s autofocus technology; this combination produces clear, sharp images every time you use it.
Two built-in microphones with stereo audio make sure that your voice comes through loud and clear while you’re chatting with your audience or friends. In addition to superior video quality, this camera offers additional features that make your streaming experience a breeze. It supports Twitch app integration so all your streams go directly to your account without having to log in separately from the camera itself. You can also use the Logitech software to add special effects or overlays during your stream, if desired.
2. Logitech Brio 4K Webcam (Best 4K Cam for Mac, Under $150)
The Logitech Brio 4K Webcam for Mac is for the Mac user who wants their videos to look as good as their pictures. The ultra HD 4K sensor captures more detail than 1080p webcams.
When it comes to active video conferencing, the Logitech Brio 4K webcam is the best in its class. The camera’s ultra-high definition 4K resolution makes you look your best whether you’re in your home office or Skyping with clients from a coffee shop down the street. The Brio’s auto light adjustment technology uses HDR to correct for low light and backlit situations, so you can be seen clearly in any environment.
Traditional webcams have been known to pick up background noise, but the Brio’s noise-canceling dual mics ensure that your colleagues are hearing you and not your kids playing in the background or a song on your Spotify playlist. You can even choose between three different field of view presets—65 degrees, 78 degrees, and 90 degrees—to either include more of your surroundings or narrow the focus on you and make you feel like you’re right there with them.
There are three main reasons that make this webcam so great:
- Ultra HD resolution: The Brio is four times sharper than a standard HD webcam, so you can look your best in every situation.
- Auto light adjustment: The Brio automatically adjusts to changing lighting conditions, so you always look your best. You’ll never have to struggle with lights or turn off your overhead lights again!
- Noise-canceling mic: With dual omnidirectional mics and advanced noise cancellation, everyone will hear you loud and clear!
The Brio is compatible with both macOS and Windows 10, so if you find yourself on either of those platforms often, you won’t have to keep track of multiple webcams. The camera also comes with Logitech’s RightLight 3 technology, which helps make your skin look more natural and less washed out, perfect for facetime calls with your grandma. It also comes with automatic focus and exposure control to help you get the best shot possible every time.
Why to buy Brio 4K Webcam for MacBook
When you’re looking for a great webcam, there are a few qualities that you should consider.
First and foremost, it is important to have good resolution. The Logitech Brio 4K Webcam has incredible 4k video quality, so your friends and family will see you in an incredibly sharp and detailed picture.
Next, the camera needs to be able to capture audio well, to ensure your videos come out well-rounded. The Brio Webcam uses sophisticated noise canceling technology that effectively silences background noise.
Finally, the camera should be easy to use, so you don’t find yourself fumbling with buttons or menus as soon as you need it. The Brio Webcam has three different field of views (FOV) settings that you can easily switch between with just the click of a button on the device itself, so whether you want to show off more of your surroundings or focus on yourself, it’s easy to do so quickly.
3. NexiGo N930AF Webcam (Cheap budget Mac Webcam, under $50)
When you’re doing a video call with your friends, family, or business partners and you want the best possible look, you probably rely on your computer’s webcam. This is a great way to get high quality video, but it also means being locked into whatever quality the webcam has to offer. If you want to take your video calls to the next level, consider getting this NexiGo N930AF Webcam for Mac. It’s a fantastic piece of equipment that really helps bring out your face’s natural beauty by offering 1080p HD video recordings and a number of other practical features.
The NexiGo N930AF Webcam for Mac is like the perfect fit—it had everything I was looking for in an affordable package.
A lot of budget webcams are kind of ugly, but this one is really sleek and attractive. It’s also super easy to use: plug it into a USB port, turn it on, and you’re ready to go. Unlike some other low-end webcams, it’s also very lightweight and doesn’t feel like a cheap plastic toy—it kind of feels like something Apple would put out.
The biggest thing that makes this webcam better than many others is its autofocus feature. You can easily adjust the focus of the camera by pressing the zoom in button on top if you need it to be tighter on your face, or by pressing the zoom out button if your whole face is too big in the frame, even when you’re sitting only a few feet away from your computer screen. This flexibility is a huge help when you’re sitting at different distances from the screen—you can maintain high quality video whether you’re right up close to it or sitting back far enough that everything looks bigger.
This webcam is a great choice for anyone who uses their computer for video conferencing, as it has quality comparable to that of high-end webcams and is compatible with many popular video chatting and streaming services. I have personally been testing this device over the past month, and I am impressed with its versatility and easy setup.
I decided to opt for a webcam with a built-in microphone, as it has been my experience that the built-in microphones on laptops are not always of great quality. The specifications list this webcam as having an omnidirectional microphone, meaning that it picks up sound from every direction instead of just being pointed in one specific direction. This is handy because it gives you additional flexibility when positioning the camera—you can place it right by your laptop’s screen or off to the side so you can adjust the angle at which you appear to others in your video chats, whereas a directional microphone would need to be positioned directly in front of you, facing you.
The best part about this camera is definitely its auto-focus feature; when using this webcam for my daily video conferencing, I find that setting up the camera is much easier than with previous webcams I have owned.
4. Razer Kiyo (Best gaming Webcam on Mac)
The webcam is one of the most important peripheral accessories a person can have, and it’s no different for gamers. Video chatting is becoming increasingly more popular as time goes on, and you might even get invited to play online with your friends. Video game streaming has become a big business in the last few years, and it’s only going to get bigger—whether you’re streaming to Twitch or YouTube gaming, or just making videos for your own YouTube channel, you need that high quality video.
The Razer Kiyo delivers, providing crisp 1080p video at 30 frames per second and 720p video at 60 frames per second. It also has a built-in ring light around the lens that can be adjusted with a simple twist (and doesn’t require any software configuration to use). It may not be the top of the line webcam, but it’s ideal for anyone who wants good performance without having to spend a lot of money or worry about all the extra features that come with more expensive webcams.
The Kiyo also folds up compactly so that it can be neatly placed away when not in use. And it’s compatible with both Mac and PC, so you can use it wherever you go!
The NexiGo N930AF Webcam for Mac is a great choice for those looking for a camera to record gaming or other activities on their Mac. The convenience of the ring light means you don’t need to worry about setting up a separate external light source, and the adjustable brightness lets you tweak the lighting to suit your needs. This webcam also works with Zoom, Teams, and Skype for conferencing and video calling.
The webcam also has a compact design that makes it easy to tuck away when not in use. Along with the included carrying case, this is an added bonus for anyone who wants to travel with their camera so they can share content from wherever they are on the go.
5. Logitech StreamCam (Premium Webcam for Streaming and Content Creation)
Logitech has been a reputable brand in computer peripherals for decades, and they continue to offer innovative products like the Logitech BRIO webcam that I’ve been using for the past couple of months. However, I recently had an opportunity to review their new StreamCam, and was pleasantly surprised by the quality and versatility it offered!
The StreamCam is a super high quality 1080p video camera with a premium glass lens that offers smart auto-focus so you never miss another shot again. It’s great for your favorite games, streaming software like OBS or XSplit, or even just recording your own YouTube videos. The intelligent exposure system adjusts to the lighting conditions in your room and keeps it looking nice and crisp no matter how brightly or dimly lit you are (or how much of a mess you’ve made of things).
These features are really just icing on what is already an incredibly well-rounded webcam though. The real draw for me was its versatility in mounting situations. You can place it directly on top of your monitor if you want to shoot your face straight-on as you play games, or you can mount it over your shoulder if that’s what feels more natural to you.
There are a lot of reasons why people love the Logitech C922 Pro Stream Webcam—it has a premium glass lens, automatic framing and intelligent exposure, full 1080p HD video at 60 frames per second, and it works with popular streaming software like OBS and XSplit. But the thing that we think makes the C922 stand out most of all is its unique ability to show off your creative personality.
The C922’s mounting options give you more freedom than ever to create shots that really express you. It comes with a tripod so you can mount it on a desk or table, but there’s also a flexible arm that can be adjusted to point in almost any direction. The C922 even has a mount with an articulating joint so you can swivel it into creative positions and capture the perfect shot.
The StreamCam offers a few unique features that set it apart from its competition:
First, it’s optimized for popular live streaming software such as OBS or XSplit. This means that you won’t need to make any adjustments to get the camera up and running—it will be ready to go right out of the box.
Second, the camera has built-in smart image stabilization software which automatically adjusts your frame based on your movement. This helps with shaky hands or movements that can cause lower framerates and less than optimal video quality. If you’re regularly doing live streams, this feature alone may justify the cost of the camera.
Finally, it offers auto-framing and intelligent exposure features to ensure that you always capture the best possible footage based on your environment and lighting conditions. The auto-framing feature ensures that you’ll always have a full screen view.
6. Lumina 4K Webcam (Best Ultrawide 4K Webcam for Mac, Under $200)
If you’re looking for a webcam that’s compatible with your Mac, Lumina has you covered. With 4K resolution, an ultrawide-angle lens, and dual microphones, this webcam is a great choice for video conferencing and more.
The best part about Lumina is not just the camera itself, but the suite of features that come with it. It’s able to time-lapse photos and videos of your face—capturing your facial expressions and movements as you talk—and it will also auto-frame your face in a picture so that you always look centered no matter how much or how little of your face is visible.
The AI feature allows you to select from 30 different settings—like exposure, white balance, saturation, and field of view—which allows you to customize the way your picture looks based on what you want it to say about you. The studio app also gives you access to the AI auto-framing feature (which I love) so you can make sure that even if someone crops into the frame at strange angles or zooms in on only a portion of the image, they’ll still be framed correctly by the app. I think this is a really smart feature because it means no matter how people capture your video.
It’s perfect for those who want to do business, chat with family or friends, or stay in touch with distant loved ones. With its ultrawide field of view of 95 degrees, it will be just like having your own director sitting next to you on the other end of the call.
The Lumina 4K Webcam also has dual microphones that capture every sound clearly even in noisy environments. It’s made from premium materials to deliver a smooth design that fits well at home or in the office.
7. OBSBOT 4K Webcam (Best picture quality and AI)
An excellent choice for a high-res smart camera
OBSBOT Meet 4K is a high definition video calling and recording camera designed specifically for PC and Mac. This AI-powered web camera features an ultra wide-angle lens, advanced auto framing technology, and background replacement feature.
What I Love About OBSBOT Meet 4K?
Ultra Wide Angle Lens: The OBSBOT Meet 4K features a 2.8 mm ultra wide angle lens that captures more of the room than your eyes can see. It can capture up to 86° FOV (field of view) with a resolution of 3840 x 2160p at 30 fps. With this camera, you’ll be able to include more people or objects in your shots without sacrificing the quality of the video.
OBSBOT Meet 4K Video Calling Software: The built-in video calling software lets you connect to your favorite apps, including Facebook Messenger, Skype, WhatsApp, and Google Hangouts. You can also do audio calls with FaceTime if you have an Apple device. The built-in microphones will allow you to clearly hear whoever is on the other end of the line—even if they’re in another location entirely!
With an ultra-wide field of view, 86°, the camera captures more details and surroundings in your recording. The wider view also allows you to enjoy more natural facial expressions, especially when compared to the standard 36° or 60° cameras. You can show the world the full story of your face by using this camera’s human-eye perspective.
With its advanced AI algorithm, this webcam is able to detect motion and focus on it automatically while filtering out background noise. That way you get better audio quality as well as clearer shots. To make sure your recordings are always great, OBSBOT Meet offers you live preview so that you can check what you’re filming in real time before saving it or sharing it. The camera has a magnetic base that allows you to adjust the angle without having to worry about stability and slipping from shaky hands.
The 4K resolution provides higher quality video than that of 1080p resolution cameras. This means that your video chats will look more realistic and vivid thanks to greater image detail rather than pixelation or blurriness.
Do you need a webcam with a microphone?
Microphones are one of the features that make webcams so great—they let you conduct video calls with friends and family, so you can see each other as well as hear each other. But do you really need a webcam with a microphone?
It depends.
The general rule of thumb is that if you’re using your computer for video phone calls (either to another computer or to a real telephone) or for Skype, you’ll need a webcam with a microphone. If you’re just doing video chat via email, or via text messaging through a service like Google Hangouts, you can get by without one.
Even if you don’t care to use the video features, adding a camera to your computer can help you stay in touch with friends and family more easily—everyone has webcams built into their computers these days, so they can watch you while they chat with you. But even though most computers have them built in, buying a webcam is still worth considering—many offer features that the computer’s own camera lacks.
Webcams with microphones can be helpful in certain situations: if you’re doing an online class or recording a lecture for later viewing, or if you’re trying to teach someone how to do something over Skype, they can be extremely useful. You might also want one if you’re making YouTube videos or doing any kind of live streaming.
Do you need special webcam lighting?
If you’re like me, you might be using a regular lamp or light bulb to give yourself the best possible look on your next Skype call or video chat. But is that really enough? Should you invest in some kind of fancy camera lighting system to eliminate shadows and create a more flattering glow?
So says the Internet. Many Web sites claim that lighting is everything when it comes to looking good for your audience. A study from the University of Glasgow even suggests there’s a direct correlation between high-quality image and physical attractiveness, which would make sense—if you’re trying to woo someone, you want to give them as full an impression as possible, and that means both what you look like and how your face looks on screen.
If you have plans to do any kind of live video work, then yes: probably consider buying a special light kit. Otherwise, I wouldn’t lose any sleep over it. My advice is to focus on improving your hair and makeup instead: they can do a lot more for you than lighting ever could.
Should i get an external webcam for Mac?
External webcams can be a great way to make video chatting on your Mac more fun and engaging. They’re also helpful for recording your screen, if you want to share tutorials or lectures with friends, family, and students. But do you need one?
There are a few reasons why you might want an external webcam. One is that the built-in iSight camera on most Macs isn’t very good—at least not by modern standards. The resolution is low and it’s prone to lag and pixelation in motion. A better camera will help improve the quality of your videos, and it can also let you use features like face tracking and effects like panoramic photos.
If you just want a better camera for taking pictures or creating videos with your Mac, then no, it’s not worth the investment. Your internal camera will be just fine. The only time I’d say get an external camera is when you really need one—for example if you plan on using your Mac to make videos and are constantly on web cam chats. But if you’re just looking for a better way to take pictures and create videos, an external camera isn’t necessary.