Best Webcam Software for Windows 10 Windows Central 2020

Webcams aren't just useful for boring conference calls; there are now some high-quality cameras out there that you can use for serious content creation. If your webcam is something you use a lot, especially if you're now working from home, then you probably need some great software to go with it.

Free and easy: Windows Camera

Staff favorite

Do you need third-party software when there's a camera app built right into Windows 10? It's not the most feature-packed app, but if all you want is something to take some photos or capture some quick video clips, it's there, and it's free. You can also access any resolution and frame rate that your webcam is capable of shooting at. It's a simple case of plug and play. And no download necessary.

Free at Microsoft

Feature packed: Cyberlink YouCam 9

If you want features and lots of them, YouCam 9 by Cyberlink is the best app around. It isn't free, but you can try all its features for 30-days first. After that, it costs, but the basic feature set remains free. The major selling point of YouCam is the creative control it gives you if you're a YouTuber or streamer. It's also perfect for business use since it integrates with apps like Skype and Google Meet.

$35 at Cyberlink

For Logitech cameras: Logitech Capture

If you use a Logitech webcam, this is all you need. It works with all recent webcams from the company. It has built-in customization and studio tools, things like text overlays, built-in broadcast capabilities, and full control over resolution, frame rate, and settings like exposure. And it's free, so there's absolutely nothing to lose.

Free at Logitech

Pro app: Debut Video Capture

Debut is a little more complex than some of the other apps on this list, primarily because it's more than just a webcam tool. It can also be used as a screen recorder for your PC, and combine your webcam with that as an overlay. You can record video, photos, and audio, as well as change all the necessary video quality settings, color settings, add text, timestamps, and much more.

From $35 at NCH Software

Use anywhere: Webcam Toy

Why does a great app need to be on your PC? Webcam Toy is a web app that can be accessed on any computer in any browser. It's simple but allows you to capture images and videos while having some fun at the same time by adding some goofy effects. It's free, lightweight, and doesn't need any form of install.

Free at Webcam Toy

Streamers and Creators: OBS Studio

OBS is far more than just a webcam app, popular among streamers the world over. In essence, it's a potent broadcast application that allows you massive creative freedom. There are several community-generated plugins to enhance the experience further, and you can also capture as well as stream, use multiple video devices, and a whole lot more.

Free at OBS

Plenty of good choices

Whatever you need to use your webcam for, there are plenty of apps out there to help you get what you need. If all you want is basic snapshots and video recording, then why not make use of the Windows Camera app built into your PC. It'll recognize any webcam you have connected, along with supported resolutions, and while basic, it gets the job done.

More advanced users will find apps like YouCam 9 and Debut Video Capture more to their tastes, though. Whether a creator, a streamer, or merely wanting to put together the best quality business calls, both of these are packed with more advanced features that offer greater scope and control when using your webcam.

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