When Apple recreates the functionality of a third-party app as a native experience, it's called Sherlocking. What's it called when a third-party app developer takes an excellent macOS feature and ports it over to Windows? I'm not sure, but I'm happy to share a brilliant example.

Camo Streamlight is a new app that lights up your screen to improve the image quality of your camera. It's similar to "Edge Light," which is in testing on macOS, but the makers of Camo Streamlight tossed in some features that should make Apple green with envy — or green in appearance. Plus, it's free.

The app places a customizable virtual ring light around the edge of your screen. You can set the shape, brightness, and color of the light. Camo Streamlight supports High Dynamic Range, meaning it can take full advantage of the bright panels of the best Windows laptops and best monitors that support the feature.

The CEO of Reincubate, Aidan Fitzpatrick, reached out to me about the app's launch. Reincubate also makes the Camo Studio app, which uses a collection of filters, adjustments, and auto framing to improve videos taken with cameras through Windows.

I tested Camo Streamlight this afternoon in various lighting conditions. I took still photos, videos, and had a colleague reflect on my image quality during a video call.

I have a Dell UltraSharp Webcam from 2021. It's a bit older than the best webcams, but it's still nice. My laptop screen can hit up to 600 nits of brightness and supports HDR, meaning it can get surprisingly bright.

Camo Streamlight makes it easy to swap between modes. When using any of those modes, you can tweak the size of the lighted area, alter the brightness of the virtual ring light, and adjust the hue or temperature of the light depending on the mode you're in.

The results are quite impressive. As you can see in the photos above, Camo Streamlight can make my face visible and clear in a dark room or add detail to my face in a lit room by filling in shadows.

Mileage will vary depending on the screen you run Camo Streamlight on. If you have a large HDR display, you should be able to improve lighting during video calls quite easily.

Windows 11 has a new app that replicates one of the most clever macOS features Apple has introduced in a while. "Edge Light" is a new feature in testing on macOS that adds a ring light effect to your screen, brightening video calls and making your face clearer. Despite Apple's Edge Light only being in beta testing through iOS 26.2, a developer has already made a similar app for Windows.

Scott Hanselman, Microsoft's Vice President of Developer Community, shared the first release of "Windows Edge Light" on GitHub recently.

The app adds a white ring around the edge of your display, similar to Apple's offering. It also supports click-through transparency so you can interact with what's on your screen even when Windows Edge Light is running.

I installed the app first thing this morning after reading about it over the weekend. Windows Edge Light works as intended, though its effectiveness depends on your monitor and the ambient light in the room. A dull IPS panel will not light up your face as much as a brighter screen.

The best webcams do better in low-light environments, but ensuring adequite light to your setup is always a good idea.

Every once in a while, a feature ships that makes you ask how it took so long for someone to think of it. Apple's Edge Light falls into that category. Many on Reddit, X, and other platforms have echoed that sentiment and commended Apple for the clever tool.

The idea is straightforward. Adding lights is one of the quickest ways to improve picture quality on a webcam. People are often looking at a screen when video calling, so why not use the screen they're looking at to illuminate their face?

Of course, there's some secret sauce going on that makes Edge Light more than a white bar around your screen. According to 9to5Mac, Edge Light can detect your face and adjust lighting accordingly. The app also takes advantage of a system's Image Signal Processor to adjust lighting to match your environment.

Edge Light will also hide itself if you move your cursor close to the edge of your screen. If you're on a Mac from 2024 or newer, Edge Light can detect if you're in a dark environment and turn on automatically. The app works on any Mac with Apple Silicon, it's just the automatic darkness detection that requires a newer device.

Windows Edge Light lacks some of those features, which is understandable given how new it is. Hanselman discussed the app's development on LinkedIn and mentioned that new features will be added. The app is also available right now as opposed to being in beta.

I'd love to see Windows Edge Light added to PowerToys. The developer community often embraces clever ideas like this and enhances them when given the chance.

FAQ

Razer is known for a lot of PC and gaming accessories, but "webcams" are rarely the first thing that comes to mind. The company is apparently taking the segment seriously, though, as we now have a Razer Kiyo V2 to assess.

I've been using this as my primary webcam for weeks now, and I'm honestly shocked by how good it is. At $150, the new Razer Kiyo V2 manages to undercut some of the most popular premium 4K webcams, but doesn't disappoint when it comes to image or microphone quality.

The best part? The Kiyo V2 comes with a lifetime subscription to Camo Studio Pro, a popular multi-platform software that enables a wide range of webcam features. That's a $100 value on its own, and helps Razer's latest webcam compete with more established players.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Razer. Razer had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

A quality webcam designed for everyone

With the Kiyo V2, Razer has officially moved away from the chunky circle of its previous webcams and adopted a design we've seen a lot, like with the Logitech MX Brio I reviewed, which moves the webcam internals into a horizontal bar (which also has the side effect of spreading out the stereo microphones).

As such, the Kiyo V2 is not a compact webcam, if that matters to you, but it's still a clean, matte black design with excellent build quality. Razer's build quality has steadily improved over the years, and I see those efforts reflected here.

This isn't an "ultra-premium" webcam like Razer's previous Kiyo Pro Ultra or something like the OBSBOT Tiny 2 I reviewed (which is still my favorite webcam of all time), but the Kiyo V2 feels every bit as smartly designed and tightly constructed as the plethora of ~$200+ webcams on the market.

That includes a sturdy, permanently attached stand with a built-in pivot, support for standard 1/4-inch mounts, a detachable USB Type-C cable, and a clearly visible physical privacy shutter that you can open and close by spinning the rim around the sensor. Yes, there's also a white LED that shows when the camera is on — but only the camera, so the microphones can still be active while the light is off (I think Razer should change that).

Speaking of microphones, the Kiyo V2 punches above its weight here. My colleagues at Windows Central expressed surprise at the quality of these webcam mics, and I share their praise. Make no mistake — this is still a webcam, so you'll always be better off with a good headset or (even better) a dedicated microphone.

That being said, the Kiyo V2 does better than most webcams at filtering out background noise and focusing on your voice, keeping it clear and full. Any change in the distance between you and the Kiyo V2 has a huge impact on quality, though, which isn't good for someone as twitchy as me.

The surrounding hardware is top-notch, but it's the sensor at the core that makes or breaks a webcam.

A solid sensor supported by super software

At the center of the Razer Kiyo V2 is an 8.3MP Sony STARVIS sensor of decent size, although it's not as impressively vast as the Kiyo Pro Ultra that precedes it. This sensor is capable of recording at 4K and 30 frames per second (FPS), or 1080p and 60 FPS.

Strangely, the more affordable Kiyo V2 X caps out at 1440p and 60 FPS, while the Kiyo V2 is limited to 30 FPS at the same resolution. I'm not sure why that is, honestly, but in all other respects, the more expensive webcam's sensor is dramatically superior, with a much wider 93-degree field-of-view (FoV), High Dynamic Range (HDR) support, and wider compatibility with various formats and features.

As far as sheer image quality is concerned, the Razer Kiyo V2 is capable of going toe-to-toe with those aforementioned $200 webcams; color reproduction is spot on, low-light performance is respectable, and auto-focus is accurate (if a little slow at times). This webcam's one weakness seems to be with auto-exposure, as the Kiyo V2 has a tendency to blow out lighter skin tones (I definitely fall into that category).

At face value, the Razer Kiyo V2's sensor is good enough to play with the biggest players in this price range, but it doesn't outright beat them in any specific area. What sets this webcam apart is the software that supports it and the attractive price tag tying it all together.

Let's clear the air — when I say software helps make the Kiyo V2 great, I am not talking about Razer Synapse. In this case, Synapse does the absolute bare minimum; it gives you basic settings and is functional, but it simply can't compete with the mature platforms of more established webcam brands.

Razer clearly knows this, though, so it partnered with one of the most popular third-party solutions for upgrading your streaming and video conference setup across Windows and macOS: Camo Studio.

Every single Kiyo V2 (not the more affordable V2 X) comes with a lifetime license for Camo Studio's "Pro" license, and includes a variety of exclusive Razer themes and presets.

Suddenly, the Razer Kiyo V2 has all the software features you could want from the absolute best webcams, including more granular image adjustments, AI-assisted backgrounds and privacy filters, automatic face tracking, and more. Camo may be partially known for transforming your phone into a high-quality webcam, but it's genuinely a powerful and intuitive webcam software suite — and the Razer Kiyo V2 gives you access to all of it without a subscription fee.

Honestly, I'm really impressed by how responsive and intuitive Camo Studio is. The Razer Kiyo V2 doesn't boast gimbal tracking, yet Camo's auto-framing feature easily makes full use of the wide-angle lens to keep me in frame. It's a great experience... but Razer Synapse is essentially useless outside of obtaining your lifetime license, so keep that in mind if you're especially mindful of new applications eating into your system resources.

Razer Kiyo V2 review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You need a high-quality 4K webcam without spending $200+.
• You already know the value of Camo Studio and its features.
• You want a great webcam with a physical privacy shutter you can see.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You really don't want to install a new app just for your webcam.
• You really value hardware features like gimbal tracking.

Look, I'll be returning to the OBSBOT Tiny 2; the gimbal tracking, the superior image quality, and the all-in-one software suite objectively make it the better webcam. It also costs literally twice as much, though.

When judged for what it is, the Razer Kiyo V2 is truly excellent. It's only $149.99 at Razer.com, and it's genuinely not often I can look at a Razer product and remark, "that's a really good deal." This is a good deal, especially if you take advantage of the included Camo Studio Pro license, which unlocks a ton of extra software features.

It's good enough that — despite costing 33% less — I can't really recommend the Razer Kiyo V2 X for $99.99 at Razer.com (get the OBSBOT Tiny SE I reviewed instead). The Razer Kiyo V2 is a fantastic value for frequent attendees of video conferences and streamers alike, and definitively gives the more expensive Logitech MX Brio a run for its money.

You can use many Android smartphones as a webcam on Windows 11 (or Windows 10) simply by connecting them to your PC with a standard USB cable and making a small change in the phone's settings. By default, the "stock" version of Android chooses "charging this device via USB" and tops up your battery, but changing it to "webcam" can offer a significant improvement over the standard webcams built into many laptops.

I do it all the time with my Google Pixel, especially when I'm traveling. I can detach the same USB-C cable that was included with the phone from its AC adapter and hook it up to most laptops, and it'll often provide a much better image. On the other hand, some manufacturers, such as Samsung and Motorola, disable the "Use USB for Webcam" feature on their Android devices, which can make the process a little longer.

Nevertheless, I can place my smartphone almost wherever I need it (to the limit of the cable's length, at least), which usually delivers a little more of a flattering picture than a tilted-up laptop screen. I've used this method extensively with a Google Pixel 7 Pro, and Phone Link works wirelessly for other manufacturers, so let me show you exactly how it works.

How to use a Google Pixel as a webcam

It isn't a complex process, but it isn't the standard mode for your Google Pixel phone whenever it's connected to a Windows PC, either. Here's how it works.

1. Connect your Pixel to your Windows 11 PC with a compatible USB cable
2. Navigate to your Notifications panel, usually by scrolling down from the top-center part of your phone's display
3. Tap the USB notification, which usually displays a "Charging this device via USB" message
4. Within USB preferences, change the "Use USB for" setting to Webcam

• Optional: At this point, you can check in Device Manager whether Windows 11 has correctly identified your Google Pixel smartphone as a webcam, and verify that "Android Webcam" appears under the Cameras subsection. Press your Start menu and type "Device Manager" to find this.

5. Open the Camera app in Windows 11, and select Android Webcam by clicking the Change camera button in the top-right area of the app (an icon of arrows rotating around a circle)

Using other Android smartphones as a webcam

Some smartphone manufacturers, such as Samsung and Motorola, disable the "Use USB for Webcam" feature on their Android devices, which can make the process a little longer, but it still works with Phone Link, a native Windows app.

1. Set up your Android smartphone with the Mobile devices section of the Settings app on Windows 11 by following our guide
2. Ensure "Allow this PC to access your mobile devices" is set to On
3. Click Manage devices and set "Use as a connected camera" to On for your intended Android phone
4. Open the Camera app in Windows 11 to check that it's working, and select Android Webcam by clicking the Change camera button in the top-right area of the app (an icon of arrows rotating around a circle)

5. Check your phone to control which camera (front or rear-facing) is used by Windows 11

Don't use a laptop webcam, use your phone!

It's a simple switch, but one that makes a huge difference to webcam quality in video calls if you're primarily using a laptop. Some PCs will have better cameras than others, but plenty of us often have incredible lenses attached to the smartphones in our pockets, and that's regularly where they'll stay. Comparing the webcam of this ASUS Zenbook (left image) to my Google Pixel 7 Pro (right image) shows how significant it can be.

Elgato has officially unveiled the Facecam 4K, a new addition to its webcam lineup and a direct successor, it seems, to their Facecam Pro released in 2022, which we previously reviewed. This marks a long-awaited upgrade.

Similar to how the Facecam Pro was touted as the first webcam to do 4K60, the Facecam 4K also supports 4K60 but boasts a better sensor, a 49mm lens, improved control, and more.

Key features at a glance

The Facecam 4K supports 4K60 video capture (MJPG only), along with uncompressed 4K30 output for those using USB 3.0. This ensures smooth, high-resolution footage with minimal latency, whether you’re streaming or recording.

Another standout is the Sony STARVIS 2 sensor, which delivers sharp, color-accurate video with a wide 90-degree field of view.

Elgato has also included onboard flash memory, allowing users to save settings directly to the device. It’s a useful feature for creators who travel or switch between multiple setups, as there’s no need to reconfigure everything each time.

However, 4K60 is not available when shooting with HDR, with only 4K30 (MPJG only) being the highest support resolution when recording in HDR. If you’re yet to have USB 3.0, you’ll also be restricted to just 1080p60, but the improved sensor should still be noticeable.

Camera Hub 2.1 brings DSLR-like control

Elgato’s Camera Hub software helps unlock the full potential of the Facecam 4K, offering creators DSLR-like control over their image. Users can manually adjust ISO, shutter speed, white balance, and more to dial in a professional look that suits their setup.

The app also includes PTZ controls, letting you pan, tilt, and zoom across your scene while maintaining impressive sharpness. This can be especially handy for streamers who want to present and frame their shot without physically moving the camera.

There’s built-in LUT support too for color grading, along with optional background blur powered by NVIDIA RTX GPUs. This enables a soft, depth-of-field style effect typically reserved for DSLR cameras.

To access these features, as well as the latest firmware updates, you’ll need Camera Hub version 2.1, currently only in beta through Elgato’s website.

49mm lens, filters and more with the Facecam 4K

According to Elgato, the Facecam 4K is the first webcam to support 49mm lens filters, a standard size commonly used in photography and film. This allows users to screw filters directly onto the webcam, just like they would with a DSLR camera.

Among the supported options is a CPL (Circular Polarizer) filter, which helps reduce glare and reflections, particularly on screens. Elgato is including a free CPL filter or a privacy cap with purchases made through their webstore at launch.

The Facecam compatible filters include diffusion, star, black mist, and macro, with a wide range of additional 49mm filters also supported, as long as they can use the standard 49mm size.

Launch notes and availability

If this kind of product excites you, the Facecam 4K is available to order now (July 29th 2025) via Elgato’s store. As part of the launch, buyers can choose between a free CPL filter or a privacy cap at checkout.

Here’s the regional price breakdown:

• United States - USD: $199.99
• Canada - CAD: 259.99
• Europe - EUR: €199.99
• United Kingdom - GBP: £179.99
• Sweden - SEK 2,390
• Poland - PLN 870
• Australia - AUD 289
• Japan - JPY 29,980

It’s worth noting that Low Light Mode is currently disabled due to a last-minute bug. The toggle will appear within Camera Hub 2.1, but it doesn’t function just yet. A future update will restore this feature.

Inside the box, you’ll find the Facecam 4K, a ¼ inch thread mount, and a detachable USB-C to USB 3.0 cable measuring 200cm (79 inches).

For those using the Elgato Prompter, a new backplate is required for compatibility with the Facecam 4K. You can 3D print one yourself, or purchase it separately, though all future Elgato Prompters will ship with the updated backplate by default, replacing the version designed for the Facecam Pro.

Personally, I’ve got quite a few Elgato products already, but I’m still using a Logitech Brio 4K. This definitely looks like a tempting upgrade — especially with the Nintendo Switch 2 compatibility, making it one of the better camera options available for the console.

As Windows Central's primary reviewer right now, I have a lot of products come and go through my office. Some of it excites me, some of it bores me, but I put every product through the same level of testing so I can tell you if you should consider it or save your money for something better.

We're just over halfway through 2025 now, and at the time of publication, I've reviewed a grand total of 58 laptops, monitors, accessories, games, and other tech products for Windows Central — averaging over two a week.

So, let's get a little retrospective and look back at my 10 favorite reviewed products in 2025 so far, ranging from a tiny webcam to a beefy gaming laptop.

10. Razer Blade 14 (2025)

The first appearance from Razer on this list is the redesigned Razer Blade 14 (2025), the company's best-selling laptop, made thinner, lighter, smarter, and more powerful than ever before.

While I've been a big fan of many of Razer's accessories for years, I haven't been enthusiastic about its prohibitively expensive and extremely niche gaming laptops, but 2025 has turned my opinions around dramatically.

In my Razer Blade 14 (2025) review, I wrote:

"Following the trail blazed by its 16-inch sibling, the Razer Blade 14 is entering 2025 with a fresh new design, more power, and a whole lot of AI features. It's Razer's best-selling machine made better than ever, even though most people don't really need this class of device. I also suggest opting for the silver colorway if you dislike dealing with constant fingerprint marks and smudges."

Yes, I still maintain that the majority don't need to spend their money on the Razer Blade 14, but those that do will be met with one of the finest and most powerful 14-inch laptops ever made... At least until I finish reviewing the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025), which has a good chance of surpassing the Blade 14 if my hands-on is anything to go by.

9. Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U2725QE)

By far the most surprising addition to this list was a monitor I never expected to fall in love with so quickly, and that's the Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U2725QE)... Yeah, I'm not eager to spell out that name again.

At first glance, this is one of countless and generic productivity monitors that every major brand spits out for enterprises, but the U2725QE is anything but generic. It's special enough that I didn't even wait to finish my full review before writing about how much I valued its headlining feature.

When I did publish my full Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U2725QE) review, I concluded:

"One of the newest additions to the massive Dell UltraSharp family doesn't check every box a high-end monitor can have, but does pair an excellent productivity-focused IPS LCD display with a full-featured Thunderbolt 4 USB hub that you won't want to give up once you have it. There's room to want more and Dell's "new and improved" software doesn't feel very improved, but it's still difficult to find a true note-for-note alternative to this display."

Dell made an invaluable productivity tool to tie together your entire setup with this monitor, and since my review has noticeably improved its software to be cleaner, more intuitive, and more reliable. To make a long story short, though, monitors are simply better with Thunderbolt built in.

8. ASUS Zenbook A14 (2025)

With 4/5 stars, the ASUS Zenbook A14 (2025) is the lowest-scoring product on this list, but don't mistake that for being the worst. This is a phenomenal mid-range Windows laptop, and one of the best AI PCs any casual user can buy right now.

Weighing less than a single kilogram (just over two pounds) and boasting some of the best battery life of any 14-inch laptop, the cleverly named Zenbook A14 (because ASUS didn't want to risk using "Air" for risk of annoying a certain fruit-based company) was only meaningfully docked because ASUS announced it with a $100 lower starting price than what we got.

In my full ASUS Zenbook A14 (2025) review, I said:

"With a magnesium chassis as light as air and as tough as stone, Snapdragon X series chipsets that barely sip on the physics-defying massive battery, and a great balance of practical function and aesthetic form, the Zenbook A14 is one of the best laptops of the year. It could've been even better with its anticipated $900 entry-level configuration, but a $100 price bump just prevents this laptop from also being one of the best deals for a thin and light AI PC."

I (and our Editor-in-Chief, Daniel Rubino) still absolutely adore this laptop, and since its release, the Zenbook A14 has enjoyed some very healthy discounts. I've seen it go for as low as $650, which is a genuinely incredible deal for one of our favorite Copilot+ PCs of the year.

7. OBSBOT Tiny SE

Not everyone needs a webcam, and many of those who do aren't concerned with the quality. I do (on both counts), and over a year and a half, my favorite webcam has been the OBSBOT Tiny 2, which I reviewed.

That webcam costs $300, though, which is far more than most are willing to spend on a webcam. Thankfully, OBSBOT dropped a new webcam in the Tiny SE, an AI-powered, FHD webcam with full gimbal tracking and a complete set of features. The best part? It only costs $100.

In my OBSBOT Tiny SE review, I concluded:

"The OBSBOT Tiny SE is easily one of the best-value webcams you can buy right now, thanks to its excellent 1080p image quality, reliable low-light performance, and useful AI-powered gimbal tracking. You can see where the corners were cut compared to my favorite OBSBOT Tiny 2, but this webcam also costs a third as much for a lot of the same features."

This is the webcam for $100 or less, and I honestly can't think of another that I wholeheartedly recommend in this price range. The Tiny SE is a fantastic value and is perfect for those who need a reliable webcam but don't want to break the bank.

6. Razer Kishi V3 Pro

The next two actually go hand-in-hand, both because I happened to review them around the same time and because they make each other better. Not that they need the help, with the Razer Kishi V3 Pro easily becoming the best mobile gaming controller you can buy right now.

There are a lot of great options from companies like GameSir and Backbone, but Razer took everything it had learned from previous controllers and made a responsive, durable, comfortable, premium, and feature-packed controller compatible with countless smartphones and tablets.

In my Razer Kishi V3 Pro review, I wrote:

"The Razer Kishi V3 Pro takes everything great about Razer's excellent Kishi Ultra and adds more buttons and features and plenty of other enhancements. It's truly the ultimate mobile gaming controller, as long as you don't mind the size. There's even an XL version that works with up to 13-inch tablets. This is now one of my favorite ways to play."

Full sized TMR thumbsticks (the more advanced version of Hall Effect), multiple additional remappable buttons, the Razer Nexus launcher with PC Remote Play, audio-to-haptics, and Razer's virtual control emulator, the Kishi V3 Pro has it all — and the next on the list may be the best device to pair with it.

5. Lenovo Legion Tab (Gen 3)

Recently, I wrote about how my go-to gaming handheld right now isn't my Nintendo Switch OLED or my ASUS ROG Ally X, and I was talking about this tablet. Well, this tablet and the previous entry, to be more precise.

Lenovo's debut on this list is something unique for myself and Windows Central, in that it's an Android tablet. I decided to review it with Xbox Cloud Gaming and Microsoft's other mobile gaming investments in mind, and I ended up discovering my favorite companion device.

In my in-depth Lenovo Legion Tab (Gen 3) review, I said:

"The Lenovo Legion Tab is a small, Android-powered tablet designed with mobile gaming in mind, but it's a fantastic tablet companion all around. With a sleek and premium design, a fast and responsive display, and powerful internals with a large battery, the Legion Tab isn't just the best iPad Mini alternative — I flat out like it more."

Yes, the Legion Tab is brilliant for gaming on various levels, especially when paired with an equally great mobile gaming controller, but it's also the best option for those in the market for a miniature tablet that can keep up with their daily lives.

4. Alienware 27 4K QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (AW2725Q)

OLED has gotten incredibly good in the last few years, especially with gaming monitors and laptops. Faster, smoother, and more reliable, OLED has been the go-to choice for gamers looking for the premium way to play.

As such, I've reviewed a lot of the best OLED gaming monitors, but few have been as easy to recommend as the Alienware AW2725Q, which pairs a 4K resolution, 240Hz refresh rate, a competitive 3-year warranty, and a sub-$1,000 price tag.

In my Alienware 27 4K QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (AW2725Q) review, I said:

"Alienware has taken the latest and greatest OLED tech and shoved it into a compact 27-inch gaming monitor, and it looks and feels every bit the premium product it's supposed to be. You won't enjoy a wealth of extra features, but that barebones approach allows for a lower price tag than many of the AW2725Q's direct competitors."

This is a very focused monitor for those who know they want industry-leading image quality and performance, and don't need the extraneous features that make other monitors more expensive. I still prefer a larger 32-inch display, but the AW2725Q is well worth the cost (especially when it's on sale, which is often).

3. Audeze MM-100

In the hi-fi audio world, Audeze is well-known as the leader of planar magnetic technology, a wildly different approach to your average headphones. Most of those headphones cost many hundreds or even thousands of dollars, though, immediately pricing them out of most people's range.

The MM-100 is Audeze's attempt to bring its signature sound to a more accessible price point, one that a more casual audiophile can invest in to get their foot through the door of true high-end music. These cans aren't perfect, but you won't find a better set of planar magnetic headphones for anywhere near this price.

In my Audeze MM-100 review, I stated:

"The Audeze MM-100 is the latest attempt by the legendary audio company to break into more mainstream spaces, trickling its planar magnetic headphone technology down to a fraction of the cost of its most popular high-end headphones. The pricing is great, the audio quality is phenomenal, and it's accessible to audiophiles of all knowledge levels. As long as you know what you're getting and can accept the minor compromises, you're not likely to find better at this price point."

The Audeze MM-100 will work with basically any device with a 3.5mm headphone jack, but your listening experience will scale with your hardware (especially if you invest in a proper DAC).

2. Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (Gen 10)

Remember when Lenovo first properly entered the gaming scene with its Legion brand? Because it... wasn't great. Fast forward a few years, though, and Lenovo Legion has quickly become one of the most reliable and popular brands for gaming hardware.

Lenovo's second appearance on this list is the flagship Legion Pro 7i (Gen 10), a 16-inch gaming laptop with all the power you could possibly desire. A new generation of Intel and NVIDIA hardware lined up with Lenovo's full redesign, and it's a fabulous machine on so many levels.

In my (very detailed) Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (Gen 10) review, I said:

"The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i no longer feels like the 'flagship killer' deal it was in years prior, but the latest model ushers in a new generation of Intel and NVIDIA hardware with a great redesign, a wonderful OLED display, and some of the best performance you'll find on any mobile machine. This is one of the best gaming laptops we're going to see this year. It is a shame we lost the rear-facing ports, though."

The new Legion Pro 7i is undeniably a premium machine, but it's also one of the best performers on the market (and frankly still undercuts options from companies like Razer by a substantial margin). It's almost peak gaming laptop... I just wish we hadn't lost the rear ports.

1. XREAL One Pro

If you're surprised to see a pair of AR glasses at the top of this list of my favorite reviewed products of 2025, you're not alone — I'm right there with you. XREAL truly earned its place here with the One Pro, though, which in many ways is the pinnacle of this tech category.

Even our own Jez Corden recently argued that XREAL would've been a better partner for Xbox than Meta's Quest headsets, and I agree. The flagship XREAL One Pro is a proper showcase of what modern technology can accomplish, giving you a massive, beautiful, and fully private theater for all your devices, wherever you happen to be.

In my XREAL One Pro review, I stated:

"With the One Pro, XREAL has firmly established itself as the leading innovating force in the AR glasses category, with class-leading advancements making this wearable tech genuinely worthwhile to the average consumer. The design, displays, and feature set are all top-notch, providing an excellent, private theater for working, gaming, and watching, but the XREAL One Pro AR glasses are prohibitively expensive, and you do lose something when transitioning to this more standalone design."

Don't get me wrong, the XREAL One Pro are an expensive investment, but you don't have to go this far. The standard XREAL One AR glasses still provide a ton of value for anyone who loves to game, watch, or even work on the go, in bed, or anywhere that isn't in front of a TV or monitor.

More people than ever before need a good webcam on their desk, and webcams that can intelligently keep you in frame are especially popular options. But what about a gimbal-tracking webcam with two cameras?

That's the idea of the EMEET PIXY, a new premium webcam that combines its primary 4K camera with a secondary, AI-assisted sensor aiming to improve focus, tracking, and image quality.

It's an interesting idea, and EMEET is delivering its vision at a surprisingly accessible price point. This is a lot of webcam for $160, and EMEET's software offers a ton of features — including for setups with multiple cameras and microphones.

All of that is great, but I still have some concerns about the stability of this software and the camera's firmware, as well as a potential privacy issue that may immediately drive some people away.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by EMEET. EMEET had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

EMEET PIXY review: Pricing and specifications

I wouldn't describe the EMEET PIXY as a budget webcam by any means, but the price is competitive for a premium, 4K webcam with AI-assisted gimbal tracking — and that's before you consider the unique dual-camera design.

You can pick up the EMEET PIXY for $159.99 at Amazon, which includes the detachable mount.

This webcam should work with most modern devices that support, well, webcams, but the EMEET STUDIO software is only available on Windows and macOS.

In the box, you'll find the EMEET PIXY dual-camera webcam, the detachable and adjustable mount, a 1.5m USB Type-C to USB Type-C 2.0 cable, and a USB Type-C to USB Type-A adapter.

EMEET PIXY review: What I like

There are only so many ways to design a gimbal-tracking webcam in a way that makes sense, so it's no surprise the EMEET PIXEL isn't a drastic departure from what I consider the peak of the category, the OBSBOT Tiny 2 webcam I reviewed.

You get a "squircle" base containing all the crucial components, capped by the mechanism that manipulates the camera housing. It's a clean look, and EMEET used premium materials and achieved some fine build quality.

It's that camera housing where the PIXY deviates from the norm, though, thanks to its dual cameras. Both utilize the same large 12MP sensor, but only one is actually used for imaging — the other is only for assistance, collecting additional information with AI to support the primary camera.

I can't say for certain exactly how effective this is, but we'll get into that later. The EMEET PIXY only needs USB 2.0 to function, so it's compatible with a wide range of devices. It's obviously designed with Windows and macOS in mind, though, as that's where you'll find the EMEET STUDIO software.

As a final note, the detachable mount provides a solid amount of adjustability and works great, and it uses a standard 1/4-inch thread to make it easy to incorporate the PIXY into your custom setup (or use a tripod).

EMEET really did nail the fundamental hardware here, which makes the pricing all the more impressive. The gimbal tracking is smooth and relatively quick, with a good range of motion and support for manually disabling the camera by pointing it down.

When the PIXY is active, you can expect good image quality. The 4K sensor is actually at its best when pared down to 1080p and 30 FPS (where it can employ digital zoom to further keep you in frame), but it always boasts good detail retention, color reproduction, automatic white balance and exposure adjustment, and fast autofocus.

It's certainly not the best, but I do believe the PIXY punches above its weight for image quality, with solid low-light performance to boot. EMEET claims that the secondary camera is dramatically improving autofocus and tracking speeds, while also improving the image quality for facial data; I'm still not certain it's worth all the fuss, but the PIXY does look good.

Supporting the EMEET PIXY is a triple-array microphone, which is far better than most competing microphones (at least on paper). In practice, the PIXY's mics are good. They didn't blow my mind by any means, but these microphones do a fair job of capturing your voice and mostly mitigating unwanted background noise, and there are different recording modes to adjust the noise cancellation to your environment.

One of the PIXY's major selling points (beyond the dual camera) is its software, though, which admittedly does provide quite a lot of functionality.

The EMEET STUDIO isn't just an app to manage the PIXY; it also wants to be your hub that ties together your entire recording setup, including supporting multiple cameras and audio sources.

In addition to the image quality settings, filters, and various presenting modes for the PIXY, there's also an audio mixer and even an AI-powered storyboarder that aims to provide some direction and insight into how to create using your setup. It's a lot, but it's clear EMEET did think about how to provide additional value beyond the hardware alone.

At least right now, though, that software may also be the PIXY's downfall...

EMEET PIXY review: What I don't like

The EMEET STUDIO software's abundance of features leads to a messy interface with unclear navigation at times, but it's mostly fine. Performance is also mostly fine, with some instability leading to stutters, freezes, and even a handful of crashes during my testing period.

For all the features this app offers, it's also missing some basics, like custom backgrounds and blurring — most modern video conferencing software can do this itself, but 1) native solutions are almost always better, and the PIXY may even be more capable with its second sensor, and 2) EMEET STUDIO isn't just designed for video conferencing alone, so you can't always rely on another app to offer those features.

There's no IR sensor for Windows Hello facial recognition, either, which is always disappointing. Oh, High Dynamic Range (HDR) is missing, too.

The PIXY's firmware is also rough around the edges. The STUDIO's overly aggressive update notifications are annoying, the firmware updates themselves constantly fail (even if you're careful to close any app that'd ever use your webcam), and the PIXY itself is prone to randomly losing you and drifting off to the side, refusing to enter privacy mode and turn off, and more.

My greatest concern, though? After one failed firmware update, the PIXY stopped responding entirely, stubbornly remaining upright... but with its LED indicator inactive, which should mean it's turned off.

The problem is that the PIXY was constantly recording (I could see the video in STUDIO and other apps) and refused to turn off or enter privacy mode until I unplugged it and restarted my computer. That's clearly a bug, but the main issue is that it proves the LED indicator isn't hardwired to the camera — meaning the PIXY could theoretically be on without you knowing.

That's a major privacy concern, and while pre-release software and firmware updates did noticeably improve the PIXY's experience during my testing period, I'm not certain that's a problem that can ever be totally fixed on the firmware side.

EMEET PIXY review: Also consider

EMEET PIXY review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a gimbal-tracking webcam for way less than $200.
• You want reliable quality at 4K with fast autofocus and tracking.
• You have a multi-camera setup and want software that can manage them.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You're easily annoyed by minor software issues.
• You're particularly concerned about protecting your privacy.

On the hardware front, the EMEET PIXY is an almost unbeatable deal for a 4K, gimbal-tracking, AI-assisted webcam. You can see where EMEET cut some corners to dip so far below the $200 barrier, but the PIXY really is a great option that might earn a spot among the best webcams.

Most of my issues can and likely will be resolved over time through continuous software and firmware updates (I saw multiple versions of each during my testing period), but I always advise buying a product for what it is now, not what it could be, so bear that in mind.

I can recommend the PIXY, especially if you know you want 4K recording and smart gimbal tracking, but don't want to break the bank. That recommendation does come with a caveat, though: privacy.

I'm not saying the PIXY can be exploited by any means, and the privacy mode is as effective as it gets, but a bug proved that the PIXY can be on without its indicator LED reflecting that state, and that's concerning enough to merit a warning to the privacy-conscious among us.

If you can accept that shadow of doubt, the EMEET PIXY offers a lot of bang for your buck, and you can pick it up now for $159.99 at Amazon.

A great, reliable monitor can make all the difference in the world when trying to get work done, and HP is one of the best places to get one.

There are countless monitors for all manner of use cases, but the HP Series 7 Pro 34 WQHD Conferencing Monitor (734pm) tries to meet every need.

This is a productivity-focused display that seemingly boasts every feature you could ever want, so you shouldn't need anything else. In fact, the HP 734pm even wants to be the bridge that connects all your other devices and monitors — it's just that capable.

If you need a true all-in-one monitor, this may be exactly what you're looking for. All this hardware packed into one chassis does introduce some compromises, though, and you are paying for it all (even the features you'll never use).

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by HP. HP had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

HP 734pm review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A widescreen, IPS LCD monitor with built-in video conferencing and multi-device productivity features.
• Who is it for? Those who need the ultimate companion for connecting multiple devices, monitors, and accessories together while working or communicating.
• How much does it cost? The HP Series 7 Pro 34 WQHD Conferencing Monitor (734pm) retails for $1,229 at HP, but I have seen it go on sale already.
• What did I like? The high-quality display, the solid Windows Hello webcam, the Thunderbolt 4 hub, and the wealth of extra features.
• What did I not like? The finicky setup process, the minor annoyances during use, and the high price tag.

HP 734pm review: Pricing and specifications

There are plenty of 34-inch, curved, WQHD monitors on the market, and many don't cost much, either, but few (if any) boast as many features and capabilities as this one.

Those extras are why the HP Series 7 Pro 34 WQHD Conferencing Monitor (734pm) retails for $1,229 at HP, which is a steep cost for a display of this caliber.

I have seen this monitor go on sale already, though, and even below $1,000. Any price under that line is far easier to swallow, but most of those discounts are coming from third-party sellers, so caution is advised.

In the box, you'll find the HP Series 7 Pro 34 WQHD Conferencing Monitor (734pm), its two-piece stand with toolless assembly, a 100 x 100mm VESA mount adapter, the AC power cable, and one each of DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, Thunderbolt 4, and USB Type-C to USB Type-A upstream cables.

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HP 734pm review: What I like

The HP 734pm wouldn't stand out in a crowd of 34-inch widescreen monitors with its 1900R curved display, predominantly plastic chassis, and silver colorway. It looks fine and the build quality is acceptable, but nothing is special about it, either.

That's fine for a productivity-focused monitor, and the 734pm is at least easy to put together. The two-piece stand easily clips to the back of the display and feels very solid. You still get height, tilt, and swivel adjustability, too, although the 734pm doesn't support vertical pivoting.

You'll find most of your ports neatly aligned and labeled on the back of the monitor, with two USB ports stashed on the bottom at the center, a discrete power button off to their left, and a button/D-Pad combo for controlling the On-Screen Display (OSD) on the back right side.

It's a good setup, and that OSD gives you a ton of control over your display settings, color profile, KVM/PiP/PbP settings, hardware features, and more. You can also install the HP Display Center to manage most of these options with your mouse and keyboard and install firmware updates, too, which worked great (once I got it working).

Of course, the HP 734pm is dominated by the display, a curved, 34-inch, 21:9 expanse. The resolution is fairly basic at WQHD (1440p, but wider), so this isn't the sharpest monitor, but HP used a very nice IPS LCD Black panel here.

In my testing, it actually surpassed HP's promises for 98% adherence to the DCI-P3 color gamut and a max brightness of 400 nits, which was great to see. In general, this screen is consistently comfortable and accurate across all brightness levels.

It's also far punchier than your average IPS LCD panel, thanks to the use of "Black" technology to massively boost contrast levels. On top of that, the HP 734pm has a refresh rate of 120Hz, so it's noticeably much smoother than your typical office-bound monitor.

Viewing angles are perfectly fine for a curved monitor, and an anti-glare coating does a suitable job combating reflections. At over 500 nits, though, the HP 734pm is bright enough to overcome a lot of glare without that treatment.

Widescreen monitors have their drawbacks for consuming content, but few would complain about this monitor when gaming and beyond. At the very least, it's an excellent screen for staying productive and multitasking.

What makes the HP Series 7 Pro 34 WQHD Conferencing Monitor (734pm) truly special, though, extends far beyond its widescreen display. This monitor is truly packed with features.

It starts with a full-blown USB hub powered by Thunderbolt 4, giving you access to a ton of extra ports for connecting all the accessories and peripherals you could ever want.

With up to 100W of Power Delivery, any USB4 or Thunderbolt-equipped laptop should be able to take full advantage of the HP 734pm and all its features and ports. DisplayPort and HDMI are on board for desktop PCs, too, and a USB Type-C upstream port (which can also handle video input with 65W of Power Delivery if you'd prefer) will connect you to that USB hub.

Don't worry, there's more. The HP 734pm has dedicated Thunderbolt 4 and DisplayPort 1.4 ports for daisy chaining multiple monitors, so you can instantly connect your device to multiple displays with a single cable (or two).

Thought I was done? You also get full Keyboard, Video, Mouse (KVM) and HP Device Bridge 2.0 support, so you can control multiple connected devices with the same keyboard and mouse (even at the same time), and even share files between those devices by using your monitor as the bridge.

The HP 734pm is already doing more than the vast majority of monitors, but it has a lot more to offer beyond that.

A built-in proximity sensor supports Human Presence Detection (HPD) features, so the HP 734pm can automatically wake up or go to sleep as you approach or leave your desk. An ambient light sensor can also automatically adjust the brightness to match your environment, too.

Finally, the HP 734pm is equipped with everything you need for video conferencing, including a 5MP webcam with High Dynamic Range (HDR) support, dual-array noise-cancelling microphones, and quad speakers. That webcam even supports Windows Hello facial recognition, so you can instantly sign into your computer with a glance.

The webcam is surprisingly solid, with good detail and color reproduction, although it won't best dedicated webcams. Still, getting Windows Hello is awesome, and the HP 734pm can natively handle auto-framing and background blur with any device, without the use of any additional software or drivers.

The speakers are also shockingly loud, easily able to fill an entire room with noise, and the microphones seem to do a great job of avoiding picking up on that speaker noise during a video conference. The HP 734pm is seriously set up to do it all.

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HP 734pm review: What I don't like

I'll start with the basics. Where ASUS easily has the best solution for VESA monitor mounting with its adapter (which screws to your VESA solution and then clips to the back of the monitor just like its stand), HP requires that you detach the stand bracket and install the VESA adapter. Only then can you screw the monitor to your VESA mounting solution, which is just as awkward as you'd imagine with such a large display.

I also wish the left/right and up/down buttons were shortcuts for changing volume and brightness faster than diving into the OSD menu, too.

The HP 734pm does support HDR content, but only meets the DisplayHDR 400 standard and doesn't do a great job of it. If that's a high priority for you, look elsewhere. This monitor isn't the most suited for gaming, either, with an average 5ms response time.

While the dual-array microphone and speakers sound fine, any decent headset will easily give them a run for their money. The microphones sound hollow and grainy, while the speakers very quickly lose clarity and depth at higher volumes, making complex audio like music sound terrible.

Above everything, though, the HP Series 7 Pro 34 WQHD Conferencing Monitor (734pm) is simply annoying sometimes. So many ports and intersecting features make it an exercise in patience to connect your devices and accessories and actually get them to work, even if you're meticulous in your approach (I set up a lot of monitors).

Even when everything is set up properly, the HP 734pm often stumbles anyway. Auto switching to the wrong (often inactive) video inputs, failing to properly switch over the USB hub, and even occasionally resetting certain settings.

The HP Display Center simply refused to connect to the 734pm for days, despite correctly recognizing it was connected, before randomly working out of the blue (with no new updates).

While it seems clear that it's not intended and may be due to a hardware fault (I have been working with HP on this issue), I also have to mention how the microphones were incredibly unreliable in working at first, and when they did the noise cancellation completely ruined the audio quality, making them unusable.

All of these annoyances were temporary or have mostly stabilized over time, but the HP 734pm still runs into occasional hiccups that disrupt my workflow to fix. When everything works, it works awesome, but so much complexity inevitably leads to chaos.

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HP 734pm review: Also consider

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HP 734pm review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a true all-in-one monitor with full video conferencing hardware.
• You value using your monitor as a cross-device USB hub.
• You need a curved, widescreen monitor with a quality IPS LCD screen.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You won't use all the features this monitor offers.
• You have no patience to handle any tech-related oddities.

The HP 734pm is juggling an absurd number of hardware features behind the scenes, and I can only imagine how technically challenging it is to get it all working seamlessly.

HP did a great job, for the most part, resulting in one of the most capable and comprehensive productivity monitors I have ever had on my desk. It's a challenge to find the features this monitor doesn't have, and they all at least get the job done.

Is every feature of the highest quality? No, and you feel that more when this monitor costs as much as it does, but you have limited options if you truly want your primary screen to be a hub that connects all your devices, displays, and peripherals.

If you don't need all those features, there are arguably better ways to spend your money, especially if you're completely fine with supplying your own webcam and microphone. There's something special about a single monitor that can do it all, though.

The HP Series 7 Pro 34 WQHD Conferencing Monitor (734pm) is now available for $1,229 at HP, and I do consider it worthy of being counted among the best monitors you can buy right now.

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Most people can benefit from having a great webcam in this day and age, but you don't have to spend a ton.

The OBSBOT Tiny 2 4K webcam I reviewed is still my favorite webcam of all time, but it's also a $300 camera — more than many will want to spend.

Now, though, we have the OBSBOT Tiny SE, a distilled version of my top choice that trades some resolution, features, and refinement to hit a third of the price of its big sibling, and it's genuinely amazing.

For just $100, you can get an AI-powered webcam with 2-axis gimbal tracking, and there's no webcam I'd rather recommend at this price point, unless you really need 4K recording.

There are some weaknesses of which you should be aware, but the Tiny SE is easily one of the best webcams you can buy for video conferencing or streaming.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by OBSBOT. OBSBOT had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

OBSBOT Tiny SE review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A 1080p webcam with 2-axis gimbal tracking and AI-powered software features.
• Who is it for? Those who want an excellent, intelligent webcam for video conferencing and streaming on a budget.
• How much does it cost? The OBSBOT Tiny SE webcam only costs $99 at Amazon. You can also get the OBSBOT TIny SE for $99 at OBSBOT, where you may find even more optional accessories and bundles.
• What did I like? The excellent image quality in various lighting conditions, smart gimbal tracking, and compact design.
• What did I not like? The less reliable software and gimbal tracking versus the more expensive OBSBOT Tiny webcams.

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OBSBOT Tiny SE review: Specifications

In the box, you'll find the OBSBOT Tiny SE webcam, a USB Type-C 2.0 to USB Type-C 2.0 cable, and a USB Type-C to USB Type-A adapter. This webcam's mount is built-in, but there's still a 1/4-inch tread for tripods and other mounting solutions. Unlike the OBSBOT Tiny 2, you won't find a travel case in the box.

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OBSBOT Tiny SE review: What I like

The OBSBOT Tiny SE fits its name, with compact dimensions courtesy of a design that closely resembles its more expensive siblings. Plenty of smaller details differentiate the more premium Tiny webcams from this one, but the Tiny SE still boasts excellent build quality.

The mount is no longer magnetically attached and is now integrated into the webcam's body, giving you slightly less flexibility but helping lower that price tag.

The 2-axis gimbal is the same, a compact mechanical tracking system that gives you around 140 degrees of panning in each direction, and around 70 to 90 degrees of tilting up and down.

That gimbal tracking is (mostly) smooth and accurate, too, only occasionally wandering off and easily brought back with manual adjustment. The Tiny SE also supports OBSBOT's remote control if you want more power over the camera.

Connectivity is handled by a simple, detachable USB Type-C 2.0 cable that works with both Windows PCs and macOS. You can even install the optional (but highly recommended) OBSBOT Center software to access the plethora of options and features.

It's a practical design, with the Tiny SE able to automatically turn on when needed and pivot to keep you in frame, with a visible LED clearly indicating if the camera is on or not. It turns to face straight down when turned off to assuage any privacy concerns.

The star of the show is the camera sensor, of course. It's smaller than the 1/1.5-inch sensor of the OBSBOT Tiny 2, but the 1/2.8-inch CMOS sensor of the Tiny SE isn't a slouch.

Image and recording quality are fantastic for a webcam in this price range, with excellent clarity, detail, and color reproduction. You get automatic focus, exposure, and white balance, as well as granular sliders for editing contrast, saturation, sharpness, and hue.

Those base settings are enhanced by optional beauty filters and effects, including integration into NVIDIA Broadcast for more advanced background blurring.

All of these features should work with basically any software, too, as the Tiny SE supports OBSBOT's virtual camera feature, as well as Elgato Stream Deck and OSC integration.

One area where you'd expect a more affordable webcam with a smaller sensor to struggle is in low-light situations, but the Tiny SE performs very well here, too, with no excess noise or crushed detail.

Impressively, you still get dual native ISO and staggered High Dynamic Range (HDR) support in the Tiny SE, too. These are performance and image quality-enhancing features you don't often find in budget webcams.

As far as pure image quality at 1080p is concerned, I found the OBSBOT Tiny SE to be more consistent than the Insta360 Link 2 I reviewed, a great webcam that costs twice as much as this one.

This webcam is equipped with a single microphone rather than the dual, omnidirectional recording setup of its big siblings. Clarity and depth certainly take a hit, but it still gets the job done.

Automatic noise cancelation and gain control work well, and you have a variety of basic options for customizing your microphone experience. It's better than your average webcam, at least, which is more impressive at this price.

In general, it's hard to criticize any of the cuts OBSBOT made to get the Tiny 2's platform down to a third of the price. Image quality is still great with this downgraded sensor, and the OBSBOT Tiny SE can actually record at up to 1080p and 100 frames-per-second (FPS) or 720p and 120 FPS versus the 60 FPS maximum of the Tiny 2.

Crucially, you're also saving yourself $200. This is a very balanced, value-driven AI webcam.

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OBSBOT Tiny SE review: What I don't like

Since I was already comparing the two, I'll break down exactly what you lose when you go from the flagship OBSBOT Tiny 2 to the entry-level OBSBOT Tiny SE.

The camera sensor is smaller, has a lower resolution, and is more cropped. Meanwhile, the design is less premium since you drop a microphone and miss out on features like faster USB 3.0 data transmission, voice control, and desk/whiteboard presentation modes.

Those are all completely understandable downgrades, especially considering the quality of that camera. I won't complain about Windows Hello facial recognition also missing from this OBSBOT camera, because I don't expect such luxury features at this price point.

Of course, this is a 1080p camera where many of the most popular webcams support 4K. Some people will really miss the extra detail and zooming capabilities of a larger, higher resolution sensor, but for the most part, the Tiny SE packs all the features people need and then some.

This webcam does possess one weakness of its own, though, and that's how it often takes multiple attempts to properly communicate with its software. Firmware updates frequently fail to install successfully, too, and the software sometimes feels slow to navigate.

The gimbal tracking on the Tiny SE is slower and less responsive than the Tiny 2, as well, and occasionally drifts off randomly. That all being said, the OBSBOT Tiny SE never felt like a burden to use; there were just some minor annoyances every now and then.

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OBSBOT Tiny SE review: Also consider

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OBSBOT Tiny SE review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a webcam with smart tracking capabilities.
• You don't want to spend more than $100 on a webcam.
• You need a webcam you can use with any software or app.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You absolutely need a 4K webcam.
• You'd never use any of the extra AI features.

I wasn't confident OBSBOT could really make a $100 gimbal-tracking webcam I'd actually want to recommend to people, but the OBSBOT Tiny SE offers an experience so similar in quality to the $300 Tiny 2 that I was completely caught off guard.

Sure, it's only 1080p, but the Tiny SE offers some truly great image quality in a wide variety of lighting conditions, and it backs that with plenty of customization options and extra features.

On top of that, you're getting true, AI-powered 2-axis gimbal tracking, a hardware feature normally found in $200+ webcams. Getting such a quality product for just shy of $100 is one hell of a deal.

The OBSBOT Tiny SE makes the Tiny 2 look overpriced in comparison, although that webcam is still objectively superior. For most people, though, the OBSBOT Tiny SE is an unbeatable value for $99 at Amazon.

There's also the OBSBOT Tiny 2 Lite for $179 at Amazon, a 4K webcam that's supposed to straddle the gap between the SE and 2, but I haven't personally tested that webcam. I can still recommend the OBSBOT Tiny 2 for $299 at Amazon, but that's only for those who need the absolute best and are willing to pay for it.

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Windows 11 is about to gain a feature that should have shipped years ago. But, better late than never, right? PCs will soon support using the same camera within multiple applications at the same time. That addition is the highlight feature of Windows 11 Build 26120.2702, which shipped to Insiders in the Dev Channel recently. Microsoft also rolled out Windows 11 Build 22635.4655 last week, though the changes in that update are minor.

The new multi-app camera feature was designed to improve accessibility. The feature was "developed with the Hard-of-Hearing community to enable video streaming to both a sign language interpreter and the end audience at the same time," according to Microsoft, but I imagine people will find other uses for it. The limitation on webcams to only work with a single app was always a bit strange to me. I know I'm not alone in celebrating the addition.

To use the multi-app camera feature, you'll have to use new configuration options within the Settings app on Windows 11. There, you'll also see the option to enable basic camera features, which is useful for debugging when a camera is experiencing issues.

Microsoft is also working on an option to choose media types, such as resolution and frame rate, but that option will come in a future build of Windows 11.

Windows 11 Build 26120.2702 adds API support for third-party passkey providers as well.

Windows 11 Build 26120.2702: New Features

• Windows Camera Advanced Configurations
  
  We are beginning to roll out a new advanced camera options page. Just navigate to a camera under Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras and click the edit button for advanced camera options.
  
  This new advanced camera options page will provide you with the following two configurations for your camera:
  • Multi-app camera: Allows multiple applications to access the camera stream simultaneously, developed with the Hard-of-Hearing community to enable video streaming to both a sign language interpreter and the end audience at the same time.
  • Basic camera: Enables basic camera functionality for improved debugging, recommended as a last resort when your camera is not functioning correctly. This feature was developed in collaboration with Microsoft support agents.
    
• Passwordless Improvements
  
  As part of Microsoft’s commitment to a passwordless future, on Windows, we are launching API support for third-party passkey providers. Microsoft has been engaging with passkey manager partners on developing this capability. We are committed to bringing a passwordless future to all customers – together with third-party credential providers, we will raise the bar on login security with passkeys for all users on Windows.
  
• WebAuthn Plugin Authenticator APIs
  
  We are releasing updates to WebAuthn APIs to support a plugin authentication model for passkeys. In the coming months, Windows customers will be able to choose a third-party provider as an additional choice alongside the native Windows passkey provider while maintaining the Windows Hello user experience. Messages in WebAuthn flows will be forwarded to the plugin and responses are returned to the WebAuthn client applications. This enables plugins to create and authenticate with passkeys when requested by the customer. This model allows plugins to use Windows Hello as a user verification mechanism to enable a seamless passkey experience. You will notice additional user experience updates to the passkey flows and Settings alongside the new capabilities.
• If you are a developer for third-party passkeys, we invite you to integrate with Windows 11 to support customers in their passkey journey. To find out more about implementation detail, go to https://aka.ms/3P-Plugin-API.

Windows 11 Build 22635.4655: Changes and Improvements

• Start menu
  • We are improving the filtering for recommended websites on the Start menu based on feedback from Windows Insiders so that we show the highest quality sites based on your own browsing history. Please continue to give us feedback if you see a website recommended you feel shouldn’t be.
• Spotlight on the lock screen
  • We’re trying out a few different treatments for the top right hotspot (“Like the image that you see”) on the lock screen. You can now learn more about the spotlight image on your lock screen by clicking on the “Like icon” that takes you to the Spotlight landing page.
• Spotlight on the desktop
  • We’re beginning to roll out some changes to the Desktop Spotlight icon interaction model for Windows Insiders. You can now quickly and easily discover more information about your background image by simply hovering over or clicking on the “Learn about this picture” icon on your desktop.
• Windows Share
  • When you share links or web content using the Windows share window, you will see a visual preview for that content.

You may not think about or interact with your webcam as much as your keyboard or mouse, but it's still a vital part of many people's PC setups, whether for work, school, or creation.

One of the most popular high-end webcams in recent years is the original Insta360 Link, a capable 4K webcam with AI-powered gimbal tracking. Now, Insta360 is back with the official successor, debuting a brand-new design, an expanded feature set, and even a lower initial retail price. It's a compelling package with a lot to love, even if the software and AI features feel a little rough around the edges right now.

There's one webcam that's better than the Insta360 Link 2 in almost every way, but it also costs 50% more. That more attractive price point is what really sells the new Link 2 webcam, and it's why I can recommend it to anyone who truly wants a gimbal-equipped webcam for advanced, smooth, and effortless tracking.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Insta360. The company had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Insta360 Link 2 review: Pricing and specifications

Pricing highlights

• The Insta360 Link 2 webcam retails for $199.99, or $100 less than the original price of the Insta360 Link.
• There's also the new Insta360 Link 2C, which utilizes the same sensor and hardware but without the 2-axis gimbal tracking.
• Finally, the first Link webcam is still available for a reduced $179.99 if you don't mind giving up features and image quality.

The original Insta360 Link webcam debuted at $299.99, making it a luxury product for those who needed the best webcam they could find without sacrificing portability or ease-of-use.

The Insta360 Link 2 is still a premium webcam, but Insta360 actually dropped the retail price by a full $100 and simultaneously released a more affordable alternative.

The Insta360 Link 2 is available for $199.99 at Best Buy, and those who are interested in the camera capabilities but not the gimbal tracking can save even more with the Insta360 Link 2C, available for $149.99 at Best Buy. You can also consider the original Insta360 Link for a reduced $179.99 at Amazon if you don't mind trading some features and image quality in exchange for gimbal tracking at a lower price.

In the box, you'll find the Insta360 Link 2, the magnetic mount attachment, and a basic USB Type-C 2.0 to USB Type-A 2.0 connecting cable; there's no travel case or other add-ons included in the box. Everything is covered by a standard 1-year warranty.

At this price, the Insta360 Link 2 is now competing with potent alternatives like the Logitech MX Brio I reviewed — and it makes a compelling argument for itself with crisp image quality, an above-average webcam microphone, and gimbal tracking. That $200 price point also makes it an excellent challenger for the OBSBOT Tiny 2 4K I reviewed, an incredible gimbal tracking webcam that's honestly better than the Link 2 in practically every category... But also costs $100 more.

Finally, it's worth mentioning the Insta360 Mini 2-in-1 Tripod you can get for $29.99 at Amazon, which gives you more flexibility in how you can use the Insta360 Link 2 or Link 2C (and could be particularly useful for streamers and mobile content creators).

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Insta360 Link 2 review: The good

The pros highlights

• The Insta360 Link 2 debuts a sleek new design with premium construction and a convenient magnetic mount.
• The new 1/2-inch 4K sensor also provides excellent overall image and video quality with auto exposure, white balance, and focus.
• The Insta360 Link Controller is a fast, easy-to-use app that provides a decent amount of customization and enables support for almost any streaming or video conference app.

The first Insta360 Link was a premium enough webcam, but it didn't quite reflect its opulent price tag. The new and improved Link 2, on the other hand, feels every bit like the high-end webcam it is, with a fresh, compact, and sleek design. This design is also practical, though.

Premium materials and excellent build quality help provide confidence in the Link 2, and the included magnetic mount is dead simple to set up on any monitor (or flat surface, honestly). The 2-axis gimbal for smart tracking is front and center with this design, but the elongated lens housing results in the more affordable Insta360 Link 2C looking remarkably consistent alongside its gimbal-equipped sibling.

There's also a standard 1/4-inch mounting point that should work with most tripods and mic/webcam arms, but Insta360 would obviously prefer you use its own Mini 2-in-1 Tripod. It's a solid accessory if you desire a little more flexibility with where you place and use your Link 2 (or most other Insta360 cameras).

Now, onto image quality. The Insta360 Link 2 boasts a sizeable 1/2-inch 4K sensor with a wide F1.8 aperture. HDR support, autofocus, and a suite of AI-backed features and optimizations complete the camera experience, and it's a good one. The Link 2 performs well in a wide variety of situations, including when lighting may be sparse, and does a good job retaining detail, accurately reproducing colors, and avoiding unwanted noise or artifacts.

That 2-axis gimbal also means the Insta360 Link 2 is more capable than most with tracking, as it can adjust itself to follow you across a room or automatically shift focus to help you present on your desk or even a whiteboard. Tracking is smooth and accurate, although it's not without its issues (more on that later). What's important, though, is that the Link 2 doesn't have to sacrifice resolution and crop in to track your face, body, or presentation — you're always getting the full might of this 1/2-inch sensor, and it's mighty indeed.

When you need to make adjustments, the Insta360 Link Controller app is a dependable piece of software. You can manage your Link 2's AI adjustments and tracking, customize background effects or filters, manually control the gimbal, and more. It's clean, smooth, and incredibly simple to use. This app is also what enables you to take full advantage of the Link 2's features in almost any streaming or video conference app, thanks to the new virtual camera debuting with this webcam.

There's a high probability that many of the people investing in a premium webcam already have a suitably premium dedicated microphone or headset to accompany it, but the Insta360 Link 2 does boast a built-in microphone of its own, complete with AI-powered noise canceling.

I have to admit, the Link 2's mic surprised me. It has limited range and constrained depth, but it does a good job of ensuring your voice sounds clear and detailed. More impressively, the AI noise cancelation really does make a noticeable difference, filtering out unwanted background sounds without affecting what you really want to record. A good microphone or headset will still be better, but the Link 2's mic is great for when you're in a pinch.

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Insta360 Link 2 review: The bad

The cons highlights

• The Insta360 Link 2's AI tracking, auto adjustments, and background detections can all be wildly inconsistent at times.
• Tracking can cause erratic shifts and movements, the exposure and white balance can swing to extremes, and background blur often clips too far into the foreground.
• You're also missing some luxuries, like an included travel case or Windows Hello facial recognition support.

The Insta360 Link 2 would be an impressive webcam all on its own but is particularly so when viewed as the sequel to the original Link. It's hard to find fault with such an obvious improvement over an already acclaimed product, but the faults are there.

Namely, the Link 2 webcam suffers from a number of inconsistencies. The AI-powered gimbal tracking can shift back and forth, zoom in and out, and change focus targets in an erratic and jarring fashion; the auto white balance and exposure adjustments can fluctuate from extreme to extreme, resulting in blown-out highlights, crushed shadows, and strange colors; the background detection can aggressively cut too far into the foreground, causing background effects and filters to look disconcertingly unnatural.

You can see the Link 2's brilliance through the cracks of these inconsistencies, but they're there, and they do affect the experience. Fortunately, all of these issues seem software or firmware-related, and during my review period, the gimbal tracking, at least, has noticeably improved following a handful of firmware updates. Still, you should always buy a product for what it is now, not what it could be in the future.

The Link 2 isn't the most generous when it comes to added luxuries or features, though. There is no IR sensor for Windows Hello facial recognition, for example. Despite the Insta360 Link 2 advertising its mobile design, you won't find a protective travel case in the box. Both of these are likely a product of the Link 2's reduced retail price, but they're worth noting nonetheless.

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Insta360 Link review: Final thoughts

You should buy this if ...

✅You want a high-quality webcam with 2-axis gimbal tracking

There are plenty of great webcams with comparable image quality, but the Insta360 Link 2 is a little unique in this price range thanks to its 2-axis gimbal hardware tracking, which is versatile and buttery smooth.

✅You don't want to pay more than $200 for the best webcam

The Insta360 Link 2 isn't the best webcam money can buy, but it certainly makes a fair case for being the best webcam $200 can buy. If that's your budget, you're looking in the right place.

You should not buy this if ...

❌You're willing to spend more to get more

One webcam, in particular, stands out as a potent competitor to the Insta360 Link 2, and that's the OBSBOT Tiny 2 4K. That gimbal webcam may cost $100 more, but it's smaller and more portable, boasts superior software and more features, enjoys a healthier accessory ecosystem, and includes a quality hard-shell travel case in the box.

When we reviewed the original Insta360 Link webcam, we called it "the best webcam you can buy today." The new Insta360 Link 2 is the perfect successor and is undeniably better than what came before, but it not being the absolute best webcam you can buy today is more indicative of how good webcams have become.

More features, including a virtual camera that lets you take full advantage of the Link 2's capabilities in almost any app, an improved and more premium design, and superior image quality, make the Link 2 an excellent addition to any streaming or video conferencing setup. It costing a full $100 less than its predecessor did at launch is just icing on the cake.

I'll still choose the OBSBOT Tiny 2 4K in almost every scenario, but a 50% upcharge is hardly negligible. For $199.99 at Best Buy, it's hard to beat the Insta360 Link 2, especially if what you're seeking is a versatile webcam with best-in-class tracking (gimbal hardware makes that a cinch). If you don't need that headlining feature, though, you can still get the same fantastic core webcam in the Insta360 Link 2C for $149.99 at Best Buy.

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What you need to know

• Last year, Microsoft announced the discontinuation of Microsoft-branded accessories to focus on its Surface brand.
• Onward Brands took over the mantle from Microsoft and is slated to continue the development of these accessories under a different brand name — Incase Designed by Microsoft.
• The company promises that the products will be of the same quality, and will now ship in Q4 of 2024, not Q2 as earlier communicated. 

As you may know, Microsoft decided to pull the plug on its Microsoft-branded accessories, including keyboards, mice, and webcams. The move is part of its broader plan to focus on its Surface brand.

Earlier this year, we learned that Incase will continue to hold the mantle and manufacture the beloved Microsoft-branded accessories under a different brand name— Incase Designed by Microsoft

For context, Incase is affiliated with Onwards Brands, a company specializing in PC hardware accessories. Details regarding the availability of the Incase Designed by Microsoft branded products remained slim. 

Incase had initially indicated that the new products would ship in Q2 of 2024 but has since pushed the launch to Q4 (via Beta News). However, the company didn't provide an exact date for the launch.

Incase's portfolio will feature 23 products, including the Bluetooth Ergonomic Mouse, the Modern Mobile Mouse, and more. It will also include an ergonomic keyboard that was still in development before Microsoft discontinued the Microsoft-branded accessories.

Onwards Brands CEO, Charlie Tebele promised:

"The products will be the same products, but instead of saying Microsoft they’ll say Incase, designed by Microsoft."

Incase will license designs from Microsoft and use the same manufacturing components and supply chain for the products. Microsoft continues to reserve the ownership of the Microsoft-branded accessories designs. 

Microsoft's decision to discontinue the development of Microsoft-branded accessories doesn't mean it won't develop accessories entirely. It plans to continue developing accessories but under its Surface brand. However, a major concern among users is that Surface-branded accessories are often costly compared to Microsoft-branded accessories.

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Whether it's for work calls, chatting with friends and family, or streaming yourself while gaming, a good webcam goes a long way. A solid dedicated webcam will beat just about any built-in camera on a PC. You don't need to spend a fortune to improve your video quality dramatically either. Right now, you can pick up the Razer Kiyo X for $29.99. That's an even better price than we saw on Prime Day.

✅Perfect for: Those who want a solid webcam for 1080p recording at 30 FPS or 720p recording at 60 FPS.

❌Avoid if: You need to record or stream in 4K or premium features only seen in more expensive webcams.

💰Price check: $39.99 at Razer

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Why I recommend this deal

The Kiyo X is a sharp webcam that is now in the budget-friendly category. The deal on the Kiyo X makes it compete with entry-level hardware, and Razer's camera shines in that comparison.

A standout feature of the Kiyo X is its low-light performance. In our Razer Kiyo X review, I spoke about the camera's good performance in poor lighting — and in general — several times. 

The Razer Kiyo X simply impresses in real world scenarios. I've used higher-end webcams with branded sensors that couldn't compete directly with the Kiyo X, especially in the challenging lighting my work space offers. I have a heavily backlit workspace which can blow-out pictures, and when I close the blinds, it can be incredibly dark to the point of introducing grainy noise into the picture. The Kiyo X handles both scenarios incredibly well, and can be tweaked further in the Razer Synapse settings app to further improve image balance. The Kiyo X also has rapid auto focus which is handy for streamers and content creators, and pairs well with background removal software from the likes of XSplit or NVIDIA. 

The Kiyo X has a built-in microphone, but it's only barely passable. If webcam audio is a priority, other options may suit your workflow better.

The current price of the Razer Kiyo X is a good deal, but just be aware that it's not actually 51% off. The camera dipped to $39.96 at the start of 2024 and has remained there throughout most of the year, according to CamelCamelCamel. The Kiyo X price jumped briefly to $49.99 just before Prime Day, likely to make today's deal appear better in comparison. It's a bit of an odd strategy given that the Kiyo X is genuinely a good bargain right now at $34.99 and is ever-so-slightly cheaper than it was a week ago.

You could find a webcam with a higher resolution or fancier features than the Kiyo X, but you'd also have to pay more. Many of the best webcams cost more than $100 and some approach $200. At $29.99, the Kiyo X is near entry-level pricing for a webcam in 2024. As long as your primary focus is 1080p recording or 720p at 60 FPS, the Kiyo X is a solid choice.

What is Prime Day?

Amazon's Prime Day 2024 is a two-day event, despite its name. While Prime Day is officially an Amazon event and that company has exclusive deals, other retailers hop on board and slash prices to compete. 

If you pick something up from Amazon today, it's worth looking at an Amazon Prime membership to get better shipping options and a plethora of other perks. If you've never had a Prime membership, you can get a free 30-day trial.

The first thing I recommend to anyone who has to appear on a webcam often is to improve the lighting at their desk. The second thing I suggest is to buy a nice webcam. Built-in webcams are small and often much worse than dedicated cameras.  If you spend time on Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Twitch, or other streaming software, you'll want to look your best. Luckily, a discount on the Razer Kiyo Pro makes doing just that much more affordable.

The Razer Kiyo Pro looks a bit like a DSLR on top of your PC. It's not as big, of course, but it features design elements reminiscent of a pricey camera you'd hold in your hand. Inside the large circular design sits a Sony STARVIS 1/2.8 CMOS sensor. That is a larger sensor than you'll see in many webcams, which means the camera can capture more light and deliver better image quality.

Since releasing the Kiyo Pro, Razer has come out with the Kiyo Pro Ultra. The Kiyo Pro Ultimate is an excellent webcam with a larger sensor and support for up to 4K resolution at 30 FPS. The Kiyo Ultra also costs $299.99 and is overkill for most users. Several programs for video calls max out at 1080p resolution, making 4K unnecessary in many cases. The Kiyo Pro is a better bargain, delivers high-quality video, and still has some handy specs.

With support for 1080p at 60 FPS, the Kiyo Pro sits in the sweet spot of hitting the max resolution of most streaming software. HDR support should help you in environments with bright background lighting, such as when a window is behind you. You have to drop down to 30FPS to enable HDR, however. As a quick side note, if your office has a bright window you should try to face it directly when using a webcam to prevent the background from blowing out.

The Kiyo Pro supports three field-of-view options: narrow, medium, and wide. Those who want to show off their entire setup may want to use the wide option while someone looking for a closeup shot or something more intimate will likely prefer the narrow setting.

Razer Kiyo Pro review highlights

In their Razer Kiyo webcam review, our colleagues at Tom's Guide gave the webcam a 4.5 out of 5. The camera earned high marks for its "fantastic image quality," support for HDR, and ability to switch between different field-of-view presets. The main negatives about the camera at the time of review were its high price and some "occasional issues with autofocus." The first of those issues is reduced greatly, thanks to Amazon's 54% discount on the Kiyo Pro.

"The Kiyo Pro’s main attraction is its ability to deliver 1080p video at 60 frames per second without sacrificing image sharpness," outlined Tom's Guide. "This is a significant improvement over the regular Kiyo, which is able to record 720p video at up to 60 fps or 1080p at 30fps. The Razer Kiyo Pro offers HDR video as well, albeit at a reduced 30 fps."

The outlet also praised the Kiyo Pro for how the camera's design is built for durability. The webcam has Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for scratch resistance.

"Overall, the Razer Kiyo Pro webcam is a great premium option for gaming streamers looking to elevate their video quality to the next level. With 1080p video capabilities at up to 60 fps, the Kiyo Pro achieves exactly what it sets out to," concluded Denise Primbet in the review for Tom's Guide.

Our friends at GamesRadar also reviewed the Kiyo Pro. Benjamin Abbott explained why the Kiyo Pro is great for streamers in that piece:

"If you're the average person who just needs a camera for work meetings, the Razer Kiyo Pro won't be for you. There are a wealth of cheaper options available that will serve your needs just fine. However, it's perfect if you're a streamer who wants to up their game or struggles to find a webcam worthy of the job. In fact, it trounces the competition where it matters."

The Razer Kiyo is a bit older at this point, but it's still a great webcam. At $92.66, the Razer Kiyo is an excellent addition to a streaming setup or for anyone who needs its promised specs.

In established markets, emerging companies have to strive to stand apart from the crowd in order to find success. That means experimenting with new designs and features, investing in burgeoning technologies, and targeting specific niches. If you're the long-running leader of that market, though, none of that concerns you; when it comes to webcams, that's exactly what Logitech is.

The company has quietly been among the top webcams from any reputable critic for many years, with its Brio line of webcams especially dominating conversation. These webcams aren't pushing boundaries or innovating — Logitech only occasionally releases new hardware at all. Now, Logitech has finally ended a nearly six-year silence by releasing a brand-new premium 4K webcam... And brought in another brand that fills a similar role in its respective categories. This is the Logitech MX Brio, and it sets a new benchmark for other companies to innovate around.

This review was made possible with a review unit provided by Logitech. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

MX Brio review: Pricing and specifications

Pricing highlights

• The Logitech MX Brio follows in its predecessor's footsteps with a retail price of $199.99.
• That firmly places it in the "premium" category but still well below the $300+ of some of the best webcams out there.
• Considering the consistent quality and ease of use, $200 feels very reasonable for the MX Brio.

You can find a very solid webcam for less than $100 if you need something basic, but quality 4K webcams tend to start at around the $200 mark, and the Logitech MX Brio is no exception. It follows in the footsteps of the Logitech Brio 4K when it launched, arriving with a $199.99 retail price tag. For that price, you're getting Logitech's guarantee of image and build quality that you don't necessarily get in more affordable competitors.

In the box, you're getting the 4K Logitech MX Brio webcam with its built-in physical privacy shutter and dual microphone array, a 1.5m USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable, and the simple magnetic mount. Logitech isn't innovating or breaking new ground with the MX Brio, but it is a very straightforward, easy-to-use webcam with excellent overall quality, making it a fantastic entryway to premium webcams that doesn't require much consideration.

For businesses, there is an enterprise version of the MX Brio that is practically identical but includes integration with Logi Tune for remote fleet management.

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MX Brio review: Design and build quality

Design highlights

• The MX Brio is your standard "candy bar" webcam with a wide rectangular body only broken by the circular camera lens protrusion.
• The webcam overall feels extremely refined and polished with fantastic build quality and a stable, easy-to-setup mount.
• It's also certified carbon neutral like Logitech's other products and uses up to 82% post-consumer recycled plastics.

The Logitech MX Brio doesn't capture your attention; it wouldn't even stand out in a lineup of any miscellaneous webcams. It blends into the background, leaving your focus on your monitor and the video conferences you're presumably in for much of the work week. That's by design, of course. What matters here is overall construction, and Logitech did a fantastic job ensuring the MX Brio feels like a polished, refined, and long-lasting product with an intelligent design.

The webcam magnetically attaches to a foldable mount that's not only extremely easy to set up but also features a sticky pad (which Logitech assures me is very reusable) that helps keep the webcam secured to the back of your monitor. It's simple and effective. The MX Brio also boasts a built-in privacy shutter that you toggle by spinning the plastic rim of the camera lens. It opens and shuts with an oh-so-satisfying click that's almost addictive; at the very least, it's reassuring.

The MX Brio continues Logitech's commitment to carbon neutrality, too. Everything down to its packaging is constructed of materials obtained from sustainable sources, including the body being made of up to 82% post-consumer recycled plastic. I like to see that from every company, and Logitech is definitely doing a good job here. To wrap things up, there's a front-facing LED indicator light that lets you know if the camera or microphone is active.

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MX Brio review: Camera and video quality

Camera highlights

• The Logitech MX Brio wields an 8.5MP 4K sensor with 70% larger pixels than Logitech's last flagship webcam.
• This translates to vastly superior lowlight performance, as well as improvements to clarity, dynamic range, and more.
• The MX Brio isn't going to compete with dedicated cameras like DSLRs, but the image quality is consistently great in a wide variety of lighting conditions.

The Logitech Brio 4K has remained a go-to recommendation for as long as it has because of its reliable image quality, and the MX Brio focuses on offering massive improvements over it. That means Logitech's most advanced camera sensor yet, an 8.5MP affair that records at up to 4K and 30 FPS, with 70% larger pixels than the Brio 4K.

Those larger pixels and other improvements lead to huge gains in lowlight performance and up to 2x the clarity and detail in faces. Seeing the two webcams used side-by-side, I can attest to that jump in quality. The MX Brio is an impressive performer in a wide range of difficult lighting conditions, with noticeably superior detail in darker settings, fast autofocus, and more reliable white balance and exposure (the MX Brio can occasionally take a few seconds too long to adjust white balance, though).

The Logitech MX Brio isn't the best-looking webcam ever made and still isn't going to be the best dedicated, high-end camera, but this level of performance is frankly excellent at $200. Logitech has clearly put a lot of work into the color science to ensure that the camera's automatic settings can respond favorably to whatever lighting you may have, and it works well.

Unfortunately, the MX Brio does not include a dedicated IR sensor, meaning it's actually missing one major feature over the six-year-old Brio 4K. There's no Windows Hello facial recognition support here, so the Brio 4K can't double as your biometric login. It's relegated to webcam duties, and that's it.

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MX Brio review: Microphone and audio quality

Mic highlights

• The MX Brio has a pretty standard dual array of beamforming mics with AI-powered noise cancellation.
• Quality is aggressively average — the MX Brio does a great job picking up your voice, but you're guaranteed to sound hollow and tinny.
• The noise reduction is also decidedly standard, doing alright with consistent background noise like air conditioning but doing next to nothing with more irregular noises like keyboard typing.

The MX Brio does not impress in the audio department anywhere near to the same degree as it does video. Admittedly, most of the people shelling out for a premium webcam like the Logitech MX Brio likely already have a solid microphone, but the fact remains that this dual-array microphone setup can't be described as anything more than average.

The one thing these mics do very well is pick up your voice from a comfortable distance away and at a good volume, but you're not going to sound great. Audio quality out of these mics is hollow, tinny, and has a tendency to peak easily. On top of that, the AI-powered noise reduction does very little beyond softening consistent background noise like air conditioning. Even typing on the quiet Logitech MX Keys S keyboard reflected boldly in my recordings.

They'll do in a pinch, but you probably don't want to rely on the MX Brio's mics full-time. It's worth picking up a good dedicated microphone like the AVerMedia Live Streamer MIC 350.

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MX Brio review: Software and other features

Software highlights

• Logitech has integrated the MX Brio into Logi Options+ (for managing MX products), G Hub (for gamers and streamers), and Logi Tune (for large businesses.
• The feature set between Options+ and G Hub is identical, so it's really about what's more convenient for your setup as a whole.
• All in all, though, the MX Brio is very light on extra features compared to other premium webcams, and even a basic feature like auto-frame is restricted to the enterprise version.

You have the choice of using Logi Options+ or Logitech G Hub to manage the MX Brio. There's little difference between them apart from the other products they manage — if you're a professional using multiple Logitech MX products, then Options+ is the way to go. If you're a gamer or content creator using Logitech's more gaming-focused gear, then G Hub is the way to go. Either way, the MX Brio's features will be the same.

You have basic manual controls for the MX Brio's image quality, including color toning and exposure, as well as very simple options for framing (this is a wide-angle lens, and you can cut in to focus on your face). That's where it ends, however; the MX Brio doesn't bake in extra features like other premium webcams, so there are no advanced image quality features (such as composite exposure), filters, auto zooming, or background blur. Of course, that also means there's no virtual camera for video conferences and streaming since the MX Brio doesn't support any features that would require that. You're reliant on apps like Google Meet and Zoom to help you there.

NVIDIA Broadcast is always an option to give you some of these features, but I had trouble getting the MX Brio to reliably work with NVIDIA's AI-powered app (it may need to be updated to officially support the MX Brio). Another basic feature, auto framing, is also missing here... But only for consumers. The enterprise version of the MX Brio (the Brio 705) will boast auto framing. Logitech told me its reasoning was that most consumers didn't use that feature, but it's still an odd omission as it has nothing to do with hardware.

The business-focused MX Brio 705 will support Logi Tune, which makes it easy for companies to manage fleets of Logitech hardware. All things considered, the software is the major weakness of the MX Brio — there are exactly zero options for managing the mic array, for example. It's an area Logitech could improve upon moving forward, but right now, the MX Brio is good at the basics and little else.

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MX Brio review: Competition

One of the most direct competitors for the Logitech MX Brio is the aging Logitech Brio 4K. The reigning webcam champion may have a replacement from Logitech now, but that webcam costs a fair bit less than the MX Brio and boasts Windows Hello support. The Brio 4K doesn't look nearly as good as the MX Brio, though, especially in lowlight situations.

Another very strong competitor is the Lumina AI Webcam. It also retails for $200 and has similar hardware and design. This webcam may not have the consistent image quality of the MX Brio, but it does pack in a ton of AI-powered features and advanced options. The one downside is that the software needs to be licensed, sadly.

• Recommended microphone: AVerMedia Live Streamer MIC 350 for $179.99 at Amazon
• Recommended light: Logitech Litra Beam for $99.99 at Amazon

If you don't need 4K and are simply looking for a solid all-in-one option, the AnkerWork B600 Video Bar is the definition of "everything but the kitchen sink." It's your webcam, mic, lighting, and speakers all in one peripheral, and it costs the same as MX Brio. It's a jack of all trades, but it masters being a webcam nearly to the same degree as the MX Brio. Finally, those willing to splurge extra can consider the OBSBOT Tiny 2, an absolutely incredibly hyper-premium webcam packed with features and gorgeously smooth gimbal tracking.

Of course, you can skip all the decision-making entirely and simply use your smartphone as your Windows 11 webcam.

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MX Brio review: Final thoughts

You should buy this if ...

You should not buy this if ...

I'm confident the Logitech MX Brio will neatly replace its predecessor, the Brio 4K, as the go-to recommendation for anyone who asks, "Which webcam should I buy?" and just wants the best webcam without thinking about it. It's a very good, straightforward webcam that exceeds the image quality and construction you can expect at $200, with a simple setup and easy-to-use software. Its lowlight performance is especially impressive and is perfect for anyone lacking great lighting in their setup.

While the MX Brio excels at the basics, it lacks heavily many of the advanced features that other premium webcams are toting. Software options are limited, and you'll be reliant on your video conferencing hardware like Google Meet and Zoom for basic options like background blur (and those backgrounds are never as good as native options). The MX Brio also misses Windows Hello support, something that its six-year-old predecessor retains; it's one omission that prevents this webcam from being the unanimous best in Logitech's webcam lineup.

Logitech has designed the MX Brio to carry the company through the next six years at a time when other companies like OBSBOT, Razer, and Elgato are innovating and evolving in the category. The MX Brio is a truly excellent webcam that nails the fundamentals, but it'll be interesting to see if its software features expand over time to come closer to the competition.

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Webcams went from a fun accessory for the hobbyist to a workplace necessity as many of us moved to work from home, and virtual meetings became a mainstay. It's still the case in 2025, as Microsoft Teams and Zoom still stand as popular platforms alongside Google Meet and others, and "turning on our cameras" is standard practice. Unfortunately, thousands of laptops come with a lackluster built-in webcam that leaves us looking fuzzy and overexposed, but there's a solution.

All webcams designed for desktop PCs are compatible with laptops if they feature the necessary USB ports, and Windows 11 will allow you to choose which device you want to use in video calls. So, which webcam is best for calls, and do you really need a 4K sensor or face tracking and Windows Hello support? I'm rounding up my favorite picks, which have been tried and tested by my colleagues, and ranking them under separate categories to help you choose the best webcam for your situation.

The quick list

The best webcam to buy in 2025

Best webcam for most users

The Logitech MX Brio, reviewed by Zachary Boddy, easily takes the top place for anyone asking, "Which webcam should I buy?" Priced at $200, which will come as a shock to some, it offers excellent image quality and sturdy construction to last a lifetime, along with a straightforward setup and user-friendly software; its low-light performance is particularly impressive, making it an excellent choice for dim environments.

However, the MX Brio does lack support for Windows Hello, which its six-year-old predecessor, the original Brio, includes. While it excels at the basics, it could be even better if Logitech improves its software suite to compete with competing brands listed here.

• Read our full Logitech MX Brio review

Best gimbal webcam for face tracking

Our Insta360 Link 2 review proved it a worthy successor to the original model that Zachary Boddy called "the best webcam you can buy today," now offers various enhancements like a virtual camera for compatibility with more apps and an overall improved design with superior image quality, all at a price that's $100 less than its predecessor at launch.

While I would still opt for the high-scoring OBSBOT Tiny 2 4K if you can afford it at the 50% higher price, the Insta360 Link 2 is hard to beat at $199.99 for anyone seeking a versatile webcam with top-notch tracking capabilities, and for those who don't require gimbal features, the Insta360 Link 2C is available for $149.99 at Best Buy instead.

• Read our full Insta360 Link 2 review

Best webcam for Windows Hello

Since our Logitech BRIO 4K webcam review, it remains a premium option that offers 4K resolution, HDR support, Windows Hello facial recognition, and background replacement features. It's a future-proof webcam that works well with any video meeting service, livestreaming platforms, and Windows 11 apps. However, it's still relatively expensive, moderately bulky for some laptops, and somewhat overkill for casual users who may not need 4K or HDR support.

Still, we'll always praise the BRIO for its excellent image and video quality, fast and straightforward Windows Hello setup, customizable field of view, and brightness settings. There is a mild issue of mediocre audio quality, inconsistent background replacement, and limited 4K support on some web services, but that's likely to change as the resolution becomes more common. The BRIO is a beast of a webcam from Logitech, recommended for anyone looking for a future-proof option with Windows Hello support.

• Read our full Logitech Brio 4K review

Best webcam for streaming

Some minor gripes include a taut cable and awkward privacy shutter, but they're hardly deal breakers. Plus, while HDR is standard for this price range, finding a better option for game streamers will be challenging. Elgato has addressed plenty of issues from its MK.1 predecessor, namely significantly improving the software, finally integrating a privacy shutter, and reducing the overall chassis footprint for better weight distribution.

It represents a massive step forward for Elgato, which challenges established gaming accessory brands like Razer in the streaming sector, making the Elgato Facecam MK.2 Jez Corden's preferred choice for mic interfacing, stream control, lighting, and now visuals; which is hard to disagree with.

• Read our full Elgato Facecam MK.2 review

How to choose the best webcam

Choosing a webcam, thankfully, isn't as complex as it used to be, as the technology has reached a point where image quality doesn't vary as wildly as it did a few years ago. There are plenty of 4K cameras to choose from and webcams double up as a replacement for any built-in laptop option that doesn't make the grade for creating video content.

Budget is undoubtedly a critical factor, and it's tempting to search for the cheapest webcam you can find with '4K' in its name, but that doesn't guarantee a high-quality lens and sensor.

High resolutions don't go hand-in-hand with accurate color representation and reliable performance in low-light scenarios. So, my picks bring something more to the table than a gimmick of UHD images. For a no-nonsense pick, go with the Logitech Brio MX or spring for the original Brio for face-recognition logins with Windows Hello.

There are countless webcams out there, but let's be honest: many of them just aren't good. Finding the perfect one for you can be difficult, especially if you're willing to pay a premium for a truly astounding webcam. Before reviewing the OBSBOT Tiny 2, I didn't know that webcams could be this good.

Everything from the design to the image quality to the software to the accessory support is top-notch, making this an excellent webcam not just for those who video conference or create content regularly but also for those who need a webcam they can easily take with them when they travel.

The only things holding back the OBSBOT Tiny 2 are the exorbitant price tag (placing this webcam above many of its closest competitors) and the lack of Windows Hello facial recognition, an especially egregious omission when considering the price, as mentioned above. For those who need the best quality and features in a highly portable package, though, the OBSBOT Tiny 2 is amazing. Read on for my full review.

Disclaimer: This review was made possible by a review unit provided by OBSBOT. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

OBSBOT Tiny 2 review: Pricing and specifications

Pricing highlights

• The OBSBOT Tiny 2 is an ultra-premium webcam with an MSRP of $329, making it one of the most expensive mainstream webcams on the market.
• You're getting a lot of quality and features for that price, but you must crave the best ever to consider this one.
• OBSBOT also makes a range of accessories for the Tiny 2, which offer additional functionality but obviously drive up the price.

Let's get the obvious out of the way — the OBSBOT Tiny 2 is very expensive. It's not just a premium webcam; it's priced up there with the priciest options, including from famously expensive brands like Razer. No sale will ever make the Tiny 2 an affordable webcam, so it's not aimed at casual users who only need one for the occasional video conference or online class.

This is the webcam for those who video conference multiple times a week in professional settings or for those who create content or stream and need high-quality footage of their face. It's for the presenters, the traveling executives, and the entertainers; it's for those who will see this webcam as an investment.

The OBSBOT Tiny 2 has a retail price of $329 at Amazon, and that price can skyrocket further if you bundle in some of the optional accessories like the Tiny 2 Smart Remote, HQ Mic, Extendable Tripod, and more. The lowest I've seen the webcam go for while on sale is a crisp $299, which still places it in the upper echelons of premium webcams. However, OBSBOT knows what it has because the Tiny 2 is a phenomenal product.

In the base bundle, which just includes the OBSBOT Tiny 2 and no optional accessories, you're getting the OBSBOT Tiny 2 webcam, adjustable magnetic mounting stand, 6ft USB Type-C to Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 cable, a USB Type-C to Type-A 3.2 Gen 1 adapter, and a hard premium custom carrying case. Other bundles include optional accessories, which are all boxed separately.

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OBSBOT Tiny 2 review: Design and build quality

Design highlights

• The OBSBOT Tiny 2 is designed to be a highly portable, compact webcam, with most of its excess size and weight a direct result of its gimbal system.
• It's made of high-quality materials with impeccable construction and is quite an attractive product as far as webcams are concerned.
• A clever magnetic stand means the Tiny 2 can keep its compact and refined design and be easily attached to any monitor or supported tripod accessory.

The OBSBOT Tiny 2 is constructed mostly of plastic, ostensibly to keep weight down, but it feels incredibly premium the moment you lay hands on it. Tolerances for construction are obviously very tight, with extremely fine seams and connections everywhere you look. The construction of the Tiny 2 is surprisingly intricate because of the compact dimensions and built-in gimbals, but it's also practically perfect. If you're going to release a premium product, it better feel like a premium product, and OBSBOT nailed this.

The basic design is simple. You have the camera sensor at the top, connected to a +90-degrees vertical gimbal (+30-degrees to -70-degrees controllable). That is then connected via a vertical stem to a second ±150-degrees horizontal gimbal (±140-degrees controllable), set into a base that contains all of the OBSBOT's necessary components for operation (as well as a color LED indicator light). At the bottom of that base is a squircle magnet to connect to the magnetic stand and mount, a universal 1/4-inch threaded hole for mounting tripods, and a five-pin connector, presumably for other accessories. Rounding out the design are two front-facing stereo microphones and a rear-facing USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 port (yes, the cable is detachable, which I always like to see).

I have no complaints here. The magnetic mount is ingenious, giving you an easy (basic) stand to best angle your Tiny 2 on any surface and a very stable, easily adjustable monitor mount. The magnetic attachment keeps the Tiny 2's design clean and compact and allows for a second hinge in the stand to perfectly angle the Tiny 2 above your monitor (and give the vertical gimbal even more room to play, which is especially useful if you want to use the Desk Mode for presentations). The included USB Type-C cable is long enough for most setups at 6ft, and there's a Type-A adapter if you don't have a spare Type-C port. Finally, you also get a very nice custom travel case in the box — This isn't a soft felt bag; it's a proper hard, clamshell case with defined spots for your Tiny 2 and its basic accessories, making it super easy to take your webcam on the go and keep it safe.

Excellent work, OBSBOT; this is a very cleverly designed webcam.

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OBSBOT Tiny 2 review: Camera quality

Camera highlights

• The 1/1.5-inch 50MP CMOS sensor in the Tiny 2 delivers awesome visual fidelity despite its compact size.
• With support for up to 4K @ 30 FPS with HDR support, the Tiny 2 retains detail in a wide range of lighting conditions, with great color and exposure, too.
• Other premium webcams that don't care about size can still offer better camera quality, but the Tiny 2 bolsters its sensor with AI software and tools.

The most important job for a webcam is to be a good camera, and the OBSBOT Tiny 2 fortunately delivers here. Despite its small stature, the Tiny 2 still packs a 50MP, 1/1.5-inch CMOS sensor capable of recording at up to 4K at 30 FPS or 1080p at 60 FPS, a whole host of algorithms to improve image quality. Hardware-wise, there are more impressive sensors in some of the other most premium webcams, but the Tiny 2 accomplishes a lot with the hardware it has.

Videos and images are detailed and crisp, exposure and white balance are consistent across lighting levels, and colors look fantastic. Dynamic range isn't best-in-class without HDR enabled (which limits you to 30 FPS), but I never had any complaints about the camera quality here. The Tiny 2 also performs impressively across lighting levels, still able to retain plenty of color and detail even when the only things lighting my office are my monitor and Nanoleaf lights.

Autofocus is very reliable, but when it does slip, it can take a moment for the Tiny 2 to catch up. There's auto exposure, auto white balance, and anti-flicker to take all the guesswork out of making yourself look great in the camera's eye. Everything works as it should, with the Tiny 2 being almost effortless to use after the initial setup. There are also a ton of additional features and tools in the Tiny 2's software, but I'll go over that more in a little bit.

If quality really is of the utmost concern, a dedicated DSLR or mirrorless camera will, of course, best the Tiny 2... But you'll also be spending a lot more. Other webcams in this price range can occasionally surpass the Tiny 2 in overall visual fidelity, but they're all going to be considerably larger than OBSBOT's premium offering. I really like the look of the Tiny 2's images and recordings, and other than minor autofocus annoyances, it more than meets my expectations in this category (unlike the BenQ ideaCam S1 Pro I reviewed a while ago).

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OBSBOT Tiny 2 review: Microphone quality

Mic highlights

• The Tiny 2 features two dedicated stereo microphones positioned on the front of the webcam body.
• The microphones sound good overall and do a decent job picking up your voice even at a distance, but they can make you sound a little harsh.
• Their biggest weakness, though, is how lackluster the AI-powered noise cancellation is, with the strongest setting still failing to block out background noise and sometimes even clipping your voice.

By far, the single largest weakness of the Tiny 2 is the microphone experience. For the most part, the dual stereo microphones subtly facing out from the main body of the webcam sound as good as you'd expect from a premium webcam. You also get the mics, which isn't actually a guarantee, even for premium webcams. The mics do a great job ensuring you sound loud and clear at a very comfortable distance and pick up quite a lot of detail. That amount of detail is a small downside, though, as your voice can sound harsh, and the mics peak at higher volumes quicker than I expected.

Those are forgivable compromises, though. What's less great is how lackluster the AI background noise cancellation is for the Tiny 2's mics. On the default settings, I could hear every noise in the background in playback, apart from the subtle hum of electricity and the white noise of a distant fan. Every keyboard clack, seat adjustment, random noise, and everything else appeared on recordings.

On the strongest noise suppression setting, matters were marginally improved — except the Tiny 2's mics suppressed my voice at points, too, which you never want to happen. Fortunately, I do think this is something OBSBOT can resolve with firmware updates, and the Tiny 2 is absolutely getting updated frequently with new features and improvements.

You can look above for a sample of the OBSBOT Tiny 2's dual stereo microphones.

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OBSBOT Tiny 2 review: Software and other features

Other features highlights

• OBSBOT's webcam software is well laid out, works responsively and consistently, and is packed with features.
• You have a ton of fine control over image settings, but there's also plenty of extra features like filters, AI-powered background blur, voice and gesture controls, and more.
• Optional accessories, like the smart remote or HQ mic, can further improve your experience.

Buckle in, everyone, because this is going to be the longest section of the review. The OBSBOT Tiny 2 is drowning in features, so I'm going to split this part into three categories: overall software experience, extra software features, and optional accessories.

To begin with, the OBSBOT WebCam is easy to navigate and use and is responsive every time. It can minimize itself to your taskbar tray and take up little system resources, so it's always immediately available whenever you need to use your webcam. OBSBOT is also regularly updating its WebCam software with new features and improvements, so the experience should improve over time.

There are tooltips to help provide useful information on certain settings and options, but many options still don't have these tooltips, so I see an area of improvement for OBSBOT to make its app more informative. I also want to be able to explore the app and edit some settings when the camera is asleep (at the very least, the camera shouldn't auto-sleep when the app is actively being used — even if the camera itself isn't recording).

Let's move on to the app's features because there are a lot. I'll summarize the more common features and go into a little more detail on some of the more interesting additions OBSBOT has made. You have AI-powered tracking that can be customized to your liking (including focusing on certain areas of your body), various AI modes for desk or whiteboard presentations, your hands, and groups of people. There's full manual control over the 2-axis gimbal, which helps facilitate the Tiny 2's human tracking and AI modes.

That movement is very smooth, too, although it can be a bit slow in the standard human tracking mode (and a little too eager with the hands tracking mode). Elsewhere, all of the webcam's automatic optimizations can also be manually adjusted, as well as contrast, saturation, sharpness, and hue. There are even options for beauty filters that can remove blemishes and adjust the shape of your head or body (I would personally never use this, but it's here if you want it. Various filters can subtly change the color profile and feel of the Tiny 2's image with surprising effectiveness. There's not much you can do here, and I'm not even touching on the myriad of different options and settings that simply make the Tiny 2 more enjoyable to use.

There is no background replacement feature, which may be an unfortunate omission for some people, but OBSBOT's AI background blur is actually very good, with nine granular levels of blur that do a great job separating you from the background. If you want it to be even better, though, especially in dim lighting, the Tiny 2 has full NVIDIA Broadcast integration, leveraging your NVIDIA GPU to deliver more responsive and accurate background blur. It all just works, and on top of that, you have multiple gesture controls for toggling, tracking, or zooming and a diverse array of voice controls to do basically anything you need to do with your Tiny 2. If you want even more control, you can enable global hotkeys and assign keyboard shortcuts to any of a huge list of different options and toggles.

So the software is great, but what about the accessories? I got the Tiny 2 Smart Remote, Extendable Tripod with Mini Ball Head, and HQ Mic to test alongside the OBSBOT Tiny 2. I'll just go in order. The Smart Remote is built well with a nice layout and lets you remotely control your Tiny 2, including full control over the gimbal and zoom levels, toggles for custom presets you can build and OBSBOT's various AI modes, toggles for human and hand tracking, and even four extra buttons that you can assign any function to with the WebCam software's global hotkeys feature. There's even a built-in laser to help with whiteboard presentations. No complaints here — the remote does exactly what it's designed to.

The Extendable Tripod is also a high-quality accessory. The build quality is immaculate, and it feels like a very professional piece of kit to help you get the perfect setup no matter where you are. It uses an ingenious multi-level locking system so you can get the exact height you need, and the optional Mini Ball Head gives you even more granular control over the precise angle of the Tiny 2. Need a handheld stick for extended range? The legs are easily removable.

Again, no complaints here — if you travel a lot and could benefit from a tripod or "selfie stick" for your webcam, this does a great job. Finally, I was unable to properly test the HQ Mic, unfortunately. It theoretically will massively improve the mic quality for your Tiny 2, but it uses a four-prong audio jack for high-res audio, and my PC, sadly, only has a three-prong audio jack, so the mic simply doesn't work.

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OBSBOT Tiny 2 review: Competition

The OBSBOT Tiny 2 is clearly amazing and stands with the very best webcams, but what kind of competition is it facing? Few properly compete at this price point, but there are several worth considering. The nearest direct competition to the Tiny 2 is the Insta360 Link for $300, which before this point was the go-to premium gimbal webcam on the market. The Insta360 Link is still an excellent webcam with a 3-axis gimbal for even smoother tracking and solid AI-powered software, but the Tiny 2 soundly beats it when it comes to overall design and build quality, image quality, and accessory support.

The Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra is another $300 webcam, and its biggest strength is sheer visual fidelity. This webcam will make you look good, but it lacks in the software department, doesn't feature any gimbal-supported tracking, and is less portable. You can also consider the Elgato Facecam Pro $300, designed for streamers and content creators, for peerless image quality and fantastic software... but the webcam is huge and doesn't feature any built-in mics.

If you want to save some money and still get a wonderful AI-powered webcam, the Lumina AI Webcam for $200 is a quality product with a solid sensor and a very similar AI-powered feature set to OBSBOT. You lose out on the portability, gimbal tracking, and accessory support, but you're also saving $100. None of these webcams support Windows Hello biometric authentication, though. In that case, you might consider the tried-and-true Logitech Brio 4K, which continues to be a fantastic webcam for most people even all these years later, is much cheaper than newer alternatives, and boasts Windows Hello support.

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OBSBOT Tiny 2 review: Final thoughts

You should buy this if ...

You should not buy this if ...

The OBSBOT Tiny 2 is a really, really good webcam. I daresay it may be the best webcam on the market for a lot of people. The design is intelligent and practical, the build quality is immaculate, the image quality is wonderful, the software is intuitive and feature-packed, the accessories are high-quality, and the overall experience is fantastic. The Tiny 2 really only suffers from two drawbacks: the high price tag and the lack of Windows Hello support.

The former is an inevitable result of packing this many features into one webcam, but the latter feels like a too-common omission in the high-end webcam market. If the Tiny 2 supported biometric authentication, it'd nearly be the perfect webcam. Size constraints likely play a big role here, though, as OBSBOT clearly prioritized a compact, portable design above extra sensors and even better image quality. That aside, the OBSBOT Tiny 2 comes highly recommended by yours truly at Windows Central — as long as you can really benefit from the quality and features for which you'll be paying.

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Webcams often get forgotten as they rest on top of your computer, but the right webcam can make you look more professional in meetings and more personable on video calls with friends and family. The Lumina AI Webcam is one of the best webcams around, thanks to its bright, clear, and sharp image and its range of AI features. Right now, you can grab the Lumina AI Webcam for $100 off.

Few cameras can compete with the Logitech Brio 4K, as evidenced by the fact that it's still a market leader after more than half a decade. But in his Lumina AI Webcam review, our Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino showed how the camera beats out the Logitech Brio 4K in several areas. Lumina seems to welcome the comparison, as it has an entire page dedicated to how its camera stacks up against the Logitech Brio 4K.

The Lumina AI Webcam has a large 24.84 mm² sensor, which is quite sizeable for a webcam. You can also dial its field of view (FoV) rather than just choose between a few presets.

As its name suggests, the Lumina AI Webcam has features that use artificial intelligence to enhance its recording capabilities. Its "Cameraman" feature uses facial recognition to track your face and keep you in frame. I've seen Rubino in many meetings over the years, and I can testify that his camera does follow him around despite the physical webcam being stationary. You can also check out his TV appearances and the Windows Central Podcast to see the camera in action.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I think the aluminum body of the Lumina AI Webcam looks sleek. Whether you like the look of it or not, the body of the webcam feels high quality when compared to plastic cameras.

While the Lumina AI Webcam is impressive, it does have some shortcomings. The camera lacks support for Windows Hello, so if you want to use biometrics to sign in, you'll need a fingerprint reader or a second camera. HDR is not supported by the Lumina AI Webcam either.

BenQ, most known for projectors and monitors, is breaking into a new category with its unique, presenter-focused webcam for Windows PC and macOS. The ideaCam S1 Pro is a relatively pricey peripheral that boasts a modular design, making it more versatile than almost any other webcam on the market. It's an interesting idea, and it's been my webcam of choice for the last couple of weeks.

Unfortunately, BenQ's execution of its ideas makes the ideaCam S1 Pro a little difficult to freely recommend to many people, when there are more straightforward and efficient alternatives on the market. That doesn't mean there isn't greatness here, but issues need to be ironed out before that price tag can be readily swallowed — or you need to value those extra features a lot. Here's my full review of the BenQ ideaCam S1 Pro, so you can know if this is the webcam for you (or if you should look elsewhere).

Disclaimer: This review was made possible by a review unit provided by BenQ. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

ideaCam S1 Pro review: Pricing and specifications

Pricing highlights

• The BenQ ideaCam S1 Pro retails for $199.99, while the Plus variant retails for $169.99.
• The only difference between them is the inclusion of the remote Control Puck, which comes with the Pro model.
• In terms of webcam quality, other options far outperform this price... But you're paying for the versatile design and extra accessories.

Nowadays, you can pretty easily find a solid webcam for sub-$100, with mid-range options ranging up to $200 and ultra-premium webcams reaching prices as high as $300. The BenQ ideaCam S1 Pro rests firmly in the middle, with a $199.99 retail price that's nothing to scoff at if you're in the market for a webcam. For your money, you're getting a versatile webcam with an 8MP Sony CMOS sensor, which boasts a 3K resolution (between QHD and UHD), and is locked to 30 FPS.

It supports autofocus, exposure, and white balance, features an LED ring light, and comes with some additional accessories in the box. You get the ideaCam S1 Pro, the detachable webcam stand (compatible with most modern monitors 10-75mm in thickness), the magnetic lens cover, the magnetic 15x macro magnifying lens cover, the remote Control Puck (with two AAA batteries), and the compact USB Type-A wireless dongle.

If you want to save some cash, you can also find the BenQ ideaCam S1 Plus, which is an identical camera but drops the optional Control Puck to save you $30. Overall, the ideaCam S1 Pro doesn't feel like a great value to anyone but those that can make full use of its versatile design. The webcam quality is solid (more on that below), but cheaper webcams still look better. Of course, the ideaCam S1 Pro is aimed squarely at regular presenters, so paying for those extra accessories and design may be worth it if you fall into that category.

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ideaCam S1 Pro review: Build quality and design

Design highlights

• The ideaCam S1 Pro is well-built at its core, with a unique, modular design.
• The webcam itself is a metallic cylinder with a ring LED light (with a power button), a Freeze button, and an undetachable cable.
• Elsewhere, you get the lens cover, macro lens, and Control Puck, which all make heavy use of too-weak magnets.

The BenQ ideaCam S1 Pro is all about that design. After all, anyone can make a webcam with great image quality nowadays, right? BenQ is differentiating its product with a modular design. The webcam mount is compatible with a wide variety of monitors (and supports standard 1/4 inch tripods), while the webcam itself simply perches on top of the mount via a short plastic insert. It's easy to detach the webcam whenever you want and use it as a handheld camera.

The webcam, when on the mount, can also pivot to point directly at your desk, and will automatically rotate the orientation when you do so (as long as you're using the Enspire software). Unfortunately, one perplexing miss here is that you can swivel the webcam from side to side. Finally, you can magnetically attach a 15x magnifying lens to the ideaCam S1 Pro for a detailed, macro image. This core design all works well and is easy to wrap your mind around. The mount is easy to set up, and the webcam is a simple plug-and-play affair that doesn't require much work or technical know-how.

For the most part, this webcam is also built quite well. The webcam and each accessory feel nicely constructed and look premium, but I do have one complaint — these magnets are far too weak. The magnets used to attach the lens cover to the webcam? So weak mild shaking can dislodge it. The magnets used for the battery bay door on the Control Puck? So weak that it sometimes falls off simply from picking the remote up. The magnets used to attach the magnifying lens? Marginally better, but only just (and still not good enough).

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ideaCam S1 Pro review: Camera and mic quality

Camera & mic highlights

• The image quality for the ideaCam S1 Pro is solid, but there are better-looking webcams that cost less.
• It does well with colors, white balance, and exposure, but struggles to maintain detail in anything but optimal lighting conditions.
• The single microphone does a fair job filtering out background noise, but recordings sound distant and compressed.

As a webcam, the ideaCam S1 Pro's primary job is to be... a webcam. That means (hopefully) packing a great camera, as should be expected at this price point. However, BenQ's debut camera doesn't quite live up to the competition here, even if in a vacuum this webcam is actually decent and bests practically anything you'll find on a laptop.

It supports autofocus, exposure, and white balance, attempting to maintain image quality no matter what's going on. With a 3K sensor and a solid feature set, it's reasonable to expect great image quality. In optimal lighting conditions, this webcam does look pretty great. It does an excellent job reproducing colors. Unfortunately, detail rapidly takes a drastic downturn in anything less than optimal lighting (undoing any benefits the high-resolution sensor may provide), and dynamic range isn't the greatest. Autofocus is also often slow and occasionally fails to lock on properly.

For most people, this would be an excellent webcam, though. Unfortunately, those same people could also save a decent bit of cash and buy a competing webcam that offers the same, if not better, image quality. Even the fantastic Logitech BRIO 4K with Windows Hello facial recognition support can be found for less than this webcam, and you'll get all around better image quality.

ideaCam S1 Pro mic quality

The ideaCam S1 Pro boasts a digital microphone with AI-powered background noise cancellation, and it's... Better than I expected for a webcam? The mic is good enough for most people to use for video conferences and meetings, but it's not up to snuff when it comes to content creation or any settings where sound quality is of utmost important. It captures your voice with decent detail and filters out background noise, but you will always sound distant and lack a little in clarity.

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ideaCam S1 Pro review: Software and other features

Other features highlights

• The ideaCam S1 Pro is very easy to set up and use, but a lot of its extra features require the optional BenQ Enspire software.
• The Control Puck and auto orientation in particular don't work without Enspire, which is finnicky and inconsistent.
• You can't use the ideaCam S1 Pro as a normal webcam in popular video conferencing apps like Google Meet or Zoom, and instead have to share your screen.

Extra features are where the BenQ ideaCam S1 Pro is supposed to shine. A high-quality webcam most of the time, but it automatically orientates itself when you point it at your desk for presentation. It's easy to detach from the mount to show off anything. It can provide incredible levels of detail with a macro lens. The Control Puck gives you common controls that can be used remotely. And the Enspire software is what ties all this together, with some of these features simply not working at all if Enspire isn't open.

Unfortunately, Enspire itself is a bit of a mixed bag. The software works fine, most of the time, but it's needlessly finicky and inconsistent to use. If you want to enable any of the ideaCam S1 Pro's extra features beyond being a webcam, you'll need to do so through Enspire. However, Enspire doesn't work with other apps or services, you have to rely on that service allowing you to share your screen. Use Google Meet for work? I do, and I have to have Enspire open in a separate tab and then share that tab through Google Meet to make full use of the ideaCam S1 Pro. Since it's through the web, though, image quality takes a hit and footage becomes choppy. Awesome.

Oh, and if you like to use artificial backgrounds in Google Meet or other apps (I do, the area directly behind my desk is covered in boxes from my job), you can't do that and use Enspire.

Want to use the Windows app? Yeah, it's there (and not full-featured) and performs better, but I simply couldn't get it to work with the web versions of video conferencing services like Google Meet (sharing my screen just showed a black window, even if Enspire was working on my end). Never mind that Enspire features easy controls for annotations, orientation flips and changes, rulers and measurements, and common camera controls... It's not helpful if I can't use Enspire quickly and easily with the apps that actually matter, and it was a frustrating process trying to get it to work (and when it did, it didn't work well).

The Control Puck lets you change the zoom level, take a screenshot, mute your mic (but only if your mic is active through Enspire, of course), freeze the frame, and force focus, but it's useless if Enspire isn't open. Also, its wireless range is pitifully small. If I move three feet or more away from the dongle, the Control Puck starts becoming unresponsive. When these features work, they're great to have, especially if you do present a lot. Unfortunately, these features often don't work, or at least don't work well.

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ideaCam S1 Pro review: Competition

When it comes to finding a great webcam, you have no shortage of options. Especially if you don't plan on presenting with your webcam and want a great value. You can check out our list of the best webcams for Windows PC, but I'll give you some solid direct options, too. Want to go cheaper? The Razer Kiyo line of webcams are all solid, ranging from the Razer Kiyo X at considerably less than $100 to the crazy Razer Kiyo Ultra for an astounding $300 (the regular Kiyo and Kiyo Pro tend to fetch $100 and $120, respectively).

The Logitech BRIO is always a fantastic option and is significantly more affordable than the ideaCam S1 Pro, although it is lower resolution. The Logitech BRIO 4K comfortably solves that problem, though, with fantastic image quality and Windows Hello facial recognition — and it's still cheaper than the ideaCam S1 Pro. At the same price, the AnkerWork B600 Video Bar includes a solid webcam, integrated speakers, and noise-cancelling microphones for $199.99.

For those that want to splurge, the Elgato Facecam Pro is hard to pass up. It's crisp and smoother with 4K at 60 FPS, and it captures beautiful footage suitable even for content creators. One key similarity between all of these webcams, though, is that none offer the versatility of the ideaCam S1 Pro, which is something to keep in mind. You can save money and get a higher-quality image, but you may lose out on the extra features (and that may not be worth it, even if those features can be frustrating at times).

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ideaCam S1 Pro review: Final thoughts

You should buy this if ...

You should not buy this if ...

The BenQ ideaCam S1 Pro has actually been a pretty solid webcam for me these past few weeks. It's easy to set up, easy to use, and its image quality is good enough for my video conferences and meetings. I commend BenQ for the versatile design here, too, which genuinely feels like a useful evolution over standard webcams. However, the value of that design and its optional accessories won't be apparent to everyone, and even those who are interested may be frustrated by the execution at times.

Without BenQ's Enspire software, this is just a regular webcam, but one that costs far more than it should considering its imaging capabilities and quality. With Enspire, it's a powerful presentation tool... Except Enspire is really finnicky to successfully use, and both it and the Control Puck are inconsistent. When it all comes together, the ideaCam S1 Pro is an awesome product, and even with its flaws may still be worth it for some. If all you need is a good, old-fashioned regular webcam, though, there may be better options.

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One bit of technology that no one really talks about but has changed my life in the last handful of years is face unlock on my Windows laptop. It comes built in to most high-end laptops these days, and it's so fast and secure that I rarely, if ever, need to type my password anymore. So when I'm at my desktop PC, I feel like a caveman not having Windows Hello there to log me in automatically every morning.

Luckily, it's Amazon Prime Big Deals Day, which means hundreds and thousands of tech gadgets are on sale for much less than they usually are, making this a great time to save a few bucks on a cheap Windows Hello enabled webcam for my Windows desktop PC.

And that's exactly what I've done with the TOALLIN 1080P webcam, which comes with IR sensors for Windows Hello built right in. It's usually on sale for $70, which is quite expensive for a webcam, but right now for Prime Day, it's down 30% to just $49. Act fast though, as the deal will only last for as long as stock is available!

So what makes this webcam worth my money? Well, it's a 1080p sensor for starters, which is great for the daily video calls I have to partake in for work. That sensor is a 1/2.9" CMOS one with a 90-degree FoV. Not only that, but it also has a competent noise cancelling microphone built-in, which is great for those who may not have a dedicated one at their desk.

It also has a built-in privacy cover, which is always a nice to have as it means you can manually obscure the sensor when you don't want anyone peering in on you accidently. Of course, the main reason why I bought this one was for the Windows Hello integration, which enables secure face unlock on my Windows PC.

This works quite well, and it uses dedicated IR sensors to achieve this. This means it's very secure, meeting Microsoft's high standards and essentially matching the speed and security of Face ID on an iPhone. Setting it up is super easy, jus t plug it in, restart your computer, and head to your account page in Windows Settings to enable the face unlock.

Once it's set up, every morning when you power on your computer, instead of being prompted for a password, you will instead see the little Windows Hello scanning indicator at the top of the login screen, and sitting in front of your PC will allow the sensor to automatically identify you and log you in. It works so fast, much faster than a traditional password. 

Each week, I attend several virtual meetings with both colleagues and professionals from other companies. With this being the case, it's important to me that I have a good webcam that can display me with good picture quality. Thankfully, when it comes to choosing the best webcam for PC and laptop, we really aren't starved for options. But there are also so many choices that it can be hard to know which ones to go with. 

I've spent the last week using the EPOS S6 4K webcam and in that time I've found that while it isn't perfect it does offer several perks that make it a great option for most people. 

EPOS S6: Price and specs

The EPOS S6 has an MSRP of $199 and can be purchased at both Amazon and the EPOS website. It's still a relatively new product to the market, so it hasn't seen any serious sales or discounts thus far, but that could change as time goes on. 4K webcams typically range from $60 to $300+ depending on the features and conveniences they offer. As such, the EPOS S6 is relatively expensive when compared to other 4K webcams, but it also functions more reliably than cheaper options.

As a company, EPOS is best known for its audio devices — specifically gaming headsets. So seeing it produce a 4K webcam is a little bit of a change of tack from what is usual. However, the company has a good reputation and produces quality devices, so seeing it expand its products doesn't give me pause. If anything, a webcam makes sense as a stepping out point since it still utilizes audio features. 

EPOS S6: Design

Something I love about the EPOS S6 is that it looks professional and doesn't look strange or distracting like some other webcams out there. Rather than being wide and squat, it has more of a compact cube shape, and the large lens almost gives it the look of a tiny projector. 

It conveniently comes with both a USB-A to USB-C cable and a USB-A 3.0 to USB-C cable, making it work with a wider variety of devices. The thing I was surprised to find in the box was the hard shell carrying case. It is padded inside to securely hold the EPOS S6 without damaging it. Plus, there is a mesh pocket that's large enough to hold the cable necessary for plugging it into a laptop or PC tower. 

Physical privacy shutters are a must for me, when it comes to webcam peace of mind, so I was happy to find that the EPOS S6 has a dial on top that opens or closes the shutter over the lens depending on which way I turn it. Additionally, a simple white light turns on to the left of the lens whenever the camera is capturing video, so I can easily tell if I might be in someone's view.

I didn't have to prep anything before using the EPOS S6, since set up is as simple as plug-and-play, with no software or divers needed for functionality. There are two means by which to mount the webcam. It features a built-in adjustable clip that allows it to be placed on top of a monitor and adjusted based on the angle of the mount.

Additionally, a 1/4-inch mounting thread on the bottom makes it compatible with most mounting arm screws. My only problem with this setup was that I was in the middle of testing a monitor when I received the EPOS S6. It fit on the flat monitor well enough, but when I swapped to an ultrawide curved monitor, I found that the EPOS S6's mounting clamp couldn't open wide enough to hold itself up on the top middle of the thick display casing. Fortunately, I was able to get around this centering issue thanks to EPOS' free software, which I'll discuss in the next section.

EPOS S6: Picture quality

The EPOS S6 4K webcam offers great picture quality with crisp details and good color. It automatically adjusts lighting when it detects dark imagery to show me off better. Additionally, everything is shown in correct proportions with no fisheye or other distortions.

However, as with most webcams, if it gets too dark, there isn't much that the EPOS S6 can do to help the situation. In dimmer lighting, it was very easy to see motion blur and even trails following my motions. But in order to get the best picture quality of any webcam, you really ought to be in a well-lit area anyway. 

You'll recall that I said earlier that I couldn't get the EPOS S6 to hold itself on the top middle of my 49-inch ultrawide curved monitor. In fact, I had to place it five inches in from the end of the monitor, which initially put me at a skewed angle. However, by downloading the free companion software, EPOS Connect, I was able to zoom in and adjust the focus of the capture so that the camera showed me as centered. 

This helpful program has three default zoom options Wide View, Default, or Close Up and in each of these options, I can use the Pan & Tilt buttons to adjust exactly where the camera focuses. EPOS Connect also has a few other simple settings for adjusting lighting and the temperature of captures, but the Advanced settings area gives more manual control for adjusting brightness, contrast, hue, saturation, sharpness, exposure, white balance, and zoom. From here, I can even choose whether Anti Flicker is disabled, at 50 Hz or at 60 Hz. 

It's not the most sophisticated program, but EPOS Connect easily allows me to make enough adjustments to improve how I look on camera.

EPOS S6: Microphone

There are two microphones, one on either side of the EPOS S6 lens. I tested out how well these dual mics capture sound by getting feedback from virtual meeting attendees and by recording my voice and listening to how it sounded. As I'd expect from a gaming headset manufacturer, the microphones are really good as long as they are somewhat close to my face. However, when the camera is situated on top of my monitor (about a foot from my face) there is a distinct echo from my voice bouncing around the room. So, ideally, it's best to use the microphone close up, but that's might not be conducive to all monitor or laptop setups.

Since these are noise-canceling microphones, I specifically made it so my robot vacuum was running in my office while recording myself and then listened to the audio. However, the microphone either did not block out any of the distracting noises, or at least didn't do enough to improve the situation. 

Of course, webcam microphones are meant to be more utilitarian rather than being the optimal audio solution. If you want your voice to be carried to others in the best way possible, then you'll want to purchase one of the best microphones for PC and use it as a companion to your webcam.

EPOS S6: Competition

As Zac Bowden stated in his Logitech BRIO 4K webcam review, this camera supports a crisp and clear image. It's by no means a new product, but it's still a great choice for anyone wanting a 4K webcam with HDR technology. The built-in mount clip opens wider than the EPOS S6's and can thus work with more monitors and laptops. Plus, this webcam comes with a tripod, USB-C to USB-A cable, and a carrying bag for easy toting. When brand new it had an MSRP of $229, but since it's no longer the latest product it can often be found selling for around $150 on Amazon. 

Now if you're specifically looking for a good streaming webcam then why not go with Elgato, the company that's known for its capture cards. As Miles Dompier said in our Elgato FaceCam Pro review, this webcam's "robust resolution options with 60fps support make this a fantastic pick for rookie and professional content creators alike." It is very expensive, however, and will set you back $299.99 at Elgato's website.

EPOS S6: Should you buy it?

You should buy it if...

You should not buy it if...

Anyone who frequently attends virtual meetings will appreciate the excellent picture quality of the EPOS S6. Colors display accurately, details come through crisply, there is no fisheye distortion, and the webcam automatically reduces background noise. What's more, you can have more control over how you are displayed via the free EPOS Connect app, which provides quick and advanced settings options. As an added perk, anyone who regularly travels but still needs to attend virtual calls will appreciate the secure carrying case which features a hard shell, mesh pocket for the cable, and form-fitting padding for the camera. 

Really, the only reasons for pause are the webcam's somewhat high pricing and the limited adjustability of the built-in mount. There are definitely less expensive options out there, but this is reliable and will work well. However, if your monitor casing is thicker than usual, then you might not be able to get the camera to sit where you want it. 

The webcam landscape has dramatically evolved with the rise of content creation, game streaming, and even improved work-from-home opportunities. For decades USB camera solutions fulfilled a utilitarian purpose with approachable price points and mediocre performance. However, devices like the Elgato Facecam Pro usher in a new era of webcams that straddle the line between convenient plug-and-play functionality and premium DSLR-like quality.  

The Pro iteration of the Elgato Facecam improves upon every element of its predecessor. Though, these enhancements come with a substantial price increase. Marketed as the “world’s first 4K60 webcam” and showered with promises of uncompromising technical power, this enormous webcam had a lot to prove regarding its $300 barrier to entry. Thankfully, in essentially every way, the Elgato Facecam Pro is the best USB webcam I’ve ever used.   

This outstanding plug-and-play device delivers stunning visual fidelity, robust camera controls courtesy of the impressive Elgato Camera Hub app, legitimate 4K 60fps output, and a webcam lens that’s actually worth celebrating. While the high price tag, lack of a microphone, and disappointing auto controls might turn away casual audiences, the Elgato Facecam Pro lives up to its name by providing tremendous user control and image excellence.   

Disclaimer: This review was made possible thanks to a review unit provided by Elgato. The company did not see the contents of this review before publishing.   

Elgato Facecam Pro: Price and Specs

The Elgato Facecam Pro is relatively affordable compared to the average DSLR camera. Unfortunately, this device is notably pricey compared to most 4K USB webcams. The Elgato Facecam Pro is currently available through Elgato for a whopping $300.  

As stated, this exorbitant asking price is arguably earned through convincingly premium internal components and respectable camera specs. The Elgato Facecam Pro features a massive 1/1.8” Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor, a solid auto-focus lens, native 4K60 UHD recording, rich 1080p full-color resolution, and a USB-C connection.   

Elgato clearly intended to construct a webcam that stands toe-to-toe with entry-level DSLRs that doesn’t completely break the bank. While $300 borders on the edge of conventional camera pricing, the Elgato Facecam Pro’s ease of use and remarkable video clarity solidifies this webcam’s value.   

Elgato Facecam Pro: Image Quality and Performance

As a video producer and content creator, my camera expectations and needs are demanding. I regularly record videos for Windows Central Gaming and my personal YouTube channel, and securing high-quality source footage that requires minimal tweaking is essential to my day-to-day workflow. After testing 4K/1080p video recording and variable distance photography, I can confidently say the Elgato Facecam Pro supplies gorgeous results.   

Historically, even the most capable webcams struggle in low-light environments. Small sensors and digital compression generate tell-tale noise that degrades the overall picture. My recording space is purposely dark to add ambiance to my video projects, and noise artifacting has been an ongoing battle with various premium webcams. Thanks to its Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor, the Elgato Facecam Pro performs infinitely better in this department. This stellar webcam captured greater detail in darker areas with less pesky noise.

The large Sony sensor beautifully compliments the high-quality lens of the Elgato Facecam Pro to produce wonderful videos and pictures. Unlike many of its contemporaries, I could freely flail my arms around while recording without obvious lighting correction jumps or visible color imbalance. This allowed for greater expression in my videos without concerns about how specific movements would degrade the picture quality.

The Elgato Facecam Pro introduces lush color density and authentic image depth I haven’t experienced with other plug-and-play USB webcams. One of the highest compliments I can give this device is that it genuinely takes decent photos. With other webcams, I would use a different (and significantly better) camera to snap thumbnail pictures. The Elgato Facecam Pro, on the other hand, handled photography elegantly, effectively minimizing the steps in my workflow. The focus flexibility provided with this USB webcam also empowers competent close-range capture. 

The Elgato Facecam Pro introduces lush color density and authentic image depth I haven’t experienced with other plug-and-play USB webcams. One of the highest compliments I can give this device is that it genuinely takes decent photos. With other webcams, I would use a different (and significantly better) camera to snap thumbnail pictures. The Elgato Facecam Pro, on the other hand, handled photography elegantly, effectively minimizing the steps in my workflow. The focus flexibility provided with this USB webcam also empowers competent close-range capture.   

The two buzzworthy recording options the Elgato Facecam Pro offers are the ultra-high resolution 4K60 UHD mode and the uncompressed NV12 1080p60 mode. If resolution is your priority, the Elgato Facecam Pro renders sharp video recordings with fairly natural colors. I had some strange circumstances where my lips appeared aggressively red, but I was able to adjust the color with the included Elgato Camera Hub app. If 1080p is acceptable for your use case, the uncompressed NV12 mode displays evidently elevated color accuracy.   

Elgato Facecam Pro: Controls and Features

The Elgato Facecam Pro enables users to utterly custom tailor their video settings, which is extremely important because the auto controls provided by the companion Elgato Camera Hub app are certifiably disappointing. For novice users, the onboarding with the camera control options might be overwhelming, but taking the time to understand these tools will relinquish image detail unmatched by most USB webcams.  

The Elgato Camera Hub app allows you to alter nearly every key element of the Elgato Facecam Pro. Zoom/FOV, focus, contrast/saturation, exposure, white balance, and anti-flicker can all be fine-tuned to your video needs. “Automatic” toggles are available for these settings, but as I mentioned, they aren’t worth using. Exposure, zoom, and focus were the three sliders I was most impressed by. I could quickly center myself, create engaging camera angles, and narrowly pinpoint the camera’s focus.   

After downloading a small plugin, further customization options can be enabled for the Elgato Camera Hub app. In the “Effects” panel, you can toggle orientation settings like mirror or add AI backgrounds to your video. The AI backgrounds are similar to what you’d find in Zoom or other video-conferencing apps. Still, the included blur effect can be subtle and believable.  

As for what’s in the box, the Elgato Facecam Pro includes a six-foot USB-C to USB-C cable and a monitor mount for the webcam. If you don’t have a USB-C port on your PC or Mac, you can easily track down a USB-C to USB-A cable. Just make sure it’s USB 3.0 or better. The monitor mount comfortably attaches to the 1/4” fixture on the bottom of the device, and this standardized sizing means you can fix your Elgato Facecam Pro to a wide variety of mounts or tripods.   

There is one glaring feature the Elgato Facecam Pro doesn’t deliver; a microphone. Considering the camera’s focus on video production and content creation, the team realistically understands much of the target audience already has or is planning to invest in better audio hardware. Webcam microphones are nothing to write home about, but with the high price tag, potential buyers might be discouraged by its omission.   

Elgato Facecam Pro: Competition

At the moment, there isn’t a great deal of direct competition for the Elgato Facecam Pro in the DSLR-lite category. However, previous reigning webcam champs like the Logitech Brio 4K and Lumina AI Webcam offer crisp picture quality, comparable feature sets, and microphones at significantly lower prices.  

The Logitech Brio 4K has been my DeFacto webcam for years. I’ve recorded dozens of videos and podcasts with this tried-and-true 4K camera. Compared to the Elgato Facecam Pro, there’s far more digital noise in images, it doesn’t deliver the same color depth, and it can’t record 4K60 (though it does support 1080p60). That said, it’s currently $123 on Amazon, which is wildly less than I paid.

A more recent contender that supplies sharp 4K videos is the Lumina AI Webcam for $200. This “smart” device incorporates proprietary software to enhance recordings. It comes in a variety of fashionable colors, including Rose Gold, and its automated settings are brilliantly straightforward. Unfortunately, the Lumina AI Webcam doesn’t feature 60fps recording. It only provides 4K30 and 1080p40. 

You can check out more options in our best webcam guide. 

Elgato Facecam Pro: Should you buy?

You should buy this if...

• You want one of the best-performing USB webcams on the market 
• You need outstanding video quality at 4K60/1080p60 
• You prefer to customize your camera settings 

You should not buy this if...

• You’re on a budget 
• Size is a consideration 
• You need a microphone 

The “Pro” moniker is abused in the world of hardware marketing. Sure, it sounds cool and implies a premium product, but often these devices can’t be used in professional settings. That is not the case with the Elgato Facecam Pro. This enormous USB webcam justifies its stature and price point with incredible overall performance. I’ve never seen sharper images and better user control in a conventional webcam. I’m thrilled about the possibilities this device unlocks for future video projects.  

There are shortcomings to consider for casual use, such as the lack of a microphone, poor automated tuning, and its steep asking price. Still, the Elgato Facecam Pro is the closest you can get to owning a DSLR without actually owning a DSLR. The effective sensor and capable lens included with this webcam enable pictures and videos that weren’t possible on my Logitech Brio 4K and, quite frankly, most webcams on the market.   

When it comes to video production and podcast appearances, the Elgato Facecam Pro has become my camera of choice. Robust resolution options with 60fps support make this a fantastic pick for rookie and professional content creators alike. It’s exciting to see companies evolve what’s possible with USB webcams without sacrificing picture quality. 

Since the pandemic and the rise of remote working, having the best webcam on a laptop has become ever more important. In recent times we've certainly seen improvements in quality, but we've also had our fair share of weirdness when it comes to how they're integrated into laptop design. 

Remember when Dell first shrunk the bezels on the XPS 13 and the low-down camera? How about Huawei's pop up "nose cam" in the keyboard? Novel, but ultimately flawed. 

Recently I came upon the Star Labs StarFighter. Regulars to Windows Central perhaps won't be familiar with the name, since Star Labs is mostly known for dedicated Linux laptops. Linux doesn't really matter here, but the webcam on the StarFighter is really interesting and something I hope catches on with Windows laptop makers. 

The webcam isn't always attached to the laptop 

It's simple, but brilliant. The webcam on the Star Labs StarFighter is detachable. It seems to hook onto the lid of the laptop using magnetic pogo pins, something you'd be familiar with from the Surface Type Covers. 

So, the process of attaching and detaching it is quite simple. In the case of the StarFighter, the webcam stows away inside the chassis when not in use, so it's not like you'd forget to pack it or anything.

There will be folks out there who would see this as an unnecessary effort, especially if they use the webcam a lot. And I get that. But it has clear design and technological benefits, not to mention that the best webcam security is just not having one at all. 

And is physically popping the webcam off the laptop that much more taxing than sliding a privacy cover across? Not really.

No notches, better webcams 

The first, perhaps most obvious benefit is design. Without a webcam to house in the lid of the laptop this whole portion can be thinner, the bezels can be uniformly tiny, you could even get a little more display since there'd be no camera hardware in the way. 

You also wouldn't ever have to put up with a notch on your laptop display. No, Apple, it isn't a design feature. It's stupid. You could have more screen space without a notch going this way, and without having to revert to previous Dell/Huawei-esque madness.

A separate module would also lend itself to just having better camera hardware. If it clips on externally it doesn't have to be as shrunken down, the sensor can be bigger, the microphone array can be better. Sometimes you just need size and space. I have no idea how good (or bad) the webcam on the Starfighter may be, but by virtue of being an external box, it certainly has the potential to pack more hardware in. 

I'm not really a fan of webcams on laptops myself. They exist entirely to be used on work calls, and I'm fortunate enough that the quality isn't particularly important for those I have to do. The rest of the time I just wish it wasn't there and that the laptop display was filling more of the space in front of me.

With a setup like this, everyone could be happy. Those of us who mostly just want more screen to look at, and those who want a good webcam from time to time. I'd certainly like to see what the Windows heavyweights like Dell and Lenovo could do with something like this.

When attending meetings online, broadcasting yourself live on streaming services, or simply saying "hi" to your long-distant friends and family, you're going to need a high-quality webcam so you can look your best while greeting people on the internet.

Luckily for you, Elgato has your covered with the Elgato Facecam, the company's debut webcam, which features a well-constructed lens and excellent latency and refresh rates for live video feeds, among other features. This webcam usually sells for the retail price of $149.99, but Amazon is offering a special 20% discount for the Elgato Facecam, so you can buy it for $119.99 instead for a limited time.  

Elgato is one of the most well-renowned electronic companies when it comes to making well-made products designed for streaming or recording footage for online purposes. Their debut webcam, the Elgato Facecam, is no exception.

This webcam features a solid, sturdy design with a satisfying heft to its weight. It can broadcast live footage and capture footage with 1080p resolution and 60FPS, plus it can be configured to run at either 50Hz or 60Hz. 

It also has a solid refresh rate which can reduce the number of flickering lights that may occur in your video feeds. In addition, the Elgato Facecam has ultra-low latency to ensure that your expressions and actions match up to what's happening on screen if you're streaming a video game.

Why we like this deal

While it may be outperformed nowadays by its younger sibling, the Elgato Facecam Pro, the original Facecam is still an exceptional webcam for those looking to stream raw camera footage with high resolutions and frame rates with near-instantaneous responsiveness.

When the Elgato Facecam was first released in 2021, it had a hefty price tag of $200 which made it difficult for some, like our own Jez Corden in his review of the Elgato Facecam, to justify purchasing over cheaper but comparable webcams. However, over the years, that retail price has gradually dropped to the more acceptable price of $149.99. 

Thanks to Amazon Prime Day's 20% discount deal, that price has gone down even further to the price of $119.99. So, if you want to high-quality webcam that's on with the best PC webcams on the market, take advantage of this Prime Day deal while you can and buy yourself an Elgato Facecam.

At my desk live three Logitech accessories that I use just about every day. The Logitech ERGO K860 keyboard and Logitech MX Vertical mouse help me write hundreds of articles without placing as much strain on my wrists as normal accessories. Sitting just below my monitor is the Logi Dock, which connects my peripherals and monitor to my PC. Needless to say, I'm a big fan of Logitech and its hardware.

Right now, you can save up to $50 on those accessories and a wide variety of other devices through Logitech's website. Logitech's current discounts for dads and grads, and anyone else, are a great excuse to upgrade your desk setup.

If you place an order between $120-249.99, you'll get $20 off when using the promo code LOGIGRAD. That same code gets you $50 off on orders of $250 or more. The page for the sale notes that there are product restrictions, though it doesn't specify any accessories that are not included. I was able to get $50 off when testing several different items. You do, however, need to order at least two items.

While Logitech has sales throughout the year, some of their best accessories are rarely discounted. For example, I called the Logitech ERGO K860 a must-buy at $25 off earlier this year (sadly that sale is over). Even $5 off the Logitech MX Vertical mouse made it worth it in my eyes last Black Friday (that device is actually $10 off through Amazon at the moment).

If you want to upgrade your desk or pick up a nice gadget for a loved-one, Logitech's June sale is a nice chance to do so at a discount.

Today I sat down at my desk to fix what I thought would be a simple problem. I have two webcams at my desk, one built in to my laptop and another connected to a docking station. When I initially set up Windows Hello, I was in America and away from my normal desk, so I set up biometric unlock with my laptop's built-in webcam. I was surprised to discover that switching this setting to my external webcam took a bit of work.

At my desk sit three screens, my HP ZBook Studio G8, a main monitor, and an external monitor (Vissles-M) nestled below the main display. My laptop sits off to the side, powering the entire setup. Occasionally I'll have the laptop closed or use it as a third display for content I need to glance at.

While the HP ZBook Studio G8 has a stunning screen, I prefer to have it off to the side to leave room for my keyboard and mouse. Placing it next to my other devices also makes it easier to pick up the laptop when I need to take it out of my office.

Because of how my desk is set up, the IR camera in my laptop doesn't see me when I sit down at my desk. I figured I could just remove that camera in Windows Settings and set up my external camera with a couple of clicks. But no. I had to dive into the Device Manager and figure out a way to force Windows 11 to use the camera I wanted.

Removing my laptop's built-in webcam for Windows Hello was simple enough. Within the Settings app you can click a single button to do this. But when I tried to use my external webcam for Windows Hello my PC didn't give me the option to do so. 

I thought for a moment that I was mistaken and that my Dell UltraSharp webcam didn't support Windows Hello, but after checking the spec sheet I determined that wasn't the issue. Windows didn't show an option to toggle to a different camera within the Settings app.

After a quick web search, I learned that I would have to open Device Manager, disable the HP webcam and the HP IR camera, and then set up Windows Hello with my external webcam. After doing this, I re-enabled the HP camera and Windows Hello still uses my external webcam.

While I admit my specific desk setup falls into a niche category, I imagine I'm not the only person to want to use an external webcam to unlock my PC instead of a laptop's built-in camera. Doing this should require opening the Device Manager, disabling two cameras, setting up an external webcam with Windows Hello, and re-enabling the cameras.

Microsoft needs to add a simple way to select the webcam you'd like when setting up Windows Hello. For transparency, I'll note that I have only tried this setup with one laptop. There's a chance that the process works more smoothly with other PCs. That being said, Windows 11 should still handle it better.

Recent times have changed how we work, and for many, that means more remote meetings using software like Microsoft Teams and Zoom. But what hasn't changed much, sadly, is how good even the best webcams are. If you're conducting business remotely, you still want to look your best.

Fortunately, while webcam hardware has been treading water the software has been getting better and better. But one tool you may have overlooked is OBS Studio.

More commonly known as a tool for streamers, OBS Studio also has what's known as "Virtual Camera" built-in on Windows, Mac, and Linux. What this does is export whatever you have set up in OBS Studio to your system as if it were a webcam. And this means you can get really creative if you want to. But even in its most basic form, you can transform your webcam's video from drab to fab. 

How to set up OBS Studio Virtual Camera

The good news is that there is no setup required. Virtual Camera now comes standard in OBS Studio so assuming you have the latest version you're all good to go.

To send your scenes out to the rest of your system as a webcam you simply need to click the Start Virtual Camera button in the Controls dock on the main screen of OBS Studio.

Then, whichever app you want to use a webcam with, instead of selecting your hardware webcam, choose the OBS Virtual Camera option instead. You won't be able to select your hardware webcam by accident as OBS Studio has exclusive use of it, so you'll just get a black screen.

How to make your webcam look better in OBS Studio

While using OBS Studio as your webcam is really easy, unless you actually use the software to your advantage there's little point to it. Fortunately, you don't have to be a production whiz to make things look a little nicer to the eye.

The first thing to do is add your webcam.

1. In the sources dock, click the + button.
2. Select Video Capture Device.
3. Select the Create New checkbox and give it an easy-to-remember name.
4. Choose your webcam in the Device drop-down box.

Now, you can either click OK or proceed to tweak some settings. If you do click OK first, you can get back to this same menu by right-clicking on your webcam in the sources dock and choosing Properties.

There are quite a lot of settings you can change, but these are the most important ones to look at. On Windows you'll first need to select Custom under Resolution/FPS type, then change these settings:

• Resolution — Make sure you're using 1080p resolution if your webcam supports it if you want the sharpest image.
• Frame rate — This will be dependent on your webcam. Many only support 30 FPS at 1080p, needing a drop to 720p to get to 60 FPS. Try both and see which you prefer, but if your webcam allows 1080p 60 FPS go with that.

For most purposes, you can leave the rest of the initial settings on their default values. Now it's time to get into the camera controls. On Windows, you'll first need to click the Configure Video button, while on Linux the controls will be in the same window. Try adjusting these settings in this order:

• Exposure — By default your webcam will probably overexpose, blowing out the image somewhat. By taking manual control you can adjust the slider to something that looks more natural. This can be used in conjunction with Gain to get the best balance.
• Zoom and Pan — Not all webcams will allow this, though it isn't a true zoom either. If enabled for you, you can use these to better frame yourself, effectively cropping out unwanted empty space and making yourself appear larger and more centered in the frame.
• Focus — If you find that your webcam hunts for focus a lot, set it manually. Again it's on a slider but unless you're actually moving around presenting, you'll get a crisper, more stable look by setting the focus yourself.
• Brightness, Contrast, Saturation, and White Balance — All of these have individual settings but if you change one you're more than likely going to need to change one of the others. All four settings allow you to tweak how your image looks, and it'll depend on your webcam and your room lighting. But they can all be adjusted manually, and you'll always get a better look than trusting the auto settings.

By now your webcam should be looking better already. The final stage is to make sure it's filling the OBS Studio window (unless you're going to get really creative) by simply dragging the corners to resize. Virtual Camera will send out exactly what you're looking at in OBS Studio, so if your webcam is the size of a postage stamp, that's how it'll look on your Zoom call.

But there's still one more thing you can do with OBS Studio to make your webcam pop a little more.

How to add filters to your webcam in OBS Studio

All of the settings above are changes that you make to the video coming in from your webcam, but there's still more you can do. In the same way that you would edit a photo or a video after the fact, you can do the same in OBS Studio as well with filters.

There are a number of filters you can use, but there are two in particular that will help make your webcam look better: Color Correction and LUT.

To add a filter, right-click on your webcam in the sources dock and choose Filters. You now want to add a new item in the Effects Filters portion, selecting either of the two above. Here's what you can do with them:

• Color Correction — Some similar settings to adjust as in the webcam, with additional ones such as Gamma and the ability to get more granular with your color settings. You probably don't need to make a drastic change to any of these settings, but you'll be surprised how much of an improvement you can get.
• LUT — This is the same as applying a LUT to a photo or video and there are plenty of places online you can grab free ones. There's a comprehensive pack available through the OBS Forums which is a great place to start. To apply, simply choose the file you want with browse and then use the slider to adjust the strength. These can have a dramatic impact, but are also well worth experimenting with.

Additionally, if your webcam gives you particularly soft images you can also add a sharpening filter, but it's pretty strong so don't go overboard with it.

All of these are pretty easy tweaks to make and they're also completely free. This also only scratches the surface of what you can do with OBS Studio. If you want to get more advanced you can set up a whole presentation, with multiple scenes, and send it all out over your video conferencing software thanks to Virtual Camera.

Designed to help business professionals shine during their virtual meetings, Anker’s AnkerWork B600 Video Bar is an integrated video conferencing solution that incorporates a high-resolution camera sensor coupled witha. flip-up light bar, speakers, and microphone. Anker is bringing the light and the camera to the B600, which means that all that is left for you is to bring the action to your video conference. 

If you’re on a work team, standardizing on the AnkerWork B600 Video Bar will elevate your video experience with better image quality that's bolstered by good lighting, solid speakers for you to hear other participants, and a noise-canceling microphone array that will help reduce any distracting background noise on your end. And having a built-in light bar up top eliminates the need to buy separate, costly, and bulky lighting solutions.

AnkerWork B600 Video Bar: Specifications

Though AnkerWork B600 delivers on its promise of delivering better audio and visual quality to video conferences and streams, mobile users should evaluate their needs carefully before purchasing this device. 

For starters, the $220 B600 costs more than standard webcams, and at that price, you're competing with cameras with higher resolution sensors. Additionally, you'll also run into the problem with bulk. The B600 adds a bit of weight and heft to a travel bag, given that it's around the size of a compact portable Bluetooth speaker. If you can live with these trade-offs, you'll be rewarded with all the capabilities of the B600. 

If you're working at a stationary desktop, the B600's size and weight won't matter as much. 

AnkerWork B600 Video Bar: Design

As a relatively late-comer to the enterprise webcam market, Anker found a niche for the AnkerWork B600 Video Bar by studying what rival Poly – formerly known as Polycom, a company that’s been synonymous with enterprise communication solutions, and now a part of HP – has done and carving a space out for itself. 

Rather than hopping on the 4K trend with premium webcams, the B600 is a contrarian product. On one hand, it bucks the premium norm by sticking to a 2K, rather than 4K, image sensor, but on the other hand, its all-in-one design makes it a compelling business solution, delivering solid image quality, including a sensible light bar, producing good sound output, and equipping microphones with software A.I. that can cancel distracting background audio. 

Both solutions have Video Bar in their names, and for good reason – both Anker’s and Poly’s solution is based on a bar-shaped design that places the webcam at the center and is flanked on either side by speakers and microphones. Naming similarities and inspired design aside, the similarities largely end here.

Anker’s design comes with a flip-up lid at the front, which serves two purposes. If you’re a frequent traveler and need to take the AnkerWork B600 with you, the lid serves as a lens cover and physical privacy shield for your webcam. And when flipped up, it gives you a video light that can be used to add illumination to your face when you’re taking calls in darkened rooms. The integrated light bar should help mitigate the need for standalone lighting solutions, like Logi’s Litra Beam. 

Once the cover is up, you’ll find the star of the show in the center of the video bar: Anker’s large webcam with a 2K 1/2.8-inch image sensor. Surrounding the camera lens, you’ll find plastic with aperture blades that mimic what you’d find on a DSLR if you stared down the lens barrel. Sadly, though, these “blades” are just design flourishes and don’t play any functional part in the camera’s operation. 

And inside the fabric sheath that surrounds the speaker bar are a four-array microphone and dual 2W speakers. The speakers are aimed out toward the sides and not the front, so audio quality isn’t as rich or loud as I’d have liked. Bass is lacking, so you likely won't want to use the B600's integrated speakers for dedicated music listening. 

The biggest downside with Anker integrating all the components of a video conferencing system that’s designed to snap onto the lid of a laptop is that it is very heavy. At 10.6 ounces, the top-heavy design means that you’ll need to play around with the dual-stage mounting bracket to get the proper angle without either topping your laptop backward or inadvertently shutting your lid, especially if you have a lighter notebook. 

The mounting bracket comes with two hinges for getting the right adjustments, and it also allows for swiveling. Additionally, you can also mount the B600 onto a tripod. 

At 7.09 x 1.81 x 1.5 inches, the B600 is definitely not the most compact webcam that’s come across our desk. Though the B600 can be used on notebooks for travel, the design seems more well suited for stationary use on top of a monitor. If you’re transporting the B600, just be careful to keep it away from sharp objects in a bag to not damage the fabric covering on the speakers. 

Adding to the complexity of the B600 for travel is that this device requires two cables for your PC. One wire will connect the B600 to your PC for data, allowing the B600 to receive audio output from your laptop and also send video and captured audio from the microphone to the PC, while a second wire will be used to power the B600. 

Anker provides a USB-C cord in the box for data and a USB-C cable with a multi-country adapter for power, though I opted to use two USB-C cables and connected the B600 to my laptop for both power and data. This setup worked for me, but owners of older laptops with a limited number of USB-C ports, Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro 9 users, and creatives who max out the ports on their laptops with additional peripherals may need to rely on a USB-C hub to connect the B600. 

AnkerWork B600 Video Light Bar: Performance

With its robust list of features, Anker offers plenty of controls for the B600. You’ll be able to adjust the basic settings – like muting the microphone and turning on and off the lightbar – through touch-sensitive buttons on the body of the B600 Video Bar, but you’ll need to dive into Anker’s free downloadable desktop software to make more granular adjustments. 

Like most other advanced webcams on the market, you’ll be able to make fine adjustments to the image settings in Anker’s software by tuning the color temperature and contrast. The software also has a tab that allows you to adjust the light intensity and take the color temperature of the light for a cool glow or a warm hue. If you don’t want to make the adjustments yourself, there is a software control that will call on A.I. to tune the lighting based on conditions around you. 

And finally, you’ll be able to adjust both the field-of-view and the zoom levels in the software. 

With a 2K sensor, the AnkerWork B600 Video Bar is able to get crisp shots, albeit capped at just 30 frames per second.

So just how well does the B600 perform?

In darkened environments, the light bar works extremely well. In my pitch-black dining room, even the lowest light setting gave me enough illumination to not look like a muddled mess, which was how I appeared with the built-in webcam on the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 and the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M1 processor. Increasing the light intensity added even more details to my mugshot, and at the highest brightness setting, my face was properly illuminated to show well-rounded details. 

Adjusting the color temperature helps with showing more natural skin tone. 

Even in bright environments, the light bar was a surprisingly good feature. Sure, you won’t notice any difference in how illuminated your face is if you use the light bar under sunny skies outside, but when I was backlit sitting in front of a bright window in my office, having the light on – at full brightness – added a bit of details to my face and softened some of the harsher shadows. The same is true if I was front-lit indoor facing the window, as the light bar, but you’ll need to turn up the lighting intensity to maximum to get any perceivable results. 

For professional meetings, virtual job interviews, and digital presentations, I found  the feature extremely useful. Streamers, YouTubers, and beauty influencers will likely appreciate how compact the entire solution is, especially since you won’t need to carry around a separate light bar or ring light, and the result really is great.

Image quality with the B600 is good, but could be better. In typical use – if you’re not using the 4x zoom – the 2K image sensor does a great job. And sized at 1/2.8 inches, it’s not as big as some recent competitors in the space, like Insta360’s superb Link webcam with a 0.5-inch sensor size or that company's 1-inch sensor on the One RS, but it doesn’t need to be.

Given that the Link’s large image sensor was designed to capture more light, making it useful in darker environments, Anker’s approach to poor lighting isn’t to compensate with a larger sensor but to fix the lighting with a light bar. In general, even in semi-dark rooms, I found the sensor to be adequate, and with the light bar enabled, I can’t find anything to complain about with image noise or quality. In many ways, fixing poor ambient lighting by adding in artificial light is a better fix than having a larger sensor.

Where things get tricky with the B600 is with zooming. At 2K resolution, recording at the standard field of view is fine and provides plenty of clarity and details, but if you use the digital zoom to crop in on the picture, you’ll notice that you’ll quickly approach FHD 1080p webcam quality. Competing 4K webcams, like the Insta360 Link and Lumina 4K A.I. Webcam, suffer less of an image degradation with their digital zoom, resulting in better overall details in the zoomed shot. Unfortunately, none of the standard webcams on the market come with optical zoom, and you’ll have to resort to using a DSLR if this is your preference or Apple’s Continuity Camera feature that leverages the iPhone’s rear cameras as webcams for the Mac. 

Still, even if we’re approaching 1080p resolution at more zoomed in shots, I found the image quality in general to be better than the standard webcam that ships on most laptops today. But at $220, expectations are much higher for the B600. 

If you don’t want to fiddle with the zoom controls, you can choose from any one of four pre-set fields of view in software, which would give you a similar result to digital zoom. 

Thanks to software, Anker also claims some advanced A.I. processing, like a lot of its premium competitors. Subject tracking and autofocus works well, but unlike gimbal-based solutions like the Insta360 Link and Obsbot Tiny 4K, the tracking range is a lot more limited. If you’re moving your head or shifting your body in a relatively narrow space, the B600 should be able to follow you. If you’re pacing around a lot and giving a presentation, a PTZ camera will be a better option.

The B600 also relies on A.I. to help suppress background noise, and I found that it works well for reducing echoes in calls as well as canceling out the sound from my keyboard when I am typing and taking notes during a meeting. 

AnkerWork B600 Video Light Bar: The competition

Even though the AnkerWork B600 checks off a lot of boxes for what a solid webcam should offer, there is plenty of competition in this space. Some, like Dell's UltraSharp Webcam, offer better 4K resolution, while others, like Razer's Kiyo camera matches the AnkerWork B600's integrated lighting feature at a lower price point that will appeal to budget-oriented streamers.  

Still, none of these solutions come with the smarts and other integrated hardware components that Anker has managed to squeeze into the AnkerWork B600's boxy body. These include smart software that can track you to pan and zoom into your face while you're moving around in the frame, better speakers than what' available on the average laptop, and a noise-canceling microphone array that helps to reduce distracting background noise to keep your audience focused on the content that you're presenting. 

To get these features, you'll need to step up into the professional segment, but cameras like Poly's P15 Personal Video Bar are much more expensive and that particular model doesn't come with an integrated light source.  

And depending on your needs, more niche solutions, like the gimbal-mounted Insta360 Link, may be a better fit. The Insta360 Link's sole focus is on the camera experience, eliminating some of the bells and whistles of AnkerWork's all-in-one design in favor of a larger, more detailed 4K image sensor, a gimbal mount that can rotate and pan more freely to capture your presence on a wider stage without requiring as much digital zoom, and a more compact design for travel. 

AnkerWork B600 Video Light Bar: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if ...

• You're a streamer or YouTube creator and need a webcam with a solid integrated light source.
• You are a professional taking a lot of virtual calls and video meetings.
• You are a hybrid or remote worker who needs to look your best all the time for virtual meetings. 
• You need better microphones and/or speakers for your video calls.

You shouldn't buy this if ...

• You need a simple webcam solution without all the bells and whistles, bulk, and cost.
• You don't care about having an integrated light solution with your webcam.
• You don't need resolution over 1080p (FHD) for your webcam.

On paper, the specs of the B600 are on the mid-range of the premium segment – other than the light bar, nothing really stands out as best-in-class – but the results show that the sum of the parts are greater than any individual component. We would have loved to see Anker release a follow-up to the B600 with better components, including an upgraded camera with either a larger sensor or more resolution, better microphones, and speakers with greater fidelity. 

But at $220, it’s roughly half the cost of its closest competitor, the professional Poly P15 Personal Video Bar. And despite its rather large heft, the AnkerWork B600 is still more compact than adding the individual integrated components to your mobile or desktop setup. The more affordable price of the B600 compared to professional solutions and the integrated light bar are stand out features of this webcam if you need a more professional camera setup. 

What you need to know

• Elgato just launched the Facecam Pro, which can stream and record with 4K resolution at 60 frames per second.
• The Facecam Pro retails for $300 and is available starting today.
• There is no built-in microphone on the Facecam Pro, so you'll have to have a separate mic for streaming or recording.

Elgato just unveiled the Facecam Pro, a high-end webcam that can record in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. As the sequel to the original Facecam, the Facecam Pro improves on its predecessor in several areas. For example, it has an f/2.0 aperture compared to the original Facecam's f/2.4.

The Facecam Pro is available for purchase for a penny under $300. With that high price tag comes premium features, such as exposure metering, manual and automatic exposure, tone curve mapping, and more. The camera has a 21 mm (0.83 in) focal length and other premium specs that you'd expect from a device in its price range.

While the Facecam Pro has a long list of features, it does not have a built-in microphone.

Many of the best webcams for Windows PCs max out at 4K resolution at 30 frames per second.

Most streaming services, such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, do not support 4K60, though you can hit those specs on YouTube. Even on streams with a lower resolution, the 4K quality at 60 frames per second is useful for zooming in on a subject or panning around a scene.

As opposed to those that live stream, content creators will likely get the most out of the high resolution and framerate of the Facecam Pro. Those that record content and upload it to social media sites will be able to take advantage of the specs of the camera.

The Facecam Pro also competes with the Insta360 Link and other cameras in the professional space, such as those that make tutorials.

What you need to know

• The HP 965 4K Streaming Webcam was announced today alongside other new hardware from HP.
• The camera features a 4K resolution, AI face-framing and autofocus, and dual microphones.
• The HP 965 4K Streaming Webcam is available now for $199 through HP's website.

HP announced several pieces of hardware today, including the HP Dragonfly Folio G3 and HP 34" AIO Desktop PC. While those devices may make the headlines, the HP 965 4K Streaming Webcam was also announced today.

With a 4K resolution, AI face-framing and autofocus, and dual microphones, the HP 965 4K Streaming Webcam has the raw specs to compete with the best webcams for Windows PCs. Of course, specs aren't everything, and we'll have to run the new camera through its paces to see how it truly stacks up.

The HP 965 4K Streaming Webcam packs an 18mm F2.0 sensor and lowlight adjustment features to help deliver clear video in a range of environments. Users can choose between 78°, 90°, and 100° field-of-view to capture a room. The camera can swivel 360° and tilt down 90°. A magnetic cover can attach or detach from the camera for privacy as well.

The settings and features of the HP 965 4K Streaming Webcam can be controlled through the HP Accessory Center app, which is available through the Microsoft Store. That app allows users to customize their video feed, turn AI features on or off, use Keystone Correction, and select a field-of-view for the webcam.

If you're interested in HP's other hardware announcements, check out our first look at the HP Dragonfly Folio G3. Our executive editor Daniel Rubino spent a week with a prototype of the PC and was "blown away by it."

Move over, Center Stage. Insta360, a company that has staked its reputation on 360-degree cams, is revolutionizing the humble office webcam market with its latest addition, the Link. Like the Apple-branded Center Stage, Insta360’s Link aims to put creators, professionals, and streamers at center stage with features never seen before on personal video conferencing cameras, like a large 4K image sensor and three-axis gimbal. 

Insta360’s foray into the webcam space overcomes the limitations of today’s webcams by taking inspiration from both action and larger conference room cams. Hardware is only part of the equation for the Link. Insta360’s newest webcam challenges the rule of physics with A.I.-driven software to bring HDR video, smooth object tracking, quick focusing, and noise cancelation tech to keep you looking sharp and sounding your best. This delightful balance of advanced software algorithms combined with the best-in-class hardware propels newcomer Insta360 to the forefront of the webcam space with the Link. 

Insta360 Link: Pricing and availability

Insta360 Link is available through Insta360’s web store for $299. Given that the Link is geared towards creators and professionals, the webcam’s color option is limited to a lone black hue, unlike other consumer-oriented webcams like the Lumina. 

Insta360 also sells a tabletop tripod accessory for the Link on its website, which could come in handy if you're using some of this camera's more advanced modes. 

Insta360 Link: What's good

Insta360’s Link does miniaturization right. Hardware features such as the three-axis gimbal were once the exclusive domain of much larger and significantly more expensive conference room cameras. But by taking inspiration from action cameras, like rival DJI’s Osmo Pocket 2, Insta360 was able to democratize complex PZT (pan-zoom-tilt) conference room cams and bring this technology to everyone in a package that costs just $299. 

This focus on advanced features, like a three-axis gimbal, means that the Insta360 Link isn't as compact or as minimalist in its design when compared to the Lumina A.I. 4K webcam or Dell's UltraSharp 4K camera. Still, it packs in a lot of features in a package that measures just 2.71 x 1.61 x 1.77 inches (69mm x 41mm x 45mm). And at just 106 grams, the Link feels solid, and the camera's dense weight makes it feel premium despite the heavy use of plastic compared to the Lumina AI camera's all-metal housing. 

At $299, the Link comes in at a $100 premium compared to standard 4K webcams, like the Lumina A.I. webcam, which is considered one of the best options on the market today. That camera, however, lacks the PZT mechanism of the Link. Logitech’s PZT 2 conference solution comes in at $849, making the Link appear like a bargain for what you’re getting.

The gimbal-mounted PZT package on the Link allows this camera to pan, tilt, and zoom into your face as you move around. While this may be overkill for standard video calls; for creators, it’s like having your own AI-powered cameraman. When object tracking is enabled and the Link can lock onto your face, the camera will swivel and follow you around as you move out of the frame.

If this sounds familiar, it’s because hardware manufacturers like Apple, HP, and Lumina have been doing this with software. Apple’s Center Stage, for example, relies on a wide-angle camera on the iPad Pro and MacBook Pro to track and follow you around. Unlike the Link’s PZT camera, the built-in Apple camera hardware is stationary, which means that software is utilized to crop in to your face as you move around, resulting in some image compression.

On the other hand, by relying on a PZT camera, the Insta360 Link can effortlessly track you, with the camera swiveling smoothly on the three-axis gimbal to deliver stunning image quality.

“During our research into webcams, we saw a lot of benefits of a gimbal design to provide better stability, a wider range of motion for AI tracking, and more diverse viewing modes,” Insta360’s team informed Windows Central. “We think the future for the webcam industry lies in AI technology and versatile designs like our 3-axis gimbal.”

While both Apple and Insta360 rely on AI to help drive the camera, the Link’s hardware-based approach means you’re going to get a clearer, less compressed image, as the camera doesn’t have to digitally crop into your face.

To use the camera, you’ll need to download and install the companion Insta360 Link Controller on your PC or Mac, and the software provides plenty of customization options. The Link is compatible with major video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, and Google Meet, and Insta360 claims that even more are supported. A single USB-C port is located on the rear and a tripod screw is found on the underside of the monitor clip for flexible mounting options.

Tracking on the Link works exceptionally well, and the camera will pan as you move around. I was in the kitchen over the weekend, demonstrating to a friend on the opposite coast how to prepare a dish over Google Meet. The Link panned around and followed me as I traversed my galley kitchen, grabbing ingredients, and prepping dinner. My friend was impressed with how accurately the Link could track my movement as I moved forward and back, side to side, and as I stood up and bent down to find supplies and ingredients stored in cabinets.

With the Link, you can change the speed of tracking — how quickly the camera will respond and pan around as you move outside of the frame — with three settings: normal, slow, and fast. In my cooking tutorial, I used normal, which resulted in responsive but smooth tracking. Cranking it to fast was also impressive, as the camera speedily kept up with me like a robotic sidekick. But if you’re moving around too much, the results could be jerky and nausea-inducing. Slow was perhaps the smoothest experience, though it could appear to the viewer on the other end of the stream that there is lag.

With the Link, the camera can pan around (side to side) and tilt (up and down) to frame you when you have tracking enabled. Additionally, if you need to zoom in, the camera can apply digital zoom to crop in to your head, your upper body (head and chest), or keep your whole body in frame. The last one could be great for yoga and fitness instructors who need to demonstrate specific whole-body poses.

For more advanced users, the Link Controller software gives granular controls to features like image setting, AI zoom, manual focusing, HDR, and other settings. For example, you can rely entirely on the software’s intelligent AI chops for exposure, white balance settings, brightness, contrast, saturation, and sharpness, or you can dial up or down any of those settings to your liking. In my test under LED light bulbs and in more harsh lighting conditions while working in front of a bright window, I had no problems with the automatic AI adjustments. Users can also turn on HDR mode as well when working under more challenging lighting conditions, as I do, but the feature is not supported at 4K resolution or with 60 FPS.

The HDR limitations aren’t so worrisome at present. Most video conferencing platforms still limit upload feeds for videos at 1080p to conserve bandwidth and deliver a stutter-free experience when ISP speeds may be poor. As such, dialing down to 1080p to gain HDR isn’t a compromise, at least at this time, but it does make the Insta360 feel a little less futureproof than I’d like, given that the rest of this camera’s specifications are so bleeding edge.

But given how advanced the Link’s camera hardware is, HDR and some of the image processing seem superfluous to the experience. Because Insta360 uses a significantly larger 0.5-inch image sensor on the Link — compared to a smaller 0.3-inch sensor on traditional webcams — the camera can capture more light. This is particularly beneficial when you’re trying to take a video call in a dimly lit room.

“When it comes to using a bigger sensor, we believe that a flagship webcam should be able to deliver superior image quality, which requires a larger size sensor to achieve,” Insta360’s team communicated to me via email about the camera’s unique features. “Link's industry-leading 1/2" sensor offers best-in-class 4K Ultra HD resolution at 30fps. The larger sensor size means it captures far more details, has a better dynamic range, and has stronger low light capabilities. This ensures a consistently perfect image in any room or environment.”

I found low-light capabilities on the Link superb. I escaped to the laundry room, which was only lit by some light coming through the door at one end and my MacBook Pro’s display on the other end, and the Link was still able to keep my face brightly lit. In dimmer conditions, you’ll notice some skin softening — akin to Beauty Mode on Samsung smartphones — and additional sharpening to minimize noise. The result is that your face will look slightly artificial — a bit of texture was lost in favor of skin smoothening and noise reduction — but the overall result is very much usable. My face was still bright and lit in frame, and my meeting audience didn’t even realize I was in a darkened laundry room without my disclosure at the end of the call.

In general, I’d say that low light aesthetic is very similar to images captured with Night Mode enabled on some modern smartphones. The low light image quality is night and day apart when compared with my Dell Latitude 5420 work computer under the same challenging conditions. The potato cam image on the Latitude was full of noise and was extremely pixelated. For reference, the Latitude 5420 is a fairly recent laptop, as it was equipped with Intel’s 11th Gen processor.

It should be noted that with the Link, you’ll want to turn off HDR when you’re using the camera in dimmer environments. The sensor is very capable without requiring HDR processing, and with HDR enabled the Link’s image was darker and noisier — but it was still nowhere near as bad as that captured by the Latitude’s built-in webcam.

I appreciated the level of fine-tuning that the Link Controller software provided, including the ability to manually focus if needed. I never really had to use manual focusing, as the camera’s phase detection autofocus (PDAF) was very fast. It could quickly focus into an object I bring into the frame and then switch to focusing on my face as I remove the object from the frame.

But appearing present on camera is only part of collaboration. Sharing documents, brainstorming on whiteboards, and outlining plans all help contribute to a productive, dynamic meeting experience, and the Link will help you do that and more with three smart modes.

The first mode is called Whiteboard mode. The Link comes with four corner stickers that you can attach to a large notepad mounted on an easel or a whiteboard, and the corners help guide the camera’s focus on the content, delivering a cleaner, crisper view of your board to all remote meeting participants.

Desk View is the second mode, and it’s similar to the software feature that Apple introduced on macOS Ventura, which is still in beta. With Ventura, you’ll mount your iPhone to the top of your monitor, and your Mac will use your phone’s ultra-wide camera lens to focus on what’s on your desk. For creators, this could allow you to, for example, record a masterclass on sketching and drawing without having to buy expensive camera equipment or tripods and stands.

On the Link, Desk View mode works similarly to Apple’s implementation, but the camera requires a small tripod stand instead of a monitor mount. The accessory is not bundled with the Link, but it’s available as an optional add-on. Desk View angles the camera downward 45 degrees, and like the Continuity Camera method of Apple’s device, it uses AI software to correct distortion given the viewing angle.

The result is good, and the software corrected the angle so i didn’t have any awkwardly long or fat fingers in the brief testing I performed with this mode. It’s great for creators, and for YouTubers who film unboxing videos, this could be a great setup.

The third mode works in a similar way to Desk View and it’s called Overhead mode. Instead of a 45-degree tilt, the camera is angled 90 degrees so it is now facing completely downward. It’s like old overhead projectors of yore, and this could be a great tool for modern educators. Math teachers, for example, could use Overhead mode to focus down on a piece of paper as they show distance learning students how to solve complex mathematical equations.

Like Obsbot's competing Tiny cam, many of these features can be activated via gesture, so you don't have to click around in the Link Controller software. For example, you can hold your thumb and pointer fingers up to form an "L." The camera will alert you that it recognized the gesture by switching the LED color on the base to blue from green, and you can move your hand up or down to zoom in or out, respectively. Similarly, Whiteboard mode can be activated by forming a "V" with your pointer and middle fingers.

For privacy-obsessed users, the Link will automatically go into privacy mode when it isn’t active for about 10 minutes. This means that the camera will swivel and angle itself downward.

Insta360 Link: What's not good

The Insta360 is a solidly built camera, and there’s little to complain about in terms of its software and function. Out of the box, a quick firmware update on the camera helped to improve image quality and HDR processing, so you’ll want to update the Link Controller’s software and the camera’s firmware whenever new updates are available to get the best experience. 

That said, for such a premium camera, we wish that the Link shipped with some more protective accessories out of the box.

Since the pandemic has vastly changed where we work — homes and hotels are now the new conference rooms — it would be nice to have a lens cover, for instance, for the camera. That’s not to say that any part of the Link’s construction felt inadequate, but more of a compliment to the fact that I’d want to take this portable camera everywhere I go, and I’d like to have it protected. A padded, molded protective carrying case would also be an excellent addition for those who may be rougher on their gear, and this would keep the Link safely protected inside a stuffed laptop bag. 

Elsewhere, the Link has checked off the essential qualities a webcam should have: Superb image quality, responsive tracking, and outstanding audio capture. Thanks to a combination of intelligent software with bleeding edge hardware, the Link delivers. 

Insta360 Link: The competition

Insta360’s Link not only has to compete against other 1080p and 4K webcams on the market but also against very agile built-in cameras that ship with most laptops and some all-in-one desktops. Many of these solutions, like the webcam on Apple’s iPad and MacBook Pro, come with artificial intelligence that can help track and frame a subject as they’re moving around. And the best part about built-in cams is that they don’t cost extra, and no additional hardware is required. 

On the accessories front, Lumina’s A.I.-powered 4K camera is an excellent alternative to the Link. Both cameras achieve similar end results with software, but the Link pulls ahead with its larger image sensor for better low light performance and a PZT design that allows panning without digital cropping. These benefits come at a $100 premium compared to Lumina’s $199 cost. 

Neither of these solutions, however, come with support for Windows Hello. If you desire 4K image quality and need Windows Hello support, you’ll have to look for solutions like Dell’s UltraSharp 4K cam and Logitech’s BRIO 4K.

The closest competitor to the Insta360 Link is the Obsbot Tiny 4K, a compact $269 AI-powered 4K webcam with a similar gimbal design. Unlike the Link, the Tiny 4K uses a two-axis gimbal, making panning less smooth.

Insta360 Link: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if ...

• You're a professional or creator who needs more advanced capabilities from your webcam
• You need a 4K webcam with a PZT feature to track and follow you as you move around
• You frequently present during virtual meetings and need features like Overhead mode or DeskView
• You take video calls under challenging lighting conditions and desire HDR, auto corrections
• You need a large image sensor for low light scenarios but don't want to invest in a ring light

You shouldn't buy this if ...

• You rely on Windows Hello for password-less logins
• You are on a budget
• You want a webcam with few moving parts

While it's competitors who rely solely on software to smarten up their camera experiences may run into the challenges of physics, Insta360 expertly marries advanced hardware with intelligent AI to deliver the best consumer webcam experience to date. Taking inspiration from gimbals, action cameras, and significantly more expensive conference room video conferencing solutions, Insta360's Link delivers an AI-powered camera that comes with a built-in camera operator inside to pan, tilt, and zoom as you move about the room.

Designed for professionals and creatives who have transformed their living rooms and homes into conference rooms, it's as if Insta360 planned for the global health pandemic. But the Link isn't just a webcam. This advanced camera is a collaboration tool designed to share documents and whiteboards. It's a tool for virtual brainstorming. It's a tool for creators whose mantra is show and not tell. And for that, the Insta360 is worth every penny for the productivity it inspires. 

Kensington is no stranger to the enterprise world with popular accessories for Microsoft’s Surface series and its line of Thunderbolt docks like the SD5700T. Today, the company announced an array of new webcams, a bi-color ring light, and several mounting options for those working at home or who need a semi-pro level setup in their office.

For this review, Kensington sent over its W1050 1080p Fixed Focus Wide Angle Webcam (K80250WW), A1010 Telescoping Desk Stand (K87651WW), and the L1000 Bicolor Ring Light with Webcam Mount (K87653WW).

Kensington Professional Video Conferencing: Price and availability

Kensington offers many camera options and accessories for its video conferencing kits. The W1050 1080P Fixed Focus Wide Angle Webcam costs a reasonable $49.99. The W2000 1080P Auto Focus Webcam is a small step up and costs $59.99, while the W2050 Pro 1080P Auto Focus Webcam retails for $89.99. The W2050 has a larger sensor for better low light performance, glass lens, and autofocus than the W1050.

Accessories for these cameras include the L1000 Bicolor Ring Light with Webcam Mount ($39.99), A1000 Telescoping C-Clamp ($44.99), A1010 Telescoping Desk Stand ($29.99), and the A1020 Boom Arm ($89.99).

The complete setup for this review costs $120.

All these components are available through Kensington’s website and retail partners.

Kensington Professional Video Conferencing: What You’ll Like

The beauty of Kensington’s kits is that all the parts work together and offer a complete setup with many options depending on your desk or office layout.

The W1050 1080P Fixed Focus Wide Angle Webcam is on the basic side but has some excellent features. The fixed focus glass lens ensures sharp focus even in low-light or high-contrast environments. It can manually adjust 37 degrees vertically and 360 degrees horizontally to provide the best camera angles. It has a wide, 95-degree field of view and a built-in lens cover that slides into place and locks. Two omnidirectional microphones with noise-reduction tech deliver decent quality audio. The camera even meets MIL-STD-810H Method 504.3 Contamination by Fluids testing, meaning it won’t degrade when using bleach or alcohol to disinfect it.

All the Kensington web camera options are powered by USB Type-A and can work on any desktop or laptop PC.

The L1000 Bicolor Ring Light with Webcam Mount needs a stand to put it on, which can either be the A1000 Telescoping C-Clamp, A1010 Telescoping Desk Stand, or the A1020 Boom Arm. We used the desk stand, which is likely the most common configuration.

The ring light is very good, delivering 930 lumens of adjustable brightness. The webcam mounts in the middle, giving evenly distributed light onto the user’s face. More interestingly, you can adjust the temperature range (cool, natural, or warm) due to the bicolor LEDs. This is all controlled via the in-line remote, part of the USB Type-A cable. Any laptop with a standard USB Type-A port can power this ring light.

There’s not much to say about the A1010 Telescoping Desk Stand as it’s a generic design that gets the job done. It has a heavy, rounded 7-inch non-skid metal base and main arm with a rotating plastic clamp to lock it into place. I was worried that the height wouldn’t be enough ranging from 11.8 to 19-inches, but it’s enough to completely clear a 34-inch monitor. There’s also a small plastic cable management clip to keep the camera and ring light’s cables in check.

The Kensington Konnect software lets users modify the camera in real-time. You don’t need the software to use the camera, but it does offer friendly options. It has choices of effects (e.g., vibrant, cool, warm, stylish), which are generic but acceptable. Users can manually adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, low-light, backlight, exposure, hue, and more with simple sliders. There is also the ability to zoom in and pan and tilt via software to find the right look and angle for your online meeting. You can also create profiles for various preferred setups.

Kensington Professional Video Conferencing: What You Won’t Like

There’s not too much wrong with the Kensington W1050 webcam, at least not at the $50 price point. It won’t compete with the Logitech BRIO 4K or Lumina AI camera, but in well-lit situations, the full HD resolution is good. The fixed focus means everything is always in focus and looks sharp.

One significant limitation of this camera is its wide field of view, making it suitable for single-person video calls unless you want to show off your entire home office.

The ring light’s 930 lumens help illuminate the subject’s face compared to not having it, but it won’t do that much if in a dark room, meaning you still would want to have some residual lighting to assist.

Kensington Professional Video Conferencing: The Competition

Since the pandemic, many companies have been trying to capitalize on video conferencing technology, so there is much more competition today.

Keeping in mind the price point of $50 for the webcam, there are a few similarly priced options. The HP 325 full HD Webcam for Business is only $39. It’s sharp, has a 66 degrees wide-angle lens (making it better for single-user video calls), requires no software, and has a swivel head letting it freely move around in all directions to find the perfect angle.

Microsoft also has its $55 Modern Webcam, which seems to get better low-light performance and is also full HD.

Going up in price, Kensington has the W2000 1080P Auto Focus Webcam and the W2050 Pro 1080P Auto Focus, which bring a few more features for an extra $10 or $30, respectively.

The Konftel Cam 10 ($83) is also full HD with a 90-degree field-of-view. It has a decent color balance, and the microphones are excellent. 

There is the well-received Lume Cube for the ring light, which is much brighter with more range for color temperature. It costs $89, much more than the $40 for Kensington’s ring light, but it also includes a telescoping tripod and laptop mount (suction cups). When you factor in the Kensington desk stand ($30) and the ring light, it’s a comparable $70, $20 less than the Lume Cube Broadcast Lighting Kit.

You can get more ideas in our best webcam for Windows PC guide. 

Kensington Professional Video Conferencing: Should you Buy?

You should buy this if ...

• You want a no-frill, easy-to-setup video conferencing kit
• You want a decent wide-angle full HD webcam
• You want Kensington’s support and a 2-year warranty

You shouldn't buy this if ...

• You do single-person video calls or want a more cropped look
• You work in a dimly lit room and need more lumens
• You want 60 FPS or 4K video
• You need a good built-in mic

Overall, the Kensington Professional Video Conferencing is an ideal option for small businesses and enterprises where the mass deployment of webcams for the office or those working from home is necessary. The ability of the IT department to easily buy these kits and support them is a big selling point, especially since it will be a consistent experience.

The Kensington W1050 gets decent image quality, particularly for the price and the ring light is very enjoyable to use, even if used as additional illumination.

Kensington’s kit is easy to recommend when you factor in the price. And if you need more quality, its other two new webcams are also suitable options.

Over the last two years, webcams have taken a new priority for desktop computers and laptops. While many new offerings have been on the market, none have beaten Logitech's Brio 4K despite being five years old.

That's finally changing with Lumina, a 4K camera. What makes Lumina interesting is how much it relies on good software. There's a lot to like with a configurable field of view (FoV), f2.0 lens, and a sizeable 24.84mm² 4K sensor. And thanks to all that AI, it also promises to rival DSLR cameras like the Sony A6500. Heck, it can even auto-calibrate colors. That's a lot of hype.

But what about the drawbacks? There are a few, but luckily, not many.

Lumina AI Webcam: Price and availability

The Lumina camera is available through Amazon Prime and directly from Lumina for $199. It comes in four color choices: Silver, Gold, Rose Gold, and Atomic Grey. For this review, Atomic Grey was used.

Lumina (direct sales) offers 14 days for returns/exchanges and a one-year warranty.

Lumina AI Webcam: What's good

The Lumina AI Webcam packing is compact, concise, and feels premium. You get a Type-C to Type-C cable, a small hex screwdriver, camera mount, magnetic privacy shade, Lumina Color Card (for auto-tuning), and the camera.

Made from aluminum, the Lumina feels high quality, especially since 99% of webcams are made from molded plastic. It looks cool too: simple and very modern. Compared to most other webcams, this one is very compact, making it easy to toss into a bag.

Setting up is super simple. Screw the camera to the mount (with another hole for using it with a tripod) using the small hex driver. Then, plug in the Type-C to Type-C cable to your PC. You need to download Lumina's software, which is available for macOS and Windows 10/11.

The magnetic cover sticks to the top of the Lumina, so you never lose it. You pull off the L-shaped accessory and place it over the lens when you want to engage. It's simple and looks nice. A small white LED lights up when the camera is enabled for privacy awareness.

That software is full of features ranging from basic to advanced, including exposure, white balance, tuning auto-white balance (red and blue), and saturation. Going into advanced settings, there are sliders for exposure, gain, composite exposure, backlight compensation, hue, zoom, tilt, roll, and much more.

One of the secrets to Lumina is the AI, which is found under "Plus" settings (versus "Raw"). Based on preference, you can choose Plus or Raw in most video messaging apps (Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet). Plus gives you advanced functionality like the ability to auto-zoom ("Cameraman") based on facial recognition to keep you in the frame. There is also background blur, including a slider to control how much blur is used. While not as good as NVIDIA Broadcast (which uses an RTX GPU to render), Lumina's blurring is very effective and beats any app's solution.

If you don't want to use those Plus features, choose Raw in your video app. Then you can use presets and control everything yourself.

You can use the Lumina camera without software, although you won't have access to the Plus AI settings or all the sliders to customize the image.

Interestingly, Lumina has a configurable FoV that works on a slider and lets you dial in how much (or how little) of your background to display versus Brio 4K, which has static FoV at 90°/78°/65°.

The overall image quality for video is very good and easily rivals and often even beats Logitech. But that is only when I customized the settings, as out of the box, the default color profile makes my face look very red. This complaint likely has something to do with the auto color-tuning not yet being available (see below).

When combined with all the extra frills of AI and the sheer number of slider settings, this is the most advanced webcam I have come across. Suppose you don't like the auto settings? Just dial in all the colors, exposure, and white balance to your liking. Find a range of settings you prefer? Add it to one of five presets to save it.

Finally, Lumina is building out a lot of the functionality around Lumina via its app, which also handles firmware updates. The company seems to be updating every couple of weeks to fix issues and add features.

Lumina AI Webcam: What's not good

While the overall image, which is the most important thing, is outstanding with this camera, there are a few downsides, some of which are minor, while others are more impactful.

This camera does not have any Windows Hello infrared (IR) support for auto-logging into Windows, unlike the Brio 4K. Considering both are priced at $199, that's worth considering as Windows Hello is a very convenient feature.

In the box is a Lumina Color Card. It has a little QR code and a full palette of colors. The idea is you hold the card up to the camera, and the AI reads the QR code and uses that palette to auto-tune your colors and white balance. Quite brilliant! However, as of now, that feature is disabled as Lumina "fine-tunes" the algorithm. This ability should be back "in a few weeks," but it's not here as of now.

The Windows software is obviously cloned from macOS and looks weirdly out of place on Windows 11. Sure, it works, does everything you need it to, and is very stable, but it'd be nice to have a native app that uses Windows UI elements. That software also requires registering/licensing, which is odd in 2022, considering the app has no subscription.

Despite all the advanced features in Lumina, there is no HDR (high-dynamic range) support. While not necessary, it would help with blown-out light in the background. Maybe the company will add it later via a software/firmware update, but it's not available right now.

I also found the included Type-C cable simply too short for reaching my desktop rig. Ironically, I used the Brio 4K's cable, which is much longer. While a solvable problem (buy a longer Type-C cable or extension), Lumina should include one that is at least 5 feet.

Lumina AI Webcam: Competition

The most obvious alternative to the Lumina is the Logitech Brio 4K, which has been the best webcam since it came out an astonishing five years ago. The Brio has Windows Hello, HDR, and exceptional image quality. It is now often found for $157, which is more affordable than the $199 for the newer Lumina AI Webcam.

Dell threw its hat in the ring with 2021's $199 UltraSharp Webcam. It also has Windows Hello, HDR, 4K, and decent software. While the image can be sharp, it tends to be too dark and not as pleasing as the Lumina. Even after tweaking the (more limited) settings, the image is below that of the Lumina and Brio. But it gets good reviews, and people seem to like it.

Razer also has its Kiyo Pro, which is ginormous and boasts excellent low-light abilities. In my experience, it's an OK webcam with a size that doesn't match the promises, but it is sharp. It costs $200, and it is the worst of them.

You can see more options in our best webcam guide.

Lumina AI Webcam: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if ...

• You want the most advanced 4K webcam on the market
• You need excellent image quality
• You like software-based image enhancement with AI

You shouldn't buy this if ...

• You want Windows Hello

Overall, I'm impressed with the Lumina, and it has replaced my usage of the Brio 4K on our weekly podcast, guest podcasts, and occasional TV appearances where you can see it in action. I think the focus on AI and software is where advanced camera imaging is these days (see every modern smartphone on the planet), and it's becoming more significant than the hardware. Indeed, the webcams from Dell and Razer have the proper hardware, but it's the software processing and algorithms that keep them from beating Logitech (and now Lumina).

Once Lumina brings back auto-color tuning, it will easily be the best webcam. I think watching the software improvements will be the fun part of Lumina as the team seems focused on maximizing its potential. It already has a great head start as Dell, Razer, and even Logitech don't have anything this advanced.

Of course, Lumina could be better as I sorely miss Windows Hello. Considering this camera started as a macOS project, it makes sense why it's not here. Let's hope for the next version Windows Hello is added, even if it ups the price slightly.

Perhaps my only real concerns are two-fold: How long does Lumina stick around, and what happens when Logitech finally releases a successor to Brio? Lumina is a small, new company started in 2021 with about 50 employees, and it doesn't have the legacy of Logitech, which has been around for decades. That could matter for long-term support, although there's no reason to think the Lumina AI Webcam will stop working. And when Logitech releases a new flagship webcam, I wouldn't be surprised if it again sets the bar for the category.

But, for now, I'm confident that Lumina AI Webcam is not only one of the best options available, but it also has the most potential to get even better. So yeah, if you need the best and want the most advanced, get a Lumina.

Looking for a new webcam to accompany your work from home (or even in-office) setup? Microsoft has you covered with its "Modern Webcam" that is also "Teams Certified," meaning it's ready for use with Teams without much hassle. Of course, this webcam will work fine in any app, but the Teams Certified stamp is there to let you know that if you use Teams, this is the accessory for you.

It's been a handful of years since Microsoft last shipped a webcam, so it's good to see the company is back with something new. Sadly, this isn't a flagship webcam, meaning it's not 4K or includes support for Windows Hello facial recognition. It's simply a webcam designed for video conferencing, and it does a great job at that, albeit with a few caveats.

There are a lot of great webcams out there, so make sure you check out our roundup of best webcams for Windows PCs in 2022! I've been using the Microsoft Modern Webcam for a little over a month now. Here's my review:

Modern Webcam: Price and availability

The Microsoft Modern Webcam is available direct from the Microsoft Store for an MSRP of $70. However, right now, you can grab the webcam for just $55, making it a good deal no matter the downsides. It can also be found on Amazon; however, prices there often fluctuate above and below $70.

Modern Webcam: What's good

The Microsoft Modern Webcam is a small, sleek, and functional camera that sits on top of your monitor with the included stand/tripod mount. It's available in a glossy black finish, and looks super clean in any setup. It has a built-in privacy shield that uses satisfying magnets to snap open and shut, with the shut position also cutting camera feed in addition to actually covering the lens. When active, there's a small ring light that surrounds the sensor letting you know that the camera is on.

It's also designed to be plug and play, meaning you can just insert the USB-A cable into your PC and you should be good to go, with no real setup required. That said, if you do want to customize the webcam, Microsoft does have an app called the "Microsoft Accessory Center" that will allow you to do just that. Here, you can change settings such as color temperature, HDR on or off, auto white balance, and more.

Here are all the things you can configure with the Microsoft Accessory Center app:

• HDR on/off
• Retouch on/off
• Brightness
• Contrast
• Saturation
• Sharpness
• White balance
• Auto exposure
• Flicker reduction
• Webcam mic on/off

The camera performance itself perfectly acceptable. It is a 1080p shooter, featuring a 78-degree field of view, support for HDR, auto exposure, auto white balance, and anti-flicker capabilities. It's a well-rounded sensor that looks great in well-lit environments. Microsoft does a good job at adjusting exposure so that your face is always the most visible, even if you have a bright source of light such as as window directly behind you.

I did come away rather impressed with this webcam's low-light performance too. While still quite noisy, the webcam didn't drop frames in an attempt to open up the sensor and allow more light in. I remained smooth in video, which is great to see and makes a big difference when presenting in video calls.

I also found this camera doesn't randomly hunt for focus as much as some others do. My Logitech BRIO 4K is really prone to randomly hunting for focus on my face, even though I hadn't moved much in the frame. I've not noticed this behavior on the Microsoft Modern Webcam.

Modern Webcam: What's not good

In our testing, the Microsoft Accessory Center app needs some work. We found that it will often forget settings, and it will sometimes not apply color temperature settings even after selecting them from the drop-down menu. This isn't a huge deal, as it takes a few seconds to go back into the app to reapply the settings, but it is a little annoying.

Some of the color temperature settings are a little strong too, and the same effect can randomly differ without anything changing in your frame. Sometimes this makes it seem like the filters you're applying aren't taking effect, because the differences between some of the effects are sometimes incredibly minor or non-existent.

The biggest downside of this webcam is the built-in microphone, which it appears even Microsoft doesn't recommend you use. By default, the webcam comes with the built-in mic disabled, and attempting to enable it in the Microsoft Accessory Center app will present you with a warning that states this microphone is not Teams Certified.

I'm really happy to see that Microsoft did add an option to enable or disable the built-in mic, as a lot of people have setups where they already have a dedicated microphone and don't need Windows getting confused about which mic it should use. It's also beneficial here because the built-in mic just isn't good.

Audio often sounds buzzy and noisy, even with mic gain settings turned down. It's not a pleasant mic to listen to, which is probably why it's off by default. The built-in mic on my Surface Laptop 4 did a much better job at audio, and Windows will default to your set mic if you have the webcam's mic disabled in the accessories app.

Finally, there's no Windows Hello built into this webcam. For the price, you probably shouldn't expect it, but if you were looking for a Microsoft solution for adding Windows Hello to your existing desktop PC, this is not the product for you.

Modern Webcam: Video and audio test

Here is a brief test of the video and audio performance, including an audio comparison with the built-in mic on the Surface Studio 2.

Modern Webcam: Competition

The webcam market is full of all kinds of different webcams, ranging from top-of-the-line 4K 120 FPS sensors to low-cost 720p cameras. The Microsoft Modern Webcam sits comfortably in the middle ground, being relatively affordable with good enough performance in well-lit environments.

If you're looking for something top of the range, the Logitech BRIO 4K is our recommendation. It has a 4K sensor, up to 60 FPS video recording, dual-array mics, and it even has Windows Hello built right in. But, this all comes at a premium price of $200, way above the Microsoft Modern Webcam, which comes in at just $99.

Alternatively, we have the Logitech C920, arguably the king of 1080p webcams. It has a wide 78-degree field of view, dual microphones, and a glass lens for extra clarify. Microsoft's Modern Webcam competes very well with this device, but I think the Logitech beats it by a small margin thanks to its slightly better image quality.

We also have the HP 320 FHD and 325, featuring a similar price to the Microsoft Modern Webcam, a 1080p sensor, albeit with a slightly narrower 66-degree field of view. That said, these HP webcams are mounted to a 360 stand, which is unique, but could be useful in certain scenarios.

Modern Webcam: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if ...

• You need a basic, capable webcam
• Looking for something that's plug and play
• Already have a dedicated microphone

You shouldn't buy this if ...

• You need something with a good built-in microphone
• You want Windows Hello facial recognition

The Microsoft Modern Webcam is a great choice for anyone looking for a camera that excels in day-to-day video conferencing in apps like Microsoft Teams. If you're presenting to a large audience, or partaking in small team meetings, you can't go wrong with the Modern Webcam.

That said, it's not all perfect. While I came away impressed with the video quality, even in low-light scenarios, the microphone that's built in is just bad. Microsoft ships the webcam with the microphone disabled for this reason, so I recommend you a dedicated microphone instead.

Overall. for the price, I think you're getting a good deal with the Modern Webcam, so long as you use a different microphone. The built quality is good, it looks sleek above any monitor or display, and the built-in privacy shutter with magnets is a really nice touch.

What you need to know

• HP announced its new HP 320 FHD Webcam and HP 325 FHD Webcam today.
• Both webcams have FHD resolution, 66-degree viewing angles, and can rotate 360 degrees.
• The HP 320 FHD costs $40 and will be available in February 2022 while the HP 325 FHD launches in March for $39.

HP announced two webcams alongside its range of new education laptops. The HP 320 FHD Webcam and HP 325 FHD Webcam are straightforward all-in-one webcams. They both feature resolutions of 1080p, can record 30 FPS video, and have 66-degree viewing angles. They also each have removable lens covers for privacy and can rotate 360 degrees.

Both the HP 320 FHD and HP 325 FHD are Works With Chromebook certified. That means they'll seamlessly work with the best Chromebooks, including the newly announced HP Fortis 14 G10 and HP Fortis 11 G9 Q. As one would expect, the webcams also work with Windows 10, Windows 11, and macOS.

The design and specs of the HP 320 FHD and HP 325 FHD are similar to most of the best webcams on the market, but there are a couple of elements that stick out. For example, the ability to rotate 360 degrees allows the webcams to switch between facing forward and backward easily.

Since the webcams are aimed at people in education, support for Chromebooks is a nice touch. With hybrid learning being more common, having a good webcam that can work with any device is important.

HP also announced a portfolio of Fortis laptops today. The new rugged laptops are built to withstand the bumps and knocks of modern student life, which often involves carrying devices back and forth between home and school.

Webcams are a large necessity for many different reasons, and as such, there are a lot of webcams to choose from. There are different options based on what you may be looking for, whether that's a particular price range or if you want face recognition. However, the best one overall would have to be the Logitech Brio webcam, thanks to its ease of use and the high quality of the video chat. There are plenty of other webcams you can check out, though.

Best Overall: Logitech Brio Gaming Webcam

Logitech is a reputable name in the webcam space, and this webcam is one of the best cameras on the market for any and all needs. Not only does it capture video in 1080p quality at 60 frames per second (FPS), but it also auto-adjusts with the lighting.

This is a great option for streamers and YouTubers as well, seeing that it can capture every facial expression and every movement when you're making your videos. The video recording starts instantly, so there's no delay and you can hop right in. It's a great option for any video maker, but also for any sort of video chatting you may need to do.

Beyond basic webcam features, the Brio can do even more. You can use it with Windows Hello, so you can use an image of your face to sign in. You also get a free 12-month Premium XSplit license with purchase, which means you can get started setting up a professional-looking stream. This has everything and more you may need out of a great webcam, so it makes sense for it to be our number one pick.

Best Value: Microsoft LifeCam Webcam

There's something great about saving a few bucks on something as simple as a webcam, so if that's you, this is the perfect camera. It works with any desktops or laptops, and it can do a widescreen video so you can fit everyone in the frame. However, you do lose a bit of video quality, since this can only record up to 720p. It's also a hard software to get set up on your PC, making the camera not function until you're able to set it all up.

If you don't mind the video quality and a long setup, this is a great webcam for the low price point. A built-in microphone also helps you save a few bucks so you don't have to purchase that separately. This will work perfectly for video calls, especially if you're trying to fit the whole family into the frame, but probably not if you want to record video or stream for professional use.

Best Mid-Range: Logitech C922

The Logitech C922 is a great mid-range webcam that comes with a lot of extras that make the price point well worth it. One of our favourite options comes with an included tripod, microphone, and three-month Premium XSplit license, although you can buy it without. You can even pay extra and get a Yeti Nano, which comes from one of the most reputable brands in USB microphones.

It also has the option for 1080p video quality and automatically adjusts to the most high-quality lighting, even in a low lit room. Although it does get up to 1080p video, it does not support 60FPS like our top pick and only gets up to 30FPS, so it might not be ideal for streaming or recording in a professional capacity. There is also some video lag and only some support for certain CPU types on custom-built computers.

If you are looking to stream or video chat quite often, this is a good choice to get everything you could want out of your webcam. Plus, getting a few extra items out of this purchase can help push your videos over the top. This webcam is a wonderful option for any reason, from conference calls to Skyping with your mom across the pond.

Best for Streaming: Razer Kiyo Webcam

If you're into streaming or recording videos while you're gaming, this is a great choice for those long-winded sessions. The Razer Kiyo has a light already attached to its build and autofocus so you don't have to worry about adjusting it while playing games. With 720p at 60 FPS, you'll get a quality and crisp image for your viewers to enjoy while streaming your favourite games. It's also small, which means it's easy to take with you anywhere so you can record on the go.

Although the stand may be cheaply made, the camera is well worth the possibility of the stand becoming an issue. The microphone also may not be the best, but it doesn't create the worst audio while streaming. There have been complaints of the microphone sounding a bit muffled, which may be due to placement or ill-use of the camera.

This webcam is well worth purchase overall considering that it has everything you could need while playing games.

Best for Business: Microsoft LifeCam Studio Webcam

If you're looking for a high-class camera for business meetings, this is a great fit. The Microsoft LifeCam Studio has great image quality, high-quality audio, and also includes autofocus so you're never looking or sounding bad. It's a great pick, especially for important conference calls and business meetings between other business owners.

The video quality comes in at 1080p, making it one of the best video qualities you can get on a webcam. However, there have been issues with the software disconnecting during the setup, making it a long process. Even if the camera is a little large and the mount may not be the best, you'll continue to look great for every call once the setup process is complete.

This is great for your business, and it will continue to make every call well worth every cent you've paid. Business is all about first impressions, and the Microsoft LifeCam Studio will make sure you give off the best one. The image quality and perfect audio will make you shine bright in every conference call you make.

Best Value Alternative: iRush Webcam

The iRush webcam is a great and cheap alternative to other webcams if you're looking to save a few bucks. This product can adjust to any low-light area and it has 110 degrees of view for any videos you need to take. Add to this a noise-reducing microphone, and it seems like purchasing this may be a steal.

The audio and video may suffer a little bit to keep the price low. People have also reported connection issues when it comes to the software. There have been complaints of it going on and off during calls or while setting up your calls. Also, there were errors while updating the software to run the camera on Windows 10.

Once you get past the issues this webcam has had in the past, there is nothing you can't do with it. The ease of low-light adjustments and the wide range of view helps make this webcam worthy of its price. It's a wonderful alternative if these other webcams didn't catch your fancy.

Bottom line

There are a lot of options that you have to go through to find a worthwhile webcam for all of your video chat needs. We made it a little easier by narrowing down the options to just a few. The best one that fits everyone's needs is the Logitech Brio webcam, with the high-quality camera and the ability to also support streaming. It fits every need you may have, and it's a great choice for anyone looking to invest in a killer webcam.

There are different properties that every webcam supports, so picking which one would be the best for your needs is important. Any webcam can bring life to anything you may use it for, whether that's streaming your favourite games or talking to your favourite people over video chat.

While webcams have become very important to how we now work, it's rather remarkable that Logitech — who released the BRIO 4K back in 2017 — is still the top offering. That's not to say other companies aren't gunning for the king. Dell's new UltraSharp Webcam certainly has many of the right features (on paper), but is it absolutely better?

I've been using Dell's big new camera for a few months now, and while the UltraSharp advances the category in some meaningful ways, Dell still has room to grow in the image processing department.

Dell UltraSharp Webcam: Price and availability

The Dell UltraSharp Webcam is available through Amazon and Dell directly for $200. There are no options or differing configurations.

Dell UltraSharp Webcam: What you'll like

There's no doubt that Dell is really trying with the UltraSharp. Dell nailed the looks, feel, quality, and specs list if you could design the perfect webcam.

Out of the box, you get a solid, hefty, tube-like camera. It's all machined anodized aluminum and eschews the plastics like in Logitech's cameras. The magnets are strong, won't shake loose, and are machined with precision. Included are two mounts — one for your PC display and one for a tabletop that doubles a tripod mount. The mounts are purely magnetic, which is excellent. Just pull away and swap out with no tools or screws.

Connectivity is achieved through a Type-C to Type-A cable (the Type-C is for the camera; Type-A for the PC) that measures around 7 feet in length, more than enough for most setups. It's rubber, thick, and feels capable.

Dell makes use of magnets again as the included privacy lid simply sticks to the front glass, ensuring the camera cannot record anything. In a clever move, when not in use, Dell lets you slap it to the rear of the camera (also using magnets) so that you don't misplace it.

Turning to the main point, the camera, and on paper, Dell again hits the right notes. A massive 8.3MP camera, Windows Hello, HDR, Sony sensor, 4K-capable — it's all great. Windows Hello works without a hitch, and Dell's ExpressSign-In (aka presence detection) works well to automatically turn on your PC and log you in without touching a thing. Likewise, it can auto-lock your PC when you walk away.

The software (Dell Peripheral Manager) is automatically installed when you plug the camera into your PC. No need to search out an app on the web. Dell Peripheral Manager is simple to use and walks you through the initial setup. From there, you can use the default setting or use some presets like smooth, vibrant, or warm. Of course, there is also custom where you can create your own profiles where you configure the field of view (65, 78, or 90 degrees), focus, zoom, HDR, white balance, sharpness, contrast, and more.

Under Camera Control is AI Auto Framing, which is a real selling point. When enabled, it overrides the field of view preset, and it follows your face/body. It's an excellent option for those who fidget on camera or move around slightly during calls, as it means you'll always be centered. The action is smooth and looks purposeful, too.

Dell UltraSharp Webcam: What you won't like

This camera does not have a built-in microphone. That's odd, but Dell makes a good point that most people who need a more "pro-level" webcam will also bring a higher quality microphone. It also makes for less confusion in Windows as to what is your default mic. Nonetheless, if you don't have an external mic (on your desktop) or your laptop's mics are poor, you'll have to spend some extra cash to solve that.

While the Dell UltraSharp tilts nicely up and down, it does not move side to side. It's not a deal-breaker, but a pivoting mechanism would have been beneficial.

The default image settings for the Dell UltraSharp Webcam are not to my liking. The white balance seems slightly off, my skin looks redder than in real life, images are too soft, and the overall picture seems darker than other webcams. It's not terrible, and some may prefer the look, but the out-of-the-box regular settings don't seem ideal.

The good news is you can create your own profile and "dial-in" sharpness, brightness, white balance, and more to suit your needs. After doing so, my thoughts on image quality improved. But this is where Logitech still has an advantage, as the BRIO 4K just works without any user tweaking. Also, I was never able to tweak Dell's camera to match the look of Logitech's.

Human presence detection, aka Dell ExpressSign-in, is unlikely to work on many desktop PCs, which is disappointing. Dell notes on its website that "Walk Away Lock and Wake on Approach does not work" on computers that support an S3 sleep state. That's most desktop PCs, as laptops use the S0 sleep state (Modern Standby) instead. I'm a massive fan of this feature on laptops and was excited to have it on my cutting-edge Intel 12th Gen system, but the feature won't even show up in the app (also confusing). But if you plan to use this camera on your laptop, ExpressSign-in worked as advertised, and it is an excellent security option.

While I like the idea of the magnetic privacy lid, at least on my desktop setup, I often just laid it on the desk when not in use, as reaching to place it behind the camera is quite a stretch. Logitech has an optional $9 privacy lid that just opens and closes and is much easier to use.

Dell UltraSharp Webcam: Competition

The most apparent alternative to this Dell webcam is the Logitech BRIO 4K, which is now priced around $150. Despite it being nearly four years old, it's still one of the best options out there. It lacks the excellent build quality, mounting options, and Dell's nifty ExpressSign-in feature, but the image quality (without tweaking) is still at the top with an overall sharper, brighter picture.

Razer also has its Kiyo Pro, which is ginormous and boasts excellent low-light abilities. In my experience, it's an OK webcam that's size doesn't match the promises, but it is sharp. It, too, costs $200. It is the worst out of all three.

You can see more options in our best webcam guide.

Dell UltraSharp Webcam: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if ...

• You want a flexible 4K webcam for everyday use
• You want a better webcam for your laptop
• You want Dell ExpressSign-in for security

You shouldn't buy this if ...

• You want the best 4K webcam

Going into this, I had high hopes as Dell gets a lot right with the UltraSharp Webcam. But as the saying goes, when you come at the king, you best not miss. Dell misses compared to the Logitech BRIO 4K, which is astonishing considering that the camera is four years old. It's not that the hardware is at fault, as I'd rate Dell's design and quality as better than the BRIO, but the software and color science are just not as good as Logitech's, who has much more experience in this field.

It is a bit ironic that despite its name being UltraSharp, I don't find this webcam to be that sharp at all. Indeed, it often seems soft to me while keeping the text in the background focused.

In theory, those criticisms mean that Dell could push updates to the UltraSharp Webcam (both in software and firmware) to address the soft-focus, white balance, and brighten up scenes. But you should never buy a product based on what could be instead of what it is (and there are no signs of any substantial Dell updates in the pipeline).

Dell's camera exacerbates these issues being around $50 more than Logitech's. That makes recommending it over the BRIO very difficult.

None of this is to say this UltraSharp is bad. Indeed, I'll easily contend it is easily the second-best webcam on the market right now, and it does have some strong points, including ease of mounting. But Dell needs a bit more practice to get the software tuning down before it topples Logitech.

Razer is a big gaming brand that builds some of the best Xbox headsets and best PC gaming headsets out there, alongside mice, keyboards, and even laptops and PC parts nowadays. The firm is eager to become the center brand for all things gaming hardware and accessories, and frankly, there are few companies out there that are as synonymous with gaming.

Razer broke into the webcam space a few years ago with their Razer Kiyo, complete with an onboard ring light. Since then, the firm put out a Razer Kiyo Pro too, with the ring light redacted in favor of a more powerful CMOS sensor. The Kiyo Pro was a tad on the expensive side for all but the most dedicated streamers — what if you wanted something a little more "entry level"? Well, say hi to the new Razer Kiyo X. Will it make the grade as one of the best Windows PC webcams? Let's find out.

Razer Kiyo X: Price and availability

The Razer Kiyo X is a relatively new product and not likely to go on sale soon, but the holidays and sales dates like Black Friday and Prime Day might land you a good deal. At standard, the Kiyo X costs $80 and is available at all major retailers across the globe, including Razer itself and Amazon.

Razer Kiyo X: What's good

The Razer Kiyo X impresses right out of the box with an attractive, if subtle design profile. The lens is flanked with a textured circular design, giving it a classic "camera"-style appearance, with an embossed Razer logo text pressed into the lower half.

The camera sports two separate hinges for angling the base, which is coated in friction-heavy rubber to keep it from slipping and sliding all over the place. Razer also went for a texture cable for this product, which has a generous length ensuring you'll be able to position it practically anywhere in your office space.

The base can be folded flat and used as is, or can be mounted on a tripod with a standardized screw socket. The grip on the base wraps all the way around, meaning you can use it to aid positioning and "hook" onto monitors and laptop displays with relative ease. The lip over the side of the base is quite small too, meaning it won't encroach on your screen space like a Mac-style notch if you do decide to mount it on a screen.

When it comes to actual performance, the Kiyo X impresses. I've reviewed far more expensive webcams like the Elgato Facecam with "high-end" sensors and found that the Kiyo X dominates in similar lighting conditions, reducing noise while also costing half the price — that's an impressive feat.

Comparing it to my previous webcam from Papalook, the Razer Kiyo X offers a far clearer image quality, while reducing the annoying backlighting I have in this office space without damaging overall image balance. The webcam's auto focus is also rapid and accurate, prioritizing the center subject. Before I felt like I had to feed enhancements from XSplit VCam to improve my camera quality on streams and in calls, but the Kiyo X's raw feed, even on default, offers a great experience.

Razer Kiyo X: What's not so good

Source: Windows Central

The Razer Kiyo X's closest competition in some ways is probably the Logitech C920 line, which often comes in at a little cheaper for similar features. The Razer Kiyo X can do 60 FPS video, which is ideal for streamers and content creators, but only does so at 720p, which isn't great. Additionally, there doesn't seem to be a way to force these settings outside of capture software specifically, which is a bit odd. Indeed, the Razer Synapse app is bare bones when it comes to feature controls on this thing, letting you adjust things like brightness and contrast as you might expect, but there's no way to directly control the resolution or frame rate without diving through the settings of your capture software. By default, it hits 1080p at 30 FPS.

The Razer Kiyo X also doesn't come with a tripod, nor does it come with a privacy shield for those conscious of those sorts of things. I feel like Razer could've done a bit more to sweeten the deal here, given that this thing isn't cheap.

Finally, the built-in microphone on the Kiyo X is passable, but you likely won't be using it for content creation. It's standard fare and offers a similar experience to that of a laptop built-in mic.

Razer Kiyo X: Competition

Like I mentioned above, the Kiyo X is comparable to the likes of the Logitech C920 webcam, which is often seen as the gold standard for high-quality, yet affordable webcams. The C920 doesn't offer a 60 FPS recording mode as standard, but the C922 does, and often comes in a little cheaper too.

On the flip side, we have cameras like the Elgato Facecam on the market. Elgato aims to be the No. 1 brand for all things video game streaming, but I find the prices they push often don't match the quality. I'd say without a doubt the Razer Kiyo X offers a better experience overall than the Elgato Facecam, despite being less than half the price, although the Facecam does offer 60 FPS recording at 1080p if that's what you need for your setup.

Razer Kiyo X: Should you buy it?

The Razer Kiyo X is a great all-round product that feels like it offers value for money. I would've liked to have seen a bit more in the box to sweeten the deal, either with a tripod or an extra privacy cover or something along those lines, but it offers a similar experience for a similar price as many of its contemporary competitors.

The webcam performs excellently in bad lighting setups like mine, blocking back lighting from bleeding across the subject in focus with minimal noise patterns. It looks sharp and high quality at 1080p, and can make things speedy at 60 FPS at 720p if you're looking for something a bit more "streamer"-ish.

You should buy this if ...

• You want a webcam that can offset bad lighting conditions
• You don't want to break your bank balance while doing so
• You don't mind losing 60 FPS for 1080p recording resolution

You shouldn't buy this if ...

• You want 60 FPS at Full HD
• You're mad it has no RGB lights

The Razer Kiyo X is another great product from the company, showing that it can turn its hand to practically any device for a gaming or home office setup with minimal fuss.

Razer has strong competition in this space, from Logitech in particular, and it should probably look at ways it can further differentiate itself from solutions that often come in a bit cheaper. That being said, if you're a fan of the Razer brand, you need look no further; this is a great product.

We've been seeing a lot more good deals on webcams recently. There was a time when we were lucky to see any in stock at all, let alone on sale. Take advantage of these savings now that they are back. The VisionTek VTWC40 Premium 1080p webcam has dropped to $49.99 at Amazon and Dell. This is a relatively new webcam only released earlier this year. It hasn't dropped in price on Amazon before and normally goes for around $80. You can still find it going for close to that price at other retailers like Walmart.

Working from home? Need a good webcam for your next Zoom or Google Hangouts meeting? Maybe you're a student and you're taking some classes at home and need a good webcam for those sessions. Maybe you're a content creator and want to put your face out there on Twitch or YouTube. Whatever your reason, if you need a new webcam this is the one to get.

With a 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution, your video will be clear and look professional every time. The VisionTek also has Autofocus technology that can keep you or the subject of your video looking clear and sharp. Even as things are moving around in the background, the camera will stay trained on your face.

Dealing with a low-light situation? The VisionTek webcam includes powerful ring lights that can keep you looking your best. The lights can be turned on and off and even have two brightness and color settings you can adjust.

This is a plug-and-play webcam. You won't need to install any drivers or anything to get it working, so you can get started rather quickly. That also makes it compatible with a wide range of programs and platforms.

Webcams suffered last year, too, you know! A classic case of supply and demand. There has been a whole lot of demand for webcams since more and more people started working from home, doing school from home, and looking into content creation... from home. Unfortunately the unusual circumstances of 2020 led to a short supply at the same time, so good prices on decent webcams were hard to find for a while there. If you're still looking for a webcam or want to upgrade one you're not happy with, grab the Aluratek 4K broadcast webcam on sale for $69.99 today only at Best Buy.

This sale is part of Best Buy's deals of the day. Best Buy claims this is a $110 discount, and you can still find this webcam going for $180 at some retailers like B&H. It's worth pointing out that Amazon has price-matched this deal. While this is the lowest it has ever been at Amazon as well, the camera normally sells for between $80 and $100 there.

Whatever you use a webcam for, you'll be able to do it in style with this one. Join a video conference, stream, broadcast, record a podcast, or whatever else. Do it all in full 4K video. The webcam also has stereo noise-cancelling microphones that can eliminate ambient noises you don't want, making your voice crystal clear whenever it's your turn to speak. It also has a 90-degree view that doesn't distort angles either. As long as you're at least 10 inches away from the webcam, you'll get a Fixed Focus lens that provides clear video.

The automatic low light correction means you don't have to have a professional lighting setup, either. It can fine tune your image to help out when the lights are dim. Use the 5x digital zoom to frame the view exactly how you want it. You can crop out distracting backgrounds or hide your desktop littered with empty coffee cups.

Use the built-in tripod mount to rest your webcam on a tripod instead of your monitor or laptop. The simple USB plug-and-play makes it easy to get setup. Plus, it's compatible with a variety of platforms, too, including Xbox. It runs on Windows or MacOS.

What you need to know

• Razer has two new streamer-friendly pieces of tech that are now available to buy.
• The Razer Kiyo X USB webcam goes for $79.99.
• The Razer Ripsaw X capture card costs $139.99.

It ain't easy being a streamer. You often need a webcam and capture card, and depending on what kind of streamer you are, you may also have to worry about asking for tips every stream, playing dress-up in order to hit subscriber goals, etc. The point is, streaming is a lot of work, and having the hardware for the job is step number one. That's where Razer comes in.

Whether you're a YouTube streamer, Twitch affiliate, or Chaturbate Gaming auteur, Razer has you covered with its new plug-and-play Razer Ripsaw X capture card and Razer Kiyo X webcam. Here are the key details for both devices:

• The Kiyo X USB webcam can stream at 30fps in FHD, or 60fps at 720p. It costs $79.
• The Ripsaw X capture card can handle up to 4K at 30fps via HDMI 2.0 and USB 3.0 connections. It costs $139.

And if you want to really amp up your Razer streamer™ look, consider grabbing a Razer Iskur gaming chair to complete the overall aesthetic. Though check out our best webcams for Twitch roundup before shelling out big money to the green-and-black snake guys.

Windows Hello is fast and secure

Windows Hello is a feature on Windows 10 and Windows 11 that allows you to log into your device with your face or fingerprint. Apps can also work with Windows Hello so that you can log into apps with your biometric data. It's becoming more useful as more apps and services, like password managers, support it. You not only save time logging into your devices but also jumping in and out of apps.

In addition to being more convenient, Windows Hello helps secure your device. Many people either use the same password across multiple devices or use straightforward passwords. With Windows Hello, you can create a complicated password once and then use your fingerprint or face to sign into your device in the future. You may still have to enter your password occasionally, but you'll still save time overall and make your tech tougher to access.

Microsoft also recently announced the option to remove a password from your Microsoft account. To replace a password, people will be able to use the Microsoft Authenticator app, Windows Hello, a security key, or two-factor authentication.

Many of the best Windows laptops and other new devices ship with fingerprint scanners or biometric cameras. However, if you're happy with the rest of your PC's hardware but just want to add Windows Hello support, an external webcam with Windows Hello support could be perfect for you.

Do you need a webcam for filming or security?

The type of PC that will benefit most from an external webcam that supports Windows Hello is a desktop. Webcams aren't massive, but they're bulky enough to be cumbersome on laptops or tablets. A desktop or all-in-one will generally have a monitor large enough to house an external webcam.

Both the BRIO 4K and Kaysuda webcams use infrared to scan your face and are more secure than simple face readers or iris scanners. They also work very quickly, allowing you to sit on your desk and have your device unlocked. You can also use Windows 10 to automatically log you off a device when you stand up and walk away from your desk. These features are perfect for an office setting where you regularly leave and return to your PC but don't want to enter a password multiple times throughout the day.

Because both of these cameras work well with Windows Hello, the main difference is picture quality. The Logitech BRIO 4K is the best webcam in this category. It has an excellent 4K camera along with the IR components needed to scan your face for Windows Hello. The Kaysuda webcam only shoots in 1080p but is a friendlier option when it comes to price and still works well with Windows Hello. The webcam that's best for you depends on if your primary use for it is Windows Hello or a combination of Windows Hello and filming and streaming yourself.

If you just want a camera that can unlock your PC quickly without requiring you to touch a fingerprint scanner or to type in a password, the Kaysuda webcam is a relatively affordable option that will work well. If you need a webcam that can unlock your PC and be used for streaming or recording things, you should purchase the Logitech BRIO 4K. It films in 4K and also works well as a Windows Hello webcam.

No matter how good any of the best webcams are, it simply cannot match the quality delivered by an actual camera. Whether you're a creator, streamer, or just want your online video presentations for work to look their absolute best, using your own camera as a webcam is easy and makes a huge difference.

There are two methods we're going to look at here. The first is by using Elgato's dedicated Cam Link dongle, and the second is by using any existing capture card you may have access to.

What you need your camera to have

Before getting started, it's essential to check whether your camera will be suitable. Essentially you need two things: the ability to output video over HDMI (or Micro-HDMI as it most likely is) and that you can remove the on-display overlay.

Elgato has a helpful resource that's an excellent place to start, but it's also not necessarily definitive. But before you invest in any additional hardware, do make sure your camera supports both of these things. The second, in particular, is essential else you'll be mirroring all your cameras overlay onto your video output.

You'll also need a way to ensure your camera will stay powered on. In some cases, you may be able to keep it powered over USB, or you may need a dummy battery that hooks up to the mains. It will vary depending on your camera, but for popular brands like Lumix and Sony, you'll probably be looking to get a dummy.

How to use your own camera as a webcam with the Elgato Cam Link 4K

The Elgato Cam Link is one easy piece of equipment to use; in fact, it's no different from using a webcam as far as your PC is concerned. Getting set up is very straightforward.

1. Connect the Mini-HDMI cable to your camera's video output.
2. Connect the HDMI end to the input on the Cam Link.
3. Connect the USB port on the Cam Link to your PC.

To verify everything is working correctly, simply open up the Windows Camera app, and you should now see an image just as you would if it were a regular webcam.

It's a simple plug-and-play affair, though it's perhaps a good idea to visit the Elgato downloads page and grab the latest version of Game Capture just to make sure you've got any drivers you might need.

The latest Cam Link can capture video in up to 4K, so it's also essential to ensure that you set your camera up correctly for your desired resolution. If you're intending to use it for streaming somewhere like Twitch, 4K won't really matter.

How to use your own camera as a webcam with a capture card

Alternatively, if you have a capture card lying around or you'd just prefer to get one of those over a Cam Link, you can get precisely the same results.

The setup process is identical, except you're connecting the HDMI from the camera to a capture card instead, and you will need to ensure you have the right companion software for your card.

4K capable capture cards are more expensive than the Cam Link 4K. If you're shooting for UHD video, then you're certainly better getting one of those unless you happen to have a spare 4K capture card.

If you don't have a capture card, something like the EVGA XR1 will work well with as it doesn't require drivers and is fairly affordable. If you're working with a desktop PC, then the AVerMedia Live Gamer HD is a great call, with driver-free operation over PCIe for zero latency and remarkable quality.

Our top equipment picks

If you're looking to take your webcam game to another level with your own camera, then the Elgato Cam Link 4K is one of the easiest ways to do that.

Whether you want to do video conferencing, streaming or recording a YouTube video, once you've connected your camera to a Cam Link and then the Cam Link to your PC, you'll be able to see yourself looking better than any webcam will ever make you look.

Additional equipment

A capture card, if you don't already have one, might be a more flexible alternative, but whatever you use, you'll certainly need the right cable for the job.

EVGA XR1 ($100 at Amazon)

The EVGA XR1 doesn't require any drivers so with your camera connected it'll work just like any regular webcam.

AVerMedia Live Gamer HD2 ($130 at Amazon)

An internal, driver-free capture card that will deliver great gaming content or let you hook up a camera as a fantastic webcam.

Mini-HDMI to HDMI cable ($13 at Amazon)

Many cameras will need a Mini-HDMI to HDMI cable to connect up to either a Cam Link or a capture card.

Getting the best webcam has become increasingly important in recent times with the shift towards more remote working. Video conferencing is the norm for so many of us, and broadcasting through a webcam with the quality of a potato just doesn't cut it.

A lot of webcams are also increasingly targeted at content creators, which is fine, but they don't necessarily suit the needs of the workplace as well. That's where the eMeet C980 comes in.

This fairly affordable webcam is absolutely perfect for the home or the workplace, with hardware designed to make video conferencing as easy as possible while still ensuring a quality picture and ease of use.

eMeet C980: Price and availability

The eMeet C980 is available now in North America and Europe through Amazon for $90/£90. In Europe, it is also available through third-party retailers such as Argos for the same price. On Amazon, it's also worth looking out for discount vouchers which are often available to take the price down further.

eMeet C980: What you'll like

From a good webcam, you basically want a decent microphone and good quality video, and that's what you get from the eMeet C980. At its core, it doesn't do anything remarkable, instead just doing a good job on the basics.

Video wise you get up to 1080p at 30 FPS or 720p at 60 FPS, and it's backed by the usual sort of trickery you'd expect to find like backlight compensation. There is a companion app to this webcam to change some very basic settings, but even without it, you'll get along fine because it's entirely plug and play, and anything you need to do can be done within Windows or other software like OBS or NVIDIA Broadcast if you use them.

Image and video quality are pretty good, but the real killer feature is the 90-degree field of view. This is what sets the C980 apart from a number of its competitors at this price point and what makes it an ideal tool for the workplace. It'd be easy to pop one of these in a meeting room and be able to capture everyone without the need to get too close together. For content creators, that field of view gives you a lot of space to crop to fit any overlay templates you're using without sacrificing quality.

The other side to the C980 is the audio. Naturally, it has a microphone built in, but it's actually a four-microphone omnidirectional array with intelligent noise reduction. It isn't perfect, but if you're working in a slightly noisy environment it should help dull background noise, and again, it makes it a perfect tool to use in a meeting room with multiple participants.

The killer feature that makes this a great workplace webcam is the built-in speakers. If you're working at a desktop PC all day you don't have to worry about wearing headphones to be able to take part in a conference call. eMeet is better known for its conference call speakers, and having this included in the C980 is a real value add.

It's also got a built-in magnetic privacy filter. It's nothing fancy, simply a round plastic disc attached to a piece of string, but it works. Just pop it over the lens when you're done and it'll stick in place. It's also so obvious you won't actually forget to use it.

eMeet C980: What you won't like

This is a big webcam. There's quite a lot of hardware in it, so it isn't unjustified, but it's very much on the large side. I didn't really feel having it on my PC monitor, for one because I have vertically stacked displays and it was interfering with the top one. It might not be an issue for you, but you won't be hooking this over a laptop any time soon, either.

The alternative is to use a mini tripod since it has a standard screw thread underneath. The webcam tilts forward so you can still get the alignment just so, but on top of your monitor might not be the best place for it.

The speakers are also a tad on the quiet side if you're in anything but a quiet room. I've been using it for conference calls for a couple of weeks and with a desk fan running in the background I do struggle to hear what people are saying. It's a useful feature and the quality is very clear, but it could certainly use some more volume. And there are no controls in the companion app to make it louder, either.

eMeet C980: Competition

In this sort of price range, it's coming up against some of the best webcams around, like the legendary Logitech C920 or the content creator-friendly Razer Kiyo. All are good choices.

The C920 and Razer Kiyo are both smaller (even with the Kiyo's ring light) and so more suited to on-monitor placements or use with laptops, and both will deliver similar video. The C980 video is a little better looking than each overall, but it's close, though the 90-degree field of view certainly sets it apart.

Neither of these competitors offers the same kind of microphone tech, though, nor do they have speakers, even slightly quiet ones. For video conferencing, in particular, they're probably a little behind. But for content creation, the Logitech or Razer are probably better choices.

eMeet C980: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if ...

• You want a good webcam under $100
• You do a lot of video conferencing
• Ease of use is important

You shouldn't buy this if ...

• You're expecting loud audio from the speakers
• You're going to use it with a laptop
• You're purely into content creation

The eMeet C980 is a very good webcam, certainly for its price. But it's undeniably a better choice for a work environment than for someone who's into content creation. Its entire design is suited to the office or the meeting room, with a wide field of view, omnidirectional microphones, and built-in speakers.

It is quite large though, and those speakers aren't particularly loud. You can probably do something about that with third-party software, but you shouldn't really have to. Nevertheless, this is an excellent, highly convenient tool to have in your office setup that won't break the bank.

The webcam market is hot stuff right now, as more of us than ever work and play from home. Elgato is a company renowned in the streaming space, with a variety of products such as the Elgato Key Light and the Elgato HD60S+ capture card designed and built for game streamers. One obvious product was always missing from the equation, though.

Say hi to Elgato's first webcam, with a Sony-powered sensor in tow. This is the Elgato Facecam, but is it worth the $200 asking price?

Elgato Facecam: Price and availability

The Elgato Facecam is a pretty hefty $200, owing to the tech baked into the array. Several layers of anti-reflection lenses, a Sony sensor, onboard memory, and ultra-low latency contributes to the price point, but whether or not it's worth the asking price versus competing solutions remains a hot topic (which we'll answer further below).

Availability on this one is pretty sketchy too. The Facecam is available across Europe in small amounts on Amazon and other storefronts. As of writing, it's only available direct from Elgato in North America, with a two-week waiting time. Presumably, Elgato will ramp up availability in line with demand.

Elgato Facecam: What's good

The Elgato Facecam enjoys a solid design, complete with a good amount of heft, a standard screw socket for tripods and mounts, a laptop-styled hook mount in the box. It is powered by USB-C, and comes with a generously long cable and privacy shield for good measure.

The Facecam supports up to 1080p 60 FPS captures, with 50Hz and 60Hz configurations. The refresh rate reduces the rate at which lights will flicker in your feed, and the latency is impressive, ensuring that your actions and expressions lineup directly with your game capture footage.

The image production is good generally. Despite working in extremely challenging lighting conditions where I am, I was able to tweak at the settings and end up with something that looked good. The lack of 4K may be disappointing for those who do full-camera streams, but as someone who might appear in a small podcast window or game stream in the bottom corner, I find the 720p 60 FPS setting to be more than adequate. The colors, auto focus, and picture sharpness are good, with options for software smoothing and a broad range of settings you can adjust to meet your exact conditions.

Source: Windows Central

Given the positioning of my windows, I generally don't have a great experience with webcams out of the box. The great array of settings for the Elgato Facecam certainly helped, giving you a great degree of control over shutter speed and iso, for limiting or boosting the amount of light being processed by the sensor. With regular lighting conditions and production, you might not need to mess with the settings too much at all. When I closed my curtains and used my TV and Nanoleaf panels as a lightbox, it produced a great out-of-the-box image with little tweaking. Still, if you're just planning on using this for Microsoft Teams or Zoom calls, there's probably no need to spend this much.

As an initial offering from Elgato, there's little to complain about. The image quality is great and perhaps more importantly, responsive, with a stable mount that's versatile for most angles and setups. For $200 dollars, though, I can't help but wonder why there's not a little more on offer here.

Elgato Facecam: What's not good

As of writing, the Elgato Facecam app has a decent array of features for controlling the sensor array, but that's where the story ends. There are no capabilities for background blurring. There are no "fun" features or post-processing capabilities at all. If you want background blurring in streaming software, you'll have to feed the camera through an app like XSplit VCam or NVIDIA Camera, although I couldn't get the former to recognize the Facecam as a camera when I tried recently.

It's a minor gripe too, but the fact the camera privacy shield is detachable makes me think that I'm just going to end up losing it. Some kind of slider or attached solution would've been preferable, but it's ultimately a minor gripe.

There's not a huuuuuuuge amount of stuff to complain about with the Facecam; it does exactly the job it said it would, albeit at a premium.

Elgato Facecam: Competition

My biggest question mark hangs over the price of this thing, which is $200. There are competing products out there like the Razer Kiyo, or the Logitech StreamCam, which are comparable while being a fair bit cheaper. The Razer Kiyo even comes with a ring light baked in, which helps you manage image reproduction in challenging lighting conditions. The Logitech StreamCam also includes vertical video capabilities for content creators working on social platforms as well as Twitch, etc.

The Facecam potentially outperforms both of these webcams in a general sense, specifically on latency and feed refresh rate. The raw feed also makes it a better option in some cases for streaming software. I'm not sure if it's worth so much more than some of the competitors out there, though, especially if you're a casual streamer.

Elgato Facecam: Should you buy it?

The Elgato Facecam is a solid option for those who are already well invested in the Elgato streaming ecosystem. The image reproduction quality is great generally, with software that gives you a wide array of control over how the sensor performs. The onboard memory ensures that you don't need to keep the software running 24/7 too, which is something a lot of webcams generally don't offer.

It is pretty pricey though, especially if you're a casual streamer or someone who just wants a small webcam feed in the corner of your game footage.

You should buy this if ...

• You're a fan of Elgato products
• You want a 60 FPS camera with industry-leading responsiveness
• You want a raw camera feed in your set up for manual post-processing

You shouldn't buy this if ...

• You're a casual streamer who doesn't necessarily need the speed

The Elgato Facecam is a good camera overall, with software that will no doubt evolve over time to make up for some of its shortcomings. Casual streamers could probably get more value out of a cheaper option from Razer or Logitech, but for those desiring the best latency in their already Elgato-heavy setup, this might be a good option for you.

What you need to know

• The Dell UltraSharp Webcam (WB7022) seeks to topple Logitech for the best 4K webcam.
• The UltraSharp features a large Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor, AI, and HDR to deliver excellent video quality.
• The camera also features Windows Hello and Dell ExpressSign-In to wake your PC and log into Windows quickly.
• The $199 camera goes on sale today, June 29.

Logitech is still the king with its popular BRIO 4K, offering the best image quality we have seen when it comes to webcams, even 4 years after its debut. Of course, since the pandemic of 2020, the webcam market has suddenly become much more critical, and we are starting to see that heat up with the Konftel Cam10 and now Dell.

Today, Dell is unveiling its new $199.99 UltraSharp Webcam (WB7022), which is now on sale.

The camera can do 4K like BRIO, but it uses a high-end Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor to do so with an elongated body to house all the components. Dell, effectively, wanted to have a DSLR-like camera experience, and that was the challenge they sought to conquer.

Like other 4K cameras, the UltraSharp can shoot video at 30 FPS in full resolution, but if you want 60 FPS, you must bump it down to full HD.

The UltraSharp is unique in a few ways. For one, it has no microphones on it, which is odd. But Dell makes a compelling case that people who need this camera will be using their own premium microphone setup. Not only does it save space, but it lets Dell keep the UltraSharp to just below $200.

The camera also features typical ranges for the field of view, including 65°, 78°, and a wide-angle 90°, similar to the BRIO 4K.

And yes, it not only has Windows Hello facial recognition for quick logins to Windows 10 or Windows 11 but it also sports Dell's human-presence detection technology. Referred to as Dell ExpressSign-in, the camera detects when you are in front of the camera to auto-wake the PC or auto-lock when you step away.

For privacy, there is a magnetic cover that snaps into place. That cover sticks to the back of the camera when not in use for easy access. Speaking of magnets, Dell uses it for the stand and mount, too, which snaps onto the camera so users can place it on a PC or a tripod. Not only do you have many mounting options, but you also won't have to spend a lot of time setting it up either.

But perhaps it is the AI that makes this camera interesting. Dell includes auto-framing, so the camera's software auto-tracts your face and frames the video if you move during a video call. There is also sophisticated 3D/2D video noise reduction to make images less grainy and Digital Overlap HDR for "true-to-life colors and balance exposure."

Of course, Logitech's magic is really with its software, so it remains to be seen if Dell can outdo the BRIO 4K, but, at least on paper, it has all the right stuff. We'll be reviewing the UltraSharp Webcam (WB7022) to see it can replace our BRIO 4K on the weekly podcast.

There are dozens of webcams out there, and we round them all up on our best PC webcams article over here. We all know the major brands like LG and Razer, but there are a wealth of lesser-known companies making cheaper alternatives.

Recently, I had the opportunity to check out the Papalook PA930 HDR 2K webcam, as I explore getting back into video game streaming. It's a pretty decent product overall, but weak software and configurability make it tough to recommend.

Papalook PA930 HDR 2K webcam: Price and availability

The Papalook PA930 is available exclusively from Amazon for $70. Given its specs, it's a pretty good price, and seems to be well stocked without going out of sale. The problem is, the listed 60 FPS feature doesn't work, and it has no real software to back it up. This is about as no-frills as you can get, but for decent-quality HDR camming, it's not bad.

Papalook PA930 HDR 2K webcam: What's good

The Papalook PA930 HDR 2K webcam is a very no-frills USB cam, ideal for elevating your conferencing situation above the weak webcams we often find ensconced in the bezel on our laptops.

It sports a dense, high-quality construction, complete with integrated microphones and an attractive fabric-style finish. It has a standard screw mount for tripods, and even comes with a telescopic tripod of its own bundled into the box. It also has a privacy cover, as well as a hook clip for mounting on monitors and other types of edges.

The picture quality isn't awful by any means, providing a sharp 2K image at a decent wide angle. A button on the top of the cam lets you switch to a 1080P mode, which limits the field of view and brings the subject a bit closer in.

The webcam struggles a bit with low light, producing a grainy image, but it's more than passable for general use. You may want something a bit more expensive if you're planning to stream video games or produce high-end YouTube videos, but as a conferencing solution, it's not bad.

The problem is, it's marketed as an option for game streamers, and I don't think that's accurate.

Papalook PA930 HDR 2K webcam: What you won't like

The Papalook PA930 HDR 2K webcam has a mode button on the top, which the website claims switches the view from 2K at 30 FPS, to 1080p at 60 FPS. It also claims it can do 720p and other modes. The problem is, the mode button doesn't actually work, and 30 FPS is a stretch too.

Papalook's own software says that the output is about 18-20 FPS. Using the frame rate counter in the Xbox Game Bar also corroborates the frame rate. Switching from 2K to 1080p has no effect on the FPS whatsoever, and trying to force a 60 FPS mode using an external software suite like Streamlabs OBS doesn't give you 60 FPS either. Straight up, this webcam is effectively offering false advertising. It's weird because the webcam even says "60 FPS" right on the lens, so it's not like it's a website/listing error. I'm not sure Papalook knows what 60 FPS means.

The software Papalook asks you to download is also awful, and doesn't really seem to do anything besides let you take "photographs" using the camera. It's a far cry from what you get with Razer and LG, and others whom Papalook is effectively competing against. This is about as barebones as you can get.

The microphones are barely passable in regular use too, although they're probably better than the integrated one on most laptops.

Papalook PA930 HDR 2K webcam: Competition

Honestly, you should probably skip this webcam. The established brands provide a far better experience for what is ultimately just a slightly higher spend. Our picks on our best PC webcams list give you a look at some of the better options. Streamers will probably want something like the Avermedia Livecam or the Razer Kiyo, while for high-end stuff, you'll probably want the Logitech Brio. And then, there's always the Logitech C series, which remain the best-in-class option for most scenarios.

Papalook PA930 HDR 2K webcam: Should you buy it?

While this webcam is by no means terrible, it's odd how some of its advertised features straight up just don't work. The picture quality is decent enough for most user scenarios, but you can spend a little bit more on a C922 from Logitech, and get the 60 FPS option this webcam claims, but doesn't actually support.

You should buy this if ...

• You want 2K quality for a relatively low price
• You like the design of the webcam

You shouldn't buy this if ...

• You want 60 FPS video
• You want configuration software features

Papalook might one day emerge as a decent webcam brand. The design and construction of the PA930 is solid enough, and the image quality at 2K is quite good. It's just odd that some of the listed features don't work as advertised.

Even without the 60 FPS, this is one of the few 2K resolution HDR-lighting cams you can get at this price on the market, which makes me feel a tad forgiving.

Working from home has taken a new imperative in 2020 and now 2021, which means affordable, quality web cameras are needed. Sweden-based Konftel has been in the cam game for more than 30 years, so it should be no surprise that its new Cam10 full HD offering is much better than anticipated.

I've spent the last few weeks with the Cam10, and while it does not dethrone the Logitech BRIO 4K, it makes up for it by being almost half the price. Here is what else you need to know about the Konftel Cam10.

Konftel Cam10: Price and availability

The Konftel Cam10 is available through Amazon (via Provantage LLC) for $98.94 as of this review. Because this is a business-focused device (although anyone can buy one), there is a discount when buying 14 units or more ($89.39 per device).

Customers can also go through Konftel.com, with sales directors and channel managers to better assist companies who want direct purchases and support. The company can set up a live demo of the camera to experience how it looks in real-time. Additionally, Konftel can send a sample unit to companies interested in trying it themselves.

A two-year warranty from Konftel backs the Cam10, and it offers service beyond the warranty period.

Konftel Cam10: What you'll like

The Konftel Cam10 is a straightforward and traditional webcam. Its housing is a bit larger than the Logitech BRIO 4K, but not by much. A 1.55-meter USB Type-A cable is used to plug into any device, and within seconds the blue LED light lets you know the camera (or microphone) is enabled and being used.

The specifications are typical for a webcam at this price. While 4K is not supported, very few services run at 4K, making the point mostly moot, especially for businesses where bandwidth is also concerned.

On top of the Cam10 is a slide toggle that enables the privacy shutter, itself emblazoned with a big red center target. It's simple to use and more effective than Logitech's extra flip door that can be lost in transit.

Two microphones flank the camera and sound exceptionally good. While Logitech still edges out Konftel here, these mics are more than good enough for your everyday video conference calls being clear and crisp. Konftel offers its Ego compact and portable "personal speakerphone," which can be used in addition to the Cam10 for enhanced audio as it features "OmniSound" with HD audio.

The camera bracket is adjustable and easily mounts to any laptop or desktop display. It also has a threaded 1/4" tripod mount for more professional use, something Logitech omits.

Software is handled via Konftel Camera Control, a free download for Windows or macOS. The app lets you flip vertical/horizontal planes, toggle anti-flicker, zoom and pan, and advanced controls like white balance, saturation, sharpness, and more complying with UVS standards to work with other apps. The company also offers firmware updates with detailed changelogs.

And actual image quality? It is terrific. After years of trying generic webcams, Konftel Cam10 is better than I expected. White balance, skin tones, and sharpness are all above average. Focusing is fast and can even manage macro shots.

By default, the 90-degree viewing angle is too wide for home or single-person use, but that can be adjusted via the Camera Control software. But that 90-degree option is killer for conference rooms where multiple people may want to be on the call and is a big differentiator from other options.

Konftel Cam10: What you won't like

The Cam10 is no champ in low light when compared to Logitech Brio 4K, but it can edge out Razer's new Kiyo Pro, which is surprising. Of course, you could also get a Lume Cube kit to improve your home "studio" setup without breaking the bank.

It is hard to complain about the lack of Windows Hello facial recognition (via infrared sensors) at this sub-$100 mark, but offering it would be welcomed.

While the Cam10 does not have 4K Ultra HD support, Konftel does offer the Cam20, which does, along with 123° field of view, but it is also more geared towards conference rooms over personal use.

Konftel Cam10: Competition

The most obvious competitor to the Cam10 is Logitech's BRIO 4K. Make no mistake, Logitech's flagship webcam is still the reigning champion considering it has UHD support, Windows Hello IR, HDR, better software, and the best low-light performance around. However, it also costs around $180, which explains that price gap.

Razer has its Kiyo Pro, but despite its huge size (and high $200 price tag), it doesn't quite live up to the hype nor the cost, even if it is, at times, capable of greatness.

There are other options, too, like AVerMedia Live Streamer CAM 313 or Mouse Facial Recognition Camera (with Windows Hello), which are slightly cheaper but not as performant for visual quality. You can see more choices in our best webcam for Windows PCs guide.

Konftel Cam10: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if ...

• You want to spend less than $100
• You need an excellent full HD webcam for home or work
• You want excellent support, warranty, from a well-known company

You shouldn't buy this if ...

• You need 4K resolution
• You want the best low-light camera
• You can afford to spend more money

Overall, I am incredibly impressed with the Cam10, more so than I thought. There are dozens of me-too generic full HD webcams on Amazon in this day and age, most using the same sensor and produced from no-name companies. Konftel, here, is different. All they do is make professional, enterprise-level conferencing hardware (including selling whole kits). You get a great warranty, and they will live-demo the camera, which is an excellent service.

The image quality with the Cam10 is excellent and approaches Logitech quality. Sure, the BRIO 4K is still better, especially for low light, but the pricing helps explain that difference.

Whether you're a work-from-home Microsoft Teams user or someone in an office, the Cam10 should be on your list of webcams to consider.

What you need to know

• Konftel recently announced the Cam10 webcam for desktop use.
• The camera has a 90-degree field of view, 4x digital zoom, and two built-in microphones.
• The Cam10 is set to start shipping in the second half of February for $129.

Konftel recently announced the Cam10 webcam. The Cam10 is designed for desktop use and has several features to improve the quality of video conferencing and calling. The Cam10 is set to ship in the second half of February for $129.

You may recognize Konftel for its conference call hardware. The company makes high-quality hardware that covers several video conferencing and calling scenarios. The Cam10 appears to be in line with other devices from the Swedish company.

The Cam10 is a business webcam that has a resolution of 1080p and a 90-degree field of view. It has 4x digital zoom to get closeups on subjects and a privacy shutter when you want to block the camera for security. It also has two built-in microphones to help deliver clear audio.

The Cam10 doesn't have specs that blow away the competition, but Konftel has a good reputation, so the camera should be high-quality.

It also has some options that make it easy to set up in different work environments, including a tripod mounting hole and brackets for placing it on top of the PC. Again, these aren't unique to the Cam10 but are nice to have.

Based on the reputation of Konftel, the Cam10 could compete for a spot on our list of the best webcams for Windows PCs.

Both of these webcams are amazing, but we think that the best one for most people will be the Razer Kiyo Pro since it has excellent performance and specs across the board. The Logitech Brio is an excellent choice for people who need 4K or camera zoom, however.

Kiyo Pro vs. Brio: Comparison and specs

In terms of specs and features, the duel between the Razer Kiyo Pro and the Logitech Brio is a close one. In the resolution and framerate category, the Logitech Brio comes out on top with both 4K 30FPS and 1080p 60FPS options, while the Kiyo Pro is limited to 1080p 60FPS. The Kiyo Pro hits back with a Gorilla Glass 3-protected lens, a wider maximum FOV of 103 degrees, and a detachable L-shaped joint that gives users greater mounting flexibility. The Brio returns fire with its digital zoom feature that allows you to zoom in 5x in HD as well as Windows Hello functionality, though.

Both webcams support HDR and have excellent sensors that adjust the image according to your surroundings' light. Both also have several different FOV options to choose from, and both cost $200.

Kiyo Pro vs. Brio: Which should you buy?

Ultimately, we think that between these two webcams, most people will be better served by the Razer Kiyo Pro. The wider maximum FOV, more durable lens, and more flexible mounting options give it a big edge when it comes to versatility and durability. That's ultimately what we think will benefit people the most.

However, don't overlook the Logitech Brio. 4K does look incredible, and the digital HD zoom feature can be great if you want to use the webcam in some more unorthodox positions.

If neither option is a good fit for you, have a look at our roundup of all of the best webcams for Windows PCs for more awesome webcams.