The Best Budget Streaming Camera
Above-average ratings, below-average prices, no fake reviews.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I might earn a referral fee (at no expense to you) when you click a link.
This article focuses on entry-level streaming cameras (i.e. external webcams) that are suitable for Zoom calls, Microsoft Teams and live streaming on platforms like Twitch and YouTube.
A good streaming camera has better picture quality than an integrated webcam and offers more freedom to frame and compose shots. The best webcams have high-quality lenses, HD-resolution and the ability to output at least 30 video frames per second, written as FPS.
Don’t expect the world from a budget streaming camera: Many webcams have modest low-light capabilities, cheap built-in microphones and so-so background replacement software. (These shortcomings can be overcome with a ring light, USB microphone and green backdrop.)
4K Live Streaming Is Possible, but Not Cheap
The best live streaming setups use 4K cameras (DSLRs, mirrorless cameras or camcorders) in conjunction with a 4K capture card like the Elgato Cam Link 4K or the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra. These professional streaming setups cost thousands of dollars and require ultra-high end GPUs.
How Much Does a Good Streaming Camera Cost?
Demand for webcams has skyrocketed since shelter-at-home orders were implemented in the U.S. This has resulted in low inventory, significant price increases and a surge of used (or knockoff) products on the market.
Prior to COVID-19, a good streaming camera (with verified, above-average reviews) cost approximately $51, according to a 12-month analysis of price trends. Those same HD webcams cost around $31 while on sale: an average discount of 39%. Those prices have since doubled and many models are entirely sold out. Here are the best webcams that are still available for sale.
Note: When purchasing a webcam on Amazon or Walmart, it’s especially important to check the reputation of marketplace sellers as well as the return policy for the camera. Shop carefully.
Methodology for Selecting Products
I use data science to discover above-average products that are selling for below-average prices. To find streaming cameras with below-average prices, I first assemble a list of candidates, then organize those products by their 12-month average sale price, determine the median value and then exclude any webcam with a price above the mid-point.
To find HD webcams with above-average reviews, I measure the relationship between 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 star ratings and flag outliers that fall outside of a normal statistical distribution. I also discount paid, sponsored and unverified reviews as well as unhelpful review behaviors from verified customers. Cameras with an average adjusted rating of less than 3.9 out of 5 are excluded; in the end, fewer than 10% of the analyzed products remain.
Angetube 1080P Webcam With Built-In Ring Light
Good Value: $66 | Great Deal: $41
This inexpensive streaming camera is plug-and-play (even on MacOS), has excellent picture quality and is configurable in Open Broadcaster Software, according to several online customers. Many reviewers warn that the integrated ring light is too weak to be a primary lighting source; others say the LEDs are hard on the eyes.
AVerMedia Live Streamer CAM 313 Webcam
Good Value: $80 | Great Deal: $60
Check Current Price on Amazon | Check Current Price on B&H | Check Current Price on Dell
AVerMedia’s streaming camera has good picture quality, a great internal microphone and is truly plug-and-play, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say the field of view is wider than they wanted.
Logitech C270 Widescreen Webcam (720p)
Good Value: $19 | Great Deal: $12
Check Current Price on Amazon | Check Current Price on Dell | Check Current Price on B&H
Logitech’s entry-level webcam streams a crisp, clear picture without blur or distortion, according to several online customers. Reviewers were also impressed by the quality of the integrated microphone. On the critical side, some reviewers say the camera is easy to knock over because it doesn’t “clip” into place.
Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920
Good Value: $62 | Great Deal: $40
Check Current Price on Amazon | Check Current Price on Dell | Check Current Price on Walmart
This camera has great picture quality and works out of the box on most PCs, according to several online customers. Many reviewers were disappointed by the onboard microphone. Some say the included Logitech software is poor; others had trouble using this webcam with Open Broadcaster Software (OBS).
Note: The Logitech C920S Pro HD Webcam includes a built-in privacy shutter and costs around 12% more.
Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam
Good Value: $89 | Great Deal: $46
Check Current Price on Amazon | Check Current Price on B&H | Check Current Price on Office Depot
Logitech’s C922x Pro has wonderful picture-quality and low-light performance, but does not include drivers or software, according to several online customers. Many reviewers say the background removal feature (i.e. chroma key) doesn’t work well. Some say that Logitech’s older camera, the C920, is a better value.
Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam w/ Ring Light
Good Value: $84 | Great Deal: $59
Check Current Price on Amazon | Check Current Price on Walmart | Check Current Price on Razer
Razer’s ring light webcam makes a great all-in-one streaming setup, according to several Amazon customers. Several reviewers warn that the Kiyo has a cheap hinge that can break easily; others wish the autofocus and autoexposure worked better. Mac owners say that this camera has driver and firmware issues on MacOS.
Jelly Comb Autofocus 1080P USB Webcam with Privacy Cover
Good Value: $31 | Great Deal: $25
Jelly Comb’s budget webcam has excellent picture quality, a convenient privacy shutter and it is truly a plug-and-play device, according to several online customers. Some reviewers wish that this webcam had better customization software; others complain that the screen mount is flimsy and the manual is outdated.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday.
Foscam 1080P USB Streaming Web Cam With Privacy Cover (W21)
Good Value: $30 | Great Deal: $18
Check Current Price on Amazon | Check Current Price on Newegg
Foscam’s inexpensive streaming camera has a sharp picture, a wide field of view and it includes a convenient mounting system, according to several online customers. Many reviewers wish this webcam had more accurate color tones and a better built-in microphone; a few complain that the audio lags the video.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Cyber Monday.
Unzano Wide-Angle 1080p Manual Focus Webcam
Good Value: $55 | Great Deal: $30
This off-brand webcam holds its frame rate without lag, even in dim lighting, according to several online customers. Many reviewers caution that this camera doesn’t work with consoles, Macs or older versions of Skype. Others were disappointed by the internal mic, lack of autofocus and subtle green hue on skintones.
About the Author: John DeFeo was formerly the head of insights for brands such as Tom’s Guide, Anandtech and Tom’s Hardware. Previously, he worked as a photographer, videographer, and designer in the game industry.
