Top 10 Best Webcams in 2017
While the vast majority of laptops come with a camera, their quality is questionable most of the times. Desktop users on the other hand usually do not have one at all. The biggest problem is that the ones that do come with laptops are usually of poor quality. Video resolution and the frames per second are modest as the biggest focus on the manufacturers is to deliver a laptop that does everything while keeping the costs down. This is one of the main reasons why the webcam segment did not die and we still have webcams being sold separately.
Standalone webcams have the great advantage of not being constrained into fitting a small and thin display. Manufacturers have more room to use high quality cameras that provide excellent video quality. Some models even offer full HD resolutions at 25 or more frames per second and the good part is that they do not even cost all that much. Webcams are still affordable and quite reliable. Even some laptop owners decide to get one despite having a camera built-in just because the quality is better.
Today we will have a look at 10 different models. A lot of them come from the same manufacturer that tends to dominate the market but there are plenty of options around. We selected the most appreciated models that come with a decent price tag and excellent video quality. With no further ado here are the top 10 best webcams in 2016.
Table of Contents
- 1 HDE USB Webcam with LED Lights
- 2 Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 Webcam
- 3 Logitech HD Webcam C525
- 4 IPEVO Point 2 View USB Camera
- 5 Logitech HD Webcam C270
- 6 Logitech HD Webcam C310
- 7 TeckNet C016 USB HD 720P Webcam
- 8 Creative Live! Cam Chat HD
- 9 Microsoft Q2F-00013 USB 2.0 LifeCam Webcam
- 10 Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920
HDE USB Webcam with LED Lights
The HDE USB webcam is an affordable option for the ones in desperately need of something for their desktop computer. It is not much better than the webcam on a laptop but it can get the job done well enough.
The model has a simple metal finish that might seem a bit too flashy and a long cord. It uses a 5 megapixel sensor that offers decent resolution while the built-in lights ensure that the face of the person in front of it is clear.
Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 Webcam
Microsoft’s LifeCam HD-3000 is a great pick for the price. It is a compact webcam with a true HD sensor and a simple build that makes it easy to install it on a monitor or on a desk. Its universal attachment base can be adjusted in plenty of ways so that it stays in place properly.
In terms of video quality the 720p sensor is capable offers decent image feeds. It supports an aspect ratio of 16:9 and can be installed without any drivers. An additional feature is the automatic adjustment of brightness that ensures optimal video quality.
Logitech HD Webcam C525
Logitech HD webcam C525 is a small and decent camera that is comparable to the Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000. However it is a bit more expensive. The video sensor is capable of recording 720p videos at 30 frames per second or 8 megapixels photos.
As for its build the camera is quite small and easy to setup. Its design makes it fold in such a way that it will fit inside a small pocket. It features an automatic light correction and autofocus as well as noise canceling for the built-in microphone.
IPEVO Point 2 View USB Camera
IPEVO is a relatively small brand that offers some interesting products. Their Point 2 View USB camera has an interesting design that makes it look like a microphone. The arm has multiple joints that allows the user to set the camera to point at any angle just by bending it.
The model uses a 2 megapixel camera which is far from stunning but decent enough. The video quality is decent but for the ones that would like an upgrade they will be happy to know that the model is available also in 5 or 8 megapixels.
Logitech HD Webcam C270
The Logitech HD Webcam C270 is a great budget option that offers great image quality in a compact form factor. It is a simple webcam with a folding arm and a long USB cable. The model also comes with an LED light that indicates when it is on.
Looking at the camera sensor it is capable of capturing 720p video feeds at a decent frame rate and it can take 3 megapixel photos. The model also comes with a built-in microphone that can block background noise and does not require any special software to be installed.
Logitech HD Webcam C310
Logitech’s HD webcam C310 is a great product that comes with a really low price tag. It is one of the few models in this price range that is capable of capturing 720p video streams at 30 frames per second.
Its image quality is due to the 5 megapixel sensor that can take stunning photos and record excellent videos. As with most other Logitech cameras it has a built-in microphone and comes with a folding arm that makes it easy to setup anywhere around a desk.
TeckNet C016 USB HD 720P Webcam
The TeckNet C016 webcam offers probably the best value for money ratio. It does not offer the best image quality but when compared with its price, it becomes difficult to find a better option.
The model uses a basic 5 megapixel sensor that is capable of recording high-definition videos or take shots at decent resolutions. It has a simple stand that might make it difficult to adjust its position and it includes built-in LED lights.
Creative Live! Cam Chat HD
The Creative Live! Cam Chat HD is a great little webcam that offers surprising image quality without costing too much. It has a 5.7 megapixel sensor that allows it to capture 720p videos or take high resolution photos.
In terms of design the model is quite small. It comes with an LED light that indicates when it is recording and a noise-canceling microphone. The webcam is fairly easy to setup and can be used without any kind of special software.
Microsoft Q2F-00013 USB 2.0 LifeCam Webcam
The Microsoft Q2F-00013 USB webcam is one of their most popular models that was designed mostly for the ones that enjoy video calls on their computer. It is a great model that can serve as an upgrade even for a laptop owner.
It has a simple body with an arm that can be bet in any way so that it remains fixated to a monitor or on a desk and a blue LED indicator light. It even comes with a screw hole that makes it possible to bolt it down to the desk.
Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920
Logitech’s HD Pro Webcam C920 is the only model in our list that supports Full HD 1080p video captures. It has an advanced video sensor that can capture 30 frames per second at the highest resolution.
The model was designed to work for streamers a sit can record vibrant and crisp clear images. It is a bit more expensive than other models but the image quality is incomparable better than all the rest.
Webcams differentiate one from another based on the type of sensor they use. The video sensor determines the image quality which is probably the most important part. Some models also include a microphone but for quality reasons it is always better to buy a separate mic.As for pricing, it can vary a lot. It is possible to get something cheap yet decent but there are only a handful of models that can record in Full HD resolutions. Most of the support 720p which is still decent.