Webcams are all the more important now in a world of Zoom meetings, content creation, and digital streaming. Essentially, they are what give us a visual presence on the internet. But don’t click away if you don’t fit those criteria because, with webcams, there’s more than what meets the eye.
Depending on the product you buy, a webcam can be used for home surveillance, baby monitoring, or, though niche, to create time-lapse sequences. Considering all these can be daunting, so we compiled a list of the 10 best webcams that you can buy on a budget. Plus, there’s also a buying guide below which details the factors we think you should consider first.
Quick List - Top Budget Webcams
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Table of Contents
As we said earlier, webcams can be used beyond internet meetings. Wireless devices or those with extra-long cables can be hooked up to a computer for a cheap home surveillance system. Alternatively, they can also be used to check up on your pets and babies while you’re in another room.
Because webcams consume only a little electricity, they can be great for recording for long periods of time. They can be used to make time-lapse videos so long as they have a consistent source of energy like a power bank. Lastly, some software like CamControl allows you to control your computer through the webcam—perfect for when you just want to wave a hand to watch videos.
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Webcams come with either glass or plastic lenses. If you want a clearer and crisper image, a glass lens is best for you. It is what most content creators use as they need high-quality videos to appeal to their audience. Just note that glass tends to cost more, so only get it if you have a higher budget.
Meanwhile, plastic lenses are best for their value. They produce a good-enough video, though you may notice that the colors are duller and more washed out compared to their glass counterparts. Although they are more prone to scratches, they are instead more resistant to breaking when they fall, get tossed around, and the like.
As you might know, when buying TVs or monitors, the resolution is associated with image clarity. Generally, the higher the pixel count, the more detailed an image is. It's the same idea with webcams, only this time, it's measured by how many pixels the camera can capture.
Hence, the higher you go, the more expensive the unit will be. 4K webcams nowadays will cost an upward of 5,000 PHP. However, they're not ideal if you're on a budget or if you'll only use the webcam for the occasional office meeting.
Instead, we recommend going for a minimum of 720p, as this captures enough detail to prevent you from looking like a grainy mess. If you’re willing to spend a little more, though, getting a 1080p webcam gives you the best of both worlds. Not only is it affordable, but it also gives a pronounced, well-detailed image. Plus, it's good for streaming, online dating, and more!
Frame rate determines how smooth the footage of your webcam is. Webcams that have below 30 frames per second (fps) produce videos that stutter, freeze, and even crash. If you want to have the bare minimum when it comes to frame rate functionality, go for 30 fps.
This provides a good-enough experience, though there are still occasional blurs during fast motions. But if you're going to use it only for meetings, then 30 fps would suffice. However, if you're a content creator streaming on Twitch or other platforms, a 60 fps webcam is better to give your viewers a stellar viewing experience.
Field of view (FOV) is important as it measures how wide of an area your webcam captures. Essentially, higher FOVs will put a lot of focus on the background. Understandably, not all people want their whole rooms showcased. So if you want a webcam that only captures you on the screen, get a webcam with a 60-degree FOV.
Usually, this is best for game streaming and online meetings as the focus is directed to the subject rather than the background. On the other hand, if you're a teacher who uses physical whiteboards or an online seller who likes to showcase your products, a 90-degree camera is best to get all your content on screen.
Most webcams are designed to be placed atop a computer or laptop. Usually, these use a clipping mechanism to stay in place. However, while this design makes for a smaller form factor, it also limits the areas you can place your webcam.
As such, if you think that you’ll need to capture videos from unusual angles, it’s best to look at other mounting types. Tripods, for instance, can be placed on top of a table and usually come with either fixed or flexible necks to move the unit around. Meanwhile, wall mounts are best for high-angled areas and are usually screwed on walls.
Depending on your operating system, not all webcams will work on your device. Mostly, this is an issue with Mac and Linux, as these don’t come with the necessary drivers to communicate your webcam out of the box. Fortunately, there are some online groups dedicated to this issue, though they do require a lot of user involvement.
On the other hand, most devices that operate on Windows 7 and above are already compatible with almost all webcams. Here, you only have to navigate through the settings if you want to tweak your camera’s resolution, video speed, the time it turns on, and the like.
A standard webcam is good enough for basic use. But sometimes, you may be looking for a feature that’s specific to your use case—or you just want to get the most out of your device. With that being said, it’s best not to miss out on these commonly sought out features that’ll greatly increases your webcam’s functionality.
Not everyone will have a mic on hand for spontaneous virtual meetings or content updates. So, if you always want to be video-ready, it’s best to get a webcam with a built-in microphone. This also lessens the need for you to carry external hardware for trips that don’t require high-end microphones.
Fortunately, webcam mics have improved over the years. Most single mic setups nowadays can pick up voices accurately while also filtering background noise. But if you really want professional-level calls and live streams, getting two or more mics will give you more natural-sounding audio.
Moving around during filming is normal. Unfortunately, some cameras have trouble adjusting to your movement and will produce blurry videos. This is where auto-focus comes in! Essentially, it’s a feature that locks onto your position to produce the best image quality.
However, auto-focus isn’t perfect. It still makes errors such as centering the wrong object or not working at all. That said, you’ll have much better mileage in medium- to high-end models as the AI and parts used in these will provide faster and more accurate auto-focusing.
Filming in low light can result in an unnatural, blown-out look. Even worse, the subjects may blend into walls as the camera can’t distinguish them from the shadows being cast. This can result in a disturbing virtual presence, especially in professional setups.
Fortunately, webcams with low light correction automatically adjust to the light source, glare, and ambient lighting to create the best quality image. If you’re setting up a surveillance system, this feature is a must-have to see events happening during nighttime.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | GSOU QHD Webcam|K2 | ![]() | Affordable Webcam That Can Compete Against High-End Models | |
2 | Rapoo 1440P Webcam|C280 | ![]() | Lets You Capture Clear and High-Quality Videos Seamlessly | |
3 | HXSJ HD Webcam|S5 | ![]() | Its Six-Layered Glass Lens Helps You Create Clear and Crisp Videos | |
4 | A4Tech Fixed Focus Webcam|PK-925H | ![]() | Optimizes Image Quality Regardless of Lighting Conditions | |
5 | Xiaovv USB Webcam With Microphone|XVV-6320S-USB | ![]() | Best for Filming Large Areas | |
6 | Mitsushi Orashare Web Camera|WB-02 | ![]() | Has a Lens Shutter to Protect Your Privacy | |
7 | Logitech HD Webcam|C310 | ![]() | Decades of Expertise in an Affordable Package | |
8 | Oria Streaming Camera With Ring Light | ![]() | Has a Built-In Ring Light to Beautify Your Filming Sessions | |
9 | A4Tech Night Vision Webcam|PK-838G | ![]() | Create a Budget-Friendly Home Surveillance Setup With This Reliable Webcam | |
10 | Lenovo 500 FHD Webcam | ![]() | Control Your Computer With Facial Tracking |
Affordable, stylish, and feature-rich, the GSOU K2 is the dream webcam for most people. Its resolution goes up to 1440p, creating videos that have twice the detail and clarity compared to 1080p webcams. This makes it great for filming content that requires more emphasis on visual fidelity.
If your videos involve fast movement, though, you can turn down the resolution and instead prioritize FPS. For folks who stream various content, this customizability is a godsend. The dedicated buttons are also great for turning off the mic and video without accessing your computer settings. It also has a lens shutter to physically cover the lens and secure your privacy.
With a 1440p resolution, the C280 ensures you get clear videos and imaging. Besides that, it's loved for its plug-and-play capabilities, even on operating systems it doesn't officially support. Granted, there are rare cases where the mic doesn't work on older devices, in which case, you'll have to manually install the drivers from the company website.
Surprisingly, the C280 works well in dimly-lit areas despite not having low-light correction. That said, you'll still experience some grain and video noise, so it's ideal to film in a moderately bright location. But if you just want a webcam that will seamlessly work upon plugging it in, add this to your cart.
The HXSJ S5 has a lot going for it despite its inexpensive price. Its six-layered glass lens, for instance, creates stunning videos since it has better light penetration, resolution, and exposure. Not only that, but it also has a manually adjustable focus so you can shift the attention towards the background or foreground.
The dual-mic system also makes this great for filming long distances. Plus, you don't have to worry about picking up unnecessary chatter because the mics are also fitted with noise-canceling technology! Currently, it's advertised as having an 8 to 10-meter pickup though some users claim that it can still detect voices farther away.
The PK-925H boasts excellent performance regardless of the lighting conditions. With an anti-glare lens, you can comfortably stream in bright places without worrying about glare or distortion. It also incorporates multi-sampling capabilities, so it can adjust its video output even when shifting to dim environments.
But what's more amazing is the PK-925H's list of compatible devices. Not only is it usable with computer systems like Windows, Mac, Chrome, and Linux, but it can also be used with your mobile phone!
Granted, this requires a USB dongle to work, but if you find your phone camera lacking, using a webcam is a way to upgrade it for cheap. And because of its multi-use mount, you can place it at multiple angles to get your good side.
With a 150-degree field of view, Xiaovv's Wide Angle Camera is your pick if you're capturing a large area like a long-table meeting. Despite this wide-angle feature, the resulting image will still look its best because it comes with auto-focus and image optimization technology. That said, it is limited in terms of low light use and can only truly showcase its 1080p resolution in moderately bright areas.
However, this webcam compensates in other ways. For instance, its noise-canceling feature will make you sound loud and clear during calls. Plus, its clip folds into a stand, making it usable for tabletop use. You can also mount it on your wall, though you'd need to purchase additional accessories for this.
If privacy is your concern, the Orashare WB-02 has your back! The built-in lens shutter can be used to block the camera when not in use. This is also a handy way to disable the webcam without going to the software settings of your device. Plus, it comes with an omnidirectional mic to capture high-quality sounds.
The WB-02 can also fully rotate at 360º, thus overcoming the limits of its FOV. Just note that while issues are rare, some Windows 10 users have experienced compatibility issues where the camera won't turn on. In these cases, the manufacturer recommends restarting your computer while the device is plugged in.
Logitech is not new to making webcams and is, in fact, one of the leading companies with their higher-end models. The C310 is their way to bring that expertise into a more affordable package. Granted, some corners were cut to bring the price down, but the parts are utilized to their full potential.
For instance, despite the 720p resolution and plastic lens, the C310 is still able to produce clear, detailed images. In fact, the grainy results associated with budget webcams are virtually non-existent! This is due to the device's automatic light correction feature, which adjusts the brightness based on you, the subject, rather than the environment.
Getting a ring light is one of the simplest ways to improve your video quality, and the good news is, ORIA has incorporated that into their camera! Here, the light is always directed towards you, which is best for filming yourself. It even has three different brightness levels, so you can adjust the atmosphere and lighting conditions as needed.
To ensure that you get the best angle, it can rotate 360 degrees horizontally and 180 degrees vertically. After your stream, you can easily cover the camera by flipping down the device. While this does increase its ease of use, some users may find this feature limiting how much they can tilt the device.
Home surveillance systems can be expensive, but not with the PK-838G! Its 120-degree field of view is designed to capture large areas at once, while its night vision support allows it to film in dark areas. Admittedly, this does take a toll on its resolution, so it isn't ideal for visual-heavy content.
The webcam also comes with a detachable power cord that can be replaced for a longer cable. An omnidirectional mic also lets it capture sound from all directions—a useful feature to compensate for blind spots. Granted, the PK-838G can't beat dedicated surveillance cameras, but if you want a webcam that can double as a budget security system, this is a great pick.
The Lenovo 500 FHD reaches the price limit of those seeking a budget-oriented webcam. However, there's a reason for its relatively steeper cost. Not only does it deliver consistently reliable video quality, but it also supports Windows 10 privacy features, specifically Windows Hello. With this, you'll be able to log in to your computer password-free!
In addition, it has facial tracking capabilities that allow you to use applications capable of controlling your computer with eye movement. There are also some fun games where you can put your face in place of a movie actor's. For most, though, the facial tracking will be used mostly to optimize how the webcam films them.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
This mostly depends on the content you're streaming. Gaming streams, for instance, don't need high-resolution webcams as the streamers' faces will be minimized in favor of gameplay. However, those whose content focuses on vlogging and skits should get a 1080p webcam or above to get the best video clarity.
Yes, there are applications such as OBS which lets you manually adjust the exposure, balance, and contrast of the webcam. With the proper settings, you can improve the quality of your video more so than the automatic processing your webcam has.
But if you're not the techy type, you can try adding bright and soft lights to reduce image noise. You can do this with ring lights or shooting in a sunlit area. It's also important to note that the majority of these light sources must be in front of you to reduce shadows and glares.
Laptops are notorious for their low-quality cameras. In fact, the only devices with serviceable webcams are the recent Macbooks and the Windows Surface line. That said, even a budget webcam will be a step up compared to a laptop's built-in camera.
Building your own streaming setup doesn't have to cost a fortune, especially if you're just starting as a content creator. A budget webcam goes a long way, but if you want to upgrade a few aspects, check out the articles below.
Author: Dane Lozano
Editor: Aprille Jarcia
No. 1: GSOU|QHD Webcam|K2
No. 2: Rapoo|1440P Webcam|C280
No. 3: HXSJ|HD Webcam|S5
No. 4: A4Tech|Fixed Focus Webcam|PK-925H
No. 5: Xiaovv|USB Webcam With Microphone|XVV-6320S-USB
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