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
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
Table of Contents
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
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 | Details | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lens Type | Resolution | Frame Rate | Auto-Focus | Field of View | Low Light Correction | Integrated Privacy Shutter | Built-in Microphone | Noice Cancelling | Mounting System | Minimum OS Requirements | Dimensions | Additional Features | |||||
1 | Logitech Brio 100 | ![]() | Sleek Design Meets Professional Quality | Plastic | 720p, 1080p, 2 MP | 30 FPS | 58 Degrees | Clip-On, Monitor Mount | Windows 10 or Later, macOS 10.15 or Later | 31 x 72 x 66 mm | USB-A | ||||||
2 | Rapoo FHD Webcam |C280 | ![]() | Clear, Wide, Private: Your Best Connection | Wide-Angle | 720p, 1080p, 1440p, 2K, 2560p | 30 FPS | 85 Degrees | Clip-on, Tripod, Monitor Mount | Windows 10 or Later, macOS 10.6 or Later, Linux, ChromeOS, Android v5.0 | 45 x 90 x 50 mm | USB 2.0 | ||||||
3 | Fantech Luminous |C30 | ![]() | Flexible Base, Brilliant Video | Standard, HD, Wide-Angle | 1080p, 1440p, 2560p, 4 MP | 25-30 FPS | 106 Degrees | Clip-on, Tripod, Monitor Mount, Swivel | Windows 10, macOS, Linux | 73 x 49 x 52 mm | USB 2.0, 1-Year Warranty, Lightweight (87 g) | ||||||
4 | Creative Live! Cam Sync |V2 | ![]() | Look and Sound Your Best, Effortlessly | Standard, Wide-Angle | 720p, 1080p, 2 MP | 30 FPS | 77 Degrees | Clip-on, Tripod, Swivel | Windows 10 or Later, macOS 10.14 or Later, Chrome OS v.56 or Later, Xbox One X/S | 60 x 58 x 83 mm | USB 2.0, Operating Temperature Range: -10 to 40 °C, Weight 100 g | ||||||
5 | Razer Kiyo X | ![]() | Stream to Your Fullest | Standard, HD, Wide-Angle | 720p, 1080p, 2 MP, 1920p | 30, 60 FPS | 82 Degrees | Tripod, Stand | Windows 10 or Later, macOS 10.14 | 80 x 85 x 64 mm | Smart Auto-Focusing, Braided Cable 1500 mm, USB 3.0 | ||||||
6 | Fuddi Webcam | ![]() | Crystal Clear Video, Crisp Audio for Every Call and Creation | Glass, HD, Wide-Angle | 720p, 1080p, 2 MP | 30 FPS | 70 Degrees | Clip-on, Tripod, Monitor Mount, Swivel | Windows 10 or Later, macOS 10.10 or Later, Linux, Chrome OS 6.0 or Later, Android 6.0 or Later | 68 x 16.5 x 36.5 mm | USB Video Class | ||||||
7 | EMEET Webcam |C60E | ![]() | Dive Into the 4K Universe with Crystal Clear Presence | unknown | 1080p, 2 MP, 4 MP | 30, 60 FPS | 73 Degrees | Clip-on, Tripod | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android TV | 59 x 100 x 55 mm | Dual AI Noise-Canceling, USB-A, Firmware Upgradeable | ||||||
8 | A4Tech WebCam|PK-910H | ![]() | Record, Connect, and Be Heard | Glass, HD | 1080p, 2 MP, 1920p | 30 FPS | 70 Degrees | Clip-on, Swivel | Windows 10 or Later, macOS 10.10 or Later, Linux, ChromeOS 6.0 or Later, Android | 56 x 60 x 39 mm | USB 2.0, Intelligent Multisampling | ||||||
9 | HIKVISION WebCam|DS-U02 | ![]() | Professional Quality Video and Audio for Seamless Online Meetings | Wide-Angle, Plastic | 720p, 1080p, 2 MP | 25, 30 FPS | Horizontal 86, Vertical 55, Diagonal 95 Degrees | Clip-on, Tripod, Swivel | Windows 10 or Later, macOS 10.12 or Later, Linux, ChromeOS, Android 8.1 or Later | 80 x 48 x 42 mm | USB 2.0, Operating Temperature Conditions: -10°C to 45°C, 24/7 Color Imaging, Cable 1500 mm | ||||||
10 | Inplay Web Camera |C1080PRO | ![]() | Crisp Full HD Vision, Effortless Plug and Play Performance | Wide-Angle, HD | 1080p, 2 MP | 30 FPS | 70-90 Degrees | Clip-on, Tripod, Monitor Mount | Windows 10 | 100 x 100 x 50 mm | USB 2.0 |
Lens Type | Plastic |
---|---|
Resolution | 720p, 1080p, 2 MP |
Frame Rate | 30 FPS |
Auto-Focus | |
Field of View | 58 Degrees |
Low Light Correction | |
Integrated Privacy Shutter | |
Built-in Microphone | |
Noice Cancelling | |
Mounting System | Clip-On, Monitor Mount |
Minimum OS Requirements | Windows 10 or Later, macOS 10.15 or Later |
Dimensions | 31 x 72 x 66 mm |
Additional Features | USB-A |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Excellent video quality with crisp 2K resolution and good color accuracy. Reliable autofocus and auto light adjustment, which are appreciated by users, are features for varied lighting environments. Some users note minimal difference between 1080p and 2K video quality in practice; suggesting 1080p is enough for many applications.
Lens Type | Wide-Angle |
---|---|
Resolution | 720p, 1080p, 1440p, 2K, 2560p |
Frame Rate | 30 FPS |
Auto-Focus | |
Field of View | 85 Degrees |
Low Light Correction | |
Integrated Privacy Shutter | |
Built-in Microphone | |
Noice Cancelling | |
Mounting System | Clip-on, Tripod, Monitor Mount |
Minimum OS Requirements | Windows 10 or Later, macOS 10.6 or Later, Linux, ChromeOS, Android v5.0 |
Dimensions | 45 x 90 x 50 mm |
Additional Features | USB 2.0 |
Lens Type | Standard, HD, Wide-Angle |
---|---|
Resolution | 1080p, 1440p, 2560p, 4 MP |
Frame Rate | 25-30 FPS |
Auto-Focus | |
Field of View | 106 Degrees |
Low Light Correction | |
Integrated Privacy Shutter | |
Built-in Microphone | |
Noice Cancelling | |
Mounting System | Clip-on, Tripod, Monitor Mount, Swivel |
Minimum OS Requirements | Windows 10, macOS, Linux |
Dimensions | 73 x 49 x 52 mm |
Additional Features | USB 2.0, 1-Year Warranty, Lightweight (87 g) |
Lens Type | Standard, Wide-Angle |
---|---|
Resolution | 720p, 1080p, 2 MP |
Frame Rate | 30 FPS |
Auto-Focus | |
Field of View | 77 Degrees |
Low Light Correction | |
Integrated Privacy Shutter | |
Built-in Microphone | |
Noice Cancelling | |
Mounting System | Clip-on, Tripod, Swivel |
Minimum OS Requirements | Windows 10 or Later, macOS 10.14 or Later, Chrome OS v.56 or Later, Xbox One X/S |
Dimensions | 60 x 58 x 83 mm |
Additional Features | USB 2.0, Operating Temperature Range: -10 to 40 °C, Weight 100 g |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Many users praise the excellent video quality for the price, describing it as a high value with great sharpness and performance. The integrated ring light is appreciated for enhancing visibility in darker rooms. Some users report auto white balance inconsistencies that cause color shifts in auto mode.
Lens Type | Standard, HD, Wide-Angle |
---|---|
Resolution | 720p, 1080p, 2 MP, 1920p |
Frame Rate | 30, 60 FPS |
Auto-Focus | |
Field of View | 82 Degrees |
Low Light Correction | |
Integrated Privacy Shutter | |
Built-in Microphone | |
Noice Cancelling | |
Mounting System | Tripod, Stand |
Minimum OS Requirements | Windows 10 or Later, macOS 10.14 |
Dimensions | 80 x 85 x 64 mm |
Additional Features | Smart Auto-Focusing, Braided Cable 1500 mm, USB 3.0 |
Lens Type | Glass, HD, Wide-Angle |
---|---|
Resolution | 720p, 1080p, 2 MP |
Frame Rate | 30 FPS |
Auto-Focus | |
Field of View | 70 Degrees |
Low Light Correction | |
Integrated Privacy Shutter | |
Built-in Microphone | |
Noice Cancelling | |
Mounting System | Clip-on, Tripod, Monitor Mount, Swivel |
Minimum OS Requirements | Windows 10 or Later, macOS 10.10 or Later, Linux, Chrome OS 6.0 or Later, Android 6.0 or Later |
Dimensions | 68 x 16.5 x 36.5 mm |
Additional Features | USB Video Class |
Lens Type | unknown |
---|---|
Resolution | 1080p, 2 MP, 4 MP |
Frame Rate | 30, 60 FPS |
Auto-Focus | |
Field of View | 73 Degrees |
Low Light Correction | |
Integrated Privacy Shutter | |
Built-in Microphone | |
Noice Cancelling | |
Mounting System | Clip-on, Tripod |
Minimum OS Requirements | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android TV |
Dimensions | 59 x 100 x 55 mm |
Additional Features | Dual AI Noise-Canceling, USB-A, Firmware Upgradeable |
Lens Type | Glass, HD |
---|---|
Resolution | 1080p, 2 MP, 1920p |
Frame Rate | 30 FPS |
Auto-Focus | |
Field of View | 70 Degrees |
Low Light Correction | |
Integrated Privacy Shutter | |
Built-in Microphone | |
Noice Cancelling | |
Mounting System | Clip-on, Swivel |
Minimum OS Requirements | Windows 10 or Later, macOS 10.10 or Later, Linux, ChromeOS 6.0 or Later, Android |
Dimensions | 56 x 60 x 39 mm |
Additional Features | USB 2.0, Intelligent Multisampling |
Lens Type | Wide-Angle, Plastic |
---|---|
Resolution | 720p, 1080p, 2 MP |
Frame Rate | 25, 30 FPS |
Auto-Focus | |
Field of View | Horizontal 86, Vertical 55, Diagonal 95 Degrees |
Low Light Correction | |
Integrated Privacy Shutter | |
Built-in Microphone | |
Noice Cancelling | |
Mounting System | Clip-on, Tripod, Swivel |
Minimum OS Requirements | Windows 10 or Later, macOS 10.12 or Later, Linux, ChromeOS, Android 8.1 or Later |
Dimensions | 80 x 48 x 42 mm |
Additional Features | USB 2.0, Operating Temperature Conditions: -10°C to 45°C, 24/7 Color Imaging, Cable 1500 mm |
Lens Type | Wide-Angle, HD |
---|---|
Resolution | 1080p, 2 MP |
Frame Rate | 30 FPS |
Auto-Focus | |
Field of View | 70-90 Degrees |
Low Light Correction | |
Integrated Privacy Shutter | |
Built-in Microphone | |
Noice Cancelling | |
Mounting System | Clip-on, Tripod, Monitor Mount |
Minimum OS Requirements | Windows 10 |
Dimensions | 100 x 100 x 50 mm |
Additional Features | USB 2.0 |
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: Logitech |Brio 100
No. 2: Rapoo|FHD Webcam |C280
No. 3: Fantech |Luminous |C30
No. 4: Creative |Live! Cam Sync |V2
No. 5: Razer|Kiyo X
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Beauty
Health
Household goods
PCs and laptops
Home appliances and electronics
Cameras
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Mom and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, and DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Home improvement and tools
Smartphones and tablets
Banking and finance
Insurance
Audio
Smartphone applications
Others