In this article, we have listed some of the best budget webcams for streaming that strike the delicate balance between affordability and quality, so you can find the perfect webcam for your streaming needs without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned streamer, these webcams will provide you with clear, high-quality videos at an affordable price point. But first, you might want to check out the following:
Protect your privacy with these webcams that feature privacy shutters Attend video calls in low light with these ring-light webcams
1. Logitech C920x HD Pro
Megapixel: 3MP | Field of view: 78 degrees Max Resolution: 1080p | Max Framerate: 30fps In-built Microphone: Yes
One of the major highlights of the C920x is that it comes with a three-month XSplit VCam license. As such, you can remove or replace your background without a green screen. The feature works far better than what you might’ve experienced on Zoom or Google Meet video calls too, mind you. Understandably, it’s a handy tool for streamers as they do not have to worry about broadcasting their gameplay from a messy room. Of course, this is a budget webcam, so the brand has cut some corners to bring the price of the product down. To that end, while the picture quality and color reproduction is fine, customers reported that the webcam is slow to focus on the subject. On the bright side, you can control the zoom, override auto-focus, and other features using the LogiTune software.
2. Logitech C922 Pro
Megapixel: 3MP | Field of view: 78 degrees Max Resolution: 1080p| Field of view: 78 degrees | Max Framerate: 60fps (at 720p) In-built Microphone: Yes
With most webcams, the device’s outer-casing features a multi-position stand to place the webcam easily on top of your monitor. However, the C922 Pro can be docked anywhere inside your room, as it comes bundled with a tripod. The webcam’s video footage looks reasonably sharp too. The light balance was to customers liking, and buyers also appreciate its plug-and-play functionality. To no one’s surprise, Tom’s Guide identified the C922 Pro as one of the best budget webcams for streamers in their review too.
3. NexiGo N960E
Megapixel: 2MP | Field of view: 78 degrees Max Resolution: 1080p | Max Framerate: 60fps In-built Microphone: Yes
The ring light comes with three different light modes that you can switch with a simple touch. You can control the temperature, as well as the brightness of the light. You also get a privacy shutter here to cover the webcam when it’s not in use. As for the streaming capabilities, the N960E can record 1080p clips at 60fps, which is ideal for streamers on a budget. There are a couple of things to note, however. First off, while a ring light is great for brightening up your face, it can create reflections if you wear spectacles. Secondly, while the resolution is 1080p, it’s not true Full HD. We say this, as the camera sensor is not 2.1MP and is just 2MP in resolution. As such, the camera cannot record natively in 1080p resolution.
4. Anker PowerConf C200
Megapixel: 5MP | Field of view: 65, 78, 95 degrees Max Resolution: 1440p | Max Framerate: 30fps In-built Microphone: Yes
If your streams require a more pixel-dense face cam, then you can definitely benefit from using a higher-megapixel webcam. That’s exactly where the Anker PowerConf C200 comes in with its 2K streaming resolution. Do note that while you can toggle between 360p, 720p, 1080p, and a whopping 2K resolution, you can only record at 30fps. That said, you do get the option to variate the field of view between 65, 78, or 95 degrees. As for the camera, it’s essentially designed for plug-and-play operations. That being said, you can use Anker’s dedicated desktop app to adjust the contrast ratio, brightness, sharpness, and saturation levels. There’s no HDR mode here, and some reviews do highlight that using the noise-canceling feature on the mics can result in choppy audio. But even so, the C200 is easily one of the best budget webcams for streamers.
5. Razer Kiyo Pro
Megapixel: 2.1MP | Field of view: 80, 90, 103 degrees Max Resolution: 1080p | Max Framerate: 60fps In-built Microphone: Yes
Since there’s no ring light here, users who wear spectacles can also benefit from the low-light improvements offered by the Razer Kiyo Pro. While the image does seem a bit saturated in low light, it’s ways ahead of the competition. You’d look better illuminated and a bit sharper too. Apart from that, the webcam delivers uncompressed 1080p footage at a smooth 60fps. There’s also support for HDR here, which works best for daytime recording. If you have a light source visible in the frame, the webcam will automatically adjust the picture quality to control the brightness of the light source while still keeping your face well-lit. Speaking of the frame, you can switch from a narrow frame of 80 degrees to a wider frame of 103 degrees too.
6. Logitech StreamCam
Megapixel: 2.1MP | Field of view: 78 degrees Max Resolution: 1080p | Max Framerate: 60fps In-built Microphone: Yes
The same can be attributed to its three-axis clip which allows you to rotate the camera, allowing you to natively record videos vertically for mobile audiences. Or if need be, you can use the bundled mount to place the StreamCam on a tripod. As for the video quality itself, you can record in 1080p resolution smoothly at 60fps. You can make use of the Logitech Capture software to adjust exposure, white balance, and face tracking settings. Speaking of which, the face-tracking feature here works exceptionally well too. To wit, the webcam takes a crop of the frame and ensures that your face is always in the center of the frame.
7. Elgato Facecam
Megapixel: NA | Field of view: 82 degrees Max Resolution: 1080p | Max Framerate: 60fps In-built Microphone: No
The Facecam comes with a fixed-focus lens which definitely appeals to a lot of streamers. Add to that, the webcam makes use of the Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor, which promises exceptional low-light performance too. Also, the Elgato Facecam captures lossless, uncompressed video. In layman’s terms, the footage captured by the Facecam is void of any filters and it doesn’t have any extra encoding or compression either. Correspondingly, you get videos without any artifacts, and you can adjust the clip as per your liking. Speaking of which, you will revel in the Elgato Camera Hub software too. To that end, the software gives users granular, DLSR-like controls, thereby allowing them to take full control over the contrast, saturation, shutter speed, field-of-view, ISO, and more. In fact, DigitalCameraWorld identifies the Elgato Facecam as one of the best webcams for streamers. Some users might not like the fact that the Elgato Facecam doesn’t come with an in-built microphone. But as is the case, most budget webcams have poor microphones. You can remedy this by checking out some of the best budget microphones for streamers.
8. Logitech Brio
Megapixel: 13MP | Field of view: 65, 78, 90 degrees Max Resolution: 2160p | Max Framerate: 90fps (at 720p) In-built Microphone: Yes
When it comes to recording, the Logitech Brio actually has a handful of recording options. 4K footage is limited to 30fps, while you can also stream in 1080p at 60fps. Or, if you want even smoother footage, you can opt to record at 720p resolution and 90fps. What’s more, the device can leverage light-correcting technology and comes with support for HDR too. Correspondingly, regardless of the lighting scenarios, your footage will look extremely crisp and professional. Additionally, you can use Logitech’s software to fine-tune the brightness, contrast, color intensity, and white balance, and even toy with the autofocus settings. The Logitech Brio also comes equipped with an additional Infrared sensor too. This allows you to make use of Windows Hello face unlock on your PC, making things a lot more convenient.
Enjoy Streaming with These Budget Webcams
Investing in a webcam is crucial for streamers since it allows them to engage and interact with their audience better. And, despite having a lower picture quality as compared to DSLRs, they do offer a more convenient interface, making them easy to set up and use. The best part is that you now also have amazing budget webcams to choose from for your streaming needs. Ideally, the Elgato Facecam is the best budget webcam for streaming that you can buy right now, especially after the price drop. However, if you’re on a very tight budget and still want the best picture quality, the NexiGo N960E is a great option. The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
