Upgrading from your laptop‘s low-quality built-in webcam to an external budget webcam can make a world of difference for video calls, virtual meetings, live streaming, and more. But with so many affordable options on the market, it can be tricky to determine which cheap webcam will give you the best bang for your buck.
That‘s why I thoroughly researched over a dozen of the most popular cheap webcams under $100 to bring you this definitive guide to the 6 best choices in 2023. I evaluated them on video resolution, frame rate, field of view, autofocus capabilities, microphone quality, special features, and overall value to find the ones that stand out from the crowd.
No matter if you need a webcam primarily for Zoom meetings or streaming on Twitch, these budget-friendly picks check all the boxes. Let‘s dive in!
Why Choose a Cheap Webcam?
Before we get to the picks, you may be wondering why you should buy a cheap webcam instead of using your laptop or phone‘s built-in camera. Here are some of the key benefits:
-
Superior Video Quality: External webcams equip higher quality image sensors and lenses that capture sharper, more detailed video with accurate colors and less visual noise.
-
More Adjustability: Budget webcams allow you to tweak field of view, mount them at flattering angles, utilize handy software to customize settings, and often offer autofocus and auto light correction.
-
Enhanced Features: Many cheap webcams shine with built-in ring lights, 360° rotation, noise-reducing mics, and other bonuses not found in most built-in webcams.
-
Portability: Compact external webcams are easy to toss in your bag and use across different devices, whereas you‘re stuck with your laptop webcam.
-
Affordability: Spending $50 or less nets major improvements without breaking the bank.
For these reasons, a cheap webcam is one of the best tech upgrades you can make if video calling is a regular part of work or staying connected. Now let‘s get to the picks!
The 6 Best Cheap Webcams
Best Overall: Logitech C920S
Key Specs:
- 1080p HD Video
- 78° Field of View
- Built-In Mics
- Autofocus
The Logitech C920s has earned its title as the #1 bestselling webcam for good reason – it ticks all the boxes for multimedia creators, remote workers, and casual users alike.
Offering superb Full HD 1080p video and stereo audio through dual mics, the C920S is my top pick for the clearest video calls and recordings. I love that it automatically focuses on your face no matter how much you move around.
The wide 78° field of view gives you flexibility to frame yourself from mid chest up or fit multiple people in the shot. Downloadable Logitech software lets you pan, tilt and zoom if needed.
For under $70, no other webcam can match the C920s well-rounded performance. It‘s plug-and-play easy to use while giving you pro-level results.
Pros
- Excellent 1080p video
- Smooth autofocus
- Quality built-in mics
- 78° field of view
- Useful software controls
Cons
- No special lighting features
Best Microphone: Microsoft LifeCam Studio
Key Specs:
- 1080p Video
- 360° Rotation
- Wide-band Mic
- TrueColor Technology
While the Microsoft LifeCam Studio trails slightly behind the C920S on pure video quality, its stellar microphone steals the show.
Taking advantage of a high-fidelity wideband mic, your voice comes through loud and crystal clear. The background noise reduction is top-notch, perfect for offices or homes with activity in the background.
Video looks sharp at Full 1080p with vivid color accuracy thanks to Microsoft’s TrueColor system continuously adjusting hues. The webcam can spin a full 360° on its flexible stand for creative shots.
For around $60, the LifeCam Studio is easily one of the best cheap webcam options for prioritizing pristine voice clarity above all else.
Pros
- Excellent microphone quality
- 1080p video with accurate colors
- Useful 360° rotation
- TrueColor auto color correction
Cons
- No built-in lighting
- Limited software controls
Best for Streaming: Razer Kiyo
Key Specs:
- 1080p @ 30 FPS
- Built-in Ring Light
- Omnidirectional Mic
- Compatible with OBS, XSplit
A first-of-its-kind webcam made with streamers in mind, the Razer Kiyo stands out thanks to its built-in ring light around the lens.
This innovative lighting solution lets you brighten up dull rooms and illuminate your face evenly without harsh shadows. The ability to adjust the brightness right on the device is super convenient.
In terms of specs, the Kiyo records vibrant 1080p 30 FPS video and utilizes an omnidirectional mic that focuses on your voice. Out of the box, it works seamlessly with popular streaming software like OBS and XSplit.
Priced under $100, the Kiyo is the ultimate cheap webcam pick for fledgling streaming stars looking to up their production value affordably.
Pros
- Innovative built-in ring light
- 1080p video @ 30FPS
- Plug-and-play streaming integration
- Omnidirectional mic
Cons
- Max resolution of 1080p
- Small ring light less ideal in large rooms
Best Portable: Logitech C310
Key Specs:
- 720p Video
- 60° Field of View
- Built-in Noise Reduction Mic
- Auto Light Correction
If you‘re frequently on the go or tight on space, the ultra-compact Logitech C310 should be on your radar.
Measuring just 2.8 x 1.2 x 0.8 inches, this pint-sized HD webcam delivers surprisingly good 720p video and audio given its small stature. The 60° field of view gives you some wiggle room to fit another person or more background.
I love that Logitech managed to cram in handy features like automatic light adjustment and a noise-reducing microphone. It also works seamlessly with all popular video chat apps.
For the price, portability, and performance, the Logitech C310 is hands-down the best cheap webcam for travel and tight workspaces.
Pros
- Super portable
- 720p video and decent mic
- Auto light correction
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- No 1080p option
- Smaller 60° FOV
- Basic software
Best Budget 4K: DEPSTECH 4K Webcam
Key Specs:
- 4K Video Up to 30FPS
- Sony CMOS Sensor
- Dual Omnidirectional Mics
- Automatic Focus & Exposure
4K webcams normally don‘t come cheap, but the DEPSTECH 4K Webcam manages to deliver ultra HD visuals for under $100.
It achieves crisp 3840 x 2160 video thanks to a high-quality 1/3” Sony CMOS sensor and wide 80° field of view. This allows for a ton of detail perfect for broadcast quality video calls.
You also get dual omnidirectional microphones for clear audio, automatic exposure adjustment and face tracking autofocus to keep you looking sharp.
If you want to step up from 1080p without breaking the bank, the DEPSTECH 4K webcam is the clear choice. Just note 4K streaming requires more system resources.
Pros
- Incredible 4K video for the price
- Uses Sony CMOS sensor
- Auto exposure & focus
- Dual noise-reducing mics
Cons
- 4K requires heavy system resources
- Limited adjustments
Best Field of View: Anker PowerConf C200
Key Specs:
- 1080p Video
- 65° to 95° FOV
- AI Noise Cancelation Mics
- True Precision Autofocus
What sets the Anker PowerConf C200 apart is its extra wide and adjustable 65° to 95° field of view range.
This lets you tweak your framing from a close facial shot all the way out to capturing your whole workspace with multiple collaborators in frame. It‘s a webcam that adapts seamlessly to your needs.
You also get excellent 1080p video quality backed by Anker‘s True Precision autofocus and light sensor for well-exposed, detailed footage. The AI-powered noise cancellation ensures your voice remains crystal clear.
If you want more freedom to play with framing in tight spaces or large conference rooms, the PowerConf C200 is a stellar pick under $80.
Pros
- Huge 65° to 95° FOV range
- 1080p video with auto exposure
- AI-powered noise cancellation
- Anker software for customization
Cons
- No 4K or lighting features
🛒 Check Price on Amazon | [Read Reviews]()
How to Choose the Best Cheap Webcam
Picking the right budget webcam comes down to a few key factors:
Video Quality
A webcam‘s resolution and frame rate determine overall video clarity. 1080p is the minimum I recommend, but some 720p choices like the C310 can be alright. 30FPS is standard for smooth motion.
The new 4K webcams are overkill for most, but provide ultra sharpness if your internet and computer can handle streaming that much data.
Field of View
Standard webcams shoot between 70° to 80° which fits 1-2 people. Super wide options like the PowerConf C200 reaching 95° are better for fitting in groups. Consider your use case.
Focus & Exposure
Autofocus and auto light adjustment are crucial to stay looking sharp in changing conditions – otherwise manual adjustments get tedious.
Microphone
Dual omni-directional mics with noise cancellation produce the cleanest sound by focusing on your voice and minimizing background interference.
Special Features
Bonus features like built-in ring lights (Kiyo), 360° rotation (LifeCam Studio) or portability (C310) can further sway decisions if a specific aspect is important for you.
Bottom Line
Adding one of these best cheap webcams to your setup substantially levels up call and streaming quality compared to integrated laptop webcams and phone front-facing cameras.
The Logitech C920S is my top overall pick thanks to its exceptional Full HD 1080p footage and all-around polished performance for under $70.
But the right budget webcam ultimately depends on your priorities – whether that‘s chasing 4K resolution, wide-angle views for spaces, a top-tier mic, built-in lighting for streaming, or maximum portability.
Hopefully breaking down my research and real-world experience with these affordable options makes your buying decision easier so you can start taking your webcam video quality to the next level without spending big bucks.
