The best webcams for boosting video quality

If you're keen on the idea of improving the quality on your Zoom calls, but you’re less keen on shelling out big bucks, check out the Logitech C270. For less than £35, you’ll get a 720p HD picture, a simple plug-and-play setup, and reliable performance for regular work calls.

Features include a noise-reducing microphone, auto-light correction, and compatibility with video calling and streaming software.

OK, so it’s not the most advanced webcam on offer. It has a plastic lens and a tighter field of view. And there are no customisable features. But this is all about value. The Logitech C270 offers improved image clarity — your colleagues, friends, and families will definitely see the difference — while taking it easy on the wallet. What more could you ask for? 

Professional video calls are here to stay. That means that webcams capable of handling group calls or presentations are now an office (or WFH) essential. And for that, there’s the Anker PowerConf C300. 

This webcam's out-of-the-box 115-degree field of view doesn’t mess around. It’s one of the widest frames in the webcam game, so no one’s awkwardly half-in-half-out of frame for your big group presentation. And if you like to walk around to make your points and impress your boss, the camera tracks and pans to follow your movements. Plus, the 1080p resolution looks professional.

You can also adjust the field of view to be a bit smaller, but the image quality on this webcam looks the best at its standard 115 degrees, making this camera the clear standout for any of your group call needs — that also includes families who like to video call together. 

For content creators who want to look professional, the Logitech StreamCam is here to help. It captures HD at 60fps, putting it among higher-res options. Streaming-specific features include facial tracking and auto-framing, which are great for anyone who moves around a bit while they broadcast. And as with other Logitechs, the Logitech Capture software allows you to customise.

Part of what sets this webcam apart, though, is how little manual customisation it actually needs. Whether you're using the lighting from your bedroom or have a lighting ring, the StreamCam adjusts so that your colours pop, and you never look overexposed.

Other features include a portrait mode, which is accessed by simply turning the camera, plus optimisation for popular live streaming software. Overall, this is a sound investment for anyone who don’t want to make the leap into DSLR territory yet.

Not every work-from-home setup is blessed with a conveniently placed window. But extra lighting can be expensive and takes up space. The Razer Kiyo streaming webcam is one solution, thanks to an adjustable — not to mention powerful — ring light that comes built in to the camera itself.

The light makes up the circumference of what is a uniquely circular cam. It's smaller than your average ring light, but still performs surprisingly well. With a simple twist to the left or right, you can adjust the intensity. It lights up your space without it feeling like you're staring into the sun.

While you shouldn't expect this webcam to be your absolute everything (the microphone leaves a little to be desired), the built-in lighting paired with a 1080p resolution gives you an enviable image that literally shines. 

There’s plenty to like about the Logitech C920S. It does all the basics well: a clear picture, image customisation, HDR quality, and video call and streaming features. All for a decent price. Indeed, webcam experts go hard for the Logitech range in general, but the C920S stands out for its value.

Other notable features include great colour balance out of the box, a fps that’s geared towards video calls, dual microphones, and a built-in privacy shutter. It’s one of the most versatile webcams out there. And you don't need a supercomputer to reap the benefits.

If you want to use the Logitech Capture software to play around your image you can, but that isn't necessary for a nice, quality video feed. While it may not be the best for certain specialised needs, this webcam has rightfully earned its spot as a high-performing all-rounder.

If you’re looking for the best picture on offer without going full DSLR, check out the Logitech Brio. It’s capable of 4K and stacked with visual features.

It has HDR and autofocus, as well as options to adjust the frame rate, resolution, exposure, zoom, brightness, sharpness, and contrast. Plus, three different fields of view and a decent-sounding mic.

It’s worth noting that some older computers may struggle with its visual power, and not all video call platforms support 4K (including Zoom, unfortunately). That said, if you’re a live streamer, you can stream on YouTube in 4K. Just remember that your computer needs a USB 3.0 port to unlock the 4K potential.

Overall, this is a powerful camera that will give you one of the clearest images a webcam can, even if you don't use the 4K.

If background noise is an issue for you, the Anker PowerConf C200 should sound good. Quite literally. It’s built with dual AI microphones, which provide high quality noise cancellation by allowing you to choose between a directional or omnidirectional vocal pickup. The price puts this webcam in the mid-range, but customer reviews note that the audio is very good for the price.

The Anker PowerConf C200 looks good too, with a 2K resolution that outstrips the standard HD you get with most webcams. Remember that 2K is still too high for some platforms. Zoom videos calls, for instance, max out at 1080p.

Other good touches include auto white balance, a larger aperture for capturing maximum light, and three field of view options — though the widest field of view may compromise the image quality. But this is still great value.