Best Webcam for Desktop (2022): Choosing the Best Webcam for Your Computer Setup

Typically, desktop setups don’t have a built-in webcam to rely on since monitors that do have one didn’t really take off. Even if they did, integrated webcams usually aren’t good enough, and they’ll leave you looking blurry or grainy. Whether it’s for video calls or streaming, a decent webcam is your best bet. Seeing as there’s a ton of options in the market, you’ll definitely find one that suits your budget and needs.

We round up a couple of models designed for different purposes at varying price points. Right off the bat, the Logitech BRIO is the best if money’s no object. Next, the Razer Kiyo is an excellent pick for gamers and streamers, and speaking of streaming, the Logitech StreamCam makes for a decent choice for both streamers and content creators. Meanwhile, the Mouse Computer Facial Recognition Camera has a focus on Windows Hello, and last but not least, the Logitech C920 remains as a solid webcam for any situation. That about sums things up, but there’s more to it than that.

Best Webcam for Desktop Comparison Chart

Model	Logitech BRIO	Razer Kiyo	Logitech StreamCam	Mouse Computer Facial Recognition Camera	Logitech C920
	Amazon product	Amazon product	Amazon product	Amazon product	Deal Finder Logitech C920 HD Pro Webcam Get a Full HD 1080p video quality with the Logitech C920 HD Pro Webcam. With Logitech Fluid Crystal Technology, enjoy sharper images, smoother video, and richer colors. Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Walmart We are reader supported. When you buy through our links we may earn an affiliate commission.
Price	Amazon product	Amazon product	Amazon product	Amazon product	Deal Finder Logitech C920 HD Pro Webcam Get a Full HD 1080p video quality with the Logitech C920 HD Pro Webcam. With Logitech Fluid Crystal Technology, enjoy sharper images, smoother video, and richer colors. Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Walmart We are reader supported. When you buy through our links we may earn an affiliate commission.
Resolution	4K at 30 fps, 1080p at 30 or 60 fps, 720p at 30, 60 or 90 fps	1080p at 30 fps, 720p at 60 fps, 480p at 30 fps, 360p at 30 fps	Up to 1080p at 60 fps	720p at 30 fps	1080p at 30 fps, 720p at 30 fps
Field of View	90, 78 or 65 degrees	81.6 degrees	78 degrees	n/a	78 degrees
Mic	Dual omnidirectional	Omnidirectional	Dual omnidirectional	Dual	Stereo
Standout Features	5x HD zoom	Built-in ring light	Landscape and portrait modes supported	Windows Hello support	Excellent overall performance

Logitech BRIO

For a feature-packed experience.

If you want to go all out on a webcam, the Logitech BRIO can deliver. It’s capable of recording up to 4K at 30 fps, including 1080p at 60 fps. You can adjust its field of view to 65, 78 and 90 degrees, and regardless of the setting, you can take advantage of its 5x HD zoom in 4K. Owing to its RightLight 3 light correction and HDR technologies, you’ll come out clear in any lighting condition, even in a dim setting or in direct sunlight.

Audio is important in a webcam if you don’t want to fork over extra cash on a decent mic, and with the BRIO, you won’t have to. It has two omni-directional mics with noise canceling to reduce unwanted noise from being picked up. That way you’ll always sound loud and clear. As a cherry on top, it supports Windows Hello and is bundled with an attachable lens cover for privacy.

Thing is, it’s not cheap. If you won’t even use half the features it has, then there are more affordable alternatives around that can perform about as well as the BRIO, unless you’re really sold on 4K recording.

Razer Kiyo

For the gamer and streamer.

Whether you’re streaming, recording a video or taking a photo, good lighting is a must. The Razer Kiyo has a nifty solution for that: a built-in ring light. You can tweak its brightness levels too, so you can make adjustments until you hit that sweet spot. In terms of resolution, it can go up to 1080p at 30 fps, but if you want things to be smoother, it can also record in 720p at 60 fps. 

Don’t let its gaming aesthetic fool you either. While gamers can certainly get a lot out of it, anyone can benefit from its integrated ring light for everyday video calls or work meetings.

The Razer Kiyo also has a mic with an omnidirectional pickup pattern, but the audio quality leaves a lot to be desired. Who knows, maybe the company skimped on this since its target audience will usually have headphones or a dedicated mic already. A detachable cable would’ve been nice as well, but since it’ll stay perched on your monitor for most of its life, it probably won’t be much of an issue.

Logitech StreamCam

For the streamer and content creator.

As its name suggests, the Logitech StreamCam is made for streamers. But it’s made with content creators in mind too, capable of recording in 1080p at 60 fps, which is perfect for YouTube videos. In fact, it can shoot not only in landscape but also in portrait mode, the orientation of choice for TikTok.

In addition, it has a dual omnidirectional mic with a noise-reducing filter to pick up your voice with clarity. Logitech even throws in monitor and tripod mounts and three months of premium XSplit, and the StreamCam is also designed to play nicely with OBS and Streamlabs. Simply put, it has plenty of specific features made for streaming and creating content.

Mouse Computer Facial Recognition Camera

Best for Windows Hello, decent enough for video calls.

Logging into your Windows PC using Hello’s facial recognition isn’t readily available on every desktop. As mentioned, they don’t always come with the hardware for it (read: camera). But there are cheap and effective ways to add the feature to your computer, and that’s where the Mouse Computer Facial Recognition Camera comes into the picture.

For starters, it won’t break the bank, and it features a depth-sensing IR camera for 3D identification to prevent spoofing with photos. As if that weren’t enough, it even boasts one-second recognition. Multiple users are also supported, so everyone can log into their own accounts via Windows Hello on one computer.

Now it isn’t the best for video calls, much less steaming. It can only go up to 720p at 30 fps, which isn’t that bad for everyday video calls. If nothing else, it does what it does well, and that’s being a camera for facial recognition.

Logitech C920

For the best overall experience.

The Logitech C920 has been around for so long that it has had numerous successors that build on it, such as the C922 Pro Stream. But despite its age, the C920 is still one of the best webcams that provide a lot of value for your money.

To begin with, it can record in 1080p at 30 fps, which is decent for about any purpose, be it streaming or video calling. It also has a 78-degree field of view and a stereo mic, but you might be better off using your headset’s mic or a dedicated one.

Basically, it’s an excellent all-around performer that’s relatively affordable, but if it isn’t enough, there’s the aforementioned C922 Pro Stream that adds 720p recording at 60 fps.

Verdict

The Logitech BRIO stands out from the pack, but it costs a pretty penny.

Without a doubt, the Logitech BRIO is the pick of the litter here. It goes up to 4K and records in 1080p at 60 fps, and it features Windows Hello support, 5x HD zoom, multiple fields of view and auto light correction technologies. However, its price is a pretty huge setback.

On that note, the Razer Kiyo and Logitech StreamCam are more practical picks for gamers, streamers and content creators. Meanwhile, the Mouse Computer Facial Recognition Camera is one of the easiest ways to use Windows Hello on your desktop without making a dent on your budget. Last but not least, the C920 continues as one of the best overall webcams around in terms of price and performance.

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