As remote and hybrid work setups grow in popularity, professionals are looking to invest more in high-quality webcams. After all, no one wants to look like a blur in a Zoom or MS Teams meeting. Jabra, known for its wireless headsets, has been gaining traction with its video conferencing lineup. The Jabra PanaCast 20 is easily the most affordable in its catalog and is the first marketed for home use.
But for over $300, the webcam comes at a high price. This becomes especially apparent when affordable alternatives like the Logitech Brio are available. The Brio retails under $200 and boasts 4K video recording, just like the Jabra PanaCast 20. It’s compatible with several calling platforms and enjoys a lightweight design for portability. For professionals, which business webcam is better? Below, we compare the two devices to find out.
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Jabra PanaCast 20 vs Logitech Brio Webcam Comparison Chart
Design
Jabra’s PanaCast 20 has a more premium build than the Logitech Brio.
The Jabra PanaCast 20 and Logitech Brio are well-designed, professional-looking webcams. With the PanaCast 20, you get a pill-shaped device that boasts an all-black metal housing. This, and the ridged surface on top of the chassis, lends the camera a premium feel.
Jabra’s PanaCast 20 comes with a minimalist-looking monitor clip that flips down from the bottom of the device. Unlike the rest of the webcam’s body, it uses a rubber material for a better grip. The clip also features a screw hole for tripod mounting at its center. You’ll find two microphone pinholes on either side of the webcam’s lens. Meanwhile, a third mic sits on the top.
In contrast, the Logitech Brio has a distinct oval-shaped form that, while longer, is thinner when measured by depth. It features a glossy, flush glass front where the camera and facial recognition sensors are located. This contrasts nicely with the matte finish of the rigid plastic housing.
Near the lower corners of the Brio are the microphones. Like Jabra’s webcam, the mics are almost hidden from view in an all-black finish. However, the Brio’s mounting clip is different in that it’s removable. When taken out, you can affix the webcam to a tripod. The Brio’s privacy shutter is similarly detachable, whereas the PanaCast 20’s is built-in and uses a slide mechanism.
Camera
Logitech’s Brio webcam wins over the Jabra Panacast 20 when it comes to camera performance and image quality.
The Jabra PanaCast 20 and Logitech Brio are 4K webcams with 13MP cameras. You can downsize to 1080p or 720p, although the Brio offers more options in terms of FPS for either resolution. Logitech’s Brio also has the edge in the zoom department, with 5x digital zoom compared to the PanaCast 20’s 3x.
Jabra’s Direct software doesn’t allow you to record or stream. Few video call and conferencing platforms can also take advantage of the 4K resolution. In the case of the Logitech Brio, you can at least download the Logitech Capture app to create high-quality content. If you want to test the PanaCast 20’s 4K, you’ll need to use third-party software.
Where the PanaCast 20’s 4K excels is in adjustable field-of-view and Intelligent Zoom feature. This allows you to frame the subject or crop it up to 3x without losing image quality — all done automatically. You can also enable Picture-in-Picture mode to stream two-real time videos. Plus, an onboard AI assists in adjusting your image based on your environment’s lighting.
Logitech’s Brio also offers adjustable framing courtesy of its preset diagonal FOVs. Across these options, you still get 4K resolution even at 5x zoom. Similar to the PanaCast 20, the Brio also adjusts your image quality depending on lighting conditions but uses RightLight 3 and HDR.
Image Quality
In terms of image quality, the Logitech Brio has the edge over the Jabra PanaCast 20. Yes, the PanaCast 20 can produce sharp pictures, but it’s more dependent on lighting conditions than the Brio. This, despite the light optimization feature. Noise in image quality is also more prominent in darker environments, although you can say the same for the Brio.
With the 4K resolution, one thing you can’t complain about is detail. Both webcams capture color and texture reasonably well.
Audio
The Jabra PanaCast 20 wins when it comes to range, while the Logitech Brio has the edge in sound quality.
Jabra markets the PanaCast 20 as a video-conferencing webcam. As such, it’s equipped with three MEMS microphones. It’s not the cleanest of mics when capturing audio up close like when you’re working at your desk next to someone. Here, recordings tend to have distortions.
But in a room where people are more spread out, the webcam’s audio clarity is indisputable. Plus, it can consistently pick up sound as far as 2.5 meters away — ideal when you’re across the device in a meeting room.
In contrast, the Logitech Brio’s omnidirectional mics have a shorter 1.22-meter range. However, it makes up for this limitation with built-in noise canceling. While it’s far from beating a standalone headset, including Jabra’s own, the Brio’s sound quality is good. Audio comes out naturally, and background noise is largely minimized.
Click here to read our Elgato Facecam vs Logitech Brio comparison.
Software and Compatibility
The Logitech Brio offers more customizations and compatibility than the Jabra PanaCast 20.
The primary software for the Jabra PanaCast 20 is Jabra Direct. Available for both macOS and Windows, Jabra Direct is the same software used to tweak Jabra’s wireless headsets. For the PanaCast 20, however, it’s used to change picture settings, enable select features, or update the webcam’s firmware.
In addition, the webcam is compatible with Windows 8.1 or higher, as well as macOS 10.15 and later. It works with MS Teams, Zoom, and most leading UC platforms. You can even pair it with select audio peripherals from Jabra.
Meanwhile, the Logi Tune Desktop is the primary software for customizing the Logitech Brio. Unlike previous Logitech webcam programs, Logi Tune works as a mini app, allowing users to access webcam controls without obstructing the screen. Some settings you can play around with include color presets, zoom, and field of view.
Using its built-in optical and infrared sensors, the Brio supports facial recognition for Windows Hello. It’s a secure alternative to typing passwords on your Windows computer. The Brio is also certified for several programs, including MS Teams, Zoom, Skype for Business, and Cortana.
Verdict
Although the Jabra PanaCast 20 delivers solid image and sound quality, you’re getting similar, if not, better performance from the Logitech Brio for $100 less.
The Jabra PanaCast 20 brings a slew of capabilities for reliable one-on-one video calls and large, conference-style meetings. Staple webcam features like light optimization and an intelligent zoom ensure you look your best online. Its microphone range is also one of the best in its class.
However, the PanaCast 20 isn’t perfect. Image and audio quality could be better, especially considering its price. You’ll find webcams on par with it — and even better in performance — for less. The Logitech Brio is one of them.
While the Brio doesn’t sport a premium metal housing like the PanaCast 20, the picture quality it delivers more than makes up for the build. It enjoys expansive software and platform compatibility and costs $100 less than Jabra’s offering.
FAQs
The Logitech Brio comes with a glass lens.
Jabra’s PanaCast 20 supports USB 3.0 and USB 2.0.
Yes. Each purchase of the Jabra PanaCast 20 includes a carry case.
Logitech’s Brio comes with a three-year warranty.