Razer Kiyo vs Logitech C920 (2021): Which Webcam Is The Better Match For You?

One of the best things you can get for yourself during this quarantine period is a quality webcam. Because if you’ve been using your laptop’s dodgy built-in camera for your Zoom sessions all this time, you’d know that it only makes things more stressful. Two webcams that can make your work-from-home life a lot easier are the Razer Kiyo and the Logitech C920. Both are able to deliver great image quality among other things and so you don’t have to be the blurry one during your online meetings anymore. To help you decide between these two webcam models, here’s an in-depth comparison, taking their design, picture and audio quality, and software into consideration.

Razer Kiyo vs Logitech C920 Comparison Chart

Design

The Razer Kiyo boasts of an ingenious design while the Logitech C920 sticks to the basics.

The Razer Kiyo is probably the strangest webcam you’ll ever see but despite its odd appearance, its design is actually pretty neat. So what’s so unusual about it? For starters, its camera lens is surrounded by a giant LED ring light. Because of this unique feature, you can probably spot it from a mile away. But even though it’s not the most discreet device, the right light is a welcome addition because it conceals your eye bags and makes you look like you had 8 glorious hours of sleep the night before.

While the ring light does add some bulkiness, the Razer Kiyo is actually quite portable, thanks to its folding design. Just close it up and you can easily bring it along with you if you need to change locations. Another commendable thing about its design is its sturdy mounting hardware, comparable to that of Logitech (this is a big compliment because Logitech is known to make some of the best webcam clips in the business). The Razer Kiyo’s clip takes the form of an L-shape joint, able to grip onto the front of your computer and press against the back of it. This way, there won’t be any wobbling during your video calls. The only design flaw to take note of is the cable. It’s quite short at 4.9 feet and it’s undetachable.

As for the Logitech C920, it looks just like any other webcam in the market. While it doesn’t have any remarkable design features like the Razer Kiyo, it’s definitely dependable. As expected from Logitech, its mounting hardware is solid, made up of a two-part arm that grips onto the back of your monitor as well as a rubber foot that further secures everything into place. To boot, the Logitech C920 comes with a 6-foot cable, giving you more than enough length to work with.

Picture and Audio Quality

Both the Razer Kiyo and the Logitech C920 impress with great image quality.

The Razer Kiyo is able to take images that are clear and vibrant, thanks to its 4-megapixel, 2688 x 1520 camera. It’s even able to capture the smaller details such as items in the background as well as the texture of your hair and clothes, most especially when you’re in a bright environment. If, however, you’re down in the basement where not a lot of light comes through, you don’t have to worry because that’s what the built-in ring light is for. Just turn it on and it’ll seem as if you’re basking in sunshine (it’s designed with a 5600K daylight-balanced color temperature so it’s pretty close to natural light). Also, you can always adjust the brightness level according to your preference.

The Logitech C920 isn’t backing down when it comes to image quality. Equipped with a five-element, full HD glass lens, it’s able to produce pictures that boast of vivid colors and impressive detail. Also, it has premium focus so you can be sure that you’re always razor-sharp even as you move within the frame. While the Logitech C920 doesn’t come with a ring light, its performance in dim lighting conditions will leave you amazed, thanks to its automatic HD light correcting feature. Able to adjust to its environment, you can expect the Logitech C920 to take bright, contrasted images even when the lighting isn’t ideal.

When it comes to audio quality, neither are the best in the business. That said, the Logitech C920 is definitely better at picking up sounds. With the Razer Kiyo, you probably need to get the help of your headphones if you want your voice to sound clear during your video calls.

Software

The Razer Kiyo has no software while the Logitech C920 can be used with Logitech’s Webcam Software for Windows.

According to Razer, they’ve designed the Kiyo to be a plug-and-play device, explaining its lack of a software. Basically, you can start using it immediately without having to make any configurations. They’ve even equipped the actual device with a rotating bezel so that you can adjust the brightness of the ring light sans the need to dig into software settings. While this is convenient and all, some users might find it useful to have access to a software that gives them more control over the webcam.

As for the Logitech C920, you can use it with Logitech’s Webcam Software for Windows (nope, it’s not compatible with any other operating system). Through the software, you can make plenty of adjustments to your webcam such as white balance, color saturation, and brightness. You can also control certain actions with it such as panning left and right and zooming in and out. If things are always going missing on your desk, you can even turn the Logitech C920 into a security cam by activating the software’s motion detection feature.

Verdict

The Razer Kiyo is the impressive choice while the Logitech C920 is the dependable, cost-effective option.

If you want to look like a million bucks during your online meetings, the  Razer Kiyo is the webcam of your dreams. With its built-in ring light, you get to enjoy studio-like lighting without having to actually invest in professional equipment. To boot, the Razer Kiyo is able to take sharp and colorful images and videos that are sure to impress. You should, however, be aware of its lackluster audio quality and lack of a software.

But if you don’t care so much for a ring light and just want a reliable webcam, it’s better to go with the Logitech C920. Its specs are top-notch, equipped with a full HD glass lens, automatic HD light correction, and premium focus. There’s really nothing else you can ask of a webcam. Plus points too that the Logitech C920 is a cost-effective option, allowing you to save around $20 versus if you were to purchase the Razer Kiyo.

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