8 Best Cheap Webcams in 2024

In the world of online video communication, finding an affordable yet reliable webcam is crucial for virtual meetings, video chats, and content creation. A good cheap webcam can offer decent video quality without you having to break the bank.

In this article, we'll explore some of the best inexpensive webcams with their pros and cons. Whether you're a student attending virtual classes or a professional working from home, an inexpensive webcam can enhance your online presence without any need to sacrifice quality. Let's explore some budget-friendly options together and discover which affordable webcam suits your needs best.

Part 1: How to Choose the Best Cheap Webcam?

When choosing a low-cost webcam you have to consider several factors that are most important to you. In order to help you in making the decision, let's explore some of the factors you should consider below:

1. Resolution

Resolution is crucial when picking a budget webcam. It determines the number of pixels in the image which impacts the sharpness and the entire quality of the picture. A standard camera has 1080p, but spending a bit more can get you a camera with 4k resolution which enhances picture quality. Choose a webcam with a resolution that suits your visual needs.

2. Field of views

When picking a budget webcam, consider the field of view – this decides how much of the space you can capture. For a regular laptop or desktop videoconferencing, an FOV of 75-90 degrees should work well. But, If you want to do a recording of multiple people or a presentation using visual aids like a whiteboard, then a webcam with a wider field of view of more than 90 degrees is the best option.

3. Autofocus, auto white balance, and low light correction

Most webcam images look pretty good in a setup with professional lighting, a thoughtfully framed and curated set, and some manual software fine-tuning. But if you don't have the space, time, and patience to do all these, then it's best to look for an out-of-the-box cheap, and good webcam that can work well to produce good-looking images without the need for manual effort.

4. Microphone

A top cheap webcam will typically have just one microphone, which is fine for plenty of situations. However, if you work in a very noisy environment, you'll have to invest in a webcam with two or more microphones, as well as software that can help isolate your voice from the sounds all around you.

5. Privacy cover

Privacy cover is a small flap or slider on a webcam that physically blocks the camera lens when not in use. Privacy is a real concern and it's best to use a cheap laptop webcam with a privacy cover not just because of malicious hackers but to prevent unauthorized viewing. So, when selecting an affordable webcam, ensure it includes a reliable privacy cover.

6. Cost

When choosing a budget webcam, consider costs beyond the initial purchase. Evaluate factors like shipping fees, potential additional software costs, and any required accessories. Ensure the overall expense aligns with your budget and provides a complete picture of what you'll spend to have a fully functional webcam setup without sacrificing quality.

Part 2: 8 Best Cheap Webcams You Can Try

Here we've made a list of eight budget-friendly webcams along with their specifications, pros, and cons to help you make a choice. So read on to discover the perfect option for you:

Cheap 4K Webcams

1. OBSBOT Meet 2

OBSBOT Meet 2 webcam – the first on the list and our best cheap webcam, it allows you to produce top-notch visuals without any tech fuss such as lagging and distortion. Combining affordability with top-tier features, such as advanced 4K imaging, Auto frame, dual-omnidirectional microphones, fast auto focus, and multiple shooting modes, OBSBOT Meet 2 redefines value in the world of webcams. 

Specification

• Resolution/Frame rate: 4K@30fps / 1080P@60fps
• FOV: 79.4°
• Microphone: Built-in dual omnidirectional mics with noise reduction
• Focus: AF/MF

Pros

• 1/2'' CMOS for 4K sharper video quality
• AI auto frame
• Built-in dual omnidirectional microphones
• Faster and precise focusing with PDAF
• Best low-light performance
• Compact and easy to use

Cons:

• The webcam works better in Windows® 10 or later and macOS 11 or later.

2. Logitech Brio

The Logitech Brio webcam is a top-notch 5-star gem that has excellent video quality. With its impressive 4K camera, it delivers crystal-clear images at 2160p/30 fps. Beyond that, it has features like face-tracking, High Dynamic Range, and auto light correction which ensure you always look your best, regardless of the lighting conditions. This premium webcam offers 5x HD zoom, and three fields of view (65, 78, and 90 degrees), and the Logitech Capture software lets you personalize your content with text – you can even pick the font styles and background colors. It's a standout choice for exceptional video experiences.

Specification

• Resolution: 2160p at 30 FPS (frames per second), 1080p at 30 FPS or 60 FPS, 720p at 30, 60, or 90 FPS
• Field of View: 90, 78, and 60 degrees
• Lens: Glass
• Microphone: omnidirectional
• Focus Type: Autofocus

Pros

• Supports up to 90 FPS at lower resolution
• Supports 4K resolution
• Has a robust autofocus and a wider field of view
• Dual-omnidirectional mics give great stereo sound coverage
• 1080p/30fps video recording
• Improved auto-light correction

Cons

● A little on the expensive side

3. Anker C310

The AnkerWork C310 Webcam is a top-notch choice for clear and vibrant online meetings and livestreams. With its impressive 12-megapixel 4K display, it captures every detail with lifelike precision. Thanks to its USB 3.0 technology, you can also enjoy smooth 1080p@60FPS transmission without any lag or distortion. It has an easily adjustable field of view from 60 to 95 degrees. Additionally, you might wonder what truly sets it apart, it has AI-powered features like autofocus, framing, and dual-microphone noise canceling for optimal sound and display. Plus, the built-in privacy cover ensures that no one can spy on you after use.

Specification

• Resolution/frame rate: 4k/30fps
• FOV: 65°, 78°, 95°
• Lens: zoom
• Focus: Autofocus

Pros

• It offers crisp and clear video quality with its 4k video resolution
• Easy to set up and use, requiring minimal installation effort
• Comes with a built-in microphone for convenient audio capture

Cons

• It struggles in low-light conditions
• It doesn't come with built-in privacy covers

4. Dell WB7022

The Dell WB7022 is one of the best cheap 4K webcams you can buy. It offers a lot of premium features on top of being 4K at 30fps, like HDR support and even AI-powered auto framing. As expected, this webcam support for 4K recording gives its videos and pictures wild impressive detail over your standard 1080p webcam. Its 90-degree field of view can easily capture your entire room, which makes it easier to accommodate several people in the frame. The WB7022 works well in poorly lit or overexposed rooms. In addition to its excellent capturing resolution, this webcam supports HDR capturing. This means that viewers who have an HDR-compatible screen will be able to enjoy richer, vibrant, and vivid colors.

Specification

• Resolution/Frame Rate: 4K/30fps; 1080p/60fps
• Focus: Autofocus
• Field of view: 90 degree

Pros

• Resolution/Frame rate: 4K/30fpsSuperb image quality
• Supports HDR recording
• Easy-to-use software

Cons

• Gets hot easily

1080P Cheap Webcams

1. Razer Kiyo Pro

When it comes to the best webcam for live streaming, the Razer Kiyo Pro is the preferred choice. It provides professional and high-definition quality for live streaming and video calls. It even has a light ring that you can use to adjust to your preferred brightness. Also, it has a video resolution of 1080p at 30fps and 720p at 60fps, which allows it to capture your best moments effortlessly.

Specification

• Resolution/frame rate: 1080p/30fps
• Field of view: 80°, 90° and 103°
• Microphones: omnidirectional
• Focus: Autofocus

Pros

• Light sensor/ low light capabilities
• HDR settings
• Buttery smooth 1080p @ 60 fps recording
• Three different FOVs
• Heavily customizable through software

Cons

• Some features are locked behind obtuse software

2. Logitech C920s Pro

Logitech C920s is one of the best low-cost webcams with cool features like 1080p resolution and a glass lens to make for sharp and clear videos. It has smooth 30 fps recording and a wide 78-degree view which enables it to produce videos with good quality. It's perfect for Zoom calls with friends or work meetings. It's simple, affordable, and provides most of the features that matter most in a webcam.

Specification

• Resolution: 1080p at 30fps
• Fields of View: 78 degrees
• Lens: Glass
• Focus Type: Autofocus

Pros

• Full HD 1080p
• Auto-focus
• Incorporated privacy shutter

Cons

• Limited frame rate
• Non-adjustable field of view

3. Microsoft LifeCam Studio

Another good office-grade webcam is Microsoft's LifeCam Studio. It doesn't look very sleek but it comes with a lot of functionality that you’ll find more than useful in work calls. It offers a wide field of view which is perfect if you need to make a physical demonstration during a presentation or refer to something in the background of your frame. The ability to rotate it up to 360 degrees can be very helpful for making custom setups on the fly.

Specification

• Resolution/Frame rate: 1080p at 30fps (recording), 720p at 30fps live video
• Field of view: 75 degrees
• Focus: Autofocus
• Microphone: Dual omnidirectional

Pros

• Has fantastic video quality
• Offers full rotation
• Has a wide band microphone for cleaner sound quality

Cons

• Requires powerful OS

4. AVerMedia Live Streamer PW310P

AVerMedia has made a name for itself when it comes to delivering great products designed with gamers in mind. The AVerMedia Live Streamer PW310P is a genuinely good budget webcam when it comes to live streaming, equipped with its array of useful features. It has a streaming quality of 1080p at 30fps, the Live Streamer PW310P features a 360 swivel that lets you reposition the camera, or you can use it as a dedicated microphone for audio calls. It also features strong configuration options through AVerMedia's CamEngine software, letting you create the best picture possible.

Specification

• Resolution: 1080P/30fps
• Field of view: 65 degrees
• Lens: Fixed focus lens
• Microphone: Dual omnidirectional microphones
• Focus: Fixed focus

Pros

• Detailed background capture
• Swivels 360 degrees
• Decent microphone
• Autofocus keeps you looking sharp as you move about
• Built-in privacy shutter

Cons

• As expensive as better alternatives
• CamEngine requires certain specs to function

Part 3: FAQs about Cheap Webcam

1. Is a webcam better than a laptop camera?

Yes, a webcam is usually better than a laptop camera. Webcams often provide higher resolution and better image quality for video calls or recording.

2. Can I use my iPhone as a webcam?

Yes, you can use your iPhone as a webcam. Download a webcam app, connect it to your computer, and enjoy better video quality for online meetings or streaming.

3. Are cheap webcams safe?

Cheap webcams can be relatively safe if you follow these security steps. Use strong passwords, use privacy cover, update firmware, and avoid suspicious links. Being cautious helps protect your privacy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when you're searching for a good budget webcam, it's best to prioritize key factors like video resolution, FOV, microphone, and others. After thorough research, we've made a list of our top picks for the best cheap webcams above with 4k and 1080p resolution. These options offer a balance of performance and affordability, making them ideal for online meetings, video calls, and content creation without breaking the bank.