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Your Position: Home - Consumer Electronics - What webcam do top streamers use?

What webcam do top streamers use?

Top 5 Best Live Streaming Webcams/Cameras for Twitch

Max Wales

Feb 19, 2024• Proven solutions

If you are trying to make it in the world of Twitch live streaming, then you need the best equipment. 

A new webcam should be high on your priority list. However, with a lot of different options flooding the market, it can be quite difficult to find the best webcam for live streaming. 

To cut through the noise, we have narrowed it down to the 5 best webcams for Twitch.

We’ll be sure to highlight all their major pros and cons, as well as all the other important information you’ll need to know before making your final decision. Read on to discover the best webcams for Twitch.

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Top 5 best webcams for Twitch Livestreaming

  • The Top Webcam for Twitch Streaming: Logitech C920
  • The Best Premium Webcam for Twitch Streaming: Logitech C922
  • The Best New Webcam for Twitch Livestreaming: Razer Kiyo
  • The Best Cheap Webcam for Twitch Livestreaming: Microsoft LifeCam Cinema
  • The Best High-Quality Webcam for Twitch Livestreaming: Logitech 4K Pro

1.

The Top Webcam for Twitch Streaming: Logitech C920

The Logitech C920 is considered by most Twitch streamers to be the best all-around cameras for streaming. It is cost-effective, very reliable, and offers the best image quality for its price range. Although the C920 doesn’t have a few of the add-ons the C922 has, you can be confident that you’re still getting a fantastic camera. It excels at all the basic requirements, with impressive video quality at 1080p.

While there are a lot of other webcams that can stream 1080p HD videos, most can only stream in 1080p at the cost of a lowered frame rate. The footage they produce will be high-resolution, but the video will appear sluggish. What really sets Logitech’s C920 apart is its ability to stream 1080p video with a framerate of 30 FPS with no framerate reduction.

If you are looking for the best bang for your buck, the C920 is the one for you.

Pros:

  • Dependable video quality in 180p, to rival more expensive webcams
  • Long cord
  • Built-in hardware compression to maintain stream quality

Cons:

  • Doesn’t have the add-ons of the C922
  • Audio is occasionally muffled

2.

The Best Premium Webcam for Twitch Streaming: Logitech C922

The Logitech C922 is the gaming-focused successor to the C920. It has all the features of the C920 with a bit extra. The C922 can stream at 60 FPS in 720p; and has a noticeable upgrade in image quality in low-lighting. This can be especially useful if you are streaming without a lighting set-up. The C922 also has a background replacement feature which you might have seen being used by some of your favorite Twitch streamers.

However, the background removal feature is software powered and the higher processor load can lead to lag.

Pros:

  • Fantastic video quality with 60 FPS at 720p and 30 FPS at 1080
  • Excellent low-light self-correction
  • Background replacement feature designed for live streaming games

Cons:

  • Background replacement can lead to performance issues
  • Limited audio quality compared to external mics
  • Cost

You may also like: How to Record Twitch Stream

3.

The Best New Webcam for Twitch Livestreaming: Razer Kiyo

If you are new to Twitch live streaming you might not have an elaborate lighting setup like some of the more popular streamers. As a lot of streamers know, adding even minor lighting to your streams can make so much difference. That’s where the brand-new Razer Kiyo comes in. The Kiyo has a modern aesthetic, with twelve white LED lights in a ring formation around the lens

The lights are adjustable with 12 different brightness settings. Razer consulted Twitch streamers in developing this camera, so it’s one of the few on the market designed specifically for you.

The Kiyo is in the same price bracket as the C922, and like the C922 it gives you 60 FPS at 720p and 30 FPS at 1080p. However, compared to the mics on the Logitech C920 and C922, the Kiyo has shown to underperform.

We have reviewed the Razer Kiyo webcam in details, you can check Razer Kiyo webcam review.

Pros:

  • Built for Twitch streamers
  • Forward-thinking LED lighting
  • Excellent image quality at 720p and 1080p

Cons:

  • Native mic audio quality is not as high as comparable cams
  • Cost

4.

The Best Cheap Webcam for Twitch Livestreaming: Microsoft LifeCam Cinema

If you are looking for a more budget-friendly webcam, then the Microsoft LifeCam Cinema is for you.  It has a maximum resolution of 720p, with HD video up to 30 FPS. It sits on a 360-degree swivel mount and the TrueColor Technology automatically boosts the image quality of the broadcast.

Like the Kiyo, the LifeCam’s mic underperforms compared to some of the other webcams, sometimes allowing background noise through that other mics would cancel. While its video and audio quality are surpassed by other webcams, its low-price makes it a good option for novice streamers.

Pros:

  • Cost
  • A 360-degree swivel for multiple angles

Cons:

  • The auto-focus feature can be slow to adjust
  • Native mic audio quality is not as high as comparable cams

5.

The Best High-Quality Webcam for Twitch Livestreaming: Logitech 4K Pro

The Logitech 4K Pro is the world’s first 4K webcam. Logitech has upped its game with this webcam, allowing streamers to produce professional-quality videos. The 4K Pro is packed with additional features. Including infrared facial recognition, 5x digital zoom, 90-degree field of vision, and RightLight with HDR for recording in low-light environments.

Unfortunately, the webcam’s clip is a step down from those on the C920 and the C922, and it doesn't hold the camera tight against the display. Although, if you can put up with that then the 4K Pro takes the best shots you’ll find right now, if you have the software to support 4K.

Pros:

  • Beautiful 4K images
  • Works well in low-light
  • Great sound quality
  • 90-degree field of vision

Cons:

  • The clip doesn’t hold tight against displays
  • Cost

We have reviewed the Logitech 4K Pro Webcam in details, you can check the Logitech 4K Pro webcam complete review.

The overriding sentiment seems to be if in doubt choose Logitech! The Logitech C920 remains a firm fan-favorite for Twitch streamers, but the C922 is an impressive upgrade. With some Twitch streamers now making upwards of $5000 a month, you might want to be investing in a serious piece of kit. 

In that case, go for the Logitech 4K Pro. It might have an annoying clip but there is just nothing else like it on the market now. At the other end of the scale, the Microsoft LifeCam is always a good choice and the Razer Kiyo is one to keep your eyes on!

Read More to Get: best free webcam video recording software

Best Software for Webcam Video Recording: Wondershare Filmora

Many people want to record webcam videos for streaming, gameplay, tutorial and more, then Filmora Screen Recorder will be the best choice to opt. It comes with powerful recording features that help you capture webcam, screen and audio at the same time. Moreover, the software also has a power video edtior with thousands editing tools and templates to bring you a fantastic video with ease. 

Just download the free trial version to empower your imagination today. Or learn more from Wondershare Video Community.

Max Wales

Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.

The best webcams can be a versatile tool for your streaming setup, and might help you come across better in a video meeting. If you're trying to grow a following on Twitch, a webcam will help you interact in an authentic way with your audience and will let your personality shine through. For those reasons, we've pulled together a list of the best webcams on the market for content creators and remote workers alike.

Alongside resolution, it's worth keeping an eye on a webcam's framerate, too. Most streaming platforms broadcast in 60fps, so having a camera that matches that, and your gameplay via one of the best capture cards, will definitely be of use. However, more budget-friendly options will be able to pick up 30fps which will still appear smooth and shouldn't create too many sync issues when it comes to video editing.

If you're looking for a webcam because you're serious about a streaming setup then you'll want a camera that records at 1080p. You could also go for even smoother 4K quality, but those might be better for full-time content creators since they tend to be the most expensive. For basic video conferencing without breaking the bank, 720p might do the trick, although 1080p isn't too much more expensive now, in all honesty. Depending on your creative vision, the best webcams might be a vital streaming for gamers tool. There are plenty of folks who manage to have successful streaming careers without one, but it certainly gives your audience something to cling on to.

If you aren't looking to become the next Twitch star, this guide will still be of use to you. Coming through blurry or jittery in a video meeting certainly isn't ideal, and the best webcams on the list below will ensure that's a thing of the past for you.

Best webcams available in 2023

Why you can trust GamesRadar+ Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.

(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)

(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)

(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)

(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)

(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)

1. Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra

The best webcam for streamers and content creators

Our expert review:

Specifications

Resolution:

4K, 1440p, 1080P / HDR, 30fps, 60fps

Microphone:

Omnidirectional

FOV:

Max 82 degrees

Connectivity:

USB-C to USB 3.0

Mounting:

L-shape / Tripod fixture

View at RazerCheck Amazon

Reasons to buy

+

Great software and features

+

Excellent 4K footage

+

Low light performance

+

Privacy features

Reasons to avoid

-

Expensive

-

A few (minor) software annoyances

If you're at all familiar with that camera's design, the Kiyo Pro Ultra will be virtually indistinguishable from it. It has the same chunky build quality and rock-solid stand but now houses the biggest sensor ever placed inside a webcam. It also has a lens cover and internal shutter, giving you some simple privacy and protection options.

Sequels are so hard to get right these days. Particularly when one comes out hot on the heels of something as good as the Razer Kiyo Pro, which we deemed the best webcam on the market. The Kiyo Pro Ultra had a lot to live up to, and if you take things back even further to the original Kiyo, Razer might as well have a trilogy of films to cap off here. Other than a seriously steep price of admission to the tune of $300 / £300, this has smashed box office records, instantly become the best film in the series, and left all genre competitors in its wake.

There's no way around it - the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra takes some stunning footage, and can capture 4K in 30fps, or lesser resolutions in up to 60fps. Even without a ring light to help you, the images are so well-balanced. It's almost as though the Kiyo Pro Ultra performs better in low-light scenarios than in the daytime when there was plenty of light in the room. This is excellent for streamers who rely on RGB lighting in a dark room. Razer's Synapse software helps to keep things under control, and you can use it to fine-tune basically any aspect of the webcam you need to.

This is a webcam for content creators that will roll a DSLR camera and face-cam into one package. As a result, you'd be hard-pressed to find a pricier webcam, and unless you really need 4K capabilities, it isn't necessary to spend this much. That said, I don't think there's a better webcam on the market if your budget can stretch this far.

(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)

(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)

(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)

(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)

The best 4K webcam for remote workers

Our expert review:

Specifications

Resolution:

4K, 1080p, 720p, 24, 25, 30, 50, 60fps

Microphone:

Dual noise-cancelling microphones

FOV:

DFOV 79.5, HFOV 67

Connectivity:

USB-C to USB 3.0

Mounting:

1/4" mounting point for tripod mounting and a built-in clip for computer screen mounting

View at Amazon

Reasons to buy

+

Packed with great features

+

Excellent image quality

+

Adorable design

+

Great tracking

Reasons to avoid

-

A few software limitations

-

Pricey

The Insta360 Link is the epitome of the Scottish phrase "great gear comes in sma' bulk." Which, hopefully, translates pretty easily to "good things come in small packages." For such a small camera, it packs a lot of power and a myriad of features inside it. As well as being an adorable little companion that genuinely resembles a small digital pet, it's easily one of the top webcams you can get at the moment. 

I find it really hard not to humanize this webcam's design, in all honesty. As soon as it sparks to life, it resembles a tiny WALL-E, with all the animated expression a single tiny eye can give it. It's so weirdly adorable, and its impressive movement pace exudes a feeling of excitement that's hard to come by from technology these days.

It's not all looks though, the Insta360 Link is packed with great-performing features for content creators and remote workers. AI facial tracking, 4K resolution, whiteboard mode (for presenting during video calls), and clever gesture controls are just the tip of the iceberg here, and more versatile uses even include things like DeskView.

Of all the webcams with AI facial tracking I've seen, the Insta360 Link is the best, and most natural. So much of the time, this feature in webcams is really distracting, and often obtrusive. If it isn't tracking the subject's every slight movement, it's probably accompanied by a hilarious zoom that, every time I see, makes me feel like I've been pulled into one of Oblivion's NPC interactions. 

Admittedly, this is one of the pricier webcams you can go for, and most people don't need this many features. If you can afford it though, this is a super versatile webcam that won't let you down.

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Razer)

(Image credit: Razer)

If you want something that goes above and beyond the call of duty (particularly for streaming), the Razer Kiyo Pro has you covered. It's expensive, but that high price tag nets you equally high quality.

Where most webcams struggle with low-light environments of the kind you'd find in a streaming setup, the Kiyo excels. Its sensors nail the landing in almost any scenario, be it darkened rooms lit only by your monitor or bright offices awash with overexposure. It's noticeably better than the competition in that regard. 

It's worth the price of admission if you're a streamer or influencer. It's one of the best premium webcams you can get your hands on right now

Razer Kiyo Pro review

In our testing, we were initially let down by the Razer Kiyo Pro's lack of built-in ring light as we had with the original model, however, our fears were quickly put aside when the performance was taken into account. This webcam features a stellar low light sensor which made for impressive results even in darkened and dimly lit rooms illuminated by nothing more than a monitor's glow.

Razer started the year with a bang, announcing the Kiyo Pro Ultra, a 4K update to this popular webcam. We're currently sourcing one to review, and once we do, we'll be sure to update this page. If anything, this camera might be more prone to a price drop now, making it even better value than before.

(Image credit: Logitech)

(Image credit: Logitech)

4. Logitech C270

The best budget webcam

Average Amazon review:

Specifications

Resolution:

720p / 30fps

Microphone:

Mono

Field of view:

60°

Connectivity:

USB

Mounting:

Clip

View at WalmartView at AmazonView at Sweetwater Sound

Reasons to buy

+

Great value

+

Good-quality pictures

+

Trusted Logitech standard

Reasons to avoid

-

It's not Full HD 

Anyone looking for an entry-level best webcam option that won't break the bank should check out the Logitech C270. This dinky little webcam will only set you back around $30 / £30, and takes up very little real estate on a monitor or laptop screen, especially with its handy and adjustable clip on the rear. That price comes with a few limitations though - namely resolution. This is a 720p HD webcam with 30fps max framerate, so not quite the right quality if you're looking to get into game streaming or YouTube video creation. 

But, for remote working and online meetings, this is a great option. The image isn't always perfectly sharp and struggles in some lighting situations, but the Logitech camera software is great for making adjustments to the picture quality. You can tweak the exposure, white balance, brightness, and even zoom in or adjust the framing to make the most of your positioning. There's an option to have the focus follow your face too if you're particularly animated. It works with some success, but the fixed option definitely delivers the best results. 

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: OBSBOT)

The OBSBOT 4K Tiny is one of the best webcams for your money - though, with its $269 / £269 MSRP, this model is far from the cheapest camera you can have atop your monitor. That premium price tag is justified through the gesture-based A.I. motion tracking, which we found in our testing to work incredibly well. Not only can you be captured in full view when sitting at your desk, but the OBSBOT 4K Tiny can also move around, and zoom out, to fit you in the frame at all times, too. 

Now, all the motion tracking wizardry in the world would be for naught if the OBSBOT 4K Tiny didn't capture you in a respectable way. Fortunately, the 2160p maximum resolution sensor, complete with HDR and auto white balancing, looks exceptional and is easily on par with some of the higher-end offerings in our roundup. We're fans of the bright and crisp color reproduction even in motion against harsh natural, and artificial light, too. So, if you value quality imagery, and if you want to be kept in shot no matter how much you move around, then this webcam could be perfect for you. 

The OBSBOT Tiny 4K is certainly worthy of a place in your setup for everything from video calls to live streaming

OBSBOT Tiny 4K review

You can make many adjustments through your desired video editing/streaming software, though, the OBSBOT 4K Tiny does come with its own software bundled in. The program is fairly basic but it does get the job done, including options for HDR toggles, and physical joystick like-movements of the lens itself. Keep in mind, however, that the OBSBOT 4K Tiny is limited to 2160p @ 30 FPS, so if you want smooth 60 FPS then you'll need to knock things down to Full HD. 

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Logitech)

The Logitech StreamCam is aimed squarely at the amateur streaming market. More specifically, it's focusing on members within that market running high-quality machines that can really push this device to its limits. 

With footage captured at up to 1080p resolution at 60fps, you're getting particularly impressive video quality here, all running silky smooth and taking advantage of additional software features like backlight correction, center framing, and image stabilization. 

There's no denying that the Logitech StreamCam produces an excellent video quality, on par with far more expensive devices

Logitech StreamCam review

You may need to fiddle with a few of these settings to get everything working just right for you, dropping down the framerate to allow the center framing to react quickly, for example, but if your PC can withstand the considerable power draw this webcam requires, this is an amazing piece of kit. 

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Avermedia)

(Image credit: AverMedia)

At $120 / £110, the AverMedia PW315 webcam has certainly strayed away from the budget space. However, with 1080p streams at 60fps on offer, it's certainly found an excellent price point here. We usually see this kind of video quality on webcams ranging from $140 to $200, and while there are a few slip-ups that keep this cost down, there's plenty of value here for those looking for more professional Zoom call quality or starting out in streaming. 

In natural lighting, video quality feels effortlessly clear. With excellent quality and snappy framerates, you're certainly getting a premium experience when it comes to everyday use. However, this camera does struggle a little in lower lighting, and that may pose a problem considering this device does fall into a blurred line between premium and mid-range.  

there's plenty on offer here to entice the mid-range streamer or the professional looking to smarten up their conference calls

AverMedia PW315 review

AI features are also baked into the device's Cam Engine software. On paper these allow your camera to track you within the frame and ensure you're always on screen while you move in front of it. You do need some considerable power to achieve a smooth effect with this, though, and in most of our tests it came out a little too slow. 

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Trust)

8. Trust Teza 4K

The best budget 4K webcam

Specifications

Resolution:

4K (3840 x 2160) 30fps

Microphone:

Dual omni-directional

Connection:

USB 2.0

Field of view:

74°

Mounting:

L-shaped clip / tripod

View at Amazon

Reasons to buy

+

Quick autofocus 

+

Wide field of view 

+

Sharp 2160p picture

Reasons to avoid

-

Microphone quality is average

The Teza 4K Ultra HD webcam is one of the best webcams on the market for anyone looking for an affordable 2160p solution. In our testing, we've found that this unit offers a bright and sharp image for both streaming and video conferencing, with a wide field of view and decent white balance options. 

With an MSRP of $139.99 / £119.99, the Teza 4K Ultra HD webcam is aggressively priced for its feature set being substantially cheaper than many other 2160p webcams. The only real drawback for the Teza 4K Ultra HD webcam comes in the form of built-in microphones. While certainly respectable for being heard in a video chat, they are no replacement for a dedicated microphone or headset. 

We've been using the Trust Teza 4K Ultra HD webcam as part of our setup for many months now with great results across the board. The picture quality is perhaps best demonstrated when streaming or recording footage through dedicated software, such as OBS or PowerDirector, however, we're always well lit and in focus when taking video conference calls, too. 

Best webcam 2023: FAQs

What webcam is best for streaming?

In our eyes, the best webcam for streaming is the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra. It has excellent picture quality, an HDR mode, works great in low lighting, and can record in 4K. Through great software, you have ultimate control over the Ultra's every element, and for streamers and content creators, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better option. Unfortunately, with great power comes a high price, so keep this in mind. A more affordable mid-range option for streaming is the AverMedia PW315. It'll give you great picture quality for a little less money.

Is it worth getting a webcam?

At a time where many of us are still working from home or doing flexible hours in the office, a good webcam can help you to be seen in your best light. Should you be considering starting a Twitch or YouTube streaming channel, though, then a decent webcam should be strongly considered in order to stand out on the platform and bring out the best of your personality in your content. 

Which brand makes the best webcams?

While there are many different brands making some of the best webcams, we've found that Razer, Logitech, Avermedia, and Trust are the most reliable names on the market right now. No one wants to spend money on a new camera only to be disappointed by poor visuals or a lacking lifespan. In our testing, these are the models worth your time and attention. 

What is the best webcam for work from home?

We'd argue that if you're just looking for one of the best webcams for video conferencing and working from home, you don't need to splash out quite as much on something which is geared at content creators. In our opinion, you'd be quite safe with something like the Logitech C270. It only records in 720p, but also won't break the bank.

What is a good webcam video quality?

If you're looking for a webcam for some basic video conferencing, 720p webcams should be all you really need. For any budding streamers or content creators, you'll definitely see the benefit of getting a 1080p webcam that can record at 30-60fps. The extra clarity, combined with the stability of a decent framerate will match up with any gameplay recording you're doing at the same time, and will most likely match the streaming service you're broadcasting on. There are also 4K webcams, but these are usually the most expensive option.

Is a webcam better than a laptop / portrait phone camera?

While laptops and smartphones have continued to get sharper sensors and smarter technology behind smaller cameras, a dedicated webcam, in most cases, will look better. There's also the question of convenience, however, as you can attach a webcam to the top of your monitor, or set up in bespoke fashion on a desk without having to worry about battery lives of either your laptop or phone. Dedicated webcams tend to offer more controls, too, such as wider field of view, adaptive auto focus, and superior microphone sound in many instances. 

For more from Team Green specifically, we recommend checking out the best Razer streaming gear, and the best capture cards can help you your gaming streams look their best, too. 

1. Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra

The best webcam for streamers and content creators

Our expert review:

Specifications

Resolution:

4K, 1440p, 1080P / HDR, 30fps, 60fps

Microphone:

Omnidirectional

FOV:

Max 82 degrees

Connectivity:

USB-C to USB 3.0

Mounting:

L-shape / Tripod fixture

View at RazerCheck Amazon

Reasons to buy

+

Great software and features

+

Excellent 4K footage

+

Low light performance

+

Privacy features

Reasons to avoid

-

Expensive

-

A few (minor) software annoyances

1. Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra

The best webcam for streamers and content creators

Our expert review:

Specifications

Resolution:

4K, 1440p, 1080P / HDR, 30fps, 60fps

Microphone:

Omnidirectional

FOV:

Max 82 degrees

Connectivity:

USB-C to USB 3.0

Mounting:

L-shape / Tripod fixture

View at RazerCheck Amazon

Reasons to buy

+

Great software and features

+

Excellent 4K footage

+

Low light performance

+

Privacy features

Reasons to avoid

-

Expensive

-

A few (minor) software annoyances

What webcam do top streamers use?

Best webcam 2024: look sharp when you're streaming or working from home

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