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Best Webcam for Streaming
An external webcam can be one of the best ways to take your Facebook Live, Twitch, or YouTube presence to the next level.
Of course, it’s possible to live stream using your desktop’s or laptop’s webcam, but the chances are that the picture quality won’t be impressive.
Presenting a clear image of yourself is crucial to creating a bond with your Twitch or YouTube audience.
You can use your smartphone as a webcam over an IP connection, but a standalone external webcam is a simpler and more effective solution.
The dedicated hardware on an external standalone webcam offers a clear image with minimal latency.
Some external webcams go above and beyond and offer streaming in 4K at 60 fps and even have Omni-directional microphones.
In this review, we have compiled a list of the best external standalone webcams that can take your Facebook Live, Twitch, or YouTube streaming endeavors to the next level.
Best Webcam for Mac | Video Resolution | Field Of View | Connectivity Technology | Image Capture Speed | Image Stabilization | Focus | Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AVerMedia 4K Live Streamer | 4K (2160p) | 94 degrees | USB | 60 fps | No | Fixed | 13.8 ounces |
Logitech C920x HD Pro | Full HD (1080p) | 78 degrees | USB | 30 fps | No | Auto | 6.6 ounces |
Logitech Streamcam | Full HD (1080p) | 78 degrees | USB-C | 60 fps | No | Smart-auto | 5.3 ounces |
Mevo Wireless Live Streaming Camera | Full HD (1080p) | 84 degrees | USB and Wi-Fi | 30 fps | No | Fixed | 8.2 ounces |
Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam | Full HD (1080p) | 90 degrees | USB | 60 fps | No | Auto | 7.1 ounces |
1. AVerMedia 4K Live Streamer
The AVerMedia 4K Live Streamer is another top webcam for streamers thanks to its impressive lens that can shoot in 4K (2160p) at 30 fps and Full HD (1080p) at 60 fps.
This webcam has a 94° field of view as well as a rotating base that allows you to aim it where you need. However, note that this performance level demands a bit more from your PC, so ensure that it has a USB 3.0 port or buy an external dongle.
Key Features Include:
- Video resolution: 4K (2160p)
- Field of view: 94 degrees
- Connectivity technology: USB
- Image capture speed: 60 fps
- Image stabilization: No
- Focus: Fixed
- Weight: 13.8 ounces
2. Logitech C920x HD Pro
Most Twitch streamers widely regard the Logitech C920x HD Pro as the best all-around webcam for streaming. It’s a very reliable and cost-effective webcam for its price.
Although the C920x lacks the few add-ons found in its bigger brother, the C922, you can be confident that you’re still getting an amazing webcam. The C920x excels in all the major areas, such as shooting in Full HD (1080p) at 30 fps and a 78° field of view.
Key Features Include:
- Video resolution: Full HD (1080p)
- Field of view: 78 degrees
- Connectivity technology: USB
- Image capture speed: 30 fps
- Image stabilization: No
- Focus: Auto
- Weight: 6.6 ounces
3. Logitech Streamcam
The Logitech Streamcam is a webcam that is pitched directly toward streamers.
This webcam has excellent video quality and captures footage in Full HD (1080p) at 60 fps. Therefore, you’ll have no qualms about streaming quality once this webcam is up and running.
The Logitech Streamcam has auto framing and exposure features that keep the image centered and balanced for a more pleasing output.
What’s more, you can use the Logitech Capture app, available for both Mac and Windows.
Key Features Include:
- Video resolution: Full HD (1080p)
- Field of View: 78 degrees
- Connectivity technology: USB-C
- Image capture speed: 60 fps
- Image stabilization: No
- Focus: Smart-auto
- Weight: 5.3 ounces
See Also Best Logitech Webcam
4. Mevo Wireless Live Streaming Camera
The Mevo Wireless Live is purpose-built as a streaming webcam that allows you to pan, tilt and zoom footage with the dedicated app.
What’s more, you can control this webcam using Wi-Fi or your phone’s hotspot, meaning it’s ideal for on-the-go live streaming.
About hardware, the Mevo Wireless Live shoots at either 84-degree width or it can crop and track your face.
So if you’re in the market for a camera that you can use to stream anywhere wirelessly, then this is the device for you.
Key Features Include:
- Video resolution: Full HD (1080p)
- Field of view: 84 degrees
- Connectivity technology: USB and Wi-Fi
- Image capture speed: 30 fps
- Image stabilization: No
- Focus: Fixed
- Weight: 8.2 ounces
5. Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam
Lighting is a crucial element of video production and you’ll want to ensure that your face is well lit.
Rather than buying standalone lighting, you’re better off getting the Razer Kiyo Webcam which has its in-built light system made up of 12 LEDs.
As for the in-built lens, it streams in Full HD (1080p) at 30 fps which is the gold standard for video production at this price range. What’s more, you can shoot in HD (720p) at 60 fps.
Key Features Include:
- Video resolution: Full HD (1080p)
- Field of view: 90 degrees
- Connectivity technology: USB
- Image capture speed: 60 fps
- Image stabilization: No
- Focus: Auto
- Weight: 7.1 ounces
Final Thought
To sum it all up, when buying an external standalone webcam for streaming, ensure it has good resolution and image capture speed.
All of the options illustrated above will take your Facebook Live, Twitch, and YouTube streaming exploits to a whole new level.
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