By Tati Taylor 23 days ago, Cameras & Lenses
The best cheap webcams for streaming for everyone.
A webcam is a small digital device that performs the same functions as basic video cameras, namely video recording. Unlike camcorders, webcams rely on software to send images to a PC over the net.
Expensive cameras are used for broadcasting web shows or as a security device, while for other purposes – the best budget webcam is a worthy option. We have prepared several devices that can satisfy your needs.
You will find the best cheap webcams in this review, as well as our feedback about their features. Based on your needs, we prepared many models to choose from, such as models with 4K resolution, high-end microphone, and swivel 360-degree adjustments.
Type: Webcamera | Sensor size: 1" | Resolution: 12MP | Lens: Digital | Viewfinder: None | Screen type: None | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 30fps
⊕ Video in Full HD
⊕ Dual noise reduction mic
⊕ Auto light correction
⊖ Poor materials
⊖ Expensive
The UC20 model features CMOS pro camera lens. This webcam offers wide vibrant imaging technology and a clear lens with wide angles. Using this device, you’ll get a 1080p 30FPS seamless video with an accurate image.
The Roffie UC20 offers you clear audio, due to a dual integrated microphone, auto noise reduction option, and stereo recording. This inexpensive web cam provides light image correction to deliver crisp visuals. You will get an accurate video even in poor lighting conditions.
Another advantage is that you don’t need to install drivers, as this budget webcam is compatible with various OS such as Windows, Mac OS & Android. Besides, it supports apps and platforms like Skype, YouTube, Xbox One, Google hangouts, MSN, OBS, Camtasia, Zoom, etc.
Type: Webcamera | Sensor size: 1" | Resolution: 15MP | Lens: Digital | Viewfinder: none | Screen type: none | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 30fps
⊕ Accurate 1080p video
⊕ Classy blue recording lights
⊕ Integrated stereo microphones
⊖ Packaged software doesn’t offer 1080p
The Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 works for any purpose such as e-meetings and vlogs and offers a high-end video definition. Due to a glass lens and full HD option, you will get vibrant videos.
Besides, this cheap webcam ensures HD auto-focus and light correction to please you with a sharp picture regardless of the environment. The viewing area is spread to 78 degrees with the ability to narrow it.
You will also enjoy the clear sounds, due to stereo audio with dual microphones. The cheap webcam for streaming supports Skype, Google Hangouts, and FaceTime for Mac.
The model includes a plastic clip for attaching it to the screen. You can fold the clip to locate it on your desk as well.
Type: Webcamera | Sensor size: 1/3” CMOS | Resolution: 2MP | Lens: Digital | Viewfinder: None | Screen type: None | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 30fps
⊕ Affordable price
⊕ Easy-to-setup
⊕ Suitable for Mac
⊕ High-end microphone
⊖ Unchangeable zoom
⊖ Poor picture quality
The Aukey PC-LM1 is an inexpensive webcam that produces high-definition videos. It has a CMOS picture sensor and integrated stereo microphones. You can use it for Skype and YouTube videos if you want to get accurate and sharp imaging.
The webcam stands out with a high-end video with 1080p streaming and recording at 30fps. It works great even for dark rooms. Due to a set focus, the device keeps objects in-focus up to 5 meters.
This is the best cheap webcam due to the fast and easy installation process. You can place the device onto your screen or just put it on the table.
You can use the camera without drivers; just connect it via your USB port. The Aukey PC-LM1 supports Windows XP, Mac OS 10.6, and Android 5.0 or higher.
Type: Webcamera | Sensor size: 1/3” | Resolution: 5MP | Lens: Digital | Viewfinder: none | Screen type: none | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 30fps
⊕ 1080p doesn’t need much storage space
⊕ Requires less CPU power
⊕ Easy to install and use
⊕ Two-way communication
⊖ Resolution is less than 4K
⊖ Poor battery
If you want to record realistic and bright videos in Full HD, Yarkor 1080P is the best cheap webcam for you. You will be astonished by an accurate picture even when it’s dark.
Due to noise reduction mic, you won’t suffer from the background noise while using this device. Besides, due to a basic easy-to-use clip, you can place the inexpensive webcam anywhere you need.
The Yarkor 1080P supports Skype, Google Hangouts, Yahoo!, AOL Instant Messenger, and Windows Live Messenger.
Type: Webcamera | Sensor size: 1/3” | Resolution: 3MP | Lens: Digital | Viewfinder: none| Screen type: none| Maximum continuous shooting speed: 30fps
⊕ Reasonably-priced
⊕ High-end 1080p picture
⊕ Tilt and zoom adjustments
⊕ Built-in and cloud storage
⊖ Pincushion is a bit distorted
⊖ High-cost cloud service
⊖ Confusing configuration process
In case you need a motorized tilt webcam for home, but you have a limited budget, this model can become the best budget webcam for streaming for you. The Amcrest ProHD provides a high-end 1080p video with a sharp image.
Besides, it features a swivel of 360-degree and a tilt of 45-degree. Due to a microSD port, you can store the created videos onboard. Alternatively, you can use Cloud storing option, but it is rather expensive.
The model is developed in two colors – black or white. It includes a ceiling mount, an Ethernet wire, an AC adapter with a 10-foot power cable, and a tutorial to run it faster.
Type: Webcamera | Sensor size: 1/2.7" | Resolution: 5MP | Lens: Digital | Viewfinder: none | Screen type: none | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 30fps
⊕ 1080P Full HD
⊕ Stereo microphone
⊕ Play and plug & easy to setup
⊖ Expensive
⊖ Poor materials
The Ylife CK-01 is one of the best budget webcams, which records your videos in 1080p, and 30FPS. Thus, you get clear and vibrant videos. Due to a low light correction, you get an amazing image even with poor lighting.
This best cheap webcam works ideally for webinars, conferences, e-meetings, and streaming. Thanks to its noise reduction technology that goes with integrated stereo microphones, you get pure sound when using. The webcam pulls your voice even at a 10ft distance.
Due to autofocus that camera offers, you can avoid annoying focusing steps. With 110° angles, you can see wider areas within video-calls. This is a useful option for e-communication or multi-person conferences. Besides, the model can rotate 360 °, swinging up and down.
| Image | Name | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Roffie UC20
Our Choice |
CHECK PRICE → | |
 |
Logitech C920
Professional |
CHECK PRICE → | |
 |
Aukey PC-LM1
Budget |
CHECK PRICE → |
A high resolution is an important feature for any webcam. The lower the resolution, the worse image you get. The latest models go with high-definition video recording only. When choosing the best cheap webcam, pay attention to its resolution that must be no less than 720p. Nowadays, a 1080p web camera is the most affordable and optimal variant.
Don’t neglect a frame rate as it matters as well. Webcams with low frame rates offer poor pictures that can freeze on the screen from time to time. Frame rate is measured in FPS (frames per second), so when buying the webcam, pay attention to the FPS rate on its pack. You need to choose the device with no less than 15fps for video streaming.
The best affordable webcam is the one with many adjustability options. The best way out is to buy a webcam that can tilt and swivel at 360 degrees. But as a minimum, your device has to tilt up and down.
The autofocus is a rather convenient option that helps a web camera focus on the subject regardless of the conditions. This feature is important for video streaming, as even if you move a lot the image will be accurate and clear.
Lens quality is the key feature that highlights more expensive products compared to cheaper ones. There are two lens types to choose from: glass and plastic. The glass lens performs better, as a rule, still, there are some models with a worthy plastic lens as well.
The top quality doesn’t mean the webcam should be too expensive. You can find the best cheap webcam for streaming up to $100. Such devices are bound to perform great for YouTube vlogging.
The best webcam for Windows 10 is the Logitech BRIO. Due to the 4K feature, you will get the highest video quality. Besides, the model offers the highest standards you need to get from a webcam. Streamers will enjoy the backdrop replacement option.
You can freely join a Zoom Meeting or Webinar without a webcam. Still, you cannot show yourself to others. You can hear and talk to your friends and colleagues, use screen sharing, and see other participants of the meeting.
The majority of the latest webcams offer a high-definition video recording. You need to choose a resolution of not less than 720p. Besides, we recommend choosing a frame rate of not less than 15-30FPS, while the 60FPS is the ideal scenario for your successful streaming.
