Whether you want to replace the crummy shooter on your MacBook, or you've bought a desktop Mac that isn't an iMac, the best Mac webcams on the market can help you get that crispy, high-definition video (and quite possibly audio) that remote working, videoconferencing, and even online streaming craves.
So whether or not you've just bought a Mac for the very first time, you're upgrading MacBook's built-in number, or you're replacing a webcam you've had for years, you need to make sure you make the right choice. At the top of the list should be resolution, as that's the single most important feature in any webcam. However, it's not the only feature, with connection, microphone, field of view, and FPS all worth considering too. We've taken the legwork out of webcam shopping, comparing all the best options on the market for you. Check them out below!
Best overall: Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam
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Since reviewing the Logitech C922 Pro HD Stream webcam, we've truly realized why this is one of the more popular Mac webcams on the market. The C922 Pro HD has a max resolution of 1080p at 30FPS or super HD at 720p at 60FPS. Everyone's webcam should have at least a 1080p resolution with the Mac lineup still a little heavy on offering 720p options, so it's good to see a spec bump.
The webcam also has autofocus and light correction, so you're always going to be the center of attention. The 78-degree field of view offers a great perspective. This might be a webcam designed for streaming, but it provides excellent clarity for all your other video calls and needs too.
The C922 Pro HD Stream is mostly plug-and-play with your Mac, but you can use dedicated software for additional features. It's possible to download and use Logitech's Capture app for creating, recording, or simply customizing the settings on your webcam and stream. The webcam also comes with three free months of XSplit, a popular live-streaming and recording application.
Where the C922 Pro HD Stream falters is with its built-in stereo microphone. It has a range of up to three feet but the quality is still subpar. It's adequate for chatting to friends and family, but if you want to sound more professional then you really need to add on one of the best USB microphones for Mac to get the best from your calls. Of course, no built-in mic on a webcam is great so you should generally be using a standalone mic or even a headphone mic, such as the one within your AirPods Pro or AirPods Max.
On Amazon, you'll notice that the product is called the C922x instead of just the C922. That's because this version is exclusive to Amazon, and you get a six-month trial for XSplit instead of three. However, the regular version of the C922 that you can purchase elsewhere includes a free tripod, which you won't get if you purchase from Amazon. Instead, you basically get another three months of XSplit instead.
Best for PC: Logitech C930e
The Logitech C930e is aimed at business users. It has certified compatibility with some of the most popular video services, like Skype for Business and Cisco. There are also built-in enhanced integrations with BlueJeans, Vidyo, Zoom, LifeSize Cloud, and Broadsoft. It's simple to set up. All you need to do is plug into a USB-A connector on your computer. It uses USB 2.0 but it's also compatible with USB 3.0.
Via the Camera Settings app from Logitech, it's possible to manually control zoom and pan. Up to 4x zoom is an option which is perfect if you need to hide the cluttered corner of your living room and blurring the image isn't cutting it.
While there's the dedicated settings app, the software experience can confuse users. It isn't compatible with older Windows and Mac software, and it can also act weirdly if you try to plug it into a USB 3.0 port. Fortunately, the Camera Settings app is optional so if the software isn't compatible with your PC, you can still use the webcam, albeit without zoom or pan. Autofocus still works without the app.
The 930e also uses H.264 video compression, so you're less likely to experience lag or video skips while on your conference call. It features UVC 1.5 encoding to keep resource usage to a minimum.
Best budget: Wansview 1080p Webcam
Usually, "you get what you pay for" is an accurate saying to stand by. However, this budget model bucks that trend. For the price, it's pretty good with 1080p support that gives you a crisp, clear picture, even in darker rooms.
The microphone has subject recognition so even if you're talking from the other side of a room, you can be picked up. It's also able to block out the sounds of other things nearby, like a dog barking outside.
Alongside that, the picture quality is truly remarkably crisp and clear, especially for this price. The only true issue is that while it has an adjustable lens for focusing, it doesn't have autofocus. You'll need to set up the camera before joining a call. There also appears to be software used to create a wider field of view, which leads to rounded corners at the edges of your view. If your camera is set up with a wall or other background close behind you, it isn't noticeable, but you can see curves in door frames or bookshelves depending on how you're sitting.
It's not going to be perfect for such a low price, but this Wansview webcam is pretty impressive. For anyone on a budget, it's a truly tempting proposition.
Best for gamers: Razer Kiyo
Gaming live streams continue to be hugely popular and are only getting bigger. If you're keen to become the next big game streamer, or simply enjoy being sociable with friends, this is a great starter webcam.
In part, that's because a good light source is vital for proper brightness while you play. A light ring is ideal for this, and the Kiyo comes with a built-in light ring right around the camera's lens. You'll be well-lit whenever you're facing the camera.
The Kiyo streams in either 30FPS or 60FPS, depending on the pixel quality. If you want a crisp, sharp image, you should use 1080p at 30FPS, but if you want to show off the speed and agility of your avatar, you'll need to reduce the resolution to 720p and increase the FPS to 60. This is why the Kiyo is a game streamer's webcam. It'll catch all of the action without stutter, lag, or skips.
Razer does a decent job of keeping the Kiyo up to date. Since it launched, it's seen several major updates to improve performance. It's good to know you've invested in a company that takes care of its customers.
However, there isn't full support for Mac. The Kiyo does work as a basic webcam with a light ring, but the software available for adjusting settings doesn't work with Mac. Instead, the Kiyo is more of a "plug and go" type webcam on the Mac which limits your options.
Best for content creators: Logitech StreamCam
The StreamCam is designed to offer everything a YouTube influencer could need from a webcam. It's been optimized for Open Broadcaster Software (OBS), StreamLabs, Split, and many more. That means streaming to the most popular social platforms such as Twitch or YouTube is easy. It uses USB-C for fast video transfer speeds, so there's no risk of lag or stuttering.
It's so effective for streaming that there continue to be issues with it selling out fast. As one of the best Mac webcams for streaming, keep an eye on its stock and don't be afraid to sign up for in-stock email notifications so you don't miss out on a restock.
The StreamCam supports vertical video, which is a huge bonus for influencers whose main platform is Instagram or Twitter. That means you no longer have to use just your iPhone 14 Pro to record your streams. Simply set up the StreamCam in vertical mode for high-quality 1080p streams in 60FPS.
However, because the USB-C connector is permanently fixed to the camera, PCs that don't have a USB-C port will need to resort to using an adapter. That can cause friction with performance. For anyone who doesn't have a USB-C port, it can be a better idea to check out the C922 Pro instead.
The webcam includes companion software which offers a multitude of tools designed with content creators in mind. Logitech Capture means you can record from two webcams and combine them into a single scene. You can also add text overlays, customize your webcam settings, add transitions, and much more.
The camera is designed for close-up streams so it only has a 78-degree field of view (FoV). It's a great positioning view for many situations, but it'll be more difficult to fit in a second person or a well-designed living space in the background. There's no wide-angle view either.
The StreamCam is a webcam with a microphone designed to capture your voice while you talk, so if you don't yet have an external mic set up, you can just plug this in and run with it. No extra hardware is needed.
Best for wide angles: Hrayzan Webcam
For anyone who finds that a 90-degree field of view isn't enough, there's this Hrayzan webcam. It's perfect for fitting a group of people into your video call, with a wide viewing angle of up to 110 degrees. It means you can video chat with the whole family with room to spare for the beloved family dog.
The Hrayzan webcam also comes with a privacy cover that's sure to be comforting for anyone a little concerned about privacy issues. It also has a desktop tripod if you don't want to mount it on your computer, but there's a magnetic mount anyway so you don't have to worry about it fixed permanently.
The only real letdown is the quality of its built-in mic which is pretty muffled. Also, you may notice some edge distortion due to the wide angle's extra stretching.
Still, this is a relatively inexpensive 1080p ultra-wide-angle lens webcam, so it's worth those quibbles.
Best webcam with 4K: Logitech BRIO
4K webcams are growing in popularity but still a bit of a niche market. The Logitech Brio is the ideal solution if you're part of that market. While some video chat services lack 4K support (hi, Skype), it's good to be future-proofed. It also makes sense for live-streaming or recording videos for uploading later.
The Brio camera system includes optical and infrared sensors for facial recognition, which works with Windows Hello to secure your Windows-based computer.
There's also companion software -- Camera Settings -- where you can manually adjust the field of view from 65, 78, or 90 degrees. It's also possible to adjust the frame rate and resolution, as well as manually zoom up to 5x.
The Brio is set up to be future-proof with a USB 3.0 interface. It does work with USB 2.0 ports, but the only way you'll be able to record the full 4K is with a USB 3.0 port, so make sure your Mac or PC meets these minimum requirements for 4K video recording.
How to choose the best Mac webcam for you
If you just want one recommendation for the best webcam for Mac at the moment, it's the Logitech C922 Pro HD Stream. It's the best all-around webcam with its 1080p camera, built-in microphone, autofocus, and lighting correction, all for a great price.
For 4K use, there's the Logitech Brio which is great if you have a YouTube channel or similar. However, not everywhere supports 4K yet so you may not be able to take advantage of all it has to offer.
If you need your webcam to fulfill your basic needs and don't want to spend a lot, the Wansview 1080p Webcam is a remarkably good webcam for its price, which is remarkably low.
If seeking out a great webcam is the start of your work-from-home upgrade, don't forget to check out the best 4K monitors for Mac and best charging stations too for making everything go smoothly.
How to set up the best Mac webcams like a pro
We've listed the cream of the crop for the best webcams for Mac, PC, and streaming, but there is more to a webcam than just the camera itself. Lighting, positioning, and audio are also important to get the best quality video. You don't have to be a pro to look like one, and you don't necessarily need to spend money like a pro either.
Do you need a webcam tripod?
The Brio is set up to be future-proof with a USB 3.0 interface. It does work with USB 2.0 ports, but the only way you'll be able to record the full 4K is with a USB 3.0 port, so make sure your Mac or PC meets these minimum requirements for 4K video recording.
Positioning is key to good framing with a webcam. When you mount your webcam to your computer, you don't have a lot of flexibility in how high or which direction it faces. You may have already noticed that many people in video chats look like they're looking down at something instead of directly at the screen. That's because their webcam is sitting up high at the top of a large-screen computer, way above eye level. Or, you may have also noticed that you're always looking up the nose of your video chat mate. That's because they're using a laptop (probably on their lap) with the camera below their chin.
Ideally, you'd have your webcam positioned directly in front of your face with about two feet between you and the camera (webcams with zoom make it even easier to adjust the closeness). You also want to have your head take up more of the screen than you realize. You don't want your background to be the main focus. When possible, get the top of your head to sit about an inch or two below the top of the screen.
Sometimes, just a minor adjustment to the left or right will enhance your angle. A webcam lets you make these small rotations, as well as angle up or down.
Do you need special webcam lighting?
If you're having Zoom, Skype, or Hangouts meetings with friends, family, or coworkers, you can make use of the natural lighting around you instead of spending the extra money on special lighting. Though some webcams, like the Razer Kiyo, have built-in lighting. The key is to have a window that lets in light in front of you. The natural sunlight will give you nice lighting without being too bright. A window off to the side will work, too. But ideally, it should be in front of you. Don't video chat or stream with your back to bright light; this will turn you into a shadow.
Because the USB-C connecter is permanently fixed to the camera, PCs that don't have a USB-C port will need to use an adapter, which can cause friction with performance. If you don't have a USB-C port on your computer, I'd recommend checking out the C922 Pro instead.
Be aware, however, that with a ring light comes some additional lighting needs. Depending on the type of ring light you use, you may end up washed out in your dimly lit room. So, if you don't have a decent amount of natural light surrounding your room, you should look into a panel light or two, or at least place a desk lamp or two behind your webcam, reflecting off of a wall to create ambient lighting.
We could go much deeper into lighting for webcams, but that's a story for a different article.
Do you need a webcam with a microphone?
The companion software, Logitech Capture, offers a multitude of tools designed specifically for content creators. You can record from two webcams and combine them into a single scene, add text overlays, customize your webcam settings, add transitions, and more.
I don't ever use the built-in microphone on any webcam, but I do use the best headphones. Any headphones with a microphone will work just fine with your computer and webcam. There's no special driver needed. Just connect your headphones to your computer, and when you start up your video chat or streaming program, just check the settings to make sure it's connected to your headphones or earbuds for audio input.
If, however, you're trying to get your brand recognized, you should definitely spend the extra money on a quality microphone. Audio quality is just as important, and I would even argue more important than video quality. You should have an external microphone connected directly to the device you record audio to. The best podcasting microphone should have frequency adjustors and noise reduction. You should also get a microphone mount to protect against accidental table bumps.
Pay close attention when buying a microphone for your computer. If it isn't natively a USB microphone, you're also going to need to get an audio interface like the Focusrite Scarlett.
The StreamCam is a webcam with a microphone designed to capture your voice while you talk, so if you don't yet have an external mic set up, you can just plug this in and run with it, no extra hardware needed.
