Having a good webcam can make or break your ability to provide quality streaming to your audience. You want the best webcam you can afford to make sure your livestreams are easy viewing and help you grow your audience.
That’s why we’ve created a list of my favorite streaming cameras, aka webcams. Check out what we think the best options are when it comes to esports or gaming streaming.
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Why Is It Important to Have a Good Streaming Camera?
Having a streaming camera allows you to interact more with your viewers. If they can see you when you talk or when you play, it creates a stronger bond between you and your viewers.
A good streaming camera makes the experience better for your viewers. For example, they can see you in better video quality, and they can follow your facial expressions more easily.
With so many people creating livestreams, you want to stand out from the crowd and give people a reason to watch you. One way to do that is to have the best streaming camera.
Price is definitely a consideration when purchasing a streaming camera, but it’s a good idea to view your webcam as an investment that will pay for itself by increasing your views, which can lead to more followers and better monetization options.
What to Consider When Buying a Streaming Camera?
As I mentioned earlier, it is important to know your budget and choose a price level, which is why I’ve taken different price ranges into consideration in our list.
If you have other equipment such as a streaming lamp, it can be important to consider it in when making a decision. If you do not have a streaming light, it might be a good idea to choose a streaming camera that is good in low light.
What usually distinguishes the different webcams is the resolution, optics, image refresh rate, and light sensitivity.
Do You Have to Have a Webcam When Streaming?
Some gamers may be successful without using a webcam and just streaming their game play, but using a webcam helps to create a personal connection with your viewers. People who watch livestreams generally want to see more than just the game. They want to see how you react while you’re playing.
A webcam captures your reactions and makes it easier and more fun for viewers to keep up with your stream. There are also many viewers who do not watch streamers at all where they cannot see the person.
How Did I Come Up with My Rankings?
To create this list, I tried to weigh functionality, image quality, and price when I ranked these products. It is often a difficult trade-off and something that I think is important may not be important to you.
A prerequisite for them to end up on this list, however, is that they are reasonably priced and that the performed consistently. I had a couple of cameras that didn’t work consistently, didn’t work with USB hubs, or were just overly expensive that I excluded from the list.
My Favorite Streaming Cameras
1. Logitech C922 Pro Stream Webcam – My Favorite Overall Streaming Camera
Brand | Logitech |
Model Name | FBA_960-001087 |
Special Feature | Low Light |
Video Capture Resolution | 1080p |
Connectivity Technology | USB |
Has Image Stabilization | No |
Image Capture Speed | 60 fps |
Video Capture Format | AVCHD |
Maximum Focal Length | 1 Millimeters |
Minimum Focal Length | 1 Millimeters |
The Logitech C922 can film in 1080p full HD and uses autofocus and low-light adjustment to create a good image even when the light is poor.
Software also makes it possible to create a visual theme in the background, which is perfect for streamers. It also comes with a tripod, which creates options for changing the visual in creative ways.
Two multi-way microphones are also included, and it connects with a USB cable.
The Logitech C922 Pro Stream Webcam is built and designed for streamers. It has everything you could possibly need and is easy to use.
With all the features available in this webcam, you might expect to pay a premium, but it is surprisingly affordable, making it a great choice for streamers with any budget.
Streamers like Dakotaz (Fortnite) and Bjergsen (League of Legends) use this webcam, which says a lot about how good this streaming camera is.
Logitech C922 Pro Stream Pros
- 1080p video quality
- Compatible
- Stereo microphones available
- Good audio quality
Logitech C922 Pro Stream Cons
- Hard to operate in low light
- Privacy shutter is not present
2. Logitech Brio Stream Webcam – My Favorite Camera For Streaming
Brand | Logitech |
Series | Logitech BRIO |
Special Feature | Infrared |
Video Capture Resolution | 4K |
Connectivity Technology | USB |
Is Waterproof | No |
Has Image Stabilization | No |
Image Capture Speed | 30 fps |
Optical Zoom | 100x |
Video Capture Format | ASF |
The Logitech Brio Stream webcam can shoot in Ultra HD (4k, 30 FPS) and can be set at three different angles (65°, 78°, or 98°). The webcam can also handle nearly any lighting, from bright light to hardly any light at all.
You can replace the background with a visual theme to make the stream more fun, and it can be attached to the computer screen or a tripod, providing plenty of options for creating visually interesting streams.
It comes with a USB cable and a 12-month pro license for Xplicit.
Logitech Brio Stream Webcam is for those streamers who want the best on the market and the price reflects that. It is a large investment, but your viewers are guaranteed to love the quality.
Logitech Brio Stream Pros
- 4k ultra HD video quality supported
- Good mic quality
- Can be operated on Windows Hello
Logitech Brio Stream Cons
- Expensive
- Optical zoom feature is not present
3. NexiGo N660P – My Favorite Budget Streaming Camera
Brand | NexiGo |
Video Capture Resolution | 1080p |
Optical Sensor Size | 1/2.7 inch |
Lens Type | Zoom |
Screen Size | 2.7 Inches |
Optical Sensor Technology | CMOS |
The NexiGo N660P Webcam films in 1080 HD and can be attached to the computer screen or placed on a table.
Easily connect it to your computer via USB cable and enjoy its built-in microphone to provide sound.
This is a great beginner webcam at a lower price point, but that lower price also comes without a lot of bells and whistles. This is the perfect webcam for those who are at the beginning of their streaming career and want a webcam that does what it is supposed to.
NexiGo N660P Pros
- Integrated HDR
- 1080p image quality
- Functional in dark
- Brilliant image sensor
NexiGo N660P Cons
- Massive design
- USB 3.0 is required
- Autofocus performance is mediocre
- Microphone quality isn’t that great
4. Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam – My Favorite Web Camera For Live Streaming
Brand | Razer |
Special Feature | Low Light |
Video Capture Resolution | 1080p |
Connectivity Technology | USB |
Is Waterproof | False |
Has Image Stabilization | No |
Image Capture Speed | 60 fps |
Video Capture Format | AVCHD |
Maximum Focal Length | 1 |
Minimum Focal Length | 1 |
The Razer Kiyo provides a fun streaming experience with LED lights and 1080p picture quality. It is also certified with Streamlabs, a popular streaming platform.
This webcam provides a smart two-in-one solution, providing both light and webcam. The LED lighting provides the perfect illumination if you do not have another streaming lamp.
It’s versatile design means you can put it on the screen or place it on a table.
The Razer Kiyo is the perfect solution for those looking for a two-in-one solution, where both image and light are included.
Razer Kiyo Pros
- Integrated HDR
- 1080p image quality
- Functional in dark
- Brilliant image sensor
Razer Kiyo Cons
- Massive design
- USB 3.0 is required
- Autofocus performance is poor
- Poor quality microphone
5. Logitech 1080p Pro Stream – Best Camera For YouTube Live Streaming
Brand | Logitech |
Series | 960-001211 |
Special Feature | Low Light |
Video Capture Resolution | 1080p |
Connectivity Technology | USB |
Has Image Stabilization | No |
Image Capture Speed | 30 fps |
Item Weight | 0.36 Pounds |
The Logitech – Streamcam Graphite can film in 1080p and is perfect for Twitch and YouTube streamers. With autofocus and stabilizing, its image quality is excellent, and unlike several others on our list, the microphone provides quality sound.
With a modern design, this webcam provides a premium feel and a high-quality stream.
Logitech 1080p Pro Stream Pros
- 1080p high-quality resolution
- Smooth video quality
- Amazing recording options available
Logitech 1080p Pro Stream Cons
- Logitech capture Software does not stream properly
- Expensive
There you have it! Some of my favorite streaming webcams and I hope they help you choose one that is right for your needs.
Have a favorite webcam that you love? Be sure to share it in a comment so others can benefit from your experience.