Buying Guide
The Best Low-Light Webcams
From the Acer A640 to the Kiyo V2: five webcams ranked on top frame rate and top resolution, with who should skip each one.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Larger sensors like Sony STARVIS gather more light in dim rooms. Every pick names a large or STARVIS sensor, ordered from the lowest price.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: top resolution, max frame rate and sensor come from each maker's published specs; nothing here was tested in-house, and a missing max frame rate is flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
Acer A640 4K WebcamA lower price than the EMEET S600 and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the cost under $50.
Check price for Acer A640 4K Webcam on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
EMEET S600 4K WebcamA Sony sensor.
Best for: Buyers who want Sony sensor.
Check price for EMEET S600 4K Webcam on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Highest Top Frame Rate
OBSBOT Meet SE WebcamThe highest top frame rate here (150fps).
Best for: Buyers who put top frame rate first.
Check price for OBSBOT Meet SE Webcam on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Dell UltraSharp 4K Webcam WB7022HDR.
Best for: Buyers who want HDR.
Check price for Dell UltraSharp 4K Webcam WB7022 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Razer Kiyo V2 4K WebcamHDR at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Acer A640 costs less.
Check price for Razer Kiyo V2 4K Webcam on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A lower price than the EMEET S600 and the rest when we checked. | Keeping the cost under $50. | Check price for Acer A640 4K Webcam on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A Sony sensor. | Buyers who want Sony sensor. | Check price for EMEET S600 4K Webcam on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest top frame rate here (150fps). | Buyers who put top frame rate first. | Check price for OBSBOT Meet SE Webcam on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| HDR. | Buyers who want HDR. | Check price for Dell UltraSharp 4K Webcam WB7022 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| HDR at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Acer A640 costs less. | Check price for Razer Kiyo V2 4K Webcam on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Acer A640 4K Webcam
Acer's A640 records 4K at 30fps or 1080p at 60fps from a Sony 1/2.8in sensor with phase-detect autofocus.
Best for
- Keeping the cost under $50.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: top frame rate of 60fps, behind the Meet SE (150fps).
Why we like it
It was the lowest-priced webcam here at the time of writing. PDAF autofocus locks on quickly without the hunting of contrast autofocus, and a Sony 1/2.8-inch sensor records 4K. It suits streamers who move closer and further from the camera.
On top frame rate it ties with the EMEET S600 at 60fps. Like the EMEET S600, it has a PDAF focus and framing, while the Dell WB7022 uses an autofocus and framing. It also comes with AI noise cancelling on the microphone and a USB-A to USB-C adapter in the box.
4K output needs a USB 3 port and an app that accepts 4K; most video-call apps send 1080p or less. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the EMEET S600 was the next step up.
Key specs
- Top resolution
- 4K30, 1080p60
- Max frame rate
- 60fps
- Sensor
- Sony 1/2.8in
- Focus and framing
- PDAF
- Privacy
- Privacy shutter
Pros
- 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps
- AI noise cancelling on the microphone
- USB-A to USB-C adapter in the box
- Sony 1/2.8in sensor, the only one here
Cons
- Top frame rate of 60fps, behind the Meet SE (150fps)
The catch
The main gap: top frame rate of 60fps, behind the Meet SE (150fps). If that matters, the Meet SE offers 150fps.
Also Consider2 of 5
EMEET S600 4K Webcam
EMEET's S600 pairs a Sony 4K sensor with phase-detect autofocus and a privacy cover.
Best for
- Buyers who want Sony sensor.
Skip if
- Skip it if top frame rate matters most to you; the Meet SE offers 150fps.
Why we like it
It is the budget 4K option here. It matches the Acer A640 on top frame rate (60fps). It shares a 4K30 top resolution with the Kiyo V2; the Dell WB7022 goes with a 4K top resolution.
A sony 1/2.55in sensor is unique to it among these picks, while the Meet SE uses a 1/2.8in sensor. It shares a PDAF focus and framing with the Acer A640; the Meet SE goes with an autofocus and framing. 4K output needs a USB 3 port and an app that accepts 4K; most video-call apps send 1080p or less.
It was priced above the Acer A640 and below the Meet SE at the time of writing. It gives ground on top frame rate, where the Meet SE offers 150fps.
Key specs
- Top resolution
- 4K30
- Max frame rate
- 60fps
- Sensor
- Sony 1/2.55in
- Focus and framing
- PDAF
- Privacy
- Privacy cover
Pros
- Sony sensor
- Phase-detect autofocus
- Privacy cover
- Sony 1/2.55in sensor, the only one here
Cons
- Top frame rate trails the Meet SE (150fps)
- Costs more than the Acer A640 at the time of writing
Highest Top Frame Rate3 of 5
OBSBOT Meet SE Webcam
OBSBOT's Meet SE records 1080p at 100fps on a 1/2.8in sensor.
Best for
- Buyers who put top frame rate first.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Acer A640, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is small enough to disappear on a monitor. It records 1080p at up to 100fps, or 720p at 150fps, which keeps fast movement smooth. AI framing can switch to a group mode that keeps several people in shot.
Its 150fps top frame rate is the highest here; the Acer A640 comes next at 60fps. A 1080p100 top resolution is unique to it among these picks, while the Dell WB7022 uses a 4K top resolution. You get a 1/2.8in sensor here, which sets it apart from the Kiyo V2 and its a sony STARVIS sensor.
It shares an autofocus and framing with the Dell WB7022; the Kiyo V2 goes with an AI framing. When we checked, only the EMEET S600 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Dell WB7022 cost more.
Key specs
- Top resolution
- 1080p100
- Max frame rate
- 150fps
- Sensor
- 1/2.8in
- Focus and framing
- Autofocus
- Privacy
- Not stated
Pros
- 1080p at 100fps
- 720p at 150fps
- 1/2.8in sensor
- Highest top frame rate of the picks (150fps)
Cons
- Costs more than the Acer A640 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
Dell UltraSharp 4K Webcam WB7022
The Dell WB7022 is built around HDR, with Teams certification on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want HDR.
Skip if
- Pass if a published top frame rate matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
You get a 4K top resolution here, which sets it apart from the EMEET S600 and its a 4K30 top resolution. It shares a sony STARVIS sensor with the Kiyo V2; the Acer A640 goes with a sony 1/2.8in sensor. It shares an autofocus and framing with the Meet SE; the Acer A640 goes with a PDAF focus and framing.
It also comes with HDR. 4K output needs a USB 3 port and an app that accepts 4K; most video-call apps send 1080p or less. It was priced above the Meet SE and below the Kiyo V2 at the time of writing. There is no published top frame rate figure, whereas the Meet SE offers 150fps.
Key specs
- Top resolution
- 4K
- Sensor
- Sony STARVIS
- Focus and framing
- Autofocus
Pros
- HDR
- Teams certification
- 4K top resolution, the only one here
Cons
- No published top frame rate
- Costs more than the Acer A640 at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
Razer Kiyo V2 4K Webcam
Razer's Kiyo V2 records 4K30 with HDR on a Sony STARVIS sensor.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Acer A640 costs less.
Skip if
- The maker gives no top frame rate, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Why we like it
Synapse exposes ISO and shutter controls. Like the EMEET S600, it has a 4K30 top resolution, while the Meet SE uses a 1080p100 top resolution. Like the Dell WB7022, it has a sony STARVIS sensor, while the Meet SE uses a 1/2.8in sensor.
No other pick in this guide offers an AI framing; compare the Meet SE, which has an autofocus and framing. You also get HDR and AI framing. 4K output needs a USB 3 port and an app that accepts 4K; most video-call apps send 1080p or less.
It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Dell WB7022. Buyers who need a confirmed top frame rate should compare it with the Meet SE, which offers 150fps.
Key specs
- Top resolution
- 4K30
- Sensor
- Sony STARVIS
- Focus and framing
- AI framing
- Privacy
- Not stated
Pros
- HDR
- ISO and shutter control in Synapse
- AI framing
- HDR at the highest price in the group
Cons
- No published top frame rate
- Costs more than the Acer A640 at the time of writing
How We Chose These Low-Light Webcams
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared five webcams on top resolution, top frame rate, sensor and focus and framing, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 2 of 5 picks leave out top frame rate.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Acer A640 to the Kiyo V2, state top resolution, sensor and focus and framing.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Dell WB7022 and the Kiyo V2 give no top frame rate; the Meet SE, the Dell WB7022 and the Kiyo V2 give no privacy.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Acer A640 (under $50) to the Kiyo V2 ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a Low-Light Webcam
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Top frame rate across these picks
Across these 3 picks top frame rate spans 60fps (the EMEET S600) to 150fps (the Meet SE). Start with the Meet SE if top frame rate decides it. The Dell WB7022 and the Kiyo V2 give no top frame rate figure, so 3 of 5 picks are compared here.
Focus and framing
The Acer A640 and the EMEET S600 list PDAF; the Meet SE and the Dell WB7022 list autofocus; the Kiyo V2 lists AI framing. Sort out focus and framing before price: it splits 5 stated picks into groups of 2, 2 and 1.
A gaming room with a lit desk, a monitor and shelves of collectibles Privacy
The Acer A640 lists privacy shutter; the EMEET S600 lists privacy cover.
Features beyond the spec table
The Meet SE: 720p at 150fps. The Dell WB7022: Teams certification. The Kiyo V2: ISO and shutter control in Synapse.
A desk with a microphone arm, a ring light and two monitors Budget
Under $50 buys the Acer A640; $50 to $100 buys the EMEET S600 and the Meet SE; $100 to $150 buys the Dell WB7022 and the Kiyo V2 at our last check.
How to Choose a Low-Light Webcam
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the cost under $50 | Acer A640 | A lower price than the EMEET S600 and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want Sony sensor | EMEET S600 | A Sony sensor |
| Buyers who put top frame rate first | Meet SE | The highest top frame rate here (150fps) |
| Buyers who want HDR | Dell WB7022 | HDR |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Acer A640 costs less | Kiyo V2 | HDR at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Meet SE leads on top frame rate at 150fps, ahead of the Acer A640 at 60fps. "Not listed" marks top frame rate where the Dell WB7022 and the Kiyo V2 leave the figure out.
| Webcam | Top resolution | Max frame rate | Sensor | Focus and framing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acer A640 | 4K30, 1080p60 | 60fps | Sony 1/2.8in | PDAF |
| EMEET S600 | 4K30 | 60fps | Sony 1/2.55in | PDAF |
| Meet SE | 1080p100 | 150fps | 1/2.8in | Autofocus |
| Dell WB7022 | 4K | Not listed | Sony STARVIS | Autofocus |
| Kiyo V2 | 4K30 | Not listed | Sony STARVIS | AI framing |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Acer A640, sat in the under $50 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the Kiyo V2 at $100 to $150; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Webcams |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | Acer A640 |
| About $50 to $100 | EMEET S600, Meet SE |
| About $100 to $150 | Dell WB7022, Kiyo V2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Acer A640 compare with the Meet SE on top frame rate?
Between the top two, it is 150fps on the Meet SE against 60fps on the Acer A640, a 150% difference. No top frame rate figure is published for the Dell WB7022 and the Kiyo V2, which leaves 3 of 5 picks ranked here.
What makes the Meet SE the Highest Top Frame Rate?
The label rests on the highest top frame rate here (150fps). The Acer A640 is next on top frame rate at 60fps, so this pick's 150fps is 150% further out. The Acer A640, the cheapest pick, sat in the under $50 tier against $50 to $100 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits anyone who puts top frame rate first.
Do the Acer A640 and the EMEET S600 differ on sensor?
The Acer A640 uses sony 1/2.8in; the EMEET S600 uses sony 1/2.55in; the Meet SE uses 1/2.8in; the Dell WB7022 and the Kiyo V2 use Sony STARVIS.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Acer A640 and the EMEET S600 apart?
The Acer A640: 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps. The EMEET S600: a Sony sensor. The Meet SE: 1080p at 100fps.
Should I pick the Acer A640 or the Kiyo V2?
The Acer A640 suits keeping the cost under $50; the Kiyo V2 suits buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Acer A640 costs less.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Acer A640, chosen for a lower price than the EMEET S600 and the rest when we checked. Look at the EMEET S600 for a Sony sensor, the Meet SE for the highest top frame rate here (150fps) and the Dell WB7022 for HDR if those matter more to you.
Add a small key light for the biggest improvement.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Webcams for Streaming
- Related guideThe Best 4K Webcams
- Related guideThe Best Webcams for Streaming
- Lower budgetThe Best Webcams Under $40
- Similar guideThe Best Webcams with Ring Light
- ExplainerHow to Choose a Webcam for Your PC
- ExplainerWebcam Features Explained: What Is Worth Paying For?
- Also see: microphonesHow to Choose a USB Microphone for Your PC
- Similar guideThe Best 1080p Webcams
- Topic hubAll webcams and streaming gear guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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