Buying Guide
The Best Webcams for Zoom Meetings
We weighed five webcams on top frame rate and top resolution; the Meet SE has the highest top frame rate, and the Tewiky costs the least.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
For video calls, clear 1080p, good auto exposure and a privacy cover matter most. Every pick cost $150 or less, ordered from the lowest price.
We ranked these webcams on top resolution, max frame rate and sensor using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these webcams ourselves, and where a maker leaves out max frame rate, we say so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
Tewiky Full HD Webcam with Rotatable TripodUndercutting the 1080p webcam with tripod on price when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the 1080p webcam with tripod the next step up.
Check price for Tewiky Full HD Webcam with Rotatable Tripod on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Pro HD 1080p 30fps Webcam with TripodA tripod in the box.
Best for: Buyers who want tripod in the box.
Check price for Pro HD 1080p 30fps Webcam with Tripod on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Acer A640 4K Webcam4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps.
Best for: Buyers who want 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps.
Check price for Acer A640 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)
Premium Pick
Anker PowerConf C200The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with low-light correction.
Best for: Buyers who want low-light correction and can spend more than the Meet SE costs.
Check price for Anker PowerConf C200 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Tewiky Full HD Webcam with Rotatable Tripod
The Tewiky is built around a rotatable tripod, with a wide-angle lens on top.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the 1080p webcam with tripod the next step up.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: top frame rate of 30fps, behind the Meet SE (150fps).
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 30fps top frame rate. It records 1080p at 30fps through a wide-angle lens, and a rotatable tripod is included. The noise-cancelling mic covers basic calls.
It includes a 5ft cable and a detachable tripod, and automatic light correction adjusts brightness and colour. The maker gives a 12-month warranty for quality-related faults. It matches the 1080p webcam with tripod on top frame rate (30fps).
It shares a 1080p30 top resolution with the 1080p webcam with tripod; the Anker C200 goes with a 2K top resolution. It shares a privacy cover with the Anker C200; the Acer A640 goes with a privacy shutter. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the 1080p webcam with tripod was closest.
Key specs
- Top resolution
- 1080p30
- Max frame rate
- 30fps
- Privacy
- Privacy cover
Pros
- Rotatable tripod
- Wide-angle lens
- Noise-cancelling microphone
- Undercutting the 1080p webcam with tripod on price when we checked
Cons
- Top frame rate of 30fps, behind the Meet SE (150fps)
The catch
What it gives up: top frame rate of 30fps, behind the Meet SE (150fps); by contrast, the Meet SE offers 150fps.
Also Consider2 of 5
Pro HD 1080p 30fps Webcam with Tripod
The 1080p webcam with tripod is built around a tripod in the box, with dual noise-reducing microphones on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want tripod in the box.
Skip if
- Skip it if top frame rate matters most to you; the Meet SE offers 150fps.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 30fps top frame rate. Its two noise-cancelling microphones pick up voice from up to 10 feet away, and autofocus keeps your face sharp. A tripod comes in the box.
It suits calls, webinars, online classes and game streaming. It records 1080p at 30fps with autofocus and low-light correction. It shares a 1080p30 top resolution with the Tewiky; the Anker C200 goes with a 2K top resolution.
It shares an autofocus and framing with the Meet SE; the Acer A640 goes with a PDAF focus and framing. When we checked, only the Tewiky cost less, and the Acer A640 cost more. Top frame rate is its weakest area, and the Meet SE covers it better at 150fps.
Key specs
- Top resolution
- 1080p30
- Max frame rate
- 30fps
- Focus and framing
- Autofocus
Pros
- Tripod in the box
- Dual noise-reducing microphones
- Low-light correction
Cons
- Top frame rate trails the Meet SE (150fps)
- Costs more than the Tewiky at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 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
- Buyers who want 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Tewiky cost less when we checked.
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.
Its 60fps top frame rate ranks second of 4 here, behind the Meet SE (150fps) and ahead of the 1080p webcam with tripod (30fps). You get a PDAF focus and framing here, which sets it apart from the Meet SE and its an autofocus and framing. You get a privacy shutter here, which sets it apart from the Anker C200 and its a privacy cover.
It also offers AI noise cancelling on the microphone and a USB-A to USB-C adapter in the box. When we checked, only the 1080p webcam with tripod and cheaper picks cost less, and the Meet SE cost more.
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
- Top frame rate of 60fps, ahead of the Tewiky
Cons
- Costs more than the Tewiky at the time of writing
Highest Top Frame Rate4 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
- If budget leads, the Tewiky was cheaper at our last price check.
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.
On top frame rate it leads this guide at 150fps, ahead of the Acer A640 (60fps). It is the only pick here with a 1080p100 top resolution; the 1080p webcam with tripod has a 1080p30 top resolution instead. Like the 1080p webcam with tripod, it has an autofocus and framing, while the Acer A640 uses a PDAF focus and framing. Its price falls between the Acer A640 and the Anker C200, based on our last check.
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 Tewiky at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
Anker PowerConf C200
The Anker C200 stands out for low-light correction.
Best for
- Buyers who want low-light correction and can spend more than the Meet SE costs.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its top frame rate before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
A 2K top resolution is unique to it among these picks, while the Meet SE uses a 1080p100 top resolution. It shares a privacy cover with the Tewiky; the Acer A640 goes with a privacy shutter. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Meet SE the nearest cheaper option. If you want a confirmed top frame rate, look to the Meet SE instead: it offers 150fps, while this one gives no figure.
Key specs
- Top resolution
- 2K
- Sensor
- Not stated
- Privacy
- Privacy cover
Pros
- Low-light correction
- 2K top resolution, the only one here
- The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with low-light correction
Cons
- No published top frame rate
- Costs more than the Tewiky at the time of writing
How We Chose These Webcams for Zoom Meetings
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 lined up five webcams on top resolution, top frame rate, sensor and focus and framing, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and top frame rate and sensor are missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Tewiky to the Anker C200, state top resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Anker C200 gives no top frame rate; the Tewiky, the 1080p webcam with tripod and the Anker C200 give no sensor.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Tewiky (under $50) to the Anker C200 ($50 to $100).
What to Look for in a Webcam for Zoom Meetings
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Top frame rate
Here top frame rate runs from 30fps on the 1080p webcam with tripod to 150fps on the Meet SE, a 400% spread. The Acer A640 comes second at 60fps, in the under $50 tier against $50 to $100 for the Meet SE. The Anker C200 gives no top frame rate figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Focus and framing
The 1080p webcam with tripod and the Meet SE list autofocus; the Acer A640 lists PDAF. Settling focus and framing first narrows 3 picks to 2 or 1.
A streaming desk with a ring light, a mic arm and monitors Privacy
The Tewiky and the Anker C200 list privacy cover; the Acer A640 lists privacy shutter.
Extras that separate them
The Acer A640: AI noise cancelling on the microphone. The Meet SE: 720p at 150fps. The Anker C200: low-light correction.
A gaming room with a lit desk, a monitor and shelves of collectibles Budget
Under $50 buys the Tewiky, the 1080p webcam with tripod and the Acer A640; $50 to $100 buys the Meet SE and the Anker C200 at our last check.
How to Choose a Webcam for Zoom Meetings
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible, with the 1080p webcam with tripod the next step up | Tewiky | Undercutting the 1080p webcam with tripod on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want tripod in the box | 1080p webcam with tripod | A tripod in the box |
| Buyers who want 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps | Acer A640 | 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps |
| Buyers who put top frame rate first | Meet SE | The highest top frame rate here (150fps) |
| Buyers who want low-light correction and can spend more than the Meet SE costs | Anker C200 | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with low-light correction |
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 Anker C200 leaves the figure out.
| Webcam | Top resolution | Max frame rate | Sensor | Focus and framing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tewiky | 1080p30 | 30fps | Not listed | Not listed |
| 1080p webcam with tripod | 1080p30 | 30fps | Not listed | Autofocus |
| Acer A640 | 4K30, 1080p60 | 60fps | Sony 1/2.8in | PDAF |
| Meet SE | 1080p100 | 150fps | 1/2.8in | Autofocus |
| Anker C200 | 2K | Not listed | Not stated | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Tewiky was the lowest-priced pick (under $50) and the Anker C200 the highest ($50 to $100) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Webcams |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | Tewiky, 1080p webcam with tripod, Acer A640 |
| About $50 to $100 | Meet SE, Anker C200 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Meet SE ahead of the Acer A640 on top frame rate?
The Meet SE tops top frame rate at 150fps; the Acer A640 follows at 60fps, 150% apart. The spread runs down to the 1080p webcam with tripod at 30fps. No top frame rate figure is published for the Anker C200, which leaves 4 of 5 picks ranked here.
Why is the Meet SE our Highest Top Frame Rate pick?
The label rests on the highest top frame rate here (150fps). On top frame rate it leads the Acer A640, 150fps against 60fps, a 150% margin. The Tewiky, the cheapest pick, sat in the under $50 tier against $50 to $100 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It is aimed at anyone who puts top frame rate first.
Do the Acer A640 and the Meet SE differ on sensor?
The Acer A640 uses sony 1/2.8in; the Meet SE uses 1/2.8in. The Tewiky, the 1080p webcam with tripod and the Anker C200 have no sensor listed, so 2 of 5 picks are covered here.
What extras do the Tewiky and the 1080p webcam with tripod include?
The Tewiky: a rotatable tripod. The 1080p webcam with tripod: a tripod in the box. The Acer A640: 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps.
Should I pick the Tewiky or the Anker C200?
The Tewiky suits spending as little as possible, with the 1080p webcam with tripod the next step up; the Anker C200 suits buyers who want low-light correction and can spend more than the Meet SE costs.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Tewiky, chosen for undercutting the 1080p webcam with tripod on price when we checked. Look at the 1080p webcam with tripod for a tripod in the box, the Acer A640 for 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps and the Meet SE for the highest top frame rate here (150fps) if those matter more to you.
Place the camera at eye level; a laptop-height angle looks worse than any resolution.
Related Guides
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- Related guideThe Best 4K Webcams
- Related guideThe Best Webcams for Streaming
- Lower budgetThe Best Webcams Under $40
- Similar guideThe Best Webcams for Zoom
- ExplainerHow to Choose a Webcam for Your PC
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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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