Buying Guide
The Best Webcams for Streaming
For streaming, a steady 60fps and good low-light behavior matter more than 4K. These seven focus there.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
13 min read7 products evaluated

Streaming platforms mostly deliver 1080p, so a webcam that holds 60fps in normal room light matters more than raw resolution. Tracking and privacy shutters are the useful extras.
We compared frame rate, resolution, focus and privacy from each listing.
Quick Picks
Which of the 7 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.

Best Streaming Webcam
Elgato Facecam MK.2Uncompressed 1080p60 with a privacy shutter.
Best for: Most streamers
Check price for Elgato Facecam MK.2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best 1440p Webcam
Razer Kiyo V2 X Webcam1440p at 60fps with autofocus.
Best for: Sharper streams
Check price for Razer Kiyo V2 X Webcam on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best PTZ Tracking
Insta360 Link 2 4K PTZ WebcamPTZ gimbal on a 1/2in 4K sensor.
Best for: Active streams
Check price for Insta360 Link 2 4K PTZ Webcam on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Highest Frame Rate
OBSBOT Meet SE Webcam1080p at 100fps and 720p at 150fps.
Best for: Smooth motion
Check price for OBSBOT Meet SE Webcam on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Value Elgato
Elgato Facecam1080p60 with onboard settings memory.
Best for: Budget streams
Check price for Elgato Facecam on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Tracking
OBSBOT Tiny SE WebcamPTZ AI tracking at 1080p100.
Best for: Tracking on a budget
Check price for OBSBOT Tiny SE Webcam on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Cheapest Proven Pick
Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam720p60 mode with dual mics.
Best for: First stream
Check price for Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Streaming Webcam1 of 7
Elgato Facecam MK.2
Elgato's Facecam MK.2 outputs uncompressed 1080p60 and has a built-in privacy shutter.
Best for
- Most streamers
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Facecam cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is built for streaming rather than calls. It records uncompressed 1080p60, and Camera Hub offers DSLR-like image controls. It matches the Kiyo V2 X, the Facecam and the C922x on top frame rate (60fps).
It shares a 1080p60 top resolution with the Facecam; the C922x goes with a 1080p30 top resolution. It shares a fixed focus and framing with the Facecam; the Tiny SE goes with a PTZ AI tracking focus and framing. It shares a privacy shutter with the Kiyo V2 X; the Link 2 goes with a points down privacy. When we checked, only the Tiny SE and cheaper picks cost less, and the C922x cost more.
Key specs
- Top resolution
- 1080p60
- Max frame rate
- 60fps
- Sensor
- Not stated
- Focus and framing
- Fixed
- Privacy
- Privacy shutter
Pros
- Uncompressed 1080p60 output
- HDR at 1080p30
- Built-in privacy shutter
Cons
- Costs more than the Facecam at the time of writing
Best 1440p Webcam2 of 7
Razer Kiyo V2 X Webcam
Razer's Kiyo V2 X records 1440p at 60fps with autofocus and a privacy shutter.
Best for
- Sharper streams
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Facecam was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It sits between 1080p and 4K cameras. It records 1440p at 60fps, sharper than most 1080p webcams, and autofocus keeps you in focus as you move. Razer Synapse handles image adjustments.
It matches the Facecam MK.2, the Facecam and the C922x on top frame rate (60fps). A 1440p60 top resolution is unique to it among these picks, while the C922x uses a 1080p30 top resolution. It shares an autofocus and framing with the Meet SE and C922x; the Tiny SE goes with a PTZ AI tracking focus and framing.
It shares a privacy shutter with the Facecam MK.2; the Facecam goes with a lens cover privacy. You also get a built-in microphone. When we checked, only the Meet SE and cheaper picks cost less, and the Tiny SE cost more.
Key specs
- Top resolution
- 1440p60
- Max frame rate
- 60fps
- Sensor
- Not stated
- Focus and framing
- Autofocus
- Privacy
- Privacy shutter
Pros
- 1440p at 60fps
- Built-in microphone
- Privacy shutter
- 1440p60 top resolution, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the Facecam at the time of writing
Best PTZ Tracking3 of 7
Insta360 Link 2 4K PTZ Webcam
The Insta360 Link 2 adds a PTZ gimbal with AI tracking to a 1/2in 4K sensor.
Best for
- Active streams
Skip if
- Its top frame rate is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
It suits people who move around while on camera. No other pick in this guide offers a 4K30 top resolution; compare the Tiny SE, which has a 1080p100 top resolution. Like the Tiny SE, it has a PTZ AI tracking focus and framing, while the Facecam MK.2 uses a fixed focus and framing.
Like the Tiny SE, it has a points down privacy, while the Facecam MK.2 uses a privacy shutter. It also offers gesture control. 4K output needs a USB 3 port and an app that accepts 4K; most video-call apps send 1080p or less.
Its motorized gimbal needs clearance above the monitor to tilt and pan. It was the highest-priced of the 7 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the C922x and the rest.
Key specs
- Top resolution
- 4K30
- Sensor
- 1/2in
- Focus and framing
- PTZ AI tracking
- Privacy
- Points down
Pros
- PTZ gimbal with AI tracking
- 1/2in sensor
- Gesture control
- 4K30 top resolution, the only one here
Cons
- No published top frame rate
- Costs more than the Facecam at the time of writing
The catch
The maker doesn't give its top frame rate; if that figure matters, the Meet SE offers 150fps.
Highest Frame Rate4 of 7
OBSBOT Meet SE Webcam
OBSBOT's Meet SE records 1080p at 100fps on a 1/2.8in sensor.
Best for
- Smooth motion
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Facecam 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.
Nothing else here matches its 150fps top frame rate; the Tiny SE comes closest at 100fps. Like the Tiny SE, it has a 1080p100 top resolution, while the Facecam MK.2 uses a 1080p60 top resolution. Like the Kiyo V2 X and C922x, it has an autofocus and framing, while the Facecam MK.2 uses a fixed focus and framing. On price it sat second of 7, between the cheaper Facecam and the pricier Kiyo V2 X, at the time of writing.
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 Facecam at the time of writing
Best Value Elgato5 of 7
Elgato Facecam
The original Elgato Facecam records 1080p60 through an f/2.4 lens and stores settings onboard.
Best for
- Budget streams
Skip if
- Worth skipping when top frame rate of 60fps, behind the Meet SE (150fps) is a problem.
Why we like it
A lens cover is included. On top frame rate it ties with the Facecam MK.2, the Kiyo V2 X and the C922x at 60fps. Like the Facecam MK.2, it has a 1080p60 top resolution, while the Meet SE uses a 1080p100 top resolution.
Like the Facecam MK.2, it has a fixed focus and framing, while the Meet SE uses an autofocus and framing. No other pick in this guide offers a lens cover privacy; compare the Link 2, which has a points down privacy. You also get an 82-degree field of view. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Meet SE was the next step up.
Key specs
- Top resolution
- 1080p60
- Max frame rate
- 60fps
- Sensor
- Not stated
- Focus and framing
- Fixed
- Privacy
- Lens cover
Pros
- F/2.4 lens
- 82-degree field of view
- Settings stored in onboard memory
- Lens cover privacy, 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.
Best Budget Tracking6 of 7
OBSBOT Tiny SE Webcam
OBSBOT's Tiny SE puts 1080p100 on a compact PTZ gimbal with AI tracking.
Best for
- Tracking on a budget
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Facecam, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is the low-cost tracking camera here. It records 1080p at up to 100fps and 720p at 150fps, and AI tracking keeps you in frame. It suits streamers who move around.
Its 100fps top frame rate ranks second of 6 here, behind the Meet SE (150fps) and ahead of the C922x (60fps). It shares a 1080p100 top resolution with the Meet SE; the C922x goes with a 1080p30 top resolution. It shares a PTZ AI tracking focus and framing with the Link 2; the Facecam MK.2 goes with a fixed focus and framing.
It shares a points down privacy with the Link 2; the Kiyo V2 X goes with a privacy shutter. Its motorized gimbal needs clearance above the monitor to tilt and pan. It was priced above the Kiyo V2 X and below the Facecam MK.2 at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Top resolution
- 1080p100
- Max frame rate
- 100fps
- Sensor
- Not stated
- Focus and framing
- PTZ AI tracking
- Privacy
- Points down
Pros
- PTZ AI tracking
- 1080p at 100fps
- Compact gimbal
- Top frame rate of 100fps, ahead of the Facecam MK.2
Cons
- Costs more than the Facecam at the time of writing
Cheapest Proven Pick7 of 7
Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam
Logitech's C922x is the long-running streaming webcam, with 1080p30 or 720p60 and dual mics.
Best for
- First stream
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no built-in privacy shutter is a problem.
Why we like it
It has no privacy shutter. HD lighting adjustment and autofocus keep the image sharp in dim rooms. It also works with Nintendo Switch 2 GameChat.
On top frame rate it ties with the Facecam MK.2, the Kiyo V2 X and the Facecam at 60fps. It is the only pick here with a 1080p30 top resolution; the Facecam has a 1080p60 top resolution instead. Like the Kiyo V2 X and Meet SE, it has an autofocus and framing, while the Facecam uses a fixed focus and framing.
You also get 720p60 for smoother motion. Its price falls between the Facecam MK.2 and the Link 2, based on our last check. If top frame rate is your priority, the Meet SE (150fps) is the stronger choice.
Key specs
- Top resolution
- 1080p30
- Max frame rate
- 60fps
- Sensor
- Not stated
- Focus and framing
- Autofocus
- Privacy
- None
Pros
- 720p60 for smoother motion
- Dual microphones
- Long track record as a streaming webcam
- 1080p30 top resolution, the only one here
Cons
- no built-in privacy shutter
- Top frame rate trails the Meet SE (150fps)
- Costs more than the Facecam at the time of writing
How We Chose These Webcams for Streaming
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 seven webcams on top resolution, top frame rate, sensor and focus and framing from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 2 of the 5 fields compared are stated for every pick, while top frame rate and sensor have gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 7, from the Facecam MK.2 to the C922x, state top resolution and focus and framing.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Link 2 gives no top frame rate; the Facecam MK.2, the Kiyo V2 X, the Facecam, the Tiny SE and the C922x give no sensor.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Facecam ($50 to $100) to the Link 2 ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a Webcam for Streaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much top frame rate you need
The Meet SE tops top frame rate at 150fps and the C922x sits lowest at 60fps. If top frame rate is your first filter, the Meet SE sets the ceiling at 150fps. The Link 2 gives no top frame rate figure, so 6 of 7 picks are compared here.
Sensor
The Link 2 lists 1/2in; the Meet SE lists 1/2.8in. Sort out sensor before price: it splits 2 stated picks into groups of 1 and 1.

A gaming room with a lit desk, a monitor and shelves of collectibles Focus and framing
The Facecam MK.2 and the Facecam list Fixed; the Kiyo V2 X, the Meet SE and the C922x list autofocus; the Link 2 and the Tiny SE list PTZ AI tracking. Settling focus and framing first narrows 7 picks to 3 or 2 or 2.
Extras that separate them
The Facecam: an 82-degree field of view. The Tiny SE: 1080p at 100fps. The C922x: dual microphones.

A desk with a microphone arm, a ring light and two monitors Where your budget lands
$50 to $100 buys the Facecam, the Meet SE, the Kiyo V2 X and the Tiny SE; $100 to $150 buys the Facecam MK.2 and the C922x; $150 to $250 buys the Link 2 at our last check.
How to Choose a Webcam for Streaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most streamers | Facecam MK.2 | Uncompressed 1080p60 with a privacy shutter |
| Sharper streams | Kiyo V2 X | 1440p at 60fps with autofocus |
| Active streams | Link 2 | PTZ gimbal on a 1/2in 4K sensor |
| Smooth motion | Meet SE | 1080p at 100fps and 720p at 150fps |
| Budget streams | Facecam | 1080p60 with onboard settings memory |
| Tracking on a budget | Tiny SE | PTZ AI tracking at 1080p100 |
| First stream | C922x | 720p60 mode with dual mics |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Meet SE leads on top frame rate at 150fps, ahead of the Tiny SE at 100fps. "Not listed" marks top frame rate where the Link 2 leaves the figure out.
| Webcam | Top resolution | Max frame rate | Sensor | Focus and framing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Facecam MK.2 | 1080p60 | 60fps | Not stated | Fixed |
| Kiyo V2 X | 1440p60 | 60fps | Not stated | Autofocus |
| Link 2 | 4K30 | Not listed | 1/2in | PTZ AI tracking |
| Meet SE | 1080p100 | 150fps | 1/2.8in | Autofocus |
| Facecam | 1080p60 | 60fps | Not stated | Fixed |
| Tiny SE | 1080p100 | 100fps | Not stated | PTZ AI tracking |
| C922x | 1080p30 | 60fps | Not stated | Autofocus |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Facecam was the lowest-priced pick ($50 to $100) and the Link 2 the highest ($150 to $250) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Webcams |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | Facecam, Meet SE, Kiyo V2 X, Tiny SE |
| About $100 to $150 | Facecam MK.2, C922x |
| About $150 to $250 | Link 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Meet SE ahead of the Tiny SE on top frame rate?
The Meet SE tops top frame rate at 150fps; the Tiny SE follows at 100fps, 50% apart. The C922x is at the other end of this group with 60fps. No top frame rate figure is published for the Link 2, which leaves 6 of 7 picks ranked here.
Why is the Link 2 our Best PTZ Tracking pick?
The label rests on PTZ gimbal on a 1/2in 4K sensor. The Facecam, the cheapest pick, sat in the $50 to $100 tier against $150 to $250 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for active streams.
Do the Facecam MK.2 and the Kiyo V2 X differ on top resolution?
The Facecam MK.2 and the Facecam use 1080p60; the Kiyo V2 X uses 1440p60; the Link 2 uses 4K30; the Meet SE and the Tiny SE use 1080p100; the C922x uses 1080p30.
What extras do the Facecam MK.2 and the Kiyo V2 X include?
The Facecam MK.2: uncompressed 1080p60 output. The Kiyo V2 X: 1440p at 60fps. The Link 2: a PTZ gimbal with AI tracking.
Who should choose the Facecam MK.2?
The Facecam MK.2 carries our Best Streaming Webcam label for uncompressed 1080p60 with a privacy shutter. It ranks first of 7 here and sat in the $100 to $150 tier at our last price check; it suits most streamers.
Bottom Line
The Elgato Facecam MK.2 is the streaming pick with uncompressed 1080p60 and a shutter. The Kiyo V2 X adds 1440p, the Link 2 tracks you, the Meet SE and Tiny SE offer 100fps, the original Facecam is the value Elgato, and the C922x is the cheapest proven option.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best 4K Webcams
- Related guideThe Best Streaming Gear for a PC
- Related guideThe Best USB Microphones
- Lower budgetThe Best Webcams Under $40
- Similar guideThe Best 4K Streaming Webcams
- 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 Webcams for Twitch Streaming
- 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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