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 , PC Hardware Editor

13 min read7 products evaluated

A desk setup with a keyboard, mouse and headset beside a monitor
Illustrative image

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.

  1. Best Streaming Webcam

    Elgato Facecam MK.2

    Uncompressed 1080p60 with a privacy shutter.

    Best for: Most streamers

    Check price for Elgato Facecam MK.2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  2. Best 1440p Webcam

    Razer Kiyo V2 X Webcam

    1440p at 60fps with autofocus.

    Best for: Sharper streams

    Check price for Razer Kiyo V2 X Webcam on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  3. Best PTZ Tracking

    Insta360 Link 2 4K PTZ Webcam

    PTZ 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)
  4. Highest Frame Rate

    OBSBOT Meet SE Webcam

    1080p at 100fps and 720p at 150fps.

    Best for: Smooth motion

    Check price for OBSBOT Meet SE Webcam on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  5. Best Value Elgato

    Elgato Facecam

    1080p60 with onboard settings memory.

    Best for: Budget streams

    Check price for Elgato Facecam on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  6. Best Budget Tracking

    OBSBOT Tiny SE Webcam

    PTZ AI tracking at 1080p100.

    Best for: Tracking on a budget

    Check price for OBSBOT Tiny SE 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.
Elgato Facecam MK.2

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.
Razer Kiyo V2 X Webcam

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.
Insta360 Link 2 4K PTZ Webcam

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.
OBSBOT Meet SE Webcam

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.
Elgato Facecam

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.
OBSBOT Tiny SE Webcam

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.
Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam

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.

A streaming desk with a ring light, a mic arm and monitors
A streaming desk with a ring light, a mic arm and monitors
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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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
    A gaming room with a lit desk, a monitor and shelves of collectibles
  3. 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.

  4. 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
    A desk with a microphone arm, a ring light and two monitors
  5. 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

PriorityConsiderWhy
Most streamersFacecam MK.2Uncompressed 1080p60 with a privacy shutter
Sharper streamsKiyo V2 X1440p at 60fps with autofocus
Active streamsLink 2PTZ gimbal on a 1/2in 4K sensor
Smooth motionMeet SE1080p at 100fps and 720p at 150fps
Budget streamsFacecam1080p60 with onboard settings memory
Tracking on a budgetTiny SEPTZ AI tracking at 1080p100
First streamC922x720p60 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.

WebcamTop resolutionMax frame rateSensorFocus and framing
Facecam MK.21080p6060fpsNot statedFixed
Kiyo V2 X1440p6060fpsNot statedAutofocus
Link 24K30Not listed1/2inPTZ AI tracking
Meet SE1080p100150fps1/2.8inAutofocus
Facecam1080p6060fpsNot statedFixed
Tiny SE1080p100100fpsNot statedPTZ AI tracking
C922x1080p3060fpsNot statedAutofocus

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 tierWebcams
About $50 to $100Facecam, Meet SE, Kiyo V2 X, Tiny SE
About $100 to $150Facecam MK.2, C922x
About $150 to $250Link 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.

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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