Buying Guide
The Best Webcams Under $100
Five webcams ranked on top frame rate and top resolution, where the Meet SE has the highest top frame rate; the EMEET S600 is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Between $50 and $100, webcams add autofocus, 60fps and better sensors. Every pick sits in that range, ordered by frame rate.
We ranked these webcams on top resolution, max frame rate and sensor using manufacturer specifications; where a maker leaves out sensor, we say so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
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
OBSBOT Tiny SE 1080p PTZ Webcam with Mini Tripod1080p at 100fps and 720p at 120fps at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the EMEET S600 costs less.
Check price for OBSBOT Tiny SE 1080p PTZ Webcam with Mini Tripod on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
EMEET S600 4K WebcamA lower price than the Meet SE and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Getting Sony sensor for the least money.
Check price for EMEET S600 4K Webcam on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Razer Kiyo V2 X Webcam1440p at 60fps.
Best for: Buyers who want 1440p at 60fps.
Check price for Razer Kiyo V2 X Webcam on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Razer Kiyo V2 XA universal pivoting mount.
Best for: Buyers who want universal pivoting mount.
Check price for Razer Kiyo V2 X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Highest Top Frame Rate1 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
- Skip it if price comes first: the EMEET S600 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.
Nothing else here matches its 150fps top frame rate; the Tiny SE with tripod comes closest at 120fps. Like the Tiny SE with tripod, it has a 1080p100 top resolution, while the Kiyo V2 X uses a 1440p60 top resolution. Like the Kiyo V2 X and Kiyo V2 X, it has an autofocus and framing, while the EMEET S600 uses a PDAF focus and framing. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper EMEET S600 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 EMEET S600 at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 of 5
OBSBOT Tiny SE 1080p PTZ Webcam with Mini Tripod
The Tiny SE with tripod stands out for 1080p at 100fps and 720p at 120fps, and it adds a mini tripod in the box.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the EMEET S600 costs less.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the EMEET S600, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also offers a 120fps top frame rate. Its two-axis gimbal physically follows you, and gesture controls let you change framing without touching the PC. PDAF autofocus and 4x digital zoom keep close-ups sharp.
A mini tripod comes in the box, so it can stand on a desk away from the monitor. On top frame rate it sits mid-pack at 120fps: the Meet SE offers 150fps, and the Kiyo V2 X comes in at 60fps. Like the Meet SE, it has a 1080p100 top resolution, while the EMEET S600 uses a 4K30 top resolution.
Its motorized gimbal needs clearance above the monitor to tilt and pan. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Kiyo V2 X.
Key specs
- Top resolution
- 1080p100
- Max frame rate
- 120fps
- Focus and framing
- PDAF, PTZ AI tracking
Pros
- 1080p at 100fps and 720p at 120fps
- Mini tripod in the box
- Gesture control and 4x digital zoom
- Top frame rate of 120fps, ahead of the EMEET S600
Cons
- Costs more than the EMEET S600 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
EMEET S600 4K Webcam
EMEET's S600 pairs a Sony 4K sensor with phase-detect autofocus and a privacy cover.
Best for
- Getting Sony sensor for the least money.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when top frame rate of 60fps, behind the Meet SE (150fps) is a problem.
Why we like it
It is the budget 4K option here. On top frame rate it ties with the Kiyo V2 X and the Kiyo V2 X at 60fps. It is the only pick here with a 4K30 top resolution; the Meet SE has a 1080p100 top resolution instead.
No other pick in this guide offers a PDAF focus and framing; compare the Kiyo V2 X, which has an autofocus and framing. No other pick in this guide offers a privacy cover; compare the Kiyo V2 X, which has a privacy shutter. 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 Meet SE was the next step up.
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
- 4K30 top resolution, 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 Consider4 of 5
Razer Kiyo V2 X Webcam
Razer's Kiyo V2 X records 1440p at 60fps with autofocus and a privacy shutter.
Best for
- Buyers who want 1440p at 60fps.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the EMEET S600, which cost less when we checked.
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 EMEET S600 and the Kiyo V2 X on top frame rate (60fps). It shares a 1440p60 top resolution with the Kiyo V2 X; the Meet SE goes with a 1080p100 top resolution. It shares an autofocus and framing with the Meet SE and Kiyo V2 X; the EMEET S600 goes with a PDAF focus and framing.
You also get a built-in microphone. When we checked, only the Meet SE and cheaper picks cost less, and the Kiyo V2 X 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
Cons
- Costs more than the EMEET S600 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative5 of 5
Razer Kiyo V2 X
The Kiyo V2 X is built around a universal pivoting mount.
Best for
- Buyers who want universal pivoting mount.
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 60fps top frame rate. On top frame rate it ties with the EMEET S600 and the Kiyo V2 X at 60fps. Like the Kiyo V2 X, it has a 1440p60 top resolution, while the Tiny SE with tripod uses a 1080p100 top resolution.
Like the Meet SE and Kiyo V2 X, it has an autofocus and framing, while the EMEET S600 uses a PDAF focus and framing. It is the only pick here with an integrated privacy shutter; the EMEET S600 has a privacy cover instead. The trade-off is top frame rate; for more, the Meet SE offers 150fps.
Key specs
- Top resolution
- 1440p60
- Max frame rate
- 60fps
- Sensor
- Not stated
- Focus and framing
- Autofocus
- Privacy
- Integrated privacy shutter
Pros
- Universal pivoting mount
- Integrated privacy shutter, the only one here
- 1440p60 top resolution
- 60fps top frame rate
Cons
- Top frame rate trails the Meet SE (150fps)
- Costs more than the EMEET S600 at the time of writing
How We Chose These Webcams Under $100
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 set side by side 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 sensor and privacy are missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Meet SE to the Kiyo V2 X, state top resolution, top frame rate and focus and framing.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Tiny SE with tripod, the Kiyo V2 X and the Kiyo V2 X give no sensor; the Meet SE and the Tiny SE with tripod give no privacy.
- Price range
- From the EMEET S600 to the Tiny SE with tripod, all sat in the $50 to $100 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Webcam Under $100
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Top frame rate
Here top frame rate runs from 60fps on the Kiyo V2 X to 150fps on the Meet SE, a 150% spread. If top frame rate is your first filter, the Meet SE sets the ceiling at 150fps.
Sensor
The Meet SE lists 1/2.8in; the EMEET S600 lists sony 1/2.55in. Settling sensor first narrows 2 picks to 1 or 1.
A gaming room with a lit desk, a monitor and shelves of collectibles Privacy
The EMEET S600 lists privacy cover; the Kiyo V2 X lists privacy shutter; the Kiyo V2 X lists Integrated privacy shutter.
Extras that separate them
The EMEET S600: phase-detect autofocus. The Kiyo V2 X: a built-in microphone. The Kiyo V2 X: a universal pivoting mount.
A desk with a microphone arm, a ring light and two monitors Budget
All 5 sat in the $50 to $100 tier when we checked, from the EMEET S600 at the low end to the Tiny SE with tripod at the top, so decide on features first.
How to Choose a Webcam Under $100
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put top frame rate first | Meet SE | The highest top frame rate here (150fps) |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the EMEET S600 costs less | Tiny SE with tripod | 1080p at 100fps and 720p at 120fps at the highest price in the group |
| Getting Sony sensor for the least money | EMEET S600 | A lower price than the Meet SE and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want 1440p at 60fps | Kiyo V2 X | 1440p at 60fps |
| Buyers who want universal pivoting mount | Kiyo V2 X | A universal pivoting mount |
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 with tripod at 120fps. "Not listed" marks sensor where the Tiny SE with tripod leaves the figure out.
| Webcam | Top resolution | Max frame rate | Sensor | Focus and framing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meet SE | 1080p100 | 150fps | 1/2.8in | Autofocus |
| Tiny SE with tripod | 1080p100 | 120fps | Not listed | PDAF, PTZ AI tracking |
| EMEET S600 | 4K30 | 60fps | Sony 1/2.55in | PDAF |
| Kiyo V2 X | 1440p60 | 60fps | Not stated | Autofocus |
| Kiyo V2 X | 1440p60 | 60fps | Not stated | Autofocus |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest top frame rate: the Meet SE or the Tiny SE with tripod?
Between the top two, it is 150fps on the Meet SE against 120fps on the Tiny SE with tripod, a 25% difference. The Kiyo V2 X is at the other end of this group with 60fps.
What does the Tiny SE with tripod add over the EMEET S600?
What it brings is top frame rate (120fps against 60fps). Both sat in the $50 to $100 tier when we checked, so the gains in top frame rate cost little extra by tier.
Why is the Meet SE our Highest Top Frame Rate pick?
It earns the label for the highest top frame rate here (150fps). On top frame rate it leads the Tiny SE with tripod, 150fps against 120fps, a 25% margin. It is aimed at anyone who puts top frame rate first.
Do the Meet SE and the EMEET S600 differ on top resolution?
The Meet SE and the Tiny SE with tripod use 1080p100; the EMEET S600 uses 4K30; the Kiyo V2 X and the Kiyo V2 X use 1440p60.
What extras do the Meet SE and the Tiny SE with tripod include?
The Meet SE: 1080p at 100fps. The Tiny SE with tripod: 1080p at 100fps and 720p at 120fps. The EMEET S600: a Sony sensor.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Meet SE, chosen for the highest top frame rate here (150fps). Look at the Tiny SE with tripod for 1080p at 100fps and 720p at 120fps at the highest price in the group, the EMEET S600 for a lower price than the Meet SE and the rest when we checked and the Kiyo V2 X for 1440p at 60fps if those matter more to you.
Check the privacy option before buying.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Webcams for Streaming
- Related guideThe Best 4K Webcams
- Related guideThe Best Webcams for Streaming
- Lower budgetThe Best Webcams Under $50
- Higher budgetThe Best Webcams Under $120
- 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 Under $40
- 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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