Buying Guide

The Best Webcams Under $120

We weighed five webcams on top frame rate and top resolution; the Tiny SE has the highest top frame rate, and it also costs the least.

By The PC Journal editorial team

12 min read5 products evaluated

Between $75 and $120 webcams offer 2K or 4K resolution and larger sensors. Every pick cost 75 to 120 when we checked and lists its video resolution.

Rankings weigh top resolution, max frame rate and sensor as the makers state them; we did not test these webcams ourselves, and if a maker skips max frame rate, the guide says so.

Quick Picks

Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.

  1. Highest Top Frame Rate

    OBSBOT Tiny SE Webcam

    The highest top frame rate here (100fps).

    Best for: Buyers who put top frame rate first.

    Our take Check price for OBSBOT Tiny SE Webcam (opens in a new tab)

  2. Also Consider

    NexiGo N680E Pro 4K Webcam with Ring Light

    A built-in ring light with three color temperatures and a brightness dial.

    Best for: Buyers who want built-in ring light with three color temperatures and a brightness dial.

    Our take Check price for NexiGo N680E Pro 4K Webcam with Ring Light (opens in a new tab)

  3. Strong Alternative

    Dell UltraSharp 4K Webcam WB7022

    HDR.

    Best for: Buyers who want HDR.

    Our take Check price for Dell UltraSharp 4K Webcam WB7022 (opens in a new tab)

  4. Worth a Look

    Elgato Facecam MK.2

    Uncompressed 1080p60 output.

    Best for: Buyers who want uncompressed 1080p60 output.

    Our take Check price for Elgato Facecam MK.2 (opens in a new tab)

  5. Premium Pick

    OBSBOT Tiny 2 Lite 4K PTZ Webcam

    The top of this price range, adding AI tracking on a motorized gimbal.

    Best for: Spending more than the Facecam MK.2 costs for the fullest feature set in this group.

    Our take Check price for OBSBOT Tiny 2 Lite 4K PTZ Webcam (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

OBSBOT Tiny SE Webcam

Highest Top Frame Rate1 of 5

OBSBOT Tiny SE Webcam on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

OBSBOT's Tiny SE puts 1080p100 on a compact PTZ gimbal with AI tracking.

Best for

Buyers who put top frame rate first.

Skip if

Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.

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 is the highest here; the N680E Pro comes next at 60fps. A 1080p100 top resolution is unique to it among these picks, while the Tiny 2 Lite uses a 4K30 top resolution. It shares a PTZ AI tracking focus and framing with the Tiny 2 Lite; the Dell WB7022 goes with an autofocus and framing.

It shares a points down privacy with the Tiny 2 Lite; the Facecam MK.2 goes with a privacy shutter. Its motorized gimbal needs clearance above the monitor to tilt and pan. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the N680E Pro was closest.

Key dimensions & 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
  • Highest top frame rate of the picks (100fps)
NexiGo N680E Pro 4K Webcam with Ring Light

Also Consider2 of 5

NexiGo N680E Pro 4K Webcam with Ring Light on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

NexiGo's N680E Pro builds a ring light into the webcam, with three colour temperatures and a brightness dial.

Best for

Buyers who want built-in ring light with three color temperatures and a brightness dial.

Skip if

If budget leads, the Tiny SE was cheaper at our last price check.

Why we like it

It streams 1080p at 60fps from a Sony 1/2.5in 4K sensor with phase-detect autofocus. A built-in ring light helps in dim rooms. It works with Windows, macOS, ChromeOS and Switch 2 with an adapter.

On top frame rate it ties with the Facecam MK.2 at 60fps. No other pick in this guide offers a sony 1/2.5in sensor; compare the Dell WB7022, which has a sony STARVIS sensor. It is the only pick here with a PDAF focus and framing; the Tiny SE has a PTZ AI tracking focus and framing instead.

Like the Facecam MK.2, it has a privacy shutter, while the Tiny SE uses a points down privacy. You also get dual noise-reducing microphones and an 80-degree field of view. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Tiny SE and the pricier Dell WB7022, at the time of writing.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Top resolution: 4K sensor, 1080p60 streaming
  • Max frame rate: 60fps
  • Sensor: Sony 1/2.5in
  • Focus and framing: PDAF
  • Privacy: Privacy shutter

Pros

  • Built-in ring light with three color temperatures and a brightness dial
  • Dual noise-reducing microphones
  • 80-degree field of view
  • Sony 1/2.5in sensor, the only one here

Cons

  • Costs more than the Tiny SE at the time of writing
Dell UltraSharp 4K Webcam WB7022

Strong Alternative3 of 5

Dell UltraSharp 4K Webcam WB7022 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

The Dell WB7022 is built around HDR, with Teams certification on top.

Best for

Buyers who want HDR.

Skip if

Its top frame rate is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.

Why we like it

No other pick in this guide offers a 4K top resolution; compare the Facecam MK.2, which has a 1080p60 top resolution. No other pick in this guide offers a sony STARVIS sensor; compare the N680E Pro, which has a sony 1/2.5in sensor. It is the only pick here with an autofocus and framing; the Tiny SE has a PTZ AI tracking focus and framing instead.

You also get HDR. 4K output needs a USB 3 port and an app that accepts 4K; most video-call apps send 1080p or less. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper N680E Pro and the pricier Facecam MK.2, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its top frame rate; if that figure matters, the Tiny SE offers 100fps.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Top resolution: 4K
  • Sensor: Sony STARVIS
  • Focus and framing: Autofocus

Pros

  • HDR
  • Teams certification
  • 4K top resolution, the only one here
  • Sony STARVIS sensor, the only one here

Cons

  • No published top frame rate
  • Costs more than the Tiny SE at the time of writing
Elgato Facecam MK.2

Worth a Look4 of 5

Elgato Facecam MK.2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Elgato's Facecam MK.2 outputs uncompressed 1080p60 and has a built-in privacy shutter.

Best for

Buyers who want uncompressed 1080p60 output.

Skip if

Skip it if top frame rate matters most to you; the Tiny SE offers 100fps.

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 N680E Pro on top frame rate (60fps).

You get a 1080p60 top resolution here, which sets it apart from the Tiny 2 Lite and its a 4K30 top resolution. A fixed focus and framing is unique to it among these picks, while the N680E Pro uses a PDAF focus and framing. It shares a privacy shutter with the N680E Pro; the Tiny 2 Lite goes with a points down privacy.

It was priced above the Dell WB7022 and below the Tiny 2 Lite at the time of writing. It gives ground on top frame rate, where the Tiny SE offers 100fps.

Key dimensions & 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
  • 1080p60 top resolution, the only one here

Cons

  • Top frame rate trails the Tiny SE (100fps)
  • Costs more than the Tiny SE at the time of writing
OBSBOT Tiny 2 Lite 4K PTZ Webcam

Premium Pick5 of 5

OBSBOT Tiny 2 Lite 4K PTZ Webcam on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

The OBSBOT Tiny 2 Lite puts a 1/2in 4K sensor on a motorized gimbal that tracks you.

Best for

Spending more than the Facecam MK.2 costs for the fullest feature set in this group.

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

Gestures control it, and it points down for privacy. A 4K30 top resolution is unique to it among these picks, while the Dell WB7022 uses a 4K top resolution. You get a 1/2in sensor here, which sets it apart from the Dell WB7022 and its a sony STARVIS sensor.

It shares a PTZ AI tracking focus and framing with the Tiny SE; the N680E Pro goes with a PDAF focus and framing. It also offers preset positions. 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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Facecam MK.2 the nearest cheaper option. If you want a confirmed top frame rate, look to the Tiny SE instead: it offers 100fps, while this one gives no figure.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Top resolution: 4K30
  • Sensor: 1/2in
  • Focus and framing: PTZ AI tracking
  • Privacy: Points down

Pros

  • AI tracking on a motorized gimbal
  • Gesture control
  • Preset positions
  • 4K30 top resolution, the only one here

Cons

  • No published top frame rate
  • Costs more than the Tiny SE at the time of writing

How We Chose These Webcams Under $120

Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.

What we compared
We set side by side five 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 5, from the Tiny SE to the Tiny 2 Lite, state top resolution and focus and framing.
Where the specs have gaps
The Dell WB7022 and the Tiny 2 Lite give no top frame rate; the Tiny SE and the Facecam MK.2 give no sensor.
Price range
At our last check the picks ran from the Tiny SE ($50 to $100) to the Tiny 2 Lite ($100 to $150).

What to Look for in a Webcam Under $120

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. How much top frame rate you need

    The Tiny SE tops top frame rate at 100fps and the Facecam MK.2 sits lowest at 60fps. If top frame rate is your first filter, the Tiny SE sets the ceiling at 100fps. The Dell WB7022 and the Tiny 2 Lite give no top frame rate figure, so 3 of 5 picks are compared here.

  2. Focus and framing

    The Tiny SE and the Tiny 2 Lite list PTZ AI tracking; the N680E Pro lists PDAF; the Dell WB7022 lists autofocus; the Facecam MK.2 lists Fixed.

  3. Privacy

    The Tiny SE and the Tiny 2 Lite list Points down; the N680E Pro and the Facecam MK.2 list privacy shutter. Settling privacy first narrows 4 picks to 2 or 2.

  4. Extras that separate them

    The Dell WB7022: Teams certification. The Facecam MK.2: HDR at 1080p30. The Tiny 2 Lite: gesture control.

  5. How much to spend

    $50 to $100 buys the Tiny SE and the N680E Pro; $100 to $150 buys the Dell WB7022, the Facecam MK.2 and the Tiny 2 Lite at our last check.

How to Choose a Webcam Under $120

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Buyers who put top frame rate firstTiny SEThe highest top frame rate here (100fps)
Buyers who want built-in ring light with three color temperatures and a brightness dialN680E ProA built-in ring light with three color temperatures and a brightness dial
Buyers who want HDRDell WB7022HDR
Buyers who want uncompressed 1080p60 outputFacecam MK.2Uncompressed 1080p60 output
Spending more than the Facecam MK.2 costs for the fullest feature set in this groupTiny 2 LiteThe top of this price range, adding AI tracking on a motorized gimbal

Scroll sideways to see every column.

Key specs side by side

The Tiny SE leads on top frame rate at 100fps, ahead of the N680E Pro at 60fps. "Not listed" marks top frame rate where the Dell WB7022 and the Tiny 2 Lite leave the figure out.

WebcamTop resolutionMax frame rateSensorFocus and framing
Tiny SE1080p100100fpsNot statedPTZ AI tracking
N680E Pro4K sensor, 1080p60 streaming60fpsSony 1/2.5inPDAF
Dell WB70224KNot listedSony STARVISAutofocus
Facecam MK.21080p6060fpsNot statedFixed
Tiny 2 Lite4K30Not listed1/2inPTZ AI tracking

Scroll sideways to see every column.

By price at the time of writing

The Tiny SE was the lowest-priced pick ($50 to $100) and the Tiny 2 Lite the highest ($100 to $150) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.

Price tierWebcams
About $50 to $100Tiny SE, N680E Pro
About $100 to $150Dell WB7022, Facecam MK.2, Tiny 2 Lite

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has the highest top frame rate: the Tiny SE or the N680E Pro?

Between the top two, it is 100fps on the Tiny SE against 60fps on the N680E Pro, a 67% difference. The Dell WB7022 and the Tiny 2 Lite are left out of this ranking because their top frame rate isn't stated; 3 of 5 picks are ranked.

Why is the Tiny SE our Highest Top Frame Rate pick?

It carries the badge for the highest top frame rate here (100fps). On top frame rate it leads the N680E Pro, 100fps against 60fps, a 67% margin. It makes sense for anyone who puts top frame rate first.

Do the N680E Pro and the Dell WB7022 differ on sensor?

The N680E Pro uses sony 1/2.5in; the Dell WB7022 uses Sony STARVIS; the Tiny 2 Lite uses 1/2in. The Tiny SE and the Facecam MK.2 have no sensor listed, so 3 of 5 picks are covered here.

What extras do the Tiny SE and the N680E Pro include?

The Tiny SE: PTZ AI tracking. The N680E Pro: a built-in ring light with three color temperatures and a brightness dial. The Dell WB7022: HDR.

Should I pick the Tiny SE or the Tiny 2 Lite?

The Tiny SE suits buyers who put top frame rate first; the Tiny 2 Lite suits spending more than the Facecam MK.2 costs for the fullest feature set in this group.

Bottom Line

Our first pick is the Tiny SE, chosen for the highest top frame rate here (100fps). Look at the N680E Pro for a built-in ring light with three color temperatures and a brightness dial, the Dell WB7022 for HDR and the Facecam MK.2 for uncompressed 1080p60 output if those matter more to you.

A higher resolution needs a USB 3.0 port and more bandwidth to run at full speed.