Buying Guide
The Best Webcams With Privacy Shutter
Five webcams compared, from the Tewiky to the N680E Pro, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A physical shutter blocks the lens when you're not on a call. Every pick has a shutter or cover, ordered from the lowest price.
Our comparison rests on published figures for top resolution, max frame rate and sensor; where a maker leaves out sensor, we say so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Tewiky Full HD Webcam with Rotatable Tripod
Undercutting the Acer A640 on price when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for Tewiky Full HD Webcam with Rotatable Tripod (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Acer A640 4K Webcam
4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps.
Best for: Buyers who want 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps.
Our take Check price for Acer A640 4K Webcam (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Angetube 967 Ultra 4K Webcam with Ring Light
A built-in ring light with three brightness levels.
Best for: Buyers who want built-in ring light with three brightness levels.
Our take Check price for Angetube 967 Ultra 4K Webcam with Ring Light (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Razer Kiyo V2 X Webcam
1440p at 60fps.
Best for: Buyers who want 1440p at 60fps.
Our take Check price for Razer Kiyo V2 X Webcam (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
NexiGo N680E Pro 4K Webcam with Ring Light
The top of this price range, adding a built-in ring light with three color temperatures and a brightness dial.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for NexiGo N680E Pro 4K Webcam with Ring Light (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Tewiky Full HD Webcam with Rotatable Tripod on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Tewiky is built around a rotatable tripod, with a wide-angle lens on top.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Skip it if top frame rate matters most to you; the Acer A640 offers 60fps.
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 is the only pick here with a 1080p30 top resolution; the Kiyo V2 X has a 1440p60 top resolution instead. No other pick in this guide offers a privacy cover; compare the Kiyo V2 X, which has a privacy shutter. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Acer A640 was the next step up. If top frame rate is your priority, the Acer A640 (60fps) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Top resolution: 1080p30
- Max frame rate: 30fps
- Privacy: Privacy cover
Pros
- Rotatable tripod
- Wide-angle lens
- Noise-cancelling microphone
- 1080p30 top resolution, the only one here
Cons
- Top frame rate trails the Acer A640 (60fps)
Also Consider2 of 5
Acer A640 4K Webcam on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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
- Price-first buyers should look at the Tewiky, which 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.
On top frame rate it ties with the Angetube ring light, the Kiyo V2 X and the N680E Pro at 60fps. Like the N680E Pro, it has a PDAF focus and framing, while the Kiyo V2 X uses an autofocus focus and framing. You also get AI noise cancelling on the microphone and a USB-A to USB-C adapter in the box.
4K output needs a USB 3 port and an app that accepts 4K; most video-call apps send 1080p or less. Its price falls between the Tewiky and the Angetube ring light, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & 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
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Angetube 967 Ultra 4K Webcam with Ring Light on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Angetube ring light stands out for a built-in ring light with three brightness levels, and it adds a privacy shutter.
Best for
- Buyers who want built-in ring light with three brightness levels.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Tewiky cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also offers a 60fps top frame rate. Its ring light has three brightness levels, and a physical shutter blocks the lens when you're not on a call. It records 4K at 30fps or 1080p at 60fps.
Two built-in microphones handle voice, and it works as plug-and-play with no driver. The ring light and shutter make it a complete call setup. It matches the Acer A640, the Kiyo V2 X and the N680E Pro on top frame rate (60fps).
4K output needs a USB 3 port and an app that accepts 4K; most video-call apps send 1080p or less. When we checked, only the Acer A640 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Kiyo V2 X cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Top resolution: 4K30, 1080p60
- Max frame rate: 60fps
- Privacy: Privacy shutter
Pros
- Built-in ring light with three brightness levels
- Privacy shutter
- 4K at 30fps or 1080p at 60fps
- Top frame rate of 60fps, ahead of the Tewiky
Cons
- Costs more than the Tewiky at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
Razer Kiyo V2 X Webcam on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 Tewiky, 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.
On top frame rate it ties with the Acer A640, the Angetube ring light and the N680E Pro at 60fps. No other pick in this guide offers a 1440p60 top resolution; compare the Tewiky, which has a 1080p30 top resolution. It is the only pick here with an autofocus focus and framing; the Acer A640 has a PDAF focus and framing instead.
It also offers a built-in microphone. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Angetube ring light and the pricier N680E Pro, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & 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
- Top frame rate of 60fps, ahead of the Tewiky
Cons
- Costs more than the Tewiky at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 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
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Tewiky 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.
It matches the Acer A640, the Angetube ring light and the Kiyo V2 X on top frame rate (60fps). It shares a PDAF focus and framing with the Acer A640; the Kiyo V2 X goes with an autofocus focus and framing. You also get dual noise-reducing microphones and an 80-degree field of view.
4K output needs a USB 3 port and an app that accepts 4K; most video-call apps send 1080p or less. Only the Kiyo V2 X came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
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
- Top frame rate of 60fps, ahead of the Tewiky
Cons
- Costs more than the Tewiky at the time of writing
How We Chose These Webcams With Privacy Shutter
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up five webcams on top resolution, top frame rate, sensor and focus and framing from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Tewiky to the N680E Pro, state top resolution, top frame rate and privacy.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Tewiky, the Angetube ring light and the Kiyo V2 X give no sensor; the Tewiky and the Angetube ring light give no focus and framing.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Tewiky (under $50) to the N680E Pro ($50 to $100).
What to Look for in a Webcam With Privacy Shutter
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Top frame rate
Here top frame rate runs from 30fps on the Tewiky to 60fps on the Acer A640. The Acer A640 is the pick for top frame rate.
Focus and framing
The Acer A640 and the N680E Pro list PDAF; the Kiyo V2 X lists autofocus. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Privacy
The Tewiky lists privacy cover; the Acer A640, the Angetube ring light, the Kiyo V2 X and the N680E Pro list privacy shutter.
Setup checks
4K output needs a USB 3 port and an app that accepts 4K; most video-call apps send 1080p or less.
Features beyond the spec table
The Angetube ring light: a privacy shutter. The Kiyo V2 X: a built-in microphone. The N680E Pro: dual noise-reducing microphones.
Autofocus and framing
Phase-detect autofocus (PDAF) holds focus quickly. AI framing crops to follow you; a motorized PTZ gimbal physically turns the camera.
How to Choose a Webcam With Privacy Shutter
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible | Tewiky | Undercutting the Acer A640 on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps | Acer A640 | 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps |
| Buyers who want built-in ring light with three brightness levels | Angetube ring light | A built-in ring light with three brightness levels |
| Buyers who want 1440p at 60fps | Kiyo V2 X | 1440p at 60fps |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | N680E Pro | The top of this price range, adding a built-in ring light with three color temperatures and a brightness dial |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Acer A640 leads on top frame rate at 60fps, ahead of the Angetube ring light at 60fps. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Webcam | Top resolution | Max frame rate | Sensor | Focus and framing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tewiky | 1080p30 | 30fps | Not listed | Not listed |
| Acer A640 | 4K30, 1080p60 | 60fps | Sony 1/2.8in | PDAF |
| Angetube ring light | 4K30, 1080p60 | 60fps | Not listed | Not listed |
| Kiyo V2 X | 1440p60 | 60fps | Not stated | Autofocus |
| N680E Pro | 4K sensor, 1080p60 streaming | 60fps | Sony 1/2.5in | PDAF |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Tewiky was the lowest-priced pick and the N680E Pro the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Webcams |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | Tewiky, Acer A640, Angetube ring light |
| About $50 to $100 | Kiyo V2 X, N680E Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the N680E Pro worth paying more than the Tewiky?
On paper it adds top frame rate (60fps against 30fps). The Tewiky was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the Tewiky the Lowest Price Here?
It earns the label for undercutting the Acer A640 on price when we checked. It suits spending as little as possible.
Do the Acer A640 and the N680E Pro differ on sensor?
The Acer A640 uses sony 1/2.8in; the N680E Pro uses sony 1/2.5in. The makers of the Tewiky, the Angetube ring light and the Kiyo V2 X don't say.
What should I check before buying the Angetube ring light?
4K output needs a USB 3 port and an app that accepts 4K; most video-call apps send 1080p or less. In this guide it ranks third of 5.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Tewiky and the Acer A640 apart?
The Tewiky: a rotatable tripod. The Acer A640: 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps. The Angetube ring light: a built-in ring light with three brightness levels.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Tewiky, chosen for undercutting the Acer A640 on price when we checked. Look at the Acer A640 for 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps, the Angetube ring light for a built-in ring light with three brightness levels and the Kiyo V2 X for 1440p at 60fps if those matter more to you.
Close the shutter after every call.