As someone who reviews tech gadgets for a living, my PC setup has been flooded with about a dozen different webcams in the last few years.
And after rigorously testing everything from no-frills budget cameras to high-end ones made for youtubers, I still haven't found one that offers better quality for the money than the $ 1,200 Logitech C920.
It really is very good.
Despite stiff competition, the C920 has remained our top webcam pick thanks to its ability to capture realistic video and offer a nifty companion app, all for a relatively low price.
After using various versions of the Logitech camera during countless video meetings, YouTube recordings, Twitch broadcasts, and testing various competitors, I am convinced that it is still the webcam that most people should buy.
Why the Logitech C920 is still the best value for money camera
The Logitech C920 emerged at the top of our ranking after weeks of webcam tests in which it had to produce the best shots of any camera in various price ranges.
When standing in natural light, Logitech's camera captured sharp 1080p photos and videos that made my skin tone look natural while making fine details easy to select.
Although the C920 got a bit blurry once I closed the blinds to test low-light performance, it still produced shots that were brighter and sharper than most of its rivals in gloomy conditions.
Its 30 frames per second video capture is largely smooth and consistent, although there were a few occasions when the autofocus lens would frequently refocus, creating somewhat edgy looking shots.
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I compared the Logitech C920 shots with similarly priced webcams and the quality difference is quite significant.
While Microsoft's Lifecam Studio camera excels in low light, the photos it took under natural lighting were surprisingly dark compared to the C920.
Meanwhile, the Razer Kiyo created shots that were much more saturated than Logitech's, and it didn't look very good in low light, even when its built-in ring light was activated.
Great features for users and content creators alike
The Logitech C920's great image quality is complemented by a simple, well-built design and a handy feature set. It's easy to see why this camera is a staple for work-at-home and conference rooms alike - its black plastic design looks sleek and feels sturdy and I never had a problem installing it on multiple computer monitors and screens. laptops. You can also connect it to almost any tripod using the universal bracket located at the bottom.
Logitech's capture software offers a solid number of options for adjusting the way it looks on the screen.
You can adjust settings like brightness, contrast, and saturation, toggle things like autofocus and white balance, and zoom in for a cropped shot.
You can also add text and filters to your images, and take photos and videos directly from the app if you want to record something quick for YouTube or Facebook.
The Capture program offers you many basic options to customize your shots.
Logitech C920
MX $ 1,284
Buy It Here
What other good webcams are out there?
While the C920 is still the best webcam overall, there are other options in both the lower and higher end that are worth considering if you are on a budget or have more specific needs.
The Microsoft Lifecam HD-3000 is the best budget-friendly webcam we've tested, producing impressively natural-looking 720p shots for a price that low.
Its small rubberized design is especially ideal for people who want a good portable webcam for travel use.
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If you can afford a bit more, the recently released Microsoft Modern Webcam is a solid and much more compact than the C920, with good 1080p image quality, a tripod-friendly design, and a built-in privacy shutter. Just keep in mind that while it works well in low light, it can be a bit sensitive to sunlight and tends to oversaturate.
On the high end, the Logitech StreamCam is our pick for content creators, and the webcam that I personally use the most.
The calling card of this camera is the ability to shoot at 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second, a combo that results in video that is highly detailed and realistic smooth.
It is also the only webcam that can shoot in a portrait orientation, which could be useful for producing TikTok and Instagram clips from your computer.
Note: The above prices reflect the price at the time of publication of the article.