Webcams went from a fun accessory for the hobbyist to a workplace necessity as many of us moved to work from home, and virtual meetings became a mainstay. It's still the case in 2025, as Microsoft Teams and Zoom still stand as popular platforms alongside Google Meet and others, and "turning on our cameras" is standard practice. Unfortunately, thousands of laptops come with a lackluster built-in webcam that leaves us looking fuzzy and overexposed, but there's a solution.
I've tested various webcams for over a decade. Between daily video meetings, livestreaming video games, and amateur content creation, I've seen some stars and some stinkers.
All webcams designed for desktop PCs are compatible with laptops if they feature the necessary USB ports, and Windows 11 will allow you to choose which device you want to use in video calls. So, which webcam is best for calls, and do you really need a 4K sensor or face tracking and Windows Hello support? I'm rounding up my favorite picks, which have been tried and tested by my colleagues, and ranking them under separate categories to help you choose the best webcam for your situation.
The quick list
Best for most users
A no-nonsense webcam with excellent image quality and lowlight performance for $200, though it lacks Windows Hello support.
Best gimbal tracking
High-quality but steep at $199.99, the Link 2 offers great image quality and versatile tracking features that feel worth it.
Best for Windows Hello
A premium and future-proof option with 4K resolution, HDR, and Windows Hello support for secure face-detection logins.
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Best for streaming
A notable upgrade from its predecessor, reinforcing Elgato as my go-to brand for quality gaming. Just make sure you really need it.
The best webcam to buy in 2025
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Best webcam for most users
The Logitech MX Brio, reviewed by Zachary Boddy, easily takes the top place for anyone asking, "Which webcam should I buy?" Priced at $200, which will come as a shock to some, it offers excellent image quality and sturdy construction to last a lifetime, along with a straightforward setup and user-friendly software; its low-light performance is particularly impressive, making it an excellent choice for dim environments.
However, the MX Brio does lack support for Windows Hello, which its six-year-old predecessor, the original Brio, includes. While it excels at the basics, it could be even better if Logitech improves its software suite to compete with competing brands listed here.
Best gimbal webcam for face tracking
Our Insta360 Link 2 review proved it a worthy successor to the original model that Zachary Boddy called "the best webcam you can buy today," now offers various enhancements like a virtual camera for compatibility with more apps and an overall improved design with superior image quality, all at a price that's $100 less than its predecessor at launch.
While I would still opt for the high-scoring OBSBOT Tiny 2 4K if you can afford it at the 50% higher price, the Insta360 Link 2 is hard to beat at $199.99 for anyone seeking a versatile webcam with top-notch tracking capabilities, and for those who don't require gimbal features, the Insta360 Link 2C is available for $149.99 at Best Buy instead.
Best webcam for Windows Hello
Since our Logitech BRIO 4K webcam review, it remains a premium option that offers 4K resolution, HDR support, Windows Hello facial recognition, and background replacement features. It's a future-proof webcam that works well with any video meeting service, livestreaming platforms, and Windows 11 apps. However, it's still relatively expensive, moderately bulky for some laptops, and somewhat overkill for casual users who may not need 4K or HDR support.
Still, we'll always praise the BRIO for its excellent image and video quality, fast and straightforward Windows Hello setup, customizable field of view, and brightness settings. There is a mild issue of mediocre audio quality, inconsistent background replacement, and limited 4K support on some web services, but that's likely to change as the resolution becomes more common. The BRIO is a beast of a webcam from Logitech, recommended for anyone looking for a future-proof option with Windows Hello support.
Best webcam for streaming
Some minor gripes include a taut cable and awkward privacy shutter, but they're hardly deal breakers. Plus, while HDR is standard for this price range, finding a better option for game streamers will be challenging. Elgato has addressed plenty of issues from its MK.1 predecessor, namely significantly improving the software, finally integrating a privacy shutter, and reducing the overall chassis footprint for better weight distribution.
It represents a massive step forward for Elgato, which challenges established gaming accessory brands like Razer in the streaming sector, making the Elgato Facecam MK.2 Jez Corden's preferred choice for mic interfacing, stream control, lighting, and now visuals; which is hard to disagree with.
How to choose the best webcam
Choosing a webcam, thankfully, isn't as complex as it used to be, as the technology has reached a point where image quality doesn't vary as wildly as it did a few years ago. There are plenty of 4K cameras to choose from and webcams double up as a replacement for any built-in laptop option that doesn't make the grade for creating video content.
Budget is undoubtedly a critical factor, and it's tempting to search for the cheapest webcam you can find with '4K' in its name, but that doesn't guarantee a high-quality lens and sensor.
High resolutions don't go hand-in-hand with accurate color representation and reliable performance in low-light scenarios. So, my picks bring something more to the table than a gimmick of UHD images. For a no-nonsense pick, go with the Logitech Brio MX or spring for the original Brio for face-recognition logins with Windows Hello.
