PC & Console Peripherals

OBSBOT Tiny SE Review: Affordable 1080p webcam with AI tracking

With the OBSBOT Tiny 2 (our test), the manufacturer created one of the best 4K webcams last year, which impresses with its outstanding image quality as well as practical and smart AI functions. At the beginning of 2025, the company followed up with the Tiny SE and released a more affordable, slimmed-down model that is also intended to appeal to streamers and content creators. Our OBSBOT Tiny SE clarifies what the affordable webcam has to offer.

Technical data

Model Tiny SE
Dimensions 48 x 46 x 64 mm
weight 94 g
Connector USB type C
Max. Video resolution 1080p/100 frames per second
Supported resolutions 1080p 100/60/59.94/50/30/29.97/25/24/20/15,
720p 120/60/59.94/50/30/29.97/25/24/20/15
Lens 1/2.8 inch CMOS (2 MP); f/1.8
Field of view: 78 degrees
software OBSBOT Center
Compatibility Windows 10 (64-bit) or higher, macOS 1 or higher
Microphones 2x beamforming microphones with AI noise suppression
Mounting bracket 2-axis gimbal; 1/4-inch thread
Special features Autofocus, HDR, white balance, 2-axis gimbal, table mode, voice control, gesture control, beauty mode
price € 149.00 *

OBSBOT Tiny SE Review: design and workmanship

  • Handy dimensions
  • Simple, elegant design
  • Very good workmanship

At first glance, the OBSBOT Tiny SE looks confusingly similar to the Tiny 2 model, which is more than twice as expensive. Both cameras have a square, rounded body on which the camera unit and 2-axis gimbal sit.

The first difference can be seen on the underside, because while the more expensive model is magnetically attached to the monitor mount and can be freely adjusted in terms of position, the mount on the Tiny SE is integrated directly into the underside.

This can be easily folded out to attach the webcam to the monitor or notebook display. Rubber coatings on both sides ensure that nothing gets scratched. The stand also has a 1/4-inch thread on the underside if you want to attach the camera to a tripod.

The matt black plastic housing leaves a classy and high-quality impression and feels very pleasant to the touch. Generally speaking, there is not the slightest fault with the workmanship. With a size of around 48 mm x 46 mm x 64 mm, the Tiny SE is pleasantly compact and very handy with a weight of 94 grams.

OBSBOT Tiny SE

The OBSBOT Tiny SE is connected via the USB-C port at the back, while two beamforming microphones are installed at the front to ensure clear intelligibility. The manufacturer includes a suitable USB-C cable and USB-A adapter in the scope of delivery.

Commissioning and software connection

  • Plug-and-play connectivity

Plug-and-play is the magic word for the OBSBOT Tiny SE. Unlock it, strap it on and get started straight away. It couldn’t be simpler. As soon as the camera is connected, it is immediately recognized and ready for use under macOS and Windows.

The camera does not have a privacy shutter, but you can easily deactivate the image by pressing the lens of the Tiny SE downwards and the webcam virtually looks at the floor, which puts it into sleep mode.

This is another small drawback compared to the more expensive Tiny 2, as there is no voice control on board. With the more expensive model, you could also put the camera to sleep by saying “Sleep Tiny”, but unfortunately this is not possible here.

OBSBOT Center software

  • Clear software
  • Huge range of functions
  • Tracking, filters, blurring and much more customizable

However, it makes sense to use the OBSBOT Center companion software to unleash the webcam’s full potential. This initially welcomes you with a firmware update that improves the camera’s image quality and adds HDR functionality.

The tidy software offers you all kinds of setting options in three main tabs. In the “General” section, you can set the AI features such as tracking people, your hand or an entire group of people. When tracking people, you also have the option of setting the tracking point to the upper body or head, for example. You can also use a virtual joystick to rotate the gimbal and zoom in on the image by up to 4 times.

You can make image settings in the “Image” section. Here you can activate or deactivate HDR, adjust the focus and white balance (automatically or manually if desired) and adjust the brightness, sharpness and contrast of the image. Under “More”, you can set the auto-sleep function and adjust the gesture control and microphones.

Things get even more interesting in the bar above. Here you can, for example, activate a preview image, record directly from the software or select various filters under “Beauty” – for example for the skin or a blur effect for the background.

OBSBOT Tiny SE
All kinds of settings can be made within the software

All in all, the software is pleasantly well thought-out and tidy and scores with an absolutely coherent range of functions.

Picture and sound quality of the OBSBOT Tiny SE

  • Excellent AI tracking
  • good picture quality in 1080p
  • However, low-light capabilities are only average

Another drawback of the OBSBOT Tiny SE is the lower resolution. While the Tiny 2 records in 4K at up to 30 frames per second, the Tiny SE only records at a maximum of 1080p – but at 100 FPS if required.

The built-in sensor is also noticeably smaller in 1/2.8-inch format, which naturally has a noticeable effect on the webcam’s image sharpness and low-light capabilities. Nevertheless, I was very pleased with the image from the Tiny SE during the test.

Especially if you ensure good illumination of the room and your face in particular, the camera can impress with a convincing sharpness and quite impressive minimum focusing distance of just 10 cm, which also makes it very suitable for product presentations and unboxing videos.

However, I noticed that the webcam has problems with flickering, especially in the video preview of the companion app. Even with active anti-flicker in 50 Hz and 60 Hz mode, I couldn’t get the flickering completely under control.

Fortunately, this problem does not occur in other apps, such as the native Windows camera app, OBS Studio, Discord and others. It therefore appears to be a bug in the OBSBOT Center app. In general, the image quality of the Tiny SE in other apps is even better than that of the manufacturer’s own app.

OBSBOT Tiny SE
Shot from the Windows camera app

In my opinion, the image quality offered is absolutely sufficient for streaming, conferences, video calls or content creation if you don’t need a 4K webcam and is absolutely on a par with the best 1080p webcams. The microphones are also impressive and deliver a clear, detailed sound that should be absolutely sufficient for most everyday applications.

OBSBOT Tiny SE Review: Conclusion

As with the Tiny 2, the manufacturer delivers an excellent webcam with the OBSBOT Tiny SE, which stands out from the competition, particularly with its reliable AI tracking and practical gesture control.

I also really like the image quality, at least when the lighting of the scene to be recorded is right. The image is sharp and detailed and can be adjusted almost completely freely in terms of all parameters.

The Tiny SE only falls slightly behind some of the best 1080p webcams when it comes to low light capabilities, but in my opinion the camera makes up for this with its wide range of practical setting options. Whether you are planning product presentations, staging yourself for streams or videos or want to record conferences for the company: The OBSBOT Tiny SE masters everything flawlessly.

The webcam is also very attractively priced and is on a par with most high-quality competitors. So if you don’t need 4K resolution and can do without voice control, you’re guaranteed to be happy with the OBSBOT Tiny SE. If you need more, go for the Tiny 2.

PRO

  • Compact and high-quality
  • Convincing image quality
  • Excellent AI tracking
  • Comprehensive app
CONTRA

  • Low-light capabilities
  • Companion app with flickering
  • Video preview does not correspond to real image

OBSBOT Tiny SE

Workmanship
Features
Picture quality
Audio quality
Software
Value For Money

90/100

Excellent 1080p webcam with convincing image quality, flawless AI tracking and many setting options at a fair price.

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