The best 4K UHD webcams
A 4K webcam offers numerous advantages over a 1080p webcam, especially in terms of image quality, detail and professional applications. With the four times higher resolution of 4K, far more details are visible, allowing even the smallest nuances such as facial expressions or fine textures to be displayed clearly and precisely. This ensures a high-quality, sharp impression in video conferences, live streams or professional presentations.
Insta360 Link 2
When it comes to image quality, features and practical AI functions, there is currently no way around the new Insta360 Link 2. This is a high-quality 4K webcam that has been specially developed for professional video and live streaming applications. One of its biggest advantages is its outstanding image quality, which impresses with a 4K sensor and excellent color fidelity. The manufacturer even advertises image quality on a par with a digital camera. This makes it an ideal choice for content creators, streamers and business communication. The camera also offers advanced functions such as auto-framing, where the camera automatically keeps the user in the frame, as well as intelligent tracking, which is very helpful during presentations or meetings.
The 3-axis gimbal ensures stable shots, even when the user or the camera is moving. Thanks to its compact form factor, it is also easy to transport and can be used in different environments. Another plus is its broad compatibility with various software solutions, which makes it an attractive choice for creative professionals and companies.
Despite these many strengths, there are also some disadvantages that potential buyers should be aware of. One common criticism is the camera’s price, which is in the higher end of the market, making it less attractive to hobbyists or occasional users. Finally, some users report the need to readjust the camera in certain lighting situations in order to achieve the best possible image quality, which could pose an additional challenge for beginners. However, despite these minor weaknesses, the Insta360 Link 2 remains a very capable and versatile choice for professional use.
Tip: The Insta360 Link 2C is a webcam that delivers the same image quality without the gimbal. It is also available at a significantly lower price.
OBSBOT Tiny 2
The OBSBOT Tiny 2 is in the same vein as the Insta360 model and also comes with AI tracking and a gimbal. The 4K webcam lives up to its name thanks to its handy dimensions. An outstanding advantage of this camera is its good price-performance ratio, which makes it an attractive option for streamers, vloggers and business professionals. With a 4K resolution and an intelligent 3-axis gimbal, the camera ensures stable and high-resolution recordings, even during movement. The OBSBOT Tiny 2 also has an AI-controlled auto-tracking function.
Another advantage of the OBSBOT Tiny 2 is its ease of use and connectivity. It is connected via USB-C and is therefore compatible with a wide range of devices and software solutions. The plug-and-play function enables quick commissioning without complicated settings, which makes it particularly attractive for beginners or users without prior technical knowledge. The functionality of the app also enables further control of the camera, such as adjusting shooting modes and controlling the auto-tracking system. In addition, the camera is relatively compact and portable, making it ideal for traveling or changing locations.
Despite the many advantages, there are also some disadvantages that should not go unnoticed. One point noted by users is the limited zoom function. Although the camera offers good image quality, the digital zoom is not particularly pronounced compared to other cameras with similar prices and can lead to a loss of quality when used. The stability of the AI tracking function in more complex scenarios or with fast movements is also not always perfect. In larger rooms or with unpredictable movements, misfocusing can occasionally occur, which can be problematic in professional settings.
Logitech MX Brio 4K
The Logitech MX Brio 4K is one of the most powerful webcams on the market and is aimed at both professional users and discerning consumers. An outstanding advantage of this camera is its excellent image quality. With a 4K resolution including 30 FPS and the ability to stream at 1080p in 60 frames per second, the Brio delivers razor-sharp, detailed images. It is particularly suitable for video calls, streaming or the creation of high-quality content. Its HDR technology ensures that it also achieves good results in different lighting conditions by optimizing contrast and preserving details in both bright and dark areas. The integrated auto focus works reliably and ensures that the image section always remains sharp, even during fast movements.
Another advantage of the Logitech MX Brio 4K is its versatility and adaptability. The camera offers multiple viewing angles of 65°, 78° and 90°, making it flexible for different applications, whether for close conversations or a wider view of scenes. With Windows Hello compatibility, it enables fast and secure facial recognition for unlocking devices, increasing convenience and security.
Despite these impressive features, there are also some drawbacks to the Logitech MX Brio 4K. The camera tends to produce image noise quite quickly, especially in poor lighting conditions. The software for fine-tuning the camera could also be more user-friendly in some cases, as it is not always as intuitive in practice as one would wish. In larger rooms or moving scenes, the camera can also occasionally lose its sharpness, which can lead to problems with very dynamic shots or live streams.
Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra
The Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra is one of the most advanced webcams on the market, especially for content creators and streamers who need outstanding image quality. An outstanding advantage of this camera is its 8.3 MP resolution, which makes it possible to record in 4K at 30 FPS. Particularly noteworthy is the Sony Starvis CMOS technology, which delivers excellent results even in darker environments and minimizes image noise, giving the Kiyo Pro Ultra a clear advantage in poorly lit rooms. The auto focus works very precisely so that the image section always remains sharp, even with fast movements or changing positions.
Another advantage of the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra is its user-friendliness and flexibility. The camera also features adjustable light control with Adaptive Light Sensor technology, which automatically adjusts the brightness and contrast to deliver the best possible image, regardless of the ambient conditions. The camera’s adjustable stand and compact design also make it particularly versatile and easy to transport, making it a good choice for traveling or changing locations.
Despite the many advantages, there are also some disadvantages that should not go unnoticed. One common point of criticism is the very high price of the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra, which is in the upper price range. For users who only make occasional video calls or simple streaming sessions, the price may be too high. Another disadvantage is that the camera requires powerful hardware for use at very high resolutions, as 4K resolution requires a high bandwidth and a faster processor to ensure smooth transmission.
Elgato Facecam Pro
The Elgato Facecam Pro is the counterpart to the Razer model and is primarily aimed at professional content creators, streamers and those who value exceptional image quality. An outstanding advantage of the Facecam Pro is its 4K resolution at 60 fps, which makes it particularly suitable for high-resolution streaming and recording requirements. The Sony Starvis sensor ensures razor-sharp, vivid images with outstanding detail and excellent color reproduction. Especially in combination with the outstanding low-light performance, the camera delivers very good results even in dimly lit rooms.
An additional advantage of the Elgato Facecam Pro is its great adaptability and flexibility. It offers a variety of image modes and settings that can be fine-tuned via the Elgato Camera Hub software. The camera allows precise control of exposure, white balance, focus and other parameters, making it an ideal choice for users who want to customize their shots.
Despite these many advantages, there are also some disadvantages to the Elgato Facecam Pro. One frequently mentioned point of criticism is the high price, which places the camera in a premium category and therefore makes it less attractive for many occasional users or hobby streamers. The camera also lacks an integrated microphone function, which could be a disadvantage for users looking for an all-in-one solution. In terms of compatible software, the Elgato Camera Hub software is powerful, but the large number of setting options could be overwhelming for beginners at first.
OBSBOT Meet 2 (price tip)
Our current price tip in the field of webcams with 4K resolution is the OBSBOT Meet 2, which has only been available since September 2024. A special feature of the camera is its incredibly compact size: the camera measures just 45 mm x 36 mm x 22.2 mm and weighs just 40.5 grams. It is so tiny that it can easily be held with two fingers and is much smaller than the case of in-ear headphones and even the manufacturer’s Tiny 2. With 4K resolution and AI-controlled auto-framing, the camera always keeps the user in the frame, even when moving, making it ideal for dynamic presentations or conferences.
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Another advantage of the OBSBOT Meet 2 is its user-friendliness. It can be easily integrated into popular meeting and streaming platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Skype via USB-C. The camera offers automatic focusing and simple control via an app, making it easy to use even without prior technical knowledge. In addition, the intelligent noise suppression ensures that background noise is reduced during conversations, which improves the quality of communication.
Despite these strengths, there are also some disadvantages. The AI tracking function is not always perfect and can occasionally struggle to follow the user in large, cluttered rooms or when moving quickly. Due to the compact design, the image quality cannot quite keep up with larger 4K webcams and is more prone to noise.
The best webcams with 1080p Full HD quality
A 1080p webcam offers an excellent balance between image quality and performance, especially for everyday use. With a Full HD resolution, it ensures clear and sharp video calls or streams without taking up too much processing power. It is also generally cheaper than 4K webcams, making it an attractive choice for users who do not require extremely high resolution. It also works well in average lighting conditions and offers stable performance for most applications, such as online meetings, video chats or occasional streaming.
Elgato Facecam MK.2
The Elgato Facecam MK.2 is an excellent 1080p webcam that is particularly aimed at content creators, streamers and professional users. A major advantage of the camera is its outstanding image quality. With a 1080p resolution at 60 fps, it delivers smooth and razor-sharp images that are impressive in both good and less optimal light. The Sony sensor ensures excellent low-light performance and enables improved, extremely natural color reproduction. The camera also offers broad customizability via the Elgato Camera Hub software, which allows users to fine-tune settings such as exposure, white balance and focus, increasing the camera’s flexibility.
Another advantage of the Facecam MK.2 is its ease of use. It can be connected directly via USB 3.0, which ensures a fast and stable connection. The plug-and-play function makes the camera very user-friendly, so it is immediately ready for use without the need for any additional software other than that for adjusting the camera settings. The robust and elegant design of the camera and the integrated lens protection glass make it durable and well suited for use in various environments.
Despite the many advantages, there are also some disadvantages. One common criticism is the lack of autofocus, which could be a problem for users who perform dynamic movements or quick scene changes. In addition, the camera lacks an integrated microphone function, which can be a disadvantage for users looking for an all-in-one solution.
Razer Kiyo Pro
The Razer Kiyo Pro is a powerful webcam designed especially for streamers and content creators. A major advantage of the camera is its excellent image quality, which is made possible by the Sony Starvis CMOS sensor. This sensor ensures outstanding low-light performance, so that the camera delivers very good images even in dark environments. The 1080p resolution at 60 fps offers smooth and sharp videos, making the Kiyo Pro an ideal choice for live streams and video calls. In addition, the Adaptive Light Sensor technology enables automatic adjustment of brightness and contrast, which is an advantage in changing light conditions.
Another advantage of the Razer Kiyo Pro is its ease of use. The plug-and-play function makes the camera attractive for beginners, while the Razer Synapse software enables additional adjustments such as white balance and focus settings to suit individual needs. Its compact design provides a good addition to any streaming setup, making the camera not only functional but also space-saving.
Logitech StreamCam
The Logitech StreamCam is a versatile webcam designed specifically for streamers, content creators and video conferencing users. An outstanding feature is its 1080p resolution at 60 fps, which ensures smooth and sharp video recordings. This high frame rate is particularly advantageous for live streams, as it ensures flicker-free and stable transmission. The camera’s auto-focus works precisely and ensures that the user always remains in focus even during fast movements, which is essential for dynamic streams or video recordings.
Another remarkable feature of the StreamCam is its excellent flexibility. It can be used in both portrait and landscape format, making it ideal for various streaming platforms such as YouTube, Instagram or Twitch. Thanks to the USB-C connection, stable and fast data transfer is possible, making the camera a reliable choice for professional use. The camera also offers intuitive software support in the form of the Logitech Capture app, which allows users to adjust image and video settings and add transitions and effects.
An additional advantage of the Logitech StreamCam is its good low-light performance, which still enables clear and vivid recordings in low-light environments. The integrated intelligent white balance ensures that skin tones and colors always look natural, regardless of the lighting. The software also makes setup quick and easy, and the camera’s sleek design ensures it looks great on the desktop as well as in a streaming setup.
Logitech Brio 500
The Logitech Brio 500 offers a range of great features that make it an excellent choice for video conferencing and content creation. It scores with a 1080p resolution at 30 fps, which ensures sharp and smooth video recordings. The auto-focus works reliably to keep the user in the frame at all times, which is very useful in dynamic scenarios. The camera also enables an HDR function, which ensures improved color reproduction and a more natural look, even in difficult lighting conditions.
Another feature of the Brio 500 is its good performance in low light conditions, which is supported by RightLight technology. This function automatically adjusts the lighting to show the user in the best possible light, regardless of whether you are working in a well-lit or dark room. This makes the Brio 500 particularly useful for video calls or streams in varying lighting conditions. In addition, the camera offers easy integration with popular video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet, making it a practical solution for office and home office users.
Anker PowerConf C200 (price tip)
The Anker PowerConf C200 is a compact and powerful webcam that is particularly suitable for video conferencing and home office work. And at an unbeatable price. A major advantage of the camera is its 2K resolution at 30 frames per second. This enables very good image quality for video calls or live streams. The AI-supported image optimization ensures that the camera automatically makes the best exposure settings and shows the user to their best advantage even in dimly lit environments. The autofocus function works quickly and precisely so that the image section always remains sharp, even during movement.
Another advantage of the PowerConf C200 is its user-friendly handling. The camera can be connected quickly via USB-C, which ensures a stable and fast connection. Thanks to the plug-and-play function, the camera is immediately ready for use without the need to install additional software. In addition, the compact design is another plus, as the camera can be easily integrated into any setup and takes up little space.
Despite the many advantages, the Anker PowerConf C200 also has some disadvantages. A common criticism is that the image quality in very low light conditions cannot quite keep up with higher-quality cameras, although the AI image optimization is helpful. Although the camera performs well, the sound quality may be somewhat limited for professional purposes when used without an additional microphone.
Use your smartphone as a webcam: Is that possible?
Both Android smartphones and iPhones can easily be used as webcams for PCs and notebooks, allowing you to use the often better camera quality of your smartphone for video conferences or streams.
There are various apps for Android devices, such as DroidCam or IP Webcam, which connect your smartphone to your PC via USB, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. After installing the app and the corresponding drivers on your computer, you can use your Android phone as a webcam, whereby you can adjust the camera quality as you wish.
iPhones can also be used as a webcam with the help of apps such as EpocCam or Reincubate Camo. These apps enable a connection via USB or WLAN and also offer the option of optimizing the image. Camo in particular offers advanced functions such as controlling the camera settings directly from the PC.
In both cases, using a smartphone as a webcam is a cost-effective solution to improve the image quality in video conferences or streams without having to buy an additional webcam.
It is particularly easy to use an iPhone as a webcam under macOS with a MacBook or Mac: Apple calls this feature “Continuity Camera” – you can find out how it works on the Apple website.
Buying a webcam: What you should look out for
When buying a webcam, there are several important factors you should consider to make sure it meets your requirements:
- Resolution: resolution is crucial to image quality. A 1080p webcam is sufficient for most users and provides clear video calls and streams. However, if you have particularly high image quality requirements, for example for professional streaming or recording, a 4K webcam may be a better choice.
- Frame rate (frames per second, FPS): A webcam with 30 FPS is sufficient for most applications. However, if you stream frequently or want to record fast movements, you should consider a webcam with 60 FPS to ensure a smoother display.
- Autofocus and exposure: A webcam with autofocus ensures you’re always in focus, even when you’re moving. Automatic exposure is also important to achieve consistently good image quality in different lighting conditions.
- Lighting conditions and low-light performance: Pay attention to how well the webcam works in low-light conditions. Models with good low-light performance ensure that you are clearly visible even in darker environments without the image becoming noisy.
- Microphone: Many webcams have integrated microphones. Make sure that the microphone offers good sound quality, especially if you are not using a separate microphone solution. Some webcams also offer noise canceling to reduce background noise.
- Compatibility and connectivity: Make sure the webcam is compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) and has the right connection (USB 2.0/3.0, USB-C if applicable).
- Build quality and design: Robust workmanship and an adjustable design are also important in order to position the webcam flexibly on your monitor. If you often want to use it on the go, portability could also play a role.
- Additional functions: Some webcams offer additional functions such as zoom, panorama functions or HDR for improved image quality. These can be helpful depending on the area of application.
By taking these points into account, you can find a webcam that offers impressive image and sound quality and meets your individual needs.
