Although your Mac, like most laptops these days, comes with a built-in camera to chat or take photos and videos, it’s not the best resolution and looks noisy and flat. Given how life has changed over the past year and we’re all spending more time than ever on our computers, it’s worthy to invest in a good webcam for Mac.
Whether it’s for work, online school, connecting with friends and family, or streaming content, the right webcam will let you enjoy better video quality and many other features such as depth-sensing technology and enhanced sound quality. I’ve put together this guide with the best webcams for Mac based on your needs.
But first, let’s consider the parameter based on which I curated this list.
Note: Given the high demand for webcams, the best ones we picked out for this list run out of stock pretty quickly. While we update this article regularly, the product may become unavailable in between. So, please check their availability on Amazon.
How to choose the best webcam for Mac
Before you check out my recommendations, here’s what you need to know to make an informed decision for yourself. Consider these points when deciding to buy the best external webcam for Mac:
- Resolution: This is one of the prime motivations to get a webcam for Mac. The in-built iSight camera is pretty basic and offers 1280×720. So, you should get a webcam with HD or 4K video capabilities for clear, high-quality video.
- Useful features: A webcam can offer many bonus features to help you out, such as an in-built mic for better audio, autofocus, brightness adjustment, and noise reduction. Further, a wide-angle camera will let you step further back to give a presentation or use a whiteboard.
- Frame rates: A higher frame rate means a smoother video, so it needs to be at least 25-30 frames per second (fps). The best webcams offer up to 60fps, although that’s usually only needed for pro tasks such as e-sports or gaming.
- Connection standards: Most webcams come with a USB 3.0 connection. This might be a problem if you have a modern laptop that lacks this port, but don’t worry as newer webcams are coming with USB-C. Further, you can usually just plug in the camera and set it up in a few minutes to work seamlessly with video software such as FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype.
- Apps: Most webcams work universally with all apps without needing any additional software. On the other hand, some come with companion apps to help you customize settings and provide additional compatibility. So, it’s worth considering this aspect before choosing the webcam for your Mac.
1. Logitech C920 – Editor’s choice
- Resolution: 1080p, 720p
- FPS: 30
- Field of view: 78°
- Built-in mic: 2 mics with automatic noise reduction
- Other features:
- Automatic low light correction
- Tripod ready universal clip
- 5-foot cable
Logitech is a well-known brand with a broad range of webcams. While the brand has high-end webcams like Brio for 4K video quality, Logitech C920 is a more affordable alternative that serves almost all purposes without going extravagant.
This HD Pro webcam allows you to record rich video content that is fluid, professional-looking, and polished. It’s my choice for excellent all-around performance, whether you want to have video conferences or create high-quality YouTube videos.
Its stand-alone and plug-and-play features enable you to work without any extra equipment like an external microphone.
It boasts a two-microphone system – one on each side of the camera – that grabs natural stereo sound while filtering the background noises. The webcam operates in fluid HD 720p on FaceTime and full-HD 1080p video on Skype and other clients like Zoom and Google Meet. You can also use it to record in QuickTime at 1080p.
The five-element camera lens array has built-in autofocus to keep you looking crisp and clear. I especially appreciate the slightest bit of background blur that gives that professional touch. The built-in lighting adjustment is handy in darker spaces.
Pros
- Great low-light capabilities
- Easy to set up and use
- Universal clip
Cons
- Fixed camera, no swivel
2. Wansview – Best budget Mac webcam
- Resolution: 1080p
- FPS: 30
- Built-in Mic: Noise cancellation
- Field of view: 90°
- Other features:
- Automatic low light correction
- Adjustable mounting clip
- USB 2.0 connectivity
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a decent webcam for your Mac. This affordable option does a pretty good job with a 1080p picture quality that stays clear and crisp even in dimly lit environments.
This is particularly impressive for a camera that’s priced at half of what other similar products cost.
There’s an adjustable lens for focusing, but you will have to set up your camera before joining a call because there’s no auto-focus.
Lastly, the mic is good at picking up your voice, even if you’re standing far away. It also blocks out distractions such as dogs barking or babies crying – pretty essential for that work-from-home life!
Pros
- Great picture quality
- Mic works up to 20 feet away
- Unbeatable price
Cons
- No auto-focus
3. Logitech Streamcam – Best for content creators
- Resolution: 1080p
- FPS: 60
- Built-in Mic: Yes
- Field of view: 78°
- Other features:
- Facial tracking
- Auto-focusing
- USB-C 3.1 connectivity
Why not use all the time at home to get active online? Here’s the best webcam for streaming that allows content creators to record high-quality video for YouTube or other platforms. Enjoy hassle-free streaming thanks to the optimization for Open Broadcaster Software (OBS).
Further, it boasts USB-C for fast video transfer speeds so that you won’t experience lag or stutter from the camera.
One of the standout features is that it supports vertical video, a bonus for influencers whose primary platform is Instagram or Twitter.
Moreover, it comes with the Logitech Capture software that offers many tools that content creators will love. For instance, you can record from two webcams and merge them into a single scene, overlay with text, add transitions, and more.
The 78-degree field of view (FoV) is sufficient for most situations, but you won’t be able to fit in a second person or show off your background as there’s no wide-angle here.
The mic captures your voice pretty well, and you won’t need an external mic setup.
The only downside is that if you have an older Mac without a USB-C port, you will need to use an adapter, which interferes with the webcam’s performance. So I would recommend getting this only if your computer has a USB-C port.
Pros
- Optimized for OBS
- Vertical Video support
- Companion software for content creators
Cons
- Lack of USB-A-support
- Expensive
4. AUKEY FHD – Best value for money
- Resolution: 1080p
- FPS: 30
- Built-in Mic: 2 noise-reducing mics
- Field of view: Unavailable
- Other Features:
- Clip on to almost any device
- Adjustable hinges to set the best angle
Check out this high-definition 1080p 2-megapixel webcam with built-in stereo microphones by Aukey. It delivers a sharp and smooth video for Skype or Zoom chats and all other video recordings. Moreover, it works even better when you use it with the Streamlabs OBS software – ideal for creating video content to share online!
I think it delivers excellent value for money because of the high-resolution video and a premium build quality that will last you a long time. You can conveniently clip it onto flat-screen computer monitors and laptops or prop it up on desks and other flat surfaces.
Moreover, it has adjustable hinges to set up just the right angle for your needs. And the fixed focus keeps things looking sharp up to five meters away. It’s also an excellent webcam option if you are tight on budget.
However, in comparison to Wansview, Aukey falls behind in price and field of view but is ahead in audio quality with 2 mics. If you don’t need a wide view, go with this!
Pros
- Great quality mics keep you sounding clear
- Good build quality
- Adjustable hinges for the right angle
- Affordable
Cons
- Low light performance could be better
5. Logitech Brio – Best Mac webcam with 4K
- Resolution: 4K, 1080p
- FPS: 30
- Built-in Mic: 2 omnidirectional
- Field of view: 90°
- Other features:
- Multiple connections – USB 2.0, 3.0, Type A and C
- Auto-focus
- Light correction
- Adjusts exposure and contrast
Logitech’s top-notch webcam, Brio, is the best 4K webcam for Mac, with few others on the market that can match it. It would be most suitable for live streaming or recording super high-quality videos to upload on YouTube or other services.
Moreover, it also offers superb sound and automatically adjusts exposure and contrast to compensate for glare and backlighting.
It’s pretty versatile since it offers multiple connection options, including USB A, C, 2.0, and 3.0. But note that 4K video is only possible with USB 3.0.
Further, it comes with companion software, in which you can manually adjust the field of view from 65, 78, or 90 degrees. You can also adjust the resolution and frame rate and manually zoom up to 5x. Nifty!
However, 4K resolution does not make much sense for video chat because services like Zoom and Skype don’t support it. So, if you are a YouTuber or a content creator, go for it, but not otherwise.
Pros
- 4K video
- 5x digital zoom
- Multiple connection options
Cons
- USB 3.0 required
6. Razer Kiyo – Best streaming webcam
- Resolution: 1080p
- FPS: 60
- Built-in Mic: Yes
- Field of view: 81.6°
- Other features:
- Ring light
- Accurate autofocus
- Supports streaming on popular platforms
- Regular firmware updates
Live streaming is a great way to stay occupied when spending so much time indoors. And Razer Kiyo is the best webcam for Mac with light to ensure you look your best when making an appearance.
It features a multi-step ring light with adjustable lighting levels that ensures even and flattering light without harsh shadows.
The 720 p resolution at 60 fps maintains visual fidelity during streaming on popular platforms like open broadcaster software and Xsplit. If you want a crisp, sharp image, use 1080p at 30FPS, but to show off the speed and agility of your gaming avatar, reduce the resolution to 720p and ramp up the frames-per-second to 60 to highlight the action with zero lag or skips. This makes Razer’s Kiyo the best webcam for game streaming.
It also has fast and accurate autofocus for seamlessly sharp footage, plus it’s small enough to take with you on travels – always a plus, in my opinion! I especially appreciate how Razer consistently updates the Kiyo to improve performance, making it worth the high price tag.
However, the one downside is that the accompanying software does not work on Mac. So you cannot take advantage of all the customizable settings. Nonetheless, it’s still a pretty great plug-and-play webcam!
Pros
- Built-in ring light
- 60 FPS (at 720p)
- Easy to use
- Regular firmware updates
Cons
- Special functions don’t work on Mac
7. Logitech C930e – Best Mac webcam for business meetings
- Resolution: 1080p
- FPS: 30
- Built-in Mic: 2 omnidirectional
- Field of view: 90°
- Other features:
- 4x digital zoom
- Tripod-ready universal clip
- Hi-speed USB 2.0 certified (USB 3.0 ready)
Here’s another Logitech webcam for Mac that’s more affordable than the Brio. Although it does not support 4K, It’s among the best external HD webcams for Mac, particularly for business use.
It works like a charm with some of the most popular video services, including Skype for Business and Cisco. Plus, it boasts enhanced integration with Zoom, BlueJeans, Broadsoft, Vidyo, Zoom, and LifeSize Cloud.
It records at 1920×1080 resolution and 30fps, with autofocus and automatic light correction to ensure sharp image quality as you move around, or even if the light changes. It has two microphones, one on each side of the lens – for stereo audio recordings.
Further, it uses H264 video compression to minimize lag or video skips while on a conference call.
You will need a USB-A port to plug it into and then clip on to your screen. Or, fold it flat and let it sit on your desk or a shelf. The included tripod mount is an added convenience for content creators.
Pros
- Manual zoom (4x)
- H264 video compression
- Good low-light performance
Cons
- Companion software could be better
As we spend more time indoors, our webcams are portals to staying connected with others and the world. So, it’s wise to invest in the best Mac webcam for your needs.
I hope this guide helped you make an informed decision. If you still have questions, let me know in the comments below.
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Mehak has a master’s degree in communication and over ten years of writing experience. Her passion for technology and Apple products led her to iGeeksBlog, where she specializes in writing product roundups and app recommendations for fellow Apple users. When not typing away on her MacBook Pro, she loves being lost in a book or out exploring the world.