Lots of people need a webcam for their regular uses and don’t want to spend a lot. Even a few years back, we couldn’t find webcams with decent image quality or enough features within 100 bucks.
But the technology has evolved, and now you can get high-end performance even from the best webcam under 100 dollars. From 720p to 4K, 15fps to 60fps, additional light to lens cover, we have found different models to meet any of your requirements.
In this article, we have reviewed different models from different well-known brands. So, let’s get started and find out the most suitable one for you together.
Our Recommended Top 5 Webcam Under $100 at a Glance:
1. Best Overall: NexiGo N980P HD USB Web Camera
1080P at 60FPS, 120 Degrees Wide-Angle for Zoom, Dual Omni-directional microphones,
2. Runner-Up: Logitech C920x Pro HD Webcam
1080p at 30 fps, corrects lighting conditions, XSplit VCam, 78 degrees Field of View, 2 omnidirectional Built-in Mics
3. Best for Streaming: NexiGo Streaming 1080P 60FPS Webcam with Microphone
1080P at 60FPS, built-in stereo noise-reduction mic, low-light correction,
4. Best with Ring Light: Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam
1080p 30 FPS and 720p 60 FPS, easily Adjustable Brightness, Built-in Microphone, Advanced Autofocus
5. Best 4K: ToLuLu 4K HD Webcam with Microphone
4K 8MP resolution at 15fps, Dual Microphone, Privacy Shutter, Tripod Stand
What To Expect From A Webcam Under 100
While reviewing a product, we disclose the trade-offs one needs to accept while choosing budget models. In this article, all of the selected models are budget ones. So, we should clear some matters before starting the main section.
Except our top-pick and runner-up model, expecting good resolution or color reproduction capabilities of other webcam models would not be practical. Also, there are serious allegations against the microphone performance of these webcams.
So, use a headphone for audio input or buy an external condenser microphone for professional-grade performance. Other than those issues, you won’t find anything disappointing. Now, it is time to go through the main part of this article.
Best Webcam Under 100: Our Reviews
1. Best Overall: NexiGo N980P HD USB Webcam with Microphone
Key Features:
- Wide-angle zoom lens
- Dual Omni-directional microphones
- Smooth motion capturing
- Light indicator while recording
- 360-degree horizontal movement
120-degrees wide-angle lens, 60fps frame rate, 1080p resolution, wide f/2.1 aperture, and good quality CMOS sensor are the main reasons for choosing NexiGo N980P as our top pick.
With the help of its premium lens and intelligent light adjustment features, you can even get better pictures than the top pick. In terms of audio input, it comes with built-in noise-cancelling mics. For this reason, attending meetings or classes even in a loud environment is possible.
You can either mount it on the laptop or monitor, and the webcam would cover a wide area with its wide-angle lens. Due to the f/2.1 aperture, more light can enter through the lens, and create bright images even in low-light.
The webcam can rotate 360-degree horizontally, and 180-degree vertically. So, this model is the best in terms of mounting options and adjustability.
When it comes to safety and security, there is a built-in cover for the lens. Also, a small red LED turns on when the camera is in action. So, it is not possible to record in secret.
You can control it by using the small slider on top of the camera. OS compatibility won’t be an issue with this webcam. Any computer can recognize the device without installing any driver.
👍 Pros:
- Large area coverage
- Recording/live indicator light
- Easy to install and operate
- Good low-light performance
👎 Cons:
- Autofocus and color issues
2. Runner-Up: Logitech C920x Pro HD Webcam
Key Features:
- Durable build quality
- High-quality audio capturing
- Blue light indicator
- Autofocus
For reliable performance, durable build quality, crisp image reproduction, correct autofocusing, and LED recording indicator features, we love Logitech C920x.
So, why is it not our top recommended product?
There are several reasons and having only 30 fps frame rate is the main drawback of C920x. Also, the webcam can’t rotate on its axis which is available on the NexiGo N980P.
Should I still consider it?
Yes, because everything is not bad about this legendary webcam from Logitech. Its predecessor C922x was very popular, and the legacy continues through this one.
It has a 0.01mm focal length for wide-area coverage which is necessary for video conferencing. Also, it is one step ahead from the top pick at color reproduction and fast autofocusing departments.
At 1080p resolution, it can provide great video quality for skype or zoom call. Indeed, you can’t get a decent streaming quality because of the low frame rate. But it serves the sole purpose of a webcam with good audio and video quality for zoom calls.
Its dual Omni-directional mics are enough to capture audio clearly from a distance making it the best webcam with microphone under 100.
Those who are content creators may have heard of XSplit app to remove, replace and blur background without a green screen. The Logitech webcam is offering 3 months of free-subscription within the package.
👍 Pros:
- Recording indicator
- Crystal-clear image
- Talk in noisy environments
- Quick and easy video sharing
👎 Cons:
- The software needs some improvements.
3. Best for Streaming: NexiGo Streaming 1080P 60FPS Webcam with Microphone
Key Features:
- Built-in privacy shutter
- 1080p capture at 60fps
- Noise-reducing mic
- Automatic light correction
Autofocus capability along with 1080p recording at 60fps is what makes NexiGo Streaming the best streaming webcam under 100. We know that streamers use different audio input devices, but they also like its built-in stereo microphone.
Because of the high frame rate, 80-degree wide-angle lens, white balancing, and light correction features, you can rely on this webcam.
The built-in microphone has an intelligent circuitry that can reduce background noise. As a result, the receiver can hear you clearly, even if you are in a noisy situation.
For privacy and digital security, the lens comes with a snugly fitting cover. You can quickly cover up or open the lens whenever you need it. However, it is also possible to buy lens covers separately.
Connecting the webcam is easy as pie because it only requires one to connect the USB cable to the computer. The rest gets figured out automatically, and it supports all major operating systems in the world.
👍 Pros:
- Ultimate privacy
- Razor-sharp image
- Low-light clarity
- Good audio pickup
👎 Cons:
- Autofocus can’t work closer than 5 to 6 inches properly.
4. Best with Ring Light: Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam
Key Features:
- 720p at 60 FPS
- Adjustable brightness ring-light
- Superior low-light performance
- Fast and accurate autofocus
Here, we have a webcam that performs better than other 720p lenses as its frame rate is 60. For better resolution and low-light performance, you can rely on its 1080p settings and ring light.
Apart from the video resolution, it is compatible with popular editing apps like OBS and XSplit. That is why Razer Kiyo is also convenient for professional and advanced users.
If you consider the built-in adjustable 5600K daylight-balanced ring light, you will understand the reason behind its superb performance in low-light situations.
Now, don’t think that adjusting the brightness takes long because you can quickly do it by rotating the bezel around the webcam. It is possible to take this compact and foldable web camera with you and attend important online meetings anywhere.
The overall design of the webcam is unique and compact for better portability. It is more stable, and the clamp keeps it in place. However, you should know that this one is comparatively heavier and more expensive than other models on the best webcam under 100 list.
👍 Pros:
- Easy to use
- Smooth video capturing
- Autofocus
- Reasonable pricing
👎 Cons:
- Not-so-satisfactory microphone quality
5. Best 4K: ToLuLu 4K HD Webcam with Microphone
Key Features:
- 4K video recording
- 8MP good-quality lens
- Privacy shutter and tripod
- Wide-angle lens
Don’t get misguided by seeing the category name suggesting ToLuLu as the best 4K HD Webcam. It is a good-quality 4K webcam that you can get under 100 bucks. However, for true 4K resolution and better frame rate, you have to increase the budget.
The webcam performs well while recording at 1080p resolution with its 8MP lens. Its 1/3.2” CMOS sensor ensures sufficient light entry and produces a crystal-clear image.
Built-in dual noise reduction microphones are supposed to capture audio perfectly. But real-life ToLuLu 4K HD Webcam reviews show not-so-satisfactory performance.
However, users couldn’t complain about its image quality. The autofocusing system, light correction feature, and H.264 video compression technology mimics the performance of high-end devices.
The tripod within the package makes it more convenient than other models as you don’t need to worry about mounting. Moreover, its privacy shutter makes it safer to use. Another unique safety feature is the play/pause button on top of the webcam.
Pressing the button freezes the screen during a call and pressing again resumes it. So, the attendee on the other end can’t see what is happening at your end.
Its setup process is so simple that you only need to connect the 6ft USB cable to your desktop or laptop.
👍 Pros:
- Very good lighting
- Quick and easy setup
- Accurate autofocus
- Safe and secure
👎 Cons:
- The sound quality needs improvements
What To Consider While Buying The Best Webcam Under 100
The factors and specifications to consider while buying the best webcam under 100 are different from high-end ones. We have gone through different models and come to know about the highest bar of expectation.
So, let’s see the parameters you should put in your checklist. And the standard values that would filter out the best product according to your requirements.
Resolution
The available resolutions are 720p, 1080p, and 4K within our budget. However, these budget models are victims of cost-cutting in the lens department. What it means is that we don’t get the true resolution as per product description.
But the industry has evolved a lot, and you can rely on the 1080p resolution without any doubt. For 4K cameras, we need to wait a few more years to get a decent resolution under 100 bucks.
Frame Rate
FPS or frames per second is important to know how the video quality would be. The best choice is to go for 60fps, but 30fps can also serve the purpose if you are not planning on streaming. Don’t fix your selection based on this single criteria.
Image Quality
The image quality produced by these webcams depends on autofocus, light correction, white balance, compression technology, and lens quality. If you only require the webcam for video chat, all of the listed webcams are capable of great quality.
Audio Quality
Once you have ensured the video quality, it is time to look for the audio input option and its quality. Usually, manufacturers offer noise-cancelling microphones, but we couldn’t find decent quality under $100 budget.
Safety Features
For safety and digital security, you should choose a webcam that comes with a lens cover or indicator light. That is how you would know whether the camera is operating without your permission or not. If the selected model doesn’t come with a cover, buy one separately, and hackers can’t get a hold of your private moments.
Unique Features
Some less important features and benefits include a tripod that comes with the package and light for better exposure. Except for renowned brands, some gifts come with the package.
Compatibility and Installation
Finally, it is time to check on the compatibility issues and installation procedure. There are lots of complaints against many products on the market, but our selected models are free from all of that. All of the reviewed models above are compatible with all major operating systems. Also, the installation process is as simple as only connecting the camera to your computer via USB cable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best budget Webcam?
After lots of research and detailed comparison, we think that NexiGo N980P HD USB Web Camera is the best budget webcam.
Are cheap webcams any good?
If you set the range of cheap webcams from 20 to 40 dollars, then yes, cheap webcams are not good. But increasing the budget a little bit, you can check out the models from our review, and we hope that you won’t be disappointed.
Is 30 fps good for Webcam?
From the perspective of video quality, 60fps is a very good configuration. However, the 30fps frame rate is also satisfactory if the lens quality and camera sensor are good enough.
Conclusion
After completing the best webcam under 100 reviews, we think that the best overall and runner-up models are suitable for everyone. If you don’t have special requirements, you can buy any one of them after figuring out whether you want reliability or high-end specifications.
Security is a big concern for webcams. That is why we have selected such models that either notify when it is recording or comes with dedicated lens cover. No matter what model you purchase from the list, you can do it confidently.
So, which one is your favorite? Let us know.
