Why a 1080p webcam is a great buy for 2021: Buying guide

The deals that made webcams a fantastic stocking stuffer have continued into 2021. Last year they were nearly impossible to find, as millions of people gearing up to work or study from home tried to improve upon the 720p models most laptops have. Now 1080p models are plentiful again, making it a perfect time to pick up a few for yourself or for loved ones.

There are literally so many 1080p webcams available that Amazon is throwing deals at you: coupons, daily discounts, the works.! Need it soon? Amazon should be able to ship something to you as quickly as tomorrow. There's even premium models with high refresh rates and integrated ring lights for a few dollars more. We've added one of our favorites, the Razer Kiyo Pro, to our list below as well.

We haven’t tested these webcams, but we’ve pored through the piles of available models to pick out the best deals based on specs and bundled extras. To help you choose, check out our buying advice below our recommendations.

Great cheap webcams: What to buy

Great premium webcams: What to buy

We didn’t include any 4K webcams on this list, as the models we examined didn’t convince us that 4K-quality (or even 2K-quality video) was being streamed. The best option here is still the original Logitech BrioRemove non-product link, which is available via a variety of shippers from Amazon, at prices upwards of $213. 

1080p webcam buying guide

A standalone 1080p webcam can’t add Windows Hello to your system, but it can greatly improve how you look on your next Zoom call. Here's what to look for: 

Adjustable or fixed focus: Most of these cameras are fixed-focus, 30-fps webcams—about the same as in most laptops. Don’t worry about fixed-focus, as it’s been pre-configured at a focal length that’s about the distance between your face and your laptop or monitor. You’ll need to account for this with tripods, however, or pay a little more for an auto-focusing webcam. Autofocus webcams are handy for situations where you may be moving about the room, but beware distracting webcams that frequently refocus.

Field of view (FOV): The camera’s field of view can vary. A 90-degree FOV helps people focus on you (and perhaps not the clutter you’ve hidden off to the side). A 110-degree or higher FOV works better for group shots, although distortion can become a problem the wider your FOV gets. 

Privacy shutter: These devices are not a privacy threat, for the simple reason that they can be unplugged easily. Most have a flip-down privacy shutter, but you could always tape over the camera or drape it with a dark cloth. 

Ring lights: Yes, integrated ring lights are now a thing on premium webcams, and worth the money if lighting is a challenge for you.

Tripod bundle: With so many webcams on the market, manufacturers are trying hard to differentiate their products. The new trend is a small tripod, which gives you more options for mounting the camera.

Updated at 5:00 AM PT on March 15 with additional recommendations, updated pricing, and a link to the Razer Kiyo Pro review.