Nowadays, broadcasting your passions to the whole world is more accessible and prevalent than ever. The phenomenon began with video game streaming on sites like Twitch or YouTube and has since broadened to include other hobbies.
If you want in on the fun, you’ll first need the best camera for streaming. It’s essential to add a personal touch to your gaming sessions so viewers can see your reactions. Or, it might be the most vital part of your setup if you plan to broadcast some real-life hobby from your home.
However, finding the best streaming camera can be challenging when countless options are available. Thus, we tested the most popular ones and compiled a list of suggestions for specific goals and use cases. Check them out to find the perfect camera for your content creation dreams.
Best streaming cameras: our top picks
- Logitech C922x Pro – best value streaming camera you can buy on Amazon
- Razer Kiyo – best camera option on Amazon for dimly-lit streaming
- Elgato Facecam MK.2 – full HD streaming camera popular on Amazon
- Obsbot Meet 2 – best 4K streaming camera available on Amazon
- Logitech MX Brio – widely compatible camera for streaming on Amazon
- Obsbot Tiny 2 Lite – Amazon camera with streamlining streaming capabilities
- Insta360 Link 2C – 4K webcam with AI noise-canceling mic available on Amazon
What makes a good streaming camera?
The quality of a good camera primarily depends on its technical specifications. There are a fair number of features to consider, which will significantly vary depending on your goals. Let’s overview some of the most vital qualities of the best streaming cameras.
- Resolution. Image resolution determines the overall quality of your video. Gamers should be fine with standard HD (720p) or full HD (1080p) quality since camera footage will likely occupy a small portion of the screen in favor of gameplay footage. Meanwhile, you may want to opt for greater quality (4K) if camera footage is the focal point of your content. However, remember that streaming high-quality video requires a speedy internet connection on your and the viewer’s end.
- Frame rate. Most cameras support streaming in 24 or 30fps (frames per second), which the average person is used to seeing. There’s no reason to go above that unless you want to provide a smoother viewing experience or create slow-motion content.
- Price. Some pricier options are worth the extra cash if you’re looking for cutting-edge features or better overall specs. In short, the best streaming cameras can accommodate practically any budget.
- ISO performance. You need to pay close attention to ISO numbers so it would best suit your streaming environment. For example, ranges from 100 to 200 will yield sharper images but also require better lighting. Meanwhile, cameras falling in the 400 to 800 ISO category will do well in dimly lit environments but can produce some image grain.
- Microphone compatibility. Another vital aspect of streaming is the audio recording setup. You can opt for a camera with a built-in microphone or choose one compatible with your external microphone via a 3.5mm or XLR connection.
Best camera for live streaming in 2025: reviews
Behold – the 7 best streaming cameras for you to consider. Firstly, we covered the most vital technical specifications that highlight the overall capabilities of these cameras. Using this information, we nominated each cam as the best for specific use cases, making picking the perfect option for your needs easier.
1. Logitech C922x Pro – best value camera for streaming
| 📷 Camera type: | Webcam |
| 🎥 Recording quality: | 1080p at 30fps and 720p at 60fps |
| 👁️ Field of view: | 78 degrees |
The Logitech C922x Pro camera will give you the most bang for your buck regarding online streaming. It’s a conventional webcam that can record high-quality and true-to-life video with minimal noise. Most importantly, it’s affordable and easy to use, making it an ideal choice for beginner streamers.
Image quality. The camera can record 1080p quality videos at 30fps or 720p at 60fps. During our tests, the resulting footage was clear, bright, and with minimal noise. The most important part is that the Logitech C922x Pro camera allows you to record clear videos even in dim or poorly backlit settings with automatic light.
Connectivity. You can connect the Logitech C922x Pro to your streaming machine, regardless of whether it’s Windows, Android, Chrome, or macOS using a standard USB cable. Since it’s a webcam, it includes a clip for easy mounting on your monitor.
Extra features. Another thing that makes Logitech C922x Pro stand out from competitors is that it has two integrated omnidirectional microphones. This also means the camera doesn’t support attaching external microphones to it.
2. Razer Kiyo – best option for streaming in dark environments
| 📷 Camera type: | Webcam |
| 🎥 Recording quality: | 1080p at 30fps and 720p at 60fps |
| 👁️ Field of view: | 81.6 degrees |
Consider the Razer Kiyo if you need a budget-friendly streaming camera that records in full HD, has a built-in mic, and even lights up your face. Razer is a well-known and respected gaming peripheral manufacturer, meaning this webcam will fit perfectly in many gamer’s workstations.
Image quality. The Razer Kiyo is quite versatile because it can stream video in 1080p 30fps or 720p 60fps. You can even enable lower resolutions if your internet connection can’t manage higher-quality broadcasting.
Connectivity. Like most webcams, you can connect the Razer Kiyo to your gaming rig using a conventional USB cable. Additionally, even though the camera is slightly above average in size, you can still easily mount it on the top of your monitor. The only notable drawback is the absence of a tripod when purchasing the camera.
Extra features. The highlight of the Razer Kiyo is the integrated ring light, powered by 12 LEDs and providing 10 Lux of brightness. You can adjust the brightness to create the perfect streaming setup without needing external lights.
3. Elgato Facecam MK.2 – widely compatible camera for streaming
| 📷 Camera type: | Webcam |
| 🎥 Recording quality: | 1080p at 60fps , 1080p at 30fps, 720p at 120fps, 720p at 60fps, 720p at 30fps, 540p at 120fps, 540p at 60fps, and 540p at 30fps |
| 👁️ Field of view: | 84 degrees |
Every experienced streamer knows Elgato because the company creates numerous top-quality gadgets. As such, they launched the high-tech Elgato Facecam MK.2. It’s a solid investment if you’re serious about streaming on PC.
Image quality. The Elgato Facecam is perfect if you want ultra-crisp footage because the camera supports streaming in 1080p quality at 60fps. Due to this, you shouldn’t have any issues even in high-contrast lighting areas. Moreover, the wide 84-degree field of view lets you showcase more of your home studio.
Connectivity. You must ensure your PC includes modern I/O ports because the Elgato Facecam MK.2 only supports USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and USB-C. Otherwise, you’ll have no trouble mounting the cam on the top of your computer monitor.
Extra features. While the Elgato Facecam MK.2 lacks a built-in microphone, you can take advantage of its Camera Hub software. It basically offers extensive customization options to enhance video quality, akin to those available with DSLR cameras.
4. Obsbot Meet 2 – best camera for 4K live streaming
| 📷 Camera type: | Webcam |
| 🎥 Recording quality: | 4K at 30fps |
| 👁️ Field of view: | 79.4 degrees |
The Obsbot Meet 2 camera is one of the best webcams that you can use for live streaming. You can enjoy a lot of various options that make the image quality even better and improve your streaming journey.
Image quality. Along with the 4K 30fps streaming, the Obsbot Meet 2 offers various shooting modes and a 4x digital zoom. Also, the UHD 4K resolution, coupled with the bigger 1/2" CMOS sensor, expands the Meet 2 webcam's light-sensitive area, boosting its light capture capacity to yield clearer, brighter images.
Connectivity. With just a single USB-C connection, the Obsbot Meet 2 webcam for PC turns on and is immediately ready for use. Placing and adjusting it is also a breeze, so you shouldn’t have any connectivity issues.
Extra features. The Obsbot Meet 2 camera stands out from the rest with its AI-powered auto-framing and auto-focus capabilities. On top of this, you’ll also enjoy two built-in noise-canceling omnidirectional microphones.
5. Logitech MX Brio – best camera for 4K ultra HD streaming
| 📷 Camera type: | Webcam |
| 🎥 Recording quality: | 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps |
| 👁️ Field of view: | 65/78/90 degrees |
Nowadays, streaming is becoming so popular, which is why you need another excellent alternative. Therefore, we have to mention the Logitech MX Brio camera, which offers a lot of options for crystal-clear image.
Image quality. Logitech MX Brio allows you to meet or stream in 4K resolution at 30fps or 1080p at 60fps. The best part is that you can experience better face visibility with finer image details in difficult light or adjust your lighting and white balance.
Connectivity. Another incredible thing is that you only need a USB-C port, and you’re ready to use the Logitech MX Brio with devices that support Windows, macOS, Chrome, or Linux OS.
Extra features. Ultimately, the Logitech MX Brio has integrated dual beam-forming noise-reducing microphones. More precisely, they minimize background noise with the aid of AI to ensure you are clearly heard. On top of this, you can simply rotate the built-in webcam cover to block the web camera completely and protect your privacy between meetings.
6. Obsbot Tiny 2 Lite – best AI-tracking streaming camera
| 📷 Camera type: | Webcam |
| 🎥 Recording quality: | 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps |
| 👁️ Field of view: | 79.4/67.2 |
If you’re looking for a streaming camera that will help you with streaming and conference meetings, then you should check out the Obsbot Tiny 2 Lite webcam. This camera is perfect for streaming, vlogging, and video calls.
Image quality. The Obsbot Tiny 2 Lite webcam comes with a 1/2'' CMOS sensor that helps you deliver a 4K 30fps footage without any compromised quality. However, you can bump up the frame rate to 60fps by lowering the quality to 1080p.
Connectivity. You can easily connect the Obsbot Tiny 2 Lite webcam to your PC by using a USB-C cable.
Extra features. Lastly, we found out a lot of additional features that will make your streaming journey better than ever. One of the best is that the webcam has a newly upgraded Preset Position function that not only can set multiple preset positions but also customizes separate parameters and AI tracking modes for each preset position.
7. Insta360 Link 2C – best camera for low-light performance
| 📷 Camera type: | Webcam |
| 🎥 Recording quality: | 4K 30fps and 1080p 60fps |
| 👁️ Field of view: | 79.5/67 degrees |
The Insta360 Link 2C webcam is perfect if you want to deliver balanced and true-to-life visuals. With a resolution of 4K 30fps, you can use this camera for streaming, gaming, video calls, or work conferences.
Image quality. The Insta360 Link 2C lets you capture every detail with an impressive 1/2" sensor, balanced, true-to-life 4K visuals with HDR and exceptional low light performance for quality videos in any light. You can also stream at 60fps by lowering the video quality to 1080p.
Connectivity. You can easily connect the Insta360 Link 2C webcam to your PC using the USB connector. Ultimately, you can control your webcam remotely from your smartphone.
Extra features. Last but not least, the Insta360 Link 2C lets you experience best-in-class audio with advanced AI noise-canceling algorithms. There’s also AI Tracking and Auto Framing feature for even better streaming quality.
Best livestream cameras compared
Check the table below for a side-by-side comparison of the essential specs of the top 7 best live-streaming cameras. Note that purchasing these cameras through our provided links grants us a small affiliate commission.
| Camera | Logitech C922x Pro | Razer Kiyo | Elgato Facecam MK.2 | Obsbot Meet 2 | Logitech MX Brio | Obsbot Tiny 2 Lite | Insta360 Link 2C |
| Streaming quality | 1080p 30fps | 1080p 30fps | 1080p 60fps | 4K 30fps | 4K 30fps | 4K 30fps | 4K 30fps |
| Connection | USB | USB | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB | USB |
| Field of view (degrees) | 78 | 81.6 | 84 | 79.4 | 65/78/90 | 79.4/67.2 | 79.5/67 |
How we chose these streaming cameras
Here’s a brief rundown of the features we tested when comparing all the different streaming cameras we got our hands on.
- Price-to-quality ratio (30%). Firstly, we had to overview the technical specifications of the potential camera candidates and whether those features were worth the advertised price.
- Ease of setup and use (30%). Once the camera was at our fingertips, we had to evaluate the setup process. That involves both software installation and literal setup, i.e., how easy it is to adjust the position and other camera parameters while streaming.
- Build quality (20%). The best camera for streaming should be built from high-quality materials to ensure longevity. At the very least, it shouldn’t break when your pet knocks it over.
- Video and sound quality (20%). Unsurprisingly, we used the cameras to record some footage and assessed the video and audio quality results.
What kind of camera is best for live streaming?
Technically, you can connect almost any camera to your computer and use it while streaming. This is perfect if you have an unused cam and want to revive it for online broadcasting.
Alternatively, you can get a multipurpose camera if you have shooting goals beyond streaming. Below is a summary of the most popular camera types, their primary use cases, and the best model from that category.
| Purpose | Best model | |
| Webcam | Video recording extension for PC, the most obvious choice for streaming. | Logitech C922 |
| DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) | Modern version of old-school SLR cameras that use film. Versatile and general purpose. | Canon EOS Rebel SL3 |
| Mirrorless | Successors to DSLRs regarding technology. Versatile and general purpose. | Sony ZV-E10 |
| Compact | Small form factor, fewer customization settings. On-the-go photography. | Fujifilm X100V |
| Camcorder | Designed specifically for recording video anywhere. | Sony HDR-CX405 |
| PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) | High-tech option that automatically follows subjects. Perfect for corporate meeting rooms. | Panasonic AW-UE50 PTZ |
Conclusion
The wide variety of activities people can broadcast leads to an abundance of specialized streaming cameras to fit different indoor and outdoor settings. Whether sharing epic gaming moments from your home office or showcasing your mad sports skills outside, you’ll need the perfect camera to capture every moment for your fans to see.
We compiled a selection of the best streaming cameras suitable for various budgets and scenarios. The most cost-effective option is the Logitech C922x Pro, but there are many other viable options if you want to max out video quality and other aspects of your broadcast.
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What is the best camera for streaming?
The best camera for streaming is Logitech C922x Pro. It’s affordable, easy to set up, and supports 1080p quality streaming at 30fps. On the other hand, if you want better quality and higher frame rates, consider the pricier and more powerful Elgato Facecam.
What is the best camera for beginning streaming?
The Logitech C922x Pro is the most beginner-friendly streaming camera. It has an affordable price tag and all the essential features, like a mounting clip and tripod to begin online streaming.
What camera do most streamers use?
The Razer Kiyo is one of the most popular cameras among streamers. It offers an outstanding balance between affordability and quality. Most importantly, the included ring light can substitute an elaborate lighting setup and improve presentation quality in dimly lit environments.
Is it better to use a webcam or camera for streaming?
That depends on your preferences. A webcam is more versatile because you can mount it on your monitor or place it nearby using a tripod. It’s also smaller and lighter, making it easier to fit into a cluttered workspace. Meanwhile, cameras usually have better specifications and will grant superior-quality footage, which also means heftier price tags.
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