Question 1

What's the difference between the Logitech C920 and C922 — is it worth paying more for the C922?

Accepted Answer

The C922 Pro Stream is essentially the C920 with a software licence for background removal and a small tripod included — the image quality is near-identical. For video calls, the C920 is the smarter buy. The C922 makes more sense if you stream on Twitch or YouTube and want the bundled XSplit licence, but don't expect a visible image quality difference between the two.

Question 2

Do I need a 4K webcam for video calls?

Accepted Answer

No — 4K is largely wasted on live video calls. Platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams compress video streams significantly, meaning the quality difference between a good 1080p webcam and a 4K model is invisible to the people you're calling. 4K is worth considering only if you're recording footage locally for editing, or using the webcam as a document scanner.

Question 3

Which webcams work best in low light?

Accepted Answer

The Razer Kiyo Pro stands out for low-light performance thanks to its large aperture sensor (f/1.8), which is unusually capable for a webcam at this price. Among Logitech's range, the Brio 4K and C930e handle dim conditions better than the C920. If your home office relies on a single overhead bulb or faces away from natural light, prioritise sensor quality and aperture over resolution.

Question 4

Are cheap webcams from lesser-known brands worth buying?

Accepted Answer

Mostly, no — and this is the most common mistake buyers make. Sub-33 £ webcams from unrecognised brands often overstate their resolution (claiming 1080p from a sensor that captures far less), have poor microphones, and lack any meaningful autofocus. Brands like Origin Storage and Verbatim offer better transparency about their specs. Stick to brands with verifiable reviews on Currys, Amazon.co.uk or John Lewis before committing.

Question 5

Does a webcam need a privacy shutter?

Accepted Answer

It's not essential, but it's increasingly worth having — especially in professional or shared home environments. A physical shutter guarantees the lens is covered regardless of software state, which matters if your employer has a security policy around camera access. Several Logitech and Kensington models include one; check the spec sheet before buying if this is a priority.

Question 6

Can I use a digital camera as a webcam instead?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and many content creators do exactly this for superior image quality. A mirrorless camera with clean HDMI output connected via a capture card will outperform any dedicated webcam. However, it's significantly more expensive, more complex to set up, and overkill for standard video calls. It's worth exploring our digital cameras section if you're already invested in a camera system and want to repurpose it.

Question 7

What frame rate should I look for in a webcam in 2026?

Accepted Answer

30fps is the standard for video calls and is perfectly smooth for everyday use. 60fps becomes relevant if you stream fast-moving content, do product demonstrations with lots of hand movement, or want a more cinematic look for recorded video. Most webcams advertise 60fps only at lower resolutions — check whether the 60fps spec applies at 1080p or only at 720p before buying.

Webcams Price Comparison

NGS XPRESSCAM 2000 webcam 5 MP 2560 x 1440 pixels USB Black

Origin Storage USB Webcam 2K Full HD

Origin Storage USB Webcam 2K Full HD

Sandberg USB Webcam Pro

Conceptronic AMDIS09B 1080p Windows Hello Face Recognition Webcam

Lenovo 4XC1Q44952 webcam 2 MP 1920 x 1080 pixels USB 2.0 Black

Lenovo 4XC1Q25245 webcam 4 MP 1920 x 1080 pixels USB-C Black

Origin Storage USB Webcam 2K Full HD

Origin Storage USB Webcam 2K Full HD

Origin Storage USB Webcam 2K Full HD

Origin Storage USB Webcam 2K Full HD

Origin Storage USB Webcam 2K Full HD

Origin Storage USB Webcam 2K Full HD

Origin Storage USB Webcam 2K Full HD

Logitech BRIO 4K webcam 13 MP 4096 x 2160 pixels USB Graphite

Lenovo Essential FHD Gen2 webcam 1920 x 1080 pixels USB 2.0 Black

Anker A3369011 webcam 2048 x 1080 pixels USB Black

Targus AVC045GL webcam 1920 x 1080 pixels USB Black

Logitech 960-001746 webcam

Logitech C920e HD 1080p webcam 3 MP 1920 x 1080 pixels USB 3.2 Gen 1 (3.1 Gen 1) Black

Logitech C270 HD WEBCAM

Logitech C505 HD Webcam

Logitech C920 Pro HD Webcam

Logitech C922 Pro Stream Webcam

Webcams Price Comparison