CHOICE expert rating is based on performance score (60%), ease of use score (35%), and privacy score (5%).

Performance score is based on the video quality of three programs: Windows Camera, OBS Studio, and Zoom (default quality on a receiving computer); audio quality is assessed using two programs: Windows Camera, and Zoom (default quality on a receiving computer).

Ease of use score is based on the installation process of each webcam on a Windows computer, as well as the ease and stability with which each webcam can be sat on a thick and thin monitor; we also take the length of the cable into consideration for use on desktop computers.

Privacy score factors in supplied lens caps as well as built-in visible video indicator lights.

We recommend webcams with a CHOICE expert rating of 70% or more.

Price paid in October 2020

Interface tells you how the webcam plugs in to a computer.

Maximum video resolution is the highest supported motion picture resolution, measured in pixels.

Maximum still image resolution is the highest supported resolution for taking photos, measured in pixels.

The maximum number of frames per second.

Field of view is the stated diagonal angle, measured in degrees; we assess the wideness of the angle in our video tests based on static markers in the scene as a way to compare the cameras.

Lens type refers to the stated type of material that is used in the construction of the lens: glass or plastic. It is not always stated by the manufacturer.

Video format lists all the video formats that we could see listed for all the cameras when using OBS Studio software.

Size measurement (height x depth x width) is taken with the camera in an open position with its stand at a right angle or as close to a right angle as possible; it is a rough measurement to the nearest 50mm and does not represent exact product dimensions.

Weight refers to the measured weight of the camera and its built-in cable, measured in grams.

Focus type refers to whether the focus is automatic, manual, or fixed; not all cameras state the focus, and fixed focus is used for cameras where we could not make the focal point change.

Nightvision refers to whether the camera has the ability to work in very low light.

Microphone refers to whether or not the webcam has a built-in microphone.

Video indicator light refers to whether or not a light comes on when the camera is active.

Audio indicator light refers to whether or not there is a separate light that comes on when the camera is recording audio.

Software lists all the programs that are either supplied in the box or available as a download by the manufacturer of the webcam.

Lens or built in cap refers to whether or not one of those types of covers is supplied with the webcam.

Tilt indicates whether or not the camera can be adjusted up and down.

Swivel indicates whether or not the camera can be adjusted right and left.

Zoom indicates whether or not the camera has an optical zoom function.

Tripod mount indicates whether or not the camera can be mounted on a tripod.

Monitor mount indicates whether or not the camera can be sat on a computer monitor; all the cameras in this test have this feature.

Vertical video tells you whether or not the camera can be mounted in a vertical orientation for the recording of portrait videos and images.

Cable length is a rough measurement of the length of each webcam's cable; all cables are fixed to the cameras. Measured in cm.