The Best External Laptop Camera For 2024

Tim Powers By, Tim Powers
Updated
Best External Laptop Camera
Best External Laptop Camera

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: EMEET Camera Webcam

The EMEET Camera offers Full HD 1080P video quality, making it an excellent choice for professional video streaming. With features like noise reduction mics and low-light correction, it ensures clear communication and optimal video quality in any setting. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: NexiGo N930AF Webcam

The NexiGo N930AF Camera offers impressive 1080P resolution and autofocus capabilities, ensuring your videos are always sharp and clear. It's perfect for secure, high-quality video communication with a privacy cover and noise-cancelling microphone. Read Review

3. Best Convenience: Septekon Webcam

The Septekon Camera provides outstanding video quality with its 1080p Full HD resolution. This webcam combines convenience with superior audio and visual performance. Read Review

4. Best Design: Logitech C920e Webcam

The Logitech C920e Camera is designed to deliver exceptional video and audio quality for professional settings. This webcam, including built-in HD focusing, automatic light correction, and a privacy screen, guarantees you look and sound your best throughout all video calls. Read Review

5. Best Technology: Svcouok Webcam 1080p HD Camera

This camera delivers stunning 1080p Full HD quality, perfect for professional video calls, streaming, and gaming. It ensures clear visuals and crisp audio even in challenging environments. Read Review

In the age of remote work and virtual meetings, having a high-quality external laptop camera can make a difference. Whether you’re attending a business conference, catching up with friends, or creating content, the clarity and performance of your camera can significantly impact your experience.

External laptop cameras have evolved, offering stunning resolutions, enhanced low-light performance, and advanced features like autofocus and background blur. They’ve become essential tools for professionals and casual users, providing a significant upgrade over most built-in laptop cameras. With so many options available, ranging from budget-friendly choices to high-end models packed with features, it can be challenging to find the right one. At Kris Van Assche, we’ve meticulously reviewed numerous external laptop cameras to bring you the top picks for 2024. 

After nearly 18 hours of research, We think the best external laptop camera is EMEET Camera Webcam. Its fixed focal length provides clear images within a range of 11.8 to 118.1 inches, ensuring sharp visuals for video calls. Or you can check the NexiGo N930AF Webcam as the other great option, even if the first option didn't meet all of your requirements.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 EMEET Camera Webcam
Our Score:
9.9
EMEET

The EMEET Camera delivers outstanding Full HD 1080P video quality, enhanced by a 5-layer anti-glare lens. Its fixed focal length provides clear images within a range of 11.8 to 118.1 inches, ensuring sharp visuals for video calls. The built-in dual noise reduction microphones effectively filter out background noise, creating a seamless audio experience. This makes it perfect for those looking to achieve professional-grade communication.

Moreover, the automatic low-light correction feature ensures you look your best, even in dim lighting. This webcam also boasts a 90-degree wide-angle view, accommodating more participants without frequent adjustments. The plug-and-play functionality with a foldable design adds convenience, allowing you to take it anywhere with ease. Nevertheless, the cable is a bit short.

The EMEET Camera is ideal for professionals working from home who need a reliable and high-quality webcam for video conferencing. Its noise-reduction microphones and low-light correction features make it perfect for anyone who frequently attends online meetings or virtual events. 

TOP Choice #2 NexiGo N930AF Webcam
Our Score:
9.8
NexiGo

The NexiGo N930AF Webcam has a two-megapixel CMOS sensor with a resolution of up to 1080p at 30fps. With a 7 cm starting point and an impressive range, the focusing feature ensures that your videos are always sharp and clear. Its privacy cover protects the lens when not in use. It also helps to preserve the lens from dirt and debris, ensuring that your video remains clear throughout the camera's lifetime.

Plus, the noise-cancelling microphone built into the device helps to eliminate background noise, improving the sound quality of your video. It is ready to use in less than one minute with any device that is compatible with it. You can simply take it with you wherever you go thanks to the easy folding design, and the USB cord is long enough to handle any activity at 6.5 feet (2 meters) in length.

The NexiGo N930AF Camera is perfect for anyone who needs high-quality video communication with flexible focus options. Nevertheless, the autofocus may occasionally adjust unexpectedly. However, it can be manually turned off, providing control over the focus for a consistent experience.

TOP Choice #3 Septekon Webcam
Our Score:
9.6
Septekon

Equipped with a 2 million pixel, high-definition lens, the Septekon Camera offers a remarkable 1080p Full HD resolution, capturing every detail with clarity. The 30 frames per second frame rate ensures smooth video, even during dynamic movements. This webcam comes with a built-in stereo microphone that picks up clear audio from up to 10 feet away, enhanced by noise reduction and echo cancellation technology for superior sound quality.

The Septekon Camera requires no additional driver installation. Simply plug it into your computer, TV, or Xbox via USB, and it’s ready to go. High compatibility allows it to function seamlessly with various devices and applications, including YouTube and FaceTime. The adjustable design, which includes 360° horizontal and 30° vertical rotation, offers flexibility in positioning. Nonetheless, its clip might not fit all monitors perfectly. Consider using a stand or additional support for better stability.

The Septekon Camera is perfect for professionals and content creators who need high-quality video and audio for remote meetings, online courses, and live streams. Whether for business or personal use, this webcam delivers excellent performance across various platforms.

4 Logitech C920e Webcam
Our Score:
9.4
Logitech

The Logitech C920e Camera showcases a 78° fixed field of view, perfect for framing individual users while providing enough space to share visual aids. Its two integrated omnidirectional microphones capture clear audio from up to one meter away, ensuring natural and clear voice transmission. The built-in HD autofocus and automatic light correction ensure you always look sharp and well-lit during video calls.

An attachable privacy screen adds an extra layer of security, allowing you to cover the lens when not in use. The C920e is certified for Zoom and compatible with all popular video calling applications, making it a versatile choice for any workspace. The sturdy, adjustable clip and 1/4" threads offer flexible mounting options on laptops, external monitors, or tripods. However, the colour balance needs improvement.

The Logitech C920e Camera is a great choice for those working in diverse environments, from offices to home setups, thanks to its compatibility with popular video calling platforms and robust device management software. It is also an excellent choice for maintaining privacy and adaptability in any setting.

5 Svcouok Webcam 1080p HD Camera
Our Score:
9.3
Svcouok

The Svcouok Camera has 1080p Full HD capability, offering crisp and clear video at a smooth 30 frames per second. The automatic light correction and HDR technology ensure optimal brightness and colour, even in dimly lit conditions. The wide 110-degree angle provides a comprehensive view, ideal for various recording and streaming scenarios. Its built-in noise reduction microphone also captures clear audio up to 5 meters away, filtering out unwanted background noise.

The plug-and-play feature, with a 6ft USB cable and tripod-ready rotatable clip, adds to the convenience, making it easy to set up on any device or surface. This camera also includes facial enhancement technology and advanced H.264 video compression for high-quality streaming on platforms like Skype, Zoom, and YouTube. One minor downside is that the fixed focus might not be ideal for those needing dynamic close-ups.

The Svcouok Camera is perfect for professionals and enthusiasts seeking high-quality video calls, streaming, and recording. Whether conducting online meetings, teaching, or live streaming, this camera's advanced features ensure you look and sound your best. 

6 Youlisn 1080P Webcam
Our Score:
9.1
Youlisn

The Youlisn Camera provides impressive 1080P Full HD video at 30 frames per second, with a 5-layer anti-glare lens ensuring realistic and crisp images. Automatic light correction and HDR technology adapt to various lighting conditions, making it perfect for professional video calls and live streaming. The built-in noise reduction microphone captures clear audio within 8 meters, eliminating background noise for seamless communication.

Furthermore, its plug-and-play design requires no additional software, and the 6ft USB cable and rotatable clip make it easy to position on laptops, monitors, or tripods. The camera's manual focus allows precise control over what’s in the frame, enhancing video quality. High compatibility with various operating systems and streaming platforms adds to its versatility. One minor drawback is that it is slightly tricky to focus, but you can get used to it after some use.

The Youlisn Camera suits individuals who prefer easy setup and flexible positioning, making it ideal for remote workers, content creators, and educators. Thanks to its advanced light correction features, it's particularly beneficial for those in low-light environments. 

7 GoHZQ 1080p Webcam
Our Score:
8.9
GoHZQ

The GoHZQ Camera is a premium choice for high-definition video recording, featuring a 1080P resolution with a 2-megapixel, 1/3” CMOS image sensor. This camera ensures smooth video transmission at 30fps, with high dynamic range (HDR) and low-light automatic correction to maintain crystal-clear details and saturated colours. Additionally, the webcam includes a noise-cancelling microphone with an 8m/26ft omnidirectional sound absorption range, efficiently filtering background noise for pure stereo audio.

With a 110° super wide-angle field, the GoHZQ Camera excels in multi-person video calls, offering an excellent experience for video conferencing, webinars, distance learning, online classes, and more. This USB plug-and-play webcam is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Mac OSX, Android, Linux, and iOS, requiring no driver installation. Popular software such as Facetime, Facebook, YouTube, Skype, and Zoom are all supported, making it a versatile choice for any setting.

This device is ideal for professionals engaged in video conferencing and webinars, as well as educators and students participating in distance learning. Nonetheless, the wide-angle lens might cause slight edge distortion. However, this minor issue can be adjusted with proper camera positioning, ensuring optimal video quality.

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What to Look For in the best external laptop camera

Perhaps as a customer, you may be looking for a best external laptop camera that may provide you with just what you want, such as being environmentally friendly, freely selected, and so on.

In this section, we will discuss with you the buying guides and main factors to consider when planning to buy the product from e-commerce websites, so that when the time comes to make your final selection, everything would be laid out in front of you.

Resolution

Although resolution can be a great indicator of video quality overall, it's not the only thing to think about. The requirements of your webcam will depend on the purpose. If you are using it to skype with friends, or stream live gameplay on Twitch and YouTube, then 720p or 1080p HD is sufficient.
This is largely because most video apps can stream up to 1080p and it's not likely that this will change anytime soon. To stream 4K perfectly, you'll need a strong internet connection of at least 25Mbps to 45Mbps upload.
A 4K camera is not necessary unless you are looking to stream video or chat locally. If you want to create a YouTube webcam, you might need one. You can also digitally zoom into a 4K camera and export at 1080p, which is great for adding drama to streams.
A 4K webcam might be the best option for you in these cases.

Ease Of Setup

Webcams don't have to be complicated. While some webcams allow you to configure the camera for the best picture possible, the most reliable ones will get you close enough without much effort. You should check that the camera is compatible with any apps you intend to use if you are planning on making livestreams and cutting video.

Webcam Privacy

You can make sure that no one sees you when you are not using the webcam.

This is not a feature on most webcams, so it's advisable to buy an additional privacy shutter and attach it to the webcam. Higher-end webcams may also include a few lights that indicate when the camera is active.

Microphone

The built-in microphone makes video calls much more enjoyable and eliminates the need for a headset. It also provides an easier chat experience. It's an excellent feature, but it isn't something streamers and YouTubers use very often.
Content creators prefer to use headsets that have built-in microphones or dedicated microphones. They provide better audio quality and offer advanced noise cancelling features to lower the sounds of clicking keys. The purpose of the webcam will determine what it is used for.

Compatibility

Compatibility is another important feature. All webcams will work with Skype, Google Hangouts and XSplit Gamecaster. However, some cameras offer support for specific apps. It all depends on which webcam you are using, but purchasing a supported webcam may give you access to advanced settings and other features.

Plastic Vs Glasses Lenses

While some webcams with glass lenses will be more expensive thaner ones, they are generally not that different, especially when being used for live streaming or video chat.

Additional Features

There are many webcams on the market that offer superior features. Not all cameras will be created equally. They come in many sizes and shapes, including image correction, background removal, and in the case with the Razer Kiyo, even lighting.

Research is important to determine how these features work. Background removal results are often unpredictable due to environmental conditions. If you find one that works well it will give you a professional looking webcam feed.

FAQs

What is an external laptop camera?

An external laptop camera is a separate camera device that can be connected to a laptop to provide better quality video and audio for video calls, streaming, or recording.

How do I connect an external laptop camera to my laptop?

Most external laptop cameras connect via USB or HDMI ports on your laptop. Simply plug the camera into the corresponding port and follow the manufacturer's instructions for setup.

Can I use an external laptop camera with any laptop model?

Most external laptop cameras are compatible with a wide range of laptop models, but it's always best to check the specifications of the camera and your laptop to ensure compatibility.

Can I use an external laptop camera for video conferencing?

Yes, external laptop cameras are commonly used for video conferencing on platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Skype. They can provide clearer video and audio quality for more professional-looking meetings.

Are external laptop cameras portable?

Yes, many external laptop cameras are designed to be lightweight and portable, making them easy to take with you for on-the-go video calls or recordings.

Do external laptop cameras require any special software to use?

Most external laptop cameras are plug-and-play devices, meaning they can be used without any additional software installation. However, some cameras may come with software that offers additional features or settings for customization.

Conclusion

In summary, the best external laptop camera is the one that will provide you with exactly what you want. Provided that you are not satisfied with the models listed above, we propose GoHZQ 1080p Webcam for you. 

If you are unclear about how to select an item for yourself or someone else at any time in this post, please let us know! Our team of professionals is always pleased to help you find the best match.


2 ratings

About Tim Powers

Tim Powers

Tim Powers is an audio equipment & home theater gadget reviewer and the editor of TheAudioInsights.com. He has been involved in the home theater hobby since the late 1990s when he purchased his first AV receiver. Tim is also a writer, with articles appearing in various online and print publications.