If you want to set foot in the Twitch live streaming world, you need to have the best supporting equipment. The best budget webcam for Twitch should be your first priority. Start your to-do list by investing in a reliable webcam, which will enhance your Twitch streaming experience. While tools and software are essential for a better Twitch stream, a quality webcam is what changes the game.
Whether you have just started as a streamer or have been in the game for long, you can’t possibly deny the importance of a webcam. A webcam will help you to portray your expressions and personality while Twitch streaming.
Built-in cameras can not compare to webcam. These internal webcams may be suited to facetime calls or video calls, but live streaming requires something that can offer high definition clarity. Webcams are designed to attach a professional feel to Twitch streaming.
Table of Contents
Best Budget Webcam For Twitch 2021
Some of the top Twitch.tv streamers have built their incredible career paths through streaming platforms. Join the legion of live streamers by having the ideal kit from the start. However, buying a webcam is not as easy as it sounds.
The market is full of different webcams backed with various technologies. It may take hours or days of research to find a webcam that fits your specifications and budget. You can choose a high-priced webcam to boost your career in Twitch streaming. However, if you have financial constraints, you can settle for a budget-friendly webcam.
To cut to the chase, we have narrowed the list down to five budget webcams for Twitch. We have highlighted all the essential features, budget, pros, and cons to help you make the right choice. We have also included Youtube videos for each product so you can see the video quality for yourself.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | SPECIFICATION | |
|---|---|---|---|
Our Pick | Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Runner-Up | Logitech C270 |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Budget 1080p Pick | Microsoft Lifecam Studio |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Bugdet 60FPS Pick | NexiGo N980P |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Splurge Pick | Logitech C920 |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
1. Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000
Our Pick
Pros
- Great Video Quality For 720p
- Wide Field Of View
- Comes With TrueColor Technology
Cons
- FPS is not the most stable at times
- Older camera so sometimes does not work with current software
Weight: 3.2 ounces | Resolution: HD 720p | Photo Definition: 4.0 MP | Imaging Rate: 30fps | Cable Length: 4.9ft Operating Systems: Windows XP or later | Digital Zoom: 4x | Focus: Autofocus
The Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 is the best budget webcam for Twitch streaming we could find. While it lacks some of the capabilities of newer webcams, it still delivers good video quality for an affordable price.
It is a small webcam, so it will not take up much space or get in the way as you are streaming to your Twitch following. Coming with a universal base, you can attach it to whatever device you are currently using for your Twitch stream, meaning you do not have to get multiple webcams for each device.
Since it is not the highest quality webcam, it is suitable for those just starting on Twitch, and are looking more to get started, rather than showing the highest level of video quality. However, it does have a good field of view, and even with only a 720p resolution, it still provides good video.
It does come with some problems, though, the most notable being that the FPS can be unstable at times. This problem doesn’t affect everyone and seems to be linked to the application you are using the webcam with. Chances are you won’t run into this issue when using the webcam, but it’s something to keep in mind.
The other major drawback that comes with this webcam is sometimes it does not work with the current software. This comes from the fact it is an older camera and has issues sometimes with connecting with the current software. If this does happen, you may have to do a little troubleshooting to get the camera to work for you.
2. Logitech C270
Runner-Up
Pros
- Compatible with most platforms
- HD 720p video calling and recording
- Auto light correction
Cons
- Small field of view
- Video sometimes does not come through as HD
Field of View: 60 degrees | Cable Length: 5ft | Resolution: HD 720p | Imaging Rate: 30fps | Connector: USB 2.0 | Auto Light Correction: Ringlight 2 | Focus: Manual Focus | Operating Systems: Windows 7 or later, MacOS 10.10 or later, Chrome OS, Android v 5.0 or above
The Logitech C270 is the second-best budget webcam we could find for Twitch streaming. In some ways, it is better than the Microsoft Lifecam, but overall the Lifecam performs better when it comes to video streaming.
The main difference between the C270 and Lifecam is the video quality and the frames per second the webcams offer. When comparing the video produced by these webcams side by side, the Microsoft Lifecam is the clear winner. The Logitech C270 on the other hand is able to maintain a stable 30 frames per second way more consistently than the Lifecam.
We chose to value the slightly higher video quality over the more consistent FPS and rank the Lifecam higher. Due to their extremely similar price you can go either way depending on your preferences.
This webcam is compatible with most platforms and devices you could use it for when you are streaming to Twitch, though there are times it may not connect properly to certain devices. It can be a mild nuisance, but typically you will just have to attempt to reconnect till the computer picks it up.
It is equipped with HD video calling, streaming, and recording, though there is sometimes a problem with the HD. At times, the camera may not stream as HD, dropping the quality of your video stream by a fair amount.
The other main issue that comes with this webcam is its small field of view. Most webcams come with a field of view that is at least 78 degrees wide, but this one has a 60-degree field of view, making it one of the smaller ones on the market.
Overall this camera will work for most beginner Twitch streamers. Still, once you have started gathering a larger following and stream more often, you will want to find a camera with a better resolution and without the drawbacks of this one.
3. Microsoft LifeCam Studio
Budget 1080p Pick
Pros
- 1080p HD Video Recording
- 360° rotation
- Face Tracking
Cons
- Tends to not work with macOS
- Comes with USB 2.0 rather than 3.0
Cable Length: 6ft | Resolution: HD 1080p | Imaging Rate: 30fps | Connector: USB 2.0 | Facing Tracking: Yes | Focus: Autofocus | Operating Systems: Windows 7 or later | Weight: 4.48 ounces
The Microsoft LifeCam Studio is the best budget 1080p webcam we could find for Twitch streamers. Even with only 30fps, it tends to come in much clearer than the 60fps webcam next on our list.
Not only that, but most streamers do not actually need 60fps, so you can save yourself money and still get a great camera by going with a 30fps camera. It is more important that the webcam comes with a good field of view and a high resolution.
The resolution for this webcam is 1080p HD for video streaming and recording, but when you use it for video chatting, it can drop down to 720p. This depends mainly on the platform and device you are using, so you will want to keep that in mind.
This webcam also comes with a large field of view, so it can pick up your beautiful face wherever you may be sitting or standing while using it. This makes it one of the best webcams if you are looking for a large field of view.
There are some drawbacks to this webcam, but luckily, they are minor drawbacks that are fairly situational. The first one is that this webcam may not always work with macOS software.
It can work with MacOS, but you will want to remember it is possible it will not work for you if you use macOS. If you use a macOS, you can either take the risk with this webcam or locate a different one for your streaming setup.
4. NexiGo N980P
Budget 60FPS Pick
Pros
- 1080p with 60fps
- Large field of view
- Built-in Microphone
Cons
- No lens cover
- Will not work with a green screen
Imaging: 60fps | Resolution: HD 1080p | Microphone: Omni-directional | Connector: USB | Field Of View: 120 degrees | Focus: Manual Focus | Light Correction: Yes | Operating Systems: Windows XP/7/8/10, Mac OS 10.6, Linux 2.6.24, Chrome OS 29.0.1547, Ubuntu Version 10.04 or above
The 2021 NexiGo N980P is the best budget 1080p 60fps webcam for Twitch on the market. It comes with many features that make it almost perfect for all Twitch streamers but a few select ones.
The video quality of this webcam is one of the best, thanks to it having 60fps and a 1080p HD resolution. It can be hard to find a good webcam like this for a similar budget without having a large number of drawbacks that make it undesirable.
It comes with a 120-degree field of view, making it also one of the best webcams for field of view on this list. With its high-quality video streaming plus its large field of view, you will be hard pressed to find a webcam that rivels this one at this price range.
However, there are a few issues with this webcam, like most others. With this webcam, though, the drawbacks will not affect its performance in the slightest, which means that unless you care about these issues specifically, the drawbacks will not affect you.
The first one is that this webcam lacks a cover to go over the lens. This means you need to be a bit more careful with this webcam, as the lens is more likely to get damaged than other webcams. Most of the time, though, the webcam should be able to stand up to anything you put it through.
The second drawback is that this webcam does not pick up on green screens, so you cannot use special effects that rely on a green screen to work. For most Twitch streamers, however, this will not affect them in the slightest especially if you are just starting out.
5. Logitech C920
Splurge Pick
Pros
- High quality video compression
- Full HD 1080p streaming
- Great Auto Light Correction
Cons
- Not a lot of adjustable settings
- On the more expensive end
Imaging: 30fps | Resolution: HD 1080p | Microphone: 2 omni-directional mics | Connector: USB | Field Of View: 78 degrees | Focus: Autofocus | Light Correction: Yes | Video Compression: H.264 | Lens: Standard | Cable Length: 5ft | Operating Systems: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 or later, Mac OS 10.10 or later, Android v 5.0 or above, Chrome OS
The Logitech C920 is the best webcam if you want to splurge and get the most popular webcam for Twitch. If you can save up the money for it, then it is a great webcam for any Twitch streamer, regardless of their budget.
It provides high-quality 1080p HD video for your streams, but the quality does tend to drop down to about 720p for video calls. This, however, is mainly based on the platform or device you are using for your video calls. With most modern platforms and devices, you will still get 1080p HD quality for your video calls. If you plan to use this webcam for streaming exclusively then this will not affect you in the slightest.
This webcam also comes with video compression to help keep your video in the best quality possible when video recording. It also comes with light auto-correct technology, so you do not have to worry about poor lighting ruining your video as much. It won’t turn bad lighting into great lighting, but it certainly will help.
This is a much more expensive camera than most on this list, though, which means you may need to save up for a bit to get this webcam, especially if you do not have that large of a budget. However, the quality of its video and the features that it offers more than makeup for the price.
A slight drawback with this webcam is that most of the time, you are not able to directly change the settings of your video streams and recordings from the webcam itself. It does come with software that you can use to do this, but it is not always a guarantee that you will be able to change the settings you want to.
Overall, this is one of the most used webcams by Twitch streamers of all sizes and highly recommended if you can spend a little extra.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Factors Should I Consider Before Buying A Webcam For Twitch?
The primary factor to look for while buying a webcam for Twitch should be your purchasing power. Webcams are available on a wide price spectrum. As you can see from our top picks you can get a reliable webcam for Twitch at a reasonable price. However, if you want premium features with a professional touch, you can go up the price range.
The second consideration should be the resolution. Higher resolutions will increase your stream quality and the experience of your viewers. You can find great resolutions even when looking at midrange webcams.
You should also go for a webcam with some adjustability. While live streaming on Twitch, you need a webcam that can be adjusted in multiple directions without the need for disassembling. If you need to capture various objects or move around frequently, you need a webcam with autofocus mode. You should also check for the compatibility of the webcam that you selected with your operating system.
Choose a webcam that will facilitate easy updates to the latest features. Buying a webcam can be costly affair. You should consider all these details while making your purchase.
Can I Use A Camera In Place Of A Webcam?
Yes. Some digital cameras can be used as an alternative for webcams. You can convert your digital camera into a webcam by following some steps. You need to check the manual of your digital camera to see whether it can be used as an alternative for a webcam.
If it facilitates the feature, start by installing the webcam software. It should come with your digital camera.
Plug the necessary cables into your digital camera and computer. You need to plug in your microphone to your sound card. Set up your digital camera close to your computer monitor. Run a trial to see if it works well as a webcam. Digital cameras may suffice as a webcam for video calls. However, it may lag, depending on the quality of the camera, while live streaming on Twitch.
Is 30Fps Or 60Fps Better For Twitch?
You need to find the right balance between your frame rate and resolution. A webcam with 4k resolution doesn’t necessarily mean it comes with 60fps. 30fps is usually great for video streaming and conferencing. However, if you plan to be moving around a lot or want to capture fast-moving objects on stream you should opt for a 60fps webcam. If you wish to sync your gameplay with your live stream, opt for a 1080p at 30fps or a 720p at 60fps.
Your webcam will adjust higher resolution with a lower frame rate and vice-versa. You should decide on a frame rate and resolution combination depending on your live stream and gaming requirements. You should also compare the prices and frame rates before arriving at a decision.
For the vast majority of people streaming on Twitch a 30fps webcam will be perfectly fine.
Final Thoughts
It is essential to shop smart even while buying cheap items. All the webcams available in the market are not specially designed for Twitch. We have penned down the best budget webcams for Twitch that will boost your professionalism and streaming experience. A sub-standard and lagging webcam will disrupt your live streaming experience.
To ensure top-notch video clarity with outstanding resolution and fps, you need a promising webcam. While video calls can be done on mediocre products, Twitch requires something more. Our top 5 picks will meet all your streaming or gaming specifications.
