Best Streaming Webcams for Twitch and Other Platforms

Updated: February 28, 2022
DJ Pangburn
8 min read

Highlights

A good streaming camera should have a resolution of 1080p and have a frame rate of 30FPS

No matter your skill level, auto-focus is a great feature to have on your webcam for streaming or vlogging

Don’t forget to get a capture card. You’ll need this to capture and broadcast your livestream

Since the advent of smartphones, many people have become fairly capable of basic livestreaming on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and other platforms. And many more people are beginning to realize the full potential of Twitch for gaming and different types of streaming content.

For Instagram and Facebook streams, smartphones are more than capable of capturing and sharing content with viewers and—if you’re a creator—fans. Eventually, however, some streaming content creators will want to level up their camera game.

There could be many different reasons for this, from higher resolution to more controls. Whatever the reason may be, finding the best webcam for streaming takes some research.

This is why we’ve put together this article on how to find the best webcam for Twitch and other streaming platforms, which will put you on your way to becoming a Twitch streamer.

Features to Look for in a Streaming Camera

To begin, start thinking of the features you’ll need for a more refined streaming experience. What are these features?

Broadly speaking, your streaming webcam should differ from the type of webcam some people might use for remote work video calls.

Resolution

Feature-wise, this will mean you should be looking for a streaming camera with high resolution. The lowest resolution should be 720p, but a web camera equipped with 1080p resolution is far superior. And it will show in the results, whether you’re streaming yourself as you play video games or your work in a music or art studio.

Frame rate

Next, look at the frame rate listed in the camera specs as FPS (frames per second). 15fps will get it done for streaming, but 30fps is even better, especially when paired with a resolution of 1080p.

Built-in Audio

To simplify your setup, look for a webcam with built-in audio. This is a great way to start your streaming hobby or career. And later, if it doesn’t work, you can always purchase a dedicated audio recorder to boost your streaming sound quality.

Autofocus

Yet another crucial feature, especially for beginning Twitch streamers, is autofocus. Smartphones have autofocus, so you’ll already be used to the feature. And it’s a good thing to have when the webcam is pointed at you, and you can’t check the live feed for focus.

The Best Webcams for Streaming

There are several webcams or streaming cameras out there, and each one can fit certain needs and skill levels. Let’s take a look at some of them, from budget to high-end, from beginner to experienced streamers.

Best webcam for Twitch beginners

Logitech is the best streaming camera for many streamers for Twitch, YouTube and other livestream platforms. They’ve been in the game for a long time, and that means they know what they’re doing feature-wise and have offerings for various budgets.

Logitech C922 HD Pro

Source: logitech

An excellent starter webcam for streaming, and at about $80, it’s hard to deny. The C922 HD Pro is 1080p, performs well in low light, has autofocus and can be controlled with software. For those just getting into streaming, this is a fantastic option.

Razer KIYO

Source: Razer

The Razer KIYO can do both 60FPS at 720p and 30FPS at 1080p. It comes equipped with a handy ring light, making it an excellent option for Twitch streamers and also a great camera for vloggers.

Best budget webcam for Twitch streaming

It just so happens that one of the best webcams for novice streamers, the Logitech C922 HD Pro, is also one of the best budget webcams on the market.

ClearOne UNITE 20 Pro Webcam

But if you want an alternative to this webcam, consider the ClearOne UNITE 20 Pro Webcam. It’s under $100 and features 1080p resolution, 30FPS, and a wide-angle lens. The only major drawback is poor audio quality.

Again, the Razer KIYO is another great alternative to the Logitech C922 HD Pro and ClearOne UNITE 20 Pro, as is the Microsoft LifeCam Cinema webcam.

Best video quality webcam

Logitech StreamCam

Source: logitech

A high-resolution 1080p, 60FPS camera with autofocus and capture software. This software is needed to capture a livestream and distribute it to viewers, so having it in an all-in-one package with great visuals is a major advantage for aspiring Twitch streamers and vloggers.

Logitech 4K Pro

A step up from the StreamCam. It’s a 4K webcam that delivers professional-quality live video. It’s good in low-light spaces, features 5x digital zoom and has several other valuable features.

Dell UltraSharp WB7022

Source: Dell

This is an alternative to the Logitech 4K Pro, doing 4K at 30FPS and 1080p at 60FPS.

Razr KIYO Pro, the higher-end sibling to the KIYO and the Elgato Facecam, which offers full HD 1080p at 60FPS, are other options you can consider.

Get all you need to create the perfect video

Wrapping up

Remember, you can get away with a resolution of 720p for a livestream, but the best webcam for streaming should ideally have a resolution of 1080p and a frame rate of 30FPS. For those with professional ambitions or who simply love high-quality video, seriously consider 4K webcams.

Not everyhing is about resolution and frame rate, though. Make sure your webcam has autofocus, which will keep you and your other footage in focus. Also, make sure you have a good way of capturing audio, or viewers might quickly tune out.

And before you start streaming, make sure you have a capture card. You need this card to capture and broadcast to livestream. If you don’t have it, you won’t be livestreaming anything.

Now you should be all ready to get streaming!

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a smartphone for streaming?

The short answer is yes. And this can be a good alternative because, like most people, you probably already have a smartphone, which would save you money instead of spending it on a webcam. You’ll need a mobile app that can turn your phone into a webcam but make sure it’s at least 720P and 30FPS.

Can I use a laptop or desktop computer’s webcam for streaming?

Yes. However, these webcams tend to be 720FPS, so the resolution and frame rate won’t be as high as dedicated streaming webcams, which usually capture at least 1080p at 30FPS.

Is a high-end webcam worth the money?

These days, 4K webcams aren’t that much more expensive than 720p or 1080p webcams. So if you want a professional look for your Twitch stream or vlogging channel, paying for a 1080p at 60FPS or 4K at 60FPS is definitely worth it. But remember, a cheap webcam for Twitch streaming will do in a pinch.

Can I use other cameras for live streaming?

Sure. Check out DSLR cameras offered by Canon and Nikon, as well as Sony Mirrorless A6 or A7 series cameras. Opting for a DSLR or Mirrorless camera will take some time to integrate into your streaming setup, but the high resolution and wealth of features are very appealing. Check out the types of cameras that are out there for creators.

What else do I need for a streaming setup?

If you want to level up your Twitch stream or vlog, consider getting webcam lighting, a headset equipped with a microphone and royalty-free music. Read more about these tools and resources in our round-up of the essential Twitch streaming setup, and also check out the new Artlist Personal Plan tailored for social media creators.

About DJ Pangburn

DJ Pangburn is a multimedia content designer with 12 years of experience in online and print publishing and is currently working for NEAR, an Open Web platform. He focuses on copywriting, editing, video production, and the occasional graphic design. DJ's work has appeared in publications like Vice, Fast Company, and Dazed, as well as on the brand websites of Polaroid, Ableton, and others. DJ is also an electronic musician who records and releases music under the name Northern Telekom.