This is the best Logitich webcam for Mac. I know they all say 'MAC compatible' but that doesn't mean they work with all programs or even work well. The higher end models definatley don't work and most of them have been returned by Mac users. The C310 has worked great for me and others as well and it's much cheaper! Best Webcams for Mac iMore 2019. If you're looking for an external webcam to enhance your streaming, chatting, or conference call, we have the solution. Whether you want the best webcam that money can buy or prefer a low-cost option, we've rounded up some of the best webcams you can find for your Mac.
- Macbook Pro Webcam
- Webcam For Macbook 12
- Webcam For Macos
- Best Webcam For Macbook Pro
- Logitech Webcam For Mac
Better discord for mac. While most people will go their computer’s whole life only ever using the built-in webcam for fun pictures or to occasionally Skype Grandma, the professional world brings a whole range of uses for the webcam, and sooner or later the built-in one isn’t going to cut it. Sometimes, the webcam built into your PC or Mac simply doesn’t work, sound familiar?
It’s no secret that a webcam isn’t any laptop’s flagship feature, and many desktops don’t come with one, so you’re going to need an external model with the recording and streaming quality that’s up to par. We’ll show you a few of our top picks, and help you find which webcam is going to be the best fit for you.
Quick Summary
- An all-around champion, Logitech C920S Pro HD Webcam works on Mac and Windows to bring you a video that works for you through a combination of high tech software and quality hardware. It offers 1080p video calling on Skype.
- If you’re on a budget, Logitech HD Webcam C310 offers similar features and records in 720p HD but doesn’t have the same price tag as many comparable models. It has a noise-canceling microphone and will produce crisp images. Windows only.
- For a little more customization, Growfast Full HD Webcam offers HD streaming and recording with an adjustable focal lens and a 100-degree viewing angle that will make sure everyone gets in the group shot. Works on both Mac and PC.
Do You Need An External Webcam?
If you’re a businessperson who regularly works with long-distance clients, a high-quality webcam should be a no-brainer. It will allow you to meet in a face-to-face setting without excessive travel fees and from the comfort of your own office, as well as provide an avenue for better communication and cooperation.
Additionally, having a high-quality camera will be more professional than the low dpi model that comes on most laptops and make for a more enjoyable experience on your client’s side.
On the other hand, if you just plan on Skyping with family occasionally, you probably don’t need a fancier webcam. If your computer doesn’t already have one, it doesn’t hurt to look through our suggestions, but in most cases, upgrading is fairly unnecessary unless your built-in model is not working, truly awful, or not remotely possible.
Skype Webcam: What to Consider?
Recording & Streaming Quality
This is perhaps the most important aspect of a webcam because it largely determines how easy on the eyes your image will appear to your audience.
Although their computer and wifi might limit the quality they can view, you should always send the best possible video you can — which means ditching any 480p cameras and definitely going for 1080p (HD).
Also keep in mind that not all webcams stream at the same resolution that they record in, so make sure you read the fine print.
Frames Per Second (FPS)
While this rating can again, be affected by your computer or your client’s computer, the FPS refers to how many times the image updates per second while it is on the screen.
Anything less than 30 FPS becomes increasingly unpleasant to view, as it will appear choppy and not correctly depict motions or other visuals.
Zoom & Additional Features
Just like on a normal camera, zooming in will cause quality to decrease rapidly, so if your webcam of choice offers this feature, make sure it also includes the necessary hardware to account for the inevitable loss of quality.
Some webcams also offer features such as a wider angle of capture (good for if you want to have more than one person in front of the camera) or different mounting systems – make sure to see if you have any specific needs that can be met with a more specialized product.
Best HD Webcam for Skype in 2019: Our Picks
1. Logitech C920S Pro HD Webcam
This high-tech webcam from Logitech has a lot to boast in, both on the inside and the outside. The small form factor is great for any desktop or laptop, and the wide angle lens will make sure you stay in the frame no matter what. It’s compatible with Windows 10 or later, and MacOS 10.10 or later.
Pros:
- 1080p video calling on Skype, 720p on other platforms such as FaceTime or Google Hangouts.
- 1080p recordings and special uploading software so your streaming stays fast and accurate.
- A microphone collect stereo audio, while the lens automatically adjusts for the best lighting.
Cons:
- Technically includes two mics, but because they are only inches apart the stereo effect is virtually nonexistent.
2. Logitech HD Webcam C310
If you’re on a budget but still want a high-quality webcam that can deliver crisp images and clear sound, this is the best choice for you. The small but mighty C310 clips onto any laptop or desktop you have with ease and connects via USB to your computer. It records and streams in 720p.
Pros:
- Automatically adjusts for poor lighting and includes a noise-canceling mic so that your voice comes through as clearly as possible.
- Records and streams in fluid 720p produce clear images that’ll be easy to see on any client’s computer.
Cons:
- Windows only, will not function properly if used on a Mac.
3. Growfast Full HD Webcam
Offering special features such as a manual focus for when you need to adjust to include a whole meeting room or improve the clarity of your cubicle, dual microphones, and a light-adjusting lens, the Growfast Webcam brings plenty to the table. It’s ideal for video calling and other recording purposes and works on both Mac and Windows.
Pros:
- Connects via USB to your computer for easy plug and play setup, and runs at about 30 FPS.
- The camera has a viewing angle of about 100 degrees and the device uses new technologies to record and compress video for streaming simultaneously, allowing for less lag and more fluid video calling.
Cons: Roux for mac and cheese.
- Doesn’t have a manual or customer support for the device functionality, so you’ll be relying on its plug-and-play and ease of use.
Helpful Tips & Resources
Unfortunately, most webcams aren’t just plug-and-play pieces of technology. You’ll likely need to install drivers and have administrator rights to the computer, so make sure you can do that before you get started.
Then, if you’re on Windows you can follow this guide from BBC WebWise on how to get your camera up and running. If you’re using MacOS, you can use this helpful guide from the Apple Community on how to get things going.
Once everything is ready to go, make sure you know how to use your webcam effectively before you get started live streaming or video conferencing. Simple errors such as a poor backdrop can really decrease the quality and professionality of your video, so use this guide from CBS to get all the details on how to make sure your video conference goes as well as possible.
Final Words
You’ve got plenty of things to worry about on your Skype call besides whether your camera is working properly. From the outfit to backdrop to the proposal you’re presenting, your webcam should be there to help you rather than hinder.
All of the models described in this article can give you the ease and security you need – but did we miss one you prefer?
If so, leave a comment below. We’d love to hear from you!
Chris is a computer geek for a decade. He loved talking to computers via codes, and now he finds it more interesting communicating with the real people. He now writes everything related to computer issues and loves helping people solve problems.
Mac Webcams That Just Work
Looking to buy a driver-free, fully Macintosh compatible webcam? Have USB 2.0, 3.0 or 3.1 ports? The external webcam models listed here are UVC - USB Video Class compliant and are simply Plug and Play on modern Macs running MacOS Catalina, Mojave and Sierra, as well as OSX El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks, Lion, and Leopard. Some older cameras made for Windows PC's may not work on Apple Macintosh computers, or Mac web camera drivers may not exist.Save yourself wasted money and frustration. Make certain you have USB 2.0 speed or faster ports, OSX 10.5+, and a Mac faster than 1Ghz. You can then confidently choose one of these known working and Apple friendly driverless UVC webcam models listed below and elsewhere on our site. We're devoted to tracking the Mac friendly web camera and video conferencing peripheral scene.
Plug-N-Play Mac Webcam Picks
Recommended UVC compliant external cams for OSX:Best Logitech Cameras For Mac
C922 Stream Pro w/Tripod Mount
Improved Frame Rates Up To 60FPS
#1 CHOICE : Mac Compatible HD Webcam With Standard Tripod Mount
Like: Revised C920-series optimized for high frame-rate live streaming: 1080p @ 30FPS and 720p @ 60FPS with H.264 video compression. Optical quality glass lens. Stereo Dual microphones.
For 90% of Mac users, this is your BEST CHOICE for high-quality video capture, conferencing and live streams. Besides Amazon, you can find competitive pricing for the C922 webcam on eBay as well.
Dislike: Logitech packages two different confusing SKU's: The C922 model comes bundled with a mini-tripod, the C922X (x=without) model doesn't.
Wide-Angle HD Camera
90 Degree Field Of View
#2 CHOICE : Premium Logitech C930e HD Webcam
Incredible State-Of-The-Art Image Detail, Smooth Autofocus, H.264 Compression.
Like: Tripod Mount. 1080p HD Webcam. Zeiss Optical Lens. Dual Microphones.
Dislike: You Might Not Prefer A 90 Degree Wide-Angle View.
Logitech C920S Cam
High Quality : Great Value
#3 CHOICE : Mac Compatible Logitech HD Webcam
Excellent detail and clarity, Hardware Autofocus, H.264 Compression
Like: Tripod Mounting Hole. Zeiss Glass Lens. Stereo Microphone. Privacy Shutter. Though superceded by the newer 922, this remains an excellent camera - especially at it's lower street price.
Dislike: None. Excellent All-Around Choice - Razor Sharp.
Portable HD Webcam
Tripod Camera Mount
Like: Lower-priced 1080p HD webcam. Glass lens. Standard camera tripod mount for flexibility in camera angles and placement. Folds flat for travel.
Dislike: Considered a 'Portable' cam - Has a rather short 3' cable.
Best Creative Labs Cameras For Mac
Creative Live Cam Chat
720p HD Resolution
Like: 720p HD Resolution, Fixed Focus, Echo Cancelling Microphone.
Dislike: Image not as sharp as Logitech C310 at this price point.
Best Microsoft Cameras For Mac
Microsoft HD Pro Webcam For Mac
Optical Lens w/AutoFocus
Like: Premium 1080p Resolution. Excellent Audio, Color Balance and Light Sensitivity.
Dislike: Flexi-Bend Clip May Not Be Ideal - But Has Standard Tripod Mounting Hole.
MS LifeCam HD For Mac
720p HD With AutoFocus
Like: Autofocus. Sharp Optical Glass Lens. Excellent Color Fidelity.
Dislike: No Tripod Mount. 720p Max Resolution HD Camera.
Other 3rd-Party Apple Compatible Cameras
Although Logitech, Creative Labs, and Microsoft dominate the OSX friendly videoconferencing cam market, several other brand-name cameras are worthy of consideration, espcially if you're on a budget.Hue Flexible Neck Webcam
Excellent For Adult Video Play
Like: Ultimate Positioning Freedom. Clear HD Image. Internal Mic.
Dislike: Manual Focus. LED Lights Can Be Annoying Head-On.
Hewlett-Packard UVC Webcam
HP's Premium HD Camera
Like: 1080p Resolution. Autofocus. High-Quality Microphone.
Dislike: Snapshot Buttons Non-Functional on OSX. Excellent HD Cam.
RocketFish Mac HD Webcam
Autofocus + Stereo Microphones
Like: 720-1080P Resolution. Good Light Sensitivity and Color Balance.
Dislike: Discontinued. Snapshot Button Non-Functional.
Best Cheap Webcam
RocketFish 720p HD Camera
Like: Great Image! Responsive AutoFocus and Excellent Microphone Quality.
Dislike: Discontinued - But Still Available. Flimsy Mounting Clip.
1080p HD GearHead Webcam
Cheap 1080p Mac Webcam
Like: High HD Resolution. Auto-Focus. Stereo Mics.
Dislike: Lacks Precision Optics, Not As Sharp An Image.
Specialty Webcams For MacOS
Beyond conventional chat, streaming and capture cams, this website also features more specialized Apple compatible camera solutions. These include: Document Cameras for educators and presentations. Mac compatible![Webcam Webcam](/uploads/1/3/4/1/134126099/823170989.jpg)
![Webcam for macos Webcam for macos](/uploads/1/3/4/1/134126099/863651632.jpg)
About Driver-Free UVC Video Class Webcams
UVC is a compatibility standard for USB video chat cameras. Apple's UVC Kernel Extensions built into MacOS Mojave and Sierra, as well as OSX ElCapitan, Yosemitie, Mavericks, Lion and Leopard means any UVC compliant external USB camera should just work when plugged into a USB 2.0 speed or faster port. No additional webcam drivers are required. Windows 7/8/10, Linux, Andrioid, and Chrome OS also natively support UVC class video cameras.Macbook Pro Webcam
The cams listed here are ideal as an add-on webcam for an Apple Mac mini or Pro tower. They can also provide iMac and MacBook users more flexibiity in camera placement and quality over their built-in iSight. They're also good cross-platform PC and Linux webcams for those who use VMWare Fusion, Parallels or Apple's BootCamp on their Macs to run other operating systems.The majority of recent Logitech's webcam models are now UVC compliant and officially supported on a Mac. However, many older discontinued mid-to-low end Logitech cameras were not UVC compliant: Depends on model number, different internal sensors, and part numbers.
Dirt Cheap Generic UVC Mac Webcams
'You get what you pay for..'Webcam For Macbook 12
seems to apply to many dirt-cheap no-name import USB video class web cameras. Feeling lucky? Don't care about warranty or returning it? Then explore cheap webcams on eBay or Amazon for ought-to, should, might probably work on an Apple driverless web camera options from China. In our testing, many of the cheap import cameras available for $10-$15 had high dead-on-arrival failure rates. Image quality varied widely. Some claimed to be High-Def 'HD' but were only low-resolution VGA camera sensors. Microphones sounded poor or were non-functional. Even some of the cams with a decent image simply stopped working soon after purchase. Overall they were poorly-constructed, cheap junk with a few rare exceptions.Apple Compatible Web Cameras For Old Macs
For long obsolete Macs from the G4 and G5 era, remember UVC compliant webcams require USB 2.0 or faster ports. With their slow CPUs, 640x480 won't overwelm them. The Mac MUST also be running OSX 10.4.x at a minimum - the point where Apple began including UVC device support into the OS.VGA QuickCam Ultra - 640x480 Fixed Focus
Pico iMage USB 2.0 Webcam:
Like: Click Tilt Adjustment. Good Light Response & Color Balance.
Standard Tripod Camera Mount Hole
Dislike: Rather GRAINY Image - No Built-in Microphone
LOUSY BUDGET CAM: MacAlly VGA IceCam 2
Like: Sturdy Clip, Adjustable Focus Ring, On Indicator LED
Dislike: Needs VERY Bright Light Levels. Off-Color Problems. Cheap Import Cam Rebranded with MacAlly Logo. Harsh, Hollow Sounding Microphone.
Looks-Like-A-Logitech Driverless Cam
Like: Penny-Pincher Cheap UVC cam. Good Image Sharpness
Dislike: Ripoff Design. Low Quality Microphone
Microsoft Live! Web Cam - Value Priced
Like: Suprising Image Quality, Adjustable Focus Ring, Low-Cost
Dislike: Stand Designed For Desktop Not Laptop. No Microphone
Webcams For Obsolete Macs?
Trying to keep an antique Macintosh in use? Think FireWire instead. Modern high-resolution UVC cams simply WILL NOT WORK on old 800mhz or less Macs, who's slow and incompatible USB 1.x speed ports are FOURTY TIMES slower than USB 2.0. Those that claim to be USB 1.1 compatible in their specification listings may have utterly abysmal frame-rates on USB 1.x or show NO image at all, even though Apple's System Profiler may show that the camera exists on the USB 1.1 bus. Otherwise you're left dinking around with any of hundreds of old, discontinued webcams made for Windows and fiddling with Macam open-source drivers hoping for a combination that will work.You can still find decent, used Apple iSight cams at Amazon or find a deal on an iSight on eBay. Sadly, Apple stopped manufacturing their very high-quality 1394 FireWire auto-focus web camera rather quickly. 1394 is better than USB for video conferencing and chat in many technical aspects: External FireWire webcam compatibility with iMovie, less CPU overhead, high frame-rates and avoids USB device contention when slugging it out on a USB hub. USB cameras aren't the only options to provide Macintosh users with high quality choices to chat and videoconference using popular Mac OSX applications like FaceTime, Yahoo Messenger, Apple Messages, Skype, and ISPQ VideoChat, or for capturing and uploading clips to YouTube, Vimeo, Daily Motion or other video sites.
Choosing An External Mac Compatible Web Cam
What are key features to look for when shopping for an Apple compatible webcam? Even though the vast majority of Apple computer systems incorporate an iSight camera into the display, there's still tremendous interest in buying an external Mac camera that offers improved image quality, higher frame rates, a better internal microphone, increased HD resolution, or additional flexibility in camera angles, mounting options, and positioning. Please see the Mac Webcam Shopper GuideWebcam For Macos
on this site for a more in-depth review of camera features to look for when pondering the optimal hardware for your business or personal video capture, streaming and conferencing needs.Video Conferencing Microphones & Headsets
Most, but not all Macs have a built-in microphone for 'good enough' sound capture. But another option is a good quality Mac compatible USB webcam with a mic which most (but not all) webcams incorporate. A separate USB desktop microphone might be desired to provide the best sound quality to improve your online voice and video capture and recording sessions.Best Webcam For Macbook Pro
Headsets or earbuds can help you have a far better videoconferencing, FaceTime or Mac Skype call experience and help minimize background noise, echo and feedback. USB headsets may have more advantages than 1/8' Analog mini-jack types that often compete with your external speaker system. A high-quality Mac headset comes in handy for not only Mac VOIP, video conferences and Apple speech recognition, but top notch iTunes audio playback and Podcast recording and listening as well.