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| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 6 Jul (PC World)At a glanceExpert`s Rating
ProsExtremely light (1.9 ounces!) & ergonomic for high comfortOptical switches for precise clicksUp to 35K DPI and 8kHz polling rateExtensive customization options via Razer SynapseConsHigh priceNo replacement mouse feet includedOnly for right-handers despite symmetrical designOur VerdictWith its slim design, responsive third-generation optical switches, and a wide range of customization options via the Razer Synapse software, Razer Viper V3 Pro skillfully addresses the needs of ambitious esports enthusiasts.
Best Prices Today: Razer Viper V3 Pro
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The Razer Viper V3 Pro is the new flagship of the Razer mouse series and aims to raise the bar for wireless gaming mice. Equipped with a new sensor, third-generation optical switches, and a hyperpolling dongle, the question is whether this redesign of the Viper series is the ultimate gaming mouse in symmetrical design.
Razer Viper V3 Pro design and build quality
The most outstanding feature of the Razer Viper V3 Pro is its newly revised design. Compared to its predecessor, the Razer Viper V2 Pro, the mouse has a streamlined shape that is now less bulky and offers improved ergonomics.
All in all, Razer remains true to its design.
All in all, Razer remains true to its design.Friedrich Stiemer
All in all, Razer remains true to its design.Friedrich Stiemer
Friedrich Stiemer
However, in a direct comparison with the V2 Pro, the following design changes are noticeable in the third version: It has a slightly higher, central hump, which definitely changes the grip style in comparison. In our opinion, this makes it most suitable for claw grip players, although we don’t see any real disadvantages for other grip styles.
The less pronounced finger rests are also noticeable, which means that some grip security is lost — but again, only marginally and in a direct comparison. All in all, however, these changes make the V3 Pro appear more versatile.
Further reading: See our roundup of the best gaming mice to learn about competing products.
The Razer V3 Pro is slightly higher than its predecessor.
The Razer V3 Pro is slightly higher than its predecessor.Friedrich Stiemer
The Razer V3 Pro is slightly higher than its predecessor.Friedrich Stiemer
Friedrich Stiemer
The mouse is made of high-quality materials, with the body consisting of a light but robust plastic with a pleasant coating that provides a secure grip even during intensive use. Razer has dispensed with RGB lighting and lots of extra buttons on the Viper V3 Pro, thereby focusing on the essentials: gaming performance.
The Razer Viper V3 Pro weighs just 1.9 ounces, making it one of the lightest mice on the market. Together with the above-average mouse feet (skates), this results in smooth handling. Despite its light weight, the mouse feels stable and shows no signs of flexing or creaking when we apply pressure.
Technical features: Precise sensor
The Razer Viper V3 Pro integrates cutting-edge technical features that make it a powerhouse in the wireless gaming mouse sector. At the heart of the mouse is the second-generation “35K Razer Focus Pro” optical sensor, which delivers top performance with a maximum sensitivity of 35,000 DPI and an impressive tracking speed of 750 inches per second (IPS).
According to Razer, this is said to be its “most precise optical sensor” to date, thanks to a resolution accuracy of 99.8 percent. These specifications allow for exceptional precision that should hold up in even the fastest and most demanding gaming scenarios.
The Razer Viper V3 Pro integrates cutting-edge technical features that make it a powerhouse in the wireless gaming mouse sector.
The 35K sensor scores with impeccable precision.
The 35K sensor scores with impeccable precision.Friedrich Stiemer
The 35K sensor scores with impeccable precision.Friedrich Stiemer
Friedrich Stiemer
Optical mouse switches
One of the most important technical innovations of the Razer Viper V3 Pro are Razer’s third-generation optical mouse switches. These switches use infrared light to detect click registration, which significantly improves triggering speed compared to conventional mechanical variants.
This technology also eliminates the risk of an unwanted double-click and increases the lifespan of the switches to up to 90 million clicks. Each click not only feels faster, but also more consistent and reliable.
Optical switches are used for the left and right mouse buttons.
Optical switches are used for the left and right mouse buttons.Friedrich Stiemer
Optical switches are used for the left and right mouse buttons.Friedrich Stiemer
Friedrich Stiemer
8K polling rate for real professionals
The Razer Viper V3 Pro also offers an ultra-high polling rate of up to 8,000 hertz thanks to the use of the hyperpolling dongle supplied. This high polling rate drastically reduces latency and improves the responsiveness of the mouse, which can provide a significant advantage in games that require fast and precise movements.
Although the actual perception of this improvement depends on individual sensitivity and the monitor setup used, it provides a measurable benefit for true professional gamers and enthusiasts looking for optimal performance.
Software and customization
The Razer Viper V3 Pro is configured via the Razer Synapse software, which allows extensive customization of all settings. Users can customize the DPI settings, polling rate, and lighting options to optimize the mouse according to their needs. The software is intuitively designed and also offers advanced users enough options for fine-tuning.
The thumb buttons respond crisply and are easy to reach.
The thumb buttons respond crisply and are easy to reach.Friedrich Stiemer
The thumb buttons respond crisply and are easy to reach.Friedrich Stiemer
Friedrich Stiemer
How is the the Razer Viper V3 Pro’s gaming performance?
The Razer Viper V3 Pro is characterized by its impressive gaming performance, which is supported in particular by the latest technical specifications and customization options.
With the 35K optical sensor, the gaming mouse offers extremely precise movement detection, which is invaluable in fast and precision-critical games such as first-person shooters or real-time strategy games.
The ability to adjust the DPI in single steps allows gamers to fine-tune the sensitivity to achieve optimal control tailored specifically to their individual needs and game title.
The introduction of third generation optical mouse switches in the Razer Viper V3 Pro is also a critical point to emphasize. These switches are a significant improvement not only for their durability and reliability, but also for their ability to deliver near-instant response times.
This quick activation can make all the difference in heated moments of play where every millisecond counts. However, we do occasionally notice that the feel and sound of the clicks are less rich compared to traditional mechanical switches, which could be perceived as a drawback depending on personal preference.
Another highlight is the 8K polling rate, which is made possible by the hyperpolling dongle. This high rate ensures extremely low latency and exceptionally smooth cursor movement.
Nevertheless, it should be noted that the actual benefit of this high polling rate may be marginal for many players, especially if they do not have the necessary hardware to take full advantage of it.
Gamers with standard PC configurations or lower refresh rate monitors will not notice a significant difference compared to conventional 1,000 hertz polling.
Grip tapes are also included — very nice!
Grip tapes are also included — very nice!Friedrich Stiemer
Grip tapes are also included — very nice!Friedrich Stiemer
Friedrich Stiemer
The complete package
In addition to the mouse itself, the Razer Viper V3 Pro comes with a range of useful accessories that round off the overall package. These include a USB-C charging cable, which enables flexible use and fast charging times.
Also included is a set of so-called grip tapes, which provide additional grip and comfort, especially during intensive gaming sessions: You stick these textured rubber pads to the sides and on the main mouse buttons for an even better grip.
Razer also supplies some brand stickers and the necessary documentation for the gaming mouse. The hyperpolling dongle, which is essential for 8,000 hertz polling and therefore guarantees high-precision control, stands out.
However, a set of replacement mouse feet, which is often included with high-end gaming mice, is missing, which is remarkable in this price range and potentially entails additional costs should a replacement be necessary.
This article was translated from German to English and originally appeared on pcwelt.de.
Computer Accessories, Gaming, Mice Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 5 Jul (PC World)Any laptop with a GPU could be considered a gaming laptop, but it doesn’t start to feel like a “real” gaming laptop until it starts pushing the limits—and I’m not just talking about performance.
Gaming laptops have a reputation for going above and beyond, especially with regard to aesthetics: colorful lights, embellishments, and slick designs that borrow from sci-fi concepts. But all of that is icing on top of the desktop gaming experience in a laptop body.
In the history of over-the-top gaming laptops, a handful stand out as particularly iconic and/or innovative. Here are my picks for the best, most amazing, most ridiculous gaming laptops that guarantee gamer cred.
Check it out: The best gaming laptops worth your money
1. Acer Predator 21 X
Acer
Acer
Acer
The best way to describe the Acer Predator 21 X? A single word: BIG! The screen was big, the chassis was big, and the price was very big. Launching with a price tag of $9,000 in 2017, this laptop was reserved for only the most committed gamers with deep pockets.
The 18.7-pound behemoth offered the best hardware available at the time, including an Intel Core i7-7820HK, 64GB of RAM, and two SLI-linked Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 GPUs. All of that hardware delivered the best possible gaming experience on the laptop’s 21-inch curved LCD.
Today’s gaming laptops might have more power, but they can’t hold a candle to the Predator 21 X’s bananas form factor.
More on this: Our review of the Acer Predator 21 X
2. Asus ROG GX700
Asus
Asus
Asus
The Asus ROG GX700 may look like your average gaming laptop at first glance, but that’s only true if you leave the dock at home.
This laptop came with a ludicrous liquid-cooling dock, which kept the internals frosty even when pushed to their limits. The dock plugged into the back of the laptop, linking the dock’s compressor and radiator to tubing inside the laptop chassis.
This allowed the Intel Core i7-6820HK and Nvidia GeForce GTX 980 to be overclocked for better performance. It wasn’t cheap—costing $5,000—and without the dock it was pretty boring otherwise.
3. HP Omen X 2S
HP
HP
HP
Most gaming laptops have just one screen—that’s all you need to play a game, after all. But the HP Omen X 2S sports a second, built-in display above the keyboard.
A 6-inch 1080p touchscreen that can be used like a tiny secondary monitor, the cool thing about it is that you can also monitor system performance, control lighting, and more with it. Is it super useful in practice? At the end of the day, no. But it sure is distinctive.
The main 15-inch screen supports 240Hz refresh with Nvidia G-Sync, and the RTX 2080 GPU was the best you could get circa 2019. The $2,900 price tag is pretty hard to swallow, though.
More on this: Hands on with the HP Omen X 2S
4. Dell XPS m2010
Dell
Dell
Dell
In the mid-2000s, Dell released what may still be the least practical gaming laptop ever created. The Dell XPS m2010 was an absolutely gargantuan 21-pound desktop replacement, featuring an Intel Core 2 Duo T7200 processor, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, and a 120GB hard drive.
On the graphics side, this laptop packed an ATI Radeon X1800, which was good enough to run any game of the day on the laptop’s spacious 20.1-inch display that was fully adjustable. Plus, the keyboard could be removed. It was a portable all-in-one machine.
This device only survives today as a weird relic, but some people did spend $3,500 on the XPS m2010 back in 2006.
5. Asus ROG Mothership GZ700GX
Asus
Asus
Asus
The Asus ROG Mothership GZ700GX is another extreme laptop that eschews the standard form factor—basically a Surface Pro for gaming.
The 17-inch display has chunky bezels because it contains all the core components, including an Intel Core i9 CPU and Nvidia RTX 2080 GPU. The fully detachable keyboard can make it feel like a regular laptop, and it sports a trackpad that doubles as a number pad as well as a hinge that lets you fold it in half.
Due to the Mothership GZ700GX’s strange design, the whole thing is only marginally portable. Combine that with the $6,500 retail price tag and it’s just too much for all but the most serious gamers.
6. MSI Titan 18 HX
MSI
MSI
MSI
MSI has been making enormous gaming laptops for years, but the MSI Titan 18 HX sets a new standard for desktop replacements.
Inside is the fastest 14th Gen Intel Core i9 CPU, plus a Nvidia RTX 4090 GPU to drive the 4K Mini-LED display. The chassis is somewhat understated for a gaming laptop, but the keyboard and trackpad give it all the gaming cred it needs.
The keys have Cherry mechanical switches with RGB lighting, and that isn’t the only glow effect—the trackpad also has RGB backlighting, a flashy and unique feature among gaming laptops.
The good news? This gaming laptop is still relatively new as of this writing, so you could actually go out and buy one right now if you love RGB and have $5,400 to blow.
More on this: Our review of the MSI Titan 18 HX
7. Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 16
Asus
Asus
Asus
As you may have seen from the Mothership and GX700 above, Asus uses its ROG brand to try a lot of outlandish things. That’s certainly the case with the Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 16.
This laptop doesn’t come apart or plug into a liquid cooler, but it does have a second screen—and unlike the aforementioned HP Omen X 2S, this one is actually large enough to be useful.
The secondary screen’s 14-inch, 3840×1100 LCD runs edge-to-edge under the main screen, which is a 16-inch Mini-LED panel. The secondary screen is attached to a tilt mechanism, which raises and angles it while the laptop is open, lining it up with the bottom of the main screen.
It all looks pretty futuristic, but how useful is a compact ultrawide touchscreen below your monitor really? Well, if you want one, you can still get the Zephyrus Duo 16 for $3,200.
More on this: Our review of the Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 16
8. Alienware m18 R2
Dell
Dell
Dell
Gaming laptops tend to be large, especially ones with 18-inch screens. But the Alienware m18 R2 is gigantic even by those standards!
Tipping the scales at nearly 10 pounds, the m18 R2 is only portable in the strictest sense of the word. The display has substantial bezels, and there’s a large cooling shelf hanging off the back of the machine.
It’s an imposing laptop, and heaven help you if you have to actually put it on your lap—not only is it heavy, it runs hot with an Intel Core i9 CPU and RTX 4090 GPU. It’s also one of the few gaming laptops you can find with a Cherry mechanical keyboard, which is an optional upgrade.
The Alienware m18 R2 launched in 2024, so it’s still available if you don’t mind dropping $3,500 on a laptop.
More on this: Our review of the Alienware m18 R2
9. MSI GT80 Titan SLI
MSI
MSI
MSI
The MSI GT80 Titan SLI launched in 2015, but it had a profile like a laptop from the 90s. It was a full two inches thick thanks to the SteelSeries mechanical keyboard.
Unlike the Alienware m18 R2 or MSI Titan 18 HX, the keycaps were full-height and connected to switches with much more travel. It looked and felt more like a “real” keyboard, sure, but it contributed to making this 10-pound laptop that much harder to transport.
The rest of the hardware helped, of course. The GT80 had two GeForce GTX 980M GPUs linked via SLI, making it capable of maxing any game of the era on its 18.4-inch 1080p screen. It also had a Core i7 CPU and a 1TB spinning hard drive in addition to the smaller system SSD.
More on this: Our review of the MSI GT80 Titan SLI
10. Acer Predator Helios 300 SpatialLabs Edition
Acer
Acer
Acer
Acer has kept the promise of 3D gaming alive longer than anyone. In 2023, the company released the Acer Predator Helios 300 SpatialLabs Edition with SpatialLabs technology, allowing for stereoscopic 3D gaming on its 4K display without glasses.
It uses a feature called “TrueGame” to simulate a stereo image in select games, which works better than you’d expect. The machine packs more than a fancy 3D screen, too—there’s also an Intel Core i9 CPU, a GeForce RTX 3080 GPU, and 32GB of RAM.
Those are solid specs even a year later, but the $3,500 price tag is a lot to ask for a gimmicky display. That’s just the price you pay to stand out.
More on this: Our review of the Acer Predator Helios 300 SpatialLabs Edition
Gaming Laptops Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | RadioNZ - 5 Jul (RadioNZ)![NZ Located](/pimages/nzsmall.gif) A project to upgrade the transport technology network essential to highway safety and responding to crashes hit such big problems it had to be redesigned, rebuilt and has been delivered 18 months late. Read...Newslink ©2024 to RadioNZ | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 5 Jul (PC World)The best webcam makes you look your best — for less. Most laptops ship with a 720p webcam, so a 1080p webcam or even a 4K webcam can make you stand out by comparison.
I haven’t tested every one of these webcams, just most of them — and I describe how I test under my recommendations. You can also refer to my separate story on the best Windows Hello webcams for recommendations that aid videoconferencing and log you into your PC. Two recommendations from that list — a premium and budget option — appear on this list.
Take note of the FAQ at the bottom of this article, as there’s a new upcoming Windows feature that may create some big ripples on the webcam industry!
Why you should trust me: PCWorld has been testing PC hardware since the 1980s, and I’ve been a technology journalist for 30 years, with extensive experience in reviewing PC hardware. When it comes to webcams, my recommendations are based on hands-on testing in real-world scenarios. I also tap the expertise and published reviews of my counterparts in Sweden and Germany to offer a comprehensive view of the current webcam landscape.
Updated July 4, 2024: My most recent review is of the eMeet Smartcam C960 2K, a 1440p webcam that offers decent value at a $50 price tag. It’s good enough that I’ve named it as a runner-up in the best budget webcam category.
Anker PowerConf C200 – Best overall webcam
Pros
2K (1440p) resolution with autofocus
Adjustable field of view
Solid low-light performance
18-month warranty
Cons
Lacks 60fps support
Anker software is necessary for full control
Color balance is middling
Best Prices Today:
$59.99 at Amazon
Why I like the Anker PowerConf C200
The Anker PowerConf C200 offers an affordable yet substantial upgrade from the 720p cameras found in most laptop webcams to a 1440p webcam, yet does so at an affordable price. The webcam also works well in low light, a pitfall of many webcams. For all that, at just $60? That’s a solid value in my book, and makes this webcam our top recommendation.
(Anker and Amazon characterize this as a “Mac” camera. It’s plug-and-play within Windows, however.)
Additional features include an adjustable field of zoom that crops down to 65 degrees, meaning you can orient the camera on your face alone. The camera autofocuses, too. Naturally, there are noise-canceling mics and a privacy shutter that actually turns off the entire device. You will need Anker’s free Windows software, though, to enable some of these features. (That’s available on the Anker website.) We weren’t sold on the need for original software at first, but many other webcams now offer similar apps to enable full functionality.
Who should buy the Anker PowerConf C200
What sold us on this webcam are the basics: It’s just a good webcam for an affordable price. As such, it will appeal to a broad segment of buyers: work-from-home employees, small businesses, and general consumers. If you’re tired of your laptop’s 720p webcam and want even more, start here with the Anker PowerConf C200.
NexiGo HelloCam – Best overall webcam runner-up / Best for Windows Hello
Pros
Windows Hello included
1080p
Solid value
Cons
Cord is short and sometimes loose
Free utility software needs to be loaded
Best Prices Today:
$69.99 at Amazon$69.99 at NexiGo
Why I like the NexiGo HelloCam
My preferred webcams offer at least 1080p resolution at a ballpark price of between $50 to $70. This webcam goes a step further by offering Windows Hello. This biometric login technology is found on most modern laptops, but not on older ones. If your laptop lacks this technology, the HelloCam is an excellent way to add it — and for very little out of your wallet.
Once you set up the HelloCam, you’ll just need to present your face to the camera, and poof! You’re logged in. With biometric identification becoming more and more important to PC security, this is a worthwhile investment.
Otherwise, this is a good 1080p/30fps fixed-focus webcam, whose other signature feature is an iris-like physical webcam shutter. Once the webcam is in use, the iris opens; if turned off or disconnected, the shutter closes. The images this webcam produces are good, and the noise-cancelling mics are too.
Who should buy the NexiGo HelloCam
Budget buyers and mainstream users looking to improve upon their laptop’s 720p webcam, and who also want the added security of Windows Hello biometric security. Until recently, Windows Hello capability would probably have put this webcam over $100. (If you want Windows Hello with even more advanced features, see our pick below for best premium Windows Hello camera.)
Creative Live! Cam Sync 4K – Best budget webcam
Pros
4K resolution for cheap!
Backlight adjustment isn’t bad
Cons
Poor color balance
Adjustable focus is of iffy value
Cheats a bit in frame rate
Best Prices Today:
$45.04 at Amazon$49.99 at Creative
Why I like the Creative Live! Cam Sync 4K
The question you should always ask of budget hardware is, what corners did they cut? Here, the answer is: not many. This is a 4K webcam at a cheaper price than many 1080p webcams, and that alone makes it noteworthy. Okay, it has manually adjustable focus, but that’s not a problem if you don’t move around a lot. Similarly, backlight adjustment is typically handled automatically, but this webcam’s manual adjustment is not a problem you work in a single location you can dial it in and forget it. There’s a flip-over privacy shutter, and a button to mute the mic.
You’re going to find that it cheats in the frame rate a bit, and I wasn’t wild with how well it captured my image, from a color perspective. But for about $50, for a 4K camera? It’s worth investigating.
Who should buy the Creative Live! Cam Sync 4K
If 4K matters, and you don’t feel like spending a lot, this is the camera for you. To me, this feels like a good choice for a student, or someone who wants to look good in front of their friends and maybe while taking remote classes, but just doesn’t want to spend a ton of money.
It’s also best for someone who will be streaming from an environment without a lot of (changing) natural light, but is still well-lit by a lamp or screen.
Read our full
Creative Live! Cam Sync 4k review
eMeet SmartCam C960 2K – Best budget webcam runner-up
Pros
Very good value
1440p, 30Hz, autofocus
Good noise-cancelling mics
Cons
Autofocus doesn`t work as well in dim lighting
Somewhat precarious connection to a laptop
Unnecessary utility software
DIY privacy shutter
Best Prices Today:
$37.98 at Amazon
Why I like the eMeet SmartCam C960 2K
My previous pick, the Monoprice 2K USB Webcam, always felt a little deficient: not bad, but not great either. I wasn’t especially happy with the quality. eMeet’s camera feels like a step up. It’s not perfect. However, the 1440p resolution is a better both on paper and in the real world. The other part of the equation that often gets passed over are how well the noise-cancelling mics work, and in this case I was pretty impressed.
This camera is also available from multiple retailers, which helps keep the price down — a must for a budget webcam. To be fair, you’ll notice the review compares the C960 2K to its predecessor, the more vanilla (1080p) C960. It’s about $10 cheaper. The C960 2K’s picture is marginally better, with improved autofocusing, but I think that the C960 2K’s mics are genuinely superior.
I don’t love some of this webcam’s features, including the stick-on privacy shutter…but it is a budget webcam, after all.
Who should buy the Monoprice 2K USB Webcam
This is for the person who says, “I want to upgrade my webcam, but I want to spend the least amount of money possible.” You’ll still get a decent upgrade; more than you would expect, actually. If a $10 discount matters, buy the cheaper 1080p version.
This webcam is also going to work better on a desktop monitor, by lieu of its rather simple mount. It feels flimsier when attached to a laptop.
Read our full
eMeet SmartCam C960 2K review
BenQ IdeaCam S1 Pro – Best premium webcam
Pros
Great value
Robust physical design
Integrated ring light
Macro lens genuinely seems useful
Slick remote control included
Cons
Not quite 4K (but close enough)
No 60fps option
No AI pan or zoom, though manual zooming is allowed
Legacy USB-A connector
Separate privacy shutter
Best Prices Today:
$199.99 at Adorama$199.99 at Amazon
Why I like the BenQ IdeaCam S1 Pro
BenQ’s marvelous webcam offers a substantial amount of value, from its midrange price to the multiple, useful accessories that ship right inside the box. What I think I like most about this webcam, though, is that it excels as a webcam, then adds additional value through its peripherals, including both a macro (closeup) lens as well as a free remote control. This almost-but-not-quite 4K webcam even flips over for a top-down view.
The IdeaCam S1 Pro would probably be our favorite webcam if it wasn’t for the $100 or so price premium it commands, which isn’t for everyone. It’s robustly built, and ships with a free software utility that adds to its capabilities. (Zooming in and out is most easily accomplished via the remote control, which does take up more room on your desk.)
The webcam slides in and out of a robust mount quite easily. Pair that with the macro lens, and you can zoom in on detail work for presentations or hobbyists. The webcam has autofocus, though you’ll probably want to lock down the focus for the macro lens. It all works surprisingly well together, though.
Who should buy the BenQ IdeaCam S1 Pro
If you’re a streamer (a woodworker or baker, say) then the ability to flip the webcam into a top-down mode, then undock the IdeaCam S1 Pro and the bring it in close with the macro lens, feels like a tool no other webcam offers.
But yes, the IdeaCam S1 Pro also works as a generic everyday webcam, too. It also looks particularly nice under good lighting, so it’s better for a user who isn’t expecting the camera to do a lot of heavy lifting in that regard. And while it might not offer the absolute top-of-the-line options, it never really fails at anything, either. It’s just a good, solid value. Period.
Read our full
BenQ IdeaCam S1 Pro review
OBSBOT Tiny 2 PTZ 4K – Best premium 4K webcam
Pros
Superb 4K video in multiple lighting conditions
60Hz option
Excellent utility software and configurability
Solid mic
Voice commands are a nice touch
Cons
Doesn’t sit as securely as Tiny 1
“Beauty” options aren’t worth it
Best Prices Today:
$329 at Amazon
Why I like the OBSBOT Tiny 2 PTZ 4K
This 4K webcam does something unique: It follows you. Floating on a gimbal, this tiny(!) webcam can literally pan, zoom, and rotate essentially 360 degrees, using AI to lock on your face and follow it as you walk around a room.
While the Tiny 2 webcam boasts the same gimbal and tracking features as the first Tiny PTZ webcam, OBSBOT used a bigger 1/1.5-inch 50Mpixel sensor in the new model that lets in more light and provides a slightly clearer picture. So it accomplishes what you’d expect in a webcam: It wildly succeeds as just a webcam, with gorgeous 4K HDR images — but provides the increased tracking capabilities to add value. It almost tracks a little too well; avoid zooming in too close if you walk around so as not to give your viewers vertigo!
I also love the fantastic software package that accompanies the webcam, which on the Tiny 1 was the best I’ve ever seen. I’m less impressed by two new features: voice commands, which are useful but not necessary, and new “beauty” features that use AI to adjust your face. While the latter features work, I prefer a more natural appearance, flaws and all.
Who should buy the OBSBOT Tiny 2 PTZ 4K
If the budget webcams we selected above were ideal for students, this is the lecturer’s webcam. Share your slides with your student (or your clients, in a business setting) and let your video app project a snapshot of your face over them as you illustrate your point. If you walk and talk, this is the webcam for you.
Read our full
OBSBOT Tiny 2 PTZ 4K Webcam review
Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra – Best premium 4K webcam runner-up
Pros
‘DSLR-quality’ imaging
4K options, HDR too
Terrific configurability
Lens cap as well as a privacy shield
Cons
Whew, that price!
Average mic quality
No Windows Hello
Limited purchase options; just Razer.com for now
Best Prices Today:
$299.99 at Razer
Why I like the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra
The Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra claims to offer DSLR-quality images, and boy, it comes pretty close! This webcam captures video with a massive 2-inch lens at 4K at 30Hz or 1080p at 60Hz, using autofocusing technology that does a great job. The camera also can zoom in to offer a field of view between 72 degrees and 82 degrees, making sure that you, and you alone, are on cam.
All of this combines to produce an image that looks simply outstanding. It would be nice to see this camera produce 60Hz at 4K; instead, you have to choose one option or the other. But check out the sample screens in our review, and you’ll agree that it all looks as though a professional captured it. It even handles odd lighting situations very well. Colors just pop! We’ve highlighted some of the shortcomings above, but they’re overshadowed by everything else this webcam does.
Who should buy the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra
If you want to look your very best on cam, buy this webcam. The lack of 4K60 captures may rule out high-end game streaming, but the ability for the camera to capture your face under most lighting conditions means a lot of other people will love it. Whether you’re pitching products on a Zoom or Teams call or you want to stand out among style-conscious peers, the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra is the webcam for making a strong impression.
Read our full
Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra review
NexiGo N980P – Best webcam for wide-angle
Pros
60fps
120-degree viewing angle
Privacy shutter
Cons
Lack of fine adjustments
Best Prices Today:
$54.99 at Amazon
Why I like the NexiGo N980P
Not everyone needs a wide-angle webcam. But this does allow you to show off more of a scene than an ordinary webcam does, which makes it a valuable tool for specialized applications.
This fixed-focus 1080p webcam captures frames at a smooth 60 frames per second, as opposed to the more standard 30fps. You’ll look smoother and more lifelike as a result. The wide angle means that it will work well in a conference room. A privacy shutter is included.
Who should buy the NexiGo N980P
If you have more than one person on camera at any one time, consider something like the NexiGo N980P. During the pandemic, the local middle school’s drama department broadcast monologues and scenes via Zoom, which allowed students the opportunity to perform. But a narrow webcam wouldn’t have allowed these scenes to be broadcast as effectively.
This camera would work equally well with a small conference room or even a family gathering, such as a living room where one family talks to grandparents overseas. It’s still a fixed-focus camera though— if you want an autofocusing model I recommend you pay about $100 for the upgraded NexiGo N680p instead.
Logitech Brio 4K Ultra HD Webcam – Best premium webcam for Windows Hello
Pros
Sharply detailed resolution with vibrant colors
Wide-angle field of view
Infrared-based facial recognition
Cons
Expensive
Best Prices Today:
$144.90 at Amazon$199.99 at Adorama$199.99 at Best Buy
Why I like the Logitech Brio 4K Ultra HD Webcam
Why wouldn’t you buy a webcam that can protect your PC via biometrics, log you in with your face, and make you look great on a video call? The Logitech Brio 4K Ultra HD webcam is one of the small group of Windows Hello webcams that can perform both tasks.
The autofocusing Logitech Brio 4K supports various resolutions and frame rates, including 4K Ultra HD at 30fps, 1080p at 30- or 60fps, and 720p (HD) at 30- or 60fps. According to our review, Logitech’s RightLight 3 technology snaps photos and video in a range of lighting conditions. It can adjust the field of view from between 90 degrees to 78 degrees or 65 degrees. You will need to download the Logitech app for fine-grained control options, however.
Who should buy the Logitech Brio 4K Ultra HD Webcam
Anyone who doesn’t like entering a password or PIN but doesn’t want to skimp on webcast quality, either. Seriously, as biometric identification becomes more prevalent, with passkeys standing in for passwords, Windows Hello will become more important. Put that way, the Brio 4K is cheap at the price.
Read our full
Logitech Brio 4K Ultra HD Webcam review
How to shop for a webcam
A standalone 1080p webcam can greatly improve how you look on your next Zoom call. Here’s what to look for: Prioritize a 1080p webcam, then a higher refresh rate, then jump up to 4K. If you can get more than one feature, great! Unless you’ll be moving about a lot, a fixed-focus webcam will do just fine.
It’s important to note that of the three major videoconferencing services (Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet) only Teams will automatically scale up your video to 1080p if your network and your webcam support it. You can enable 1080p video in Zoom and (finally!) in Google Meet, but they require some manual adjustment in the app’s Settings menu. All three services will eventually auto-scale video calls for 1080p cameras — it’s just a matter of time.
Looking like you’re on television will subtly lend you authority. People gravitate toward celebrities, and a 4K, 60Hz webcam is basically what your TV offers. If you’re an executive or making sales calls over Zoom or Teams, a premium webcam may give you an edge. That’s why professional streamers use them, after all.
Adjustable or fixed focus
Don’t worry about fixed-focus, as virtually all webcams have been pre-configured at a focal length that’s about the distance between your face and your laptop or monitor. You’ll need to account for this with tripods, however, or pay a little more for an autofocusing webcam. Autofocus webcams are handy for situations where you may be moving about the room, but beware distracting webcams that frequently refocus.
Higher frame rates
A standard webcam captures video at 30 frames per second, and will look “normal.” You’ll notice the smoothness of a 60fps camera though, and so will people you’re on a video call with.
Field of view (FOV)
The camera’s field of view can vary. A 90-degree FOV helps people focus on you (and perhaps not the mess you’ve hidden off to the side). A 110-degree or higher FOV works better for group shots, although distortion can become a problem the wider your FOV gets. A 65-degree FOV may be perfect if it’s just you.
Think of a 90-degree FOV as one that would show two people seated side-by-side at what you would consider a “standard” distance from a webcam, or a foot or two. A 110-degree FOV can show three people, squeezed a bit close together. Keep in mind that many videoconferencing applications offer the option of virtual backgrounds, which eliminate visual clutter.
Privacy shutter
These devices are not a privacy threat, for the simple reason that they can be unplugged easily. Most have a flip-down privacy shutter, but you could always put tape over the camera or drape it with a dark cloth.
Ring lights
Yes, integrated ring lights are now a thing on premium webcams, and worth the money if lighting is a challenge for you. While the integrated light will certainly help with lighting, a big bright monitor display (use a full-screen version of Notepad for a white screen) in front of you can serve a similar function. You can also purchase a ring light separately.
Windows Hello
You may have used Windows Hello with a fingerprint reader or another laptop. The camera simply “recognizes” you, logging you in. It’s exceptionally convenient. We have a separate article on the best Windows Hello webcams.
Tripod bundle
With so many webcams on the market, manufacturers are trying hard to differentiate their products. The new trend is a small tripod, which gives you more options for mounting the camera. Not all webcams include this. Normally, however, you can simply clip the webcam to the top of a display or a laptop with its “jaws” clamp, so a tripod isn’t really necessary unless you move around a lot or want a different angle.
AI
There’s a potential wild card that may be attached to webcams in the future: artificial intelligence, specifically Windows Studio Effects. Right now, the current Surface Pro 9 (5G) uses the AI capabilities in the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor to apply background blue, automatic panning effects, and more. (Our review discusses this.) Other laptops that use Intel Core and AMD Ryzen processors don’t include AI capabilities — yet. Specific models in the 13th-gen mobile Core and AMD Ryzen 7000 Mobile series include some basic AI capabilities, and future processors in both families may offer AI capabilities and therefore Windows Studio Effects.
The OBSBOT webcams don’t need any of this, using an independent gimbal and tracking software to keep you in the frame.
How we test webcams
Our recommendations for webcams are weighted pretty heavily toward the image each webcam produces, as you might expect. But there are a number of additional criteria we look at when making a webcam recommendation. A separate article provides a detailed explanation of how we test webcams at PCWorld, but here’s a summarization of the process:
Our first criteria is price. We don’t want you spend more than you have to. But it’s fair to say that a more expensive webcam might be worth it if it offers more. So we factor in features: the resolution, the refresh rate, whether the camera pans or zooms, or offers something rather novel, such as the ability to show a different perspective.
From there, we remove the webcam, examine the packaging, and see how well it sits atop some of our monitors and laptops. Does it grip tightly, or tend to wobble? Is the cord long enough, and does it use USB-A or USB-C?
As the lead reviewer, I take sample images both in my downstairs office, which is normally lit by a combination of dim artificial light and indirect natural lighting. I use a second shot in brighter light, with a nice colorful background that mimics a real-world environment. I’m not really looking for the best-case scenario, as most webcams now take good shots in clear, natural lighting. But how do they do when lighting conditions aren’t ideal? I think that’s important.
I also load any utility software available and explore what options those provides. Does the webcam provide any additional functions, such as a top-down perspective? Ring lights? I try those out, too.
Finally, if the webcam provides any noise-cancelling mics (and most do) I play some background music on my phone and make a recording on my laptop using Windows Sound Recorder. A good noise-canceling mic will try and minimize these distractions.
FAQ
1.
Can you use a smartphone as a webcam?
Soon, yes! Microsoft is testing a smartphone webcam feature in Windows 11 that sounds like it should be out in a month or two. The feature would allow you to mount a smartphone (how you do it is up to you) and then use either its front or rear camera as a webcam in any and all video applications. You’ll need a phone running Android 9 or above, and the connecting software to enable it to talk to Windows.
Sorry, iPhone users: This is only for Android smartphones.
2.
Do you need Wi-Fi for a webcam?
Yes and no. These webcams all connect to your computer directly, via a USB port, and you can record video from them while offline. Your computer will then need to be connected to either ethernet or to Wi-Fi for you to be able to chat with a friend or business partner, however.
3.
Can a webcam work without a computer?
Some webcams can work without a computer, but not all of them. USB webcams, featured here, connect via USB to a computer and require it to operate. USB webcams are most often those used for video chat or live streaming from your computer on websites such as Twitch.
IP webcams however, can connect directly to a network, router, or modem and do not require a computer at all in order to work. IP webcams are most often used as security cameras or for live feeds that upload directly to the cloud. Those are separate products, however, and not the same webcams we’re talking about here.
4.
How do I connect my webcam to the internet?
For USB webcams, it will be as simple as plugging the camera into your computer’s USB port, and then connecting to the internet via your computer.
5.
What software do I need to connect my webcam?
Technically, most webcams are plug and play, so you should simply be able to connect them to your PC to get them to work. Many, however, require their own software utilities to be installed to take advantage of specific features and to facilitate automatic updates. To actually use your webcam in a conference call, however, you’ll need to use Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, or another videoconferencing app. Make sure you enter the app’s settings menu and select the webcam’s camera and microphone to provide the audio and video for your call.
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