With the best Mac webcam, you'll look sharper and more professional on Zoom, as well as streaming platforms like YouTube and Twitch. So if the dingy, low-quality picture from your in-built webcam is holding you back, it's time to invest in an external Mac webcam.
The best Mac webcams provide much better image quality to the one that comes built into your computer. Unlike the static webcam in your computer, they can be moved around to capture you from a better angle. And some also come with a built-in mic, noise-canceling tech, and even digital or optical zoom. The smartest can even follow you with AI (so you can get in on somthing like Apple Center Stage, perhaps better, without needing a new Mac).
We've drawn on our experience using, testing and reviewing Mac webcams to round up the best on the market today below. They cover a range of different prices and include options for single users, streamers, and conferences.
Note that these are all webcams that play well with Macs, although most of them work with PCs too. That said, if you're a non-Apple user, you should also read our guide to the best webcams.
Our top picks
The Osbot Meet 2 is gorgeous and compact, so great on the move. It's perfect for streamers who need quality with a 1/2 inch sensor, clever software and 4K output.
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Aimed squarely at professional streamers, this webcam focusses squarely on image quality and ditches any features that could distract your viewers. Note that you'll need an external mic, though.
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This webcam is both great for streaming and comes with a dual mic setup. There's also a range of mounting options, good autofocus, and automatic framing to keep you centered.
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This webcam is both great for streaming and comes with a dual mic setup. There's also a range of mounting options, good autofocus, and automatic framing to keep you centered.
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The premium webcam experience is the AI-powered built in gimbal and software package of streaming tools offered by Obsbot for their Tiny 2 (and the cheaper Tiny 2 Lite – more of which below).
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Want to stream in decent quality, but tight on budget? Then we recommend the Logitech C922 Pro. Despite its relatively low price, it's still one of the best webcams for streaming around.
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The best Mac webcam
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Best overall
✅ You want good AI tracking: Obsbot has brilliant software, including digital zoom and tracking to keep the focus on you.
❌ You don't want extra software: To get the best out of the Obsbot you need to install the app.
Refiend from the already impressive Obsbot Meet 4K, this tiny device is easy to throw in a bag and pop onto a laptop. It draws its power from a USB-C connection (or even -A with the included adapter), so it's practical, and it's elegant, making use of magnetic design for re-positioning on its rest.
The magnetic mount also means the camera can simply be turned through 90 degrees into vertical mode if that suits your needs – social media marches on!
The truly celver bit, though, is the Obsbot app which has a wealth of well-realised features, including AI tracking (a little like that Apple have with CenterStage) and AI effects, from minor image tweaks to pretty dramatic live makeup. The tool is designed for high-end streamers, so it has all sorts of flexible options, including camera switching and integrates well with other Obsbot devices.
My testing was done with the ‘Record’ function of OBS – a popular streaming platform – and the fact Obsbot’s control software cause no issues is not to be sniffed at. The microphone was fine, nothing amazing (streamers may well be using another device anyway).
It’s only a shame it doesn’t include a nice case like its gimbal-based sibling, but then it is a good bit cheaper too, and has no exposed moving parts so it can travel safely,
Read my full Obsbot meet 2 review to see samples
Best for streaming
✅ You want the pro approach: It does its job well and no more.
❌ You want a built in mic: There isn't one!
Like the first model on our list, the Elgato Facecam shoots at 1080p with a 60p frame rate. Unlike that model, though, this is squarely aimed at professional streamers. So much so, it's jettisoned features that normal users might find useful. Most strikingly, there's no autofocus and no mic.
If you just want a Mac webcam for Zoom calls and the like, that might be irksome. If you just want a Mac webcam for professional streaming, though, it might be perfect, because you don't want any distracting movement of the camera while you're concentrating on your show, and you're going to use an external mic anyway. And you'll be very happy with the excellent picture quality you get from this camera overall.
This webcam is compatible with macOS 11.0 or newer. Read our full Elgato FaceCam review for more details.
Best webcam for streaming with built-in mic
✅ You want simplicity: With mic and camera in one small device, it's easy to use.
❌ You want to unplug: The USB-C cable cannot be tedached from the device.
The Logitech Streamcam is pitched at streamers, but you don't have to be a YouTuber or Twitch presenter to enjoy it. In fact, we believe it's one of the best Mac webcams on the market today for most people. Compatible with macOS 10.14 and above, it offers excellent 1080p 60fps resolution and a 78-degree field of view.
In our own tests we found the image quality it delivered was beautifully crisp, so anyone upgrading from their integrated laptop webcam will see a major improvement. Sound quality was also good thanks to the dual-mic stereo setup.
There's a range of mounting options, good autofocus, and automatic framing to keep you centered on a Zoom call if you move around. Plus the free software lets you adjust the camera’s settings, create a colored border, and add text and lower-thirds to your videos, before outputting them. Overall, this is a great webcam for everyday use, at a very reasonable price. Our only niggle is that the included USB-C cable is not detachable.
This webcam is compatible with macOS 10.14 or newer. Read our full Logitech Streamcam review for more details.
Best 4K Mac webcam
✅ You want 4K: Though not always supported, 4K is more common.
❌ You have an older Mac: Needs MacOS 10.10 and up
Looking for 4K resolution from your webcam? You can get it for a surprisingly affordable price with the Logitech Brio Ultra HD Pro. Plus if you want super-fluid frame rates, you can get 60fps by dropping down to 1080p and an impressive 90fps at 720p.
Suitable for Mac OS X 10.7 or higher, this webcam lets you choose between a 65, 78, or 90-degree field of view, and offers autofocus and 5x digital zoom too. Plus integrated RightLight 3 with HDR technology helps resolve issues caused by light that’s either too dim or too bright. In short, while this is a little pricier than the models we’ve mentioned so far, you can see where your money is going.
This webcam is compatible with macOS 10.10 or newer. Read our full Logitech Brio Ultra HD Pro review for more details.
Best overall
✅ You want AI tracking: Useful if you move as you talk or stream
❌ You want to save money: Gimbal tracking gives you the full 4K, but costs a lot more than cropping.
These days, a lot of conferencing tools can automatically crop in on a small area of the image and let you see the person talking with less of the background, but the only real solution to show yourself at full resolution – and have the freedom to move – is for the camera to follow you. Without a camera operator, an AI-powered gimbal is the solution, and that is how the Tiny 2 works.
It works by responding to a gesture – you give it a 'how' style wave – and it acknowledges your presence with a simple change of the light. From then on the camera can follow you around the room. That's great for all kinds of streaming scenarios, from whiteboard presentations to making your own live cooking show!
With a 1/1.5-inch image sensor and dual-native ISO the camera is impressive too, and there is detail in the darker areas. The only real issue is price – but you can save a little with the newer Tiny 2 Lite 4K deals.
Obsbot also have a great Mac app (though admittedly it's a whopping 770MB install) with all kinds of features for managing streaming, and even live beauty treatments. Read my full Obsbot Tiny 2 review or check out our report on the Tiny 2 Lite.
Best budget webcam
✅ You want dual mics: Good for getting balanced sound.
❌ You want something new: This design hasn't changed in a long while
Want to stream in decent quality, but don’t have the budget for something like the Canon PowerShot? Then we recommend the Logitech C922 Pro. Despite its relatively low price, it's still one of the best webcams for streaming around. In our own tests we found the video quality it delivered to be excellent, with the exposure and white balance adjusting quickly to the environment, and the autofocus also performed well.
You can stream at 1080p Full HD at 30 fps, or up the frame speed to 60fps by dropping down to 720p. Autofocus and instant light correction dose help in boosting picture quality, plus you also get a mounting clip, built-in flash, dual mics built in for stereo sound, and an 18.5cm tall tripod for your cash.
The C922 Pro is compatible with macOS X 10.9 or higher, and the free Logitech Capture App lets you customize recordings, adjust camera settings, and stream to YouTube within an easy-to-use interface.
This webcam is compatible with macOS 10.10 or newer. Read our Logitech C922 Pro review for more details.
Best value
✅ You want low-light correction: There is some built-in tech to alleviate low light.
❌ You want the most compact option: There are smaller and more elegant devices on this list!
On a tight budget? The eMeet c960 was less than half the price of the Razer Kiyo at the time of writing but still delivers impressive performance and features, making it suitable for online studying and teaching, home working, business meetings, and Zoom calls.
Supporting Mac OS 10.4 and above, you get the same 90-degree field of view, and the same high-definition 1080p video at 30fps. It’s a little bit bigger and heavier, but not massively so.
You don't get a ring light (though, of course, you could keep one nearby), but if you normally use your Mac webcam in a bright and light environment, that may be a compromise you’re willing to make. Especially as the eMeet c960 comes with automatic low-light correction technology to alleviate the problems of dim light. It also comes with two omnidirectional noise-reduction microphones.
This webcam is compatible with macOS 10.14 or newer. Read our full eMeet c960 review for more details.
Lowest price
✅ You want cheap but like brand safety: Logi are well known.
❌ You want high resolution: 720P is lower than most modern standards, even older Macs!
If you’re really short of cash, then you’ll be pleased to know you can still get a decent Mac webcam for just a few bucks. Supporting macOS 10.10 or higher, the Logitech C270 HD webcam is very much ‘no frills, but given how little it costs, you can't really complain about that.
The resolution is 720p at 30fps; the lowest on our list. It also has the most limited field of view, at 60 degrees. So it won’t be capturing your image in the most professional light possible, but it’s still fine for basic needs such as Zoom calls with friends and virtual classrooms. On the plus side, it also comes with a mono mic that has noise reduction built-in, and it also comes with a universal mounting clip for fixing your Mac screen.
This webcam is compatible with macOS 10.10 or newer. Read our full Logitech C270 HD Webcam review for more details.
Best for videoconferencing
If you’re serious about your business videoconferencing, you’ll want to check out the Logitech ConferenceCam Connect. This portable, all-in-one videoconference solution offers HD 1080p video, professional audio, and multi-device connectivity that’s ideal for groups of one to six people.
Supporting Mac OS X 10.7 or higher, it comes with a generous 90-degree field of view with a digital pan, mechanical tilt, and a ZEISS glass lens with autofocus. In other words, you’ll always be able to capture yourself and your surroundings how you want, wherever you’re videoconferencing from.
Audio is superior too: the mobile speakerphone features Bluetooth, NFC, and 360-degree sound, and users can be heard within a 12-foot diameter range. it can be plugged in or powered by a built-in rechargeable battery.
There’s also a dockable remote control, providing pan, tilt, and zoom features. You can connect to your Mac through a wired or wireless connection, and noise- and echo-cancellation is built in. Overall, then, this is the best conference webcam for Mac; a premium option with a premium price to match.
This webcam is compatible with macOS 10.10 or newer. Read our full Logitech ConferenceCam Connect review for more details.
Why do I need an external Mac webcam?
All Macs come with an in-built webcam, but an external webcam will usually give you better image quality thanks higher resolution sensors and better lenses. Some external webcams also offer features that built-in webcams don't, such as autofocus, low-light correction, and zoom. They also provide extra flexibility: you can position an external webcam wherever you want, which can be helpful for video conferencing or streaming.
How do I know if a webcam is compatible with my Mac?
You need to check two things. Firstly, ensure the webcam's connection type (USB-A or USB-C) matches your Mac's ports. Secondly, check the webcam's software requirements to ensure it's compatible with your Mac's operating system (macOS version). The most reliable way to check compatibility is to visit the webcam manufacturer's website and look for a compatibility list or search page. They often list specific Mac models or operating systems the webcam is compatible with.
What is Apple Center Stage?
This is a feature on some of Apple's newer computers with built-in webcams which automatically keeps the person talking in frame. It is not a concept unique to Apple (the Obsbot Meet 4K does something similar, for example). The advantage of having it built into the system is that the software is updated quietly and efficiently by Apple so there are no worries at all. The disadvantage is that it needs to crop the pixels from the main camera.
How to choose the best Mac webcam
To choose the best webcam for you, consider what you will be using the webcam for. For instance, is it video conferencing, streaming, making calls or making video recordings? Different uses demand different features. For basic videos calls, a 1080p resolution webcam with a built-in microphone will suffice. For serious streamers and creators, look for higher resolutions (2K or 4K), fast frame rates (60fps for smooth action), and features like autofocus and low-light correction.
How we test the best Mac webcams
Many of us at Digital Camera World are also Mac users, so have day-to-day experience with the convenience of the built-in cameras against their quality limitations. As such, we test the webcams we suggest in real meetings. That also means realistic home and office lighting conditions. When we're looking at a product with a special feature, like face tracking (which offers an alternative to Apple's Center Stage without you needing a new machine), we'll be sure to test that by moving around, too.
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