With the huge rise in remote working, streaming, and video calling in the past few years, webcams have become an intrinsic part of daily life. In fact, the global webcam market is set to reach nearly $10 Billion by 2026.
Whether you're connecting with colleagues for a virtual meeting, streaming content to your audience, or recording video calls for future reference, having the right webcam software can make a world of difference while also boosting your camera quality.
With so many options available, choosing the best webcam software for your needs can be challenging. That’s why we’ve taken a deep dive into the world of webcam software, and our extensive research has led us to the 12 best webcam software apps in 2024.
We should also point out that webcam software can only do so much to improve your video quality, so if you’re looking for even more performance, consider something like the tried and tested Logitech C920, as it offers full HD resolution, not to mention its army of loyal users.
|
Featured Webcam Software [Editor’s Picks] |
||
|
Software |
Pricing |
Platforms |
|
Free and open-source |
Windows, macOS, Linux |
|
|
Windows |
|
|
Freeware |
Windows, macOS |
|
How to Choose the Best Webcam Software in 2024?
To help you find the best webcam software for your situation, we conducted extensive research and considered the following factors when compiling our list of the best webcam software in 2024.
- Cost: We tried to find various free and paid options to suit all budgets.
- Compatibility: We emphasized webcam software that was widely compatible with many popular webcam models.
- User-friendliness: Whether you’re looking for webcam apps for Windows or macOS, we looked for easy user interfaces to operate comfortably.
- Output quality: We emphasized webcam apps that allow you to vary your output resolution without reducing image quality.
- Recording options: We looked for webcam software that could easily record your webcam feed in various formats.
- Additional features: We looked for apps that offered extra features like filters, effects, virtual backgrounds, screen sharing, and more.
- Support: We tried to find webcam software with access to support, whether from the app developers or the community.
12 Best Webcam Software Apps in 2024
1. Logi Tune
|
Key Information |
|
|
Pricing: Free |
Rating: 4.4/5 |
|
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
Compatible Devices: More Info |
|
Features:
|
|
Why We Chose This Webcam Software
From leading webcam manufacturer Logitech, our findings showed that Logi Tune offers a clean, modern, and sleek experience. And with a webcam app for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, you have the option to control your camera from a multitude of devices.
Right off the bat, it looks as though Logi Tune was designed for users who frequently attend meetings. Its features make it easier to get a perfectly framed image from your webcam while also enhancing its quality and making the meeting process more convenient. Overall, Logitech Tune is a fantastic choice for Logitech users looking for free camera software.
Pros
- Works with Logitech Sync
- Has mobile apps for monitoring your Logitech Zone earbuds/headphones
- Headphone/earbud battery meter
- Secure and private
- Works well for busy users who attend a lot of meetings
Cons
- Only works with a limited number of Logitech devices
2. NVIDIA Broadcast
|
Key Information |
|
|
Pricing: Free (requires an NVIDIA RTX Graphics Card) |
Rating: 4.5/5 |
|
Platforms: Windows 10 |
Compatible Devices: Any webcam, but you must have at least an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 or higher |
|
Features:
|
|
Why We Chose This Webcam Software
Although NVIDIA Broadcast is technically free webcam software, our research showed that its availability is somewhat limited, as it only works for those who have NVIDIA GeForce RTX video cards. This is because the app leverages the power of your video card to process your webcam.
That said, NVIDIA Broadcast is a fantastic option if you’re looking to use some webcam effects such as background blur or replacement, autoframe, and more.
Pros
- Cutting-edge webcam effects
- Stack multiple effects if you wish
- Background blur effect looks fantastic and looks like “bokeh”
- Free
Cons
- Can be resource-heavy
- Only for users who have NVIDIA RTX video cards
3. OBS Studio
|
Key Information |
|
|
Pricing: Free |
Rating: 4.7/5 |
|
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux |
Compatible Devices: Any device recognized by your computer |
|
Features:
|
|
Why We Chose This Webcam Software
Based on our observations, while OBS Studio is a free webcam broadcast app, it is so much more than just webcam software. It’s essentially a live streaming app that allows users to “go live” to all sorts of platforms, including Twitch, YouTube Live, Facebook, and more.
You can even set your OBS Studio up however you want, with the option to add text, images, and more. Of course, if you just want to use OBS Studio as a free webcam app, you can!
All you have to do is set up your webcam on the app, add all the filters, adjustments, and elements you want, then use OBS as a virtual camera in whichever meeting app you want. OBS Studio has a massive community around it, meaning you’ll never struggle to find tutorials and support.
Pros
- Huge and active community of users
- Extremely versatile
- Works great as webcam software
- Add filters, overlay elements, and more
- Free
Cons
- Not the easiest to figure out
4. Bandicam
|
Key Information |
|
|
Pricing:
|
Rating: 4.4/5 |
|
Platforms: Windows |
Compatible Devices: Any webcam your system recognizes |
|
Features:
|
|
Why We Chose This Webcam Software
Bandicam is less of a webcam effects software and more of a webcam and screen recorder. That said, our observations showed that it’s really good at what it does, namely, allowing users to record their screen and their webcam (or both) together.
However, if you’re looking for an app that can help you adjust your webcam and improve its quality, you may need to look elsewhere.
Pros
- Free version available
- Records webcams, screens, and other video sources in high quality
- Record with high compression for small files without compromise in quality
Cons
- Free version only records up to 10 minutes
- Few effects compared to other apps
5. Logitech Capture
|
Key Information |
|
|
Pricing: Free |
Rating: 4.3/5 |
|
Platforms: Windows, macOS |
Compatible Devices: C920 HD Pro, C920s HD Pro, 1080P Pro Steam, C922 Pro Stream, C922X Pro Stream, Logitech Streamcam, Logitech Streamcam Plus, Logitech Brio 4K Pro, Logitech Brio Stream, C930e |
|
Features:
|
|
Why We Chose This Webcam Software
If you’re looking for macOS or Windows webcam software, Logitech Capture is definitely one to consider.
Our testing of this webcam software showed that it was made with content creation in mind, as the app allows you to record your webcam (and record multiple sources), including the option for vertical mode, allowing you to send the output to mobile or social media.
You can also overlay text and add a border to your webcam, add filters, make adjustments to your webcam’s image quality, and more.
Pros
- Perfect for content creation
- Record in vertical format
- Live adjustments to your webcam
- Overlay text or add a border
- Record from multiple sources
Cons
- Only works with Logitech webcams
- Not fully functional on Macs using Apple Silicon (M1, M2)
6. CyberLink YouCam 365
|
Key Information |
|
|
Pricing:
|
Rating: 4.5/5 |
|
Platforms: Windows |
Compatible Devices: Any webcam recognized by your system |
|
Features:
|
|
Why We Chose This Webcam Software
Cyberlink YouCam is another great choice if you’re after webcam software for Windows. If you’ve ever bought a Windows PC or Laptop, chances are, it comes bundled with CyberLink software, so you know you’re in good hands with this app.
Our findings showed that it’s one of the best available if you want to have all sorts of filters, stickers, emojis, and features for your webcam. YouCam has a limited free version, but if you want to use the premium features such as AR makeup and skin smoothing/beautification, you’ll need to pay for a subscription or lifetime license.
Pros
- User-friendly
- Free version
- More lightweight than other video software
- Wide format support
Cons
- Windows only
- Free version is limited
7. ManyCam 8
|
Key Information |
|
|
Pricing:
|
Rating: 4.5/5 |
|
Platforms: Windows, macOS |
Compatible Devices: Any webcam recognized by your system |
|
Features:
|
|
Why We Chose This Webcam Software
ManyCam, now on its 8th version, is webcam software for PCs that’s been around for years, and the app works on both Windows and macOS.
Based on our testing, it can connect to pretty much any popular video conferencing tool, and you can use the software to enhance your video’s quality, change your background, add titles and overlays, and more.
Note that you can use ManyCam for free, but many of its features are only available on the premium and paid versions.
Pros
- Lightweight performance
- Tons of features
- Intuitive UI
- Connects to any video conferencing app
- Also available on macOS
Cons
- Expensive
- Subscription pricing model only
8. Microsoft Windows Camera
|
Key Information |
|
|
Pricing: Free |
Rating: 4.1/5 |
|
Platforms: Windows |
Compatible Devices: Any webcam recognized by your system |
|
Features:
|
|
Why We Chose This Webcam Software
If your computer is running Windows, you should be able to run this free webcam software.
Based on our testing, it’s incredibly simple and allows you to record photos and videos if you wish. In our opinion, we’d say that this app is like Apple’s Photobooth in that it functions more like a tool for taking photos and videos.
Pros
- Incredibly simple and user-friendly
- Usually comes pre-installed on Windows
- Free
Cons
- Lacks other webcam features
- Won’t have access to some features depending on your webcam
9. SplitCam
|
Key Information |
|
|
Pricing: Free |
Rating: 4.4/5 |
|
Platforms: Windows, macOS |
Compatible Devices: Any webcam recognized by your system |
|
Features:
|
|
Why We Chose This Webcam Software
In your search for free webcam apps, SplitCam will most likely come up. Our research revealed that SplitCam is actually freeware, meaning it is 100% free to use. And while it’s less of a dedicated webcam app, it’s actually more of a broadcasting app, much like OBS Studio.
SplitCam is among the best webcam software that’s free, and you can even use its virtual webcam feature to forward an enhanced version of your camera to your favorite streaming platform or video conferencing tool.
Pros
- Freeware
- Offers unique features like 3D masks
- A more user-friendly alternative to OBS Studio
- Add text, images, and video overlays
- Virtual webcam
Cons
- Can lag
- No filters, no backgrounds, no frames
10. Debut Video Capture and Screen Recorder Software
|
Key Information |
|
|
Pricing:
|
Rating: 4.3/5 |
|
Platforms: Windows, macOS |
Compatible Devices: Any webcam recognized by your system |
|
Features:
|
|
Why We Chose This Webcam Software
Debut is a video capture and screen recording tool that allows you to record your screen or webcam. You can add video effects, timestamps, captions, watermarks, and more.
Based on our observations, you can even capture your video from any source. Debut also has many other features that are available for free, but only if you use the personal version in a non-commercial setting.
Overall, we think Debut is one of the best free webcam software apps in 2024 if you’re using Windows, but based on our testing, we found that this app is not great for Mac.
Pros
- Great for recording your screen
- Tons of features
- Supports most video formats
- Free version available
Cons
- Mac version is not the best (not recommended)
11. iGlasses
|
Key Information |
|
|
Pricing: Try for free; then $19.95 |
Rating: 4.4/5 |
|
Platforms: macOS |
Compatible Devices: Any webcam recognized by your system |
|
Features:
|
|
Why We Chose This Webcam Software
If you’re looking for macOS software your camera can use, try iGlasses. This macOS-only software is free to try, but if you want to use it later, you’ll need to pay.
That said, our findings show that if you want a simple app to adjust your webcam’s image, zoom your video, add effects, and more, it’s tough to beat iGlasses.
Pros
- Professional and user-friendly
- Easily modify your video
- Supports most webcams
- Effects available
- Affordable compared to other paid software
Cons
- Mac only
12. Webcamoid
|
Key Information |
|
|
Pricing: Free |
Rating:4.2/5 |
|
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux |
Compatible Devices: Any webcam recognized by your computer |
|
Features:
|
|
Why We Chose This Webcam Software
Webcamoid is another free webcam software that offers all sorts of features you’ll want from a webcam app. This software tracks your face and keeps you in the frame, allows you to replace your background, tweaks your webcam’s image and quality, and even lets you send your enhanced webcam to any other software.
Pros
- Free and open-source
- Face tracking
- Background replacement features
- Tweak your webcam’s quality
Cons
- Not the most polished solution
Why Do You Need Webcam Software?
One of the major benefits of using webcam programs is that you can improve your camera quality, sometimes by a wide margin! But that’s not all, so let’s take a look at some of the key benefits of using webcam software in 2024:
- Improve your webcam’s image quality
- Access additional settings
- Webcam tools often allow you to make recordings.
- Change your background
- Add filters and effects
- Crop your image
- Add text or other elements
Conclusion
The best webcam software can improve your camera’s picture quality without paying for an expensive hardware upgrade. Webcam software apps can also help you crop out distractions, change your background, overlay text, and more.
With so many options available, it can be hard to find the best option for your specific situation. And while it helps to consider your specific needs and preferences, the number of choices can be overwhelming.
To help you find the right webcam software for you, we’ve extensively researched and listed the 12 best webcam software apps in 2024, including a range of free and paid options for Windows, Mac, and Linux,
By weighing the different options in our list, you should be able to find the right tool that takes your virtual communication and collaboration to the next level!
Want to find better results when searching on Google? Check out:
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I Need Software for Webcams?
Most webcams are plug-and-play, meaning you don’t need to do anything special to get your webcam to work. And, of course, webcams on laptops usually work out of the box. So the answer is no, you don’t need webcam software, but it can offer better video quality and more functionality.
2. What Are the Best Webcams?
The best webcams are the ones that offer clean, clear images in high enough resolutions while also having at least 30 FPS (frames per second) to make movement look as natural as possible. Cameras that handle low-light situations are also fantastic options overall. If you’re not sure where to start, consider the Logitech C920, as it’s affordable and has great full HD video quality.
3. What Features Should I Look For in Free Webcam Software?
Look for features like user-friendliness, an intuitive user interface, and compatibility with your system. Then, you can also consider additional features you may want, such as effects and filters, customization and adjustment options, recording options, good video quality, and privacy settings.
4. How Do I Use a DSLR as a Webcam?
Canon makes it easy to use your (compatible) DSLR as a webcam, thanks to Canon’s Webcam Utility. If you have a DSLR from another brand, you will need a capture card or device like the Elgato Cam Link to be able to capture the feed and use it as a webcam. Note that your DSLR must be able to put out a clean HDMI signal (unless you don’t care about the user interface being visible).
People are also Reading:
