Top 10 external cameras for Chromebooks

Chromebooks are equipped with all sorts of functionality to handle the rigors of daily life. You’ve got corporate professionals sporting multi-faceted Chromebooks these days, such as the oh-so-phenomenal Acer Chromebook Spin 713 with an HDMI port and all the other bells and whistles for an outstanding Chrome OS experience. It’s obvious to see that these Linux-containing machines are getting more and more decked out as the days go by, and one doesn’t have to look far in recent times to acknowledge that.

Google has just announced a couple of camera-oriented features to make landfall on Chrome OS. This prospect will make video conferencing more seamless, given that one of those features includes Pan-Tilt-Zoom functionality that allows you more control over the webcam you’re using. After reading this exciting news, if you’ve been meaning to get yourself a webcam, you should pick the tried-and-tested ones instead of opting for random ones.

This Chrome Ready guide will take you along the best external webcams that you can buy for your Chromebook. We’ll verify the compatibility beforehand, so you don’t run into any bothersome issues post-purchase. So without any further ado then, let’s jump right into this listicle.

The best webcams to use on Chrome OS

1. NexiGo 1080p Webcam

NexiGo 1080p Webcam

The NexiGo 1080p Webcam will kickstart our list of the top 10 external webcams for Chromebook. This piece of tech costs about $39.99 if you purchase it directly from Amazon, letting you save an excellent $10 compared to the product’s MSRP. It boasts plug-and-play functionality and is perfectly compatible with Chrome OS. When writing this article, the product has been labeled as “Amazon’s Choice” across the platform.

It enjoys a solid reputation, too, with a 4.4/5.0 overall rating with more than 17,700 global ratings. Furthermore, 66% of the people who bought this external webcam have been compelled to leave a 5-star review due to its high-quality all around. Users have highly commended the HD (1080p) video quality above other traits because this matters the most. You’re purchasing a webcam that produces clear, high-resolution imaging for professional-grade work settings and even personal video conferences.

Buy the NexiGo 1080p Webcam directly from Amazon today.

2. Logitech C920x HD Pro Webcam

Logitech C920x HD Pro Webcam

The Logitech C920x HD Pro Webcam is a relatively expensive webcam that will set you back for about $59.99. Do rest assured, though, because this is the #1 best seller product in the whole category of webcams. Therefore, you’re opting for no less than the best by going with the C920x HD Pro. It uses an intelligent lighting adjustment and automatic focus feature that optimizes the view simultaneously and makes sure that you’re having the best video capturing experience possible.

Logitech is a well-reputed brand that’s famous for making other PC accessories as well. For instance, our top 10 external mice for Chromebooks guide has some pretty exciting entries from Logitech, so do check that out for more information. The C920x HD Pro Webcam keeps up the manufacturer’s reputation and delivers a high-end experience. There’s also one more variant that’s up for grabs, with the only difference between the two being the inclusion of a privacy shutter.

When penning this article down, the Logitech C920x HD Pro Webcam has a 4.7/5.0 overall rating, with more than 78% of the users leaving a 5-star review lauded with praise for the product. You’ll be making the right choice by buying this device for your Chromebook.

Click here to purchase this fine Logitech specimen directly from Amazon today.

3. Anker PowerConf C300 FHD Webcam

Anker PowerConf C300 FHD Webcam

The Anker PowerConf C300 FHD Webcam is a device that dangles on the premium end of the webcam spectrum. The product costs about $100 if you purchase it from Amazon but is otherwise priced slightly higher than that. Now, as far as the quality is concerned, this little magician from Anker is one of the best external webcams for Chromebooks out in the market. It makes you look nothing but professional with crisp and clear FHD (1080p) resolution video quality with 60 FPS. Its auto-focus AI is made exceedingly intellectual too.

It focuses on objects within 0.35 seconds, so no more waiting around for the camera to focus where you want it to—those days are long gone with the Anker PowerConf C300 FHD Webcam. The product has scored a 4.5/5.0 overall rating when writing this article, with 73% of its customers leaving a 5-star review for it. People have commended how the webcam is flat-out amazing at dealing with challenging lighting, mainly where the environment is unforgiving, and you desperately need to look better. The PowerConf C300 FHD can accomplish just that for you without breaking a sweat.

You can buy the Anker PowerConf C300 FHD Webcam directly from Amazon today.

4. Razer Kiyo Pro Streaming Webcam

Razer Kiyo Pro Streaming Webcam

The Razer Kiyo Pro Streaming Webcam is another option for you to go with if budget isn’t an issue for you. If you’re ready to shell out somewhere about $100 for an external webcam, make sure you get the best one in this price bracket. To reiterate that previous statement, make sure you get the Razer Kiyo Pro Streaming Webcam. This is a professional-grade device with a high-performance adaptive light sensor and STARVIS technology for improvising under different lighting conditions on the go. Expect picture-perfect quality and nothing else from the product at hand.

In addition to that, there’s also a wide-angle lens with an adjustable field of view (FOV) for dialing in the perfect view for your webcam shots. According to the people who’ve bought this webcam, it’s fully compatible with Chrome OS, so you should have no trouble setting it up and going to town with it. At the time of writing, the Razer Kiyo Pro Streaming Webcam has a 4.5/5.0 overall rating, with 74% of the people leaving a 5-star review for it. The device boasts excellent value for money and is perfect to pair with your trusty Chromebook.

You can buy the Razer Kiyo Pro Streaming Webcam directly on Amazon today.

5. IFROO FHD Webcam

IFROO HD Webcam

The IFROO HD Webcam is a cost-effective option for you to go with. It costs just about $24 and sports multiple features that put the device quite high in the best external webcam hierarchy. It employs a 30 FPS fluency mode transmission for appreciable frame rates and fluid video calls. If you’re a student with something like the Lenovo Chromebook Duet and you have to do meet-ups on Google Meet, Skype, or Zoom, the IFROO HD Webcam is just the webcam you need. It’s also suitable for a variety of other processes too, such as gaming, streaming, recording, and, of course, video conferencing.

This notorious fisheye effect in many cheap and low-cost webcams makes purchasing everything reasonably tricky. It’s a condition where there’s excessive visual distortion, and an exceedingly wide-angle photo is taken. Apart from dedicated fisheye lens-oriented shoots, no one truly wants this in their photos, and this is where the IFROO HD Webcam excels. It uses an automatic gain mechanism that ensures the images are of high quality even when used in poor lighting.

Purchase the IFROO HD Webcam directly from Amazon today.

6. ToLuLu Webcam

ToLuLu Webcam

If you’re after a high-quality webcam under a tight budget, it would be wise to turn your eyes toward the offerings of the ToLuLu Webcam. While the branding could’ve used a better naming strategy, the webcam, on the contrary, is an affordable affair that packs impressive functionality. It’s priced just right at somewhere around $27 and has enough features to be deemed a bang for your buck piece of tech. The maximum video resolution is 1080p, so we’re talking about a Full HD webcam here. Other resolutions that are workable while using it include 720p and 480p.

However, you won’t be getting 60 frames per second on the ToLuLu Webcam. It’s locked in at 30 FPS, but that too should be good enough for most people. So unless you’re working as an office professional in a sizable enterprise, there’s little reason not to pick this webcam up. At the time of writing, the ToLuLu Webcam has a 4.2/5.0 overall rating and 62% 5-star reviews in total. One user mentioned in their review that they particularly like the privacy shutter included in the webcam. You flip the lens cover up or down, depending on whether you want to keep the camera’s view blocked or use it for video calling.

You can purchase the ToLuLu Webcam directly from Amazon today.

7. WildHD Webcam

WildHD Webcam

WILDHD Webcam is another quality option for you on this list to pair with your Chromebook. This is a cost-effective webcam that boasts plug-and-play functionality day in day out. You can get it for somewhere around $19 right now from Amazon with 24-hour customer support service. It comes with a built-in microphone that sports automatic audio gain for real-time adjustment to the sensitivity of your voice. This ensures that the party on the other end of the screen can hear you loudly and clearly. We’ve made sure that the WildHD Webcam is compatible with Chrome OS so that you can dive into this purchase with complete confidence.

Moreover, this is an FHD (1080p) webcam with 30 frames per second for a reasonably balanced video conferencing experience in general. If you’re looking to include more of the background in your video, you can use the 120° wide-angle view feature for effortless versatility. Record your videos, chat with loved ones, and join office meetings in a flash with the WildHD webcam on your Chromebook. People have found no struggle in using this device consistently, as the product has more than 2,400 global ratings, with 64% of them being flat-out 5 stars.

You can buy the WildHD Webcam directly from Amazon today.

8. Logitech C270 Webcam

Logitech C270 Webcam

The Logitech C270 Webcam has gathered quite the popularity due to its affordability to its buyers. It’s priced at about $20 on Amazon and works like a charm for Chrome OS users reliably. As a result, it’s the go-to webcam for thousands of people around the world who aren’t after a mind-blowing, specced-out webcam but rather a reasonably decent one that gets the job done without implementing any complication. That’s why this webcam offers a 720p HD video resolution and a 3 MegaPixel (MP) picture quality. You cannot go wrong with a webcam of this quality at a price it’s being offered right now.

You also have a built-in microphone that filters out background noise and makes it possible for the video conference to be interruption-free. The product ships with a 2-year limited warranty, so you’re more or less covered with the purchase and can order with a sense of security. Furthermore, you can also bid farewell to the long, arduous process of installing dedicated drivers on your device to run a webcam. The Logitech is a strong proponent of “plug and play,” so hook it up with your Chromebook and get to attending video calls painlessly.

You can purchase the Logitech C270 Webcam directly from Amazon today.

9. ZEALINNO 1080p Webcam

ZEALINNO 1080p Webcam 

The ZEALINNO 1080p Webcam is another well-deserved entry on the list for accommodating your video calling needs on your trusty Chromebook. It can be bought for a cent under $18, so this is a budget-friendly option for you to go with. A unique benefit of purchasing this webcam is its stylish design, which you don’t get to see often in webcams. It can also rotate a full 360° for making your family video calls more convenient. Then, there’s the 120° wide-angle view that can fit more content inside the lens. There are no feature-wise complaints for the price this webcam is coming at.

The microphone also works just as expected, and you can hook it up to your Chromebook quickly with the help of a USB connection—no drivers needed. The product has scored a 4.1/5.0 overall rating when writing this article, with 59% of the users leaving a 5-star review for it. It may not have the best build quality, but it’s pretty workable if we factor in the price. If you’re tight on cash and genuinely require a webcam for work purposes, don’t hesitate to get the ZEALINNO 1080p webcam.

You can buy this piece of tech directly from Amazon.

10. Logitech Brio 4K Webcam

Logitech Brio 4K Webcam

The last entry on the list belongs to the brilliant Logitech Brio 4K Webcam built for people who prioritize having the best possible webcam quality. Cherish videos in 4K Ultra HD quality, about four times the quality of a regular webcam. Speaking of which, the Logitech Brio 4K Webcam isn’t ordinary by any stretch of the imagination. Its asking price is about $150, so make sure you’ve set your budget out before deciding on purchasing this device. It’s also powered by noise-canceling technology with the help of dual omnidirectional mics that make short work of background noise. That way, the focus is aimed at your voice for crystal-clear hearing.

What’s most impressive about the Logitech Brio is is its 90 frames per second feature. All other webcams mentioned in this list are either 30 FPS or 60 FPS, but this one is taking it up a notch quite profoundly. There’s also a privacy shade to cover the lens when it’s not in use to guarantee maximum privacy. When writing this article, the Logitech Brio enjoys a solid reputation on Amazon with a 4.6/5.0 overall rating of 79% positive reviews. People have praised the product for its ease of use, decent weight, premium build quality, and, of course, tip-top performance and video quality on Chrome OS.

• On a side note, you can also set your Chromebook’s mic and camera privacy settings, so do check that out for more information on the topic.

Purchase the Logitech Brio 4K Webcam directly from Amazon today.

Conclusion

Be more and do more with a Chromebook by your side as we near the end of 2021. Chrome OS is undoubtedly standing as an operating system that focuses on productivity by giving its users the speed, security, and simplicity they need to come out on top each day. Third-party application support is improving on Chromebook, too, as official Steam support is set to arrive on Chrome OS sometime next year. Gaming aside, the education space and enterprise area are two other domains where Chromebooks have gained a strong foothold.

Individuals in every industry can video chat on their devices by not only using the built-in webcam but by also hooking up external ones as well. That is why we’ve rounded up this list of the best external webcams for Chromebooks to make sure you pick the right one to follow along with your journey. Be sure to read the description of each webcam before coming to a definite buying conclusion. As always, Chrome Ready wishes you good luck!