For 2025, you have 2 choices – the cheap webcam or tiny budget webcam. Or the best webcam for 2025.
OPTION A: TINY BUDGET WEBCAM FOR 2024: I recommend Brio 100 – 1080 or HD Webcam. [Shopee] [Amazon] Yes this webcam is mac compatible. You will have to stand far away from your monitor to use this. Or sit far from your monitor. The narrow viewing angle of this budget webcam -doesn’t show your room. For me, that’s great. Some people want to show off their room. If that’s you- keep reading. Brio 100 may not be for you.
OPTION B: “YOU MUST LOOK YOUR BEST WEBCAM”:
I prefer this webcam: Insta360 Link 2 and Insta360 Link 2c. Both at 4K (“You look great on camera”). This is in comparison to last year’s champion 4K Webcam:
Updated Comparison of Logitech Brio 100, Logitech Brio 4K MX, and Insta360 Link 2C
| Feature | Logitech Brio 100 | Logitech Brio 4K MX | Insta360 Link 2C | What’s Better |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p at 30 fps | 4K at 30 fps, 1080p at 60 fps | 4K at 30 fps, 1080p at 60 fps | 4K resolution provides superior clarity and detail. |
| Camera Megapixels | 2 MP | 13 MP | 12 MP | 13 MP offers the highest image quality. |
| Sensor Size | Not specified | Not specified | 1/2 inch | A larger sensor size improves low-light performance. |
| Field of View (FOV) | 58° | Adjustable (65°, 78°, 90°) | Adjustable (60°, 75°, 90°) | Adjustable FOV allows for more flexibility in framing. Note: 58 means you must be sitting/standing far from the camera. |
| Focus Type | Fixed focus | Autofocus | Autofocus | Autofocus ensures sharp images without manual adjustment. Fixed focus : You cannot show off objects in your hand. They will still be blurred. |
| Lens Type | Custom plastic lens | Glass lens with HDR support | Glass lens with HDR support | Both have high-quality lenses, but HDR support enhances image quality. |
| Microphone | Built-in omni-directional | Dual omni-directional microphones | Dual omni-directional microphones | Dual microphones improve audio quality and reduce background noise. Buy a separate microphone instead if you’re going pro. But for office use, the dual microphones by Link 2 and Link 2c are great. |
| Connectivity | USB-A | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C provides faster data transfer and more versatility. What ports do you have available? Think carefully if you’re using a one port Macbook Air with poor Facetime 720p webcams. You’ll need a dongle. Here’s my dongle usb suggestion. |
| Special Features | Basic plug-and-play | Windows Hello support, Light Correction | AI tracking, Gesture control | AI tracking and gesture control offer innovative usability enhancements. |
| Price Range | Budget-friendly | Mid-range | Higher-end | Price varies; choose based on budget vs. features needed. |
WHY PICK THEE?
You’ll need a minimum of HD or 1080p to look good using a webcam in 2025. This is where the cheap webcam comes in.
If your webcam budget is in $150-$200, you have a clear choice.
The best option for you is a 4K webcam.
It will make your videos comparable to professionals online.
A half-inch or 1/2 inch camera sensor is my decision point here.
A camera sensor that’s near 1 inch (DSLR camera quality) is better than any low inch camera sensor size.
The comparison is not megapixels or 1080p or 4K (4 x 1080p).
The correct comparison is sensor size. There is also a video below. It compares this choice versus the Logitech Brio 4K. The Logitech Brio 4K was the top choice a year ago.
NOW LETS COMPARE LINK 2 and LINK 2C (“C” doesn’t have a gimbal, it’s static, doesn’t move, it’s fixed)
| Feature | Insta360 Link 2 | Insta360 Link 2C |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam Type | Dynamic webcam with 2-axis gimbal | Fixed webcam without gimbal |
| Sensor Size | 1/2 inch | 1/2 inch |
| Video Resolution | 4K at 30/25/24 fps, 1080p, 720p | 4K at 30/25/24 fps, 1080p, 720p |
| AI Tracking | Advanced AI tracking with real-time subject tracking | Basic digital cropping for tracking |
| Gimbal | Yes (2-axis) | No |
| Design | Larger, suitable for dynamic setups | Compact, ideal for static setups |
| Audio Quality | Superior audio with advanced AI noise cancellation | Good audio but less advanced than Link 2 |
| Use Case | Best for dynamic presentations and movement | Ideal for static video calls and presentations |
| Magnetic Mount | Yes | Yes |
| Control Software | Advanced features including gimbal control | Standard features |
| Price Range | Higher due to additional features | More affordable |
| Ideal Users | Professionals, educators, content creators needing mobility | Users needing a reliable fixed webcam |
Both the Insta360 Link 2 and Insta360 Link 2C are exceptional webcams designed to enhance video quality for various applications.
The Insta360 Link 2 has advanced features like a gimbal. It also offers superior AI tracking. This makes it perfect for users who require mobility during their presentations or live streams.
The more compact Insta360 Link 2C lacks the gimbal feature. It is a great choice for those who primarily engage in static video calls. It is also excellent for presentations.
Each model offers impressive 4K resolution and advanced audio capabilities, making them suitable for professionals in diverse fields.
Designed for:
* Business professionals
* Educators
* Live streamers
* Content creators (influencers, artists, designers, etc.)
Key Features:
* 4K Resolution
* 1/2″ Sensor
* True Focus
* AI Noise-Canceling
* AI Tracking & Auto Framing
* Smart Whiteboard Recognition
* Gesture Control & Remote Smartphone Control
* Natural Bokeh
* Privacy Mode
LINK 2C is $50 dollars less than the other one (LINK 2)
COMPARING THIS WEBCAM WITH LOGITECH BRIO MX
INSTA360 LINK 2 and LINK2 C
Touch Key Operations:
One tap: Start/stop AI Tracking
Double tap: Reset the lens to the center
Double tap: Zoom 1.5x
Must-Try Features:
Crystal-Clear Image Quality
TOP FEATURE
1/2” Sensor + 4K30fps Resolution
A top-tier 1/2” sensor delivers crisp 4K30fps video, enhanced by advanced AI algorithms to excel in various environments. HDR Mode balances highlights and shadows, providing a realistic visual experience even in low, strong, or backlit conditions.
Pro Tips:
* Test various lighting conditions.
* For the best HDR, use side windows as the background and avoid direct light exposure. Include faces in the frame to showcase image clarity and detail in different lighting.
True Focus
Both Link 2 and Link 2C support Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF). Test the speed and accuracy of the auto focus in various scenarios, focusing on people or objects.
Pro Tips:
* To show focus speed, place the object in the center of the frame for priority focus; if it’s near the edge, the webcam will prioritize faces.
Natural Bokeh
Replicates a DSLR-like depth of field for a realistic and natural bokeh.
Please enable this feature in Link Controller.
Professional Audio Quality
AI Noise-Canceling
Select the Link 2 series as the audio source on third-party platforms. This will ensure clear and quality audio during online lessons, meetings, and live streams.
There are three modes dedicated to different scenarios:
1. Voice Focus: Perfect for when you’re alone. Highlights your voice and eliminates ambient noise.
2. Voice Suppression: Ideal for busy environments. AI filters out nearby voices and background noise.
3. Music Balance: Balances your voice with external background music, ideal for content creation and live streams.
Advanced AI Technology & Smart Framing
AI Tracking (Single & Group)
*Only available on Link 2
Link 2 has a 2-axis gimbal. It detects and tracks an individual or a group as they move. It keeps them in focus.
Pro Tips:
* Use the “Palm✋” gesture to start/stop tracking.
* Avoid going out of the frame.
* Under “PTZ Control” settings:
* Customize the tracking speed
* Choose head, half-body, or full-body framing
* Select single/group tracking in the Controller software.
* Recommended to track max. 2-3 people for optimal results.
Auto Framing
*Only available on Link 2C
Link 2C uses intelligent zoom controls to keep everyone in frame and centered in all scenarios.
Pro Tips:
* Use the “Palm✋” gesture to start/stop Auto Framing.
* When testing, avoid very fast or exaggerated movements to ensure proper tracking.
* The webcam will automatically detect if there’s a single person or a group.
* Recommended to track max. 2-3 people for optimal results.
Pause-Track Area
*Only available on Link 2
Define your presentation space with customizable tracking fences. Set boundaries where the webcam will stop tracking, giving you the flexibility to move within an area and only be in frame when you want to be. Tracking resumes once you reenter the tracking area.
Pro Tips:
* You can set up to 6 pause-track areas
Versatile Modes For Every Scenario
Virtual Background
1. Background Blur
Blurs the background to protect privacy and highlight the subject.
2. Natural Bokeh
Replicates a DSLR-like depth of field for a realistic and natural bokeh.
3. Background Replacer
Use your own custom images or our selection to replace the background.
Pro Tips:
* Enable Virtual Camera in the Controller software.
* Try moving back and forth to show the natural bokeh effect.
* As the subject/person moves closer or farther from the webcam, the depth of field changes. Closer proximity increases depth, while moving away reduces background blur.
Portrait Mode
Link 2 and Link 2C can stream uncropped 9:16 vertical content in 4K30fps, perfect for social media.
Webcam Wars 2024 Winners
- For basic video calls, the Logitech Brio 100 is sufficient.
- For high-quality video and professional use, choose the Logitech Brio 4K MX. It offers good quality for the same price as the Insta360 Link 2C with movable gimbal. For me the choice is clear. Why get a fixed webcam when you can get a movable webcam with AI tracking for the same price?
- If you want innovative features like AI tracking and enhanced versatility, the Insta360 Link 2C is the way to go.
Overall, if you’re looking for the best combination of features and performance, the Insta360 Link 2C stands out as a top choice due to its advanced capabilities and superior image quality.
You can get them [Shopee] [Amazon]
Citations:
[1] https://onlinemanual.insta360.com/link2c/en-us/faq/specs/hardware
[2] https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/peripherals/insta360-link-2c-review
[3] https://altitude.ph/products/insta360-link-2-link-2c
[4] https://urbangadgets.ph/shop/insta360-link-2-webcam/
[5] https://www.mmorpg.com/hardware-reviews/insta360-link-2-and-2c-review-2000132919
[6] https://insta360.co.id/product/insta360-link-2-link-2c/
[7] https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1846366-REG/insta360_cinsabna_link_2c_4k_ai.html