Get Seen: These Are the Best Webcams for Online Teachers

Webcams for online teachers can make a big impact on how your students view your lesson, as well as the flexibility you have in delivering it.

When it comes to webcams for online teachers (as well as headsets), there is a huge difference in quality between most built-in models when compared a dedicated camera.  And, as many of you have likely experienced, having a poor webcam can cause a lot of inconvenience for you as an online teacher.

The issue is that while some newer models do offer HD video, they are severely limited by their design and location. Built-in webcams are obviously less flexible when it comes to adjusting what they see, and are often more affected by low light and exposure to sunlight.

Dedicated webcams, however, are not limited by space and even the low-cost models tend to employ technology to combat adverse lighting conditions.  

Related: Our 11 Favorite Laptops for Teachers

What does this mean for teachers?

Protip:  If you have an online teaching job, please do not spend every class just sitting there!  Even the most mature students are going to require a bit of animation for their teachers from time to time.  This could mean anything from standing up to demonstrate a lesson to moving over to the whiteboard you may or may not have behind your desk.  Trust me when I tell you that it is far easier to move a webcam than a computer.

If this isn’t reason enough to consider investing in a webcam, then the aforementioned features should seal the deal.  The good news is that webcams for online teachers don’t have to be expensive, and some are a downright steal.

We’ve researched 3 models, each with a different price point, in an attempt to help online teachers understand what’s best for their needs and budget.

Choosing a Webcam for Online Teaching

Online Headsets	System	Features	Price	Buy
Logitech HD Webcam C525	-Windows -Mac	-720 HD video -Noise canceling mic	$	Check Prices
Logitech HD Webcam C525	-Windows -Mac	-720 HD video -Autofocus	$$	Check Prices
IPEVO Point 2 View USB Camera	-Windows -Mac	-Multi-jointed stand positions -Perfect for documents	$$	Check Prices
Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920	-Windows -Mac	-1080 HD video -Dual microphones	$$$	Check Prices

Creative Live! Cam Sync HD 720P

Price: Around $20 from Amazon

If you’re interested in a low-cost but feature-rich webcam, the Creative Live! Cam Sync HD 720P might be for you. Price anywhere from 20 to 30 dollars, it’s considered to be one of the most affordable webcams for online teachers out there.  

Furthermore, its plug and play setup means that you just have to connect it to your computer before you’re video chatting instantly.  In addition, it transmits in 720P at 30 frames per second, meaning your video quality is going to smooth and crystal clear. 

Logitech HD Webcam C525

Price: Around $45 from Amazon

Looking for something a little more powerful when it comes to your webcam?  The Logitech HDWebcam C525 is priced a little bit higher but makes up for it with features and functionality.  While the video quality is the same as the Creative Live model, Logitech includes a built-in microphone with their model to make sure you’re heard as well as seen.

In addition, the C525 comes with a five-foot cable to make positioning a snap and uses autofocus to make sure your students don’t miss any of the action.  All of this makes it our top pick when it comes to webcams for online teachers.  Note: the C525 only works on Windows computers. 

IPEVO Point 2 View USB Camera

Price: Around $50 from Amazon

Looking for an awesome document cam that can improve your ability to show off worksheets and exercises?  Then the IPEVO Point 2 might be for you – not only is it the best-looking webcam on this list, it has some awesome features to boot.  Perhaps the most useful for online teachers is the jointed display stand which allows you to adjust the focus between you and a worksheet or document in seconds.  This allows for incredible flexibility when it comes to demonstrations and examples, all of which will be coming through in HD quality video.  

The IPEVO also touts a built-in microphone for superior audio quality, plus the ability to work on both Mac and Windows systems. Despite these extra features, the IPEVO isn’t that much more expensive that the other webcams for online teachers and it’s certain to enhance the lessons for everyone involved.

Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920

Price: Around $60 from Amazon

The Logitech C920 is built for online teachers, vloggers, and other professionals that rely on their webcam on a daily basis.  In addition to its 1080p HD video quality, the C920 also allows users of both Mac and Windows to record in widescreen so your students don’t miss any of the lesson.

Finally, this webcam is perfect for traveling eductors as it works just as well on laptops as it does on desktops – easily take your lessons on the road and never worry about quality or portability!

Wrapping Up

It’s easy for teachers, especially new teachers, to want to jump right into their lessons without giving much thought to their equipment or supplies.  We’ve certainly been guilty of that and while it is certainly possible to give a lesson from your laptop’s camera, there is no mistaking the difference a webcam can make once you try it.  While these might be our picks for best webcams for online teachers, this list is certainly not exhaustive.  If none of these cameras appeal to you, shoot on over to Amazon and find a model that will work for you and your students, you won’t regret it.