7 Best Webcam Software for PC

Finding the right webcam app that can record yourself as well as your screen may feel like a real headache. However, it doesn't have to be so hard to find a simple, reliable, and with additional features webcam recorder.

In this article, I’ll be your guide to finding the best web camera recording software to use in 2024.

How we picked and tested webcam software

The top 5 best webcam software mentioned below are all easy to use, loaded with actually useful functionality, secure, and budget-friendly.

Here are the selection criteria I used to select and rank the best webcam app.

• Video quality. High-quality video output is non-negotiable, ensuring clear and crisp visuals is a must especially when recording important information.
• Audio quality. Audio quality may sometimes be even more important than video in some cases, like at a meeting or when giving out instructions.
• Ease of use. An intuitive and user-friendly interface is crucial to accommodate users with varying levels of technical proficiency, allowing seamless navigation and operation. In other words, even my grandma should be able to use it.
• Utility. Aside from screen recording on PC, other helpful features are also taken into account.
• User reviews. More than anything, I trust user reviews. All of the webcam software featured here are vetted by thousands to millions of users.
• Price. All webcam recording apps featured here, while not entirely free, provide extensive trials that are enough to help you decide if you’ll start paying for them or not.

With that said, let’s start recording your webcam sessions!

Webcam software: summary table

1. Icecream Screen Recorder

Icecream Screen Recorder is a straightforward free video recording software that can record your webcamera and/or the computer display. When recording meetings, it records the system sounds, so you don’t have to turn up the volume in hopes of your mic picking up the audio.

You can later annotate your recording, trim it, change the playback speed, remove the audio from the video, and instantly share it with your friends or colleagues. This free webcam recording software also allows you to take screenshots of your entire screen or just sections of it. Additionally, you can use it to record audio.

The best part is that there are free versions of this video recorder available for Windows and macOS.

While the free plan is already powerful, you can always upgrade to PRO which only costs $29.95 per year. That is just $2.49 per month with 10 GB of cloud storage, no recording time limit, and more.

On the other hand, the lifetime license is only $59.95. Compared to other popular screen and webcam recording applications, this video recorder is definitely one of the most affordable.

Screen Recorder

Easy to use free screen recorder for PC. Record desktop, take screenshots, upload the created content to the cloud for easy and fast sharing.

Free Download

2. Vidyard

Vidyard is a good choice when deciding on the web camera recording software. What stands out is that, despite limitations, its free plan includes an AI script generator, which is something other programs would ask you to pay for.

Another thing to note is that the webcam recorder is marketed toward sales and lead generation. This is why it is heavily leaning toward seamless integration with Gmail, LinkedIn, and other tools that can be used for prospecting.

The PRO, Plus, and Business plans include more advanced features. These are unlimited video length and number of recordings, call-to-action, password protection, and more. The price range starts at $19/month.

3. Loom

For a while, Loom has been the king of webcam recording apps, and for a good reason. While the free plan comes with limitations, it is still packed with useful features. Such include video editing, camera recording, noise suppression, and integrations with popular tools like Slack, Jira, GitHub, Gmail, Upwork, and more.

The Business plan removes the limit on screen recording count and length but sits tightly at $12.50 monthly, billed annually, which is kind of a steep but justified pricing. If you’ll need password-protected videos, recording up to 4k, blurring surroundings, virtual backgrounds, and the like, giving the business plan a shot is definitely worth it.

4. Berrycast

Berrycast is another crowd favorite when it comes to webcam recorders. With this program, you can record virtual meetings or film tutorials and demos.

The main features include an AI writer that generates tasks, transcripts, and summaries. Webcam software also features fast video editing, screen annotation, password protection, and integration with popular applications.

While this screen recording software doesn't have an actual free plan, it offers a 14-day trial without limitations on its features. If that’s not enough, you can extend it for another two weeks. You won’t have to worry about being billed by accident in case you don’t want to proceed with your plan. No credit card is required to start the free trial.

The Starter plan starts at $16, Professional at $18, and Enterprise at $29. All prices are per month and billed annually.

5. Snagit

Snagit is another mighty contender in the screen and webcam recording software race. It features image capture, video and audio recording. Moreover, there is a whole slew of video and image editing tools under Snagit Editor where you can add themes, and shapes, and basically annotate your captures.

The web camera and video recording software also integrates with popular platforms and apps like Microsoft Office, Slack, Gmail, Dropbox, Twitter, YouTube, and more for easy sharing.

This webcam recorder doesn't have a free version. However, when you install the webcam software, you automatically get the free trial for 15 days (payment details are not needed!). The paid plans start at $62.99 for lifetime access.

Bonus: webcam apps for streams and podcasts

Below I will list a few more programs that can be used as webcam recorders. However, their main advantages are in other features.

Open Broadcaster Software (OBS)

OBS Studio is perhaps one of the best webcam apps for live streamers on Twitch, Kick, and even on YouTube. This life streaming program and webcam recorder is 100% free, being an open-source software. This is one of the reasons why it’s the number one go-to for streamers and vloggers. Also, it includes higher-level functions that an actual live streamer would need.

If you are just planning to add a layer or effect to your output video, you can use this webcam software as the middle application. It is relatively easy to use, but it might take a bit of time to get used to since it’s an all-in-one solution that even big channel owners (with like a couple of millions of followers) use.

Streamlabs

Streamlabs is yet another big contender in the webcam recording industry. Like OBS, it is a go-to application for streamers and podcasters when creating their videos or doing live streams. But the free version is enough to satisfy your needs if you are just going to use it casually. The PRO version works pretty much the same with extra premium features for advanced users.

In this webcam software, you can create a virtual camera to use on different applications like Zoom, Google Meet, and just about any video conferencing platform. You can add more widgets to it like a tip jar, subscriber counts, live chat, etc.

Apps integration

How do these apps work, say, with Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams?

Basically, these applications will enable you to create and record a virtual webcam. Through your chosen webcam app, you can add different overlays on your screen. See the screenshot below for Zoom’s camera options. As you can see, my HD Pro Webcam C920 is my main camera. However, since I am using a virtual camera (Streamlabs), I can use it instead.

Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and other video conferencing applications already have filters and effects like these. Yet, if you would like to have a custom one, then you will need a third-party app.

Tips

As you prepare for your recording, regardless if it's a formal presentation or just for fun, here are some helpful tips for you:

• Select the Right Software. Choose webcam software that meets your needs in terms of features, compatibility, and ease of use.
• Check System Requirements. Ensure your computer meets the requirements for running the webcam software smoothly.
• Adjust Camera Settings. Calibrate your webcam settings for optimal brightness, contrast, and focus to improve video quality.
• Test Audio and Video. Before recording or streaming, test your webcam and microphone to ensure they are working properly.
• Use Good Lighting. Position yourself in a well-lit area to avoid shadows and improve video clarity.
• Frame Your Shot. Position the webcam at eye level and frame yourself appropriately within the shot to maintain professionalism.
• Minimize Background Distractions. Choose a clean, clutter-free background to keep the focus on you during recordings or video calls.
• Practice Speaking Clearly. Speak clearly and at an appropriate volume to ensure your message is easily understood.
• Consider Privacy. Be mindful of what is visible in the background and avoid sharing sensitive or personal information during recordings or streams.
• Use Screen Sharing. Take advantage of screen sharing features to showcase presentations, documents, or demonstrations during video calls or recordings.
• Utilize Effects and Filters. Enhance your videos with fun effects or filters, but use them sparingly to maintain professionalism.
• Monitor Resources. Keep an eye on CPU and memory usage to ensure smooth performance, especially when running other applications simultaneously.
• Save and Backup Recordings. Regularly save and backup recordings to prevent data loss in case of technical issues or accidental deletion.
• Stay Updated. Keep your webcam software and drivers up to date to access the latest features and improvements.
• Seek Feedback. Review your recordings or streams for areas of improvement and seek feedback from colleagues or peers to refine your presentation skills.

FAQ

What format should I use for recording my webcam video?

Common formats include MP4, AVI, and MOV. MP4 is widely used due to its balance between quality and file size.

Can I capture a webcam video without audio?

Yes, you can choose to capture video only or adjust the settings in your recording software to exclude audio.

Is it possible to record a webcam video directly to streaming platforms?

Yes, tools like OBS Studio allow you to stream to YouTube, Twitch, Facebook Live, etc.

How do I record a webcam video with a green screen?

Set up your green screen, configure your webcam software to recognize it, and adjust the chroma key settings to remove the background.

Screen Recorder

Easy to use free screen recorder for PC. Record desktop, take screenshots, upload the created content to the cloud for easy and fast sharing.

Free Download

Conclusion on webcam software review

To wrap things up, finding the right webcam recording software could be a wild goose chase. Nevertheless, it doesn’t have to be! Depending on your needs - as a professional streamer or just a casual user - there are many options available. Simple, reliable, free, with additional features - they are everything you’ll need.

I hope that with this article, you were able to find the best webcam recording app that fits your goals. Hand out instructions to your team members or just share your gaming moments or thoughts with the entire world.

Have a happy recording session!

Rean Uehara

Expert Tech Writer

Rean is a tech enthusiast, digital marketer, operations specialist, and eCommerce coach who focuses on distributed teams. He began working remotely on web-related projects in 2010 and has never looked back. His articles published on Hongkiat, so his authoritative opinion on technology can be fully trusted.