What is webcam software?
You may have already heard about a 'webcam'? Well, it is a type of video camera that helps you to stream a video or image to a computer network in real time. These camera devices are mostly perched on top of the monitors, if you are using a traditional model. Now, a webcam software is what allows a user to live stream or record a streaming video using the internet. It can make your live-streaming video more smoothly and with a high-quality images/videos.
With more people switching to remote work every day and in-person meetings switching to digital meetings, the need for good webcam software cannot be understated. Also, if you are a content creator that creates live streams, the odds are that you need good webcam software to ensure your live streams are seamless and of high quality. Webcam software allows you to capture video footage from your laptop or desktop camera. A number of them feature different effects and editing tools that some people are drawn to.
These software allow users to create and edit professional streams, videos, and online courses seamlessly, and you can use it to record videos in multiple file formats. Different webcam software are available, and it can be quite daunting to choose the right one. This article will discuss the best webcam software for desktops and laptops, highlighting their different features, prices, pros, and cons to make your decision easier. So, let’s get right to it.
- Part 1. The 6 Best Free Webcam Software for Windows
- Part 2: Top 6 Free Streaming Webcam Software for Mac
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1. Filmora Video Editor
Filmora is the perfect option if you want software that allows you to record your computer screen and webcam footage simultaneously.
Platforms Supported: macOS and Windows
Filmora is a webcam and video editing software that enables users to record streaming videos, presentations, tutorials, and other types of videos on their desktop or laptop. This software offers advanced editing features like custom animations, speed control, motion tracking, masking, split-screen effects, and colour correction. I particularly liked the green screen feature that allowed me to change my background and create custom effects. This free-to-download software lets you capture any part of your computer screen and edit videos with annotation tools and texts.
Pricing
Filmora's pricing plan differs by the type of user as there are separate plans for individuals, teams, businesses, students, and educational organizations. There is a 7-day free trial, and the individual pricing plan starts at $49.99 per year. Our website, iSkysoft (an authorized reseller of Wondershare), offers better prices (from $39.99/year to $69.99 for lifetime), you can check it out.
Pros
- No resolution or frame rate limitation
- It is Apple M1 compatible
- Supports over 50 file types
- Intuitive user interface
Cons
- It only offers a 7-day trial version
How to Download
2. YouCam
If you are looking for a webcam software that you can sync with different video conferencing and live streaming platforms like Skype, Google Hangouts, Zoom, YouTube Live, and Twitch, you should opt for YouCam.
Platforms Supported: Windows
YouCam is one of the best webcam software for live streaming and video conferencing, as it enables you to edit your videos seamlessly. It is especially a favorite of everyone who is fond of video recording and video chatting mainly because there are more than 200 fun effects. You can use this software to add customized images and texts to your live stream videos, like promotional messages and advertising. It also features effects like animated emojis, filters, AR makeup (YouCam comes with a brilliant AR technology that makes you look better on screen), lighting, and skin smoothing. All of these are going to make the real-time videos more exciting than ever before. It is a great choice for YouTubers, vloggers, business professionals, home users, and streamers too. I liked the feature that allowed me to turn my PowerPoint slides into an engaging video presentation. Plus, the streaming is effortless on channels such as Twitch, YouTube Live, Wirecast, Xsplit, Facebook Live, and OBS Studio.
Pricing
YouCam offers a free 30-day trial, after which you have to purchase a paid version for $34.99
Supported file formats: WMV, AVI, and MP4
Pros
- It syncs with different video conferencing platforms
- Easy to Use
- It offers a wide range of effects and editing tools
- It supports 240p to full HD resolution
- The face-recognition login serves as a good security measure
- It supports recording videos in AVI, MP4, and WMV
Cons
- The free 30-day trial version has limited features
How to Download
3. Logitech Capture
Logitech Capture is the best choice for you if you want software that allows you to record video from different sources, like two webcams or a webcam and a desktop, simultaneously.
Platforms Supported: MacOS and Windows
Logitech Capture is still one of the few webcam software that comes with a studio controls feature that you can enable during a live recording. This webcam software is perfect for all Logitech webcam users as it offers a range of features that allow users to record, edit, and customize their videos seamlessly. Some features include filters, transitions, chroma key, borders, broadcast capabilities, motion detection, text overlays, and sensitivity adjustment. A major selling point of this software is that it allows you to record vertical videos optimized for mobile viewing. Besides, you can use Logitech Capture to create picture-in-picture presentations seamlessly, and its auto-focus features enable you to record tutorials with ease.
Pricing
This software is free to use.
Supported file formats: 1080P PRO STREAM, BRIO STREAM, C920s HD PRO, C922 PRO STREAM
Pros
- Easy and free to use
- Supports vertical format recording
- No complex encoder is needed for live streaming on major platforms
- It directly integrates with Facebook Live, YouTube Live, and Twitch
- No resolution or frame rate limitation
Cons
- It only works with select Logitech webcams
- Account registration is compulsory
- Supports only single audio input
- It does not work with Apple M1, M1 Pro and M! max computers
How to Download
4. Yawcam
If you are looking for a simple webcam software with an in-built webserver to stream and record videos for personal use, you should opt for Yawcam.
Platforms Supported: Windows
The word Yawcam is the short form of Yet Another Web Camera and this software solves the purpose pretty well. This webcam software is written entirely in Java, and it can replace the default camera software on your computer. A major selling point of this software is the simple user interface that makes it easy for beginners to navigate through. It is a great option for you as a beginner to get into action with some real video recording or streaming. The commands are all in simple language, and so it becomes easier to navigate too. Although it doesn't have as many features as other webcam software, some prominent features include motion detection, an online time scheduler, image to movie converter, screen recorder, an in-built web server, and surveillance mode. You can use this Yawcam to video stream, create time-lapse videos, and add text overlays.
Pricing
This webcam software is completely free to use
Supported file formats: PNG, JPG, MJPEG, GIF, JavaScript
Pros
- Easy-to-use user-interface
- Users can protect their videos and images with a password
- It supports PNG, JPG, JavaScript, GIF, and MJPEG file formats.
Cons
- It lacks features
How to Download
5. SplitCam
SplitCam is the best software for you if you want to use your webcam for multiple applications simultaneously and add effects to your live streams in real-time.
Platforms Supported: Windows and MacOS
SplitCam is a beginner-friendly webcam software that enables you to live stream seamlessly. You can use it to add audio and video effects and filters to your video chats and live videos. The splitting feature of this software allows you to stream your videos in different resolutions, from standard to 4K. A major selling point is that SplitCam works with Skype, YouTube, Facebook, and Yahoo Messenger. With this software, you can change your background and stream video files, desktops, webcam, or slideshow.
Pricing
This software is free to use.
Supported File Formats: WEBP, PNG, GIF
Pros
- Easy video customization
- Free to download
- It offers a wide variety of filters
- It supports HD video broadcast and resolutions
- Video splitting
Cons
- It is not integrated with Instagram and Facebook
- No defined supported file formats
How to Download
6. Windows Camera
Opt for Windows Camera if you do not like third-party software and want a free in-built application packed with multiple features.
Platforms Supported: Windows
The minimalistic pattern and user-friendly interface is what makes it a preferred choice for the maximum. No download is necessary for this software as it is in-built into Windows 10. All the features that are available on the Windows Camera software are designed by experts. It captures images in 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios, and it can only record videos of 30FPS in three resolutions, 360P, HD, and Full HD. I like the burst shots feature that allows multiple pictures to come out in succession. The photoshoot time enables users to take perfectly times passports and pictures. This software allows you to pause and resume shooting your video anytime, and it features video stitching, video stabilizer, and panorama mode.
Pricing
This software is usually pre-installed on Windows computers, and it is free to use.
Supported file formats: Xbox One, mobile, and Windows
Pros
- Simple user interface
- It is free and in-built
- Beginner-friendly
Cons
- It doesn’t have a lot of effects and editing tools
- Frame rate and resolution limitations
- No built-in virtual webcam
- No screen recording
How to Download
7. NCH Debut Video Capture Software
If you are looking for a webcam software that offers diverse features like video output optimization, screen capturing, motion detection, and image or text overlay, opt for Debut.
Platforms Supported: MacOS and Windows
This software allows you to record videos and edit them using colour settings, saturation, contrast, video filters, timestamps, text, and other features. You can also customize your video using the watermark tool and add captions to your videos. The main selling point of this software is that it allows users to record screen activity in 11:9, 16:3, and 4:3 aspect ratios in different resolutions. Besides, you can use this software to capture video from a webcam, video input devices, and a network IP camera.
Pricing
Debut offers a free version, Pro Edition and a Home Edition, with the Pro going for $34.99 and the Homegoing for $29.99 per month.
Supported file formats:: AVI, FLV, MOV, WMV, MPG, MP4
Pros
- It offers multiple features
- Intuitive user interface
- It supports JPG, PNG, AVI, MKV, WOV, and FLV file formats
- It supports varying resolutions ranging from 144P to HD
- It offers a Green Screen tool that enables background replacement
Cons
- Frame rate is limited to 30FPS
- Watermark on videos made with the free version
How to Download
8. OBS Studio
OBS Studio is the best choice for you if you are a streamer looking for webcam software that offers you different plugins like VSR and OBS Live to maximize the quality of your live streams.
Platforms Supported: Linux, MacOS, and Windows
OBS Studio is a free webcam software that you can use for live streaming and video recording, as it offers real-time video capturing and mixing. Users can use this software to combine multiple sources like images, browser windows, text, window captures, and others to create scenes. Another selling point of OBS Studio is that users can seamlessly switch between different scenes using custom transitions. You can also use it as a virtual camera, enabling you to use it on third-party video conferencing platforms.
Pricing
This software is free to use.
Pros
- It offers multiple features
- It supports picture in picture functionality
- It is free to use
- Real-time video capturing
- It supports multiple plugins
Cons
- The user interface is not intuitive
How to Download
9.Webcamoid
Webcamoid is the best option if you are looking for webcam software that can enhance the video and audio quality of your live streaming or video conference.
Platforms Supported: Linux, MacOS, and Windows
Webcamoid is a standard webcam software that enables users to carry out live streaming, video chatting, and desktop image capturing with ease. This software's intuitive features make it easy to use, and you can use it to adjust the video quality. I enjoyed using this software because of its intuitive user interface. However, compared to other webcam software, this one still has some catching up to do. What's more, this software can work on Windows and Linux as well apart from just Mac.
Pricing
This software is free to use.
Supported file formats: 3GP, MPEG 2, , 3GP2, MP4, FLV, AVI, F4V 3GP, MPEG 2, , 3GP2, MP4, FLV, AVI, F4V
Pros
- Easy to use user-interface
- It allows audio and video editing
- It is free
- It offers multiple effects
- Desktop, network or local device capture
Cons
- Limited features
How to Download
Final Thought
Now that you have gone through both the lists, we are sure that you have a better understanding of the best webcam software that should be more suitable for you. Work will surely become a cakewalk when you have a solid software to support all the live-streaming during an important meeting. So, we would love to know which one suits you the best, and it will also be a suggestion for others. Leave a comment below to tell us what you liked in the list!
