Budget Webcams

Webcams under $40

Reviewers describe the best budget webcams (typically in the vicinity of $40) as "adequate" or "acceptable." The major difference between cheap, mid-priced and high-end webcams is that budget models usually don't have a microphone, and they feature plastic lenses, which reduce image clarity. Higher-end webcams also have video and audio enhancement technologies. They also usually come with built-in or headset microphones (often both).

The Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000 (*Est. $35) gets some of the best press for a budget webcam. CNET's Matthew Elliott finds the VX-5000 to be a big improvement on earlier LifeCam models, and notes that it has better image quality than the integrated camera on his MacBook. Elliott also points out that the LifeCam VX-5000 performs surprisingly well in low light. PCMag's John Brandon finds it good for basic video chats (with image quality comparable to the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000), but is dismayed that some features only work with Microsoft Messenger.

The LifeCam VX-5000 has a 640-by-480-pixel resolution for video, and up to 1.3 megapixels for still shots. The camera is mounted on a flexible "tail," that can be bent into a stand or clamp. Reviewers find the stand has enough heft to be an effective counterbalance. The stand and camera body are black, but the camera itself has a ring of trim that comes in one of three colors: red, blue or green.

The Microsoft LifeCam VX-5500 (*Est. $45) is a newer variant on the VX-5000. It has the same camera and body, but boasts a different base and three interchangeable color faceplates. As with other new Microsoft webcams, reviewers are impressed with the better video effects on this webcam, but still find Microsoft's LifeCam application a disappointment. The older VX-5000 costs less, however.

Another even lower-priced option is the Hercules Deluxe Optical Glass (*Est. $25). Rick Broida of PCMag.com writes that the Deluxe Optical Glass is innovatively designed and sturdy, adding that it's equipped with a glass lens, integrated microphone and headset, all of which are pleasantly surprising pluses in this lowest-budget range. Even more surprising, he notes that the audio quality on the Deluxe Optical Glass is just as good as in higher priced webcams. When it comes to video performance, however, the Deluxe Optical Glass shows its bargain roots -- the manual focus is difficult to use and image quality is not great.