Webcam Apps for Laptops That Stream a Live Feed
If you regularly use your computer's webcam to record videos, live stream, or video chat, you may struggle to obtain the picture quality and streaming speed you need. You may also wish to apply video effects and filters in real-time, similar to ones you can utilize in video editing software.
Thankfully, the best free webcam software makes it easy to enhance your video streaming quality while also allowing you to apply filters, stickers, and fun effects to liven up your video calls. They're also compatible with the most popular streaming services like Twitch, YouTube Live, and Facebook Live.
Continue reading to learn about the top five free webcam software available for Windows devices.
- Top 3 Free Webcam Software Snapshot
- Why Do You Need Webcam Software?
- 11 Best Free Webcam Software for Windows PC in 2022
- YouCam - Best Overall
- Webcamoid - Best for Lighting Adjustment
- ManyCam - Best for Using Multiple Video Sources
- NVIDIA Broadcast - Best AI-Enhanced Software
- Magic Camera - Best for Customizable Effects
- Logitech Capture - Best All-In-One Software
- Debut Video Capture Software - Best for Screen Recording
- Yawcam - Best for Security
- Bandicam - Best for Gamers
- Windows Camera - Simplest Software
- Webcam Toy - Best for Screenshots
- Best Free Webcam Software Comparison Chart
- How to Use a Free Webcam Software
- Download the Best Webcam Software for Free
- Free Webcam Software FAQ
Top 3 Free Webcam Software Snapshot
1. YouCam - Best Overall
This free webcam software includes an impressive selection of video effects, animated emojis, beautifying tools, and quality adjustments within a user-friendly interface. Detailed Review >
2. Webcamoid - Best for Lighting Adjustment
An open-source, cross-platform, and completely free webcam software with lots of tools to customize lighting and camera settings. Detailed Review >
3. ManyCam - Best for Using Multiple Video Sources
A free webcam software that specializes in creating live videos from multiple video sources and seamlessly switching from one to another. Detailed Review >
Why Do You Need Webcam Software?
If you already use your computer's built-in webcam for video chats with your coworkers or live streams to Twitch, you may also be wondering why you would need free webcam software. While external webcam software isn't necessary to operate your webcam, it can provide several benefits to improve your video-capturing experience.
The best free webcam software lets you add titles and images to your webcam feed, allowing you to create more professional and engaging videos for business conferences or casual streams. These programs also include video effect filters that you can use to enhance your video quality and appearance.
Best of all, the most intuitive free webcam software makes automatic adjustments to your video calls and streams. As a result, you won't need to waste time messing around with their controls while you're in a conference with a coworker or streaming to your fans. Instead, you can simply trust these programs to do the work for you.
There are numerous webcam software programs available that provide all the features you need without a hefty price tag. Read more below for the summary of our top recommendations.
11 Best Free Webcam Software for Windows PC in 2022
1. YouCam - Best Overall
Compatibility: Windows
Overall Rating: 10/10
Live Streaming Tools & Effects: 10/10
Price: Free
*Subscription plan available for $4.16/month
Key Features:
- Video effect filters
- Beautification tools like skin smoothing and AR makeup
- Smart face login and log-out features
- Frames and scenes
If you're looking for the best all-around free webcam software, we highly recommend YouCam.
YouCam is a free webcam software for Windows that includes various tools, features, and fun effects to use with your webcam. The software is also compatible with your favorite streaming services, such as Twitch, Facebook Live, and YouTube Live, making it an excellent tool to add to your streaming arsenal.
YouCam makes it easy to enhance your video quality, even if you have a low-resolution camera. The software uses TrueTheater™ technology to automatically adjust lighting and sharpness, creating a higher-quality video image. On top of these essential effects, YouCam also includes hundreds of fun animated emojis, particles, and distortions you can add to your feed for more engaging webcam recording sessions.
Best of all, YouCam is incredibly user-friendly, even if you have no experience using webcam software. The software features clearly labeled tools and an easy-to-navigate interface. If you ever have any questions about using a specific effect, you can find free tutorials on the YouCam learning website.
Download YouCam for free today to begin using these impressive features in your next webcam session.
YouCam
2. Webcamoid - Best for Lighting Adjustment
Image from Webcamoid
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Overall Rating: 9/10
Live Streaming Tools & Effects: 9/10
Price: Free
Key Features:
- Desktop screen capture
- Create virtual webcam
- Adjust aperture settings
- VLC playback support
Webcamoid is an open-source, free webcam software used for live streaming, screen capture, and taking photos. For a free and simple software, we found Webcamoid had a surprising number of lighting adjustments for both video and photo. Adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation by inputting an exact number, or using a slider. Automatically adjust white balance, set temperature, gain, and backlight compensation. There's even a "flash" option, which turns the screen a bright white before taking a photo.
You can also set video format, resolution, and frames per second with this free webcam software. Webcamoid also comes with easy-to-use video and photo editing tools, over 60 fun filters and effects, and face tracking.
We found Webcamoid to be simple and intuitive and packed with features. But one thing that annoyed us about this free webcam software is the lack of default settings. Every time you take a picture or video, it will ask you for a location. It is also only updated once a year, so if you are looking for free webcam software with the latest tools and effects, try YouCam, which is updated regularly.
3. ManyCam - Best for Using Multiple Video Sources
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
Overall Rating: 9/10
Live Streaming Tools & Effects: 8/10
Price: Free
*Paid versions available for $35/year for Standard, $69/year for Studio, and $79/year for Premium
Key Features:
- Remove, replace or blur backgrounds
- Beautification tools
- Stream in 4K resolution
- Save recorded videos for future use
Like its name suggests, ManyCam is a great tool for creating live videos from many different video sources. In fact, you can use video from up to 200 sources including webcam, photos, apps, your computer screen, pre-recorded videos, and more. In our test, we found it easy to switch between sources during live streaming.
ManyCam also comes with many ways to add layers to your streams. Add a video source or a graphic overlay like lower thirds and make adjustments like rounded corners and opacity. There are also multiple templates for adding picture-in-picture layers with this free webcam software.
Though ManyCam has a ton of great features, it is missing light enhancement features. If lighting is something you like to control on your webcam videos, try the equally feature-rich YouCam or Webinoid instead. Also, ManyCam saves the best features for its pricier versions. For instance, even if you pay for Standard, you can't get background removal and can only add up to 4 video sources.
4. NVIDIA Broadcast - Best AI-Enhanced Software
Image from XOER
Compatibility: Windows
Overall Rating: 8/10
Live Streaming Tools & Effects: 8/10
Price: Free
Key Features:
- Echo removal
- Reverb removal
- Background removal and replacement
- Blur effects
NVIDIA Broadcast is a powerful tool that can allow you to step up your video streaming and conferencing game. NVIDIA includes several impressive AI tools that enhance your video quality and engagement. For example, you can automatically remove visual noise, seamlessly apply virtual backgrounds, automatically frame yourself as you move throughout the camera's range, and more.
We tried the AI-powered Noise Removal tool in a crowded location and found it easy to eliminate even the loudest background noise. This program includes tools to enhance your video, microphone, and speaker quality, allowing you to create an all-around first-rate experience for viewers and coworkers.
However, one of NVIDIA Broadcast's most significant downsides is its compatibility. You must have an RTX graphics card to operate this program on your computer. These cards can be pricey, so adding NVIDIA Broadcast to your toolset may get expensive if you don't already have one. It also lacks the creative bells and whistles found in our top 3 free webcam software.
5. Magic Camera - Best for Customizable Effects
Image from shiningmorning
Compatibility: Windows
Overall Rating: 7/10
Live Streaming Tools & Effects: 8/10
Price: Free trial, then $19.95 for a 1-year license, $29.95 for a Standard license, $59.95 for a Family License, and $399 for a Site License
Key Features:
- Flash and GIF animations
- Picture-in-Picture
- Frames
- Replace background
Magic Camera is a free webcam software used for adding fun effects to webcam footage and video chats. It comes with tons of effects, and you can change the position, size, and transparency of most of them. You can even download more webcam effects packages for free from the site.
Paint, doodle, or type text directly onto the screen with this free webcam software. We had fun testing the cool transformation effects and added funny masks, hats, glasses, and more with facial tracking. Other features include image and video overlay and screen recording.
Magic Camera is a fun tool to use when video chatting with friends. It is not a good fit, however for anything in a professional setting, such as webinars or virtual meetings. If you want all the fun effects plus live streaming for business purposes, check out one of our top 4 free webcam software, like YouCam or NVIDIA Broadcast.
6. Logitech Capture - Best All-In-One Software
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
Overall Rating: 7/10
Live Streaming Tools & Effects: 6/10
Price: Free
Key Features:
- Filters and borders
- Transitions
- Chroma Key
- Camera customization
Logitech Capture is a free webcam software you can use alongside a Logitech webcam. This software allows you to make live adjustments to your video feed, making it ideal for live streaming and video conferencing. We loved that it also includes editing features and tools akin to video editing software, providing an all-in-one video-capturing experience.
This program allows you to record multiple sources, enabling picture-in-picture or side-by-side displays. You can efficiently utilize Logitech Capture as your camera source while streaming to Youtube, Twitch, and Facebook Live via OBS Studio. In addition, you can apply live text overlays while streaming, then add studio-style effects after you finish recording.
However, Logitech Capture's capabilities are limited in live streaming features and effects. You can only use this free webcam software alongside a Logitech webcam. If you don't own one and need a program to make live adjustments to your webcam feed, try YouCam or ManyCam.
7. Debut Video Capture Software - Best for Screen Recording
Image from NCH Software
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
Overall Rating: 6/10
Live Streaming Tools & Effects: 5/10
Price: Free
*Premium versions available for $50 for Home Edition and $60 for Pro Edition
Key Features:
- Watermark/Logo tool
- Background Remover
- Recording scheduler
- 3 Video filters
Debut Video Capture Software is a free webcam software and screen recorder. Debut offers a video overlay that lets you simultaneously record your screen and webcam footage. You can choose to record your entire screen or just a selected portion and supports multi-screen recording.
If you are looking for simple webcam software without any frills, then Debut Video Capture software is for you. It is easy to use and has only a few effects, so the UI is clutter-free. Adjust the video resolution, size, and frame rate, and make color adjustments before recording.
While Debut Video Capture Software has some great screen recording features, we found it lacked live streaming features and only offers a few adjustment tools. If you are looking for free webcam software with more effects, try one of our top 5 choices.
8. Yawcam - Best for Security
Image from fixthephoto
Compatibility: Windows
Overall Rating: 6/10
Live Streaming Tools & Effects: 4/10
Price: Free
Key Features:
- Image-to-movie converter
- Image snapshots
- Built-in web server
- Scheduler for online time
Yawcam is a completely free webcam software for Windows that is easy to use with a clean and simple interface. It comes with a motion detection feature and will email the owner if there is activity in front of the webcam. The software also adds another layer of security with password protection.
With this free webcam software, you can add text and image overlay. It doesn't offer a lot in the way of color and image adjustment, but there is a slider to change the percentage of image quality, which we found worked just as well.
Yawcam stands for Yet Another WebCAM software, and that about sums it up. The makers of this software wanted something free and easy for people who just need the typical webcam features, and they definitely deliver. However, if you want something with more effects and transitions, try Magic Camera or YouCam.
9. Bandicam - Best for Gamers
Image from Bandicam
Compatibility: Windows
Overall Rating: 5/10
Live Streaming Tools & Effects: 5/10
Price: Free
*Premium versions available for $39.95 for a 1-PC License and $59.96 for a 2-PC License.
Key Features:
- Mouse effects
- Merge and cut videos
- Schedule recordings
- Real-time drawing
Bandicam is a free webcam software and screen recorder that is a great choice for gamers because you can record from Xbox or PlayStation with a high compression ratio. Capture games that use DirectX or Vulcan graphics in amazing quality and add webcam footage of your face with chroma key technology and picture-in-picture.
In our test, we found we could change the PiP border shape when we incorporated webcam overlay, which added a fun level of personalization to our streams. Record live-streamed videos for up to 24 hours, then edit captured video. You can also set up your webcam to automatically stop recording based on recording time or file size.
Bandicam comes with lots of screen recording features and is an excellent choice for gamers of any level. However, it does not have many webcam effects to use while live streaming. If you want webcam effects for live streams, you should go with one of our top free webcam software, like YouCam.
10. Windows Camera - Simplest Software
Compatibility: Windows
Overall Rating: 5/10
Live Streaming Tools & Effects: 4/10
Price: Free
Key Features:
- Framing grid
- HDR support
- Photo timer
- Time-lapse mode
Windows Camera is a camera software compatible with Windows devices, including PCs and tablets. This software lets you take photos and videos using your device's webcam, making it easy to snap quick photos while at work or during a gaming session.
This software is an excellent addition to your arsenal if you plan to take photos and videos on your laptop or tablet. Windows Camera can allow you to stitch video clips automatically, back up your photos to OneDrive, scan documents, and even utilize digital video stabilization features.
While Windows Camera can allow you to take high-quality photos and record videos with your webcam, it does not have any live streaming capabilities. As a result, we found this camera app didn't improve our video quality while video conferencing or live streaming video. It also lacks all the fun filters, frames, animations, and effects found in YouCam, Many Cam, and Magic Camera.
11. Webcam Toy - Best for Screenshots
Compatibility: Web Browser
Overall Rating: 5/10
Live Streaming Tools & Effects: 3/10
Price: Free
Key Features:
- Countdown timer
- Flash
- Fullscreen or Square options
- Split-screen
Webcam Toy is simple, user-friendly webcam software that allows you to edit photos you've taken with your computer's webcam. This program is browser-based, so you won't need to download any software to utilize its features. Instead, you'll simply need to allow the website to use your computer's camera, then begin snapping and editing photos instantly.
Webcam Toy includes over 80 filters and effects that you can apply to your webcam photos. You can add retro filters, change the coloring and lighting, create a vintage appearance, make collages of four images, and more. You can also use keyboard shortcuts to streamline your photo-capturing process.
While WebCam Toy has an extensive range of photo effects, it does not have any video or live-streaming features. As a result, this webcam software will only suit your needs if you limit your webcam use to capturing images.
Best Free Webcam Software Comparison Chart
YouCam vs
Webcamoid
ManyCam
NVIDIA Broadcast
Magic Camera
Logitech Capture
Debut Video Capture Software
Yawcam
Bandicam
Windows Camera
Webcam Toy
OS
Windows
-
Beginner-friendly
Yes
-
Animated Emojis and Text
Yes
-
Beauty Touch Up Tools
Yes
-
Other Key Features
Compatibility with popular streaming services; video effect filters; face login; business presentation recording; remove background
-
How to Use a Free Webcam Software
The best webcam softwares are incredibly user-friendly and easy to navigate, making them accessible even if you've never used a webcam program before. If you're wondering how to use YouCam, our top choice for free webcam software, download it below and follow the instructions.
How to Record a Video and Take a Photo With YouCam
- Click Start in the bottom left corner of your screen, then select YouCam in the menu.
- In the software, you will see various buttons and tools. Click the Snapshot button to capture a photo with your webcam.
- If you'd like to record a video through YouCam, click Capture. Once you're finished recording, click Stop.
- If you'd like to use YouCam as a screen recorder, click the Desktop icon.
Specify whether you would like the program to capture the entire screen or a fixed area.
How to Video Chat With YouCam
If you'd like to use YouCam with a video call program like Skype or YouTube Live, you can follow these steps:
- Begin a new video call in your desired program, such as Skype, Zoom, Facebook Live, etc.
- Access your settings for the video conferencing program.
- Select CyberLink YouCam 10 as your webcam in the drop-down menu rather than your computer's built-in webcam.
- Save your changes.
- Open YouCam and select any effects or features you would like to apply to your camera feed. Your video will reflect these changes within your streaming software.
YouCam's intuitive interface makes it easy to become familiar with its tools and feel confident using its features to your fullest advantage. If you would like to learn more about how to use this free webcam software, visit the YouCam Learning Center.
Download the Best Webcam Software for Free
Your computer's built-in webcam software probably does not contain all the features you need to optimize your photos, videos, and streams. Instead, utilizing a high-quality webcam software for streaming and video conferencing can allow you to enhance your video quality and make your videos look more engaging and professional.
While all of the software on our list include high-tech features that can improve your camera quality, our top choice overall is YouCam. YouCam features a range of live video effects that you can apply to your webcam videos while streaming or video chatting. You can use this free software to enhance your appearance, improve your video quality, use fun animated emojis, add animated text, and more.
Download YouCam today to try these game-changing webcam features for yourself.
YouCam
Free Webcam Software FAQ
1. Do I Need a Software for Webcams?
You do not need to download external software to operate your computer's webcam. However, utilizing webcam software can allow you to improve your webcam's features and complete a range of other functions.
First, webcam softwares can allow you to make real-time adjustments to your video feed while streaming or conferencing with others. These effects are beneficial if you're trying to increase your user engagement on streaming platforms like Twitch, YouTube Live, and Facebook Live. Using webcam software tools can make your video feed more engaging and exciting, bringing in more viewers.
Additionally, the best webcam software can make your video feed look more professional while conferencing for work. You can add beautifying effects to touch up your appearance, brighten up the video quality, add text with your name and work title, and more.
These programs can also be helpful for photo and video capturing. If you take a lot of images using your webcam, you can use webcam software to improve your image quality and apply filters and effects to enhance your photos.
Best of all, the webcam programs on our list are all free to download. As a result, there's no real reason not to use these programs to your advantage.
2. What Are the Best Webcams?
While most modern laptops come with a built-in camera, in many cases, this camera is relatively low-quality with a poor frame rate. If you use your webcam frequently, you may want to invest in an external webcam that provides better quality and speed.
The top five webcams are:
- Logitech C922
- Poly Studio P5
- Logitech Brio
- Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000
- Razer Kiyo Pro
3. What Features Should I Look For in a Free Webcam Software?
The top ten features you should look for in a free webcam software are:
- A user-friendly interface
- Real-time video effects
- Animated text tools
- Makeup and beautifying effects
- Compatibility with most webcams
- Automatic brightness, contrast, and noise reduction adjustments
- Face login
- Picture-in-picture and side-by-side display options
- Frames and stickers
- Animated emojis
If you're looking for a free webcam software that checks all of these boxes, we recommend YouCam.
4. How Do I Use a DSLR as a Webcam?
If you'd rather not use your computer's built-in webcam, you can also use a DSLR camera as a webcam.
DSLR cameras typically offer much better resolution and video quality than built-in webcams.
Additionally, if you already have a DSLR on hand, you won't need to waste money purchasing a webcam as well.
Thankfully, using a DSLR as a webcam isn't too complicated. Many DSLR cameras come with free software that you can use to transform your camera into a webcam.
However, if you do not have this software, you can instead use a video capture device to connect your camera to your computer.
Here are the steps to follow to use your DSLR as a webcam with a video capture device:
- Connect your DSLR to your computer using a USB cable, HDMI cable, or via a video capture device.
- Open your desired webcam or streaming program and navigate its settings.
- Select your DSLR as your camera in the settings.
Need more assistance? Check out How to Use DSLR as a Webcam.
Source: https://www.cyberlink.com/blog/streaming-software/1104/best-free-webcam-software
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