The best webcam makes you look your best -- for less. Most laptops ship with a 720p webcam, so a 1080p webcam or even a 4K webcam can make you stand out by comparison. I haven't tested every one of these webcams, just most of them -- and I describe how I test under my recommendations. You can also refer to my separate story on the best Windows Hello webcams for recommendations that aid videoconferencing and log you into your PC. Two recommendations from that list -- a premium and budget option -- appear on this list. Why you should trust me: PCWorld has been testing PC hardware since the 1980s, and I've been a technology journalist for 30 years, with extensive experience in reviewing PC hardware. When it comes to webcams, my recommendations are based on hands-on testing in real-world scenarios. I also tap the expertise and published reviews of my counterparts in Sweden and Germany to offer a comprehensive view of the current webcam landscape. The Anker PowerConf C200 offers an affordable yet substantial upgrade from the 720p cameras found in most laptop webcams to a 1440p webcam, yet does so at an affordable price.

A few well-placed security cameras can help you keep an eye on your property wherever you are. Arlo, maker of some of our favorite home security gadgets, has jumped ahead of Black Friday with its own suite of deals on security cameras and video doorbells right now. We've noted the best deals of the lot on the gear we've tested and like. Most of these deals will expire on November 5, 2023. Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com, full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters.

Probably no other hardware category has seen such rapid improvements as webcams, thanks to the work-from-home zeitgeist spurred on by the pandemic. Manufacturers now realize that 1080p resolution, proper lighting, and improved audio are quickly becoming basic requirements. Premium options often go far beyond. However, most laptops still ship with a 720p webcam, so a 1080p webcam can be a step up--what better way to stand out from the pack on your next Teams call? There are even premium models with integrated ring lights for a few dollars more. Other, more expensive options feature 4K resolution or higher refresh rates, which will make a noticeable difference to both you, your friends, and your colleagues. We haven't tested every one of these webcams, but we've selected out the best webcams based on specs and bundled extras, including our own reviews. You can also refer to our separate story on the best Windows Hello webcams to buy a webcam for videoconferencing and to log you in to your PC.

Specialized webcams that support Windows Hello are still, surprisingly, rare. Microsoft's secure-login system using fingerprint, biometric, and facial recognition technology is, after all, a unique feature of Windows 10 and Windows 11. It makes sense users would want to pair a desktop PC or older laptop with a Windows Hello-compatible camera in order to get its convenient security benefits. You might think that Microsoft's just-announced Modern Webcam would be an option, but, alas, it offers no Windows Hello support! That omission is even weirder given that Microsoft's Windows 10 21H1 release prioritizes external, Windows Hello-enabled webcams over the integrated laptop camera.

Alexa has had a lot of explaining to do. Since Amazon's voice assistant debuted in 2014, the company has convinced millions of people to invite Alexa into their homes. They use it to play music, serve up the news and answer trivia questions. This year, though, the online retailing giant faced a backlash after news broke that human reviewers were sometimes listening to recordings of users' private conversations with Alexa. Those privacy problems will likely cast a shadow on Amazon's annual product launch, which takes place Wednesday in Seattle. There, the company is expected to unveil the latest devices in its Alexa-powered Echo speaker lineup.