Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off). Updated August 2023: We've added the Logitech Brio 300, Brio 500, Obsbot Tiny 2, and Creative Labs Live! Cam Sync 4K. Be sure to check out our Best Hubs and Docks guide if you need more ports to plug a webcam in. Alternatively, there are easy ways to upgrade your video quality by using your smartphone or a professional camera (if you have one) as a webcam. We've been testing tons of webcams over the years in search of the best. Even though newer Windows laptops and MacBooks have built-in webcams with 1080p resolution, you'll make a better onscreen impression if you upgrade to a standalone model. You may as well look your best by using the right webcam. The Jetsons predicted it, but it doesn't make it any easier to start a panel of disembodied heads several times a week.
It's an unverifiable fact that any time not spent on Zoom these days is time spent on Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, WebX, or Skype (don't quote me on that). For all I know, you're Zooming right now as you read this.
Zoom is an inevitable fixture of post-pandemic life.