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The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly altered many aspects of our work lives. Most notably, it’s introduced remote work as a necessity for many organizations to maintain business continuity.
With remote work becoming a mainstay, there has come the need for conference rooms to easily connect with users in their home offices, living rooms, and anywhere else they may be working today.
The best conference room webcam can help capture all of your meeting’s audio and video, even in a large conference room.
Editor’s Choice
Meeting Owl Pro
See and hear the whole room with immersive 360º views. Smart webcam with AI-powered learning technology and pairing for larger conference rooms. Looks great too.
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Whether you’re using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, or any of the other popular video conferencing software, the right webcam can help your remote attendees feel like they’re in the room with the rest of the team.
Conference room webcams are different from regular webcams in a couple of ways. Some conference room webcams offer features like wide angle, adjustable lenses; smart software for easy remote management; and various mounting options to work best in your conference room.
Some conferencing cameras even use AI technology for face tracking to track subjects, blur the background, and reduce background noise. The technology in these cameras is really amazing.
In this guide, we’ll discuss some of the best conference room webcam options of the year. We’ll also provide you with some tips on choosing the best one for your needs and setting it up for the best results.
So, let’s take a look at some of the best conferencing camera solutions on the market today.
What is the Best Conference Room Webcam in 2024?
Meeting Owl Pro
Pros
Modern design with a 360º camera
AI-powered technology improves product over time
Can be paired with Owl Connect to provide coverage over larger rooms
Out-of-the-box compatibility with most popular video conference platforms
TIME’s Best Inventions of 2020 and won CES Innovation Award in 2020 and 2021
Easily paired with additional Owl Pro devices to cover larger conference rooms
Cons
Requires a yearly software subscription
Upfront and annual costs can be hefty if you’re outfitting multiple conference rooms
When we think about conference room cameras, the standard wall-mounted camera is what comes to mind first for many of us. So if you were curious as to how the 360º camera feature works, you’re not alone.
The Meeting Owl Pro, now in its 3rd iteration, creates an immersive hybrid meeting experience in any space thanks to its 360º camera, mic and speaker, that with the help of AI, actually gets smarter over time.
Designed similar to smart speakers that many of us have in our homes today, Owl Labs’ Meeting Owl Pro is made to sit in the middle of your conference room table in the midst of the action. Its AI can easily identify the speaker and zoom in on them.
A whole host of additional features, including the option to control the camera with an iOS or Android app, make this generation of Meeting Owl Pro the best in class.
If you’ve got a larger room and invest in two Owl webcams, you can pair them so they can detect the active speaking in the room. It even modulates the speaker volume to optimise the remote listening experience, no matter where you’re standing in the room.
If your IT budget allows for it, you definitely won’t be disappointed with this impressive conference webcam from Owl Labs – you’ll see its familiar face atop the tables of all the coolest startups in Silicon Valley.
Owl Labs backs up its claims about the Meeting Owl Pro with multiple awards from TIME and CES, and it’s easy to see why. It looks and performs great, and the software upgrades means it keeps learning and getting better the more you use it.
While looking for a conferencing camera that actually looks cool may not have been at the top of your requirements, it’s nice to know there’s a product like this that will actually make your meeting room look better… or rather, won’t stick out like a sore thumb.
Highly recommended!
IPEVO TOTEM 360
Pros
360° Panoramic View
5K Video Resolution
AI Noise Reduction
Ease of Use
Compatibility
Cons
Some video feed stitching visible
Expensive
Limited use in smaller rooms
The IPEVO TOTEM 360 is another standout in the crowded field of conference room video cameras.
Its hallmark feature is a 360° panoramic view, designed to capture every meeting participant.
This makes it more than just a webcam for conference rooms; it’s an immersive conferencing solution.
With 5K video resolution, the TOTEM 360 offers impressive clarity, ensuring no detail is missed, as long as there’s sufficient lighting in the meeting room.
AI noise reduction and beamforming microphones guarantee crystal-clear audio, setting it apart as the best conference room camera where optimal sound is a priority.
The AI identifies up to four active speakers, highlighting them in individual close-ups or tracking their movement.
Compatibility with various platforms (Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, Microsoft Teams etc), and plug-and-play functionality make it a convenient solution that’s refreshingly simple to set up..
Its sleek design and portability also make it a visually appealing, versatile choice for modern businesses.
Overall, the IPEVO TOTEM 360 represents a significant advancement in video conferencing technology, blending high-tech features with user-friendly operation.
Logitech Brio
Pros
Small footprint – attaches to top of laptop or monitor
RightLight technology automatically adjusts video settings for poor lighting situations
Various video resolution options, including 4K at 30fps (frames per second)
Field of view presets range from 65º to 90º
Cons
Users have reported difficulty with the background removal software
Limited software settings leave a little to be desired
The Logitech Brio has a relatively small footprint, allowing it to be mounted on the top of your laptop or desktop monitor. It boasts a nice array of options like the ability to change the field of view (AKA zoom) and the image quality.
It also comes in at a low price point, making it a great option for consumers purchasing their own office equipment or departments outfitting teams of remote workers. However, keep in mind that you won’t be getting a Ferrari at a Toyota price point with conference room webcams.
That’s certainly not to suggest anything about its quality, but rather that it doesn’t have the bells and whistles that some of the higher-end conferencing cameras offer.
That said, Logitech is a solid name in the webcam industry, so give it a go if you’re on a tight budget.
Poly Studio X30 | Best for Small Rooms
Pros
Simple installation and easy setup – no computer connections needed
Sleek design can be mounted above or below the TV
Excellent audio quality
Remote settings and insights for remote IT management
Cons
The X30 model is good for smaller rooms with up to 6 attendees
The price point is high, especially if you’re outfitting numerous conference rooms
Poly Studio’s Studio X30 model is nicely-designed and can be easily integrated into nearly any conference room with a wall-mounted TV.
Poly is one of the main competitors to Logitech, gaining a nice foothold in the conference room webcam market with its professional solutions for small to large meeting rooms.
Your IT department will definitely appreciate the simple setup of the Poly Studio X30, which doesn’t require a dedicated PC, and its capability for remote management.
Easily connect the X30 to any of the most popular video conferencing platforms. From there, attendees both in the room and remote can share content wirelessly.
From setup to meeting end, the X30 is loaded with user-friendly features. And because of that, this camera is probably priced appropriately.
Konftel Cam20
Pros
123º field of view
4K Ultra HD video
WDR technology automatically optimizes the picture based on room lighting
Auto framing to find best field of view based on number of participants
Cons
Users have reported difficulty in achieving sharp, HD video
Not many reviews are available online
Konftel’s Cam20 conference room camera seems to be one of the more versatile conference room cameras available. It boasts a 123º field of view and uses AI to automatically crop the frame based on the number of meeting participants.
Similar to the Logitech Brio, the Cam20 can automatically adjust picture settings to account for room lighting for better image quality, even if your meeting room has poor light.
Konftel calls this their WDR technology. Exactly what that stands for is anyone’s guess!
The important thing is that, along with producing excellent video quality, it’ll help your meeting participants look great on Zoom.
What’s odd is that there aren’t many online reviews available for the Cam20. While the info on Konftel’s product page and retail sites is helpful, it’s always good to have at least a few unbiased opinions from those who have used the product.
That said, if you’re willing to take a gamble on a budget conference room webcam, you’ve got little to lose with the Cam20.
Logitech Group
Pros
All-in-one video conferencing solution
Plug-and-play setup
Optional expansion sets are available to accommodate larger room configurations
Flexible mounting options
Cons
Some users have reported ongoing audio bugs that the manufacturer has not addressed
USB is its only available connection method
The Logitech Group is, as the name suggests, a group or suite of products that gives you everything you need right out of the box: the camera, mounting bracket, remote, speakerphone, and speakers.
This out-of-the-box solution is a great fit for mid-sized meeting rooms, typical for meetings of 10~15 people.
Any more than this, and you’ll need one of the other conference room webcams on this list that cater for larger spaces, or you can purchase the expansion pack.
Logitech offers an expansion pack for larger rooms and additional meeting participants. This level of customization makes the Group a great option if you’re outfitting multiple meeting rooms of varying sizes and configurations.
The camera can pan and tilt so you can highlight speakers or presentations. Its flexible mounting options (table, wall, or tripod) allow you to position it in an optimal location without the need for any major room reconfiguration.
The remote control is another nice addition too, which allows you to control all the main functions from a distance.
Logitech Rally Bar
Pros
Flexible mounting options
Rightsight 2 technology automatically zooms and frames active participants
Exceptional audio and video quality
Nicely designed, inside and out
Cons
Hefty price tag
Few customer reviews available online
Above we used Ferrari and Toyota as a metaphor for conference camera models at very different price points. Well, here’s your Ferrari.
The Logitech Rally Bar appears to be an aggregation of all of the best features we discussed in the above conference room webcams.
Right out of the box, it’s easy to see that this was designed to be a top-of-the-line conferencing camera. Available in light grey or charcoal, you can find the model that fits best in your conference room.
Inside, the Rally Bar is busting at the seams with amazing technology and fantastic features.
Logitech’s AI provides both audio and video optimization. On the audio side, RightSound technology evens out loud and soft voices in the room while suppressing unwanted background noise. And their RightSight 2 auto-framing technology automatically highlights the action happening in the room.
As you can probably expect, the Rally Bar provides exceptional audio and video quality. No detail has been overlooked – Logitech even considered cord management to keep your room’s setup looking as sleek as the camera.
Also to be expected: a hefty price tag. But, if you want a Ferrari, then you need to be prepared to pay for it, but if your work is paying, why not invest the best for them?!
Similar to the Cam20, finding unbiased user reviews is a challenge. For this investment, you may want to seek out the opinion of current users.
Poly Studio 4K
Pros
Next-level microphone technology to limit outside sounds
Automatic framing
Cloud-based IT management
Sleek design – looks like a high-quality TV soundbar
Cons
Some users have reported dissatisfaction with the longevity of components
Warranty services seem to differ depending on where it was purchased
There’s a lot to like about the Poly Studio 4K. Right off the bat, it comes in two different models: one for small rooms with 3-5 participants and another for medium rooms with 6-10 participants.
Next, let’s talk about sound quality – both input and output. Its stereo speakers fill the room with clear audio for all participants, and its 6-microphone setup ensures your remote participants feel like they’re right in the room.
But that’s not all! Poly’s Noiseblock technology suppresses distracting background sounds, while its Acoustic Fence technology captures voices only within a user-defined radius.
In designing the Studio 4K conferencing webcam, Poly also put considerable thought into IT management. Its cloud-based Poly Lens software allows for remote management and updating of a network of Studio 4K devices. We think your IT department will appreciate this.
While the Studio 4K’s price tag is definitely budget-friendly, some users have expressed concerns about the product’s longevity.
Additionally, there seems to be some uncertainty around which warranty services are invalidated if you purchase from a third party retailer. It’s worth a bit of research before making the investment.
NexiGo StreamCam N930E
Pros
Small footprint, easily mountable on your laptop or monitor
Integrated, adjustable ring light with touch controls
Plug-and-play setup
Fast autofocus for moving subjects
Cons
Video quality is not as high as other camera options
Some users have reported dissatisfaction with how the privacy shield functions
NexiGo’s StreamCam N930E may have the biggest product name, but it’s actually one of the smaller conference room webcams on this list.
Simplicity is king with this web camera. Its low profile and small footprint allow for easy mounting and unmounting on any laptop or monitor. And its easy USB connection allows for a quick connection without the hassle of additional setup steps or software installations.
The StreamCam N930E’s integrated ring light is a fantastic addition and is one that not many of the smaller webcams offer. With a touch of the camera, users can adjust the light between its low, medium, and high settings.
While this camera probably won’t do the trick for an entire conference room, it’s a great option for remote users or small groups.
Plus, its budget-friendly price tag makes it a reasonable option if you need to deploy these to an entire team or department.
What You Should Look for in Conference Room Webcams
While conference room setups and team needs differ from organization to organization, there are a few key factors to consider when you’re shopping for a conference room webcam.
Video and audio quality could be numbers 1, 2, and 3 on this list because the audio and video quality are paramount when selecting a conference room webcam.
No matter how much you spend or what other bells and whistles a camera has, if your remote meeting participants are unable to see, hear, and understand what’s happening in the meeting room, then all your time researching and installing is for not.
Take into account the size and the configuration of your conference room, the lighting, and where the camera will be placed. You may even find that you need to adjust your room configuration a bit to achieve the best results.
Of course, as we alluded to a couple of times above, you probably shouldn’t expect mind-blowing audio and video quality or mind-blowing features at some of the more budget-friendly price points.
Design, Footprint, and Mounting Options
Think through your camera placement options before making a decision. If mounting a camera easily is not an option, you may need to consider models that can sit on the table or that come with a stand.
All of the products above are well-designed, so size may not be a deterrent to any of these. However, depending on how much space you have available, you may want to consider a camera with a smaller footprint.
And while we hope your purchase decision hinges on the technical capabilities of these models, we know that some teams and organizations are particular when it comes to conference room aesthetics.
It’s just like buying a sound bar or speakers that don’t match your TV and other components. We get that, so if your decision ultimately comes down to design and appearance, we won’t judge.
How to Set up a Conference Camera for the Best Results
For many of the models above, where in your conference room you choose to mount the camera is nearly as important a decision as choosing the camera itself.
Pro tip – if you’re unsure of placement, test out a few places and angles before drilling holes in the wall. Get buy-in from the people who’ll actually be using it from where they’ll actually be using it. Your maintenance and facilities teams will thank you.
If you choose a wall-mounted camera, it’s likely that you don’t want to be repositioning your camera very often, if at all.
Find a spot in the room that takes into account where people will be sitting in relation to the camera, the audio level from that distance, and the lighting. For these reasons, adding a camera (or multiple cameras) to large meeting rooms can be a challenge.
Leave this in the hands of your friendly (we hope) IT professional. Any organization concerned with network security will want to have eyes on how/where new devices are connected to your network and whether or not they can be easily accessed from outside the network.
Pro tip – adding this to your list of considerations is worth big points with your IT department.
There’s nothing worse than meetings being delayed 5, 10, 20 minutes or more because of technical difficulties. Although you quickly find out who in the group is brave enough to troubleshoot the issue, nobody wants to watch them fumble through wires and settings menus so your remote partners can see the conference room video.
Make it standard practice to leave easy-to-follow instructions with all of your conference room technology. Even if it’s something basic to operate, leaving some information for the users will result in fewer meeting delays and, maybe, more importantly, fewer calls to your IT help desk.
Conferencing Camera Guide: Final Words
This is an important decision, especially if you’re outfitting multiple conference areas with cameras. For management simplicity, you probably want to stick with one brand, even if you need to use different models in different locations.
Many of the cameras we explored above have varying features and capabilities. Take into consideration what you need for your team or your organization, then narrow down your camera options based on those needs.
Consult with both the end-users and whoever will be responsible for IT and network management of these cameras. Getting their buy-in upfront will be much better than hearing their concerns during or after installation.
These conference room cameras and webcams offer us an incredible range of options and cutting-edge features that were unthinkable a decade ago.
We wish you all the best in your search for your conference room webcams for your office. Leave any questions or comments below and we’ll try and help you out.
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