Whether you’re using it for video conferencing, streaming your gameplay, or making live videos to share with your followers on social media, an external webcam offers several advantages over its built-in counterpart. One of the most important differences between these two types of webcams is how they’re designed—built-in webcams tend to be integrated with the screen itself, while external webcams are self-contained and typically have separate connectivity options.
Related: Best Home Office Microphone Buying Guide
External Webcams Do Have Microphones
Many people use their webcam to work from home, chat with friends and family, or even for a little fun. The majority of laptops, desktop computers, and tablets are equipped with built-in web cameras which generally do not include a microphone. Adding an external webcam can provide the ability to record sound as well as video.
You might be surprised to find out that external webcams do have microphones. However, the audio quality may not be as good as it would be if you had an internal webcam with a built-in microphone.
Logitech is one company that offers a webcam with both audio and camera for this purpose. When choosing an external webcam with a microphone, make sure it has at least 720p resolution and there are several reviews to assess its quality. You also want to check whether the model you’re considering can capture high-quality audio and video simultaneously.
For example, people often choose external webcams from Logitech because they offer various models that come with both high-quality cameras and high-quality microphones.
The microphone is not always the main feature on external webcams but it can be useful when chatting with someone who is hard of hearing or in a noisy environment.
The Lifecam HD 3000 is a great example of how manufacturers are including microphones in their products. It has both a camera and microphone making it easy to hear what’s going on around you without turning up the volume.
If this type of functionality sounds appealing, then there are many other options out there that also offer this kind of flexibility. Some examples include:
- Logitech C310
- Logitech C920
- Logitech C615
- Microsoft LifeCam Studio Edition for Skype – USB Camera & Mic Version
- The Creative Live! Cam Socialize HD (which includes audio input)
- The Creative Live!
What Are The Benefits of Having An External Microphone?
External microphones are a great way to record high-quality audio. If you have an external webcam, chances are it does not have a built-in microphone. This can be problematic for audio recordings because the quality of the sound will be much lower than if you use an external microphone.
The benefits of having an external microphone are many:
- You don’t need to take your camera off your desk or move it at all in order to record audio
- You’ll get higher-quality sound recordings
- It’s easy to experiment with different types of mics and quickly find out which ones work best for your needs. External microphones plug into a USB port on your computer
- A portable mic is perfect for recording outside
- There are many options when it comes to choosing an external microphone
- External microphones are typically cheaper than investing in a new webcam
What Are The Types of External Webcams That Have Microphones?
External webcams come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they all serve the same purpose: to provide you with a view of what’s going on in another location. This is accomplished by using either an internal camera or an external one, usually connected to your computer by USB.
There are two types of external webcams that have microphones:
#1: Ones That Connect Directly To Your Computer
Wired webcams can be particularly helpful for video chats because it eliminates the need to use a headset. Plus, it won’t disrupt if someone walks past your desk during the conversation. One downside of wired cameras is that the cables can get tangled up and make everything more complicated than necessary.
You might also want to invest in a surge protector, so if there’s ever a power surge, only the webcam will be affected and not your entire system.
#2: Ones That Connect Wirelessly Via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi
A wireless webcam is versatile. Since it doesn’t require being tethered to a device like your laptop, these devices are perfect for Skype interviews when you’re traveling outside of your home office space.
What Are The Best External Webcams With Microphones?
The Logitech C920 is one of the best external webcams with a built-in microphone. It offers clear video and audio quality, which is perfect for making presentations or capturing your voice when on Skype calls.
It has a 1920x1080p HD resolution at 30 frames per second, and it also has an autofocus that helps you take crisp photos every time. This webcam also comes with a built-in H.264 video compression engine that helps reduce file sizes while maintaining high-quality video and audio recording.
The Logitech C920 can be used on both PC and Mac computers, and it’s really easy to set up as soon as you plug the USB cord into your computer. One of the most important features of this webcam is that it lets you use your hands to frame shots and switch between modes without having to touch anything. You just need to put on any type of eyewear like reading glasses or sunglasses, then turn them back around onto yourself before using a remote control button.
Another excellent option is the Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam because not only does it have a 4K camera with an adjustable field-of-view, but it also has two built-in microphones for stereo sound quality!
It even works well outside so you can use it for group video chats in broad daylight during summer vacations.
Related: Can I Use External Webcam On My Laptop?
Conclusion
External web cameras are a great option for those who need to increase their security. They can be used for video chatting, playing video games, or watching movies on Netflix. The camera and microphone that comes with the device are not always necessary. If you do want the microphone, an external webcam will allow you to connect on your own. Keep in mind that most microphones have cables attached so make sure it doesn’t get in the way of anything.
