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18 Best Free Webcam Software for Windows PC in 2023
If you regularly use your webcam for PC 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 the ones you can utilize in video editing software.
Thankfully, the best free webcam software makes it easy to enhance your streaming webcam quality while also allowing you to apply filters, stickers, and fun effects to liven up your video calls and streams.
Continue reading to learn about the top free webcam software available for Windows devices.
- Snapshot of the Top 3 Free Webcam Software
- Why Do You Need Webcam Software?
- How to Choose the Best Free Webcam Software
- 18 Best Free Webcam Software for Windows PC in 2023
- Best Free Webcam Software Comparison Chart
- How to Use a Free Webcam Software
- Download the Best Webcam Software for Free
- Free Webcam Software FAQ
Snapshot of the Top 3 Free Webcam Software
1. YouCam - Best Overall
This free webcam software includes an impressive selection of video effects, privacy settings, animated emojis, beautifying tools, and quality adjustments within a user-friendly interface. It supports all the popular video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet. Detailed Review >
2. Riverside - Best for Large Conferences
A free webcam software with separate audio/video recording for multiple guests. It allows for live streaming webcam for PC video with up to 1,000 audience members. Detailed Review >
3. 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 >
Why Do You Need Webcam Software?
If you already use your built-in webcam for PC 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 streaming webcam for PC footage. As a result, you won’t need to waste time with controls while you’re in a conference or streaming to your fans. Instead, you can simply trust these programs to do the work for you.
There are numerous free webcam software that provide all the features you need without a hefty price tag. Read more below for the summary of our top recommendations.
How to Choose the Best Free Webcam Software
No two free webcam software are alike, just like no two webcam users are alike. Read below for tips on finding the right fit for your needs.
Features
The free webcam software on our list cover a lot of ground. Some are screen recorders with some webcam functionality. Others are solely for webcam recording or live streaming. Some have fun creative assets like stickers and filters, while others are more appropriate for business meetings. Check the “Bottom Line” section of each free webcam software review to see where the webcam for PC software excels and what it lacks.
Compatibility
Does the free webcam software work with your OS or web browser? Do you need additional hardware or a certain brand of webcam for PC to use it? Check the system requirements to make sure your desktop and preferred streaming platforms/virtual meeting sites are compatible.
18 Best Free Webcam Software for Windows PC in 2023
1. YouCam - Best Overall
Key Features:
- Video Effects & Overlay: Filters, emojis, stickers, and more
- Beautification Tools: Including skin smoothing and AR makeup
- Auto Zoom Face Tracking: Keeps you in the frame no matter where you move in the room
- Background Removal: Blur or replace your background for complete privacy
Compatibility: Windows
Fix the Photo Rating: 4.5/5
Easy-to-Use Features: 5/5
Price: Free
*Premium subscription available for $3.33/month or $59.99 for a Lifetime License
Who It’s For
YouCam is free webcam software that includes various tools, features, and fun effects to use with your webcam for PC. The software is beginner-friendly and compatible with popular video conferencing and live-streaming platforms.
This webcam for PC software allows you to look professional for work meetings with background replacement, face tracking, and even applying natural-looking makeup. In addition to video calls, you can record content and add customizable titles, channel logos, advertisements, promotional messages, or sponsorships to your recordings or streams.
Why We Picked It
YouCam makes it easy to enhance your video quality, even if you have a low-resolution camera. The free webcam 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, so your online get-togethers will be anything but boring.
Bottom Line
Best of all, YouCam is incredibly user-friendly, even if you have no experience using webcam software. The free webcam 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 by clicking the link below and use these impressive features in your next webcam session.
Check out these related topics for live streaming:
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- How to Stream on Twitch & Grow Your Followers - The Ultimate Guide
2. Riverside - Best for Large Conferences
Key Features:
- AI Transcriptions: Transcribe your recordings in over 100 languages for easy, text-based editing
- Audio Enhancements: Remove background noise and normalize audio levels
- AI Speaker View: Automatically switches view to the person who is speaking
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
Source Forge Rating: 4/5
Easy-to-Use Features: 4.5/5
Price: Free
*Premium subscriptions available for $15/month for Standard and $24/month for Pro
Who It’s For
Riverside is a free webcam software for users of any skill level. It is an excellent streaming webcam software for anyone hosting a large webinar, conference, or online event because the platform provides a link for up to 7 guests and 1,000 audience members.
Why We Picked It
You can also record and edit your event to post to social media, or multistream to YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. With this streaming webcam for PC software, you can produce and edit live with sound effects, media clips, screen sharing, and more.
Bottom Line
Using this software and a webcam for PC or Mac, you can stream, record, and edit a variety of content. With the free version, you can host and record unlimited hours of video calls, but the recordings will be single-track only. All of Riverside’s best tools are saved for the paid versions, which can get pricey, especially when compared to the paid version of our top streaming webcam for PC software, YouCam.
3. Webcamoid - Best for Lighting Adjustment
Image from Webcamoid
Key Features:
- Background Replacement: Replace with a video or image backdrop
- Flash Effect: Simulate a flash by turning your screen bright white before taking a selfie
- Face Tracking: Follows you around the room
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
AlternativeTo Rating: 4/5
Easy-to-Use Features: 4.5/5
Price: Free
Who It’s For
Webcamoid is an open-source, free webcam software for live streaming webcam footage, screen capture, and taking photos. For free and simple software, we found Webcamoid had a surprising number of lighting adjustments for both video and photo. Adjust brightness, contrast, white balance, temperature, gain, and backlight compensation with a slider or by inputting a number.
Why We Picked It
You can also set video format, resolution, and frames per second with this webcam for PC software. Webcamoid also comes with easy-to-use video and photo editing tools, and over 60 fun filters and effects.
Bottom Line
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. 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.
4. AlterCam - Best for Anonymity
Key Features:
- Video Overlays: Add text, lower thirds, frames, stickers, and more and adjust opacity
- Background Remover: Replace background with an image, solid color, or your live desktop recording
- Screen Recorder: Record only your screen, only your webcam, or combine the two
Compatibility: Windows
Softpedia Rating: 4/5
Easy-to-Use Features: 4.5/5
Price: Free trial, then $39.95/year or $59.95 for a Lifetime License (Home use), and $490/year or $990 for a Lifetime License (Commercial use)
Who It’s For
AlterCam is a free webcam software for live streaming webcam videos. It is beginner-friendly and has more than 50 effects you can apply in real-time, including several tools to protect your privacy. You can pixelate your face using the Mosaic filter, and even disguise your voice with the voice morphing feature.
Why We Picked It
You can split your webcam for PC video to use with several apps simultaneously - without receiving a “webcam busy” error. You can also playback videos from your desktop through your webcam and add live effects.
Bottom Line
At first glance, AlterCam looks too outdated and simple to offer the latest technology and features. But at a closer look, you’ll find this live streaming webcam for PC software surpasses many of the others on our list in features and functionality. However, it is not as feature-rich as our top choice, YouCam, and it only offers a free trial. If you are looking to monetize your videos, a commercial license is very expensive.
5. SplitCam - Best for Hangouts
Image from Splitcam
Key Features:
- 3D Masks: Replace your head with a 3D object or animal face
- Share Desktop: Share and write on your screen while live
- Audio Mixer: Use and mix audio from different sources into one stream (i.e. game sounds, microphone, background music, etc)
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
G2 Rating: 4.1/5
Easy-to-Use Features: 4/5
Price: Free
Who It’s For
If you want to chat with friends on multiple platforms at once and are tired of receiving a “webcam busy” error, then try SplitCam. This free webcam software will split your webcam so you can share with several apps simultaneously, such as Skype, Google Hangouts, and Facebook Messenger. It’s also an excellent option for live streaming webcam footage. Stream directly to all the popular streaming platforms from your webcam or HD camera without quality loss, and manually select your resolution. You can even set up a fully-customizable tip notifier showing the amount of the tip, the name of the tipper, and a thank you message.
Why We Picked It
It’s also an excellent option for live streaming webcam for PC footage. Stream directly to all the popular streaming platforms from your webcam or HD camera without quality loss, and manually select your resolution. Using this webcam for PC software, you can even set up a fully-customizable tip notifier showing the amount of the tip, the name of the tipper, and a thank you message.
Bottom Line
SplitCam is a multifunctional tool for live streaming webcam for PC video, video recording, gaming, presentations, and hanging out with friends. While it has great manual tools for camera adjustments, we missed the preset filters found in similar free webcam software. This free webcam software is also missing a background remover, which is a key feature for most streamers.
6. OBS Studio - Best for Live Streaming
Key Features:
- Recording & Streaming Tools: Stream and record high-quality video and audio with a wide array of configurations
- Multiview: Monitor 8 different scenes at once
- Audio Mixer: Mix audio from multiple sources and apply filters such as noise gate, noise suppression, and gain
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
TechRadar Rating: 4/5
Easy-to-Use Features: 4/5
Price: Free
Who It’s For
OBS Studio is an open-source software you can use with a webcam for PC, Mac, or Linux. It is popular among gamers and live streamers because you can create scenes made up of multiple sources including window captures, images, text, browser windows, webcams, and capture cards.
Why We Picked It
With this free webcam software, you can add customizable transitions between scenes and preview them before pushing live. There are even scene templates such as Game Only, Just Chatting, Be Right Back, and Starting Soon.
Bottom Line
OBS Studio is a great streaming webcam for PC software for intermediate to advanced users because it is highly customizable. However, beginners may be overwhelmed with decision-making and the interface is not very intuitive.
7. Bandicam - Best for Gamers
Image from Bandicam
Key Features:
- Mouse Effects: Add mouse-click effects and animations
- Schedule Recordings: Automatically start recording at a given time every week/month
- Real-Time Drawing: Draw on your video capture or screenshot
Compatibility: Windows
Software Advice Rating: 4.5/5
Easy-to-Use Features: 3.5/5
Price: Free
*Premium versions available for $36.95/year and $49.95 for a Lifetime License.
Who It’s For
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.
Why We Picked It
Record live streaming webcam for PC videos for up to 24 hours. You can also set it up to automatically stop streaming webcam videos based on recording time or file size.
Bottom Line
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 webcam for PC video or video conferencing. If you want webcam effects for live streams, you should go with one of our top free webcam software, like YouCam.
8. ManyCam - Best for Using Multiple Video Sources
Key Features:
- AI Background Remover: Remove, replace or blur backgrounds
- Multicasting: For simultaneously streaming webcam for PC footage to Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, or any RTMP streaming
- Draw & Text Tool: Draw or write on your screen while streaming webcam for PC footage
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
G2 Rating: 3.4/5
Easy-to-Use Features: 4.5/5
Price: Free
*Paid versions available for $49/year for Standard, $79/year for Studio, and $99/year for Premium
Who It’s For
ManyCam is a live-streaming webcam for PC software for those who need to incorporate different video sources into one stream. You can use video from up to 200 sources including your webcam for PC, photos, apps, your computer screen, pre-recorded videos, and more. In our test, we found it easy to switch between sources during live streaming.
Why We Picked It
This free webcam software 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.
Bottom Line
Though ManyCam has a ton of great features, it is missing lighting adjustments. 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.
9. Magic Camera - Best for Customizable Effects
Image from shiningmorning
Key Features:
- Draw Tools: Paint/Doodle on your screen
- Chat Features: Type text to chat with friends
- Replace Background: Remove background and replace with videos/images
Compatibility: Windows
CNET Rating: 3.8/5
Easy-to-Use Features: 4/5
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
Who It’s For
Magic Camera is a free webcam software used for adding fun effects to streaming webcam for PC footage and video chats. We think it’s a good webcam for PC software for kids/teens. It comes with tons of effects, and you can change the position, size, and transparency of most of them.
Why We Picked It
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.
Bottom Line
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 our top free webcam software, YouCam.
10. Logitech Capture - Best All-In-One Software
Key Features:
- Borders: Add a border to your feed, and choose the color and thickness
- Chroma Key: Remove your background without a green screen
- Camera Customization: Adjust the field of view, resolution, white balance, auto-focus, and more
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
UpToDown Rating: 3.7/5
Easy-to-Use Features: 4/5
Price: Free
Who It’s For
Logitech Capture is a free webcam software for anyone who owns a Logitech webcam for PC or Mac. It allows you to make live adjustments to your video feed, making it ideal for live streaming webcam footage or 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.
Why We Picked It
This free webcam software allows you to record multiple sources, enabling picture-in-picture or side-by-side displays. In addition, you can apply live text overlays while streaming webcam for PC video, then add studio-style effects after you finish recording.
Bottom Line
However, Logitech Capture lacks some features and effects, such as beautification tools and stickers. Also, 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 streaming webcam for PC feed, try YouCam.
11. Debut Video Capture Software - Best for Screen Recording
Image from NCH Software
Key Features:
- Watermark Tool: Add a logo or watermark to your video capture
- Background Remover: Replace background with video, image, or solid color
- Time Lapse Recording: Create a time-lapse video from your webcam for PC or a screen recording
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
TechRadar Rating: 4/5
Easy-to-Use Features: 3.5/5
Price: Free
*Premium versions available for $50 for Home Edition and $60 for Pro Edition
Who It’s For
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 stream webcam for PC footage. You can choose to record your entire screen or just a selected portion. It also supports multi-screen recording.
Why We Picked It
If you are looking for simple free webcam software without any frills, then Debut Video Capture software is for you. You can adjust the video resolution, size, and frame rate, and make color adjustments before recording.
Bottom Line
While Debut Video Capture Software has some great screen recording features, we found it lacked live streaming webcam for PC features and only offers a few adjustment tools. It also has an outdated and overwhelming interface. If you are looking for free webcam software with more effects, try YouCam.
12. Movavi Screen Recorder - Best for Webinars & Tutorials
Key Features:
- Noise Reduction: Remove extraneous sounds from videos
- Annotation Tools: Draw on your screen or add shapes
- Scheduler: Choose date, time, and time limit for recording
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
G2 Rating: 4.5/5
Easy-to-Use Features: 3/5
Price: 7-day free trial, then $42.95/year or $59.95 for a Lifetime License
Who It’s For
Movavi Screen Recorder is a live streaming webcam software and screen recorder for users of any skill level. We think it’s a great option for recording/streaming webinars, instructional videos, or tutorials. You can record your webcam and screen simultaneously, and you can draw on the screen and enable mouse clicks and keystrokes.
Why We Picked It
You can also record your webcam without recording your screen and vice versa. You can even record only audio, or record the sounds from your computer and microphone separately. And instead of taking multiple screenshots to get all the information we wanted, we were able to scroll and capture everything in one shot using the Scrolling Screenshots tool.
Bottom Line
Movavi Screen Recorder covers most webcam and screen recording needs. However, as this is more a screen recorder than live streaming webcam for PC software, it lacks video enhancement and creative features found in other options. If you want stickers, filters, backgrounds, overlays, and beautification tools, try YouCam.
13. Imaging Edge Webcam - Best for Sony DSLR Cameras
Key Features:
- Auto-Focus: Keep track of facial expressions with Real-Time Eye AF and Real-Time Tracking
- Large Image Sensor: Ensures you look crystal-clear with a slightly blurred background
- PC Remote: Choose the PC remote option on your camera and use your desktop keyboard to control your camera settings
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
LO4D.com Rating: 4/5
Easy-to-Use Features: 3/5
Price: Free
Who It’s For
If you want better quality video for your conferences and streams, but don’t own a webcam, try Imaging Edge Webcam for PC or Mac. Imaging Edge Webcam is a free webcam software for anyone with a Sony DSLR camera. Simply hook up your camera to your desktop and open your video conferencing/streaming platform to begin.
Why We Picked It
Imaging Edge Webcam is light on features, but a good webcam for PC replacement for anyone who doesn’t want to purchase additional hardware. Using this free webcam software, you get high-quality HD images - much better than you get using your desktop’s built-in camera. It can capture faces in any lighting and auto-focus as your lighting or position change.
Bottom Line
Sony’s Imaging Edge Webcam is a great alternative to a webcam for PC and Mac users who own a Sony DSLR camera. It’s entirely free webcam software and only takes a few steps to configure it for your desktop. Of course, if you don’t own a Sony DSLR, a webcam is a much cheaper option.
14. Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder - Best Compatibility
Key Features:
- Task Scheduler: Schedule start/stop times for upcoming recordings
- Edit Screenshots: Includes some image editing tools
- Cloud Video Management: Upload to the cloud and share directly on YouTube or Vimeo
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Web Browser
CNET Rating: 3.9/5
Easy-to-Use Features: 3/5
Price: Free
*Pro version is available for $59.90/year or $129.90 for a Lifetime License
Who It’s For
We voted Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder the best for compatibility because it is not only available online, but you can download it on Windows and Mac, and even get the app for Android and iOS devices. We recommend it for beginners and anyone who needs an entirely free webcam software and screen recorder in a hurry.
Why We Picked It
One of the best things about this free webcam software, is the annotation tools. Customizable arrows, shapes, icons, and text can be added to the recording for demonstrations and webinars.
Videos can be saved to a local disk or uploaded to the cloud for easy online sharing.
Bottom Line
Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder boasts that there is nothing to download, it also suggests very strongly that you download the desktop software for videos over 30 minutes, for advanced features, customized recording, and video editing. Also, we found in our test that the online version only works with a Chrome browser. We wonder why they are pushing this as an online tool, and don’t go all-in on the superior webcam for PC and Mac software.
15. Yawcam - Best for Security
Image from fixthephoto
Key Features:
- Screenshots: Take still images from your webcam video
- Time-Lapse Tool: Create time-lapse videos from your webcam for PC
- Scheduler: Set a time for automatic recording
Compatibility: Windows
Softpedia Rating: 3.7/5
Easy-to-Use Features: 3/5
Price: Free
Who It’s For
Yawcam is a completely free webcam software for Windows that is easy to use with a clean and simple interface. It’s also a free home security system. It comes with a motion detection feature that emails the owner if there is activity in front of the webcam. The webcam for PC software also adds another layer of security with password protection.
Why We Picked It
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.
Bottom Line
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.
16. Webcam Toy - Best for Screenshots
Key Features:
- Countdown Timer: Gives you time to position yourself
- Fullscreen or Square Options: For different social media platforms
- Split-Screen Effect: One side follows a few seconds after the other giving you 2 different poses
Compatibility: Web Browser
Alternative.me Rating: 4/5
Easy-to-Use Features: 2.5/5
Price: Free
Who It’s For
Webcam Toy is simple, user-friendly free webcam software for anyone who likes to take selfies or screenshots using their webcam. Simply allow the website to use your webcam for PC, then begin snapping and editing photos instantly.
Why We Picked It
This free webcam software includes over 80 filters and effects that you can apply to your webcam photos. You can add retro filters, change the color and lighting, create a vintage appearance, make collages of four images, and more.
Bottom Line
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 for PC use to capturing images.
17. Windows Camera - Simplest Software
Key Features:
- Framing Grid: Helps you compose the perfect picture
- Photo Timer: Get yourself into position before taking a photo or starting video
- Time-Lapse Mode: Creates time-lapse videos from your webcam for PC
Compatibility: Windows
Softonic Rating: 3.5/5
Easy-to-Use Features: 2.5/5
Price: Free
Who It’s For
Windows Camera is a free webcam software that lets you take photos and videos using your webcam for PC, laptop, or tablet. It comes with a photo timer and framing grid making a great tool for taking selfies.
Why We Picked It
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. It optimizes your Microsoft hardware giving you crystal-clear results.
Bottom Line
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. It also lacks all the fun filters, frames, animations, and effects found in YouCam, Many Cam, and Magic Camera.
18. NVIDIA Broadcast - Best for Noise Cancellation
Image from XOER
Key Features:
- Reverb & Echo Removal: Powerful AI audio enhancements
- Background Removal: Customize your background with AI green screen effects
- Blur Effects: Blur your background with a vignette effect
Compatibility: Windows
TechSpot Rating: 2.8/5
Easy-to-Use Features: 3/5
Price: Free
Who It’s For
NVIDIA Broadcast is a powerful tool that allows professionals to step up their video streaming and conferencing game. This webcam for PC 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.
Why We Picked It
This free webcam software includes several impressive AI tools. You can automatically remove visual noise, seamlessly apply virtual backgrounds, automatically frame yourself as you move throughout the camera’s range, and more. This webcam for PC software is known for its background noise cancellation and its Eye Contact feature that makes it appear you are looking at the camera, even if you are actually looking at your phone.
Bottom Line
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.
Best Free Webcam Software Comparison Chart
| Software | OS | Beginner-friendly | Animated Emojis and Text | Beauty Touch Up Tools | Other Key Features | Free Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouCam | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | Compatibility with popular streaming services; video effect filters; face login; business presentation recording; remove background | |
| Riverside | Windows, Mac | Yes | No | No | Audio transcription, editing, branding, multi-track recording | Download |
| Webcamoid | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes | No | No | Video effect filters, lighting and camera adjustments | Download |
| AlterCam | Windows | Yes | Yes | No | Video overlays, remove background, screen recorder | Download |
| SplitCam | Windows, Mac | Yes | Yes | Yes | Compatibility with popular streaming services, camera adjustments, tip notifier, blur effects | Download |
| OBS Studio | Windows, Mac, Linux | No | No | No | Compatibility with popular streaming services, audio mixing, create scenes and switch with customizable transitions | Download |
| Bandicam | Windows | Yes | No | No | Screen recorder, merge and cut videos | Download |
| ManyCam | Windows, Mac | Yes | No | Yes | Use multiple video sources, add layers/overlay, virtual backgrounds | Download |
| Magic Camera | Windows | Yes | Yes | No | 1,000+ video and photo effects, frames, replace background | Download |
| Logitech Capture | Windows, Mac | Yes | No | No | Chroma Key, transitions, frames | Download |
| Debut Video Capture Software | Windows, Mac | Yes | No | No | Remove background, logo tool, screen recorder | Download |
| Movavi Screen Recorder | Windows, Mac | Yes | No | No | Screen recorder, noise reduction, annotations | Download |
| Imaging Edge Webcam | Windows, Mac | Yes | No | No | Autofocus | Download |
| Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder | Windows, Mac, Web Browser | Yes | No | No | Screen recorder, annotations | Download |
| Yawcam | Windows | Yes | No | No | Motion detection, image-to-movie converter | Download |
| Webcam Toy | Web Browser | Yes | No | No | 80+ filters and effects for selfies | Download |
| Windows Camera | Windows | Yes | No | No | Time-lapse, gaming grid, video stabilization | Download |
| NVIDIA Broadcast | Windows | Yes | No | No | AI tools to remove video and audio noise, virtual backgrounds | Download |
YouCam
vs
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
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.
- 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, 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.
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 built-in webcam for PC software is probably lacking the features you need to optimize your photos, videos, and streams. Instead, utilizing high-quality software for streaming webcam video and video conferencing can allow you to enhance your video quality and make your videos look more engaging and professional.
Our top choice overall is YouCam. YouCam features a range of live video effects that you can apply to your streaming webcam videos and video chats. You can use this free webcam software to enhance your appearance, improve your video quality, use fun animated emojis, add animated text, and more. YouCam’s intuitive interface makes it easy to become familiar with its tools and feel confident using its features to your fullest advantage.
Download YouCam today by clicking the link below and try these game-changing webcam for PC features for yourself.
Free Webcam Software FAQ
1. Do I need a software for webcams?
You do not need to download external software to operate your webcam for PC. However, utilizing webcam software can allow you to improve your webcam for PC’s features and complete a range of other functions to add fun or professionalism to video calls and streams.
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 for PC 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 for PC, you can use a DSLR camera as a webcam, which typically offer much better resolution and video quality.
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.
5. What is the best webcam software for PC?
YouCam is our choice for the best streaming webcam software. It covers a wide range of uses, from video conferences and live streaming to hanging out with friends. It has the largest feature set of any other webcam software on our list, has an entirely free version, an affordable paid version, and is incredibly user-friendly.
6. What software do I need for webcam?
You need YouCam to get the most out of your webcam for PC. With YouCam, you can upscale your webcam footage. Make lighting adjustments, add channel logos and customizable titles to streaming webcam footage, apply AR makeup, track your face to remain in the frame, and so much more.
7. Does Windows 10 have webcam software?
Yes, but we recommend YouCam as a better option. Windows Camera (#17 on our list) is the webcam for PC software that comes on most Windows devices. However, it is best suited for scanning documents and taking screenshots. YouCam is a better option for video calls and live streaming.
8. What software makes webcam better?
YouCam is the perfect accompanying software for your webcam for PC. It upscales your webcam footage with lighting and color adjustments and lets you add fun filters and effects. It also has added features to enhance business meetings, video calls, and live streams.
9. How do I install webcam software on my computer?
Follow the steps below to install YouCam on your computer.
Step 1: Click the button below.
Step 2: Follow the Installation Wizard prompts.
Step 3: Restart your computer.
And that’s it! Now you are ready to utilize your new free webcam software.
10. Can software improve camera quality?
Absolutely. Free webcam software like YouCam allow you to adjust frames per second and resolution, and make adjustments to brightness, saturation, contrast, and more.
11. Is there a webcam app for Windows 10?
Yes, it is called Windows Camera (#17 above), but we recommend YouCam as a better option for video calls and live streaming.
Related Articles:
- How to Live Stream
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