Working from home has become the new normal since the pandemic began. Many of us have begun to spend more time in front of our webcams to participate in virtual meetings, online classes, live-streaming, and other similar activities. While webcams have grown indispensable, they also put our security and privacy in danger. Believe it or not, these webcams are all completely and readily hackable. While the issue may be widespread, the remedy is as simple as utilizing webcams with a privacy shutter.
Why a Privacy Shutter Is Important in Webcams
Access to the video footage is the most obvious risk of leaving your webcam exposed. Hackers may be able to profit from the recorded film if they use it for extortion. The danger isn’t limited to simply you. Background data can reveal information such as your location, family images, secret job details, and so on. Many security professionals, including FBI Director James Comey and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, support webcam privacy. All of this may be avoided by simply using a privacy shutter to cover your webcam.
So, if you want the security that comes with using a webcam with a privacy shutter, here are some of the best solutions to consider.
Have a look at Apps To Use Phone Camera as Webcam For PC and Mac
1. NexiGo N660P Pro
Video Resolution: 1080p | FPS: 60 | Weight: 7.4 ounces
Let’s start with the NexiGo N660P Pro, which has a sliding privacy shutter. The webcam can record or stream videos in 1080p while auto white balance and auto-exposure adjust the image quality. The NexiGo webcam is also quite versatile, with a 360-degree swivel. As a result, you won’t have to move your laptop or PC to record what’s going on around you. Furthermore, with a broad 90-degree viewing angle, it can easily fit more people into a single frame.
NexiGo N660P is plug-and-play compatible with all major operating systems and comes ready to use. The bundled 6.5-foot USB cable is long enough to enable a standing desk layout.
Overall, the NexiGo N660P does all a webcam should and costs only $65.
Pros
- Adjustable 360-degree rotation
- Noise-canceling omnidirectional microphone
- Autofocus
- 3 color choices
Cons
- The colors are slightly subdued.
Check on Amazon | Price $64.99 (In some countries you can also get a 10% discount)
2. Logitech BRIO
Video Resolution: 4K/1080p | FPS: 30/60 | Weight: 11.8 ounces
The Logitech BRIO, which supports 4K, comes next. From the premium look and feel to the high-end specifications, it has it all. With 5x digital zoom, it can take movies in 4K resolution at 30 frames per second and full HD at 60 frames per second, resulting in superb image quality and color details.
Furthermore, the webcam’s software allows you to experiment with various backdrops. The Logitech BRIO Ultra is also Windows Hello certified, which means you can log in without a password by utilizing facial recognition.
However, using a 4K webcam for video conferencing is overkill because most apps do not support 4K at the moment. Furthermore, a 4K resolution will necessitate more computational power and a lot of bandwidth.
If you’re looking for a 4K webcam with a privacy shutter, there are only a few options, and the Logitech Brio 4K is the best of them.
Pros
- HDR video in 4K
- Digital zoom of 5x
- Windows Hello is supported.
- The 90-degree angle of view
Cons
- Privacy cover and shady clip
- Expensive
Buy from Amazon ($179)
3. Logitech C920S
Video Resolution: 1080p | FPS: 30 | Weight: 14.2 ounces
Take a look at the Logitech C920S if you’re searching for a good all-around webcam. It shoots full HD movies at 30 frames per second for crisp visuals and excellent low-light performance. As if that weren’t enough, Logitech’s Capture program allows you to further customize the image.
Two people seated side by side can be captured with a 78-degree field of view. You may utilize it by clipping it to a display or placing it on a flat surface, due to the intelligently constructed L-shaped grip.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Logitech C920S is somewhat heavy at 14.2 ounces, and if you have a monitor with thin bezels, the webcam may only cover a small amount of your screen.
Aside from that, the Logitech C920S gets good reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among streamers.
Pros
- Dual stereo microphones
- Included Knox Gear USB 3.0 4-Port Hub
- Plug-and-play capability
- The image quality is excellent.
Cons
- Logitech Capture software is laggy due to its bulky construction.
Buy from Amazon ($109.99)
4. Qtniue FHD Webcam
Video Resolution: 1080p | FPS: 60 | Weight: 2.89 ounces
If the above camera alternatives with privacy shutters were too expensive for you, Qtniue might be a good fit. The webcam can record 1080p video at 60 frames per second with automated white balance and brightness adjustment for crystal clear photos. It’s also easy to record from any angle thanks to the vertical tilt and 360-degree horizontal swivel.
It has two stereo microphones for audio, which eliminate background disturbances and make it ideal for live streaming, video calling, and online gaming. However, the mic is of poor quality and does not adequately cancel off the echo.
Qtniue is a wonderful camera with a privacy shutter if you’re wanting to buy a webcam for occasional zoom calls or online classes.
Pros
- Adjustable 360-degree rotation
- Cost-effective
- Autofocus is excellent.
Cons
- Average microphone
- Color reproduction is poor.
Buy from Amazon ($28.86)
5. ToLuLu Webcam with privacy shutter
Video Resolution: 1080p | FPS: 30 | Weight: 4.8 ounces
For your streaming and video calling needs, the ToLuLu webcam is yet another affordable privacy-focused webcam from a lesser-known provider. The webcam can record video in 1080p at a smooth 30 frames per second. It also promises to have a field of vision of up to 110 degrees, which is larger than most pricey webcams.
Noise and echo are effectively canceled by the inbuilt high sensitivity mic, resulting in clear sound output. It can also record your voice from up to 10 feet away without any issues.
ToLuLu camera is compatible with all major operating systems and software, and it is ready to use right out of the box. As a result, no additional drivers or software are required to operate it.
A compact tripod and a USB cable long enough to handle most setups are included as a gift.
Pros
- A mini tripod is included.
- The field of view is extremely broad.
- Cost-effective
Cons
- Low-light challenges
- Build quality is average.
Buy from Amazon ($29.99)
Bonus: Webcam Slider
If you currently have a webcam or use the webcam on your laptop for video conferencing, a webcam slider or adhesive tape is a simple answer for your privacy concerns. The nicest aspect is that they’re both inexpensive and widely available. Furthermore, they are simple to install on your smartphone, laptop, PC, or any other smart device with a camera.
Buy from Amazon ($4.99)
Final Verdict: Best Webcams With Privacy Shutter
It’s never a good idea to leave your webcam exposed. Webcams with privacy shutter can potentially operate as a ‘Kill Switch,’ in addition to making us feel better. When not in use, just close the shutter on your webcam and forget about some weirdo peering through your camera.
