Current Smart TVs offer so many features that their usability is more than guaranteed. We can watch traditional television, in addition to accessing all kinds of services such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video to get the most out of our device, and we can even connect a webcam or webcams to the television to enjoy the advantages offered by its great screen size with the purpose that we propose: from a family video call, one for work or to talk with friends… A webcam never hurts.
And yes, although it seems crazy that you have never imagined, it has been possible to use a webcam to make video calls on any Smart TV for several years. Although of course… Like everything, it has a series of requirements that we are going to talk about next.
Requirements to take into account in webcams
- AndroidTV . It is common for many people to already have the newest Smart TV models in their living rooms. But that, directly, does not imply that we can connect a webcam just like that. Therefore, one of the fundamental requirements is that you have a television with the Google operating system, Android TV. In the event that you do not have it, there is a possibility that you can connect it too, but we do not guarantee anything.
- Compatible with Samsung or LG. If you have a Samsung or LG television that, although it does not have an operating system, it will allow you to connect a webcam directly. They are camera models taken exclusively for this type of television, which have their own operating system, we already anticipate that they cause quite a few problems. So it is more worthwhile to buy an Android TV box and not get involved with compatibility problems. Another detail that we want to highlight is that as of Android TV 9, the operating system recognizes these devices much better.
- Android 9.0 onwards . Therefore, if you have a smart television with Android TV or use an Android TV Box, it is better that it has version 9 or higher. In any case, most of the models that you will find are compatible with Android 5 onwards, so you should not have any problem.
Factors to choose webcams for your Smart TV
- Compatibility . When choosing a device of this type, a series of factors must be taken into account. More than anything because although the range of webcams available is extremely wide, not all the models you will find are compatible with your television. To begin with, it is essential that the camera is compatible with the Android operating system.
- Don’t be put off by the price. Do not be blinded by the price of the product, which is a very common habit of consumers. This means that a cheap price will not guarantee that it will work at all. In fact, it most likely won’t because it doesn’t support it. For example, some of the more premium Logitech webcams don’t offer Android support . On the other hand, there is the image and sound quality. Regarding the first section, we consider that today it is essential to have at least HD resolution.
- Resolution . And for this reason, all the webcams that you will find in our compilation offer 720p resolution. And, on the other hand, there is the sound. More than anything because the ideal is that it has a built-in microphone so you don’t have to add other elements. Don’t worry, all the models we have selected for you will more than meet the requirements. So, if you want to start making video calls using your Smart TV , don’t miss out on the following models.
- Focus . For easy understanding, do you remember those old cameras where you had to manually focus or move around? The autofocus is wonderful, and the best thing is to have one that has autofocus.
- microphone . Obviously, every webcam will have a built-in microphone, but the ideal is that it has two, and that, instead of omnidirectional (in one direction), it is bidirectional, so that it captures the sound in case we move in the same room.
- Lighting . When it is night and there is no lighting, we will hardly be seen beyond the light of the screen itself. For this reason it is essential that, if possible, it has a halo of light to illuminate our faces.
Webcams for less than 35 euros
Logitech C270
We return to Logitech to recommend the C270. A webcam of small dimensions, but that hides a very interesting hardware inside. Highlight its ability to filter noise so that your voice sounds better than ever.
minimalist MHDYT
A smaller, minimalist model that will practically not be noticed on television. The most important thing about this model is that it is compatible with Android TV according to the manufacturer. It gives a resolution of 1080p, and has 3 different brightness levels. You can configure it to your liking, although it has an automatic mode. It comes with a cover and adjustable tripod, plus noise reduction for calls. It is easily configurable (Plug and Play), and the automatic light correction makes it one of the best purchases we can make.
Webcam 720 Youpeck
This is the best seller on Amazon. Simple, cheap and, most importantly, compatible with our Android TV. With more than 3,500 ratings, this webcam works through a USB 2.0 port and a minimum resolution of 720p and a maximum of 1080p , with an integrated microphone with noise cancellation, and, what may interest you most, Plug and Play, to plug in and function. The design is rotatable-flexible up to 180º and includes a small tripod.
Webcams for more than 35 euros
Nexigo N930AF
When it has almost 20,000 positive reviews, something is going right with this camera. The NexiGo has the most useful autofocus for when we move and that we can be seen perfectly, with an integrated microphone and noise cancellation, it is ideal for all types of Smart TVs and apps from Twitch, Facetime, Skype… It is also Plug and Play, without the need to configure anything, it also has a 2-meter cable that makes things much easier. It is especially compatible with Android TV and Windows, and is capable of recording at 1080p with a starting point of 7 cm and an incredible range of focus.
Papalook PA452
We are facing one of the best quality-price webcams. To say that it does not appear that it is compatible with Android, but through the manufacturer we have been able to confirm that you can use it with devices that work with Android 5 or higher. It has brightness correction, a viewing angle of 65 degrees and Full HD resolution.
Logitech C920 HDPro
One of Logitech’s most acclaimed models. The Swedish manufacturer is a benchmark when it comes to buying a webcam, and its Logitech C920 HD Pro is a new example of this. This model has Full HD resolution, in addition to a lighting correction system that uses its sensors so that you are always seen in the best quality.
Add its viewing angles of 65°-78°-90° so that you can choose the one that best suits your needs, and you have a tall product. The best? Which comes with a premium license of XSplit for 12 months.
Creative Live! CAM
This has one of the best designs in the entire market, much more premium. The Creative Live! CAM boasts dual microphones on the sides to pick up sound so your voice sounds clearer and sharper than ever. And its 360 degree rotation will allow you to use it however you want.
iTOPVIS
The creme de la creme, as they say. This camera has so much quality that it is a true 3 in 1. On the one hand, it has a speaker and microphone, capable of recording Full HD 1080p and, what strikes us the most, is that it has a wide angle to record our entire room in its entirety. Its price is somewhat more expensive, but if you want to spend the money well, and at once, this is the model to beat.
Our recommendation
If you ask us about the model that we like the most, we have it quite clear: Logitech is one of the most reliable brands in the entire market and used by all the big ones. For this reason, the best model in value for money is the C920 , which is the one that we would stay with without a doubt.