Is a $20 webcam good enough for work calls?

Yes. A $20 1080p webcam with decent lighting looks perfectly professional on Zoom and Teams. Lighting matters more than the camera at this price range.

Should I buy a webcam or use my laptop camera?

Laptop cameras are typically 720p with poor low-light performance. Even a $20 external webcam is usually a significant upgrade in image quality.

Best Budget Webcams Under $30 2026