Built-in webcams in laptops and AIO (all-in-one) desktops generally offer very poor image and recording quality, which is why most streamers opt for external webcams. The standalone hardware not only offers much better photos and videos, it also offers clearer audio for teleconferencing and streaming. So if you're not happy with your portable webcam or want to upgrade to a new high definition webcam, you've come to the right place. That's because we've rounded up the 5 best 4K UHD webcams for streaming and teleconferencing right now.

Along with the best 4K UHD webcams, we also list some affordable 4K webcams in case you don't want to shell out the extra cash for the premium models. We'll also tell you what to look for when buying a webcam and discuss whether 4K webcams are worth the premium right now. Finally, we will also tell you how to use your humble smartphone as a webcam on your computer. So without further ado, let's check out the best 4K UHD webcams for streaming and video conferencing you can buy right now.

It goes without saying that the most important feature of a webcam is the quality of the images and video it captures. For modern digital cameras, a high-resolution sensor and high frame rates are a starting point for good image quality. Usually, the higher the resolution, the clearer the image and the higher the frame rate, the smoother the video. The type of lens (preferably 6-layer glass instead of plastic) also affects the performance of the webcam, while sensor size, field of view (FOV), codec support and platform compatibility are also things to watch out for.

One feature often overlooked by webcam buyers is microphone quality. Omnidirectional microphones, which record from all directions around the camera, typically improve audio quality by an order of magnitude. Some premium webcams also come with motion sensors, which can turn a webcam into a security system. While some models come with this feature built in, others allow you to download software to enable it. Another desirable aspect is a wide viewing angle. You should ideally choose something that offers a 90-degree FOV, but anything less than 75-degrees should be a strict no-no.