From content creators to family meetings, the Brio 4K is an excellent choice

Most laptops and tablets have a built-in webcam, but it isn't the primary focus of the device. This often leads to poor video quality for online meetings or chatting with friends and family in faraway places. 

However, by adding a dedicated webcam to a gadget such as a desktop computer or tablet, the video sensor dramatically increases the visual clarity and audio quality. 

There are plenty of companies that make webcams, but Logitech has many years of experience in developing consumer electronics, and the Logitech Brio 4K webcam is a good example of advances in the space.

Testing the Logitech Brio 4K webcam 

Webcams are neatly packed into a small box, but that doesn’t relate to how well they work. The only way to accurately put a webcam through its paces is to connect it to a compatible device to run several tests. These include streaming video over the internet, recording visuals and audio onto a hard drive to check playback quality and using the included software to enhance the experience.

The BestReviews Testing Lab strives to investigate every claim the brand/manufacturer makes about the product. For this article, the tester compared their previous knowledge and experience of using webcams to this model, looking at what Logitech claims and how it differs from other popular choices.

What is the Logitech Brio 4K webcam?

The Brio is a webcam from Swiss electronics maker Logitech, and it has a maximum video resolution of 4K. It connects to any device with a USB port, and through software, it gives the gadget the ability to record or stream video footage over the internet.

It typically rests on the edge of a computer monitor or laptop display and is held in place through a plastic clip. The webcam also has omnidirectional microphones with noise-canceling technology to clearly pick up the speaker’s voice and eliminate any background sounds.

See how it compares to other products in its space — check out our reviews for best webcams.

Logitech Brio 4K Webcam price and where to buy

The standard Logitech Brio 4K is available on Amazon for $199, and there's a bundle that includes a Litra Glow light for $225. To add better audio to video calls, a third bundle for $289 includes a Yeti Blackout desktop microphone.   

How to use Logitech Brio 4K webcam

The Brio, like other webcams, is incredibly easy to use. Plugged into a computer or laptop’s available USB port, only a simple software installation is required during the initial setup process.

Logitech Brio 4K webcam benefits

The primary drawcard of the Brio is the 4K resolution camera. Straight out of the box, the improved video quality is noticeable over other webcams with lower resolutions, such as 2K or full HD. 

It also incorporates software aspects such as RightLight 3 and high dynamic range (HDR) technology to ensure correct lighting. The built-in Auto Focus ensures crystal-clear visuals, even when moving around, and there are three fields of view modes to choose from. During testing, the Auto Focus and lighting adjustments were evaluated under natural, low and professional lighting scenarios.

This small webcam has two omnidirectional microphones that help eliminate background noise while focusing on the speaker’s voice. However, during testing, it was found that using the bundled Yeti Blackout microphone produced much better results. That said, the built-in microphones are better than most webcams in the same class.

Logitech Brio 4K webcam drawbacks

While the webcam performs well on Windows-based computers, Mac users might struggle to adjust some settings. This isn’t made easier by the confusing structure of Logitech’s website when searching for correction software or visual upgrades.

The Testing Lab also noticed that the webcam could easily slip off the monitor or laptop display through minimal movement. While the webcam can be positioned in different ways, the clamp often didn’t seem solid enough to keep it there. 

A possible solution to counter any accidental falls would be to mount the webcam on a selfie tripod that can easily hold its own on a desk or table. 

Should you get the Logitech Brio 4K webcam?

The standalone Brio is perfect for anybody who doesn’t have a high-quality webcam on their computer or laptop. However, streamers and content creators can squeeze more functionality out of it when paired with the Yeti microphone or additional light. 

In most everyday scenarios, the 4K visuals are excellent, but it does require a faster internet connection to broadcast and receive a signal at that resolution. While it's slightly cheaper than other cameras with similar capabilities, it isn’t cost-effective if used only for family video calls.