In the ever-evolving landscape of the modern workplace, remote work has become a staple that shows no signs of fading away. As the number of individuals opting for remote work continues to rise steadily each year, the need for effective online video conferencing equipment has become more prevalent than ever. With the ever-growing desire among remote workers for a more improved, polished online presence as well as greater improvements to communication capabilities, the demand for assistive tools and supportive technology has surged, leading to a plethora of options flooding the market.

Navigating the sea of choices can be overwhelming, especially as you are still trying to understand the perfect fit for your specific virtual needs. Fear not, as this article aims to simplify the process and highlight the best video conferencing equipment available for your home or remote office. From cameras to microphones, headsets, and even the virtual teleprompter like VODIUM, we will delve into and discuss our top recommendations to elevate your next video conference experience, no matter your choice of video platform.

Whether you're looking for a top-notch camera to help you record crystal-clear visuals, a reliable microphone for pristine audio quality to help the accuracy of your AI meeting summaries or a virtual teleprompter to support you to be sure you nail the key points in your prepared speech, we've got you covered. Whether you prefer using Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, or even Zoom for your upcoming video conference, exploring our recommendation for the best options in each category,  you will become equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to make the right choices to help ensure you with more seamless and professional video conferences, greatly improving your virtual toolkit for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

Best cameras for video conferencing

By far, the best all-around great webcam is the Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920. For ten years, this has been the go-to choice for many because of its balance of performance and affordability. This relatively low-cost external webcam boasts a surprisingly high-quality video output for its age.

The camera allows you to video conference at 1080p with crystal clear quality. Sure, you’re not getting 4k quality, but most video conferencing software is capped at 1080p anyway. Plus, the image resolution is 15 megapixels, allowing for astonishingly high-quality photos.

If you’ve used a webcam before, you know how infuriating autofocusing can be. Even after a decade, the C920’s autofocusing capabilities are phenomenal. The field of view (FOV) is 78°, which isn’t bad either!

Moreover, you can also download the driver software, giving you the ability to calibrate and customize the capture to make it even better.

There are some understandable downsides to the model. First, the frame rate is capped at 30 fps. This is pretty standard but could cause issues in video conferencing depending on your standards. Also, the built-in mic is pretty poor-quality, but we’d suggest getting an external mic anyway.

You'll probably never want to go back to another webcam after using this. You'll be amazed by the clarity that it offers for such an affordable price. Truly, the C920 is a jack-of-all-trades.

Best on a budget

NexiGo N930AF

If you're looking for a budget-priced video conferencing webcam that still offers 1080p quality, you should consider the NexiGo N930AF. 

It offers 1080p/30fps quality for sharp video with decent clarity compared to higher-priced models. Autofocus helps remove the blur that's the bane of many discount webcams.

It even comes with a privacy shutter that adds a welcome layer of security when you don't want to get spied on. You’ll have to attach it yourself, though.

One fantastic thing about this webcam is that it's simple to set up—just plug it in and start using it. This means you won't have to download software or run updates. You can also download the NexiGo Webcam Settings app. This will give you access to additional settings so you can fine-tune the brightness, saturation, contrast, and sharpness to your preference —as you test your video before a meeting.

The NexiGo's field of view is only 65 degrees and isn't adjustable, which is pretty poor but understandable for the price. Again, the audio quality is subpar, but you should get a mic for yourself anyway. While it's a good low-cost option, it lacks features such as a digital pan and tilt.

If you’re looking to maximize your professional setup, the Poly Studio P15 has everything you'll ever need in video conferencing equipment. It's one of the largest and most expensive webcams on the market, but you get a ton for the price.

At 1.81 pounds and 17 inches wide, it's huge for a personal webcam. As you’d expect from a video conferencing camera at this price point, the P15 can provide 4K video quality. You'll love the display's stunning visual clarity and true-to-life colors.

Many webcams require you to hook an external microphone and speaker if you want an optimal sound experience. That's not the case with the P15, which comes with a fantastic mic and speaker of its own. A beamforming microphone array allows you to point to a specific direction of the room, making it exceptional at picking up human voices while blocking out any background noise.

The webcam does a spectacular job of keeping the colors accurate and adjusting to match the amount of light in the room. The auto-framing feature ensures that no matter how much you move, the camera will always keep your face perfectly framed.

Also, the diagonal field of view is a whopping 90°, meaning you can also get a lot out of that background!

Best microphones for video conferencing

Best all-round 

Blue Yeti

The Blue Yeti is regarded as the best USB microphone out there. It offers many valuable features for a reasonable price tag. This mic is so popular because it offers a versatility not many other models have.

The Blue Yeti offers several audio modes for different situations. There’s the cardioid mode for single speakers, a bidirectional mode for one-on-one interviews, and an omnidirectional mode for more speakers. It also offers a stereo mode.

One of the best features of this model is the proprietary tri-capsule microphone array, which allows you to change polar patterns at will.

It comes with a gain control dial on the back, a feature most USB microphones don't have. This allows you to modulate the sensitivity level without the need for software, which is difficult to do if you're recording. It even has a mute button, which is always a plus in case you need it!

There are very few flaws to this mic. However, it’ll be good to get a pop filter for it, as it’s a bit sensitive to pops and bumps.

Can’t quite afford the Blue Yeti? Try the Blue Snowball iCE, a fantastic budget microphone from the same folks. It’s an excellent choice not only for your video conferencing needs but also for recording voiceovers for videos or podcasts.

Its delightful mid-century look and durable metal construction are indicative of the company's passion for manufacturing high-quality electronic components.

The microphone is easily detachable from the stand if you need to transport your mic to another location. In fact, it's small enough that you could toss it into a backpack if you wanted to do your telecommuting while in a more picturesque setting than your kitchen table.

Just don't expect a ton of features. There's no gain control, mute, or polar pattern switch. These stripped-down add-ons might be disappointing for tech-minded team members who are more accustomed to using mics that provide better options.

However, the unit's simplicity could be fantastic for newbies who value user-friendliness in their video conferencing equipment.

Best headsets for video conferencing

Best over-ear options

Best all around  

Sony WH-1000XM4

When it comes to the best over-ear headset for video conferencing, the Sony WH-1000XM4 stands out as a top contender. With exceptional active noise cancellation and high-quality audio output, these wireless headphones provide a seamless experience for virtual meetings. The battery life of up to eight hours on a single charge ensures that you can rely on them throughout your workday. The memory foam ear tips create a snug fit, effectively blocking out background noise and allowing you to focus on your conversations. Whether you're in a busy office or working from home, the Sony WH-1000XM4 offers comfort, clarity, and reliability for all your video conferencing needs.

Best all-rounder 

Jabra Elite 85h

The intuitive design of the Jabra Elite 85h has a comfortable fit and exceptionally long-lasting battery. Its intuitive design makes it an excellent choice if you value sonic clarity during work calls.

Use the free Jabra Sound+ app to adjust the audio equalizer to your personal preferences. If you have the active noise cancellation engaged, the battery lasts 36 hours. Charging the headphones is super quick, giving you a solid five hours of use after plugging them in for a mere fifteen minutes.

Other Bluetooth headphones have buttons so confusing that you end up pressing the wrong one. This isn't the case with the Jabra, which boasts straightforward controls and an easy pairing process across all devices.

Best wireless noise-canceling headphones

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

The Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 are fantastic when you're trying to video conference, and there's a lot of background noise. They're a terrific option for people who prefer an over-the-ear design to earbuds.

While these headphones are expensive, they're worth it if you value aural clarity above all else. They offer better noise-canceling adjustability than almost any other headphones on the market. Their lightweight design makes them comfortable to wear—even if you have them on all day.

Best earbud options

Best all-rounder 

Sony WF-1000XM4

The Sony WF-1000XM4 are fantastic wireless headphones. It has exceptional active noise canceling, high-quality audio, and a battery that lasts up to eight hours on a single charge. If you use them without noise-canceling, you can boost that number to 12 hours.

A V1 chip built into the unit works in tandem with dual noise sensor mics to erase most background sounds. Because these earphones are a whole lot smaller than their predecessors, they'll fit in your ears better.

Noise cancellation is second to none. The memory foam tips seal to your ear canals exceedingly well, which helps to further cut out disturbing ambient sounds such as the constant chatter of coworkers.

Best on a budget

Realme Buds Air 2

The Realme Buds Air 2 are exceptional budget-priced earbuds with a well-balanced audio profile that's perfect when you need to hear every word of what your boss is saying. They do a much better job isolating background noise than similarly priced models.

Their compact, sleek, and unobtrusive design makes them perfect for on-the-go use. Each earbud has smart detection sensors, meaning they pause whenever you take them out of your ears.

The Realme Buds Air 2 has a 10mm bass boost driver that allows for crisp sound quality. While this might not come in handy during a work call, you might welcome it when you need to take a music break.

Consider adding VODIUM to your video equipment toolkit

No video conferencing equipment toolkit is complete without VODIUM. Our virtual teleprompter software is a game-changer for your team members, allowing them to deliver presentations with confidence and clarity, and it even works directly with today's leading video conferencing (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, WebEx, etc.). It's desktop software that's compatible with macOS 10.14 and Windows 8.1 or newer.With VODIUM, there's no need to worry about memorizing lengthy scripts or fumbling with printed notes. The intuitive interface prompts speakers with their lines in real-time, ensuring seamless delivery and engaging communication.

Say goodbye to awkward pauses and distractions caused by looking at multiple screens. VODIUM keeps everything in one place, allowing presenters to focus on connecting with their audience and delivering their message effectively. As well it offers it's users fully customizable text-based features raging from: Auto/manual scrolling, Window locking capability, transparency control, and font-size control. With VODIUM, you and or your team will captivate listeners, convey information persuasively, and leave a lasting impression on viewers.

as you Incorporate VODIUM into your home's video conferencing setup your presentations will gradually become more polished, professional, and will make a greater impact. Elevate virtual meetings with VODIUM and empower you and or your team to shine greater in every presentation they deliver.

Take us out for a test drive and start your trial today!