Entertainment
The best webcams in 2025
This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.
When it comes to webcams, there’s one thing you can rely on: The webcam built into your computer isn’t up to scratch. At least, not if you need it for professional purposes, whether that means video meetings or YouTube content creating.
The good news is that you don’t have settle for subpar video every time you hop on a call or drop your latest short. There is another way: an external webcam.
External webcams are clearer, more detailed, more advanced, and just, well, better. Before you buy one, however, there are a few basics you’ll need to know. Here’s some helpful information, plus a selection of the best webcams, to put you in the picture.
What is an external webcam?
An external webcam clips on the top of your screen or sits on a little tripod and plugs in via USB or Thunderbolt, rather than being a part of your computer or laptop. Most external webcams — especially high-quality cams — come with software that lets you manually adjust features, resolution, frames rate, white balance, exposure, and so on. Ultimately, an external webcam can be an easy way to make your video quality better and more consistent.
Are external webcams expensive?
They don’t have to be expensive. There are webcams on the cheaper end out there that are still a step up from built-in webcams. Of course, the more you pay, the clearer the image and greater the customisation options, but upgrading to an external webcam doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot.
What features do webcams have?
This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it’s useful to keep these things in mind when shopping for a webcam:
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Built-in mics — Some cameras come with one built-in mic, two built-in mics, or no mics at all. If crisp sound quality is important to you, spring for an external USB microphone. Webcam mics are never really built to wow. However, if your computer setup has no mic at all, grab a webcam that comes with one so you can make sure you’re being heard on your calls. Some mics also have noise cancelling capabilities to cut out ambient background interference.
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Field of view — If you want a webcam that frames you nicely (as in, not so small that the smallest adjustment will cut you out of the picture, and not so big you see the whole room in the background) check out the field of view, which describes the width of the area a camera captures. The standard sweet spot on most webcams hovers around 80 degrees, which can fit about two people comfortably.
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Image resolution and frame rate — There are a few image resolutions you’ll come across, including 720p (HD), 1080p (Full HD), and 4K (UHD). As you might have guessed, the higher the resolution, the higher the picture quality. While the image resolution is all about clarity, frame rate is all about smoothness. Typically, a higher frame rate like 60fps looks smoothest, though 30fps will still offer lag-free video. Only the highest quality webcams support 4K/30 fps and most video call/streaming platforms support 1080p/30fps.
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Lighting — If you find that your facial features are almost always lost to overexposure or that your image looks so dark you’re giving villain-in-a-found-film-horror-movie-energy (absolutely a vibe but maybe not the one you want on client calls), look out for webcams that handle changing light conditions well or have software that allows you to adjust contrast, exposure, and white balance.
Keep these things in mind when beginning your purchase process.
Are webcams a security risk?
There isn’t a greater privacy risk with an external webcam than a built-in webcam. But with any webcams, external or otherwise, you should be aware that webcam hacks are very much a thing, even if you don’t have your camera on. The rule of thumb is that if you have a webcam, you should be covering it every time it’s not in use. There are external covers you can buy for most kinds of webcams and some webcams.
What is the best webcam?
We’ve searched high and low for the very best webcams and lined up a selection for you. There should be something for everyone and every budget in this roundup, including popular models from top brands such as Logitech, Anker, and Razer.
These are the best webcams in 2025.
Entertainment
Best Mothers Day gifts: Show mom some love
Mother figures are the backbone of the world. Yours may be your biological mother, or maybe she’s your mother-in-law, your best friend’s mom, or simply someone whose motherly instinct has helped you through hard times.
Moms teach you the adulting necessities, give advice even if the problem is your fault, and above all, they put up with your shit and (almost) never complain.
The game plan here isn’t just to snag the last bouquet at CVS just so you’re not the kid who forgot Mother’s Day (but definitely also get flowers). And you don’t even need to spend a lot of money. (Peep our list of Mother’s Day gifts that cost less than $50. Want even more cheap gift ideas?
Skip the generic mugs and show your appreciation with a gift picked just for her: Whether it’s something to make a part of her life easier, something she’s mentioned wanting in passing, or simply something to make her feel like a damn queen, you can’t put a price on everything she’s done for you, but heartfelt gifts certainly help.
After all, they say “No matter how hard you try, you always end up like your mother.” But is that even a bad thing?
Entertainment
Ban subscriptions and get Microsoft Office 2024 for life for just £121
TL;DR: Grab Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business for PC or Mac for just £120.54 through June 1.
You wouldn’t keep paying for Netflix if you could own your favorite shows, right? So why are you still subscribing to Office apps you use every day? Microsoft 365’s price keeps going up, but there’s finally a way to break free — and it’ll cost you way less in the long run.
Microsoft Office 2024 is the answer you’ve been looking for. Instead of monthly payments, simply pay £120.54 once and be set for life (reg. £188.37). It’s that simple. And, yes, this lifetime download works for PC or Mac.
What’s included?
This license comes with:
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Word
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Excel
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PowerPoint
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Outlook
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OneNote
The newest version of Microsoft Office is a little different from Microsoft 365. But just because you’re switching to a lifetime license doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on some of the most recent updates. Word and Excel both still have AI integrations for text suggestions and smart data analysis, and PowerPoint still has improved tools for recorded presentations.
Once you’ve redeemed your purchase, you can install your apps on one computer. After that, they’re yours to use however you want. No more subscription fees or sudden price hikes to worry about.
Why rent when you can own?
Mashable Deals
Get a Microsoft Office lifetime license on sale for £120.54 with no coupon needed.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Entertainment
Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 9, 2025
Oh hey there! If you’re here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we’re serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today’s answer.
If you just want to be told today’s word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today’s Wordle solution revealed. But if you’d rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
Where did Wordle come from?
Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
What’s the best Wordle starting word?
The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?
The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website’s creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.
Is Wordle getting harder?
It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn’t any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle‘s Hard Mode if you’re after more of a challenge, though.
Here’s a subtle hint for today’s Wordle answer:
Gibberish.
Mashable Top Stories
Does today’s Wordle answer have a double letter?
There are no recurring letters.
Today’s Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with…
Today’s Wordle starts with the letter T.
The Wordle answer today is…
Get your last guesses in now, because it’s your final chance to solve today’s Wordle before we reveal the solution.
Drumroll please!
The solution to today’s Wordle is…
TRIPE.
Don’t feel down if you didn’t manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we’ll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today’s Strands.
Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
If you’re looking for more puzzles, Mashable’s got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you’re after? Here’s the solution to yesterday’s Wordle.
