Razer Kiyo vs Logitech C920: Which Webcam Is Right for You?

When it comes to video calling, streaming, or content creation, choosing the right webcam can make all the difference. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to determine which one best suits your needs. In this comparison, we’ll look at two of the most popular webcams: the Razer Kiyo and the Logitech C920. Both offer Full HD video quality, but their unique features set them apart. Whether you’re a professional streamer, a casual video caller, or a content creator on the go, we will help you make an informed decision.

1. Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam

The Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam is a solid choice for streamers, gamers, and professionals looking for an easy-to-use, high-quality camera. It offers 1080p at 30 FPS or 720p at 60 FPS, ensuring smooth video capture depending on your needs. One of its standout features is the built-in ring light, which provides even illumination without requiring extra lighting setups. The adjustable brightness allows users to fine-tune the lighting simply by rotating the ring. The advanced autofocus keeps subjects sharp, even when moving, making it ideal for dynamic streaming or video calls. Additionally, its compact, foldable design makes it easy to transport and store, making it a great option for content creators on the go.

While the Razer Kiyo excels in providing solid video and lighting solutions, it does have a few drawbacks. Some users have reported inconsistent autofocus performance, especially in lower lighting conditions. While the built-in microphone is a convenient addition, its audio quality is not on par with dedicated microphones. The webcam’s lifespan seems to be a concern for some customers, with reports of durability issues over time. Additionally, despite its superior low-light performance, it may still struggle in extremely dark environments without additional lighting.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

• 1080p 30 FPS / 720p 60 FPS video resolution
• Built-in ring light with adjustable brightness
• Advanced autofocus for clear and sharp images
• Compact and foldable design for portability
• Compatible with major streaming and conferencing platforms

Pros:

• Crisp and detailed video quality
• Convenient built-in lighting for improved visuals
• Easy setup and simple brightness adjustments
• Works well with popular streaming software
• Foldable and compact design for easy storage

Cons:

• Autofocus can be inconsistent in low-light settings

2. Logitech C920 HD Pro Webcam

The Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 offers exceptional video and audio quality, making it a strong contender for anyone in need of a reliable webcam for video calls, streaming, or recording. With Full HD 1080p video resolution, it captures crisp and vibrant details, providing a more lifelike experience during video calls and recordings. Its advanced compression technology using H.264 encoding ensures smoother performance, minimizing the strain on your computer and allowing for quick uploads. The camera’s precise autofocus, combined with a full HD glass lens, ensures clear and sharp visuals even in changing environments. Additionally, the dual microphones with automatic noise reduction capture natural stereo sound, enhancing the overall video calling experience.

However, while the C920 excels in most areas, there are a few limitations to consider. Some users have noted that its low light correction, while decent, doesn’t always produce perfect results in extremely dim environments. Additionally, although it is compatible with multiple platforms like Skype, Google Hangouts, and FaceTime, some users may experience lower video quality when using it on certain systems or with older software versions. The webcam does not feature an adjustable stand or rotating camera, which could limit flexibility in certain use cases.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

• Full HD 1080p video calling and recording
• H.264 video compression for smoother performance
• Full HD glass lens with precise autofocus
• Dual mics with automatic noise reduction
• Automatic low light correction

Pros:

• Crisp, lifelike video quality
• Easy setup and compatibility with multiple platforms
• Excellent microphone performance with noise reduction
• Compact and portable design
• Reliable build quality

Cons:

• No adjustable stand or rotating camera

Razer Kiyo vs Logitech C920: Webcam Comparison

Both the Razer Kiyo and Logitech C920 are highly popular webcams, known for delivering high-quality video and audio for streaming, video calls, and content creation. However, despite their shared purpose, these two webcams have distinct features, designs, and performance characteristics that make them suited to different user needs.

Video Quality and Resolution

Both webcams offer Full HD video quality, but there are some differences in terms of resolution and performance.

• The Razer Kiyo supports 1080p at 30 FPS and 720p at 60 FPS, allowing for flexibility depending on whether you prioritize smoothness or resolution. The higher frame rate at 720p is ideal for streamers and gamers who need fluid motion in fast-paced action.
• The Logitech C920, on the other hand, offers 1080p at 30 FPS for video calls and recording, with 720p at 30 FPS for supported video calling clients. While it doesn’t offer the 60 FPS option, it excels in delivering sharp, clear video with excellent color reproduction.

Feature	Razer Kiyo	Logitech C920
Maximum Resolution	1080p at 30 FPS, 720p at 60 FPS	1080p at 30 FPS, 720p at 30 FPS
Ideal Use	Streaming, gaming	Video calls, recording
Frame Rate Options	30 FPS, 60 FPS (720p)	30 FPS (1080p and 720p)

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Lighting and Design

One of the standout features of the Razer Kiyo is its built-in ring light. This feature provides even, natural lighting directly around the camera, which can be adjusted for brightness with a simple turn of the ring. It’s a great advantage for those who need extra lighting but want to avoid additional setups.

The Logitech C920 does not come with built-in lighting but relies on its automatic low light correction feature, which adjusts the exposure and color balance in dimly lit environments. While it may not provide the same level of convenience as the Razer Kiyo’s built-in light, it still delivers solid performance in low light.

Feature	Razer Kiyo	Logitech C920
Built-In Lighting	Adjustable ring light (5600K)	Automatic low light correction
Adjustability	Yes, via rotating the ring light	No direct adjustment, automatic
Lighting Requirement	Less dependent on external lighting	Requires ambient lighting

Audio Performance

When it comes to audio, both webcams include built-in microphones, but there are key differences in quality.

• The Razer Kiyo features stereo microphones with automatic noise reduction, ensuring clear audio even in noisy environments. However, for more professional setups, it may still fall short compared to dedicated external microphones.
• The Logitech C920 also includes dual microphones with noise reduction technology. It excels at capturing more natural and balanced sound, making it a better choice for those looking for clearer audio during video calls, podcasts, or streams.

Feature	Razer Kiyo	Logitech C920
Microphone Type	Dual mics with noise reduction	Dual mics with noise reduction
Audio Quality	Good for general use	Clearer, more natural audio
Ideal Use	General streaming, casual calls	Professional calls, podcasts

Autofocus and Lens Quality

Both webcams feature autofocus capabilities, but the technology differs slightly in terms of accuracy and response time.

• The Razer Kiyo comes equipped with precise autofocus using a 5-element glass lens. While it works well for most cases, some users have reported that it can be slower in adjusting when moving in and out of the frame, especially in dim lighting.
• The Logitech C920 also has a full HD glass lens with precise autofocus. Users generally find that it offers fast and accurate focusing in various lighting conditions, making it a reliable choice for static and dynamic shots.

Feature	Razer Kiyo	Logitech C920
Autofocus Technology	Yes, with glass lens	Yes, with glass lens
Autofocus Speed	Slightly slower in low light	Generally faster and more reliable
Lens Quality	Full HD glass lens	Full HD glass lens

Portability and Design

When considering the portability and design of each webcam, the Razer Kiyo is notably compact with a foldable design, making it ideal for content creators on the go. Whether you’re traveling or need to store the camera, the Kiyo’s sleek design allows for easy portability.

The Logitech C920 also offers a sturdy design, but it lacks the folding functionality of the Kiyo. It is slightly bulkier, making it less portable for users who need to frequently move their setup. However, it is still a solid choice for stationary setups.

Feature	Razer Kiyo	Logitech C920
Portability	Compact, foldable design	Sturdy but bulkier
Ideal Setup	On-the-go creators	Stationary desk setups

Compatibility and System Requirements

Both webcams are widely compatible across various platforms, with support for popular video calling and streaming software like Skype, OBS, Zoom, Twitch, and YouTube.

• The Razer Kiyo works seamlessly with Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS. It also supports streaming platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Streamlabs.
• The Logitech C920 is similarly compatible with Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS, but it also offers enhanced compatibility with Skype, Google Hangouts, and FaceTime for Mac. It supports H.264 encoding, making it a great option for smoother video uploads.

Feature	Razer Kiyo	Logitech C920
System Compatibility	Windows, macOS, Chrome OS	Windows, macOS, Chrome OS
Streaming/Video Calling Apps	Streamlabs, OBS, YouTube, Twitch	Skype, FaceTime, Hangouts
Video Compression	H.264	H.264

FAQ

Which webcam is better for low-light environments, the Razer Kiyo or the Logitech C920?

The Razer Kiyo has a significant advantage in low-light environments due to its built-in adjustable ring light. This feature provides even, natural lighting directly around the camera, making it a great option for streamers and content creators who need consistent illumination without additional lighting setups. It allows for easy adjustments to the brightness, ensuring you can maintain clear visibility even in dimly lit areas.

While the Logitech C920 also has automatic low light correction, it doesn’t come with an integrated light source like the Kiyo. While it can adjust exposure and color balance in low light, the C920 might not provide the same level of illumination in very dark environments. Therefore, for those who need superior low-light performance, the Razer Kiyo would be the better choice.

Can both the Razer Kiyo and Logitech C920 be used for streaming on platforms like Twitch or YouTube?

Yes, both the Razer Kiyo and Logitech C920 are fully compatible with major streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube. The Razer Kiyo is optimized for streaming, with features like 1080p at 30 FPS and 720p at 60 FPS, making it ideal for gamers and streamers. It also works seamlessly with popular streaming software such as Streamlabs and OBS.

The Logitech C920, while not offering 60 FPS at 720p, is still an excellent choice for streaming on Twitch or YouTube, delivering 1080p at 30 FPS with excellent video clarity. It works well with OBS, and other streaming platforms like Skype and Google Hangouts, ensuring that both webcams are well-suited for online content creation.

Does the Logitech C920 support video compression for smoother uploads?

Yes, the Logitech C920 supports H.264 video compression, which helps reduce the file size of recorded videos, making it easier to upload to platforms like YouTube and Vimeo. This compression technology ensures smoother performance, reduces strain on your computer’s processing power, and allows for faster uploads without compromising video quality. This is a great feature for those who frequently upload videos or stream on various platforms.

How does the portability of the Razer Kiyo compare to the Logitech C920?

The Razer Kiyo is notably more portable than the Logitech C920. It features a compact, foldable design, making it easy to carry and store, which is perfect for on-the-go content creators, gamers, or streamers who need to travel with their setup. Its small size and lightweight build make it more suitable for users who require flexibility and portability.

The Logitech C920, while still portable, is bulkier and lacks the foldable design of the Razer Kiyo. It’s better suited for stationary desk setups and might not be as convenient for users who need to move their webcam between locations frequently. However, its sturdier build ensures reliable performance during long-term use at a fixed location.

Is the audio quality better on the Razer Kiyo or the Logitech C920?

The Logitech C920 offers superior audio quality compared to the Razer Kiyo. It comes with dual microphones and automatic noise reduction, capturing natural and balanced sound, which makes it a great option for professional video calls, podcasts, or streaming.

The Razer Kiyo also features stereo microphones with noise reduction, but its audio quality is generally considered less clear and natural than the C920. The Kiyo’s built-in microphone is fine for casual use but may fall short in professional setups where higher audio clarity is needed. For those who prioritize better audio performance, the Logitech C920 would be the better choice.

Conclusion

Both the Razer Kiyo and Logitech C920 are excellent webcams, but they cater to slightly different needs. If you’re a streamer or gamer looking for a webcam that offers great lighting control and smooth 60 FPS video, the Razer Kiyo is an ideal choice. Its built-in ring light makes it easier to maintain even lighting, and the compact design is perfect for creators on the go.

However, if you prioritize consistent autofocus, better audio quality, and reliable performance in varied lighting conditions, the Logitech C920 shines through with excellent low-light performance and superior microphone clarity. For professional video calls, content creation, and streaming, the Logitech C920 is a dependable option.