Look as Good as You Sound: Webcam Advice for VO Pros

Every week or so, I’ll spot a post in a voice actor Facebook group or Discord server that says something like:

“Hey folks—what’s a good webcam for Zoom sessions or virtual auditions?”

It’s a great question. While most laptops today have a built-in webcam, that’s not always practical for voice actors using an older computer that has to live outside the booth because of fan noise. Or maybe your laptop is off to the side, not near eye level, and your clients are staring up your nose while you’re trying to give your best read.

If you’re one of those folks looking to upgrade your setup or just want something a little more flattering than your MacBook’s built-in cam from 2017, here’s a breakdown of smart, affordable options and one surprisingly powerful trick if you’re already in the Apple ecosystem.

Why External Webcams Make Sense

External webcams give you the flexibility to frame yourself properly, position your shot at eye level, and make sure you’re lit well (which definitely helps when a casting director or producer is trying to see your face during a read).

The Logitech C920x Pro- Amazing quality for a reasonable price!

Right now, one of the most reliable workhorses out there is the Logitech C920 HD Pro. It’s been around for years, but it’s still a top pick (I've been using mine for five years and get lots of compliments!). It gives you crisp 1080p video, a decent built-in mic (not that you need that), and it plugs into pretty much anything via USB. Most importantly, it just works—and at around $60, it’s a solid investment that can live on a small tripod or clamp stand near your booth.

Anker PowerConf C200 2K Webcam. An affordable powerhouse.

If you’re looking for a bit of an upgrade without going full broadcast studio, Anker’s PowerConf C200 gives you 2K resolution and a wide field of view. It’s great if you want a slightly sharper image or have a setup where your webcam is farther back.

Logitech's MX Brio- an Ultra 4K BEAST!

And for folks going all in—maybe you’re teaching, live-streaming, or regularly in video-heavy sessions—Logitech’s MX Brio is a beast. It delivers full 4K video and even has AI-based lighting and framing tools. It’s more than most voice actors need, but if you love having top-tier tech or want your video to look premium, it’s worth a look.

Got an iPhone? You’ve Got a VO Pro Webcam.

If you’re a Mac and iPhone user, you might not need to buy anything at all.

Apple’s Continuity Camera, introduced in macOS Ventura and iOS 16, turns your iPhone into a wireless, high-quality webcam for your Mac. It uses your rear-facing iPhone camera—aka the good one—to give you a studio-level image right out of the gate. As long as both your Mac and iPhone are on the same Wi-Fi and logged into the same Apple ID, your Mac will automatically recognize your iPhone as a webcam in apps like Zoom, FaceTime, etc.

There’s even a native mounting system available (or plenty of third-party clip mounts), so you can perch your iPhone above your monitor and stay hands-free. Even a simple tripod can help you get the camera where you need it to be! Want to plug it in for more reliability? Go for it—wired and wireless both work.

For voice actors, this is a phenomenal option. You can place the phone near you in the booth, light yourself with a ring light, and appear on camera looking sharp—without having to drag your laptop into the booth and hope nobody notices the fan noise!

Pro Tip: Conference with a Second Device

Let’s say you’re running your session through Source-Connect on your main machine, but your client also sends a Zoom or Teams link so they can “watch” the session. What do you do? Here's another VO Pro webcam tip:

Just join that Zoom call from your phone or iPad.

This is a simple trick, but it works beautifully: you stay fully dialed in through Source-Connect on your main rig (no extra load on your CPU), and your secondary device gives you a clean, flexible way to be seen. It also creates a helpful separation between the audio stream and the video chat—especially handy if your mic setup is complicated or you’re using loopback tools.

Plus, if Zoom ever flakes out on your desktop, your phone becomes a quick backup.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a crazy complicated video setup to look good on camera as a voice actor. You just need something that makes you look clear, centered, and confident—whether you’re reading copy, coaching, or just checking in with a producer.

• Want simple and solid? The Logitech C920 is tried-and-true.

• Need sharper resolution or wider framing? Try the Anker PowerConf C200.

• Going full 4K pro mode? Look into the Logitech MX Brio.

• Already have an iPhone and Mac? Continuity Camera might be all you need.

And hey—if nothing else—just promise me you won’t use that built-in webcam with the laptop on your lap, pointing straight up your nose. 😄