We’re breaking down 11 of the best webcams for teaching fitness. Learn everything you need to know and choose the right one for your gym or fitness class.
Team Glofox
You can build a real connection with fitness clients over a video call. And while a good personality can transcend a grainy video, you’ll build better connections and deliver better fitness training when you’re not showing up in potato quality.
This raises a key question: what’s the best webcam for teaching fitness? A cursory search online brings up a million jillion choices, and narrowing in on the right one isn’t a piece of cake. It’s important to figure out though, ‘cause a good quality webcam (and a ring light) can help you have an impact far beyond your local fitness community.
Glofox’s whole focus is helping gyms owners and trainers scale (like you!) their fitness practices and drive more revenue by hosting online fitness, and we’re up on all the latest video conferencing tech. We’ll start with a quick recap of the strategy behind online fitness, and then dive into 11 of the best webcams for teaching fitness in 2023.So come on, let’s get into some cam reviews.
Why are video training sessions strategic for gyms?
It’s simple: we’re deep into the 21st century, and fitness clients expect flexibility. Sure, the pandemic forced many fitness professionals to switch to online training, but the demand for at-home fitness hasn’t slowed since lockdown ended.
What was initially an enforced move ultimately opened doors for fitness instructors to reach wider audiences. Many people discovered they actually prefer doing a workout at home—rather than going to the gym or the local park. Others can’t squeeze gym sessions into their busy schedules, and others can’t afford in-person memberships. Getting more clients onto ideo training sessions can be a convenient and affordable compromise.
Alternatively, training via video calls can be the route to a hybrid approach made up of both in-person and virtual memberships. And once you start to look at moving some of your services online, you’ll be surprised just how much fitness technology can aid your training practice. Studio management tools like Glofox can help you get more online training clients AND manage your fitness business from your smartphone, for example.
So here’s the bottom line: gyms and fitness instructors must offer a more diverse range of services in order to keep up. Figuring out image quality, mastering your lighting conditions, and learning which webcam is best for streaming fitness classes are all part of the adaptation process. Everyone’s scrambling to keep up, so you’re not at all alone.
The 11 best quality webcams for online fitness
Time for the fun part—and no shame if you jumped right to this section. We’ve got 11 of the best webcams on the market, but before we dive in, we want to draw your focus to some key factors you should consider before hitting ‘buy’:
- Resolution: Most built-in cameras on devices have a resolution of 720p which is not really suitable for a fitness class. 1080p resolution is the minimum image quality you should consider, but 4k resolution is even better.
- Frame rate: Your frame rate per second (fps) will determine how clear moving images will be, and you don’t want to present a blurry version of your workout to paying customers.
- Sound quality: Fitness classes need to an immersive experience, and sound is half the equation. High-end webcams have better sound, and that can be a real differentiator for your fitness classes.
- Portability and field of view: Even if you operate from a single location like a gym, different classes might demand different views. A 90-degree field of view can be a godsend for some instructors, if you can find it.
- Autofocus: You don’t want to be mucking about with the camera while trying to teach. Autofocus will make sure you stay front and center of the screen, hands free.
Ok, you’re ready. Let’s dive in and take a look at some of the best webcams money can buy:
- Logitech C920
The Logitech C920 offers a full HD 1080p resolution and dual stereo microphones. It’s a common feature in offices and conference rooms these days—and that’s because it’s one of the best high-end webcams out there. This camera has great visuals, great sound, and a 78-degree field of view. It’s also got a universal clip that allows you to attach it anywhere you need to.
The only real drawback to the Logitech 2C920 is that its maximum frame rate is 20 fps. This is fine for gentle yoga classes, but it might result in choppy video if you’re teaching an energetic kickboxing class. The Logitech C922—the Logitech C920’s fancy older sibling—offers 60 fps, so if you’re looking for a slight upgrade, that’s where to turn.
Reasons to Buy:
- 1080p resolution
- Dual microphones
- Versatile attachment options for various fitness setups
Limitations:
- Limited frame rate
Cost: $56.98
- Anker PowerConf C300
With its wide angle and excellent performance in low light, the Anker PowerConf C300 is a good choice for fitness instructors working from home. It features full HD 1080p resolution and a whopping 115-degree rotation, so you’ll get good quality video no matter how you flip it.
The webcam is compact and permanently attached to a hinge, so you can angle it according to your needs. For example, if your class involves both floor work and standing, you can adjust it between activities to give participants the best possible view. It comes with built-in dual microphones for clear sound and a maximum frame rate of 30 fps. (Love it.)
It’s not the cheapest option—but if you’ve got the budget, you really can’t go wrong.
Reasons to Buy:
- Full HD 1080p resolution
- 115-degree rotation for versatile angle capture
- Adjustable clip for flexible attachment options
Limitations:
- Lower frame rate compared to some high-end webcams
- Narrower field of view compared to webcams with wider angles
Cost: $99.99
- Angetube 1080p
A simple plug-and-play model, the Angetube 1080p is a solid choice for fitness instructors who aren’t the most tech-savvy. It’s got 1080p resolution (hence the name), it’s light, and it’s got a built-in microphone to capture good-quality audio.
It’s a pretty basic webcam with no frills, but if this is your first venture into video call sessions (or you’re on a tighter budget) it’s reliable and does the basics to a reasonable standard. You may need to upgrade to a webcam with a broader field of view down the line, but the Angetube 1080p can absolutely get you started.
Reasons to Buy:
- Affordable
- Built-in microphone for audio capture
- Easy to set up and use
Limitations:
- Lower frame rate compared to higher-end webcams
- Narrow field of view for larger training areas
Cost: $59.85
- Tolulu HD Webcam
This webcam features automatic low light correction, so you don’t need to worry about light settings. The Tolulu HD Webcam’s 110-degree field of view is useful if you need to stream a large area, and it includes a built-in noise-reduction microphone to shut out external noise and ensure you’re heard loud and clear.
The Tolulu HD Webcam comes with a privacy cover and a tripod stand, and streams at 30 fps. This should be enough for most instructors, but if you plan on pre-recording footage for classes that participants might playback at slower speeds, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got a webcam that shoots in 60fps. (Glofox can help you roll those classes, too.)
Reasons to Buy:
- Clear video quality with HD resolution
- Built-in noise-reduction
- 110-degree field of visio
Limitations:
- Standard 30fps frame rate
- Lack of advanced features
Cost: $29.88
- Logitech Brio
Right out of the box, the Logitech Brio comes with everything you’ll need to delivering world-class video training sessions. Tech savvy trainers: this one lets you optimize your light, brightness and shadow settings so you’ve got amazing video quality.
The Logitech Brio has also got 4k resolution, which allows you to use a digital zoom without looking like you’re streaming through a potato. Its quality is world-class, and the webcam even includes autofocus so you can be confident the picture will remain clear despite your own movements.
The only drawback? The fixed position of the webcam. You’ll have to make sure you’re set up the way you want in advance, ‘cause it’s not the easiest to rejig mid-class. The Logitech Brio isn’t not one of the cheaper options here, but it’s rock solid. We cosign it.
Reasons to Buy:
The Customer
Engagement Playbook
for Your Fitness
Business
Discover more - Impressive 4K Ultra HD resolution with HDR imaging
- Frame rate goes up to 60fps for smooth motion
- Green screen compatible
Limitations:
- Higher price point compared to others
- Fixed position allows for less shooting flexibility
Cost: $199.99
- Insta360 Link
The Insta360 Link is a high-end webcam that provides crisp images, good quality sound and a literal 360-degree field of view. It offers 60 fps at a 1080p resolution or 30 fps at a 4K resolution, so you’ve got serious flexibility in terms of picture quality. It even operates via a gimbal, so it’ll auto frame you as you move around your training area.
You’ve got high enough image quality to greenscreen yourself out (bye, messy living room) and this model even includes AI compatible features. It probably does more than you need it to do to host a decent video training session, but if you love a top-of-the-line gadget, the Insta360 Link is well worth considering.
Reasons to Buy:
- 360-degree field of view
- High-resolution image quality and adjustable shooting modes
- Maximum of 60 fps
Limitations:
- Not compatible with all software or platforms
- One of the more expensive options
Cost: $299.99
- Poly Studio P15 Personal Video Bar
The Poly Studio P15 Personal Video Bar is big, expensive, and ultra high-quality. This high-end webcam is designed for corporate use, so it’s perfect for gyms with a fixed setup who want to stand out. The P15 offers high-quality audio, is compatible with all the major video platforms, and shoots video in 4K resolution.
This all said: it may not be practical if you offer fitness classes from different places (or if you’re on a tighter budget). It’s the most expensive webcam on this list by far and at 17” in width, it’s hefty. Most trainers can get greater bang for their buck with other options on this list—but if you’re corporate, it can be a great option.
Reasons to Buy:
- High-definition image quality and smooth frame rates for video calls
- Extremely high sound quality
- Wide field-of-view for better coverage of the surroundings
Limitations:
- Large size can make it unwieldy for trainers on the go
- Expensive relative to… everything else here
Cost: $449.99
- Poly Studio P5
The Poly Studio P5 is a simple clip-on webcam that features solid audio and image quality, making it a practical little powerhouse for many fitness instructors. The hinge allows you to tilt it to various angles and the app that comes with the webcam makes it easy to adjust the settings.
This one’s a great choice for fitness instructors on the go. The P5 includes autofocus, the built-in microphone captures clear, crisp sound, and the automatic low-light correction makes it particularly effective in darker lighting conditions. However, the P5’s field of view is relatively limited—it’s only got an 80-degree field of view.
Reasons to Buy:
- Excellent image quality and smooth frame rate
- Versatile mounting options with an integrated clip or tripod thread
- Autofocus and automatic low-light correction
Limitations:
- Limited field of view
- Higher-resolution options may be preferred for capturing finer detail of workouts
Cost: $79.99
- Logitech C310
The Logitech C310 had its heyday in the early ‘10s, and it’s still a decent budget option. It captures video in 720p resolution and 30 fps, making it similar in performance to a standard built-in laptop camera… which is not a big point in its favor.
However, the universal clip attachment offers you the benefit of greater flexibility in movement, and you can position it pretty much anywhere. And if you accidentally crunch it with a dumbbell or a sun salutation gone horribly wrong… you won’t be out too much money.
Listen, it may not be the perfect long-term solution, but it’ll get you started with video conferencing without breaking the bank. Shout out to the Logitech C310 for showing up and trying.
Reasons to Buy:
- A budget-friendly option
- Solid image quality and smooth frame rate
- Convenient universal clip attachment for easy positioning
Limitations:
- 720p resolution is quite low for modern webcams
- Limited features
Cost: $26.89
- Razer Kiyo Pro
This Razer Kiyo Pro streams in 1080p resolution and includes an HDR setting that’ll help you a clear picture—even in tricky lighting conditions, like a dark spin class. It comes with three field-of-view settings, which gives you total control over what’s included in the frame.
The Kiyo Pro comes bundled with Razer’s Synapse software, and you’ll be able to tweak every little setting you need to. However, the autofocus isn’t the sharpest, so it might lose the plot during your more energetic workouts and sessions. It’s also quite an expensive option, so make sure you need all the features before you go for a high-end webcam like this.
Reasons to Buy:
- 1080p resolution with HDR support
- Adjustable frame rate options (30fps or 60fps) to suit
- Suitable for dark lighting conditions
Limitations:
- Quite expensive
- Autofocus can be less reliable
Cost: $199.99
- Microsoft Modern Webcam
This’s another budget-friendly option—but it packs a serious punch. The Microsoft Modern Webcam supports HDR and can stream at 60 fps, which is unusual at this price point. The color is even and you can easily adjust the appearance to match the lighting conditions of your fitness setup.
One drawback to the Microsoft Modern Webcam is the mount, which feels slightly flimsy and is not well-suited for curved monitors. The field-of-view is also relatively narrow. That said, it’s one of the best budget options we’ve got on this list. In a pinch, you can’t go wrong with it.
Reasons to Buy:
- Even color reproduction
- HDR support
- 60 fps capture option
Limitations:
- Monitor stand can feel insecure on certain monitors
- Narrow field-of-view
Cost: $39.90
So, what’s next?
In the end, only you can decide which webcam is best for streaming your fitness classes. Each of the models we’ve mentioned offers serious benefits to gym owners and fitness instructors. And ultimately, the best webcam is the one that you’re comfortable with—both in terms of features and price.
No matter which webcam you pick, you’ll notice that once you start offering online training, your training will start to expect that you’re a more digital studio. Like, they’ll start to expect that you’re the type of gym that offers reminder texts, app-based scheduling, and online membership management. And luckily, fitness software tools like Glofox lets you offer all those features in just one place.
You’ll be able to manage appointment booking, client engagement, membership sales and marketing for your fitness business all in one place. With fitness services like that, you’ll be able to afford whatever webcam you want.
