Transforming your phone into a webcam can help open up endless personal and professional options for you. There are many reasons that you may want to utilize your phone as a webcam; Thankfully, whether you have an Android or an Apple mobile device, there are apps that can assist with turning your smartphone into a webcam. When determining what app is best for you, you’ll also want to consider what type of computer you have. Some applications are better suited for Apple computers whereas some are best fit for Windows PC.
Reasons to use your smartphone as a webcam
Some of the most popular reasons that people use their phone as a webcam are to replace their existing or current webcam when it’s down, broken, or needs replacement; However, transitioning to a smartphone as your primary phone often offers better quality due to the technological advancements of mobile phones.
Mobile phones also cater to users that require on-the-go access for busy days or last-minute video conferencing meetings or those that need an additional webcam for alternate angles.
Downloading webcam apps are the new way to stay connected virtually! All you need is your mobile device, your computer, and a WiFi network.
Does it work like a traditional webcam?
With intelligent applications that are available on both Android phones and Apple, your mobile device can now function as efficiently as a traditional webcam. We recommend splurging on the paid applications, as they often have better camera quality, and better simulate a true webcam experience.
Top options for iPhone/iPad vs. Android
Depending on the type of mobile device you have, you’ll have different application options available to you. For example, Droidcam and Droidcamx are applications for the Android phone Epoccam is a webcam application for iPhone users.
iPhone/iPad
For Apple users that wish to transform their iPad or iPhone into a webcam, EpocCam offers incredible applications to assist with the process. Both EpocCam and EpocCam Pro offer stunning video quality and easy-connect options; However, EpocCam Pro, the paid version, provides HDR color and manual focus.
EpoccCam
EpocCam was recently purchased by powerhouse provider of hardware and software for content creators, Elgato. After decades within the market, Elgato has streamlined content creation by developing products to simplify and empower the content creation process. Since EpocCam has teamed with Elgato, the two have created a strong partnership that offers the best app for iOS devices.
How it works
To turn your iPhone or iPad into a webcam, Epoccam does the trick. Not only does it offer great video qualities but it integrates with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and OBS Studio to simplify your connection abilities over webcam.
Features
Unlike Android applications, EpocCam works seamlessly with both Mac and PC’s, so regardless of the type of computer you have, your phone can sync up with ease.
EpocCam has what I believe to be the widest variety of options on any of the apps discussed in this article.
Key features:
- Wireless connection
- USB connection
- 640 x 480 pixel resolution
- Green screen capability
- Newtek NDI compatibility
Pros and cons
One of the main benefits of using EpocCam is the many integrations the application has. Regardless of your type of computer preference, EpocCam will easily download for simple use.
Some users have complained about connection issues, but it seems like those concerns were largely rectified with software updates.
Set up
EpocCam boasts about its easy, four-step downloading process. Begin by downloading the app in the App Store and then install it onto your computer. Connect your phone to your personal computer through WiFi or USB and finally set EpocCam as the webcam on your computer. It’s that easy. EpocCam doesn’t require cables or complications.
EpocCam Pro
Features
Looking to elevate your webcam experience? For as little as $7.99, you can unlock EpocCam Pro and benefit from high definition 1080p video quality, manual focus, and vibrant HDR color that captures colors for dramatic effect. With EpoCam Pro, the watermark will be removed and you’ll have access to the green screen to replace your background.
Key features
- Up to 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution
- Wireless connection
- USB connection
- Vibrant HDR color
- Manual focus
- Ability to use phone’s microphone
- Wide-angle support
- Green screen capability
- Ability to use phone’s flashlight
- Newtek NDI compatibility
Pros and cons
Not only is EpocCam Pro easy to set up, but its many features and unbeatable quality make the $7.99 investment worthwhile. With access to a green screen, wide-angle camera, and unlimited support, EpocCam Pro offers a premium experience.
Set up
Much like its similar competitors, EpocCam Pro is easy to set up with a 3-step downloading process. Simply begin by searching EpocCam on the Apple store and downloading it onto your phone. Once that’s successful, download to your computer and connect the two via WiFi or USB.
Android
Are you looking to transform your Android phone’s camera into a webcam? There are two incredible applications that can be downloaded to help integrate your mobile device into your Windows PC, so you can seamlessly video chat and connect virtually. Both DroidCam and DroidCam X Pro are made by the same company. DroidCam X Pro is the paid version, which offers more substantial features and premium options.
DroidCam
DroidCam is a free Android app that transforms your Android device into a webcam. Download DroidCam from the Google Play Store.
How it works
DroidCam integrates with Skype, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and other platforms that require a webcam for virtual connecting. It simply opens up and allows you to connect with other people as a traditional webcam would.
Features
DroidCam can be used over WiFi or USB for easy access and user-friendliness. Access your webcam capabilities with either the front or back camera with no time limit.
Not only is DroidCam easy to use, but it doesn’t have a watermark and its unlimited usage is a huge bonus for users. The free software does have ads, which is distracting for some users, and it’s available exclusively for PC users and not compatible with Apple computers.
Key features:
- Wireless connection
- USB connection
- Can still use your phone
Pros and cons
DroidCam is a user-friendly app that is easy to download and completely free for users. Due to its free interface, it doesn’t feature many options and it is limited to Android devices. For iPhone users, you’ll have to branch out to other apps.
Set up
To use, it must be installed on both a mobile device and a PC computer. Simply begin by installing on both your device and PC, and follow by connecting the two to use webcam capabilities.
DroidCamX
For an upgraded version of the traditional DroidCam, purchase DroidCam X for $5.49(most recent price). With all of the great features of the free version of DroidCam, DroidCamX Pro offers a superior level of webcamming capabilities.
How it works
DroidCamX Pro allows users to connect seamlessly by using their mobile device as a webcam. Though similar to DroidCam, DroidCam X Pro offers several more features and better quality.
Features
With DroidCamX, you’ll have the ability to zoom in and adjust the brightness and contrast of the picture quality. The HD quality is improved to a quality 720p/1080p with HD mode. The camera will autofocus to maintain premium quality throughout your webcam session.
Key features
- Wireless connection
- USB connection
- Can still use your phone
- 720p to 1080p resolution
Pros and cons
One of the biggest complaints of DroidCamX Pro is the difficulty customers have reaching support; However, users report the application being relatively easy to use and set up.
Because DroidCamX Pro is a paid version of the free DroidCam X, there are several different options that make this app favorable. For those who are interested in spending money on a webcam application, DroidCamX is an excellent option for those with Androids.
Unfortunately, DroidCamX (like DroidCam) is still unavailable to iPhone and Apple users).
Set up
Similar to DroidCam, DroidCam X Pro boasts a 3-step download process. Simply download on your mobile device, on your computer, and then connect the two for an easy, virtual connection.
The best of the rest
XSplit Connect
How it works
For PC users that are looking for a way to wirelessly connect their mobile phone as a webcam, XSplit Connect is an excellent option.
Features
Use XSplit Connect for conference calls or live streams and remove or change your background. XSplit works with all popular conference apps including Skype, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and more. They offer 24/7 support and lifetime updates.
Pros and cons
XSplit Connect offers unmatched customer support. The red-carpet customer service is a definite benefit for those who use the application. For those who aren’t satisfied with their current surroundings, the ability to remove, blur, or change the background is a hit among users.
Set up
In only three easy steps, you’ll transform your mobile device into a webcam. Begin by downloading XSplit Connect to your mobile device and follow by downloading it on your PC. Finally, connect your mobile app to your PC. Voila! You can now access your mobile device as a webcam.
iV Cam
How it works
iV Cam offers PC users the ability to set up your iOS device or Android device as a webcam to take conference calls or virtual streams.
Features
iV Cam also markets their services as a baby monitor, spycam, and security camera.
Pros and cons
Not only does iV Cam have great reviews, but it offers fast-speed services and connects through WiFi or USB. Get unlimited access to iV Cam for completely free.
Set up
With their easy 3-step downloading process, iV Cam is easy to use.
Conclusion
Regardless of your type of computer and mobile device, there’s an application that will help you convert your phone into a webcam. Transforming your phone into a webcam will help in those on-the-go moments and provide better quality than traditional webcams. If you’re looking for an application that will be a perfect fit for you, do the research and choose an application that’s both user-friendly and provides the features that you’re looking for.
