The Logitech C310 webcam is one of the company's least expensive models. In fact, the only Logitech webcam cheaper than this is the C270 HD. But inexpensive is not synonymous with cheap; for less than $50, the Logitech C310 offers relatively sharp images at 720/30fps, plus automatic light compensation. It also has a noise-reducing microphone and can be easily attached to a laptop or monitor.

Keep reading our review of the Logitech C310 HD and discover why it is the best webcam under $50.

At the time of publication, the Logitech C310 HD webcam's list price on Amazon is $49.99, but it is currently available for $29.99. On Logitech's website, it is $34.99. However, you can also save roughly $10 by purchasing the nearly identical Logitech C270 HD webcam on Amazon. Listed at $39.99, it is currently on sale for $24.79.

The Logitech C310 HD webcam is compatible with Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.10 or later, or Chrome OS. It also requires a USB-A port. The webcam works with popular platforms and applications such as Skype and Google Meet.

The Logitech C310 HD webcam comes with a 5-foot USB-A cable and a user manual. Measuring 2.8 x 1.2 x 1 inches and weighing 2.5 ounces including clip and cable, the camera is small and lightweight.

The webcam has a plastic lens typical of Logitech's lower-priced models. It does not come with a tripod, but only the Logitech webcam (Logitech C922 Pro HD) has a tripod.

Above is a picture of it on top of my 27" monitor.

The Logitech C310 HD webcam provides 720p/30fps video. This is a decent video at this price point, but compared to the glass lens and 1080p/30fps video of the Logitech C920s Pro HD, the image is noticeably coarser and lacks sharp detail. However, if the webcam is intended for children or for casual web chatting, that is probably not a deal breaker.

The camera stream from the C310 cannot be rotated (unlike the much more expensive Logitech StreamCam), so it cannot be used in portrait mode. The FoV of the webcam is 60 degrees diagonal and is not adjustable. However, only Logitech's $200 webcam has this feature.

Webcams also do not have digital zoom, pan/tilt, or autofocus. To get these features, you will need to upgrade to a mid-priced Logitech webcam (C920e, C922, or C925).

However, the C310 HD has automatic light correction. It uses Logitech's RightLight 2, which uses face-tracking technology to set the lighting based on the subject (you) and brightens or dims the video accordingly. In low or uneven lighting conditions, the frame rate can be adjusted to improve baseline image quality without creating video noise.

The webcam has a built-in mono microphone, as opposed to the dual omni-directional microphones found in higher-end Logitech webcams. The latter provides clearer, more natural sound. The audio on the Logitech C310 HD is decent, perhaps better than that of a laptop, but honestly, most webcam microphones are not impressive, and most people can greatly improve their video chat audio by purchasing one of the best USB microphones can do.

Among Logitech's budget webcams, the Logitech C310 HD is nearly identical to the Logitech C270 HD webcam, which is a few dollars cheaper. In fact, there are only slight differences between the two: the C270 has a 55-degree diagonal viewing angle, while the C310 HD has a 60-degree diagonal; the C310HD has a 1.2MP camera, while the C270 has a 0.9MP camera; the C310 HD has a 0.9MP camera, while the C310 HD has a 1.2MP camera.

Otherwise, both cameras have a maximum resolution of 720p/30fps, plastic lenses, built-in microphones, fixed focus, and universal mounting clips.

If you want a basic webcam for under $50 to use for school, video chats with family and friends, or virtual meetings with colleagues, the Logitech C310 HD provides decent images and respectable audio.

But if you prefer a webcam with Full HD 1080p, autofocus, and even a privacy shutter, the Logitech C920S Pro HD is the middle ground between affordable and expensive webcams.