Must-Have Video Conferencing Accessories for Better Calls: In today’s digital age, video conferencing has become a staple of both professional and personal communication. With the rise of remote work, online learning, and virtual meetings, the quality of video calls plays a crucial role in maintaining effective communication.
While platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet provide the virtual space, the accessories you use can elevate the entire experience, ensuring better audio, video, and overall performance.
In this article, we will explore some must-have video conferencing accessories that can enhance the quality of your calls. From improving the clarity of your audio and video to ensuring comfort and professionalism, these accessories can make a world of difference.
Whether you’re a remote worker, a student, or someone who frequently attends virtual meetings, investing in the right gear is essential for a more efficient and enjoyable video conferencing experience.
Must-Have Video Conferencing Accessories for Better Calls
1. Webcams: Clearer and Sharper Visuals
A quality webcam is one of the most important video conferencing accessories. While many laptops come with built-in webcams, they often provide subpar image quality. Investing in a high-definition external webcam can significantly improve the clarity of your video calls.
Logitech C920S HD Pro Webcam
The Logitech C920S HD Pro Webcam is one of the most popular and well-regarded webcams for video conferencing. It delivers 1080p video resolution and features an automatic light correction function that ensures your image is clear even in low-light settings. Its built-in stereo microphones provide good audio quality, and it is compatible with major video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Skype, and Microsoft Teams. The Logitech C920S also includes a privacy shutter, which is a great security feature.
Razer Kiyo
For those who want enhanced lighting as well as high-quality video, the Razer Kiyo is a fantastic choice. This webcam has a built-in ring light that can be adjusted to suit your environment, ensuring you’re well-lit during your video calls. It supports 1080p video at 30fps or 720p at 60fps, giving you the flexibility to choose between high-quality visuals and smoother video for fast-paced conversations.
Why You Need a Good Webcam:
Having a high-quality webcam ensures that your video is clear and sharp, making communication smoother. It’s especially important for professional settings where a good impression is essential. Good lighting and clarity can help convey your message effectively, leading to better communication.
2. Microphones: Better Sound Quality
In any video call, clear audio is just as important as clear visuals. Often, the built-in microphones in laptops or webcams aren’t powerful enough to provide high-quality sound, especially in noisy environments. External microphones can drastically improve the sound quality of your calls, making them an essential accessory.
Blue Yeti USB Microphone
The Blue Yeti is one of the best-known microphones for professional-grade audio in video conferencing. It offers multiple pattern selections (such as cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional), allowing you to customize the microphone’s sensitivity depending on the situation. Its crystal-clear sound is perfect for online meetings, and its USB connectivity makes it easy to plug and play with your computer.
Audio-Technica ATR2500x-USB
The Audio-Technica ATR2500x-USB is another excellent microphone designed for clear sound quality. It’s a cardioid microphone, meaning it picks up sound primarily from the front, reducing background noise. Its USB connectivity allows for easy use without requiring additional audio interfaces, making it a perfect choice for those who want professional audio without extra complexity.
Why a Good Microphone Matters:
Audio quality is essential for effective communication, and poor sound can lead to misunderstandings or frustration during meetings. A dedicated microphone will help capture your voice more clearly, ensuring that every word is heard and understood, which is crucial for professional or academic meetings.
3. Headsets and Headphones: Superior Audio and Comfort
Using a headset or a pair of high-quality headphones with a built-in microphone is another way to enhance your video conferencing experience. A good headset minimizes background noise and ensures you can hear and be heard clearly without distractions.
Jabra Evolve 75 UC Wireless Headset
The Jabra Evolve 75 UC Wireless Headset is an excellent choice for those who want both comfort and professional-quality audio. It features active noise cancellation, which helps block out surrounding noise, making it easier to hear and speak in noisy environments. The boom microphone ensures your voice comes through clearly, and the wireless design gives you the freedom to move around during calls.
Logitech H390 USB Headset
The Logitech H390 USB Headset is an affordable yet high-quality option for video conferencing. It features noise-canceling capabilities and delivers clear audio for both incoming and outgoing sound. The padded headband and ear cups ensure comfort during long meetings, while the adjustable microphone lets you position it for optimal sound capture.
Why a Headset or Headphones are Important:
A good headset or pair of headphones ensures that you can hear others clearly without any distractions. Additionally, the microphone integrated into many headsets allows for better sound quality, reducing the likelihood of background noise or distortion that might occur with a laptop or desktop microphone.
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4. Lighting: Look Your Best in Every Call
Proper lighting can make a huge difference in how you appear on video calls. No one likes to look like they’re sitting in a shadow or bathed in harsh lighting. Investing in the right lighting setup can help you look professional and well-lit, improving the overall experience.
Neewer Ring Light Kit
The Neewer Ring Light Kit is a popular lighting solution for video calls. This 18-inch ring light provides even lighting and reduces shadows, ensuring you’re well-lit from all angles. It comes with adjustable brightness and color temperature, making it easy to adapt to different environments. The ring light is especially useful for those who want to look their best in professional settings, such as interviews or client meetings.
Elgato Key Light
For streamers, content creators, and professionals, the Elgato Key Light is a fantastic lighting option. This adjustable, desk-mounted light can be controlled through your computer, allowing you to fine-tune the brightness and color temperature to create the perfect look. The light is dimmable and easy to adjust, ensuring you have consistent and flattering lighting during your video calls.
Why Proper Lighting Matters:
Good lighting is crucial for looking professional on video calls, and it can reduce the strain on your eyes. Poor lighting can make you appear washed out or difficult to see, which can distract from the content of your meeting. A good lighting setup will not only make you look better but also help you feel more confident.
5. Video Conferencing Stands or Mounts
A stable camera setup is essential for video conferencing, and using a stand or mount ensures your camera stays in the right position. Whether you’re using your smartphone, tablet, or webcam, a stand helps improve stability and minimizes distractions during calls.
Logitech C920S Webcam Stand
The Logitech C920S Webcam Stand is a compact, adjustable stand designed to work with most webcams, including the popular C920S model. It helps position your camera at eye level for a more natural and professional look on video calls. The stand is also designed to reduce camera shake, keeping your video feed smooth and steady.
Lamicall Tablet Stand
If you prefer using a tablet for video conferencing, the Lamicall Tablet Stand is a great accessory. This adjustable stand works with tablets of various sizes and keeps your device stable, allowing you to maintain proper posture during meetings. It’s especially helpful for individuals who use their tablets as their primary video conferencing device.
Why a Stand or Mount is Necessary:
Using a stand or mount for your webcam or device ensures that your video is steady and your face is properly aligned with the camera. This is important for maintaining a professional appearance during meetings and can help prevent distracting camera movements during the call.
6. Network Solutions: A Stable Connection
A good network connection is the foundation of any smooth video conferencing experience. If your internet is unstable, your audio and video quality will suffer, leading to delays, lag, and poor communication. To ensure a smooth video conferencing experience, investing in network accessories such as high-speed routers or Wi-Fi extenders can make a significant difference.
TP-Link Deco Mesh Wi-Fi System
The TP-Link Deco Mesh Wi-Fi System is a popular choice for ensuring that your home network is fast and reliable. This mesh system ensures seamless coverage throughout your home, so you don’t have to worry about connectivity issues during video calls. It’s easy to set up and offers excellent performance for video conferencing, gaming, and other bandwidth-intensive tasks.
Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Wi-Fi Range Extender
The Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 is a Wi-Fi range extender that helps boost the signal strength and coverage in areas where your Wi-Fi may be weak. By ensuring a stable connection, it can help improve the quality of your video calls and prevent frustrating drops or lag.
Why a Stable Network is Essential:
A stable and fast internet connection is the backbone of a good video conferencing experience. Without it, even the best equipment won’t perform to its full potential. Investing in network solutions like Wi-Fi extenders or mesh systems will help ensure a smooth and uninterrupted connection during calls.
FAQs
How can I improve my audio during video calls?
Investing in a high-quality microphone or a headset with a built-in microphone will greatly improve your audio. Look for noise-canceling features and ensure your microphone is positioned correctly.
Do I need a webcam if my laptop has one?
While most laptops come with built-in webcams, the quality is often not optimal for professional calls. An external webcam, like the Logitech C920S, can provide much higher image quality and improve the overall look of your video calls.
How can I look my best on video calls?
Good lighting is essential for looking your best. Consider using a ring light or an adjustable desk light to ensure that you’re well-lit and visible during your calls.
What’s the best microphone for video conferencing?
The Blue Yeti USB Microphone is highly recommended for its clear sound, ease of use, and multiple pattern options. For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Audio-Technica ATR2500x-USB offers excellent sound quality at a lower price.
How can I stabilize my video feed during calls?
Using a webcam stand or mount can help stabilize your video feed and ensure that your camera is positioned at the right height. This will give your calls a more professional appearance and reduce distractions from shaky video.