How to Improve Your Webcam and Microphone for Video Calls

People judge a video call by the sound and the picture. Good results rarely need expensive equipment. Lighting, camera position and a clear microphone make a bigger difference than the price of your hardware. This guide covers the steps that improve calls the most.

Light your face from the front

Place a window or lamp in front of you, not behind. A light behind you makes your face dark. A soft light from the front or side looks natural. Avoid strong overhead lights, which create shadows under the eyes.

Position the camera at eye level

A laptop camera placed too low shows an unflattering angle. Raise the laptop on books or a stand so the camera is at eye level. Keep your face in the upper third of the picture and sit about an arm's length from the screen.

Reduce background noise

Close windows and doors, and turn off fans or air conditioners if possible.
Mute your microphone when you are not speaking.
Use the noise suppression setting in your video app, if it offers one.

Choose a better microphone

A headset with a boom microphone placed near your mouth is usually clearer than a laptop microphone. Earbuds with a built-in microphone are a cheap improvement too. Keep the microphone a few centimetres from your mouth, and avoid covering it with your hand.

Check the audio and video settings

Open the settings in your video app and choose the correct camera and microphone. Run the test call option before an important meeting. If the picture is too dark or grainy, increase the light rather than the camera's brightness setting.

Keep the background tidy

A plain wall or a neat shelf keeps attention on you. Blur or virtual backgrounds can help, but they can look odd when your edges move. Choose whatever keeps you comfortable and looking natural.

Sit comfortably

Long calls are easier when your posture is good. Use the advice in typing posture to set up your chair and screen, so you can stay focused during the whole meeting.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to buy a separate webcam?

Not always. Many laptop cameras work well in good light. A separate webcam helps if you need a higher resolution or a better position on a desktop monitor.

Why does my voice sound echoey?

Echo often comes from speakers feeding back into the microphone. Use headphones, or turn on echo cancellation in the app settings.

Test before every important call

Most video apps offer a preview or a test call. Use it to check the camera angle, the brightness and the volume. Ask a colleague or friend to tell you how you sound and look on their screen. A two-minute test prevents the common problem of a call starting with muted audio or a dark picture.

Use a headset when you can

A headset keeps your voice close to the microphone and reduces echo from the speakers. Wired headsets are reliable and need no charging. Wireless headsets are convenient, but check the battery before a long meeting. Whichever you choose, keep the microphone boom placed near the corner of your mouth.