This $21 webcam auto-adjusts lighting so you look mahvelous — grab it while it's 40 percent off

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Smile! You just scored a great web cam for 21 bucks. (Photo: Amazon)
Smile! You just scored a great web cam for 21 bucks. (Photo: Amazon)

One of the many lessons of this past year is that we're not necessarily ready for our collective closeup. Zoom life made clear that video quality matters—and that even the most expensive laptops can have so-so webcams (the one on the latest Apple MacBook Pro would have been considered cutting edge in 2010, but it's lackluster by today's standards).

So it makes sense to have a separate webcam to look and feel your best, whether you're doing video meetings or family Zooms. You may be shocked to learn that you can upgrade your experience for a teeny-weeny investment.

This Gesma HD Webcam captures video at an impressive Full HD at 1080p and 30 frames per second (FPS)—translation: you'll look crisp and clear and professional, not like you're Zooming in from a bunker. It's on sale right now, down from $40 to just $21 at Amazon—more than 40 percent off the regular price. This webcam is beloved by reviewers—more than 15,000 shoppers gave it a perfect five-star rating, citing its ease of use, image quality and more.

If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.)

Sharp video, crisp audio

The Gesma HD Webcam streams high quality, buttery smooth HD video with wide viewing angles. It adjusts white levels to present you in the best possible light (even if your room is dark).

"This is a great camera! I’m a teacher and trying to teach digitally this semester with my kids," raves a thrilled shopper. "The camera on my laptop isn’t good quality and I needed something better. This camera does the job! Excellent quality and easy to put on my monitor...It looks great. Easy set up and have already gotten compliments from co-workers when I’m in Zoom meetings. I’ve shared the link to this webcam about four times."

The built-in microphone is as impressive as the camera: It reduces ambient and background noise, so your video calls sound as professional as they look.

"I now find myself working from home and on a lot of video conferences," says another five-star reviewer. "My laptop camera's video and audio was pretty 'meh' and I wanted something better. Also wanted something I could clip on my second monitor so that I was looking at the camera more directly when talking...This model is perfect and an incredible improvement. The video is very sharp and my movements are smooth. Microphone picks up my voice great..."

Look sharp for meetings—and benefit from a better angle. (Photo: Amazon)
Look sharp for meetings—and benefit from a better angle. (Photo: Amazon)

Easy and effortless

For those intimidated by tech, we want to make clear that the Gesma HD Webcam couldn’t be easier to use. Just clip it to the top of your laptop (or monitor) and plug it in. That's all there is to it. "I literally plugged it into the USB port, went back to the front of the computer and it was set up," attests a reviewer.

Instant improvement, with no effort at an amazing discount. The cam is compatible with WindowsXP and up, macOS, iOS and Android devices and even Linux laptops and desktops.

For just $21—down from $40—the Gesma HD Webcam is a steal—and likely far better than the webcam on your laptop. For meetings, family Zooms, live stream lessons—whatever you need—it's transformative. Scoop up the Gesma HD Webcam at this bonkers price before it sells out. Then clip it on, plug it in—and try to stay modest when the compliments come rolling in.

Want more? Scroll for some of Amazon's best deals this week:

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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

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