Free Webcam Test: Check Your Camera & Mic Before Streaming
Nothing kills a stream vibe faster than a frozen camera or a muted microphone. This free online tool lets you test your webcam and mic directly in your browser, so you can verify your equipment works before you hit "Start Streaming" in OBS.
Why Test Your Webcam Online?
OBS Studio sometimes "hogs" the camera resource, making it hard to debug if it's not showing up. By testing here first, you can confirm:
- Hardware Connection: Is the USB cable loose?
- Driver Status: Is Windows recognizing the device?
- Quality Check: Is the lighting good? Is the focus sharp?
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Black Screen?
If you see a black screen here, check if another app (like Zoom, Discord, or OBS) is already using the camera. Windows only allows one app to access the webcam at a time.
Low FPS / Laggy Video
If the "Frame Rate" reading above is below 30 FPS, try these fixes:
- Lighting: Webcams reduce their shutter speed in low light to make the image brighter, which kills the frame rate. Add a ring light or desk lamp!
- USB Port: Plug directly into your PC's motherboard (USB 3.0 blue port), not a cheap USB hub.
- Drivers: Update your Logitech/Elgato drivers.
Understanding Resolution
Most streams run at 1080p (1920x1080) or 720p (1280x720). Using a 4K webcam is great, but remember that downscaling it to a tiny box in the corner of your screen doesn't add much detail—but good lighting always does.