Most webcams have a microphone built in, but not all of them
Many modern webcams come with a built-in microphone that captures audio at the same time as video. If your webcam has a small hole or grille near the lens, it likely contains a microphone. However, some webcams—particularly older models or budget options—have no microphone at all, and a few high-end models skip it intentionally so you can choose your own audio equipment.
The easiest way to find out is to check the product manual or the manufacturer's website. Search for your webcam model number (usually printed on the back or bottom) and look for "microphone" or "audio" in the specifications. If you have already bought it and installed it, you can test whether it works by opening your computer's sound settings and speaking into the webcam while watching the input level meter move.
Key Takeaways
- Built-in webcam microphones are common but not universal—check your model's specifications to be sure.
- A small hole or grille near the lens usually indicates a microphone is present.
- Built-in microphones are adequate for video calls but often pick up background noise and keyboard clicks.
- If your webcam has no microphone or the audio quality is poor, you can use a separate USB microphone or headset instead.
- Windows and Mac both let you choose which microphone your computer uses for calls and recording.
How to tell if your webcam has a microphone
Look at the physical webcam itself. Most models with a built-in microphone have a small hole, slit, or grille somewhere on the body—often near the lens or along the edge. This opening allows sound to reach the microphone sensor inside. If you see no opening at all, the webcam likely has no microphone.
The most reliable method is to check the product documentation. Find your webcam's model number (usually on a sticker on the back or bottom) and search for it on the manufacturer's website or in the manual. Look for a specifications section that lists "microphone," "audio input," or "built-in mic." If the specs say nothing about audio, the webcam probably has no microphone.
If you already have the webcam connected, you can test it. On Windows, go to Settings > System > Sound and scroll down to "Input." Click the microphone dropdown and select your webcam. Speak into the webcam and watch the input level meter—if it moves, the microphone is working. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Sound > Input and select your webcam from the list, then speak and watch the input level.
What built-in webcam microphones are good for
A webcam microphone works well enough for video calls on Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, or Skype. It picks up your voice clearly enough that the other person can hear you without asking you to repeat yourself. For casual conversations, it is perfectly adequate.
Built-in microphones are also useful for recording quick video messages or tutorials where audio quality does not need to be professional. If you are recording a how-to video for a small audience, the microphone that came with your webcam will do the job.
Why a separate microphone might be better
Webcam microphones have real limitations. They pick up everything around them—your keyboard clicks, your chair creaking, the hum of your computer fan, traffic outside your window. During a video call, the other person hears all of it. A separate microphone, especially one designed to sit close to your mouth, captures mostly your voice and much less background noise.
If you record video content, stream, or do a lot of video calls, a dedicated microphone will sound noticeably better. USB microphones like the Audio-Technica AT2020USB or Blue Yeti are affordable and plug directly into your computer. Headsets with a boom microphone (like those made for gaming) also work well because the microphone sits right in front of your mouth.
Webcam microphones also tend to be omnidirectional, meaning they pick up sound from all directions equally. A good external microphone can be cardioid, which means it listens mostly to what is in front of it and ignores sound from the sides and back. That focus makes your voice clearer and reduces distractions.
How to switch between microphones on your computer
If you have both a webcam microphone and a separate microphone plugged in, you can choose which one your computer uses. On Windows, go to Settings > System > Sound. Under "Input," click the dropdown menu next to "Choose your input device" and select the microphone you want. Your choice will explore to all programs unless you change it again.
On Mac, go to System Preferences > Sound > Input. You will see a list of available microphones. Click the one you want to use. Again, this choice applies system-wide until you change it.
Some programs like Zoom or Skype also let you pick a microphone directly in their settings, which overrides your system default. If you are having trouble with audio in a specific program, check that program's settings first.
What to do if your webcam microphone is not working
First, make sure the microphone is not muted. Many webcams have a physical mute button or switch on the body. Check the webcam itself and also look in your computer's sound settings to see if the input is muted there.
Next, confirm that your computer recognizes the microphone. On Windows, go to Settings > System > Sound > Input and look for your webcam in the "Choose your input device" dropdown. If it is not listed, the microphone may not be detected. Try unplugging the webcam and plugging it back in, or restarting your computer.
If the microphone is listed but still not working, check the volume level. In the same Sound settings, look for an input level meter. Speak into the webcam—if the meter does not move, the microphone may be broken. If the meter moves but programs cannot hear you, the microphone may be muted in those programs' settings.
If you have tried all of this and the microphone still does not work, the microphone hardware may be faulty. At that point, a separate USB microphone is your best option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a webcam without a microphone?
Yes. If your webcam has no microphone or it is broken, you can still use the webcam for video. You will just need a separate microphone—a USB microphone, a headset, or even your phone's earbuds with a built-in mic—to capture audio during calls or recording.
Do all webcams have microphones?
No. Some webcams, especially older models or very cheap ones, have no microphone at all. Some professional or high-end webcams skip the microphone so users can connect their own audio equipment. Always check the product specifications before buying.
Is a webcam microphone good enough for streaming?
A webcam microphone can work for casual streaming, but viewers will notice background noise and lower audio quality compared to a dedicated microphone. If you stream regularly, a separate USB microphone will sound much better and is worth the investment.
Why does my webcam microphone pick up so much background noise?
Webcam microphones are small and omnidirectional, meaning they listen equally in all directions. They have no way to filter out keyboard clicks, fan noise, or traffic. A larger, directional microphone placed close to your mouth will capture mostly your voice and much less background sound.
Can I disable the webcam microphone and use a different one instead?
Yes. In your computer's sound settings, straightforward select a different microphone from the input device dropdown. The webcam microphone will stay plugged in but will not be used unless you switch back to it.