This 4K webcam feels like a killer value — even without the free lifetime Camo Studio subscription included

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Razer is famous for its PC gaming gear, but webcams aren’t usually what people think of when they hear the name. However, Razer seems to be focusing on webcams now, and we’re taking a look at their new Kiyo V2.

I’ve been using the Razer Kiyo V2 as my main webcam for several weeks, and I’m really impressed. For $150, it’s surprisingly good – it costs less than many other high-end 4K webcams, but the picture and sound quality are excellent.

What’s really great is that the Kiyo V2 includes a free, lifetime subscription to Camo Studio Pro, a well-known program that adds lots of features to your webcam. This software alone is worth $100, and it helps the Kiyo V2 stand out against other webcams on the market.

We received a review sample from Razer for this review. Razer didn’t have any influence on the content and hadn’t seen it before it was published.

A quality webcam designed for everyone

Razer’s Kiyo V2 represents a shift in design from their older webcams. They’ve moved to a more streamlined horizontal bar format – similar to the Logitech MX Brio – which also allows for wider placement of the stereo microphones.

The Kiyo V2 isn’t a small webcam, so keep that in mind, but it has a sleek, matte black finish and feels very well-made. Razer has consistently improved the quality of its products, and that’s definitely noticeable with this model.

The Kiyo V2 isn’t a top-of-the-line webcam like some other high-end models, such as the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra or my personal favorite, the OBSBOT Tiny 2. However, it feels just as well-built and thoughtfully designed as webcams that cost over $200.

This camera comes with a strong, built-in stand that can swivel, and it works with standard camera mounts. It connects with a removable USB-C cable, and has a simple, rotating privacy shutter to physically block the lens. A white light indicates when the camera is recording, but importantly, the microphones can still work even when the light is off. (I’d like to see Razer allow the microphones to be controlled by the light, too.)

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The Kiyo V2’s microphone is surprisingly good for a webcam. My colleagues at Windows Central were impressed with its audio quality, and I agree. However, it’s still a webcam, so for the best sound, a headset or a dedicated microphone is always a better choice.

The Kiyo V2 is better than many webcams at isolating your voice and blocking out background sounds, resulting in clear audio. However, even small changes in how far you are from the camera significantly affect the audio quality, which can be problematic if you move around a lot.

While the overall build quality is excellent, a webcam’s success really depends on the quality of its sensor.

A solid sensor supported by super software

The Razer Kiyo V2 features an 8.3MP Sony STARVIS sensor – a good size, though not as large as the one found in the higher-end Kiyo Pro Ultra. It can record video at 4K resolution with 30 frames per second, or at 1080p with 60 frames per second.

It’s a little weird, but the cheaper Kiyo V2 X can only do 1440p at 60 frames per second, while the more expensive Kiyo V2 is limited to just 30 FPS at that same resolution. I don’t really get why! But honestly, everything else about the pricier webcam is way better. The picture is much wider – it has a 93-degree field of view – and it supports HDR, which makes a huge difference. Plus, it just works with more stuff and features, which is awesome.

The Razer Kiyo V2 delivers excellent image quality, rivaling webcams that cost around $200. Colors are accurate, it performs well in low light, and the autofocus generally works well, though it can be a bit slow. The main drawback is its auto-exposure, which sometimes makes lighter skin tones appear washed out – something I personally noticed.

The Razer Kiyo V2 offers image quality that’s competitive with other webcams in its price range, though it doesn’t necessarily excel in any one area. What really makes it stand out is its user-friendly software and its affordable price.

The Razer Kiyo V2’s sensor is great, but not exceptional — it’s the software that gives it an edge.

Just to be clear, when I say software enhances the Kiyo V2, I’m not referring to Razer Synapse. Synapse only offers the most essential settings – it works, but it doesn’t have the advanced features you’d find in the software offered by other, more established webcam companies.

Razer understands this need, which is why they’ve teamed up with Camo Studio, a well-known program that improves webcams for streaming and video calls on both Windows and Mac computers.

Each Kiyo V2 (but not the Kiyo V2 X) includes a free, lifetime license for the professional version of Camo Studio, plus special Razer visual themes and settings.

The Razer Kiyo V2 now includes all the advanced software features you’d expect from top-of-the-line webcams. This includes detailed image controls, AI-powered background and privacy options, automatic face tracking, and more. While Camo is famous for turning phones into excellent webcams, its powerful and easy-to-use software is also available with the Razer Kiyo V2 – and you don’t need a subscription to use it.

I’m genuinely impressed with how quickly and easily Camo Studio works. While the Razer Kiyo V2 doesn’t automatically follow you, Camo’s auto-framing feature cleverly uses the wide-angle lens to keep you centered in the picture. It’s a fantastic experience overall, but the Razer Synapse software is pretty much only needed to activate your license, so if you’re concerned about programs using up your computer’s resources, that’s worth knowing.

Razer Kiyo V2 review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if …

  • You need a high-quality 4K webcam without spending $200+.
  • You already know the value of Camo Studio and its features.
  • You want a great webcam with a physical privacy shutter you can see.

❌You should not buy this if …

  • You really don’t want to install a new app just for your webcam.
  • You really value hardware features like gimbal tracking.

I’m going back to recommending the OBSBOT Tiny 2. When it comes to features like smooth tracking, clear picture quality, and easy-to-use software, it’s simply the better webcam. However, it’s worth noting that it costs about twice as much as other options.

As a fan, I have to say the Razer Kiyo V2 is seriously impressive, especially considering it’s only $149.99 directly from Razer! I rarely think a Razer product is *actually* a great value, but this one is. What really makes it a steal is that it comes with a Camo Studio Pro license, giving you a bunch of extra features in the software – it’s a fantastic addition.

Even though the Razer Kiyo V2 X costs 33% less, I don’t think it’s worth buying for $99.99 at Razer.com – I recommend the OBSBOT Tiny SE instead. The standard Razer Kiyo V2, however, is a great deal for people who often video conference or stream, and it performs as well as the pricier Logitech MX Brio.

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2025-11-09 23:11