How to improve video call quality

Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.

Why lighting matters more than your camera

Lighting is the single biggest factor in how you look on a video call. A decent webcam with good lighting will outperform an expensive camera in dim or backlit conditions. The key is to have a bright, even light source in front of you, not behind you. Sit facing a window or a lamp, and avoid having a window or bright light behind your back, which turns you into a dark silhouette. Most people make the mistake of sitting with their back to a window, which causes the camera to expose for the bright background, leaving your face underexposed. Instead, turn your chair so the window is in front of you, or close the blinds and use a desk lamp. A simple ring light or softbox placed just above eye level can dramatically improve your appearance, but even a well-positioned desk lamp works.

How to set up lighting correctly: window light, ring lights, and softboxes

The goal is soft, diffused light that comes from in front of you and slightly above eye level. Window light is often the best and most flattering source, so position your desk so you face the window. If you need artificial light, a ring light is a popular choice because it’s compact and creates a catchlight in your eyes, but it can be harsh if used too close. A softbox offers more even, flattering light, but it’s bulkier and more expensive. A simple desk lamp with a white shade or a piece of paper taped over it can also work in a pinch. Avoid placing a light source directly behind your camera, as that creates flat, unflattering lighting. Instead, place the light at a 45-degree angle to your face, slightly above eye level, to create depth and reduce shadows. Also, be mindful of color temperature: warm light can make you look yellow, while cool light can look sterile. Most lights offer adjustable color modes, so aim for a neutral daylight tone.

Common video call mistakes and how to fix them

The most common mistake is sitting with a window or bright light behind you, which makes your face dark. Fix this by turning your chair or closing the blinds. Another frequent issue is having the camera too low, which creates an unflattering upward angle and emphasizes the chin. Prop your laptop on a stack of books or use a monitor stand so the camera is at eye level or slightly above. A cluttered background is distracting, so tidy up or use a virtual background. Echoes from laptop speakers are also a major problem: when you use the built-in speakers, the microphone picks up the other person’s voice, causing an echo. Use headphones or earbuds to eliminate this. Finally, many people forget to clean their camera lens, a smudged lens can make the image look blurry or hazy.

When upgrading your webcam actually makes a difference

Upgrading your webcam is worth it only after you’ve fixed your lighting and audio. If you’re still using a laptop’s built-in camera, a dedicated webcam will offer better resolution, color accuracy, and low-light performance. However, if your lighting is poor, even a high-end webcam will look grainy. Conversely, if your lighting is great, a budget-friendly webcam can look surprisingly good. Look for a webcam that supports at least 1080p resolution, but know that many platforms compress video, so the difference between 1080p and 4K is often negligible. Also consider the field of view: a wider angle is good if you want to show your hands or a whiteboard, but a narrower angle is more flattering for a head-and-shoulders shot. Webcams with a physical privacy shutter are a nice touch for security.

Audio upgrades that others notice more than video

People will forgive a slightly grainy video, but they won’t forgive poor audio. A dedicated microphone, like a USB condenser mic, will make your voice sound clear and warm, whereas a laptop mic often sounds distant and tinny. If you don’t want to invest in a mic, using a pair of wired or wireless headphones with a built-in mic can also improve clarity and eliminate echo. Position the microphone close to your mouth, but not directly in front of it to avoid plosives. A pop filter can help with harsh ‘p’ and ‘b’ sounds. Also, make sure your room is quiet: close windows, mute notifications, and consider using a noise-suppression feature in your video conferencing app. Remember, audio is often the first thing people notice, so it’s worth the effort.

Internet connection and platform settings that improve call quality

A stable internet connection is crucial for smooth video calls. Wired Ethernet is always more reliable than Wi-Fi, so if possible, plug in. If you must use Wi-Fi, sit close to the router and avoid other heavy bandwidth activities. Most platforms recommend a minimum of 1.5 Mbps upload and download for standard definition, but for HD video, you’ll want at least 3 Mbps. For group calls, you may need more. Platform-specific settings are often overlooked. In Zoom, enable HD mode in the video settings, and check that your account tier supports 1080p (free accounts may be capped at 720p). In Microsoft Teams, turn on noise suppression to filter background sounds. Google Meet has a low-light mode that can help in dim conditions. Also, disable ‘touch up my appearance’ if it makes you look too smoothed over, it can look artificial.

Frequently asked questions