In short
To benchmark a webcam, press Test every mode and allow camera access. The page asks the camera for each standard mode in turn, 4K, 1440p, 1080p, 720p and 480p at 30 and 60 fps, measures how many frames really arrive for two seconds, and fills in a grid: full rate, slower than asked, or not offered. A box that says “4K 60” often means 4K at 30 and 1080p at 60; the grid shows which.
How the Webcam Benchmark Works
- Close other video apps. Zoom, Teams, OBS and other tabs can hold the camera or force a mode.
- Press “Test every mode” and allow access. The camera’s default mode is measured first, for three seconds.
- Watch the grid fill in. Each mode is requested with exact width, height and frame rate. In Chrome and Edge the browser may not scale a bigger mode down, so only modes the camera offers natively pass.
- Read the result. A mode that runs slower than asked is measured a second time before it counts as slow. Re-test any slow cell after changing the light.
Reading the Results
| Result | What it means |
|---|---|
| Full rate | The camera delivered the requested frame rate at that size (within 5%, so 29.97 fps counts as 30). |
| Slower than asked | The camera accepted the mode but sent fewer frames, twice in a row. Usually a dim room (auto-exposure lengthens each frame) or USB bandwidth. |
| Not offered | The camera refused the exact mode, or its reported limits rule it out. “Not offered” in every 60 fps cell means it offers no 60 fps mode at these sizes. |
| Could not switch | The camera failed while changing modes. Re-test the cell; if it repeats, unplug and reconnect the camera. |
Each cell also gives the size actually delivered and the frame time with its spread. A 30 fps mode should show about 33.3 ms between frames; a 60 fps mode about 16.7 ms.
What the Benchmark Can and Cannot Tell
The grid shows what this camera delivers on this computer, through this USB port, in this light. A USB 2 port or a hub can remove the largest modes; a dim room can halve the frame rate of every mode. Modes outside the grid, such as 1600×1200 or 120 fps, are not tested. Safari and Firefox may scale a bigger mode down instead of refusing it, so there a listed size is not proof the camera offers it natively; the note under the grid says when.
Adding Your Camera to the Benchmark
After a complete run you can add the results, anonymously, to a shared benchmark of webcam models. You see exactly what is sent before you send it: the camera model, the measurements and your browser. No picture, no IP address. USB webcams are identified by their USB ID; a Mac’s built-in camera by the Mac and its Apple chip, which only Chrome and Edge report. Results per model will be published once enough people have tested it. Details are in the privacy policy.
Webcam Benchmark FAQ
Why does my 4K webcam not run 4K at 60 fps?
Most webcams sold as 4K deliver 4K at 30 fps and reach 60 fps only at 1080p or 720p. USB bandwidth and the camera’s processor set the limit. The grid shows which sizes run at 60 fps on your camera.
Why is a mode slower than asked?
The camera accepted the mode but sent fewer frames. The usual cause is light: in a dim room auto-exposure makes each frame longer than the frame interval. A USB hub, a USB 2 port or another app using the camera can also slow it. Add light in front of the camera and press Re-test on that cell.
How long does the benchmark take?
Between 15 and 40 seconds. Each mode the camera accepts is measured for two seconds after one second to settle; modes the camera rules out are skipped at once.
Is my video uploaded?
No. The video is analysed in your browser and never leaves the device. Only if you choose to add your camera to the benchmark are the camera model, the measurements and your browser sent, anonymously.
How is this different from the webcam test?
The webcam test measures the mode your camera picks by itself and gives a verdict in three seconds: is it ready for a call? The benchmark requests every standard mode in turn to show everything the camera can do.