Best Virtual Camera Software (2026)
Virtual camera software lets you apply enhancements to your webcam feed and then select that feed as a camera source inside Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, OBS, Discord, and more.
Quick Answer (2026)
- If you want natural-looking beauty filters for meetings: Filteronme.
- If you want an everything-and-the-kitchen-sink virtual camera: ManyCam.
- If you want a free streaming studio: OBS Studio.
What Is Virtual Camera Software?
A virtual camera is an app-installed camera device (e.g. “Filteronme Camera”) that other apps can select like a webcam. It sits between your real camera and your video app, applying effects such as:
- Beauty filters (skin smoothing, face shaping, makeup)
- Background blur/replacement
- Overlays, scenes, and multi-source switching (streaming tools)
Best Virtual Camera Software Picks
Filteronme
Best for: Natural-looking beauty filters for video calls
Why it’s great
- Focused on looking better on camera (not a 200-feature broadcasting suite)
- Works as a virtual camera across most apps
- Subtle, controllable results (you can dial it down)
- Local processing
Tradeoffs
- Not a full streaming switcher like OBS/vMix
- Not aimed at multi-source studio production
ManyCam
Best for: All-in-one virtual camera with scenes, sources, and streaming-style features
Why it’s great
- Lots of features (sources, overlays, backgrounds)
- Works broadly with conferencing tools
Tradeoffs
- Can feel complex if you only want beauty filters
- Feature-heavy for some setups
YouCam (CyberLink)
Best for: Beauty effects + webcam enhancements (often Windows-focused)
Why it’s great
- Popular for beauty-style webcam effects
- Lots of effects/presets
Tradeoffs
- Multiple product variants; features vary by version
- Not always meeting-first UX
OBS Studio
Best for: Streaming + recording with full control (free)
Why it’s great
- Free and extremely flexible
- Scenes/sources/audio routing
- Virtual camera output
Tradeoffs
- Learning curve
- Not built for beauty filters out of the box
Camo
Best for: Using an iPhone as a high-quality webcam with pro camera controls
Why it’s great
- Excellent camera controls
- Great quality if you have a modern phone
Tradeoffs
- More about camera quality/controls than beauty filters
- Some features are paid
How to Choose (Decision Guide)
- If your #1 goal is looking better (not becoming a mini TV studio), pick a beauty-first tool and keep it subtle.
- If your #1 goal is multi-scene streaming, you’ll likely end up in OBS/vMix-land.
- If your #1 goal is raw camera quality, consider using a phone-as-webcam tool and add beauty filters separately.
For high-intent comparisons, you can also check YouCam alternative and ManyCam alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will virtual camera software work in every app?
Most apps that allow camera selection work fine. Some enterprise-locked environments or browser-only sandboxes may restrict virtual cameras.
Is this safe / private?
It depends on the tool. Filteronme processes locally; always read the vendor’s privacy policy if you’re evaluating alternatives.
What’s the fastest way to try this?
Install Filteronme and select Filteronme Camera in your video app. Download →
Filters for
video calls & streams