How to improve video call quality
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
To improve video call quality, start with lighting, it matters more than your camera. Face the light source, avoid sitting in front of a window, and use a simple desk lamp or ring light if needed. Once your face is well-lit, consider camera placement, audio upgrades, background cleanup, and platform settings in that order.
Why lighting is the most important upgrade you can make
Lighting alone can make an average webcam look professional. The human eye and most camera sensors struggle when part of the frame is much brighter than the subject, which is why a backlit face (sitting in front of a bright window) often looks like a dark silhouette. Instead, place your light source in front of you, slightly above eye level, and slightly to the side for soft shadows. If you have a window nearby, face it rather than sit with it behind you. Overcast days are actually better than direct sun because the light is diffused. For artificial light, a ring light is a popular and affordable choice, but a desk lamp with a white shade or a softbox-style light can work just as well. Avoid mixing different color temperatures (e.g., warm lamp + cool screen) because the camera will struggle to white-balance correctly.
Camera placement and background: little changes that make a big difference
The most common mistake is having the camera too low, looking up your nose is unflattering and distracting. Place your camera at or just above eye level by using a stack of books, a laptop stand, or an adjustable monitor arm. A small tilt downward (about 5-10 degrees) can frame your head and shoulders nicely. Background matters almost as much. If you use a virtual background, make sure you have even lighting and avoid busy patterns that cause your outline to flicker. Platform blur effects (like Zoom’s or Teams’) work best with a plain, stationary background behind you. For a permanent fix, arrange a bookshelf or a plant behind you, or hang a simple curtain. A cluttered or messy background distracts and makes you look less professional, even in casual calls.
Audio upgrades that colleagues will thank you for
Poor audio is actually more noticeable than slightly soft video. Most laptop microphones pick up room echo, keyboard clatter, and breathing. A dedicated USB microphone, even a budget-friendly model, will make your voice clear and warm. If you can’t get a mic, try moving closer to your laptop’s built-in mic and speak a little louder than usual. Headphones or earbuds with a mic eliminate the echo loop that happens when your laptop speakers feed back into the mic. If you must use laptop speakers, keep your microphone muted when you’re not talking. Many platforms have noise suppression settings, enable them to cut out fan noise or dog barking. But nothing beats a good pair of headphones and a simple external mic.
Internet and connection: what actually matters for smooth calls
A wired Ethernet connection is always more stable than Wi-Fi, but if you can’t wire up, sit close to your router and close bandwidth-heavy apps (streaming video, large downloads) during calls. Most video platforms recommend about 2-3 Mbps upload for HD video, but check your platform’s specific guidance, Zoom says 3.8 Mbps for 1080p, while Teams and Google Meet have similar but slightly lower thresholds. Wi-Fi interference from neighbor networks or thick walls can cause choppy video or dropped calls. If you have a dual-band router, use the 5 GHz band for cleaner signal. You can test your connection speed before an important call; many platforms have a built-in connection test or you can run an online speed test. Remember: low bandwidth first affects video, then audio, if your internet is struggling, turn off your camera to keep audio clear.
Platform settings most people overlook
Zoom defaults to a lower resolution unless you enable HD mode. Go to Settings > Video and check the box for “Enable HD” to get 720p or 1080p, depending on your camera and account (free accounts may cap at 720p). Microsoft Teams has a noise suppression slider under Devices that can be set to high, low, or auto, high works well for noisy environments but may also suppress your voice if you speak softly. Google Meet and other platforms often have similar hidden toggles. For example, Google Meet’s audio settings let you choose a noise cancellation level. Many users also forget to set the correct camera or microphone in the app’s settings, especially if they plugged in an external device after the call started. A quick check before each meeting can save you from looking blurry or sounding muffled.
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy a webcam or just use my laptop’s built-in one?
If your laptop is reasonably modern (2019 or later) and you have good lighting, the built-in camera may look fine. But if you often take calls in dim rooms or need a more flattering angle, an external webcam will typically give better color, resolution, and placement flexibility.
What is the best lighting setup for video calls?
Aim for a light source directly in front of you, slightly above eye level, and off to one side to create gentle shadows. A ring light, softbox, or even a white-shaded desk lamp all work. The key is to avoid having a bright window or lamp behind you, which makes your face dark.
How do I fix a backlit face during a video call?
Simply reposition so that the light (window or lamp) is in front of you, not behind you. If you can’t move, close the blinds behind you and turn on a light in front. You can also try adjusting your camera’s exposure compensation (if available) or using a platform’s “adjust for low light” setting.
Do I need a ring light or can I use a desk lamp?
A desk lamp works perfectly fine. Use a lamp with a white shade or diffuse the light with a piece of paper. Ring lights are convenient and create a distinct catchlight in your eyes, but they are not necessary, good lighting is what matters, not the device.
Is a dedicated microphone worth it for video calls?
Yes, especially if you take calls in a noisy room or want your voice to sound clear and authoritative. Even a budget-friendly USB microphone like those from Blue or Fifine will outpace most laptop mics. If you can’t get a mic, headphones with a built-in mic are the next best thing.
How do I make my internet better for video calls without upgrading my plan?
Close other bandwidth-hungry apps (streaming, file downloads, games) during the call. Use a wired Ethernet connection if possible, or sit close to your router and connect to a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network. Also, temporarily turning off your video if your connection is poor will preserve audio quality.