streamcam vs. continuity camera
Continuity Camera is built into your Mac, and it's pretty great. StreamCam works on everything else too. Here's the scorecard, misses included.
StreamCamiPhone and iPad
Continuity CameraBuilt into macOS
Typical webcam appsPhone app + desktop client
Setup
Nothing to install on the computer
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Windows, Linux and ChromeOSStreamCam runs in any browser
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No pairing, no Apple AccountPaste a link. Done.
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iPad as the camera
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Some
Picture
Resolution and frame rateCeilings. Your phone sets the real limit
Up to 4K, 120 fps
1080p, 60 fps*
Up to 4K, 60 fps
Free, with no watermark or ads
Often not
Encoder knobs to twistKeyframes, rate control, frame delay. For the tinkerers.
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Rarely
Setup
Nothing to install on the computer
StreamCamContinuity CameraTypical webcam apps—
Windows, Linux and ChromeOSStreamCam runs in any browser
StreamCamContinuity Camera—Typical webcam apps
No pairing, no Apple AccountPaste a link. Done.
StreamCamContinuity Camera—Typical webcam apps
iPad as the camera
StreamCamContinuity Camera—Typical webcam appsSome
Picture
Resolution and frame rateCeilings. Your phone sets the real limit
StreamCamUp to 4K, 120 fpsContinuity Camera1080p, 60 fps*Typical webcam appsUp to 4K, 60 fps
Free, with no watermark or ads
StreamCamContinuity CameraTypical webcam appsOften not
Encoder knobs to twistKeyframes, rate control, frame delay. For the tinkerers.
StreamCamContinuity Camera—Typical webcam appsRarely
what we don't do. yet.
Better you hear it from us than find out mid-stream.
StreamCamiPhone and iPad
Continuity CameraBuilt into macOS
Typical webcam appsPhone app + desktop client
Audio from the phoneStreamCam is video only. Keep your mic on your computer.
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Wired USBStreamCam is Wi-Fi only for now
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Straight into Zoom, Teams or MeetWe go through OBS first
Through OBS
Camera effectsCenter Stage, Studio Light and friends
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Some
Audio from the phoneStreamCam is video only. Keep your mic on your computer.
StreamCam—Continuity CameraTypical webcam apps
Wired USBStreamCam is Wi-Fi only for now
StreamCam—Continuity CameraTypical webcam apps
Straight into Zoom, Teams or MeetWe go through OBS first
StreamCamThrough OBSContinuity CameraTypical webcam apps
Camera effectsCenter Stage, Studio Light and friends
StreamCam—Continuity CameraTypical webcam appsSome
- *Apple doesn't publish Continuity Camera's resolution or frame rate. 1080p at 60 fps is what OBS users report.
- Typical webcam apps = the popular phone-webcam apps that need a desktop client. Checked in October 2026. Apps change, so tell us if we got one wrong.
- Over Wi-Fi we add a touch more delay than a cable would.
the best camera on your desk is already in your pocket.
Free · iPhone & iPad