Side by side
GNOME Camera vs VCam
Both stand on webcam software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Linux
GNOME Camera covers basic picture-taking and video recording on Linux devices, with Flathub as the route GNOME recommends for the latest release. Note that the app does not include camera controls.
Visit GNOME Camera
Free plan MacSelf-hostedWeb+1
VCam offers background controls, camera effects, and team management, with device-side processing according to the company. Consider the free plan’s watermark and storage cap, or the listed paid-plan terms, when choosing a fit.
Visit VCamThe facts
| GNOME Camera | VCam | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | No |
| Runs on | Linux | Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | See the plans |
| Plans published | 1 | 5 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | apps.gnome.org | vcam.ai |
| On webcam software | #20 of 41 | #16 of 41 |
GNOME Camera: what it does well
- Free Linux Flatpak app.
- Supports webcam recording.
- Available for aarch64 and x86_64 systems.
- GNOME provides a Matrix community for help.
What to know first
- Camera controls are not included.
- GNOME warns nightly builds may not work as intended.
VCam: what it does well
- More than 1,000 virtual backgrounds
- AI auto-framing tracks the user's face
- Virtual camera can serve multiple platforms simultaneously
- Camera-feed data stays off VCam servers, according to the company
What to know first
- Free Starter plan includes a watermark
- Starter storage is limited to 500MB
- Windows 10 or higher is recommended
- macOS Ventura 13.1 or higher is recommended
Alternatives to GNOME Camera Alternatives to VCam The whole list