Affordable High-Tech Video Conferencing 2025

Recently, a speaker for OT SCADA CON (shameless plug for Automation Ladies, of which Courtney is a member) decided to break out on his own and wanted to set himself apart from other business owners in an obvious way.

Taking a page from our podcaster friends, why not stand out by presenting yourself online in high audio and visual detail?

Affordably, of course...

So, upgrade or step aside built-in webcam scrubs!

High Def Webcam = EPSTECH DW40 4K

This 4K USB webcam delivers ultra-high-definition video at 30 frames per second. It includes autofocus, dual microphones for clear audio, a privacy cover, and a tripod, making it ideal for video calls, streaming, and online meetings.

Our Thoughts: It's a cheap, high-quality HD camera that I swear is better than the Logitech C920 that was sold out everywhere during the pandemic.

Versatile Desk Light = Yarrashop Gooseneck LED

This 24W dual-head, clamp-on light has 10 color temperatures, 10 brightness levels, and a flexible gooseneck arm for precise lighting. You can also angle the light towards or away from your face depending on what lighting you need for your virtual meeting or desk work. It has touch and remote controls plus auto brightness sensing.

Our Thoughts: Courtney has one of these at her shop desk and loves it. One of our clients has this as her main desk light and is obsessed with it since it's super nice and doesn't generate heat. It might make more sense to have something like this at your desk for work and meetings instead of a ring light.

Colorful Ring Light = Weilisi 10-inch LED

If you need a freestanding ring light, this one has 38 color modes, adjustable brightness, and a 72-inch tripod stand. It includes a phone holder and is ideal for content creation and video calls.

Our Thoughts: Can't go wrong with a solid ring light, especially if you need fancy lighting for your fancy podcast (shout out Automation Ladies again!)

"Fancy" Microphone = Blue Yeti USB

The is a professional-grade, plug-and-play mic featuring a tri-capsule array and four pickup patterns (cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, stereo...whatever that means 🙄), making it ideal for podcasting, streaming, and video calls. It has controls for gain, mute, and headphone volume, and is compatible with both Mac and PC.

Our Thoughts: One of our clients tried this out and loves it. Provides great sound for all their business meetings. More expensive than the AUDIOPRO X5 Microphone, but you can often find it cheaper in "Used Like New" condition on Amazon.

"Budget" Microphone = AUDIOPRO X5 USB

This is cheaper but basically identical to the Blue Yeti Microphone. It is designed for streaming, podcasting, and online meetings and has controls for gain, mute, and volume.

Our Thoughts: If you're just starting out and on a budget, this will serve you well, so pay no mind to the fancier ones out there.

Comfortable Headphones = SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 Wireless Headphones

These wireless bone-conduction, noise-canceling headphones are designed for active and sedentary lifestyles alike. They have Bluetooth connectivity and an open-ear design so you can stay aware of your surroundings (and not shout during meetings). Fun thing is they are water-resistant, have a 12-hour battery life, and have fast USB-C charging.

Our Thoughts: Now, before you write these off as weird, if you are the kind of person who CANNOT STAND having something touching your ears for long, you NEED these. I forget I even have these on. And there are ones with a mic that is highly directional, so you won't need a microphone (like the AUDIOPRO X5 or Blue Yeti) but the sound quality will still be great.

BONUS ROUND!

If you ran out of USB ports...LIONWEI 13-in-1 USB-C Docking Station

This affordable port hub supports triple display setups on Windows systems, offering 2 4K HDMIs, a DisplayPort, 5 USB-A ports, 2 USB-C ports, 1 Gigabit Ethernet port, and an audio/mic jack. It's compatible with Macs, Windows, and tablets.

Our Thoughts: With only 2 USB-A and 2 USB-C ports, our client quickly ran out of room to plug in all their new tech and needed this. You think you'll hate it and it won't work because it's cheap, but it's worked surprisingly well with 0 problems. Get it!

Our client's LIONWEI docking station in action

If you click around too much...ProtoArc EM11 NL Vertical Mouse

This is an ergonomic vertical mouse designed to reduce wrist strain in a natural handshake position with an extended wrist rest. It has both Bluetooth and wireless connectivity and allows for switching between 3 devices. It also has adjustable DPI settings (1000/1600/2400), silent clicks, and a rechargeable battery via USB-C. You can use it with Windows, macOS, and Android systems.

Our Thoughts: A MUST if you work at your desk all the time like I do. It will help prevent Carpal Tunnel and Cubital Tunnel Syndromes.

If you keep too many tabs/windows open...Haojiaho M.2 SSD Heatsink

This super affordable heatsink is a pure copper cooling solution designed for M.2 2280 SSDs. It's got a thin 1.5mm profile and provides effective heat dissipation to reduce temperatures by 5-20°C. It also has a silicone thermal pad to maximize heat transfer.

Our Thoughts: If you overwork your computer and haven't maxed out your RAM but noticed it slowing down at the height of use, you probably need one of these for an overheating SSD (I can help you diagnose this). If your computer doesn't already have a heatsink or needs a better one, this is vital for improving computer performance. It does require some DIY installation, but nothing to be afraid of. You can always contact me at albert@fastonesolutions.com if you need help!

We hope you feel fancy after upgrading your setup with these.

Good luck with your meetings!

-Albert & Courtney Fernandez

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