Online privacy is a growing matter of concern amongst many users, and it certainly should be, considering the number of threats that one faces online. Hackers online can easily access one’s system and breach their privacy with the help of viruses and malware. There have been multiple reports of hackers hacking into one’s laptop via webcams and stealing personal information.
One of the biggest hacks took place in 2014, where a voyeuristic website popped up in the news that streamed video from thousands of webcams located in 250 countries worldwide. Since it is not a hidden fact that webcams are vulnerable to hacks, many users have started using black tapes and other cheap methods to block their webcams when not in use. But these cheap methods, in turn, end up harming your webcam.
This is where webcam covers come in. A webcam cover is essentially a high-quality piece of protection applied over your webcam, to block hackers from accessing your webcam. But that being said, there are many local and low-quality webcam protectors out there and those are not worth your money. So, if you’re on the lookout for a good quality webcam hider for laptop, read on, as we tell you our pick of the 12 best webcam covers for laptops you can buy:
Best Webcam Covers For Laptops (Updated September 2020)
Here are the best laptop camera hiders that we have picked for a range of devices. You can take a look at the list below and click on the link to move to the corresponding webcam cover. Rest assured, all the listings below are compatible with laptops, external webcams and smart home devices.
- Sunshot Magnet Slider
- CloudValley
- EYSOFT
- Cimkiz Metal
- MoimTech
- Steagle
- Colampra
- HUIYUN
- KIWI design
- Ikling
- Elimoons
- Trobing
List of Top Laptop Camera Covers
1. Sunshot Magnet Slider Web Camera Cover
Starting off on this list, we have the Webcam cover from Sunshot. Coming off with a mere thickness of just 0.7mm, this is one of the slimmest sliding webcam covers out there, which does not interfere with the closing of your laptop.
Also, the metal and magnet on this device are quite durable, so it should easily last the test of time. The adhesive on this is a durable 3M adhesive, allowing the cover to procure a firmer grip onto the laptop’s body. And if that wasn’t enough, the product also comes with a 12-month warranty.
Pros
- Quite thin
- Slider mechanism
- Durable
- Uses 3M adhesive
Cons
- Slider is only held by magnet
Buy from Amazon: ($4.49)
2. CloudValley Webcam Cover Slide
Probably having the most minimalistic design out there, the webcam protector from CloudValley is quite different from the herd. Although it is technically a slider design, it features just a single circular cover that can slide on the frame to protect your webcam.
Furthermore, measuring only 0.031in (0.8mm) thick, it allows laptops to close perfectly. The surface also has a special coating process, which makes it even more comfortable to apply and use. Also, there is no compromise in quality, considering that it is made from high-grade durable ABS plastic.
Pros
- Very thin
- Comes with a special coating
- Slider design
- ABS plastic
Cons
- Offers packs of 2
Buy from Amazon: ($6.99)
3. EYSOFT Webcam Cover
The EYSOFT Webcam Cover is another slider cover, which despite being thicker than its competitors, offers durable build quality and works really well. Coming in with a thickness of 1.3mm, the EYSOFT Webcam Cover could cause issues for some laptops, but on the brighter side, it is much more durable.
These covers are made and imported from Switzerland and offer some of the highest quality and design levels on the market. Also, it uses the 3M tape to stay attached to its surface for a permanent seal. Unlike other options, EYSOFT offers 5 webcam covers around the same price. Lastly, thanks to its size, it can also be used with smartphones as well.
Pros
- Universal design
- Fit for laptop, PC, Mac
- 3M tape
- 5 webcam covers
Cons
- A bit thick
Buy from Amazon: ($7.99)
4. Cimkiz Metal Cover
Sticker covers are always going to be easier to use, but they always come with the problem of not being reusable. That’s where Cimkiz Metal Cover comes in. While there are many sticker webcam protectors out there, only a rare few of them come even close to Cimkiz quality.
It’s because the webcam cover is made of Nickel-plated metal and it can magnetically slide as well. Also, it leaves no residue on removal and can be reused multiple times. Furthermore, Cimkiz Metal Cover comes in a pack of 3 and can be used on a range of devices.
Pros
- Metal slider
- Thin and sturdy
- No residue
- Reuse multiple times
Cons
- Not best for MacBooks
Buy from Amazon: ($6.98)
5. MoimTech Privacy Cover for Logitech Webcam Camera
If you use an external webcam on your laptop and specifically the Logitech ones then this webcam cover by MoimTech is your best bet to protect your privacy. The company says that it’s most compatible with Logitech C920, C930e and C922x. However, if you have a webcam of a similar dimension then it will work without any issue.
Coming to the material used here, well, MoimTech privacy cover is made of good quality plastic and it does not interfere with the webcam in any manner. Not to mention, you can effortlessly open the lid when you want to use the webcam and close it after you are done with your video calls. To sum up, if you want a webcam hider for your laptop then MoimTech is an easy pick.
Pros
- Best for Logitech webcams
- Does not interfere
- Has an enclosed strap design
- Made of plastic
Cons
- Might be loose on some webcams
Buy from Amazon: ($12.99)
6. Steagle Webcam Cover for Privacy Shield
Steagle is one of the most well-known brands out there, so when they bring out a product, you know that the quality of it is going to be top-notch. A little bit thicker than the Sunshot Webcam cover at 0.8mm, it is as thick as a normal credit card. That being said, it still does not come in the way of your laptop closing.
Also, it has a more flat design, thus giving it a different look altogether. Furthermore, the Steagle Webcam cover was produced using precise CNC (Computer Numeric Control) design where computer programming is used in prototyping and full production for cutting, carving, machining and milling aluminum. All in all, the Steagle product is completely worth its price tag.
Pros
- Sturdy and flat design
- Precise cutout
- Very thin and lightweight
Cons
- Quite expensive
Buy from Amazon: ($19.99)
7. Colampra Cover
If slider webcam protectors are not what you’re looking for, you might wanna take a look at the solid black cover from WebCamera Cover. Yes, that’s the name of the company and the product as well (go figure). It is made from removable/reusable nanotech material that will stick to any surface 250,000 times without any residue for any device.
Furthermore, if it becomes less sticky, you can just rinse it with cold water and once dry, it will be as good as new. Also, unlike other protectors, for the price of $7, you get not one, but a set of three webcam protectors.
Pros
- Sliding design
- Reusable
- Non-sticky adhesive
Cons
- Falls after long usage
Buy from Amazon: ($5.99)
8. HUIYUN Webcam Privacy Shutter Lens Cap Hood Cover
If you’re not using an integrated webcam on your laptop, but instead a dedicated webcam, the HUIYUN webcam cover is worth a look. Essentially made for the Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 and C930e, if your webcam fits the make and look of these, you can easily use the HUIYUN webcam protector.
Different from the conventional slider covers, the HUIYUN offers a lens cap hood cover. While a little towards the expensive side, the camera offers top-notch quality and maintains its value for money.
Pros
- Lens cap design
- Best for Logitech webcams
- Value for money
Cons
- A bit pricey
Buy from Amazon: ($8.59)
9. KIWI design Webcam Cover
This is another slider webcam protector from KIWI design, that’s capable of protecting your privacy effectively. The webcam protector is quite durable since it is made up of high-quality aluminum alloy with self-adhesive that will stay on strong, but still, allow removal without any permanent residue.
Furthermore, coming at a size of mere 12.5 mm X 7 mm, the protector can be easily used with your smartphones and other devices as well. Also, you get a pack of 3 sliders for the low price of $6.59, which is absolutely great.
Pros
- Fit for smartphones and smart home devices
- Offers a pack of 6 covers
- No permanent residue
Cons
- Some find it too small for their webcam
Buy from Amazon: ($6.59)
10. Ikling Webcam Cover
Probably one of the high-quality protectors out there, Ikling Webcam Cover offers one of the best webcam protectors for your laptops. The product is fully printed and made out of dense high-quality plastic and made in Europe. Also, it has been designed in such a way that it’s usable on every laptop out there.
The webcam cover is easy to install and ultra-thin, enabling you to close your laptop at all times. Also, the tape does not leave any residue and provides a strong grip to the device’s surface.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Ultra-thin
- Sliding desing
Cons
- Decent quality plastic
Buy from Amazon: ($7.99)
11. Elimoons Webcam Cover Slide
Elimoons offers a simple laptop camera cover that works pretty well and one that does not cost a bomb. It’s pretty lightweight and with a thickness of just 0.27 inches which is amazing. And as the name suggests, you can slide the cover to block the webcam as and when necessary.
The best part is that it has got a universal design which means you can use this laptop webcam cover for PCs, smart devices like Echo Show, iMac, and more. And since it uses 3M adhesive tape, there won’t be any residue left on your laptop. All in all, I would say, Elimoons offers a decent laptop camera hider and you can surely take a look.
Pros
- Best for laptops and smart home devices
- Lightweight
- Non-sticky adhesive
Cons
- Not for MacBook Pro
Buy from Amazon: ($5.99)
12. Trobing Webcam Cover
Last on this list, we’ve got Trobing Webcam Cover. Just like other webcam covers on this list, Trobing blocks the webcam through the slider mechanism. The piece of ultra-thin slider material is highly durable and can easily be applied to your webcam to protect your privacy.
Also, since it is relatively small, it can be used on a variety of devices like smartphones and smart home devices like Google Nest Hub Max. The NanoTech material of this webcam protector allows the cover to stick to any surface for about 250,000 times without leaving a sticky adhesive residue.
Pros
- Universal design
- Apply and use
- Sliding mechanism
Cons
- Comes off after long usage
Buy from Amazon: ($7.99)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Should You Cover Your Laptop Camera?
Absolutely. As the world is increasingly moving towards a digital ecosystem, it’s essential to protect your privacy from all angles. The CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg was seen with a laptop having the webcam tapped over. Fearing surveillance by the government or hackers, you should also cover your laptop camera.
Q. How Can I Hide My Webcam on My Laptop?
There are cheap solutions like putting on tape, but I wouldn’t recommend that. You should get a webcam cover that you can slide whenever you want to use and block the camera once you are done. You can go through our list to find the best camera hiders for laptops.
Q. Why Do You Need to Cover Your Webcam?
As I mentioned above, surveillance is real and it’s happening across the world. If you care about your privacy then you should cover your webcam.
Q. Can Someone See You Through Your Laptop Camera?
Yes, if a hacker has got access to your computer camera through malware or virus. However, when anyone tries to use the camera on your laptop, a light turns on next to the camera, indicating that the webcam is being used.
If it happens out of the blue then someone is remotely trying to access your laptop camera. In such cases, you should use a good antivirus and clean up your computer. On top of that, you should also put a webcam cover in place.
Secure Your Privacy With The Best Laptop Camera Hider
In times like these, one’s privacy is a growing matter of concern. Protecting your webcam is taking one step forward in stopping someone from snooping into your life. Also, as compared to putting a normal black tape on the webcam, these protectors look good and work great. Tell us about your favorite webcam cover from the list, and on when do you intend to use them on in the comments section below.
