As someone who works from home a couple of days a week, having a good-quality camera is important. After using a few different webcams, I added the NearStream VM20 4K Streaming Camera to my work from home setup to see if it could become my new webcam of choice.
This camera is great to use as a webcam for when you are on Teams or Zoom meetings, but it isn’t just designed for video meetings. It’s also perfect for content creators, with features that are perfect for filming YouTube videos and live streaming without the need for a full camera setup.
In this review, I will break down how the NearStream VM20 performs in real-world use, from use as a webcam to content creation.
Here are some of the key features that the camera offers:
- 4K Resolution
- 10x Optical Zoom
- 40x Hybrid Zoom
- 8 Mic Array
- AI Noise Cancellation
- Multiple Port Connection Options
- Plug and Play Setup
- Remote Control
- App
So let’s take a closer look at how these features perform in practice.
Who the NearStream VM20 is For:
So who is the NearStream VM20 targeted for.
Good Fit if you:
- Work from home regularly
- Care about video quality on calls
- Create YouTube videos or livestream
- Want better quality without a full camera setup
Not Ideal if you:
- Only do occasional video calls
- Don’t want to spend a lot on a webcam
- Just need a basic 1080p webcam
Design & Build Quality:
The NearStream VM20 has an industrial but minimal look and is much bigger than other webcams and cameras that I have used in the past. There isn’t much to see visually, but I actually like this, as it leans into that minimal design approach and keeps things looking clean on a desk.
What you do get is an LED light just under the camera lens, which lets you know what’s going on at a glance:
- White for connecting
- Blue for when you are recording
- Red for when you are in mute mode
Around the back of the camera is where all of the connection ports live, and there are a few different ways you can connect the VM20:
- USB-C ports
- HDMI port
- RJ45 port
You get two USB-C port options, with the port at the top used purely for providing power. The USB-C port at the bottom can be used for both power and data transmission. This is the main port that I use, as it connects directly to my laptop and provides power to the camera.
Finally, on the top of the VM20 is where you’ll find the 8-mic array.
Setup & Ease of Use:
This camera supports plug-and-play, so out of the box you’re pretty much good to go. There are a few things you’ll need to do first, such as getting the positioning right for your setup.
Because of the size and weight of the VM20, it isn’t designed to sit on top of your monitor. You’re going to need a tripod or mount, which is why it includes a standard quarter-inch screw mount.
Once you’ve got it in position, it’s just a matter of choosing your connection type, with USB-C for power and data being the best option for most people. Your laptop should then pick up the VM20 automatically, and it’s compatible with most apps used for both work and streaming, such as Microsoft Teams or OBS.
NearStream also provides the NearSync app, which you can download to tweak some of the settings and update the camera’s firmware. The settings are clear and easy to understand, and once everything is set to your liking, you’ll only need to return to the app occasionally to update the camera.
To really get the most out of the VM20, you’ll want to use the smart remote that comes with it, which I’ll go into more detail on in the next section.
Smart Remote:
Without the smart remote, you won’t get the best out of the NearStream VM20. It’s what allows you to properly use some of the camera’s key features, including the optical zoom and AI noise cancellation, and it plays a big part in how usable the camera feels day to day.
The zoom function is by far the feature I’ve used the most, as it makes adjusting framing quick and effortless without needing to touch any software. That said, the remote offers a number of other useful controls as well:
- Customisable presets – You can set up to three presets for different framing or setups
- Image mode – Switch between image modes to suit different filming needs
- Device switching – Assign up to five devices and switch between them easily
- Auto framing – Adjusts the view to help keep everyone in shot
- Smart privacy control – Quickly disable video and mute audio
Overall, the remote is what turns the VM20 from a capable webcam into a genuinely flexible camera.
Video Quality:
The NearStream VM20 offers 4K resolution, which is a step up from the other webcams I’ve used and a noticeable upgrade for my work-from-home setup.
Video Quality for Video Calls:
For video calls, the VM20 delivers a sharp image that works well with conferencing apps like Teams or Zoom. The picture is clear and shows more detail than a standard webcam, helping calls look more polished without any extra effort.
The zoom feature is particularly useful during calls, especially if you move around a bit or want to adjust framing. You can reframe the shot or zoom in slightly without digging through settings — as long as you have the remote to hand, adjustments are quick and effortless
Video Quality for Content Creation:
For content creation, the VM20 is a solid option, particularly for creators getting started. Many creators look for 4K resolution, and this camera delivers that, making it suitable for talking-head videos or even a multi-camera setup where you want to switch between different angles.
For product close-ups during reviews, the image isn’t always as clean and can take a little time to focus. That said, for someone starting out with content creation, this is still a good option — especially when paired with one of the available kits that include audio accessories.
Audio Quality:
The camera features an 8 Mic Array with AI noise cancellation which makes it more capable than most built in microphones that are found on most webcams.
Audio Quality for Video Calls:
For work calls and meetings, the built-in microphones perform well. Voices come through clearly, and the AI noise cancellation helps reduce background noise, which is particularly useful in a work-from-home environment.
For video calls, the audio quality is good enough to rely on without the need for an external microphone or headset. This makes the VM20 a solid choice for anyone who spends a lot of time on conference calls throughout the day.
Audio Quality for Content Creation:
When it comes to content creation, especially talking-head videos, the built-in microphones are passable. However, an external microphone would still be recommended, as audio quality is a priority for platforms like YouTube.
That said, the built-in audio is convenient for situations where you want to quickly record something and audio isn’t the top priority.
Final Thoughts:
The NearStream VM20 is a solid choice if you’re looking to improve your setup without investing in a full camera solution. It works particularly well for work-from-home use, delivering clear video for calls and audio that’s more than good enough for Teams and Zoom.
It’s also a good option for anyone getting into content creation, especially for talking-head style videos. For product reviews where you need fast, reliable focus for close-up shots, it’s not as strong, although it’s still usable. I would recommend pairing the VM20 with an external microphone to get the best overall results, especially if audio quality is a priority.
What really makes the VM20 stand out is the smart remote. It brings all of the camera’s features together and makes them genuinely usable, allowing you to adjust framing and zoom quickly without digging through software menus.
In terms of price, the VM20 sits above standard webcams, but for that extra cost you’re getting a noticeable step up in image quality, control, and flexibility. If you work from home regularly and want a camera that can also support content creation, it’s a well-rounded piece of kit that’s well worth considering.