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Head-to-head · Camera Apps

CyberLink YouCam vs Cheese

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score CyberLink YouCam #2 in Camera Apps 9.1/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 4 features Visit CyberLink
Cheese #4 in Camera Apps 8.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit GNOME

CyberLink YouCam leads on 0 checks, Cheese on 1, and 0 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreCyberLink YouCam · 9.1/10
  • Free planonly Cheese

CyberLink YouCam scores higher on our rubric for camera apps: 9.1 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #4.

Cheese offers free plan; CyberLink YouCam doesn't.

CyberLink YouCam is the better fit for windows webcam users needing livestream effects. Cheese is the better fit for linux users wanting a free webcam camera.

  • CyberLink YouCam fits best

    Windows webcam users needing livestream effects

  • Cheese fits best

    Linux users wanting a free webcam camera

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature CyberLink YouCam 9.1/10 Visit ↗ Cheese 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.4
Ranking #2 in Camera Apps #4 in Camera Apps
Best for Windows webcam users needing livestream effects Linux users wanting a free webcam camera
Pricing model Paid Free
Starting price $49.99/yr Free plan
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows Linux
Support Docs Community, Docs
Integrations 6 integrations 4 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features CyberLink YouCam 0/4 · Cheese 0/4
Manual camera controls Not checked yet Not checked yet
Video capture Not checked yet Not checked yet
RAW photo capture Not checked yet Not checked yet
External camera support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Platforms Not checked yet linux
Max video resolution Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Replaces or blurs backgrounds and adds live makeup and facial enhancements
  • Works with Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Twitch, Facebook Live, and YouTube Live
  • Adds face tracking, recording, livestream titles, overlays, and visual effects
  • Captures webcam photos and video with timers and burst mode
  • Offers visual effects plus brightness, contrast and resolution controls
  • Can switch between installed webcams and share captured media
Cons
  • Windows-only, with no listed support for other platforms
  • No free plan; the monthly subscription starts at $14.99
  • The lifetime-license plan does not include the subscription's ongoing feature updates
  • Limited to Linux desktop use
  • No virtual camera or background tools
  • GNOME replaced it as its core camera app with Snapshot in GNOME 45
Our verdict

CyberLink YouCam is Windows desktop webcam software for video calls, livestreams, recording, and webcam content creation. Its mix of background effects, makeup, overlays, face tracking, and image adjustments suits individuals and small…

Read the review →

Cheese is a free, open-source webcam application for Linux desktops, aimed at people who want straightforward photo and video capture from an installed webcam. It covers everyday capture needs with countdown photography, configurable burst…

Read the review →
  1. CyberLink YouCamCamera Apps 9.1Paid
  2. CheeseCamera Apps 8.4Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • CyberLink YouCam — where it wins

    • Replaces or blurs backgrounds and adds live makeup and facial enhancements
    • Works with Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Twitch, Facebook Live, and YouTube Live
    • Adds face tracking, recording, livestream titles, overlays, and visual effects

    Where it doesn't

    • Windows-only, with no listed support for other platforms
    • No free plan; the monthly subscription starts at $14.99
    • The lifetime-license plan does not include the subscription's ongoing feature updates

  • Cheese — where it wins

    • Captures webcam photos and video with timers and burst mode
    • Offers visual effects plus brightness, contrast and resolution controls
    • Can switch between installed webcams and share captured media

    Where it doesn't

    • Limited to Linux desktop use
    • No virtual camera or background tools
    • GNOME replaced it as its core camera app with Snapshot in GNOME 45
  • CyberLink YouCam9.1/10 · Paid

    A Windows webcam app with effects and streaming tools, sold as a lifetime license or subscription.

    Visit CyberLinkFull verdict →
  • Cheese8.4/10 · Free plan

    A free, open-source webcam app with practical capture tools and a focused feature set.

    Visit GNOMEFull verdict →

More comparisons

All camera apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update