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The Dell Pro 5 Webcam 2K (WB526) is a capable office webcam with 1440p video, Windows Hello support, a physical privacy shutter and document-focused controls. Tom’s Hardware found it produced a bright, usable image in good lighting, but low-light footage showed grain and artifacts, and the built-in microphone is best treated as a backup. At Dell’s listed US price of $119.99, its value depends less on resolution alone than on whether you need its security and workplace features.
What is the Dell Pro 5 Webcam 2K (WB526)?
WB526 is Dell’s Pro 5 webcam, an office-oriented model that captures up to 2560 × 1440 pixels at 30 frames per second. It has autofocus, a Sony sensor, AI auto-framing, face tracking, Windows Hello compatibility, Document View and Gesture Control. These are manufacturer-listed features; they do not by themselves establish that its image is better than less expensive webcams.
Be careful not to confuse it with the older Dell Pro Webcam WB5023, which also has 2K in its branding. The product covered here is model WB526. Dell describes it as its first Windows Hello webcam in a June 10, 2026 launch announcement: Dell’s launch announcement.
How good is its video in real use?
In a well-lit office
In Sarah Jacobsson Purewal’s September 13, 2026 Tom’s Hardware review, the WB526 delivered a bright, even image in a dedicated, well-lit setup. The reviewer thought the result looked somewhat flat and slightly washed out. That is a review observation under those conditions, not a guarantee of how it will look with every monitor, room or lighting setup. Read Tom’s Hardware’s WB526 review for the complete test context.
#1 Best Overall
- Capture high-quality videos and images with CMOS imaging sensor
- The fixed focus mode offers a decent amount of depth of field to generate sharp visuals all by itself
- Webcams taken to a whole new level with auto-focus feature to let you enjoy using it from as close or far as you want
- 2560 x 1440 video resolution and 60 fps frame rate refresh swiftly and dodge human reception time to decrease the chances of motion blur
- With the cohesive microphone, the sound is clearly discernible, which adds as a bonus to the visuals
In very dim light or against a bright background
The reviewer’s almost-dark test showed more detail than many 1080p webcams in the reviewer’s assessment, but moving footage was grainy and had visible artifacts. HDR appeared to make little difference in that test. Against backlighting, the reviewer found the color balance less successful than on the WB5023 and Elgato Neo. These findings suggest that the WB526 can remain usable in challenging light, but they do not make it a dependable substitute for better room lighting.
Resolution and frame-rate options
Dell lists 2560 × 1440 at 30 fps, Full HD at 30 fps, and HD at either 30 or 60 fps. The camera also has a 78-degree field of view, 2x digital zoom, f/2.0 maximum aperture, smart auto exposure, smart scene detection, DOL-HDR and auto white balance. Those are specifications, not independent measurements of image quality. See Dell’s WB526 product listing for the manufacturer’s current specifications.
Rank #2
- UNCOMPROMISED VIDEO QUALITY: Complete your workspace setup with a 2K QHD webcam that includes a Sony image sensor, offering crystal clear, vivid and vibrant picture clarity.
- THOUGHTFUL DESIGN: The built-in noise reduction mic enables clear communication. This webcam also comes with a sliding privacy shutter that protects your privacy when it is not in use. The integrated mounting clip allows easy attachment to your monitor, notebook or tripod.
- SEAMLESS COLLABORATION: Simply connect the Microsoft Teams and Zoom certified webcam to get started. Customize the webcam setting to your preference via the Dell Peripheral Manager software.
- ADJUST YOUR VIEW: Sliding shutter protects your privacy; Tilt and Swivel your webcam to find your best angle.
- DELL PERIPHERAL MANAGER: Customize an amazing range of advance features and settings.
Does the WB526 work with Windows Hello and meeting apps?
Yes. Dell lists Windows Hello compatibility, as well as compatibility with Windows 11 64-bit, Windows 11 on ARM and macOS 14 or later. Its listed meeting platforms include Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, GoToMeeting, Cisco Webex, Adobe Connect, Amazon Chime, Lark and Tencent. Platform compatibility does not mean every feature is available in every operating system or application.
Dell Display and Peripheral Manager provides image controls and toggles for features such as face tracking, HDR, auto exposure, Gesture Control, Windows Hello and Document View. In the Tom’s Hardware review, changing image controls seemed to have little effect in the reviewer’s tests.
Rank #3
- CONNECT LIKE YOU'RE THERE: Experience sharp and bright professional video quality with Dell’s HDR 4K webcam including a 4K Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor which captures more light providing clear, vivid and vibrant video clarity
- KEEPING YOU IN FOCUS: Image Signal Processing inside the webcam optimizes your visual experience to guarantee superior picture quality in extreme lighting conditions. AI Auto Framing keeps you at the center of the screen
- THE FULL PICTURE: With an easy to use interface, you can effortlessly tweak the brightness, sharpness, contrast and saturation, digitally zoom, auto focus, or select your desired view with 65°, 78° and 90° options
- ENGINEERED TO BE EFFORTLESS: Made of premium aluminum and a smooth textured metallic finish, the UltraSharp 4K webcam is designed to look unobtrusive and eye-catching. Get an unblocked view on your virtually borderless monitor
- Certified for Microsoft Teams and Zoom and compatible with other leading UC platforms, the UltraSharp 4K webcam works seamlessly with other video conferencing applications
What are the privacy, mounting and connection details?
The WB526 has a physical lens shutter and a security-chain interface. Dell’s package contents include a universal magnetic mount, security chain, USB-A converter and user documentation. The mount supports monitors up to 1.81 inches (4.6 cm) thick.
Connection is wired USB-C, with a USB-A converter included. Its 1.5-meter cable is fixed rather than detachable. Tom’s Hardware found the cable stiff enough to shift the lightweight camera when bumped, potentially disturbing the framing. If you frequently reposition your webcam or want to swap cables, that design is a practical drawback.
Rank #4
- 【Full HD 1080P Webcam】Powered by a 1080p FHD two-MP CMOS, the NexiGo N60 Webcam produces exceptionally sharp and clear videos at resolutions up to 1920 x 1080 with 30fps. The 3.6mm glass lens provides a crisp image at fixed distances and is optimized between 19.6 inches to 13 feet, making it ideal for almost any indoor use.
- 【Wide Compatibility】Works with USB 2.0/3.0, no additional drivers required. Ready to use in approximately one minute or less on any compatible device. Compatible with Mac OS X 10.7 and higher / Windows 7, 8, 10 & 11 / Android 4.0 or higher / Linux 2.6.24 / Chrome OS 29.0.1547 / Ubuntu Version 10.04 or above. Not compatible with XBOX/PS4/PS5.
- 【Built-in Noise-Cancelling Microphone】The built-in noise-canceling microphone reduces ambient noise to enhance the sound quality of your video. Great for Zoom / Facetime / Video Calling / OBS / Twitch / Facebook / YouTube / Conferencing / Gaming / Streaming / Recording / Online School.
- 【USB Webcam with Privacy Protection Cover】The privacy cover blocks the lens when the webcam is not in use. It's perfect to help provide security and peace of mind to anyone, from individuals to large companies. 【Note:】Please contact our support for firmware update if you have noticed any audio delays.
- 【Wide Compatibility】Works with USB 2.0/3.0, no additional drivers required. Ready to use in approximately one minute or less on any compatible device. Compatible with Mac OS X 10.7 and higher / Windows 7, 10 & 11, Pro / Android 4.0 or higher / Linux 2.6.24 / Chrome OS 29.0.1547 / Ubuntu Version 10.04 or above. Not compatible with XBOX/PS4/PS5.
How good is the built-in microphone?
Dell lists an omnidirectional microphone with a maximum range of approximately 3 meters (about 10 feet); that range is a manufacturer specification, not an independent measurement. Tom’s Hardware found speech intelligible but did not recommend the mic as a primary microphone. It is suitable as a fallback for calls, but buyers who depend on clear, consistent voice capture should plan to use a separate microphone or headset.
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Is the Dell Pro 5 Webcam worth its price?
Dell’s US product listing displays $119.99. Dell also stated that US availability price in its June 10, 2026 launch announcement. Tom’s Hardware listed a $119.99 MSRP and observed a $114.99 sale price when its review was published on September 13, 2026; that dated sale is not a promise of a current offer. Prices and stock can change.
Best Value
- W129125869
The review described the Elgato Neo as a $60 retail webcam that could be found for less, and the Razer Kiyo X as a $100 retail 2K alternative with a lower sale observation at review time. Those are review-time price references, not current quotes, and the review does not establish a comprehensive head-to-head result for every competing feature.
| Priority | What the WB526 offers | What to weigh |
|---|---|---|
| 1440p video | Up to 2560 × 1440 at 30 fps | Resolution alone does not guarantee a better-looking image, especially in poor light. |
| Windows Hello | Dell lists Windows Hello compatibility | Useful if sign-in integration matters for your Windows setup. |
| Office controls | AI auto-framing, face tracking, Document View and Gesture Control | Consider whether these features fit your meetings or document-sharing workflow. |
| Privacy and security | Physical lens shutter and security-chain interface | Relevant for shared or managed workspaces. |
| Audio | Built-in omnidirectional microphone | The review found it intelligible, but not suitable as a primary mic. |
| Setup flexibility | Magnetic mount and included USB-A converter | The fixed, stiff cable may move the camera if it is bumped. |
The WB526 makes the most sense when Windows Hello, document sharing, physical privacy or workplace controls justify paying for more than basic webcam video. If your main goal is a good-looking image for routine calls, compare less expensive options and prioritize performance in your actual lighting. Tom’s Hardware’s review conclusion was that similar image quality could be found without spending $120.
Quick Recap
Key specifications
| Specification | Dell-listed detail |
|---|---|
| Model | WB526, Dell Pro 5 Webcam 2K |
| Maximum resolution and frame rate | 2560 × 1440 at 30 fps |
| Other video modes | Full HD at 30 fps; HD at 30 or 60 fps |
| Field of view and zoom | 78 degrees; 2x digital zoom |
| Focus and image features | Autofocus, smart auto exposure, smart scene detection, DOL-HDR, auto white balance, face tracking and AI auto-framing |
| Microphone | Omnidirectional; manufacturer-stated maximum range approximately 3 meters |
| Connection and cable | Wired USB-C; 1.5-meter fixed cable; USB-A converter included |
| Mount and security | Universal magnetic mount; supports monitor thickness up to 1.81 inches (4.6 cm); security-chain interface |
| Operating systems | Windows 11 64-bit, Windows 11 on ARM, macOS 14 or later |
| Warranty | Three-year limited hardware warranty with Advanced Exchange Service; terms and availability vary by country |
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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