I’ve been following Obsbot’s lineup of AI-powered webcams for a while now, and after testing their previous models, I was excited to see what they had in store with the new Tiny SE and Meet SE.
These webcams are positioned as budget-friendly alternatives to their higher-end counterparts, yet they bring a surprising number of features for their price. After spending some time with both, I have a solid understanding of how they perform, who they’re for, and whether they’re worth your money.
Design and Build Quality
Right out of the box, both the Tiny SE and Meet SE maintain the same high standard of build quality that I’ve come to expect from Obsbot. They feel sturdy, well-constructed, and premium despite their affordable price tags.
The Tiny SE, as the name suggests, is compact but packs a lot into its small frame. It retains the dual-axis gimbal from the higher-end Tiny series, allowing for physical panning and tilting, something that most webcams at this price point don’t offer. The built-in clip lets it sit securely on top of a monitor, and the 1/4-inch thread means it can be mounted on a tripod for more versatile angles.
The Meet SE, on the other hand, takes a more minimalist approach. It’s smaller, lighter, and incredibly portable. I’d describe it as a ready-to-use webcam, perfect for those who need a solid solution for video calls or casual streaming without much hassle. Unlike the Tiny SE, the Meet SE doesn’t physically move.
Instead, it relies on digital zoom and AI-powered auto-framing to keep you centered in the frame. The magnetic mount is a nice touch, snapping easily onto a laptop or monitor without obstructing the screen. It also comes in three colors: Aurora Green, Space Gray, and Cloud White, which adds a bit of personality to the device.
Video and Performance
For budget webcams, both the Tiny SE and Meet SE punch above their weight when it comes to video quality. They max out at 1080p at 100 FPS or 720p at 150 FPS, which is impressive at this price point. In practice, the Tiny SE’s AI-driven pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) capabilities make it the better choice for those who need a camera that physically moves with them.
Whether I was shifting from side to side during an online meeting or getting up to demonstrate something, the camera smoothly followed me without any noticeable lag. It’s perfect for content creators who move around a lot, such as teachers, fitness instructors, or cooking streamers.
The Meet SE, though lacking a gimbal, still does a great job at keeping me framed with its AI auto-framing feature. It’s ideal for those who prefer a more static webcam setup but still want some smart tracking. The digital zoom maintains decent clarity, but since it’s only a 1080p sensor, zooming in too much can result in some loss of detail. If you need something more dynamic, the Tiny SE is the better pick.
AI Tracking and Gesture Controls
AI tracking has always been one of Obsbot’s strong suits, and both of these webcams showcase it well. The Tiny SE offers multiple tracking modes, including upper body tracking, lower body tracking, headless tracking, and even hand tracking.
I found the hand-tracking mode particularly useful for demonstrations, raising my hand in front of the camera prompted it to follow my movements, making it great for online presentations. There’s also a Zone Tracking feature, where you can set a designated area for the camera to track within. This was handy when I wanted the camera to stay focused on a specific part of my workspace instead of following me everywhere.
The Meet SE doesn’t have physical tracking but still supports AI Auto Framing. It automatically adjusts the frame when I move, ensuring that I stay centered without needing to adjust the camera manually. Both webcams also include gesture controls, allowing me to enable auto-framing or zoom-in with a simple hand movement. It’s a neat feature that eliminates the need to reach for software settings mid-stream.
Low-Light Performance
The biggest challenge with budget webcams is how they handle low-light environments, and this is where the Tiny SE and Meet SE shine. Both use a 1/2.8-inch stacked CMOS sensor with a large f/1.8 aperture, meaning they capture more light than your typical cheap webcam. In dimly lit conditions, they performed better than their predecessors, producing a clear image with minimal noise.
Even with bright light behind me, like when sitting in front of a window, HDR mode effectively balanced the exposure, preventing my face from being lost in shadow. It’s a subtle yet important feature, especially for remote workers who can’t always control their lighting conditions.
I am attaching the camera samples of both cams below.
Tiny SE Samples:
Meet SE Samples:
Low Light Samples:
Software and Customization
Obsbot Center is the software behind both webcams, giving you plenty of customization options. With the Tiny SE, you get more advanced controls thanks to its gimbal, allowing you to set predefined angles, enable zone tracking, and adjust PTZ (pan, tilt, and zoom) functions as mentioned earlier. The Meet SE keeps things simpler but still lets you tweak settings like exposure, white balance, and resolution to suit your needs.
The software offers two versions: a Lite version for casual users who prefer minimal adjustments and a Pro version (both free) that unlocks all features for more advanced customization.
Both cameras work seamlessly with streaming tools like OBS Studio and integrate fully with Elgato’s Stream Deck, so you can adjust settings on the fly. Firmware updates are also managed through the software, ensuring you always have the latest features and performance improvements.
Audio and Microphone Quality
Both webcams come with built-in noise-reduction microphones, which are decent for everyday calls and streaming. They’re not going to replace a dedicated microphone setup, but they do a good job at filtering out background noise.
For professional recordings, I’d still recommend using a separate microphone, but for casual Zoom calls or quick recordings, the built-in mics are perfectly usable.
Privacy Features
If you’re mindful of privacy, you’ll appreciate the built-in features on both models. The Tiny SE allows you to physically tilt the lens downward to block the view or switch to sleep mode, displaying a black screen. The Meet SE, on the other hand, comes with a magnetic privacy cover that snaps into place, ensuring the camera is completely blocked when not in use. Both models also have LED indicators, so you’ll always know when the camera is active.
Which One Should You Buy?
Deciding between the Tiny SE and Meet SE depends on your specific needs. If you require a webcam that can track movement dynamically, the Tiny SE is the better choice. Its AI-powered gimbal ensures that you stay in the frame even when moving around, making it ideal for teachers, presenters, and content creators who need flexibility. At $99, it’s an excellent value for a PTZ webcam with advanced tracking.
If portability and affordability are your main priorities, the Meet SE is a great option. It provides solid video quality, AI auto-framing, and strong low-light performance, all for just $69. While it lacks physical movement, it still delivers a feature-rich experience for remote workers, students, and casual streamers.
Both webcams offer impressive performance for their price, making them solid choices for anyone looking to upgrade their video setup without spending a fortune. Whether you’re streaming, teaching, or working remotely, Obsbot’s latest budget-friendly options provide a significant step up from traditional built-in laptop webcams. If you want a webcam that actively follows your movements, the Tiny SE is worth the extra cost. But if you’re looking for a reliable, compact webcam that gets the job done, the Meet SE is a fantastic choice.
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