What is the best webcam cover for a laptop?

If you want a simple, physical privacy cover, I’d look for a very thin sliding shutter rather than a sticker.

• Targus Spy Guard Webcam Cover 3 Pack - $11.99 (LTT Partners)

My pick: Targus Spy Guard

• Sliding shutter: easy to open for video calls and close afterward.
• 3-pack: useful if you have multiple laptops/monitors.
• Established accessory brand, with a large number of current product ratings in the shopping results.
• Current listing is about $12.

One important caveat: MacBooks

Apple's guidance is unusually strict about webcam covers: a cover should be no thicker than about 0.1 mm if you intend to close the MacBook with it installed. Most sliding covers—including the Targus and popular CloudValley designs—are considerably thicker, so remove the cover before closing a MacBook unless you have verified that it meets Apple's thickness guidance.

If you tell me your laptop model (e.g., MacBook Air M4, Dell XPS 13, Lenovo ThinkPad), I can pick a cover that fits its camera bezel and lid clearance.

When looking for the best webcam cover for a laptop, the most important feature is ultra-thin construction (ideally under 1 mm or 0.03 inches). Thick plastic covers can crack laptop screens when the lid is forcefully shut.[1][2]

Top-rated, reliable options balancing low profile, strong adhesive, and smooth sliding mechanisms include:

Add to list Widely recommended for its durable metal build, premium feel, and exceptionally slim profile that allows MacBooks and PC laptops to close fully without putting pressure on the display.

Imluckies Webcam Cover

Popular for budget-friendly multi-packs. It features a reliable sliding shutter that doesn't slide open accidentally and stays securely glued without shifting.

Add to list A trusted brand option available at major retailers like Best Buy or Staples . These ABS-plastic sliders are low-profile, subtle, and built to withstand daily opening and closing.[1]

Add to list An affordable ABS-plastic option that comes in multipacks, offering a super thin 0.03-inch body that blends seamlessly onto dark laptop bezels.

A quick warning for modern laptops: If you use a modern thin laptop (especially newer MacBooks), tolerances between the screen and keyboard deck are paper-thin. Rigid plastic or metal sliding covers carry a small risk of cracking the screen if the lid is slammed shut. If you want a zero-risk alternative, many users opt for removable privacy dot stickers or a thin piece of repositionable tape rather than a mechanical slider.

If you'd like, let me know:

• What specific laptop model you have
• Whether you prefer metal or plastic

I can give you a better recommendation tailored to your specific screen clearance.

If you want the best overall laptop webcam cover, I’d pick the CloudValley ultra-thin metal sliding cover.

• CloudValley Webcam Cover Slide - $19.99 (TrailMate)

Why I recommend it

• Sliding shutter: cover/uncover the camera instantly without removing anything.
• Very low profile: about 0.6 mm (0.023") thick.
• Metal construction: feels sturdier and more polished than cheap plastic covers.
• Strong adhesive: designed to stay attached once positioned.
• Small and discreet: doesn't look bulky on the top bezel.
• Current comparisons consistently put CloudValley among the top laptop webcam covers.

One important caveat for MacBooks: Apple recommends that camera covers left on a Mac laptop be no thicker than 0.1 mm, so a 0.6-mm slider is technically too thick to safely close the lid over. If you have a MacBook, I would either remove the cover before closing the lid or use a cover specifically designed to meet Apple's thickness guidance.

If you tell me your laptop model (e.g., MacBook Air M4, Dell XPS 13, Lenovo ThinkPad), I can recommend the safest specific cover for it.

When looking for the best webcam cover for a laptop, the most important design rule is ultra-thin construction . Many laptops (especially MacBooks and modern ultra-portables) have razor-thin tolerances between the screen and the keyboard when closed; a thick cover can crack your screen or leave permanent pressure marks.

Top-performing options fall into a few clear categories depending on your preference:

1. Imluckies Metal Webcam Cover Slide (Ultra-Thin)Go to product viewer dialog for this item. — Widely favored in tech roundups (including recommendations highlighted by The New York Times Wirecutter ). These are made of thin metal (around $0.7mm to $1mm thick), slide open and closed smoothly, use strong adhesive that doesn't easily budge, and generally allow most laptops to close fully without screen damage. [1][2]
2. Kamshield Metal/Magnetic Sliders Go to product viewer dialog for this item. — Known for a sleek, low-profile, and premium aesthetic. They offer metal sliding options that feel sturdier than cheap plastic multi-packs and come in various finishes (like matte black or metallic tones) to match your laptop's chassis.
3. Generic ABS Plastic Ultra-Thin Sliders (e.g., OBJLGEV Go to product viewer dialog for this item. or Onn) — Usually sold in multi-packs on The Home Depot or Walmart . They are inexpensive, highly functional, and easy to replace, though you should double-check that they are marked "ultra-thin" so they don't block your lid from closing.[1]

A Quick Warning on Laptop Design

If you own a modern laptop (like a recent MacBook Pro or Air), Apple and other manufacturers explicitly warn against using hard plastic or metal webcam covers because the clearance is microscopic. Clamping a piece of metal or plastic over the camera can easily shatter the display glass when the laptop shuts. If you have tight clearances, a repositionable fabric/vinyl sticker or a software-based privacy toggle is technically safer for your hardware.

To help narrow this down, tell me:

• What specific laptop model do you have?
• Do you prefer a permanent slide-to-open cover, or a removable/repositionable sticker?

Best overall: CloudValley Ultra-Thin Metal Webcam Cover

• CloudValley Laptop Camera Cover Slide - $22.99 (newegg.com)

I’d pick the CloudValley metal sliding cover for most laptops. It’s about 0.6 mm thick, uses a simple slide mechanism, and has a low-profile design that doesn’t look too conspicuous. Multiple recent comparisons also put CloudValley near the top for laptop webcam covers.

Why I like it

• Physical privacy: completely blocks the camera when closed.
• Easy to use: slide it open for Zoom/Teams, closed afterward.
• Very thin: roughly 0.6 mm.
• Inexpensive: typically sold in 2- or multi-packs.
• Better than stickers: you don't have to peel anything off every time you use the camera.

One important MacBook warning

If you have a MacBook, be careful. Apple recommends that any camera cover left on the display be no thicker than about 0.1 mm because the clearance between the display and keyboard is extremely tight. The CloudValley is substantially thicker, so slide it open—or preferably remove it—before closing the MacBook lid.

If you tell me your laptop model (e.g. MacBook Air M4, Dell XPS 13, Lenovo ThinkPad), I can recommend the thinnest cover that fits it safely.

When looking for the best webcam cover for a laptop, the most critical factor is ultra-thin design . Laptops—especially modern MacBooks and thin Windows ultrabooks—have extremely tight tolerances between the screen and the keyboard when closed. A cover that is too thick can crack your laptop screen when you shut the lid.

Top-rated, reliable options that balance privacy, durability, and a slim profile include:

• CloudValley Webcam Cover Slide Go to product viewer dialog for this item.: Widely popular and highly rated for its extremely low profile (around 0.023 inches thick). It is made of sturdy, subtle metal or premium ABS plastic, uses strong adhesive that doesn't easily budge, and comes in multi-packs so you can fit them across multiple devices.
• Targus Spy Guard / Targus Webcam Cover Go to product viewer dialog for this item.: A trusted name in laptop accessories, Targus offers reliable slide-open privacy covers. They are slim enough to let most standard laptops close completely without leaving a gap or putting pressure on the display.[1][2]
• Generic Ultra-Thin Metal/Plastic Sliders (e.g., Yilora Go to product viewer dialog for this item. or Impeccable Go to product viewer dialog for this item.): If buying budget multi-packs, look specifically for measurements under 0.03 inches. Metal sliders tend to feel more premium and last longer than all-plastic alternatives.

⚠️ A Crucial Warning for MacBook Users

Apple explicitly warns against using physical webcam covers on MacBooks (like MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models with narrow tolerances). Because the clearance between the screen and top case is engineered to exact tolerances, closing a MacBook with a hard plastic or metal cover attached can easily crack the retina display.

If you use a modern MacBook or a laptop with zero clearance, consider these alternatives:

• Software-level control: Use macOS/Windows permission settings to disable camera access for individual apps.
• A simple webcam privacy sticker/tab: A thin, removable repositionable tab or Post-it corner that you peel off before closing the lid avoids any risk of crushing your screen.

What specific laptop model do you have? If you let me know, I can tell you whether a sliding hard cover is safe to use or if you're better off with a removable alternative.

When choosing a webcam cover for your laptop, the most important design feature is ultra-thinness . Laptops today have very tight tolerances when closed, and a thick or bulky slider can crack your screen or leave pressure marks on the display.

The top options on the market balance a slim profile, strong adhesive, and smooth sliding mechanisms:

• [CloudValley Webcam Cover Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-things-to-get-for-your-new-laptop/) : Recommended by outlets like The New York Times Wirecutter , CloudValley offers metal and ABS plastic ultra-thin sliders (around 0.022 to 0.027 inches thick) that let most laptops close completely without issue. They use durable adhesive that holds well but doesn't easily shift out of place.
• Metal Slider Covers (Generic/Multi-packs) : Brands like Trobing, Cimkiz, and similar metal-alloy variants are widely favored over pure plastic because aluminum/metal feels sturdier, matches space-gray or silver laptop finishes nicely, and maintains a profile thinner than 1mm.
• The Low-Tech Alternative (Post-it / Tech Stickers) : Many security experts actually recommend a small piece of painter’s tape, a Post-it note edge, or a reusable silicone tab instead of a hard plastic slider. Why? They add zero thickness, meaning zero risk of screen damage when closing your laptop lid. ⚠️ Crucial Warning for Modern Laptops (Especially MacBooks):
  Apple and other modern laptop manufacturers explicitly warn against using hard webcam covers on MacBooks released in recent years (MacBook Pro/Air). The clearance between the screen and keyboard is engineered to microscopic tolerances; closing a laptop with a hard plastic or metal slider attached can shatter the glass display. If you have a modern ultra-slim laptop, a sliding cover should only be used if it is thin enough not to touch the deck when closed—or you should opt for software toggles or a removable/flexible sticker instead.

To help narrow down the best choice, tell me:

• What laptop model do you have?
• Do you prefer a sliding mechanical cover or a removable/temporary sticker?

For most laptops, the best webcam cover is a thin sliding privacy cover that physically blocks the camera, stays attached, and doesn’t interfere with closing the lid. Current comparisons commonly favor low-profile slider designs, especially for everyday laptops.

Best picks

• Targus Spy Guard Webcam Cover 3-Pack - $17.99 (Target)

• OBJLGEV Ultra-Thin Metal Webcam Cover Slide - $53.90 (The Home Depot)

• Logitech Webcam Privacy Cover - $7.19 (Staples)

• Best overall: CloudValley Webcam Cover Slide A good balance of thinness, durability, and ease of use. It uses a simple slide mechanism and is designed for laptops, tablets, and phones.

• Best for MacBook users: CloudValley Webcam Cover Slide (or another verified ultra-thin model) MacBooks have very tight screen clearance. Apple warns that thicker camera covers can affect closing and potentially damage the display, so choose a very thin cover or remove it before closing.

• **Best known brand option:

** A simple adhesive privacy shutter from a major computer-accessory brand.

• **Best for external Logitech webcams:

** Designed for Logitech webcam setups rather than built-in laptop cameras.

What to look for

• Thickness: ideally around 0.5–1 mm for laptops, especially MacBooks.
• Slider mechanism: easier than stickers because you can open/close the camera instantly.
• No magnet: magnets are usually unnecessary and can complicate laptop compatibility.
• Good adhesive: it should stay put but be removable without damaging the bezel.

My default recommendation: CloudValley-style ultra-thin sliding cover for a Windows laptop; a very thin cover or no attached cover for a MacBook that must close frequently.

The "best" webcam cover depends on keeping your laptop screen safe when closed, as thick plastic covers can crack modern ultra-slim laptop screens (especially MacBooks).

Top options combine ultra-thin metal builds, strong adhesive, and smooth sliding mechanisms:

• CloudValley Metal Webcam Cover Go to product viewer dialog for this item.: Widely popular and ultra-thin (around 0.023 in / 0.6 mm), it is slim enough to let most MacBooks and PCs close completely without putting pressure on the display. It features a clean matte finish and strong adhesive.[1]
• Imluckies Webcam Cover Slide Go to product viewer dialog for this item.: Frequently recommended for being budget-friendly and durable. It uses a minimal metal slide design that doesn't block indicator lights or interfere with closing the lid. [1][2]
• Kamshield Webcam Cover Go to product viewer dialog for this item.: Known for a sleek, premium metal build that fits securely and blends seamlessly with modern laptop chassis aesthetics.[1]
• The Low-Tech Alternative (A Piece of Post-it Note / Painter's Tape) : Many security experts actually recommend a small piece of removable painter's tape or a sticky note. It's 100% free, leaves zero rigid pressure points when the laptop shuts, and can't accidentally scratch your glass screen.

Important Buying Tip

Avoid thick plastic shutters. Modern laptops (like the MacBook Air and Pro) have micro-thin tolerances between the keyboard and the screen when closed. A thick plastic slider can crack your LCD panel the moment you snap your laptop shut. Always look for ultra-thin metal sliders (under 1 mm thick).[1]

If you'd like, let me know:

• What specific laptop model you have
• Whether you prefer a physical sliding metal cover or a removable/reusable option

I can help you pick the safest fit for your device.

For most laptops, the best webcam cover is a thin sliding cover that blocks the lens but still lets the laptop close normally. My top pick is:

Best overall: CloudValley Webcam Cover Slide

• CloudValley Laptop Camera Cover Slide, Metal 0.023 Inch Ultra-Thin - $22.99 (newegg.com)

Why it’s a good choice:

• Very thin profile, so it’s less likely to interfere with the lid closing
• Sliding mechanism is more convenient than repeatedly applying/removing stickers
• Adhesive-backed and designed for laptops, tablets, and phones
• A good balance of durability, appearance, and price

Other good options

• Best budget pick: Yilador Webcam Cover (3-pack) Good if you want several covers for multiple devices. It’s inexpensive and works with many laptops, though it’s a more basic option.
• Best if you prefer a known accessory brand: Targus Webcam Cover A simple sliding privacy cover from an established computer-accessory maker.

What to avoid

• Thick covers that create pressure when closing the laptop.
• Large plastic “hoods” that may interfere with the camera or display.
• Anything that covers nearby sensors.

Important for MacBooks: Apple warns that thicker camera covers can interfere with the tight clearance between the display and keyboard when closed. If you use a MacBook, choose an ultra-thin cover and verify it fits your model, or remove it before closing the lid.

If you tell me your laptop model (for example, MacBook Air M-series, Dell XPS, Lenovo ThinkPad, HP Spectre), I can suggest the best-fitting cover.