7 Best Webcam Covers Article updated: August 24, 2026

This is exactly how simple a webcam cover should be

The ienza A6 takes our number one position for the Best Webcam Covers because it does one very specific job without adding unnecessary complexity. It provides a physical barrier directly over the webcam lens, giving compatible external webcam users a simple way to cover the camera when video is not required.

This particular cover is designed around several extremely common webcam models, including the C920, C920x, C930e, and C922 Pro Stream. That targeted compatibility is important because external webcams have much larger and differently shaped housings than the tiny cameras built into laptops.

The A6 is the cover only. You do not receive a webcam with it, which is worth making clear because the product images and compatibility references can make this look like an accessory bundle at first glance.

What you are buying is a small black privacy shutter designed to sit over the camera area. Slide it into the closed position when the webcam is not being used, then uncover the lens before a Zoom call, recording session, online class, or livestream.

The C920 compatibility is what makes this especially useful

The biggest advantage here is the compatibility with several popular Logitech webcams. The cover is intended for the C920x HD Pro, C920 HD Pro, C930e, and C922 Pro Stream, while the manufacturer also describes compatibility with other similar popular webcams.

This is different from buying one of those tiny universal laptop camera sliders. A cover designed around an external webcam housing has to account for a much larger camera lens and the shape of the surrounding body.

That becomes useful in a home office where the external webcam remains permanently attached to the monitor. Someone might have video meetings at 9 AM and 2 PM, but there is no practical reason for the lens to remain exposed during the several hours between those calls.

With a sliding physical webcam privacy cover, there is no software menu to open and no webcam to disconnect from the computer. Close the shutter when the meeting ends, then open it again before the next call.

There is also something reassuringly unambiguous about a physical cover. When an opaque shutter is positioned directly in front of the camera lens, the lens simply cannot capture a usable image through that barrier.

That does not mean a webcam cover replaces normal computer security. Operating system permissions, software updates, account security, and sensible application access still matter because a privacy shutter addresses the camera lens specifically rather than protecting the rest of the computer.

Installation is also something to get right. Before fitting any webcam privacy cover, clean the mounting area so dust, fingerprints, and skin oils do not interfere with how securely the accessory sits against the webcam housing.

Then check alignment before considering the installation finished. Open the shutter, launch the camera, and make sure the edges of the cover are not intruding into the image or interfering with the lens area.

That test takes less than a minute and avoids a common mistake. A cover positioned slightly too far across the camera can create an unwanted dark edge or partial obstruction when you actually need to use the webcam.

Why this one gets our number one position

The ienza A6 is positioned as a cost-effective alternative to an OEM privacy accessory. That is useful for someone who already owns a compatible webcam and simply wants to add physical camera privacy without replacing an otherwise perfectly functional device.

The model compatibility is also unusually relevant here. The C920 family has been widely used for remote work, streaming, video conferencing, and home office setups, so a cover designed specifically around these kinds of external webcams solves a more specific problem than a generic laptop slider.

There are limitations. This is still a small accessory rather than a universal security product, and buyers should check their exact webcam body before ordering instead of assuming every external camera has identical dimensions.

You also need to remember to open the shutter before a meeting. If your video conferencing software suddenly shows a black image while the webcam appears connected normally, checking the physical privacy cover should be one of the first troubleshooting steps.

That minor inconvenience is also the feature doing its job. You have a visible, physical way of determining whether the camera lens is exposed rather than relying entirely on an application setting or indicator light.

We gave the ienza A6 our number one rank out of seven because it combines targeted compatibility, simple operation, physical lens blocking, and a design intended specifically for popular external webcams. There is very little to configure and nothing electronic that needs to communicate with the computer.

For C920, C920x, C930e, and C922 users in particular, that simplicity is the main attraction. If you want one of the Best Webcam Covers for a permanently connected desktop camera, the A6 provides an inexpensive and practical way to keep the lens physically covered whenever video is not in use.

This is a nicely fitted option if you use a C920 style webcam

The LZYDD Upgraded C920 Series Privacy Shutter takes our number two position for the Best Webcam Covers because it is designed around a specific type of external webcam rather than trying to fit every camera on the market. It provides a physical privacy barrier over the camera lens, with a sliding mechanism that can be opened when you need video and closed again when the webcam is sitting idle.

That distinction matters with desktop webcams. The camera housing on an external webcam is considerably larger than the tiny lens area built into most laptops, so a small adhesive laptop slider is not always the right shape or size.

The LZYDD cover is intended as an upgraded privacy shutter for compatible webcam bodies. Its fitted design makes more sense for somebody who keeps an external webcam permanently attached to the top of a monitor.

This is also a passive accessory. There is no battery, USB connection, software, account, or configuration process involved, which keeps the privacy function extremely straightforward.

Closing a physical shutter takes about as much effort as it should

The main attraction here is the simple sliding webcam shutter design. When the camera is not needed, you move the cover across the lens, and when a meeting begins, you move it back to expose the camera again.

Consider a normal remote working day. You might use the webcam for a 20-minute meeting in the morning and another call after lunch, but for most of the remaining hours the camera has no reason to be exposed.

Disconnecting the webcam every time is possible, but that becomes annoying quickly. A physical cover lets you leave the camera mounted, connected, and positioned correctly while still placing an opaque barrier in front of the lens between calls.

That last point is particularly useful if you have spent time getting your camera angle right. Repeatedly unplugging and removing an external webcam can mean repositioning it again later, whereas the privacy shutter leaves the entire setup alone.

A physical cover blocks the lens directly, which also makes its status easy to understand. You can look at the webcam and see whether the lens is physically covered rather than opening an operating system menu to check camera permissions.

Of course, that does not mean a webcam shutter replaces normal computer security. You still need sensible application permissions, software updates, strong account security, and normal privacy practices because the cover only addresses what the camera lens can physically see.

Installation needs a little care even though the product itself is simple. Check that your exact webcam is compatible first, then position the shutter so the opening lines up correctly with the camera lens.

Once fitted, open the shutter and launch the camera application. Look at the full image and make sure no part of the cover is intruding into the lens area or producing a dark edge around the video.

This is worth checking before an important meeting. Finding out that a privacy accessory is partially covering the lens five seconds before joining a client call is an unnecessary problem that takes very little effort to prevent.

The sliding mechanism should also move freely without needing excessive force. A privacy shutter gets used repeatedly, potentially several times every day, so smooth opening and closing is more useful than a cover that feels difficult to operate.

Number two is a strong result for such a small accessory

The LZYDD earns its high position because it handles the fundamentals well. It gives compatible external webcam users a quick hardware based privacy solution without requiring them to disconnect the camera or rely exclusively on software settings.

There are still limitations. This type of fitted webcam privacy shutter is much more dependent on physical compatibility than a generic adhesive cover, so it is important to check the supported camera design before ordering.

That is one reason it does not automatically take our number one position. Our top-ranked option gives us a slightly stronger overall combination of clearly established compatibility and straightforward functionality for the popular C920 family of external webcams.

Another practical limitation is simply human error. If you forget that the shutter is closed, your video conferencing software can detect the webcam perfectly while displaying a black image, so check the physical cover before spending ten minutes troubleshooting camera drivers.

The opposite applies when a meeting ends. Closing the shutter needs to become a small habit if you want the physical privacy benefit, since the accessory obviously cannot cover the lens automatically when you leave a video call.

For people who work from home, stream, study online, or keep an external webcam connected continuously, that habit is easy to develop. End the meeting, close the camera application, slide the cover shut.

The benefit is that the privacy state becomes visible. If you can see that an opaque piece of material is sitting directly over the lens, you know the camera does not currently have an unobstructed view of the room.

We therefore give the LZYDD Upgraded C920 Series Privacy Shutter our number two rank out of seven. Its combination of a fitted design, physical lens blocking, simple sliding operation, and no dependence on software makes it one of the strongest options in this category.

It misses the top spot by a fairly small margin rather than because of any major weakness. For someone with a compatible external webcam who wants a simple privacy shutter that can remain installed permanently, the LZYDD is a practical and easy-to-use choice among the Best Webcam Covers.

This is a cleaner solution than sticking a generic slider on your webcam

The CloudValley C920 Series Privacy Shutter takes our number three position for the Best Webcam Covers because it is designed specifically around the shape and lens area of compatible external webcams. Instead of attaching a tiny universal laptop slider, you get a purpose built physical webcam shutter that sits over the camera and blocks the lens when video is not required.

That distinction matters if your webcam stays mounted permanently on top of a monitor. External webcams have larger housings than built-in laptop cameras, so accessories designed specifically around those bodies generally make more sense than trying to adapt a tiny universal privacy cover.

The basic operation is deliberately simple. Keep the shutter closed during normal computer use, then expose the lens when you actually need the camera for a meeting, online class, recording session, livestream, or video call.

There is no software involved in that process. No application needs installing, there is no battery to charge, and the privacy cover does not need access to your computer or webcam electronics.

The physical shutter gives you a very obvious privacy check

The biggest advantage is the physical barrier covering the camera lens. When an opaque shutter is correctly positioned directly in front of the webcam, the camera does not have an unobstructed view through that lens.

This makes the privacy status easy to understand at a glance. Rather than checking operating system permissions or wondering whether an application is currently accessing the camera, you can physically see whether the lens is exposed.

Imagine somebody working from a home office all day. They might use the webcam for a 30-minute morning meeting, another short call after lunch, and perhaps a final video conference in the afternoon, while the camera remains unnecessary for the majority of the working day.

Unplugging the webcam after every meeting is possible but inconvenient. It can also disturb the camera position, particularly if you have carefully adjusted the angle to keep your face centered correctly during calls.

A sliding webcam privacy shutter solves that problem without changing the physical camera setup. Finish the call, close the shutter, and the webcam can remain mounted and connected exactly where it was.

That is particularly useful for people using a permanent desktop setup. Remote workers, streamers, online teachers, students, and anyone using video conferencing several times per week can leave the camera installed without leaving the lens uncovered constantly.

The cover still needs to be installed and aligned correctly. Before fitting it, clean the relevant area of the webcam so dust and oils do not interfere with the accessory sitting properly against the camera housing.

Once installed, open the shutter and launch the webcam application. Check the complete video image to make sure the privacy cover is not creating a dark edge or partially obstructing the field of view.

This sounds obvious, but alignment mistakes happen with camera accessories. Being a few millimeters off can matter when the accessory is sitting immediately around the lens area, so testing it before an important call is worth doing.

It is also important to understand what this product does not do. A physical webcam shutter does not replace operating system security, antivirus protection, application permissions, strong passwords, or normal computer privacy practices.

Why number three feels like the right place for it

The CloudValley ranks highly because the concept is solid and the operation is uncomplicated. You get hardware based privacy without software, and that is exactly what many people actually want when searching for the Best Webcam Covers.

The main limitation is compatibility. A fitted cover is naturally less universal than an adhesive privacy slider designed to work across many laptops, tablets, monitors, and webcams.

That means buyers should check the exact webcam model and physical housing before ordering. Similar-looking cameras can have different lens positions, microphone openings, indicator lights, and surrounding shapes, so appearance alone is not enough to guarantee a proper fit.

There is another very ordinary issue to remember. If you join a meeting and your webcam appears connected but the screen is completely black, check whether the shutter is still closed before changing drivers or digging through video conferencing settings.

That inconvenience is also evidence that the cover is physically doing what it is supposed to do. A closed shutter does not care whether the camera application is running because the obstruction exists in front of the lens itself.

Compared with our first and second ranked options, the CloudValley lands slightly lower because those products give us a somewhat stronger overall combination of compatibility and straightforward fit for the external webcams we are targeting. The difference is fairly small, though.

For everyday use, what matters is whether the cover fits properly, stays in place, moves smoothly, and completely covers the lens when closed. If those four things are right, there is not much else a physical webcam cover needs to accomplish.

That is why the CloudValley C920 Series Privacy Shutter earns our number three rank out of seven. It is simple, requires no software or power, leaves your external webcam permanently installed, and provides an immediate physical way to block the camera lens when video is not required.

For someone using a compatible C920-style external webcam, it remains one of the stronger choices in this comparison. The focused design and straightforward sliding mechanism make it particularly suitable for a permanent home office setup where camera privacy needs to be quick and easy to manage throughout the day.

The larger size is useful, but the 0.03-inch thickness matters more

The JUNGLE DEER Privacy Slide comes in at number four in our Best Webcam Covers ranking, and one specification immediately caught our attention: thickness. At approximately 0.03 inches thick, this is designed to remain extremely close to the surface of a laptop or computer while still giving you a physical sliding barrier over the camera.

The complete cover measures approximately 2.2 inches long and 0.55 inches high. That makes it larger than some tiny webcam sliders, which can be useful when you are dealing with a larger camera area or want something easier to operate with a fingertip.

You receive three webcam covers in the package. That makes sense for someone with a work laptop, personal computer, and another compatible device rather than buying individual covers separately.

The basic idea is simple. Install the cover over the webcam, slide it closed when the camera is not required, then move the slider back when it is time for a video meeting or online call.

Being ultrathin matters every time you close the laptop

The ultrathin webcam cover design is probably the most important feature here for laptop users. Anything permanently attached near the top of a laptop display needs to be thin enough that it does not create an obvious obstruction when the lid is closed.

A thick camera cover can create unwanted pressure between the display and keyboard area. That is why dimensions matter with this type of accessory even though the difference between two covers may only be a fraction of an inch.

Installation uses adhesive rather than screws, clips, or any permanent modification to the computer. Clean the area around the webcam first, remove dust and skin oils, line up the opening carefully, and then press the cover into position.

The installation guidance recommends holding it in place for around 30 seconds. It is also sensible to give the adhesive time to establish a secure bond before repeatedly operating the slider.

This is where rushing can create problems. If the mounting surface is dusty or oily, the adhesive has a much harder job keeping the cover in position when you repeatedly slide it open and closed.

Once installed, test the camera before assuming everything is aligned. Open the physical sliding privacy cover, launch the webcam application, and inspect the image to make sure the edge of the cover is not partially blocking the lens.

Then close it and check the camera again. You should see that the physical barrier prevents the lens from having an unobstructed view while the shutter is positioned over it.

This kind of hardware privacy is useful during an ordinary remote working day. Someone might use their webcam for a 9 AM meeting, leave the computer running for several hours, then need video again after lunch.

There is little reason to remove or disconnect the camera between those meetings. Sliding the cover closed takes a second and leaves the rest of the computer setup exactly where it was.

The three-pack is useful in a household too. You can install one on a work machine and use the remaining covers on other compatible computers rather than moving the same accessory between devices.

Why it gets number four instead of a top-three position

There is plenty to like here, but the JUNGLE DEER also has a few compromises. The adhesive is one of them because the long-term effectiveness of an adhesive webcam cover depends partly on surface preparation and how well the material bonds to the particular device.

Some user feedback associated with this product has mentioned problems with adhesion, even though many buyers report successful installation. That makes cleaning the surface and positioning the cover correctly on the first attempt especially important.

The larger physical size is another consideration. A 2.2-inch-long cover can be easier to operate, but somebody using an extremely compact laptop bezel may prefer one of the smaller webcam covers available.

You should also check the location of nearby sensors and microphones before installation. A webcam cover should block the camera lens when closed without unnecessarily covering another component built into the display bezel.

And while a physical cover provides camera privacy, it should not be treated as a replacement for normal computer security. Keep software updated, review camera permissions, use strong account security, and limit application access to the webcam when it is not required.

Our number four ranking therefore comes down to fit and installation rather than the privacy concept itself. The three products above it give us a slightly stronger combination of purpose-built fit and compatibility for the specific external webcams covered earlier in our comparison.

This JUNGLE DEER model is different because it makes more sense as a broader laptop and computer privacy accessory. Its thin profile and adhesive installation give it more flexibility across devices, but that also means the user needs to pay more attention to alignment and compatibility.

We ultimately give the JUNGLE DEER Privacy Slide our number four rank out of seven. The 0.03-inch profile, large sliding mechanism, simple adhesive installation, and three covers per pack provide a practical combination for people who want physical webcam privacy across several devices.

For a laptop user in particular, the thin construction is the feature that makes this product worth considering. Install it carefully, check that the camera and nearby sensors remain properly aligned, and you have a straightforward physical way to cover the webcam whenever it is not being used.

This one is built for external webcams, and that matters

The Eyebloc Webcam Shield takes our number five position for the Best Webcam Covers because it is designed around external computer cameras rather than tiny built-in laptop webcams. That gives you a larger physical webcam privacy cover intended to sit over the lens area of full-size cameras used for video meetings, streaming, remote work, and online classes.

That distinction is worth paying attention to before ordering any webcam cover. A tiny slider made for the narrow bezel of a laptop may not provide enough coverage for an external camera with a much larger lens and surrounding housing.

The Eyebloc uses an adhesive mounting system. Once installed, the cover stays attached to the webcam so you can physically block the lens when video is not required and uncover it again before a call.

There is no software involved in that process. The accessory does not need power, does not communicate with the computer, and does not depend on a particular operating system.

The adhesive design gives you more freedom with different webcams

The main feature here is the adhesive mounting system for external webcams. Instead of using a molded enclosure designed around one exact camera body, the cover can be positioned over the appropriate area of a compatible webcam.

That gives it some flexibility across different desktop setups. External webcams can vary substantially in width, lens diameter, microphone placement, indicator light position, and housing shape, so a more general mounting method can sometimes be useful.

Imagine a remote worker with a webcam permanently installed on a 32-inch monitor. They have three video meetings during the day, but the camera sits connected to the computer for another six hours when video is completely unnecessary.

Removing the webcam after every meeting would work, but it would also mean disturbing the camera angle and possibly reconnecting the USB cable several times per day. A physical sliding lens cover leaves the camera mounted while giving the user a quick way to block its view.

The installation process is simple, but the preparation matters. Clean the mounting area before attaching the cover because fingerprints, dust, skin oils, and residue can reduce the effectiveness of adhesive products.

Then position the cover carefully before pressing it firmly into place. You want the opening to align with the webcam lens while avoiding microphones, status lights, infrared sensors, or other components surrounding the camera.

After installation, open the privacy cover and launch your normal camera application. Check the entire image for dark edges or partial obstruction, particularly around the corners of the video.

Then close the cover and test again. The physical shutter should completely obstruct the lens rather than leaving a small exposed section that still allows part of the room to remain visible.

This quick test is worth doing immediately rather than discovering an alignment problem during an important meeting. If the cover is badly positioned and has already bonded firmly to the webcam, correcting it later can be more inconvenient.

There is also a benefit to the simplicity of physical camera protection. You can look directly at the webcam and determine whether the lens is covered instead of checking software permissions or wondering whether a particular application currently has camera access.

Why this useful design still comes in at number five

The Eyebloc has a practical advantage in being designed for larger external cameras, but that general compatibility is also part of the reason it sits below our more purpose-built options. A fitted shutter designed specifically for a particular webcam model can provide a cleaner and more predictable installation when you own that exact camera.

Adhesive installation also depends on the surface. Smooth plastic webcam housings generally provide an easier mounting surface than heavily textured, curved, or unusually shaped camera bodies.

This is why checking the available flat area around the lens is important. The cover needs enough surface to remain securely attached without interfering with the camera lens and nearby sensors.

The adhesive approach also means installation should be treated as something you want to get right on the first attempt. Constantly removing and repositioning an adhesive accessory can weaken its grip and make the final installation less secure.

Another limitation is that physical webcam covers address one specific privacy issue. They do not replace antivirus software, operating system security, camera permissions, strong passwords, or sensible control over which applications can access your hardware.

What they do provide is much simpler. When the shutter is physically sitting in front of the lens, the camera does not have an unobstructed view through that lens.

That makes the Eyebloc useful for home offices, shared workspaces, classrooms, streaming setups, and desktop computers where an external webcam stays connected for long periods. Open it when video is needed, then physically cover the camera when the call is finished.

Our number five ranking comes mainly from the stronger fit and more targeted compatibility offered by several products above it. Those covers make particularly good choices when you own one of the exact webcam models they were designed around.

The Eyebloc takes a broader approach. That can be an advantage if your camera is not covered by one of those model-specific accessories, but it also means you need to pay closer attention to the size and shape of your webcam before installation.

We ultimately give the Eyebloc Webcam Shield our number five rank out of seven because it offers a useful combination of external webcam compatibility, adhesive mounting, simple physical operation, and no dependence on software or electrical power. It is not the most specialized cover in our comparison, but that is partly the point.

For somebody who wants a straightforward privacy cover for a compatible full-size external webcam, the Eyebloc remains a sensible option. Install it carefully, make sure the lens and nearby hardware remain properly aligned, and it provides an easy physical privacy step that can become part of your everyday computer routine.

The 0.03-inch thickness is exactly what laptop users should notice

The Panta UltraSlim takes our number six position in the Best Webcam Covers ranking, and its biggest selling point is right there in the dimensions. At approximately 0.03 inches in total thickness, this is a very thin physical camera cover designed to sit over a built-in webcam without adding a large obstruction around the top of the screen.

That matters particularly with laptops. The space between the display and keyboard can be extremely small when the lid is closed, so adding a thick plastic accessory around the camera is not something you should do without checking the dimensions first.

The product comes as a six-pack, which is useful if you have several compatible devices. A work laptop, personal laptop, desktop monitor, tablet, and family computers can all potentially be covered without buying separate packs.

Each cover uses a sliding mechanism rather than requiring you to remove the accessory whenever the camera is needed. Slide it open before a video call, then close it again when you are finished.

A tiny sliding cover makes more sense when it stays out of the way

The main purpose here is straightforward. The sliding physical camera privacy shutter creates an opaque barrier over the webcam lens when you do not want the camera to have an unobstructed view.

There is no electronic component involved. The cover does not need batteries, USB power, Bluetooth, software, drivers, or access to the operating system.

That simplicity becomes useful during an ordinary workday. Someone might join a video meeting in the morning, spend several hours working without video, then need the camera again for a client call in the afternoon.

Opening and closing a small slider takes very little effort. More importantly, the user gets a visible indication of whether the camera lens is physically exposed or covered.

The six-pack format also makes this product more practical for households and offices with multiple devices. Instead of constantly moving one cover around, each computer can have its own permanently installed webcam privacy slider.

Installation is adhesive based, so surface preparation matters. Before fitting a cover, clean the area around the webcam and remove dust, fingerprints, skin oils, or residue that could interfere with adhesion.

Alignment matters just as much. You need the opening to sit directly over the camera while avoiding microphones, indicator lights, ambient light sensors, infrared components, and other hardware that may be positioned near the webcam.

This is particularly important with modern laptops. The top bezel may contain much more than a simple camera, so do not assume that every small opening near the lens can safely be covered.

After installation, open the shutter and launch the camera. Look at the full video image and check the edges carefully to make sure the cover is not slightly intruding into the camera's field of view.

Then close the shutter and check again. A properly positioned physical webcam lens barrier should prevent the camera from having a clear view while remaining easy to reopen when video is required.

Why this useful six-pack ends up at number six

The Panta has several useful characteristics, but generic adhesive webcam covers also have limitations. Unlike a purpose-built shutter molded for one particular external webcam, a universal slider depends heavily on the user positioning it correctly.

The adhesive also needs a suitable surface. Smooth, flat bezels are generally easier to work with than textured surfaces, strongly curved housings, or devices where the webcam sits extremely close to the edge.

There is another important consideration for laptop users. Even with an ultra-thin cover, check the device manufacturer's guidance before attaching anything to the display area, particularly on laptops designed with extremely tight tolerances between the screen and keyboard.

Do not force a laptop lid closed if you feel unusual resistance after installation. The convenience of a camera cover is not worth placing unnecessary pressure against an expensive display panel.

Physical webcam covers also solve only one part of computer privacy. You should still keep your operating system updated, control application camera permissions, use strong account security, and remove access from software that does not need the camera.

So why number six? The higher-ranked products in our Best Webcam Covers comparison offer stronger model-specific fit, particularly for popular external webcams, while this Panta design is more of a broad universal solution.

That universal approach is useful, but it introduces more variables. The user needs to confirm the available mounting area, webcam position, nearby sensors, device closure clearance, and adhesive compatibility.

Still, there is a lot of practical value here. You receive six covers, each has an extremely low-profile design, and the basic sliding operation is about as simple as camera privacy hardware gets.

We therefore give the Panta UltraSlim our number six rank out of seven. It cannot match the tailored fit of the higher-ranked webcam-specific shutters, but the combination of a 0.03-inch profile, six-pack value, simple adhesive mounting, and physical lens blocking makes it useful across a much wider selection of compatible devices.

For someone who has several laptops or computers and wants an inexpensive physical privacy solution for all of them, that versatility may actually be the main reason to choose it. Install each cover carefully, check the camera and surrounding sensors, and you have a simple way to physically cover multiple webcams whenever they are not in use.

These are much more decorative than the usual black webcam slider

The MESMOS Plant Series finishes at number seven in our Best Webcam Covers comparison, but there is something genuinely different about this pack. Instead of six identical pieces of black plastic, you get six individually designed plant webcam covers featuring different indoor plant illustrations.

The pack includes designs based around plants such as snake plant, prayer plant, monstera, fountain palm, dumb cane, and cast-iron plant. It is a small visual detail, but it makes sense for someone who wants a privacy cover on a personal laptop without making the computer look like office equipment.

More importantly, these are still functional sliding webcam covers. Position one over the camera, leave the opening exposed when video is required, then move the slider across when you want a physical barrier in front of the lens.

You receive six covers in the package. That gives you enough pieces for several compatible devices, or enough to share across computers and tablets in the same household.

The six-pack makes more sense when you have cameras everywhere

MESMOS designed these covers for broad compatibility rather than one particular webcam model. They are intended to work with many laptops, MacBook models, iPads, tablets, desktop computers, smartphones, Surface devices, and other products with suitably positioned front-facing cameras.

That makes the six-pack multi-device design quite useful in a modern home. Someone can easily have a webcam in their work laptop, personal laptop, tablet, desktop monitor, and phone before even considering the devices used by other family members.

The covers are designed to remain thin after installation. That is particularly important on laptops because anything permanently attached near the top bezel has to occupy very little space when the display is folded down against the keyboard.

MESMOS specifically promotes the sliders as thin enough for laptops to close snugly, although compatibility still needs to be checked on your exact machine. Some laptops have much tighter tolerances between the display and lower case than others.

Installation uses adhesive, so there are no tools involved. Clean the surface first, make sure the area is dry, carefully align the sliding opening with the camera lens, then press the cover into place.

Surface preparation matters more than it sounds. Dust, fingerprints, skin oils, and cleaning residue can all reduce the ability of a small adhesive accessory to remain securely attached while being opened and closed repeatedly.

Once fitted, open the slider and launch the camera application. Check the full video image and make sure the cover is not partially entering the field of view.

Then close the slider and check again. You want the opaque section to completely obstruct the camera rather than leaving part of the lens exposed.

The manufacturer also says the covers can be removed without leaving sticky traces. That is useful if you replace your computer or decide to remove the accessory later, although adhesive performance can always vary depending on the surface material and how long something has remained attached.

There is also a lifetime replacement warranty listed with this product. For such a small accessory, that is a useful extra, especially when the sliding mechanism and adhesive are the parts receiving repeated everyday use.

There is a reason these finish seventh, but they are still useful

The main issue with a broadly compatible adhesive cover is that every device is slightly different. Camera location, bezel width, microphones, indicator lights, ambient light sensors, infrared hardware, and facial recognition components can all occupy the same small area around the top of a display.

MESMOS itself notes some compatibility limitations. The covers are not listed as compatible with the 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro model A2141, and the manufacturer warns that installation may interfere with FaceTime or brightness detection on certain iPhone models.

That is important information rather than something to ignore. A webcam cover should block only the camera when closed, not interfere with unrelated sensors that your device relies on for normal operation.

This is why we recommend inspecting the bezel before sticking anything down. If there are several sensors clustered immediately around the webcam, check your device documentation before installing an adhesive cover.

The decorative design will also divide opinion. Some people will like having small plant illustrations on their laptop, while someone outfitting a formal corporate office may prefer an almost invisible black or color-matched privacy shutter.

The MESMOS covers also face stronger competition from the model-specific products higher in our ranking. When a privacy shutter is designed specifically around an external webcam such as a C920-series camera, fit and alignment can be much more predictable.

That is the main reason the MESMOS Plant Series receives our number seven rank out of seven. It is a broader universal product, so compatibility depends more heavily on the exact device and careful installation than it does with a purpose-built camera shutter.

Still, there is quite a lot here for such a simple accessory. You receive six covers, the sliders are thin, installation is straightforward, device compatibility is broad, and the plant designs are considerably less industrial looking than the standard black webcam cover.

For someone who has several compatible devices and actually wants the webcam cover to look decorative, the MESMOS pack makes a lot of sense. Check the camera and sensor layout first, install each slider carefully, and you get a simple physical privacy barrier with considerably more personality than most webcam covers.