Are there any alternatives?

There are plenty of capable 1080p and 4K webcams. Inexpensive webcams start at well under $100, but generally, you get what you pay for. At $199, the Obsbot Tiny competes against more premium webcams, like Logitech’s Brio.

　　The Brio costs the same as the Tiny, but sacrifices the Obsbot’s more advanced A.I. capabilities in favor of more advanced image quality. This means you’ll get better 4K resolution on the Brio — compared to 1080p — and HDR support.

　　

How long will it last?

The Obsbot Tiny has a standard one-year limited warranty, but webcams are designed to last for many years of use. Unlike smartphones, a webcam isn’t a peripheral that’s designed for annual or biennial upgrades, and the Obsbot can potentially last five years or even longer. Unless the hardware breaks — given the gimbal mechanism, the Obsbot Tiny may be more prone to failure than other competing webcams due to the number of moving parts — the device should last you for many years to come.

　　

Should you buy it?

Yes, though it really depends on the features you need out of a webcam. If you’re just using the Tiny for general video chats, then its advanced features may be overkill and you’re better off getting something with better image quality. But if you’re recording a sales pitch or a presentation, having an A.I.-powered cameraman makes it a unique tool.