Reclaim Your Privacy With the Best Laptop Camera Covers

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. The newsroom or editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content.

Buying Guide: Laptop Camera Cover

Whether you’re a student or you work a full-time job, chances are that you spend hours in front of a computer or laptop on a day-to-day basis. That’s because almost all of our study, work, and entertainment needs rely on computers in one way or the other, which is why the average American spends over seven hours in front of a screen each day. But have you ever realized that there’s always a camera staring right back at you? If that creeps you out, it should! Like any other smart electronic device, your laptop camera can also be hacked. All it takes is a skilled, experienced computer geek with malicious intent. To avoid a hacker from being able to watch everything you do while you work, all you need is a physical lens cover. Choosing a lens cover can be overwhelming and confusing with the variety of options available on the market. That’s where we come in. Our guide to the top laptop camera covers of 2023 has everything you need to know.

The number one position on our list goes to the CloudValley Laptop Camera Cover. It’s simple to use and has a compact, minimalistic build, all of which gets the job done. This laptop camera cover is designed to be compatible with a wide range of laptops including the 13 and 15-inch Apple MacBooks, along with iPads, Android tablets, and various laptop models from computer manufacturers like Acer, HP, Dell, and Asus.

With an easy, simple installation process, simply press this camera cover for 15 seconds against the camera cutout of your device and you’re all set! You can conveniently flip the slider to hide or reveal the camera as needed. This is the only camera cover on our list that comes in trendy colors like blue, white, pink, and black, earning it our best overall award.

Pros

• Low profile, small design
• Works with many different devices
• Simple to install and use

Cons

• Pack only includes two pieces

If you’re tired of your cover falling off all the time, the Yilador Laptop Camera Cover is for you! It comes with a 3M adhesive that allows it to remain on your laptop camera for longer, no matter how many times you snap it open or closed, or how much your laptop heats up. But even if one of them falls off, you still have two more to replace it with since this one comes as a three-pack.

If that’s not enough for you, you can also get it in packs of six and nine for a slight bump in price.

Pros

• Only takes five minutes to install
• Features strong 3M adhesive
• Very thin design

Cons

• Not safe for MacBook screens

If you want your laptop accessories to add some character to your device, have a close look at the Mesmos Laptop Camera Cover. It’s a six-pack that comes at an affordable price, yet has adorable plant faces drawn on each one. This camera cover is by far the most stylish option to cover your camera with, whether you’re using an iPhone, an iPad, a Macbook, or an iMac.

This camera cover is a wonderful addition to the front of your smartphone to keep you safe from hackers.

Pros

• Has great-looking imagery
• Perfect gift for plant lovers
• Comes in cat and emoji versions

Cons

• May not adhere strongly to some surfaces

If you’re a value seeker like us and want to get the biggest bang for your buck, then the XBrand Laptop Camera Cover is exactly what you’re looking for. For such a small price, you get a pack of six high-quality covers that are all designed to be long-lasting. These camera covers have a durable adhesive lining that keeps them stuck to your device for months. 

Even though they’re high-quality and don’t need to be replaced often, having six of them allows you to secure almost all of your devices with a single purchase.

Pros

• Very durable yet thin build
• Super simple installation process
• High value for the money

Cons

• Slider can sometimes open on its own

Lastly, the C-slide Laptop Cover takes the final spot on our list. Unlike the three, six, and nine-packs listed above, this cover ships as a single piece. But there are several color options and patterns to choose from, including black, white, silver, and one with the American flag on it.

This camera cover is also super easy to install and use. You just need to peel off the 3M adhesive cover, position it directly over the camera, and apply some pressure for a few seconds — that’s it! This camera cover is compatible with iPads, iPhones, and MacBooks.

Pros

• Made of high-grade, durable plastic
• Installation is quick and easy
• Large enough to cover big lenses

Cons

• Slightly expensive for just one camera cover

Can someone see me using my laptop camera without me knowing?

Unfortunately, yes. Like any other tech device, the camera integrated into your laptop’s screen can be hacked and can be used to breach your privacy. But with a physical laptop camera cover installed, all they’ll see is black.

Is my laptop camera worth covering up?

Yes, it’s worth covering up for many reasons. Security experts often suggest covering up your laptop camera as your first and most important line of defense against hackers. It’s one of the most effective forms of cybersecurity and can be achieved by something as simple as putting a post-it note over your camera.

Can I close down my laptopu2019s lid with a camera cover installed?

Yes, unless it’s too thick for your device. We suggest looking for a laptop camera cover that’s as thin as paper, or somewhere under the thickness range of 0.027 inches.