What is the best webcam cover for a laptop?

Best overall: CloudValley Webcam Cover Slide

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

For most laptops, CloudValley’s ultra-thin metal sliding cover is the one I’d pick. It’s about 0.6 mm (0.023") thick, uses adhesive backing, and has a simple slider so you can uncover the camera for video calls without removing the cover. Recent comparisons consistently rank it among the best overall options.

Why I like it

• Very thin: less bulk than typical plastic webcam covers.

• Metal construction: feels more durable and premium than cheap plastic.

• Sliding shutter: much more convenient than stickers—you can leave it installed permanently.

• Inexpensive: typically only a few dollars for a small pack.

• Works with most laptops: including Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer, and many others.

• CloudValley Ultra-Thin Metal Webcam Cover - $22.99 (newegg.com)

• Targus Spy Guard Webcam Cover - $10.99 (Staples)

• SlideSafe Ultra-Thin Webcam Cover - $10.95 (House Atelier)

One important exception: if you have a MacBook, Apple recommends that camera covers left in place while the lid is closed be no thicker than 0.1 mm. The CloudValley is 0.6 mm, so Apple’s guidance means you should remove it before closing the MacBook rather than leaving it attached.

If you tell me your exact laptop model (e.g., Dell XPS 15, Lenovo ThinkPad, MacBook Air M4), I can recommend the best-fitting cover for it.

When looking for the best webcam cover for a laptop, the golden rule is ultra-thin design . Laptops—especially modern MacBooks and ultrabooks—have razor-thin tolerances when closed. A cover that is too thick can crack your screen or leave damaging pressure points on the display panel when you shut the lid.

Top-rated, screen-safe options combine a low-profile build, strong adhesive, and a smooth sliding mechanism:

Add to list Widely recognized as a top pick for modern laptops and devices (including MacBooks and iPads). At roughly 0.6 mm (0.023 in) thin, it is engineered specifically to let laptops close completely without leaving a damaging gap. It features a clean matte finish and minimalist profile.

Add to list A massive bestseller online, measuring around 0.75 mm (0.03 in) thick. It’s extremely budget-friendly (often sold in multi-packs for under $5), lightweight, and uses a reliable adhesive that holds up to daily opening and closing.

Add to list Available via retailers like Staples and CDW , this is a trusted brand name option. It offers a secure ABS plastic build with a smooth slide mechanism designed not to scratch your bezel.

Important Safety Tips:

• Check clearance first: Before closing your laptop for the first time with any hard plastic slider, gently test if it touches the keyboard/screen. If you feel resistance, remove it immediately.
• Beware of MacBooks: Apple explicitly warns against using any webcam covers on modern MacBooks (like MacBook Pro and Air models with ultra-tight tolerances), as the clearance between the screen and keyboard is precisely engineered to zero tolerance. If you have a modern Mac, a software toggle or a removable magnetic/post-it style privacy shield is safer than a hard plastic adhesive slider.

If you share your exact laptop model (e.g., MacBook Air M2, Dell XPS 13, Lenovo ThinkPad), I can give you a better recommendation on whether a hard plastic slider is safe for your specific screen clearance.

For most laptops, I’d pick the CloudValley Webcam Cover Slide. It’s a tiny sliding shutter, metal construction, and about 0.6 mm thick. Recent comparisons consistently put it near the top for its combination of slimness, durability, and easy operation.

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

My picks

• Best overall: CloudValley — slim, sturdy metal, smooth slider, and inexpensive. Great for Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, etc.

• Best established brand: Targus Spy Guard — a 3-pack with adhesive backing and a simple sliding mechanism.

• Targus Webcam Cover 3-Pack - $10.99 (Staples)

One important MacBook caveat

If you have a MacBook, be careful. Apple recommends that any camera cover left on while the lid is closed be no thicker than 0.1 mm. The popular CloudValley is about 0.6 mm, so despite marketing claims that it works with MacBooks, I would remove it before closing a MacBook unless you've verified that your exact cover meets Apple's thickness requirement.

If you tell me your laptop model (e.g., MacBook Air M4, Dell XPS 13, Lenovo ThinkPad), I can pick the best-fitting cover specifically for it.

When choosing a webcam cover for a laptop, the most important design rule is to keep it ultra-thin . Laptops (especially modern MacBooks and thin Windows ultrabooks) have extremely tight tolerances when closed, and thick plastic covers can crack your screen or leave pressure marks.

Here are the best types and top-rated options on the market:

1. Ultra-Thin Metal Slider Covers (e.g., CloudValley Webcam Cover Go to product viewer dialog for this item.)
   • Why it’s great: Featured as a go-to practical tech accessory in guides like the The New York Times Wirecutter , metal sliders like those from CloudValley on Amazon are typically around 0.6mm to 0.7mm thick . They are made of durable aluminum/metal, slide open smoothly for video calls, and are thin enough to let most laptops shut completely without damaging the display.
2. Targus Spy Guard Sliding Cover
   • Why it’s great: A reputable name in laptop accessories, the [Targus Spy Guard Webcam Cover Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](staples.com Guard Webcam Cover, Black (AWH011US)/product_24419992) offers a sleek, minimal, and secure snap-on or adhesive mechanism . It is reliable, inexpensive, and built with a low-profile aesthetic that blends well with corporate or school laptops.
3. Eyebloc Professional Cover (Removable/Magnetic)
   • Why it’s great: If you dislike sticky adhesives or want zero risk of residue on your bezel, the [Eyebloc Professional Webcam Cover Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://moonlock.com/webcam-covers) uses a clever slide or flip/magnetic design . It's slightly bulkier than a metal sticker slider, but it is easily removable and doesn't stick permanently to your machine.
4. The Budget/Zero-Footprint Alternative: Privacy Stickers or Shutter Pads
   • Why it’s great: If you are terrified of crushing your screen, a pack of repositionable vinyl webcam dots or a simple post-it note/reusable camera slider sticker leaves zero mechanical footprint. They cost next to nothing and can be thrown away or swapped out instantly.

To help narrow down the ideal choice, let me know:

• What model of laptop do you have (e.g., MacBook Air, Dell XPS, Lenovo ThinkPad)?
• Do you prefer a permanent adhesive slider or a removable/magnetic option?

When choosing a webcam cover for a laptop, the absolute golden rule is ultra-thinness . Laptops—especially modern MacBooks and ultrabooks—have extremely tight tolerances when closed. A cover that is too thick can press against the screen and crack the glass when you shut the lid.

Top-rated, reliable options that balance security, low profile, and ease of use include:

• CloudValley Metal Webcam Cover Slide Go to product viewer dialog for this item. : Widely regarded as one of the best for its minimalist, high-end look. Made of space aluminum alloy, it measures roughly 0.023 inches (0.6 mm) thick, meaning it won’t block your laptop from closing completely. It uses a durable adhesive and features a smooth metal slider.
• Yilador Webcam Cover (Multi-Pack)Go to product viewer dialog for this item. : An Amazon bestseller and a favorite budget pick. At around 0.03 inches (0.7 mm) thick, these ABS-plastic sliders come in multi-packs so you can outfit all your household devices, tablets, and monitors. They stay firmly attached without leaving a sticky mess if removed.
• Targus Spy Guard Webcam Cover Go to product viewer dialog for this item. : A trusted name in laptop accessories. Targus offers a sleek, professional 3-pack with a subtle sliding mechanism designed to fit tightly on mainstream business and personal laptops without creating a gap upon closure.
• Low-Tack Removable Vinyl Stickers (e.g., BLOCKED or Post-it Note method) : If you are terrified of crushing your laptop screen with a hard slider, many tech experts and manufacturers (including Apple) actually recommend thin, residue-free restickable vinyl tabs or even a small piece of painter's tape. They add zero bulk and pose no threat to your display panel.

If you'd like to narrow this down, tell me:

• What specific laptop model do you have?
• Do you prefer a metal slider, plastic slider, or a simple sticker?

I can let you know if your specific screen has any known clearance issues with hard covers.

If you want a physical webcam cover for a laptop, my top pick is the CloudValley Webcam Cover Slide.

CloudValley Webcam Cover Slide

$22.99

My picks

1. Best overall: CloudValley Webcam Cover Slide

   • Very slim: about 0.6 mm
   • Metal construction
   • Sliding shutter rather than a disposable sticker
   • Works with most laptops and tablets
   • Available in 2-, 3-, and 5-packs
   • Multiple current reviews/rankings identify it as a top overall choice.

2. Best established brand: Targus Spy Guard

Targus Spy Guard Webcam Cover – 3 Pack

$17.99

Targus is a more established computer-accessory brand, and the Spy Guard uses a simple adhesive sliding mechanism. Its main drawback is that it's considerably thicker than CloudValley.

⚠️ If you have a MacBook

This is important: Apple recommends that a camera cover be no more than 0.1 mm thick if left on while the MacBook is closed. Most sliding webcam covers—including the ~0.6-mm CloudValley—are thicker than that. Apple also warns that covers can interfere with the ambient-light sensor.

So for a MacBook, I'd either:

• use an extremely thin cover specifically verified for your model, or
• remove the slider before closing the lid.

Bottom line: For a Windows laptop, I'd buy CloudValley. For a MacBook, tell me your exact model/year (e.g., MacBook Air M4 15-inch) and I can find the thinnest compatible option.

For most laptops, I’d pick CloudValley Camera Cover Slide.

CloudValley Camera Cover Slide

$20.54

Why it’s my top pick:

• Very thin (~0.6 mm / 0.023"), so it’s less likely to interfere with closing the laptop.
• Metal construction feels more durable than the cheap plastic covers.
• Sliding shutter means you can uncover the camera without removing the cover.
• 3M adhesive provides a strong hold.
• Particularly good for MacBook, Dell XPS, and other thin-bezel laptops, where clearance is important.

Good cheaper alternative

0.027-inch Ultra-Thin Webcam Privacy Cover

$2.75

If you want several covers for as little money as possible, the Yilador-style 0.7 mm covers are a good value. They work similarly but use plastic rather than metal.

One important tip: Avoid thick webcam covers on very thin laptops. A cover that prevents the lid from closing completely can put unnecessary pressure on the display. Around 0.6–0.7 mm or thinner is a good target.

If you tell me your laptop model (e.g., MacBook Air M4, Dell XPS 13, Lenovo ThinkPad), I can recommend the exact cover that will fit without interfering with the screen.

When choosing a webcam cover for a laptop, the most critical factor is thickness . Laptops—especially modern MacBooks and ultra-thin Windows machines—have extremely tight clearances between the screen and the keyboard when closed. A cover that is too thick can put pressure on the glass panel and potentially crack your screen.

The best options fall into a few clear categories depending on your preference for materials and design:

• CloudValley Metal Webcam Cover Go to product viewer dialog for this item. : Widely considered one of the best overall choices. It is made of ultra-thin space aluminum alloy (measuring around 0.023 in or 0.6 mm thick). It features a smooth matte finish, doesn't block indicator lights, and sits slim enough that most laptops can close completely without strain.
• Eyebloc Webcam Cover Slide Go to product viewer dialog for this item. : A gold standard for minimalist privacy. At roughly 0.027 in thick, it utilizes a dependable, low-profile sliding mechanism and strong 3M adhesive that doesn't leave behind a gunky residue if you choose to reposition it.
• Imluckies Webcam Cover Go to product viewer dialog for this item. : Highly popular, budget-friendly, and frequently recommended in tech roundups for offering an ultra-low profile. It comes in multipacks, uses sturdy ABS plastic, and is thin enough to avoid creating a pressure mark on your screen when the lid shuts.
• Removable Vinyl/Washi Camera Stickers : If you want a zero-risk alternative to plastic or metal sliders, restickable vinyl privacy tabs or high-quality opaque stickers add 0 mm of rigid thickness. They can be peeled off and stuck back on effortlessly.

A quick installation warning: Before sticking any hard slider to your laptop, place it on the camera and gently close the lid halfway to test the clearance. If it feels like it’s hitting the keyboard deck or putting pressure on the bezel, remove it immediately to avoid display damage.

If you'd like, let me know:

• The specific model of your laptop (e.g., MacBook Air, Dell XPS, Lenovo ThinkPad)
• Whether you prefer a sliding metal cover or a removable sticker

I can give you a more precise recommendation tailored to your exact screen clearance.

For most laptops, I’d choose an ultra-thin adhesive sliding webcam cover. It gives you a physical barrier, opens/closes instantly, and is much more convenient than tape. Consumer Reports also recommends stick-on sliding covers as a simple privacy measure.

My picks

ltra-thin sliding webcam covers for laptops

Best overall: Targus Webcam Cover 3-Pack — a good balance of low profile, easy sliding operation, and reputable-brand construction. It’s specifically designed to let most laptops close without a gap.

Best ultra-thin option: Look for a cover around 0.6–0.8 mm or thinner. This is particularly important for MacBooks and other laptops where the screen and keyboard have very little clearance.

What I would avoid: bulky covers, flip-up covers, or anything that protrudes significantly from the bezel. They can put pressure on the display when the laptop is closed.

One important tip: If you have a MacBook, tell me the model/year (e.g. MacBook Air M3 2024), and I can find the thinnest cover that's safe for that specific laptop.

When choosing the best webcam cover for your laptop, the most critical factor is thickness . Laptops—especially modern ultra-thin models like MacBooks and Windows ultrabooks—have very tight clearances when closed. A cover that is too thick can put pressure on the screen and crack the glass when the lid is shut.

The top-rated webcam covers fall into distinct functional categories based on design and material:

Ultra-Thin Metal Sliders

Add to list Measuring roughly 0.023 inches (0.6 mm) thick, this space-aluminum alloy slider is widely considered a top choice. It matches the sleek, premium aesthetic of laptops, uses a durable adhesive, and is thin enough to let most laptops close completely without putting pressure on the display.

Add to list Similar in build, this minimal matte-black metal option sits flush against the bezel. It provides a smooth sliding mechanism while keeping a low profile that won't disrupt your laptop's sleep mode or screen closure.

Low-Profile Plastic Sliders

Add to list A best-seller made from high-strength ABS+PC plastic. At about 0.03 inches (0.7 mm) thick, it features a curved minimalist edge and an upgraded 3M adhesive that holds strong without permanently damaging your laptop bezel.

Add to list A trusted name-brand option that snaps or adheres securely to standard laptop bezels. It offers an effortless sliding mechanism and a sturdy build designed to withstand daily use.

Adhesive-Free & Residue-Free Alternatives

• Privacy Panda Rubber Cover Go to product viewer dialog for this item. : If you hate sticky residue or fear scratching your screen, this soft rubber, non-adhesive option sits snugly over your camera and can be easily removed or tossed into a travel bag.
• Washi Tape or Restickable Vinyl Stickers : For a zero-cost or ultra-low-profile approach (often recommended by hardware purists), clean-release washi tape or specialized restickable vinyl tabs block the lens completely without adding any physical bulk or risk to your screen hinge.

Note: Avoid using thick, heavy plastic novelty sliders, as they are a primary cause of cracked laptop screens when the lid is slammed or shut carelessly.

If you'd like, let me know:

• What specific laptop model do you have?
• Do you prefer a metal finish that matches your device or an adhesive-free option?