Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Create the background as a separate image, export it to your meeting app’s recommended dimensions, then upload and preview it in that app before a call. You can start with an AI image prompt or customize a ready-made template; either way, inspect the result for visual errors and check that your camera separates you cleanly from the scene.
Choose an AI image or a customizable template
An AI image generator gives you control over the room description and style through prompts. A template is a quicker starting point when you want to adjust an existing design. Canva describes both template customization and prompt-based AI image creation for virtual backgrounds, but available tools, terms, and output quality vary; there is no established universal winner between the two approaches. Canva’s virtual background guide covers its workflow.
- Use an AI generator if you want to specify a particular room, palette, or arrangement from scratch.
- Use a template if you would rather modify a prepared composition than build one through prompts.
Choose a restrained scene that suits the call, such as a bright office, a calm bookshelf wall, or a simple desk with a plant. A camera-facing view, soft lighting, and an uncluttered area behind your head and shoulders help keep attention on you. These are composition suggestions, not platform requirements.
Write a prompt with clear framing
Try this prompt, then adjust its style while keeping the camera angle and central open space consistent:
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Create a realistic, professional home-office background for a video call, viewed straight on from webcam height. Show a tidy desk, a few understated books and plants, warm neutral colors, soft daylight, and a softly detailed room. Leave clear, uncluttered space in the center where a seated person’s head and shoulders will appear. No people, no text, no logos, no screen-within-screen, no dramatic perspective, 16:9 landscape composition.
Generated images can contain misshapen objects or unwanted lettering. Inspect the entire image at full size; edit or regenerate anything that looks wrong instead of assuming the first result is ready to use.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Export to the meeting app’s recommended size
Image dimensions and formats are app-specific, so follow the target platform’s guidance rather than treating one setting as universal.
| Platform | Image guidance |
|---|---|
| Zoom | JPG/JPEG or PNG, 16:9, at least 1280 × 720 pixels. Zoom virtual background guidance |
| Microsoft Teams | 16:9; Microsoft recommends 1920 × 1080 or higher when possible. Custom uploaded backgrounds are available in the PC and Mac applications according to Microsoft’s page. Microsoft Teams background guidance |
Upload and preview the background
Zoom
- Sign in to the Zoom desktop app.
- Open Settings, then Video & Effects.
- Select a preloaded background or upload your image. Zoom also lets you change the background during a meeting through the video controls.
Zoom supports image and video virtual backgrounds. Availability of AI-generated backgrounds can depend on account and administrator settings; Zoom says virtual backgrounds must be enabled for its AI-generated background setting to be enabled. Check the Zoom background instructions and your account options if a setting is missing.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Microsoft Teams
Use the PC or Mac application’s background options to add a custom image, following Microsoft’s Teams instructions. The exact options can vary with the app and device. Teams describes using the device camera and AI to isolate the speaker from the physical background and apply the selected scene; that does not mean behavior or requirements are identical across platforms.
Check the result before joining
Preview the image in the actual call app, with your camera and usual lighting. Look for hair or shoulder edges that flicker, room lines that seem to tilt or float, and text or logos that are distorted or hard for others to read. Canva’s guidance recommends previewing virtual backgrounds, particularly AI-generated ones, and correcting problems before joining. Canva’s guide
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Fix distracting cutout edges
If the app struggles to distinguish you from your physical surroundings, improve the real scene before changing the image. Use even lighting and avoid clothing close in color to the physical backdrop. A plain, solid-color background—preferably a green screen—can help segmentation, but it is optional and cannot guarantee clean edges. Canva’s setup advice
Or let it run in the cloud
This article is about making a video-call background, not keeping a YouTube channel live. If you also need to loop uploaded videos as a 24/7 YouTube stream, StreamNeo is a separate cloud service: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; videos stream as uploaded at any quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot, and StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
