The best green screens can really help make your live streams more flexible and interesting, whether you’re just chatting or playing games. When you know how to use Chroma Keying well, you can do simple things like removing the background so that you are in the game. With some graphic design skill and imagination, you can also do more complex things.
This guide looks at cheap choices, middle-range choices, and expensive choices, so it has something for everyone. You should buy one of the best green screens if you want to stream on a gaming PC or through the Xbox Series X and PS5. Both of these new consoles have chroma keying software built in. To really make things your own, you’ll need to connect a capture card to a laptop. Here are our picks for the best green screens in every price range.
What is a Green Screen?
You can also call it a chroma key screen. A green screen is a special-colored background that is used in photography, filmmaking, and video production. Most of the time, it’s bright green, but blue screens are used too. Chromatic keying, also called green screen compositing, is what a green screen is mostly used for.
Benefits of using a green screen
Using a green screen, which is also called chroma keying, can help with many things, from making movies and videos to holding virtual meetings. Here are five main advantages:
🎨 Flexibility in your creativity: Green screens let filmmakers and video editors put their subjects in almost any place or scene, like a tropical beach, space, or a historical site. This creative freedom gives movies, TV shows, and online videos a huge range of storylines and visual effects to choose from.
💰 Cost-Effective Productions: Filming on location can be hard to plan and cost a lot of money. Alternatives like green screens are cheaper because they don’t require travel or building sets. This is especially helpful for small production companies and independent filmmakers who are working with tight budgets.
🌟 Backgrounds That Stay the Same: Green screens make backgrounds that stay the same, which is important for making content that looks professional. When you use a solid-color background, it’s easier to change it digitally and make everything look polished and the same.
🖥️ Post-production that works well: Green screen technology makes post-production easier. During the editing process, editors can easily change the green background to any image or video clip they want. This speeds up the production process and cuts down on the time needed for practical effects or shooting on location.
👔 Enhanced Virtual Communication: Green screens help people look more professional and interesting in virtual meetings and webinars, which improves virtual communication. Virtual backgrounds can be used to hide environments that are distracting or not professional. This makes video conferences more useful and more appealing to look at.
Best Green Screens Comparison Table
We suggest getting one of the best capture cards if you’re playing on a console and one of the best microphones for streaming to make sure you’re always heard clearly. Also, the best cameras and webcams can keep you in focus and clear during your streams, no matter what you’re doing.
| Features | Size | Weight | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elgato collapsible | 66 inch | 0.8 Kilograms | 43.31″L x 65.75″W |
| EMART Green Screen | Collapsible Green Screen | 19.56 pounds | 65 x 6.75 x 5.75 inches |
| Neewer Chromakey Backdrop | 1.5x2m | 146 Ounces | 69.3 x 60 x 0.01 inches |
| ePhoto Chromakey | One Size | 25 Pounds | 240″L x 120″W |
| BOYXCO Gen 2 Collapsible | 66 inch | 0.8 Kilograms | 43.31″L x 65.75″W |
Elgato collapsible
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 66 inch |
| Item Weight | 0.8 Kilograms |
| Product Dimensions | 43.31″L x 65.75″W |
| Item model number | YC-69 |
| Check Price |
Elgato is one of the biggest names in streaming gear, and its green screen that can be folded up is a must-have for both new and experienced content creators. The backdrop is about 5×6 feet when it’s fully set up, so you have plenty of room to add your own background or motion graphics.
Pros
- High-quality construction and materials.
- Easy to set up and collapse for portability.
- Designed with content creators in mind.
Cons
- Relatively expensive compared to some alternatives.
- Limited size options may not suit all needs.
EMART Green Screen
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | Collapsible Green Screen |
| Item Weight | 19.56 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 65 x 6.75 x 5.75 inches |
| Item model number | green screen |
| Check Price |
The EMART Green Screen is the best green screen for portability and ease of setup. The carrying case has legs that can be turned out to support it as a stand. To put it up, all you have to do is open it up and drag it up to the height you want. That’s pretty fast for setting up. The price of the EMART screen shows that it is made of high-quality materials.
Pros
- Affordable and budget-friendly option.
- Comes with a support stand.
- Wrinkle-resistant material for smoother backgrounds.
Cons
- May require ironing or steaming to remove wrinkles.
- Not as durable as some higher-end options.
Neewer Chromakey Backdrop
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.5x2m |
| Item Weight | 146 Ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 69.3 x 60 x 0.01 inches |
| Occasion | Photography |
| Check Price |
If you want a cheap and quick green screen solution, the Neewer Chromakey Backdrop is perfect for you. This cheap option could be perfect for you if our top pick is a bit too expensive. It’s double-sided, with blue on one side and green on the other, and it can be put away in seconds.
Pros
- Various size options available.
- Affordable and versatile.
- Durable and easy to clean.
Cons
- May require additional support or stands (sold separately).
- Material can crease and wrinkle over time.
ePhoto Chromakey
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | One Size |
| Item Weight | 25 Pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 240″L x 120″W |
| Item model number | K-15 10x20green |
| Check Price |
These lighting and green screen accessories are great for people who make videos and shoot most of them in a studio. The ePhoto Muslin Green Screen background comes with a stand that makes it easy to set up. There are also three softboxes in the kit that use daylight studio light bulbs. The lights are easy to turn off when you’re not shooting, but you can’t make them less bright.
Pros
- Wide range of size options.
- Made from high-quality fabric.
- Affordable for the quality.
Cons
- May need a backdrop support system (not included).
- Some users report color variations in different batches.
BOYXCO Gen 2 Collapsible
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 66 inch |
| Item Weight | 0.8 Kilograms |
| Product Dimensions | 43.31″L x 65.75″W |
| Item model number | YC-69 |
| Check Price |
If you have one of the best gaming chairs and want to add chromakey without taking up much room, the BOYXCO Gen 2 Collapsible Green Screen might work for you. One thing that makes this model different from others is that it’s made to attach to the backrest of your gaming chair. This way, you’ll always be in the shot because it moves with the chair.
Pros
- Easy to set up and fold down quickly.
- Durable and resistant to wrinkles.
- Comes with a carrying case for portability.
Cons
- Higher price point compared to basic options.
- Limited size options may not suit all setups.
How to Choose the Best Green Screen for Your Needs
To find the best green screen for your needs, you need to think about a number of things to make sure it meets all of your needs. Here are five things to think about:
📏 Size and Portability: Consider the size of the green screen you need. If you want to take full-body shots or group pictures, go for a larger screen. For flexibility, opt for a portable green screen that folds up easily and is simple to set up and store.
🌟 Material Quality: Prioritize a high-quality green screen material that doesn’t wrinkle and maintains even color. Avoid screens with wrinkles or creases, as they can create shadows and complicate post-production work. A smooth, evenly lit surface is essential for successful chroma keying.
🛠️ Background Support System: Determine the type of backdrop support system required to secure the green screen. Options include wall-mounted brackets, tripod stands, or background support kits. Ensure the support system is sturdy and adjustable to accommodate your space and setup preferences.
💡 Lighting Setup: Achieving proper lighting is crucial when using a green screen. Invest in a quality lighting setup that includes softboxes, key lights, and fill lights to eliminate shadows and ensure even illumination. Verify that the lighting setup is compatible with your green screen for optimal results.
FAQs
Setting up and using a green screen can be pretty easy, as you can see in the video above.
The big LED panels blend in with the set and show real-time visual effects. The 360-degree displays can go all the way around the set.
