Best home security camera: quick menu
Protect your home for less with the best home security cameras. These days, being safe in your own home is easier and more affordable than ever, thanks to these smart home devices. They’ll help you monitor what’s happening to your family, pets, and space without the need to hire a home security company that will charge a lot for their services.
Don’t get us wrong; some of the more premium features of these home security cameras are typically behind a paywall, and if you want to utilize them, you will have to pay for a subscription. However, these cameras are still saving you more money compared to what home security companies will charge.
Among the best smart home devices to invest in, these cameras also come with a slew of very useful features, all designed to protect you and what’s yours. Most offer motion detection, alerts and notifications, event recording, two-way audio, night vision, app support, and a built-in alarm.
Many, you can expand by adding accessories such as floodlights and by connecting with other compatible smart home devices, such as the best smart locks, the best smart lights, and the best video doorbells for a truly integrated smart home security setup. And naturally, they’ll work well with voice assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant.
There are many types of home security cameras, however, and while many are made for outdoor use, some are designed to look after your indoor spaces. And before tapping that buy button, you should choose wisely and find one that actually meets your home security needs.
To help you find the right one for you, we have applied years of expertise to test and review all sorts of models, factoring in video, audio, and motion sensor quality, as well as app integration and price including subscriptions, not to mention any other features. To that end, we’ve included indoor and outdoor cameras in this guide for the best security cameras as well as models at different price points and with different features so that you can find the one that’s best for your needs.
The quick list
1. Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen)
Indoor cam for most people
Reasonably-priced, this indoor camera is rich with features that include a privacy cover that cuts both video and audio as well as a color night vision. It’s also easy to mount and orient.
Budget indoor cam
This cheap 1080p option packs a punch with both cloud and local storage, a compact design, and crisp video quality. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have person detection.
Premium indoor camera
Recording crisp and clear full HD footage day and night with Alexa and Google Assistant and features like a privacy shutter, this is the best option if your budget is a bit more flexible.
If you want 2K footage
With comprehensive motion detection settings and local storage, this indoor camera is already a compelling choice. But its clear 2K resolution videos sets it apart from the rest.
Smart indoor camera with AI
With its incredible AI-powered recognition system, this doesn’t just tell you if it’s detected a motion. It actually describes to you what it’s seeing, making it a compelling entry.
Works with WiZ devices
This one stands out due to its WiZ-specific features, including SpaceSense, which lets its work well with other Wiz devices, making it an ideal pick if you already have those in your home.
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Outdoor cam for most people
A solid mid-range option, this outdoor camera comes with 365-day battery life, a BaseStation where it stores all of its encoded clips, and Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri integration.
Outdoor camera on a budget
While it comes with a few compromises like unreliable motion and sound detection, this 1080p outdoor camera records clear footage, a MicroSD card for local storage, and an integrated stand.
Premium outdoor camera
There’s a reason why this camera is a little pricey. It records extremely detailed footage in full color, and has smart features that minimize false alerts and the ability to store footage in the base station.
4. Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro
If you need floodlights
Flanked by two bright spotlights that turn on every time motion is detected, this outdoor camera also features 3D Motion, which is designed to minimize false alerts. Keep in mind that it requires mains wiring.
5. Swann AllSecure650 2K Wireless Security Kit
If you want local storage
While this wireless security system offers excellent high-def video resolution and low latency, its biggest selling point is its built-in 1TB hard drive. It can be a process to install, however.
Outdoor and cable-free
Incredibly compact, subtle and unobtrusive, this full HD camera records clear video even at night. But its best feature is its two-year battery life – the longest we’ve seen on an outdoor cam.
The best home security camera 2024
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The best indoor home security cameras
The best indoor security camera overall
The Ring Indoor Cam (Gen 2) may not be as exciting as the original, but it’s still a stellar camera to keep tabs on your space. Not only does it offer a 1080p resolution with color night vision, but it has two-way audio with noise cancellation. And, it comes with a privacy cover that can cut audio and visual information when you’re home.
The price is also right for this compact indoor camera, though it can get a bit more expensive if you opt for a subscription. And, unfortunately, you need one to unlock all the features and storage options that the Ring Indoor Cam has, such as being able to automate privacy or call back a recording from up to 180 days prior.
Despite its shortcomings, the Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) is still among the best options out there as it’s also easy to mount and orient, not to mention integrates well with other Ring products.
Read our full Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) review
The best budget indoor security camera
One of the most affordable home security cameras on the market, the Blink Mini may be compact, but it certainly packs a punch. The full HD footage it records during the day and at night is clear, and we found the camera simple to set up and easy to control using the app.
It offers both cloud and local storage, although you’ll need to purchase an additional sync module if you want to use local storage, as unlike the Blink Indoor and the Blink Outdoor (below), this isn’t included. There’s a free cloud storage trial bundled with the camera, but you’ll need to pay a fee if you want to continue with that option.
The Blink Mini lacks person detection, something the only slightly more expensive Ring Indoor Cam (above) offers, but for those that want a device with a small footprint, you’ll be hard pushed to do better than the Blink Mini.
Read our full Blink Mini review
The best premium indoor security camera
Privacy is a huge concern for many when choosing a home security camera. But, if the thought of the camera in your home watching your every move is too much to bear, the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera will be right up your street. The privacy shutter can automatically be activated when the camera is disarmed, ensuring that the lens and microphone are disabled so there’s no fear of being watched.
On test, we found the camera recorded clear full HD footage during the day and at night, although you will need to subscribe to Arlo Secure, which costs a monthly fee if you want to review footage after it’s been recorded. On top of that, it works with Alexa and Google Assistant, although it lacks HomeKit support.
However, while the Arlo Essentials range is billed as the brand’s affordable offering, it’s more expensive than most affordable home security cameras.
Read our full Arlo Essential Indoor Camera review
The best 2K indoor security camera
A good option for a 360-degree view of your home, the Ezviz C6 security camera is a pan and tilt option that captures footage in 2K resolution. It also allows you to get specific with what you do and don’t want alerts for.
On test, we found that the C6 was simple to get started and had a nice, unobtrusive (dare we say cute) design that fits absolutely anywhere you have a surface. To fully use its capabilities, we recommend placing it somewhere in the open rather than on a bookcase or against a wall.
While the setup was pleasingly easy, the Ezviz app was slightly challenging to use and was slow to respond whenever we wanted to adjust settings or get a live view of what was happening. However, the camera itself worked well, spinning and tilting when it detected a presence and providing an impressively wide view even when stopped in one place.
Read our full Ezviz C6 2k+ security camera review
The best indoor camera with AI
The Psync Camera Genie S is a glimpse into the future thanks to its use of AI. It’s not quite there yet as its AI image analysis is not as accurate as it should be. However, not only does it do a good job of picking up movement and offering alerts, but it can actually track people and pets by panning and tilting automatically or through the app. You don’t have to worry about having the camera pointed in the wrong direction.
The app itself is a breeze to use with plenty of on-screen information while being intuitive enough for even the most novice user. And, you can keep tabs through the app as well as use two-way audio. Plus, it works with Alexa and Google.
We were also impressed by the fact that it records in 1440p as opposed to the typical HD 1080p (or worse). There’s also 32GB of onboard storage, enough for 14 days of recording, so you don’t have to pay for a cloud-storage subscription, though you do have to pay a small one for the AI descriptions.
Read our full Psync Camera Genie S review
The best indoor camera for the WiZ ecosystem
The WiZ Indoor Camera is the company’s first foray into home security and it’s a good first attempt. Yes, it has some issues as its build quality feels a little cheap and it takes a bit of a work-around to turn on the privacy shutter. And, we would expect a bit higher resolution for the price. But, the pros vastly outweigh the cons.
To start, thanks to an included SD slot, you don’t need a subscription to store footage. You also have a lot of customization available sans subscription, though a subscription will offer 30 days of cloud storage, activity zones, and manual recording.
The WiZ Indoor Camera also comes with some other interesting features including SpaceSense, which works in conjunction with other WiZ lights to detect motion wherever you have the camera set up. Lastly, this security camera is compatible with Matter, Alexa, Google, SmartThings, and IFTTT so you should be able to pair it with just about any smart ecosystem.
Read our full WiZ Indoor Camera review
The best outdoor home security cameras
The best outdoor security camera overall
In the crowded world of home security cameras, the Anker Eufycam 2 is a solid mid-range option at an affordable price. While it doesn’t offer the highest recording resolution (you’ll need the EufyCam 2 Pro for 2k video), and there’s no color footage at night, for most people, this home security camera hits the sweet spot between price and features.
The claimed 365-day battery life is the longest of any home security camera we’ve tested. It’s double the battery life of top-of-the-range cameras from Arlo and Ring, which is handy considering the battery isn’t swappable, so the camera will be out of action when it needs recharging. It also stores all of its encoded clips directly to the included BaseStation in your living room, which means you don’t have to worry about someone somewhere else in the world looking at footage from your property. It can identify if humans triggered a motion alert, although it can’t identify animals, vehicles, or other sources like Arlo’s home security cameras. However, it does offer integration with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.
Bottom line? If you want a system that doesn’t cost anything to maintain but still lets you keep a close eye on your home when you’re not there, the Eufycam 2 is excellent. It gives you complete control with no overhead cost.
Read our full Anker Eufycam 2 review
The best budget outdoor security camera
If you’re looking for an outdoor home security camera on a budget, you’ll be hard pushed to do better than the Wyze Cam v3. This full HD camera records clear footage during the day and at night and comes with free cloud storage for up to 14 days and a Micro SD card slot for local storage, making it a more than worthy competitor to other budget cameras.
It’s one of the few outdoor home security cameras with an integrated stand, so it doesn’t have to be mounted to a wall, although it can be if you’d prefer. That said, it requires a power outlet rather than a rechargeable battery, which may limit outdoor use depending on your setup.
However, if you’re not willing to pay for a monthly subscription, you’ll miss out on person detection. And on test, we found it unreliable when detecting unusual sounds and motion.
Read our full Wyze Cam v3 review
The best premium outdoor security camera
Looking for a home security camera that ensures tiny details are visible in the footage it records, even if the camera’s field of view is in a large area. The Arlo Ultra 2, which records in 4K, offers just this and is excellent for mounting high-up on your property, for example looking over your driveway, ensuring you can still read a car number plate on the drive.
The footage the Arlo Ultra 2 records is extremely clear and detailed and in color during the day and night, thanks to a built-in LED. It builds on the Arlo Ultra with support for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-F bands and an increased range, which should end connectivity issues. It’s also compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit, and has a range of smart features that help reduce the number of alerts the camera sends you.
However, the Arlo Ultra 2 will set you back a fair amount (it comes in different camera configurations). If you want to store video to review later, you’ll need to subscribe to Arlo Secure at an extra monthly cost if you continue keeping footage in 4K and using the various smart features. There is the ability to store footage locally on a micro SD card in the base station, but you can’t view these videos through the Arlo app.
If that’s slightly out of your price range, consider the Arlo Pro 3, which also comes with a base station for local storage, or the Arlo Pro 4, which connects directly to your home Wi-Fi network. Both these Arlo cameras record in 2k, so they still offer detailed footage but are more affordable.
Read our full Arlo Ultra 2 review
The best outdoor security camera with floodlights
If you’re seeking the best outdoor home security camera for your garden, the Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro is the best on the market. The Full HD camera, which records clear video during the day and at night, is flanked by two 1,000-lumen spotlights that can be set to bathe your yard in light if motion is detected, deterring any would-be intruders.
A built-in laser enables several handy smart features, such as 3D Motion, that only alert you about motion when the source has passed a set threshold to ensure unwanted alerts do not plague you. As Ring is an Amazon-owned company, it ingrates with Alexa too.
However, it’s not perfect. It requires existing mains wiring for a sensor light, which may mean you need an electrician to install the camera for you, and, like all Ring cameras, there’s no free video dotage. To review the footage later, you will need a Ring Protect subscription.
Read our full Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro review
The best outdoor camera with local storage
Setting up the Swann AllSecure650 2K Wireless Security Kit is an involved process so if you’re looking for a plug-and-play solution, this is not it. You also have to be thoughtful about your camera placement. However, it’s still worth a look thanks to its wireless connectivity – no need to run cables of any sort to any of the cameras – and large capacity storage that can be expanded upon using SD cards.
We found the performance to be very good with the cameras’ high resolution video and relatively low latency, especially in scenarios where we were using one to communicate with someone. And, the app has a lot of features that we appreciated as well, though some of them are locked behind a subscription.
Though a bit pricey, there are a couple different bundles available so you can choose whether you need two or four cameras to feel fully secure in your home.
Read our full Swann AllSecure650 2K Wireless Security Kit review
The best battery-powered outdoor security camera
This is one of the most affordable battery-powered outdoor home security cameras on the market right now. It’s also one of the most compact, but it’s the battery duration which is it’s biggest highlight.
The Blink Outdoor is simple to use and records clear Full HD video during the day and at night. Powered by two regular AA batteries, Blink promises these will last up to two years, which is staggeringly longer than other affordable security cameras, such as the Ring Stick Up Cam, which lasts between three to six months per charge in comparison.
The Full HD footage is clear, although while in color during the day, the lack of any form of light to illuminate the video means it’s in black and white at night, and one other area where it’s lacking is person detection. Unlike many affordable home security cameras on the market, it can’t distinguish whether a person or another source created the motion that triggered an alert. However, for those on a budget, it represents good value for money.
Read our full Blink Outdoor review
How to choose the best home security camera for you
Start by determining whether you need a home security camera that is weatherproof and can be used outside or if you are looking for a smart security camera you can place inside your home.
You’ll also need to consider how the camera is powered. Some need to be connected to mains power, which may mean you need to employ a professional to install it, whereas others are battery-powered. Look for home security cameras with swappable batteries, so you can purchase additional batteries and ensure the camera isn’t out of action for several hours when the battery needs recharging.
The quality of the video the home security camera records is also essential. Many home security cameras record in Full HD, although some record in a higher resolution of 2k and 4k. While Full HD is sufficient for most homes, if you plan to mount the camera up high, its field of view covers a wide area. Higher resolution cameras will mean you can zoom into the footage and still pick out precise details such as car number plates.
Most home security cameras record footage in color during the day, although it’s in black and white at night. Some come with an LED that can be triggered when motion is detected to ensure footage recorded at night is in color and as a way to scare off any would-be intruders. In addition, some home security cameras have built-in alarms triggered manually from the app or automatically when motion is detected to help deter intruders.
Many manufacturers now integrate with either Alexa and / or Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit. Ring, for example, only work with Alexa whereas Arlo work with Alexa, Google Assistant and HomeKit. This feature is useful if you want to speak with whoever is stood on your driveway (for example), without you having the select the notification on your phone. It’s also another way to sync up with the other smart home devices in your ecosystem.
Finally, consider how video the camera captures is stored – does it require a subscription to save video in the cloud so it can go back and be reviewed after it has happened? Again, remember to factor in this cost. Some cameras offer local storage, so you don’t have any ongoing costs associated with the camera, either in the form of memory built into the camera itself or the ability to add a micro SD card to the camera or base station.
FAQs about home security cameras
What is a home security camera?
A home security camera offers a level of surveillance to your property whether you are at home, or away. A smart home security camera works with an app which displays live and recorded footage, along with some other fancy features that enable you to engage with the person (or animal) inside and outside of the house.
The difference in price that you pay for is the quality of these features; you’ll pay more to receive 4K footage, than full HD footage for example. You’ll also pay more for color night vision, facial recognition and enhanced app features.
What type of home security camera do you need?
The two types of home security camera are those for outdoor or indoor use. Indoor cameras tend to be cheaper than outdoor cameras because they aren’t geared up to brace the weather, and they won’t have the longer battery-life which comes with the battery-powered outdoor camera.
Within those two types of security cameras are wired and battery-powered cameras. Wired security cameras would be best installed by a certified engineer, but you won’t need to worry about recharging the batteries which can be a bit of a nuisance.
Do home security cameras need to be plugged in?
Not all models need to be plugged in when powering the best home security cameras. While there are plenty of mains-powered home security cameras on the market, suitable for indoors and outside, if you don’t have access to a power socket where you want to install your home security camera, then fear not – there are many models that a rechargeable battery can power.
How long the battery lasts between charges will depend on how often the camera detects and records motion and how often the app is used to view the camera’s live feed, but you can expect anywhere between one month and one year. Some home security cameras have swappable batteries, while others need to be removed completely to be recharged.
It’s also worth noting that some home security cameras that offer a choice of power method may only provide certain features, such as activity zones, when used on mains power.
What’s the difference between home security cameras and surveillance cameras?
Regarding securing your home, there are two options on the market; home security and surveillance cameras, also known as CCTV. So exactly how do they two differ?
Surveillance cameras have been around for decades, and see cameras are installed, usually on the property’s exterior, although they can also be positioned inside. The cameras are connected to a central recorder by cables, and if you want to review the video, you’ll need to connect the main recorder to a TV or monitor.
Surveillance cameras are more expensive than home security cameras. Usually, they require professional installation, but they ensure footage is captured without interference or the risk of a wireless connection failing or a camera battery running out. They also record everything and are only limited by the size of the central recorder, which is considerably larger than the capacity of a MicroSD card or the amount of secure online storage offered by home security cameras.
However, home security cameras are more affordable than CCTV and far easier to install. The footage is either stored on a MicroSD card inserted into the camera or base station – if the camera requires one – or in a secure area online, and you can review it from your smartphone or tablet, which means you don’t need to find room for the central recorder and screen. However, most home security cameras don’t record continuously, and if the internet connection drops, some cameras won’t be able to record. Find out more about CCTV vs. smart home security cameras in our article.
Which security cameras work without a monthly fee?
Because many of the best home security cameras require a subscription fee to access all of the features, you should be careful not to purchase a device that doesn’t do what you need it to without extra cost. Many cameras do, however, work brilliantly out of the box.
It’s worth pointing out that almost all security cameras will work to a large extent without purchasing a subscription. Still, it’s important to do your homework if there are particular features you want or need.
eufy – to get cloud storage for your cameras, eufy charges a small fee per camera for the basic service or a reduced rate per month for up to 10 cameras. You can save by paying for a whole year upfront. Find out more about eufy’s subscription plans.
Arlo – similarly, Arlo charges for cloud storage, additional notifications, package detection, the ‘call a friend’ service, and theft replacement. Your camera also won’t be able to tell the difference between a person, vehicle, or animal without forking out a little more per month. Find out more about Arlo’s subscription plans.
Google – Nest Aware is Google’s subscription plan, which gets you continuous video recording (rather than just the edited highlights), additional smart alerts, 30-60 day history, and support for everything from smart speakers to doorbells. Find out more about Google’s subscription plans.
Swann – Swann’s subscription offers 60 days of rolling storage on both the cloud and locally, TrueDetect (the ability to differentiate between packages, pets, and vehicles), lock screen alerts, an extended warranty, and a replacement policy in case of theft. Find out more about Swann’s subscription plans.
Ring – Ring offers the longest video history in exchange for its subscription fee, giving you up to 180-days for all its doorbells and security cameras. You also get an extended warranty, cellular backup, person alerts, and assisted monitoring. Find out more about Ring’s subscription plans.
For more on how to keep home security costs down, take a look at our guide to creating a security system on a budget.
Can wireless security cameras work without the internet?
Home security cameras are often called wireless security cameras. Does that mean they require an internet connection to work? In most cases, they do. Unlike CCTV, which requires cables to be laid around your home, wireless security cameras need internet access so they can send a notification to your smartphone when motion is detected, as well as let you view a live feed from the camera no matter where you are.
While some home security cameras record footage to a MicroSD card inserted into the camera, others store it in a secure area online – something they can’t do if they don’t have a Wi-Fi or wired internet connection. However, some models, including the Google Nest Cam (battery), will store footage locally for a short period if the internet connection drops, transferring the videos to the cloud storage space when the Wi-Fi is reinstated.
Do home security cameras invade privacy?
Home security cameras are designed to capture what’s going on in and around your property. In some cases, the ideal mounting position means that as well as your property falling within the camera’s field of view, you may also capture the road, pavement, a neighbor’s driveway, front door, windows, or even their backyard, for example.
The same privacy rules regarding CCTV apply to home security cameras. So, you should be taking adequate steps to protect the privacy of those around you, such as your neighbors.
If you find sections of their property fall within the field of view of your home security camera, re-position the camera so this is no longer the case. If that’s not possible, activate any features the camera offers to block out sensitive areas while monitoring your driveway or back garden.
We’d recommend telling your neighbors about your security cameras while showing them precisely what is and isn’t being monitored and recorded by the camera. Also, consider placing the signs and stickers which often come with security cameras in your window to make passers-by aware that they might be monitored or recorded. Finally, find out more in-depth on this subject by reading do home security cameras invade your privacy?
How we tested these home security cameras
To ensure the home security cameras we’ve reviewed can be fairly compared, we’ve tested and analysed several crucial features covering style, performance, and practicalities.
We rated each camera on the quality of the footage it records during the day and in the dark, how clear the two-way talk features are, and the settings to arm and disarm the camera. In addition, for each model, we wanted to know how easy the setup and installation were, as well as how efficient the cameras were at delivering motion notifications and whether AI features were designed to identify if the activity has been created by a person, animal, vehicle, or another source, were accurate.
Where relevant, we compared the battery life of each model, and for cameras with lights and/or sirens, we also compared the brightness and loudness to see if they were sufficient. We also assessed each model for its durability and design, looking to see if it comes with handy mounting plates and the ability to adjust the camera angle to suit your home.
