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The best home security camera keeps your family and possessions safe, keeping an eye on your surroundings and alerting you if there is trouble. Choosing the wrong one can result in a break-in or worse. Our evaluation focused on video quality, connectivity, wired vs. wireless security cameras (battery evaluation on the latter), the field of view, local storage capabilities and cloud services. We also looked into auxiliary features such as night vision, measuring its quality, and smart features like Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility.
After more than 21 hours of researching and testing, our top pick goes to the Blink XT2 Outdoor Indoor Smart Home Security Camera. It boasts crystal clear audio and video quality, two-way audio, and a responsive motion detection system that automatically uploads footage to a dedicated smartphone app. Keep reading to learn more about the Blink XT2 Outdoor Indoor Smart Home Security Camera and six other ones that made the grade.
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This is the best indoor outdoor security camera system, featuring 1080p HD video, 2-way audio, and a dedicated smartphone app. It is a great choice for people who want to monitor and interact with guests outside of their homes.
Read Full Review: Blink XT2 3 Camera System
This home security camera is really easy to set up for two-way audio and a real-time view outside your home. Simply create a Blink app account, plug in your camera/s, and sync it to the app. Up to 2 hours of footage is automatically uploaded to Blink’s cloud video storage with new footage overriding the old – all without any monthly fees. It is also good enough for a 2-year battery life and its 1080p HD video quality is very impressive, lacking any graininess even in poor weather conditions. For more quality products like home security systems, check out our guide to the best secret back door.
We love this home security camera’s motion-detection system, recording a clip up to 60 seconds long when sensing motion. Users are able to configure the length of each clip and retriggers, maximizing the 2 hours of cloud storage assigned to the device. This home security camera is also Alexa compatible, allowing voice commands to watch camera footage on Echo devices or pulling up the last motion clip. This makes it a winner in our book. We all want the best home security system.
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This is the best wired security camera system for indoors, coming in a very discreet compact size with live 1080p HD video recording and Amazon Alexa compatibility.
Read Full Review: Ring Indoor Home Security Camera
Like our #1 pick Blink XT2 Outdoor/Indoor Smart Home Security Camera, this home security camera has a built-in motion detector that fires off a chime and displays the video on compatible video devices. Two way talking is crisp and responsive with no noticeable lag. Bonus points for being very easy to install, taking less than 5 minutes with a simple plug-in connection. If you’re looking for an outdoor model but really want wireless connectivity, consider the best wireless outdoor security camera as well.
We love this home security camera’s portability, which can easily sit on any stand using the included mounting bracket. Installation takes less than 5 minutes, only needing a quick plugin to a wall outlet and a WiFi connection to pair it with the Ring app. Its video quality is also phenomenal with 1080p video with a pretty good definition throughout. A 150 field of vieẘ is also much more generous than the Blink XT2, covering an entire mid to large-sized living room with ease. Lastly, this home security indoor camera is Alexa compatible, so it is easy to watch footage on Echo devices with a simple voice command – a must have feature for the best indoor home security system. Learn more about the best smart home devices to make life easier.
Award: BEST MOTION DETECTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This is one of the best outdoor security cameras, featuring night vision (up to 32 feet),motion detection/recording and an alarm that can be sounded to thwart would be criminals.
Read Full Review: AMICCOM Home Security Camera Review
This wired home security indoor camera comes with motion detection, which automatically records footage to an SD card. Two-way audio is also very clear with a built-in noise filter and video offers a sharp 1080P resolution. While testing at 10 PM at night, we were easily able to note a car’s license plate number, which was roughly 20 feet away from the camera. Though audio/video quality is superb, we wished this SD-card (up to 129 mb) compatible home security camera included cloud storage so that we can access it from anywhere with an internet connection.
We appreciate this home security camera’s durable aluminum construction. It is also IP66 waterproof rated, which offers enough resistance to withstand torrential rainfall and powerful streams of water. This makes us really comfortable that it will not go dark on us in extreme weather. Lastly, installation is a breeze. Simply download the app, log into Wifi, and pair the camera/s before seeing the footage. Each camera has its own thumbnail for immediate playback. The best home security in Las Vegas or anywhere else starts with good cameras.
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Award: BEST DVR
WHY WE LIKE IT: This is the best outdoor wireless security camera system with DVR, supporting up to 8 wireless cameras.It is a great choice for large homes h looking for an additional layer of security.
Read Full Review: HeimVision HM241 1080P Review
This home security camera’s 1080P HD video quality really pops. While testing, we were able to recognize faces from several dozen feet away. Setting the camera up is easy – all you have to do is connect the video recorder/ bullet cameras and connect the feed to a PC/TV monitor using a standard HDMI cable. Bonus points for its IP66 waterproof rating which holds it up well in extreme weather.I
We love this home security camera’s smartphone app, with all motion automatically recorded, with email notifications sent out each time. This allows the user to review the footage and assess for any threats. This system is set up to support up to 8 cameras, making it work for large warehouses and office parks. You will also want the best smart lock for added security.
Award: BEST CLOUD STORAGE
WHY WE LIKE IT: This home security camera is wire-free and uses rechargeable batteries. It is a great choice for people who prefer the flexibility in placing it anywhere they want, including areas away from wall outlets.
Read Full Review: Arlo Pro Review
We love this home security camera’s HD video quality, which covers well with a 130-degree field of view and a 25-foot night vision range. 2-way audio also allows users to listen in and talk remotely. It also works with Alexa, so you can use a voice command to view footage. Its battery life is good for 4 to 6 months with normal use (assuming 3-5 minutes of daily recordings).This is respectable compared to our #1 pick Blink XT2 with a 2-year battery life. Bonus points for its free cloud service, which keeps all recordings for 7 days, along with a USB backup option.
Like our first 3 picks, recordings are activated through motion and sound detection. It’s also a great choice to deter would-be burgers with a piercing loud, 100 dB siren which activates whenever motion or sound is detected. It is so loud, it is comparable to a revving motorcycle or ATV motor. You can also check out the best smart outlet for more versatility.
Award: BEST STORAGE
WHY WE LIKE IT: This wired home security camera features 8 wired cameras and a 1TB hard drive to store up to 25 days of recordings. It is a great choice for surveilling large homes or commercial areas.
Read Full Review: ANNKE Home Security Camera System Review
This home security camera system also comes with 8 channels, 1 for each camera. This allows users to place them in strategic areas such as front porches and backyards. Its video resolution is very crisp (1080p HD) and night vision is pretty detailed, good for roughly 100 feet of range. While testing, faces and license plate numbers were clearly visible.
We love this home security camera system for its monstrous storage capacity, using a 1TB built-in hard drive to record and save videos for 25 days. Note, no cloud storage is available with this unit, which is a bummer (although a monstrous hard drive should be more than enough to compensate) This kit also comes with 8 cameras, each with motion sensor alerts that send email and app notifications. Bonus points for lifetime email support and good all-around customer service. Also have a look at the best spy cameras and spy gadgets.
Award: BEST BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: These are the best hidden home security cameras, only three inches tall with a built-in emergency response . It is a great choice for people who need a dependable nanny or pet monitor.
Read Full Review: YI 1080p Home Security Camera Review
Our favorite feature on this home security camera is its size. It is only 3.1 inches by 4.5 inches and can snugly fit in between books on a cupboard or other discrete place without being found. Plus, it offers a comparable field of view as the Ring Indoor Home Security Camera and the HeimVision HM241 1080P Wireless Home Security Camera with a 112° field of view. This means it can capture an entire mid to large sized room such as a living room in a single frame with no issue. Setup is also a breeze through WiFi.
Another feature we like with this home security camera is its built-in emergency dispatch service, which uses a service that can digest alerts and feeds to send out personnel in case of a threat. This could be very useful for the elderly or those with limited mobility with no quick access to a phone in case of emergency. We also love 7 days of free cloud storage to access footage from anywhere, along with micro SD- card support (up to 64GB). Compare this to the best digital camera.
In determining the best home security camera to buy, we looked into the field of view, night vision, motion and sound detection, battery life, ease of setup, smartphone app compatibility, and wireless vs. wired security cameras. Look for home security cameras with a minimum field of view of 110 ̊ This should provide more than enough coverage for a mid to large-sized room, as well as the span of a driveway or front porch depending on camera placement. These are all important considerations when finding the best home security camera for you.
Our favorite wireless home security cameras have a strong battery life, good enough for a minimum of 4 months of use with normal usage. Setup should also take less than 10 minutes, with the exception of the HeimVision HM241 1080P Wireless Home Security Camerawhich supports up to 8 cameras and requires a DVR connection.
Motion and sound detection is very important. It triggers automatic recording when motion is sensed, helping you save valuable cloud storage space. Some home security cameras, like the Arlo Pro, even blast a 100+ dB siren, which is great for deterring would-be burglars. Smartphone app compatibility is a must for reviewing live footage, saving recordings, and configuring motion sensitivity for some cameras.
It is also important to note the benefits of wireless vs. wired security cameras. Wireless cameras typically have rechargeable batteries and greater flexibility in placement, whereas wired security cameras can run indefinitely when plugged into an outlet. However, its placement is limited to areas near a wall outlet.
In our opinion, the best home security camera system has a wide field of view ( 110 ̊ or greater), a minimum night vision range of 20 feet, and motion detection, which only records in the event motion is detected. Bonus points if an outdoor security camera has an IP66 waterproof rating, which makes it resistant to heavy rain and other extreme conditions.
Yes, we feel home security cameras and the best outdoor wireless security camera system are definitely worth it. Home security cameras prevent intruders from breaking into homes and track mailmen, delivery people, and others making frequent stops to your home. It is a very good investment as well. Monthly cloud storage fees and the cost of installation and actual unit is a fraction of the cost of crime.
Write down a checklist of the things that matter most to you when purchasing a home security camera. Are you looking to place it well out of reach of a wall outlet indoors? The wireless Arlo Pro is a good choice. Do you own a 10,000 square foot storage facility? A commercial grade home security camera system like the ANNKE Home Security Camera System with 8 cameras and 25-day recording capability should be more than capable to do the job.
We feel the best outdoor security camera system does an effective job of deterring burglars when incorporated as part of an overall surveillance program. One idea is to set a random schedule for lighting in your home using smart bulbs to give off the appearance of being home. Cameras and a random lighting schedule can be more than enough to deter most.
A video doorbell allows you to answer the door remotely when you're at work, at the supermarket, or out of town. When someone presses your doorbell, the signal travels through your WiFi network into a cloud server and then straight to your smartphone. Using an App, you can see who's outside your house and have a conversation with them. To learn more about video doorbells and the features they offer, check out Ring and their range of Smart Video Doorbells. While you're there, you could also look at the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery, Amazon's first indoor camera for home security. Both the wired and battery-powered Ring Stick Up Cams are waterproof and weather resistant. The Stick Up Cam Battery features 1080p HD live streaming, motion detection, night vision, and two-way audio. Amazon also plans to incorporate facial recognition software to protect your home from suspicious individuals
Nest Cam IQ Indoor is a great home security camera that can do much more than just watch your home. With Google Assistant built-in, the Nest Cam IQ has a 4K sensor combined with HDR and intelligent imaging that can recognize people from other objects. Plus, with the new (subscription-based) Nest Aware network, you'll receive notifications alerting you to activity in your home, day and night. Or, you can opt for Nest Cam, a free service that lets you access snapshots of your home from the last 3 hours. If what you need is tech suited for outdoor home security, check out the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor Security Camera.
Amazon Alexa Google Assistant? Deciding which smart assistant to choose can be difficult since both offer similar features for roughly the same price. In all honesty, both are excellent choices that offer a variety of features, and the decision depends on what you're looking for in an AI assistant. For smart home integration, we would recommend Alexa as the better choice. Smart devices can do a lot more when you connect them to Alexa.
Infrared cameras use LED lights around the lens to shine infrared light in front of the camera. A camera sensor then "sees" this infrared light and constructs a visible image. Due to poor lighting conditions at night, infrared cameras tend to drop in quality from full color to black and white. However, security cameras with color night vision have powerful image sensors that absorb more visible light, allowing color footage to be captured even in low-light conditions. For a home security camera capable of seeing color at night, check out the Arlo Pro 3.
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