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Your roadmap to choose the best home security camera for your needs.
A list of 2023's highest rated home security systems.
Best Home Security CamerasA list of 2023's highest rated home security systems.
See Top CamerasSo you think it’s time to step up your security game and invest in some cameras. Great — these devices are some of the best tools you can have in the fight against burglars and intruders.
But there are so many options that it’s enough to make your head spin. What features do you need? What resolution? Do you need color night vision? What about professional monitoring? Security cameras are supposed to give you peace of mind, not a migraine.
Don’t worry. We’ve spent countless hours reviewing countless security camera models and manufacturers. We keep an eye on this ever-evolving industry so we can bring you the latest and greatest advancements in features and equipment. For example, did you know Ring recently released a car camera? Or Blink dropped a mini pan-tilt camera with 360-degree coverage? We do. And we’re here to share all of that information with you.
Pro Tip: Check out our top-10 security camera rankings and discover why they made the cut. Our top-pick, in particular, has some of the most unique features we’ve seen.
Ezviz C1C indoor camera
But with all this new technology flooding the market, it can make the buying process a little confusing. And while cameras themselves are getting easier to use, wading through the countless features, options, and pricing plans can be overwhelming when you try to make the right choice.
In this guide we’re going to break down everything there is to know about security cameras — from why you need them in the first place to what you should be looking for, to the buying experience, to set up, to recommendations for which brands and models you should use for specific applications. We’re going to cover the ins and outs of this ultra-competitive market, and you’re going to come away with a better understanding of these pieces of equipment and a good idea of what you need to look for.
D-Link Camera Outside
So why do you need a home security camera? First and foremost, they can be effective deterrents to crime; most burglars are looking for the easiest target to hit. But next, to make the best choice, you need to figure out the likeliest crime occurring in your area. Is it package theft? Vandalism? Car break-ins? Once you know these stats, you can make the best decision on the type of home security camera you need.
We know some people who have purchased and installed a doorbell video simply as a deterrent. This is a great first step, but we always recommend targeting your camera purchase to specific threats or concerns.
After all, Nest’s battery-operated or wired doorbell camera won’t spot mischief-making teens cutting through our neighbor’s backyard at 4 a.m., so it might be smarter for us to go with a pair of solid 1080p Zmodo cameras and some extra lighting for our exterior instead.
Zmodo Cameras
You may also be one of the many Americans who has turned to online shopping to save time and possibly money. However, packages sitting out on porches or stoops are ripe for theft. A good security camera can help you monitor your entryway and prevent this from occurring or even help you get your packages back if you do fall victim to porch pirates.
According to a recent crime study,1 36% of Americans have reported having a package stolen from their property at least once. Of those, 44% have had a package stolen at least twice. And very few (11%) said the porch pirate was caught and the package recovered.
With that in mind, you need to focus on vulnerabilities and trouble spots in and around your property. The good news is, in this market, whatever your needs and wants are for a home security camera, chances are there is one available on the market that has what you’re looking for. Now let’s get down to the nuts and bolt.
Swann Outdoor Video Quality
Identifying problem areas can be made much easier by viewing your home through the eyes of a burglar. Ask yourself, “If I were a burglar, how would I break into my home?” Think about what burglars look for and see if your home has those vulnerabilities. Check for areas with little to no lighting at night, places that would make good hiding spots for someone who’s sneaking in, and pathways where burglars can trudge through without raising suspicion.
Once you understand the trouble spots, you can decide on a security camera that will make them less problematic. Worried about a darkened corner of your backyard? Ring’s Spotlight Cam can take care of that potential hiding spot. Want to get really high tech? Invest in their Spotlight Cam Pro that can track someone’s movements through your property with 3D motion detection.
We’ve run into dozens of scenarios like these, and though we’ve (thankfully) never been burglarized ourselves, experts have warned2 for several years that it can be traumatic and devastating to find out that a stranger has been inside your home, rifling through your belongings. Security cameras can be an easy and inexpensive way to avoid this.
FYI: For more stats and insights on protecting your home from break-ins, check out our comprehensive Property Crime in America report.
These days, many different home security cameras are popping up in the market. But you can’t trust your home protection to just any fly-by-night brand. With this in mind, see below for a roundup of some great security camera options that we’ve personally tested and vetted. You’ll recognize many of the names, but there should be some new brands to explore as well.
Reolink Argus 3, Argus Eco, and Argus 2
As you set your sights on the many camera options out there, you might get overwhelmed with such a wide range of choices. But trust us, it doesn’t have to be painstaking finding the right security camera. Also, the wide selection helps to ensure you get the right product, with the right features – and the peace of mind you need to feel safe in your home.
We always like to take a close analysis of all of the features and tech a camera offers to help us narrow down our choices. What’s the app like? How’s the night vision? Can I install it myself? Does it offer package, person or vehicle detection? What’s the battery situation? Do I need to hardwire it? Can I do it myself, or do I need a professional?
The answers vary with each camera. So to help you make sense of it all, here are a few features we consider essential in home security cameras:
You want a camera that works fast and doesn’t hesitate. Part of this depends on the strength and speed of your Wi-Fi signal, but a good camera will always “wake up” the moment motion occurs to send you alerts on your phone. In our review of the SimpliCam, SimpliSafe’s dedicated indoor camera, we recall lighting-fast performance, and we recommend this camera often as a solid pick for folks on a budget.
SimpliCam with Mookie
SimpliSafe is one of the most DIY-forward systems out there, with equipment that can be mounted and set up with no elbow grease required. In the SimpliCam, we got a basic, no-frills device, maxing out at 1080p resolution, which sounds kind of mediocre until you remember one important point: Lower-res video will run more smoothly over Wi-Fi than pricier competitors like Arlo and Google Nest,3 as they require less bandwidth to run and won’t overload your network.
So, all this is to say: Don’t underestimate the importance of “fast,” especially if you’ve got a system with multiple cameras.
And if you’re curious, SimpliSafe actually includes their SimpliCam (or its outdoor camera and video doorbell counterparts) free with most of their whole-home kits. Check out our full SimpliSafe system review for more.
Pretty much any security camera you buy today is going to come with an app. And, just like the cameras, each one has its own benefits and drawbacks. The best apps present the camera’s features and settings in intuitive, easy-to-use ways, while the more frustrating ones will have you digging through a clunky UI to find what you need.
FYI: In addition to helping with everyday tasks like monitoring the kids and pets, our camera’s mobile app is also a lifeline. If an intruder should show up on our property, we’ll be notified almost instantly, from anywhere.
The Blink app’s feed does a good job in this area, even automatically producing a highlight reel each day with short spurts of action that occurred in our home. We recommend Blink’s cameras and packages as a super-easy entry-level system, which isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but definitely impressed us in performance despite being pretty inexpensive; paying under $100 for a battery-powered Blink Outdoor camera is nothing to sneeze at, after all.
Blink App – Video History
You’ll see an overwhelming number of security cameras that claim 1080p video resolution as you start comparing options. But this, too, can be a bit misleading. Many cameras will only reach that 1080p benchmark under the most ideal conditions, like when your Wi-Fi signal is running at full strength.
But with our sometimes-less-than-perfect Wi-Fi connection, we didn’t always see the ideal 1080p quality we were hoping for, even among the top-rated brands that are known for recording exceptional video. From time to time, our picture was pretty grainy.
But we might be a bit hyper-observant about this factor. As experts, we tend to pay extra attention to video quality in all of our reviews, as we know that resolution is one of the most important qualities people look for in a security camera. As an example, have a look at our view from the Blink Indoor Camera.
That is a 720p picture, which is still pretty clear!
That is to say that the resolution isn’t the only factor dictating a security camera’s video quality. There’s the framerate, for example, and whether or not the camera uses High Dynamic Range (HDR).
That’s why it’s good to invest in a camera with flexible resolution settings. Google’s Nest cams do a great job of this. They have HDR, which maxes out at 1080p, but the camera can automatically adjust its resolution depending on the network speed. This means the camera is constantly going to be recording at the highest detail possible so you never miss anything.
We’ve seen some spectacular night vision images from our tests of security cameras. We’ve owned our home for a little over three years now, and we had no idea that so many deer showed up in our backyard on a nightly basis until we started checking out the nighttime view from our new Ring Floodlight Cam. Have a look below!
Ring Floodlight Cam Video Quality
We gave Arlo’s design-forward cams high marks in this category in our hands-on Arlo camera review, too, but do remember that infrared night vision is pretty standard across cameras; you’ll be able to see your home at night no matter what. Of course, we always end up spending more money if we want full color night vision, so do keep that in mind.
Like 1080p and night vision, two-way audio has become a standard we expect in home security cameras. Even Wyze, one of the least expensive cameras on the market, has it. We consider it an essential feature, and in our full Wyze Cam review, we admit we weren’t blown away with the quality of the audio in our tests. Par for the course, we say, for a super-affordable camera like Wyze Cam; when it comes down to it, all we really need is audio that works when we need instant communication with the person on the other end.
Wyze Cam Pan and Wyze Cam (V2)
We use this feature often as a convenient home intercom (“Time for bed, kids!”). But as an effective crime deterrent, this feature pleases us primarily because there’s nothing like using our own “outside voice” to prevent a crook from choosing our house.
With Wyze’s camera packages, we’ll be upfront: The communication is a bit less crisp than the Rings and Arlos we’ve tested. But, again, we still got an effective two-way channel that we knew we could use in a pinch.
With some home security equipment boasting pretty heavy advanced tech, it can be tempting to buy cameras based on how high-tech they are. But it’s important to remember that all that data you’re getting from your high-tech cams is not cheap, no matter which camera you end up with.
D-Link Storage Options
The costs of storing all those ultra-HD videos with colorized night vision and wide viewing angles can easily get out of hand when it all shakes out. This can be a sticking point for some users, many of whom would rather not blow out their budgets on storage.
We advise caution here. Be realistic; how much time are you really going to spend looking over your footage? Do you really need the cameras to be running 24/7, or are you looking for a camera that records clips and is only activated by motion?
The latter setup, naturally, is more cost-efficient. Your camera won’t need to record everything, so you’ll end up paying less for video storage. We’d say less than $10 per month. This is something we can’t emphasize enough: The costs of securing your home can add up fast, so be sure to account for any monthly fees (like a cloud subscription) when computing the total costs of your security cameras.
Going with a trusted brand like Samsung, for example, could help ensure you get what you’re paying for without any surprises. In our review of Samsung’s Wisenet cams, we learned that the brand had recently discontinued their SmartCloud storage service; while we were initially disappointed, we soon felt comfortable using the camera’s pre-inserted micro SD card to store video. With local storage, we were able to save money on an already affordable system.
Of course, there could be trade-offs if you go with the cheaper, local storage solution. Mainly, if your local storage device gets lost, stolen, or corrupted, you’ll be left with no backup footage. That’s why if your budget allows, we recommend getting both local and cloud storage. Cloud storage stores footage offsite, allowing you to access your recordings whenever and wherever you are.
Another extremely important consideration is exactly how much your camera can see — otherwise known as the field of view. This is measured in degrees, and tells you the angle between the two horizontal edges of the picture the camera displays.
This isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, but generally, the narrower the lens, the most specific your target should be. In our review of Ring’s Stick Up Cam, we noted all of the camera’s features displayed prominently on the box – HD video, two-way talk, motion-activated notifications, easy installation, and a rechargeable battery pack – but no mention of the camera’s field of view.
Ring Stick Up Cam
In bringing the camera online, we got a firsthand look at that view: At 110 degrees, the viewing angle for Ring Stick Up is about average compared to other wireless indoor cams. Nothing earth-shattering, but again, that’s why we set up that camera to monitor our stairway rather than our expansive living room… we knew it had the angle to accomplish the task.
On the flip side, you’ll want a wider-angle lens for monitoring large spaces. For that, a trusty Zmodo Sight 180C tested well, mostly due to a panoramic 180-degree view; it also handled well for us as a pet monitor.
That being said, security cameras with a wider field of view tend to distort the footage, creating a fish-eye effect. A lot of good brands use additional software or hardware to correct that though, so it’s a friendly reminder that having a higher field of view doesn’t automatically give a camera an edge.
Zmodo Sight 180C Indoor Wi-Fi Camera
A camera’s design – how it’s built as well as how it looks – often reflects the purposes it serves. For example, the no-frills Ring Indoor Cam has a simple, cylindrical design with no weatherproofing or protective cover, so we knew when we tested it that we shouldn’t risk exposing a camera like this to our tumultuous Ohio winter weather.
The Ring Indoor Cam is plug-and-play, so we knew we should keep it close to a power outlet. It’s also small, so we assume (rightly, in this case) that this camera uses a standard lens with a field of view under 130 degrees. This, in turn, helps us understand where the camera should go and what it should do for us. Making sense, right?
This chain-reaction approach is common in our review repertoire, and it’s helped us make the most out of our cameras and not get intimidated by their technology.
Knowing all this, we always encourage folks not to get too concerned about equipment damage; the majority of outdoor cameras are designed to protect from weather, plus most brands now have pretty straightforward policies if something isn’t right with the camera.
Did You Know? The most common weather rating for outdoor cameras is IP-65, which means it’ll protect from most damage, barring extreme flooding. As users, we think it’s extremely important for cameras to be rated for weather. After all, these devices are supposed to provide peace of mind, right?
We love pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras because they’re a nice, economical option for apartment dwellers and homeowners alike. We’ve met a few cams with some very unique PTZ builds, with mechanical lenses that rotate Exorcist-style to allow us to see more out of our space than ever before. And we have to say, this can be a super convenient option; we know we’re getting one camera that covers a whole lot of ground, with little else to worry about.
Numerous brands, including Reolink, D-Link, Lorex, Amcrest, Wyze, and Swann, carry their own versions of pan-tilt cameras. As we mentioned earlier, brands with massive selection can be confusing, so if you’re looking for new and innovative features in a PTZ device, we advise giving the Amcrest ProHD a second look. We did a deep dive on this cam in our hands-on Amcrest camera review, if you’re interested.
Amcrest Indoor Pan-Tilt Camera
Once used strictly by professional security systems, emergency connection is starting to pop up in standalone security cameras, too. But since we’re talking about wireless technology, a couple of camera packages are starting to appear with a thumbprint-activated safety feature we can tap from anywhere.
A select few cameras we’ve tested have joined forces with Noonlight, a security tech startup that helps self-monitoring security camera users dispatch emergency services without having to call 911.
YI Indoor Camera
We don’t see this emergency connection feature routinely in cameras yet, but when we do, it really amazes us. Take a look at our YI Home 3 camera review, where we discovered the 24/7 emergency service in an otherwise basic $19.99 indoor camera. Though it did involve signing on to a separate subscription, we do think you’ll appreciate the extra layer of safety here. If something goes terribly wrong, the monitoring center can dispatch 911, EMS, or Fire. Features like this are crucial for the elderly and those who live alone.
YI Camera – Emergency Response
When we did our hands-on review of Canary cameras, we were spoiled by this feature, since they don’t charge a separate fee beyond the standard Canary subscription. But we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that Canary’s equipment costs are significantly higher than YI’s, so keep that in mind.
Canary Emergency Button
We are seeing an uptick in cameras that offer AI-powered facial recognition, though they are not widely available just yet. In looking at cameras with this kind of tech, you have to ask yourself just how “smart” you want your home to be.
In Google Nest Cams, for instance, we got one of the most impressive feature sets thanks to Google’s bold embrace of facial recognition technology. We saw this consistently in our tests as the camera gradually learned the faces and identities of each occupant in our home, then used the data to generate real-time Familiar Faces alerts. We couldn’t help but sit back and say, “Wow, they’ve come a long way, haven’t they?”
The implications, too, are worth noting; a camera that knows our face, and can immediately tell when someone “unfamiliar” is present, is the kind of technology that has the potential to save lives. That’s pretty much priceless, if you ask us.
With so many choices in this market, we’ve found that we pay widely different prices for equipment and monthly monitoring depending on which camera or brand we choose. Here are a few pointers to help you demystify the somewhat confusing world of security camera prices:
When choosing equipment, it might feel like you’re balancing on a seesaw. Do you want to pay one price upfront for the equipment, or break it down into a monthly subscription for storage and usage? Do you want to pay a lot now and a little later, or a little now and a little more later, or nothing now and everything later? Don’t worry… we’ll break this down.
Each brand has its own unique model for pricing, and again, it all comes down to preference. We, personally, like using a micro SD card in our cameras and storing our footage there, the way Lorex’s cameras do, so we’d ideally want a camera that gives us this option.
Reolink Argus 3 MicroSD Slot
Of course, using local storage gets us out of any monthly subscription fees the camera might offer as an add-on. This way, we don’t have to sign up for a cloud subscription, which in most cases is pretty inexpensive per month but can surely add up over time.
Pro Tip: Want to get the full scoop on security camera costs? If so, head over to our in-depth guide to home security camera pricing.
Micro SD cards are also pretty inexpensive and widely available; a few brands have even added pre-inserted cards to their cameras in recent years. Wyze, a brand of super-affordable, no-frills cams, allowed us to add Wyze-branded SD cards to our purchase. And we were especially pleased to find we could use those cards to store data from other devices, too.
Wyze SD Cards
Beyond those options, we’ve also seen plenty of attractive combo packages that charge one price for monitoring and equipment. With Canary cameras, for instance, we had the option to sign up for Canary’s robust Premium Service Plan for $9.99 per month and get a Canary View camera for no extra cost. For those shoppers who want extended protection, this plan even includes a 10 percent discount on additional cameras. The downside? We had to sign a 24-month contract.
Canary Packaging
We regularly see bundles similar to this across more traditional brands, too, like Lorex, with its emphasis on local storage and no monthly fees. We’ve long recommended Lorex as an affordable way to buy multiple cameras at once, with low-cost options starting at $35. But beware, if you are someone easily overwhelmed by an enormous menu of choices, Lorex may not be your best bet. Still, we think Lorex is a great option for many, especially bargain hunters. Check out our hands-on Lorex camera review to learn more.
Lorex Indoor Camera and Box
This industry is so brimming with devices these days, we’ve found there’s a camera for pretty much any budget. It’s very much a “get what you pay for” approach, so we adjust our expectations accordingly.
That said, it’s still entirely possible to pay too much for a security camera. In our experience, we’ve gotten to know brands all over the pricing spectrum to get an idea about what you’re really getting with those higher-end brands, like the new Arlo Pro 4 and the previously mentioned Google Nest.
The Arlo Ultra 2, part of our in-depth Arlo security camera review, retails for $300. This camera is indeed meant to impress, with a 4K resolution, color night vision, an ultra-wide 180-degree field-of-view, and rugged design that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions. Not to mention, this camera can live completely wire-free thanks to its batteries. That said, it’s not exactly practical as a whole-home surveillance system. Just two of these cameras will cost you $600, and that’s just for outdoor coverage. There are far less costly options that can cover your entire property, both indoors and outdoors. So before buying one of these top-of-the-line cameras, consider if you actually need the high-tech features.
Nest Indoor IQ Camera
Instead, a much more cost-efficient setup for single-family homeowners like us would be a Blink system. Those cams, now owned by Amazon, are small, fast, and reliable, and their installation is a breeze. When we reviewed Blink cams, we started with a system that included three cameras and a base station, which Blink calls the Sync Module 2. All of this cost us less than $250, a bonafide steal compared to the cost of a single Arlo Ultra 2.
Blink Outdoor
Camera | Features | Price |
---|---|---|
Ring Stick Up Camera | Indoor, 1080p HD video, battery optional, two-way talk | $99.99 – $199.99 |
Arlo Pro 4 Wireless Security Camera | 2K video, wire-free, integrated spotlight | Starting at $199.99 |
Blink Outdoor Camera | Water resistant, wire-free, basic features, base station required | $99.99 |
Wyze Cam v3 | Indoor, 1080p HD, plug-in, basic features | $35.98 |
Nest Cam with Battery | 1080p with 4K sensor, facial recognition, instant alerts | $179.99 |
Amcrest SmartHome 4-megapixel | Indoor, 355 degree pan, AI human and pet detection, two-way audio, baby monitor mode | $74.99 |
Swann Wi-Fi Series 1080p Camera System | 1080p HD video, basic features, requires base station | Starting at $119.99 |
Lorex 2K Spotlight Indoor/Outdoor Wi-Fi Security Camera | Two-way audio, compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, weather resistant | $169.99 |
Canary Pro 1080p Camera | Indoor, 1080p HD video, climate monitor | $169 |
Reolink Argus 3 Wire-Free Camera | Outdoor, 1080p HD, built-in motion spotlight, Starlight night vision, two-way talk | $99.99 |
Zmodo Wireless Smart Security Camera | Indoor, 720p video, adjustable night vision | $29.99 |
But as we all know, price is far from the only consideration we focus on when shopping for cameras. We also look at several criteria, from location of our cameras to their shape, power source, and feature set.
Once you bring your shiny new cameras home, where do you plan to put them?
You don’t have to commit to one location with a wireless camera, one of many reasons we enjoy testing and reviewing them. But the biggest determining factor we consider when deciding where to display a new camera is whether it’s an indoor or outdoor device.
We think you will find, on the whole, that indoor cameras tend to display better on surfaces, such as fireplace mantels and bookshelves.
And even when we decide to mount an indoor camera on a wall, that process is no more difficult than hanging, say, a diploma above our office desk. It gets even easier if we get one with batteries; check out our hands-on Canary Flex review, where we discovered the versatility and simplicity of the brand’s magnetic mounting equipment combined with wire-free installation.
Canary Flex Mounted on Wall
Setting up cameras around your home’s exterior, in areas where would-be burglars might see them, not only makes practical sense, it also makes a huge difference in terms of peace of mind.
FYI: Security cameras can see a lot, but they can’t see every threat lurking in your home. Check out these four hidden dangers that might be in your attic right now.
When we took an outdoor camera from Ezviz for a spin, we were reminded of the intimidating presence of cameras of decades past; the tough exterior and bulky build gives off an impression that anyone who crosses its path knows we mean business. For a pair of working parents like ourselves, this is more than just a wish-list item; we want the camera to scare criminals away, and whatever it takes to achieve that, we’ll do it.
Ezviz C3N, installed outdoors
For what it’s worth, we didn’t witness any funny business outside our home during our Ezviz testing period; you can learn much more about this intimidating camera in our hands-on Ezviz camera review.
While brand labeling in this biz can sometimes confuse, just remember that security cameras with “wireless,” “IP,” or “Wi-Fi” technology all require an Internet connection to work.
You might see “wireless cameras” and “Wi-Fi cameras” used interchangeably across the many camera brands we’ve reviewed out there. That’s because, by and large, they’re the same thing: Cameras that work off a Wi-Fi network rather than physical wires to transmit data.
That said, wireless cameras might still require you to plug in a power cord for the actual device to work (unless it has batteries, which we’ll explain in a sec), so do keep that in mind.
Blink Mini Mounted
Not to further confuse you, but wireless cameras are also different from wire-free cameras. This is important to understand because with something as vital as a security camera, you don’t want to be caught unaware when it’s time to change the batteries.
Reolink Argus 2 Camera with Protective Sleeve
To keep things simple, remember that wireless cameras might not contain batteries, but wire-free ones always do. If you want a wire-free camera, expect to pay about $10-$20 more than you would with a wireless (plug-in but still Wi-Fi) camera. And, on top of that, expect to change the batteries on an intermittent basis; for us, this tends to vary based on how often the camera is triggered.
Reolink’s Argus 2 cam seemed to hold its own as a wire-free indoor camera with batteries that lasted a really long time for us; it doesn’t hurt that this camera was easy to install and move around the house, too. It’s one of many positive experiences we had with Reolink cameras; learn more in our in-depth Reolink review.
It’s not as common these days, but we still see a good number of NVR and DVR-based camera systems for residential use. In systems like this, we can store a decent amount of video history through the NVR without the need to sign on to a monthly cloud subscription or attach a memory card.
This hard drive configuration tends to work great for covering large spaces, but more important, it’s a great way to record and store video on those 2K and 4K ultra HD cameras that are becoming more commonplace.
2 Swann Cameras on the NVR
Remember, though, that a NVR or DVR system, like the Swann 2-camera NVR kit we reviewed, will leave you with an unwieldy black box. If you’ve got the space and don’t mind the extra machinery, this shouldn’t bother you much; personally, we prefer to keep the gadgets to a minimum to avoid clutter. But that’s just us.
FYI: While NVRs differ from DVRs in the way they process video footage, they do share one key advantage over a cloud system: You can view your camera’s footage remotely without relying on an Internet connection. If that’s a good fit for you, consider giving Swann or even a larger brand like Amcrest a look.
Though we’ve seen professional monitoring (for cameras) offered less and less these days, it’s still a worthwhile consideration in your camera search. Here, the question comes down to whether you want to pay for a third-party monitoring service that will alert authorities to any relevant threats in your home, or you prefer to monitor your system yourself.
To many of us, cost is the determining factor here. But no matter what your budget is, the No. 1 factor we focus on in cameras with professional monitoring is whether the service actually works.
In a recent review, one of our team members put a Cove system of cameras, sensors, and an alarm to the test, and came away with one very important takeaway: The police do, actually, show up. If that isn’t a testament to the effectiveness of home security equipment, we’re not sure what is.
Police Officer checking up on us thanks to Cove Monitoring
For more on that interesting experience, head over to our hands-on Cove security system review. But in the meantime, we’ll say this: Cove happens to have one of the least expensive monthly monitoring fees in this biz. So if you are interested in professional monitoring, a Cove kit might be the way to go. Clearly, it does work! Other great options for whole home security include Ring Alarm, SimpliSafe, and Frontpoint.
For the most part, security cameras today are compatible with at least two smart home platforms. Usually, that’s Amazon Alexa4 and OK Google, and it just so happens that we use both an Amazon Echo Show and a Google Home Mini when we run tests on our cameras.
Our dog, lounging in the hallway on our Reolink Argus 2.
This way, our cameras function less as standalone devices and more like components in a larger smart home setup. In a typical Amazon-based setup, for example, we can set a trigger within our Alexa app to lock our Ring-compatible smart lock and arm our Blink Indoor Camera at the same time. We’ve used this automation when we leave the house to ensure that we’ll have a working set of eyes on our puppy and kiddos while we’re out. And since Blink is owned by Amazon, we were pleased that our Blink cams behaved essentially the same way as a system of Ring cameras did in our Amazon smart home ecosystem.
Did You Know? We recommend cameras with home automation as an easy way to control all your devices and feel more secure at home. Pop over to our comprehensive Home Automation Guide for more info.
With the trend toward wireless or IP camera technology, installing a wireless or Wi-Fi camera is now typically no more difficult than hanging a picture frame (it might be much easier, in fact). We always recommend wireless cameras to folks who need an easy installation, but we’ve also encountered hardwired cams that aren’t terribly difficult to install, either.
SimpliCam Support Stand
In a large number of security cameras we recommend, the selling point is the easy installation. It’s appealing, we know. But we also know that “easy” doesn’t always mean “better.”
The wireless cameras we test require us, first and foremost, to pair with our Wi-Fi network to get them online. This is the way they will transmit data over the Internet, just like our other Wi-Fi-enabled devices do. And, as with all those other devices, we know that wireless cameras need to be placed within a certain range of our Wi-Fi router to run smoothly.
Once that’s done, we begin the actual installation. This usually involves a screwdriver or drill, possibly a ladder, and a healthy dose of patience.
Installing the Lorex Doorbell Camera
In most hardwired camera systems, the difficulty level will be higher than the average wireless job. If you’re not up for it, a professional installation might be worthwhile.
It’s also important to think about all those wires you’d need to feed throughout your home with a setup like this. Depending on your home’s size and layout, this could present a few challenges. In a hardwired Night Owl 8-Channel 4K System, for example, we’d have to route cables from the box in our living room to every other room in our house where we wanted to set up a camera. And, as an aside, we’d probably have to upgrade our home Wi-Fi speed, too – but that’s a project for another day. That said, this might be the perfect solution for some situations.
Did You Know? True to its name, Night Owl gave us some of the sharpest night vision images we’ve ever seen in a security camera. For more, visit our hands-on Night Owl camera review.
We’ve covered the range of features, technology, designs, power sources, recording devices, installations, monitoring, and many other factors that go into choosing a security camera. But as we’ve mentioned previously, this is an industry teeming with competition, and each camera we review brings something new and unique to the table. With all this selection, let’s keep it simple. Here’s our professionally ranked top 5 breakdown of the security cameras you’ll want to look for as you begin your search.
Ring | Lorex | ADT | Canary | Nest | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th |
Best Accolade | Best Camera Overall | Most Versatile | Best in a Complete Security System | Best All-in-One | Best Google Camera |
SecureScore™ | 9.2 | 9.0 | 9.2 | 7.6 | 9.0 |
Equipment Cost | Starting at $59 | Starting at $29 | Starting at $599 for a whole system | Starting at $99 | Starting at $99.99 |
Monthly Cost | Starting at $3.00 | N/A | Starting at $9.98 plus $45.99 for monitoring | Starting at $9.99 | Starting at $6.00 |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet | Wi-Fi, Ethernet | Wi-Fi, Ethernet | Wi-Fi, Ethernet | Wi-Fi |
Power | Battery, Wired, PoE | Battery, Wired, PoE | Battery, Wired | Battery, Wired | Battery, Wired |
Field of View | Up to 140° | Up to 160° | Up to 128° | Up to 147° | Up to 130° |
Resolution | Up to 1080p | Up to 2160p | Up to 1080p | Up to 1080p | Up to 1080p |
Storage | Cloud | Cloud, Local | Cloud | Cloud | Cloud |
Two-Way Audio | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Alexa Compatibility | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Google Home Compatibility | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Live View | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Night Vision | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Warranty | 1 Year | 1-2 Years | 6 months | 1-2 years | 2 Years |
Read Review | Ring Camera Review | Lorex Review | ADT Review | Canary Review | Nest Cam Review |
Ring Cameras
Ring’s wireless HD cameras check all the boxes for us and more. They’re the DIY pioneers in this business, with affordable mid-range prices, and one of their biggest draws is how easy it is to send video to law enforcement in the event of a crime. Thanks to the built-in Neighbors app, we’ve got unprecedented insight into any suspicious or criminal activity in our neighborhood. With Ring cameras, we can make smarter decisions about our home security when we know all of those bases – and more – are covered.
Lorex Indoor Camera
With a generous selection, Lorex is hard to pin down in overall performance. But across all of Lorex’s reasonably priced smart Wi-Fi 1080p cameras, we found consistently solid performance for whatever scenario we had in mind. We also have to give Lorex praise for their emphasis on upfront costs and no contracts.5 Equipment is easy to set up, and though the brand doesn’t boast a modern, sleek design like its high-profile competitors, their versatility still makes them a viable competitor.
ADT Camera
Unlike our Ring and Lorex, ADT isn’t a security camera company, but a complete home security system provider. Having security cameras around your home is advantageous in terms of home security; now, imagine surrounding those cameras with sensors and smart home devices that can further bolster your protection. That’s exactly what you’ll get from ADT. On top of that, ADT systems are monitored professionally. In the event of an emergency, such as if there’s a break-in, ADT can contact the authorities on your behalf.
Canary Pro Camera
The complete opposite of ADT, Canary doesn’t need a lot of devices to protect your home. Instead, the company created all-in-one cameras with multi-purpose functions. Just a couple of these cameras in your home and you’ll be protected. Canary’s lineup is headlined by the Canary Pro. This $169 camera comes with a 1080p HD resolution, motion sensor, and siren that can be triggered via the app. It also includes temperature, humidity, and air monitor for good measure to help detect potential disasters like home fires. But if you want professional security like traditional home security companies offer, Canary comes with an optional, $9.99 a month professional monitoring service.
Nest Cam Battery
Google is known for injecting artificial intelligence into its many products, including the Nest Cams. The three Nest Cam models, plus their doorbell cameras, all have person detection. With this feature, you’ll get intelligent alerts. Instead of telling you that, let’s say, there’s movement in the living room, Nest Cams can tell you specifically if the moving object is human. On top of that, for as low as $6 a month, you can buy a Nest Aware subscription to improve the AI in Nest Cams. Adding Nest Aware unlocks Familiar Face Alerts (a.k.a. facial recognition). Nest Cams cost $99 for the wired indoor model, $179.99 for the indoor or outdoor battery-powered version, and $279.99 for the floodlight-equipped outdoor camera variant.
Blink Outdoor Camera
We hope that in this ultimate guide to home security cameras we’ve given you a lot to think about when you’re considering surveillance for your home. Taking the time to assess the features and tech that sets these cameras apart, and using our hands-on experiences as a guide, should help you make a smarter, more economical decision about your home security needs.
We always look forward to exploring what new tech and features our favorite camera brands will release each year. Our team feels that the future of home security will be how well they integrate overall into a smart, connected home. People want more control, more integrations, more convenience, but above all else, more peace of mind.
Beyond our guidance here, we’ve published plenty of resources for even more help in the camera buying process. We suggest you start by checking out some of our best motion sensor cameras.
We also broke down the best cameras with home automation, best cameras with wired installation, the best affordable cameras, and the best cameras for outdoors. Can’t say you don’t have choices, right?
Wireless cameras are meant to pair with home Wi-Fi, and though it might take a few tries, we’ve always had success pairing the cameras we test. If you do run into trouble, instructions are always provided in the box, either in a paper manual or within the mobile app.
The last thing we want in our security equipment is an unexpected outage, giving a burglar just enough time to break into our home. To avoid this, we recommend cameras with either rechargeable or long-life batteries, like Blink’s Outdoor and Indoor camera system.
Outdoor cameras of today are built to withstand most weather events (barring anything too extreme, of course). Look for an IP weather rating of 65 or above for outdoor use; if you’re working with a camera that’s not IP rated or specifically built for outdoor installation, we don’t recommend putting it outside.
For folks who are looking for top-of-the-line video surveillance and features like facial recognition, rechargeable batteries, and weatherproof housing, Google Nest’s $400 IQ camera will get you all of that and then some. Their latest line of super-smart IQ devices blew us away, but as budget-conscious homeowners, we understand it can be tough to justify spending that kind of money on an individual cam.
Yes. Hardwired cameras, by and large, will deliver the same level of protection as a wireless one would.
C+R Research. (2020). 2019 Package Theft Statistics Report.
https://www.crresearch.com/blog/2019-package-theft-statistics-report
Blickenstaff, B. (2017, June 14). The PTSD of Home Burglary. Pacific Standard.
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Statt, N. and Dieter, B. (2019, May 7). Google Nest: Why Google Finally Embraced Nest as its Smart Home Brand. The Verge.
https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/7/18530609/google-nest-smart-home-brand-merging-hub-max-rebrand-io-2019
Shulevitz, J. (2018 November). Alexa, Should We Trust You? The Atlantic.
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2018/11/alexa-how-will-you-change-us/570844/
Morrison, S. (2020, August 24). Contracts, Hacks, and Google: What to Consider Before You Get a Home Security System. Vox.
https://www.vox.com/recode/2020/8/24/21354628/home-security-adt-google-ring