Best Home Security Cameras of 2025

Our Experience with SimpliSafe Security Cameras

Camera Options

SimpliSafe offers one wireless indoor camera, one wireless outdoor camera, and one video doorbell. All three are hardy and reliable, and they all include 1080p HD resolution and two-way talk. You also get real-time alerts and access to live footage. And if you sign up for one of SimpliSafe’s professional monitoring plans with Intruder Intervention, you unlock powerful tools like video verification and agent intervention.

SimpliSafe isn’t just about cameras. These devices form part of a comprehensive security ecosystem. You can expand your protection with a wide range of devices, including entry sensors, smoke detectors, and even smart locks.

We liked to make sure the privacy shutter was closed on our SimpliSafe Wireless Indoor Camera when we were home

SimpliSafe offers solid self-monitoring options, but we recommend opting for one of their professional monitoring plans. Our favorite feature is Active Guard Outdoor Protection, which is included in the Pro plan for $50 monthly. Here’s how it works:

1. The camera detects movement
2. It uses A.I. to verify it was human movement
3. The camera alerts SimpliSafe and opens a live video and two-way audio link
4. A security professional assesses the situation (and uses two-way talk to attempt to scare away a burglar if there is an active break-in)
5. If they need to, this security professional reports the incident to law enforcement, including relevant information and video verification.

At $32 monthly, SimpliSafe’s Intruder Intervention offers similar protection using the Wireless Indoor Camera. The feature activates only during actual alarms to protect your privacy. Ring offers comparable coverage at $19.99 monthly, but active monitoring features require their $99 monthly add-on.

One note: these SimpliSafe plans require you purchase a wireless indoor camera or an outdoor camera. The active monitoring features do not work with the Video Doorbell Pro on its own.

>> Read More: SimpliSafe Outdoor Security Camera Review

Equipment and Subscription Costs

With SimpliSafe, you can put together a low-cost home security system, or, if you’re willing to pay premium prices, you can put together a sophisticated one. Flexibility and options are the name of the game.

SimpliSafe’s packages range from $250 to $730. We recommend waiting for a deal, which happens more often than you think. We’ve seen SimpliSafe discount bundles by up to 60 percent off throughout the year. That includes SimpliSafe’s wireless indoor camera and its outdoor camera. Both feature two-way talk and AI-powered person detection. The Wireless Indoor normally costs $150, while the Wireless Outdoor costs $200.

Here’s a quick look at SimpliSafer’s various camera offerings.

SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera on Garage

Self-monitoring is completely free, though you’ll miss out on video recordings. You can add cloud recording for just $10 monthly if that’s all you need.

We recommend one of SimpliSafe’s active monitoring plans, though. The Core plan costs $33 per month and adds video verification as well as agent intervention for the Wireless Indoor Camera. Expanding that to the Outdoor Camera requires the Pro Plan ($50 per month) for overnight coverage or the Pro Plus Plan ($80 per month) for 24/7 coverage.

Here’s an overview of SimpliSafe’s most popular subscriptions for systems that include security cameras.

Home Security Compatibility

We were intrigued by the fact that SimpliSafe cameras come from a well-established security system brand, unlike options like Lorex and Swann that solely offer security cameras. But that aspect proved to be a double-edged sword.

There are serious advantages to using a camera as part of a home security system, and SimpliSafe isn’t just any system. It’s one of our top-rated security systems. That means we didn’t just have video feeds. We had a network of sensors and detectors that created a net of security around our home. Components worked in sync to keep us more protected than cameras alone.

Keep in mind that SimpliSafe doesn’t offer free storage like Lorex. If you’re only interested in cameras, SimpliSafe subscriptions might feel like overkill. We recommend it for complete home protection.

SimpliSafe’s Outdoor Camera video on the app

Our Experience with ADT Security Cameras

Camera Options

ADT offers four cameras from the Google Nest range. They are:

• Google Nest Doorbell (battery)
• Google Nest Cam (indoor, wired)
• Google Nest Cam (indoor or outdoor, battery)
• Google Nest Cam with floodlight

For the best coverage, we recommend mixing these devices strategically. We placed a Google Nest Indoor (Wired) at the junction between our entryway and living room for maximum visibility. The Google Nest Doorbell monitored our front entrance, while the Google Nest Floodlight provided both deterrence and recording capabilities for our driveway.

We should note that the Floodlight requires a bit of extra wiring. We signed up for ADT professional installation, though, so we didn’t have to tackle the problem at all. ADT is one of the best professionally installed security systems. Of course, you can also just purchase a battery-powered Nest Cam. There’s no attached floodlight, but this device offers the flexibility of working both indoors and outdoors.

The Google Nest Cam with floodlight is the only device in our ADT system that needed professional installation.

Equipment and Subscription Costs

ADT’s Wired Indoor Nest Cam starts at $99.99, which is comparable to similar Ring models. Here’s the current pricing for ADT’s Google Nest camera lineup:

ADT’s wireless cameras cost more than our top pick, SimpliSafe. However, ADT offers more options. When we reviewed ADT, we tested both wired and wireless Nest Cams. The wireless device has more placement flexibility, but the wired one is easier to install – we just plugged it in. It’s also reliable if your internet tends to drop out.

>> Read More: ADT Home Security Cameras Review

For ADT’s professional monitoring plans, systems with cameras start at $39.99 per month. While that’s the only camera-compatible option, it also includes a Google Home Premium subscription. You also get SMART monitoring, which texts videos so you can instantly verify or dismiss alarms.

Home Security Compatibility

Unlike some security companies that awkwardly integrate third-party equipment (we’re looking at you, Cove), ADT seamlessly unifies everything. The ADT+ app controls both your ADT devices and Nest cameras in one place. You can even add other Nest products like thermostats and smart locks to create a safer home.

You can access all of Nest’s high-tech features in the app. Activity Zones reduce false alarms. Familiar Faces sends personalized notifications of regular guests. Connect ADT’s Trusted Neighbor feature to Familiar Faces Nest’s and you can set your system to disarm and open smart locks any time friends and family arrive at your home. We added our sister to the program while we were on vacation so she could get in and out to feed our fish.

Our Experience with Lorex Security Cameras

Camera Options

Lorex’s catalog is extensive. We found bullet cameras, dome cameras, wireless, wired, PoE, onboard storage, and NVR connections. It can feel overwhelming if you’re trying to choose your first security camera.

Lorex cameras

Of course, if you’re looking for a camera that’s going to do its job, one that simply works to keep your family safe, that many options can be intimidating. Here are a couple of good suggestions, though.

We’re fans of Lorex’s Fusion Collection, for example. These cameras make use of NVR storage, so you never have to worry about paying a monthly fee to record and save videos. Cameras come in wired and wireless versions, but both work smoothly with the NVR. You can read more about our experience in our Lorex review, but here’s a quick specs highlight:

For enhanced features, we recommend Lorex’s 4K outdoor cameras. Beyond crystal-clear resolution that captures minute details, these cameras include Smart Deterrence. This is an automated defense system that works like this:

• Motion detection and person detection combine to detect human movement.
• Once the camera verifies someone is approaching, it activates built-in spotlights to startle any potential intruder.
• The camera then sends an alert to your phone.
• Once you open the Lorex app, you have the option to trigger a built-in siren. You can also use the app to modify the siren’s volume, intensity, and tone.

Smart Deterrence makes DIY monitoring significantly easier. It cuts down on false alerts and automates a response. That way, by the time you pull up your live feed, any threats will already be scurrying away. Plus, local recording options mean you can store the evidence without paying a monthly fee. These features are what put Lorex on our list of the best 4K cameras.

Keep in mind that Smart Deterrence isn’t professional monitoring. Unlike SimpliSafe’s live agents who can verbally confront intruders and dispatch police, Lorex keeps it automated. At the same time, you’re not paying a monthly fee for the privilege.

Motion Events on the Lorex app

Equipment and Subscription Cost

Most Lorex cameras cost $80 to $150. There are cheaper models, like the $39.99 Smart Wi-Fi Indoor Camera. That’s only $5 more than the Blink Mini we tested ($35) and $10 more than Wyze’s low-cost cameras ($20-$30). Similarly, Lorex’s premium 4K Dual Lens Wi-Fi cameras cost up to $200.

That said, Lorex offers bulk discounts that reduce camera costs when bought in a package. Here’s a quick look at a few of Lorex’s camera packages:

Keep in mind that external equipment like NVRs costs extra. As a result, we recommend investing in a total Lorex package rather than single cameras. In the long run, package deals are cheaper. An NVR and two cameras, for instance, starts at around $300. Here are a couple of more package examples. Balance these costs, though, against the fact that you don’t ever have to pay for monthly monitoring. And did we mention that Lorex installation is entirely DIY? That saves additional money.

Home Security Compatibility

ADT, SimpliSafe, and Ring all offer complete home security systems. Lorex, however, specializes in cameras. Lorex doesn’t offer professional monitoring or connected systems with sensors. That’s not a dealbreaker for us. Lorex’s cameras are reliable and feature-rich, like their built-in motion sensors.

Plus, Lorex integrates well with a number of smart home devices, and many of these – from smart door locks to garage door openers – can significantly improve your security. Connect your system to your Alexa device or Google Home, and you get the convenience of voice activation. The fact is, when operating your system is easier, you’re more likely to use it properly and effectively, and that’s going to keep you safer.

We tested our Lorex NVR with our Echo Show 8, and discovered a handy list of Alexa commands:

• “Talk to the front porch”: Initiated a two-way audio link between our Echo Show 8 and the wireless outdoor camera.
• “Turn off front porch light”: Turned off the spotlight after Smart Deterrence was triggered.
• “Show me the backyard”: Streamed live footage from the 4K camera in our backyard on our Echo Show 8’s screen. (The video quality was fuzzy due to our Echo Show 8’s screen resolution – 1280*800 pixels.)

We should note that while those voice commands worked the majority of the time, they didn’t always fire up instantaneously. There was about a five- to 10-second delay between us giving the command and Alexa responding. Nine times out of ten, that’s just going to be an annoyance. Every once in a while, though, it could delay your response to a real emergency. So while we’re thrilled that Lorex works with smart home platforms, we’re not big fans of how well those integrations work.

Our Experience with Ring Security Cameras

Camera Options

Ring’s Spotlight Cam, Outdoor Cam, and Indoor Cam

Ring’s range of models is a bit more limited than Lorex’s. For example, Ring doesn’t offer any cameras with 4K resolution or intruder deterrence. The company’s models also all look roughly the same. There are no dome models, or bullet cameras.

Most cameras support multiple power options including solar panels. Ring also leads the market with Spotlight and Floodlight cameras. Here’s how their power options break down:

While most Ring cameras capture in 1080p HD, they’ve recently introduced 2K models. Even at 1080p, we found the HDR enhancement delivers impressive clarity. In our testing, for example, we could see everything from the neighbor’s dog nosing around our trash cans to the license plate on a speeding Camaro. All of Ring’s outdoor cameras come with night vision, so we didn’t have to worry about missing events at night. And with added spotlights and floodlights, we were able to startle that nosy dog away. Plus, all of the Ring security cameras we tested featured easy DIY installation that took us just minutes to complete. Lorex cameras can sometimes be tricky to get set up.

Ring Spotlight Cam Video Quality

We did notice that Ring’s motion sensors don’t automatically trigger the siren. We had to manually activate it through the app after receiving an alert. The Floodlight and Spotlight Cams automatically illuminate when detecting motion. In a genuine emergency, we think an automatic siren activation would be more effective.

Equipment and Subscription Cost

When you buy a Ring camera, you get what you pay for. They offer cameras at almost any price point. On the low end, Ring charges $59 for its Wired Indoor Cam, $40 less than a comparable camera from SimpliSafe. Then, there’s the Floodlight Cam, which starts at $179.99, $100 less than a Nest Floodlight Cam. At both ends of the spectrum, Ring offers solid value. Here’s a more complete pricing overview.

Ring Floodlight

As for monitoring options, Ring – like SimpliSafe – lets you choose between self-monitoring and professional monitoring. Complete self-monitoring, without recording, won’t cost you a dime. Cloud storage for a single camera costs $5 a month, or you can store footage from an unlimited number of cameras for $10 a month.

Ring’s professional plan includes an impressive array of features, but you’re not going to get a trained, experienced monitor taking a look at your camera footage. You’re not going to get video verification service either. This can mean more false alarms and it may take emergency personnel longer to get to your home. Ring does offer a similar service, but it charges $99 a month.

Home Security Compatibility

Ring began life as a video doorbell company. It has grown into a full-service home security company, though, offering every kind of device you could need, from entry sensors to smoke detectors, as well as a large selection of indoor and outdoor cameras. All of this equipment is up to the same high standards as Ring’s video doorbell. And all of it works seamlessly together.

Ring’s Amazon ownership also means Echo integration. During testing, we managed an entire doorstep conversation through voice commands. We pulled up the feed and dismissed a door-to-door salesperson without touching anything. Ring also offers Google Home compatibility for non-Alexa households.