Best Home Security Cameras of 2021

The Ring Camera system is an exceptional, easy-to-use home security camera system that works effortlessly with an existing Ring Video Doorbell. It’s packed with features and less expensive than many competitor products.

The Ring Camera is an all-around good investment for many property owners. It’s designed to provide all of the features most property owners want – two-way talk, motion-triggered notifications, and an easy-to-install design. Both indoor and outdoor cameras are available, which makes them an easy investment for all-over protection with your home.

When you consider the technology and features of the Ring Cam, it’s clear it is a good option. The video quality excellent HD, with night vision and live view, ensuring you can always capture what is happening outside of your door or home. It’s also very reliable and can handle less-than-ideal outdoor conditions. The indoor cam is also very flexible and durable. The cameras offer home security done your way with sirens and zooming that’s really easy to use. It’s all managed through the app, which means you can receive a notification of someone outside the home, zoom in, sound a siren, and tell them to get away from your property in a matter of seconds.

There are several Ring Camera options on the market, including the Stick Up Cam, Spotlight Cam, and Floodlight Cam – any of these are beneficial, and all are designed with durable construction. The Ring Protect Plans allow you to record what’s happening outside of the home, so you can go back to verify what’s occurred. There’s a charge of $3 per month for this, though there’s a 30-day free trial that makes for a good opportunity to try it out. You can upgrade this to the Ring Protect Plus Plan, which is $10 per month, and gives you the ability to connect your Ring Doorbell and unlimited Ring Cameras to the plan.

As a security camera system, the Ring Camera is reliable and affordable, which makes it a good choice for many homeowners. The most expensive version, the Floodlight Cam, is $249 at the regular price. With good customer service and reliable product design, this Ring is an excellent choice for most people. It’s also one of the best options for those who want a seamless, inexpensive way of monitoring their home in real-time from an app.

The Lorex security camera system is a quality product, but it is a bit more high tech than others on the market. For some, this is perfect. For others, it can be a bit more intimidating to install and to manage. Nevertheless, the quality is outstanding.

The Lorex home security system is a wide range product. That is, users can select from numerous camera options to fit their needs. Its product line up includes outdoor cameras, HD security cameras (more commonly used for commercial needs) as well as HD IP cameras. The wireless security cameras available from the company are some of the best they offer for home security. They are reliable and they are well made, which means they can function well even in tough conditions. The daytime video capture quality is excellent, though the nighttime video is not as good as others.

These are top-of-the-line systems with long-lasting batteries (allowing for wireless installation). They also are very weather resistant and very reliable. They come with a DVR system to store data. This does add to the cost of the system, making it more expensive. It also makes it a bit more difficult to install for some users.

However, the design of the system means there are no necessary long term contracts or monthly subscription or costly monthly bills to pay for storage. At the same time, this system offers real-time video access and FHSS technology. It includes listen-in audio due to the built-in microphone on it. And, SignalGuard is another nice feature that helps improve the reliability of the connection.

Canary cameras are discreet and designed with simplicity and style in mind. You only have three cameras to choose from: the Flex, the View, and the Pro. This is clearly a stark contrast from the Lorexes and Reolinks out there – but if you look closer into Canary’s feature set, you’ll find these devices operate more like an all-in-one security experience than mere cameras.

Canary’s all-in-one security approach includes air quality monitoring, which is something you don’t see every day in traditional cameras. With the brand’s robust premium service plan, Canary also offers a useful panic button option that can be activated if you ever feel unsafe.

With Canary, it’s best to choose a camera based on how much you want to pay per month, rather than focusing solely on the cost of the equipment. That’s a big selling point with this brand: Canary has several camera bundle options that include a free camera with the purchase of a premium service plan. This approach applies to all three cameras in Canary’s lineup.

Installation is easy with all three cameras, too. The Canary Flex has a rechargeable battery and weatherproof housing, so you can install it outside if you choose.

Finally, the brand’s panic button feature is a refreshing addition, proving Canary is a forward-thinking player in home security.

The Nest Cam is perhaps one of the most recognizable names in home security cameras today. It offers a wide range of benefits including exceptional durability and overall ease of installation. Nest lets users access their cameras from any location with their phone. It works well even when it is dark, raining, or bright sun. It offers a variety of features that make securing your home a bit easier to do.

The Nest Cam is the type of home security camera you need when it comes to protecting your home. The company’s security camera is highly reliable and quickly recognizes actions occurring in a space. It provides an immediate alert to the user’s smartphone. And, from there, the user has options. He or she can simply contact the police, or they can use the voice component to interact with the person at the house. This can scare away an intruder, or it can help to clarify why someone is present.

The overall system is reliable and built to last. It has a waterproof housing to ensure it keeps working through any type of weather. The unique lens and structure help to minimize the amount of damage to the camera as well as keeps it clear. In addition to this, the system records everything. Once it is activated, it will continue to work and record. The Nest Cam can record for up to 30 days straight. It stores all of this video content in the cloud. This ensures it remains accessible to those who need it.

Perhaps one of the best features that help make the Nest Camera stand out is that it can distinguish between a person and a thing. It knows how to pick up activity and record it. This means there are fewer false alarms present. In addition to this, the system offers a special alert when someone is walking up the steps or approaching the home. Users can set activity zones, too, which means areas like the driveway or the backdoor get constant monitoring.

In addition to purchasing just the Nest cameras, many will want to upgrade to more automation. You can select from several packages and services available. Automate everything from your home’s security to the thermostat inside. It’s highly diverse and provides good overall access to your home from a distance.

The Arlo home security camera can be a very good option for many reasons – it is very easy to use, simple to access, and it takes less than 30 minutes to set up. Homeowners also get a wide range of camera options to choose from (with budget-friendly options). The company’s system is completely wireless and offers night vision. Here’s our breakdown of the home security cameras from Arlo.

The Arlo home security camera is a good option for nearly anyone. It is a system you can install on your own. You can use it for both indoor and outdoor surveillance. As a completely wireless system, you do not have to worry about the overall installation process.  The system is durable and has a sound reputation of having solid, well-built equipment. The company also offers several camera options to choose from, which can make it a good option for those who want flexibility in selecting what is right for their needs. Options include the Arlo, Arlo Pro, Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Go, Arlo Q, Arlo Q Plus, Arlo Baby, and the Arlo Security Light.

Once the cameras are in place, they will turn on when they sense any type of motion. The company provides three subscription options for users to choose from. For many who are just starting out, the Basic plan is a good place to be. The Basic plan does not have a monthly fee, but you will pay upfront equipment costs. Other versions include a Premier and Elite plan, both of which have equipment costs. However, the equipment is customized, so you really get your money’s worth here.

The Arlo system’s best features include unlimited support for the higher-level plans and the ability to record on numerous cameras. The Basic plan offers five, the Premier plan offers 10, and the Elite plan gives you 15 cameras. You can tap into continuous video recording if you would like to. The Basic plan stores your video for up to seven days in the cloud at no cost. The Elite option gives you 60 days. Overall, this home security camera option works well for those who want flexibility at a low price.

The SimpliCam, in a word, is simple. You won’t find fancy accessories or future-tech here. What we did find in our tests, however, was a well-performing and well-made camera with smooth performance from its accompanying mobile app.

And, we couldn’t talk about anything in SimpliSafe’s lineup without mentioning its refreshing simplicity. For installation, all we had to do was plug in, power on, create an account in our app, and follow the steps to set up the camera. Within minutes, we were up and running with our SimpliCam.

From there, it was easy to jump into the setup process. The app guided us through syncing the camera, and then it was all up to us. We explored our SimpliCam’s settings, which let us adjust video resolution, schedule and manage our notifications, check the strength of our Wi-Fi, and even enable the camera’s privacy shutter.

We noted, then, that two options for video resolution are available on this camera: 480p or 720p. Switching back between those two options didn’t appear to affect the quality of the images. If your home Wi-Fi drops out or slows down at random times, you’ll appreciate the lower-resolution output. It pulls less bandwidth from your Wi-Fi, so you don’t have to deal with a slow-performing app. This is something SimpliCam’s users really love, and so did we!

Keep in mind that many other security cameras we’ve tested are built with higher resolution (1080p is the most common). With the SimpliCam, that meant it was slightly harder to make out specific objects in the camera’s view.

All told, we enjoyed getting to know SimpliCam and appreciate that “deceptively easy” theme that runs through all of its features. We do, however, want to note that this camera was not actually meant to be a standalone camera, but rather was intended for use as part of SimpliSafe’s overall system bundles. As long as you know that going in, we think you’ll be quite pleased with SimpliCam.

What makes the Blink home security camera system ideal is the low cost. The cameras do not have a contract requirement, which makes them easy for most people to invest in. They are also wireless and easy to maintain. Overall, this system offers nice benefits including integration with Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant. Here’s our take on the 2021 Blink home security camera.

Blink is a solid product. The company is smaller having been started on Kickstarter with just a basic product. However, it has now become one of the more sought after options available. It is a true plug and play style system that is fully wireless. You do not have to worry about complex installation here. The process takes about 30 minutes to complete.

When it comes to the company’s product, a nice feature is the affordability. The equipment itself is affordable, but there is also no required monthly fee. You can upgrade to a larger plan for a moderate price, though.  The value of the Blink home security system is clear. It is a lower costing product.

Another nice feature is that the company’s equipment is long-lasting. It has batteries that last for up to two years. Which means you do not have to worry about electrical outlets where you place it. You can set them up both indoors and outdoors as well. The product options are somewhat limited in terms of flexible equipment. However, they are more affordable than other products. Because they offer limited options, this type of security system tends to be better for smaller homes and renters rather than large properties. You can add components to it, with limited options. This includes additional cameras and a doorbell.

Some people may wish to upgrade to the professional monitoring component. At the time of this writing, this plan was an additional $19.99 a month and professional ongoing monitoring of your home. That’s a nice feature for anyone who wants ample security.

The Kuna home security camera is a top performer for a variety of reasons. First, it is very easy to install. It also has basic features that are free to use so you do not have to pay a monthly fee. There are also several ways to upgrade it. A good overall buy, the Kuna system is a reliable product with basic level features. Here’s our look at how well it fits your needs:

The Kuna home security camera is a key part of the security service this company offers. The camera quality is good, though the company only offers a handful of equipment options for you to choose from. Nevertheless, there are some nice benefits to this hardware. This includes HD and smart detection technology. It also allows three video downloads each month (without cost for it). There are also nice features like a two-hour even look back so you can see what happened, as well as a two-way talk tool so you can communicate with someone at your door.

Perhaps the best thing about the Kuna system is that you do not have to pay a subscription fee if you do not want to do so. The price of the equipment is a bit higher than other products, but the system itself is more affordable. Most of the features mentioned here come with the basic free package. If you decide to increase the service you obtain, such as with a seven-day look back with unlimited downloads, you will pay more for the subscription. However, this cost is not high.

There are equipment add-on options. This includes a floodlight, security light, and a surveillance kit. However, most users will not need these to really get the most out of the Kuna system. It is quite versatile and easy to use, too. You only need about 30 minutes to install the system if you are handy. Once in place, you can begin using the app with ease.

The Zmodo security camera system is known for its reliability. For those who want a simple system to set up and that they can begin using right away, Zmodo is a great choice. The equipment is of good quality and the system remains overall easy to use. Here’s our look at what you can expect:

The Zmodo camera is a good option for those who want a simple product. The system will allow you to capture images reliably. One of the nice features about it is the range of camera options on the market. There are numerous options – the Greet Pro Smart Doorbell, Greet Universal Smart Doorbell, and the Greet Smart Doorbell are basic options. Additionally, users can select the Outdoor Camera Pro with various pixel qualities. In traditional security cameras, users can select from the Pivot Cloud, Pivo, Pan & Tilt Camera, EZCam Pro, Sight, and EZCam. The range of options means every area has something for it. But, at the same time, this can confuse some buyers.

A few nice features about the brand stand out, though. The company offers a long 60-day money-back guarantee. This is longer than many other providers. What’s more, users get free lifetime support (which can come in handy for troubleshooting some of the connectivity errors this company’s products seem to have). The equipment also has a three-year warranty.

This name brand is known for its quality and overall functionality. As noted, you can upgrade it to other smart features and automation options. It is wireless, which makes installation easy for most needs. Overall, this product is good for those who want flexibility and overall simplistic use, but they want flexible options for any area.

You can store videos on disk storage or in cloud storage. Cloud storage costs are minor as well. The company does have a live stream option for many of its cameras. This type of flexibility makes it a good choice for those who want a customizable system.

There’s a lot to like about Wyze cameras. These cameras come stacked with 1080p HD resolution, custom motion zones, two-way talk, and other features that we typically only find in more expensive devices.

The indoor cameras aren’t necessarily the best quality, but they’re certainly worth the price at $20-$30. Users will enjoy smartphone controls (using the Wyze app) with instant alerts, and free basic cloud storage for video clips. Of course, it’s all DIY setup, with simple plug-and-play functionality. The cameras are also compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT for voice control and smart home capabilities. Not bad at all.

However, keep in mind these cameras are plug-in devices and don’t have batteries. So if the power goes out, you’re out of luck for video monitoring. They also don’t sell an outdoor camera, which is a bit disappointing. Finally, the customer service experience could use some minor improvements. But all things considered, it’s a great camera option — especially considering the rock-bottom prices.

Night Owl offers features like night vision, two-way audio, and easy pairing with Google Assistant. If you can look past the buggy mobile app, these indoor/outdoor cams might be a great fit to secure your home.

If you like options, you’ll like Night Owl. In fact, this company offers so many options that it can be difficult to decide on a package. They have analog and HD cameras, wired and wireless cameras, single cams, and multi-packs, and the list goes on. But don’t worry, if you get overwhelmed easily, Night Owl will be there with their “pre-sales support” team to help you along.

The standout features are easy DIY installation (setup only takes 2 minutes per camera), night vision, two-way talk, dual-sensor technology (heat detection!), and a well-designed mobile app for smartphone controls. But remember, Night Owl doesn’t offer a professional monitoring option, so this truly is a DIY system through and through.

The Reolink camera system has been in the home security game for a while now, and they’re still running strong with their flagship Argus 2 camera. Although it’s limited in features, these cameras offer 1080p HD video, 30+ feet night vision range, and loads of useful upgrades. Also, with a field of view of 130-degrees, you’ll get the whole picture instead of just a glimpse.

Users who don’t go for the Argus 2 typically spring for the new Argus PT camera. Reolink’s Argus PT (pan & tilt) rotates 355° horizontally and 140° vertically to really supercharge your field-of-view. They also sell the Reolink Go, which is a wireless, solar-powered security camera that’s powered by 4G LTE mobile networks. Finally, all of Reolink’s products offer easy DIY setup.

However, if you’re the type to get overwhelmed when presented with too many options, you’ll want to pass on Reolink. They sell enough products, accessories, and upgrades to make your head spin. Also, keep in mind that most models are somewhat lacking in the features department. But overall, their lineup of cameras might be worth a closer look.