Today’s home security cameras allow you to monitor your front porch for package thieves, keep an eye on your kids when you are away and make sure elderly loved ones are safe and comfortable at home.
In the past home security cameras were expensive and required professional installation. That is no longer the case. The newer home security cameras are a breeze to install and use. And, there are a variety of affordable ones to choose from. For less than $100, you can get a high-quality home security camera equipped with tons of features like remote control and two-way voice. Here’s a list of five home security cameras that won’t empty your wallet.
1. Zmodo
Zmodo offers a variety of inexpensive indoor and outdoor security cameras. The Zmodo EZCam
Is the cheapest indoor camera in the lineup. It is currently just $29 and offers 720p HD wireless recording, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, and a 115° wide viewing angle. Time-lapse videos are available but it requires a cloud storage plan.
Zmodo’s outdoor video cameras start at just $69. The Zmodo Sight 180 Outdoor camera features 1080p HD video, motion alerts, night vision, and a 180° wide angle lens.
The above cameras are the least expensive offered by Zmodo. If you need more features, there are a variety of other cameras to choose from. Zmodo also offers several video doorbells. They start at $99 and offer 1080p video, real-time alerts, and smart video detection.
Cloud recording is available as an option. It does not cost anything to view video clips on the mobile app. There are two cloud storage plans to choose from if you want more than 12 hours of footage. One plan offers 7-day storage and the other features 30-day cloud storage.
Pros
- Easy DIY installation
- Free lifetime support
- Instant smartphone alerts and notifications
- Compatible with other smart home devices
- Weatherproof outdoor cameras
Cons
- A cloud storage plan is required for the most useful features.
Zmodo is a good choice for anyone looking for variety and flexibility when it comes to choosing a security camera. The company offers more than 20 indoor and outdoor security cameras and doorbells. All of the cameras are affordable considering the range of options they offer. Because Zmodo’s products all work together, it is easy to upgrade to more cameras at any time.
2. Blink
Blink offers two “ultra-affordable” home security camera systems. The Blink One-Camera System plus Sync Module Set is just $79.99. You can add as many cameras as you want to this system. Each additional camera is $69.99 or you can purchase one of the many camera packages.
Blink XT2 is an affordable wireless HD camera that can be used both indoor and outdoors. This weatherproof camera starts at just $99.99 for the one-camera system. You can add-on additional cameras, as needed.
With Blink, there are no monthly subscription fees. You get totally free cloud storage.
Pros
- Two-year battery life
- Live HD video
- Infrared night vision
- Self-install in minutes
- Weatherproof design (Blink XT2)
- Motion detector
- Instant smartphone alerts
- Completely free cloud storage
Cons
- Not compatible with other smart devices
- No on-demand recording
The Blink Indoor HD Camera and XT2 Outdoor Camera are ideal for customers who want a cheap home security camera system with remote viewing and control. Since Blink does not offer integration with other smart home devices, it may not be the best system for someone who is looking to control their cameras through home automation. However, for customers who want a cheap way to see what is going on at home, then Blink’s cameras are perfect.
3. Ring
Ring is known for their line of video doorbells. The company has expanded their offerings to include a range of indoor and outdoor security cameras. Like Ring’s video doorbells, their security cameras are affordable and DIY installation.
The cameras run on a range of energy sources. You can choose from solar, battery or wired power. Using the Ring app, you can monitor your indoor and outdoor security cameras in clear 1080 HD anytime.
Cloud storage plans are available for an extra fee. he Ring Protect Basic Plan is just $3 a month. It includes video storage. You can also share videos with this plan. The Ring Protect Plus Plan is ideal for multiple Ring cameras as it allows you to store footage from more than one camera.
Pros
- Easy DIY installation
- Instant smartphone notifications
- No contracts to sign
- Motion-activated notifications
- Two-walk talk
- Loud siren
- Can be integrated with Ring’s video doorbells
- Works with Amazon Alexa and other popular devices
Cons
- No on-demand video
- Questionable audio quality
Ring’s line of outdoor and indoor security cameras are a good choice for anyone who wants affordable security cameras and prefers DIY install. The loud siren also makes Ring a better option for home security as it can help scare burglars away. Ring is also a good system for customers who would like to integrate cameras with other smart home devices or security.
If you want to be able to hear clearly what is going on in your home or talk with people through the camera, then there are better options. Customers have complained of poor audio quality on Ring cameras.
4. Nest
Nest home security cameras are designed to be part of a Nest smart home. They work with other Nest smart home products to monitor and secure your home. Nest Cams can also be used independently, as well.
The Nest Indoor Security Camera features 24/7 live streaming. It has a versatile magnetic stand so you can place it anywhere. The Nest Cam Outdoor IQ and the Nest Cam Outdoor are both for outdoor use. They are durable and waterproof and can be used in rain or shine. All of Nest’s cameras run on A/C power. All Nest Indoor and Outdoor Cams feature live 24/7 video, infrared night vision, instant smartphone alerts, and a three-hour snapshot history. They also offer advanced features like familiar face recognition.
You can also create and share videos with the police with the optional cloud storage plan.
Pros
- Plug-and-go installation
- Night vision
- Two-way talk and listen
- Weatherproof outdoor cameras
- All-glass lens
Cons
- A Nest Aware subscription is required to share videos
- Pricier than other options
- Requires a Google Home Hub and Wi-Fi
Nest security cameras are a good choice for customers who are looking for smart home compatibility and high-tech features like Familiar Face Recognition. The main downside to Nest products is that a Nest Aware subscription is required to get the most useful features. Plus, Nest cameras are more expensive than the competition since a Google Home Hub is needed. However, for the number of features that you get, Nest cameras are a good deal.
5. Arlo
Arlo offers a complete range of smart home security cameras. You can choose from indoor and outdoor models. Arlo also offers an Arlo Baby HD camera, which is equipped with a night light, lullabies, and air sensors.
Arlo’s Mobile Cameras do not require Wi-Fi or AC power. Arlo’s security cameras work with the company’s other smart home devices like the Arlo wireless outdoor security light, which allows you to schedule security lighting when you are not at home. If you are looking for smart home integration, the Arlo 2 Pro, is an outdoor security camera that works with Amazon Alexa, Stingyify and Google Assistant.
Need an affordable outdoor security camera that can be placed anywhere? The Arlo Go is wireless and weatherproof. You will need a mobile data plan to use it, however, it can be placed anywhere you want thanks to the long-lasting rechargeable batteries.
The Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 both feature a loud 100db siren. Intelligent motion detection helps distinguish between an object, animal or person.
Pros
- Sharp, HD-quality video
- Rechargeable battery
- Infrared night vision
- USB Local backup storage
- 2-Way audio
- Intelligent motion detection
- Instant smartphone alerts
Cons
- Requires a hub, which must be purchased separately
- Expensive equipment
Arlo’s home security cameras are a great option for customers who want a high-tech camera at an affordable price. Although they are pricier than some of the other cameras on the market, Arlo’s offers include a lot of helpful features. The Arlo Baby HD camera is perfect for new parents who want to keep an eye on their little one. This camera can be integrated with other cameras and devices from Arlo.
Features of Wireless Home Security Cameras
Affordable home security cameras come with a variety of useful features. However, it can be confusing to know what to look for if you haven’t already figured out what features are most important to you. Here is an in-depth look at affordable home security camera features.
Motion Detection
Many home security cameras feature motion detection. This option may not be available on the cheapest cameras. However, it can be helpful as it automatically starts to record when motion is detected. Some cameras can send alerts to a smart device when the motion sensor is triggered.
2-Way Voice
Two-way voice is helpful as it allows you to talk directly with anyone who is in the camera’s field of view. Motion detection and 2-way voice are useful features to have together. You’ll be sent an instant alert when motion is detected. You can then listen to what is going on in your home and even speak anyone in front of the camera.
Video Recording
With video recording, you can play back footage from the camera at a later time. This can be very helpful in the event that your home is ever vandalized or broken into. Some security cameras allow you to share video recordings with the police or neighbors. However, you’ll usually need a cloud storage plan to do so, which costs extra in most cases.
Night Vision
Night vision is a helpful feature to have on both indoor and outdoor cameras. This feature allows you to see clear images even in pitch black. Night vision may not be an option on the cheapest cameras.
App Control
Smartphone control through an app is very helpful. Cheap home security cameras that offer app control allow you to see camera images and feed right on the app.
High Resolution
Security footage isn’t very useful if it isn’t clear. High-resolution 1080p images allow you to have clear footage day or night. With 1080p high-resolution, it is much easier to see objects and people picked up by the camera.
Cloud Storage
Cloud storage is helpful because it keeps video clips and footage for a specific period of time. In most cases, extended cloud storage costs extra.
Live View
Live view is helpful as it allows you to see live streams of things going on inside and outside of your home. Even cheaper home security cameras offer live streaming.
Smart Home Integration
If you have other smart home devices, then look for a cheap home security camera that provides smart home integration. Although these cameras may not be the cheapest, they are compatible with a range of other devices to give you more control over your home.