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Why ADT:
ADT’s award-winning professional monitoring includes vital features for businesses. You’ll also get access to Nest security cameras, featuring facial recognition technology and Activity Zones to reduce false alarms.
Editor’s Note: Having a business can be a large expense by itself. If you want to get the most bang for your buck in terms of all around security (cameras included!), check out our review of most affordable office security systems.
Small and midsize businesses are often targets for criminals. They typically have valuable merchandise, cash on hand, and a range of vulnerabilities that criminals are ready to exploit.
Obviously you want to keep your business safe from these vandals and thieves, which means you’ll want to invest in a security camera system that’s up to the task. That said, there are different considerations for the personal and commercial applications of this equipment.
Every business’ security needs are different, and almost every security camera company brings something unique to the table. To save you some time researching the ins and outs of each manufacturer, we’ve compiled a list of the five best security cameras for businesses in the industry today. Let’s take a look at our favorite picks.
Even the most dedicated business owner can't monitor their property around the clock. That's where ADT comes in. You'll get 24/7 professional monitoring, instant alerts the moment an alarm triggers, and high-quality Google Nest cameras watching over your space.
The last time we reviewed ADT we tested out the entire Google Nest range – even the wired indoor model. In our past ADT security camera reviews, we had to pay for a technician to install the devices. But now we did it ourselves and it was easy. We simply plugged the wired indoor version into an outlet and stuck the battery-powered model to walls inside and outside our office.
The Google Nest (indoor, wired) was the easiest ADT device to install
To unlock the full potential of those Nest cameras, you’ll need an ADT professional monitoring plan. The options are limited with only the top-tier plan including security camera support. That said, it also covers essential business features like cellular backup (so you’re protected even if the Wi-Fi goes down) and video verification, which can help speed up emergency response times.
FYI: ADT has a specialized business security system division. But these systems don’t include Google Nest cameras. They’re more suitable for larger operations requiring 24/7 video surveillance and robust perimeter protection.
Despite the pricey plans, we think ADT’s professional monitoring is worth it. No other provider on this list operates six monitoring centers across North America. When an alarm goes off, you get an immediate text to confirm or cancel it. If you don’t respond, an agent from one of those centers calls to check in. When every second matters, that kind of backup is hard to put a price on.
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi |
|---|---|
| Power | Wired and battery |
| Field of View | Up to 180º |
| Resolution | Up to 2K |
| Storage | Limited local, cloud included |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa and Google Home |
From small business storefronts to large commercial properties, Lorex covers nearly every security camera need you can think of.
When we reviewed Lorex, we found a lot of standout reasons that make them our favorite security camera manufacturer for businesses. We’ll try to hit the high points here.
Lorex Outdoor Camera Installed
Versatility is Lorex’s best feature. Whether you need visible deterrence, crystal-clear color night vision, intelligent motion alerts, or the ability to pan and zoom across a wide area, there’s a Lorex camera built for it. That kind of flexibility is ideal for business owners, whose security needs rarely fit a one-size-fits-all mold.
A few options for business owners include:
Lorex knows that staring down a wall of camera options is overwhelming. That’s why Lorex offers free expert consultations to help business owners figure out exactly what they need. We recommend taking advantage of this offer if you’re not sure where to start.
They aren’t the most affordable option on our list — more on that in our handy guide to Lorex prices — but you can save a few bucks since monthly fees or subscriptions aren’t required. What’s more, if you’re looking to upgrade your already-existing security camera system, Lorex will give you 10 percent off to switch to their equipment.
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or PoE |
|---|---|
| Power | Wired, battery, or PoE |
| Field of View | Up to 180° |
| Resolution | Up to 4K |
| Storage | Free local, optional cloud |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa and Google Home |
Mostly known for the Ring video doorbell, this company has been expanding its line of products into the personal and commercial security space.
Ring might not immediately come to mind when you think of commercial security cameras, but when you take a look at their offerings — like we did when we put Ring to the test — you’ll find an extensive line of cameras and other security products aimed at protecting businesses.
Ring Floodlight
Among our favorite of Ring’s offerings for businesses are the Ring Spotlight Cams and the Ring Stick Up Cams. Both come in wired and battery-powered iterations, boast a bevy of features like high-definition night vision and 1080p resolution, and come in black or white finishes. If you’re looking for deterrence, Ring also offers a battery-powered spotlight cam to shine some light on the situation.
And if you take a look at our roundup of Ring’s products and services, you’ll see that their equipment is reasonably priced, well designed, and versatile. Also worth noting, Ring offers a ton of options when it comes to peripheral equipment, including alarm systems, panic buttons, and flood and freeze sensors. If you’re looking to cover all aspects of your business security, consider Ring a one-stop shop.
That said, Ring has a few limitations. Some cameras lack the more advanced features found on ADT and Lorex models. We recommend Ring for smaller businesses or those just getting started with commercial surveillance. Larger operations may need to supplement Ring cameras with extra equipment.
| Connectivity | Wi-fi, ethernet |
|---|---|
| Power | Wired, battery, PoE |
| Field of View | Up to 140° |
| Resolution | Up to 4K |
| Storage | Cloud |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa and Google Home |
If you’re looking for a DIY solution to your business security needs, Arlo might be your best bet.
One of the favorite things we found in our Arlo review was how easy it was to set up a comprehensive security camera network. Arlo’s exceptionally designed battery-operated cameras are perfect for a small- business owner who doesn’t want to get in over their head when setting up and operating their security camera network. Arlo’s no-nonsense, approachable posture is refreshing in an industry that’s sometimes clogged with needless bells and whistles.
Arlo Essentials Camera
There is a notable upfront cost to consider, which we get into in our overview of Arlo camera costs. Some advanced features such as package detection and activity zones are locked behind a paid Arlo Secure subscription. For us, Arlo’s ease of use and smart design outweigh those drawbacks.
| Connectivity | Wi-fi, Ethernet |
|---|---|
| Power | Wired, battery, PoE |
| Field of View | Up to 180° |
| Resolution | Up to 4K (2160p) |
| Storage | Cloud |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa and Google Home |
For an extremely simple security solution for your small business, there’s SimpliSafe.
While they don’t offer many camera options, the wireless indoor and outdoor cameras offer an easy installation process and active monitoring features for extra protection.
The SimpliSafe Wireless Indoor Camera’s monotone colorway blends in any business environment
When we analyzed SimpliSafe’s security cameras, we were impressed with how easy they were to use. The app offers a simple interface for checking the live feed and recordings (if you subscribe to a plan with cloud storage). We could also use our camera’s two-way talk or siren remotely in case there was a burglar or an employee was up to no good.
What makes SimpliSafe really stand out, though, is their active monitoring features. With a premium subscription, SimpliSafe’s monitoring agents will check on your cameras for you if they detect suspicious activity. Then, they’ll scare off the threat if they see one after accessing the camera’s live feed. This is a great feature for small businesses that can’t afford a full time security team.
| Monitoring options | Professional and DIY |
|---|---|
| Installation | Professional and DIY |
| Smart platform integration | Alexa and Google Home |
| Equipment cost | Packages starting at $250.96 |
| Monthly monitoring cost | From $22.99 |
| Contract length | Monthly |
Another manufacturer that takes the less-is-more approach, Blink offers a handful of affordable cameras for multiple applications that will just get the job done.
When we reviewed Blink, we really appreciated the company’s minimalist approach. They keep upfront costs low, designed to be discreet, and their storage plans are more than affordable. You can read more about that in our guide to Blink’s services and costs. Overall, we think they’re a great option for business owners who just want to bolster their security without going overboard.
One thing to note: Bink cameras do not continuously record — they require motion to kick on from a power-save mode. The good news is, this means the AA batteries powering your little inconspicuous camera will last about two years, but the bad news is you might miss the first seconds of action. This could be a deal-breaker for certain applications, but for business owners just looking to keep an eye on things, it shouldn’t be a problem.
From left: Blink Indoor, Blink Mini, Blink Outdoor
| Connectivity | Wi-fi |
|---|---|
| Power | Battery |
| Field of View | Up to 143° |
| Resolution | Up to 1080p |
| Storage | Cloud |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa |
While there is some overlap in what makes a good home security camera system a good choice for business, there are a few items to prioritize when you’re shopping around. These include:
The unfortunate reality is that we live in a dangerous world, and you need to be proactive about protecting yourself from the bad guys.
Whether it's a hardened criminal forcing their way through your back door to get to your safe, or an employee with particularly sticky fingers, security cameras serve as both a deterrent and as the best method for gathering evidence to bring criminals to justice.
If none of the camera manufacturers here piqued your interest, don’t be too put out. We have a whole list of this year’s best security camera companies for you to peruse. There you’re certain to find something that fits your business needs and budget.
Security cameras act as both a deterrent for crime and also help authorities bring criminals to justice should a crime occur.
Security camera manufacturers offer a tremendous list of features, but you’ll want to pay particular attention to the camera’s field of vision, night vision, and resolution.
Setting up a network of security cameras at your business may sound like a major expense, but there are plenty of affordable options that can fit a range of budgets without skimping on the features that matter most.
With their impressive features and stout construction, Lorex gets our vote for the best business security cameras available.
While there are plenty of battery-powered options that make installation a breeze, we think hardwired power is more reliable in most commercial settings.
