SafeHome.org may receive compensation from some providers listed on this page. Learn More
We may receive compensation from some providers listed on this page. Learn More
If you want to keep an eye on your business, we’ve got a rundown of the best cameras for the job.
Updated January 5, 2023
copied!
Small and midsize businesses are primary targets for criminals. They usually have valuable merchandise, cash on hand, and a multitude of vulnerabilities that can be exploited for nefarious purposes.
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.
From simple home security to robust commercial applications, Lorex will cover almost every base.
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
First of all, their versatility and features are outstanding. No matter the application, it seems Lorex has a camera that will fit the need. From deterrence systems, to high-definition color night vision, to smart alert capabilities and pan-tilt-and-zoom equipment, Lorex has the cameras to keep your business covered.
A few options for business owners include:
Lorex understands that all of these options can be a little overwhelming. Not sure exactly what you need? No problem. Lorex offers expert consultations to help business owners — an invaluable service for business owners who might not fully understand their needs or the options available to them.
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 |
|---|---|
| Power | Wired, battery, PoE |
| Field of View | Up to 160° |
| Resolution | Up to 2160p |
| Storage | Cloud, Local |
| 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.
With that said, is Ring perfect? Not exactly — some of their cameras lack the more advanced features that Lorex cameras have, and Ring cams don’t come in the same robust packages as Lorex, either.
| Connectivity | Wi-fi, ethernet |
|---|---|
| Power | Wired, battery, PoE |
| Field of View | Up to 140° |
| Resolution | Up to 1080p |
| 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
Now we will say there is a considerable upfront cost — as we explain in our overview of Arlo camera costs — and they’re lacking in some of the advanced features like person detection. But 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 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 SimpliCam is a potential option for business owners looking to get (very) basic security surveillance in a small shop, cafe, or restaurant.
SimpliCam on Table
When we analyzed SimpliSafe’s SimpliCam, we were pleased with the … well, simplicity of the thing. This tiny little camera is unobtrusive, can be outfitted with a “wetsuit” for outdoor use (or you can opt for the beefier SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera), and can be installed where a second set of eyes is needed. The feed streams to your smartphone, and can be backed up off-site in the cloud for a small fee.
Similar to Ring, SimpliSafe also offers additional products to keep your business secure. One of the really interesting things, though, is that they offer professional monitoring for as little as a dollar a day. If you’re concerned about security but operating on a tight budget, SimpliSafe is a good pick. But again, you’re looking at an ultra-basic system here.
| Monitoring Options | Self or professional |
|---|---|
| Installation | DIY or professional |
| Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
| Equipment Cost | From $249.96 |
| Monthly Monitoring Cost | From $19.99 |
| Contract Length | Month-to-month |
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 kicking down 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 the ne'er-do-wells 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.
You might think setting up a network of security cameras at your business is financially unreasonable, but there are myriad affordable options on the market today.
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.
