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Outdoor security cameras are a great first line of defense and a way to ensure your delivered packages are safe and secure. Check out our list of the top outdoor security cameras below.
Updated April 22, 2024
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In the U.S, a burglary happens every 30 seconds.
We’re not saying that to scare you, but this sobering statistic should make you want to take precautions against becoming a victim yourself.
Your first line of defense? The outside of your house. It can be incredibly useful to have indoor cameras, but if you want to stop a would-be thief before they make it inside, your best bet is a strong outdoor camera.
In addition, studies have shown that one of the best ways to deter would-be criminals is to set up security cameras around your property. The psychology behind this is pretty simple — if someone who’s up to no good sees a camera watching them, they’re far more likely to keep on walking. But no one can see your indoor cameras until they’re…well, indoors. So, if you want to make use of this psychological effect, you want some cameras outdoors, too.
Of course, there’s a huge variety of outdoor security cameras on the market today. That’s good news if you’ve got a pretty specific security need to fill. You can count on someone having what you need. If you’re not sure where to start, though, too many cameras can be problematic.
With the sheer number of security cameras available on the market today, it can be a little difficult to decide on the right one for you and your family. There are a ton of great options to choose from, but just as many that are hardly worth the money. Do you know which one you’re looking at? Don’t worry — we do, and we’ve compiled this list of the best outdoor security cameras to help you decide.
Simply put, Lorex offers more camera models than any other home security company on the market. That includes both indoor and outdoor security camera solutions. You can get outdoor cameras that are analog, Wi-Fi compatible, and completely wire-free. You can get 4K cameras, pan-and-tilt cameras, and bullet cameras – the options are almost endless. All of this means that if you’re in the market for something specific, the odds are you’ll find it at Lorex.
Likewise, you can find a Lorex camera at just about any price you’re looking for. Here’s a complete breakdown of some of their most popular models and what they’ll cost you:
| Lorex Camera | Price |
|---|---|
| 4K Ultra HD Active Deterrence Security Camera With Color Night Vision | $79.99 |
| 4K IP Wired Dome Security Camera | $129.99 |
| 4K Spotlight Outdoor Battery Security Camera | $149.99 |
| 2K Outdoor PTZ IP Camera | $499.99 |
| 2K Spotlight Indoor Outdoor WiFi Camera | $169.99 |
| 1080p WiFi Floodlight Camera | $179.99 |
Pro Tip: Lorex is always running deals on their huge product lineup. Before you make your choice, make sure you check out the “Deals” section of their website. Their clearance section is up to 50 percent off!
We know, that’s a ton of cameras across a huge range of prices. And that’s not even the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the models Lorex offers: there’s actually a ridiculous number of models to choose from. But if you’re looking for a great mid-range surveillance camera, we might suggest the 3 MP Camera. It features a motorized varifocal lens, night vision and an adjustable field of view. Also look out for 4K, 8-channel NVR camera systems with floodlights, spotlights, bullet- and dome-shaped cameras, you name it. Lorex seems to have it all.
If you’re in the market for advanced camera features, like vandal-proof construction, up to 4K resolution, and optical zoom, you should definitely take a look at Lorex outdoor cameras. These are hardy devices that can operate even in extreme weather.
We should note, though, that Lorex isn’t known for its cutting-edge technology. You won’t find cameras with Alexa voice control, and they’re not compatible with smart home devices. And it goes without saying, you don’t get AI features like facial recognition. If you’re looking for a complete list of what these cameras do and don’t include, check out our full Lorex camera review to learn more.
| 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 |
The Ring Camera is an excellent outdoor home security camera built to link easily with an existing Ring Video Doorbell or work as a stand-alone system. Ring is designed well to handle the elements and can provide an easy-to-use and install design that many property owners can appreciate.
Ring offers a number of outdoor cameras, including the Ring Stick Up Cam, Ring Spotlight Cam, and the Ring Floodlight Cam. And with Ring, you’re not just buying security cameras, but rather complete outdoor security. As the names suggest, two of these cameras come with lighting options so you’ll not only catch potential bad guys on video but you’ll be able to frighten them away.
The Ring Camera is a superior outdoor home security camera for numerous reasons. Ring, which has worked hard to become a well-known player in this industry, is recognized for its Ring Video Doorbell. The Ring Camera links to the doorbell if you have both, creating a simple way to monitor various areas around your home, from garage doors to the backyard. This is a feature-filled camera with 3D motion detection, HDR video, and two-way audio, but it is one of the more affordable outdoor security cameras, as well.
Ring equipment is also famously easy to use. Most cameras are plug in or battery-operated, or if you opt for the hardwired models, the installation process is still pretty straightforward. Most cameras also boast some serious security functionality from high definition resolution to night vision, and from motion-triggered floodlights to high-volume sirens.
In contrast to Lorex cameras, it’s simple to link your outdoor Ring Camera to home automation, including the Amazon Alexa platform. The app is also very easy to use and lets you turn on or off your system anywhere, receive notifications, and get a live view at any time.
When it comes to costs, the Stick Up Camera is the lowest-cost option. Operating on batteries, it is regularly $99.99. The Spotlight Cam Plus, available in battery, wired, plug-in, or solar power, is priced at $169.99 to $229.99. The Spotlight Camera Pro, also available with four power options, costs $229.99 to $249.99.
When it comes to outdoor cameras, there are several models to choose from. The Stick Up Camera is the most affordable, but there are plenty of others with specialty features. Here’s a quick rundown of Ring’s options:
| Model | Power Source | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Stick Up Cam | Battery | $99.99 |
| Stick Up Cam Pan Tilt | Battery | $139.99 |
| Stick Up Cam | Plug In | $59.99 |
| Stick Up Cam Pan Tilt | Plug In | $129.99** |
| Stick Up Cam Solar | Solar | $139.98 |
| Stick Up Cam Elite | PoE | $199.99 |
| Model | Power Source | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Floodlight Cam Plus | Wired | $199.99* |
| Floodlight Cam Plus | Plug-In | $219.98 |
| Floodlight Cam Pro | Wired | $249.99 |
| Floodlight Cam Pro | Plug In | $269.99 |
| Floodlight Cam Pro (Premium Colors | Wired | $269.99 |
| Model | Power Source | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Spotlight Cam Plus | Battery | $169.99 |
| Spotlight Cam Plus | Plug In | $169.99 |
| Spotlight Cam Plus | Wired | $199.99 |
| Spotlight Cam Plus | Solar | $229.98 |
| Spotlight Cam Pro | Battery | $229.99 |
| Spotlight Cam Pro | Plug In | $229.99 |
| Spotlight Cam Pro | Wired | $249.99 |
| Spotlight Cam Pro | Solar | $249.99 |
On Sale for $199.99
One noteworthy caveat is that Ring cameras don’t record unless you pay for a cloud subscription; but on the bright side, Ring’s subscription fees are affordable. In fact, you need only one subscription to cover an unlimited number of cameras, and that subscription costs $10 per month. Head over to our in-depth Ring Cam review to learn more.
| 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 |
The Arlo security camera lineup isn’t quite as extensive as Lorex’s or Ring’s, but it does offer some of the most high-tech, high-quality cameras on the market, with cutting-edge features like 4K resolution and color night vision. Add in exceptional professional monitoring, and you’ve got top-tier cameras.
Currently, the Arlo Ultra 2 is the best camera in the Arlo arsenal. It features the highest resolution at 4K, person detection feature, and a built-in spotlight. Of course, as you might expect, with all that technology, the Ultra 2 is also the most expensive of Arlo’s cameras. Expect to pay around $300.00.
If you’re looking for something more middle-of-the-road, you might check out our review of the Arlo Pro 4. While it doesn’t include all the bells and whistles of the Ultra 2, it’s still a powerful piece of equipment, and it’s about $100 cheaper than the Ultra 2.
For a completely mobile outdoor security camera that you can place anywhere, consider the Arlo Go. This camera can be placed absolutely anywhere. It is completely wire-free and weatherproof. It features long-lasting rechargeable batteries. To use the Arlo Go, you need to have an LTE mobile plan and deep pockets. It costs $249.99.
With all of Arlo’s outdoor security cameras, you get 7 days worth of video recording for free for up to five cameras. You can also connect a USB drive to the base station for local storage. One of the unique features of Arlo’s outdoor cameras is the 100db siren. This loud siren can help scare away criminals before a crime even happens.
Arlo’s outdoor security cameras feature intelligent artificial intelligence-based smart detection. So, the cameras can distinguish between a person, car or another object.
| Camera | Power Source | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Indoor | Plug-in | From $39.99 |
| Essential | Battery | From $49.99 |
| Essential Indoor | Plug-in | From $59.99 |
| Essential XL | Battery | From $99.99 |
| Essential Spotlight | Battery | From $69.99 |
| Pro 4 | Battery | From $139.99 |
| Pro 5S 2K | Battery | From $179.99 |
| Ultra 2 | Battery | From $249.99 |
| Go 2 | Battery | From $249.99 |
Arlo Outdoor Home Security Cameras are a great option for anyone who wants wireless outdoor cameras. These surveillance cameras can be placed just about anywhere making them good for home security but also for monitoring wildlife and other purposes. One of the things to keep in mind is that you will need a mobile data plan for the Arlo Go. Check out our hands-on Arlo camera analysis to learn more.
| 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 |
Nest makes two outdoor security cameras — the Nest Cam and Nest Cam with floodlight. Both are waterproof and durable enough to let you monitor your outdoor spaces, rain or shine. The Nest Cam, which doubles as an indoor camera, is battery-powered while the floodlight version is wired.
Both cameras send instant alerts to your phone or smart device any time their built-in detectors pick up motion or sound. Person detection cuts down on false alerts though, so you don’t have to worry about checking the camera every time a squirrel skitters across your front porch. You can also set up custom activity zones to target specific areas of your property. Both cameras feature a built-in speaker and microphone so you can chat with the delivery person or let the burglar know that you’ve called the police.
Don’t worry if you miss alerts. With the Nest app, you can watch the past three hours of footage. Thumbnail images provide crucial snapshots of important events. So, you don’t have to watch an entire three hours of footage to see if anything important has happened. If you subscribe to the Nest Aware service, you can create and share video clips with neighbors, the police or anyone else. You can also create and share time-lapse videos.
The Nest family of outdoor cameras are a good choice if you already use the Nest family of products as they are compatible with other Nest smart home products. A Nest Outdoor Cam is also a good choice if you want to add more products later on — like the Nest Learning Thermostat.
The outdoor cameras are good solid surveillance cameras for both outdoor home security and monitoring. They offer quite a few useful features like night vision, instant alerts, and a wide-angle view. The main disadvantage is that you’ll need to purchase the Nest Aware subscription to get things like cloud storage, time-lapses, and intelligent alerts. See our full Google Nest Cam analysis to really understand what it’s like to protect your home with this popular camera system.
| Connectivity | Wi-fi |
|---|---|
| Power | Wired |
| Field of View | Up to 130° |
| Resolution | 1080p |
| Storage | Cloud |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa and Google Home |
The name of the game with Blink cameras is affordability. But, that’s not the only thing that Blink has going for them. The company’s outdoor models are also small and easy to use. These aren’t particularly feature-rich cameras, but they can get the job done without costing you a fortune.
Choose from two options. Here’s a quick comparison between them:
| Camera | Blink Outdoor 3 | Blink Outdoor 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p | 1080p |
| Field of Vision | 110 degrees | 143 degrees |
| Power | Battery | Battery |
| Person Detection | No | Yes* |
| Cost | $99.99 | $119.99 |
*with the purchase of a $3-per-month Blink subscription
Both of these cameras are battery-powered, making them a perfect choice if you don’t have outdoor outlets. In addition, they integrate well with Amazon Alexa, which helps simplify operation. With a voice command or two, you can arm and disarm the system, even if your hands are full. For a deep dive into all these cameras’ pros and cons, head over to our complete Blink Camera review.
| Connectivity | Wi-fi |
|---|---|
| Power | Battery |
| Field of View | Up to 143° |
| Resolution | Up to 1080p |
| Storage | Cloud |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa |
Wyze cameras stand out for many reasons. They are affordable, durable, and overall a good value because of the combination of their low prices and the features they offer. Another thing that stands out about them is the option to add professional monitoring.
Professional monitoring is a feature that we rarely see in security cameras, mainly because it has privacy implications. It’s not a good idea to let strangers, even though they work for a security company, have access to your live indoor camera footage. That said, it could work for outdoor cameras, which is why the Wyze Cam Outdoor v2 is special. Being an outdoor camera, Wyze’s partner monitoring center can check its live feeds without compromising your privacy.
Professional monitoring starts at $3.99 per month per camera, and you can freely select which camera to enroll in this service.
The way Wyze’s professional monitoring works reduces false alarms while ensuring reliable detection. The Wyze Cam Outdoor v2 (and other latest Wyze Cam models) have on-board artificial intelligence. The AI determines if the motion detected is caused by a person, an animal, or a vehicle. It only sends an alert to the monitoring center when it detects a person.
From there, an agent will review the footage and access the live feed if necessary. If there’s a real cause for alarm, they will follow the usual professional monitoring alarm response. That includes informing the homeowner and calling emergency dispatch.
The monitoring service is optional, and again, you can activate it on select cameras only for $3.99 per month for each camera.
| Connectivity | Wi-fi |
|---|---|
| Power | Wired |
| Field of View | Up to 110° |
| Resolution | Up to 1080p |
| Storage | Cloud, local |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa and Google Home |
Zmodo offers a variety of outdoor security cameras, including their new 1080p Outdoor Wi-Fi Camera. As the name suggests this camera offers sharp 1080p HD video. In addition, it comes with night vision, motion detection, and remote viewing. Zmodo cameras offer complete home surveillance via Wi-Fi, and the company throws in 36 hours of free cloud storage, meaning you can self-monitor with video review for free. Plus, Zmodo allows you to set pre-determined viewing areas, which helps to cut down on false alarms. You won’t find a better deal on DIY monitoring.
Another offering is the Zmodo Sight 180 Outdoor video doorbell. It also features night vision, 1080 HD video, motion alerts and has a wide 180-degree lens. Zmodo also just introduced the Snap Pro, which is a wire-free 1080p camera. It features electromagnetic mount and is weatherproof, which means that you can place it anywhere outdoors. This outdoor security camera is available for pre-order now but will not ship until January 2019.
Zmodo offers several outdoor security cameras — all very affordable compared to similar outdoor cameras. You get 12 hours of free cloud storage. There are no fees or hidden charges. The picture quality is pretty great on the cameras. The software supports multiple cameras. Therefore, consider Zmodo if you want an affordable outdoor surveillance camera. You can customize your outdoor security camera setup to best suit your needs. There are also several cloud storage plans to choose from and start at just $4.99 a month. We recently tested Zmodo cameras in our home. You’ll be surprised by what we found.
| Connectivity | Wi-fi, ethernet |
|---|---|
| Power | Wired, battery, PoE |
| Field of View | Up to 360° |
| Resolution | Up to 1080p |
| Storage | Cloud |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa and Google Home |
Setting up security cameras around the exterior of your home has numerous benefits, but up until the last 5-10 years or so, it often involved complicated installations and hardwiring done by a professional.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for outdoor security solutions, you might also want to consider lighting — lighting is one of the best ways to prevent burglars from coming on your property.
These days, with an emphasis on wireless DIY technology, almost anyone can add outdoor cameras to their home – whether it’s an entire system of cameras rife with advanced features, or one high-tech gadget that can automatically pan and tilt over an area to get up-to-the-second coverage. And it’s all controlled via a mobile app.
Lorex Outdoor Camera Installed
That’s all easy enough, but if you’re wondering how to power outdoor security cameras, it’s important to remember that not all outdoor cameras are powered the same way. In our review repertoire, we’ve tested PoE (Power over Ethernet) cameras, wire-free (battery) cameras, plug-in cameras, hardwired cameras, and the most popular configuration, wireless cameras.
We suggest doing an in-depth perimeter check around your home, paying special attention to the location of power outlets. This is especially crucial if you have a “wireless” camera that needs to be plugged into a wall.
Wait… a wireless camera that needs to be plugged into a wall? But I thought it was … wireless?
Yes, terminology in the security camera industry can get a bit confusing, especially when it comes to wireless, Wi-Fi, and wire-free cameras. It’s hard to keep all those W’s straight, so here’s a quick cheat sheet.
Still confused? Here’s an example: The Blink wireless camera system we reviewed most recently includes a battery-powered indoor camera, a small plug-in camera, a battery-powered outdoor camera, and a sync module. Since they’re wireless, we got the whole thing online in under 30 minutes. That’s a lightning-fast install, owed mostly to the fact that the indoor and outdoor camera are both powered by two extended-life AA batteries that last up to two years.
Blink Outdoor – Installed
And, zeroing in on the outdoor camera for a moment, we had a device that worked without wires, which gave us lots of flexibility. Who needs wires, anyway?
This is a typical configuration, but keep in mind you can also buy a wireless kit from another brand that includes more than cameras – like a SimpliSafe system, for instance, with alarms, sensors, and cameras that you can set up in DIY fashion. In this industry, it’s all about your needs and preferences.
Of course, as with any battery-powered technology, you do have to remember to change batteries or recharge the batteries from time to time. This is no different than any wireless electronic device, and many cameras we’ve reviewed send us reminders through their mobile app that the battery is low.
Pro Tip: Wondering what features and tech to look for in a security camera? See our Home Security Camera Buying Guide to learn everything you need to know to make a smart buying decision.
Ring’s wireless cameras, which include battery and plug-in devices, take a similar approach to Blink’s. But after reviewing both brands, we did notice one big difference: Ring’s battery cameras use a rechargeable battery pack, not the extended-life batteries Blink uses.
We’ve found advantages to both setups, but let’s break it down. Here are the pros and cons for both wireless and wire-free configurations.
| Wireless Setup | Wired Setup | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Pros | Cons | Pros | Cons |
| Usually more Affordable | Usually Have to Install Yourself | Usually More Reliable | Much Harder to Install |
| Can Install Anywhere | Have to Recharge Batteries | Harder to Vandalize or Steal | Harder to Adjust |
| Usually Have More Options | Higher Risk for Malfunction | Consistent Video Quality | Offline if Power Goes Out |
But here’s our bottom line: Regardless of what you choose, security cameras will help keep your home safer in the long run.
An outdoor security camera is one of the most vital tools in our home security setup. We’ve reviewed a ton of them – floodlight cams, spotlight cams, stop-speeding-down-my-cul-de-sac cams, all kinds of cameras for all kinds of functions and purposes. We highly recommend them for dimly lit backyards, for front porches and patios, or beamed onto outdoor recreation areas like swimming pools and playsets.
But what if you need a camera you don’t want would-be burglars to see? What if you’re dealing with someone more brazen, who isn’t spooked by deterrents like this? If you’re wondering how to hide security cameras outside, read on!
For times when you need a more discreet setup, we’re sharing three ideas on how to put your outdoor camera into incognito mode:
If you’re willing to put in the time and flex your creative muscles, you’re sure to find a nice hiding spot for your outdoor camera.
Yes, some of the best outdoor cameras will capture sound. Not all systems will automatically pick up on audio, though. This depends on the settings you select and the system itself.
Yes, many outdoor cameras will provide two-way audio for you. This means you can talk back-and-forth with a person outside. This is ideal if you need to ask someone to leave or you do not feel comfortable opening the door.
Yes, you can control outdoor cameras using a home security system. Most outdoor cameras integrate with a complete home security offering in some capacity.
Yes, most outdoor cameras have night vision. Look for cameras that include infrared LED night vision for the best possible results. Some companies go further and offer color night vision. This provides a higher level of clarity but isn't necessary for all people
Yes, some outdoor cameras are designed to be waterproof. However, most other cameras are designed to be weatherproof or water-resistant. Be sure to check the specific terminology before buying.
No, not all outdoor cameras require professional installation. Installation requirements depend on the type of home security cameras or system you purchase.
Yes, some outdoor cameras work with Alexa as well as other smart home assistants.
Yes, some outdoor camera systems will offer long-term storage either in the cloud or in a local hard drive.
Most outdoor home security cameras are equipped with night vision, motion sensors, and high-resolution video capability. Here are some other features of outdoor security cameras that you should look for when shopping for one.
Any security camera worth its salt has to have effective motion detection. Modern-day cameras are known to include features that can be customized to fit our needs, and it can usually be done simply through the camera’s mobile app. From adjusting sensitivity to mapping out privacy zones to distinguishing between people, animals, and vehicles, we have more options than ever to get the most out of our outdoor cameras.
Cameras without two-way audio, or two-way talk, are becoming more rare as the security industry evolves. We’ve made no secret of our love for this feature, for one main reason: there’s nothing like using our own “outside voice” to spook potential burglars. Relatedly, it’s especially helpful for times when you’re trying to make an unwanted visitor think you’re home … when maybe you’re not.
Seeing at night has gotten a whole lot easier in outdoor security cameras thanks to full-color night vision. Not every camera has it – most indoor cams don’t – but monitoring your space at night in full color is an experience that, in our opinion, can only be seen to be appreciated.
We tend to pay extra attention to video quality when choosing security equipment. These days, we’d be hard pressed to find a security camera without high-resolution video; the lowest we’ve seen is a standard 720p SimpliCam, which still records in high resolution but not quite as sharp as the industry-standard 1080p, or HD. For us, HD is essential for any camera; a camera that records in up to 1080p resolution will most likely give you smooth, reliable footage with lots of detail. Higher resolutions, like 2K, 5MP, or 4K, are certainly impressive, but keep in mind that they’re by and large unnecessary in DIY cameras.
As wireless technology continues to dominate the industry, we have seemingly endless flexibility in terms of how we want to record our video footage. Now, we’re no longer limited to just a hard drive like an NVR/DVR system for storing footage around the clock; many cameras these days record motion-activated video clips as an easy way to monitor your home yourself.
Cloud security technology has propelled simple security cameras into smart home devices. It’s not as expensive as it once was to store camera footage in the cloud; a monthly subscription from Ring Protect, for example, to store video footage starts at only $3.49 per month. Plans offered by other brands tend to be a bit pricier, but the bottom line is: if you don’t have an option for local storage like an NVR or microSD, the cloud is always a nice alternative.
As new cameras are released into the market each year, we’re finding more and more of them offered with built-in sirens. This is an encouraging development for us, for one key reason: sirens are one of the most effective active deterrence tools. In many cameras, including Arlo, Ring, and the beloved Nest, the siren can be activated manually or set to activate when motion or sound is detected, all through the mobile app.
Front door, back door, and everywhere in-between — this feature allows you to remotely tap into your outdoor security camera and watch the activity unfold. Live view capability is great for those who travel often, and it’s especially well-suited for the curious consumer. So pull up a chair and pop some popcorn, the live stream is about to start.
Looking for an outdoor security camera that can weather the fiercest storms? You’ll want to go with a weatherproof camera. Sun, wind, rain, sleet, snow (even very feeble tornados) — the elements have never met such a worthy adversary. Weatherproof outdoor home security cameras are built with quality materials that last and last.
