Top 6 Best Home Security Cameras 2024

You can rest easy knowing your house is secure when you have the best home security cameras installed. With the advent of modern smart home technology, monitoring your home is now easier and more inexpensive than ever before. In the past, full-home monitoring systems required a significant financial commitment.

That does not imply that it is an inexpensive undertaking, though, as many home security cameras have premium memberships that hide many of the greatest features—including important ones like cloud storage and alerts—behind a gate. With various models offering a variety of helpful features like motion detection, alerts and notifications, event recording, two-way audio, night vision, app compatibility, and built-in alarms, these are still some of the best smart home appliances to buy.

Furthermore, a lot of these gadgets can be linked to other smart home appliances, like the greatest video doorbells, smart lights, locks, and displays, as well as voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa. With our combined years of tech experience, we have tested and evaluated all of the cameras in this guide to determine how effectively they function as independent and linked devices. We have also evaluated each device’s specifications, features, performance, and design. In order to help you choose the ideal camera for your needs, we’ve included both indoor and outdoor cameras in this list, each with a range of capabilities and price points.

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Last update on 2024-07-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Top 6 Best Home Security Cameras 2024

1.Arlo Pro 5S 2K Spotlight Camera

Last update on 2024-07-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Depending on the kind of protection you require—what you want to be watched over, when and how you look, and how you receive alerts—the best security cameras can operate anywhere and adapt to any circumstance. We struggled to come up with a function that the Arlo Pro 5S couldn’t have because it is so feature rich. You can monitor every detail thanks to the up to 2K resolution with HDR, color night vision, digital zoom, and remarkable 160-degree field of view for a camera this compact.

Smart warnings with detection zones and two-way audio are only two of the many intelligent features available to users. With years of expertise, Arlo has perfected motion detection, which can recognize objects like people or packages and turn on the built-in spotlight during dark conditions. With an operating temperature range down to minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit, you won’t have to worry too much about weather, either.

You can use this cam indoors or outdoors, and if you don’t want to rely on the battery it does come with an indoor cable (outdoor-rated cables are sold separately). The one issue for the cost-conscious is the inescapable subscription fee: The Arlo Secure plan enables so much, from full 2K streaming and cloud recording to 24/7 emergency responses, that it’s more or less necessary to get the most out of this already pricey camera. Local storage is possible, but you’ll need to buy a compatible SmartHub or Base Station, which again bumps up the cost.

The Pro 5S 2K shares the Pro 4’s appearance perfectly. As of this writing, Arlo has not provided an IP rating for the weather-resistant enclosure, which measures 3.5 by 2.0 by 3.0 inches (HWD). You can select between a black or white finish. The camera unit, which is glossy black, has a replaceable and rechargeable battery pack within. The base houses a button that unlocks the camera assembly and a magnetic charging port, and the rear contains a threaded hole that may be used to put the camera into the mounting bracket that is included.

While it still utilizes the same battery as the Pro 4, its runtime is increased to up to eight months (from six months) thanks to a new Low Power mode. Instead of recording video clips, the Pro 5S merely captures still images of triggered events when this setting is enabled. Within the app, you can choose to manually switch on this mode or set a power threshold to turn it on automatically. Allow the battery to fully recharge over a few hours.

The imaging specifications remain the same: it’s a 4MP HDR camera with 12x digital zoom, a 160-degree field of view, the ability to record 2K (2,560-by-1,440-pixel) video, and an integrated motion-activated spotlight (the brightness of which Arlo did not specify in lumens) that allows for color night vision. The assembly also includes a speaker, a noise-cancelling microphone, a motion sensor with a 130-degree range, and two infrared LEDs for black-and-white night vision. The device also has an 80dB siren and a dual-band Wi-Fi radio.

2.Reolink Duo 3 PoE

Last update on 2024-07-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Upgrade the security of your outdoor space with the Reolink Duo 3 PoE. This camera’s stunning 16MP ultra-high definition image captures every detail. Its unique dual-lens design ensures comprehensive coverage with no blind spots by offering a smooth 180° panoramic view.

With the new Motion Track feature, the Duo 3 PoE can now precisely track the movements of people, cars, and animals in a single frame, allowing you to instantly comprehend any action that occurs while you’re away.

This camera, which has an IK10 vandal-proof grade, is ideal for protecting driveways, front doors, and backyards because it is made to resist weather and possible tampering. The Reolink Duo 3 PoE is the best option for complete, high-definition outdoor security.

Super wide-angle lenses on security cameras give users extensive monitoring coverage, but the barrel distortion that lenses create degrades the quality of the images. Using two lenses is one way to solve this issue. A few years back, Reolink tested the idea with its Duo line of cameras.

A Duo-series camera records independent film with each lens, combines the two perspectives into a composite image, and produces an ultra-wide field of view without sacrificing image detail.

The dual-lens strategy used by Eufy, which includes the outdoor Eufycam Solocam S340 that we just evaluated, is significantly different from that of Reolink. One telephoto lens and one wide-angle lens are installed on Eufy’s cameras, and their feeds are broadcast independently across the network and seen in different windows within the Eufy app.

The outdoor Eufycam Solocam S340 that we just reviewed is part of Eufy’s dual-lens concept, which differs greatly from Reolink’s. The cameras on Eufy have one telephoto lens and one wide-angle lens installed. Their feeds are seen in separate windows within the Eufy app and are broadcast separately across the network.

3.Google Nest Indoor/Outdoor Cam (2nd-gen)

Last update on 2024-07-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

You don’t have to worry about the local weather unless it’s extremely cold outside. You can install Google’s battery cam almost anywhere, indoors or out. It’s difficult to find that flexibility in smart security cameras, so Google’s AI detection is a great companion feature. It can recognize people, animals, cars, and (with a subscription) well-known faces to provide you with helpful warnings.

Important security features like two-way talk and HDR night vision are included in this 1080p Nest cam. When the battery runs low, you can quickly recharge it by popping the cam off the magnetic base, which is a beneficial feature of the design. This is a Google Home cam first and foremost, but if you’d rather use Amazon’s voice assistant, it still functions with Alexa.

The Nest cam’s excellent video storage package is one of the main reasons we recommend it. You don’t need a membership to enjoy the benefits of cloud video with Google Nest because, in contrast to other cameras, it offers free three hours of video storage. If you don’t have a membership, you will lose the footage if you don’t take action within three hours.

The new 2nd Gen option is easy to use, looks simple, and is of great quality. It can be coupled with many cameras and viewers, has superior audio quality than most of the competition, and produces good video quality day or night. It delivers the capabilities we believe is vital, such as sound activation and basic functioning, making it a solid investment for individuals looking for stunning video photos even though it lacks features specifically designed for babies. Creating a Google account is necessary for this monitor, but it’s not difficult. For those who don’t want to track down another account, it might be inconvenient, but if you already have a Google account, it integrates seamlessly. We adore the fact that this camera has a solid foundation in surveillance and security. We can see parents using this option to monitor busy toddlers, babysitters, or the house at large when their child is older. This capability makes this monitor an even better buy, given the very reasonable price.

4.Ring Indoor/Outdoor Stick Up Cam Pro

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Last update on 2024-07-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

One major benefit of mobile wireless cameras is that you can move them about as needed, from the living room or kitchen to a sunroom or playroom, depending on your needs. By enabling you to move the camera outdoors to a deck or patio if desired, this Ring Stick Up Cam Pro model increases that benefit even further (without worrying about leaving it out in the weather).

Ring’s Stick Up camera is mobile, but it also has two-way audio, motion detection with alerts, and customizable motion or privacy zones to concentrate the camera on key locations. When you’re at home, a home/away feature allows you to swiftly switch between modes to help conserve battery life. If you ever discover the ideal spot, the cam also comes with a wall mount.

Although the Pro model costs a lot more, it comes with more configuration options and better footage. Furthermore, it is regularly discounted, which significantly lowers the price to levels that are tolerable.

Ring Floodlight Cam Wired, Ring Spotlight Cam Pro, and Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 were the only cameras in the company’s lineup to offer 3D Motion detection and Birds Eye View until the release of the Ring Stick Up Cam Pro.

The Ring Stick Up Cam Pro is the first indoor/outdoor camera with these cutting-edge features. It can detect motion more accurately, which lowers the amount of false alerts you receive, and it can create a map of a person’s movement when it is in camera view. For this reason, the Stick Up Cam Pro is a better option for recording movement in and around your home than the company’s standard Stick Up Cam or Indoor Cam.

5.Eufy 4G “Starlight” Camera S230

Last update on 2024-07-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

There are many uses for home security cameras, and you might have a location in mind that is far from Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi may not even reach the exterior of larger homes, let alone outdoor garages, granny pods, weekend camping spots, or construction sites. One option is a PoE (power over Ethernet) camera, but it requires a connecting cable. This far more adaptable choice is the Eufy cellular security camera, which runs on a SIM card that you can purchase already loaded with minutes for easy use.

The S230 cam has a 2K resolution, an extra-high IP67 rating to remain operational even in severe weather, and a starlight sensor to maintain high detail at night. The battery has a three-year rating months, but if you include a compatible Eufy solar panel, you may not have to worry about battery charging for a long time. Eufy’s AI detection also helps limit alerts to those involving people (plus customizable detection zones), and if the cam is close enough, you can activate the two-way audio for communication.

Lastly, there is no subscription fee or cloud storage for this portable camera. Rather, 8GB of internal storage is available for storing recorded footage. There are no costs, but when the storage fills up, you will need to remove everything. In our head-to-head, we also much preferred the Arlo Go 2, provided you don’t mind shelling out extra cash for a more advanced model.

With dimensions of 2.4 by 2.4 by 4.5 inches (HWD), the 4G LTE Starlight Camera bears a striking resemblance to the original EufyCam, albeit it is slightly larger than its predecessor (2.2 by 2.2 by 4.2 inches). With an IP67 weather-resistance rating, the white-and-gray casing shields the camera from precipitation, dust, and harsh weather. In addition to the camera, the package includes a charging cable, a waterproof solar panel wire, mounting screws, a mounting bracket, and a setup instructions. There is no solar panel that is optional.

Inside the front casing are the motion sensor, spotlight, microphone, LED indicator, camera lens, and microphone. In the event that it is stolen, you can find the device thanks to an integrated GPS radio. Two-way audio is enabled by a speaker on the bottom of the camera, and a Sync button is located on top. The SIM card slot and charging port are located behind the rubberized covering on the back. Additionally, a mounting bracket screw-in hole is located on the rear of the camera.

6.Lorex 4K Spotlight Indoor/Outdoor Security Camera

Last update on 2024-07-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Do you have trouble storing videos in the cloud? A lot of consumers find it difficult to trust businesses with their home video footage, particularly in light of the frequent occurrence of data breaches. While the products on our list perform admirably in terms of security, Lorex is a great choice if you’re searching for something different. Similar to this model, their cameras have a 32GB microSD card that can be upgraded, allowing users to record videos locally rather than on the cloud.

When extra lighting is needed, this 4K indoor/outdoor camera emits a programmable LED spotlight, whose hue may be altered to fit various camera modes or uses. Additionally, it includes free built-in object identification for people, cars, animals, and packages in addition to color night vision.

We suggest a Lorex cam like this as the solution, regardless of whether you’re looking for a 4K high-definition camera or prefer to stay with local storage alone to avoid being connected to the cloud. Managing local storage does need a little extra work, particularly when the hard disks are overflowing with old video material. These Lorex wired cameras are preconfigured to record constantly, which means that storage can quickly fill up without the need to change any settings, such as switching to motion-activated or scheduled recordings.

This Lorex camera bears resemblance to the company’s earlier models. A glossy black camera is housed in an IP65 weatherproof cylindrical casing made of matte white that is 3.4 inches long by 3.0 inches wide. There’s a hardwired 19-foot USB power cord that protrudes and a threaded mounting hole on the back. A speaker and a rubber cover shielding a microSD card slot and reset button are located on the bottom. The camera can hold cards up to 256GB in size and comes with a 32GB card for local recording storage.

How we test home security cameras

Our assessment of all home security systems starts and ends with practical testing. whether it comes to security cameras, we begin by locating fresh and reliable models from reputable producers; these are the cameras that you are most likely to encounter whether browsing the internet or visiting your neighborhood hardware or electronics store. We obtain these goods and thoroughly evaluate them over the course of a week in an actual home setting, often even before they hit the market.

Setting up the camera in accordance with the manual or the app’s instructions is how we start testing, and we record any problems we run across. When the camera is operational, we assess every function, taking particular note of quality, night vision, notification delay, and local versus cloud storage.

Factors to consider when choosing a home security camera

The cost, features, and quality of the hundreds of home security cameras available today vary greatly. It might be difficult to avoid getting overwhelmed quickly with all the options, particularly when you’re thinking about something as significant as the safety of your house.

Privacy

This one is significant. You don’t want someone breaking into your camera or spying on your land. Because wireless home security cameras can be accessed remotely and are connected to Wi-Fi networks, they may be more vulnerable to hackers, particularly if your router security is weak. In general, home security cameras that are wired and do not utilize Wi-Fi are more secure. (Click here to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of wired vs. wireless). As we previously discussed, security flaws and data breaches can also pose a risk to your privacy, so it’s critical to take a company’s recent reputation into account.

Indoor vs. outdoor

The location of your home security cameras should be one of your initial considerations. You’ll probably want an exterior camera that is also weather-resistant or has night vision if you want it to be outside and film your yard or porch.

While many cameras are designed to be used both indoors and outdoors, some, like the Wyze Cam Pan v2, are only intended to be used indoors. Be sure the cameras you choose are capable of withstanding the weather.

How do you place and install a home security camera?

Wall/ceiling mounts, shelf/table types, or a combination of both are available for home security cameras. While most cameras come with both choices, some are designed specifically for wall mounting. The best cameras often avoid using adhesives that have a tendency to degrade over time. Rather, they fasten a base plate to wooden trim or posts using a few basic screws: Without additional effort, materials including brick, stone, fiber cement, and others sometimes provide poor cam placement possibilities. For additional information on where security cameras work best, see our article on where to put them.

Home Security Camera FAQs

What should you look for when buying a home security camera?

When purchasing a home security camera, what features should you consider?
When buying a home security camera, there are many factors to take into account because this is a large and expanding sector that includes anything from DIY cameras, sensors, and locks from manufacturers like Wyze and Arlo to professional companies like ADT and Vivint. The first choice you’ll have to make is if you want a DIY security system or one that is professionally installed.

The specifications and features of the device will be the subject of your next decision. Would you like to watch live streaming? Is two-way communication important? How about vision at night? These days’ home security cameras come with a ton of useful supplementary capabilities. Weather resistance, sound and motion, motion detection, professional monitoring, push notifications, and cloud video storage alerts and integration with third-party devices. Narrowing down which smarts you want your device to have will help you make a final decision.

Can a security camera record sound?

This is a commonly asked question, and the response is nuanced. In addition to the ability to record sound in addition to video, many security cameras also have an off switch. Some people completely turn off this feature. The reason for this is that different states and nations have different rules regarding the recording of sound, including conversations. The majority of wiretapping regulations also apply to home electronics, frequently requiring two parties’ approval before recording is allowed. Because of this, there is a lot of gray space here, particularly if you wish to utilize video as proof. To be safe, you can always use two-way live audio without recording.

Do security cams work with existing security systems?

Some do, but you’ll need to confirm the details. Check if any other manufacturers or cameras are compatible with your app, panel, and hub by looking up your present security system. For instance, the “Works with Vivint” page on Vivint’s website explains how to use products from Philips Hue, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa with the Vivint platform. It is not a given that a gadget will be compatible with your security system. Always obtain the information first, and if needed, give support a call.