The Best Home Security Cameras of 2024
With its simple installation, modern design, and smart features, SimpliCam by SimpliSafe is our top pick for home security cameras.
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Last Updated on Nov 19, 2024
- Mobile app controls
- 60-day guarantee
- Simple DIY installation
- Modern design
- Exceptional video quality up to 4K
- Commercial-grade quality and construction
- Several custom recording options
- Best-in-industry Alexa integration
- Continuous recording available
- Quick DIY installation of wire-free cams
- Low-priced pro monitoring available
Editor’s Note: You can score great deals throughout the year from SimpliSafe, our #1 pick. They run special offers that range from 20-percent to 60-percent off. Find out more in our SimpliSafe Cost guide.
Security cameras round out a complete home security system.There are plenty of options though, and with a wide range of features and technology to choose from, you need expert help to find the best security cameras for your home.
That’s exactly what we offer in this guide. We’ve tested almost every type of security camera from every reputable brand out there. Our experts don’t just test security cameras though; we assess their full capabilities, upsides and downsides, and their ability to deter crime. And here, we’re bringing you our top picks, from the simple but efficient SimpliSafe cameras to the AI-powered Nest Cams trusted by the top home security brands.
What Are Security Cameras? Security cameras are surveillance devices used to visually monitor an area. There are indoor and outdoor security cameras. They also come with a variety of features, from live streaming to a mobile phone to facial recognition. Recording is also a vital feature of security cameras; some cameras record locally, but most use cloud storage. Given the variety of options, it’s important to compare security cameras before deciding on one.
The Best Home Security Cameras of 2024, Summarized
- SimpliCam - Top Security Camera Overall
- Lorex - Easiest to Use Security Camera
- Ring - Top for DIY Installation
- ADT - Most Complete Security System with Cameras
- Wyze Cam - Most Affordable Security Cameras
- Arlo - Top Video Resolution
- Nest - Most Compatible with Google Home Cameras
- Blink Camera - Top Compact Cameras
- Swann SWDVK-445802V - For Local Video Storage
- eufy 2K Camera - For Apple HomeKit Integration
- Zmodo - Greatest Security Camera Selection
- Ecobee SmartCamera - For Camera with Person Detection
Breaking Down The Best Home Security Cameras
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1. SimpliCam - Top Security Camera Overall
An easy-to-use home security camera that works seamlessly with SimpliSafe security systems
Product Specs
Resolution Up to 1080p Field of View Up to 120° Power Wired Connectivity Wi-Fi Video Storage Cloud Smart Platform Compatibility Alexa and Google Home Why is the SimpliCam the Best Overall?
If you came here thinking our top pick would be some high-tech security camera that has all the features you could want in one, you’re wrong. It’s actually the opposite. After testing the SimpliCam indoor camera from SimpliSafe, we decided that it’s the best option for indoor security because of its simplicity coupled with its reliability. It’s the least flashy of the three security cameras from SimpliSafe, but it kept watch over our living room without fail. The set up took less than three minutes, and that was all we needed to add reliable video security to our home.
Gabe holding the SimpliCam We recommend using the SimpliCam with a SimpliSafe security system. It has two-way talk, a clear 1080p HD resolution, night vision, and motion detection – all features you’ll need to monitor your home. With a SimpliSafe system and the right monitoring plan, though, SimpliSafe’s monitoring center can also use the camera to verify alerts and streamline the response.
What We Like
- DIY installation
- Privacy shutter
- User-friendly mobile app
- Two-way audio
What We Don’t Like
- Need to pay $9.99 or $31.99 a month to receive cloud storage, notifications and remote control of camera
- No person detection
- 720p HD resolution on older models
- No smart platform integrations
SimpliSafe’s SimpliCam We did notice some potential friction points with SimpliCam. For one, it lacks local storage. You’d need a cloud subscription to keep recordings. But that’s why we recommend getting a SimpliSafe system as well. With the Core plan ($31.99 per month), you can store footage from up to 10 cameras, enjoy professional monitoring with cellular backup for your security system, and the video verification mentioned above. Sure, that’s pricier than Ring’s $10-per-month unlimited cloud storage, but you know you’d be safe even if you don’t check up on your cameras often.
SimpliSafe cloud recording options Monthly cost Up to 10 cameras $9.99 Up to 10 cameras (with pro monitoring for SimpliSafe) $31.99 But it gets better. With recording for up to 10 cameras, you can add the other SimpliSafe indoor camera called Smart Alarm for live video monitoring. In addition to seeing live feeds, agents will be able to use two-way talk to scare away the intruder or check on you. It creeped us out a little when the live video monitoring feature kicked in during testing; imagine how a real burglar would feel.
The SimpliSafe outdoor camera supports the same feature in conjunction with facial recognition. So anytime a stranger approaches your house, SimpliSafe will proactively protect it. Outdoor monitoring requires a pricier monitoring plan though (starting at $49.99 per month). If that’s in your budget, great; if not, the $31.99 Core plan will do just fine.
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2. Lorex - Easiest to Use Security Camera
High-end Wi-Fi and IP cameras with 4K color and night vision
Product Specs
Resolution Up to 4K HD Field of View Up to 180° Power Wired, battery, PoE Connectivity Wi-Fi, ethernet Video Storage Cloud, Local Smart Platform Compatibility Alexa and Google Home
Are Lorex Cameras Easy to Use?
What we like about Lorex is that most of its cameras are well-built. Many Lorex cameras are vandal-proof – such as the ones pictured below – and have a heavy-duty metal casing and thick protected wires that aren’t easy to cut. But besides their hardiness, we liked how easy it was to use Lorex cameras thanks to their local recording capabilities.
Lorex Cameras Most Lorex cameras come with a DVR or NVR, and they can record non-stop. Once the recorder is full, they simply write over the oldest clips. We didn’t miss a thing with these Lorex cameras. We had to run cables from our cameras to the recorder though, which took half a day for our system of four Lorex cameras. But it’s all worth it; once they were all set up, we didn’t have to do anything else. We simply enjoyed the 4K resolution, facial recognition, and person detection working in the background to keep our house burglar-free.
What We Like
- Clear HD video quality up to 4k
- Long-range night vision feature
- Professional-grade design and build
- Feature-rich cameras with smart tech
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive high-end camera system
- Easy to be overwhelmed by options
- Cameras must plug-in to power outlets
- Customer service is not the best
Lorex 4k Dual Lens Camera One bestselling home-use Lorex camera is the 1080p HD Outdoor Wireless Security Camera. It’s an affordable but dependable camera, retailing for as low as $149. We think this camera really represents Lorex well.
The hardware is impressive. It has a 115-foot night vision range, meaning, it can see as far as 115 feet out in near-total darkness. It can record audio and video, it has a 1080p HD resolution, and the construction itself was solid and rugged. It wasn’t perfect – we would have liked to see a wider field of vision than its 118-degree lens and it doesn’t work in temperatures below zero. However, it’s a perfectly reliable and budget-friendly option, which is true for most Lorex cameras.
Speaking of which, Lorex offers a wide variety of options. That’s one of the best things about this brand. In most cases, you’re free to mix and match different camera models depending on your needs. If you need more indoor cameras, for example, Lorex offers packages with up to eight indoor cameras. That makes personalizing your security camera system a lot easier with Lorex.
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3. Ring - Top for DIY Installation
Video doorbells and weatherproof cameras powered by batteries, mains electricity, or the Sun
Product Specs
Resolution Up to 1080p Field of View Up to 155° Power Wired, battery, PoE, solar Connectivity Wi-Fi, ethernet Video Storage Cloud Smart Platform Compatibility Alexa and Google Home
Why Ring Has the Best Security Camera Selection Overall
Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) Ring offers four types of security cameras, three of which work outdoors. They are the:
- Ring Indoor Cam
- Ring Stick Up Cam
- Ring Spotlight Cam
- Ring Floodlight Cam
Four doesn’t sound like a lot of options, but there are sub-variants available. For example, for the Indoor Cam, there’s the base model and a model that can pan and tilt. For the Stick Up Cam, there’s a base and Pro model. The base model can either be wired, powered by a battery pack, or plugged into a solar panel. The Pro model has battery and solar options. The same is true for the Spotlight Cam and Floodlight Cam, each with Plus (base model) and Pro versions with different power options available.
We loved the hardware variety, but when it comes to recording, Ring cameras aren’t the most flexible. There’s only one option, which is to get a Ring Home cloud subscription for $4.99 per month if you have just one camera or $10 per month for as many cameras as you have. That’s actually one of the best prices on the market, next only to Nest’s Nest Aware subscription that costs $8 per month for unlimited cameras.
What We Like
- Wide-selection of indoor/outdoor cameras
- Easy DIY installation takes only minutes
- Crisp and clear HD video image quality
- Integrates with third-party smart platforms
What We Don’t Like
- Some Ring cams are too large
- High-end Ring cameras are expensive
- Ring Pro cam requires hardwiring
- Can be prone to trigger false alarms
Ring Spotlight Cam Pro with its light on The Spotlight Cam is Ring’s most versatile camera. As the name suggests, it has built-in spotlights, which you can program to turn on when it detects motion. A 110 decibel siren is also there. Those are great for deterring crime, except that you’d have to manually trigger the siren using the Ring app. We guess Ring doesn’t want our neighbors filing noise complaints in case there are any false alarms.
The spotlight and the siren were the Spotlight Cam’s primary crime-deterrents. It has more advanced features to help with monitoring. For example, it has 3D motion detection that uses radar to accurately track an intruder’s movement. It can also enable Bird’s Eye View – a simulated top-view of your property that plots the steps of anyone who sets foot on your property.
Not all Ring cameras are super-advanced, though. There are also ones that are more low-tech but very reliable and affordable. One example is the Ring Indoor Cam, Ring’s most affordable security camera to date. The Ring Indoor Cam is comparable to our top-pick, the SimpliCam. It plugs into an outlet, streams and records videos, and detects motion. And at just over $50, it’s an affordable option for those who prefer Ring’s catalog of Wi-Fi cameras.
Ring security cameras Price range Ring Indoor Cam $49.99 – $59.99 Ring Stick Up Cam $99.99 – $199.99 Ring Spotlight Cam $169.99 – $249.99 Ring Floodlight Cam $199.99 – $269.99 What’s New: Another new creation by Ring is the $250 Car Cam, a dual-camera hardware designed to protect your car whether it’s running or parked in your garage. It detects motion, is LTE-ready, and has a built-in Alexa so you can start a recording with your voice while driving.
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4. ADT - Most Complete Security System with Cameras
Product Specs
Resolution Up to 1080p Field of View Up to 128° Power Wired, battery Connectivity Wi-Fi, ethernet Video Storage Cloud Smart Platform Compatibility Alexa and Google Home Why ADT Cameras are Best if You’re Looking for a Complete Home Security System
Closeup of the ADT Outdoor Camera As you probably know, ADT offers more than just security cameras. In fact, you can only buy ADT security cameras as a part of the ADT home security system. That makes a lot of sense, though. Its alarm monitoring is easily one of ADT’s best traits. By pairing its cameras with a monitored security system, you get a cohesive system that detects, alerts you of, and deters crime.
One of ADT’s premium monitoring features that we tested to work well with its cameras is called video verification. While the monitoring center doesn’t monitor cameras, monitoring agents can verify alerts from ADT sensors using live camera footage. Verified alerts are often prioritized by police and emergency responders. That’s one example of how ADT cameras work with ADT systems, and why we recommend ADT if you’re looking for a well-rounded security system.
What We Like
- A video analytics system that can differentiate different events
- 1080p HD video resolution on indoor and outdoor cameras
- Two-way audio on every camera
- All cameras come as part of a complete ADT home security system
What We Don’t Like
- Relatively high prices
- Video doorbell only has 720p video
- Requires professional installation
- Minimum subscription is three years
ADT Home Security Outdoor Camera For a home security system, ADT is teeming with security camera options. We like the ruggedness of the ADT-branded cameras, especially the outdoor camera (pictured above) with an IP 65 rating. It’s water- and dust-proof, and it’s built to work in cold and warm climates. That said, we weren’t thrilled by its lack of advanced detection features. The video quality was also nothing to write home about and the viewing angle was narrower than we expected.
We much prefer ADT’s newer security camera offering. The cameras are from Google Nest; you’ll meet them later on because they also made this list. The difference if you buy them from ADT though is that you’ll get professional installation, which is required for all ADT security systems (except for the ADT Self Setup system).
Nest Indoor Cam with ADT Whether you go with ADT cameras or Nest Cams, ADT’s greatest selling point is that it’s not just a security camera system. It’s a complete home security system, and a monitored one at that. ADT’s sensors can help detect other dangers that security cameras might not be able to.
On top of that, ADT’s monitoring service is top-notch. It’s one of the reasons we gave ADT a high overall rating. And because video monitoring automatically activates if you connect cameras to your ADT, you’ll be able to integrate video security seamlessly with your home security system.
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5. Wyze Cam - Most Affordable Security Cameras
Budget-priced indoor security cameras with free cloud storage for motion-triggered video
Product Specs
Resolution Up to 1080p Field of View Up to 110° Power Wired Connectivity Wi-Fi Storage Cloud, local Smart Platform Compatability Alexa and Google Home 
How Affordable Were the Wyze Cameras?
Wyze Cam OG and Wyze Cam OG Telephoto Wyze is our budget pick, and it’s easy to see why. The cheapest camera from Wyze costs $30, and that’s an indoor/outdoor camera. If you add in functionality like pan-and-tilt, the cost rises to about $40. Those prices outpace the most affordable indoor cameras, let alone outdoor cameras.
Wyze is more impressive if we consider the fact that it’s loaded with advanced features, like motion detection zones, Alexa and Google Home compatibility, and the ability to detect specific audio frequencies. The last one makes the cameras capable of alerting you when it hears the sound of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Wyze started venturing into the home security system industry with its Wyze Home Monitoring System. So it’s not just a security camera brand now. If you need sensors like motion sensors and entry sensors, Wyze can provide those too.
What We Like
- Lowest priced cameras (starting at $29.99)
- Free 14-day cloud video storage
- Works with Alexa for voice control
- Innovative features like motion tagging
What We Don’t Like
- No outdoor camera options available
- No pro monitoring, only self-monitoring
- Has long power cord/must be plugged in
- Does not offer geofencing technology
Wyze Cam Pan and Box Despite being a budget security camera brand, Wyze has been making a lot of high-tech cameras. They now have indoor and outdoor cameras, cameras that can pan and tilt mechanically, and even cameras equipped with a spotlight or floodlight for scaring intruders. And the best part? They are all more affordable than what we normally see in the industry.
One example is the Wyze Cam Floodlight, which as the name implies, comes with built-in floodlights. It’s nothing to sneeze at; the floodlights are 2,600 lumens bright but dimmable, it comes with a 105 dB siren, it has a 270-degree motion detection range, and it has all the smart features of the Wyze Cam v3 like person and pet detection. In terms of price, though, it costs half of most floodlight cameras. The Ring Floodlight Cam costs $200 and up, while the Wyze Cam Floodlight costs only $93.99.
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6. Arlo - Top Video Resolution
Cutting-edge indoor and outdoor cameras with up to 4K resolution
Product Specs
Resolution Up to 4K HD Field of View Up to 180° Power Wired, battery, solar, PoE Connectivity Wi-Fi, ethernet Video Storage Cloud Smart Platform Compatibility Alexa and Google Home 
How Arlo Has the Best Security Video And Storage
Arlo Pro 5S 2k The standard for high-definition security video is 1080p resolution. Arlo pushed the envelope with 4K ultra-high-definition on the weatherproof Ultra security camera, which costs $299. During our evaluations, the Arlo doorbell cameras, indoor cameras, and outdoor cameras automatically lowered their resolution if they detected low bandwidth.
Arlo loaded each camera with special features such as two-way voice, a siren with remote control, and compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Multiple setup options made Arlo cameras famous, too; cameras plugged in or operated wire-free, and magnetic mounts made setup hassle-free. The video was saved locally on a USB or to the cloud, free for seven days. Arlo cameras work best when grouped together to create an integrated network of security cameras.
What We Like
- High-quality home security cameras
- Offers a wide-range of camera options
- No long-term contracts required
- 100% wireless, can be installed anywhere
What We Don’t Like
- Steep upfront equipment cost
- Does not offer entryway sensors
- Limited home automation options
- Not sufficient for complete home security
The Arlo Pro 2 While the Arlo Ultra offers the most impressive video resolution in Arlo’s lineup, there are more affordable options. Those options offer lower video resolutions – 1080p and 2K – which is perfect since not all homes are well-equipped to support 4K. With Arlo, you can mix and match cameras with different video resolutions depending on your needs.
One of our favorites is the Arlo Pro 4, which is an indoor and outdoor camera that runs wire-free on batteries. It’s a slight improvement over the Arlo Pro 3 we reviewed.
The Arlo Pro 4 features a 2K HD resolution; slightly lower than the Ultra, but still above industry average. While it costs less than half the latest Arlo Ultra, it provides similar features such as an integrated spotlight and color night vision. It’s also quite rugged for a security camera as sleek-looking; it’s resistant to rain and sun (it has UV protection, too), and it can operate in temperatures as low as minus four degrees Fahrenheit.
Heads up: The latest from Arlo is the Arlo Pro 5S, a 2K spotlight camera with an extra-wide 160-degree viewing angle, dual-band Wi-Fi, and extended battery life. This latest camera works exceptionally well with the Arlo Home Security System.
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7. Nest - Most Compatible with Google Home Cameras
Smart doorbells & indoor/outdoor security cams with facial recognition and continuous recording
Product Specs
Resolution Up to 1080p with HDR Field of View Up to 130° Power Wired, battery Connectivity Wi-Fi Video Storage Cloud Smart Platform Compatibility Alexa and Google Home 
Why Nest Is Best for Google Home Security Cams
Google Nest Cam While our Ring paired naturally with Amazon Alexa, Nest was best with Google Assistant and other Google Home products. Nest cams work intuitively with Google Home speakers. For example, we could say, “Hey Google, play the backyard camera on the kitchen Chromecast,” and it would perform the task.
The Nest Cam options include the plugged-in indoor model, the battery-powered weatherproof model, and the floodlight-equipped model. There are also wired and wireless video doorbell options. All these cameras share the same core features, including motion detection, person detection, and activity zones. Each can also be added to a Nest Aware subscription, which enables cloud recording plus up to 10 days of continuous recording at the highest tier. But even without Nest Aware, we still enjoyed mobile notifications from the cameras and three hours of event history with snapshots. That being said, we chose to keep our Nest Aware subscription because of facial recognition.
What We Like
- Smart features like facial recognition
- Access and stream live-video 24/7
- Crisp 1080p HD video quality
- Compatible with Z-Wave technology
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive if purchasing multiple cams
- No local video storage options
- Camera must connect to internet
- Customer service could be improved
Nest Camera and box The smartest feature of all Nest Cam models is facial recognition, or as Nest calls it, Familiar Face Alerts. It’s one of those features you can only get with a Nest Aware subscription, but if you shell out the monthly fee, Familiar Face Alerts can improve your home security tremendously.
The Nest Cam starts by cataloging all the faces it sees, and then, it relies on you to put a name to those faces using the accompanying app. Nest’s AI is powered by Google, so you know that recognizing faces is no hard task for the camera.
Now, once it has a database of Familiar Faces (don’t worry, your camera’s Familiar Faces stays on your account and won’t be used in facial recognition of other Nest users), you’ll be able to really configure your notifications. For instance, you can tell Nest to notify you if this particular person is seen, let’s say your kid, so you know they got home safe from school. It’s that kind of personalization that makes Nest an incredible partner in home security.
Nest App’s Familiar Faces New Feature: You can now view live footage from the latest Nest Cams on Alexa-enabled smart displays and smart TVs. In addition, Alexa can now announce motion detection and doorbell ring alerts, as well as deliver two-way audio.
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8. Blink Camera - Top Compact Cameras
Video doorbells and indoor/outdoor cameras with easy installation and long-lasting batteries
Product Specs
Resolution Up to 1080p Field of View Up to 110° Power Battery Connectivity Wi-Fi Video Storage Cloud Smart Platform Compatibility Alexa 
Why Blink Is Easiest to Use
Blink Outdoor 4 and the Sync Module 2 Blink sells easy-to-use wireless cameras for indoor and outdoor use. These are low-priced at $35 and up, yet excellent quality. Special features on Blink cameras include one-way or two-way audio, a motion sensor, customizable motion zones, a temperature sensor, and the option to use Amazon Alexa for arming and disarming by voice.
What We Like
- No-contract, self-monitoring option
- User-friendly DIY installation
- Low-maintenance, long battery life
- Integrates with Alexa and IFTTT
What We Don’t Like
- Does not offer innovative features
- Multiple devices become expensive
- Limited video storage options
- Only one person can stream at a time
Blink Indoor Cam The Blink Indoor and Blink Outdoor, which are both battery-powered cameras, feature a PIR motion sensor. Although it doesn’t sound as impressive as person detection or facial recognition, the PIR sensor is the perfect sensor for these cameras.
PIR motion sensors read heat signatures and are only triggered when the moving object produces body heat. That’s another way of saying that it’s only triggered by living things. It reduces false alarms, not to mention, saves a ton of battery power compared to motion detection facilitated by the camera’s computer vision itself.
Blink provides affordable cloud storage with pricing similar to that of Ring ($3 per month for one camera and $10 for all cameras). You can also access local recording without monthly fees with a Sync Module 2 hub and a USB flash drive.
FYI: Amazon, the company that owns Blink and Ring, announced that it’s shutting down support for its Amazon Cloud Cam cameras by December 2022. Cloud Cam owners, however, will receive a free Blink Mini Indoor as replacement, plus a one-year free subscription to Blink’s cloud plan.
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9. Swann SWDVK-445802V - For Local Video Storage
Smart doorbells and indoor/outdoor cameras with long-range and local storage
Product Specs
Resolution Up to 4K Field of View Up to 180° Power Wired, Battery, or PoE Connectivity Wi-Fi, ethernet Video Storage Cloud, local Smart Platform Compatibility Alexa and Google Home 
Why Swann Was Best for Local Video Storage
Swann Camera Swann sells high-quality indoor/outdoor cameras and video doorbells for do-it-yourself monitoring only. Swann cameras feature impressive color night vision, heat sensing, two-way talk, floodlights, competitive pricing, long-range even at night, and compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant.
Local storage and cloud storage is available for Swann security cams. With free local memory, owners can save each clip for seven days. Camera ownership also includes two days of free cloud storage per clip.
What We Like
- Full lineup of versatile cameras
- Wireless, wired, and wire-free connections
- Free local video storage (microSD card)
- Robust, weatherproof cameras
What We Don’t Like
- Relatively expensive equipment
- Cloud storage requires subscription
- No professional monitoring available
- Cancelling paid plans can be tricky
Swann Camera and Storage Hard Drive The Floodlight Security Camera, costing $179, shows off lots of Swann technology. The 1080p camera has a 125-degree lens, color night vision, a heat sensor, two-way talk, a siren, and a motion-triggered floodlight with dimmer. It clearly records nighttime action up to 100 feet away, and with its max floodlight brightness of 2500 lumens, criminals will have trouble finding cover!
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10. eufy 2K Camera - For Apple HomeKit Integration
A budget camera that doesn’t sacrifice quality with all of our necessary features for home security cameras.
Product Specs
Resolution Up to 2K Field of View Up to 125° Power Wired Connectivity Wi-Fi Video Storage Cloud, local Smart Platform Compatability Alexa and Google Home 
Why the eufy 2K is Best for Apple HomeKit
eufy 2K Camera on Desk Although we use Siri for everything on our iPhones, a security camera rarely works with Apple’s voice assistant…that is, until the eufy 2K indoor camera. It works with Siri, so we were able to view the live feed on our phones by asking our trusted voice assistant, in addition to Alexa and Google Assistant. Siri also provides end-to-end encryption for footage along with a whopping ten days of extra cloud storage through HomeKit Secure Video. As iPhone or iPad users, we loved using Siri with the eufy 2K camera.
What We Like
- Affordable $40 price tag
- 2K video with 125-degree field of view
- Two-way audio
- Integrations with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant and Alexa
What We Don’t Like
- Not compatible with 5G networks
- No wireless option
- Cloud storage makes for a lower video resolution
- 2K HD streaming uses a lot of data
eufy 2k Cam Components The eufy 2K is a very affordable indoor camera, at only $40. Typically, we shell out over $100 for similar devices. We set it up in our living room, and because we had pet detection turned off, we didn’t get notified every time our kitten played with its ball of yarn. Instead, we only got notifications about people. All our footage was recorded directly to our 128 GB micro-SD card in 2K resolution.
With the Eufy Security app, we easily checked in at home from anywhere with Internet access, arming and disarming our camera remotely (or creating an automated schedule). We could count on getting notifications when any people came near our home, which thankfully didn’t include any intruders.
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11. Zmodo - Greatest Security Camera Selection
A wide range of affordable smart doorbells, indoor cameras, and outdoor cameras
Product Specs
Resolution Up to 1080p Field of View Up to 360° Power Wired, battery, PoE Connectivity Wi-Fi, ethernet Video Storage Cloud Smart Platform Compatability Alexa and Google Home 
Why Zmodo Had the Best Security Camera Selection
Zmodo sells a wide selection of smart doorbell cameras, indoor-only cameras, and weatherproof surveillance cameras for DIY monitoring. We chose these cameras to serve as crime deterrents, but we had friends who used the Zmodo video cams for keeping an eye on their dependents. Some Zmodo cameras are hardwired, and others are wire-free.
A four-pack of Zmodo Mini Cams costs just $99.99. These indoor cameras have night vision, two-way audio, Alexa compatibility, and optional continuous recording in 720p HD. With free service, we were able to review alert clips from the previous 36 hours. Longer-term cloud storage required a $9.99 per month payment.
Another cheap but effective option is the $39.99 Zmodo 1080p Indoor/Outdoor Security Camera. Along with HD color vision in daylight, it creates crisp low-light recordings with up to 65-feet depth of field. The option to set motion detection zones helps limit false alerts.
What We Like
- Surprisingly affordable equipment
- Full lineup of camera options
- Simple DIY setup and easy to use
- 720p video quality with two-way audio
What We Don’t Like
- Cheap design, flimsy construction
- Power cord is much too short
- Does not offer third-party integrations
- Camera options are too similar
Zmodo Greet Pro Zmodo security equipment carries an impressive three-year warranty and a 60-day money-back guarantee.
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12. Ecobee SmartCamera - For Camera with Person Detection
A simple security camera perfect for families.
Product Specs
Resolution Up to 1080p Field of View Up to 180° Power Wired Connectivity Wi-Fi, ethernet Storage Local Smart Platform Compatability Alexa and Apple HomeKit 
Why the ecobee SmartCamera is the Best for Person Detection
Ecobee SmartCamera A lot of cameras have person detection, which differentiates between different types of movement from people, animals, cars, and inanimate objects. However, the ecobee SmartCamera takes things a step further. Not only does it detect people, but with a panning function, it’ll actually follow them around, keeping them in the center of the frame. This feature, Smart Focus, isn’t something we’ve seen from any other security camera, so with its 180-degree field of view, you’re sure not to miss anything that goes on at your home.
What We Like
- Person detection
- 180 degree field of view and panning
- Integrations with Alexa and Siri
- Infrared night vision
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t work with Google Assistant
- No free cloud storage
- No local storage
- Paid subscription required for geofencing, remote disarming, voice command arming and disarming, etc.
Pricing Rundown
| Camera | Price |
|---|---|
| Nest Cam Floodlight | $279.99 |
| Arlo Pro 4 | $199.99 |
| Nest Cam Indoor | $129.99 |
| Swann 4K Camera | $170 |
| Ring Stick Up Cam Battery | $100 |
| Ecobee SmartCamera | $99.99 |
| Ring Indoor Cam | $60 |
| Tend Indoor 2 | $60 |
| Wyze Cam | $29 |
When it came to pricing, the average cost of a security camera was $168. We also had cameras that reached as low as $30 and as high as $200 or more. For example, Nest had one of the highest prices we’d seen for a home security camera. Netatmo and Arlo Pro 4 were also priced relatively high. Still, we figured this was mostly due to Netatmo’s exceptional artificial intelligence capabilities and Arlo Pro 4’s excellence crushed in every category. Even though those cameras seemed a bit pricey, we agreed their value made up for it. To put two cameras head to head, read our comparison of the Nest Cam Indoor vs. the Arlo Pro 2.
Methodology
Through rigorous research and testing, we identified the best security cameras out there. We used a few ways to make sure the security cameras we chose were up to par. First, we judged each product based on our Necessary Features Test, which evaluated cameras based on their video, audio, night vision, storage, artificial intelligence, smart platform integrations, convenience, and overall value. We didn’t expect cameras to earn full marks in every category for us to consider them worth buying. Our test simply laid out the ideal characteristics we looked for in security cameras.
Video
One of our Necessary Features was video with a clear and detailed picture. We knew it would come in handy if we needed evidence for the police or wanted to save some footage of a special event, like a birthday party. If we wanted more clear video, we had to invest in a 2K or 4K, a significantly more expensive technology. We also needed to keep in mind that most smartphones couldn’t stream in 4K, so 4K cameras likely weren’t worth it, especially since the Arlo 4K was discontinued so soon after its release (but later put back on shelves).
Display
Next, we wanted to find a camera that zoomed-in optically. We discovered many camera companies claimed their cameras zoomed in, but the truth was they only did so digitally. We could only zoom in on our phone, not in real life. Zoom was essential to us because it allowed our camera to capture details it otherwise couldn’t. We preferred cameras that could zoom in optically at least three times. We saw the best optical zoom capability from the Nest Cam IQ Indoor, which could zoom in a whopping 12 times.
Field of Zoom
Next, we wanted to be sure we got a camera that could zoom in optically— optically being the keyword. Zoom is important because it allows the camera to capture details that it otherwise couldn’t. We prefer cameras that can zoom in optically at least three times. The most we’ve seen is from the Nest Cam IQ Indoor, which can zoom in a whopping 12 times.
Again, many cameras that come with security systems, like Frontpoint’s indoor camera, cannot zoom, which is disappointing.
Field of View
Additionally, we determined the field of view should be no less than 120 degrees. The widest field of view is180 degrees. A great example of a camera with a 180-degree field of view is Logitech Circle 2. We did not even consider cameras with a field of view under 110 degrees because the more narrow the field of view, the more cameras we would have needed to buy to reach every corner of our home.
Audio
We wanted a camera that had both a microphone and a speaker. This was potentially very useful for a few reasons. First, it could help us communicate with people in our home, whether we were watching TV in the next room or on vacation in the Bahamas. Additionally, two-way audio has been known to help stop intruders in their tracks.
Night Vision
Since infrared night vision from LED sensors is invisible to the naked eye, it allowed us to record anyone in our cameras’ view at night without them realizing they were being filmed. In contrast, the bright white light with color night vision made it obvious when we were recording. Most cameras had infrared night vision, but we took points off for color night vision. Although it sounded better in theory, we wanted our security cameras and what they recorded kept secret.
Storage
It was important to us that the cameras we selected had both cloud and local storage. Storage was important for a couple of reasons. First, we figured we might be interested in the video our cameras recorded, like a party or event. Second, the photos and videos that the camera captured would have been helpful evidence if we had an intrusion.
A micro-SD card, like the Honeywell Lyric C2, allowed us to get local storage or download the files. While some companies made us pay for storage, some gave it to us for free. Some companies provided free 32 or 64-gig micro-SD cards, which was awesome. If we had to pick between cloud or local storage, we’d choose local, as we could download the footage then backed it up to a cloud service like Dropbox.
Artificial Intelligence
During our evaluations, A.I. was a large part of home security. A.I. most often referred to person detection, meaning the camera differentiated between people and other moving objects like cars, pets, or shadows. This led to more specific and necessary notifications. Of course, we didn’t want a home security camera, so it could notify us whenever our pet bird flapped its wings! We even tested out the best pet cameras.
Aside from person detection, more advanced cameras like the Netatmo Welcome Indoor Camera employed facial recognition. With this technology, we were notified when specific people were in our home or an unfamiliar face was detected. Other detections included pet detection, baby crying detection, smoke, and C.O alarm detection, and package detection. Of course, we only considered person detection to be a Necessary Feature, but those are some nice extras.
Smart Platform Integration
Smart home quickly became a norm for us, so we also considered having integrations with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant a Necessary Feature. If we were already in a Google or Amazon ecosystem, we’d want to make sure our camera could easily integrate within our smart home.
One of the primary things we enjoyed about cameras with smart integrations was commanding them with our voices. We could also link our camera up with other smart home devices to create home automation. For example, we could set our smart light bulbs to go off whenever our camera was armed and turn on when our camera was disarmed. Extra points went to integrations with multiple smart ecosystems.
Convenience
We looked for cameras with an installation that integrated with an app for step-by-step instructions or had an easy setup. Some cameras came with hubs, which we didn’t prefer, as they took up more space. While wireless cameras may have meant easier setup and less clutter, we had to change their batteries periodically. That was why wired systems were more convenient, including power over Ethernet cameras.
Value
When it came to home security, we didn’t want to skimp on quality. We also didn’t want to break the bank. Security cameras came in a huge range of prices. The least expensive camera we reviewed was the Wyze Cam, which was priced at only $20. The average range was usually somewhere between $100 to $200 while the most expensive camera we reviewed was the Arlo Ultra 4K for $400 (we compared the Arlo Ultra to the eufyCam E here). In our opinion, there was no reason to spend $300 on a security camera when high-quality cameras existed for much less. Here are some more security camera prices so you know what to expect.
| Camera name | Price |
|---|---|
| Reolink Argus 2 | $75.99 |
| Reolink Argus PT | $125.99 |
| Ring Indoor Cam | $59.99 |
| Ring Spotlight Cam Battery | $199.99 |
| SimpliCam | $99 |
| Blink Indoor | $79.99 |
| Blink Mini | $34.99 |
| Canary Flex | $199 |
| Canary Pro | $169 |
| Logitech Circle 2 | No longer available |
To learn more, read our Canary cameras review, our page on Canary camera pricing, our page on eufy camera pricing, and our page on Reolink camera pricing. You can save on security cameras by waiting for Prime Day. In the past, we’ve seen Arlo Prime Day deals, Blink Prime Day deals, and Ring camera Prime Day deals, to name a few.
Not sure which camera is right for you? Read the following comparisons:
Recap
There’s just no excuse these days not to have the right cameras monitoring your home. Whether you’re looking for affordability, cutting edge technology, or some combination of the two, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for somewhere on this list.
FAQs About Home Security Cameras
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Which type of security camera is best for home security?
The type of security camera best for home security is one with good video and audio quality, a wide enough field of view, night vision, local and cloud recording, and smart features like person detection or even facial recognition.
We’ve seen a number of security cameras that meet those criteria during our tests. SimpliSafe’s indoor camera and outdoor camera combo, for example, is an excellent pair for indoor and outdoor home security. Lorex, Ring, ADT, and Nest also offer multiple security cameras that meet those standards. We suggest looking into those brands as well as the other brands in our top 12 list of the best security cameras.
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Which camera is best for outdoor security?
The SimpliSafe Outdoor Cam is a simplistic outdoor camera paired with a reliable home security system. Also, Lorex sells a number of outdoor cameras with extremely high video resolution and night vision range. Ring offers outdoor cameras with built-in smart lights for improved security. Nest has outdoor cameras with potential to improve home security through smart features such as person detection. All those brands offer great outdoor security cameras. What’s left for you to do is choose the right one for you. In other words, the best camera for outdoor security depends on what you’re looking for in an outdoor camera.
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Is it better to have wired or wireless security cameras?
Wired and wireless security cameras have pros and cons, but from our personal experience, wired cameras perform better. Because they are wired, you won’t have to worry about recharging their batteries or signal interference. That being said, wireless cameras are much easier to install, move around, and replace. Wireless cameras are also getting more reliable, with bigger batteries and better Wi-Fi chips. Choosing between wired and wireless is a matter of preference.
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What is the best outdoor security camera without a subscription?
The best outdoor security cameras without a subscription are those from Lorex. Lorex makes security camera systems centered on DVRs or NVRs that work as local video storage for security camera footage. Because videos are stored locally, you don’t need a cloud subscription.
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Which security camera has no monthly fees?
There are a lot of security camera brands without monthly fees. However, you’ll typically lose some functionality (like video recording, for instance) if you don’t pay a monthly fee.
In our experience, Lorex has the best security cameras with no monthly fees. Even without a cloud subscription, the majority of Lorex’s cameras can still record, albeit locally onto a DVR or NVR.