The 5 Best Home Security Cameras to Ease Your Mind and Protect Your Property

Best Overall Home Security Camera

Wyze Cam v3 Pro 2K Wi-Fi Security Camera

This Wyze camera boasts 2K resolution—an upgrade from the previous 1080-pixel (p) version—and color night vision for low-light amplification, delivering crisp and clear images at any time of day. Thanks to its compact size and IP65 waterproof rating, this camera is suitable for both indoor and outdoor installation, and an SD card slot (card sold separately) allows for up to 15 days of storage.

When used outside, a motion-activated spotlight illuminates the walkway for you, deters unwanted visitors and further enhances video quality. A user-activated siren and two-way audio provide even more deterrence options. This model is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and the Wyze app programs, and it schedules automated commands.

Pros

• Crisp image quality
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
• 24-hour recording
• Built-in spotlight

Cons

• Doesn’t include SD card

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Best Budget Home Security Camera

Kasa EC60 Smart Security Camera

With an ultra-low price tag and an impressive amount of features, this Kasa Smart security camera is a smart choice for those on a tight budget. Despite the price, it still features a ton of functionality, including two-way audio, 24/7 live-view and 1080p video quality. This indoor security camera even sends alerts to your smartphone when sound or motion is detected and has effective night vision up to 30 feet. A simple voice command to your Alexa or Google Assistant sends the video feed to your preferred device, or you can program it to interact with other Kasa smart devices in your home, like smart outlets or Wi-Fi plugs.

Pros

• Affordable price
• 24/7 live feed
• Motion and sound detection
• Local video and photo storage or optional cloud storage

Cons

• Not for outdoor use

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Best Doorbell Home Security Camera

Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2

The most advanced Ring doorbell camera to date, this premium model provides 1536p image quality and expansive head-to-toe coverage of anyone at your door—or packages low on the ground. Its 3D motion detection not only alerts you of anyone approaching, but it’s also programmable to include or exclude certain areas or distances. This advanced detection system even offers an aerial view of your yard, providing a more comprehensive home security picture.

With the optional Ring Protect plan, your Alexa greets visitors when you’re not available, and automatically sends its live video feed to your Echo Show or Fire tablet. Although this model must be hard-wired, installing a Ring doorbell is simple and easy for those with existing doorbell wiring. Plus, all tools and screws are included.

Pros

• Head-to-toe video visibility
• Detects both motion and distance
• Programmable Alexa greetings
• Tools and screws are included

Cons

• Smart features require separate plan
• Must be hard-wired

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Best Cordless Home Security Camera

Blink Outdoor 3rd Generation

With no wiring to deal with, this cordless Blink camera installs in just minutes and runs for two years on just two AA batteries. You simply screw the small base into your home, garage or tree, snap on the camera and pivot it to your preferred angle. The cordless design doesn’t limit its functionality either, and the Blink App provides access to two-way audio, a live video feed and customizable motion detection zones that alert you when anyone enters certain areas, while ignoring others.

Video files are either saved locally to the included sync module, which can connect up to 10 cameras at once, or to the cloud by subscribing to the super-affordable Blink subscription plan. If you’re looking for a hassle-free installation process and don’t want to worry about frequent battery changes, this model is a perfect fit.

Pros

• Simple to install
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
• Runs on two AA batteries (included) for two years
• Has infrared night vision

Cons

• Doesn’t offer a free cloud storage option

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Best Home Security Camera with Floodlight

eufy Security S330 Floodlight Cam 2 Pro

Three extra-bright LED light panels on this eufy floodlight camera increase the visibility and clarity of nighttime video footage and provide a serious deterrence to any would-be intruders. These lights adjust their color temperature and brightness level based on the sun’s position in the sky, or you can customize them to your personal preference using the eufy Security App.

Using its AI capability, the 360-degree camera automatically locks onto anyone who comes into view, tracking and recording in 2K resolution as they move. If maximum security and visibility are your priority, and you don’t mind handling the hard-wired installation, this best home security camera is an excellent choice.

Pros

• 3,000-lumen three-panel floodlight
• Automatically pans and tilts to follow movement
• Stores footage for 30 days
• Has 2K image quality

Cons

• Must be hard-wired

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What to Consider When Buying a Home Security Camera

Installation is a major factor to consider when choosing the best home security camera for you and your home. While plug-and-play models are tempting, don’t automatically exclude hard-wired options just because you lack the expertise. Dan Mock, VP of Mister Sparky, recommends hiring a professional electrician. “The service of a professional electrician allows homeowners to take advantage of a wider range of security options without having to worry about damaging the equipment or injuring themselves during installation,” Mock says.

You should also consider where the camera is going to be placed. Outdoor cameras require more durability than indoor options. “Be sure that it’s waterproof, as you don’t want the audio or lens to be damaged by moisture,” Mock says. In order to achieve a high-quality video image, Mock also advises consumers to choose a camera that records in 1080p resolution or higher.

How We Found the Best Home Security Cameras

As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject-matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.

FAQ

Where should you place home security cameras?

The best home security cameras for exterior use should be mounted at least 10 feet high and placed facing high-traffic areas and covering doors leading into your home. It’s also not a bad idea to place one to cover the driveway. Inside, place cameras near the ceiling in common areas, like the living room and entryway.

How long do home security cameras keep footage?

This depends on the specific model and its storage method. Cloud-based storage typically keeps footage for seven to 30 days with exact space dictated by the subscription plan. Local storage is limited to the size of the SD card used with newer footage overwriting the older files.

Do home security cameras require Wi-Fi?

No, home security cameras do not require Wi-Fi connectivity, although it does offer additional functionality. Wi-Fi adds smartphone control capabilities, as well as cloud storage options. Without Wi-Fi, storage is limited to local SD card storage or a digital video recorder (DVR), and you can’t watch live footage.

That said, Wi-Fi connectivity does increase your camera’s vulnerability to hacking. If someone were to hack into your Wi-Fi network, they could potentially access your camera and it’s footage.

Source:

• Dan Mock, vice president of Mister Sparky