Take a look at our best home security cameras, including options from Wyze, Arlo, Nest, and Ring
Best Home Security Cameras
10 min readThere are so many security cameras to choose from that it can be overwhelming. But whether you want an indoor security camera to keep an eye on your kids while you’re at the grocery store, an outdoor security camera so you can catch backyard trespassers in the act, a doorbell security camera to prevent package theft, or something else—we can help.
Guide to the top 6 security cameras for homes, condos, and apartments
- : Best indoor camera
- : Best outdoor camera
- : Best doorbell camera
- : Best budget pick
- : Best lighted camera
- : Best standalone camera
Compare best security cameras
What to look for in a security camera
Each year, security cameras grow more sophisticated, which means that each year, it becomes harder to see past the bells and whistles to the essentials.
- Cost
- Ease of use
- Installation requirements (DIY or professional)
- Power type (plug, wiring, battery, or solar panel)
- Video quality (1080p is standard these days)
- Video clip length
- Video capture method (motion-triggered or continuous video recording)
- Storage plans
- Storage type (SD card, cloud)
- Night vision type and distance
- Two-way audio
- Motion detection
- Other types of detection (people, package, vehicle, animal)
- Zoom
- Lights
- Sirens
- Facial recognition
We’re not saying every camera needs all of these features. It's better for your wallet if your camera only has the features you need! But you do need to consider each of these throughout the buying process so you know what you’re getting.
Wyze Pan Cam: Best indoor camera
When it comes to indoor cameras, we favor the Wyze Pan Cam. This camera’s incredibly inexpensive for the level of features you get, and its pan-and-tilt capabilities let you monitor an entire room with one camera.
Why we chose Wyze Pan Cam
The price is right with this affordable camera. Even the storage is low-cost—you can pay a small amount per camera per month for 14 days of unlimited storage or purchase a Wyze MicroSD card for continuous video recording (CVR). But note that without a Cam Plus plan or SDCard, you won’t be able to play back clips. You’ll only be able to view still images of past motion-activated events.
Speaking of motion-activated, this camera has a few smart features. For instance, the camera may not be able to tell your cat from your kid. That’s a problem if you want personal notifications rather than general motion ones.
The Wyze Pan Cam offers HD video and nifty customization options for the 360º pan. You can look around a whole room in one go or set the camera to scroll over the same spots every time you check-in. There’s automatic motion tracking, too, so the camera can pan automatically.
The Wyze Pan Cam also tilts, which may not be as useful for home security as it is for cinematography. But hey, if you need a change in video angle, you’ll have it.
For all you smart home buffs, this camera works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. That means you can use it as part of your everyday smart home system, asking Alexa to show you the footage or rigging the camera to turn on automatically when you turn off the kitchen lights.
Wyze Cam Plus plans
Arlo Pro 4: Best outdoor camera
The Arlo Pro 4 is a versatile wire-free indoor-outdoor camera, though it’s a bit pricey. It’s also one of the first Arlo cameras that doesn’t need a signature SmartHub.
Why we chose Arlo Pro 4
And there’s a lot of value for the cost, too. The Arlo Pro 4 can handle almost anything you throw at it (but maybe don’t throw the camera itself).
If you want an indoor camera, just set the Arlo Pro 4 on any flat surface in your house. If you want outdoor cameras all around your property, mount the Arlo Pro 4 on a wall.
The Arlo Pro 4 doesn’t come cheap—it’s a bit of a pricey cam. Happily, you don’t need the Arlo SmartHub to connect this camera to your Wi-Fi network, so you can buy a single camera and be on your way. A first for Arlo, for sure.
This camera also has a bunch of other features:
- 2K resolution (with subscription plan)
- Two-way audio
- Adjustable motion zones
- Advanced object detection
- Color night vision
- Magnetic mount
- Built-in spotlight,
- Built-in 100+ decibel siren
- CVR option
- Rechargeable battery
- Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, IFTTT, and Stringify integrations
That’s a lot!
Most of these are pretty self-explanatory, but just to be clear, with adjustable motion zones you can choose where the motion detection picks up and where it doesn’t. And advanced object detection doesn’t track just any old movement. It differentiates between people, vehicles, and packages.
We also love that this camera is wire-free, so you can put it wherever without worrying about being near an outlet. (You can also connect it to a power cord if you want.) Plus, you can back up your footage onto a USB drive to save that video of your cat catching birds forever.
Arlo Secure plans
Google Nest Doorbell (Wired): Best doorbell camera
Say hi to the Google Nest Doorbell (Wired), the successor to the Google Nest Hello. It has a lot of the same features as its popular antecedent (like continuous video recording option and familiar face recognition) but now with shiny new hardware.
Why we chose Google Nest Doorbell (Wired)
We won’t lie—this is one of the more expensive cameras we recommend, but it does a good job justifying the price.
Nest always packs its cameras with exciting features, and this wired doorbell is no exception. Its facial recognition and advanced motion alerts tell you when a known person, strange person, or (person with a) package approaches your doorstep. And if you see something alarming on the Nest app, you can make a 911 call straight from the app itself. No need to even exit at a time when seconds count!
You can also pay for 10 days of CVR a.k.a. 24/7 video recording versus motion-activated events. And (my favorite feature) you can add a prerecorded message to your doorbell, like, “Sorry, I can’t come to the door right now.” This way, when you’re indisposed, there’s still an illusion that someone’s at home. You can also talk live through the two-way HD Talk & Listen feature.
Also, Nest offsets the camera cost by offering low-priced subscription plans that include all your Google Nest devices. Without the plan, you won’t have any video storage, and without the higher-priced plan (Nest Aware Plus), you won’t have any continuous video recording. So prepare to shell out a few more bucks per month.
Sadly, this camera is wired, so you’ll have to do some electrical work to install it. But if that’s not your cup of tea, you can hire someone with more expertise. And it comes in such fancy colors as Snow, Linen, Ivy, and Ash, so once it is installed, it’s bound to look good.
Google Nest products work well for homes with a Google Home/Nest Hub ecosystem, but with a little finagling, you can also connect this video doorbell to your Alexa app.
Nest Aware plans
Wyze Cam V3: Best budget pick
We honestly can’t believe how cheap the Wyze Cam v3 is. Seriously, does Wyze know how much it’s selling it for? The only drawback to the price is that the Wyze camera does feel/look a little cheap in quality, not just price. But we can’t complain about that too much for a camera that costs so little.
Why we chose Wyze Cam v3
Wyze gives you some top-notch features for an unbelievably low price, including some we’d expect from much more expensive cameras, like 1080p video, color night vision, and CVR when you use an SD card.
If you’re worried that Wyze will make up for the low camera costs by scalping you through subscriptions, worry no more. If you have a single Wyze Cam v3, you can pay as low as $20 a year for a storage plan.
And if you have multiple Wyze devices, you can still pay less than $10 a month if you pay for the year in advance. That way, you don’t have to worry about choosing between camera storage and something else essential when money is tight. You’ll know the storage is already taken care of!
Like the Google Nest Doorbell, the Wyze Cam v3 is wired. That means you can’t just connect it to Wi-Fi and set it up in the Wyze app—you (or someone you trust) has to connect it to your home’s electrical wiring. It’s a pain, but the lack of battery almost certainly helps keep the price low. It would be nice to see a different approach though—maybe a plug instead of wiring?
And, just like the Wyze Pan Cam, this camera works with Alexa and Google and IFTTT. Your smart home setup won’t suffer with Wyze; it’ll be enhanced.
Wyze Cam Plus plans
Ring Spotlight Cam Plus: Best lighted camera
The Ring Spotlight Cam Plus marries a camera to two safety lights for a bright combo while harnessing the affordability and user-friendliness of Ring.
Why we chose Ring Spotlight Cam Plus
Security lights are one of the oldest ways to scare away intruders and keep your house safe. With the Spotlight Cam Plus, Ring combines the classic power of a bright light with an HD security camera.
This spotlight cam focuses on not just videoing but repelling intruders. In addition to the startling built-in spotlights, the camera boasts a 110-decibel siren to run folks off your lawn. You can customize when the light turns on and how bright it is, plus set up custom motion zones for your Ring camera. Intruders don’t stand a chance.
But if you also want to observe intruders, you can do that, too. The color night vision and motion detection alerts will help you spot anything that’s out of place, whether it be beast or (human) being.
And, in a break from the wired cameras, this is a wireless camera. No diving into the depths of your house’s electric setup with a Ring Spotlight Cam Plus! You can either use the rechargeable battery for this outdoor security camera or invest in a Ring solar panel.
The Spotlight Cam Plus comes in black or white.
Heads up—you want to subscribe to one of Ring’s monthly plans for cloud video storage. Otherwise you won’t be able to rewatch live footage of security events. Luckily Ring storage subscriptions are some of the best in the business. Most of them include monitoring fees for your Ring Alarm system, if you have one.
Ring is an Amazon brand, so its cameras work wonderfully with Echo devices. You can ask Alexa to bring up the Ring Spotlight Cam Plus view on your Echo Show or your smart TV, for instance.
Just be aware that Ring has a controversial reputation that makes it less recommendable than other brands. But on the flip side, it offers a Lifetime Theft Protection deal on this camera, which is kind of them. If the camera gets stolen, the company will replace it for you.
Ring Protect plans
Reolink Argus 3 Pro: Best standalone camera
The Reolink Argus 3 Pro doesn’t have many smart home integrations or as many advanced features, but it’s affordable and pretty versatile as a standalone option.
Why we chose Reolink Argus 3 Pro
The Reolink Argus 3 Pro is a standalone camera, meaning you don’t have to connect it to home security devices or a broader camera system. You can use it on its own just fine. (Although there are plenty of other Reolink camera options if you like this one.)
The Argus 3 Pro is tres affordable, especially considering it doesn’t require a subscription plan . You can just use a microSD card for local storage and still get all the awesome features, like person or vehicle detection. No more ongoing subscription fees–hallelujah!
You can also effortlessly mount this wireless security camera almost anywhere. It has a few different mounting options, including a stand and a tree strap. We’re partial to using the tree strap to mount this security camera to a porch pillar—no screws required, and oh so easy to remove and recharge.
The camera comes with two power options (rechargeable battery or solar panel, which is sadly sold separately) and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
As far as integration goes, this cam is basic. You can use this camera with Alexa and Google Assistant, but … mmm … that’s pretty much it. That’s okay, though, as long as you don’t need tricks beyond pulling up clips with voice commands.
Recap: Best home security cameras
Here are our favorite home security cameras for you to check out.
- Wyze Cam Pan is an indoor security camera that can spin around to see a whole room. It’s quite affordable, too, but still has great features. It only offers general notifications, though.
- Arlo Pro 4 is an outdoor security camera that can go just about anywhere, and its wire-free design makes it easy to set up. It’s full of awesome security camera features too. Just be aware it's a bit pricey.
- Google Nest Doorbell (Wired) is the latest iteration in Nest's doorbell camera line-up. It uses familiar Nest features like facial recognition while also offering new colors and inexpensive camera storage. Sadly, it requires hardwiring.
- Wyze Cam v3 is astoundingly cheap for such a smart little camera. It will give you basic features at a very affordable price, but it’s not the fanciest camera around.
- Ring Spotlight Cam is great if you want an HD security camera with a built-in security light and siren. You’ll also get a great deal on your storage plan from Ring, but not everyone cares for Ring due to some reputational issues.
- Reolink Argus 2 is a nifty standalone camera with multiple power options and no required subscription. It’s easy to mount and use but could have better smart home integration.
Methodology
There are a few different things we look at when reviewing home security cameras, including:
- Cost
- Ease of use
- Installation requirements (DIY or professional)
- Power type (plug, wiring, battery, or solar panel)
- Storage type
- Features such as video quality, night vision, motion detection, etc.
We test many of the cameras we review or at least a similar camera from the same line. Of the six cameras featured in this review, we have hands-on experience with four. We also spend hours and hours reading reviews of other users to provide the most balanced perspective possible.
FAQs
Two-way audio lets you both hear what’s going on in the place where your camera is and talk through your camera using its microphone.
Most cameras work like a walkie-talkie where you can’t talk and listen at the same time. Some cameras do let you make outgoing phone calls directly from the camera itself, like the Vivint Ping camera.
Almost always, yes. Unless your camera lets you use a USB drive or a microSD card to store footage locally, your footage will go straight to the cloud. Most camera companies will give you a few hours or days of cloud storage free, but beyond that, you’ll need a monthly subscription.
Monthly subscriptions are usually somewhere between $3 and $30 per month.
Both cameras are used to protect and monitor areas where they are located, but they are used a little differently.
Home security cameras are generally motion-detected and help deter burglars and theft while allowing you to monitor what's happening in or around your home. Surveillance cameras are used more by police or businesses and continuously record events as they happen.
This question is more complicated than you think, but the basic answer is that a wireless security camera connects to your home internet without plugging directly into the modem.
For more info on wired versus wireless versus wire-free, check out our wired camera article.
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon.com. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Reviews.org utilizes paid Amazon links.
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