Best Weatherproof Outdoor Cameras

Find an outdoor camera prepared to take on the elements.

Most Resilient
Amcrest
Amcrest 4K Turret PoE
  • pro
    Heavy-duty weatherproofing
  • con
    Complicated installation
Best for AI Features
Nest
Nest Cam Outdoor
  • pro
    Facial recognition
  • con
    Pricey
Best for a Security System
Vivint
Vivint Outdoor Cam Pro
  • pro
    4K image sensor
  • con
    Not a standalone product
Best Mounting Options
Reo Link
Reolink Argus 2
  • pro
    Wire-free
  • con
    Tinny outgoing audio
Mindy Woodall
Jul 12, 2022
Icon Time To Read6 min read

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If you live somewhere with climate extremes, then you don’t need just any ol’ outdoor security camera—you need a weatherproof camera that can take the heat (or cold, or dust).

In the last decade or so, cameras have come a long way. You can find excellent, weatherproof outdoor cameras now for less than you paid for your new AirPods. Check out our top picks for weatherproof cameras that will keep running in the summer heat or the winter cold.



Best weatherproof cameras comparison
Model
Price
Weatherproof rating
Temperature range
Learn more

Amcrest 4K Turret Camera

$119.99

IP67

-22ºF–140ºF (-30ºC–60ºC)

Google Nest Cam Outdoor

$199.00

IP66

-40ºF–113ºF (-40ºC–45ºC)

Vivint Outdoor Cam Pro

Quote required

IP65

Unlisted

Reolink Argus 2

$94.99

IP65

14°F–131° F (-10°C–55°C)

TP-Link Kasa Cam Outdoor

$91.99

IP65

-4°F–109.4°F (-20°C–43°C)

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 07/12/2023 14:24 PST)

What are IP weather ratings?
Info Box

IP stands for “ingress protection” and it’s a measure of how well your security camera (or other device) can stand up to things like water and dust. There are a bunch of different IP ratings, but the most common ones are IP65, IP66, IP67, and IP68. For a security camera, IP67 is probably going to be the highest rating you’ll see.

Amcrest 4K Turret Camera: Most resilient

The Amcrest has the best weather rating of any camera on our list.
Amcrest 4K Turret Camera

Source: Amcrest

If you live in the wintry depths of Minnesota or the high heat of Arizona, then this weatherproof security camera’s for you. With an IP67 weather rating, the Amcrest 4K Turret is the most protected camera on our list from things like wet, cold, dust, and even heat. No matter the weather, you shouldn’t have to worry about this camera going offline.

Pros
  • Heavy-duty weatherproofing
  • Multiple storage options
Cons
  • No two-way audio

What we like

Along with its top-notch weatherproofing, the Amcrest has a bunch of impressive features. It has 4K video resolution (also known as Ultra HD), and its night vision range goes up to 164 feet, which is a pretty sweet sightline.

Amcrest 4K Turret Camera features
ModelAmcrest 4K Turret Camera
Price$109.99
Resolution4K
Weatherproof ratingIP67
Operating temperature-22ºF–140ºF (-30ºC–60ºC)
Two-way audioNo
Night visionUp to 164 ft.
Color night visionNo
Power typePower over Ethernet (PoE)
Field of view112º
Digital zoom16x
Storage optionsCloud storage or local storage
Learn more

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 07/12/2023 14:24 PST)

This camera is wired, so you’ll need to figure out how to string an Ethernet cable around wherever you want to put it. But once it’s all set up, you can record to the cloud, to an NVR device, or a microSD card. (We recommend the NVR.)

What we don’t like

This camera doesn’t have the widest field of vision at only 112º. The Amcrest app can also be a little glitchy. But on the plus side, if you don’t like the Amcrest app, this camera lets you use third-party apps like Blue Iris instead.

Google Nest Cam Outdoor: Best AI features

The Google Nest Cam Outdoor is weatherproof and has excellent tech features.
Nest Cam IQ Outdoor in the rain

Source: Google Nest

Google Nest never skimps on cool tech features, and the Nest Cam Outdoor is no exception. This baby has 1080p HD recording, along with a 4K image sensor that gives you clear images, even when you zoom in. As for weatherproofing, the Nest has an excellent rating of IP66.

Pros
  • Facial recognition features
  • Decent temperature range
Cons
  • Pricey

What we like

Along with its excellent tech specs, the Nest Cam Outdoor has some extra smart features. For example, it can recognize familiar faces and distinguish a person from a tree, car, or animal. That means you get more useful push notifications from this camera instead of just a generic, “Motion detected.”

Google Nest Cam IQ Outdoor features
ModelGoogle Nest Cam Outdoor
Price$199.00
Resolution1080p
Weatherproof ratingIP66
Operating temperature-40ºF–113ºF (-40ºC–45ºC)
Two-way audioYes
Night vision15–60ft.
Color night visionNo
Power typeAC-powered
Field of view130º
Digital zoom12x
Storage optionsCloud storage
Learn more

Data current as of 07/12/2023. Offers subject to change.

The Nest Cam Outdoor also has a decent temperature range. You shouldn’t have any issues with it unless you live somewhere super hot that gets over 113ºF on a regular basis.

What we don’t like

This surveillance camera is technically wireless (because it connects to your Wi-Fi network), but you still have to plug it into an outlet. Which means you have to string a wire through a doorway or window, or you’ll have to drill a hole in your exterior wall. The Nest is also a bit pricey at almost $400.

But all things considered, the Nest is one of the strongest, most feature-packed cameras out there.

Vivint Outdoor Cam Pro: Best for a security system

The Vivint Outdoor Cam Pro gives you a lot of the same features as the Nest, and it works with your security system.
Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro installed on the outside of a house

Source: Vivint

If you want an excellent outdoor camera that will also integrate with your whole home security system, then the Vivint Outdoor Cam Pro is an easy choice. Vivint is our favorite home security system because it gives you top-notch tech, plus protection from creeps, vandals, or just the mischievous kids next door.

Pros
  • Lurker detection
  • Works with Vivint Smart Home security system
Cons
  • Can’t buy as a standalone cam

What we like

The Vivint Outdoor Cam Pro gives you a lot of the same features as the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor. You get that same 1080p resolution as well as a 4K image sensor. And the Vivint Outdoor Cam Pro has person detection, so it knows it’s a human standing in your yard and not a dog.

Vivint Outdoor Cam Pro features
ModelVivint Outdoor Cam Pro
PriceRequires a quote
Resolution1080p
Weatherproof ratingIP65
Operating temperatureUnlisted
Two-way audioYes
Night visionUp to 55 ft.
Color night visionNo
Power typeAC-powered
Field of view140º
Digital zoom10x
Storage optionsCloud or local storage*
Learn more

* Local storage option requires the Vivint Smart Drive, which is sold separately.

Vivint also built in something they call “Lurker Detection,” which just means that when the camera spots a person, it turns on its LED light and makes a noise so the person knows they’re being recorded and (ideally) decides they’d rather lurk somewhere else.

What we don’t like

The only problem with the Lurker Detection feature is that the Vivint Outdoor Cam Pro doesn’t have facial recognition capabilities. That means it can’t tell if it’s you in your yard or a stranger, and it can be annoying to be squawked at by your own camera.

We also don’t love that the only way to get this camera is to get an entire Vivint security system. And to price out a system, you’ll have to call Vivint and get a quote. No easy online buying here.

Reolink Argus 2: Best mounting options

The Reolink Argus 2 is wire-free, affordable, and can be placed just about anywhere.
Argus 2 mounted on a wall with a solar panel

Source: Reolink

The Reolink Argus 2 won’t make you string any wires, and it will give you so many different mounting options that you can put this cam just about anywhere. You can choose from battery- or solar-powered. And you can install it in a screwed-in mounting bracket or use the provided strap to string up the cam without breaking out your drill.

Pros
  • Wire-free setup
  • Multiple mounting options
Cons
  • Tinny outgoing audio

What we like

Along with flexible placement, this home security camera has some cool features, like color night vision and encrypted video. Reolink uses Amazon Web Services for its cloud storage, so you’re better protected against would-be hackers, and you can still view your footage from anywhere.

Reolink Argus 2 features
ModelReolink Argus 2
Price$94.99
Resolution1080p
Weatherproof ratingIP65
Operating temperature14°F–131° F (-10°C–55°C)
Two-way audioYes
Night visionUp to 33 ft.
Color night visionYes
Power typeBattery or solar-powered
Field of view130º
Digital zoom6x
Storage optionsCloud or local storage
Learn more

Data current as of 07/12/2023. Offers subject to change.

As for weatherproofing, the Argus 2 still gets a pretty high rating of IP65. And its temperature range is nice and lenient for those more extreme bits of the country.

What we don't like

The Argus 2 only has 6x digital zoom, which is the lowest on our list. And its two-way audio quality isn’t the best we’ve heard. But for a weatherproof outdoor camera that costs less than $100, the Argus is still a pretty sweet deal.

TP-Link Kasa Cam Outdoor: Best budget buy

The TP-Link Kasa Cam Outdoor is a surprisingly affordable weatherproof camera with HD resolution and a built-in siren.
TP-Link Kasa Cam Outdoor with packaging

Source: TP-Link

The TP-Link Kasa Cam Outdoor won’t break the bank, but it will give you HD resolution and a cool, spirally base that lets you adjust the angle however you want. This little camera also comes with a built-in siren to help scare off intruders and keep your yard safe.

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Flexible angling
Cons
  • Skimpy free cloud storage

What we like

First of all, the Kasa Cam Outdoor is pretty cheap. It’ll cost you less than $100, and you’ll still get decent video quality with 1080p resolution. This camera also still has features we expect in every outdoor camera these days, like night vision, and a wide field of view.

TP-Link Kasa Cam Outdoor features
ModelTP-Link Kasa Cam Outdoor
Price$91.99
Resolution1080p
Weatherproof ratingIP65
Operating temperature-4°F–109.4°F (-20°C–43°C)
Two-way audioYes
Night visionUp to 30 ft.
Color night visionNo
Power typeAC-powered
Field of view130º
Digital zoom8x
Storage optionsCloud storage
Learn more

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 07/12/2023 14:24 PST)

And despite its affordable pricing, the Kasa Cam Outdoor still has an IP65 weather rating, and a temperature range wide enough for most people in most places. Although, it is the most narrow temperature range on our list, so be aware if you live somewhere that gets above 109.4ºF on the reg.

What we don't like

This home security camera still has to be plugged in, which means stringing wires around. And TP-Link is a bit stingy with their free cloud storage. You get only two days’ worth of stored clips before you have to subscribe to a monthly storage plan.

Recap

You can find an outdoor camera that can take the weather, no matter what the climate is like where you live.

Amcrest 4K Turret Camera: Most resilient—This camera has the best weatherproofing of any camera on our list, and it gives you excellent video quality with 4K resolution.

Google Nest Cam IQ Outdoor: Best AI features—Google Nest always has the best tech features, and that includes the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor. You’ll get AI stuff like facial recognition and person detection with this cam.

Vivint Outdoor Cam Pro: Best for a security system—The Vivint Outdoor Cam Pro works with Vivint’s excellent security system, and gives you a lot of the same features as the Nest, including person detection and a 4K image sensor, plus a useful feature called “Lurker Detection.”

Reolink Argus 2: Best mounting options—The Reolink Argus 2 lets you mount the camera without drilling holes in your wall (if that’s what you want). It’s wire-free, and you can choose a battery-powered or solar-powered model.

TP-Link Kasa Cam Outdoor: Best budget buy—The TP-Link Kasa Cam Outdoor will save you some serious cash. This camera costs less than $100 and still has HD resolution, night vision, and a built-in siren.

For more options, try our Best Outdoor Security Cameras or Best Wireless Security Cameras. And if you want a whole security camera system, try Best CCTV Systems.

Do you use an outdoor security camera to protect your house? Have you had any issues with weather affecting performance? Tell us about your experience in the comments.

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.

Mindy Woodall
Written by
Mindy Woodall
Mindy has been writing about technology for seven years. She covers all things smart home for Reviews.org, and keeps track of the latest robot gadgets. Mindy attended the University of Utah and her work has been featured on the likes of Parents.com, Digital Care, Hostfully, and more.

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