Choosing a home security camera can be a daunting task since there are a lot of things to consider. Some aren’t susceptible to power outages, thanks to their battery power and local storage, while others need careful placements inside or outside the home.
We recommend starting with something like the Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera, a well-rounded camera that’s packed full of features and boasts performance that ensures you’ll be in the know about what’s happening at your home. Competitors like Ring and Nest may be more recognizable brands, but the Arlo Pro 4 has them beat on features for the price. If you’re not sold on the Arlo product, here’s a look at the best security cameras of 2024.
Arlo Pro 4
The best all-around home security camera
Pros
- Sharp-looking footage
- Additional details with color night vision
- Doesn’t require a hub to set up
- Smart security with Arlo Smart service
Cons
- Specs are similar to predecessor
- Spotlight required for color night vision
Arlo has always offered the best solution when you need multiple cameras. The Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera shares many of its predecessor’s features and specs, but it doesn’t require a hub to function. It is fully weather-sealed and ready for use indoors or out, wired or wire-free, with a 160-degree viewing angle. The batteries can easily be swapped and charged separately, so wire-free cameras won’t suffer any downtime while charging.
Now that the camera has ditched the base station that previous Arlo models needed to function, the setup process is streamlined because you connect it directly to your home’s Wi-Fi router. When it comes to video quality, its 4-megapixel one-third-inch sensor does a fantastic job of capturing sharp details with accurate colors. The performance is made better thanks to HDR and color night vision, which help to uncover details that are often lost in high-contrast scenes and at nighttime when lighting becomes challenging.
The Arlo Pro 4 is also backward compatible with the existing Arlo Pro system, so current users can continue to use their same base station and older cameras alongside the new model. When you consider the excellent camera performance, Wi-Fi direct connectivity, and smart security courtesy of Arlo Smart, its $200 starting cost makes it more attractive than previous iterations. In fact, the starting cost of the previous Arlo Pro 3 was $500, although it did come with two cameras as opposed to one.
Arlo Pro 4
The best all-around home security camera
Google Nest Cam (battery)
The best Google Assistant integration
Pros
- Works both indoors and out
- Stores three hours of video history for free
- Great contrast with HDR video
- Magnetic plate has a strong connection
Cons
- Bulky design
- Details are a bit soft
The Nest line produces reliable products with the latest A.I. features, and its products are always strong picks for those already using Google Home. This latest battery-powered cam is excellent for DIY users who want the freedom to place the cam wherever they want — indoors or outdoors — at any angle. The cam supports 1080p video at 30 frames per second, with night vision and a 130-degree field of view.
The camera offers the ability to zoom in, use two-way audio to talk, or contact emergency services. It’s also smart enough to customize alerts based on whether it thinks it has seen a person, pet, vehicle, or more. It’s also compatible with Google Assistant and devices like the Nest Hub Max, although you won’t find any Alexa support on this Google product. If you are placing the cam outside, you can also attach a weatherproof cable so you won’t have to worry about recharging the battery.
Out of the box and free of charge, the Nest Cam supports up to three hours of event-based battery history storage, after which you will need to clear out space. You could add a Nest Aware subscription if you don’t mind paying a monthly fee, which offers more A.I. features and much more storage for the cam.
Google Nest Cam (battery)
The best Google Assistant integration
Blink Outdoor Cam
Best security camera for Alexa
Pros
- Built-in Alexa compatibility
- Customizable motion zones
- Multi-year battery
Cons
- Local storage requires a separate hub
- No cloud storage without a subscription
The Blink Outdoor camera offers weather-resistant surveillance at HD resolution with infrared night vision. While the model is battery-powered, allowing you to place it nearly anywhere, the battery sports a runtime of up to two years before needing to be recharged (although it’s still a good idea to place it in a more manageable spot like your porch or above a garage).
Blink uses motion detection with customizable motion zones to help reduce errors and includes a two-way audio feature to communicate with the cam. The Alexa compatibility works very well with devices like an Echo Show for an immediate look through the cam and also supports voice commands to arm or disarm the unit whenever you’d like.
The small downside to Blink’s affordable outdoor cam is you can’t save video natively right out of the box. Instead, you’ll either need to sign up for the Blink Subscription plan to get cloud storage options or purchase a separate Blink Sync Module 2 hub to enable local storage.
Blink Outdoor Cam
Best security camera for Alexa
Wyze Cam v3
The best cheap security camera
Pros
- Very affordable
- Works both indoors and outdoors
- More detail with color night vision
- Tons of security controls
From the easy-to-install Wyze Lock to the versatile Wyze Cam Outdoor, the Wyzeportfolio has been growing at a rapid rate. Its latest offering is the incredible Wyze Cam v3, which like its predecessor, astounds with its unbelievably low cost of $36!
Following the same cube-shaped design, this newer model benefits from a sturdier IP65 construction that allows it to work outdoors while resisting harsh elements. It also features night vision, something that has been largely reserved for pricier models. The usefulness of color night vision is astounding since there are details you wouldn’t otherwise be able to detect from your standard black-and-white night vision clips.
Furthermore, the Wyze Cam v3 offers a slew of capture modes that even includes a handy time-lapse mode, various security and privacy controls, and local storage to ensure your footage stays with you. You get all of that in a security camera for well under $50. Quite frankly, it sets the benchmark in what we expect out of entry-level security cameras.
Wyze Cam v3
The best cheap security camera
Logitech Circle View Doorbell
Best security cam for HomeKit integration
Pros
- Neat integration with other smart home devices
- Good color night vision
- Light sensor with a readable interface
- Facial recognition
Cons
- Not compatible with Android at all
- Additional hardware and subscription requirement
There’s no denying that there are fewer security cameras on the market that support Apple’s HomeKit. One of the best options is Logitech’s Circle View Doorbell, an excellent choice if you prefer to control everything via the Home app (it also works with Alexa and Google Home). The 1080p cam offers a 160-degree viewing angle, 6-foot night vision, and two-way audio for communication. If you have an iCloud+ subscription, you can also upgrade to facial recognition, custom detection zones, and more.
Since it’s a video doorbell, the cam includes a chime button and is designed to be placed directly by your door for easy porch/street-side viewing. Setup and installation require an iOS device using the Home app, so there’s no need to download any extra apps. The Logitech Circle View Doorbell features an assortment of privacy features to ensure it’s safe to have inside the home. They include things like automatic arming based on your phone’s GPS location, a dedicated button that effectively shuts off the camera, and the ability to swivel the camera completely downwards.
The Circle View Doorbell is a wired doorbell, so you’ll need the proper wired connection to make it work (the doorbell comes with multiple mounting options and a chime kit to help). There are battery-powered doorbell options available, like the Nest Doorbell, but none work with Apple as well as this model.
Logitech Circle View Doorbell
Best security cam for HomeKit integration
Eufy SoloCam E40
The best security camera without a subscription
Pros
- Doesn’t require subscription service
- Crisp night vision quality
- Better than average battery life
Cons
- Struggles with dynamic range
Today’s security cameras have advanced features that are blocked off unless you subscribe to one of their subscription services. One common benefit to some of these services is that they’ll store recorded events in the cloud, so you can access them at any time with your mobile devices. The beauty of the Eufy SoloCam E40 is that you don’t need to pay for a subscription service to reap some of its rewards, like cloud storage.
You’ll find an all-in-one solution with the Eufy SoloCam E40 because not only does it cover all of the basics, like crisp night vision, activity zones, and long-lasting battery life on a single charge, but you don’t have to pay a monthly fee in order to access the footage it records. All of your clips are stored locally and encrypted, so you can access them at any time on your smartphone.
Best of all, it’s a breeze to set up and isn’t too expensive to buy on any budget. For what you pay, it’s sweet knowing there’s no additional cost out of your pockets after buying it.
Eufy SoloCam E40
The best security camera without a subscription
Blink Wired Floodlight Camera
Best affordable floodlight
Pros
- Affordable
- Powerful floodlights
- Wired connection for constant power
Cons
- Installation can be challenging
- Not as sleek as other cameras
The Blink Wired Floodlight Camera is surprisingly powerful considering its list price of just $99. Featuring two gigantic floodlights that churn out up to 2600 lumens of brightness, it’s more than capable of lighting up your entire yard.
Beyond its great lighting abilities, it benefits from a 1080p camera that’s fully weather resistant. And even if your yard isn’t lit up, it can capture night-time footage in color. Toss in two-way audio, built-in security siren, motion alerts, and customizable motion zones, and it’s easy to see why the Blink Wired Floodlight Camera earned on spot on this list. It also works great with other Alexa devices — so give this one an even closer look if you’re using an Echo hub.
Like most products in this category, some of the Blink Wired Floodlight Camera’s features are locked behind a Blink Subscription Plan. We’d recommend springing for the Blink Basic Plan at $3/month. This gets you live view recording, 60-day video history, photo capture, person detection, and the option to create a local backup with the Sync Module 2.
Blink Wired Floodlight Camera
Best affordable floodlight
Blink Mini Pan-Tilt
Best affordable indoor camera
Pros
- Affordable cost
- Simple setup
- Crisp-sounding audio
Cons
- Soft -looking video footage
- Cheap construction
Clocking in at just $35, the Blink Mini is a perfect fit for every budget. This indoor camera captures 1080p footage, can film in the dark using night vision, and even comes with built-in two-way audio. If you want to make it a more versatile device, you can add the Pan-Tilt mount, which lets you remotely swivel the camera to see more of your home (and it still only costs $60). It’s a bit quirky, but it’s hard to find a better indoor camera in this price range.
Blink Mini Pan-Tilt
Best affordable indoor camera
Arlo Essential Indoor Cam
Best indoor camera for privacy
Pros
- Privacy shutter offers peace of mind
- Crisp and clear night vision
- Intelligent detection with Arlo Smart
Cons
- Artifacting elements in video quality
If you’re worried about privacy, the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera has you covered. Not only does it film in 1080p and come with a robust smartphone app, but you can enable a built-in privacy shutter that ensures nothing is being filmed while you’re home. That alone will put it at the top of the list for many shoppers, and everyone else will benefit from a sleek design, impressive night vision, two-way audio, and highly customizable motion zones.
Arlo Essential Indoor Cam
Best indoor camera for privacy
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do home security cameras keep footage?
It depends. The amount and length of storage you get depend on factors like the specific model and whether you have a paid subscription or free plan. Some models, like Google, have a certain amount of free storage that can fill up over time. Others keep captured footage for a period (for example, seven days), then discard it. Subscriptions generally increase the time that footage can be held by a significant amount. However, it’s always a good idea to download a clip from the cloud right away if you will be using it for evidence. Local storage, like an SD card, is generally free to use and permanent, but you have to manage it manually.
Can home security cameras be hacked?
Technically, yes, although it’s uncommon. Customers have reported instances where hackers access their home security camera’s audio feed. To help protect your home security camera from hackers, use a strong non-default password, use two-factor authentication when available, secure your wireless network, and buy your home security camera new from a trusted source. You can learn more about how to protect your home security camera from hackers.
How do home security cameras work?
Most home security cameras stream video feeds using your home internet network. Video is automatically captured for a certain amount of time when motion near the camera is detected, and an alert is sent to the owner’s phone so they can watch and make decisions like whether to contact the authorities. They use an app as an interface where you can do things like view live video feeds, communicate using two-way audio, set up motion zones, and access cloud storage (or the camera’s internal storage or SD card storage). Most offer various kinds of night vision, and some include built-in spotlights.
Do home security cameras deter crime?
Yes. The Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology at the University of North Carolina Charlotte asked burglars about their most effective deterrents. Just over 50% said the presence of outdoor security cameras was an effective deterrent (they’d seek another target if the home had security cameras outside).
Where do I place home security cameras?
The best place to put security cameras is at common entry points — the front door, back door, garage, and lower-level windows. However, you should also consider your area, your property, and any special circumstances that may require a different placement. For instance, if you have a lot of expensive automobiles on your property, you may want to have an outdoor camera covering your vehicles. Or, if you live in an area where there are a lot of second-floor break-ins, you might want security cameras covering the second floor.
Do all home security cameras require a subscription?
No. A subscription is not required for all home security cameras, however, many home security cameras provide more features if you purchase the subscription plan. That could include additional A.I. features, more cloud storage options, or a bundled monitoring plan. Without the subscription plan, your features may be limited.
The cloud storage option in particular depends on a subscription fee. Cloud storage allows you to use your account to access saved video footage from anywhere and download it onto your computer or another device for future use (typically footage is held in the cloud for a certain time from a week to two months, depending on the tier of service). Few smart cams these days offer cloud storage without requiring a subscription fee. Google’s Nest Doorbell is one of the few examples with effective free storage. However, local storage is always an alternative and only requires buying a compatible SD card.
Are home security cameras legal?
In general, yes. Home security cameras are legal to place in your own home. If you’re using home security cameras for a rental property (like an Airbnb home), they are typically legal, provided you are placing them in common areas and the rental guests are aware of their presence.
However, it is not legal to use security cams to capture footage where people have the expectation of privacy. Capturing footage on your porch is fine, because it’s your yard, and the street beyond it is a public area. But capturing footage of something like your neighbor’s backyard is illegal and has led to successful lawsuits. For another example, it is not legal to place a home security camera in a place like an Airbnb rental bathroom. Plus, that’s just creepy anyway.
Do home security cameras record sound?
Some can … but there’s always an option to turn sound recording off, and many models skip it altogether. That’s due to wiretapping laws, which often make it illegal to record sound on surveillance equipment. Even two-way audio communication may have limits depending on specific state rules, although it’s typically legal if the conversation isn’t being actively recorded.
How does Digital Trends test security cameras?
This is by no means an exhaustive list of home security cameras, but these are a few of our favorites that stand out for various unique reasons. Smart home cameras are at their best when they stay out of your way and offer worry-free operation and streamlined apps so that when you do need to interact with them, it doesn’t cause a headache. Good image quality is nice, but it’s not the most important feature when it comes to keeping your home safe or checking in on your kids or pets.
We look for cameras that offer a great combination of features — night vision, battery power, alerts, two-way audio, integration with other services, etc. — in determining the best ones. Obviously, we also take price into account, and there is quite a range of pricing in the current smart home camera market.
Editors’ Recommendations
