The 6 Very Best Home-Security Cameras
From porch pirates stealing your home deliveries to just feeling safe in an increasingly weird world, it’s becoming more and more common to install home-security cameras in and around your property. And thanks to faster internet access and the rapidly dropping costs of cameras, buying these devices is easier and cheaper than ever. But buying home-security devices online can be fraught. Do you want a high-resolution camera with near-perfect fidelity, or will just plain HD do? Is it for a house-wide network, or just a camera to monitor the car in your driveway? Whatever you choose, make sure you’re following regulations within your chosen state or country: Anything that faces out from your property could become a privacy concern for passersby. “Regulations around cameras vary across the world,” says James Bore, of security company Bores Group. Bores also says it’s important to consider privacy concerns when installing cameras on the outside walls of your home, for example, in case they peer into other people’s property.I spoke to home-security consultants, and tech experts to find out the best options for all kinds of homes, which include systems that work in the dark and those that can live stream footage to your phone.
Summary of items we will discuss in this buying guide :
SimpliSafe 8 Piece Wireless Home Security System
Ring Spotlight Cam Plus, Battery
Arlo Ultra 2 Security System
EZVIZ C3N
eufy Security eufyCam S330 (eufyCam 3) 2-Cam Kit
Blink Whole Home Security Camera System Bundle
Our top picks :
SimpliSafe 8 Piece Wireless Home Security System
Feeling secure without being overwhelmed by technical details or a laborious setup process is key to a good home-security system. If something is too tricky to install and use day to day, you’re less likely to use it. Which is why the SimpliSafe is my pick for the best overall. Three of our experts agree. Graphic artist Geoff McFetridge bought the SimpliSafe after his studio was broken into. “You don’t have to wire it — you can install it yourself, and it takes a half hour to install the entire system. And it beeps if anything gets triggered,” he says. James Bore also raves about the SimpliSafe, calling it “my best recommendation if you’re operating on a normal household budget.” Lauren Ro, writer at the Strategist, is also a fan of the SimpliSafe. “We wanted a security system for our home that was easy to install, flexible, and not very complicated, and Simplisafe fit the bill,” Ro says. “It was also one of the more affordable systems on the market and completely DIY if you want it to be. Everything besides the base and cameras, which require an outlet, uses batteries, and all you do is stick the components onto the walls, windows, and doors,” she says. Ro has had it for four years, and likes that unlike other systems, you aren’t locked into paying a monthly fee — though she spends $28 a month on an optional 24/7 security monitoring fee for assurance. “Simplisafe is great for those who don’t want to be locked into an expensive plan and who want to be able to create a bundle that works for their specific needs,” she says.
Ring Spotlight Cam Plus, Battery
You probably already know someone with an Amazon Ring. As a home security camera it’s cheap and effective — as you’d expect for a company the scale of Amazon. There are a range of options in the Ring ecosystem. The cheapest is the Ring Stick Up Cam, which usually costs less than $100, while the most expensive is the Ring Floodlight Cam Pro Plug-In, which retails at around $269. The Ring Spotlight Cam sits nearer the top end, but balances affordability with functionality. The Ring Spotlight comes with a motion-activated LED spotlight that lights up any intruders, and can be set with customizable motion zones, so you’re only alerted when movement happens in areas of concern. A built-in speaker and microphone system means you can not only hear what’s happening in front of your camera, but whoever’s in front of your camera can hear you. Controlled by a functional and well-designed app, the Amazon Ring is often heavily discounted on Amazon shopping holidays (like Prime Day) – if you’re looking for a bargain.
Arlo Ultra 2 Security System
Arlo are one of the best tried and trusted manufacturers of security cameras (they’re used by more than two million paying subscribers), and have a variety of models at different price points. The Ultra 2 is their flagship range — with a price point to match. But for the cost, you get a lot: 4K vision with HDR, an ultra-wide viewing angle, and color night vision come as standard. “I do like Arlo,” says Christopher Hamer, a YouTuber who runs the channel Hamer Reviews. Hamer has eight of their cameras around his home, and likes the utility of them. “The downside is ridiculous subscription costs and very high hardware costs,” he says. “But it’s difficult to find better solutions in my opinion.”
EZVIZ C3N
If you live somewhere remote, or with patchy internet connection, consider a wired option. “Sometimes a wired security camera is a safer bet than a wireless one, especially if your home is prone to signal dropouts,” says Alison Peckham, security expert at Myjobquote. “These can be a bit trickier to install but the EZVIZ C3N is one of the easier options”, she explained. “It uses Ethernet networking but if you want to stick with a Wi-Fi connection, it has external antennas to boost the signal.” Ethernet networking means that there are physical wires connecting the device to the internet, rather than Wi-Fi. Peckham likes the EZVIZ because the camera has a swivel head, so you can fix it to walls or ceilings and get full coverage around a room, while it has an IP67 waterproof rating, meaning it can be used outside. “This smart camera’s not short on features either, including three night vision modes and AI people detection,” she adds.
eufy Security eufyCam S330 (eufyCam 3) 2-Cam Kit
You need your cameras to be on all the time, and a power failure at a crucial moment can mean you’re unsecured — or lacking evidence if the worst were to happen. The eufyCam S330’s solar powered system, enabled by small panels atop each camera, means you never need to worry about switching out batteries. The eufyCam is a popular choice, with hundreds of five-star reviews on Amazon. People like its 4K fidelity, and the features it has that are often only available on higher priced models, such as night vision, two-day audio, and an LED spotlight, but there are qualms about how effective the motion security is. One thing that separates the eufyCam from some competitors is its BionicMind AI system, which recognizes the faces of those passing in front of it and starts recording if it’s somebody from outside your household.
Blink Whole Home Security Camera System Bundle
Jordan McMahon, writer at the Strategist, tested Blink’s home bundle and was impressed with its simplicity. “For every component (doorbell, indoor camera, and outdoor camera) that I tested, setup was as easy as logging into the app, scanning a few QR codes, and putting the equipment in place”, he says. It was easy to check in on the cameras too, using the live feed — “and even take still images if you need to take a closer look at something,” he says. Though the Bundle is well-priced at $300, you will sacrifice a little in terms of image quality. “It’s good enough to know what you’re looking at, but you might miss out on a few details here and there,” says McMahon. And renters beware: The Blink relies on screws to be mounted into place. “You’ll have to patch up the holes these gadgets leave behind when your lease is up,” he adds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, securing your home has never been more accessible with the advent of advanced home-security cameras. The 6 very best home-security cameras featured in this guide offer a diverse range of features to cater to your specific safety needs. As you embark on the journey to fortify your home, it's essential to keep the following critical points in mind before making a buying choice:
- Resolution and Image Quality:
- Prioritize cameras with high-resolution capabilities for clear and detailed footage. Enhanced image quality ensures that you can accurately identify people or objects captured by the camera.
- Field of View and Coverage:
- Assess the field of view to guarantee comprehensive coverage of your property. Opt for cameras with wide-angle lenses or pan-and-tilt functionality for a broader perspective.
- Night Vision Technology:
- Check the effectiveness of the night vision technology. Quality home-security cameras should offer clear and well-illuminated footage even in low-light or nighttime conditions.
- Motion Detection and Alerts:
- Evaluate the motion detection features and alert systems. Cameras equipped with advanced motion sensors and customizable alert notifications keep you informed of any suspicious activity in real-time.
- Cloud Storage and Local Storage Options:
- Consider the storage options available. Cameras with cloud storage provide convenient access to footage remotely, while those with local storage options offer a degree of autonomy and control over your data.
- Integration with Smart Home Systems:
- Verify compatibility with smart home systems. Choosing cameras that seamlessly integrate with popular smart home platforms enhances overall convenience and control.
By keeping these critical points in mind, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your home-security priorities. The 6 selected home-security cameras not only excel in these aspects but also offer a variety of options to suit different preferences and budgets. Enhance your peace of mind and fortify your home with confidence in the reliability and performance of these top-rated home-security cameras.
