Best Home Security Cameras
1. BEST OVERALL HOME SECURITY CAMERA
Arlo Pro 4 Wireless Security Camera
PROS
- High 2K resolution
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors
- Seamless set up
- Feature rich
CONS
- Requires subscription or hub for access to 2K video storage
A GH Institute expert favorite for both indoor and outdoor monitoring, Arlo cameras have consistently stood out in Lab tests for exceptional performance. Installing the Arlo on a wall is as simple as screwing in the magnetic base and popping the camera on. Because the camera is wireless, you can attach it anywhere you want within Wi-Fi range, which includes outdoor spaces thanks to its weather-resistant design.
Compatible with a range of smart home ecosystems like Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa and more, control is easy, and all alerts go straight to your phone. We like that this Arlo camera can even capture color videos at night and has an integrated spotlight as well as a built-in siren that you can trigger directly from the app. Plus, it offers some of the highest-quality video resolution.
2. BEST VALUE HOME SECURITY CAMERA
Wyze Cam v3
PROS
- Affordable camera and subscription
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors
CONS
- Must purchase subscription or microSD card for storage
- Must be plugged into power source
The WyzeCam has a whopping 75,000+ Amazon reviews and starts at under $40! Designed for both indoor and outdoor use thanks to a weather-proof design, it’ll record video clips whenever motion is detected and send an alert to your phone. A magnetic mounting kit comes included so you can install your camera anywhere feasible, and all videos are saved on the cloud for 14 days with one of the most affordable subscriptions among home security camera systems at just $2.99 per month.
You can also go subscription-free and opt for storage on a Wyze microSD card so video continues to record even if your Wi-Fi goes out. Our pros love that the v3 comes with great features such as color night vision and Alexa and Google Home compatibility, all at a fantastic price. Reviewers especially love its small size, but note that the Wyze Cam must be plugged into a power source to operate and an outdoor power adapter must be purchased separately if you plan on setting it up outside.
3. BEST VIDEO DOORBELL CAMERA
Google Nest Doorbell (Battery)
PROS
- Sleek, minimalist design in several colors
- Choice between wireless or wired
- Intuitive, easy to use app
- Fantastic performance in Lab tests
CONS
- Pricey subscription plan at $8 per month
Need surveillance right outside your front door? Look no further than this video doorbell from Google, which impressed our tech experts in tests for its sharp video resolution, wide field of view and excellent night vision. Not only is it easy to view video history from the Google Home app (where you can see all your other smart home devices within the Google ecosystem), but our pros found alerts to be both accurate and timely.
We love that you can both view and communicate with someone at your front door directly from your phone, as well as find out when a package has been dropped off. Just keep in mind that a video doorbell doesn’t provide indoor surveillance, so you’ll need another security camera for that like the Nest Cam.
4. BEST HOME SECURITY CAMERA WITHOUT SUBSCRIPTION
eufy Indoor Cam C120
PROS
- Affordable price
- Sharp 2K resolution
- Doesn’t require subscription
CONS
- Must be plugged in
Most of us pay for way too many subscriptions these days, so if you’d like to avoid adding another one to your monthly bill, consider this indoor security camera from eufy. While our pros haven’t tested it yet, eufy has performed well in previous Lab tests and our pros recommend it if you’re looking for excellent value. Not only can this model record footage in sharp 2K resolution, but it comes with all the features you need from a camera: two-way audio, real-time notifications, an easy-to-use app, night vision and much more. Just keep in mind that a MicroSD card is required but not included, though you do have the option of using cloud storage if desired.
5. BEST INDOOR HOME SECURITY CAMERA
Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In
PROS
- Available in battery-powered, plugged in or solar powered versions
- Intuitive app
- 180 days of video storage with subscription plan
- Customizable motion detection zones and privacy zones
- Great value
CONS
- No local storage
This versatile Ring camera scored among the highest for accurate motion detection and alerts in our Lab tests, making it a great choice to keep an eye on pets and kids. While it can be used both indoors and outdoors, our pros like this plug-in version for indoor use as you’re able to set up motion zones and privacy zones to really customize surveillance where you need it. We like the wide 130-degree field of view, but if you want full 360-degree coverage to scan the entire room you can always purchase the addition of a pan-tilt plug-in.
According to our pros, installation is super easy: The camera is packaged alongside all the tools you’ll need with a clear step-by-step guide. You also have options for how you power it, including a six- to 12-month battery, a USB cable or the additional purchase of a solar panel. A Ring Protect subscription lets you save and share videos captured on Ring devices for up to 180 days, making it easier than ever to set up your entire wireless home security system with Ring. Just keep in mind that there’s no local storage option with any Ring cameras, meaning that to view any video footage or event history a subscription is required.
6. BEST OUTDOOR HOME SECURITY CAMERA
Ring Spotlight Cam Pro
PROS
- Easy set up
- Intuitive app
- Impressive motion detection
CONS
- Pricey
Motion detection, two-way audio, color night vision and impressive 1080p video quality are just a few of the features you’ll get with this spotlight camera created to keep an eye on what’s going on outside your house. While this model is battery-powered and comes with a rechargeable battery pack, it’s also available in a wired version that’s always connected to power or you can automatically extend battery life with the addition of a solar panel.
Our pros found setting up the camera to be easy, and we love how intuitive the Ring app is. There are two LED spotlights located on both sides of the camera to help light up dark areas outside, and in our tests motion detection and alerts were responsive. We were also impressed by the bird’s eye view feature, which gives you access to an aerial view of your home. Though you can always check your live video feed without a Ring Protect subscription, for $4.99 a month you’ll not only have access to live feeds but also 180 days of history. With this subscription, you’ll get richer notifications, custom alerts and the ability to save and share videos.
7. BEST SOLAR POWERED HOME SECURITY CAMERA
Eufy S230 SoloCam (SoloCam S40)
PROS
- Crisp 2K resolution
- Easy to use app
- No subscription required
CONS
- Spotlight could be brighter
Worried about your home security camera’s battery dying on you? Consider this solar-powered outdoor camera that requires just two hours of direct sunlight a day for continuous power. As soon as motion is detected, a built-in 600 Lumens spotlight will turn on as the camera captures footage in color night vision. “The 2K video resolution and quality was really nice,” comments GH Data Engineer Nik Greenwald, who recently tested the camera.
Greenwald points out how intuitive the Eufy app is, and that the camera held up to water-resistance claims during our rigorous tests by performing without issue even after it was submerged in water. Our pros also like that, unlike other home security cameras, this one comes with 8GB of local storage, which should give you about two months of storage so you can avoid paying another pesky monthly subscription fee. For a newer solar-powered model (sans spotlight), our pros also suggest the SoloCam S220.
