A home security camera is a useful DIY surveillance gadget for so many reasons. Whether you live in the city, suburbs, or homestead, a home security camera is your first line of defense against crime and can effectively protect your home and family.
Other uses include keeping an eye on people and pets at home and generally being aware of what is happening at home while you are away.
Safeguard Your Home with a Smart Home Security Camera System
Due to advances in modern technology, a home security camera is a super-smart surveillance system that safeguards your home by monitoring any indoor or outdoor space. This amazing high tech gadget allows you to keep an eagle eye view on the front door, lounge room, bedroom, patio, garden, or driveway.
A home security camera also records and live stream high-quality HD video to your PC or digital device so you will always have unlimited access to a permanent 24/7, day and night record of everything that happens in and around your property.
The 8 Best Home Security Cameras
- Ring Stick-Up Cam Plug-In HD Security Camera
- Google Nest Outdoor Security Camera
- Swann SWPRO-735CAM-US Multi-Purpose Day/Night Security Camera
- Arlo Pro Wireless Home Security Camera Starter System (Our Top Pick)
- Firstrend Wireless Security Camera System
- SereneLife Indoor Wireless IP Camera
- FOSCAM Security Camera
- CANARY View Indoor Security Camera
Our Top Pick for the Best Home Security Camera
Our top pick for the best home security camera is the Arlo Pro Home Security Camera System. The Arlo Pro security camera system is an intelligent solution to home security and 24/7 surveillance. With a sleek design, incredible features, advanced technology, and vivid images, the Arlo camera will keep your home and family safe and secure day and night.
Check the price on AmazonHow to Choose the Best Home Security Camera
Dome and Bullet Home Security Cameras
Security cameras come in two main styles, dome, and bullet-style cameras. While both of these cameras operate in the same way, the dome-style camera has a sleeker design that blends in with your home’s decor. It can be harder to tell which direction the camera is pointing, which may help to deter a potential intruder.
The bullet-style camera is bulkier than the dome camera but its rugged design makes it especially ideal for rough outdoor environments.
Stand-alone Home Security Cameras
Stand-alone home security cameras, such as the SereneLife Indoor Wireless IP Camera, act as a webcam and offer you around-the-clock surveillance. You can use this type of camera to monitor your baby throughout the night or keep an eye on your pet during the day. It can be placed on a table or mounted on a wall or the ceiling.
A stand-alone camera may not be wireless so you may have to use an ethernet cable to connect it to your router.
CCTV Home Security Camera Kits
If you want to monitor your whole property, invest in a CCTV security kit that contains multiple cameras. CCTV kits, such as the Firstrend Wireless Security Camera System, are available with a wired and wireless set up. Installation is very easy as the kit contains all the necessary mounting hardware.
One of the best features of a CCTV camera is its ability to recorded footage onto a DVR, so if your network connection is lost, you will still be able to access your videos.
Video Resolution
Being able to view crystal clear video from your security camera is extremely important. Standard VGA resolution provides good images in the daytime. However, the images can be very grainy at night or with overcast weather. This type of resolution does not place any strain on your home network, but the footage may not be clear enough to convict a burglar.
High definition 720P or 700 TV lines video resolution is sufficient for everyday personal surveillance and provides clear images.
Full 1080P HD video resolution or the newly designed CMOS full-color sensor provides outstanding crystal clear color and black and white images. However, this high resolution can slow your home network down.
Monitoring Zones and Field of View
A security camera may have multiple monitoring zones, such as 3 or 8, and a horizontal and vertical field of view set up which gives you very good surveillance coverage. If you want to cover lots of different areas in and around your home, you will need to purchase additional cameras for complete surveillance coverage.
Mobile Alert Email or Push Notifications
Most high-tech security cameras have a mobile alert push notification feature. As soon as the camera detects any movement or noise, it will notify you immediately on your mobile device.
Night Vision
Security cameras have highly sensitive sensors and LED lenses that detect movement and capture videos in low light conditions or even in complete darkness. Finding a camera that provides perfect night vision can be challenging. However, a camera that has multiple infrared lenses, such as the Google Nest Outdoor Security Camera, provide the best quality night video.
Two-way Audio
A two-way audio feature includes a speaker and a microphone. You can use the two-way audio to hear what is going on in your home, tell the mailman to leave a package on your porch, scare off a potential burglar, or speak to your children or pets.
Voice Activated Device Integration
Some home security cameras have smart device integration so you can connect the camera to Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple’s Siri for full voice activation control.
Pan/tilt/zoom Features
Pan, tilt, or zoom features allow you to achieve optimal viewing angles without having to physically reposition the camera.
Video Storage Facilities
Video storage facilities may include an onboard SD card, cloud-based storage, or the camera may be compatible with Blue Iris Software.
Although cloud storage may be offered to you free for a limited time, most cloud storage plans require a monthly subscription, which can be expensive.
Internet Requirements
To get the best use out of your wireless security camera, make sure that your router has the right network connection and upload speed. Wireless home security cameras may experience drop-outs if you live in an isolated country area, or the camera is placed too far away from the router. If you do experience drop-outs, an ethernet cable will eliminate these issues.
8 Best Home Security Cameras – Reviews
1. Ring Stick-Up Cam Plug-In HD Security Camera
The Ring Stick-up Wired Home Security Camera offers you customizable indoor and outdoor surveillance protection.
As well as placing the camera on a flat surface or mounting it onto a wall or ceiling indoors, its weatherproof design and adjustable stand mean you can also use it outdoors in rain or shine.
The camera has a 110° horizontal and 57° vertical field of view, 3 customizable motion zones, crystal clear 1080P HD color video, infrared night vision, a remote-activated siren, 2-way talk with noise cancellation, motion-activated device notifications, and an easy to use dashboard on the Ring app.
Smart features include compatibility to Echo Show, Echo Spot, or Alexa to monitor your home from the comfort of your couch.
This camera is very easy to set up, just plug and play with the included indoor/outdoor power adapter and connect to Wi-Fi. It also comes with a security sticker, screws, and wall anchors.
Ring also offers a very affordable comprehensive subscription service that lets you review what you have missed. The Ring Protect Basic only costs $4 a month, which includes video history for 60 days, snapshot capture, and video saving and sharing for one device.
An upgrade to the Protect Plus Plan will give you video history for 60 days, snapshot capture, and video saving and sharing for all the devices at your home, as well as extended warranties for all devices. All for around $15 a month.
The wired security camera is covered by a 1-year limited warranty which also includes camera servicing. You can also choose from 1 or 2 cameras, a black or white camera, or a battery-operated camera.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Good price
- Can be used for indoor or outdoor use
- Easy DIY setup
- Weather-resistant design
- Adjustable mounting stand
- 110° horizontal and 57° vertical field of view
- 3 customizable motion zones
- Infrared night vision
- Crystal clear 1080P HD color video
- Remote-activated siren
- Two-way talk with noise cancellation
- Motion-activated alert notifications
- Compatibility with Alexa or similar devices
- Wired or wireless connection options
- Affordable monthly plan subscriptions
- One-year limited warranty and service
- Available with 1 or 2 cameras
- Camera comes in black or white
Cons
- Resolution is not very good at night
- Video synching can be slow
- Does not come with a free cloud storage option
2. Google Nest Outdoor Security Camera
If you want to monitor any outdoor areas around your property, the Google Nest Outdoor Security Camera will keep your home safe and secure.
The stylish dome camera can easily be installed over your front door or the garage due to its unique adjustable magnetic mount and 25-feet IP65 weatherproof cable and power adapter. It has a wide-angle 130° horizontal field of view, a good 10-feet motion detection range, and a very good WiFi range of 50-feet, so you can effectively monitor your whole property.
Featuring smart iQ technology, high-quality sensors and 2.0-megapixel glass lenses with 8x digital zoom provide crisp, clear, and dynamic 1080P HD color daytime images and 8 infrared LEDs illuminate the scene at night. To connect your cameras to the internet, you can use WiFi or the plug-and-play port.
Use the 2-way audio to listen and speak to anyone loitering around your property or tell the postal person to leave the package at the door. When the security camera detects any movement or sound, it will send an alert notification straight to your digital IOS or Android device.
For on-demand voice-controlled surveillance, the Nest home security camera is compatible with Alexa (Alexa device sold separately) and Blue Iris software. You also have access to Nest Aware’s Cloud Storage Free Trial and Mobile Viewing via the Nest App or subscribe to Nest, and receive Person Alerts and live streaming video cloud storage for 10 or 30 days.
Google offers a 2-year limited warranty on its home security camera 2-pack.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Good price
- Stylish dome-style camera
- IP65 weatherproof design
- Very easy installation
- Adjustable magnetic mount
- 25-feet weatherproof cable
- Wide-angle 130° field of view
- Good 10-feet motion detection range
- Very good 50-feet WiFi range
- Smart IQ technology
- 24/7 live streaming video
- WiFi connectivity
- 2.0-megapixel glass lens
- 8x optical zoom
- Crystal-clear 1080P HD color daytime images
- Eight infrared LEDs provide good night vision
- Compatible with Alexa and Blue Iris software
- Two-way talk
- Notification alerts
- Nest Aware cloud storage free trial
- Mobile viewing via Nest app
- Two-year limited warranty
Cons
- Cameras may need to be adjusted to get optimal night vision
- Need to subscribe to Nest to access the full suite of features
- Not ideal for WiFi routers that do not have a strong upload speed
3. Swann SWPRO-735CAM-US Multi-Purpose Day/Night Security Camera
The Swann SWPRO-735CAM-US Multi-Purpose Day/Night Security Camera is a great surveillance investment for any home.
Featuring a solid aluminum waterproof IP67 casing and a sturdy threaded-through stand, the Swann security camera can record video even in extreme weather conditions.
The camera has a good 59° viewing angle and a hidden enclosed 60-feet cabling which is ideal for monitoring your home or business. Install it over a doorway, garage, yard, parking lot, hallway, or inside a storage area. Its 720P high-resolution LEDs, cut filters, smart color video image sensors, and backlight compensation provide clear color daytime footage and powerful night vision up to 85-feet.
Installation is very easy, and you can plug the security camera into your television and DVR for 24/7 surveillance and crime-fighting footage.
The Swann home security camera comes with all the mounting hardware and 4 theft deterrent stickers.
Swann offers a 1-year warranty on the home security camera.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Perfect for home and business use
- Indoor and outdoor use
- Very affordable price
- Ideal for doorways, yards, parking lots, hallways, or storage areas
- Clear 720P high-resolution color video quality
- Powerful black and white night vision up to 85-feet
- Solid IP67 weatherproof aluminum case
- Sturdy threaded-through stand
- Extra-long 60-feet cable
- Easy camera installation
- Plugs into your TV or DVR for 24/7 surveillance
- Includes all mounting installation hardware
- Four theft deterrent stickers
- One-year warranty
Cons
- No two-way audio
- Playback resolution clarity may depend on the type of DVR
- No alert push notifications
4. Arlo Pro Wireless Home Security Camera Starter System
The Arlo Pro Wireless Home Security Camera Starter System 3-pack offers you the ultimate in complete home security.
These stylish and versatile cameras are 100% wireless and have a weather-resistant design, so your home will be protected in any type of weather or temperature. You can install a camera over the front door, over your garage to monitor the driveway, or keep a watchful eye on your baby in the nursery.
Each camera has a 130° wide-angle field of view, crystal clear 1080p video, and infrared night vision up to 25-feet which can illuminate the smallest details, and an excellent wireless range up to 300+ feet. You have flexible powering options; use wireless router connectivity or a fast ethernet cable for uninterrupted surveillance.
You will have fantastic key features at your command. Advanced motion detection, live streaming video, digital pan and zoom, 2-way audio, mobile alerts, adjustable motion sensitivity, a base station with a 100+ decibel siren, compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT and SmartThings, USB storage, and FREE cloud recordings for 7 days + updated options.
The easy-to-install security cameras come with all the mounting hardware, an adjustable 360° swivel, and 90° tilt mount, 6 CR123A batteries, a magnetic charging cable, ethernet cable, power adapter, a SmartHub base station, and a Quick-start guide.
Arlo also offers its camera security systems in packs of 1, 2, 4, or 5. You can also choose from a range of affordable subscription plans.
The Arlo Pro camera packs are covered by a 1-year limited warranty.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent value for money
- 100% wireless
- Stylish design
- Weather-resistant IP65 housing
- Can be used indoors or outdoors
- Crystal clear full-color HD video
- 130° field of view
- Very good auto-adaptive night vision up to 25-feet
- Excellent 300+ feet wireless range
- Live streaming video
- Digital pan and zoom
- Two-way audio
- Sound-activated alerts
- Highly sensitive motion detection
- Adjustable motion sensitivity
- Excellent audio quality
- Automatic mobile alerts
- Fast Ethernet port and USB port
- Compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT & Stringify
- USB storage
- FREE cloud recordings for 7 days + updated options
- Comes with a power adapter, ethernet cable, magnetic charging cable, adjustable mount, and rechargeable batteries
- Available with 1, 2, 4, or 5 cameras
- Affordable subscription plans
- One-year limited warranty
Cons
- Little pricey
- Cameras can take a while to synch
- Zoom setting is not very clear
- Can be delayed from alert to playback
- Base station requires a wired ethernet connection
- Requires a strong internet connection
5. Firstrend Wireless Security Camera System
The Firstrend Wireless Security Camera System is a smart outdoor wireless surveillance solution for any home or business.
Designed with an IP66 weatherproof rating, the 4 cameras can be installed anywhere outside your home, office, shop, or warehouse. Firstrend has made the plug-and-play wireless step up effortless as the camera has already been paired to the 8 channel NVR recorder. Once you have completed the WiFi setup, the picture will automatically appear and you are all ready to start recording.
For stunning viewing on your device, a free app can be downloaded which is compatible with Android and IOS systems, or a PC.
Your screen will show 8 pictures at the same time with amazing 1080P high-resolution quality, and you can click on any screen with the supplied mouse. The camera has 6 infrared LEDs which provide very good night vision up to an incredible 65-feet, and the wireless strength is up to 35-feet.
Additional user-friendly features also include Sync-playback, Video Backup and Motion Detection, email or app notifications and the NVR recorder has VGA, HDMI, and USB ports.
You can choose from a 4, 6, or 8-pack and each pack comes with a 1 or 2 TB storage capacity. Some of the packs have a built-in hard drive (HDD) while others do not have a hard drive.
Firstrend offers a 60-day free return and a 1-year warranty on its home security cameras.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very good price
- Ideal for home or business
- IP66 weatherproof rating
- Outstanding daytime 960p HD picture quality
- Six infrared LEDs provide very good night vision up to 65-feet
- Easy installation
- Camera and NVR are automatically paired before shipping
- Good wireless signal strength up to 35-feet
- Eight-channel 1080P NVR recorder
- Free app is compatible with IOS and Android systems, and PC
- Supports sync-playback, video backup, and motion detection
- Email and push alert notifications
- NVR recorder has VGA, HDMI, and USB ports
- Available in 4, 6, or 8 pack
- 60-day free return
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Some of the packs do not have a hard drive
- No 2-talk feature
- Instructions can be hard to understand
- Requires a connection to a fast router for 24/7 surveillance
6. SereneLife Indoor Wireless IP Camera
With super-fast installation, amazing picture quality, and on-demand home monitoring, the SereneLife Indoor Wireless IP Camera is a fantastic choice for any home.
The SereneLife security camera offers you a simple and hassle-free plug-and-play installation so you can start using your camera straight away.
The camera has a good 90° field of view, and it delivers crystal clear HD 1080P images and smooth video playback on a PC, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. You have absolute control over the camera with its pan, tilt, or zoom adjustability. It also has a 2-way audio feature that you can use to listen to and communicate with your children or family.
Infrared LEDs and photosensitive electronic sensors intelligently monitor movement in low light conditions up to 32-feet and effectively illuminate the darkness. You can manually disable the electronic sensors to prevent outdoor window glare, leave the camera on automatic mode, or just set it to record on 24-hour mode.
When the camera detects movement, it emits a motion detection alarm and sends a detection notification to a PC, Apple Mac, or IOS/ Android digital devices. Additional user-friendly features include a power LED light, a wireless network status light, and a reset button.
To store your videos, use the 64GB micro overwrite SD card or the USB port. SereneLife also offers 4 hours of free cloud storage.
SereneLife offers a 1-year warranty on its home security camera.
Pros
- Great quality
- Excellent value for money
- Very good price
- Lightweight and compact design
- Can be placed on a table or mounted to the wall or ceiling
- Simple hassle-free setup
- Free app
- Plug and play technology
- 90° wide-angle field of vision
- Pan, tilt, or digital zoom adjustability
- Crystal clear 1080P HD picture
- Smooth video playback
- Infrared LED photosensitive sensor detector
- Very good night vision up to 32-feet
- Manual or automatic electronic low light LED sensors
- 24-hour mode
- 64GB micro SD card has an overwrite feature
- Motion detection alert alarm
- Email and push notifications for PC, Apple Mac, IOS, and Android systems
- Four free hours of cloud storage
- USB port
- Reset button
- Wireless network status light
- Power LED light
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Only works with a 2.4 GHz wireless network
- Very small
- Needs to be plugged into a modem or router
- Indoor use only
7. FOSCAM Security Camera
With ground-breaking “chipset” technology, the FOSCAM Security Camera is perfect for indoor family surveillance.
The security camera watch over your front door, monitor your kids in the playroom during the day, or safeguard your baby throughout the night. All your daytime videos will be displayed in stunning 1080P full-color and its 13 infrared LEDs provide clear black and white night images up to 26-feet even in pitch darkness.
The camera can be rotated 350° horizontally and 100% vertically to suit your home. It has a pan and zoom mode and the Auto-Cruise mode conveniently monitors the room.
Must-have features include 2-way audio with an integrated mic and speaker, a Foscam app that shows 8 locations, detection email or app push alerts for a PC or iOS and Android devices. You can connect the camera via WiFi by scanning the code on the bottom of the unit or use the ethernet port for a consistent wireless connection.
FOSCAM also offers you convenient storage options. Utilize the free 8-hour cloud storage facility or store your video on the built-in 128GB Micro SD card.
The home security camera comes in black and white, and it is covered by a 1-year warranty. If you have any problems setting up the camera, contact Foscam’s US-based customer technical support, or have a look at this helpful video.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Perfect for indoor family surveillance
- Ground-breaking chipset technology
- Stunning full HD 1080P color daytime video
- 13 infrared LEDs provide great night vision up to 26-feet in pitch darkness
- 350° horizontal and 100% vertical rotation
- Very easy to set up
- Can be mounted upside down
- Pan and zoom mode
- Two-way audio
- Smart motion and sound detection notifications
- Compatible with IOS, Android systems, and a PC
- Auto-cruise mode can be used for up to 8 locations
- Can be connected wirelessly or via an ethernet port
- Remote viewing on the Foscam app
- Free 8-hour cloud storage and playback
- Built-in 128GB Micro SD card
- Available in black or white
- One-year warranty
- Very good US-based technical support
Cons
- Camera can have trouble accessing SD cards on some computers
- May require a router extender as the camera does not have a very good WiFi range
8. CANARY View Indoor Security Camera
Backed by powerful AI capabilities, the CANARY View Indoor Security Camera delivers smart 24/7 day and night surveillance for any indoor space.
Whether you use the camera to monitor your front door or lounge room, the beautiful camera blends in with your home’s decor. Its 147° wide-angle lens has intelligent sensors that record remarkably crisp 1080P HD color video and clear audio and provides automatic night vision. You can also use the 3x zoom to analyze sections of your video footage.
With a simple setup design, minimal installation takes just a few seconds. Set the Canary View on a shelf or table, plug it in, connect to WiFi, and its powerful antenna keeps the camera connected.
This innovative security camera includes a one-touch emergency services button that alerts police, fire, or EMT. You can also use an IOS or Android device to view your video, receive smart notification alerts, and integrate the device with Alexa or Google Assistant, and the camera has Bluetooth low energy.
All Canary cameras include AI-powered Person Detection for free, so you will know when a friend or an intruder is in your home.
If you subscribe to Canary, you get extra features, such as 30 days of video storage, desktop live streaming, and two-way Canary Talk.
The CANARY home security camera is covered by a 1-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Sleek, stylish, and discreet design
- Powered by intelligent AI technology
- Intelligent light sensors
- Remarkably crisp 1080P HD color video and audio
- Automatic night vision
- 147° wide-angle lens
- 3x zoom
- Automatic mode
- Smart person detection
- Smart notification alerts to IOS and Android devices
- Simple no-hassle set up
- Powerful antenna
- One-touch emergency services
- Compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant
- Bluetooth Low Energy
- One-year limited warranty
Cons
- Pricey subscription is required to access full features and local storage
- Designed for indoor use only
- Notifications can be slower during night vision
Our Top Pick for the Best Home Security Camera
Our top pick for the best home security camera is the Arlo Pro Home Security Camera System. The Arlo Pro security camera system is an intelligent solution to home security and 24/7 surveillance. With a sleek design, incredible features, advanced technology, and vivid images, the Arlo camera will keep your home and family safe and secure day and night.
Check the price on Amazon
