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The best home security cameras to increase safety and protection
A robust home security setup with cameras, sensors, and night vision can give you peace of mind while you're away.
Luckily, the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) technology, mobile connectivity, apps, and cloud technologies have radically changed the security landscape and made it easier than ever to set up multi-room and on-premise systems in your home.
The possibilities are endless: Cloud or local feed storage, customizable or automatic alerts and alarms, smartphone and tablet connectivity, wired or wireless, battery-powered or mains options, video capture, night vision, audio feeds, sirens, and more are all on offer and can be tailored to meet the requirements of your home. Not only are the options extensive, but you can now create a great security ecosystem on a budget.
Also: The best home security systems for protecting your home and office
While the idea of a smart camera might seem overkill at first glance, once you're used to checking on your home in real-time, the convenience and safety improvements pay for themselves.
Below are my top picks for the best security cameras for your home in 2023.
- Flexible and quick setups
- Professional monitoring available
- Bolt-on ecosystem additions available, including outdoor cameras
- Multiple camera costs can be high
Ring Stick Up Cam Solar features: Two-way audio | Motion-activated | 1080p video | Flexible mounting
Heavy-duty, wired surveillance systems used to be the only option to protect a home or business. Times have changed, and with the explosion in mobile solutions and the increased bandwidth offered by broadband and 4G/5G, there are mobile-friendly options for people seeking a budget-conscious security option.
The benefit of the Ring camera range, including indoor, outdoor, stickup, and floodlights, lies within its flexibility. Each camera can be connected to the same account and accessed via smartphone, alerting users to motion from all areas.
Also: This Ring camera hack helps me keep an eye on my most dangerous tech
Ring's stylish stick up cams can be placed inside or outdoors and on horizontal or vertical surfaces. Battery and wired options are available as well as devices that come with a solar panel and a backup battery pack. The Spotlight and Floodlight models are also worth considering, given their built-in security sirens.
There are a variety of different cameras users can choose from, so you can design a mix-and-match setup. You can also purchase gutter and pole mounts.
- Additional security products create a wider security network
- Small, compact design
- Budget-friendly
- Limited cloud storage included unless subscribed
Wyze Cam v3 features: Color night vision | Motion and sound detection | 32GB storage | Works with Alexa, Google Assistant
If you want to dip a toe into the world of IoT and intelligent home security devices, you may want to consider the Wyze Cam v3, one of the most affordable options on the market today.
Smart home security doesn't have to be an expensive investment, as this product highlights. The Wyze Cam v3 is a $35 internet-connected camera offering 1080p recording, an IP65 rating for water resistance during indoor or outdoor use, a CMOS sensor designed to improve nighttime vision, a siren, and two-way communication.
Also: The best outdoor security cameras
The camera can become part of a broader Wyze security ecosystem, which includes outdoor cameras, motion sensors, leak sensors, keypads, and entry monitors.
- Easy setup
- Mobile device monitoring and access
- Flexible options
- Expensive for single cameras
Google Nest Cam features: Three color options | Compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa | 135-degree field of view | Records for up to one hour during a power outage | Wired or battery available
Google Nest cameras will be attractive to homeowners already in the Nest ecosystem -- including users of the Nest Thermostat, Nest CO2 alarms, and Nest X Yale Locks.
Review: Yale Assure Lock 2: A genius lock... once you get it installed
The Nest Cam Indoor and Outdoor cameras are mobile options for on-premise security. They are best suited for budget-friendly users that need basic security measures in place. The cameras can record footage in 1080p HD, and when it comes to the outdoor version, this quality is maintained at night through infrared LEDs. You can pick up battery or wire-powered options.
Both versions have built-in speakers and will alert users via their mobile devices when suspicious activity or visitors are detected by motion and noise sensors. Monitoring begins once the app has been installed and an account has been set up.
Subscription costs vary, although you don't need to sign up for one to access basic features.
- Built-in siren
- Stylish design
- Wired
- Expensive outside of sales events
Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus features: 1080p HD video | Built-in 105dB siren | Motion-activated floodlights | Two-way talk | Color night vision
The Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus is the perfect camera for protecting large areas outside, such as a yard or driveway. This model can record in 1080p HD and has a built-in 105dB siren -- likely to grab the attention of any unwanted intruder on your property.
Also: The best video doorbells
The Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus is equipped with ultra-bright LED floodlights, which are triggered when motion is detected. You can also use color night vision when you check in via your mobile phone, allowing you to see exactly what's happening, no matter the time of day.
This product is currently on sale directly from Ring's website, and considering the new price of $130 -- a $70 discount -- the Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus ranks high on our list as an affordable, robust outdoor security camera.
- Color night vision
- Magnetic mounts
- Activity zones
- Arlo Secure subscription is required for premium features
Arlo Pro 4 features: 12x zoom | Built-in siren | Noise-canceling audio | Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit compatible | Color night vision
The Arlo Pro 4 is another one of my favorite security cameras. This slimline option can be used indoors or outdoors, being a weather-resistant model with various mounting options that can detect sound and motion.
The Arlo Pro 4, available in black or white, can work as a day-to-day camera on the shop floor, as a discreet camera placed outside as a night watchman, or as a part of a full camera network in a large workplace. A spotlight to improve low-light recording is included alongside object scanning and detection.
Also: The best cheap home security cameras under $100
Users will receive real-time alerts whenever motion or sound is detected, and footage is captured in up to 2K HDR resolution. The vendor also has implemented Activity Zones, which can be set to reduce unwanted or nuisance notifications. Arlo's subscription plan also provides the ability to call a friend or contact emergency services. Arlo's camera is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
At the time of writing, this camera is on sale at Amazon and Best Buy.
What is the best security camera?
The Ring Stick Up Cam Solar is the best security camera, offering an exceptional, flexible product with renewable energy usage at an affordable price. I love the easy setup, professional monitoring, and entire range of Ring security products. However, if you're looking for something else, the important specifications of my other recommendations are listed below:
Best security camera | Price | Power source | Video |
Ring Stick Up Cam Solar | $140 | Solar, wired | 1080p HD, Live View, Night Vision |
Google Nest Cam | $80 | Wired, battery | 1080p HD |
Wyze Cam v3 | $34 | Wired | 1080p HD, Live View, Color Night Vision |
Arlo Pro 4 | $158 | Battery | 1080p, Color Night Vision |
Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus | $130 | Wired | 1080p HD video with Color Night Vision |
Which security camera is right for you?
When selecting your security camera, you should consider the pain points at home or your business's location. What areas are the most important when it comes to monitoring? What assets do you need to protect? When might your home or business be most vulnerable?
If you're working from home, for example, you might forgo constant video capture and a subscription, opting instead for clips and the ability to check in while you're away. However, if there is valuable stock in an office shut at night, you might pivot toward an option including night vision and constant video/audio feeds.
Choose this security camera... | If you want... |
Ring Stick Up Cam Solar | The best overall option. Not only are they stylish and reasonably priced, but these cameras are extremely flexible and can be mounted on numerous surfaces, gutters, and poles. |
Google Nest Cam | A security camera within the Google ecosystem. They are best suited for budget-friendly users with basic security needs. |
Wyze Cam v3 | A budget-friendly security camera. This wired, 1080p HD camera doesn't have many bells or whistles, but it does provide color night vision. |
Arlo Pro 4 | A security camera for the workplace. If you're willing to pay for the Arlo Secure plan, you will have access to every feature you could possibly need to monitor your workplace and deter unwanted visitors. |
Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus | A wired, reliable security camera system. This option is perfect if you need to monitor large, outdoor areas both day and night, and the floodlights included are a bonus. |
How did I choose these security cameras?
The requirements of home and business security cameras vary. The average person may lean toward an easy-to-install, budget-conscious product, whereas a company may be more inclined to invest in a more powerful alternative to protect valuable assets.
In each case, I have considered as many security system features as possible, including recording capabilities, environmental use, and cost -- both upfront and due to ongoing subscriptions.
Where should I place a security camera?
It's best to place exterior security cameras at entry points to your home, like near a front or back door. Be sure to place the security camera in plain sight, so people know they are there and criminals are deterred, since they know you have a security camera.
Is it necessary to subscribe to a monitoring service?
No, but technology services now -- ranging from streaming to IoT -- will not usually stop at hardware. Revenue models are pivoting to subscriptions, too. If you want constant monitoring and footage to be stored beyond a specific period of time, you may need to sign up.
Will pets trigger alerts on a security camera?
This was once a common problem with earlier forms of IoT and smart cameras, but vendors are constantly improving false-positive rates through improved object detection and the implementation of features such as activity zones.
Do I have to connect my camera to assistants like Amazon Alexa?
This bolt-on integration is usually added to make products more appealing and convenient, but you do not need to connect your home security system to anything else in your IoT ecosystem.
Are there alternative security cameras worth considering?
My top picks have a variety of functions and uses. However, there are many home security systems on the market, as well as some standalone offerings you might want to consider as part of a wider ecosystem rather than a "one size fits all" security package. I've listed my other top options below.
BEST PRICE
Roku Smart Home Indoor Camera SE (2-pack) - Motion and sound detection
For the equivalent of $25 each, Roku's two-pack indoor camera system is a budget-friendly way to secure your small home or apartment.
BEST PRICE
SimpliSafe SimpliCam - 24/7 HD video
The SimpliCam is a great addition to SimpliSafe home security systems or for use as a standalone product.
BEST PRICE
Blink Mini - Night vision and motion detection
One of the most budget-friendly security cameras on the market is the Blink Mini, a discreet option for keeping an eye on your home.
BEST PRICE
EufyCam 3, 2-pack with HomeBase 3 - Professional-grade monitoring
This premium option provides crisp, 4K recording combined with artificial intelligence.