Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen): two-minute review

A video doorbell is a parcel monitor, a deterrent, and a low-key surveillance node pointed at your own front step, and Ring has spent the better part of a decade making that proposition feel normal.

The second-generation Battery Doorbell Plus is the company sharpening its best idea: taking the head-to-toe doorbell and giving it the resolution it always deserved.

Where ordinary doorbells frame a visitor's torso and chin and little else, the Plus shows a tall, square 1:1 field of view — 140 degrees in both directions — that takes in the person, the doorstep and whatever's been left on it.

This generation shoots in 2K Retinal resolution (1920 x 1920) with HDR, so you can identify a courier, read a label and confirm whether the parcel is on your step or your neighbour's — and a 6x Enhanced Zoom lets you pinch in without the image collapsing. It's the spec that separates a useful doorbell from a novelty, and the upgrade that justifies picking the Plus over Ring's cheaper Battery Doorbell.

Night performance has been rethought, too. Rather than dropping straight to grey mush after dark, the Plus uses true-color low-light sight to hold onto colour in dim conditions, only switching to adaptive black-and-white night vision once it's dark.

Two-way talk with noise cancellation does the doorstep-conversation job cleanly. The other quality-of-life change is the Quick Release Battery Pack: instead of unmounting the whole unit to charge, you pop out the battery, recharge it and slot it back.

Installation takes under 30 minutes, connecting to Wi-Fi through the app and mounting with the supplied tools, then lining it up so the head-to-toe view actually reaches the floor. No hub required. If there's a grumble, it's a small one: in 2026, a $179.99 / £149.99 / AU$249 doorbell still charges over Micro-USB rather than USB-C, so you'll be hunting for the right cable.

On the upside, it runs dual-band Wi-Fi 6, so a 2K stream holds up better than Ring's older 2.4GHz-only doorbells, with Ring recommending a 10Mbps upload to keep it smooth.

Then there's the Ring tax, in two senses. Financially, person alerts, package alerts and saved recordings all live behind a Ring subscription; without one, the doorbell is reduced to real-time alerts and live view, which rather undersells a 2K camera.

Philosophically, buying Ring means accepting its history of police-data partnerships and the broader unease about Amazon-owned cameras pointed at public pavements. None of that is new, and none of it stops the hardware being good, but a review that ignored it wouldn't be doing its job.

Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen): price & availability

• List price: $179.99 / £149.99 / AU$249
• Announced March 2026
• Available in the UK, US, and Australia

Sitting in the upper-middle of Ring's range of video doorbells, the Plus costs more than the $99.99 / £79.99 / $149 standard Battery Doorbell and less than the $249.99 / £219.99 / AU$399 Battery Doorbell Pro, which steps up to Retinal 4K and 3D motion detection.

With a list price of $179.99 / £149.99 / AU$249, the Battery Video Doorbell Plus isn't an impulse buy, but Ring discounts aggressively and its doorbells routinely sell well under list, so few people pay full price for long.

You should also factor the subscription into the lifetime cost. Plans start affordably for a single device and climb for multi-device households. Although the doorbell functions without a subscription, the experience is hollow: you'll be notified that something happened without being able to review what. Treat the subscription as part of the purchase, not an optional extra, and the value equation looks honest.

• Value score: 4/5

Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen): subscription plans

Features such as instant notifications, Live View and Two-Way Talk are available out of the box and for free on all Ring devices. A Ring subscription (branded Ring Protect) allows you to review, save and share your videos.

With a Ring subscription, starting from $4.99 / £4.99 / AU$4.95 per month per device, you can store unlimited Ring footage in the cloud for up to 180 days, to rewatch, download to your own device or share with friends and family. Person and package alerts also require a subscription.

You get a 30-day trial subscription when you first set up your Ring device. Video storage defaults to 30 days, with the option to extend it to up to 180 days.

Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen): specs

Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen): design

• Well-built
• Quick-release battery
• Hub-free wireless install

I’ve never been the biggest fan of Ring’s bulky designs, but the second-gen Plus is a bit more suitably restrained: a slim, rounded slab that won't embarrass a period porch or a new-build alike.

Build quality is reassuring, and the button has a satisfying press, though for UK and Australian customers it only comes in a single Nickel Silver finish, so there's no matching it to your door furniture the way some rivals allow.

The most practical design feature is the Quick Release Battery Pack. On older Ring doorbells, recharging meant unscrewing and removing the whole device — exactly the sort of faff that leads to a flat battery and a fortnight of excuses. Here you release the battery alone, charge it and reinsert it, with the doorbell staying put.

Buy a spare — the standard pack or the new Quick Release Ultra Battery Pack — and downtime drops to seconds. If a permanent supply suits you better, it hardwires to existing doorbell wiring for continuous trickle charging.

Setup follows Ring's well-worn path through the app, and crucially needs no separate hub or bridge. The only thing to get right is the angle: head-to-toe view only delivers its full benefit if you mount the doorbell so the frame reaches the doorstep, so it's worth spending a minute on placement rather than slapping it up at eye level out of habit.

• Design score: 4/5

Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen): performance

• 2K Retinal head-to-toe view
• True-colour low-light
• Subscription gates smartest features

Fitted to a typical front door, the Plus does the important things well, and the move to 2K makes the difference obvious. The higher resolution and tall, square frame capture a visitor from hairline to doormat, so you see the face and the parcel in one shot.

The 6x Enhanced Zoom lets you crop in on a label or a face without the picture completely falling apart. Motion alerts arrived promptly during testing, live view loaded quickly, and two-way talk was clear enough to hold a proper exchange with a courier rather than barking over each other.

It might split opinion, but Ring uses AI-powered features to identify and announce who is at your door. Instead of generic motion alerts, I received AI prompts such as “A person is walking in the room with a vacuum cleaner”. I loved it, my cleaner hated it, and well, I guess that’s the point.

After dark, true-color low-light sight holds onto color under external lighting, so a late-night clip is worth reviewing; only in near-total darkness does it fall back to adaptive black-and-white.

It’s worth noting that I tested this sample on an internal front door, but one with intermittent infrared communal lighting at night, so the low-light functionality became incredibly useful when the lights cut out. Being battery-powered and available with Ring’s additional adhesive stick-on mounting kit makes it suitable for rental properties, too.

Connectivity is more of a quiet improvement: dual-band Wi-Fi 6 gives the 2K stream more headroom than Ring's older 2.4GHz-only doorbells, with Ring recommending a 10Mbps upload speed to keep things smooth.

The performance ceiling, though, is set by the subscription. Person and package alerts — the difference between 'motion detected' and 'a parcel has arrived' — require a Ring plan, as does the ability to go back and watch what you missed, with recordings held up to 180 days.

Without a plan, the doorbell still rings and still streams live, but it stops short of the intelligence its hardware is clearly capable of. As a generational upgrade, it's a real one: 2K Retinal, HDR, sharper zoom and better low-light all land, so first-gen Plus owners have a genuine reason to look, even if a working 1536p unit is still perfectly serviceable.

• Performance score: 4/5

Should you buy the Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen)

Buy it if

Don't buy it if

Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen): also consider

If you're not sure whether the new Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus is the right option for you, here are two other doorbells to think about.

How I tested the Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen)

• Tested at a domestic front door
• Assessed video, head-to-toe framing, zoom, night vision and audio
• Trialled the subscription experience

I used the doorbell outside to assess image quality, but mainly mounted the doorbell on an internal front door and used it as my main entry camera, paying particular attention to whether the head-to-toe view and the new 2K sensor delivered on the promise of capturing parcels and people together.

I checked live-view responsiveness, pushed the 6x zoom on faces and labels, held two-way conversations with visitors, and reviewed low-light and night clips after dark.

I've reported on Ring's privacy considerations because they're a material part of the buying decision, not a footnote.

For more details, see how we test, rate, and review products at TechRadar.

First reviewed June 2026

Fitting a video doorbell is an excellent way to boost your home security, but if you rent your home or live in an apartment, they're just not possible. That's where the catchily-named EZVIZ EP4 Wire-Free Peephole Door Viewer comes in. This little 4K camera fits in your front door's spyhole, and provides you with all the best features of a video doorbell without any drilling or damage.

Installing the EP4 is incredibly easy, and I managed to complete the whole process in around 10 minutes thanks to EZVIZ's handy video guide (the video shows an earlier model, the CP4, but the process is identical). The most time-consuming part was waiting for the EZVIZ app to download on my phone.

The peephole camera comes in two parts: the camera that fits on the outside of your door, and a 5.5-inch color screen that sits on the inside. There's also a set of six screws (don't worry, there's no drilling involved), a charging cable, and two small plastic plates that keep the camera's connector and charging port covered.

To get started, unscrew the peephole from your front door and put it somewhere safe. You might need to use a pair of pliers to get this started, but it seems mine was never installed very well to begin with, and it came away effortlessly.

Now measure the thickness of the door and select the right pair of screws (my door is relatively thin and required the shortest ones), screw them a little way into the back of the camera, and push them through the peephole, along with the data cable. You can wrap them in a rolled-up piece of paper to make this easier, but I found I didn't need to.

Take the mounting plate off the screen, slide it onto the screws, and tighten them up (making sure that the screen is level before turning them all the way). Then just push the data cable into the screen and cover it with a plastic plate, slide the screen into position, and press the power button for three seconds.

Select your language when prompted, pick your Wi-Fi network, and enter the password when prompted. Then just install the app, create an account, and scan the QR code that appears on the camera's screen to initiate pairing. This only takes a moment, and once it's connected, the camera is ready to use.

EZVIZ provides you with a seven-day free trial of its cloud storage service, which you can extend to 30 days by entering your payment details, but you can skip the fees by installing a microSD card (up to 512GB) instead. The app makes it easy to pick which type of storage you want to use.

From the app you can see a live video feed from your camera, capture a still image, or start recording. The EP3 records in 10-second clips, which is ample time to identify the person at your door and see what they're up to.

The EP3 can also start recording automatically when it detects a person (sending an alert to your phone as well, if you like), and can identify specific individuals using a feature called 'Familiar Faces', which is currently in beta. Upload a picture of someone you know, and the camera will use on-board AI to alert you when they're at the door.

It's an interesting idea, and great if you often have friends over, but at the moment it only seems to be possible to switch alerts on when a Familiar Face is recognized. You can't ask the camera to ignore certain people, so if you've added yourself, you'll get alerts telling you that you're at the door. Hopefully that's something EZVIZ is working on.

The EP4 also offers two-way talk, so you can use the mobile app speak with the person at the door — using your own voice, or a voice-changer if you want to stay anonymous. I noticed a delay of about five seconds on two-way-talk, which is better than some of the best video doorbells we've tested on TechRadar over the years.

I'll share a full review soon, but so far I'm very impressed by what I've seen of the EP4. It was incredibly easy to fit, and is an excellent option if you can't alter your door. Once EZVIZ has refined the facial recognition feature, I think it'll be onto a real winner.

Yale Linus Smart Lock L2 Lite: two-minute review

Smart locks in Britain have always been the awkward cousin of the smart home. American buyers get deadbolts and endless choice; we get multipoint mechanisms, lift-to-lock handles and a nagging sense that retrofitting anything to the front door will either void the insurance or fall off.

Yale's answer with the Linus L2 Lite is to keep things small, cheap and reversible — and, crucially, to build in Matter over Thread so the lock works with whatever smart home system you already rock.

The L2 Lite is a compact, round-knob unit that mounts on the inside of your door over the existing thumb-turn. Your key still works from the outside, which matters both for emergencies and for landlords.

Inside the Yale Home app, you get the modern smart-lock toolkit: digital keys and PIN codes you can share and revoke, an activity feed of who came and went, Auto-Unlock that opens the door as you approach with your phone in your pocket, and KeySense — a button on the knob for a quick press-to-lock or a long-press delayed lock as you leave.

Because it supports Matter over Thread alongside Bluetooth 5.4, the L2 Lite joins Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa or Samsung SmartThings locally and responds fast, no Yale-specific bridge required — provided you already own a device that acts as a Thread border router, such as a recent Apple HomePod or Amazon Echo.

If you don't live in a Matter ecosystem and still want to lock the door from the pub, you'll need Yale's optional ConnectX Wi-Fi Bridge, sold separately. There's no Wi-Fi baked in, unlike the pricier Linus L2.

Living with it, the L2 Lite is reassuringly unremarkable in the best way. Installation took 15 minutes, it disappears against the door, and KeySense quickly becomes muscle memory.

It runs on three CR123A batteries — not the sort of cell you keep in a kitchen drawer. There's no USB-C top-up, and it lacks DoorSense, so it knows whether it's locked but not whether the door is actually shut.

There's no Apple Home Key tap-to-enter either, which makes sense for an interior-only design but will disappoint iPhone devotees.

Get past the spec-sheet gaps, and the bigger question is door compatibility, because this is where UK smart locks live or die, and the L2 Lite is fussier than its friendly styling suggests.

Yale Linus Smart Lock L2 Lite: price & availability

• List price £129.98 (about $170 / AU$250) compared to £220 (about $290 / AU$420) for the regular Linus L2
• Launched December 2025
• Available in black or silver

With a list price of £129.98 (about $170 / AU$250), the Yale Linus Smart Lock L2 Lite undercuts the standard Linus L2 by a meaningful margin while keeping most of the day-to-day features. That makes it one of the cheapest routes to a Matter-over-Thread smart lock in the UK, though at the time of writing it's not available worldwide.

Pleasingly, there are no subscription fees to concern yourself with, but there are some other cost caveats.

CR123A batteries are included, and Yale rates them for up to six months, but replacing them is more expensive and less convenient than AAs. Second, if you're not in a Matter household, the ConnectX Wi-Fi Bridge is effectively mandatory for remote control, setting you back another £70.

Reassuringly, pairing the lock with a Yale Platinum Three Star cylinder brings a £3,000 Total Trust Guarantee if it's ever breached. That compares to £5,000 offered by smart lock rival Ultion Nuki. Its base model, the Ultion Nuki Go, costs £239 with Wi-Fi built in.

• Value score: 4/5

Yale Linus Smart Lock L2 Lite: specs

Yale Linus Smart Lock L2 Lite: design and installation

• Compact design
• Reversible install
• Door compatibility tricky

For something doing a serious security job, the L2 Lite is endearingly low-key. It's a small round knob in black or silver that sits on the inside of the door over your existing thumb-turn, and from the outside, there's no sign anything has changed.

The casing is plastic, which sounds cheap but feels solid enough in the hand. Installation lives up to the drill-free promise. In my case, I was carrying over an Ultion cylinder left in the door from a previous smart-lock install, and the supplied two-piece thumb-turn adapter eventually made the swap painless.

Fix the mounting plate around the cylinder, clip the adapter over the thumb-turn, attach the lock and calibrate it in the app. Because nothing is drilled and the cylinder isn't replaced, it comes off just as cleanly if you're renting or wary of committing.

The catch is what counts as a compatible door. The L2 Lite works only with lift-to-lock mechanisms; your cylinder needs to protrude at least 3mm on the inside, and it explicitly won't work with split spindles or auto-engage multipoint locks.

Plenty of UK front doors are lift-to-lock multipoint and will be fine; a meaningful number aren't. Use Yale's online compatibility checker before you buy, and note that if your current cylinder doesn't fit the bill, Yale's Linus Adjustable Cylinder is designed to solve exactly that.

• Design and installation score: 4/5

Yale Linus Smart Lock L2 Lite: performance

• Fast operation
• KeySense and Auto-Unlock useful
• Battery and DoorSense omissions niggle

Day to day, the L2 Lite locks and unlocks reliably, on command, without fuss. Paired into a Matter home, it responded quickly to app and voice commands, and Auto-Unlock greeted me at the door as advertised, sensing my approach over Bluetooth.

KeySense, the press-to-operate button on the knob, turns out to be the feature I used most: a quick press to lock behind me, a long press for a delayed lock as I gathered bags and left. One practical wrinkle on lift-to-lock doors: you still need to lift the handle as you leave, or KeySense has nothing to throw the bolts into.

Matter over Thread is always appealing, and it works. Through Apple Home, the lock appeared as a native tile, automations fired, and there was no bridge-dependent lag.

Sharing access is painless — digital keys and PIN codes go out to family or a cleaner and can be revoked from the app, with an activity feed confirming who came and went.

Want a code or fingerprint on the door rather than a phone? It pairs with the additional Yale Smart Keypad 2 or the Yale Dot.

The motor isn't silent, throwing a businesslike whir as it turns the cylinder, though it's no louder than rivals. The omissions are what stop a higher score. The lack of DoorSense means it reports whether it's locked, but has no idea whether the door is actually closed, which undermines the 'Is the house secure?' peace of mind.

The CR123A batteries are a recurring irritation rather than a dealbreaker, and the absence of Apple Home Key means no tap-to-enter with an iPhone or Apple Watch from outside. None of it spoils the core experience; it merely reaffirms this isn’t the flagship.

• Performance score: 4/5

Should you buy the Yale Linus Smart Lock L2 Lite?

Buy it if

Don't buy it if

Yale Linus Smart Lock L2 Lite: also consider

If you're not sure whether the Yale Linus Smart Lock L2 is the right smart lock for your home, here are two others to bear in mind.

How I tested the Yale Linus Smart Lock L2 Lite

• Installed on a domestic door
• Tested via Matter, Bluetooth and the Yale Home app
• Assessed installation, daily reliability, KeySense, and Auto-Unlock

I fitted the L2 Lite myself to gauge how true the drill-free claim is, swapping it onto an Ultion cylinder already in the door via the supplied two-piece thumb-turn adapter. I lived with it as a daily lock, locking and unlocking by app, voice and the KeySense button.

I paired it with Matter to test hub-free operation and response times, and used Auto-Unlock on repeated approaches. I shared and revoked digital access, checked the activity feed, and paid particular attention to the consequences of the missing DoorSense and the CR123A battery choice. Battery longevity can't be verified in weeks, so I've reported Yale's six-month figure alongside my shorter-term experience rather than guessing. For more details, see how we test, rate, and review products at TechRadar.

First reviewed June 2026

• Suitable for peepholes from 14mm to 50mm diameter
• Wireless operation and local microSD storage
• UK and Europe: £159 / €249

If you'd like a smart video doorbell but don't have anywhere to put one — or permission from your landlord to make any permanent changes — then the new EP4 door viewer from EZVIZ looks like an excellent alternative. It's a smart video camera that delivers all the key features of the best video doorbells, but instead of screwing it into the door, frame or wall you simply replace the door's existing peephole.

Because it's wireless and doesn't require additional mounting, if you're moving elsewhere in the future you can simply take it out and pop the original peephole back in again.

There's another key benefit here: the EP4 supports local storage. If like me you're trying to avoid signing up for yet another subscription service that's a big plus.

EZVIZ EP4 Wireless Peephole Door Viewer: what it does, what it costs and where to get it

The EZVIZ EP4 comes in two sections: the camera, and the viewing screen. The camera is designed to replace peepholes between 14mm and 50mm in diameter, so it should fit most existing peephole doors, and it has a rechargeable 7,100 mAh battery so you're not going to be recharging it every few weeks. My video doorbell battery is 5,000 mAh and I usually get two-ish months from that in a fairly busy street.

The camera streams 4K video to the portable viewer, which has a 5.5-inch touch screen. There's a live view and a two-way talk mode, AI-powered face recognition, human shape detection and infra-red detection, and you can customize the detection sensitivity so it's not alerting you of irrelevant passers-by. Local storage is via microSD card, with support for cards up to 512GB.

The camera features a wide 155 to 160-degree field of view with automatic distortion correction so your visitors don't look like they're auditioning to be in an emo band's video. There's no night vision here, although that shouldn't be an issue for internal doors in apartment blocks and similar spaces.

EZVIZ sells through Amazon, and the EP4 is available now for an RRP of £159.99 on Amazon UK.

In Europe the RRP is €249 but I'm already seeing it discounted to €189. Pricing and availability for the US and Australia hasn't been announced just yet.

• Researchers at Graz University of Technology unveiled FROST, a browser side‑channel attack
• The method can reveal visited websites and opened desktop apps, but requires large file creation
• Limitations exist, yet the study highlights how modern browser features expand the attack surface for surveillance

Security researchers have come up with a new way of spying on internet users, and they’re calling it FROST. Recently, more than half a dozen researchers from the Graz University of Technology (Austria) published a new report called “FROST: Fingerprinting Remotely using OPFS-based SSD Timing” in which they claim that there is a way to spy on user activities directly through the browser.

This is a remote side-channel technique that exploits a standard browser feature called the Origin Private File System (OPFS). Generally, a side-channel attack is a way of stealing secrets by measuring physical side effects, such as how long an action takes, how much power it uses. In this case, the researchers measured solid-state drive (SSD) access speeds, allowing them to track which websites a victim visited, and what desktop applications they opened.

“Web browsers have evolved from simple document viewers into complex platforms capable of running sophisticated applications,” the research paper says. “Companies like Google, Microsoft, and Adobe have developed full-fledged office suites, photo- and video editors, or even integrated development environments (IDEs) that run entirely within the browser.”

Limitations exist

“While these features enhance the capabilities of web applications and allow completely novel use cases, they also increase the browser’s attack surface, and some have already been shown to introduce new vulnerabilities.”

Unlike real-life exploits, those discovered in controlled environments have limitations, which make it somewhat harder to pull off in the wild. For example, the attack only works if the victim’s activity and the browser are running on the same SSD. The attack requires creating an exceptionally large file to bypass the computer’s memory cache, which can noticeably drain the victim’s free disk space and since Firefox limits storage space per website to 10GB, the attack is a little more difficult to pull off on that specific browser.

It was also said that the attacker cannot perform a quick, short measurement, because the large file must first be cleared out of the system’s memory cache. And finally, if a user runs software that completely moves their browser profile into RAM, the zero-interaction attack is successfully blocked.

Still, if you are worried about someone using FROST to snoop on you, just make sure you only keep one tab open at a time.

Via Ars Technica

IMOU AOV PT: two-minute review

Founded in 2015 as a spin-off from the Chinese surveillance giant Dahua Technology, Hangzhou-based IMOU has quickly become a major player in the value segment of the smart home market. A few months ago, I looked at the IMOU Cell 3C, another budget outdoor security camera. I liked the model, but it was a lot more basic than this model (and much cheaper, too).

For starters, the AOV PT features a separate, rather than the integrated solar panel found on the Cell 3C. For many set-ups this is an important distinction because often the best place for a camera, such as under an eve or in a porch, is the worst place for a solar panel. Having a separate panel means it can be located up to four metres away in a sun-drenched spot using the long USB-C cable provided.

Whereas most battery cameras stay in a deep sleep until a PIR is triggered, this latest IMOU features the company’s Always-On Video (AOV) technology — hence the AOV moniker. It’s like a sort of low-power mode where the camera records a frame every two seconds continuously, creating a low-frame rate timelapse of the entire day. Then, when the AI detects a human or vehicle, it ramps up to full-speed 3K (5MP) recording. Particularly clever is the smart tracking option which means once the pan-and-tilt camera detects movement it will follow the ‘target’ as it moves around. It’s all a bit Big Brother-y maybe, but useful if you want to track certain individuals or vehicles.

Usually, where security cameras manufacturers make their money is in selling you a monthly subscription to store your video footage in the cloud. Not only is this a potential cybersecurity risk, it can also get very expensive (I’m looking at you Ring). Even the average price of a subscription is £5 (about $7 / AU$10) a month, which I think is a bit excessive for basically storing your video clips.

With the IMOU AOV PT not only is a MicroSD card slot provided for storage, but IMOU has even thrown in a 32GB MicroSD card gratis — it’s a really nice touch, especially if you're always scrabbling around for a card to record onto! If you want more storage, though, the device can support up to 512GB. Alternatively, it is possible to sign-up to one of IMOU’s subscription plans (see details below).

Usefully, in addition to a MicroSD card, the IMOU also comes with a 4G SIM. This enables you to control the camera via the IMOU Life app without it having to be hooked up to the home’s Wi-Fi. IMOU provides a modest 100Mb of data (with a trial offer for a 6GB plan). However, for those monitoring properties where Wi-Fi connectivity is either non-existent, or at best patchy, it’s a potential game changer.

On the downside, though, the camera only supports the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi frequency rather than the higher 5GHz Wi-Fi frequency which is better for faster data transfer.

Designed to be mounted permanently outdoors, the IMOU boasts an IP-66 weatherproof rating for heavy-duty waterproof protection. It also comes with two reasonably powerful spotlights, a built-in microphone and speaker for two-way communication and a siren for warding off intruders (though this isn’t the loudest). There’s also a clever smart night vision feature so that when the camera detects an object, the spotlight is automatically activated, and recordings are displayed in color.

IMOU AOV PT: subscription options

Basic Plan: Covers seven days of event history and basic AI detection, between £2.59-£3.50 ($4-$5 / AU$5-AU$7) per month or approximately £30 ($40 / AU$70) a year.

Plus Plan: Offers 30 days of event history, enhanced AI detection, and sharing with up to 20 users. Costs around £5.99 ($9 / AU$12) per month or £60 ($80 / AU$110) per year.

See https://www.imou.com/uk/imou-protect for more details

IMOU AOV PT: price and availability

How much does it cost? IMOU AOV PT, $170 / £129 / AU$260

When is it available? Since December 2025

Where is it available? UK / US / Australia

Chinese firm IMOU is known for its competitively priced home security products. This one is no exception. OK, it’s quite a bit more expensive than the IMOU Cell 3C we reviewed which also comes with a solar panel. But then the AOV PT offers so much more and is still under £150.

In fact, when you consider the package includes a separate 5W solar panel, a pre-installed 32GB MicroSD card, and a 4G SIM card, the IMOU AOV PT is actually really very good value for money. That’s not to mention other useful features such as 360-degree field of view thanks to the pan-and-tilt camera and smart tracking so you can monitor the movements of intruders!

Compared to 4G rivals from Arlo or Reolink, which often require separate purchases for solar panels or storage, the IMOU really is a cost-effective, all-in-one solution for those needing off-grid security. Best of all is that you don’t need to pay for a monthly subscription — although that option is available from around £3 a month if you want it. Instead, you can store video clips on the MicroSD card provided or upgrade to one holding 512GB (these are now widely available for under £50/$50).

• Value score: 5/5

IMOU AOV PT: design

• Pan-and-tilt design
• Separate solar panel
• IP66 waterproofing

It’s fair to say that the IMOU AOV PT won’t win any security camera beauty competitions. Built for utility rather than stealth, it comprises a not particularly attractive black pan-and-tilt camera inside a large white plastic housing, plus a separate lightweight solar panel designed to tilt up to 45 degrees for maximum solar gain.

Installation isn’t the easiest either. Because of its weight and the way it protrudes from the wall, it requires a very secure mount. It’s not a camera you can casually stick up with a couple of small screws. Instead, you’ll need the full four-screw bracket provided (plus wall plugs if drilling into brick) to prevent it from vibrating in the wind or feeling flimsy.

For added protection/security the camera snaps firmly into the mount and can only be released by pressing a button underneath the unit. Here you will also find a rubber flap covering the power on and the USB-C input for connecting to the solar panel and for recharging the camera (it comes with an integrated 1000mAh lithium-ion battery).

For our set-up we installed the camera on a wooden summer house/home office with the solar panel located nearby and angled towards the sun (the app tells you when it is receiving power from the panel). However, 4m of cable is provided if you need to locate the solar panel a bit further away to capture the sun’s rays. Thankfully, the solar panel is much simpler to install than the camera but the two units together do take up quite a lot of space, compared to other designs.

Finally, one slightly odd aspect of the design is the panel for the MicroSD card and 4G SIM card slots. Located at the back of the camera lens, this can only be accessed with a Phillips screwdriver. Perhaps it’s to deter casual thieves from easily stealing the MicroSD/SIM cards, or maybe to provide further protection from the elements?

• Design score: 4/5

IMOU AOV PT: performance

• 360-degree field of view
• 3K resolution
• Color night vision

When it comes to performance, the IMOU AV PT is one of the best I’ve reviewed — especially at this price level. When it comes to functionality, it’s difficult to imagine any other cameras matching it. However, what’s impressive is that it combines this functionality with very good performance too. For example, the 3K image quality is crisp enough to identify faces at a distance, and the full-color night vision is excellent, using two bright spotlights to illuminate intruders.

What I particularly like is the pan-and-tilt camera which effectively gives the camera a full 360-degree view, much wider than most cameras which are limited to a maximum of around 150 degrees. Either you can move it around using the left/right, up/down keys on the app or you can use the ‘smart tracking’ option in the menus so that it tracks movement automatically.

During testing it was great fun, picking up neighbours on balconies, even family members walking close to the patio doors inside the kitchen. However, I could see it would have a serious function too if ever I was burgled, capturing the culprit as they approached the house and closing in on their physical details.

Any criticisms? Well, a few, but they are minor. Firstly, it is worth bearing in mind that the ‘smart tracking’ option really does drain the 10,000mAh battery. During a day of heavy testing, it dropped 11% in just 24 hours, even with some additional solar power from the panel. For long term use it’s probably best to switch it off completely or limit the use of the camera to certain hours of the day.

Using the app, recording times can be set for each day (so the camera only records footage at night) or you can quickly put it into ‘privacy mode’ where the lens turns around completely so you can’t record. It’s also possible to set areas where you don’t want to record, such as a neighbor’s garden or a busy main road using the ‘activity zone’ option.

As with many security cameras, one small bugbear is that the IMOU AV PT is a little too sensitive, creating a few false alarms. Not only can this get a little bit annoying after a while (getting an alert every time a bird flies past), it can further drain the battery. Finally, while the siren works effectively enough, it’s certainly not the loudest we’ve ever heard.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the IMOU AOV PT?

Buy it if

Don't buy it if

IMOU AOV PT: also consider

If you're not sure whether the IMOU AOV PT is the right camera for you, here's how it stacks up against two of its rivals.

How I tested the IMOU AOV PT

• I used the camera outdoors for seven days
• I set it up myself using the fittings provided by the manufacturer
• The security camera and solar panel was installed on the outside of my summer house/office

I am forever climbing up and down step ladders changing over outdoor security cameras on my summer house, so much so that the neighbours must think I’m paranoid about getting burgled. This is the latest in a long line of solar panel cameras I’ve looked at recently and I think one of the best so far.

I really enjoyed the smart tracking feature, watching the camera following the movement of family members and my dog Poppy, as well as the occasional glimpse of neighbours standing on a balcony. If I had the device for a long time I would probably switch this off as it is a major drain on the battery as well as being overly intrusive (although less so than using the pan-and-tilt camera in the house).

I can also see the benefits of the 4G SIM. While my Wi-Fi is generally OK in the garden, thanks to a Wi-Fi repeater near the back door, there are many homes especially in rural areas where this option could be a game-changer.

First reviewed May 2026

• Google Home's spring update is rolling out to all users outside the early access program
• The Nest app has a refreshed interface and new navigation tools
• Google has also expanded its automations capabilities across security control, appliance control, and more

Google Home is supercharging its smart home experience with the rollout of its spring update, which includes upgraded Nest Cam app tools and enhanced automation functionalities — both of which are now available to all users after being locked in the early access program for a few months.

It’s a mighty update for the Nest app interface alone, which now allows you to view the live video player as you scroll through your video history, but its seamless navigation enhancements are the true stand-outs.

Have you ever been frustrated with the Nest app’s delays? That’s about to change. As well as the updated video player, Google has given its timeline a much-needed refresh with smoother camera-scrubbing frame rates and quick seek buttons allowing you to jump 10-seconds forward and backwards in video recordings.

The company has also improved its insight features with new Gemini-powered upgrades to ensure a more efficient experience, starting with zoomed-in animated previews that let you view an action or movement at a quick glance.

Video filtering options have also been improved, meaning you can organize your video event list by specific categories such as Person seen, Package seen, Glass break heard, or Activity Zone, while the new timeline view gives you event descriptions, making it easier to identify specific events in your video history.

As for facial recognition capabilities, the Google Home app will automatically exclude low-quality footage examples to ‘maintain a clean and effective face library’, as it says in Google’s outline. Additionally, the company has rolled out feedback buttons for familiar face previews, allowing you to report back to Google to ensure more accurate facial detection over time.

However, it's not just new Nest Cam devices that are getting the special treatment. Pre-2021 Nest camera models will also be getting Gemini event descriptions and zoomed-in previews.

It’s a big update to say the least, but you should note that you’ll need a Google Home Premium subscription to make the most of some of these tools. But this is just the tip of the iceberg: Google is also upgrading automations for a more convenient smart home experience.

'Turn the coffee machine on at 8am'

Automations in Google Home are designed to make your smart home ecosystem even more efficient, and after listening to user feedback, Google is rolling out even more customizable automations for security control, lighting control, cleaning and appliances, device health alerts, and media and entertainment.

For example, automations can now tell you what state your door is in, whether it’s locked, ajar, jammed, or forced open, giving you a more accurate view of your home even when you’re away, and the same applies to viewing the position percentage of your smart blinds.

If you have a plethora of devices in your setup, such as coffee machines, washers, or robot vacuums, you can now create automations that target specific operational controls to start, stop, pause, and resume activity. Not only that, you can be more precise with controlling your lighting setups by using On/ Off toggles for managing light effects and changing the color temperature of your devices.

Just like its Nest camera upgrades, there’s a lot to unpack with automation functions, and you can view the full list of what’s new on Google’s announcement page, along with sample prompts to help you get started with optimizing your smart home setup.

Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam: two-minute review

Founded in 2009 by a team of engineers in Shenzhen, China, Reolink has grown into a global provider of smart, yet affordable, security cameras. A little while back I tested the Reolink Altas PT Ultra and was really impressed with the 355-degree pan and 90-degree tilt camera, though the design was a little bulky. This recently launched Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam is very different though.

While it doesn’t feature a rotating pan-and-tilt camera (instead it features a fixed lens with 150-degree field of view), it does boast two large LED panels capable of delivering up to 1,000 lumens of brightness. It’s also quite a bit cheaper than the Reolink Altas PT Ultra, currently retailing for around £85. Of course, the cheaper price tag does involve some trade-offs, not least the lower video resolution. Whereas the Reolink Altas PT Ultra offers 4K ultra high definition, the Solar Floodlight Cam is restricted to 2K (1440p) resolution. However, for the vast majority of people, 2K video resolution is more than adequate.

Designed to be placed on the outside of the property with a clear view of the sky at a height of around 2.5 to 3m, the Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam is reasonably easy to install. In the box there’s a mounting bracket with screws and wall plugs, as well as — unusually — a mounting wrench for tightening up the bracket.

Before installation, you will need to charge the unit using the USB-C cable provided and pair the camera with the Reolink app using the QR code on the back of the unit. Helpfully, the camera supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi frequencies and it tells you when it is successfully paired with your home network.

Unlike some apps, which can be confusing to navigate, the Reolink app offers everything you need within a reasonably clear interface. You can select the different types of object you want the camera to detect (human, animal, vehicle or other) and set a schedule for when you want recordings to happen (for example, switch off during the day if you know family members are going to be around). You can also exclude certain parts of the frame, which is handy if — like me — you are setting the camera up in a back garden and don’t want to record activity from your next-door neighbour’s property.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to use the Reolink app, the device can be fully integrated with Amazon Alexa, allowing you to view live video feeds on screen-enabled devices such as an Echo Show (though we didn’t test this facility). You can even control the floodlights using your own voice via the Alexa app.

In addition to two powerful spotlights, a very loud 110dB siren is provided to help deter burglars. Alternatively, it’s possible to set your own custom audio tone if the alarm is triggered such as whispering ‘pssst’ to get intruders to look at the camera for better facial recognition.

Not only can the brightness of the LED spotlights be adjusted depending on your preferences, it’s also possible to adjust color temperature depending on whether you want your intruders to be bathed in a cold ‘blue-ish’ light or a much warmer yellow light.

Two-way audio is provided for communications with sound coming from a large-ish speaker on the bottom of the unit next to the PIR sensor and waterproof connections for the USB-C cable and Micro SD card.

Footage can be recorded either to the MicroSD card (up to a maximum of 512GB) or you can subscribe to Reolink Cloud to store footage in the cloud – see details below. This facility also includes AI Video Search so you can quickly find footage using natural language. For example, type ‘man wearing a red T-shirt’ and in the UK it will bring up the postman coming to the door and anyone else wearing a red T-shirt!

Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam: subscription options

Reolink Cloud, Single Device Plan: Up to 30-day cloud video history, one camera, 16GB cloud storage, AI video search. £2.71 (about $3.50 / AU$5) per month.

Reolink Cloud, Standard Plan. Premier Plan: Up to 30-day cloud video history, up to 5 cameras supported, 30GB cloud storage. £2.87 (about $4 / AU$6) per month.

See https://cloud.reolink.com/cloud-plan for further details

Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam: price and availability

• How much does it cost? Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam £85 UK, $US99, $AUD169
• When is it available? Since March 2026
• Where is it available? UK/US/Australia

First announced at CES 2026 in early January, the Solar Floodlight Cam is one of a number of devices Reolink is planning to release this year. Others include a 24MP triple lens outdoor camera (the OMVI X16 PoE) and an interesting Reolink AI set-top box designed to add AI functionality to non-AI cameras.

What’s more, the Floodlight Cam is also one of the cheapest outdoor cameras you can buy with local storage (although you will have to fork out for your own Micro SD card). Whereas some companies keep hardware prices relatively low by tying you into a subscription even for basic functionality, the Reolink offers a best of both worlds’ solution - cheap hardware combined with local subscription-free storage.

Nor is just about the money. For those worried about the security of cloud-based storage, local storage is a far safer option (providing the burglar doesn’t steal the camera with the MicroSD card inside, of course). However, there is always the option of taking out a monthly subscription if you so choose.

Whereas some manufacturers will charge you over £10 a month for basic functionality, at least Reolink Cloud is relatively cheap. Subscription prices have even come down since I last reviewed a Reolink product around 18 months ago. You can now get 30-days of recordings stored in the cloud for less than £3 a month. The cloud subscription also includes AI video search for finding recordings using short descriptions.

• Value score: 4.5/5

Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam: design

• Unique triple cube design
• Fixed solar panel
• IP66 waterproofing

Most outdoor security cameras comprise either one or maybe two main elements. There’s usually the camera itself plus a solar panel which is either mounted on the camera or housed in a separate device and connected via a USB-C cable. The Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam is unusual in that it really comprises four elements of similar size and shape.

First there’s the main cube where the fixed camera lens and PIR are located. Then there are the two flexible LED lights that sit either side like big flappy ears. Finally, there’s the solar panel, which sits on top of the main unit.

Usually if the solar panel is integrated it can be moved manually towards the sun (or in the case of the innovative Baseus Security S2 the panel actually rotates with the movement of the sun). But that’s not the case here. Instead, the solar panel is fixed which means you will need to install the camera somewhere that is relatively sunny to ensure additional power.

Initially I had worried that the unusual cube design might make the Solar Floodlight Cam feel a bit more flimsy than some of the more conventional tubular shaped models. However, this white unit feels well-built and comes with IP66 waterproofing.

Underneath the camera are two weatherproof sockets (one for external power from a USB-C cable and one for power on/off and a MicroSD card slot). Also provided are a PIR dome motion sensor and large speaker. Finally at the back of the camera sits a metal ball joint that connects to the mounting bracket to provide ultimate flexibility when it comes to angling the camera.

• Design score: 4/5

Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam: performance

• Powerful 1,000-lumen illumination
• 2K resolution
• Color night vision

When it comes to performance it’s fair to say that the Reolink is solid rather than spectacular. Images from the 2K (1440p) camera lens aren’t the sharpest I’ve seen, certainly nowhere near as good as those from its stablemate, the Reolink Altas PT Ultra. However, where it comes into its own is its ability to capture footage in near total darkness. Virtually every night I tested the camera it captured wildlife in my garden, including several foxes and even a hedgehog! Thankfully no human intruders though.

Whereas some security cameras have apps that are very difficult to navigate, Reolink’s are generally very easy to use. Underneath the main image there’s a timeline where you can scroll through captured footage — useful if you missed the push notifications on your phone. Each of the clips is categorized for easy reference with an image of a running person for an intruder, pawprint for animal or a circle for other sighting. This makes it much easier to find relevant footage.

As with many security cameras, I found the lens on the Reolink Solar Floodlight camera a little too sensitive at its default setting of 80. For example, sheets hanging on a washing line were routinely triggering alerts. As a result, I found it necessary to reduce the sensitivity to around 50 so it didn’t capture every minor movement.

Alternatively, if you want to use the camera for creative, rather than security purposes, there’s an innovative time lapse setting. This can be set up to capture images at set intervals of between 10 seconds and six hours and also includes different pre-sets including one for construction — handy if you are tracking the progress of a building project.

• Performance score: 4/5

Should you buy the Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam?

Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam: also consider

If you're not sure whether the Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam is the right device to protect your home, here are two other options you should consider:

Should you buy the Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam?

Buy it if

How I tested the Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam

• * I used the camera outdoors for 10 days
• * I set it up myself using the fittings provided by the manufacturer
• * The security camera was installed on the outside of my summer house

I installed the Reolink camera on the front of my summer house which also serves as a small gym and an office during the summer. Because the building is made of wood it makes it simple to install cameras using the screws provided, whereas if it was on a brick wall I would have to use a drill and the wall plugs provided for installation.

As the solar panel is fixed and the ideal location for the camera is under the eaves of the summer house I had worried that the solar panel would be ineffective. But, remarkably, after 10 days of testing (admittedly many of them actually sunny for a change), the camera’s battery is still at 100% charge. Part of the reason is that I turned the sensitivity of the camera down to reduce the number of false alerts. I also reduced the brightness of the spotlights so as not to annoy the neighbours with too much light pollution every time an alert is triggered.

Aqara Camera Hub G350: two-minute review

Owned by Shenzhen’s Lumi United Technology, and backed by Chinese mobile phone/EV giant Xiaomi, Aqara offers a wide range of AI-driven automation products including sensors, cameras and controllers. I’ve previously reviewed the Aqara G100, a versatile indoor/outdoor security camera which I was very impressed with. However, I was less impressed with the company’s battery-powered video doorbell, the Aqara G410 Doorbell Camera Hub, which not only looks big and clunky but isn’t waterproof — surely a failing for any doorbell camera?

The Aqara Camera Hub G350 under review here is very different. Finished in white, it is — unlike the company’s doorbell camera — very well designed. Though the removable bunny ears may not be everyone’s idea of great design, it is at least good fun and does feel like a piece of tech you wouldn’t be ashamed to put on a bookshelf or fireplace. However, it’s much more than a pretty face. It’s also a heck of a powerful and versatile home security camera.

Unlike most indoor cameras, the G350 features a motorized base which provides a 360-degree field of view with zero blind spots. This is paired with a dual lens setup that allows you to track a subject (human or animal) using the wide-angle lens or zoom in to an area of detail using the telephoto lens. A 9x hybrid zoom is provided which really does allow you to get close up to your subject with reasonable picture quality.

Like all security cameras these days, setup requires downloading an app (the Aqara Home app) and scanning a QR code from the back of the device. However, rather confusingly, this camera features three QR codes — two on the back for setting up the camera with the app and with third party Matter devices (it supports Matter 1.5) and one on the base for Apple HomeKit Secure Video. While you can use the Matter QR code for connecting to Apple devices, it will currently only connect as a bridge rather than a camera.

Importantly, if you are using Apple HomeKit Secure Video to control the Aqara camera via your iCloud subscription you will only be able to view footage with a maximum resolution of 1080p. You will also not be able to access many of the camera’s features including its pan and tilt options. Instead, if you want full functionality you will need to use the much more advanced Aqara app instead.

Like many security devices these days, the Aqara G350 is packed full of AI features. This includes sophisticated on-device detection that can identify different types of motion, from humans and pets to specific hand gestures for home automation. Particularly impressive is the AI sound detection, which can recognize and alert you to specific audio events such as a baby crying or a dog barking. This makes it an ideal choice for parents and pet owners who want more nuanced alerts rather than generic ‘noise detected’ pings.

While Aqara provides a monthly subscription option for storing video clips for up to 90 days and some advanced AI functionality (including AI video search — see below), the good news is you don’t have to pay a fee to use most of the device’s features, as you do with some manufacturers. Instead, you can store video clips on a MicroSD card of up to 512GB (not provided) and still use most of the product’s extensive feature list. For those worried about storing videos of loved ones in the cloud for cybersecurity reasons, investing in a MicroSD card is not only a cheaper option but a potentially more secure one too.

Aqara Camera Hub G350: subscription options

HomeGuardian One: £3.99 (about $5.40 / AU$7.60) per month, or £39.99 (about $54 / AU$76) per year for a single device. Includes: 90 days of video event history, person, animal, vehicle, package, and fire detection.

HomeGuardian Unlimited: £7.99 (about $11 / AU$15) per month, or £79.99 (about $110 / AU$150) per year. Same as above but also includes Premium AI Event Detection including AI Video Summary (one sentence summary of videos) and AI Video Search (enter keywords to search video). Support for unlimited cameras in one home.

Aqara Camera Hub G350: price and availability

• How much does it cost? $139.99 / £139.99 / AU$249
• When is it available? Since March 2026

Generally, security cameras are not expensive to buy. For example, EZVIZ now offers a 4K indoor camera with pan and tilt for under £50 (about $67 / AU$95) on Amazon in the UK, so £139 (about $190 / AU$270) does seem slightly pricey at first glance.

However, one key difference is that the Aqara offers a dual lens system, complete with 133° wide-angle lens and 43-degree telephoto lens for zooming in to areas of detail. Another is that it’s more than just a camera. It’s really a central hub for your smart home, supporting Matter 1.5, Zigbee 3.0 and Thread formats. It also works with all the major smart home ecosystems including Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home and Samsung SmartThings. This makes it a truly versatile piece of kit.

While this level of integration might not be essential for everyone, for those building a smart home system comprising different components such as window locks, lighting, switching and smart locks it is extremely useful.

• Value score: 3.5/5

Aqara Camera Hub G350: design

• Solidly built
• Playful design with removable bunny ears
• Can be mounted on the ceiling (with additional hardware)

When thinking about this camera’s design, it’s difficult to overlook the distinctive bunny costume (the ears of which are bigger than those of its predecessor, the Aqara Camera Hub G3). Yet focusing extensively on its removable plastic cover is to do the Aqara Camera Hub G350 a major disservice as it’s actually a very well-designed camera indeed.

Not only does it look good (with or without bunny ears) for placing in your home, it’s also solidly built. One feature I like is the privacy mode which physically moves the dual lenses, which look like open eyes, to the back of the device’s ‘head'. These are replaced with two sleeping eyes with the MicroSD card slot forming a mouth underneath. Again, it’s a bit of fun but it clearly shows the camera is asleep (privacy mode can be scheduled for certain hours of the day — for example when you know lots of family members are going to be in the room).

A small button on the front is usually illuminated blue during operation, but turns red to indicate it is recording while next to the two lenses is a microphone for two-way communication (a speaker can be found on the camera’s rear). A USB-C port can be found on the base, and a USB-C to USB-C cable is provided, but you will need a USB-C plug unless you use a different cable.

Finally, for those looking to mount the camera on a wall or ceiling, the camera features a standard ‘tripod-style’ threaded screw hole on the base. However, the actual bracket and mounting hardware (wall plugs etc) are sold separately for non-bookshelf installation.

• Design score: 5/5

Aqara Camera Hub G350: performance

• 4K image quality
• Overly complex menus
• Very useful

It’s really when it comes to performance that the Aqara justifies its higher-than-average price tag. During testing I used the camera in my home office, where I wrote most of this review, and in the kitchen/dining room where my dog Poppy was recovering from a serious operation.

The ability to track her every move automatically using the pan-and-tilt motor was invaluable. I could easily check that she wasn’t getting her stitches caught in the furniture, even when she wandered out the initial field of view. What’s more, using my phone to draw a box on the screen, I was able to zoom in on areas of the frame I wanted to focus more clearly on.

Thankfully, the 360-degree rotation is nearly silent, which isn’t so much of an issue when monitoring my dog, but could be if you are using the camera as a baby monitor and you don’t want to wake a sleeping child.

Whereas many manufacturers now put their most advanced features behind a subscription paywall, the vast majority of those on the Aqara G350 are free — at least for now. For example, you can set up the device to get alerts if it hears a baby crying or dog barking, or if you want it to distinguish between different types of motion such as a person or a pet. It’s even possible to add faces to the device’s face management system so that it recognizes certain people.

However, you will have to pay a subscription fee if you want more advanced AI functionality such as AI Video Summary that provides a one sentence summary of videos and AI Video Search that enables the device to find certain clips — for example someone wearing a red T-shirt or with blond hair.

Finally, while I mostly used the Aqara app to view images in stunning 4K quality and navigate hundreds of different menu options (including the ability to change the look and feel of onscreen menus) I also connected the camera up to Apple HomeKit Secure Video. Here image quality was limited to the much lower 1080p and I wasn’t able to use the pan-and-tilt or zoom features which are really useful.

However, it was possible to save and record footage using my iCloud+ subscription rather than using a MicroSD or subscribing to Aqara’s Home Guardian service.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Aqara Camera Hub G350?

Buy it if

Don't buy it if

Aqara Camera Hub G350: also consider

If you're not sure whether the Aqara Camera Hub G350 is right for you, here are two other options to think about.

How I tested the Aqara Camera Hub G350

• I used the camera indoors in two locations
• I installed it myself
• The camera was connected to the Aqara app and Apple Home

Initially, I set the Aqara up in my office to get a feel for how it worked and how to use the pan and tilt functionality to focus on certain parts of the room. However, it soon became apparent that this camera really thrives in a busy environment where you can really put the motion tracking to the test.

So, I put it in the kitchen where it could track other family members as well as my dog who was recovering from an operation. This perhaps wasn’t as straightforward as I’d hoped as it required reinstalling to operate on a different Wi-Fi network, but that didn’t take too long.

After a while, other family members began to find the camera a little ‘big brother-y’ in the way it tracks you with its eyes as you move across the room (though it is exceptionally quiet). However, it was highly effective at monitoring the dog while everyone else was out during the day and I placed it in privacy mode during the evening when everyone was home.

For more info, check out how we test, review, and rate products at TechRadar.

Welcome to our MWC 2026 'Best in Show' awards, where we've chosen our top products being shown off at the big trade event.

MWC used to be all about phones — and there are plenty of those in this list — but now it covers everything from wearables to connected smart devices to home networks. Our awards picks cover this breadth of technology.

Honor Magic V6

Some thing in life are inevitable. Night follows day, the tides rise and fall, Honor reveals the thinnest-ever foldable phone at a big tech show. One of the many impressive things about the Honor Magic V6, though, is that it hasn't skimped on durability in favor of being so slim and stylish — it's IP69 rated against water and dust, which is actually better than almost any other phone, despite being foldable.

It's powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon Elite 8 Gen 5 powerful processor, backing that generous 7.95 internal screen with a 2352x2172 resolution, while the 6.5-inch cover display has a 2420x1080 resolution. There's a 6,600mAh battery squeezed into the small frame too. It's an incredibly impressive piece of engineering, and absolutely worthy of our award.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

The best way to get the full low-down on why this phone has won an award is to read our full Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review, but one quote from it will tell you most of what you need to know: "Of course it's the best Android phone ever."

You've got Samsung's special Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip at the heart, and a beautiful 3120x1440 6.9-inch display – including Samsung's genius and innovative 'Privacy Display', which can hide individual sections of the screen, such as notifications, from snoopers around you. There are wider apertures on the camera to let in more light, lots of advanced AI skills, S Pen support... It's just a powerhouse of a phone for people who want the most capable device on the planet.

Nothing Phone (4a)

If you want super-slick features in an affordable package, we're expecting this to be one of the hottest phones of the year. The Nothing Phone 4(a) keeps the fun techy design that Nothing is known for, including a version of the Glyph Bar on the back.

The 6.8-inch OLED screen has a high 2800x1260 resolution and 120Hz support, with a fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chip inside, and 12GB of RAM even though it's a cheaper phone and memory is pricey now. There's even a triple camera system on the back — it makes the new iPhone 17e look miserly in comparison. And on top of all this, coming in four nice colors doesn't hurt its desirability either.

TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro

TCL's NXTPAPER screens have been turning our heads for a while now. They're basically ereader-like screens with a matte and paper-y finish that's great for avoiding eyestrain, but with full color performance and advanced screen tech such as 120Hz support. The NXTPAPER 70 Pro phone uses the latest version of this tech, and actually has three adjustable paper-like modes: Color Paper Mode, Ink Paper Mode, and Max Ink Mode. You can hit a button to cycle through them.

There's even an included pen for drawing and making notes on the screen, so this works as a hybrid of phone, ereader and digital note-taker — plus all the other things you expect a phone to do, including taking photos. We've seen NXTPAPER phones from TCL before, but this is the first time we're starting to consider ditching a regular smartphone for one.

MemoMind One

These smart glasses stand out due to the smart flexibility that's built into their core concept. The key idea is that they have a display for each eye built-in, and Harman Kardon personal speakers you can hear, so you can get subtle information from AI assistants easily.

What's really interesting is the modular approach, which applies to both the hardware and software. The glasses offer eight frame styles and five temple designs, so you can find a specific style that suits you — along with prescription lenses. And the LLM support isn't one-size-fits-all; instead it analyzes the task you need it to perform and uses OpenAI, Azure or Qwen, depending on what's the best fit. It's a really clever approach to smart glasses, and we're looking forward to seeing more of (and through) them.

Honor Magic Pad4

The stunning tablet almost seems impossible. At just 4.8mm thick, it feels like there's just not enough space for it to contain a load of great tech — but you've got a beautifully bright 12-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 3000x1920, backed by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, and up to 1TB of storage.

Being so thin and weighing just 450g (slightly less than the 11-inch iPad Air, despite having a larger screen), it feels like the ultimate portable slate. But the finishing touch is that Honor has made it an interesting work companion too, with a desktop windowed mode that seems very slick, plus stylus support. This might be the most impressive-looking tablet in the world.

Soundcore Space 2

Anker's audio brand Soundcore makes a lot of great-value headphones, and its Space One and Space One Pro models went a little more little more premium — with very strong results. The Space 2 look like they'll take that idea into the stratosphere, though.

Soundcore says the headphones will have the brand's most advanced active noise cancellation yet, and reengineered 30mm silk and ceramic drivers to produce "full, rich bass, clear vocals and crystal-clear highs". LDAC higher-res support will help with that, as will the personalized sound feature, which tests your hearing and adjusts the audio frequencies to boost in areas where your hearing struggles. It sounds like an excellent package, especially with 70 hours of battery life, and a launch price of $130 / £130.

Lenovo ThinkBook Modular PC Concept

This might be the "future of laptops", as we said when Lenovo showed it to us along with some other interesting concepts. It's modular in the sense of having an easily changed configuration on the outside. It looks like a normal laptop, though it has a screen on the back of the lid as well as in the normal place you'd expect to find a screen.

This screen can be popped off, and used as a separate external display. Or you can remove the keyboard, and replace it with this second screen, for a dual-display laptop/tablet hybrid. Finally, the range of ports under the keyboard can be swapped out, so you can customize them for what you need most. We love this idea, and while it might remain largely niche even if it comes to a real product, we're thrilled with the possibilities.

Biwin Mini SSD CL100

For creative pros or anyone with a need to carry a huge amount of data around, Biwin's latest Mini SSD looks like a revelation. The small cards (around the size of a coin) contain up to 2TB of flash storage, but these aren't like SD cards — their data transfer speed is at PCIe 4 pro SSD levels.

Using the Biwin Mini SSD Reader RD510, you can transfer data from the CL100 drives at up to 3.7GB/s read speeds, and up to 3.4GB/s write speeds. They're a mind-blowing bit of design, taking elite storage performance and putting it in a package that would enable you to take hundreds of terabytes with you in the same size and weight as a single regular external SSD.

TP-Link Aginet HB810

This is designed to be the ultimate ultra-fast home mesh Wi-Fi system, and it's on this list because it really seems to achieve that goal. Offering tri-band Wi-Fi 7 across its mesh devices, TP-Link says you'll get 19–22Gbps of wireless speed, and if you want to wire in there's a 10 GbE/SFP+ combo WAN/LAN port, plus 10GbE and 2.5GbE ports.

Part of the key promise here is to be able to maintain the fast speeds even when things get busy or complicated. There's support for 12 spatial streams at once, 320MHz channels, and tech such as Multi-Link Operation to ensure the network is rock steady when loads of people are using it across multiple nodes. Throw in the security and parental control options that you'd expect from an elite Wi-Fi system, and you've got a great-looking home network upgrade.

uCloudlink OmniFlex Pro

This is a pro-level Wi-Fi router that's designed for when you need to set up a network in a new place quickly, and it can pull its internet connection over broadband or over a mobile connection. Nothing new there, but what made this stand out is its commitment to fast performance, combined with the fact that you don't need to have a SIM card for the mobile internet.

It's eSIM only, which means that's one less thing you need to worry about before deploying — whether you're using the mobile connection as a backup only (it will auto-switch to cellular internet if the main connection fails), or using it in a new country, either way you don't need to have planned your SIM use in advance.

Just take out a new digital connection when you need it, or manage your provider so much more easily. And with a 5G connection and Wi-Fi 7 for connection to devices, it'll work as quickly as anything in the category can, plus it has mesh options for expanding the network. Comprehensive!

TP-Link Tapo C665G KIT

This comprehensive outdoor security camera is designed to be something you just never have to worry about — unless it sees something you need to worry about. It's built to be super-tough, standing up to any weather conditions, dust blasts or temperature changes. It's battery powered for total flexibility on placement, and uses its own solar panels to charge the battery during the day, so it can run at night.

Crucially, a very sharp 4K sensor with enhanced night vision combines with AI-based recognition of events, so that it not only can see everything it needs to, but it can also differentiate between movement that's just things blowing in the wind, and disruptions that are really worth warning you about. TP-Link emphasizes that the goal is to make sure it can cover a really broad area efficiently and smartly, making it a great investment — especially since it even has 4G support so it doesn't need to be near your router.

TechRadar is on the show floor for this year’s MWC (Mobile World Congress) in Barcelona, Spain, and we’ll be covering the latest news from some of the biggest names in mobile, computing, fitness and more.

IMOU Cell 3C: two-minute review

Founded in 2015 as a spin-off from the Chinese surveillance giant Dahua Technology, Hangzhou-based IMOU has quickly established itself as a major player in the value segment of the smart home market. While other brands such as Reolink and Ring target the premium 4K bracket, IMOU's strategy with the Cell 3C seems to be to provide high-end features at a price that undercuts most of its major rivals.

Like the more expensive Baseus Security S2, the IMOU Cell 3C features a built-in solar panel mounted directly to the top of the camera body. However, while the Baseus features a clever motorized tracking system to follow the sun, the IMOU offers simpler manual adjustment. To maximize power you simply angle the 2.2W panel towards the sky, making sure you connect the USB cable supplied to the camera’s USB-C input. Alternatively, if the camera doesn’t have direct access to the sun, you can mount the solar panel separately in a sunnier location using the bracket provided.

Whereas many security brands — particularly Amazon-owned Ring — charge a large monthly subscription to store recorded clips, one of the most compelling reasons to buy IMOU’s Cell 3C is the ability to store clips locally using a MicroSD card up to 256GB (not provided). Not only does this save you a significant amount in annual monthly subscription fees, it also ensures that potentially sensitive data stays within the home rather than on a remote server.

That said, if you don’t want to store recorded clips on a MicroSD card, it's possible to sign up to IMOU’s subscription service from £3.49 (about $5 / AU$7) a month — see the 'Price and Availability' section below.

Designed to be installed on the outside of a property with a clear view of the sky, the IMOU Cell 3C is supplied with a reasonably sturdy mount complete with wall plugs and screws.

I installed it on the outside of a garden office in my back garden at a height of around two meters. However, it can easily be installed in a front porch or high up on the outside of your main property (remembering you will still need to access it for recharging every few months unless you live in a very sunny climate).

Whereas some outdoor models are dual-band Wi-Fi compatible (some will even work on 4G/5G cellular networks), the IMOU is only compatible with the 2.4GHz band. However, it connected to my broadband repeater at the back of the house without any problems. Featuring IP66 waterproof rating, IMOU claims the Cell 3C will work in temperatures between -20 degrees centigrade and 50 degrees centigrade, but this wasn’t put to the test.

Once installed, which takes around 20 minutes, it’s simply a case of downloading the IMOU Life iOS/Android app and adding the camera via the QR code on the side of the device. Unlike some apps, which boast very user-friendly menus (particularly those from companies such as Ring and Blink), IMOU’s app is much more difficult to navigate around.

That said, it offers everything you need when setting up. For example, you can select ‘activity zones’ where you want it to capture footage, such as a locked door or window, and ‘non-detection zones’ where you don’t want it to record such as a neighbour’s garden or a main road. You can also set the device to only operate during certain hours, such as after dark, and only alert you if it detects a human rather than movement from a tree or a car going past.

One unusual feature is a time-lapse mode that will automatically capture images at selected regular intervals. Pre-set modes include cloud movements (10secs), flowers (five minutes) and building construction (50 minutes). Alternatively, you can set the timer manually to take shots between 10 seconds and six hours.

Finally, to help deter burglars a built in 110dB siren and reasonably powerful spotlight (in flashing or solid modes) are also on board. These can be activated manually or, for the really paranoid, automatically when the devices senses movement. There’s also a built-in speaker and microphone for talking to someone on your property.

IMOU Cell 3C: price and availability

• Costs $55 / £49 / AU$129
• Available since September 2024
• Sold in US / UK / Australia

Typically, outdoor security cameras retail for between $200 / £150 / AU$300 and $250 / £200 / AU$400. So with a price tag of around $55 / £49 / AU$129, the IMOU Cell 3C certainly is excellent value for money — especially when you consider it comes with its own solar panel.

Also, whereas many manufacturers are effectively able to subsidize the price of the hardware through hefty monthly subscriptions, with the IMOU Cell 3C this isn’t necessary. Instead you can buy a MicroSD card for under £20 which can store up to 256GB of video footage — a far cheaper option than a monthly subscription.

However, if you really do want to pay for a monthly subscription there is that offer too. IMOU offers three subscription tiers. For £3.49 (about $5 / AU$7) a month IMOU Protect Basic provides seven days of cloud storage and AI detection, while for £5.29 (about $7 / AU$10) a month IMOU Protect Plus offers 30 days of cloud storage and AI detection.

Best of all is IMOU Protect Pro (£9.99, or about $13 / AU$19 per month), which not only supports multiple devices and 30 days of cloud storage, but also offers additional functionality such as Descriptive Alerts — summaries of what was detected so you know what happened without having to watch the whole video (much like Ring's AI-generated video descriptions).

• Value score: 5/5

IMOU Cell 3C: design

• MicroSD card slot for local storage
• Flexible battery/solar power options
• Lightweight tubular design

Like the Baseus Security S2 camera, the IMOU Cell 3C is a long, tubular device that — at first glance — looks more like a Bluetooth speaker than a security camera. Of course, the big giveaway is the solar panel that sits on top of the camera to provide additional power. This connects to the camera via a cable to a USB-C socket located on top of the device.

Screws and wall plugs are provided for mounting the bracket to the wall and the solar panel can either be unscrewed and mounted separately or kept on top of the camera (we opted for the latter). I had initially worried that the tubular design might be a little unstable when mounting to a wooden summerhouse/office. However, it’s actually pretty lightweight, tipping the scales at just 360g (13oz) without feeling too flimsy.

Underneath the camera there’s a weather-sealed flap covering the USB-C socket. This is used for charging the camera via the mains (a 5000mAh rechargeable battery is built in). Here you’ll also find a slot for a MicroSD card, supporting up to 256GB for local recording, as well as sync button for use during set up as well as a modest built-in speaker.

On the front of the device, there’s the 2K lens for capturing recordings, PIR (passive infrared) sensor for accurate movement detection, a small microphone for two-way audio and a reasonably powerful spotlight. Finally, there’s the solar panel on top of the camera which can be manually adjusted towards the sun to maximize power.

• Design score: 4/5

IMOU Cell 3C: performance

• Reasonable 2K image
• Stable video connection over 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
• Reliable human detection and fewer false alerts

When it comes to performance, outdoor security cameras face multiple challenges. First of all, there’s the issue around power and how to keep the device running without a mains connection nearby. Thankfully IMOU has addressed fitting its device with a 5,000 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery and a solar panel. As a result, even after using regularly for a couple of weeks, the device still has over 90% charge.

Then there’s the issue around video stability, given the distance between the home router and the security camera. Again, this didn’t prove to be an issue at all, with the device maintaining a steady connection throughout the testing period. Finally there’s the images themselves, both in terms of quality and quantity.

Given this is a 2K camera, image quality certainly isn’t the sharpest I’ve seen — nowhere near as good as from the 4K Baseus Security S2 camera which we reviewed last year (and which this model so closely resembles). Night vision is particularly disappointing, even with the reasonably powerful spotlight on.

However, where the IMOU excels is in the quantity of images. Whereas some models trigger loads of annoying false alerts, the IMOU records only what’s useful, thanks in part it seems to dedicated human detection algorithms.

• Performance score: 3.5/5

Should you buy the IMOU Cell 3C?

Buy it if

Don't buy it if

IMOU Cell 3C: also consider

Not sure if the IMOU Cell 3C is the right security camera for you? Here's how it stacks up against two of its closest rivals.

How I tested the IMOU Cell 3C

• I used the camera outdoors
• I installed it myself
• I tested all the features, including the siren (the neighbors weren’t happy)

Testing a solar powered camera in a rainy UK environment is far from ideal. However, as luck would have it, spring sprung during testing and I was able to check out the effectiveness of the solar panel in the sunshine.

After two weeks of testing, battery levels are still over 90%, which seems pretty good — though in the depths of winter it would be a different matter of course. I particularly like the fact that, while the app isn’t the easiest to navigate,

I haven’t been overwhelmed with lots of false alerts when a tree has swayed too much or a bird has flown past. Instead, it just sends me a push notification and stores the video clip each time a human is detected!

For more details, see how TechRadar tests, reviews, and rates products.

• Comments from Ring’s founder have appeared in a leaked email
• They suggest Ring wants its cameras to “zero out crime”
• Ring has hit back at claims that this could lead to mass surveillance

A commercial showing Ring’s new 'Search Party' feature hit the headlines after the Super Bowl earlier this month, when privacy concerns were raised about how it could potentially be used for mass surveillance. Now, a leaked email from Ring’s founder has added further fuel to fire – but Ring has hit back at claims that it reveals plans for mass surveillance.

The Search Party feature in Ring cameras is currently used to locate lost dogs, and it does this by harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to scan through other Ring users’ footage in order to recognize wayward pooches. But according to a leaked email seen by 404 Media, that’s only the start of Ring’s plans.

In the message sent to staff in October 2025, Ring founder Jamie Siminoff said: “I believe that the foundation we created with Search Party, first for finding dogs, will end up becoming one of the most important pieces of tech and innovation to truly unlock the impact of our mission. You can now see a future where we are able to zero out crime in neighborhoods.”

The contention from critics and privacy advocates is that by saying Search Party is designed “first for finding dogs,” the implication is that it could later be expanded to look for people. After all, dogs don’t commit crimes (unless fouling your neighbor’s yard counts), so the idea that Ring cameras will be used to “zero out crime” seems to suggest that it could be used to find people instead.

However, Ring has dismissed those claims in a response shared with 404 Media and TechRadar.

What has Ring said?

Ring has been pretty bullish in its response to the leaked email. A spokesperson said that, rather than revealing any specific plans, Jamie Siminoff's comments "were intended to speak broadly to the long-term potential of customer-controlled features and technologies working together to support safer communities".

"No single feature is designed to “zero out crime,” and tools like Search Party for Dogs are purpose-built for specific use cases – like helping reunite lost pets – with privacy and user choice at the center," the spokesperson added.

The leaked email also apparently wasn't a private one. "Jamie writes these emails knowing they may be shared externally, this isn’t the first (or last) time his notes have been shared," the spokesperson said.

While its Search Party feature is enabled by default, Ring also says it's possible to turn it off. "Ring provides relevant context about when sharing may be helpful – but the decision remains firmly in the customer’s hands, not ours," Ring's spokesperson said.

Finally, Ring was keen to stress that features like Search Party aren't designed to be broadened to identify other subjects. "Search Party for Dogs helps camera owners identify potential lost dogs using detection technology built specifically for that purpose; it does not process human biometrics or track people. Fire Watch alerts owners to nearby fire activity. Community Requests notify neighbors when local public safety agencies ask the community for assistance," the spokesperson added.

Analysis: Far from the end of the controversy

On the face of it, cutting down on crime is something most people would be in favor of. No one likes having their parcels stolen off their front porch, for instance, and the idea of using home security cameras and video doorbells to catch perpetrators – and those responsible for more serious crimes – might sound worthwhile.

But despite Ring's protestations, this controversy has arisen due to the way Ring’s Search Party feature works, as well as its future implications. Search Party is enabled on Ring cameras by default, and it uses AI to scan footage from other Ring cameras in the company’s network, thereby turning it into an automated surveillance system of sorts.

With law and order in the United States becoming heavily politicized – and with agencies like ICE drawing strong criticism for their actions – many critics are concerned that law enforcement could misuse a network like Ring’s in order to surveil the public at large.

With revelations over the size of the US government’s mass surveillance programs making the news in recent years, that might not be too far-fetched an idea. It was these concerns that arguably compelled Ring to sever its ties with the surveillance tech company Flock Safety.

It’ll be interesting to see if Ring continues to modify its stance in light of the public backlash. Ring says facial recognition data is kept private and secure, but a number of customers have been returning their cameras.

Ring is the biggest name in video doorbells, but it's not the only one, and if you're looking for an alternative to the Amazon-owned company, I've put together a list of three of the best video doorbells that you can buy right now from other brands, All of these doorbells have been tested and recommended by our home security team at TechRadar, and all come highly recommended for their ease of installation, simple operation, and lack of subscription fees.

All of these doorbells let you store your recordings at home on an SD card, so you don't have to pay for cloud storage, and your videos are always in your control. Although some of the brands featured below do offer a cloud service, it's totally optional, and you aren't going to miss out on any key features by skipping it.

If you can't see a doorbell here that quite suits your needs, take a look at my full roundup of the best video doorbells for even more options.

1. Reolink Doorbell (Battery)

Reolink is well known for its home security cameras, and the company has brought that expertise to your front door with this fully wireless video doorbell. It's well made and feels robust right from the start, and is rated IP65, giving it significantly better than average protection against harsh weather.

This doorbell, like the others in this guide, captures video at 2K resolution, which is more than adequate for most situations, with head-to-toe recording. Unlike the other doorbells here, there isn't a second camera to capture packages left on your doorstep, which is worth bearing in mind if you receive a lot of deliveries.

The app is simple to use, with a choice of three recording modes depending on whether you want to prioritize picture quality or battery life, and although we didn't manage to reach Reolink's quoted maximum of five months on a single charge, longevity was still impressive.

Videos are stored on an internal MicroSD card, and although Reolink offers a cloud storage service, the company doesn't push it on you, and makes it clear that it's available as a backup option, 'just in case'. The card alone is fine if you'd prefer to keep your recordings on your property,

It's also compatible with both Google Home and Amazon Alexa, so you can control it through your smart speaker and integrate it with other devices, though it's not Matter-certified and doesn't offer support for Apple HomeKit.

Read our full Reolink Doorbell (Battery) review

2. Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell

The Philips 7000 Series currently holds the number one spot in my roundup of the best video doorbells, beating the competition thanks to its impressive video quality with great viewing angles, and generous 8GB onboard storage.

It boasts dual cameras to give a clear view of both visitors and any packages they may leave on your doorstep. Its 2K resolution will be ample for most homes, and during our tests, we were thoroughly impressed by its motion-sensing capabilities. In terms of responsiveness, it was up there with the best home security cameras. Night vision is crisp as well (the doorbell is equipped with infrared sensors).

We found installation refreshingly straightforward, with a choice of mounting plates so you can choose one to suit your home, and it can be used with existing doorbell wiring or a rechargeable battery.

This particular video doorbell isn't currently available in the UK. If that's where you are, take a look at the other two doorbells here, as well as the Doro Hemma, which was designed with senior homeowners in mind, but would also be a great choice for anyone who wants a no-frills video doorbell that's especially easy to use.

The only other drawback for us was a slight lag we noticed during two-way talk with visitors. Otherwise, the 7000 Series is hard to beat.

Read our full Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell review

3. EZVIZ EP3x Pro

The EZVIZ EP3x Pro gives you 32GB internal storage with no subscription fee. You can get cloud storage if you really want it (EZVIZ offers a service called CloudPlay), but frankly, there's plenty of space on the doorbell, and no other features are behind a paywall, so there's no need.

Video doorbells are usually pretty straightforward to set up, but we found the EZVIZ app particularly intuitive, and had the EP3x Pro up and running in just a couple of minutes. It makes checking your video clips especially easy as well, showing you a handy list of callers who have visited over the last 30 days, so you can easily see if you missed a delivery and when.

Again, there are two cameras (one for faces and one for packages), and footage is recorded at 2K. Rather than an infrared camera, the EP3x Pro uses bright LEDs to help record visitors after dark. It's not discreet, but it means you get full color recording at night, which makes identifying callers easier.

One of this doorbell's standout features is its ability to run from a solar charger, which drastically increases its battery life compared with conventional wireless doorbells. You can basically set it and forget it, which we love, and if anyone tries to pry it off the wall, they'll trigger the anti-tamper alarm.

We sometimes experienced a short delay between a visitor pressing the button and us receiving a notification on our phone, but that was the only setback. Once we were connected, two-way talk worked flawlessly without lag.

Read our full EZVIZ EP3x Pro Doorbell review

• Google and the FBI have released Nest Video Doorbell footage of Nancy Guthrie's apparent abductor
• Ordinarily, video footage is deleted without a subscription to Nest Aware or Google Home Premium
• Nancy Guthrie was not a subscriber, which raises questions on how Google obtained the footage

The miraculous discovery of Nest Video Doorbell footage of Nancy Guthrie's apparent abductor tampering with the doorbell in the hours before she was taken offered a significant lead and a glimmer of hope that this case could be solved quickly and Guthrie might soon be returned to her family.

However, questions remain about where the video came from and how it even exists. Nancy Guthrie, The Today Show Host's Savannah Guthrie's mother, was not a Nest Aware Subscriber according to Fortune. A $10-a-month subscription gets you access to 30 days of video history (which lives in Google's cloud-based servers).

Without a Nest Aware (the name for the legacy subscription service on older Nest devices) or Google Home Premium account, the situation is quite different.

According to Google's support pages:

"If you don’t have a subscription:

Your camera saves up to 6 hours of activity before it expires and is deleted.

Nest Camera Indoor (wired, 3rd gen), Nest Camera Outdoor (wired, 2nd gen) and Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd gen) offer up to 6 hours of Event Video Previews with up to 10 second clips.

Older cameras offer up to 3 hours of event-based with clips up to 5 minutes."

That six-hour window is important because, according to the timeline, nine hours passed between the Nest Camera being disconnected and removed from the home and the Guthrie family realizing the 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie was missing.

When the FBI released the video 10 days after Guthrie's abduction, the law-enforcement agency wrote in a post: "The FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department have been working closely with our private sector partners to continue to recover any images or video footage from Nancy Guthrie's home that may have been lost, corrupted, or inaccessible due to a variety of factors, including the removal of recording devices. The video was recovered from residual data located in backend systems."

I added the boldface to highlight the relevant portions. It's hard to read that any other way than as Nest Video Doorbell cam data was found in the cloud, and with the help of Google.

Again, this is net good news. There's a wealth of information investigators can grab from that footage. However, the existence of that footage does raise some questions about what video data Google is storing, even for those who are not paying for Google Home Premium or Nest Aware.

It's not like someone at Google just kept digging through closets, rummaging through shelves and stacks, and stumbled on this video data. There is a process for these things, an automated system.

How it works

I have an aging Nest Outdoor Cam on the back of my home. Through it and on the Google Home app, I can see a live video feed and short clips triggered by sound and motion. I do not have a Premium account, and so the video clips are deleted on a rolling basis and are always gone within a few hours.

Some I've talked to on social media point to Google's Process for deleting videos upon request. But this assumes that Google is storing them and that you have an Aware or Premium account. Without such an account, you are telling Google, "Do not store my video. Do not store my data."

Yes, there's a bit of data stored for a temporary period of time, but anything beyond that would be outside the agreement between Google and its customers. Google can't store your data without permission.

This, by the way, is also how it works with Nest's chief video doorbell competitor Ring. When asked about the case, Ring founder and CEO Jamie Siminoff told Fox News, "I do know with Ring specifically, if you delete a recording or if you don't want a recording, you don't have a subscription. We do not have it stored. I know that because I built the systems with my team."

Questions for Google

The question of how the FBI obtained the data is more obvious. If Google knew they had it, they likely, with consent from the Guthrie family, handed it over. If there were legal concerns, the FBI might've issued a warrant, and Google, seeking legal cover, would've handed it over after that was processed. That might account for the 10-day delay.

The other possibility, though, is that it took 10 days to find because the FBI and Google went looking for any shreds of data and finally discovered a backend system that was inadvertently storing Nest video data.

Perhaps it was a legacy Nest system. Google bought the company in 2014 and, for many years after, maintained separate Nest accounts and apps. The full consolidation and removal of the Nest app only happened in recent years. A vestigial bit of Nest Cam Video data storage processes not mopped up in the consolidation process is possible.

In either case, this is just a stroke of good luck and the best lead the authorities have for bringing Guthrie back home.

It would be helpful, however, for Google to offer some clarity on how this happened and what it actually means for the rest of us who own Nest Cams and do not have an Aware or Premium subscription.

I've sent multiple emails to Google on the matter and have yet to receive a response.

• The Blink Outdoor 2K+ is a new wireless home security camera
• It has a higher resolution and better night vision than its predecessor
• Despite this, it can still run for up to two years with power-saving enabled

Blink has launched a new home security camera with extra-long battery life, improved night vision, and smart subject detection.

The Blink Outdoor 2K+ is the company's first outdoor camera to capture footage at 2K resolution, and looks like a big update from the original Blink Outdoor, which held a place in our roundup of the best home security cameras for several years thanks to its easy installation, affordable price tag, and ability to run for up to two years from a single set of lithium batteries.

The new launch follows the release of the plug-in BlinkMini 2K+ in September. This little camera offered features including 4x digital zoom and color night vision, and these tools have been carried across to the new wireless model.

The Blink Outdoor 2K+ can record in full color even at very low ambient light levels, and automatically switches to black-and-white infrared in total darkness to give you peace of mind at night.

You can use the Blink Outdoor 2K+ without a subscription, but signing up for one will unlock extra features including smart notifications when a person or vehicle is detected. The camera uses edge processing to help avoid false alarms from movement like waving branches or passing animals, which often pose a challenge for outdoor cameras, and can cause unnecessary battery drain.

Record for longer

Blink cameras have earned a reputation for their ultra-long battery life, and the Outdoor 2K+ is no exception, running for up to two years if you enable battery efficiency settings and dial the resolution down to 1080p (your real-world results will vary depending on your usage and chosen recording options).

It's tough too, with an IP65 rating that means it can handle even severe weather, though you can also use it indoors if you like the idea of 2K recording in your home, with the freedom of a fully wireless camera. It has a UK list price of £89.99 (about $120 / AU$170).

We're big fans of the original Blink Outdoor camera, so I'm very much looking forward to seeing how the new model compares. Watch out for a full review in the near future.

Have you considered giving security cameras a try but didn’t want to spend too much? You’re in luck, because Amazon Australia has discounted three of its cameras under its Blink range of budget-oriented security cameras, with prices starting at just AU$35.

While Amazon’s Ring home security offerings are arguably more well-known, they can cost a few hundred dollars at the top end – although I have seen some models drop to as low as AU$75. Blink, however, is a more affordable line of cameras that are aimed at consumers on a budget or a beginner option with basic functionality.

I’ve picked out 3 standout models from the Blink range below, but if there’s something else you’re looking for, be sure to check out the full range of Blink cameras and security systems on the official Amazon storefront.

Other than their affordable price point, another stand out feature of Blink cameras is that unlike many brands, which tend to lock necessary features behind a paywall, Blink cameras give you the option to store video locally with the Blink Sync Module 2 – so you can completely forgo the subscription fees altogether by plugging in a storage drive. The Sync Module 2 also allows you to manage up to 10 cameras in one system.

There are further features available via paid-for subscriptions – Blink Basic (AU$4.95p/m) or Blink Plus (AU$15p/m) – which include up to 60 days of unlimited cloud storage, photo capture, easy video sharing and local storage online back-ups. If you just want to save recordings for future viewing though, you can get away with not having to subscribe.

You’ll need to hurry if you want to protect your home for less, as these Blink home security camera deals are set to expire at the stroke of midnight tonight, January 28.

A security camera is a key part of any solid home security system, and there's a bewildering choice of models for both indoors and outside. That's why I've put together this shortlist of three tested and recommended cameras I'd trust to protect my own property.

Whether your priority is night vision, video resolution, or the ability to track subjects as they move across your property, there's a cam here for you. There's even one that comes with built-in facial recognition without a subscription fee – and it really works. Most of these cameras are fully wireless as well, so you don't need to worry about power cables, with solar panels to maximize batter life between charges.

They're all effective on their own, or you can use them together with presence and motion sensors, contact sensors, and floodlights or sirens as part of a complete home security setup.

Indoor

Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam

This little camera is one of Ring's most affordable models, and its ability to pan and tilt (which you can control via the Ring app) means it has a much wider field of view than most budget-friendly cams.

Although Ring's newer cameras offer higher resolution images, during our tests we found the Pan-Tile Indoor Cam's footage perfectly fine for most situations, appearing sharp and crisp when viewed on a phone. We were particularly impressed by how well it handled moving subjects, with no noticeable pixilation or lag.

The audio quality isn't exceptional, and a higher-end model will have better microphones, but the two-way talk function works well. We also appreciated the inclusion of a physical privacy cover that slides over the lens to stop recordings, and an audio cut-out feature.

The biggest drawback is that it won't pan and tilt automatically to track movement like the Reolink Altas below will. It's also worth bearing in mind that you'll need a Ring Home subscription to make the most of all its features, and to store video recordings in the cloud so you can watch them later. There's no way to insert an SD card into the camera to store files locally.

Read our full Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam review

Night vision

Reolink Altas PT Ultra

The Reolink Altas (not 'Atlas') PT Ultra is an excellent exterior home security camera for monitoring your property, and performed so well in testing that it won a prize in last year's TechRadar Choice Awards.

It's definitely a large camera, and not the easiest unit to install, but once it's up you'll benefit from pin-sharp 4K footage, 355-degree pan and 90-degree tilt (complete with subject-tracking) and an extra-large capacity battery for continuous recording.

What really impressed us during testing, however, was the Altas PT Ultra's extraordinary night-time recording. Many home security cameras can only capture images in black and white after dark, but the Altas uses ColorX technology to record in full color. The results were extremely impressive (and there are bright spotlights for recording in total darkness).

There's also an optional solar panel to extend its battery life, but if you want a security camera that will last as long as possible between charges, I recommend taking a look at the Baseus Security S2 below instead.

The Altas isn't the most expensive camera around either, and although you can pay a monthly fee to keep your video recordings in the cloud, it's not mandatory; you can store them on a MicroSD card instead if you prefer.

Read our full Reolink Altas PT Ultra review

Subscription-free

Baseus Security S2

Another excellent security cam that can be used without a subscription, the Baseus Security S2 has a unique design with a rectangular solar panel mounted on a long camera barrel. This panel rotates to follow the movement of the sun across the sky, catching as many rays as possible to maximize the camera's battery life. It's an innovative idea, and during our testing we found it remarkably effective, letting the camera record constantly without a wired power supply or frequent recharging.

Another of this camera's best features (and one that would usually require a paid subscription plan) is built-in facial recognition. Just add the names and faces of housemates and family members, and the camera will tell you whether it's spotted a familiar person or a stranger. During testing we found that it could even recognize faces reflected in windows.

We were also impressed by the lack of false alerts from things like tree branches waving in the wind, which is a common problem with some other outdoor home security cameras.

The S2 records footage at 4K resolution, and like the Altas PT Ultra above, it can save your videos on a MicroSD card without the need for a paid plan (it supports cards up to 256GB). Both cameras are around the same price, so it's a question of which bonus features appeal most: extra wide field of view and superior night vision, or facial recognition and extended battery life.

Read our full Baseus Security S2 review

Blink Mini 2K+: two-minute review

First launched in 2020, it’s fair to say that the Blink Mini has seen a fair few improvements over the last five years. Initially just a compact, bog-standard 1080p security camera, it was upgraded in 2024 with colour night vision and outdoor functionality as the Blink Mini 2 before receiving its current make-over as a 2K camera (2,560 x 1,440 pixels) in September 2025.

Available in black or white, it can be bought either individually or as a two-pack. We tested the two-pack version in white which currently retails on Amazon for the very reasonable price of £69.99 (about $100 / AU$140). Alternatively, you can buy it as a single unit in both colours for £39.99 (about $50 / AU$80). Whereas many of Blink’s products are battery-operated, making them particularly flexible for installation, the Blink Mini must be plugged into the mains.

However, because it doesn’t require a battery it does mean the camera is exceptionally small, around 2 x 2 inches / 5 x 5cm for the camera itself and standing around 3 inches / 8cm tall including the base. It’s also very lightweight so it’s easy to move from one part of the house to another if, say, you want to monitor a particular area of your property while you’re away on holiday.

As with most security cameras these days, installation requires downloading the camera’s app onto your smartphone and adding the device using the QR code on the back of the product. Alternatively, you can type in the serial code into your phone instead. Unlike more advanced models, the Blink Mini only works on the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network (it's not compatible with the 5GHz frequency). However, this wasn’t a major issue.

You can use the Blink Mini 2K+ camera on its own via the app, or as part of a much larger network with other Blink devices, including video doorbells and indoor/outdoor security cameras. Not only does the Blink Mini 2K+ come with its own built-in siren, it can also be used as an indoor chime for the Blink video doorbell which, somewhat annoyingly, doesn’t have its own plug-in chime accessory.

In addition, the device automatically connects to Amazon Alexa so you can view footage via the Alexa app/TVs equipped with Fire TV or get notifications sent to Alexa-compatible devices, such as Amazon Echo smart speakers.

As with many home security devices, full functionality, such as the ability to filter motion alerts by person or vehicle (known as Blink Smart Detection) does require a subscription. However, the good news is that Blink’s subscriptions are half the price of Ring’s subscription costs, starting at £2.50 per month (compared to £4.99 per month for Ring).

Blink Mini 2K+: subscription options

Blink Basic Plan. Cost: £2.50 (about $3.50 / AU$5) per month or £24.99 (about $35 / AU$50) year. Covers: one camera. Features: cloud storage (30 days), person/vehicle detection (Blink Smart Detection), and video editing between devices (Blink Moments).

Blink Plus Plan. Cost: £8 (about $10 / AU$16) per month or £80 (about $100 / AU$160) year. Covers: Unlimited cameras at one location. Features: All Basic features plus 10% off Blink devices and extended warranty.

Local storage (no subscription). Cost: free. Requires: Sync Module 2 (£34.99 - about $50 / AU$70) and a USB flash drive. Features: saves clips locally. Note: Blink Smart Detection/Blink Moments is not available with this option.

Blink Mini 2K+: price and availability

• How much does it cost? $49 / £39.99 / AU$89 each (£70 for two), $US49 ($89 for two), AU$69 ($130 for two)
• When is it available? Available since September 2025
• Where is it available? UK / US / Australia

US company Blink has earned a reputation for its reasonably priced home security devices, and the Mini 2K+ is certainly no exception. Whereas most cameras will set you back around $130 / £100 / $200 each, you can actually buy a two pack of Blink Mini 2K+ cameras for less than that price.

It’s certainly a pretty good deal, but as ever with consumer electronics these days, nothing is ever that simple. Sure, if you just want the basic features, such as motion alerts and two-way audio communication, then that is all you have to pay. But if you want the full functionality that the camera offers, including Blink Smart Detection and 30 days of recordings stored in the cloud, you will have to commit to a monthly subscription plan.

Alternatively, if you only need the subscription to store video clips, then you can always invest in the Blink Sync Module 2, which allows you to record and store up to 256GB of video clips on a connected USB flash drive. However, this will cost another £39.99 (about $50 / AU$80), plus the cost of the USB flash drive.

Finally, with an IP65 water resistance rating, the Blink Mini2K+ can be used outdoors, but only if you buy the 4m Blink Weather Resistant Power Adaptor, costing another £9 (about $12 / AU$20). Like the cameras, this is available in either white or black.

• Value score: 4.5/5

Blink Mini 2K+: design

• Extremely compact design
• Built-in spotlight
• Mains-powered only

The first thing you notice about the Blink Mini 2K+ is just how small it really is. Standing just an inch tall on a stand that can be positioned to virtually any angle, it certainly lives up to its 'mini' moniker.

Two colours are available – white or black (we tested the white) – and despite its bargain-basement price tag the Mini 2K+ feels like a classy, well-built security device. At the rear is a USB-C socket while provided with the camera is a 6.5ft / 2m USB-A to USB-C lead and a plug. Alternatively, it’s possible to buy a 13ft / 4m length of weather-resistant cable with power adaptor for outdoor use.

Once the Blink app is downloaded you can simply add the camera to your set up using the QR code on the back of the device where you’ll also find the speaker. This provides voice instructions during set up and can also be used as a chime for any connected Blink video doorbells.

Turn the camera around and in the centre there’s the 2K lens (2,560 x 1,440 pixels) while underneath is the built-in microphone. Also on board is a blue light that comes on during recording and at the top of the camera you’ll find the built-in spotlight for providing coloured images at night. Like the blue recording light, this can be switched on and off via the app, or set to come on automatically when the camera senses motion.

Blink Mini 2K+: performance

• 2K resolution
• Clear two-way audio
• Decent color night vision

When it comes to performance, the Blink Mini 2K+ certainly offers a big improvement over its 1080p predecessor (at the time of writing this original model is available on Amazon so cheaply) Where you really notice the difference is when using the 4x digital pinch-to-zoom feature on your smartphone. With the 1080p camera, images soon become pixilated as you zoom in. However, with this latest 2K model you can home right in and see the detail in, say, a face or an item of clothing.

Another massive improvement is in night vision. Whereas the previous model only offered traditional IR (infrared) recording in black and white, this model boasts a surprisingly powerful built-in spotlight for color recording. During my tests, the spotlight illuminated the hallway when coming home on during the evening, producing vivid colored images on recorded footage. Audio, too, has been improved with two-way talk now filtering out background noise, such as traffic, so you can hear voices more clearly.

Users with a Blink video doorbell can set multiple Blink Mini 2K+ cameras as a chime so if someone presses the doorbell you can hear it in several rooms if you so choose. That’s particularly handy as Blink’s video doorbell doesn’t come with its own plug-in door chime, unlike models from other companies such as Ring.

Finally, you can also link the Blink Mini 2K+ to Amazon Alexa to receive announcements such as ‘Motion detected at the office’ via your Echo speakers or display the video feed on your Echo Show. However, as Blink is now owned by Amazon, the device doesn’t work with rival platforms such as Google Home or Apple Home.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Blink Mini 2K+?

Blink Mini 2K+: also consider

If you're not quite sure whether the Blink Mini 2K+ is the best home security camera for you, here are two other options to consider:

Should you buy the Blink Mini 2K+?

Buy it if

Don't buy it if

How I tested the Blink Mini 2K+ security camera

• I used a pair of cameras in several rooms of the house for three weeks
• I set them up myself using the QR code provided on the back of each model
• I linked them to other devices including a Blink video doorbell and several Amazon Echo smart speakers

Testing the two cameras over the Christmas/New Year period gave me the ideal opportunity to see how they responded to visitors coming to the house. Throughout this time one of the cameras was focused on my hallway facing the front door with the spotlight set to come on whenever motion was detected. It also served as a chime for my Blink video doorbell, which I could hear throughout the house.

he other camera was moved between several rooms, including the kitchen and downstairs as well as upstairs rooms we use as offices. However, the cameras weren’t used outside as the units provided didn’t come with the necessary waterproof power adaptor.

• Ring cameras can now notify you about unusual activity
• The new tool uses AI to 'learn' what's normal for your home
• There are new sensors to detect safety and security problems, too

We're at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, where Ring has just announced a set of new AI-powered upgrades that should make your video doorbell and security cameras even better at keeping your home and family safe.

One of the most interesting additions, AI Unusual Event Alerts, sends you a notification when your camera or doorbell spots something that looks out of the ordinary. It uses the Video Descriptions tech that launched in June last year, which analyzes the event that's triggered your camera to start recording and sends a text description to your phone so you can decide whether it's something that needs your attention.

What's ordinary for one person's home might be unusual for another, so this isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, AI Unusual Event Alerts 'learns' what's normal for your home by monitoring everyday activity, then warns you when something happens that doesn't fit with the regular pattern.

If you currently find that you're receiving too many alerts, you can choose to only be notified when something out of the ordinary happens.

Active Warnings are another new AI-powered tool for your Ring cameras, and are intended to deter potential threats to your property as soon as they're spotted.

This feature, which is available if you're currently enrolled in Ring's Virtual Security Guard program, will deliver warnings to potential burglars or other threats through your camera's speaker straight away, while a trained security expert takes a closer look at what's happened to see whether further action is needed (such as initiating two-way talk or contacting emergency services).

Sensors and switches

Ring also used its CES stand to unveil a new set of sensors and other devices that are based on Amazon Sidewalk (a low-power network that can transfer small amounts of data much further than your home Wi-F) and don't need a separate hub.

Until now, Sidewalk was only been available in the US, but it's now rolling out in Canada and Mexico too, with the EU, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan all due to follow later this year.

The new Sidewalk-enabled hardware includes:

• Door and window contact sensors
• Motion detectors
• A panic button
• Glass break sensors
• Outside door sensor
• Smoke and carbon monoxide sensors
• Flood and freeze sensors
• Temperature and humidity sensors
• Air quality sensors
• A sump pump sensor

There's also a bundle of new controllers that make it easier to operate your Ring smart home devices manually, including a fan control, smart plug, a single light switch, and a smart light remote.

Grab some apps

Finally, Ring has thrown open the doors to a new app store, where you'll download heaps of third-party tools to help you get more from your Ring devices. It's currently only available in the US, but will hopefully roll out in other locations soon.

You'll need a compatible Ring subscription to use these apps, and depending on the tool you want to use, you might need to sign up with a third-party service and connect it to your Ring account.

The selection of apps is expected to grow in the coming weeks, so keep an eye on what's available through the Ring app or at Ring.com.

We're checking out all the latest smart home tech at CES 2026, and it looks like this is the year of the smart lock. With built-in video doorbells, wireless charging, and 3D facial recognition, the new generation of locks make it easier than ever to unlock your door without rummaging through your bag for keys, or even touching a control panel.

The latest locks are easier to install as well, with many requiring nothing more than a couple of minutes with a screwdriver. Home security companies have realized that replacing your existing lock can be a daunting prospect, and have responded with simple guides and interactive tutorials to make the process as painless as possible.

Connecting your new smart lock to your existing smart home tech should be a breeze as well. Almost all of the new locks being shown off at CES are Matter-certified, meaning they should work seamlessly whichever other devices you're using.

As TechRadar's smart home tech editor, here's my pick of the six best smart locks from this year's show. Which one deserves a place on your door?

1. Easy to use

Yale has launched a smart lock featuring a new technology called KeySense, which lets you unlock your door from the inside with a short press of a button, or set it to lock after a short customizable delay when you leave the house.

When you come home, the Yale Linus Smart Lock L2 Lite uses your phone's location to automatically unlock the door as you get close, so you don't need to fumble for keys when your hands are full.

Unlike some new locks, there's no palm recognition, fingerprint, or other biometric tech here. Instead, Yale has concentrated its efforts on making the Linus Smart Lock L2 Lite beginner-friendly. Guests and kids can let themselves in using their own unique passcode, and the lock will send you a notification to let you know they've arrived safely.

The lock can be installed on most European doors without the need for drilling, so renters can fit it without upsetting their landlord.

The Linus Smart Lock L2 Lite doesn't have Wi-Fi built in, so you'll need a separate Yale Wi-Fi Bridge to check its status, open it remotely, and review activity logs via the Yale Home app, though Matter over Thread means it'll work with smart home ecosystems including Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings.

The lock is on sale now for £129.98 in the UK (about $175 / AU$260). Prices and release dates outside Europe are yet to be announced.

2. No accidental unlocking

If you want a lock that knows exactly where you are, take a look at the new Aqara Smart Lock U400, which uses UWB (ultra-wideband) technology to ensure your door only unlocks when you're ready to enter – but doesn't keep you waiting.

According to Aqara, the Smart Lock U400 can pinpoint your location to within a centimeter, measuring both distance and angle of approach. This means it can tell if you're approaching the door or just passing by, and identify which side of the door you're on, so it won't unlock itself when you're inside.

In addition to remote unlocking via UWB, the Smart Lock U400 can also be opened using a fingerprint, personal passcode (either one-time or recurring), NFC, a mobile app, or Apple Home Key on an iPhone or Apple Watch.

Like Yale's latest smart lock, the new Aqara model uses the Matter over Thread system for compatibility with all the main smart home ecosystems (provided you have a Thread border router and Matter controller). There's no need for a separate Aqara hub.

Aqara has yet to announce a release date or price for the new lock, but its smart home devices tend to be quite affordable, so I've got my fingers crossed for a reasonable price tag.

3. Super simple installation

If you like the idea of having a smart lock, but you're intimidated by the idea of actually fitting one, take a look at the new Kwikset Aura Reach Smart Lock, which offers interactive guided installation to take you through each step of the process. All you need is a screwdriver, The Kwikset app also helps you connect the lock to your smart home platform of choice, again via Matter over Thread.

The Aura Reach uses Bluetooth to illuminate the keypad when your phone comes within range. Unlike other locks featured here, however, there's no contactless entry. Instead, the Aura Reach relies on passcodes, with up to 250 unique codes that you can manage through the Kwikset app.

The Aura Reach will be available towards the end of this year, with a list price of $189 in the US (about £140 / AU$280).

4. Built-in video doorbell

The Lockly Affirm Series Smart Lock does a lot more than just secure your door – it also includes a video doorbell, so you can see who's calling and choose whether to let them in remotely. Built-in Wi-Fi means there's no need for a separate hub, and (naturally) there's Matter support so it's compatible with your smart speakers and other Matter-enabled devices.

This particular model has a lever latch handle, plus a numbered keypad that supports up to 300 PIN codes (including a one-time or recurring offline code when there's no internet connectivity). You can also unlock your door via NFC using your phone, smartwatch, or an NFC tag key, though there are no biometric options.

We don't yet have a price or release date for this particular lock, so stay tuned for further details.

5. Solar charging and AI

Desloc has launched three new smart locks for CES 2026. The first, the Desloc V150 Plus, has a solar panel to keep its rechargeable battery topped up, plus a selection of touch-free entry options. The V150 Plus can be unlocked using gestures and palm-recognition – a system that identifies you by the unique pattern of blood vessels in your hand.

There's also built-in Wi-Fi, and although this particular lock isn't Matter-certified, it's compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control via your smart speakers. The Desloc V150 Plus will be available in the US later this year, with a price tag under $300 (about £220 / AU$450).

Desloc's second new offering, the S150 Max, includes a video doorbell with dual 2K cameras so you can see visitors and packages before deciding whether to unlock your door. AI subject-recognition can differentiate between family members, pets, packages, and unknown visitors, and will deliver smart alerts to your phone depending on who or what has been detected.

The S150 Max can be unlocked using 3D facial recognition, or a curved fingerprint sensor that Desloc claims will open your door in just 1.5 seconds. The Desloc S150 Max will go on sale a little later than the K140 Plus, with a price tag below $400 (about £370 / AU$750).

Finally, there's the Desloc K140 Plus, with palm vein recognition, built-in Wi-Fi, and gesture unlocking. It will be available in the US from February, and will be the most affordable of the three new locks at under $200 (about £150 / AU$300).

6. Wireless charging

The Lockin V7 Max has already received a CES 2026 Innovation Award thanks to its AuraCharge wireless charging technology, which operates within a four-meter range, and means there's no need to recharge or replace its batteries.

The Lockin V7 Max also offers contactless entry via finger vein, palm vein, and 3D facial recognition, and has an integrated video doorbell with five-inch touchscreens on both sides of the door. It's compatible with all major smart home platforms via Matter.

It's expected to begin shipping soon, though we don't yet have an estimated retail price.

Congratulations, you are now the proud owner of one of the latest high-tech security devices. Obviously, your friends and family know how important it is to you to see who is at the door, even when you may be sunning yourself on a beach halfway across the world.

The best home security cameras and best video doorbells are rapidly becoming must-have gadgets for any smart home and – in case you thought your loved ones were being really generous this festive season – they don’t cost a fortune. But now you’ve got your security device what do you do with it? Here we take you through the various steps.

1. Choose your location

First of all, you need to decide where to install your device. Obviously if it’s a video doorbell it should go on the front door, but you need to install it at the right height for someone to press it as well as for capturing surrounding movement. Typically, this is around 1.5m from the ground. Conversely, if you're mounting an outdoor camera, then it should probably be installed a little higher where it is out of reach – ideally 2m or above. However, remember if it is powered by disposable batteries or a rechargeable battery you will need to access the device every couple of months for recharging/battery changing (depending on its settings and whether it also has a solar panel).

Importantly, the device will need to be quite close to your router (maximum distance around 25m) to capture video footage. Alternatively, it is now possible to buy devices that will connect to the internet via 4G/5G cellular networks, such as the Eufy 4G LTE Cam S330. For indoor cameras, there is much more flexibility about where to locate the security camera especially if it’s battery powered. However, it is obviously important to keep the device out of private areas such as bathrooms and bedrooms unless you're using it as a baby monitor.

2. Customize the app for optimum recording

One of the great things about your new smart security device is just how easy it should be to set up. Mostly this is done via a series of instructions within the Android/iOS app. Usually all you have to do is scan in the QR code from the device and then pair it with your home broadband network – a process taking less than five minutes. Once you’ve done this you can begin to customize your device so you actually capture movement you want to record, rather than random passers-by.

To do this, you need to go into the app’s settings and adjust the motion detection zones. This usually involves viewing a grid made up of squares, and choosing which ones you want to detect movement and which you want to exclude. It’s also a good idea to adjust the device’s motion sensitivity so it doesn’t capture every leaf blowing in a tree or car going past your house as well as adjusting the audio levels to suit your needs. Finally, video quality is improving massively, with most devices capable of displaying 1080p resolution and many now recording in 4K. However, bear in mind if you are recording at the highest resolution it will take up more of your allotted space in the cloud or on a MicroSD card.

3. Explore smart new features

As with most of the best smart home devices, video doorbells and home security cameras are emerging with new and interesting features which are worth checking out. For example, many can be controlled using voice commands in conjunction with smart speakers. Not only can you choose different tunes for the speakers to play when someone presses the video doorbell (currently I have set mine to play ‘Deck The Halls’ when someone comes to the door), it’s also possible to set up a motion-triggered routine. So, for example, lights come on inside the property automatically once someone is detected on the camera/video doorbell. For more information, see our roundup of the best video doorbells.

Another area devices are becoming more advanced is in the use of AI. It is now common for both video doorbells and smart cameras to distinguish between different types of movement and categorise them accordingly - humans, pets, cars, parcels etc. Some devices, such as the Google Nest Cam IQ Indoor, even feature built-in facial recognition technology providing you pay for a Nest Aware subscription.

For example, with Nest’s Familiar Face Detection technology the device automatically sends a warning message when it spots an unfamiliar face. Swann’s latest video doorbell, the SwannBuddy4K even comes with an innovative voice assistant which will play automated messages to people who come to the door in various accents including English and Australian.

4. Expand your home security network

So now you’ve got you first video doorbell or smart camera up and running, what next? Why not get a few more! It’s generally not too expensive and will give you much greater control. For landlords, or those fortunate to live in multiple properties, most manufacturers allow you to set up numerous households within the app complete with different types of security camera (indoor, outdoor and video doorbell).

Some specialists such as Yale also provide the option to link your cameras to other security devices such as burglar alarms, flood lights and smart locks. So, for example, you can use the same app to monitor your property and then when you come home you can use the app instead of a key to enter and switch off your alarm. Nor do you necessarily have to use devices from just one manufacturer. If you don’t mind having a few different apps on your phone you can easily mix and match devices. Check out our list of the best home security cameras for advice on which one to choose.

Conclusion

Monitoring and protecting your property has never been as straightforward. Thanks to the latest home security cameras and video doorbells, it’s now possible to see who is at the 6ydoor whether you are inside working or thousands of miles away enjoying a bit of winter sun.

New features are being added too, including facial recognition and AI generated voice assistants. It’s even possible to integrate your cameras with other devices in the home, including the best smart lights and smart speakers. We hope you enjoy your new property-protecting Christmas gift.

The best home security cameras have come a long way, with resolutions up to 4K, extra-long battery life, and smart object identification and tracking now all commonplace.

However, things aren't always as simple as plugging in your camera and downloading the app. To unlock all features, you'll likely need to sign up for a subscription plan as well, with monthly or annual payments that can quickly exceed the price of the hardware. Suddenly that budget camera doesn't appear quite such good value.

It doesn't have to be that way, though. We've tested more than 60 home security cameras here at TechRadar, and as the resident smart home expert, I've picked out three of the very best options – and all work perfectly, without the need to pay any extra fees. You won't have to pay to save your videos in the cloud, either – all these cams offer local storage (so your footage is in your control), a 4K resolution, and even smart features such as person detection and recognition.

Best for facial recognition

Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K

The Baseus Security S2 isn't the only solar-powered security camera we've tested, but it's the only one with a photovoltaic panel that rotates around its body to follow the sun, ensuring it captures as much light as possible throughout the day. It looks strange, but in our tests, we found worked brilliantly, noticeably extending battery life.

In addition, an SD card slot in the bottom means you can save your video recordings locally, without paying for cloud storage. However, the real standout feature in our view is the S2's built-in facial-recognition, which can alert you if the camera spots familiar people nearby. Just upload their photos to the app, and it will keep an eye out for them. It's the kind of advanced feature that would normally only be available as part of a premium subscription package, but here it's thrown in.

During tests, the S2 produced very few false alerts. This not only prevents you from being bombarded with unnecessary phone notifications, it also means recording is triggered only by genuine events, extending the cam's battery life. Images are superbly detailed during the day, and the spotlight is excellent for illuminating the garden at night to ensure high-quality footage in the dark, too.

The Baseus S2 is also one of the most affordable subscription-free security cameras we've tested. Yes, the up-front cost is more than you'd pay for a camera from Blink or Ring, for example, but the absence of fees for storage and advanced features mean it almost certainly works out cheaper overall.

If you're on a strict budget, take a look at the Baseus Security S1 instead. It's available for about half the price of the S2 and has the same rotating solar panel. However, it records at only 2K and has 8GB built-in storage rather than up to 256GB via a microSD card.

Read our full Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K review

Best for wide coverage

Swann MaxRanger4K Solar

Swann's MaxRanger4K Solar cameras are sold in packs of two or three, bundled with a base station that provides 64GB local storage for your videos, and is expandable with an SD card if you need even more room. If that isn't enough coverage, you can also pick up extra cams to connect to the station.

These high-definition cameras were seriously impressive – especially considering you don't need to subscribe to get the most out of them. Each camera arrives with a tough weather-resistant chassis, and captures super-crisp 4K footage with a wide 105-degree viewing angle. That's great for a camera without pan-and-tilt functionality.

That's not all – the cameras also have a sensor that uses heat and motion to identify people, vehicles, and other disturbances, and labels them accordingly. It's the kind of feature you'd usually only get with a paid security plan, but it's bundled in here – and in our tests it worked brilliantly, accurately identifying triggers.

The app lets you tweak camera settings, including its sensitivity, which is a handy way to extend the battery life of the units. Each cam has a solar panel that allows it to last months between charges, but you'll need to spend some time optimizing settings for maximum effect. The more frequently recording is triggered, the faster the battery will drain.

Read our full Swann MaxRanger4K Solar review

Best for night vision

Reolink Altas PT Ultra

The Reolink Altas PT Ultra earned four stars in our review thanks to its crisp video recordings, pan-and-tilt functionality to cover an extra-wide area, and local storage for your video. Although it's somewhat bulky, it looks smart and didn't worry our neighbors unnecessarily (always a plus).

The camera can automatically track subjects such as people and animals, or you can pan and tilt it manually using the app, if there's something in particular that you want to keep an eye on. There's a pre-record option, too, similar to the one you'd get with a dash cam, which captures footage continuously in the background and saves the 10 seconds that were recorded before a trigger event.

Footage is super clear during the day, but we found that the Altas PT Ultra really excels at night. Most home security cameras produce pretty shoddy monochrome video after dark, but Reolink's ColorX technology captures impressive color footage without a spotlight.

Storing your videos in the cloud costs extra, but there's no need when you can save them to an SD card, or to an encrypted Reolink Home Hub. The Home Hub comes with 64GB storage, expandable with up to two 512GB SD cards, which should be more than enough.

Read our full Reolink Altas PT Ultra review

• IMOU has launched a home security camera with "unlimited" battery life
• It uses low-power image capture, with motion-triggered video recording
• It can also switch between Wi-Fi and 4G LTE to maintain connectivity

IMOU, a company behind some of the best home security cameras we've tested here at TechRadar, has just a launched a new outdoor cam that's totally wireless, and offers "true, unlimited battery life" thanks to a solar panel, power-efficient always-on video recording, and extra-large capacity battery.

The IMOU AOV PT 4G Solar Panel Camera System includes a camera with 300-degree pan and 90-degree tilt, meaning you only need one to cover a large area. You can set custom privacy zones using the IMOU Life app. If you want total privacy, a physical privacy mode tilts the camera's lens right down and disables recording.

The camera captures one frame every two seconds when idle, and switches to full motion capture when it detects movement.

The claim of "unlimited battery life" is based on the its solar panel receiving two hours of direct sunlight, with 100 recording events triggered per day (50 during daylight hours, and 50 at night). Your actual results will depend on the intensity of sunlight and the number of triggers.

That's where the camera's on-board AI with person-detection comes into play, helping avoid false alerts. As we've seen with some other security cameras we've tested, false triggers aren't just irritating, they can drastically cut battery life. Companies like Reolink have shown how effective AI can be at preventing this, so I'm pleased to see it being applied more widely.

Wi-Fi and 4G switching

For areas with intermittent Wi-Fi coverage, IMOU's new camera can switch to 4G LTE connectivity to maintain connectivity. It has a built-in SIM, and comes with a free data trial so you can see whether it's useful where you plan to install it.

Your videos can be stored in the cloud (with a premium subscription) or locally on an SD card. In always-on video mode, with no recording event triggers, you can store up to 690 days of footage on a 512MB card.

The IMOU AOV PT 4G Solar Panel Camera System is available now for £129.99 from Argos in the UK (about $170 / AU$260). I'm hoping to test the new camera very soon to see how it compares with rivals from the likes of Swann, Ring, Baseus and Blink, and bring you a full review so you can choose the right cam for you.

Ring Outdoor Cam Pro: two-minute review

Although probably best known for its video doorbells, Ring offers a range of both indoor and security cameras, including the 2K Ring Outdoor Cam Plus launched earlier this year. However, with the Ring Outdoor Cam Pro, the manufacturer has upped its game by going full 4K for the first time.

Available in black or white (we tested the white version), this new model can be used either outdoors or indoors, with a number of different mounting options to suit your individual set up. Screws and wall plugs are provided for mounting on a wall, fence or even a celling. Alternatively, you can use the built-in stand for placing indoors on a bookshelf or a unit.

Unfortunately, unlike other models in the range, the Ring Outdoor Cam Pro is mains-powered only. There are no battery or even solar charging options available for the unit which means it will need to be located close to a power supply (Ring supplies 6m/20ft power cable with the camera). And although there is POE (Power over Ethernet) version of the camera, this will set you back an additional £100 (£279 rather than £179) – rather a hefty premium in our opinion.

While the lack of battery/solar power options will certainly deter some buyers looking for a quick, wire-free fix, the use of mains power does enable more advanced high-bandwidth features that battery power simply can’t sustain. Chief among these is 24/7 4K recording, turning the camera from a conventional security unit triggered by motion alerts into a fully-fledged surveillance system. However, this will require a Premium Ring subscription currently costing a hefty £15.99 a month. Another Premium feature is Smart Video Search. Using AI, this allows you to type in a word or phrase such as ‘man wearing a red top’ into the search bar and it will automatically scour the captured footage looking for a man in a red top.

Without a monthly subscription, the camera’s functionality is a lot more basic, restricted mostly to viewing live video streams and basic motion alerts. It’s not possible to save or review past recordings. However, it does include Ring’s Smart Responses feature which will play the automated message ‘Hi, you are currently being recorded’ to intruders letting them know they are being filmed.

Other basic features not requiring a subscription include a loud 85dB Siren option (once pressed this will sound for thirty seconds) and two-way audio so you can speak to whoever is in view. It’s also possible to set motion alerts for certain times of the day (handy if you use the camera indoors and know other family members will be back in, say, the afternoon/evening ), as well as create different motion zones so – for example – the camera doesn’t pick up passers-by walking past the house or activity in the neighbour’s garden.

Finally, motion sensitivity can be adjusted to reduce the number of motion alerts you get, as security cameras can tend to be a little over sensitive picking up the slightest movement such as a branch swaying on a tree!

Ring Outdoor Cam Pro: subscription options

Ring Home Basic (formerly Protect Basic)
Cost: $4.99 / £4.99 / AU$4.95 per month or $49.99 / £49.99 / AU$49.95 per year
Covers: one doorbell or camera.
Features: cloud storage (up to 180 days), person/package alerts, video previews.

Ring Home Standard (formerly Protect Plus)
Cost: $9.99 / £7.99 / AU$15 per month or $99.99 / £79.99 / AU$150 per year
Covers: All devices at one location
Features: All Basic features plus Extended Live View, Picture-in-Picture, Daily Event Summary and 10% off Ring products.

Ring Home Premium (new tier)
Cost: $19.99 / £15.99 per month or $200 / £159.99 per year (not currently available in Australia)
Covers: All devices at one location
Features: everything in Basic and Standard, plus 24/7 recording and unlimited video storage.

Ring Outdoor Cam Pro: price and availability

• How much does it cost? $199, £179, AU$329
• When is it available? Since November 2025
• Where is it available? UK / US / Australia

Given it’s a high-end security camera aimed at those who want the very best video quality on the market, I didn’t expect Ring Outdoor Cam Pro to be cheap. Nevertheless, its near-£200 price tag puts it at the very top of the range when it comes to price.

For example, you can now buy the Ring Stick Up Cam for under £50. And while the Stick Up Cam only offers 1080p video resolution (compared to 4K on the Ring Outdoor Cam Pro), it is – unlike its high-performance sister model - battery-powered. This gives you much more flexibility when it comes to installation, especially if you want to cite the camera a long distance away from mains power.

Nor is it just the price of the hardware you have to think about when investing in a security camera. There’s also the monthly subscription. Ring isn’t alone in charging a monthly subscription for its premium features, but with prices starting at £4.99 a month it is one of the more expensive. What’s more, if you want the most advanced features, such as 24/7 video recording and Smart Video Search, you will need to pay £15.99 a month – more than many people’s monthly mobile phone subscriptions.

• Value score: 3/5

Ring Outdoor Cam Pro: design

• Solidly built camera
• Various mounting options
• IP65 weather-resistance

When it comes to design, the Ring Outdoor Cam Pro certainly doesn’t disappoint. Standing around 6 inches / 15cm tall, it’s a solid-enough design with a base that can be easily angled to match your needs. Various mounting options are provided for indoor and outdoor use and set up is straightforward enough thanks to an easy-to-use app and a QR code that you can scan with your phone’s camera.

Plenty of cable is provided although this is divided up with a slightly ugly power adapter (this can be screwed into the wall). On the one side of the power adaptor is the mains cable, on the other is a flatter USB-C cable that goes into the back of the camera.

Turn the camera around and there’s the 4K lens, offering a 140° horizontal and 85° vertical field of view, plus a small microphone and speaker at the bottom running along the bottom of the unit. Boasting an IP (Ingress Protection) rating of 65 – an improvement on earlier models - the Ring Outdoor Cam Pro offers protection from dust and low-pressure water jets, but isn’t suitable for submersion or high-pressure jets. It can also be used in temperatures as low as -5°F and as high as 120°F (-20°C to 50°C).

• Design score: 4/5

Ring Outdoor Cam Pro: performance

• Retinal 4K resolution
• 10x digital zoom
• Adaptive night vision

One of the first of the manufacturer’s cameras to incorporate Retinal 4K technology (3840 x 2160 pixels), the Ring Outdoor Camera Pro certainly stands out when it comes to performance. Indeed, we found that the higher pixel density, coupled with a 140° field of view and 10x digital zoom, meant it was possible to capture detail from footage filmed during the day that wasn’t previously possible.

However, night vision was a little bit more of a mixed bag. Ring advertises ‘adaptive and colour night vision’, but the colour functionality requires quite a bit of ambient light to work. Generally, we found that while it was very high quality most of the footage we captured at night was black and white, unless movement triggered one of the nearby security lights.

One area where the Ring Outdoor Cam Pro does excel is ease of use. Like many of Ring’s products, set-up is straightforward and the product’s menus are straightforward to use. Alerts are sent directly to your phone in an instant, complete with details such as ‘person detected’ (providing you subscribe to a Ring plan). It is also linked with the Alexa skill so you can activate the camera with a voice command such as ‘Alexa, show me the garden camera’.

Finally, it’s possible to reduce the number of false alerts that you get using the Ring’s innovative Bird’s Eye View feature. This works by combining 3D motion detection (with radar) with a satellite map of your property to track an intruder’s path with pinpoint accuracy! It’s also a good idea to reduce the motion sensitivity of the camera using the onscreen menu.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Ring Outdoor Cam Pro:

Should you buy the Ring Outdoor Cam Pro?

Buy it if

Don't buy it if

Ring Outdoor Cam Pro: also consider

How I tested the Ring Outdoor Cam Pro:

• I used the Ring every day for a week
• I set it up myself both indoors and outdoors

To test this camera, I first connected it to the mains plug in my garden and placed it in various positions and in all weathers – including sunshine, rain and heavy wind! I also tested it both during daylight and at night (it was dark in London from about 4.30pm onwards). During this time, I didn’t have any performance issues, despite extremely inclement weather conditions (thanks Storm Bram).

I then moved indoors to complete the testing with the device in various locations including the kitchen and my home office. One of the great things I noticed during the testing period was just how flexible the Ring camera is. All of the fittings are provided for installing on a wall or ceiling. However, it can quite as easily be moved around for placing on a desk or a bookshelf – handy if you go away and just want to monitor a particular area for a short period of time.

If you're shopping for a cheap video doorbell, you might be tempted to choose the most affordable one from a big brand like Ring or Blink, but doing so might end up costing you more in the long term.

Ring does offer some very affordable video doorbells, with prices starting at $99.99 / £99.99 / AU$149 for a battery-operated model, but that's only half the story. If you only buy the doorbell you'll be able to see and speak to visitors live via the Ring app or a compatible smart device, but recordings won't be stored anywhere, and you won't have access to features like person recognition and package alerts.

To unlock all the features of your Ring doorbell you'll need to subscribe to Ring Home as well, the price of which starts at $4.99 / £4.99 / AU$4.95 per month or $49.99 / £49.99 / AU$49.95. Suddenly that cheap hardware doesn't look quite so tempting, especially when you consider the cost over several years.

That's where these doorbells come in. All of them have a very reasonable up-front cost, with no additional payments needed later. All have internal storage, so you don't need to pay to save your videos in the cloud, and some even have smart features like package-detection built in and available free.

Dual-lens

Eufy Video Doorbell Dual

Eufy is one of my favorite home security brands, for three reasons: its cameras and doorbells are reasonably priced, they don't require a subscription plan to store your recordings, and they're solidly made. The Eufy Video Doorbell Dual is a great example, and an excellent choice if you're in the market for a budget-friendly way to keep tabs on visitors.

As the name implies, the Eufy Video Doorbell Dual has two cameras: a 2K camera to focus on visitors' faces, and an HD camera that lets you keep an eye on packages on your doorstep.

Our tester Carrie-Ann Skinner reported that "The Eufy Video Doorbell Dual’s 2K camera records clear, super-detailed video in daylight, with its 160-degree field of view capturing a generous area. While footage from the package detection camera isn’t as detailed, it’s still clear. There’s a slight fish-eye effect on footage captured by the main camera, but the HD camera doesn’t display a hint of a curve in the video."

There's no need to pay for cloud storage because the Video Doorbell Dual saves your videos to the Eufy BaseStation included in the package, which provides 16GB local storage. It connects to your router and links to the doorbell via Eufy's proprietary wireless protocol.

If you're adamant that you want cloud storage, Eufy offers a basic plan for $39.99 / £39.99 a year that will save footage from your doorbell for 30 days before it's overwritten, but it's barely mentioned in the company's marketing material, and it's very much assumed that you're going to stick with the base station. We did, and it worked brilliantly.

Read our full Eufy Video Doorbell Dual review

Smart features

EZVIZ EP3x Pro

The budget-friendly EZVIZ EPX3 Pro is one of the biggest video doorbells we've tested here at TechRadar, but for good reason: it comes bundled with a solar charging unit that dramatically extends its battery life, it offers 32GB on-board storage, and it's packed with smart features that other brands put in the cloud at extra expense.

These include both person and package detection (neither of which comes free with a Ring doorbell), the ability to set privacy zones so the camera only monitors your property, and even a voice-changer if you don't like the look of a caller and want to protect your identity.

Like the Eufy Video Doorbell Dual, it has two cameras: a 2K front-facing cam for recording visitors, and a 1080p one for packages. It's a system that works well, and our reviewer Daryl Baxter was effusive in his praise, concluding that "once you try this dual-lens doorbell, it's hard to use any other."

The EZVIZ EP3x Pro also has powerful LEDs on the bottom, which allow it to record in color at night. By contrast, the Eufy Video Doorbell Dual uses infra-red for recording after dark, which is more discrete, but means you only get black-and-white images.

The only potential hurdle is the app, which is packed with so many features that first-time users might find themselves overwhelmed. You will get used to it (and the video recording list is particularly useful), but if you'd rather keep things as simple as possible, take a look at the Doro Hemma below.

Read our full EZVIZ EP3x Pro review

Easy to use

Doro Hemma

Doro makes tech with senior users in mind, but the Hemma doorbell is a great pick for anyone who wants an affordable doorbell that lets them see who's calling and talk to them remotely, and doesn't want extra frills like multiple cameras, person-detection, or package alerts. It just provides the basics, and does so very well.

It has a list price of £149 (about $200 / AU$300), but is regularly on sale for a third off, making it one of the most affordable battery-powered video doorbells around.

You get a generous 32GB internal storage, which will be enough to store months of recordings, and you can easily scroll through and view those in Doro's mobile app. There's also a plug-in chime bundled with the doorbell, which is one of the loudest we've ever tested; we'd be amazed if you manage to miss it.

If you don't like the look of the person at your door, you can sound an alarm, or use the Hemma's app to reach an emergency contact. It's a feature intended to help keep older people safe, but could be useful for anyone who's vulnerable, or bothered by nuisance visitors.

You can't link the Hemma to any other smart home devices, such as smart displays and speakers, but that's a feature rather than a bug. This is smart home tech for folks who don't do smart home tech.

The Doro Hemma is available in the UK, Ireland, France, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Belgium, Finland and Denmark. If you live somewhere else, take a look at the two options above instead – particularly the Eufy Video Doorbell Dual, which has the simplest app of the pair.

Read our full Doro Hemma review

Aqara Camera G100: two-minute review

Security cameras now come in many different varieties, including those meant solely for indoor use and those meant mainly for outdoors. However, what the Aqara G100 offers is, on the face of it, the best of both worlds

Weatherproof with an IP65 rating, it can be used indoors (to keep an eye on pets and children), or outdoors (to see who is at the front door or in the backyard). It’s small too, perfect for placing on a bookshelf or mounting upside down in a porch using the screw and wall plug provided.

However, what really differentiates the Aqara G100 from many of its competitors is its comprehensive smart home compatibility. Whereas many of the best home security cameras are now compatible with Amazon’s Alexa (including the Amazon-owned Ring and Blink, of course), the Aqara G100 is also compatible with Google Home, Samsung SmartThings and – crucially for those invested in the Apple ecosystem – Apple HomeKit including Home KitSecureVideo (HSV).

Not only can the camera’s built-in motion sensor and spotlight be used within home automation routines, it’s also possible to stream a live feed from the Aqara G100 on Apple TV. The only technical limitation here is that Apple caps the video resolution at 1080p for some reason, despite the camera being capable of a more impressive 2K resolution (2,304 x 1,296 pixels). It’s even possible to hook up your Apple Photos library to the Aqara camera to recognize faces it captures via the motion sensor.

Nor is smart home compatibility the only trick up the Aqara’s sleeve either. It works perfectly well as a standalone security camera too. Indeed that’s how most buyers will probably use it. Mains powered via a USB-C cable, it usefully boasts a MicroSD card slot for storing up to 512Gb of footage. This means you don’t have to pay a monthly fee to store video in the cloud as you do with many cameras, especially some of the cheaper models (Apple users can also use their iCloud storage via HomeKit Secure Video).

You don’t even have to pay a monthly subscription fee for basic AI functionality. However, if you want the full shebang, including pet and parcel detection, then you will need to pay for Aqara’s HomeGuardian subscription service (see details below).

If you have multiple Aqara cameras, the HomeGuardian Unlimited package also includes an innovative Fire Detection feature based on a flame recognition function. However, this isn’t intended to replace conventional fire-detection systems such as smoke alarms and heat sensors

Finally, the camera offers two-way audio so you can reassure your pets if they seem distressed, or tell your family members when you’ll be home.

Aqara Camera G100: subscription options

HomeGuardian Single Camera: £3.99 (about $5 / AU$8) per month, or £39.99 (about $50 / AU$80) per year for a single device. Includes: 90 days of video event history, person, animal, vehicle, package, fire detection.

HomeGuardian Unlimited: £7.99 (about $10 / AU$16) per month, or £79.99 (about $100 / AU$160) per year. Supports unlimited cameras in one home, 90 days of video event history, person, face, animal, vehicle, package, fire detection, Premium AI Event Detection, AI Video Summary, AI Video Search.

Aqara Camera G100: price and availability

• Costs £34.99, $34.99, AU$89
• Available since July 2025
• Sold in the US, UK, and Australia

Generally, security cameras are not expensive to buy. Even the most advanced models offering solar power and mobile phone (4G/5G) connectivity tend to cost less than £200. However, many are priced quite cheaply because you need to pay a monthly fee to store video clips in the cloud.

The Aqara G100 is unusual in that not only is it very cheap, it also comes with a built in MicroSD card slot for video storage. Yes, you will have to buy a MicroSD card, but these only cost around $15 / £10 / AU$20 so you soon make your money back from not having to fork out the cost of a subscription. That said, you can pay a monthly fee for storage if you want (Aqara’s HomeGuardian costs from £3.99 (about $5 / AU$8) a month) if you want advanced AI functionality, such as the ability to differentiate between different people and objects.

Given its low price tag, it’s also worth noting just how well equipped the Aqara G100 is for the money. One of my criticisms of Aqara’s recently-launched G410 Video Doorbell is that, despite costing over £100, it didn’t incorporate waterproofing – unbelievably remiss for a product that’s going to sit on the outside of your house all year round.

Yet this G100 camera – which is intended for indoor and outdoor use – does feature decent IP65 water resistance. Not only that, but it also comes with other useful features that make it a very versatile piece of kit. These include compatibility with a number of smart home platforms as well as AI functionality.

• Value score: 5/5

Aqara Camera G100: design

• Versatile indoor/outdoor mounting
• Available in black or white
• Waterproof connectivity

Again, one of my criticisms of the recently reviewed Aqara G410 video doorbell was its design which was extremely big and bulky. In fairness, that’s partly because it is powered by four AA batteries, whereas the G100 only uses mains power. Nevertheless, it’s true to say that its stablemate, the G100, is a much more compact and better-looking piece of kit – similar in looks to a Nest camera, but not quite so sturdy.

Available in black or white (we tested the black), it comes with a simple mount for standing on top of a cupboard or bookshelf. Alternatively, you can do what I did and install it inside a cabinet using the wall plug and screw provided (remembering to change the viewing setting to upside down in the Aqara app). Usefully, the camera can be rotated 360 degrees within the mount to get the perfect angle, while the field of view is a decent 140 degrees.

While most people will probably choose to use the camera indoors, there is the option for mounting it outdoors providing you have access to mains power (it doesn’t have a built-in rechargeable lithium battery). Unusually, the USB-C cable provided connects to the camera via a waterproof sleeve below the camera. This can easily be swapped over to a much longer USB cable if you're running the cable from an indoor power source.

A waterproof cover is also provided for the MicroSD card slot and reset buttons while at the back of the camera is a small speaker. On the front of the camera is the lens itself plus a surprisingly powerful spotlight, blue power light button and a microphone.

• Design score: 4.5/5

Aqara Camera G100: performance

• 2K image quality
• Good night vision
• Slightly complex menus

When it comes to performance it’s fair to say that the Aqara Camera G100 is solid, rather than spectacular. Certainly, the 2K camera won’t win any awards and the field of view isn’t the widest either. However, for the super-low price tag we didn’t have any major complaints – it simply does the job.

Night vision is actually quite good thanks to dual night vision modes that gives you a choice between color night vision (with the built-in spotlight) or black and white night vision which is the default mode. The camera isn’t overly sensitive either which is a good thing as sometimes they are triggered by the slightest movement.

Less impressive is the two-way audio through the tinny speaker, but again this isn’t unusual and in reality you probably won’t use it that often (unless you want to have a chat with your dog while you are out!). One unusual feature is the voice disguising option which can turn your voice into that of a robot or clown, or otherwise disguise it.

This feature is also provided on Aqara’s recently launched G410 video doorbell where it makes more sense, especially for women who may want to protect their identity from those ringing the doorbell. However, it probably isn’t that useful on a general camera which is probably going to be used mostly indoors.

One small gripe is around the onscreen menus within the app which take a little bit of getting used to, partly because there are so many different options. For example, as well as being able to see a Live View from the camera, you can view a Video Event history divided into different categories (person, motion etc). You can also program different actions, such as turning on the lights in the house when the motion sensor is triggered or opening and closing the curtains.

For advanced users, these are all useful perhaps, but if you want a simple plug and play solution, then there are easier cameras to use. That said, it's not difficult to set the camera up in the first place thanks to voice-based instructions, and we didn’t have any issues with broadband connectivity between the camera and router despite the device only working on the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi frequency, not 5GHz. It was also straightforward adding the Aqara camera to Apple HomeKit, although as previously noted, picture resolution is restricted to 1080p.

• Performance score: 3.5/5

Should you buy the Aqara Camera G100?

Buy it if

Don't buy it if

Aqara Camera G100: also consider

How I tested the Aqara Camera G100

• I used the camera indoors
• I installed it myself
• The camera was connected to Apple Home

As is clear from the review, the Aqara Camera is a very versatile piece of kit, so I installed it in several places around the home – including the kitchen and my home office. However, it wasn’t installed outside because I didn’t have a suitable mains power connection outdoors.

Using the wall plug and screw provided I mounted the camera inside a cabinet to focus on a small balcony. I also adjusted the mount to focus on the door and other areas of the room to see how sensitive the lens was to movement (it is quite sensitive).

The camera was used over a period of seven days mostly via the Aqara app. However, I also connected it to Apple Home, where I was also able to control the camera’s functionality including switching the spotlight on and off, testing two-way audio and viewing live footage.

First reviewed October 2025

Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K: two-minute review

Founded around 15 years ago, Shenzen-based Baseus Security is one of a number of Chinese brands whose products are now available across the world. Under review here is a new model, the Baseus Security S2 - an outdoor camera with a twist (quite literally). It’s the follow up model to the 2024 Baseus S1 Pro which was billed as the world’s first 4K security camera with a sun-powered tracking system.

Like its predecessor, the S2 also features an innovative twisting solar panel above the main camera unit to maximize power from the sun. However, the big difference is that the video resolution of this latest model has been improved from 2K to 4K. Rather than 8GB of local storage, the S2 upgrade also features a MicroSD card slot capable of storing up to 256GB local storage.

That’s particularly useful in avoiding costly monthly cloud storage fees and reducing a potential cybersecurity risk (hackers have been known to access video footage from security cameras stored in the cloud). Unfortunately, however, the memory card isn’t provided as standard so you will have to buy it separately.

Designed to be installed on the outside of a property with an unhindered view of the sky, the S2 comes with a reasonably sturdy mount complete with wall plugs and screws. Once installed, a process that takes around 20-30 mins, it’s simply a case of downloading the iOS/Android app and adding the camera via the QR code on the side of the device.

Whereas some outdoor models are dual-band Wi-Fi compatible (some will even work on 4G/5G cellular networks), the S2 is only compatible with the 2.4GHz, not the 5GHz, band. That said, we didn’t have any issues connecting the camera at the end of the garden to the broadband repeater at the back of the house. With an IP67 waterproof rating, the Baseus Security S2 can, claims the manufacturer, be used in temperatures from -20 degrees centigrade to 50 degrees centigrade – though it never got above 25 degrees centigrade during my testing.

Once the app is installed, it’s simply a case of tailoring the camera’s settings to suit your setup. This includes naming the camera depending on where it’s located (eg backyard) and checking to see if it captures all the areas you need it to.

The field of view of the Baseus camera is 145° which should be wide enough for most applications. You can set up privacy zones to exclude certain areas (handy to prevent accidentally capturing your neighbour’s property) as well as activity zones to detect motion in certain parts of the frame.

Whereas many outdoor security cameras are overly sensitive capturing footage of passing cars, even swaying tree branches, this doesn’t seem to be an issue with the Baseus Security S2. Although it is possible to adjust sensitivity between 1 and 5 we found on the standard 3 setting the camera it didn’t trigger any false positives. Baseus claims the inclusion of radar detection in addition to standard PIR (passive infra-red) detection, reduces false alerts by 99% so you only get relevant notifications.

Best of all are the facial recognition settings which enable you to add the images and names of family members or house mates on the app. It will then detect when it sees these faces on the camera and send you an alert telling you who it has spotted. It’s a feature that is now available on other outdoor security cameras but you usually have to pay a monthly subscription fee for it. With the Baseus, you can even set up motion alerts if the camera spots a vehicle or a pet. Alternatively, these can be excluded if you want to reduce the number of notifications you receive.

Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K: price and availability

• How much does it cost? Baseus Security S2 £199, $US129, $AU129
• When is it available? Available since July 2025
• Where is it available? UK/US/AUS

Generally, outdoor security cameras and video doorbells are fairly cheap to buy. That’s because manufacturers can subsidize the price of them with monthly subscriptions, costing anywhere between £2.50 and £15 a month.

Not so the Baseus Security S2 outdoor camera. Rather than being stored in the cloud for a monthly fee, your footage is stored locally on a MicroSD card. And while you will have to buy a MicroSD card if haven’t got one already (I paid £10.99 for a 128GB Samsung EVO Select with SD adaptor), this is still a far cheaper option than being locked into an expensive subscription.

What’s more, the camera offers smart detection/facial recognition features as standard which are normally only available to premium users paying a subscription fee. Plus of course another bonus is the inclusion of solar panel.

That said, the Baseus Security S2 certainly isn’t the cheapest model on the block, particularly in the UK where prices are significantly more expensive than in the US and Australia. It’s also a lot more expensive than its predecessor, the Security S1, which you can currently get for £59 from Amazon. Like the S2, the S1 also features a rotating solar panel. However, the key differences are that it is only offers 2K resolution and 8GB of built-in storage rather than up to 256GB via a MicroSD card.

• Value score: 4/5

Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K: design

• Simple installation
• Flexible battery/solar power options
• Sleek design

Looking more like a Bluetooth speaker than a conventional security camera, the all-white Baseus Security S2 is long tubular design with an innovative rotating solar panel mounted on top. Screws and wall plugs are provided for mounting the bracket on the wall and the camera can be angled easily to obtain the optimum view.

I had worried that the long and narrow design might make the camera a little unstable when mounted on my wooden summer house, but actually this wasn’t a problem at all. Set up didn’t take too long either (less than half an hour), though obviously if you are mounting on a brick wall you will need to use a drill and wall plugs for installation, which will take longer.

Underneath the device is a USB-C socket for charging the camera up via the mains (a 7800mAh rechargeable battery is built in), as well as a slot for a MicroSD card. Up to 256GB is supported but we used a 128GB card for recording. There’s also a sync button for use during set up and a modest-sized speaker underneath.

On the front of the camera there are PIR and radar sensors for detecting movement more accurately, a small microphone for two-way audio and a powerful spotlight capable of illuminating the night at distances of up to 12 meters.

Next to the circular radar sensor is a similar shaped camera lens, giving the impression of two eyes on a face! Capable of recording in 4K and providing a 145° Horizontal field, the camera displays a flashing blue light on the front of the camera when recording footage. Finally, there’s the solar panel on top of the camera which auto tracks the sun moving 40° to the left or the right from the horizontal position depending on the sun’s location.

• Design score: 4.5/5

Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K: performance

• Excellent 4K image quality
• Stable video connection
• Smart detection is still work in progress

Never having tested a Baseus security camera before I didn’t really know what to expect. However, I was more than pleasantly surprised. There are really two main issues with outdoor security cameras.

Firstly, images can sometimes be a little unstable because of the longer distances between the router and the camera. Secondly, when you do eventually get a stable image, the onboard sensors are usually so sensitive that they end up recording far too much, draining the battery and creating lots of false alerts.

Not so the Baseus. On both counts, performance was flawless. Despite it only being compatible with 2.4GHz and not the 5GHz Wi-Fi frequency I didn’t have any signal problems at all.

What’s more, it also triggered fewer false alerts than other cameras I’ve tested, in part because of the combination of PIR (passive infra-red) and radar technologies to detect movement. Images are superbly detailed during the day and the spotlight is excellent for illuminating the garden at night to ensure high quality footage in the dark.

That’s not to say everything was perfect. When testing the camera’s two-way audio talking to my wife in the garden, I didn’t think the speaker was the best. Also it’s fair to say that the smart detection/facial recognition system (billed as being in beta) is still a work in progress.

During testing I added images from my phone’s camera roll of family members and friends to see if it recognzsed them when it saw them on camera. Sometimes it did, especially when standing right next to the camera, but often it didn’t. One on occasion it even mistook me for my dog which was a little odd (we don’t look much alike).

Undoubtedly, what’s really good about the Baseus device is the rotating solar panel. While living in the UK and testing at the beginning of Autumn/Fall wasn’t ideal for testing, we had enough sun to get a pretty good idea of the panel’s performance. After a week of rainy days, power had dropped to 85% but just four days of sunshine was enough to bring it back up to 96%.

Considering I installed the camera practically under the eaves of a summer house and it only received around three hours of direct sunlight a day it really wasn’t bad at all. Usefully, a solar panel image appears on the display to show you when the camera is being powered by the sun and with the detection statistics option in the app you can see how much solar is contributing to the device’s overall power – a nice touch.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K?

Buy it if

Don't buy it if

Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K: also consider

How I tested the Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K:

• I used the camera outdoors
• I installed it myself
• I tested the facial recognition technology with family and friends

To test any outdoor security camera you really need to use it regularly over a period of time to get used to its quirks and idiosyncrasies. I decided to use this camera for a period of two weeks in the back garden. It was placed on my summer house at a height of about 2.5 metres and connected to a wireless repeater in my kitchen around 13 metres away.

During this period, we experienced a range of weather conditions to challenge the IP-67 rating of the camera. This included heavy rain and cloud followed by a period of around 4 to 5 days of sunshine. It was during this sunny period that the solar power really came into its own, charging the battery back to nearly 100% despite regular daily alerts via the app.

Thinking about fitting a home security system, but don't want the hassle of routing wires through your walls? Perhaps you rent, or live in an apartment where that isn't even an option? If so, you'll be glad to know that wireless security cameras have come a long way in the last couple of years, and modern cams can run for months rather than days or weeks on a single charge.

In fact, there are so many wireless security cameras to choose from, it can be a bit daunting. That's why I've put together this list of three top-rated battery-powered cams, including options for indoors and out, and for every budget. We've tested all of these cameras here at TechRadar, and they're the ones we'd trust to protect our own homes.

Some (though not all) wireless security cameras require a subscription to unlock certain features, so I'll also mention when that's the case, and which tools are only available to paying members. Now, on with the recommendations...

Ring Outdoor Camera Pro (Battery)

Despite its name, this versatile wireless camera is designed for use indoors as well as out (in fact, it was formerly known as the Ring Stick-Up Camera Pro, which made that fact a bit more obvious). You can place it on any flat surface or screw it to a wall, and its weatherproof casing means it'll survive exposure to the elements if you install it outside.

It's an upgraded version of the original Ring Stick-Up Cam, with extra features including color pre-roll video (which saves a few seconds of video footage from before an event was triggered), Bird's Eye View (which lets you see the path visitors take to your home). Want to know if someone has been loitering by your window or taking a good, long look at your car? Now you can.

We were impressed by the Ring Outdoor Camera Pro's battery life during our tests. A single charge lasted months rather than days or weeks when we dialled down the sensitivity a little – and the camera can run for even longer without a recharge if you pick up the optional solar panel. We only wish we could charge it via USB-C when the need arises.

Its 1080p resolution isn't the highest around, but we found it fine for a modestly-sized property, and the camera's color night vision is very good.

As with all Ring products, you'll need a Ring Home subscription to make the most of this wireless camera. You'll be able to use its basic functions without one (such as watching video from the camera live on your phone) but to save your videos in the cloud, get person alerts, and see video preview alerts, you'll need to sign up. For more details, take a look at our complete guide to Ring Home subscriptions.

If you don't need its most advanced features, take a look at the regular Ring Stick-Up Cam instead, which has the same resolution as the Pro and is a little cheaper.

Read our full Ring Outdoor Camera Pro (Battery) review

Blink Outdoor 4

This tiny wireless camera is a super option if you're planning your first home security setup, and you want to make your life as easy as possible. You can buy one individually, or grab them in packs of up to eight if you've got a particularly large yard to cover, and they're a cinch to install.

Its weather-resistance means you can set it up outdoors and pretty much forget it, but like the Ring camera above, it's a fine option for indoor use as well.

We found the Blink app very easy to use too, particularly for more advanced features like setting custom motion-detection zones , which can sometimes be tricky with other entry-level cameras.

Its 1080p resolution isn't the highest around (I'm hoping for a 2K Blink Outdoor 5 at some point soon), but like the Ring Outdoor Camera Pro, the Blink Outdoor 4 is perfectly OK for monitoring small areas.

It also makes an ideal wildlife camera, letting you track the comings and goings of animals and birds. We found motion detection reliable, though the camera works best in good light, and footage can look somewhat grainy at dawn and dusk.

A paid subscription plan isn't essential to use the Blink Outdoor 4 or to save your recordings. You can save footage locally using the Sync Module 2 (which is included with the camera) connected to an external storage device. Subscribers benefit from extras like unlimited 60-day cloud storage and photo capture, but it's a nice extra rather than mandatory.

Read our full Blink Outdoor 4 review

Swann MaxRanger 4K Solar

Want a serious security system to protect your home, but don't want the hassle and expense of hiring a professional to install it? The Swann MaxRanger4K Solar is for you.

We tested this serious outdoor security camera just a few weeks ago, and it left us thoroughly impressed. It's designed to be used outdoors, with a tough weather-resistant chassis, and it captures super-crisp 4K footage with a wide 105-degree viewing angle to help cover your whole yard.

Unlike many other home security cameras, the MaxRanger4K doesn't require a subscription. Although Swann does offer a membership plan, none of the camera's key features are restricted to subscribers, and your video footage is stored locally on the base station provided with the starter pack. Need to cover a wider area? You can also pick up additional cameras, with a single hub supporting up to eight cams.

Each camera also has a sensor that uses heat and motion to identify people, vehicles, and other disturbances, and label them accordingly. It's the kind of feature you'd usually only get with a paid security plan, but it's bundled in here, and in our tests, it worked very well, accurately identifying triggers for us.

The app lets you tweak camera settings too, including its sensitivity, which is a handy way to extend its battery life. Each cam has a solar panel that allows it to last months between charges, but you'll need to spend some time optimizing settings for maximum effect. The more frequently the recording is triggered, the faster the battery will drain.

If you want a tough outdoor camera that can pan and tilt to follow motion, the Reolink Altas PT Ultra also comes highly recommended, and like the Swann cam, it doesn't require a subscription to unlock all its best tools.

Read our full Swann MaxRanger4K Solar review

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• The Reolink TrackFlex Floodlight WiFi is a new outdoor security camera
• It can pan and tilt to cover 360 degrees, and has two extra-bright floodlights
• You can store footage locally, and use AI-powered search to find subjects

Reolink, which is behind some of the best home security cameras we've tested here at TechRadar, has launched a new outdoor security cam with dual lenses, dual floodlights, and (perhaps most impressively) no monthly subscription necessary to save and view your recordings.

The Reolink TrackFlex Floodlight WiFi camera not only has two lenses, it can pan 360 degrees for 360-degree coverage to minimize potential blind spots. The camera uses AI to identify and track people and animals, as well as reducing false alerts that can be frustrating and cause unnecessary battery drain.

Your videos are saved to an SD card, and you can use AI-powered search to find specific moments rather than scrubbing through hours of recordings. For example, you could search for 'white van' or 'woman in blue shirt' to pinpoint a moment using natural language.

It sounds very much like the AI-powered Smart Search that began rolling out for Ring security cameras and video doorbells in March, but unlike Ring, Reolink won't be locking the feature away behind a paywall.

If you want to store your videos off-site for extra peace of mind, you can sign up for the Reolink Cloud service, which saves them to the company's servers, but it's not essential. The camera is compatible with SD cards up to 512GB, and you can store even more video on a Reolink Home Hub or NAS device.

Spot the difference

The camera's two spotlights have a maximum brightness of 3,000 lumens (compared to 2,000 lumens for the Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus), and adjustable color temperature so you can create a warm welcoming glow that activates on a schedule, or powerful white light that's triggered by motion to illuminate and deter potential trespassers.

It sounds impressive, and I'm hoping to review it soon for TechRadar, but Reolink isn't the only company competing for a space on your walls. The Swann MaxRanger4K (which earned four stars in our review, also records at 4K, saves your footage locally so you don't have to pay for cloud storage, and unlike the Reolink camera, has a solar panel to reduce the need for recharging.

As its name suggests, the MaxRanger4K has a particularly long wireless range so you can position cameras over a wide area, but it lacks the pan-and-tile feature of the ReoLink TrackFlex.

Which one will be more practical for your home? Stick with TechRadar for a full comparison of the two very soon.

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• The Swann MaxRanger4K Mini is a new entry-level home security system
• It records at 4K, with infrared night vision and two bright spotlights
• Its software identifies people and other subjects to avoid false alerts

Swann, the company behind some of the best home security cameras we've tested here at TechRadar, has launched a new, smaller version of its excellent MaxRanger4K cam, with a more wallet-friendly price.

We gave the full-size Swann MaxRanger4K Solar four stars when we reviewed it earlier this year thanks to its super-crisp footage, sturdy build, and built-in storage that means there's no need to pay a monthly subscription fee if you want to save and check your video clips.

The new MaxRanger4K Mini Long Range Wireless Security System offers almost all the same features as its larger sibling, with the exception of the top-mounted solar panel. The mini-sized camera can still be used fully wirelessly with solar charging, but you'll need to mount a small solar panel alongside it.

This more compact camera will be a great option if you like the idea of the MaxRanger4K, but feel its heavy-duty design might be overkill for your home, and its price (starting at $399.99 / £499.99 / AU$949.95 for two cameras and a hub, and $129.99 / £199.99 / AU$399.95 each for add-on cams) is out of your reach.

The new system is easier on the wallet, with two-camera setups costing £299.99 (about $400 / AU$600), and four-camera systems priced at £449.99 (about $550 / AU$800). That's certainly not cheap, but it's a lot more affordable than the full-size system, and you're getting far more than you would with most entry-level home security setups.

Small but sharp

Like the larger camera, the Mini version records at 4K, with the ability to zoom in on points of interest (most outdoor home cameras top out at 2K, or even 1080p). The camera's software can detect heat and motion, and identify people and vehicles to prevent false alerts and provide you with detailed notifications.

The cam can store up to three months' worth of security footage on a 32GB SD card, and you can position it well away from your router thanks to Swann's Wi-Fi HaLow range-extending technology.

After dark, infrared night-vision offers visibility up to 20 meters, and activating the two bright spotlight gives you color recordings with a range up to 15 meters.

For more security cams that you can use without paying a monthly fee, take a look at my roundup of the top three subscription-free home security cameras.

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The first Philips Hue video doorbell is here, but how does it compare to the best-selling Ring Video Doorbells, and which one should you screw onto your wall?

The Philips Hue Secure Video Doorbell is wired rather than battery-operated, so you can't simply stick it on your wall. So, for the purposes of this article, I'll be comparing it to the Ring Video Doorbell Wired and Video Doorbell Wired Pro.

When it comes to camera quality, Philips Hue definitely has the edge. Its doorbell records at 2K and has a 180-degree field of view horizontally and vertically, which is superior to both of Ring's wired offerings.

The Philips Hue doorbell is good value, too (which may be surprising considering its reputation for premium pricing). The Hue Secure doorbell sits in between the two wired Ring doorbells in terms of price, despite having a better camera than either.

If you opt for the Philips Hue doorbell, you'll be able to review videos from the last 24 hours for free. If you choose a Ring doorbell, your videos aren't stored at all unless you pay for at least a basic subscription plan. If you skip the paid plan, you can only watch live footage from your doorbell.

However, Ring's premium tiers can store your footage for much longer than Philips Hue Secure, and offer extra security features such as 24/7 video recording, and calls to your phone when someone presses the doorbell (not just an app alert).

Of course, one of the main attractions of the Philips Hue doorbell is that it's controlled through the same app as any Hue lights you own, making it easy to create automations that will activate your lights if motion is detected, for example. You can create similar automations with a Ring doorbell, but it's not quite so straightforward.

Want to know more? Read on for the full lowdown on both brands' doorbells so you can make an informed choice between the two. I'll also be testing the Philips Hue Secure Video Doorbell very soon to see whether it can earn a place in my roundup of the best video doorbells.

Hardware specifications

• Philips Hue doorbell is wired, with a 2K camera and 180-degree field of view
• Neither of Ring's wired doorbells can match those camera specs
• Both brands offer plug-in chimes to provide audible alerts in your home

There is only one Philips Hue Secure Video Doorbell at the time of writing. It's a wired doorbell with a 2K resolution, infra-red night vision, and a 180-degree field of view. There's an optional plug-in chime that lets you hear callers from elsewhere in your home.

Ring currently sells two wired video doorbells, but they both have lower-spec cameras than the Philips Hue Secure doorbell.

The Ring Video Doorbell Wired has a 1080p resolution, and a narrower field of view (155 degrees horizontal, 90 degrees vertical). It has infra-red night vision, and can be paired with an optional chime.

The next model up, the Ring Video Doorbell Wired Pro, also has lower resolution than the Hue doorbell (1536p) and a smaller field of view (150 degrees horizontal and vertical). It does, however, offer 3D motion detection, and can estimate distance so it can give a bird's-eye view and alert you when someone has stepped on your property.

• Winner: Philips Hue

Prices

• The Philips Hue Secure Video Doorbell costs more than the Ring Video Doorbell Wired but less than the Ring Video Doorbell Wired Pro
• The Philips Hue and Ring chimes cost about the same
• The Philips Hue doorbell isn't yet available in Australia

The Philips Hue Secure Video Doorbell will launch in the US and UK in October 2025, though we don't yet have an exact date. The doorbell will cost $169.99 / £139.99, and if you want the additional chime – so you can hear callers from anywhere in your home – this will be an additional $59.99 / £49.99. No prices or release dates have been announced for Australia yet.

Ring's video doorbells are available globally, including the US, UK, and Australia. The Ring Video Doorbell Wired is $49.99 / £49.99 / AU$89, while the Ring Video Doorbell Wired Pro is $229.99 / £199.99 / AU$349.

Ring also sells a separate Chime, which has a list price of £29.99 / $34.99 / AU$59.

• Winner: Philips Hue

Subscriptions

• No paid subscription is necessary for Philips Hue or Ring doorbells
• Free Philips Hue Secure plans offer 24 hours of free video storage
• Ring Home subscribers get more advanced security features

You can use the Philips Hue Secure Video Doorbell and any Ring Doorbells without paying an additional subscription fee, but you'll get considerably fewer features.

The biggest difference is video storage. If you have a free Philips Hue Secure plan, your video clips will be stored for 24 hours (starting later in 2025). If you don't buy a Ring subscription, your videos won't be stored at all, and you can only watch footage from your doorbell live as it's happening.

Both Philips Hue and Ring offer different subscription plans, with higher tiers offering longer video storage, support for more devices, and extra security features. You'll find a complete comparison of all the plans in the two tables below.

Philips Hue Secure and Ring Home Premium plans aren't available in Australia.

• Winner: tie

Philips Hue Secure Video Doorbell vs Ring Video Doorbell Wired / Wired Pro: early verdict

I can't give a definitive verdict on how good the Philips Hue Secure Video Doorbell is until I've put it through TechRadar's exacting testing process, but the early signs are that it should offer a serious challenge to Ring's dominance of the smart doorbell market.

It has some impressive specs, with far superior cameras that can record in higher resolution and with a wider field of view. It's also cheaper than the Ring Video Doorbell Wired Pro despite that camera advantage, and integrates nicely with Hue's smart-home ecosystem.

Against that, Ring has arguably better subscription options, plus you can opt for the much cheaper (but basic) Video Doorbell Wired if you don't want to spend more than $50/£50 on a doorbell.

I'll be able to say for sure which you should buy once I've finished my review, but either way the Hue looks like being a worthy addition to the smart doorbell market, and that's never a bad thing.

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Amazon has an interesting approach to the home security market. At the premium end, there’s the Ring range, featuring video doorbells and high-resolution cameras, capped off with high prices and a useful app.

Ring’s pretty well known, but you might not be too familiar with Blink, Amazon’s budget-oriented home security company. Blink offers my favourite home camera and it's our pick of the best outdoor home security system. It’s also currently at the lowest price I’ve ever seen in Australia.

The Blink Outdoor 4 is a gadget I use at home myself, although it's not affixed outside. It sits in my lounge room, recording the front of my house out the window. Being inside, I can plug it directly into power, although it can just as easily operate off batteries (Blink advertises up to two years of battery life, but I’d say it’s more like six to eight months if used daily). Off battery power, it’s reliable when placed outside, given an IP65 ingress and water rating.

The name of the game here is value for money, and the Blink Outdoor 4 knocks it out of the park, especially at 40% off on Amazon – which drops the price to just AU$59 a pop.

Having written TechRadar’s Blink Outdoor 4 review, I have no trouble recommending it as a home security solution for anybody on a budget, or someone looking to give home cameras a go.

A 1080p resolution is serviceable, especially for the price, and the user interface is fairly easy to navigate (apart from some submenus, particularly when switching between cloud and local storage).

Like many home security systems, Blink offers a subscription service – either Blink Basic (AU$4.95p/m) or Blink Plus (AU$15p/m) – to enable some features, such as 60 days of unlimited cloud storage, photo capture, easy video sharing and local storage online back-ups, but I don’t personally use it. You can get by with a USB stick plugged into the Sync Module 2, with recordings saved locally. However, if you want to add multiple devices to a single network, you’ll need the subscription.

If you’re after a more premium home security arrangement, or if you’re looking for a system that can have a video doorbell added to it, I’d push you in the direction of the Ring range. That being said, the gap between the Ring and Blink setup can be bridged via the Alexa app, as both systems are compatible with Amazon’s assistant.

Alternatively, I’d recommend reading up on the best home security cameras – though you may encounter déjà vu, as the Blink Outdoor 4's wired counterpart, the Blink Mini, is the best budget option.

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Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) and Sync Module Core: two-minute review

The days of traditional ‘analog’ doorbells connected via wires to an internal chime are fast coming to an end. Increasingly, people are turning to video doorbells, which will send an alert to your mobile phone when someone comes to the door. They will even act as an intercom so you can talk to whoever is there whether you are in the house, walking the dog or sitting on a beach.

Like its predecessor, the Blink Video Doorbell doesn’t come with its own indoor chime. Instead, you can pair it with a Blink Mini 2 camera (sold separately) or connect via the Alexa app on your phone to a Fire Stick or Amazon Echo Show. This will allow you to see who is at the front door on your TV screen/multimedia display or you can get a voice message via your Amazon Echo Dot when someone presses the doorbell.

Alternatively, it may be possible to connect existing doorbell wiring from the Blink Video Doorbell to a legacy indoor chime providing its rated between 16 and 24 volts. Batteries are required for use whether you use existing doorbell wiring or not.

What I like about Blink devices is just how easy they are to add to an existing system. I’ve already got several Blink cameras around the house so adding one more was simply a case of scanning the QR code on the back of the device and adding it to the home set up. However, if you’ve never installed a Blink camera before you will need to download the app (Android or iPhone) as well as connect the sync module provided to your broadband router (this acts as a hub for up to 10 Blink security devices).

Unfortunately, as the one supplied isn’t compatible with local storage via a connected USB flash drive, you will need to pay a monthly subscription for storing video footage and accessing the latest features – see subscription options below.

When it comes to mounting the video doorbell on the door there are two options. You can either use the standard flat mount or a wedge mount if you are placing it on a door architrave. As I was replacing the previous Blink video doorbell (Gen 1) I was hoping I could re-use the mount from that one to save time on installation. However, that wasn’t possible because this unit is a slightly different size.

Instead I used the black mount provided for the black video doorbell supplied by the manufacturer (a white version with white mount is also available). At least I didn’t have to screw two new holes in the wood as they’re positioned in the same place on the mount as the previous version.

Once installed, controlling the camera is simply a case of using the Blink app. One of the main differences between this model and its predecessor is the camera’s lens, in particular the aspect ratio. Whereas the previous model offered a more conventional 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio with 1080p resolution, the new video doorbell boats a square 1:1 aspect ratio with improved 1440p resolution.

It also offers a larger field of vision (150 degrees horizontal and 150 degrees vertical) compared to 135 degrees horizontal and just 80 degrees vertical on the previous model. The result is that not only is it possible to get a head-to-toe image of someone coming to the door, you can also view the ground – handy to see any deliveries that have been left outside your front door.

Certainly the 1:1 aspect ratio does take a little bit of getting used to, especially the square shape on the Blink home page next to all of the other more conventional widescreen cameras. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that, because the field of view is so much bigger than its predecessor you will need to reduce the device’s sensitivity, especially if you are paying for the Blink subscription with AI-powered Smart Detection.

Otherwise, you may well record every person and vehicle that goes past your house as well as those who come to the door. Not only will this severely reduce the lifespan of the batteries, it is also highly annoying to get pointless alerts every few minutes.

Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) and Sync Module Core: subscription options

There are two different subscription plans available depending on the number of Blink devices you own, and which features you require.

Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) and Sync Module Core: price and availability

• List price $69.99 / £59.99 (about AU$110)
• Launched August 2025 with Sync Module
• Currently available in UK and US (not Australia)

With its second-generation video doorbell, Blink has managed to maintain the same $69.99 / £59.99 price point as the original video doorbell (you can now buy the earlier model for under £30 on Amazon in the UK without the sync module). Really, it’s exceptional value for money, much cheaper than a Ring video doorbell device, despite the two companies sharing Amazon ownership.

However, it's not available in Australia at the time of writing, and it’s worth bearing in mind that if you want to benefit from the full functionality of the device, including the ability to store video clips, you will need to pay for a subscription costing from $3 / £2.50 a month. That’s because - unlike the first video doorbell which incorporated a sync module with the option of adding local storage – it’s not the case with the second-generation model.

Instead of the Sync Module 2, the second-generation Blink video doorbell features the more basic Sync Module Core. Personally, I find that a little bit cheeky, but then at least the monthly subscription fees are cheaper than most of the rivals (Ring subscription plans start at $4.99 / £4.99 a month).

In addition to unlimited cloud video storage, the Blink subscription package includes Blink Moments which stitches together multiple events from multiple cameras into one video. Then there’s AI-Powered Smart Detection which tells you whether the camera has captured a person coming to the door/walking past your house, or a vehicle in your driveway/driving along the road. To reduce the amount of footage captured, which can be quite overwhelming, we recommend reducing the device’s sensitivity and also editing the ‘motion zones’ (areas of the frame that are active or private).

• Value score: 4/5

Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) and Sync Module Core: design

• Easy-to-install mounting bracket
• Chunky design
• Available in white or black

Blink cameras are renowned for being some of the most compact and lightweight devices on the market. However, the Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) is a little bit of an exception. Tipping the scales at 4oz/113g, it’s both heavier than the first-generation model (3.2oz/91g) and also a little thicker too at 1.44in/36.6mm compared to 1inch/27mm.

The main reason for this, of course, is that the new model incorporates space for three AA lithium batteries whereas the original model featured just two batteries. In turn, this means that battery life is much longer though it’s unlikely to be as long as the two-year lifespan that Blink’s marketing suggests.

Like its predecessor, two colour options are available (white or black) and there are two types of mount – one for placing flat on the door frame and another for mounting on a door architrave. Using the standard mount with the screws provided, it only takes around five minutes to install wirelessly, although if you are connecting to existing doorbell wiring the process is much longer. Since there's no built-in chime, you'll need to connect it to Alexa devices or buy a Blink Mini 2 camera to hear the doorbell indoors.

Looks-wise, the second-generation model is a little different from its predecessor with a larger oval shaped button in the middle, compared to the round button on the first generation model. Recording is also more subtle with a small blue light on the top right indicating when video is being captured, rather than the area around the central button becoming illuminated in blue.

When the button in the centre is pushed by a visitor, it illuminates white and a message is sent to the connected phone telling you ‘someone is at the door’. As with the first-generation model, the doorbell sits inside a bracket but can be removed for changing batteries etc. by inserting a small metal ‘key’ in the base. It is also rated IP-65 weather resistant which offers greater protection against the elements than the previous model which was only IP-54 rated.

• Design score: 4/5

Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) and Sync Module Core: performance

• Good image quality (especially in Best mode)
• Stable video connection
• Overly sensitive camera

There’s no question that when it comes to performance Blink has upped its game with this second gen model. The first one was certainly OK, but not as good as some of the admittedly more expensive video doorbells from companies such as Ring. However, in nearly every respect, the Gen 2 model offers better performance than its predecessor.

Not only does it have a wider field of horizontal view (150 degrees compared to 135 degrees for the first model), it also offers a 150-degrees vertical field of view for a perfectly square 1:1 aspect ratio image. At first I thought that was a bit odd, but having used it for a little while it’s incredibly useful. Not only can you see an entire head-to-toe image of someone at the door you can also see if a parcel has been left on your doorstep.

Whereas the previous model offered 1080p video resolution, the second-generation model boasts improved 1440p video resolution. Three video quality settings are on board (Best, Standard, and Saver). I settled on Best as it’s good to be able to see details more clearly although this will obviously reduce battery life. The second-generation model also offers improved night vision.

Of course, it’s not all good news. The downside of the camera lens being much bigger is that it also collects much more footage – too much. Blink cameras are known for being sensitive anyway and this latest model is no exception.

With motion sensitivity set to five, I found the camera was recording around 100 events a day, most of them of people walking their dog past the house or delivery vans going by. Even with the ‘privacy zones’ set up to block out the extremes of the frame (including areas of sky) the camera was still extremely active. In the end it was necessary to reduce sensitivity to just two out of 10 so it only captured people actually coming to the door.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning the sync module. Whereas the previous model included the Sync Module 2 with a USB socket so you could insert a USB flash drive for storing video clips, this model comes with the Sync Module Core without local storage. Essentially this means if you want to store video clips you will need to pay a subscription of at least $3 / £2.50 a month.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) and Sync Module Core?

Buy it if

Don't buy it if

Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) and Sync Module Core: also consider

If you're not sure whether the Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) and Sync Module Core are the right combo for you, here are two other options to consider.

How I tested the Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) and Sync Module Core

• I used the doorbell every day for 10 days
• I installed it myself
• The doorbell was set up on the front door facing towards the road

To test a video doorbell properly you need to use it as part of your home system. Fortunately, I already have other Blink cameras so adding another one was particularly straightforward. But even if I didn’t then downloading the app would have been easy enough.

Installation takes around 15 minutes or so, requiring a screw driver to attach the mount to the door frame before positioning the camera in place. It’s roughly the same size as the previous one, in terms of length and width, so thankfully I didn’t have to worry about unsightly screw holes all over the door frame.

During the period of testing, I really began to appreciate the device’s head-to-toe viewing. I get a lot of deliveries, so being able to see if they have been left on the doorstep when I’m out is handy. Another bonus is the additional power that having another AA battery brings.

Whereas the previous model relied on two lithium AA batteries that had to be changed every three months, this one has three. However, I think it’s extremely unlikely these will last two years as Blink claims in its marketing blurb. I’m pretty sure I’ll be changing the batteries again in six months time given how sensitive the camera’s motion sensor is!.

For more details, see how we test, review, and rate products at TechRadar.

First reviewed August 2025

An outdoor home security camera will give you peace of mind while you're away, alert you to visitors (welcome or not), and send you notifications if something unexpected happens. They're a great addition to your home security system, but there are so many available right now, it can be tough to choose the right one for you.

That's why I've put together this quick list of the three outdoor cameras I trust enough to recommend to my own friends and family. There's something for everyone here, whether you want a serious security system to guard your home from multiple angles and identify people for you, or something simple and cheap that you can put in the yard and use to monitor either visitors or wildlife.

If you're specifically looking for cams that don't require a membership fee, take a look at my top three subscription-free home security cameras. Now, on with the show.

Reolink Altas PT Ultra

The Altas (not Atlas) PT Ultra is easily one of the best security cameras we've tested this year on TechRadar, and offers serious protection without making your house look like a maximum security prison. Yes, it's quite bulky, but that's not surprising due to its pan-and-tilt functionality (355 degrees and 90 degrees respectively), and its solid weatherproof build. It offers an impressive range of mounting options too; you can screw it to a roof (as we did here), to a wall, or strap it onto a tree with the accoutrements provided.

It records at 4K, and during our tests we found it captured our yard in rich detail, with visitors easily identifiable at a glance. Everything looked pin-sharp during the day, but the Altas PT Ultra really comes into its own after dark, when its ColorX tech delivers full color images even in very low lighting. In pitch-black conditions, the camera's built-in spotlights come into play automatically.

The Altas PT Ultra can pan and track movement automatically, and its huge battery allows for continuous recording. We didn't find its solar panel as effective as that of the Swann MaxRanger4K camera below, though.

The Reolink Altas PT Ultra doesn't require a subscription, either. Your videos are stored locally on an SD card so you're always in control, and you don't need to pay a monthly fee to store them in the cloud.

If off-site storage is important to you, Reolink's standard plan costs $6.99 / £3.49 / AU$4.99 per month or $69.99 / £34.49 / AU$49.99 a year for 30-day cloud video history, 30GB video storage and support for up to five cameras. That's a competitive price, and similar price to a Ring Basic plan.

Read our full Reolink Altas PT Ultra review

Swann MaxRanger4K Solar

If you're thinking this looks like something you'd see outside a supermarket, or possibly a jail, you'd be right – but depending on the size of your home, it might be the best outdoor security camera for you.

Like the Reolink cam above, the MaxRanger records at 4K for extra crisp footage, even at a distance – ideal if you're mounting it up high to maximize its coverage. It has a 105-degree viewing angle, and excellent color night vision for peace of mind after dark. No more struggling to interpret grainy black-and-white video clips.

Subject detection works extremely well too. The camera uses a combination of infra-red and motion sensors to identify people, vehicles, and other disturbances, which are then labelled for you in the app. This proved very accurate during our tests, and the camera's audio proved surprisingly high-fidelity.

The solar panel is an excellent feature too, eliminating the need to take it down for frequent charging. Just make sure you take a minute to adjust the camera's sensitivity in the app. If it's monitoring a high-traffic area and the sensitivity is set to 'high', all those triggers will run down the battery.

Another of my favorite features is that, like most Swann cameras, you don't have to pay a monthly subscription fee to store all your video footage. Instead it's all stored locally on the hub, which is kept indoors and has a maximum range of 273 yards / 250 meters.

You can also store up to seven days' worth of recordings in the cloud with a free Swann Secure membership plan. Paid options are available if you want off-site storage for up to two months, but for home use, the free offering should be more than enough.

The downside is the high initial cost. Although you can buy a Swann MaxRanger4K camera by itself, you'll need to buy a starter pack including the hub to get started, and these start at $399.99 / £499.99 / AU$949.95. For this degree of protection with no monthly fees, though, it's not at all unreasonable.

Read our full Swann MaxRanger4K Solar review

Blink Outdoor 4

If the two cameras above look like overkill for your home (if you just want to record your garden wildlife, for example, or monitor a few particular areas discreetly) then the Blink Outdoor 4 is an excellent option. In fact, it currently holds the title of 'best outdoor camera' in my roundup of the best home security cameras thanks to its balance of features, value, and ease of use.

It has a modest 1080p resolution compared to the 4K behemoths above, but it's an absolute breeze to use, and with battery life of up to two years (yes, really) you can just pop them outside wherever you want to watch, and forget about them until 2027. Add the optional battery extender, and you won't have to think about recharging until 2029.

During our tests, motion-detection proved accurate, and we were able to start watching a live feed whenever a badger ambled across our driveway, or a delivery person arrived with a package. There are three picture quality settings to choose from, with the top one proved very respectable, and even the lowest option was find in a pinch.

The downside is that, as with all budget-priced security cameras, you'll need to pay a subscription fee to get the most out of this little cam. Basic features including a live video feed on your phone, motion alerts, and two-way audio are all available without any extra payments, which may be all you need, but if you want extras like person-detection,

Prefer to keep your footage locally? You can, provided you also have the Blink Sync Module 2 and your own USB storage device (take a look at our guide to the best external hard drives for some great options). live view recording, and cloud storage then you'll need to sign up for either Blink Basic or Blink Plus.

If you already have a Ring video doorbell then you might want to consider a Ring Outdoor Camera instead, since you can use the same subscription for both.

Read out full Blink Outdoor 4 review

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• Swann has launched a wireless home security camera with solar charging
• The EVO Wireless Solar can be powered by 45 minutes of sunlight per day
• The camera also has 16GB local storage, so you don't need a subscription

Swann, the company behind some of the best home security cameras we've tested here at TechRadar, has launched a new compact outdoor camera that you'll never need to take down for recharging, and which doesn't require a subscription plan to save and review your video footage.

The Swann EVO Wireless Solar is a compact weather-resistant camera (much smaller than the all-seeing Swann MaxRanger4K Solar), and can run all day with just 45 minutes of sunlight exposure, giving you plenty of flexibility as to where you mount it.

The camera comes with a 16GB SD card, so you can save your footage locally and keep full control over it. If you do decide that you want to keep clips in the cloud, the free Swann Secure plan gives you 1-7 days of cloud recording for a single camera.

The EVO Wireless Solar records at 2K with a 120-degree field of view, and offers infrared night vision for spotlight-free recording after dark. There's two-way audio as well, letting you speak to visitors and warn off potential intruders.

The Swann EVO Wireless Solar has a list price of $129.99 / £99.99 / AU$179.95, and is available to buy direct from Swann.

For comparison, the Ring Outdoor Camera Plus Battery is $79.99 / £79.99 / AU$179, but lacks solar charging, and requires a Ring Home plan if you want to store your recordings. For more details of what you get with Ring Home, see our guide do I need a Ring subscription.

The price difference between the wireless Swann and Ring cameras disappears immediately if you want solar charging, since Ring's solar panels start at $39.99 / £39.99 / AU$59 each.

We're hoping to test the Swann EVO Wireless Solar soon, to see how it compares with other wireless cams in its price bracket and above.

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MaxRanger4K Solar: One-minute review

The MaxRanger4K Solar is the ideal smart security camera for homes with large areas to monitor.

Thanks to the hub’s 250m range, and the solar panels that help extend the battery life of the cameras, it’s easy to set up and maintain a security camera view of your home space.

The MaxRanger4K's rugged IP66 design means it should withstand dust and rainstorms, plus it's built-in lights and sirens act as less subtle alerts to any would-be intruders that they’re being caught in 4K.

The less tech savvy will appreciate the simplicity of the app and camera installation process. All the instructions arrive in the box and were so easy to follow that I had my cameras up and recording in no time at all.

There are some drawbacks, however. While a single MaxRanger4K Solar camera costs $129.99 / £199.99 / AU$399.95, add in the cost of the hub, and the cheapest starting price becomes $399.99 / £499.99 / AU$949.95 for a bundle of two cameras.

Nevertheless, on the plus side, there’s no premium subscription option that locks away essential features – only a few added benefits that I've happily managed without. In addition, I’ve found the included 64GB of local storage more than sufficient for most needs, so you won’t miss cloud storage.

Besides cost, something else to be aware of are the camera's sensitivity settings. If set to high and positioned to watch over a "high traffic" area, you might find the cameras run out of charge in a matter of weeks. Some trial and error will be required to find the balance of settings that cater to your security needs while allowing your cameras to chug along without frequent charging.

Overall, however, I’ve been mightily impressed by the MaxRanger4 camera system. It’s certainly been more reliable than my cheaper cameras.

MaxRanger4K Solar: Price and Availability

A MaxRanger4K Solar camera costs $129.99 / £199.99 / AU$399.95. However, as mentioned, it requires a hub to come, which is only available with bundles of two, three, or four cameras.

Bundles will set you back $399.99 / £499.99 / AU$949.95 , £649.99 / AU$1,329.95, and $599.99 / £799.99 / AU$1,699.95 respectively. At the time of writing, Swann’s US web store doesn’t appear to offer the three-camera bundle.

These prices place the MaxRanger4K in the more premium tier of home security systems. However, savings arrive over time from the fact that you won't be paying out for a premium subscription.

There is a Swann Secure+ paid option for benefits that include an extended warranty, priority support, some cloud storage, and alerts to further differentiate between cars, people, pets, and package deliveries.

It sounds useful, however during my testing I didn't ever feel the need to subscribe, and remained a free user the entire time – something I can't say for some other home security tech I've tested. My Blink cameras, for example, can be used without paying for a subscripotion, but it's certainly a lot smoother to use the Blink cameras if you do pay.

• Value score: 4/5

MaxRanger4K Solar: Design & Performance

Each camera is outfitted with an array of tools to make it a home security champion.

The 4K image sensor, with its wide 105-degree viewing angle, not only allows you to record what’s happening in a large space, but also to go back and make out details should you need to. It records in color night vision, too, allowing you to view footage in greater detail should the need arise.

In addition, the True Detect sensor uses heat and motion to determine the difference between people, vehicles, and other disturbances. Looking through my own recordings, the camera did a very good job of automatically labelling each activation appropriately.

Plus there’s a microphone, too, so you can pick up audio to add further context to your clips. It isn't perfect, but it can pick up bits of conversations if folk are close to the cameras – a few of my clips have been orchestrated by birdsong, which made flicking through them a delight!

If the MaxRanger4K Solar does detect something, you can rely on its built-in siren and speaker to scare off any would-be intruders by playing a loud noise or literally shouting at them through your phone. A pair of spotlights bring clarity to your late-night motion detections.

Having said that, I've actually turned these features off through the app (more on that in a moment), as they can prove an annoyance to neighbors.

Lastly, this camera is designed to function through rain and shine. With its IP66 water- and dust-proof rating, it should continue performing even through torrential rain, while its built-in solar panel will keep your MaxRanger4K Solar charged up.

The caveat to that perpetual solar power is obviously how frequently your camera activates, and how often the sun makes an appearance. I have one camera that records just my garden, and another that's pointed onto the street where I park my car. The garden camera triggers far less frequently and hence its battery has lasted quite well.

Meanwhile, the street-view camera triggers more frequently, catching every car that drives past. I had set it up in a darker month and initially hadn't tweaked the default detection settings; it ran out of charge after just a few weeks.

I’ve since recharged it, tuned down its sensitivity settings, and am finding it's lasting much longer – especially now, in the sunnier months.

The final part of your MaxRanger4K Solar system is its hub. This box sits in your home and is the device with which your cameras communicate. It can connect to cameras up to 250m away from it.

It comes with 64GB of storage (which is expandable) for recordings, and it even has a built-in battery, so even if you lose power for a while, it can continue recording for up to five hours.

• Design score: 5/5
• Performance score: 4/5

MaxRanger4K Solar: Software

To manage your security camera system you use the Swann Security app on your phone – a one-stop shop from where you can adjust your MaxRanger4K Solar's settings, and any other Swann home security tech you rely on.

Working through the various tabs from left to right, the first three are fairly straightforward. Activities shows you the frequency of alerts throughout the day and over the past week; Playback is for your day-by-day collection of recorded clips; and Live View lets you see the current view from your cameras.,

Then there’s Modes. Here you can manually adjust your recording settings between Home, Night and Away options, which you can customize to suit how you want your camera system to function under different circumstances.

Having the ability to alter when the features such as the siren and lights came on based on the setting would have been welcome, but you can just change which cameras are active and their sensitivity. You can choose one setting at a time or set up schedules that automatically adjust the mode based on the time of day.

Finally, the Devices tab allows you to adjust your camera settings, detection zones (so a camera will only record if it detects something in specific parts of its view), alarm settings (whether the siren and lights turn on or not) and the time zone of the camera, so your recordings can be logged correctly.

You can also manage how your recordings are stored from the app. I’ve set up my camera to automatically delete recordings that are over 30 days old, but you can set a different interval – either one, three, seven, 14, or 90 days – or have it automatically overwrite older clips when your storage fills up.

Overall, the app is super intuitive, and setting everything up through it proved simple using the instructions in the box.

• Software score: 4/5

Should you buy the Swann MaxRanger4K Solar?

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

Also consider

How I tested the MaxRanger4K Solar security camera

To understand how effective the MaxRanger4K Solar camera system is, I had it installed on my home for a couple of months – to get a sense of both its recording abilities and if its sun-powered battery held up.

I tested each of the different security settings, although, to avoid annoying the neighbors, I didn’t keep settings such as the alarm or light on regularly. I also made sure to check back over captured footage, but you’ll notice I haven’t included any of the outside world in this review – primarily because I don’t want to dox myself, as I live within sight of a few notable features of my town.

While the box includes everything you need to affix the Swann cameras into place, I rent my home so I had to purchase a couple of fixtures that allow me to set up the cameras to drain pipes, so as not cause any damage. These worked effectively enough – I haven’t had either camera fall during testing.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed June 2025

Whether you want to up your security measures or check your cat hasn’t completed its plans for world domination, the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam can help you keep an eye on the goings-on at home.

Indoor security camera footage comes in useful for all kinds of scenarios. Say one wants to establish precisely who scratched the paintwork after trying to jump through a closed skylight – it’s great for that. Just keep in mind that the audio and visual quality of recordings can vary vastly between security cameras, so it’s important to look for one that offers the best specs within your budget.

In terms of recording quality, videos are satisfyingly clear thanks to the 1080p HD resolution, and visuals play smoothly without any major pixelation or lagging. And, aside from a bit of tinniness, the sound quality is good too; recorded words are easy to distinguish, and I haven’t encountered any issues with the sound not aligning with the video.

The Ring Home app is both responsive in use and in keeping me well-informed with notifications. Privacy and activity zones were easy to set up and shape, as there are six points I could adjust to create each zone. Both features work well, and save me from constant notifications from high-traffic areas in my home.

While it may not be the cheapest on the market, the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam’s features, specs, and app make it worth the $79.99 / £69.99 / AU$129 price tag. Having said that, there are often offers to be found either directly from Ring or Amazon. And, most importantly, as Ring is an Amazon brand, it’s bound to see some decent discounts come Prime Day. Last Cyber Monday, I saw the price drop to just $49.99 / £44.99, so there could be some serious savings to be had this Amazon Prime Day.

It’s worth noting that, while you do still get instant notifications, can access the live feed, and use the two-way talk feature, a subscription is required if you want to review or store footage after an event has occurred – there’s no option for local storage here. For more details about pricing, take a look at our guide to Ring subscriptions, which breaks down what features are available in each of the Ring Home Basic, Standard, and Premium tiers.

I don’t have a Premium subscription, but if I did, I might be able to get to the jist of my kitties' hijinx quicker with access to the Smart Video Search feature, and, at some point, the Video Description feature, too, which at the time of writing this is only available to Ring Premium subscribers in the US and Canada.

While the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam does a good job of capturing cat-based catastrophes, I do really wish that it had motion tracking. This feature isn’t a necessity if the camera has a view of the whole room, but it’d be a very useful addition for situations when this isn’t possible. If motion tracking is a must for you, I’d recommend taking a look at the IMOU Rex 3D instead.

If you’re on a mission to find one of the best home security cams, you should be quite pleased with the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam, thanks to its prompt detection, high-quality footage, and reassuring privacy features. For a more detailed account of what this little security camera can do, have a read through my full Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam review.

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How we keep our properties secure really hasn’t advanced that much in thousands of years. According to Pliny the Elder, the first key was used by Theodorus of Samos in the sixth century BC. Today, most of us are still using keys to lock and unlock our homes.

However, things are changing, albeit slowly, in the corporate world. For example, until the 1980s, all hotels used to provide keys on heavy key rings that you had to hand in at the front desk when you went out. Now most use card entry systems (though still far too many rely on basic magnetic cards which stop working if placed too close to a phone).

Similarly, many larger workplaces and hotels/apartment buildings have fitted systems which use cards equipped with NFC (near field communications) or RFID (radio frequency identification) technology for access control as well as locking/unlocking rooms. Indeed, both are examples of smart lock systems with the card reader serving as an electro-mechanical lock and the card effectively a modern-day key.

However, in the home, progress towards adopting smart locks been much slower, largely for cost reasons. In fact it’s only really been with arrival of the smartphone that key-less entry systems have become a reality. In this feature, we look at the pros and cons of buying a smart lock to help you decide whether it’s time to make the switch.

Not sure which one to choose? Our guide to the best smart locks is full of recommendations for all budgets and homes.

Reasons to switch to a smart lock

If, like me, you are forever losing or at least mislaying your keys, then the prospect of unlocking or locking your home in another way is appealing one. How about, instead of having to fumble around for keys, you could access your home using another method such as a fingerprint (difficult to lose!) key code or perhaps smartphone app.

One advantage of a smartphone app over a key is that you are less likely to lose it or leave it behind somewhere. Indeed, many of the latest smart locks from established lock companies such as Yale and Master Lock (as well as newer firms like TCL and SimpliSafe) can be controlled via your smartphone. Instead of having to get your keys out each time you want to open the door, you can access the property either via an app on your phone or by adding a ‘digital credential’ such as Apple Home Key to your phone or smartwatch.

Nor is it only the front door you can open and close with a smartphone. Some of the latest smart padlocks, such as the Master Lock Bluetooth Smart Padlock, also offer mobile phone control so you can unlock/lock your bike or shed without having to use a physical key or easily guessable four-digit combination.

Using a smartphone as a key enables you to open and close doors remotely (handy if you aren’t sure whether you locked the front door when you left the house) or provide temporary access to guests. As a result, smart locks are an excellent choice if you rent out a property via Airbnb, or need to let contractors in while you're at work.

Furthermore, smart locks can also integrate with other smart home devices and platforms (such as voice assistants, smart lighting, or security cameras) to create automated routines. For example, your lights could automatically turn on and your security system disarm itself as soon as you unlock the front door using your smartphone.

Reasons to stick with your keys

There are two good reasons why keys have dominated the home security industry for so long: they are cheap and they work. As with most technology, smart locks are great until something goes wrong.

For example, we have heard of people being locked out of their property during a power cut because their devices required electricity or that they’ve stopped working suddenly because the batteries ran out of charge.

Similarly, smart locks need to communicate with your device via wireless protocols such as Bluetooth or WiFi so if your home’s network goes down or if there’s interference, you'll have to use the physical key that's provided as a backup.

Smart locks typically cost more than standard locks too. Often they require entirely new hardware, including a new lock as well as fingerprint reader or keypad (though there are some systems that can be retrofitted such as the August WiFi smart lock which attaches to your existing deadbolt). You will also need to ensure that all the existing key owner have smartphones equipped with the smart lock app or that their fingerprints will work to unlock/lock the door!

There are other concerns about smart locks too. While manufacturers implement strong encryption of course, any internet-connected device carries an inherent risk of being hacked. Smart locks also collect data, such as entry and exit times for each user (that’s one reason why they are popular with larger employers who want to monitor staff). And while this data is usually encrypted and stored securely by the manufacturer, it may be a concern for some users worried about privacy.

Conclusion

Most of us have probably been using smart lock technology for years, whether that’s an NFC-equipped card to open a hotel room or a key fob to access an office building. But when it comes to home use the technology has been much slower to catch on.

However, this is beginning to change. Smartphones have made it easier than ever before to access homes without the need for a physical key while the cost of smart lock installations has fallen as the technology has become more widespread.

Finally, although there are some understandable concerns over privacy and hacking with smart locks, at least with a digital set-up you don’t risk dropping your keys in the sea never to be seen again – and yes, I have done that before.

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The thing most people forget about smart home technology is that if you upgrade your home, that previous bit of intelligent electronics will probably need replacing, as well. That's the task I faced when we decided to redo our living room and, more importantly, replace our 25-year-old front door.

I've been using smart lock technology for five years, starting with my first Lockly Vision Smart Lock, a process I documented on my YouTube channel. While effective, that lock divided my family.

Last year, I upgraded to the Lockly Visage Zeno, a marked improvement in that it did away with the hub and added Apple HomeKit support. We fell in love with the ability to unlock with a tap of our iPhones.

For as good as the Zeno is, though, we still weren't in love with its looks, and when we decided to replace the door we also decided that our new smart lock would prioritize aesthetics.

Looks aside, whatever we brought into our new living room, we were all agreed that it still had to work with Apple HomeKit and offer tap-to-unlock support. This requirement quickly narrowed the field, and I worried I wouldn't be able to find a better-looking lock than the Lockley Vision Zeno that also included tap-to-unlock support.

Then I remembered the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt, a smartlock I'd written about in 2022. It was actually the first lock to support the iPhone tap-to-unlock feature.

It's also smaller than the Lockly and comes in a few finishes, including a very sexy black. The lock appeared to have everything, including a matching door handle.

Now, I admit that I did not perform the hardware install. Since we were installing an entirely new frame and door, I let the expert handle that part. But I could see that for both the handle and the smart lock, the installation was all standard fare. In fact, Schlage Encode Plus's connections amounted to one snap-together electrical connector that feeds through from the touchpad on the front to the deadbolt lever on the back of our new door.

The installer, though, stopped well short of completing the smart home integration, and what I was left with was a dumb, but functional, deadbolt. It was up to me to add it to my smart home.

With the door installed and a lever handle and deadbolt in place, I looked at what was left: a four-pack of Duracell AA batteries and the thin installation guide.

A battery-operated smart lock was not my preference. The original Lockly needed eight AAs batteries, and they needed replacing almost every three months. The Zeno arrived with two rechargeable battery packs, and it was much more energy efficient. I wasn't thrilled that the Schlage dragged me back to batteries, but at least it only uses four, and it's incredibly easy to install them.

I don't know about you, but I'm not much of an instruction reader. I started quickly flipping through the booklet, looking for the shortest distance between a dumb and smart lock. That's when I found the HomeKit page.

Prior to the door install, I installed Schlage's smart home app. Turns out, I didn't need it.

After installing the four batteries, I pressed the pairing button once, and a little blue light started pulsing. I then did as the booklet instructions recommended and held my iPhone 16 Pro Max against the back of the lock and waited for it to pair. If this failed, I'd need to scan the Apple HomeKit QR code on the back of the lock.

Fortunately, the connection happened almost immediately. There were a couple of steps to walk through, but nothing was confusing. I then waited about four minutes for it to complete the connection and setup. Since the Schlage Encode Plus has a keypad on the front, I needed to set up a key code... or so I thought.

The setup on my iPhone noted I had one set up in Apple Home from a previous lock, and it let me apply that.

Within about five minutes, my setup was complete, and I could tap my phone on the front of the Schlage to unlock it. We're also automatically getting smart lock notifications of when it's locked and unlocked on our phones and Apple Watches.

We also had the option of setting up automations to lock when everyone leaves and unlock when we're all home, but I chose to leave those off since the automated locking of my previous Lockly smart locks just seemed to annoy everyone.

That's it. That's all she wrote. No, setting up a separate app. No trying to connect a "skill" to the primary app. No extra hub, no fiddling with keys or finding a way to make all our phones work with the lock.

It was a moment of calm, smart-home bliss in the middle of what is normally a sea of frustration, reminding me that we do know how to do this, and the future of smart homes is bright, indeed.

Home security doesn’t have to be expensive, and if you’re looking for an all-encompassing setup, Amazon’s budget brand Blink is ready to go. Especially right now, with an all-time low discount on this two-pack of Outdoor 4 cameras.

Blink first came to Australia in October 2024, debuting as a cheaper alternative to its sister company Ring. Blink’s cameras make small concessions to save on price, such as actuated operation and 4K quality, while still offering the important stuff – like local storage, motion detection and two-way audio. Now with such an attractive discount (as part of Amazon's EOFY sales), it's a hard home gadget to ignore.

Having written TechRadar’s Blink Outdoor 4 review, I stand by the company’s hero camera. I use my Outdoor 4 at home, living in an apartment on the ground floor, and I cannot fault its reliability.

Having the Outdoor 4 set up inside was a great boon when, for example, my landlord had a builder around and I couldn’t be home. The Blink app sent me a notification when it detected motion, and saved a quick video to a local storage drive. I could also access a live feed and, if I so wished, could tap into the two-way mic to talk to the builder.

It’s also great for its intended use – outside operation. Sitting in the corner of my porch, I would be alerted whenever a delivery arrived at my home. The Blink Outdoor 4 has an IP65 rating, giving it some resistance against rain and dust, but if you want to rely on mains power, you should buy a similarly insulated cable kit.

The fact that the camera is powered primarily by two AA batteries is great for moving it around, but it’ll need to be within 100m of the Sync Module 2 to operate. The claimed two-year battery life is admirable, but I was only able to yield about eight months with the camera during my use – though admittedly it was working quite hard, having it set up inside and capturing whenever someone would walk past.

The subscription, either Blink Basic (AU$4.95p/m) or Blink Plus (AU$15p/m), adds a bunch of useful features, such as 60 days of unlimited cloud storage, photo capture, easy video sharing and local storage online back-ups, but I don’t personally use it. The subscription does add functionality for more than one device, though, and some extra perks like notification snoozing and Blink Moments. Instead of subscribing, I’d recommend connecting a USB stick to the Sync Module 2 and having the device configured so that it saves locally.

You'll need to act fast to nab this deal — at this record-low price, these budget Blink cameras will sell out like hotcakes.

You might also like...

• Blink and it’s here: Amazon’s affordable home security range finally arrives in Australia
• The Ring Outdoor Camera Plus is tough and versatile, but its advanced security features come at a price
• Best video doorbells in Australia 2025: smart doorbells from Ring, Arlo and more

Ring Outdoor Camera Plus: two-minute review

Keeping an eye on your property remotely has become an obsession for many of us. No matter where you are in the world you can see exactly who is in your house and who has come to the front door. You can even use your camera to monitor the miserable weather back home while you are abroad enjoying sunshine.

Now owned by retailing behemoth Amazon, Ring was originally set up by US entrepreneur Jamie Siminoff as ‘Doorbot’ in 2013, but has since gone on to become one of the biggest names in the home security industry. As the name suggests, the Outdoor Cameras (previously known as Stick-Up Cameras) are designed for outdoor use, though there is no reason why you couldn’t use it indoors too – it can be just as easily placed on a table or desk as on the wall outside.

The Outdoor Camera Plus is certainly a versatile model with several mounting options, including a wall bracket (with wall plugs) as well as a rechargeable battery pack if a power cable isn't feasible (this wasn’t provided). Plastic covers stop water getting into the USB-C power port and the model is ‘weather-resistant’, not waterproof, so shouldn’t be submerged in water!

As with most home security cameras, set up is straightforward. Simply download the Ring app and scan the QR code with your phone’s camera to add the device to the app (several Ring devices can be viewed within the app, including cameras, video doorbells, chimes and alarms). You will then be taken through a set of voice-based instructions for syncing the camera to your home’s Wi-Fi, naming the device and updating its firmware. Usefully this new model features dual-band support so you can add it to either your 2.4GHz or 5GHz network as well as Amazon Alexa compatibility. For added security, two-factor authentication is also now provided.

When it comes to features, the Ring Outdoor Camera Plus doesn’t disappoint. You can set motion detection zones to avoid the camera capturing footage from, say, the swaying of tree branches. And it’s also possible to set up privacy zones that allow you to block out certain areas of the frame, even in ‘live view’. Instead, all you see on the screen is a black rectangle. It’s an unusual feature but one which is quite useful if you have neighbours concerned your camera can view/capture recordings from their property.

Another unusual feature in the menu is Smart Responses. This enables you to send out a warning message to people to tell them they are being recorded. However, it isn’t live on this device – at least yet. Other more conventional features include motion sensitivity for adjusting the amount of footage you capture (useful if you want to preserve battery life) and motion schedules for setting the times of day you want to record movement.

But that’s not all. For those who subscribe to Ring’s monthly subscription plans, other functions are available too. These include ‘smart alerts’ which filter different types of motion into categories – ie parcel, person and vehicles. Providing you pay for the £15.99 per month Ring Premium service, there’s also an AI-driven smart video search tool that can identify certain objects in your device's recorded motion events.

For example, just enter ‘dog’ into the search bar you can see all the times your dog has been captured by the camera while ‘red top’ will bring up footage of anyone wearing a red top in the recorded events. Particularly useful is that you can log into your Ring account on the web so you can view footage of all your cameras while working on your laptop, something which isn’t possible with more basic models.

Ring Outdoor Camera Plus: price and availability

• Prices start at $69 / £69 / AU$179
• Additional solar panel costs extra
• Launched March 2025

Ring security cameras certainly aren't expensive to buy compared to some of the best home security cameras. At the time of writing, you can pick up the Ring Outdoor Cam Plus for £69 / $69 / $179 (considerably cheaper than the launch price). However, just like printer companies make their money from selling expensive printer cartridges, home security companies make theirs from selling costly subscriptions.

Ring's Home Basic plan is $4.99 / £4.99 / AU$4.95 per month, but if you want all the bells and whistles, such as the Smart Video Search outlined earlier, it will set you back a hefty $19.99 / £15.99 per month (and this top-tier subscription isn't available in Australia).

In my opinion that’s simply far too much money, unless you are using the Ring for professional purposes such as monitoring, say, high street shops (in which case there are more advanced video surveillance systems available). Far better if you need to keep the recordings is to choose a security camera which provides the option of recording footage locally on a USB stick or MicroSD card.

• Value score: 3/5

Ring Outdoor Camera Plus: subscription options

Ring Home Basic:

$4.99 / £4.99 / AU$4.95 per month

$49.99 / £49.99 / AU$49.95 per year

Subscription for a single device. Includes up to 180 days of video event history, person and package alerts, video preview alerts, and 10% off Ring.com purchases.

Ring Home Standard:

$9.99 / £7.99 / AU$14.95 per month

$99.99 / £79.99 / AU$149.95 per year

Includes everything in Basic, plus all devices at one location, doorbell calls, extended live view, alarm cellular backup, and daily event summary.

Ring Premium:

$19.99 / £15.99 per month

$199.99 / £159.99 per year

Not currently available in Australia. Includes everything in Standard, plus 24/7 recording, continuous live view, and smart video search.

Ring Outdoor Camera Plus: design

• Upgraded from Ring Stick Up Camera
• Versatile mounting
• Flexible power options

With the Outdoor Camera Plus, Ring has made a few improvements over its predecessor, the third generation Ring Stick Up Camera (now called the Outdoor Camera). Most notable is its improved design, particularly the versatile mounting options. The Ring Outdoor Cam Plus can be mounted on a desktop/table, on a wall or roof eave using the screws and wall plugs provided. It can be mounted on the ceiling with an additional accessory (not provided as standard) and easily angled for optimum use.

Power is provided via the USB-C connector in the middle of the camera (a power cable wasn’t provided with our sample). Alternatively, you can take the Lithium-Ion battery out by swivelling the base to the unlock icon and removing it (ensuring you remove the card covering the charging points). You can then charge it via the orange Micro-USB cable provided until it’s ready for installation. Spare batteries are also available to buy online at Amazon of course.

Available in black or white, the Outdoor Cam Plus features a lens on the front which provides a 160-degree diagonal, 140-degree horizontal, and 80-degree vertical field of view. Underneath is a speaker while above there’s a small microphone for two-way conversations with visitors. When movement is recorded a solid blue light is displayed at the top of the unit while during set up this flashes blue.

• Design score: 4/5

Ring Outdoor Camera Plus: performance

• 2K image quality
• Stable video connection
• Overly sensitive camera

Ring claims the Outdoor Camera Plus offers ‘brilliant 2K video quality’ but in all honesty there’s not a massive leap in quality between this model and its predecessor, the Ring Stick Up Camera. Whereas the previous model offered 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, this one boasts 2,560 x 1,440 (2K). In other words, an increase of 360 horizontal pixels and 640 vertical pixels – enough to see the difference when you zoom in to an image, but probably not otherwise.

That said, I didn’t have any complaints about picture quality at all. Images are sharp even at night thanks to the ‘low-light sight’ feature (although colour is limited in low light) and the field of vision is also quite wide: 140-degree horizontal compared to 115 degrees on the Ring Stick Up Camera.

Another benefit is having dual-band Wi-Fi support (2.4GHz and 5GHz) which ensured images recorded on the camera and viewed in Live View were extremely stable even though the camera was mostly located in the back garden, a significant distance from my broadband router.

One thing worth noting is that the Ring Outdoor Camera Plus isn’t as sensitive as some models which record every bit of motion detected, even moving branches. Instead, you will probably need to turn the motion sensitivity option up a little bit just to capture all the footage you want. This will in turn use up more battery power so it’s worth considering either using the mains or a solar panel as a power supplement.

After nearly two weeks our sample model was already down to 50% so you will probably have to take the battery pack out for charging once a month – not the worst we’ve ever tested, but not the best either.

• Performance score: 4/5

Should you buy the Ring Outdoor Camera Plus?

Buy it if

Don't buy it if

How I tested the Ring Outdoor Camera Plus

• I used the camera both indoors and outdoors
• I installed it myself
• The camera was integrated into my home system with other Ring cameras

Like most manufacturers, Ring makes adding new cameras to its app very simple indeed. Because I already had several Ring security cameras and doorbells connected to my existing app, I simply added another using the QR code at the back of the device. However, starting from scratch would have been just as straightforward.

I started off using the device mostly indoors to get the feel of it and then moved it to my garden where I mounted it on top of the shed focused on the back door. There it has remained ever since (about 12 days at the time of writing), capturing people and pets who go out into the garden. Ring provides a 30-day trial for all the advanced features, such as smart video search and person/package/video alerts, but after this runs out you will need to subscribe online at Ring.com (you can’t do this via the app).

First reviewed May 2025

• Roku has launched two new weather-resistant home security cameras
• The larger of the two has a battery life of up to two years on a single charge
• Roku hasn't revealed prices, but the cameras will go on sale later this year

Streaming specialist Roku has launched a pair of new wireless security cameras that can send video footage straight to your phone or TV, letting you watch your yard without leaving the couch.

The Roku Battery Camera can run for up to six months on a single charge, while the Battery Camera Plus runs up to two years. Both cameras are weather-resistant, and can be set up indoors or out in a few seconds.

You can use the Roku Smart Home app or Roku Web View to customize your camera's settings, set up schedules, and receive notifications. The cameras can also be used as motion-detectors to activate some of the best smart lights or other connected devices.

Blink and you'll miss it

Real-world battery life will depend on which settings you choose and the weather (lithium-ion batteries tend to drain faster in cold conditions), but the Battery Camera Plus should be a serious rival to the Blink Outdoor 4, which also runs for up to two years before it needs recharging.

Both the Blink Outdoor 4 and Roku Battery Camera Plus boast 1080p resolution with motion detection and notifications, but the Roku camera also offers color night vision rather than black and white, which could give it the edge over the Blink model if the price is right.

You could also extend the Roku cameras' battery life even further by connecting an optional solar panel – something that's not possible with the Blink camera.

Roku has yet to announce official pricing for the two cameras, but it says they will be available "in the coming months". We're hoping to test both ourselves so we can see whether they deserve a place in our roundup of the best home security cameras to secure your smart home.

You might also like

• Eufy's new smart lock reads the veins in your palm for touchless entry – even if your hands are dirty
• Your Philips Hue cameras are getting a free upgrade to boost their battery life
• This renter-friendly smart lock fits over your existing door hardware, and costs less than you might expect

• The Eufy FamiLock S3 Max has contactless entry via palm recognition
• It doubles as a video doorbell with 2K footage and AI intruder detection
• Footage can be stored either locally, or in the cloud with a subscription

Eufy – the company behind some of the best video doorbells we've tested here at TechRadar – has released a new smart lock with palm recognition for touch-free entry. The Eufy FamiLock S3 Max, which launched today, also has an external camera that offers wide-angle 2K video, plus built-in AI to alert you when a visitor approaches your door – welcome or not.

Eufy was one of the first companies to launch a smart lock with palm-recognition (the other big name being Philips with its 5000 Series Video Palm Recognition Smart Lock), and it has several advantages over fingerprint scanners, which are a more common option for keyless entry.

Palm recognition works by detecting the unique pattern of blood vessels in your hand, and comparing this with a database of authorized images. In the case of the FamiLock S3 Max, this data is stored locally to protect it from potential security breaches. This means it can be opened without physical contact, and its accuracy isn't affected by skin conditions, sweat, or dirt.

Palm recognition also uses more data points than a fingerprint sensor or facial recognition, making it more accurate and much harder to deceive.

Who's there?

The FamiLock S3 Max also functions as a video doorbell, so there's no need for two separate devices. It has a 2K camera and a 140-degree field of vision both vertically and horizonally (the same as higher-end Ring video doorbells), giving you a head-to-toe view of visitors, plus packages left on your doorstep.

You'll receive an alert on your phone when someone rings, and the lock's software includes person-detection that can let you know if someone is loitering on your property.

Video footage can be saved in the cloud with a paid-for subscription, or locally with a Eufy HomeBase 3 encrypted external hard drive.

We're currently testing the Eufy FamiLock S3 Max to see how it compares with the best smart locks from other brands, and will bring you a full review very soon. It's available to buy now direct from Eufy and from Amazon for $399.99 (about £300 / AU$630).

You might also like

• Your Philips Hue cameras are getting a free upgrade to boost their battery life
• This renter-friendly smart lock fits over your existing door hardware, and costs less than you might expect
• 7 things I learned after getting a smart home security camera

• A new firmware update is rolling out for Philips Hue Secure battery cameras
• It includes tweaks that should let the camera run longer between charges
• This should help resolve battery-life problems reported by some owners

If you own a Philips Hue Secure battery camera, there's good news – it's set to get a major firmware update that should significantly improve its battery life.

These fully wireless cameras are particularly popular because they can be installed anywhere, sending alerts to your phone when they detect motion, capturing video during the day or at night, and triggering Philips Hue smart lights. In fact, they long held the top spot in our roundup of the best home security cameras, thanks to their versatility.

The downside is that they need to be taken down periodically for charging. That's not too onerous (each camera attaches to a magnetic plate, and can be detached without the need to remove any screws), but it does mean your camera is out of action for around seven or eight hours.

Signify (the company behind the Philips Hue brand) says that the cameras should run for around three months "under typical usage at 20C with 10 wake ups per day resulting in 10 clips with an average duration of 10 seconds". However, according to Hueblog.com, many owners have reported that their cameras needed plugging in much more frequently than that.

Keep your camera rolling for longer

Now, however, it looks like Signify has addressed that problem with a firmware update that makes several significant changes. Firmware version 1.2.32.976110 began rolling out last week, and according to the release notes, it makes several tweaks to extend the time between charges. These include:

• Optimizing motion snooze settings, leading to better efficiency in busy locations.
• Reducing instances of unreachable battery cameras failing to enter sleep mode properly.
• Minimizing unnecessary wake-ups.

The update also fixes a problem where very short clips were sometimes uploaded from cameras and improves automatic day/night switching for battery cameras, allowing them to adjust more accurately for different lighting conditions.

You might also like

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• Ring's new security camera has its highest resolution – and I can't wait to try it

• The Nuki Smart Lock Pro (5th Gen) is faster and quieter than the previous model
• It can be retrofitted over your existing front door lock without drilling
• It's on sale now in Europe, and costs less than the previous-gen model

The Nuki Smart Lock Pro is one of the best smart locks we've tested, and it's just received a major upgrade, with a new motor that can secure your door in just 1.5 seconds, plus a lower price tag.

The Nuki Smart Lock Pro (5th Gen) has the same brushed stainless steel finish as its predecessors, which makes it one of the more attractive smart locks around, but is now slightly more compact, and can be fitted with a black or white band to blend with your home decor.

The Smart Lock Pro (5th Gen) has also received some significant upgrades on the inside, including a new choice of locking speeds. 'Standard' is about the same as locking the door manually, 'Gentle' takes a little longer but is more quiet (a good option if you want to avoid disturbing people at night), and 'Insane' makes more noise, but secures your door in just 1.5 seconds.

The new lock works with all the major smart home ecosystems thanks to Matter over Thread, meaning you can use it with your smart home hub, smart speakers, and other security hardware such as cameras and sensors.

It has built-in Wi-Fi, meaning it will work without an additional hub, and if you're upgrading from an existing Nuki smart lock you should be able to migrate your data across with minimal fuss.

Will it fit?

The Smart Lock Pro (5th Gen) is a good option for renters because, unlike many smart locks, it fits over your existing door hardware, installing over your current lock without the need to drill or incur the wrath of your landlord. It's also a good option for apartments, where you may not be allowed to replace the lock without permission from the building management company.

Nuki offers an online guide that will help you determine whether the Smart Lock Pro will work with your particular hardware, and the company recommends that you use it on your phone while inspecting the lock.

If the Smart Lock Pro doesn't work with your door it's worth taking a look at the Switchbot Lock Pro, which is designed to work with 99.9% of front door locks, and offers 16 different modes of entry.

The Nuki Smart Lock Pro (5th Gen) is available to buy now direct from Nuki in the UK and other European countries for £229 (about $300 / AU$470). That's down from £255 (about $330 / AU$520) for the previous model. Details of prices and launch dates outside Europe have yet to be announced.

You might also like

• Eufy's new camera smart lock covers blind spots your Ring doorbell might miss
• Philips' first Matter-compatible smart lock works with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant seamlessly
• Ring is giving two of its best security cameras a free video-quality upgrade this week

Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell: two-minute review

The Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell is a very good video doorbell that’s held back a little by a limited battery life and one accessory omission. If you live alone and are willing to charge up the battery on a weekly basis or set it up in a wired configuration, its 9:16 aspect ratio, microSD reader (not to mention included 32GB SD card), and a host of features makes it among the best video doorbells for you to consider.

The battery life is not what one would want in a device that should take the place of the best home security cameras for your front door. It’s also a little disconcerting that the doorbell chime is a separate purchase. The only way to get notifications outside of your phone then is through Alexa or Google Assistant, so there are at least options.

At the very least, the 4K resolution extends to a 9:16 ratio so you can get a full view of whomever or whatever is at your front door. It also has color night vision as well as a night light and two-way talk. As mentioned, it has some voice assistant support as well.

The setup and installation is pretty straightforward as well. All in all, the Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell is a solid option, especially if you’re willing to wire it up. I would also suggest spending the extra cash for the doorbell chime, unless you already have an Alexa or Google smart home setup.

Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell: specs

Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell: price and availability

• List price: $199.99 (about £160 / AU$320)
• Available in the US

The Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell has a price tag of $199.99 (about £160 / AU$320), which isn't bad, especially considering that something like the Phillips 7000 Series Video Doorbell is a bit pricier at $229.99 (about £180 / AU$350). Unfortunately it's only available in the US, so if you’re in the UK or Australia, you’re limited to the 2K Video doorbell at a $149.99 / £149.99 / AU$327 price point.

The Lorex model offers a 9:16 aspect ratio, while the Phillips uses a dual-camera design for a somewhat similar full body view. Both allow you to do wired and wireless power. However, the Lorex comes with a 32GB SD card compared to the 8GB built-in storage. Of course, the Phillips model does come with a Wi-Fi chime box, whereas the one for Lorex (which is, luckily compatible with quite a few of the brand’s video doorbells) requires a separate purchase of $49.99/ £59.99 / AU$69.00.

If we look at other 4K video doorbells, the Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell’s price tag seems to be about what one should expect. The SwannBuddy 4K goes for $199 / £169 / AU$299, however, it does offer a bit more value, as it not only also comes with a microSD reader and 32GB SD card so you don’t have to spring for a subscription, but it also comes with a doorbell chime included. The Lorex is a little easier to install, partially thanks to the use of plastic mounting brackets instead of metal. The Lorex is also more flexible since it comes with a couple angled brackets so that you can get a clear view of whoever is in front of the door.

• Value score: 4/5

Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell: design

• Has microSD reader for onboard storage
• Comes with two different angled brackets
• Straightforward installation

The Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell is available in black and white (the one reviewed here is black) and looks about the same and is a similar size to most other video doorbells you’ll come across. It is a little bit smaller than the Phillips Series 7000 I reviewed as it stands a little over five inches tall compared to the Phillips’ over six inches of height. Functionally, it doesn’t make much of a difference.

The front of the doorbell is composed of the camera on top, the logo etched across the middle, and the actual button lined by an LED indicator that lights up when pressed (or when the doorbell is triggered by someone or something passing in front of it).

The microSD card reader and a micro-USB port for charging sit on the side behind a silicon cover that’s actually a bit tough to pop out (and will be covered by the mounting bracket when installed on a door). While it takes some work to get out (unless you have long nails), it does help keep the integrity of this doorbell’s IP65 rating, meaning that you don’t have to worry about a heavy rain shorting the doorbell.

If you want to wire this doorbell up instead of going the wireless route, which you might want to once you read my thoughts on the battery life, the ports are on the back of the unit. And as is to be expected, the necessary wires are included in a little bag that also includes a pin used to remove the doorbell from the bracket.

Also included are three different mounting brackets. Or should I say, one flat bracket that must be used and then two additional ones that are angled to the side or downward to adjust the viewing angle of the doorbell if you don’t want it to just look straight ahead.

Since I’ve mentioned the brackets, I should mention that installation is pretty easy. Just charge up the doorbell, screw in the mounting bracket(s), connect the doorbell to the app (the usual follow-the-directions-on-the-screen situation), pop in the doorbell into the bracket, and you’re good to go.

• Design score: 4.5/5

Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell: performance

• Sharp 4K resolution with full-body 9:16 aspect ratio
• Supports Alexa and Google Assistant
• Battery life isn't great

The Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell offers an 8MP camera with 4K resolution (2160 × 3840p) in a unique 9:16 ratio. I appreciate the full body angle so that I can get a clear view of the front door. Someone would have to stand really close to the camera to hide something out of view. And since it has that higher resolution, everything comes through clearly.

It’s just as clear at night, if a bit more monochromatic. This is intentional as you can change a setting to see whatever’s at your door in color, though it’s not quite as crisp.

There’s a little bit of a lag but seems to be just a second or so – certainly not long enough to hamper a conversation. Speaking of, the microphone is adequate though it picks up more environmental noise than I would like. At least, there’s responsive two-way audio.

Since the doorbell chime is sold separately, it’s up to me (or whomever has the app on their phone) to keep an eye for notifications. While I miss the physical chime, I was able to connect the doorbell to Alexa to serve in that capacity (this video doorbell also supports Google Assistant). There’s also the option to share the doorbell with other users so other people in the household are also notified when there’s someone at the door.

Since the Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell is capable of wired and wireless power, I highly suggest you go the wired route. While it doesn’t take too long to charge up, it took about a week to go from a 100% charge to 20%. That means I have to charge it almost every week to keep using it.

Now, I will mention that we have dogs that need to be let out several times a day and multiple people in the home where this doorbell is being tested, so the Lorex is regularly triggered. Still, a weekly charge-up is not something anyone would expect for a video doorbell.

• Performance score: 4/5

Should you buy the Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell?

Buy it if

Don't buy it if

Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell: also consider

How I tested the Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell

To test the Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell, I used it for a couple weeks to not only answer the door, but to monitor all activity coming in and out (mostly my brother-in-law letting the dogs out to pee). I also played around with and tested the various settings in the app to see how they work, including the voice assistant and night vision settings.

Tested February 2025

• Eufy has launched a new smart lock with a built-in video camera
• The FamiLock S3 Max has an extra-wide field of view to record visitors
• The lock also has palm recognition, and can release the door in one second

Eufy has just launched a new smart lock with a built-in camera to record visitors, and palm recognition that can open your door in just one second when it recognizes the unique pattern of blood vessels in your hand. The Eufy FamiLock S3 Max is available to pre-order now for $329.99 (about £260 / AU$530) if you're an existing Eufy customer, and will go on general sale for $399.99 (about £320 / AU$640) from March 17 at online stores including HomeDepot.com and BestBuy.com.

That's considerably more than most of the best smart locks we've tested, but the FamiLock S3 Max effectively doubles as a video doorbell thanks to its wide-angle 2K camera that captures crisp footage of visitors and package deliveries.

The camera offers a 150-degree vertical head-to-toe view and a 180-degree diagonal view, which beats many of the best video doorbells on the market and covers blind spots other devices may miss. For example, although the latest Ring Battery Video Doorbell is excellent, its field of view is only 150 x 150 degrees, meaning it could miss movement that the FamiLock would detect.

You can check out footage from the camera on your phone via the Eufy app, or using an indoor video screen (sold separately) that effectively works like a high-resolution peephole, and should be particularly useful for children and senior users who may not have ready access to a suitable smartphone.

Handy access

The FamiLock offers a range of different opening options, the most interesting of which is palm-recognition. This tech (also used in the Philips 5000 Series Video Palm Recognition Smart Lock) uses an infrared sensor to detect the unique pattern of blood vessels in your hand and compares it to a database of up to 50 scanned palms to determine whether it's a match. If so, the lock will open in just one second, letting you in without the hassle of rummaging for keys.

You won't need to worry about power outages, either. The lock has a 15,000mAh rechargeable lithium battery, plus four AAA batteries as a backup, which keeps it fully functioning for up to six months, and offers basic functions (auto-locking and PIN access) for up to a year.

We've got our hands on the Eufy FamiLock S3 Max already, and will bring you a full review of the device very soon.

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• Philips' first Matter-compatible smart lock works with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant seamlessly
• Ring Protect is history - enter the era of Ring Home subscription (plus five new features)
• Xiaomi's new smart lock offers 10 ways to open your front door, including AI facial recognition

• Philips has announced its first smart lock compatible with Matter
• It also revealed a smart lock with both palm recognition and video
• Both locks will be available to buy in the second half of 2025

Philips has launched a pair of new smart locks at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, including one compatible with the Matter smart home standard, meaning it should work seamlessly with your existing smart home devices including hubs and lights.

There are lots of excellent smart locks already on the market but, at the moment, relatively few support Matter, which could be a problem if you want to mix and match devices from different brands. The Philips 4000 Series Matter-Compatible Smart Deadbolt avoids that problem and, according to Philips, it'll play nicely with Apple HomeKit, Google Nest, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings, to name just a few.

The company says it will also be particularly easy to set up and pair, which should make it more appealing if you've been intimidated by the prospect of replacing your lock until now.

Contactless entry

Philips also took the opportunity to show off its new 5000 Series Video Palm Recognition Smart Lock, which can recognize the unique pattern of blood vessels in your hand (something that's virtually impossible to fake) and capture video footage of visitors so you don't need to buy an extra video doorbell.

The original 5000 Series lock launched last year - the company's first lock with contactless palm-scanning - but the new model also offers 1080p HD video, so you can decide whether or not to open the door when someone approaches.

Wi-Fi is built in so, unlike some smart locks, the new 5000 Series doesn't require an extra hub. Instead, everything can be operated through the Philips Home Access App and, just like the original 5000 Series, the new iteration accepts voice commands via Alexa or Google Assistant.

Prices are yet to be announced, but both locks will be available to buy in the second half of 2025. We're hoping to put them to the test to see whether they earn a place in our roundup of the best smart locks.

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• How to buy a smart lock

TechRadar will be extensively covering this year's CES, and will bring you all of the big announcements as they happen. Head over to our CES 2025 news page for the latest stories and our hands-on verdicts on everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok and WhatsApp for the latest from the CES show floor!

• 2K video is coming to Ring Floodlight Cam Pro and Spotlight Cam Pro
• The update will start rolling out on Wednesday, 8 January
• If you already have a camera, you can get the update via the Ring app

Two of Ring's most popular outdoor security cameras are getting a big upgrade this week. The Ring Floodlight Cam Pro and Spotlight Cam Pro currently capture footage at 1080p, but following a new software upgrade, both will be able to record at 2K resolution instead. The update was announced at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, where tech companies from around the world gather to reveal their latest innovations.

Ring makes some of the best home security cameras we've tested, and this update will really give these two models an edge. Most cameras (whether indoor or outdoor) are only able to record at 1080p, and the improved resolution should make it easier to identify people even in low lighting conditions.

Looking sharp

Both the Floodlight Cam Pro and Spotlight Cam Pro will use the company's Ring Vision post-processing to improve balance and contrast, and provide motion-smoothing so the 2K video will be as clear as possible when you watch it on your phone.

2K video capture will be available for these two cameras from Wednesday, 8 January, and if you already own one, you will be able to download the update free via the Ring app.

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• Ring's new indoor camera can look around every nook and cranny

We’re covering all of the latest CES news from the show as it happens. Stick with us for the big stories on everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok for the latest from the CES show floor!

Congratulations, you are now the proud owner of one of the latest high-tech security devices. Obviously, your friends and family know how important it is to you to see who is at the door, even when you may be sunning yourself on a beach halfway across the world.

The best home security cameras and video doorbells are rapidly becoming must-have gadgets for any smart home and - in case you thought your loved ones were being really generous this festive season – they don’t cost a fortune. But now you’ve got your security device what do you do with it? Here we take you through the various steps.

1. Choose your location

First of all, you need to decide where to install your device. Obviously if it’s a video doorbell it should go on the front door, but you need to install it at the right height for someone to press it as well as for capturing surrounding movement. Typically, this is around 1.5m from the ground. Conversely, if you are mounting an outdoor camera, then it should probably be installed a little higher where it is out of reach – ideally 2m or above. However, remember if it is powered by disposable batteries or a rechargeable battery you will need to access the device every couple of months for recharging/battery changing.

Importantly, the device will need to be quite close to your WiFi router (maximum distance around 25m) to capture video footage. Alternatively, it is now possible to buy devices that will connect to the internet via 4G/5G cellular networks, such as the Eufy 4G LTE Cam S330. For indoor cameras, there is much more flexibility about where to locate the security camera especially if it’s battery powered. However, it is obviously important to keep the device out of private areas such as bathrooms and bedrooms unless you're using it as a baby monitor.

2. Customize the app for optimum recording

One of the great things about your new smart security device is just how easy it should be to set up. Mostly this is done via a series of instructions within the Android/iOS app. Usually all you have to do is scan in the QR code from the device and then pair it with your home broadband network – a process taking less than five minutes. Once you’ve done this you can begin to customize your device so you actually capture movement you want to record, rather than random passers-by.

To do this, you need to go into the app’s settings and adjust the motion detection zones. This usually involves viewing a grid made up of squares, and choosing which ones you want to detect movement and which you want to exclude. It’s also a good idea to adjust the device’s motion sensitivity so it doesn’t capture every leaf blowing in a tree or car going past your house as well as adjusting the audio levels to suit your needs. Finally, video quality is improving massively, with most devices capable of displaying 1080p resolution and many now recording in 4K. However, bear in mind if you are recording at the highest resolution it will take up more of your allotted space in the cloud or on a MicroSD card.

3. Explore smart new features

As with most of the best smart home devices, video doorbells and home security cameras are emerging with new and interesting features which are worth checking out. For example, many can be controlled using voice commands in conjunction with smart speakers. Not only can you choose different tunes for the speakers to play when someone presses the video doorbell (currently I have set mine to play ‘Deck The Halls’ when someone comes to the door), it’s also possible to set up a motion-triggered routine. So, for example, lights come on inside the property automatically once someone is detected on the camera/video doorbell. For more information, see our roundup of the best video doorbells.

Another area devices are becoming more advanced is in the use of AI. It is now common for both video doorbells and smart cameras to distinguish between different types of movement and categorise them accordingly - humans, pets, cars, parcels etc. Some devices, such as the Google Nest Cam IQ Indoor, even feature built-in facial recognition technology providing you pay a minimum of £6 a month Nest Aware subscription.

For example, with Nest’s Familiar Face Detection technology the device automatically sends a warning message when it spots an unfamiliar face. Swann’s latest video doorbell, the SwannBuddy4K even comes with an innovative voice assistant which will play automated messages to people who come to the door in various accents including English and Australian.

4. Expand your home security network

So now you’ve got you first video doorbell or smart camera up and running, what next? Why not get a few more! It’s generally not too expensive and will give you much greater control. For landlords, or those fortunate to live in multiple properties, most manufacturers allow you to set up numerous households within the app complete with different types of security camera (indoor, outdoor and video doorbell).

Some specialists such as Yale also provide the option to link your cameras to other security devices such as burglar alarms, flood lights and smart locks. So, for example, you can use the same app to monitor your property and then when you come home you can use the app instead of a key to enter and switch off your alarm. Nor do you necessarily have to use devices from just one manufacturer. If you don’t mind having a few different apps on your phone you can easily mix and match devices. Check out our list of the best home security cameras for advice on which one to choose.

Conclusion

Monitoring and protecting your property has never been as straightforward. Thanks to the latest home security cameras and video doorbells, it’s now possible to see who is at the 6ydoor whether you are inside working or thousands of miles away enjoying a bit of winter sun.

New features are being added too, including facial recognition and AI generated voice assistants. It’s even possible to integrate your cameras with other devices in the home, including the best smart lights and smart speakers. We hope you enjoy your new property-protecting Christmas gift.