Anything that gives you added peace of mind when leaving your home, whether that's just for a few hours or a two-week vacation, is worth the investment in our book. The best home security cameras are an excellent way of doing this, with indoor and outdoor options giving you more control over keeping your home safe and secure 24/7.
Home security cameras can resemble more elaborate CCTV systems, but they're much cheaper and easier to install and maintain. This makes them perfect for ordinary people who want to add a little security to their property but don't feel the need to call in professionals. They also make great additions to smart home devices already installed around the house.
Many of the best wireless security cameras can be used inside or outside, with rugged, waterproof materials to ensure they can't be brought down by rain or snow. Wired cameras are also available and are slightly more reliable as they don't need regular recharging. In this way, these cameras occupy the same space as the best video doorbells, sending an alert when motion is detected in a given zone but focusing more on security features.
When an event is detected, the camera will begin to record video and store it either in the cloud or on a MicroSD card. If you miss an alert, you can go back later and view the footage.
Integration with devices like the best smart locks is also possible, with home security cameras working in tandem to automatically secure the front door if an unwanted visitor is outside. Or, if you want a better view of what's happening, the best smart lights can illuminate a chosen area. And you don't need fancy gadgets, either - the best smart speakers and smart displays make it possible to receive alerts and easily view a live feed of the action.
The best home security cameras are available from most big brands, including Google, Ring, Arlo, and more, and choosing the right one for your home can get confusing. Hopefully, our ranking of the finest options will make it slightly easier. We tested the devices below based on video and audio quality, motion sensors, and their corresponding apps. Keep reading to see what we thought.
Best home security cameras 2022
Best indoor home security cameras
Best outdoor home security cameras
How we test home security cameras
To ensure the home security cameras we’ve reviewed can be fairly compared, we’ve tested and analyzed several crucial features covering style, performance, and practicalities.
We rated each camera on the quality of the footage it records during the day and in the dark, how clear the two-way talk features are, and the settings to arm and disarm the camera. In addition, for each model, we wanted to know how easy the setup and installation was, as well as how efficient the cameras were at delivering motion notifications and whether AI features were designed to identify if activity has been created by a person, animal, vehicle, or another source, were accurate.
Where relevant, we compared the battery life of each model, and for cameras with lights and/or sirens, we also compared the brightness and loudness to see if they were sufficient. We also assessed each model for its durability and design, looking to see if it comes with handy mounting plates and the ability to adjust the camera angle to suit your home.
How to choose the best home security camera for you
What to consider when buying a home security camera
Start by determining whether you need a home security camera that is weatherproof and can be used outside or if you are looking for a smart security camera you can place inside your home.
You'll also need to consider how the camera is powered. Some need to be connected to mains power, which may mean you need to employ a professional to install it, whereas others are battery-powered. Look for home security cameras with swappable batteries, so you can purchase additional batteries and ensure the camera isn't out of action for several hours when the battery needs recharging.
The quality of the video the home security camera records is also essential. Many home security cameras record in Full HD, although some record in a higher resolution of 2k and 4k. While Full HD is sufficient for most homes, if you plan to mount the camera up high, its field of view covers a wide area. Higher resolution cameras will mean you can zoom into the footage and still pick out precise details such as car number plates.
Most home security cameras record footage in color during the day, although it's in black and white at night. Some come with an LED that can be triggered when motion is detected to ensure footage recorded at night is in color and as a way to scare off any would-be intruders. In addition, some home security cameras have built-in alarms triggered manually from the app or automatically when motion is detected to help deter intruders.
Finally, consider how video the camera captures is stored - does it require a subscription to save video in the cloud so it can go back and be reviewed after it has happened? Again, remember to factor in this cost. Some cameras offer local storage, so you don't have any ongoing costs associated with the camera, either in the form of memory built into the camera itself or the ability to add a micro SD card to the camera or base station.
Do home security cameras need to be plugged in?
Not all models need to be plugged in when it comes to powering the best home security cameras. While there are plenty of mains-powered home security cameras on the market, suitable for indoors and outside, if you don't have access to a power socket where you want to install your home security camera, then fear not - there are many models that a rechargeable battery can power.
How long the battery lasts between charges will depend on how often the camera detects and records motion and how often the app is used to view the camera's live feed, but you can expect anywhere between one month and one year. Some home security cameras have swappable batteries, while others need to be removed completely to be recharged.
It's also worth noting that some home security cameras that offer a choice of power method may only provide certain features, such as activity zones, when used on mains power.
What's the difference between home security cameras and surveillance cameras?
Regarding securing your home, there are two options on the market; home security cameras and surveillance cameras, also known as CCTV. So exactly how do they two differ?
Surveillance cameras have been around for decades, and see cameras are installed, usually on the property's exterior, although they can also be positioned inside. The cameras are connected to a central recorder by cables, and if you want to review the video, you'll need to connect the main recorder to a TV or monitor.
Surveillance cameras are more expensive than home security cameras. Usually, they require professional installation, but they ensure footage is captured without interference or the risk of a wireless connection failing or a camera battery running out. They also record everything and are only limited by the size of the central recorder, which is considerably larger than the capacity of a MicroSD card or the amount of secure online storage offered by home security cameras.
However, home security cameras are more affordable than CCTV and far easier to install. Footage is either stored on a MicroSD card inserted into the camera, or base station - if the camera requires one - or in a secure area online, and you can review it from your smartphone or tablet, which means you don't need to find room for the central recorder and screen. However, most home security cameras don't record continuously, and if the internet connection drops, some cameras won't be able to record. Find out more about CCTV vs smart home security cameras in our article.
Can wireless security cameras work without the internet?
Home security cameras are often called wireless security cameras. Does that mean they require an internet connection to work? In most cases, they do. Unlike CCTV, which requires cables to be laid around your home, wireless security cameras need internet access so they can send a notification to your smartphone when motion is detected, as well as let you view a live feed from the camera no matter where you are.
While some home security cameras record footage to a MicroSD card inserted into the camera, others store it in a secure area online - something they can't do if they don't have a Wi-Fi or wired internet connection. However, some models, including the Google Nest Cam (battery), will store footage locally for a short period if the internet connection drops, transferring the videos to the cloud storage space when the Wi-Fi is reinstated.
Do home security cameras invade privacy?
Home security cameras are designed to capture what's going on in and around your property. In some cases, the ideal mounting position means that as well as your property falling within the camera's field of view, you may also end up capturing the road, pavement, a neighbor's driveway, front door, windows, or even their back yard for example.
The same privacy rules regarding CCTV apply to home security cameras. So, you should be taking adequate steps to protect the privacy of those around you, such as your neighbors.
If you find sections of their property fall within the field of view of your home security camera, re-position the camera, so this is no longer the case. If that's not possible, activate any features the camera offers to block out sensitive areas while monitoring your driveway or back garden.
We'd recommend telling your neighbors about your security cameras while showing them precisely what is and isn't being monitored and recorded by the camera. Also, consider placing the signs and stickers which often come with security cameras in your window to make passers-by aware that they might be monitored or recorded. Finally, find out more in-depth on this subject by reading do home security cameras invade your privacy?
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