Ring video doorbells always get deep discounts for Amazon Prime Day, but the savings might not be quite as impressive as they first seem. Although the up-front cost might be low, you'll need a Ring Home subscription to get the most out of your new purchase, and that can really add up over the years. That's not the case with all video doorbells, though, and here I've rounded up my top five picks that give you full functionality without the monthly fees.

• Shop more Prime Day deals at Amazon US
• Shop more Prime Day deals at Amazon UK

The key is that all the video doorbells here let you store videos on a microSD card. Some brands offer cloud storage if you really want it, but it's definitely not necessary. Some doorbells (like the EZVIZ EP4 I'm testing right now) also include newer features like facial recognition that you'd usually expect to be part of a paid membership plan.

All of these doorbells have been tested, reviewed, and given the seal of approval by our team of home tech experts, so you can be confident you're making the right choice.

Eufy Video Doorbell Dual

Eufy's smart-looking device is an excellent option if you're looking for a subscription-free video doorbell on a budget. The Video Doorbell Dual records video at 2K, which is just fine for us, and is loaded with advanced features like package detection and the ability to play pre-recorded voice messages, all with no membership necessary.

It has an infrared sensor that detects visitors' body heat, while a radar motion detector scans for movement. Better yet, its software includes AI person-recognition, and during our tests, it was able to accurately identify and label visitors in our video clips. We didn't receive any false positives, and the detailed app notifications meant we could tell who was calling at a glance, without even picking up our phone.

All your footage is stored locally on the HomeBase 2 (bundled with the doorbell), which provides 16GB for your clips. You can buy cloud storage if you really want to, but there's no compelling reason to when you can keep control over your own videos and access them for free.

We didn't love having to take the doorbell down to charge it (there's no swappable power pack), but it can be connected to existing doorbell wiring if you'd rather not run it from its battery.

Read our full Eufy Video Doorbell Dual review

SwannBuddy 4K

Swann makes some of the best video doorbells and best home security cameras we've tested here at TechRadar, and they all have one big selling point: there's no subscription plan necessary to save your videos or to use their most advanced features. Although you can pay for cloud storage if you really want to, it's not necessary at all.

The Swann Buddy4K is also a fully-fledged home security camera with features like motion detection and the ability to differentiate among subjects such as people, pets, cars, and packages. All of this is included with the initial cost of the doorbell (unlike devices from brands like Ring, which charge a regular fee to unlock such features).

"It’s possible to store videos by type – particularly handy if you want to find out when a parcel was left on the doorstep," said our reviewer Chris Price. "Alternatively, you can store videos in chronological order on the built-in MicroSD card."

The doorbell's AI assistant (which generates custom voice responses for visitors so you don't have to speak to them) was still in beta when we reviewed it, but even without it, it's an excellent device that comes highly recommended for helping secure your home.

Read our full SwannBuddy 4K review

Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell

The Philips 7000 Series boasts impressive video quality, great viewing angles, and a generous 8GB of 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 (4K doorbells are now widely available, but usually burdened by subscription fees), and during our tests, we were thoroughly impressed by how sensitive it was to motion. 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 wireless from a rechargeable battery.

The 7000 Series isn't the cheapest video doorbell around, but its price is competitive considering how much you're getting. It's around the same as the Ring Video Doorbell 2, which requires a membership to save and review video footage.

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 (though it's not currently available to buy in the UK).

Read our full Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell review

Aqara Video Doorbell G4

Aqara is well known for its excellent subscription-free video doorbells and home security cameras, and the Video Doorbell G4 ranks among the best. It works with all the main smart home platforms, which is quite rare, can run from a battery or be used wired, and is packed with extra features that you'd normally expect to come with a hefty subscription fee, such as subject-identification and customizable motion-detection zones.

You can store your videos on a microSD card installed in the doorbell chime supplied in the box, but Aqara also offers a free cloud storage plan that saves 7 days of recordings at no charge. You can pay for extra online storage if you really want, but there's no need.

Its field of view is narrower than you'd get with a Ring doorbell, and its picture isn't as sharp, but it's still a great budget option — and one that could get even cheaper on Amazon Prime Day.

Read our full Aqara Video Doorbell G4 review

EZVIZ EP4 Wire-Free Peephole Door Viewer

The clever little EZVIZ EP4 is marketed as a security camera, and it does serve that purpose, but it does double-duty as a video doorbell, with a large push-button on top that triggers a notification on your phone when pressed, allowing you to see and speak to the person at your door via the EZVIZ app.

This is a great option for anyone who rents or lives in an apartment, because there's absolutely no drilling required, and when you want to move out, you can simply remove it and take it with you. Just unscrew the peephole from your front door, and you can install it in seconds. I used it at home and had it up and running within 10 minutes. Removing it is even quicker, and it did no damage to my door whatsoever.

The 4K picture is sharp and vivid, whether you're viewing it on the internal screen or within the EZVIZ app. The camera has AI person-detection, and can alert you when someone is at the door even if they've not pressed the bell. It can also use facial recognition to let you know when certain individuals have arrived.

There's no subscription required (videos can be stored on an internal MicroSD card), and for me, the only significant drawback is that the camera's field of view isn't wide enough to see packages on your doorstep. Note that the EZVIZ EP4 is currently only available in the UK.

Read my hands-on with the EZVIZ EP4 Wire-Free Peephole Door Viewer

More Prime Day deals in the US

• Amazon Devices: Fire Sticks & Echo from $18
• Amazon Haul: viral gadgets, tech & appliances from $1.99
• Apple: MacBooks, AirPods & AirTags from $29
• Beauty: 50% off toothbrushes & hair tools
• Cheap TVs: smart TVs from $69.99
• Garden: tools, mowers, planters from $24.99
• Headphones: 50% off Beats, Bose & Samsung
• Laptops: Apple, HP & Dell from $199
• Mattresses: Sealy, Serta & more from $186
• Patio: outdoor furniture, rugs & decor from $19.99
• Sports: 50% off fitness gear, treadmills & clothing
• Vacuums: Dyson, Shark & Bissell from $34

More Prime Day deals in the UK

• Amazon Prime: sign up for a 30-day free trial
• Amazon Devices: Fire TV, Ring & Blink from £24.99
• Amazon Haul: up to 30% off
• Apple: AirPods Pro 3 for a record-low price
• Appliances: up to 45% off Ninja, Tefal & Sage
• Beauty: up to 60% off Philips & Oral-B
• Essentials: household goods from under £10
• Fashion: up to 50% off
• Father's Day: up to 50% off gifts & drinks
• Headphones: up to 50% off
• Laptops: from £149.99
• Tablets: Samsung & Lenovo from £125
• Toys: up to 25% off Lego and Tonies
• TVs: from £129.99
• Vacuums: up to 40% off Eufy & Roborock
• Wearables: Garmin & Huawei from £36.99

A home security camera will give you peace of mind, watching over your property, alerting you to any unusual happenings, and capturing video evidence. However, they can also be expensive to run; many systems require a monthly or annual subscription plan to store your video clips, and to unlock features like subject recognition.

It doesn't have to be that way, though. Here at TechRadar we've tested dozens of security cameras, including lots without any extra fees. This is a great time to pick one up too, with lots of models likely to be discounted for Amazon Prime Day.

Here I've put together a list of the top five subscription-free home security cameras we recommend, with options for everything from apartments through to large detached properties and even small businesses.

1. 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

2. 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 recordings are triggered, the faster the battery will drain.

Read our full Swann MaxRanger4K Solar review

3. 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

4. EZVIZ EP4 Wire-Free Peephole Door Viewer

If you like the idea of a security camera to cover the front of your home, but you don't want to (or can't) drill holes anywhere, the EZVIZ EP4 is an excellent option. It's installed through the peephole in your front door, and has a wide field of view that gives great visibility in sharp 4K. I installed it in the front door of my apartment within 10 minutes, and was very impressed by the clarity of the picture on the internal display, and on my phone.

When the camera's motion sensor is triggered, it will send a notification to your phone and record a 10-second video clip, which can be saved to a microSD card. You can choose to pay for cloud storage if you want, but there's no need. You also don't need to pay for EZVIZ's facial recognition tool, which lets you upload photos of friends and members of your family, and then notifies you when they arrive. During my tests it worked very well, despite being in beta. The only downside that was you can't yet choose not to receive these alerts, so you would only be notified if a stranger arrives.

The EP4 also functions as a video doorbell, and offers two-way talk, with two voice changing options for privacy. All in all, it's an excellent option for renters and apartment-owners, and when you move out, you can simply take it with you.

Read my EZVIZ EP4 Wire-Free Peephole Door Viewer hands-on

5. Eufy eufyCam 3 S330 

The eufyCam 3 S330 is a full security system designed for large properties, and even businesses. It consists of a set of cameras (the starter kit includes two, and additional ones are available to purchase separately) plus a HomeBase unit that connects them all to one another, and to your home Wi-Fi network.

Your videos are stored within the HomeBase unit, which comes with 16GB of storage that you can expand up to a colossal 16TB by plugging in an external hard drive, so you don't need to pay for cloud storage and your data is safely saved indoors.

Although it's a 'prosumer' system partially aimed at businesses, we found it easy to install and set up for the average user. Each camera has a 135-degree field of view, and a bright floodlight that can be triggered by motion at night for full-color footage, and a top-mounted solar panel so you don't need to take them down for frequent charging.

Subject detection is excellent, though on the standard settings it proved so sensitive that it sometimes also mistook a person's reflection for someone else in our tests, so it's worth taking some time to tinker with the settings. It includes facial recognition as well, and unlike the EZVIZ camera above, this doesn't rely on a set of photos and can 'learn' to identify individuals over time. The initial price isn't cheap, but when you consider how much you'd need to pay for an equivalent subscription setup, it's good value in the long term.

Read our full Eufy eufyCam 3 S330 review

More Prime Day deals in the US

• Amazon Devices: Fire Sticks & Echo from $18
• Amazon Haul: viral gadgets, tech & appliances from $1.99
• Apple: MacBooks, AirPods & AirTags from $29
• Beauty: 50% off toothbrushes & hair tools
• Cheap TVs: smart TVs from $69.99
• Garden: tools, mowers, planters from $24.99
• Headphones: 50% off Beats, Bose & Samsung
• Laptops: Apple, HP & Dell from $199
• Mattresses: Sealy, Serta & more from $186
• Patio: outdoor furniture, rugs & decor from $19.99
• Sports: 50% off fitness gear, treadmills & clothing
• Vacuums: Dyson, Shark & Bissell from $34

More Prime Day deals in the UK

• Amazon Prime: sign up for a 30-day free trial
• Amazon Devices: Fire TV, Ring & Blink from £24.99
• Amazon Haul: up to 30% off
• Apple: AirPods Pro 3 for a record-low price
• Appliances: up to 45% off Ninja, Tefal & Sage
• Beauty: up to 60% off Philips & Oral-B
• Essentials: household goods from under £10
• Fashion: up to 50% off
• Father's Day: up to 50% off gifts & drinks
• Headphones: up to 50% off
• Laptops: from £149.99
• Tablets: Samsung & Lenovo from £125
• Toys: up to 25% off Lego and Tonies
• TVs: from £129.99
• Vacuums: up to 40% off Eufy & Roborock
• Wearables: Garmin & Huawei from £36.99

Blink makes some of the best home security cameras you can buy right now, but with wide range of models available, working out which one is best for your needs can be difficult. Below, I've pulled together a simple guide to your options — and now's a great time to buy. Amazon Prime Day starts next week (June 23-26), and because Blink is an Amazon-owned brand we're expecting plenty of discounts across the range — in fact, most of the deals seem to have gone live already, and they're big. I've included all the details below.

• View all Blink US deals at Amazon
• View all Blink UK deals at Amazon

I'm starting with the Outdoor range of battery-powered, weatherproofed security cameras, spearheaded by the Outdoor 4 and the Outdoor 2K+ lines. Both of these lines require a Sync module to work, and Amazon sells bundles to help you save if you want more than one camera. Next, I've covered the Mini lineup of mains-powered indoor cameras, including the Mini 2K+ and Mini Pan-Tilt. I've put together a key specs table to help you compare your options — aside from the power setup and waterproofing, the main differences to consider are image quality (it'll either be 1080p or 2K) and field of view.

Read on for a closer look at your Blink home security camera options, and all the information you need to help you figure out which one's right for your home.

Blink Outdoor 4: models, details & deals

The Outdoor 2K+ is the brand's battery-powered, weatherproofed security cam line, alongside the Outdoor 2K+ (below). It has lower video resolution (1080p) but a slightly wider field of view. It's weatherproofed, and runs off two AA batteries — these have a claimed two-year battery life, so you won't have to worry about constantly replacing them.

In the US, this model is also available in an XR+ (extended range) version, which comes with an special Sync module that boosts the range by 10x compared to cameras connected using Wi-Fi on its own.

It can also be part of a Wireless Floodlight Camera, which adds 600 (US) or 700 (UK) LED floodlights either side of the camera. In the US, there's also a Wired Floodlight Camera, with significantly brighter 2600-lumen lights.

Blink Outdoor 4 — US deals

Blink Outdoor 4 — UK deals

Blink Outdoor 2K+: models, details & deals

The Outdoor 2K+ is the brand's two battery-powered, weatherproofed security cams, alongside the Outdoor 4 (above). It has detailed, 2k (2560 x 1440) video.

It can also be purchased as the Solaris 2K+, which is an Outdoor 2K+ with a solar panel hat. Blink claims that just 45 minutes of direct sunlight is enough to keep the camera running. The reviews on this model are worryingly negative, though, with multiple reports of bugs, glitches and a lack of customer support.

Blink Outdoor 2K+ — US deals

Blink Outdoor 2K+ — UK deals

Blink Mini: models, details & deals

You can use any of Blink's outdoor cameras inside, but Blink also makes a few indoor models, all of which run off mains electricity.

The Mini 2K+ is the newest-gen option, with 2K (2560 x 1440) video, and the option of adding a weather-resistant power adaptor (sold separately) to make it suitable for use outdoors. There are a couple of older Minis still kicking around. In the UK I've found the Mini 2, and in the US it's still possible to find the first-gen Mini. Those have 1080p video. You can also pick up an Arc mount, which combines two Mini cameras side-by-side for a wider field of view.

Alternatively, you could opt for a Mini Pan-Tilt. This is an indoor cam that can — as you might have guessed — pan and tilt its camera in order to gain to see into all the corners of your room.

Blink Mini — US deals

Blink Mini — UK deals

Blink security camera specs compared

What is a Sync module, and do I need one?

A Blink Sync module is a Wi-Fi hub that acts as a bridge between your security cameras and your app, and it can connect to multiple cameras (up to 10) to create a unified system. Adding a Sync module means the cams don't need to be actively connected to your home's Wi-Fi, which significantly lowers the amount of battery they use.

The Sync module is required for Blink's battery-powered options — so the Outdoor models. If you have wired, indoor Blink cameras (so the Mini options), a Sync module is optional, because these cams can connect directly to your home Wi-Fi. The below video goes into more detail.

Ring is the brand behind many of the best video doorbells on the market. The brand makes a range of hardwired and battery-powered doorbells, but most of them look roughly the same, so figuring out which one you need can be tricky. Below you'll find a straightforward guide to your options, including the key differences to look out for, whether hardwired and battery is better, and how the specs compare across the models.

These doorbells are widely available to buy from various retailers, but Ring's parent company is Amazon, so that's generally your best bet for the lowest prices. There's an Amazon Prime Day coming up (June 23-26) and we're pretty confident we'll see some strong discounts across the Ring range, so now's a good time to shop.

Read on for a closer look at your Ring video doorbell options, and all the information you need to figure out which one's right for your home.

US — Ring doorbell options

UK — Ring doorbell options

Battery vs hardwired Ring doorbells: which should I buy?

The first thing you'll need to decide when picking up a Ring doorbell is whether you want a battery powered or hardwired model. There's also the option of using a plug-in adapter with one of the hardwired doorbells, which lets you connect it to a regular power outlet if you don't have doorbell wiring already in place.

The general consensus online is quite strongly in favor of hardwired options. Although these are slightly more involved to install than a battery powered bell, if your have a standard doorbell/transformer setup (with 16-24V) already in place, swapping in the Ring model should be relatively straightforward. Many people will be able to do it themselves, but you could also get a professional in.

The main complaint around the battery options is that they're slower to respond and the video clips are shorter than on the hardwired versions, in a bid to save power. That, and you'll have to remember to charge them up every few weeks. Ring does sell solar charger mounts ($44.99 / £39.99), but they will need to be in a relatively sunny spot, with 3-4 hours of direct sunlight a day, to make a difference.

What's the difference between the different Ring doorbells?

Once you've decided on battery or mains-powered, your next decision is which model to opt for. There are standard, Plus and Pro options to choose from, as well as a super-pricey Elite wired option. One key difference is the image quality — cheaper models offer 2K picture, whereas the pricier models will serve up the much clearer and more zoomable 4K. More expensive models also have more advanced night vision, which might be important if you're dealing with nocturnal disturbances.

Also look at the Wi-Fi setup — the basic Ring doorbells only support 2.4GHz connection, whereas more advanced options will work with 5GHz Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi 6. That could mean a more reliable connection.

Key specs compared

Below, I've pulled all the main specs into tables for you to compare. Yes, that is tables plural, because the US and UK ranges are ever-so-slightly different. I'll start with the US specs.

Note that all options have two-way talking, head-to-toe view, a weather-resistant build. With a subscription, all offer package alerts.

Now for the UK Ring Video Doorbell models and their main specs:

What's a Ring subscription and do I need one?

With any of the Ring doorbells, you have the option of upgrading your experience with a monthly subscription. The primary features this adds are video playback for up to 180 days, and smart alerts (for people / packages / vehicles). There's a Ring Multi subscription if you have more than one device to support, and a Pro subscription that offers video descriptions. You can find out more at Ring's Subscription plan page.

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.

Ultion Nuki 2025: one-minute review

The Ultion Nuki 2025 is what happens when a smart lock starts behaving like a complete security product.

At a glance, it’s doing the same job as 2023’s Ultion Nuki Plus: pairing Brisant Secure’s Ultion 3 Star PLUS cylinder and UK-specific door furniture with Nuki’s Smart Lock Pro and platform. In practice, though, this version looks more cohesive, feels quicker to respond and is better aligned with how people actually use a front door every day.

Built-in Wi-Fi removes the hassle of extra bridges. Matter support makes it much easier to fit into a wider smart-home setup. The improved motor means locking and unlocking feel quicker, quieter and less clunky. While the overall design is cleaner and more refined than previous models.

Just as importantly, there are sensible fallbacks everywhere. You can still use a physical key, operate it manually from inside, and include a biometric keypad or keyfob if you want different ways in.

Factor in the comprehensive Nuki app, featuring geofenced Auto Unlock and remote time-limited access for guests, and it all adds up to a smart lock that feels less like a gamble and more like a must-have front-door upgrade.

Ultion Nuki 2025: price and availability

• List price £299
• Optional extra upgrades
• Available from Ultion and Amazon

The Ultion Nuki 2025 is priced at £299 and available in white/steel, black/steel, or chrome/steel finishes. At the time of writing, this particular smart lock is only sold in the UK.

It’s available from Ultion direct or Amazon, along with a suite of optional extras, including a fob for £49, fingerprint keypad for £145, and auto-lock sensor for £55.

• Value score: 4/5

Ultion Nuki 2025: specifications

Ultion Nuki 2025: design

• Slimmer, cleaner Nuki Smart Lock Pro form factor
• Seven external colourways with a 20-year anti-corrosion guarantee
• Installs in minutes, no drilling required

The Ultion Nuki 2025 redesign goes further than a cosmetic refresh. The physical foundation is Brisant Secure's Ultion 3 Star Plus cylinder — a precision-engineered unit built around a molybdenum core that's 25 per cent denser than iron.

It carries anti-pick, anti-bump and anti-drill credentials, meets Police Preferred specification, holds Master Locksmiths Association approval, and is backed by a £5,000 burglary guarantee, which Brisant says it has never had to pay out on.

External handles are available in seven colourways with a 20-year anti-corrosion guarantee. Adjustable brackets mean installation requires no new holes. The internal handle comes in black, white, or chrome.

Brisant quotes a four-minute full installation, which is accurate in practice if you have a standard British cylinder lock on your door. If so, it’s a simple case of following the step-by-step guide to remove your old cylinder lock (scarily with one screw) and replace it with the new one.

From there, you simply screw in and attach the Ultion smart lock furniture around it, including the new interior handle and Nuki Smart Lock Pro unit.

The complete unit is a genuine departure from its predecessor. Where older versions were boxy and deep, this latest generation’s cleaner and slimmer form looks like it belongs on a door rather than clamped to one.

The integrated rechargeable battery charges via a magnetic USB-C cable that attaches cleanly, though a fully universal USB-C port would have been the neater solution.

• Design score: 4/5

Ultion Nuki 2025: performance

• Built-in Wi-Fi, no hub or bridge required
• Matter over Thread for wide smart home compatibility
• Noticeably faster motor than previous mode

What immediately distinguishes the Ultion Nuki 2025 from its predecessor is responsiveness. Commands that previously involved a perceptible pause now execute almost instantly. This applies both via the native Nuki app and through third-party systems. It's one of those improvements you don't fully appreciate until you've lived with the old version.

Built-in Wi-Fi means no bridge and no additional hardware. The Nuki app handles everything from access logs and configurable lock speeds to geofenced Auto Unlock and time-limited guest codes. It's a well-developed platform backed by state-of-the-art encryption, comparable to online banking.

It would be silly for a smart lock not to take its own security seriously, but just in case, the Ultion Nuki 2025 is advertised as achieving the highest AV-TEST available (level 3), and also carries a BSI Kitemark for good measure.

Matter support operates over Thread rather than Wi-Fi once enabled, which theoretically improves both battery efficiency and response speed.

The optional Fingerprint Keypad (£145) adds biometric and PIN access from outside. It’s a luxury addition, but a tempting one for unlocking your door akin to a smartphone. Time-limited guest codes work well, as my cleaner will attest.

The Keyfob (£49) is the simpler option: one button, either direction. Physical key override from the outside remains available throughout, which should be considered non-negotiable on any smart lock that replaces your primary cylinder — something many brands overlook.

An LED ring around the central button communicates status at a glance: off when locked, the top segment flashing every 1.5 seconds when unlocked, and red when errors or a low battery occur. It's a small but useful touch that lets you avoid reaching for your phone.

The motor offers three speed settings — Gentle for quiet, unhurried operation; Standard for a balance of speed and noise; and Insane for maximum locking speed when you need it. Most users will never leave Standard, but the option is there.

Auto-lock is available via Lock 'n' Go, which latches the door after a set interval following unlock. The app sensibly flags if your door requires the handle to be raised before latching, so you know what to expect before you commit to the feature.

• Performance score: 5/5

Should you buy the Ultion Nuki 2025?

Buy it if

Don't buy it if

Ultion Nuki 2025: also consider

If the Ultion Nuki 2025 isn't right for you, here are two alternatives worth considering.

How I tested the Ultion Nuki 2025

• Installed the Ultion Nuki 2025 as my primary door lock
• Tested via the Nuki app over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• Connected to Apple Home and tested all smart home integrations
• Used the Fingerprint Keypad and Keyfob across daily entry and exit scenarios

I installed the Ultion Nuki 2025 on my front door and used it as my primary lock for the duration of testing, replacing both the existing cylinder and handle hardware. Setup was completed using the Nuki app, before adding the lock to Apple Home.

All advertised features were tested in daily use, including Auto Unlock geofencing, Lock 'n' Go, the programmable inside button, and variable motor speeds. The Fingerprint Keypad was installed externally and put through its paces across repeated entry and exit scenarios, including time-limited guest codes. The Keyfob was tested as a standalone exit method.

I paid particular attention to responsiveness compared to the previous Ultion Nuki Plus — specifically, command lag via the app, status update speed in Apple Home, and keypad reaction time. Physical key override was verified throughout.

The lock was also stress-tested, including door-handle raise requirements and low-battery notification behaviour via the app.

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

First reviewed April 2026

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.

• Familiar Faces sends detailed notifications that tell you exactly who's calling
• It can store names and faces of up to 50 people, and is tied to your account
• It's rolling out now for Ring Pro and Ring Pro Intelligence subscribers

Ring has launched a new feature for your video doorbell and security cameras, which will let you know exactly who's calling at a glance. When activated, Familiar Faces will send you notifications including the name of the visitor, so you don't have to check the video footage yourself.

Familiar Faces can identify up to 50 people, which according to Ring, is similar to the number of individuals that the human brain can recognise.

Usefully, you can also choose not to receive notifications when your doorbell or camera spots a particular person. For example, you might choose not to be informed when your partner is coming and going, or if a gardener or window cleaner is working around your home. You can still get an alert if your device detects other people in your Familiar Faces list, or a stranger.

Putting names to faces

Familiar Faces is rolling out now in the UK for people with a Ring Pro or Pro Intelligence subscription. The feature supports both 2K and 4K cameras and doorbells, as well as selected HD models.

You'll receive a notification when Familiar Faces is available for your device, but you'll need to enable it manually if you'd like to try it. Your directory of familiar people is secured inside your account, and is encrypted for security. You're in control, and can add, edit, and remove people from the list any time.

For more details, take a look at Ring's official blog post.

The Blink Mini 2K+ is the ideal camera for keeping an eye on all kinds of things around your home. And right now, you can buy the Blink Mini 2K+ at Amazon for £21.99 (was £39.99). It's a fantastic discount of 45% off, and only £2 more than the previous record-low price around Christmas.

I’m a big fan of just how simple yet effective Blink cameras are. Just plug it in, connect to Wi-Fi and the Blink app, and you can use it from anywhere in the world. It offers 2K video resolution and up to 4x zoom, so you’re always on top of things.

I use mine to keep an eye on my guinea pigs without disturbing them. It’s particularly useful when one is sick and I want to check in on them while I'm out and about.

Today’s best home security camera deal

Our Blink Mini 2K+ review gave it 4.5 stars. Our reviewer was "stunned by its high-resolution picture quality and ultra-compact design,” with the only real complaint being that it needs to be installed near a mains power supply.

Ideally, you also need to sign up for a monthly subscription for full functionality, but it’s not essential for everyone. You still get “clear two-way audio” and “decent color night vision” whether you sign up for the monthly fee or not.

It all comes together to make one of the best home security cameras for most people. It’s so much easier to set up than other home security cameras. I really appreciate being able to move it from room to room depending on my needs.

While you’re making your home smarter, remember to look at the Amazon Echo deals going on at the moment. They pair up well with your future home security camera.

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.

With Amazon's Spring Deal Days sale happening, we're scouring for the best offers we can find — and it turns out it's the perfect time to finally add that video doorbell to your basket.

One of the biggest caveats with the best video doorbells is that most of the benefits are locked behind a monthly subscription plan, but who wants that? I certainly don't. Luckily, I've spotted three of our favorite subscription-free video doorbells that are great alternatives to Ring's lineup of subscription-based devices.

This small but mighty selection has all the features you need in a simple but effective video doorbell, from HD footage to local storage, all without the catch of a monthly fee. For example, our 4.5-star Eufy Video Doorbell Dual is now £109 (was £199), saving you a decent £90.

In most cases, you'll find that brands will lock features such as enhanced video footage, additional storage, and person and package alerts unless you pay. While the devices below may not be as advanced as their rivals, that doesn't mean they're not good. Instead, they're reliable starting points if you're only just getting started with video doorbells.

Best subscription-free video doorbell deals

Amazon's huge Spring Sale is about to launch, and although we're buzzing to see what deals we can get our hands on, the retailer is already teasing us with some early offers on the best video doorbells and best smart home security cameras.

Ahead of its Spring Sale, Amazon is selling some of its most trusted devices for less than half price, with up to 71% off bundles. This includes one of our favourite budget video doorbells from Blink, which comes with the Outdoor Camera 4 and Sync Module Core, all for £34.99 (was £119.98). That's a massive £85 saving.

It's not just about doorbell and cameras, there deals on Amazon's most popular audio and entertainment devices, too. For example, you can score a Ring Video Doorbell and get a new Fire TV Stick HD all for £63.99 (was £139.98), saving you £76.

If you're like me and have been eyeing some devices up for a while, this is the time to score them. But what's the rush, you may ask? These deals are only available for a few more hours before Amazon's official Spring Sale gets the green light.

Best Blink and Ring smart home deals

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.

Keeping an eye on your property has never been easier with a wealth of home security deals making it cheap and simple to secure your home. Right now, you can buy the Blink Outdoor Camera 2K+ at Amazon for £44.99 (was £89.99), which is the very first discount for the latest outdoor camera and a strong way to kick off this year's Spring Deal Days sale.

Only launched last month, the Blink Outdoor Camera 2K+ looks immensely promising, especially at this price. It offers a 2K video resolution with colour vision in low light, while there’s 4X zoom for when you need to see something even closer. Perfect for those times when you want to check that a courier is delivering your parcel to the right safe space, or to see who's calling.

The discount is only on the white model, but it’s a nice-looking and small unit. Crucially, it hasn’t seen a price drop before, so this is a good time to buy new tech for much less than expected.

Today’s best home security camera deal

We haven’t had a chance to review the Blink Outdoor 2K+ yet, but we have spent time with the smaller Blink Mini 2K+ and gave it 4.5 stars in our review. The indoor version offers “decent 2K video quality”, which is what we’re expecting from the outdoor camera.

As with many of the best home security cameras, you’ll likely want to sign up for a Blink subscription to unlock features like smart notifications, but it’s not essential. You still get all the core features, and I definitely like the sound of that two-year battery life at such an affordable price.

While you’re making your home smarter, consider one of the Amazon Echo deals to pair with this. That way, you can ask Alexa about the camera and even view it on screen with the right Echo unit.

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.

I purchased a Blink Mini 2 in the Black Friday sales, but I'm wishing I had waited, as the security camera has just dropped to a new record-low price. More precisely, you can snap up the Blink Mini 2 at Amazon for just £13.99 (was £29.99).

Even at full price, we rate the original version highly for affordability, as you can read about in our best home security cameras guide. So, this upgraded model is an even better buy while it's on sale. With its wide field of view, the tiny camera is perfect for capturing entire rooms, hallways, or landings.

Just a heads up: if you'd like to record clips from the camera, you'll need to pay for a monthly Blink subscription or buy a Sync Module 2 for a one-off cost (to get local storage). And, if you already own a Blink camera, then the Mini 2 slots nicely into your existing ecosystem.

All in, this is a reasonably performing home security camera that costs the same as three or four coffees. Get it while it's still cheap as chips.

Today’s best Blink Mini 2 deal

In our Blink Mini 2 review, we may have only felt able to rate the home security camera three and a half stars, but the reality is that it's very difficult for a super basic and budget-friendly product to achieve much higher. The lowish rating is on account of many features being blocked by a paywall and the lack of advanced features such as remote movement or a remote cover.

That being said, it now only costs £13.99. At that price, you're no doubt happy to forgo a few of these features in favour of saving a few pounds. As well as the bargain price, it has the benefit of being super compact, records reasonable video quality, and can link to a separately purchased Sync Module 2 for local storage.

This is a highly recommended deal, but it's not the only one available right now. Head over to our home security camera deals and Ring doorbell deals pages for more options, especially if you’re looking for better image quality.

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.

If you’re looking to secure your home, or at least keep an eye on things while you’re away, there’s an incredibly cheap option right now. Today, you can buy the Blink Mini at Amazon for £9.99 (was £21.99), which equals its record low that we saw back at the end of 2025.

It’s the kind of price that makes me wonder if I need another camera at home, too. The Blink Mini only works indoors, but it’s perfect if you want to cover one particular room or you’re concerned about pets. I have one set up to keep an eye on my guinea pigs any time I’m travelling.

It’s simple to set up and use, while it provides instant peace of mind. You can even use it to talk to anyone in the room, although I’m not convinced my guinea pigs appreciate that feature.

Today’s best cheap security camera deal

Our Blink Mini review was a little critical of the need to pay for cloud storage and the lack of person detection, but for under £10, these feel like less relevant issues.

Crucially, it still offers crisp video quality, “solid night vision performance”, and a “comprehensive app.” Thanks to those features, it’s one of the best home security cameras for anyone on a budget.

As mentioned, I use mine to monitor my pets while I’m away from home. I’ve also seen people use it as an alternative to one of the best video doorbells, as you can place it on your front window to see who’s calling. It’s a very simple solution to any situation when you need to keep an eye on things.

If you want something more packed with features, there are some good home security camera deals around. Alternatively, if you want to switch up your doorbell, check out the Ring Video Doorbell deals available today.

• 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

• Ring is rolling out a new feature to help prevent duplicate notifications
• AI Single Alert ensures you're only notified about a particular event once
• It's available for all existing Ring doorbells and security cameras

Ever been annoyed by excessive notifications from your video doorbell or home security camera? Ring has just launched a solution that uses AI to condense related alerts together so you only receive a single message when an event takes place.

Back in June, Ring launched Ring Video Descriptions, which use AI to identify what triggered your doorbell or camera, and describe it using text so you can see what's happening at a glance. If you know what's going on, and were expecting it, you can dismiss the notification without having to watch the recording.

These notifications are fine for something brief like a person arriving at the door, or someone loitering by a window, but it's not ideal for situations like your kids playing in the garden or a gardener trimming a hedge, which could trigger your camera multiple times.

AI Single Alert takes things a step further by analysing Video Descriptions that are generated, and grouping together ones that are very similar so you're not disturbed unnecessarily.

Knock, knock...

AI Single Alert should work much better than Apple Intelligence summaries, which used to interpret multiple alerts from the Ring app as meaning there were multiple people waiting at the front door.

"When I first installed the beta, maintenance was working on my apartment for a few hours going in and out, I gasped when I looked at my phone near the end of the day and it said '47 people are at your front door,'" wrote one Reddit user. soon after Apple Intelligence Summaries rolled out.

Apple Intelligence making me think I’m gonna get sprung with an intervention when I just walked past my front door a few times. from r/iphone

AI Single Alert is compatible with all existing Ring doorbells and cameras. It rolled out in the US last month, and is now available to Ring Premium subscribers in the UK. Not sure which Ring membership plan is right for you? Take a look at our complete guide to Ring subscriptions for details of the different tiers, and prices for each one.

• 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.

• Ring is running a competition to win video doorbells and a £1,000 voucher
• It was inspired by five boys who went viral singing for their neighbours
• Record yourself singing a carol to enter, and Ring will donate £10 to charity

You can win a £1,000 Amazon voucher and free video doorbells for your whole street this week by sharing a recording of yourself (plus family and friends, if you like) singing a traditional Christmas carol.

Ring has launched a competition called RingAndSing, inspired by five schoolboys from Denny in Scotland, who decided to spread some festive cheer by going door-to-door singing for their neighbours one evening. Jack Campbell, Dylan Thompson, Cameron Bourne, Liam Phillips, and Ollie Shearer were recorded on a Ring doorbell giving a performance of Wham's Last Christmas, and signing off with "Bye, love you."

The recording went viral after the doorbell's owner, Erin Chalmers, shared it on TikTok, where it racked up almost 2 million views. The boys are now fundraising for Strathcarron Hospice, and for every video entered in the RingAndSing competition, Ring will donate a further £10 to the charity.

How to take part

The contest is open to residents of the UK and Ireland from December 8 to December 15. Your video must feature one or more people singing a traditional Christmas carol (such as 'Deck the Halls') and be recorded using your Ring doorbell. Once you're happy with your performance, use the 'Share' button in the Ring app with the hashtag #RingAndSing.

The boys will pick their five favourite performances, and each winner will receive a £1,000 Amazon voucher, plus free doorbells for their whole street. Take a look at the full terms and conditions.

"I can't believe we have been able to give five people a great Christmas through RingAndSing! Merry Christmas everyone, bye love you!" said Dylan.

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

With the deal I've just spotted, there's never been a better time to pick up your first home security camera. That's because you can snap up the Blink Mini at Amazon for just £9.99 (was £21.99).

This isn't the latest generation model of this popular camera, but at this price, I think it's a bit of a no-brainer. Hey, why not buy a few and dot them around your house for the additional layer of security this holiday season?

This first-gen version lacks colour night vision, can't be used outdoors, and only has basic motion detection – as opposed to full person detection. If those features are important to you, then you'll need to continue your search and perhaps consider the newer Blink Mini 2 instead. But, if it's a basic video camera that you're after, then I'd say snap up one or more of these while they're so cheap.

Today's best Blink Mini deal

We only gave the Blink Mini 3.5 stars in our review, but that was on account of the lack of local storage and that there's no person detection. If the first of these is important to you, then you could buy an additional sync module or sign up for a Blink subscription.

Blink Basic (which supports one device) costs £2.50 per month or £24.99 per year, while Blink Plus (for multiple devices) is £8 per month or £80 per year.

More positively, we found the Blink Mini to be a "sturdy, attractive, and simplistic home security camera that offers crisp, Full HD video along with solid night vision performance and a comprehensive app." It might be cheap and cheerful, but it'll get the job done.

If you'd like to explore your options, then take a look at our home security camera deals page. There are also plenty of deals to be had on the best video doorbells at the moment.

There's never been a better time to pick up a Blink security camera or video doorbell, with huge price cuts for Cyber Monday. I'm TechRadar's smart home tech editor, and I've hand-picked all the best Cyber Monday deals on these mini security cams to help you protect your property, watch your pets, or keep an eye out for wildlife in your yard.

• Shop Amazon's full Cyber Monday sale in the US
• Shop Amazon's full Cyber Monday sale in the UK

Blink is an Amazon brand, so it's no surprise that's where you'll find the best deal prices. In the US, for example, you can grab a bundle including the Blink Video Doorbell, Blink Outdoor 4 and Blink Sync Module Core for only $37.99 at Amazon (was $139.98). With 73% off, that's one of the biggest savings I've seen on anything this Cyber Monday.

In the UK, the same Blink Video Doorbell, Blink Outdoor 4 and Blink Sync Module Core bundle is £39.99 at Amazon (was £119.98). That's a slightly smaller discount, but still well under half price, and spectacular value for this outdoor security starter set.

Blink camera Cyber Monday deals – US quick links

• Amazon: cameras and doorbells half price or less
• Best Buy: up to $180 off Blink camera bundles
• Home Depot: cheap Cyber Monday bundle deals
• Lowe's: selected cameras less than half price

Today's best Blink Cyber Monday deals in the US

Blink camera Cyber Monday deals – UK quick links

• Amazon: Blink security cameras half price or less
• Argos: Half-price cameras selling out fast
• B&Q: Blink cameras for delivery, or click and collect

Today's best Blink camera Cyber Monday deals in the UK

Although you can use Blink cameras without any extra fees, to benefit from all their features (such as cloud storage and person detection), you'll need a Blink subscription. There are two tiers: Blink Basic and Blink Plus.

Blink Basic (which supports one device) costs $3.99 / £2.50 per month or $39.99 / £24.99 per year, while Blink Plus (for multiple devices) is $11.99 / £8 per month or $119.99 / £80 per year.

• See Blink subscription deals in the US

• See Blink subscription deals in the UK

More Cyber Monday deals in the US

• Amazon: 45% off TVs, AirPods, air fryers & vacuums
• Apple: iPads, AirPods & MacBooks from $119
• Best Buy: $1,000 off TVs, laptops & headphones
• Dell: laptop deals from $249.99
• Home Depot: 40% off appliances, furniture, grills & tools
• Lenovo: 45% off laptops & tablets
• Lowe's: up to 30% off appliances, holiday decor & tools
• Samsung: up to $2,000 off appliances, TVs & phones
• Target: 40% off Christmas decor, clothing & furniture
• T-Mobile: up to $1,100 off latest iPhone 17
• Walmart: furniture, cheap TVs & vacs from $69
• Wayfair: 54% off Christmas, furniture & decor

More Cyber Monday deals in the UK

• Amazon: up to 66% off tech & essentials
• AO: up to £500 off Dyson, Bosch & Hisense
• Argos: up to 50% off appliances, tech & toys
• Boots: save on 1,000s of beauty products
• Currys: deals on Ninja, Shark & Lenovo
• Dell: laptops from £279
• Dyson: up to £550 off vacuums
• EE: Switch 2 bundles from £20/month
• John Lewis: up to 50% off tech & fashion
• Lego: sets & accessories from £2.99
• Samsung: deals on appliances & phones
• Very: up to 40% off tech, toys & fashion

Installing one of the best video doorbells can improve security and help you manage access to your home. These clever cameras are far more than just digital peepholes. They provide two-way communication, that allows you to communicate with guests, delivery drivers, and other callers from your phone or one of the best smart displays.

We've tested all of the models in this guide, mounting them beside our own front doors for daily use. When recommending the best video doorbell, we consider the camera quality, intelligent features, storage and installation as well as subscription costs to help you choose the best video doorbell for your needs.

The best video doorbells 2025

The best video doorbell overall

The Philips 7000 Series, which launched a few years ago, took our vote for the best video doorbell of 2024 thanks to its sharp picture quality, ease of use and value for money. In 2026 it's still that good and our top pick.

Unlike most video doorbells we've tested, it can be used wired or wirelessly, and comes with a charm that you can use anywhere in your home. We found it a piece of cake to install (just screw on the mount and install the mobile app via a QR code), and its video footage proved crisp and clear even in challenging lighting conditions. The picture quality is excellent during the day, and night vision works well too, helping you easily identify callers after dark.

The twin camera setup works well too, giving you a clear view of visitors, plus parcels left at your door. The only thing we found frustrating was the slight delay when using two-way audio to speak with callers, which made having an extended conversation somewhat difficult. For everyday use, though, this video doorbell is hard to beat.

Read our full Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell review

The best budget video doorbell

In our opinion, Arlo's first video doorbell is the best available on the market right now. If you already have other Arlo devices, it's a no-brainer; if not, it should still be top of the list of considerations.

Slim and stylish, it displays super-detailed footage. Thanks to the camera's 180-degree field of view and 1:1 aspect ratio, you can view the entire length of the person at your door, including any packages on the ground by their feet.

This is a mains-powered unit, so we'd recommend it's professionally installed, but Arlo does offer a battery-powered version called Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Wire-Free.

It's one of a handful of doorbell cameras that integrates with Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit. However, you'll need to subscribe to the Arlo Secure service to get the most out of the doorbell, including features such as going back and viewing who was at the door if you missed the call and giving callers the chance to leave a message for you.

Why not check out our Arlo coupon codes to save money on your purchase?

Read our full Arlo Video Doorbell review

The easiest video doorbell to use

UK-based company Doro makes tech with senior users in mind, but the Hemma doorbell is a great pick for anyone who wants a video doorbell that's affordable, well made, and easy to use.

The doorbell itself is easy to install and charge (which you'll need to do every 10 days), and our reviewer found the mobile app refreshingly straightforward, putting key features at your fingertips, including thoughtful security features. For example, if you don't recognize a visitor, you can redirect the call to a friend or neighbor, or sound a loud siren to attract attention. There was minimal lag when we used two-way audio to speak with visitors (no more than you'd expect on a Zoom call).

For us, the only drawback was that the motion sensor seemed to be a bit too sensitive, generating false alerts when neighbors passed by, but this is unlikely to be a problem if you live in a detached house, and you can always choose to deactivate it if not.

Read our full Doro Hemma review

The best video doorbell for package deliveries

With not one but two cameras, one of which faces the ground, this video doorbell is ideal for anyone that gets lots of deliveries. Not only does the second camera pick up any parcels that might be at the feet of anyone at your doorstep, but handy features, including pre-record messages that can be broadcast when anyone approaches said package, are good for deterring any would-be opportunist thieves.

Like the Eufy Video Doorbell 2K (Wireless), which appears further down in this list, the Video Doorbell Dual is battery-powered, making it suitable for renters or DIY novices. Even better, it ships with a base station that offers 16GB of local storage for videos recorded by the doorbell, so no subscription is required to get the most out of it.

However, it's bulkier than many doorbells on this list, and the battery isn't swappable, so the doorbell will be out of action when it needs recharging. Also, while it integrates with Alexa and Google Assistant, Apple fans will be dismayed to hear there's no HomeKit support. That said, this doorbell could prove invaluable if you get regular deliveries when you're not at home.

Read our full Eufy Video Doorbell Dual review

The best battery-powered video doorbell

The new Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus brings some marked improvements to camera quality, as well as new intelligent features that make the upgrade well worthwhile. Its new head-to-toe view, in particular, makes a marked difference in everyday use.

The new model is packing a new camera with 1536p resolution, night vision with color, and a snazzy new head-to-toe view thanks to the increased vertical field of view (150 degrees by 150 degrees), and is a noticeable iterative improvement on the Ring Video Doorbell 4 for an ever-so-slightly higher price. Ring also says the Battery Video Doorbell Plus offers up to three times the battery life of previous models.

There are some downgrades among the upgrades, however. There's no pre-roll (which captures motion four seconds before a motion event is triggered), 5GHz connectivity, or motion alerts on compatible Amazon Echo devices. However, the head-to-toe view, improved overall motion detection and battery life go a long way to making the extra expense worth it.

Read our full Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus review

The best video doorbell with no subscription

The EZVIZ EP3x Pro is a great option if you want to hang onto videos for a long time without having to commit to a rolling subscription fee. That's because this doorbell has a remarkable 32GB internal storage, which lets you store up to six months of footage that you can scour through at a later date.

It's certainly not small (in fact it's one of the biggest video doorbells we've tested), but there's no arguing with its built quality. Video is super clear too, even at night, when the EP3x Pro emits a bright floodlight to illuminate nocturnal visitors.

All of this comes at a surprisingly affordable price - the doorbell retails for a mid-range price $149.99 / £129.99 (about AU$220), but can often be found at a discount if you know where to look. We've found today's best prices for you above.

Read our full EZVIZ EP3x Pro Doorbell review

The best video doorbell for Google Home

Even the best video doorbells usually only record at 2K resolution, but ones that can capture 4K footage from your doorstep are starting to become more common. This new model from Lorex is one of the best examples, and during our tests, we were particularly impressed by the way its wide viewing angles give you a super clear view of people, packages, and more.

It's also great if you're looking for a video doorbell that you can use with a smart speaker or one of the best smart displays, thanks to its compatibility with both Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Unlike some other models, this is a doorbell that can integrate seamlessly into your existing smart home setup.

It's certainly not the cheapest doorbell in this listing, but your super-sharp footage is stored on an internal SD card, so there's no need to pay a monthly subscription fee to see your videos.

We also found its battery life to be shorter than average (possibly due to the energy demands of its high-res camera), and at the time of writing it's only available to buy in the US.

Read our full Lorex 4K Battery Doorbell review

The best video doorbell with AI

The SwannBuddy4K video doorbell launched in early 2024, but received a major software update later in the year that added something unique: AI voice responses generated on the fly in response to what's happening on your doorstep - with a tone of voice chosen by you.

It's an interesting idea, but during our tests it was this doorbell's superb video quality and well-designed software that really impressed us - it's exceptional even without the new voice assistant. We found it refreshingly simple to install (though the metal mount may limit your options when it comes to positioning a little depending on your doorframe), and the mobile app makes customizing settings and defining detection zones a piece of cake.

We also appreciated the fact that the SwannBuddy4K offers internal storage via a MicroSD card, so there's no need to pay a monthly fee to access your video archives (though a subscription plan is available if you want cloud storage as well). This, combined with the relatively low initial cost and frequent discounts, makes the SwannBuddy4K particularly good value.

Read our full SwannBuddy4K review

We also tested

We've tested lots of video doorbells here at TechRadar. Here are some that didn't quite make our shortlist.

How we test video doorbells

All the video doorbells which you have seen in this guide have been reviewed in the homes of our contributors and editors to ensure we know how they handle real homes and real-world conditions. We take our testing as seriously as we would if we were spending our own hard-earned cash, because we don't want you to waste yours.

To compare the best video doorbells, we review the quality of the footage they capture both during the day and at night. We also judge the sound quality of the video, as well as how easy it is to have a conversation with someone on the doorstep.

We also assess the ease of installation and, if relevant, the battery life, along with how simple the app is to navigate and the benefits offered by any subscription services. Many such services offer secure storage for footage and more advanced features designed to identify what triggered a motion alert and reduce unwanted notifications about activity in the doorbell’s field of view.

FAQs

How to choose the best video doorbell

There are several key factors you need to consider before choosing the best video doorbell for you and your household.

Battery vs wired

Video doorbells are widely available in both battery and mains-powered options, meaning that your current preferences and setup could help you choose. For example, those who already have existing wiring for an old doorbell might find it easier to choose a hardwired option. At the same time, renters could be better suited to a battery-powered model.

If you do opt for a mains-powered doorbell and aren't completely confident about working on your home's wiring, ensure you opt for professional installation. Meanwhile, a battery-powered alternative requires far less DIY and can be a better alternative despite needing to be regularly charged.

Additional extras

However, you may need to purchase an additional chime to hear a sound inside your house when the doorbell is pressed or set up a compatible smart speaker or smart display to do this for you. The quality of the video doorbell records video in should also be considered - most record footage in Full HD. In contrast, others offer a higher resolution, which is ideal if you have a long driveway and want to clearly see small details in the field of view.

Aspect ratio

If you get a lot of deliveries, also consider a video doorbell that offers a 1:1 aspect ratio - so you’ll be able to see the full length of someone on your doorstep and if they have a package at their feet too.

Storage and subscriptions

Finally, consider how the video the camera captures is stored - does it require a subscription to save the video in the cloud so it can go back and be reviewed after it has happened? These will set you back a little extra each month, so remember to factor in this cost. Some video doorbells offer local storage, so you don’t have any ongoing costs associated with the camera, while others provide free cloud storage for a limited time after the video has been recorded.

• Check out the best Ring video doorbell deals and prices 

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

• Eufy has launched a new home security camera with no monthly fees
• Recordings are stored locally on an SD card rather than in the cloud
• There's currently an early-bird discount of £40 off starter bundles

Eufy, maker of some of the best home security cameras we've tested here at TechRadar, has launched a new compact cam with AI-powered subject-detection, color night vision, and no extra monthly subscription fees to sting you later on.

Interested? You can currently pick up a starter kit of two cameras plus the HomeBase Mini hub for just £129.99 (was £169.99) direct from Eufy when you enter the code WS24E8110, and grab an add-on camera for even wider coverage for £49.99 (was £69.99) with voucher code WS24T8110.

Today's best EufyCam C35 deals

Some home security cameras will show you live video on your phone for free, but require a monthly subscription plan if you want to review past events later on. The EufyCam CS5 is different, saving your recordings to an SD card rather than storing them in the cloud. Each camera will hold an SD card up to 256GB in size, and you can fit a 1TB card inside the Eufy HomeBase Mini hub included with the CS5 starter kit.

The CS5 also gives you a package of other advanced features that other security companies would usually lock behind a paywall. For example, you can get instant alerts on your phone when the camera's AI-enhanced software detects people, vehicles, and pets within activity zones – and it can even identify specific faces so you know exactly who's arrived.

Other features include time-lapse recording, so you can easily track activity over the course of the whole day; color and infra-red night vision; and lights and alarms that can be triggered automatically to warn off intruders.

The EufyCam CS5 is designed to be used indoors or outside, and can be mounted using screws or a magnetic mount, strapped around a post or tree, or simply placed on a flat surface. It's IP67 rated for protection against water and dirt, and can even be attached to a solar panel (sold separately) to extend its battery life.

• Arlo has launched a new set of five home security cameras with AI features
• The cameras can identify familiar people and vehicles, and even detect fires
• Their most advanced features are only available to Arlo Secure subscribers

Arlo, maker of some of the best video doorbells we've tested, has just launched five new security cameras that can use AI to recognize visitors, detect packages, and even warn you about house fires by identifying flames.

The Essential 3 camera series includes two indoor cameras and three weather-resistant outdoor cams, with both wired and wireless versions. All are available to pre-order now, for dispatch on October 1.

The Essential 3 Outdoor Pan Tilt Zoom is a wired camera with a 130-degree field of vision, and it can pan and tilt to follow subjects without blind spots. Prices start at £129.99 for a single 2K-resolution camera. The Arlo Essential 3 Indoor Pan Tilt Zoom has very similar features, and will 'look away' when disarmed to protect your privacy. It costs £89.99 for one camera, or £129.99 for two.

There's also the wireless Arlo Essential 3 Outdoor with siren and spotlight, which starts at £99.99, and the Arlo Essential 3 Outdoor XL with extended battery life, starting at £169.99 for a bundle of two. Finally, there's the wired Essential 3 Indoor, with a physical privacy shield that engages when the camera is disarmed. This costs £79.99 for one, or £99.99 for a twin pack.

All are compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and IFTTT, but not Matter at the time of writing.

Subscription plans

That initial cost is quite low for a home security camera, but bear in mind that you'll also need an Arlo Secure subscription to unlock the AI features.

In the UK, there are three subscription tiers: Secure Single Cam, Secure Multi Cam, and Early Warning System. All three will store your videos in the cloud, detect people, animals, vehicles, and packages, and provide a replacement cam if yours is stolen, but only the top tier will identify specific people and cars and alert you to fires. Arlo Secure Early Warning System costs £16.99 per month or £169.90 per year,

If you're looking for a security cam without any extra fees, take a look at my guide to the best subscription-free home security cameras. None of these offer the same package of AI-powered features as Arlo's new cams, but all can store your video clips locally and have no key features hidden behind a paywall.

You might also like

• I'm a smart home tech editor, and these are my 3 favorite cheap video doorbells – with no sneaky subscription fees
• I tested the Baseus Security S2 – a camera powered by a solar panel that rotates to follow the sun – and it really works
• Swann's latest home security camera will protect your home with 4K footage and sharp night vision – and it's subscription-free

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.

Thanks to their rich feature sets and relative affordability, video doorbells are becoming increasingly popular amongst homeowners and apartment dwellers. But, if you'd like a more complete security solution, then I recommend buying this Blink Outdoor 4 and Blink Doorbell bundle at Amazon for £69.99 (was £119.98).

That means you'll get one of the best video doorbells and one of the best home security cameras, all for under £70. That's an absolute steal and an ideal entry-level solution for keeping an eye on your doorstep as well as one other space outside your home.

Today's best Blink security camera deal

In our Blink Outdoor 4 review, we spoke highly of its affordability, wire-free design, two-year battery life, and easy-to-use app. Supporting 1080p HD live video and infrared night vision, you'll get high-resolution footage all the way through the day and night.

When paired with the Blink doorbell, you're essentially getting two high-definition cameras in one unified package. In our Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) review we awarded the doorbell a respectable four stars thanks to its extra-long battery life, wide field of view, and super-simple installation.

One of the primary benefits of going with Blink for both doorbell and camera is that you can control everything inside one single app. This makes the whole process of monitoring your home as convenient as it can be.

If you're looking for security solutions, then we have plenty of guides and deals pages to help you make informed decisions. We recommend taking a look at our best cheap home security camera sales and deals, best home video surveillance, and best video doorbells pages.

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

You might also like

• Reolink's new subscription-free security camera protects your home with 360-degree coverage and super-bright floodlights
• Swann's latest home security camera will protect your home with 4K footage and sharp night vision – and it's subscription-free
• Philips Hue takes on Ring with its first video doorbell – but which deserves a place on your wall?

Home security cameras have always suffered from the same problem – they're brilliant at recording everything, but not so great at helping you quickly and easily find anything useful later. At least, until now.

Reolink has tackled this problem head-on, with two new products launching at IFA 2025 – ReoNeura AI technology and the TrackFlex Floodlight WiFi camera.

Instead of fast-forwarding through hours of footage looking for that delivery van or wondering when your cat escaped the garden, you can simply ask the system to show you what you need.

It sounds simple enough, but it could also change how we think about home security. Excited? Us too. Here’s more info:

Video search that actually works

ReoNeura is Reolink's answer to the eternal problem of finding specific footage in days or weeks of recordings. Instead of scrubbing through endless video files, you can search using simple commands. Type "white car" or "person carrying umbrella," for example, and the system pulls up relevant clips within seconds.

In addition to Local AI Video Search, Reolink also offers a cloud-based feature called AI Video Search +. It allows devices that don’t support Local AI Video Search to access the same functionality through a cloud subscription.

ReoNeura also now includes cloud-based Video Captioning that automatically converts footage into clear, natural-language summaries, letting you understand what happened at a glance without watching entire clips. Smart Event Detection (Beta) also tracks deliveries and detects when objects appear or disappear, sending alerts that genuinely matter, rather than needlessly distracting you with generic motion notifications.

The clever bit is that all this processing happens on the camera itself, powered by on-device AI that ensures your footage never leaves your property – a major win for privacy enthusiasts.

The tech can also distinguish between people, bikes, vehicles, animals, and parcels, building up a searchable index of everything it sees.

For busy homeowners, this could be a massive time-saver. Whether you're checking on elderly relatives, monitoring pet activity, or investigating that mysterious noise from last night (thanks, foxes), ReoNeura's search functionality comfortably beats the traditional approach of manually scrolling through recordings.

TrackFlex: dual cameras, smarter tracking

The TrackFlex Floodlight WiFi is where Reolink puts this AI technology to work, with the world’s first 4K 360-degree PTZ floodlight camera with local AI Video search. The system uses two lenses working in tandem – a 4K wide-angle camera covering 104° horizontally, plus a telephoto lens offering 6× hybrid zoom across a narrower 38° field of view.

The wide lens keeps tabs on everything in view, while the zoom lens automatically tracks anything interesting – people, cars, or animals that trigger the motion detection. It's a neat solution to the usual trade-off between broad coverage and detailed close-ups.

What sets TrackFlex apart, though, is its seamless integration of security functionality with everyday utility. The system's 3,000-lumen floodlights aren't just there to scare off nefarious intruders – they also double up as adaptive lighting solutions that enhance your outdoor ambience.

In other words, you can customise the floodlight’s brightness and adjust its colour temperature (ranging from warm 3,000K ambient lighting to crisp 6,000K security illumination), to easily help effortlessly transition between welcoming guests and deterring intruders.

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