The Best Security Camera
We looked at the top 15 Security Cameras and dug through the reviews from 79 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Security Cameras.
Our Review Process
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Whether you run a business or you just want to protect your home, a security camera can be one of the best investments you’ll make. With a camera in place, you’ll be able to check in when you’re away, which will give you the peace of mind you need. There’s a wide range of security cameras designed for indoor areas, and most are packed with features at affordable prices.
Vicki Liston, writer, producer and narrator of “On the Fly…DIY,” says there are three main criteria to consider when looking for a security camera: picture quality, night vision and motion sensing. “On the Fly…DIY” is an award-winning show that focuses on unique project tutorials for home improvement and DIY projects.
“A 1080p or higher video will give you the resolution you need, even at night when it’s hardest to see,” Liston says. “Night vision should be a given, as more crimes statically happen after the sun goes down. The motion-sensing feature starts recording (and some also send notifications to your phone) only when something is actually happening within the camera’s field of vision. This can save hard drive space or battery life, depending on the type of camera.”
If you choose a camera that records in 1080p resolution, also check into the storage you’ll be offered for those videos. Your recordings won’t be very useful if you’re constantly running out of room. You may find that your chosen camera brand provides cloud storage, but you’ll have to pay a monthly subscription price to store your videos. Alternatively, you can buy an SD card and store your videos locally, but you should factor that extra cost into your camera purchase.
Installation and setup should be part of your purchase decision. Some cameras are easier to install than others. Battery-powered cameras can be mounted anywhere, while you’ll need to make sure you’re close to a power outlet if you choose one that needs to be plugged in at all times. Also consider the type of mount your camera comes with and decide whether you can mount a camera with screws to that section of the wall. If you’re a renter, you may want to go with a camera mount that has an adhesive backing to avoid drilling holes in the wall.
Our Picks For The Top Security Cameras
With this security camera, you'll be able to see and communicate with anyone who knocks on your door. The unit is weatherproof and comes with infrared night vision, so you can use it no matter what the weather or outdoor light conditions. If you sync the camera with the app, you can even sign up for motion detection alerts.
Works With AlexaBatteries that last up to two years are included with this security camera purchase.
Keep and eye on your kids and pets with this indoor security camera system. The system includes four cameras that you can place around the home. You can set up motion and audio alerts, which allow you to quickly check on your baby or alert emergency dispatchers if there's a problem.
Best for Larger HomesThis security camera works with both Alexa and Google.
This security camera offers a wide 135-degree field of view, which allows you to keep an eye on a large area. You can use the camera in just about any room, including an office, living room or front porch. It offers both color mode and infrared mode and is intelligent enough to alert you when a human is present, instead of an animal.
Crystal Clear ImagesWith this security camera, you'll enjoy a long 180-day battery life.
Whether you need an indoor or outdoor security camera, this model has you covered. It's equipped with night vision and provides consistent coverage when you need it most. The unit is weatherproof and able to withstand temperatures as low as -13 degrees and as high as 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
Does It AllYou'll get crystal-clear high-definition live video with this security camera.
Available in a choice of black or white, this security camera is easy to install and use. It's capable of panning and tilting a full 360-degrees, so you can quickly get a view of your surroundings. The camera is also equipped with night vision and can be controlled remotely.
Budget-Friendly PickYou'll love the affordable price tag on this security camera.
Why we recommend these security cameras?
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Our Expert Consultant
Home Improvement Expert
Vicki Liston writes, produces, and narrates “On The Fly…DIY,” an award-winning home improvement and DIY show of unique project tutorials for the casual DIY’er.
Home improvement and all things DIY have been Liston’s passion since she bought her first house in 2007 and she started making video blogs in 2014. She’s performed hundreds of DIY projects, from small ones to major, wall-smashing renovations and can teach you how to make a trendy DIY barn door for cheap. The proceeds earned from “On The Fly…DIY” are donated to no-kill animal shelters and rescue organizations.
The Best Bang For Your Buck
wansview Wireless Pan-Tilt Security Camera
Our Take
Available in a choice of black or white, this security camera is easy to install and use. It's capable of panning and tilting a full 360-degrees, so you can quickly get a view of your surroundings. The camera is also equipped with night vision and can be controlled remotely.
What to Look For
- The quality of the images your camera captures is a prime consideration in any security camera. Some models use a feature called motion tagging that keeps objects clear even as they’re moving. Recordings are in 1080p and infrared night vision. Other cameras provide night vision via an infrared light that can capture images up to 65 feet away. Upgraded camera versions capture in 1080p for a higher cost.
- Installation can be complex with traditional security cameras. As Liston points out, though, some newer cameras run on batteries to make this part of the process much easier.
“Battery-operated cameras are incredibly flexible when it comes to installation,” Liston says. “Since they are wireless, you won’t have the added tasks of drilling holes, running wires and ensuring the camera is close enough to an outlet. You can also choose to move the camera to a new location if that becomes necessary in the future. The drawback, though, is that these require a strong Wi-Fi signal and you’ll need to regularly access the camera to change out the batteries. With that in mind, any battery-operated unit should be installed out of reach of a would-be intruder but still accessible enough for maintenance.”
- If installation is a concern, go for a battery-powered model, which can be installed anywhere.
- Mounting security cameras with a magnetic base is fairly easy. However, some don’t have a battery, so you’ll still need to be close to a power plug.
- Chances are, you won’t want your camera to capture video when nothing’s happening. Most security cameras are built to kick on when motion or sound is detected. Some cameras are triggered to record by both motion and sound. The motion detection on certain cameras is questionable, as there is a lag between movement and recording.
- With some cameras, you can speak to the person on the other end. That can come in handy if you have a visitor you want to address. Look for a camera that has two-way audio. With some security cameras, you’ll get two-way audio, but the person on the other end will need to be very close to the camera to hear.
- For those who have an Alexa device, look for a camera that connects up so that you can pull up your feed via voice command.
- As handy as it is to see what your security camera is capturing in real time, if an event takes place, you’ll want to have it captured for later reference. Some models provide 14-day cloud storage. With other models, you’ll need to either purchase a cloud account or an SD card.
- If something happens when you’re away from home, an alert can make all the difference. Consider a camera that lets you customize your alerts and tweak their sensitivity. You’ll also want to receive notifications if your smoke or carbon monoxide detector goes off.
- Many security cameras are built for indoor use. If you need a security camera you can put outside, exposed to the elements, you’ll need to shop specifically for an outdoor camera.
- Since you’ll be saving your videos to the cloud or accessing your live view remotely, you’ll need to choose a camera that will easily connect to your home’s Wi-Fi.
- One great feature to keep an eye out for is a pan and tilt feature that you can access remotely, using an app.
- Viewing angle is also important. Look for a camera with a 360-degree rotation and viewing capability.
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