The Best Home Security Cameras To Keep Your Home Safe Without Spending A Fortune - Forbes

-

You can invest thousands of dollars to have a professional home security system installed and then pay more to have it monitored 24/7. However, if your security concerns don't warrant that level of protection, you can install a smart home security camera yourself—often within minutes—for less than $300. These cameras can help you monitor your home directly from your smartphone or computer.

The best home security cameras include features like motion detectors, full-color night vision and cloud-based storage. Many also rely on a mobile app that gives you full remote control over the camera from virtually anywhere. After testing and extensive research, we've compiled this list of inexpensive and easy-to-install home security cameras. This roundup includes the Arlo Ultra 2 Wireless Security Camera, our pick for the best home security camera overall.

  • Best Home Security Camera Overall: Arlo Ultra 2 Wireless Security Camera
  • Best Outdoor Home Security Camera: Ring Floodlight Cam Plus
  • Best Stand-Alone Outdoor Security Camera: Ring Spotlight Cam Pro
  • Best Indoor Home Security Camera: Eufy Cam 2C
  • Best Indoor/Outdoor Home Security Camera: Ring Stick Up Cam
  • Best Budget Home Security Camera: Wyze Cam V3

How We Chose The Best Home Security Cameras

We combined research with hands-on testing and experience, and spoke with product experts and industry leaders to help us determine the products that made the cut. We carefully evaluated each home security camera's resolution, power source, mobile app and more. We also paid attention to what sets each home security camera apart from its competition.

Features To Look For When Choosing A Home Security Camera

Most home security cameras have a very specific purpose—to monitor the inside or outside of your home. However, some have more diverse applications, such as the ability to serve as a baby cam, pet cam, or babysitter cam. It's essential that you determine your needs and pinpoint your security concerns before investing in any home security equipment, including remotely operated home security cameras like the ones featured in this roundup.

The cost for a smart home security camera that can be monitored and controlled from your smartphone or computer ranges from less than $30 to around $400. Here are some key features to take into account as you shop.

Camera Resolution

Virtually all of the home security cameras out there offer at least 1080p resolution, which is more than adequate. However, some have 2K or even 4K resolution, which means the video shows a lot more detail. We don't recommend choosing a home security camera with less than 1080p resolution.

Camera Field Of View

Without moving the camera, its field of view (FOV) determines how wide of an area the camera covers. A wide the field of view allows you to see more of an indoor or outdoor area, but it might capture less detail.

Power Supply

In most cases, the home security cameras are battery powered, hardwired to your home's electricity, or need to be plugged into a standard electrical outlet. Plug-in cameras tend to be only for indoor use. A few manufacturers offer an optional solar panel that allows you to power an outdoor security camera using sunlight and a battery.

Figure out what your needs are and how much installation you're willing to do in order to initially set up each home security camera. For outdoor cameras, hardwired and solar setups tend to take more effort to initially install, but generally need less upkeep in the long term. Battery-powered cameras are faster to install and can give you more flexibility as to location, but you'll need to think about charging or swapping the batteries.

Weather Resistance

The way indoor versus outdoor home security cameras are designed is vastly different. While some work in any condition, those designed exclusively for indoor use should not be installed outside. Indoor-only cameras are not waterproof or built to withstand harsh weather conditions or extreme temperatures.

If you plan to install cameras around the outside perimeter of your home, make sure the cameras you select are fully water resistant and durable.

Smart Home Compatibility

Be sure to consider if the security camera you plan to buy works with your computer and smartphone, as well as any other smart home gear you already have installed. That might include an existing doorbell, door and window sensors, or security lighting. If you're primarily an Apple user, you want the home security camera you purchase to be Apple HomeKit and Siri compatible. If you're an Android-based device user, choose a home security camera that supports Google Assistant or Alexa.

You may also want your security camera to be compatible with a smart home hub, such as the Google Nest Max, Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen), or one of the Amazon Echo Show home hubs that feature a built-in display, camera and microphone.

One- Or Two-Way Audio

In addition to being able to show a live feed and record video, many (but not all) home security cameras offer one-way or two-way audio capabilities.

One-way audio means that from whatever device you're using, you can hear the audio the camera's microphone is picking up. Two-way audio means you can both hear the audio that the camera picks up, and speak with whomever you see on camera.

Local Or Cloud-Based Storage Options

Local storage means that any audio and video content the camera captures is be saved on a memory card that's installed within the camera itself. When a camera has remote, cloud-based storage, all content is stored online and is readily accessible via your internet-connected smartphone or computer.

If your home security camera relies on cloud-based storage, it requires a continuous internet connection via your home's Wi-Fi network. In this case, the camera might also require a hub which physically connects to your modem or router. In some cases the required hub comes with the camera, but there are instances where this device is sold separately—like for our top pick. Other camera systems don't need a hub at all.

Night Vision

Being able to see what your home security camera picks up during the day is one thing, but what happens after dark or if the lights in your home are turned off? Night vision is a must-have function of a security camera. Ideally, you want a home security camera that has full-color night vision and a range of more than 20 feet.

Ease Of Installation

Some home security cameras come with a strong adhesive to stick the camera onto a smooth wall inside or outside your home, and some have a built-in base and get placed on a flat surface. However, many cameras require some basic tools to initially install—like a screwdriver or drill. The camera's power source also has implications for how complicated it is to install.

Determine how much of a commitment you want to make installing the cameras, especially outdoor cameras that need to be mounted on or near your roof. Keep in mind, you always have the option of having a camera professionally installed by an electrician—especially if the camera requires being hardwired to your home's electricity.

Ongoing Subscription Fees

Many of the cameras featured in this roundup offer at least some free cloud-based storage. However, if you want to expand that storage or get additional services, you are required to pay a monthly subscription fee. When choosing a camera, determine consider these fees and what you get for the money. Then decide if this is an ongoing investment you're willing to make, or if you'd prefer a home security camera that has no ongoing monthly fees associated with its operation.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted tech team strives to offer accurate and trustworthy product assessments that are the result of intensive research and hands-on testing. Our writers and editors have years of experience writing about a broad range of consumer electronics and have the background and expertise to help you make the best buying decisions possible.

Other Articles You Might Like

Forbes Vetted regularly covers all types of consumer electronics and then reviews and recommends the best products in specific categories. Here are some other articles you might enjoy reading:

  • Best Home Security Systems
  • Best Pet Cameras
  • Best Video Doorbells

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Best Home Security Cameras 2023 - The Tech Edvocate

-
Image
In recent years, home security has become a major concern for property owners. With advancements in technology, having a reliable home security system is essential for the safety and security of your family and belongings. One such integral component of a modern home security system is the security camera. In this article, we will discuss the best home security cameras available in 2023 to help protect your home and loved ones. 1. Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera: Arlo Pro 4 is a top-of-the-line wireless camera that boasts impressive features such as 2K HDR video quality, color night vision, and two-way audio. The integrated spotlight protects your home during the night by providing sufficient lighting to scare off intruders. With its weather-resistant design, the Arlo Pro 4 can be mounted indoors or outdoors, making it a versatile solution for almost any home. 2. Google Nest Cam IQ Indoor: Google's Nest Cam IQ In...
Read more

CCSO 911 communication officers wanted; starting pay increased - Citrus County Chronicle

-
Image
CCSO 911 communication officers wanted; starting pay increased - Citrus County Chronicle CCSO 911 communication officers wanted; starting pay increased - Citrus County Chronicle Posted: 22 Sep 2020 07:32 AM PDT Tiana Jarrell's eyes scoured a cluster of computer monitors with maps and details on 911 calls. Her hands glided across keyboards, ready to take a sudden phone call for help and relay the emergency to appropriate responders. Jarrell's first shift alone "on the floor" of the Citrus County Sheriff's Office's 911 Communications Center inside the Emergency Operations Center was July 4, 2020. Independence Day seemed somewhat fitting as it marked the end of Jarrell's 700 hours of paid intake training after her hiring in February. Jarrell was drawn into the job because of its parameters, qualification requirements and benefits. "The obvious rewards are helping people, and I t...
Read more

The race to create a perfect lie detector – and the dangers of succeeding - The Guardian

-
Image
The race to create a perfect lie detector – and the dangers of succeeding - The Guardian The race to create a perfect lie detector – and the dangers of succeeding - The Guardian Posted: 04 Sep 2019 10:00 PM PDT W e learn to lie as children, between the ages of two and five. By adulthood, we are prolific. We lie to our employers, our partners and, most of all, one study has found, to our mothers . The average person hears up to 200 lies a day, according to research by Jerry Jellison, a psychologist at the University of Southern California. The majority of the lies we tell are "white", the inconsequential niceties – "I love your dress!" – that grease the wheels of human interaction. But most people tell one or two "big" lies a day, says Richard Wiseman, a psychologist at the University of Hertfordshire. We lie to promote ourselves, protect ourselves and to hurt or avoid hurting others. The mystery is how we keep g...
Read more