The best home security camera 2024 - TechRadar
Thanks to the best home security cameras, it's never been easier to secure your home. Where once, it was a costly endeavor to set up full-home monitoring systems, the furtherance of smart home technology means it's not only simple enough to do without consulting security specialists but also much more cost-effective.
Of course, there are extra costs to consider; some of the more premium features of these home security cameras are typically behind a paywall, and if you want to utilize them, you will have to pay for a subscription.
Still, home security cameras are some of the best smart home devices to invest in, with different models offering a host of useful features such as motion detection, alerts and notifications, event recording, two-way audio, night vision, app support, and built-in alarms - but not all cameras are created equal, so make sure to read below for what features come included as well as what might be available with an added subscription cost.
Many of these devices can connect with other compatible smart home devices, such as the best smart locks, the best smart lights, and the best video doorbells, as well as voice assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant. We've made sure to test how well these devices perform both as standalone and connected devices, as well as checking out the overall specs, performance, features, and design of each device using our collective years of tech expertise. To that end, we've included indoor and outdoor cameras in this guide for the best security cameras and models at different price points and with different features so that you can find the one that's best for your needs.
The quick list
Indoor cam for most people
Reasonably-priced, this indoor camera is rich with features that include a privacy cover that cuts both video and audio as well as a color night vision. It's also easy to mount and orient.
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Budget indoor cam
This cheap 1080p option packs a punch with both cloud and local storage, a compact design, and crisp video quality. Unfortunately, it doesn't have person detection.
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Premium indoor camera
Recording crisp and clear full HD footage day and night with Alexa and Google Assistant and features like a privacy shutter, this is the best option if your budget is a bit more flexible.
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If you want 2K footage
With comprehensive motion detection settings and local storage, this indoor camera is already a compelling choice. But its clear 2K resolution videos sets it apart from the rest.
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Smart indoor camera with AI
With its incredible AI-powered recognition system, this doesn't just tell you if it's detected a motion. It actually describes to you what it's seeing, making it a compelling entry.
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Works with WiZ devices
This one stands out due to its WiZ-specific features, including SpaceSense, which lets its work well with other Wiz devices, making it an ideal pick if you already have those in your home.
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Outdoor cam for most people
A solid mid-range option, this outdoor camera comes with 365-day battery life, a BaseStation where it stores all of its encoded clips, and Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri integration.
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Outdoor camera on a budget
While it comes with a few compromises like unreliable motion and sound detection, this 1080p outdoor camera records clear footage, a MicroSD card for local storage, and an integrated stand.
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Premium outdoor camera
There's a reason why this camera is a little pricey. It records extremely detailed footage in full color, and has smart features that minimize false alerts and the ability to store footage in the base station.
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If you need floodlights
Flanked by two bright spotlights that turn on every time motion is detected, this outdoor camera also features 3D Motion, which is designed to minimize false alerts. Keep in mind that it requires mains wiring.
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If you want local storage
While this wireless security system offers excellent high-def video resolution and low latency, its biggest selling point is its built-in 1TB hard drive. It can be a process to install, however.
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Outdoor and cable-free
Incredibly compact, subtle and unobtrusive, this full HD camera records clear video even at night. But its best feature is its two-year battery life - the longest we've seen on an outdoor cam.
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The best home security camera 2024
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The best indoor home security cameras
The best indoor security camera overall
The Ring Indoor Cam (Gen 2) may not be as exciting as the original, but it's still a stellar camera to keep tabs on your space. Not only does it offer a 1080p resolution with color night vision, but it has two-way audio with noise cancellation. And, it comes with a privacy cover that can cut audio and visual information when you're home.
The price is also right for this compact indoor camera, though it can get a bit more expensive if you opt for a subscription. And, unfortunately, you need one to unlock all the features and storage options that the Ring Indoor Cam has, such as being able to automate privacy or call back a recording from up to 180 days prior.
Despite its shortcomings, the Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) is still among the best options out there as it's also easy to mount and orient, not to mention integrates well with other Ring products.
Read our full Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) review
The best budget indoor security camera
One of the most affordable home security cameras on the market, the Blink Mini may be compact, but it certainly packs a punch. The full HD footage it records during the day and at night is clear, and we found the camera simple to set up and easy to control using the app.
It offers both cloud and local storage, although you'll need to purchase an additional sync module if you want to use local storage, as unlike the Blink Indoor and the Blink Outdoor (below), this isn't included. There's a free cloud storage trial bundled with the camera, but you'll need to pay a fee if you want to continue with that option.
The Blink Mini lacks person detection, something the only slightly more expensive Ring Indoor Cam (above) offers, but for those that want a device with a small footprint, you'll be hard pushed to do better than the Blink Mini.
Read our full Blink Mini review
The best premium indoor security camera
Privacy is a huge concern for many when choosing a home security camera. But, if the thought of the camera in your home watching your every move is too much to bear, the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera will be right up your street. The privacy shutter can automatically be activated when the camera is disarmed, ensuring that the lens and microphone are disabled so there's no fear of being watched.
On test, we found the camera recorded clear full HD footage during the day and at night, although you will need to subscribe to Arlo Secure, which costs a monthly fee if you want to review footage after it's been recorded. On top of that, it works with Alexa and Google Assistant, although it lacks HomeKit support.
However, while the Arlo Essentials range is billed as the brand's affordable offering, it's more expensive than most affordable home security cameras.
Read our full Arlo Essential Indoor Camera review
The best 2K indoor security camera
A good option for a 360-degree view of your home, the Ezviz C6 security camera is a pan and tilt option that captures footage in 2K resolution. It also allows you to get specific with what you do and don't want alerts for.
On test, we found that the C6 was simple to get started and had a nice, unobtrusive (dare we say cute) design that fits absolutely anywhere you have a surface. To fully use its capabilities, we recommend placing it somewhere in the open rather than on a bookcase or against a wall.
While the setup was pleasingly easy, the Ezviz app was slightly challenging to use and was slow to respond whenever we wanted to adjust settings or get a live view of what was happening. However, the camera itself worked well, spinning and tilting when it detected a presence and providing an impressively wide view even when stopped in one place.
Read our full Ezviz C6 2k+ security camera review
The best indoor camera with AI
The Psync Camera Genie S is a glimpse into the future thanks to its use of AI. It's not quite there yet as its AI image analysis is not as accurate as it should be. However, not only does it do a good job of picking up movement and offering alerts, but it can actually track people and pets by panning and tilting automatically or through the app. You don't have to worry about having the camera pointed in the wrong direction.
The app itself is a breeze to use with plenty of on-screen information while being intuitive enough for even the most novice user. And, you ca...
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