The Best Home Security Cameras of 2024 - Security.org
1. SimpliCam - Top Security Camera Overall
An easy-to-use home security camera that works seamlessly with SimpliSafe security systems
Product Specs
| Resolution | Up to 1080p |
|---|---|
| Field of View | Up to 120° |
| Power | Wired |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi |
| Video Storage | Cloud |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa and Google Home |
Why is the SimpliCam the Best Overall?
Nobody makes home security as easy and hassle-free as SimpliSafe does. We were able to set up an entire SimpliSafe system in less than 30 minutes. And that system we tested? It included the SimpliCam, our top-pick security camera overall.
We tested the SimpliCam both as a standalone indoor camera and as a part of the SimpliSafe system. We have to admit that it's best used with a SimpliSafe package, but it's an excellent camera even on its own. It offers a 1080p HD resolution, it has two-way talk, and it can detect movement reliably. It's also affordable, at only $99. It has the features most homeowners need for video security at a price that won't break the bank. That price-to-feature ratio is one of the reasons we picked it.
Connecting the SimpliCam to SimpliSafe gave us some extra features, like video verification. But in addition to a SimpliSafe system, you also need a Fast Protect professional monitoring plan ($29.99 per month). Video verification maximizes the use of the SimpliCam. When the SimpliSafe system detects a possible intrusion, it sends the SimpliCam's live video to the monitoring center so they can verify the alarm. Verified alarms are typically prioritized by police response.
What We Like
- DIY installation
- Privacy shutter
- User-friendly mobile app
- Two-way audio
What We Don't Like
- Need to pay $9.99 or $29.99 a month to receive cloud storage, notifications and remote control of camera
- No person detection
- 720p HD resolution on older models
- No smart platform integrations
One minor drawback of the SimpliCam is that it doesn't record locally. You'll need a cloud subscription. That's another reason to use the camera with the SimpliSafe security system. Cloud storage costs $4.99 per month for one camera or $9.99 per month for up to five cameras. It isn't the most affordable cloud plan out there, with options like Ring offering cloud storage for unlimited cameras for as little as $10 per month.
With a SimpliSafe security system, cloud storage for up to 10 cameras is included in the Fast Protect plan we mentioned earlier. That's $29.99 per month for professional monitoring, video verification, and cloud video storage. In comparison, a similar plan from Frontpoint costs $49 per month. SimpliSafe's monitoring subscriptions are affordable.
| SimpliSafe cloud recording options | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| 1 camera | $4.99 |
| Up to 5 cameras | $9.99 |
| Up to 10 cameras (with pro monitoring for SimpliSafe) | $29.99 |
It's worth noting that SimpliSafe recently came out with a new indoor camera that is far more advanced than the SimpliCam. It's called the Smart Alarm, and it costs $139.99.
The Smart Alarm camera can be paired with the Fast Protect monitoring plan to gain access to 24/7 live agent monitoring instead of just video verification. Here's how it works: The camera uses AI to detect person-triggered motion events. It reports such events to you and to SimpliSafe's monitoring center. On their end, they'd be able to see through the camera's lens and use the two-way talk feature. So if they see the intruder, the monitoring staff can attempt to stop the crime.
That's taking a more proactive stance in protecting your home, and the Smart Alarm might very well be a good upgrade to the SimpliCam. However, there may be some potential privacy implications, especially because it's an indoor camera. We value privacy, so for now, SimpliCam is still our top choice.
2. Lorex - Easiest to Use Security Camera
High-end Wi-Fi and IP cameras with 4K color and night vision
Product Specs
| Resolution | Up to 4K HD |
|---|---|
| Field of View | Up to 180° |
| Power | Wired, battery, PoE |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, ethernet |
| Video Storage | Cloud, Local |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa and Google Home |
Are Lorex Cameras Easy to Use?
Lorex is known for the quality of its security cameras. Many Lorex camera models are vandal-proof; for example, the ones we tested had heavy-duty metal casings and protected power cords.
Don't be intimidated by their solid construction, though. Lorex cameras are some of the easiest to use security cameras. Although you'll need to spend quite some time setting them up – it took us almost half a day to completely set up, install, and configure our six-camera Lorex system – you'll find that once they're set up, there's not much else to do to keep them running. They are set-and-forget types devices.
One thing we really liked was that it stored footage in a local recording box called a DVR. The DVR has plenty of storage space, usually 1 TB or more, and it's expandable with additional hard drives. Lorex can store footage for days on end without cutting. Ours kept recordings of the past two weeks.
Although Lorex cameras seem dated in design, some of them actually have really advanced features. We've seen dozens and even tested a couple with up to 4K resolution. What really surprised us, though, were the Lorex cameras with artificial intelligence, something we only ever see in more modern brands like Google Nest and Arlo. Certain AI-powered Lorex cameras we tested were capable of distinguishing people from other moving objects, also known as person detection.
FYI: Is artificial intelligence a friend or foe? In the context of security cameras, AI is a friend that improves detection and provides tons of security value. However, that's not the case with all types of AI.
What We Like
- Clear HD video quality up to 4k
- Long-range night vision feature
- Professional-grade design and build
- Feature-rich cameras with smart tech
What We Don't Like
- Expensive high-end camera system
- Easy to be overwhelmed by options
- Cameras must plug-in to power outlets
- Customer service is not the best
One bestselling home-use Lorex camera is the 1080p HD Outdoor Wireless Security Camera. It's an affordable but dependable camera, retailing for as low as $149. We think this camera really represents Lorex well.
The hardware is impressive. It has a 115-foot night vision range, meaning, it can see as far as 115 feet out in near-total darkness. It can record audio and video, it has a 1080p HD resolution, and the construction itself was solid and rugged. It wasn't perfect – we would have liked to see a wider field of vision than its 118-degree lens and it doesn't work in temperatures below zero. However, it's a perfectly reliable and budget-friendly option, which is true for most Lorex cameras.
Speaking of which, Lorex offers a wide variety of options. That's one of the best things about this brand. In most cases, you're free to mix and match different camera models depending on your needs. If you need more indoor cameras, for example, Lorex offers packages with up to eight indoor cameras. That makes personalizing your security camera system a lot easier with Lorex.
3. Ring - Top for DIY Installation
Video doorbells and weatherproof cameras powered by batteries, mains electricity, or the Sun
Product Specs
| Resolution | Up to 1080p |
|---|---|
| Field of View | Up to 155° |
| Power | Wired, battery, PoE, solar |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, ethernet |
| Video Storage | Cloud |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa and Google Home |
Why Ring Has the Best Security Camera Selection Overall
Ring jumpstarted the video doorbell market in the early 2010s, and after being bought by Amazon, it continued to produce innovative security cameras. Today, it has a completely separate line of home security cameras, divided into these models:
- Ring Indoor Cam
- Ring Stick Up Cam
- Ring Spotlight Cam
- Ring Floodlight Cam
Ring cameras leverage advanced technology, but they aren't complicated to use. For example, the newest Ring Spotlight Cam models use radar to more accurately detect and report movement, but when we tested it, it worked just like regular motion detection we've seen countless times from other cameras. And that's the thing about Ring: It provides better-than-most features without complicating the user-experience.
Other Ring camera models include motion detection, two-way voice, and Amazon Alexa and Echo integration like the doorbell cameras. Smart integrations let us control our home alarm system with voice commands and send our security video to various in-home displays of our choice. Ring cloud video storage costs $3.99 per month for one camera or $10 per month for an unlimited number of cameras installed in one address.
What We Like
- Wide-selection of indoor/outdoor cameras
- Easy DIY installation takes only minutes
- Crisp and clear HD video image quality
- Integrates with third-party smart platforms
What We Don't Like
- Some Ring cams are too large
- High-end Ring cameras are expensive
- Ring Pro cam requires hardwiring
- Can be prone to trigger false alarms
Ring has an expansive product catalog, but let's take a look at one example: For most climates, the Ring Spotlight Cam is one of the best weatherproof cameras for scaring off prowlers as it can withstand temperatures five degrees below zero. This $200 camera comes equipped with bright spotlights that you can program to turn on when it detects motion. It also has a 110-decibel siren, plenty loud even for an outdoor camera.
An even more advanced version of the Spotlight Cam was released recently at the 2022 Amazon hardware event, which also features 3D Motion Detection. This additional feature uses radar technology to track the movement of prowlers within your property, and in addition to the camera's live feed, 3D Motion Detection enables a Bird's Eye View of your lawn. That, in addition to the spotlight feature that comes with every Spotlight Cam makes the Spotlight Cam Pro a solid option to stand guard outside your home.
Not all Ring cameras are super-advanced, though. There are also ones that are more low-tech but very reliable and affordable. One example is the Ring Indoor Cam, Ring's most affordable security camera to date. The Ring Indoor Cam is comparable to our top-pick, the SimpliCam. It plugs into an outlet, streams and records videos, and detects motion. And at just over $50, it's an affordable option for those who prefer Ring's catalog of Wi-Fi cameras.
| Ring security cameras | Price range |
|---|---|
| Ring Indoor Cam | $49.99 – $59.99 |
| Ring Stick Up Cam | $99.99 – $199.99 |
| Ring Spotlight Cam | $169.99 – $249.99 |
| Ring Floodlight Cam | $199.99 – $269.99 |
What's New: Another new creation by Ring is the $250 Car Cam, a dual-camera hardware designed to protect your car whether it's running or parked in your garage. It detects motion, is LTE-ready, and has a built-in Alexa so you can start a recording with your voice while driving.
4. ADT - Most Complete Security System with Cameras
Product Specs
| Resolution | Up to 1080p |
|---|---|
| Field of View | Up to 128° |
| Power | Wired, battery |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, ethernet |
| Video Storage | Cloud |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa and Google Home |
Why ADT Cameras are Best if You're Looking for a Complete Home Security System
As you probably know, ADT offers more than just security cameras. In fact, you can only buy ADT security cameras as a part of the ADT home security system. That makes a lot of sense, though. Its alarm monitoring is easily one of ADT's best traits. By pairing its cameras with a monitored security system, you get a cohesive system that detects, alerts you of, and deters crime.
One of ADT's premium monitoring features that we tested to work well with its cameras is called video verification. While the monitoring center doesn't monitor cameras, monitoring agents can verify alerts from ADT sensors using live camera footage. Verified alerts are often prioritized by police and emergency responders. That's one example of how ADT cameras work with ADT systems, and why we recommend ADT if you're looking for a well-rounded security system.
What We Like
- A video analytics system that can differentiate different events
- 1080p HD video resolution on indoor and outdoor cameras
- Two-way audio on every camera
- All cameras come as part of a complete ADT home security system
What We Don't Like
- Relatively high prices
- Video doorbell only has 720p video
- Requires professional installation
- Minimum subscription is three years
For a home security system, ADT is teeming with security camera options. We like the ruggedness of the ADT-branded cameras, especially the outdoor camera (pictured above) with an IP 65 rating. It's water- and dust-proof, and it's built to work in cold and warm climates. That said, we weren't thrilled by its lack of advanced detection features. The video quality was also nothing to write home about and the viewing angle was narrower than we expected.
We much prefer ADT's newer security camera offering. The cameras are from Google Nest; you'll meet them later on because they also made this list. The difference if you buy them from ADT though is that you'll get professional installation, which is required for all ADT security systems (except for the ADT Self Setup system).
Whether you go with ADT cameras or Nest Cams, ADT's greatest selling point is that it's not just a security camera system. It's a complete home security system, and a monitored one at that. ADT's sensors can help detect other dangers that security cameras might not be able to.
On top of that, ADT's monitoring service is top-notch. It's one of the reasons we gave ADT a high overall rating. And because video monitoring automatically activates if you connect cameras to your ADT, you'll be able to integrate video security seamlessly with your home security system.
5. Wyze Cam - Most Affordable Security Cameras
Budget-priced indoor security cameras with free cloud storage for motion-triggered video
Product Specs
| Resolution | Up to 1080p |
|---|---|
| Field of View | Up to 110° |
| Power | Wired |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi |
| Storage | Cloud, local |
| Smart Platform Compatability | Alexa and Google Home |
How Affordable Were the Wyze Cameras?
With prices that start at just $29.99, Wyze makes some of the most affordable indoor security cameras with mobile app integration. Cloud storage is free for motion-triggered events, which makes Wyze a very affordable home security solution overall. Wyze makes its cameras for DIY monitoring.
Special features include geofencing (motion detection zones), Alexa compatibility, and the ability to detect specific frequencies. For instance, the camera sends mobile alerts in response to a smoke alarm.
What We Like
- Lowest priced cameras (starting at $29.99)
- Free 14-day cloud video storage
- Works with Alexa for voice control
- Innovative features like motion tagging
What We Don't Like
- No outdoor camera options available
- No pro monitoring, only self-monitoring
- Has long power cord/must be plugged in
- Does not offer geofencing technology
Despite being a budget security camera brand, Wyze has been making a lot of high-tech cameras. They now have indoor and outdoor cameras, cameras that can pan and tilt mechanically, and even cameras equipped with a spotlight or floodlight for scaring intruders. And the best part? They are all more affordable than what we normally see in the industry.
One example is the Wyze Cam Floodlight, which as the name implies, comes with built-in floodlights. It's nothing to sneeze at; the floodlights are 2,600 lumens bright but dimmable, it comes with a 105 dB siren, it has a 270-degree motion detection range, and it has all the smart features of the Wyze Cam v3 like person and pet detection. In terms of price, though, it costs half of most floodlight cameras. The Ring Floodlight Cam costs $200 and up, while the Wyze Cam Floodlight costs only $93.99.
6. Arlo - Top Video Resolution
Cutting-edge indoor and outdoor cameras with up to 4K resolution
Product Specs
| Resolution | Up to 4K HD |
|---|---|
| Field of View | Up to 180° |
| Power | Wired, battery, solar, PoE |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, ethernet |
| Video Storage | Cloud |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa and Google Home |
How Arlo Has the Best Security Video And Storage
The standard for high-definition security video is 1080p resolution. Arlo pushed the envelope with 4K ultra-high-definition on the weatherproof Ultra security camera, which costs $299. During our evaluations, the Arlo doorbell cameras, indoor cameras, and outdoor cameras automatically lowered their resolution if they detected low bandwidth.
Arlo loaded each camera with special features such as two-way voice, a siren with remote control, and compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Multiple setup options made Arlo cameras famous, too; cameras plugged in or operated wire-free, and magnetic mounts made setup hassle-free. The video was saved locally on a USB or to the cloud, free for seven days. Arlo cameras work best when grouped together to create an integrated network of security cameras.
What We Like
- High-quality home security cameras
- Offers a wide-range of camera options
- No long-term contracts required
- 100% wireless, can be installed anywhere
What We Don't Like
- Steep upfront equipment cost
- Does not offer entryway sensors
- Limited home automation options
- Not sufficient for complete home security
While the Arlo Ultra offers the most impressive video resolution in Arlo's lineup, there are slightly more affordable options that still provide crystal clear video quality. One of our favorites is the Arlo Pro 4, which is an indoor and outdoor camera that runs wire-free on batteries. It's a slight improvement over the Arlo Pro 3 we reviewed.
The Arlo Pro 4 features a 2K HD resolution; slightly lower than the Ultra, but still above industry average. While it costs less than half the latest Arlo Ultra, it provides similar features such as an integrated spotlight and color night vision. It's also quite rugged for a security camera as sleek-looking; it's resistant to rain and sun (it has UV protection, too), and it can operate in temperatures as low as minus four degrees Fahrenheit.
Heads up: The latest from Arlo is the Arlo Pro 5S, a 2K spotlight camera with an extra-wide 160-degree viewing angle, dual-band Wi-Fi, and extended battery life. This latest camera works exceptionally well with the Arlo Home Security System.
7. Nest - Most Compatible with Google Home Cameras
Smart doorbells & indoor/outdoor security cams with facial recognition and continuous recording
Product Specs
| Resolution | Up to 1080p with HDR |
|---|---|
| Field of View | Up to 130° |
| Power | Wired, battery |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi |
| Video Storage | Cloud |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa and Google Home |
Why Nest Is Best for Google Home Security Cams
While our Ring paired naturally with Amazon Alexa, Nest was best with Google Assistant and other Google Home products. Nest cams work intuitively with Google Home speakers. For example, we could say, "Hey Google, play the backyard camera on the kitchen Chromecast," and it would perform the task.
The Nest Cam options include the plugged-in indoor model, the battery-powered weatherproof model, and the floodlight-equipped model. There are also wired and wireless video doorbell options. All these cameras share the same core features, including motion detection, person detection, and activity zones. Each can also be added to a Nest Aware subscription, which enables cloud recording plus up to 10 days of continuous recording at the highest tier. But even without Nest Aware, we still enjoyed mobile notifications from the cameras and three hours of event history with snapshots. That being said, we chose to keep our Nest Aware subscription because of facial recognition.
What We Like
- Smart features like facial recognition
- Access and stream live-video 24/7
- Crisp 1080p HD video quality
- Compatible with Z-Wave technology
What We Don't Like
- Expensive if purchasing multiple cams
- No local video storage options
- Camera must connect to internet
- Customer service could be improved
The smartest feature of all Nest Cam models is facial recognition, or as Nest calls it, Familiar Face Alerts. It's one of those features you can only get with a Nest Aware subscription, but if you shell out the monthly fee, Familiar Face Alerts can improve your home security tremendously.
The Nest Cam starts by cataloging all the faces it sees, and then, it relies on you to put a name to those faces using the accompanying app. Nest's AI is powered by Google, so you know that recognizing faces is no hard task for the camera.
Now, once it has a database of Familiar Faces (don't worry, your camera's Familiar Faces stays on your account and won't be used in facial recognition of other Nest users), you'll be able to really configure your notifications. For instance, you can tell Nest to notify you if this particular person is seen, let's say your kid, so you know they got home safe from school. It's that kind of personalization that makes Nest an incredible partner in home security.
New Feature: You can now view live footage from the latest Nest Cams on Alexa-enabled smart displays and smart TVs. In addition, Alexa can now announce motion detection and doorbell ring alerts, as well as deliver two-way audio.
8. Blink Camera - Top Compact Cameras
Video doorbells and indoor/outdoor cameras with easy installation and long-lasting batteries
Product Specs
| Resolution | Up to 1080p |
|---|---|
| Field of View | Up to 110° |
| Power | Battery |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi |
| Video Storage | Cloud |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa |
Why Blink Is Easiest to Use
Blink sells easy-to-use wireless cameras for indoor and outdoor use. These are low-priced at $35 and up, yet excellent quality. Special features on Blink cameras include one-way or two-way audio, a motion sensor, customizable motion zones, a temperature sensor, and the option to use Amazon Alexa for arming and disarming by voice.
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