Reviews Report
- Reviews.com’s top picks for best home security cameras are the Arlo Pro 4 and Wyze Cam v3 based on price, field of view, and more.
- The best home security cameras have easy DIY installation and plenty of video storage options.
- The Abode Outdoor Smart Cam is the best for all-in-one surveillance as a video doorbell, indoor and outdoor camera.
The best home security cameras give you peace of mind and extra protection. Advanced features like two-way audio, facial recognition, and custom motion zones give customers the extra set of eyes and ears needed to keep a close watch on their homes. Security cameras vary when it comes to cost, power source, and technical specs. It all boils down to what’s best for your home’s security.
We looked at each camera’s features, smart home perks, and technology specs to pick the seven top security cameras for your home. Providers like Ring and Google Nest are the best when it comes to features and smart home compatibility. But Wyze is a great choice for budget-friendly families. No matter which one you choose from our list, you’ll have peace of mind and control in one of the best cameras the industry has to offer.
The 7 Best Home Security Cameras of 2021
- Arlo Pro 4: Best for Video Resolution
- Ring Indoor Cam: Best for Indoor Surveillance
- Google Nest IQ Indoor: Best for Continuous Video Recording
- Wyze Cam v3: Best for Budget
- Cove YI Indoor: Best for Cloud Storage
- Abode Outdoor Smart Cam: Best for Whole-Home Surveillance
- SimpliSafe SimpliCam: Best for a Home Security System
Compare the Best Home Security Cameras
| Reviews.com Score | Price | Resolution | Field of View | Accessories | |
| Arlo Pro 4 | 4.2 | $199.99 | 2K HDR | 180 degrees | Wall mount Video monitoring decal |
| Ring Indoor Camera | 3.8 | $59.99 | 1080p HD | 115 degrees | Mounting based with adjustable angle Wall anchors |
| Google Nest IQ Indoor | 3.6 | $299 | 1080p HD | 130 degrees | Power adapter Power cable Wall mount Plasterboard anchors Cable clips with nails |
| Wyze Camera v3 | 4.2 | $23.99 | 1080p HD | 130 degrees | Magnetic mounting kit 6-foot outdoor USB cable Wall mounts Indoor USB power adapter |
| Cove YI Indoor Camera | 3.2 | $21.49 | 720p HD | 111 degrees | Power adapter USB cable Micro SD card |
| Abode Outdoor Smart Cam | 3.6 | $259 | 1080p HD | 152 degrees | Wall adapter Doorbell mount Magnetic mount USB power adapter Mounting hardware Corded mount Window decal Wall clips |
| SimpliSafe SimpliCam | 3.6 | $99 | 1080p HD | 120 degrees | Micro USB cord |
Arlo Pro 4
Best Video Resolution
Why we chose it
The Arlo Pro 4 has top-notch 2K video resolution that shows crystal clear footage. Customersl also get cloud storage video quality up to 4K HDR for the best video playback quality.
Why we chose it
The Arlo Pro 4 has top-notch 2K video resolution that shows crystal clear footage. Customersl also get cloud storage video quality up to 4K HDR for the best video playback quality.
Pros
- 6 months’ of battery life
- Smart home compatible
- Activity zones reduce false motion alerts
Cons
- Cloud storage for additional cameras costs extra
- Arlo SmartHub required
- Emergency call service only available with multi-camera storage plans
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Features
- Object detection
- Two-way audio
- 160-degree viewing angle
- Night vision
Storage
- 30 days of cloud storage with 2K video quality starting at $2.99/month for one camera, or $9.99/month for up to 5 cameras
- 30 days of cloud storage with 4K video quality starting at $4.99/month for one camera, or $14.99/month for up to 5 cameras
Ring Indoor Cam
Best Indoor Surveillance
Why we chose it
The Ring Indoor Camera offers advanced motion detection and customizable motion zones to get real-time alerts of your home’s activity. It’s easy to set up and control using your smartphone.
Why we chose it
The Ring Indoor Camera offers advanced motion detection and customizable motion zones to get real-time alerts of your home’s activity. It’s easy to set up and control using your smartphone.
Pros
- Real-time notifications
- Works with Amazon Alexa-enabled devices and Schlage smart locks
- Activity zones to reduce motion-triggered alerts
Cons
- Subscription required to save videos
- Professional monitoring only included in Protect Plus Plan
- No backup battery included
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Features
- Advanced motion detection
- Customizable motion zones
- Two-way audio with noise cancellation
- Easy DIY installation
Storage
60 days of cloud storage starting at $3/month for each camera
Google Nest IQ Indoor
Best Continuous Video Recording
Why we chose it
The Google Nest IQ Indoor stores up to 60 days of video clips and offers continuous video recording to capture everything — whether someone’s home or not.
Why we chose it
The Google Nest IQ Indoor stores up to 60 days of video clips and offers continuous video recording to capture everything — whether someone’s home or not.
Pros
- Built-in Google Assistant
- Familiar Face Alerts
- 24/7 live surveillance
Cons
- Doesn’t work with Amazon Alexa
- Continuous video recording costs extra
- More expensive than competitors
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Features
- Supersight
- HD two-way audio
- Person alerts
- 3-hour snapshot history
Storage
- 30 days of video cloud storage for $6/month for all Nest cameras
- 60 days of video cloud storage and 10 days of continuous video storage for $12/month for all Nest cameras
Wyze Cam v3
Best for Budget
Why we chose it
The Wyze Camera v3 has several popular features for an affordable price. You’ll get color night vision, CVR, motion and sound detection and more for a low price.
Why we chose it
The Wyze Camera v3 has several popular features for an affordable price. You’ll get color night vision, CVR, motion and sound detection and more for a low price.
Pros
- 14 days of free cloud storage
- Weather and dust resistant
- Alerts when smoke or CO detectors siren alarms
Cons
- Requires a micro SD card and wiring for CVR
- Doesn’t work with Google Assistant
- Person, package and vehicle detection costs extra
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Features
- Motion detection zones
- 24/7 CVR
- Motion and sound detection
- Color night vision
Storage
- 14 days of free cloud storage included in the camera purchase
- CVR requires a micro SD card
Cove YI Indoor
Best for Cloud Storage
Why we chose it
The YI Indoor Camera is a standard indoor camera with local and cloud storage options. Customers have several storage plans to choose from based on the number of cameras and video recording preferences.
Why we chose it
The YI Indoor Camera is a standard indoor camera with local and cloud storage options. Customers have several storage plans to choose from based on the number of cameras and video recording preferences.
Pros
- Local and cloud storage available
- Easy DIY installation
- End-to-end encryption
Cons
- Not compatible with smart home devices
- No rechargeable battery included
- Object or person detection not included
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Features
- Two-way audio
- Night vision
- Up to 4x digital zoom
Storage
- 7 days of cloud storage for one camera is: $39.99/year
- 15 days of cloud storage for five cameras: $99.99/year
- 30 days of cloud storage for five cameras: $129.99/year
- 7 days of cloud storage with CVR for one camera: $74.99/year
- 30 days of cloud storage and emergency 911 response for five cameras: $149.99/year
Abode Outdoor Smart Cam
Best for Whole-Home Surveillance
Why we chose it
The Abode Outdoor Smart Cam works as a video doorbell, indoor and outdoor camera depending on your surveillance needs.
Why we chose it
The Abode Outdoor Smart Cam works as a video doorbell, indoor and outdoor camera depending on your surveillance needs.
Pros
- Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- All-in-one home surveillance
- Motion-triggered video recording
- Works in low-light conditions
Cons
- Continuous video recording unavailable
- Local storage unavailable
- Subscription required for most video features
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Features
- Intelligent Person Detection
- Two-way audio
- Built-in microphone and speaker
Storage
- 7 days of cloud storage for an average of $6/mo.
- 30 days of cloud storage for an average of $21/month
SimpliSafe SimpliCam
Best for Home Security System
Why we chose it
The SimpliSafe SimpliCam works best with SimpliSafe’s home security systems, but is an affordable standalone camera that works well both indoors and outdoors.
Why we chose it
The SimpliSafe SimpliCam works best with SimpliSafe’s home security systems, but is an affordable standalone camera that works well both indoors and outdoors.
Pros
- Works indoors and outdoors
- Smart motion detection to detect humans
- Easy DIY installation
Cons
- Requires power cable
- Only works with Wi-Fi
- Cloud storage costs extra with subscription
Read More
Features
- Two-way audio
- Night vision
- 256-bit encryption
- Motion detection
Storage
- 30 days of cloud storage for up to 10 cameras costs an average of $26/month
Home Security Camera Accessories
Some security cameras come with accessories to easily install and control your security camera. Ring security cameras include a video monitoring decal to let others know your home is under surveillance. And the Wyze Camera v3 comes with an adjustable mounting kit for an easier DIY setup. It’s recommended to look for camera accessories such as:
- Mounting base or kit
- Monitoring decal
- Power adapter
- USB charging cable
- Solar charging cable
- Camera covers
How to Choose the Best Home Security Camera for Your Home
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best home security camera for your home. Here’s a brief list of what you should keep in mind.
- Power source: Your power source may depend on your preference, but it can also boil down to whether you rent or own your home. Most landlords don’t allow wiring and require a written request to install surveillance on their property, so a battery-operated camera works well for people who rent.
- Wi-Fi connectivity: Some cameras require Wi-Fi to work, but there are many concerns about privacy and security. Cameras with local video surveillance are still around if you’re not comfortable with cloud-based storage. However, you can check the camera’s encryption and security measures when connecting your camera to the internet.
- Smart home connectivity: If you have smart home devices you may enjoy the convenience of controlling your camera and other devices using an app or voice assistant. Some providers require a contract and their home security system for camera and smart home connectivity. Before you buy, check smart home compatibility and other system requirements.
- Placement: Before you set up a camera, think about where you’ll want to install it. If you’re looking for outdoor surveillance make sure you look at the IP rating. And if you’re thinking about placing it indoors keep it out of reach of children or pets. You’ll also want to make sure you have the right mounting kit and tools to securely install your camera where you wan
Home Security Camera FAQ
Methodology
We evaluated home security cameras based on price, digital zoom capabilities, warranty, field of view, and weather rating to determine Reviews.com scores and create our best home security camera reviews. To compare home security cameras with other products across the board, we calculate each Reviews.com score based on the following:
- Price: The lower the cost of a home security camera’s price, the higher the score. Inversely, the higher the cost, the lower the score in this metric.
- Digital Zoom: Cameras with stronger digital zoom capabilities were awarded higher scores. We believe at Reviews.com that it is important to be able to zoom in for details with home security cameras.
- Warranty: Home security cameras with longer warranties scored higher than camera manufacturers with shorter or no warranties available.
- Field of View: We compared the field of views for each home security camera and awarded higher scores to products with wider fields of view in this metric.
- Weather Rating: Flexibility in installation is important, which is why cameras that can be used both indoor and outdoor scored higher in this metric.
About the Authors
Nina Rodríguez-Quirós is a feature writer for Reviews.com. Over the last year, she has covered insurance providers, claims handling, coverage and more. She has been featured in Allconnect.com and holds a Master’s Degree in Theory and Research of Communications from the University of Puerto Rico. Her favorite review is Millennials and Auto Insurance.
