If you're looking for the best home security camera, you have plenty of options, many of which cost less than $100. This is both good and bad; there are many great budget models, but there are just as many that have blurry video and limited features. So it's a good idea to do your research before buying a security camera.
In addition to providing high-quality day and night vision, the best home security cameras are easy to set up; they can stream video to your phone, tablet, or computer, and send alerts if they detect motion or loud noises. Most cameras also provide night vision and motion-activated automatic recording, and some even have built-in speakers so you can talk to anyone you see or sound an alarm.
Some of the best home security cameras can be connected to other products, such as smart locks and smart lighting. So, for example, if the camera detects motion, it can automatically turn on lights to scare away intruders or welcome visitors.
What are the best home security cameras?
After testing dozens of wired and wireless options, the best home security camera is the Arlo Q ($149). It records high-definition, 1080p video both day and night. What's more, we found Arlo's software and app to be among the best among home security cameras, offering a wide range of customizable features in an intuitive format. And while the Arlo Q has seven days of free cloud storage, if you want more storage - as well as additional features like customizable motion zones - Arlo's subscription plan is one of the most affordable home security cameras we tested. However, the Arlo Q needs to be plugged into a power outlet.
If you're looking for a fully wireless, battery-powered device, our favorite home security camera is the Arlo Pro 2. Like the Arlo Q, the Arlo Pro 2 captures 1080p video, has two-way talk capability, and the battery can last up to six months.
If you're looking for something under $100, the best home security camera for those on a budget is the Wyze Cam 1080p, which costs around $25 but has a surprising number of features for the price and gives you 14 days of rolling cloud storage for free.
Ring recently launched a new Control Center in its app that gives customers more visibility into privacy and security controls. In addition, Ring has made two-factor authentication mandatory for all users; here's how to use Ring Control Center.
The best home security cameras you can buy today
1. the Arlo Q
The best home security camera has an affordable price, high video quality, and many features.
With superior video quality, excellent motion detection, flexible scheduling, and an intuitive user interface, the Arlo Q would be a contender for our best home security camera, even without its very generous basic cloud subscription plan that gives you weekly recordings for free. The square-shaped Arlo Q needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet and isn't waterproof, but it's the best camera for monitoring the inside of your home or apartment.
If you want to save videos for longer periods of time - plus extra features like customizable motion zones - then you'll need to subscribe to one of Arlo's cloud storage plans, which start at $3 per month for one camera, or $10 per month for up to five cameras, and gives you 30 days of rolling cloud storage.
2 - Wyze Cam 1080p
This camera costs less than $30, yet offers a ton of features
Don't let the low price fool you; the Wyze Cam 1080p is the best home security camera for those on a budget. As the name suggests, it can record 1080p video, and while the quality isn't the same as the Arlo Q, it's still sharp enough to see who's there.
There's no subscription service, but the Wyze Cam 1080p comes with two weeks of free cloud storage - though recording time is limited to 14 seconds - as well as a microSD card slot that you can use for continuous recording and time-lapse videos. With an add-on module, you can connect this camera to motion sensors and Wyze smart bulbs, as well as third-party smart-home devices with Alexa and Google Assistant.
3 - Arlo Pro 2
A cheaper battery-powered indoor/outdoor camera that still offers very good image quality.
Like its older sibling the Arlo Pro, the Arlo Pro 2 features motion detection, night vision and intercom, but the Pro 2 has a higher resolution (1080p vs. 720p) and a wider 130-degree field of view. The Arlo Pro 2 can run on battery power and can last up to six months without needing to be recharged. It has both a microphone and a speaker, so you can talk to anyone you see in front of the camera.
You'll also get a generous Arlo cloud subscription plan that offers seven days of footage for free, though you lose out on some features like customized motion zones. Subscription plans start at $3 per month for a single camera, and you get 30 days of rolling cloud storage, too. This is the best home security camera for those who want excellent video at a reasonable price.
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