12 Best Security Cameras in 2020
- Supports video and two-way talk in crisp 1080p
- A ton of different charging and power options
- Phone, tablet, or PC notifications for motion sensor triggers
- Free cloud storage for up to seven days
- Three second look back option when plugged in
- Two way audio via your smartphone
- Patrol route can be customized with four different waypoints
- Night vision enhanced by six infrared LED lights
- Two way audio enhanced by a Class-K power amplifier
The last few years have seen the field of security cameras undergo a serious upgrade. The rise of smart home technologies and the increased prevalence of internet access in general has created an environment where renters and homeowners can have access to their security systems wherever they go, but there are still a number of more traditional options out there if you haven’t made the move to home automation yet. Frankly, the options available can be a little bit intimidating.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide. We’ve compiled a list of reviews for twelve of the best security systems that cover the full spectrum of price ranges and cover a wide expanse of security needs. Following that is a buying guide addressing some of consumers’ most frequent concerns.
1. Ring Stick Up Cam Wired HD Security Camera
Security cameras don't need to be obtrusive, and they don't have to be designated to specific places in your house. Ring's Stick Up Cam is proof of that. These home security cameras can be mounted just about anywhere, and the fact that they're Alexa enabled out of the box means that you can forget about having to manually mess with them even if you've placed them somewhere out of the way. And the fact that they're waterproof means that they can work equally as well as indoor and outdoor security cameras. A built-in rechargeable battery is accompanied by a USB port for quick and easy charging. And compatibility with the Ring Solar Panel means that it hypothetically doesn't even need to charge at all. Its sleek white design resembles the typical style of most smart home accessories so it won't stick out like a sore thumb.
Key Features
- Supports video and two-way talk in crisp 1080p
- A ton of different charging and power options
- Phone, tablet, or PC notifications for motion sensor triggers
- Ability to create and personalize three separate motion zones
2. Arlo Pro 2 – Wireless Home Security Camera
If you're looking for the smartest security cameras for home around, the Arlo Pro 2 kit is a great contender. Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility is built right in, and this kit comes with two small security cameras and a central base station that eliminates the need for too many unruly wires and gives you more versatility for where you place the cameras. A siren that exceeds 100 decibels adds a significant deterrence factor for intruders, and the geofencing capabilities allow you to create a more comprehensive and flexible security perimeter. If you're leery about storing all of your data remotely, two ports in the hub allow for external hard drives to be connected, but these home security cameras systems also come with a cloud storage solution with subscription.
Key Features
- Free cloud storage for up to seven days
- Three second look back option when plugged in
- Two way audio via your smartphone
- Comprehensive security zone customization
3. Wyze Labs Indoor Smart Home Camera
A much more affordable entry into the smart security cam market is the Wyze Cam Pan. It's one of the best cheap security cameras you can find despite it offering most of the features you'd expect from wireless security cameras. That includes time lapse video and free cloud and local storage. It streams security footage at a smooth 1080p, but its design is also worthy of note. This small tower structure is notably slim, and its mechanical pan and tilt functions make it easy to position multiple copies as hidden security cameras without losing the perspective you need. Alexa support is built in, but if you're looking to connect it to other smart hubs or get really granular with your automated controls, it's also compatible with IFTTT.
Key Features
- Patrol route can be customized with four different waypoints
- Night vision enhanced by six infrared LED lights
- Two way audio enhanced by a Class-K power amplifier
- 360 degree pan coverage in a cycle of three seconds
4. Nest Cam Outdoor Security Camera
Dedicated wireless outdoor security cameras aren't as common as their indoor counterparts, but the Nest Cam is the only option you need to provide security coverage for your lawn. The 130 degree vertical field of view makes it an optimal choice for mounting over your front porch, and the night vision offers great black and white visibility in the dark. The footage quality is similarly clear during live streaming, and that goes for the two way audio functionality as well. But the value of this device really kicks in with a Nest Aware subscription. Subscribers get access to substantial cloud storage, customizable security zones, and shareable clips.
Key Features
- Speaker and mic combo can serve as a guest screening service
- Easy to set up and painless to maintain
- All-glass lens provides superior image quality
- Recording distance of 30 meters
5. Lorex LNB8111BW 4K 8MP Outdoor IP Camera
Dedicated wireless outdoor security cameras aren't as common as their indoor counterparts, but the Nest Cam is the only option you need to provide security coverage for your lawn. The 130 degree vertical field of view makes it an optimal choice for mounting over your front porch, and the night vision offers great black and white visibility in the dark. The footage quality is similarly clear during live streaming, and that goes for the two way audio functionality as well. But the value of this device really kicks in with a Nest Aware subscription. Subscribers get access to substantial cloud storage, customizable security zones, and shareable clips.
Key Features
- Speaker and mic combo can serve as a guest screening service
- Easy to set up and painless to maintain
- All-glass lens provides superior image quality
- Recording distance of 30 meters
6. Swann Indoor Wi-Fi Security Camera
Looking for a decent indoor security camera system in a single package/ Check out the Swann. Two separate but synchronized cameras can give you full coverage of a single room or the versatility to set up surveillance at remote and separate chokepoints. Pairing is available for both Alexa and Google Assistant, and you have the option of choosing whether you'd prefer to use them as wired security cameras or use them wirelessly. The app allows you to stream live video directly to your phone, and the local storage options are free and don't require any subscription. Video and two way audio make them a great choice for a baby or pet monitor.
Key Features
- Sophisticated voice activated controls
- Heat sensing functionality reduces the risk of false positives
- Supports both local and cloud storage
- Plug and play interface makes setup and relocation a breeze
7. Blink Home Security XT Camera
When you purchase the Blink XT, you're buying into the idea of a home security ecosystem, but it works so well that it's definitely worthy of consideration. The squared off design makes use of AA batteries rather than a traditional cord or rechargeable battery, and it's an eminently affordable option that makes expanding your security apparatus feasible. This modular camera is both waterproof and weatherproof so it can be used outdoors comfortably, and it also sports an incredibly lightweight design that contributes even more to its versatility. And while the Blink XT once required an existing hub to use, its buyout by Amazon ensures that it can function just fine with any home that has an Alexa device.
Key Features
- All cloud storage options are completely free
- A great choice for a modular security setup
- Simple design that's easy to set up
- Powered by simple and inexpensive AA batteries
8. Amazon Cloud Cam Security Camera
Amazon may have bought Blink, but that doesn't mean they're putting their ambitions for proprietary camera lines under their flagship name away. Fortunately, the Amazon Cloud Cam finds a unique niche. Whereas Blinks are designed to be cheap and modular, the Cloud Cams are indoor wifi security cameras that can function as whole room units admirably. As you might expect, Amazon functionality is built in, and the app is smartly and intuitively designed. That intelligence extends to the camera itself, which has the capability to distinguish pets from humans and reduce the risk of your alarm accidentally going off. And despite being relatively inexpensive, it delivers clear video quality well above what the price range should dictate.
Key Features
- Great compatibility with all Alexa-enabled hubs
- Consistently updated with new features
- Comes with a 30 day free trial of Amazon Cloud Cams
- Free video clips of footage from the last 24 hours
9. Samsung SNH-V6414BN SmartCam
The Samsung Smartcam Plus HD was clearly inspired by the Nest, but that's not a bad thing. It replicates some of the design fundamentals but also brings the quality as well. This is a live streaming camera with a nice 1080p HD resolution and all of the features you could reasonably expect. The small frame, circular design, and black finish give it a sleek sci-fi look from the omnipresent white and gray competitors on the market. Setup is an easy process that simply requires you to plug it in and sync it with the free, proprietary app. That app is the main selling points here, as while it's a little cluttered, it's also loaded down with a whole range of sensible features.
Key Features
- Allows for an enormous amount of physical storage
- Detects both sound and movement
- Great light adjustment features regardless of the time of day
- Wide angle view offers a 130 degree field of vision
10. Ring Floodlight Motion Security Cam
If you want a powerful camera for your porch or front door, look to the Ring Floodlight . There are few better deterrents to thieves than strong lighting, and the Ring has plenty of strength to spare. That said, you should consider whether or not you want to buy into the larger Ring ecosystem. Their products are fantastic, but without a subscription, you only get access to live viewing through the camera. But what's here is powerful. Two separate floodlights are mounted onto articulated arms so you can adjust them to suit your needs, and the camera offers a broad 140 degree field of view delivered in clear 1080p.
Key Features
- Customized motion zones to create more thorough security oversight
- Motion activated floodlights are incredibly bright
- Can be activated by any Alexa enabled device
- Loud siren can be remotely activated
11. ADT PULSE RC8326 INDOOR HD CAMERA
The RC8326-ADT is a bit of an odd duck. The camera offers lower specs than many of the other models on the market, but that's beside the point. The real selling point of this camera is its integration with the ADT Pulse monitoring system. While you can expect to pay a monthly fee, you get truly impressive service tied to your smartphone, and it links to any number of other ADT services as well. While it offers a lower resolution than some of its contemporaries, it provides exceptional color quality and a great field of vision. It also makes use of video analytics to reduce the risk of accidental alerts being registered.
Key Features
- + Easy setup and accessibility with a one touch WPS button
- + Infrared lights create great balance day and night
- + Impressive controls courtesy of the proprietary ADT Pulse app
- + Vibrant color display due to the low light sensors
12. Night Owl XHD501-44P-B DVR & Wired Infrared Cameras
Cloud storage is great, but sometimes you want something a little more tangible. The Night Owl XHD501-44P-B is a serious piece of security equipment that partners a sturdy and massive DVR with four separate cameras for whole house coverage. These ceiling mounted cameras are top shelf, combining both heat and motion sensors to provide a higher level of quality while minimizing false alerts significantly. The enhanced night vision on display is also impressive. It offers a range of up to 100 feet, while the day vision provides crystal clear color footage at 5mp. Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, these cameras are weatherproof and waterproof.
Key Features
- Can be set up in less than two minutes with the companion app
- 60 feet of cable allows you to get significant range with your cameras
- False alarms reduced by up to 90%
- Smart detection can distinguish between animals, people, and vehicles
Best Security Cameras Buyer’s Guide
Should You Get a Cloud Subscription Service?
One of the biggest questions you should ask yourself when purchasing a new security system is whether or not you’re willing to spring for a subscription service. That depends both on what you need for your camera system and what each service provides.
The most standard features for security camera subscriptions are access to longer term cloud storage, and this can vary wildly depending on the provider. Some cameras, like those by Wyze and Arlo, provide seven to 14 days of cloud storage free of charge. It should be noted that these aren’t trial periods. Instead, this storage rolls over as footage passes. Others, like the Amazon Cloud Cam, require a subscription to access anything for longer than a three hour period.
The decision is up to you, but a week or two of security footage should be more than enough for most residential customers. If you’re a commercial customer or you’re looking to protect a vacation home, the dedicated subscription services may be worth the investment, but you could also consider getting a camera that supports physical storage. Just keep in mind that these are more easily tampered with, so you’ll want to consider putting them somewhere secure.
How Should You Position Your Security Camera?
Poor camera placement is one of the biggest mistakes that homeowners make with their security systems. Either they don’t arrange the camera in a manner that gives them a proper field of view to identify potential intruders or they invest in more cameras than they need to try and get full coverage. Strategic layout is essential in any good security system.
Start by identifying potential points of entry. The front door, back door, and off street windows are the most critical positions if you’re trying to protect yourself against intruders. You’ll want to make sure that your camera is out of the reach of potential thieves and ideally hidden so that they can’t break it with thrown objects. Alternatively, you could make use of something like the Ring Floodlight and put it in clear sight. There’s no more effective deterrent for a criminal than attention.
Finally, you need to determine what you want your camera to capture. Even the best camera can’t do everything, and that’s why positioning is important. Do you want to catch the face of potential thieves or capture their license plates? Sitting down and diagramming your camera layout can help here, and you should trial run any setup using live footage to make sure that the field of view is what you’re looking for. If your camera utilizes motion detectors, they work best when they force intruders to cross the field of view rather than walk towards it, so you’ll want to angle your camera perpendicular to your door or window rather than head on.
Is Connectivity an Issue?
The most useful talent that all of the cameras on our list possess is their ability to stream video footage to your phone, and most of these cameras provided automated cloud backup for recorded footage as well. But this comes with a slight disadvantage. This always connected philosophy means that they need a solid Wi-Fi connection to work. Whether you’re looking at indoor or outdoor cameras, they can’t be too far from your wireless connection, at least for the most part.
If you’re trying to provide full cover to a portion of your house that has inconsistent coverage, you may look at something like the Arlo Pro 2 since it uses a dedicated hub. That way the hub can connect to your WiFi network and the cameras themselves can be afforded a little extra distance from your router. You may also consider getting an extender to expand the breadth of your internet connection. Our guide to the best wireless extenders can help with that.
Final Thoughts
Security should be a right offered to everyone, but it unfortunately comes at a cost. Fortunately, our list proves that a good security system can be affordable to everyone. Be smart about your purchase. Consider what you need. Highlight the necessary features, map out the coverage your space demands, and then peruse our list. There’s something on here to fit just about anyone’s needs.