7 Best Cameras for YOUR Home Security
The electronics sector of the home security market has experienced overcrowding in recent times. Smart technology—hubs and competing wireless protocols—just makes things that much worse. At the very least, security conscious shoppers want two things. One, a security camera to catch intruders. Two, some kind of reliable motion detector to trigger an alert.
Fast forwarding to today, the best camera for home security duties can do so much more than this bare minimum. High-definition sensors or UltraHD video recording should be standard. The same can be said for optics technology, with wide field-of-vision engineering a feature benchmark, one often combined with mechanical panning to eliminate potential blind spots.
Color night vision, smart alerts and more—there’s no need to get in a technological arms race when protecting home and family. Just stay calm and carry on by joining us on a trip through a camera performance review that doesn’t skimp on features.
A Lowdown on Home Security Camera Fundamentals
Let’s join the dots. Home security cameras protect property and loved ones from unwelcome guests. Wireless technology, Wi-Fi, keeps installation simple. A hub used to be a central part of the framework, but modern wireless cameras sidestep that need. No hub required, the camera hooks directly to your smartphone, sending push alerts when a motion detector is triggered.
Hubs are still sold, of course, used as an interface with a smart home setup or accessed by multiple cameras on a large property. Critical to intruder deterrence, key features include the aforementioned motion detector circuit, color night vision, and a premium lens. Advanced extras are also available, layered on top of the media-centric fundamentals. Buyers should expect such welcome technological extras as two-way audio, live streaming, and local storage.
Subscription models are part of the package, an invisible component inside the product box. Granted, local storage is welcome, perhaps in the form of a microSD slot, but cloud storage is the norm for wireless security systems. Cloud storage and footage history searching, AI facial identification and package detection, all of these advanced services and more become available when the camera is put to work with a monthly or annual subscription plan active.
Since peace of mind is the goal, keeping loved ones safe and trespassers on the far side of your property line, it’s hard to put a price on security. Keeping that in mind, we’ll be partaking in several subscription packages and passing the benefits on to our safety-minded testers.
Systems armed, testers alerted, the best camera for home security purposes could very well be one of the following. It’s time to shake the dust off our feet and get the review moving.
Best Cameras for Home Security – Our recommendations
Ring Stick Up Cam Pro Home Security Camera
A home mock-up was one option, but we decided to save costs by setting up our tester homes with our shortlisted best-in-class cameras. Lucky them, they’re getting outstanding security cameras without spending a penny. Everything is being paid for by our office. So equipped, our first reviewer placed the Ring Stick Up Cam Pro Home Security Cam on a shelf, unobscured and ready to spot sneaky movement and trigger its inbuilt siren.
A 1080p HD sensor kept track of a busy room, with HDR (High Dynamic Range) catching highlights when sunlight was pouring through a large bay window. At night, or with lights out and drapes closed, color night vision made the darkened room look as if it was still flooded with light. It also didn’t hurt our test knowing 155° diagonal lens coverage was stamping out potential blind spots, too. A 139° horizontal and 80° vertical field of coverage further showcased the camera’s all-seeing capabilities.
Security insights – The Ring Stick Up Cam Pro is positioned as their top-of-the-range device. As such, it uses 3D motion detection, with Radar technology delivering activity monitoring vigilance. The radar tech is so comprehensively detailed that it can map entire regions of a property, then create ‘bird’s eye views’ upon which an intruder’s sneak attack can be overlaid. Wireless, like most of the models discussed here, dual band WiFi keeps the camera connected when it’s performing its radar monitoring duties.
Our tester appreciated the vast range of Ring accessories, forming an ecosystem of devices with peerless functionality. Other cameras could connect, which would network with smart lights or Alexa devices. Two-way talk then made it possible to converse with an Amazon driver or a sad pup, telling him he was a good boy. That is, the doggo was a good boy, not the driver. For control and monitoring functions, install the Ring App (Play store).
Weatherproof, can work indoors or outdoors. A Ring Home subscription plan is needed to access advanced features, such as AI face identification and event history scrolling. Powered by battery, but Ring Cams can use plug-in power or a solar panel, sold separately.
Arlo Essential XL Home Security Camera
Now in its second generation, the Arlo Essential XL is a home security camera with a good pedigree. The narrow, lozenge shaped enclosure is well-balanced, making it a simple chore to drop in place on a corner table. Again, we chose an indoor room with all of our precious electronic appliances—flatscreen OLED TV, PS5, Xbox Series X console, etc—inside, plus several of our semi-precious reviewers, too.
Review staff tried to fool the Arlo Essential XL by coming at it from strange angles, but a lens with a 130° FOV (Field Of View) saw past the trick. The captured surveillance footage was shot in 2K, but there’s also a slightly cheaper HD version on the market. Waiting for a sale, we saw no reason to buy the HD model if the higher resolution version could be found for almost the same price. Regardless of sensor resolution, color night vision was richly detailed, crisp and vibrant.
Security insights – It’s a fine 2560×1440 pixel camera with a built-in 6200K spotlight. The latter feature, assuming the weather resistant camera was installed outside, illuminated wide swathes of back yard ground, acting as a trespasser intimidation tool. Besides effectively illuminating shadowy corners, a loud siren alerted our designated homeowner, letting him know danger was near.
Packed with advanced surveillance tech, expect PIR (Passive Infrared) motion detection and reliable 2.4GHz WiFi connectivity. The device also functions as a two-way comms system of sorts, allowing App users to see, hear, and talk to unidentified visitors so that they can either be allowed entry or told to scram. Testers commented on the boasted 4x gear battery life, although a 25ft outdoor power cable can also be fitted. Available separately.
An Arlo Secure Plan is required to view event history and add a whole other level of intelligent face and vehicle recognition. Happily, a trial of this plan is part of the package. Download the Arlo Secure App ( or Google Play store) to get started. Compatible with Alexa and other smart home assistants.
Eufy Home Security Cam S350 Home Security Camera
Confidently penned check marks were scored all down our test sheet when reviewing the Eufy Home Security Cam S350. If there was a surveillance and peace of mind function we wanted to see, Eufy engineers were two steps ahead of our cogitations. A choice between crisp 2K or 4K video recording? Absolutely, with telephoto zoom on the former and wide angle coverage on the latter. An 8x zoom, a light-sensitive f/1.6 lens, in both cameras, and a 360° mechanical pan and tilt feature, everything is covered, and then some.
Do remember, this is an indoor security device, with a dual camera design, so there was no need to look for an all-weather housing on the Eufy S350. That allowed for a bit of overhead, which the engineers seem to have interpreted as an opportunity to equip the device with a slew of advanced surveillance talents. Both views from both cameras could be seen on the Eufy App, using a kind of movie-esque split screen to track family members and access home points. Local AI was also embedded, so the camera tracked familiar faces.
Security insights – Is this the best camera for home security? If not, it would have to be very close to the top of the list, setting the bar for its competitors. It sat unobtrusively on a table, balanced and small. Lightweight despite all of the tech, the compact dual-camera body was easily mounted on a wall or a ceiling. Better than all of that, the night vision, granting more detail than ever due to the f/1.6 aperture and powerful infrared sensors, was sensitive enough to pick up details at a distance of 30ft.
It was hard to fault the two lens Eufy Cam S350. We will say that, like some smartphones, the 8x zoom was misleading. It’s actually 3x capable, plus an augmented digital zoom. Other than that, a 130° field of view, dual two-way audio, and AI tracking gave the camera two roles, that of security device and nanny cam. The pan and tilt feature was also excellent when it came time to chase down toddlers as they got into misadventures at home.
HomeBase 3 (Eufy S3880) and Alexa compatible, advanced facial recognition AI is added to the system when this storage expanding hub is purchased. The ‘BionicMind’ connects to the camera via WiFi 6, assuring a stable wireless hookup. Just on a final side note, reviewers were particularly impressed by localized features, but there is a paid plan for those who need priority 24/7 protection.
Lorex 2K Dual Lens Home Security Camera
Another dual lens piece of home surveillance gear, this time the Lorex 2K Dual Lens camera, makes its way onto our list with a bang. The dual camera design looks a little different, though, with one roving camera on top, then the second camera located below. We fixed the non-panning lower camera on a darkened entry point, then put the panning and tilting camera under the control of the easily navigated Lorex App.
The device looks like any other glossy white Alexa or Google Home compatible device, which it is, right down to the smart colored security illumination at its base. Again, it’s a wireless indoor camera, so it’s wired, as proven by the inclusion of a power adapter in the box. Also in that box, there was a 32GB SD card, which we slotted into the camera before bringing it online.
Security insights – This is a 2K video monitoring device with both a fixed lens and a top-mounted 360° pan and tilt lens. Equipped with night vision, for those midnight to early AM hours while the lights are out and everyone is in bed, the camera detects and sends push notifications when animals or people are picked up by its motion detector. Interesting extras, apart from subject auto tracking and that multi-hued ring night light, include a built-in call button, a siren, and a much-valued privacy mode.
Although local surveillance storage is possible, the addition of a Lorex Cloud Account adds more capacity to your video footage storage needs. An NVR (Network Video Recorder ) is also another fine option, making it possible to store video 24/7 on up to 2TB of video recording space.
Google Nest Cam Home Security Camera
The office test panel was a little puzzled by the ‘wired’ label assigned to the Google Nest Cam, but the confusion quickly faded. Being an indoor device, it’s just a slightly misleading reference to how the security camera receives its power. Puzzle solved, it was time to take it for an intruder detecting spin. First up, how well does the 1080P fullHD gear capture footage? On pulling up a motion detecting test event on the Google Home App (iOS), images were sharp and vivid, the two 850nm infrared LEDs kicking in when night vision was needed.
The tests didn’t stop there. The 135° FOV lens was a solid performer where blind spots were concerned, eliminating them with the aid of HDR boosted, shadow-rendering detail. The camera innards were clearly up to the job of monitoring our property, keeping loved ones safe, but was that where the tech edge ended? Hardly, the Google Nest ‘Wired’ Indoor Cam also incorporates two-way communications, meaning remote App users can interact with those being observed, perhaps to scare them off, perhaps just to accept a package.
Security insights – The camera was mounted in the corner of a large living space. Its maple wood base helped it blend in with our decor. Besides, it looked rather fetching, with its wood-grained and minimally designed enclosure standing sentinel on the end table. Dual band WiFi connected and ready to be triggered by advanced motion detecting innards, our tester soon forgot it was there; he only ever interacted with it once, using Google Assistant. For Alexa devotees, there’s also access to Amazons’ favorite AI powered lady, too.
Capable of telling the difference between people, dogs, and packages, the AI power behind this camera goes up several levels when a Nest Aware subscription is purchased. Likewise, you’ll need this plan for more cloud storage and for searching through surveillance sessions.
Reolink Argus 3 Pro Home Security Camera
If someone was to name-call the Reolink Argus 3 Pro and label it an overachiever, they wouldn’t be far from the truth. And yet the little camera won’t break the bank, budget-wise. To everyone concerned, that felt like an invitation to create a bundle. Even our frugal office editor was onboard, impressed despite his grumpy disposition. Four of these little cameras could be set up, two on bookshelves indoors, another two outdoors.
The rechargeable battery offered several months of motion detecting activity. There’s also an optional solar panel for those who can’t be bothered to remove the camera from its outdoor perch. Next, boasting 2K video clarity and color night vision, the device was soon online and being tested, connected by dual band 2.4GHz/5GHz WiFi. Tests yielded few false alarms. We put this down to the PIR (Passive Infrared) heat signature detection feature; it picked up the difference between possibly up-to-no-good people and certainly up-to-no-good pets.
Security insights – This was one of the few options to prioritize local surveillance storage and AI monitoring over a subscription service. It detects different people and vehicles, uses a microSD card for storage—not included—and turns on floodlights and a siren as an intruder deterrence system. Also features color night vision, a 122° FOV, and a now seemingly standard two-way audio function that lets remote App users converse with, or deter, visitors. Finally, as with most other smart devices, expect Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility.
Affordable to the point that a multi-camera bundle seems like a must-buy option. Includes motion zone assigning, non-subscription customizable alerts, and an interesting time lapse function. For the latter feature, we suppose you could use it to create a fun recording of a day speeding past.
Arlo Ultra 2 Home Security Camera
It’s not that this review was structured to create a bookending effect, but that’s exactly what has happened. The Essential XL is somewhere near the top of this post, leaving the Arlo Ultra 2 Home Security Camera to pull all the narrative threads together. In other words, this is the last review. As such, let’s finish strong. Looking at it, the camera doesn’t seem any more impressive than any other model on this list, but there’s a lot going on under the hood.
For one thing, this is a 4K UltraHD camera with HDR, making it a night shadow detail master, one that can also pull strong highlights out of washed out surveillance carried out during an overly bright day. If thieves come trespassing during the day, dazzling sunlight won’t cover their break-in attempt. Next up, the wide-angle lens fitted to the Arlo Ultra 2 covers 180° of a room view, negating worrying blind spots, keeping track of intruders who would be out of frame on lesser cameras.
Security insights – Justifying that higher than average price tag, there’s a number of highly desirable, security-oriented features still to cover. Enhanced color night vision never misses a detail. If the police need to interview someone about a suspicious person, they’ll be able to describe them, right down to the color of their socks. A fast-charging battery, two-way audio, even a headache-inducing siren, it’s all there, bringing peace of mind.
Works with Alexa, Amazons’ virtual companion and hands-free assistant. Compatible with most popular Smart Home protocols, so buyers can expect to seamlessly connect their Arlo Ultra to Samsung SmartThings, Apple HomeKit, and Google Home with very little effort. To get the best out of the system, however, including personalized push alerts and advanced subject recognition functionality, an Arlo Secure subscription Plan is required.
Choose the Best Camera for YOUR Home Security Needs
No one wants to be embarrassed by a false alert. The neighborhood cat has jumped past the camera, on the hunt for a poor sparrow, and a dumb security camera triggered its motion detecting circuits. A local security agency got called in, and they’re giving you a baleful stare because they can’t arrest a hungry pussycat.
To avoid cringefests like the one so colorfully imagined into existence above, always seek out the best camera for home security purposes. Granted, a paid security plan might be required, so do read the small print, but many of the devices on this list promote local storage and smart detection features, to the point that a siren and floodlights get turned on to deter the intruder. A microSD slot is also advantageous, adding enough video recording capacity to cover several weeks, if not months, of trespasser monitoring.
Prioritizing the capabilities of each piece of surveillance gear is another tip we eagerly put forward. Smart connectivity and AI detection of everything from a wayward child to a new Amazon driver is all very well, but it’s the actual camera’s video fidelity you need to take care of first. If a property is large and zoom is a desirable asset on the device, consider 2K or 4K resolution sensors. Additionally, look for a wide-angle lens. Digital zoom is likely, with only costlier cameras adding optical closeups.
Better yet, a panning and tilting camera tracks property boundaries and room walls through 360° of motion, performing its nanny cam duties while also staying on the lookout for suspicious types. Only then, after assessing the camera as a high-resolution candidate, should other talents be given consideration. Typically, a good dual-band WiFi connection is going to help, as is a smart object identifying feature that cuts down on false positives.
At this point, perhaps wanting to take advantage of longer recordings and past history searches, it’s time to weigh the pros and cons of a subscription plan. After all, no price can be put on the safety of your loved ones.
