Home Security Cameras: A Comprehensive Guide

Home security cameras have become indispensable tools for modern homeowners, offering peace of mind and enhanced security. Their accessibility, ease of use, and affordability have democratized home surveillance, allowing you to monitor your property – both indoors and out – from virtually anywhere with an internet connection.

These devices are designed to respond to motion, creating a visual record of events within their field of view. Advanced models can even differentiate between people, pets, and vehicles, reducing false alarms and providing more accurate alerts.

Choosing the right home security camera can feel overwhelming due to the vast array of features and options available. Prices are typically influenced by features and resolution, but it’s not always necessary to invest in the most expensive model to achieve your security goals. Whether you want to check on children and pets or require a sophisticated security system with real-time human monitoring for intruders, this guide will help you navigate the market and find the ideal device for your specific needs.

Video doorbells, a specialized type of security camera, are often reviewed separately.

Expert Testing and Evaluation

TechHive’s editors and contributors have extensive experience testing home security cameras, consistently evaluating the latest hardware and accompanying mobile applications. We’ve examined various types, including wired, battery-powered, outdoor, floodlight, and pan-and-tilt cameras. You can rely on our expertise to guide you towards the best home security camera for your situation.

Top Home Security Camera Recommendations

Here are some of our top picks, along with their pros and cons:

Arlo Pro 5S 2K

Pros: High-end features such as dual-band Wi-Fi support, low-power mode for extended battery life, and Arlo SecureLink technology for enhanced security and battery optimization.

Cons: Lacks Apple HomeKit Secure Video support. Requires an Arlo Secure subscription for full functionality.

The Arlo Pro 5S 2K maintains the Arlo Pro series’ strong position in the market with its advanced features.

Nest Cam (Battery)

Pros: Easy setup, excellent performance in various lighting conditions, versatile indoor/outdoor deployment, and three hours of on-device event history without a subscription.

Cons: Best suited for Google Home users. Alexa and Apple HomeKit users may want to consider alternatives. Nest Aware subscription needed for accessing recorded video events beyond the last few hours.

The redesigned Nest Cam (battery) offers a versatile and feature-rich security solution.

Ring Stick Up Cam Pro

Pros: HDR delivers vibrant, color-saturated images. Strong night vision with a color night vision option. Ideal for expanding home security coverage for existing Ring users.

Cons: Limited to 1080p resolution. More affordable options are available if you don’t require advanced features.

The Ring Stick Up Cam Pro is a reliable option for those already invested in the Ring ecosystem.

Eufy Security Indoor Cam (C220)

Pros: Affordable price, 2K resolution, onboard storage (microSD card), and pan/tilt motor.

Cons: No color night vision (can be compensated with smart lighting). Not ideal for Apple HomeKit users.

The Eufy Security Indoor Cam (C220) offers exceptional value for its features.

Eufy SoloCam S340

Pros: Operates without AC power, dual lenses (2K telephoto and 3K wide-angle), solar panel for continuous charging, and 360-degree pan and 70-degree tilt. Optional local storage with Eufy HomeBase 3.

Cons: Higher upfront cost.

The Eufy SoloCam S340 is ideal for surveilling large properties and those who dislike subscription fees.

Wyze Cam v4

Pros: Excellent value, fast Wi-Fi 6 adapter, larger microSD card capacity, and easy onboarding process. Suitable for indoor/outdoor use.

Cons: Subscription plan needed for unlocking all features.

The Wyze Cam v4 continues Wyze Labs’ tradition of providing high-quality, affordable security cameras.

Blink Mini 2

Pros: Weatherized enclosure, LED spotlight for color night vision, person detection, and wider field of view. Compact size and easy installation.

Cons: Requires a weatherized power supply for outdoor deployment.

The Blink Mini 2 expands on the original Blink Mini with added utility and features.

Eufy Floodlight Camera E340

Pros: Twin-lensed, pan/tilt camera with twin LED panels for bright illumination. 3K wide-angle and 2K telephoto lenses. Local storage options without subscription fees. Can distinguish between people, pets, and vehicles.

Cons: Higher upfront cost.

The Eufy Floodlight Camera E340 offers comprehensive surveillance and flexible floodlighting.

Ring Floodlight Cam Pro

Pros: Impressive motion detection features (3D Motion Detection with Bird’s Eye View), dual floodlights with 2,000 lumens of brightness.

Cons: Expensive. Requires hardwired power. Ring Protect plan recommended for reviewing recorded video events.

The Ring Floodlight Cam Pro is a powerful option for those in the Ring ecosystem.

Blink Wired Floodlight Camera

Pros: Extremely bright outdoor lighting, affordable price.

Cons: Run-of-the-mill video resolution. Subscription recommended for recording video.

The Blink Wired Floodlight Camera is a budget-friendly floodlight cam.

Safemo Set P1

Pros: Advanced features, ease of use, expandability. Runs on solar power. No cloud subscription needed for object detection.

Cons: Initial setup may require some patience.

The Safemo Set P1 is a reliable security camera system.

Baseus S1 Pro

Pros: Rotating solar panels, crisp 3K video, local storage with base station (expandable to 16TB). No subscription fees.

Cons: Steep upfront cost. May not be ideal if you want more than two cameras.

The Baseus S1 Pro is a high-resolution security camera with solar power and local storage.

Key Features to Consider

Most home security cameras share basic functions: event detection, event recording, and alert notifications. However, performance varies, and some cameras offer unique features. Here are important aspects to consider:

• Notifications: Real-time smartphone alerts for motion, sound, or facial recognition.
• Battery Backup: Protection against power outages, ensuring continued operation during emergencies.
• Home Monitoring: Tracking home “vitals” such as motion, luminosity, and temperature.
• HomeKit Secure Video: Enhanced privacy through local video processing and encryption with Apple devices and iCloud.
• Integrated Spotlight: Clearer image capture in low light and a deterrent for intruders.
• Local Storage: Memory card slots for storing video on the device, potentially eliminating subscription fees.
• Motion Detection: Built-in sensors that trigger video recording upon detecting movement.
• AI-Powered Motion Detection: Identification of people, pets, packages, and vehicles to minimize false alarms.
• Night Vision: Infrared LED illumination or full-color night vision for clear images in low-light conditions.
• Pan/Tilt: Motorized lens movement for remote control and tracking of moving objects.
• Resolution: Higher resolution (1080p, 2K, or 4K) for sharper video quality.
• Scheduling: Turning the camera on/off, detecting motion, and sending alerts at specified times.
• Geofencing: Automatic activation and deactivation based on the location of your smartphone.
• Smart Home Integration: Compatibility with Z-Wave, Zigbee, Thread, or IFTTT for integration with other smart devices.
• Two-Way Audio: Hearing and speaking through the camera for communication or deterring intruders.
• Field of View: Wider viewing angle for monitoring a larger area.
• Cloud Storage: Remote server storage for recorded video, often requiring a subscription.
• Facial Recognition: Distinguishing faces for more accurate identification.
• Web Portal Access: Accessing the camera through a web browser.
• Wireless Connectivity: Ability to move the camera freely within Wi-Fi range.
• Security Protocols: Support for up-to-date wireless security protocols (WPA2) and end-to-end encryption.
• User-Friendly App: Intuitive and customizable smartphone/tablet app for viewing live feeds and adjusting settings.

Other Considerations

Don’t forget to change default user IDs and passwords and enable two-factor authentication to enhance security.

Additional Resources

Explore other home security cameras and subscription plans to find the perfect fit for your needs.