Ring Spotlight Cam Pro
Resolution: 1080p | Lumens: 375 | Power source: Battery | Field of view: 140 degrees | Video lag time: 1 second
Best for:
- Detailed audio and motion detection notifications
- Long battery life and easy charging
- Getting sharp color night vision and customizable motion zones
Skip if:
- You need very high resolution
- You want to spend less than $200
I set up Ring’s Spotlight Cam Pro camera within about five minutes of unboxing it. Yes, that includes connecting it to my Ring app and getting the camera physically installed. Once the Spotlight Cam Pro was connected to that app, the degree of control I had over this camera was nothing short of impressive.
You can set a schedule, tasking the camera to detect and alert motion and audio by night but to be inactive during the day, to save you the bother of countless false alarms as people bustle innocently past your home. The camera can also set motion detection zones, ignoring a backyard spot where the kids always play but notifying you of motion around the side of the house, as other examples.
The Ring Spotlight Cam Pro came out on top.
You can also adjust the camera’s motion sensitivity, so that, for example, a Japanese maple near your front door doesn’t set off an alert every time the breeze blows (yes, that was our exact situation). Or you can enhance the sensitivity so that even a small creature darting across your lawn will draw the Spotlight Cam’s notice—and its spotlight.
As the name suggests, this camera has some bright lights built into it. Two, to be precise, and they are plenty bright to light up a stoop, driveway, back patio or a good portion of your yard. When its lights are on, the video feed is full color, even at night; and when they are off, the black-and-white night vision looks crisp and sharp. I could easily read the words on boxes I’d stacked up in a fully darkened basement to test the night vision, and I could clearly read license plates on nearby cars when I installed the Ring Spotlight Cam Pro outside.
One of the best aspects of this camera is that it’s battery-powered, and better still, it has two battery slots but only needs one to operate. That means you can keep the other battery charged and ready and swap them out when needed, leaving your camera offline for eight or nine seconds based on my testing. That also means, of course, that you don’t need to worry about a hardwired installation, making this a great DIY security camera, as well as a great choice for use at a rental property.
The camera’s 1080p, full-HD video quality is good, though not great, at least compared to some of the 2K cameras I tested. The video sometimes pixelates briefly when there is a lot of movement on the screen. But it resolves to full HD fast enough that I can’t see this brief loss of focus being the difference between a burglar getting away with a break-in or you missing the UPS guy. And while this camera is on the pricier side at around $230, it brings peace of mind in a package that’s easy to install and control. You can also read more about it in my full Ring Spotlight Cam Pro review.
Best Home Security Camera Runner-Up
Ultra High-Definition
Reolink Argus 3 Ultra
Resolution: 4K | Lumens: 450 | Power source: Battery, solar | Field of view: 105 degrees | Video lag time: 1 second
Best for:
- Getting ultra high-definition video
- Opting for solar power, if preferred
- Great smart detection modes and easy initial setup
Skip if:
- You want easy controls in the app
- You live in a humid environment
- You want long battery life
The Reolink Argus 3 Ultra is not playing around with the “ultra” of it all: This camera is 4K, also known as ultra high-definition resolution. With this 8-megapixel 4K camera, you can see a mouse run across your driveway a hundred feet away or, more importantly, make out the features of any human who happens to be in range. The resolution also remains in 4K whether the camera is capturing color video after dark or capturing black and white video when the lighting is low.
The Argus 3 Ultra comes with a six-watt solar panel that can keep the camera running indefinitely if you get a few hours of sunshine each day. Using the solar panel means a good deal of extra installation work, but it saves you time in the long run if you see sufficient sunlight where you live.
The UHD Reolink Argus 3 Ultra camera offers impressive ultra high-definition.
Note that the camera’s battery is not removable, which has both an up- and a downside. The upside is that this camera is well-sealed against weather and water, which should prolong its operating life. The downside is that you have to get a USB cable up to the camera or remove it from its base and bring it inside to recharge the internal battery if the solar panel isn’t cutting it (or if you don’t use it with solar power). Also, note the battery is only rated for a month at best, which could be a hassle if you have to recharge it every few weeks.
The Reolink Argus 3 Ultra can be programmed to detect specific types of moving objects, from people to pets to vehicles. Using the smart alerts means you are only informed about the types of detection events you care about. And if you are concerned about particular events, you can program the camera to activate its lights and alarm when they occur.
I did come across several reviews saying the Argus 3 Ultra gets fogged over and blurry in humid environments, so that’s a possible problem depending on the climate in your neck of the woods. I had no such issues, as I did the testing in the depths of a Northeastern winter, so humidity was hardly a factor. I flag that without firsthand experience thereof. You can also read more about in my full Reolink Argus 3 Ultra review.
Best Easy-To-Install Home Security Camera
Magnet Power
Noorio B210
Resolution: 2K | Lumens: 100 | Power source: Battery | Field of view: 140 degrees | Video lag time: 1 second
Best for:
- Very easy installation and positioning of camera
- Generous 16GB local video storage
- False alarm reduction through AI
Skip if:
- You are worried it might be stolen
- You need a brighter spotlight
How long does it take to install a Noorio B210 2K Outdoor Security Camera? About as long as it took you to read the first word of that last sentence. Seriously: This camera can be installed on a metal surface (well, a metal surface with a high enough iron content) in a second flat thanks to its magnetic base. You just pop the camera and its magnetized ring-shaped base onto a metal fence, an electrical box, a refrigerator or any other magnetized or metal surface and it’s ready to monitor your space.
The Noorio B210 security camera I tested.
This wildly easy installation also makes it very easy to aim the lens, so you can position the B210 however you want for the best view. Granted, this magnets-only installation also means a prankster or a thief could pull down and steal your camera with minimal effort.
That said, the B210 can also be installed with an included screw mount, which could allay the concerns of easy theft. If you do indeed go with that screw mount option, it’s easy to appreciate the extra-long battery life, which can stretch as long as six months when the camera is not used heavily. In either case, you’ll appreciate the crisp 2K resolution and the broad 140-degree field of view.
Another very cool feature you get with the Noorio B210 is 16GB of, “unconditional local storage.” That’s enough memory to store hundreds of video clip recordings with no additional subscription needed—a rarity in a security camera. However, external storage of the recordings is not supported, so you can’t export them to another platform. The 16GB of storage space on the app is decent, and you can share clips to other Noorio app users, so this is an issue, not a critical flaw.
What you can do is control this camera with your voice via Amazon’s Alexa. Because it doesn’t require an outlet to work, it’s also reliable as an indoor camera, like a baby monitor or nanny cam.
Best Budget Home Security Camera
Less Than $100
Arlo Essential Outdoor XL (2nd Gen)
Resolution: 2K | Lumens: 400 | Power source: Battery | Field of view: 130 degrees | Video lag time: 3 seconds
Best for:
- Getting solid camera for a good price
- Not worrying too often about changing batteries
- Getting crisp, clear audio in your video feeds
Skip if:
- You want minimal lag time
- You don’t want to pay for a subscription
If you want a good security camera at a great price, the Arlo Essential Outdoor XL (2nd Gen) is a fine choice. Truth be told, I’m not sure what the, “XL,” in the name is all about, as this is a fairly compact camera, but I have a few guesses. It might be about the extra long battery life, which can last for months, even as long as half a year. And that’s true even in cold climates; chilly weather seems to have little effect on the battery life.
The XL might refer to the high resolution of the 2K camera, which is sharp by day and by night and in full color even after dark when its spotlight is on. Or perhaps, “XL” refers to the noise-canceling audio that helps isolate the human voice from background noise so you can hear visitors, delivery people or prowlers with ease.
The Arlo Essential Outdoor XL (2nd Gen) camera is an affordable option, costing less than $100.
Regardless, clearly there are plenty of nice, peace-of-mind features in this camera to make it a great option for your home. What the XL in Arlo Essential 2K Outdoor Security Camera XL definitely does not refer to is the price tag, as this camera costs less than $200 bucks.
To make full use of its features, such as notifications and video storage, you have to get a paid subscription—that does mean the value is not quite as good as it first appears. The Arlo Secure subscription plan starts at $7.99 per month for a single camera (a $12.99 per month plan can support unlimited cameras), so that’s $95.88 per year.
Best Indoor Home Security Camera
Super Small, Super Smart
Psync Cam Genie S
Resolution: 2K | Lumens: Not reported | Power source: Wired | Field of view: 350 degrees | Video lag time: 1 second
Best for:
- A huge field of view
- Smart tracking
- Secure, private recording
Skip if:
- You want a battery cam
- You want a brighter light
There are smart cameras, and then there’s a GPT-enabled smart camera, called the Psync Cam Genie S, that uses artificial intelligence to identify what it’s seeing. At one point during my testing, I panned the camera around to face my son and got a notification that said (I’m paraphrasing), “Detected child sitting down using a blue laptop computer.” Now, while my son was actually using an iPad at the time, he was seated and the case was blue.
The GPT-enabled Psync Genie S can capture detailed images
The Psync Cam Genie S can detect people, pets, vehicles, deliveries and much more. As in the example above, it picks up on the specific details of what it’s seeing and reports them. This can be extra helpful when something out of the ordinary occurs—say, an adult enters your home when no one is supposed to be there.
And as you can make use of this smart camera in 350 degrees of panning and 135 degrees of vertical tilt, you can enjoy a clear view and AI-generated insights of almost the entirety of any room. The compact camera weighs in at all of 5.9 ounces and it tucks down into a little cube that’s less than three inches on a side when closed. Closing over the camera automatically shuts it off and ensures your privacy, by the way, while lifting the top turns it back on.
The Cam Genie S has an easy-to-use app and 32GB of local storage at no extra charge, but note that the maximum length of any video clip it saves is 12 seconds, which is somewhat limiting.
Best Budget Indoor Home Security Camera
Your Wallet Says Thanks
Roku Indoor Camera SE
Resolution: 1080p | Light: N/A | Power source: Wired | Field of view: 130 degrees | Video lag time: 1 second
Best for:
- Getting extra security on any budget
- Having a jarring alarm to deter unwanted visitors
- Using your favorite voice commands
Skip if:
- You want very clear audio
- You want a built-in light
The Roku Indoor Camera SE punches above its weight, offering a great balance of price and features. This camera costs around $27, and it offers full 1080p HD resolution, can detect both sound and motion and has customizable detection zones. It’s small and understated and perfect for positioning surreptitiously in a corner of your home, office, store or anywhere else you want to keep a watchful eye.
My Roku Indoor Camera SE camera placed beside some books for scale.
Based on my testing, the audio signals aren’t the clearest here, and the camera can only record video clips up to 12 seconds. But all told, it’s a great choice if you want a very affordable camera or need multiple indoor security cameras and don’t want to shell out top dollar.
The Indoor Camera SE has good night vision and an 80-decibel alarm that can sound jarring to deter unwanted visitors. The camera also can, unsurprisingly, easily be streamed to a Roku Player or Roku TV and can be controlled via voice command using Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Roku Voice.
For a bit more added safety, the camera listens for alarms and can notify you when it detects one, so you’ll know, for example, when the smoke or carbon monoxide alarm goes off, even if you’re far from home. That being said, it’s not designed to withstand the great outdoors, so if you’re looking for a camera to monitor your indoor space, it does just that.
Best Floodlight Home Security Camera
A Bright Idea
Eufy Floodlight Camera E340
Resolution: 2K, 3K | Lumens: 2,000 | Power source: Hardwired | Field of view: 360 degrees | Video lag time: 1 second
Best for:
- Getting powerful lights to light up your property
- Getting a full, detailed scope on your video feed
- Dual lens types
Skip if:
- You don’t want a hardwired camera
- You want to spend less than $200
In many ways, the Eufy Security Floodlight Camera E34o was the best security camera I tested. It has not one but two cameras in that rotating and tilting sphere, a 2K telephoto lens that picks up details 20 yards out and a wide-angle 3K lens that can see huge swaths of space at once. The camera can pan and tilt so much that it gives you a 360-degree view, so you can direct those 2K and 3K views anywhere you want.
Then there’s the other truly standout part of this camera: the lighting. Together, the E340’s twin light panels can put out up to 2,000 lumens of light, which is about the same brightness as a car’s headlights. If you want a security camera that truly lights up the night, this is the one.
The mighty Eufy Security Floodlight Camera E340 comes with two floodlights and two cameras.
But this bright, capable security camera isn’t an overall best pick or a runner-up for several reasons, starting with its size. This is a big, heavy camera: It’s easily five times the weight and size of other cameras I tested. Its bulk makes installation a pain, and its size and shape make the E340 kind of an eyesore. Also, it’s hardwired, meaning you need to run electrical cords to wherever you want it, or you need to place it somewhere that already has wiring. And finally, this is a pricey camera—not a surprise, given its quality and features, but it’s still a factor to consider, especially if you’re on a budget.
Best Video Quality Home Security Camera
A Picture-Perfect 4K Image
Reolink TrackMix PoE 4K Dual-Lens PTZ
Resolution: 4K | Lumens: 450 | Power source: Hardwired | Field of view: horizontal: 104-138 degrees; vertical: 60-121 degrees | Video lag time: 0.5 seconds
Best for:
- Real-time auto tracking
- Dual lens coverage for your home
- Having detailed, 4K 8 MP resolution
Skip if:
- You don’t want to deal with hardwiring
- You want a brighter light
The Reolink TrackMix PoE 4K Dual-Lens PTZ Camera isn’t the only 4K resolution camera I tested, but it is the only 4K camera with almost zero lag time—and that goes for the video and audio feeds. I tested the playback over a dozen times for lag alone and was routinely impressed at how close to real time it was. I’d stand stock still, then whirl to face the camera, and on the iPad my son held up beside it, I’d barely catch myself on the screen as I completed my rotation. I likewise tested the audio at length and could have conversations with no appreciable delays.
The Reolink PoE tracks every move.
That high resolution and minimal lag time are useful even when you aren’t actively using this camera, as it can automatically track motion, such as a person walking or an animal running, to give you a full view of what happened in recorded videos. You can also watch the tracking in real time, of course, and control the pan and tilt, as well. The TrackMix PoE has an impressive 355-degree field of view taking into account the horizontal and vertical coverage, so really nothing is getting by it, based on my testing.
This is another dual-lens camera, with one zoomed-in telephoto lens and one that takes in a wider view. The main issue with this camera, aside from being hardwired, was that the 450-lumen lighting didn’t properly serve the 4K cameras, especially the telephoto lens. This camera could see so much more at night were its floodlights brighter.
Other Security Cameras I Tested
If you haven’t quite found what you’re looking for in the nine security cameras above, then read on to learn about five others that have their advantages. These are all excellent security cameras, and are also worthy of your consideration.
Reolink Duo 3 PoE ($150): This excellent camera—the latest from Reolink at the time of this writing—has a pair of stunning 16-megapixel UHD cameras that work in tandem to give you a broad, seamless 180-degree field of view. That range is all but impossible to beat except in a tracking camera; but when a camera is tracking, it invariably leaves another area unmonitored, whereas this one keeps a constant watch over its full field of view. Were this camera battery-powered rather than powered over ethernet, it would be higher up in the list, maybe even the runner-up. But as a wired camera that’s pretty large and clunky, albeit smooth in operation, it didn’t quite make the cut.
Blink Wired Floodlight Camera ($90): This camera would have been my pick for the camera with the best lighting, thanks to its 2,600-lumen output, but the camera itself is 1080p, whereas the Eufy unit I chose for its floodlights has both 2K and 3K cameras. Affordable and durable, the Blink Wired Floodlight Camera has customizable motion detection zones, a loud 105-dB siren and two-way audio. To store recorded clips, you need a subscription or a Sync Module that’s sold separately—another drawback here.
Cync Outdoor Wireless Home Security Camera ($70): Changing the battery in the Cync Outdoor Wireless Home Security Camera takes all of ten seconds: You pop the magnet-mounted camera off its screwed-in base, squeeze two buttons on its sides to open the housing and switch out the batteries. This makes it a great camera for anyone who wants quick and easy swap-outs that minimize downtime. However, that’s about the only standout feature. The 2K video quality is on par with many other units. The night vision is clear. The audio is fine. The price is fine. You can pay for a cloud storage subscription or buy a micro SD card for local storage. And so on (you get the picture).
Ring Stick Up Cam ($100): There is so much to like about this camera that I wish its one glaring omission wasn’t so, but it is. This security camera does not have a built-in light, and in my testing for home security cameras, that’s a critical flaw in an outdoor security cam. The price is great; it has audio that’s clear both ways; and it has privacy zones that are easy to manage, customizable notifications and many mounting options (including no installation at all, just perching it upright on a table or wall). It just doesn’t have a light. If you already have a built-in floodlight in your yard, it serves just fine, but others who need that feature should look at other options.
Arlo Essential Indoor 2K Security Camera ($80): The Arlo Essential Indoor 2K Security Camera has crystal-clear 2K resolution, a decent 130-degree field of view and smart object detection abilities that identify whether it’s seeing a person, pet or other moving object. And it has a clever privacy shield that you can pop in front of the lens, physically blocking the camera’s view when you don’t want even a chance of monitoring to take place. The only problem with this capable little indoor camera is that it costs twice as much as the Roku Indoor Camera SE, which is comparable, save for its resolution.
Noorio Indoor Pan & Tilt Cam T110 ($60): A fine choice for a baby monitor (especially with the charming little “face” displayed when the camera is dormant), Noorio’s T110 indoor camera is also a great choice for keeping an eye on large rooms or homes with open floor plans. It can, like the name suggests, pan laterally and tilt vertically to show you the whole of a space when it’s properly positioned. It’s bulkier than most other indoor cameras—and it’s on the pricier side, too—but the resolution and audio are both sharp.
How I Tested The Best Home Security Cameras
To determine the best home security cameras, I comprehensively tested devices over the course of three months. Working in my basement home lab with my son, I evaluated various aspects of each camera’s performance, from ease of use to camera resolution and more. Initial research involved delving into buyer reviews, manufacturer claims and technical specs to narrow the list of brands and models for consideration.
Working away in our camera testing headquarters.
Each camera underwent rigorous testing across multiple criteria, including resolution, battery life, night vision, ease of use and more. To test each camera’s resolution quality, I captured images of various objects with distinct sizes, colors and detailing. Battery life, a crucial factor for outdoor cameras, was regularly monitored, with each camera’s performance tracked over time to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Each camera’s night vision capabilities were also put to the test in varying light conditions, simulating real-world scenarios to check how well they worked in dark environments to simulate night-time. Finally, ease of use was evaluated through app setup, connectivity and control options, ensuring that each home security camera on this list offered intuitive interfaces and straightforward installation.
My Expertise
Even before I was tasked with an in-depth review of security cameras, I already had some experience with these products. We have used a video doorbell for years, for example. I have tested well over two dozen baby monitors in my time, and they share many of the same features with dedicated security cameras.
The camera testing continues.
Beyond cameras and other tech gear, I also have more than a dozen years of experience testing products, apps, services, restaurants and all sorts of things, really. I’ve reviewed large vehicles and compact headlamps, emergency radios, smart lights and much more. All these years of hands-on testing experience came into play here as I evaluated all these different camera brands.
In addition to my own expertise, I sought out the wisdom of four experts who spend a good deal of time focused on property security concerns. They have been noted before, but to make sure each gets due credit for their insights, ideas and specific product recommendations, those individuals were K. Campbell, a security consultant and risk assessment professional who is a principal at Blue Glacier Security & Intelligence, David Ciccarelli, the founder and CEO of property rental company Lake, Mark Buskuhl, the founder and CEO of the Texas-based real estate firm Ninebird Properties, and James Koskela, the founder of lock security specialty company Zero Day Gear.
What Features Are Most Important When Choosing a Home Security Camera?
Choose features that align with your needs. Resolution may be crucial for capturing clear images, and if this is the number one priority for you, make sure that you get a higher resolution security camera. This way, if you’re worried about getting vidoe with, say, a license plate, it comes through on your feed crystal clear.
Additionally, for those with a wide space, the field-of-view, or FOV, ensures adequate coverage of the area you want to monitor. Night vision capabilities are also essential for around-the-clock surveillance, while two-way audio allows you to communicate with visitors or your delivery driver.
And, of course, you’ll want to consider integration with your smart home systems so you can ask your Echo Show to pull up your feed, as an example. Additionally, think about storage options, such as local storage or cloud storage subscriptions, to ensure your footage is safely stored and accessible.
Are Home Security Cameras Easy to Install and Set Up?
Many home security cameras are designed with user-friendly installation in mind. Most of them provide detailed instructions and user-friendly mobile apps that help guide you through the installation. You don’t need to call a handyman, either; many are designed for DIY installation (though you can always call one if you’re unsure).
Setup typically involves connecting the camera to your Wi-Fi network and configuring settings through the accompanying app. Even if you’re not particularly tech-savvy, you’ll find that most cameras offer straightforward installation and setup procedures, allowing you to enjoy enhanced security without hassle.
How Reliable Is the Motion Detection and Alert System?
Motion detection and alert systems are important aspects of home security cameras; in fact, it’s one of the criteria I used for my testing. Home security cameras have advanced motion detection technology that detects movement within their field-of-view, triggering alerts to notify you of any activity. While false alarms can occur occasionally, many cameras offer customizable sensitivity settings to reduce unnecessary notifications, too.
What Are the Privacy and Data Security Features of These Cameras?
The last thing you want when placing cameras around your home is to worry about your footage privacy and data security. Some cameras offer cloud storage for eases of access; others store your footage on a device you place inside your home. The catch with cloud storage is that many companies now require a subscription to access older footage.
Choose privacy and data security features based on your needs and preferences. The good news: Most companies adhere to high industry standards and regulations to safeguard your user privacy. It’s also worth reviewing the manufacturer’s privacy policy to ensure transparency regarding data collection and usage practices.
Do These Cameras Require a Subscription for Full Functionality?
While some home security cameras offer optional subscription plans for additional features or cloud storage, many models give you plenty of features without the need for shelling out that pesky monthly fee. Basic features such as live streaming, motion detection and two-way audio are often included without additional fees. Before adding a home security camera to your home, carefully review the included features and read the fine print on any associated subscription plans. That way, you are fully aware before you buy.
