Protecting your home is easier than ever thanks to recent advances in home security camera technology. With so many options on the market, however, it can be overwhelming trying to determine which security camera is right for you.
In this comprehensive guide, we analyze the 7 top-rated home security cameras available today. We break down key factors like video quality, field of view, smart features, and more to help you select the perfect security camera for any space or budget.
How We Chose the Best Home Security Cameras
Our security camera recommendations are based on extensive product research and testing. We evaluated over 50 different home security cameras across various categories, considering factors like:
Video quality: At minimum, cameras should capture 1080p HD video. Higher-end options now offer crisp 2K or 4K resolution.
Field of view: Outdoor cameras should have wide 140-180° views. Indoor cameras can have more narrow 80-130° views.
Smart features: Look for AI motion/person detection, custom activity zones, auto tracking and more.
App experience: The companion app should offer intuitive controls, smart notifications and easy video downloads.
Weather resistance: Outdoor cameras must withstand the elements with IP weather resistance ratings.
Power options: Cameras offer wired, battery or solar power depending on placement. Batteries should last 6+ months per charge.
Warranty & support: We preferred cameras backed by at least a 1-year warranty and US-based customer service.
Armed with these evaluation criteria, we put together this list of the absolute best home security cameras in 7 key categories.
1. Best Overall: Google Nest Cam Outdoor
- 1080p HD video with HDR
- Intelligent alerts for people, vehicles and animals
- Easy magnetic mount
- Wire-free for flexible placement
- 3 hours of free event video history
- Works even in power outages
Despite stiff competition from brands like Arlo and Ring, the Google Nest Cam Outdoor stands out as the best overall home security camera on the market in 2023.
The Nest Cam records crisp 1080p video and has a generous 130° diagonal field of view. But what really sets Nest Cam apart is its sophisticated smart alerts. Thanks to Google‘s advanced machine learning technology, this camera can accurately recognize people, animals and vehicles, sending you notifications only when something meaningful is detected. Customized Activity Zones allow you to select specific areas in the camera‘s view to monitor, ignoring unwanted motion from busy streets or trees blowing in the wind.
Installation takes minutes thanks to the flexible magnetic mount which allows you to easily attach Nest Cam nearly anywhere inside or out. Despite being completely wire-free, Nest Cam can store up to an hour of detected activity video if your WiFi goes offline. A Nest Aware subscription expands that continuous recording capability and adds intelligent features like facial recognition. But it‘s not required to get alerts and snapshots from the security camera.
Durable construction and weather sealing give Nest Cam Outdoor long-lasting performance through snow, rain and intense heat. Attractive design with neutral colors allows Nest Cam to subtly blend into any home exterior.
For innovative smart features, flexible installation and robust design, the Google Nest Cam Outdoor is the best overall home security camera available today.
Key Features:
- 1080p HD video with HDR
- Intelligent alerts
- 130° diagonal field of view
- Wire-free installation
- Works without WiFi
- Weather resistant design
2. Best Indoor Camera: Ring Indoor Cam
- Compact design blends into any room
- Captures 1080p HD video
- Two-way talk lets you speak with visitors
- Alexa enabled for easy voice control
- Affordable price without monthly fees
For an easy-to-use indoor camera at an affordable price point, the Ring Indoor Cam is your best bet. This compact camera captures 1080p HD video and has a generous 140° viewing angle to keep tabs on large rooms. Despite its small size, Ring Indoor Cam still offers handy features like two-way talk, motion alerts and Live View through the Ring app.
Setting up Ring Indoor Cam takes just minutes thanks to the user-friendly Ring app that walks you through the process step-by-step. Mounting the camera is flexible thanks to the swiveling base—it sits securely on shelves and countertops or you can utilize the standard tripod thread.
You can easily control Ring Cam using Alexa voice commands thanks to native integration. For example, ask Alexa to show you the Indoor Cam‘s Live View on Fire TV. Motion detection alerts offer real-time notifications when the camera spots movement. A Ring Protect Plan subscription adds 60 days of video recording for just $3 a month.
With crisp 1080p video, compact design and intuitive controls, the Ring Indoor Cam is our pick as the best home security camera aimed at interior spaces.
Key Features:
- 1080p HD video
- 140° viewing angle
- Two-way talk
- Works with Alexa
- Flexible mounting options
3. Best Outdoor: Arlo Pro 4
- Records video in sharp 2K HDR
- 160° field of view
- Built-in spotlight and siren
- Weather resistant design
- Automated smart alerts
The recently launched Arlo Pro 4 home security camera delivers best-in-class features and performance for outdoor spaces. Most notably, the Arlo Pro 4 records super-sharp 2K video—capturing fine details like faces and license plates with exceptional clarity. Support for HDR provides excellent contrast and brightness for optimum video quality at all times of day.
This weatherproof camera has an extra-wide 160° viewing angle to monitor large areas of your property. That field of view is enhanced with color night vision allowing you to easily distinguish objects in the dark. The integrated spotlight automatically turns on when motion is detected to deter intruders.
Like Nest Cam, the Arlo Pro 4 has intelligent object detection able to identify people, vehicles, animals and more. This way, you only get notified when a person is detected versus a blowing tree branch. The Arlo Pro 4 works directly with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for convenient voice controls. Automated Arlo audio sirens and emergency response features provide next-level protection.
The versatile magnetic mount makes positioning Arlo Pro 4 simple andyou can power it via the included rechargeable battery, outdoor charging cable or solar panel add-on. While it doesn‘t come cheap, the advanced smart features and premium 2K video capabilities make Arlo Pro 4 the best outdoor home security camera available today.
Key Features:
- Records video in 2K with HDR
- 160° viewing angle
- Built-in spotlight & alarm siren
- Identifies people, vehicles & animals
- Weatherproof construction
4. Best Video Doorbell: Arlo Essential Wireless
- Installs in minutes with 5 minute quick set-up
- Records video in sharp 1080p HD with HDR
- 180° viewing angle captures packages on the ground
- Wire-free for flexible placement
- Built-in WiFi connects directly to home network
- Two-way audio lets you speak to visitors
The Arlo Essential Wireless Doorbell takes top marks as the best video doorbell security camera thanks to its impressive set of features at an affordable price point.
Headlining this Arlo doorbell cam is full 180° field of view—perfect for monitoring a front porch or entryway wall-to-wall. The impressive camera sensor even captures packages sitting on the ground. It records crisp 1080p video with HDR for optimal day and night imaging. The built-in WiFi allows flexible placement without having to connect any wiring.
Despite having so many features, the Arlo Essential installs in minutes. Just mount the included bracket using the included screws or double-sided tape. Receive notifications instantly whenever the doorbell detects a visitor so you always know who is at your door, even when you‘re away from home. See, hear and speak to guests using crystal clear two-way audio communication.
Custom motion detection zones help cut down on unwanted notifications from passing cars. Spotlight mode triggers the integrated LEDs automatically when someone approaches your door for optimal nighttime visibility. For storing video clips, an Arlo Secure subscription offers 30 days of rolling cloud storage for just $3 a month. However, the Arlo doorbell cam will still capture video for live viewing without a paid plan.
Reliable performance, easy installation and full-perimeter views make the Arlo Essential the premier video doorbell security camera on the market.
Key Features:
- Records in 1080p HD video
- 180 degree viewing angle
- Wire-free installation
- Two-way talk
- Works with or without paid subscription
5. Best Floodlight Camera: Ring Floodlight Cam
- Bright LED floodlights with security siren
- Records 1080p HD video with color night vision
- 140° viewing angle plus adjustable mount
- Get notifications on phone when motion triggered
- Syncs with Alexa for smart home security
The Ring Floodlight Cam combines a powerful LED floodlight with a sharp 1080p security camera for all-in-one protection. When the Floodlight Cam detects motion, it instantly switches on two ultra-bright LED floodlights and starts recording video. The adjustable mount allows directing light and coverage where you need it most. An integrated 110 dB security siren sounds on demand, scaring unwelcome guests away.
This Ring camera records video in 1080p HD with color night vision and has a wide 140° field of view. The built-in WiFi and weather-resistant design make outdoor installation fast and simple. Like other Ring cameras, it connects to the Ring app for real-time notifications when activity is detected in custom motion zones. With an optional Ring Protect subscription, record, save and share minutes of HD video footage.
Ring‘s integration with Alexa allows smart home management using your voice. Ask Alexa to show the Floodlight Cam‘s Live View feed on your Echo Show then use two-way talk to speak with visitors. Linking Ring and Alexa provides easy whole-home security control.
For serious perimeter protection, the Ring Floodlight Cam‘s pro-level security features make it the best floodlight camera on the market.
Key Features:
- Bright LED floodlights with siren
- 1080p video with 140° coverage
- Custom motion detection
- Syncs with Alexa
- Simple WiFi set up
6. Best Battery-Powered: Blink Outdoor
- Completely wire-free for fast installation
- Up to 2 years of battery life per set of 2 AA lithium batteries
- Records 1080p HD video with infrared night vision
- Temperature resistant from -4° to 113°F
- 2-way audio lets you talk through the camera
The Blink Outdoor is the best home security solution for renters, apartments or homes where wiring cameras isn‘t practical. This versatile wire-free camera has an integrated rechargeable battery rated for up to 2 years on just two AA lithium batteries (included).
Despite being totally wire-free, the Blink Outdoor camera doesn‘t compromise features or video quality. It records crisp 1080p HD footage day and night thanks to infrared night vision tech. The 110° field of view captures action taking place nearly 10 feet away.
Like other leading cameras, Blink Outdoor offers custom motion detection zones to reduce unwanted notifications. Instant notifications alert your phone whenever the camera detects a person. Access real-time Live View and use two-way talk to speak with visitors on your property.
Blink Outdoor is built to withstand all types of weather with rain, dust and temperature resistance. The wire-free design also makes this security camera ideal for rental properties, apartments and placement anywhere around your property.
For wire-free convenience without sacrificing key features, Blink Outdoor is the best home security camera if you‘re looking for a hassle-free battery-powered option.
Key Features:
- 100% wire-free installation
- 2 year battery life
- 1080p HD video
- Custom motion detection zones
- Weather resistant
7. Best Budget: Wyze Cam Outdoor
- Super affordable price without monthly fees
- Records color 1080p HD video
- Time lapse and motion tagging features
- 138° viewing angle with 30 feet of night vision
- Weatherproof rated IP65, works from -4° to 104° F
The Wyze Cam Outdoor offers impressive features like color night vision, motion tagging and 1080p recordings—all for an unbelievable price under $100. This versatile camera works indoors and outdoors thanks to an IP65 weatherproof rating. Despite the low cost, it doesn‘t require a monthly subscription.
You get free access to motion-tagged video recordings stored securely online for 14 days. Play back videos easily right in the Wyze app. If you want longer recording, a paid Complete Motion Capture subscription adds more storage and smart features.
Time lapse mode lets you condense up to an entire day into a short, shareable video. Color night vision accurately captures details in low light. Alerts for smoke and CO alarms help monitor home safety hazards when you‘re away.
For budget shoppers wanting full-featured monitoring without monthly fees, the Wyze Cam Outdoor is the best home security camera value available.
Key Features:
- Affordable price
- Records 1080p HD video
- 138° viewing angle
- Color night vision
- Weatherproof design
What To Look for When Buying Home Security Cameras
With so many home security cameras to choose from, it helps to know what features and specifications are most important when comparing different models:
Video Resolution – 1080p HD is the minimum resolution required for sharp video. Higher-end cameras capture 2K, 4K or 5K footage.
Field of View – Look for wide 140-180° viewing angles to monitor large spaces. Most indoor cameras have 80-130° FOV.
Night Vision – Monochrome and color night vision modes allow visibility in low and no light conditions.
Alert Notifications – Instant alerts when the camera detects people, vehicles or general motion.
Weatherproofing – Outdoor cameras should carry IP65 or IP67 weather resistance ratings to withstand rain, snow and high heat.
Power Source – Cameras offer wired Ethernet, battery power or solar power. Batteries should provide at least 6 months of life per charge.
Local Storage – For recordings without the cloud, cameras with microSD card slots provide local storage.
Warranty – Look for at least 1 year manufacturer warranties. 2 or 3 years is ideal for investment protection.
How to Install & Set Up a Home Security Camera
Installing a DIY home security camera is a straightforward process for both indoor and outdoor models:
1. Pick Install Location
Determine the exact spot where you want to place the camera keeping power supply, viewing angle and WiFi coverage in mind.
2. Mount Security Camera
Use included hardware to mount the camera to the desired surface according to manufacturer instructions.
3. Connect Cables
For wired cameras, connect the power cable and if using Ethernet, connect the Cat 5e cable.
4. Download Companion App
Download the camera company’s app to set up an account and connect mobile devices.
5. Sync Camera to WiFi
Open the app, select add new device and follow prompts to sync the camera to home WiFi.
6. Adjust Settings
In the app, position the camera, set activity zones and customize motion detection sensitivity and alerts.
Home Security Camera FAQs
Do security cameras deter burglars?
Statistics show that homes with security cameras have a significantly lower burglary and break-in rate than those without cameras. Visible cameras facing entry points often deter would-be intruders.
Do security cameras work without WiFi?
Most modern home security cameras require WiFi connectivity to enable streaming live feeds, notifications and remote access features via smartphone apps. However, cameras with local storage options can record events without WiFi to memory cards.
Where should I put outdoor security cameras?
We recommend positioning outdoor home security cameras covering entry points like driveways, walkways, patios, and doors. Ensure the camera view covers approaches to the home not just the entry point.
Do wireless security cameras require wiring?
By definition, wireless security cameras do not require any structural wiring. Battery powered cameras or those with solar panels feature truly wire-free installation. However, wireless cameras still need to connect to your WiFi network to enable remote access.
