Best Home Security Cameras of 2024 - CNET

Oct 18, 2024

Article updated on October 16, 2024 at 10:32 AM PDT

Our experts pick the best indoor and outdoor cams for smart, easy home use.

What to consider

Privacy

Does a brand have a good track record for privacy and security? Is it resistant to hacking? Are you looking for an option that keeps your videos off the cloud or your camera off the internet entirely?

Indoor vs. outdoor

Where are you planning on putting a camera? Does it have the right mounting options? Does an outdoor camera have the proper weather resistance and power options? Does it use light or night vision? Do indoor cameras have the right field of view to capture the whole room?

Resolution

Is the security camera at least HD quality? If you are watching a large space, have you considered a 2K or higher cam? Does the camera have zooming features if it needs to focus on details?

Field of view

Is the field of view wide enough to capture a full room or the entire section of your property that you want to view?

Power

Does the camera have the right source of power, like battery or wired? Have you checked if you have a compatible outlet or junction box for wired cams? Have you looked for wireless cams that offer batteries that last at least a few months before recharging? Have you considered PoE or other power alternatives?

Video storage

Do you prefer local storage or cloud storage? Do you mind paying a subscription for cloud storage or are you only interested in free storage? Do you mind buying a microSD card or hub for local storage?

Wi-Fi

Does your camera position easily connect to Wi-Fi? Are you willing to move your camera or router to fix Wi-Fi connection issues? Are you interested in Wi-Fi alternatives like LTE or cellular cams?

Today’s smart home security cams help you keep eyes and ears on the most important parts of your home. Advanced, high-res cams let you keep an eye on kids or pets, watch wildlife and trigger lights or even home security systems.

From wireless models, AI, voice assistance and DIY options CNET tested them all to bring you the best security camera for you and your home or the smart tech enthusiast on your holiday shopping list.

What to consider

Privacy

Does a brand have a good track record for privacy and security? Is it resistant to hacking? Are you looking for an option that keeps your videos off the cloud or your camera off the internet entirely?

Indoor vs. outdoor

Where are you planning on putting a camera? Does it have the right mounting options? Does an outdoor camera have the proper weather resistance and power options? Does it use light or night vision? Do indoor cameras have the right field of view to capture the whole room?

Resolution

Is the security camera at least HD quality? If you are watching a large space, have you considered a 2K or higher cam? Does the camera have zooming features if it needs to focus on details?

Field of view

Is the field of view wide enough to capture a full room or the entire section of your property that you want to view?

Power

Does the camera have the right source of power, like battery or wired? Have you checked if you have a compatible outlet or junction box for wired cams? Have you looked for wireless cams that offer batteries that last at least a few months before recharging? Have you considered PoE or other power alternatives?

Video storage

Do you prefer local storage or cloud storage? Do you mind paying a subscription for cloud storage or are you only interested in free storage? Do you mind buying a microSD card or hub for local storage?

Wi-Fi

Does your camera position easily connect to Wi-Fi? Are you willing to move your camera or router to fix Wi-Fi connection issues? Are you interested in Wi-Fi alternatives like LTE or cellular cams?

Our top pick is the Arlo Pro 5S 2K Spotlight camera, a model that can do everything from two-way audio to smart home support, with excellent high-end features -- though there are many cheaper models out there for those with simpler needs, and you'll find a wide range of excellent home security cameras below from Google Nest, Eufy, Ring, Lorex and Tapo.

This Arlo Pro cam is useful outdoors or inside.

The best security cameras can work anywhere and adapt to any situation, based on the type of security you need -- what you want to watch over, when and how you look and how you get alerts. The Arlo Pro 5S comes so packed with features that we had trouble thinking of something it couldn’t do. The up-to-2K resolution with HDR, color night vision and digital zoom all ensure you can keep an eye on any detail, while the 160-degree field of view is astounding for a cam this size.

Users have their pick of smart features too, including two-way audio and smart alerts with detection zones. Motion detection, honed by Arlo’s years of experience, can identify objects like people or packages and activate the built-in spotlight during dark conditions. With an operating temperature range down to minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit, you won’t have to worry too much about weather, either.

Buyer’s note: You can use this cam indoors or outdoors, and if you don’t want to rely on the battery it does come with an indoor cable (outdoor-rated cables are sold separately). The one issue for the cost-conscious is the inescapable subscription fee: The Arlo Secure plan enables so much, from full 2K streaming and cloud recording to 24/7 emergency responses, that it’s more or less necessary to get the most out of this already pricey camera. Local storage is possible, but you’ll need to buy a compatible SmartHub or Base Station, which again bumps up the cost.

This Arlo Pro cam is useful outdoors or inside.

Elevate your outdoor security with the Reolink Duo 3 PoE. This powerful camera captures every detail with its impressive 16MP ultra-high definition image. Its innovative dual-lens design provides a seamless 180° panoramic view, ensuring complete coverage without blind spots.

Introducing the new Motion Track feature, the Duo 3 PoE records the exact movement path of people, vehicles, and pets in a single frame, so you can quickly understand any activity while you're away.

With an IK10 vandal-proof rating, this camera is built to withstand the elements and potential tampering, making it perfect for securing front doors, backyards, and driveways. Choose the Reolink Duo 3 PoE for comprehensive, high-definition outdoor security.

The Nest Cam can be mounted anywhere.

You can install Google’s battery cam nearly anywhere, inside or outside, and unless conditions drop well below freezing, you don’t have to worry about the local weather. That versatility isn’t easy to find in smart security cameras, and Google’s AI detection makes an excellent companion feature, able to identify people, animals, vehicles and (with a subscription) familiar faces so you get useful alerts.

This 1080p Nest cam includes important security features like two-way audio and night vision with HDR. We found the design useful when you can pop the cam off the magnetic base for a quick recharge if the battery is running low. Although this is a Google Home cam through and through, it still works with Alexa if you prefer Amazon’s voice assistant.

One of the biggest reasons we’re giving this Nest cam the nod is its valuable video storage package. Unlike other cameras, Google Nest provides three hours of video storage for free, so you don’t need a subscription to get those cloud video benefits. You will need to take action within three hours or lose the footage without a subscription.

The Nest Cam can be mounted anywhere.

Ring's battery cam is on the higher-end but offers a versatile, weather resistance option to watch kids wherever they are.

Mobile wireless cameras offer one big advantage: You can move them anywhere on a whim, from a sunroom or playroom to the kitchen or living room, all depending on your plans. This Ring Stick Up Cam Pro model boosts that benefit even more by allowing you to take the cam outside to a deck or patio if you want (without worrying about leaving it out in the rain).

In addition to its mobility, Ring’s Stick Up camera offers motion detection with alerts, two-way audio and the ability to customize motion or privacy zones to focus the camera on important areas. A home/away feature lets you quickly switch between modes to help save on battery life when you’re home, and if you ever find the perfect spot, the cam also comes with a wall mount.

The Pro model is significantly more expensive, but it adds higher-quality video and more settings options. Plus, we frequently see it on discount, which really helps cut the price down to manageable levels.

Ring's battery cam is on the higher-end but offers a versatile, weather resistance option to watch kids wherever they are.

The Eufy SoloCam S230's built-in solar panel is an effective design solution.

Home security cams get recruited for all kinds of tasks, and you may have a spot in mind that’s well away from Wi-Fi. Even the exterior of larger homes can be beyond Wi-Fi’s reach, not to mention outdoor garages and granny pods, weekend camping sites or construction sites. A PoE (power over Ethernet) cam is one solution but not without a connecting cable. This cellular security cam from Eufy is a far more versatile option, powered by a SIM card that you can buy pre-loaded with minutes for simple operation.

The S230 cam comes with an extra-high IP67 rating to stay active even in extreme weather, 2K resolution and a starlight sensor to keep details high at night. The battery is rated for about three months, but if you include a compatible Eufy solar panel, you may not have to worry about battery charging for a long time. Eufy’s AI detection also helps limit alerts to those involving people (plus customizable detection zones), and if the cam is close enough, you can activate the two-way audio for communication.

Finally, this go-anywhere cam doesn’t have cloud storage or a subscription. Instead, it has 8GB of onboard storage to save captured video. No fees are involved, but you will have to clear out the storage when it fills. If you don’t mind paying more for a higher-end version, we also really liked the Arlo Go 2 in our head-to-head.

The Eufy SoloCam S230's built-in solar panel is an effective design solution.

The Lorex spotlight cam is one of the best 4K home cams we've seen.

Is cloud video storage a sore spot for you? Many people are uncomfortable trusting companies with their home video footage, especially when data breaches keep cropping up. The brands on our list do fairly well at security, but if you’re looking for an alternative, Lorex is made for you. Their cameras, like this model, come with a 32GB (potentially upgradeable) microSD card to save videos locally instead of on the cloud.

This indoor/outdoor 4K camera shines a customizable LED spotlight wherever you need extra illumination, letting you change the color to match different camera modes or purposes. It also comes with color night vision and built-in object detection for people, vehicles, animals and packages at no additional cost.

Whether you’re searching for a high-definition 4K camera or want to stick with local storage only to avoid being part of the cloud, we recommend a Lorex cam like this as the answer. Local storage does take slightly more effort to manage, especially when the hard drives get crowded with old video footage. Lorex wired cams like these are set by default to continuously record, so that storage can fill up very fast without some settings changes, like switching to scheduled or motion-activated recordings.

The Lorex spotlight cam is one of the best 4K home cams we've seen.

The Nest doorbell is easy to use, although linking it with your current chime may be difficult.

Our tests found multiple high-performing video doorbells like the Arlo 2K 2nd-gen Doorbell, but we’re recommending this Google Nest model for a specific reason. Video doorbells tend to capture more footage than most security cams: Even with AI detection, they still record everyone who comes and goes from your home and often people jogging or walking dogs along the street. That can fill up cloud storage or local storage quickly, which is why Nest’s free 3 hours of cloud storage are so useful. You can quickly view recordings and decide whether to download or let the three-hour countdown expire, saving only what you need alert by alert.

We also found the Google Nest Cam to be easy to install and use, simple to recharge, and excellent at detecting packages as well as alerting you when those packages have been removed with great accuracy. There’s a wired version of the camera available, but you get more options for placement with the battery model, which is useful for conforming to any awkwardly shaped entryway. The doorbell also comes with a wedge to slant it in a specific direction if your space is tight.

Google includes important security camera standbys like two-way audio and night vision for its doorbell. The resolution is pretty low for a modern security cam, not even reaching full 1080p/HD. Since doorbells tend to focus on close-at-hand action, this isn't as important as it would be for other cameras.

The Nest doorbell is easy to use, although linking it with your current chime may be difficult.

You get a whole lot for a low price with this Tapo cam.

Most of our feature-packed picks are over $100, and some are well over that mark. If that’s a dealbreaker for you and your wallet, this HD Tapo camera has a much lower offer. For under $30, TP-Link offers a remarkably complete indoor security camera with pan and tilt capabilities so it can capture an entire room via app controls.

Even at this low price, the C210 camera manages to include important extras like two-way audio, a built-in siren and 30-foot night vision. It also uses both motion and audio detection so you can get alerts when there’s unexpected movement or noise around the house. That makes it a great budget pick for an open floor plan, keeping watch in a playroom or baby’s room, and all sorts of other tasks. It also comes with the ability to split live viewing between two different devices at the same time, so both people can look through the camera at once.

While the Tapo C210 isn’t the best pan/tilt model we’ve reviewed -- the Eufy S350 tops that list -- it’s certainly the most affordable and has a fantastic number of security features for the price. When it comes to video storage, you can either buy a microSD card for local storage or tap into the Tapo Care plan, which starts at a low $3.50 per month.

You get a whole lot for a low price with this Tapo cam.

Wyze Cam v2: Wyze cams have a lot to love, particularly their low prices and user-friendly interfaces, which is why models like the Cam v2 have qualified as previous top picks. Over the past several years, Wyze has encountered a string of security vulnerabilities that don’t seem to be getting any better, including a late 2023 video caching error that had users looking out of strangers’ live views. We’re putting Wyze on hold for now until it’s clear they have security issues sorted out, but if that doesn’t bother you (many brands have periods where they struggle with a vulnerability), then it could be an option for budget cams.

Lorex 2K Wi-Fi Floodlight Camera: Our local storage Lorex pick is an all-purpose cam, but Lorex has more role-specific options too. One version we especially liked was the floodlight camera, ideal for position over a garage or patio to get shine extra light on your property.

Eufy SoloCam S230 with integrated solar panel: Going solar in the right outdoor spot can help remove battery woes. Eufy makes this sunny solution simple by combining the cam with a built-in solar panel on top. If you can position it correctly, you may not need to worry about battery life until the middle of winter.

Blink Mini 2: Tiny and super easy to use, we recommend this Blink Mini 2 cam as a good option if you have a rented room or dorm that you want to keep watch over. The small cam packs a spotlight, audio features, night vision and even has an outdoor option. It’s a potential option for anyone wanting a small, affordable camera… although a subscription is necessary to get some important benefits.

Hands-on testing is core to our evaluation of any home security products. When it comes to security cameras, we start by identifying new and test-worthy products from established manufacturers -- cameras you'd be most likely to come across when shopping online or at your local hardware or electronics stores. When these products hit the market, or sometimes even earlier, we get our hands on them and thoroughly test them in a real-home environment over the course of a week.

We begin testing by setting the camera up according to the included and/or app instructions, making note of any difficulties encountered along the way. Once the camera is ready to roll, we evaluate all features, paying close attention to resolution, night vision, notification latency, local or cloud storage and compatibility with smart home ecosystems like Google, Alexa and Apple HomeKit.

Such evaluations can take less than a day, but we monitor the camera over a week for a more complete look at the camera's performance day and night. If general use doesn't give us all the data we need, we create a mock situation -- like staging a porch pirate scenario -- to see how quickly and accurately the camera and app send notifications and record the event.

If you want to read more about our review process, check out our in-depth article on how we test home security cameras and video doorbells.

CNET has tested tons of home security cameras over the years, and can help you find the right one for your needs.

There are hundreds of home security cameras on the market, ranging drastically in price, functionality and quality. With all the options, it can be hard to not become overwhelmed fast, especially when you're considering something as important as your home's safety. After CNET's years of testing home security cameras, we have some tips if you're on the hunt for a new one. Here are a few parameters to consider:

This is a big one. You don't want anyone peeping on your property or hacking into your camera. Wireless home security cameras can be more susceptible to hacking due to their connectivity to Wi-Fi networks and remote access, especially if you have poor router security. Wired home security cameras that don't use Wi-Fi at all are generally more secure. (Read more about the pros and cons of wired vs. wireless systems here.) As we mentioned above, data breaches and security vulnerabilities can also be dangerous for your privacy, so it's important to consider a company's recent reputation.

One of the first things you'll need to consider is where you want to place your home security cameras. If you want your camera to be located outside, recording your porch or yard, you'll likely want an outdoor camera that's also weather-resistant or features night vision.

While many cameras can be used interchangeably for indoor or outdoor purposes, some cameras are solely made for indoor usage, like the Wyze Cam Pan v2, so make sure you're buying cameras that can handle the outdoor elements.

Video quality should be a major consideration when buying a home security camera. In simplest terms, your camera won't be effective if the only footage being recorded is grainy and unreadable.

The higher the resolution, the better the video quality. Most home security cameras on the market now have 1,080p resolution, but others even have 2K resolution (like the Arlo Pro 4) or 1,536x1,536-pixel resolution (like the Arlo Video Doorbell). Just remember, the higher the video quality, the more bandwidth it takes up and the more likely your camera is to experience lag times or glitches.

Field of view (usually provided diagonally) refers to how broad the camera's view is. Broader is generally better because it captures more space and makes it easier to spot activity. The average security camera tends to top out around 130 degrees, although some go beyond that. Pan and tilt features make the field of view less important since the camera can move around.

Battery and wireless cameras versus wired options are a matter of taste since both types have pros and cons.

Wireless options are usually easier to install and operate, and often use cloud storage, so you can access your footage from anywhere. Wireless security cameras have their own power supply, so even during an internet or power outage, they can still record and save footage. One of the biggest disadvantages is that you'll need to manually change the batteries or charge them every so often unless you get a solar-powered home security camera.

Wired cameras are hardwired to a steady connection, so they don't need to be recharged and can often boost a high-quality video resolution. They tend to be more reliable, secure and consistent in video quality while not requiring monthly cloud storage fees. On the negative side, wired home security cameras often need to be professionally installed and don't integrate with smart home systems like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.

Some Wired home security cameras (like the Google Nest Cam Indoor) typically have better video and audio quality.

Not all video storage is equal. You have two main options and picking one is up to your personal preference. There's cloud storage, which sends your video footage to a remote server to be saved, and local storage, which relies on a separate accessory or piece of hardware, usually a microSD card, to hold any footage you'd like to save. Usually, cloud storage requires a monthly fee.

When you're installing wireless home security cameras, keep in mind that the smart home camera you buy (and your security system as a whole) will only be as good as the quality of your Wi-Fi connection at the location where you plan to install it. So check your Wi-Fi speed before you drill holes in the walls or otherwise mess up your door frame, brick or siding for your home security camera. If the connection is spotty on your wireless security camera, you'll notice significant lag times, pixelation in the live feed and other Wi-Fi delays. These make the video quality poor and home security cameras a pain to use.

With a good Wi-Fi connection, you should be in good shape to use your indoor home security camera or outdoor home security camera without any major camera system issues and get clear footage every time. Still have questions? Take a look at my home security camera buying guide and the below FAQs.

Home security cams can be either shelf/table models, wall/ceiling mounts or a combination of both. Cams that offer both options are common, but some are made only for wall mounts. The best cameras tend to stay away from adhesives that can fade over time. Instead, they use a few simple screws to attach a base plate to wooden trim or posts: Brick, stone, fiber cement and other materials tend to make poor cam placement options without extra work. Our guide on placing security cams has more info on where they are best used.

There's a lot to consider when purchasing a home security camera because it's a massive, growing category that covers everything from professional firms like ADT and Vivint to standalone DIY devices like cameras, sensors and locks from brands like Wyze and Arlo. The first decision you'll need to make is whether you're looking for a professionally installed system or a DIY security system.

The next decision you'll have to make involves the device's specs and features. Do you want live streaming? Is two-way talk a priority? What about night vision? Modern home security cameras are loaded with neat extra features: Motion detection, professional monitoring, push notifications, cloud video storage, weather resistance, sound and motion alerts and integration with third-party devices. Narrowing down which smarts you want your device to have will help you make a final decision.

We get this question frequently, and the answer is complicated. Many security cameras come with an option to record sound along with video, as well as a way to turn it off. Some disable this feature altogether. The reason is that laws about recording sound (like conversations) vary from state to state and country to country. Most wiretapping laws also affect home devices, often requiring you to have two-party consent before legally recording. That makes this a very gray area, especially if you want to use footage as evidence. You can always use live two-way audio without recording to stay safe.

Some do, but you’ll have to check the specifics. Look up your current security system and see if any other brands or cameras are compatible with your app, panel and hub. For example, Vivint has a “Works with Vivint” page that discusses how you can use Google Home, Amazon Alexa and Philips Hue devices (among others) with the Vivint platform. Don’t assume that a device will work with your security system. Always get the details first, and call support if necessary.

Matter is a compatibility and security protocol, an important upgrade for smart homes that address some data security and platform support struggles that people have been having for a long time. It’s not a high priority for home security cameras right now, because Matter doesn’t currently support video or smart video devices. The standard receives regular updates to add compatibility with new devices, so once Matter at last adds security cams, it will become a more important consideration.

Many wireless cameras cannot fully function without an internet connection. Some cameras -- especially those that are part of a larger home security system -- use alternative radio protocols to transfer information. Those cameras will require a separate hub. Other cameras, if they have local storage, will be able to record and store footage -- on a microSD card, for example -- even if the internet is out. Lorex is one of the best brands for avoiding the internet altogether, but it will take some work.

Cameras can really strengthen your home's security, but they can also degrade its privacy. We don't recommend any cameras that have had recent and serious problems with data breaches for that reason. But as we explain, direct hacking isn't really a concern. There's no need for burglars to hack security cameras, and malware is more likely to infect webcams if it starts causing problems. In reality, your cams are more likely to be "hacked" by a monitoring center employee who doesn't care about the law or an ex who has your login information than by any shadowy cybercriminal.

Will you be able to tell if a security camera is actively recording you? It depends, too. Most security cameras will include a small light that will turn on when it's recording, though that may not be a reliable indicator if the camera has been hacked. Others, like Arlo's indoor camera, include design features that make it totally clear when the camera is watching and when it's not. In general, devices with physical shields are always a solid option if you're worried about maintaining your privacy.

Home security cameras can vary widely in price, ranging anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to a few thousand. It depends on the services, model, features or video storage you want for your camera. With this in mind, you can expect to spend anywhere from $30 to $500 for a home security camera.

Home security cameras don't have to be expensive, though. All of the best home security cameras CNET tested fall between the range of $25 and around $250. We'd suggest budgeting around $100 if possible, but our budget camera picks still do a lot with what they cost.