Best home security cameras for 2024

There are a lot of security cameras to choose from—many work well in a compatible smart home security systems or as stand-alone units. Understanding the differences will help you find one that fits your needs. Here are five kinds of security cameras you're likely to encounter.

Indoor security cameras

Select an indoor camera to watch what’s happening inside your home, particularly one with two-way audio. You can check in with kids after school, tell Rover to get off your favourite chair, or scare the daylights out of an intruder who doesn’t belong in your home (plus you’ll have their picture, to boot!).

Outdoor security cameras

An outdoor camera relies on a high weatherproof rating that stands up to the elements and drastic changes in temperature. Another big feature is night vision. You might also consider a camera with a built-in motion-activated light—all the better to scare you with, my dear!

Doorbell cameras

A doorbell camera is essentially an outdoor camera for watching over your front porch. A video doorbell uses two-way audio so you can talk to guests and are a good way to make sure packages don’t walk off unnoticed.

Wireless security cameras

As a concept, wireless cameras are confusing. “Wireless” can either mean cameras with a Wi-Fi connection or that they run off a battery. We lean toward cameras that are 100% wire-free, with both Wi-Fi and a wireless power source. But we include some of both types in our wireless camera roundup.

Monitored security cameras

Security cameras in a monitored security system usually have the same features and options as stand-alone units. But you can tap into the expertise of the home security company to pick the right one. They work with your security system, so there's always an extra set of eyes looking out for trouble 24/7.

Here are some important features to consider in a home security camera:

• Video resolution affects the quality of your home security footage. A clear image helps identify faces, vehicles, and items in a recording. Choose a camera with at least 1080p resolution.
• Field of view refers to how much area a camera sees through its lens. It affects how many cameras you need and where to place them. Look for a field of view that's at least 110º.
• Motion detection sends notifications when a camera observes movement. Choose a motion sensor camera with smart detection to tag people, animals, and vehicles for more effective motion alerts.
• Infrared night vision helps eliminate security camera footage that's too dark in low- and no-light situations after sunset. Choose a camera with a night vision range of at least 6 metres.
• Two-way audio (also called two-way communication) uses a microphone and speaker for interacting with people or pets on the other end. Two-way talk effectively turns your security camera into an intercom to address a delivery driver or check in on the kids after school.
• Pan and tilt motors or a digital zoom adjust the camera's view remotely. A motorised pan-and-tilt camera is ideal for recording a larger area than a static camera and reduces the number of cameras you need overall.
  • Movement tracking allows some pan-and-tilt cameras to follow the action in a room automatically, whether it's a pet racing around the living room or a youngster toddling toward trouble.

If a camera costs so much that you can no longer afford the valuables you're trying to protect, then it doesn't serve a purpose. Fortunately, many cheap security cameras cost less than $50 while providing HD video, motion detection, smartphone apps, and two-way audio. They're even cheap enough to buy multiple cameras.

You can expect better features and stronger customer support with more expensive cameras. Monitored security cameras are more expensive because they come as part of a professionally monitored security system that watches your home 24/7. Ultimately, it's your call how much you want to invest in security.

Absolutely! Home security cameras allow you to watch over your home in two primary ways more effectively:

• Deter: A surveillance camera in a conspicuous location can make burglars think twice about attempting to enter your home.
• Describe: Security cameras can collect information about burglars and the items they take. This makes it easier to file police reports and insurance claims.

The best part is that you choose how much to spend on security cameras for your home.

Most of the time. Modern security cameras use Wi-Fi for five tasks:

• Streaming live video
• Storing video footage in the cloud
• Mobile device controls and alerts
• Two-way audio
• Communication with smart home devices

Most security cameras connect to your home network using Wi-Fi, but some models use cables to connect to your internet router or a DVR for security cameras. We recommend using Wi-Fi security cameras since they are typically the easiest kind to install.

If you have an internet data usage cap, make sure you understand how your security camera(s) could impact your monthly bill. You should also verify that your router can handle the extra devices and output.

Many of the best security camera systems also help turn your house into a smart home. Security cameras often integrate with a smart home hub like Amazon Echo or Google Nest Audio.

This can give you a huge home security advantage—the ability to remotely control lights, door locks, and your security cameras. You can also program your system to boost security measures when you're out of town or during the holidays when lots of packages arrive.