Best home security cameras for 2024

We’ve picked the best home security cameras based on image quality, price, smart features, and more.
Best overall
Reolink Argus 3
Reolink Argus 3 Pro
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
  • pro
    100% wire-free operation
  • pro
    Solar power option
  • bullet
    24% OFF
Best budget
TP-Link Tapo Pan/Tilt
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
  • pro
    Battery-free power
  • pro
    Very affordable
  • bullet
    29% OFF
Best outdoor
Ring Spotlight Cam Plus
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
  • pro
    Three power options
  • pro
    Built-in motion light
Best indoor
Nest Cam (Battery)
Google Nest Cam (Battery)
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
  • pro
    Wired or wireless
  • pro
    Person alerts
  • bullet
    25% OFF
Best doorbell
Ring Video Doorbell (2nd gen)
Ring Video Doorbell
(2nd Gen)
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
  • pro
    Outstanding video quality
  • pro
    Low price
  • bullet
    30% OFF

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review. We may earn money when you buy through our links.

The Reolink Argus 3 Pro outperforms most competitors with a wireless design (and solar power) you can install anywhere inside your home or outdoors. It’s affordable, easy to install, and its excellent 2K video quality captures fine details normally absent on 1080p security cameras.

After researching everything from video resolution to smart home compatibility, we also nailed down some formidable runners-up. Check out our top security camera picks and what features you should look for before buying.



Compare the best home security cameras

Product
Best for
Price
Video resolution
Field of view
Type
Smart home compatibility
Learn more
Best overall 1440p (2K) 122° Indoor/outdoor, battery and solar-poweredAlexa, Google
Best budget 1080p 360° horizontal
114° vertical
Indoor, wiredAlexa, Google
Best outdoor 1080p 140° Outdoor, battery-powered or wiredAlexa
Best indoor 1080p 130° Indoor/outdoor, battery-poweredGoogle
Best for smart home1440p (2K) 160° Indoor/outdoor, battery-poweredAlexa, Apple, Google, IFTTT, SmartThings
Best doorbell 1080p155° Video doorbell, battery-poweredAlexa

Prices are accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Deal of the week 🔥
4 out of 5 stars
4
Reolink Argus 2E with Solar Panel
pro Battery powered, solar panel included
pro Free local and cloud storage
$111.98 (18% off)

Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

1. Reolink Argus 3 Pro: Best home security camera overall

Best overall
Reolink Argus 3 Pro
Reolink Argus 3 Pro
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
$159.99🔥(35% OFF)

Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Reolink Argus 3 Pro is pretty similar to our top pick for smart homes, the Arlo Pro 5. What sets it apart is that it’s more affordable and is solar powered. No charging battery packs, plus, you’re saving the planet without stretching your budget? We love it. It's also a favourite on our list of the best wireless security cameras.

Still, to us, the best thing about the Argus 3 Pro is that it doesn't require a monthly subscription. With onboard storage (via microSD card) and seven days of rolling cloud storage included, there's really no need to fork out for Reolink Cloud unless you absolutely want to.

pro
Pros
pro Outstanding video quality
pro Solar charging option
pro Onboard storage option
pro 7 days free cloud storage
con
Cons
con Fewer advanced settings
con Comparatively narrow field of view

The only thing that we're not fans of is the relatively narrow field of view and the fact that it doesn’t have as many of the fancy features we liked about the Arlo Pro 5, though admittedly, those features cost extra with the Arlo.

2. TP-Link Tapo: Best budget security camera

Best budget
TP-Link Tapo Pan/Tilt
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
$42🔥(29% OFF)

Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The TP-Link Tapo Pan/Tilt Wi-Fi camera has quickly become a staff favourite. Whether you want to use it as a baby monitor or as a means to keep cheeky pups off the lounge (like me), this camera’s features (like two-way audio, motion detection, and a built-in alarm) won't disappoint.

The only downside to the TP-Link Tapo pan-tilt camera is that, unless you're connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the camera, you'll have to refresh the stream every five minutes to continue live viewing. Plus, if you want cloud storage or motion tracking, you'll have to pay for a monthly subscription.

For more budget-friendly options, check out our picks for the best cheap security cameras.

pro
Pros
pro Affordable price
pro 360° coverage
pro Two-way audio
pro Motion detection
con
Cons
con Live playback outside of Wi-Fi network limited to 5 minutes
con Motion tracking requires subscription
bullet
Keep indoor cameras away from windows

Beware of using an indoor camera to look outside through a window. They can’t capture images after dark because the night vision LEDs reflect off the glass, blinding the camera.

3. Ring Spotlight Cam Plus: Best outdoor security camera

Best outdoor

Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

You might recognise the Ring brand for its doorbell cameras. But the company has branched out and added its smart surveillance technology to this compact outdoor security camera.

Because it can be difficult to find power sources for outside cameras, we like that the Ring Spotlight Cam is powered by a battery. Still, if you prefer not to have to worry about charging the camera every now and again, there's also a wired model and even a solar-powered version.

pro
Pros
pro Choice of three power sources
pro Built-in motion light
pro Coloured night vision
pro Loud siren
con
Cons
con Subscription required for some features
con Limited battery life

It also has a built-in, motion-activated spotlight that will stop trespassers in their tracks. Plus added features like two-way audio, a 105-decibel siren, and integration with Amazon Alexa make this camera a leader in outdoor surveillance.

4. Google Nest Cam (Battery): Best indoor camera

Best indoor
Nest Cam (Battery)
Google Nest Cam (Battery)
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
$247🔥(25% OFF)

Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

While the Google Nest Cam (Battery) is one of the more expensive stand-alone security cameras for home use, it makes our list for crisp image resolution and its forward-thinking smart home design.

The Nest Cam integrates seamlessly with Google Assistant and the rest of the Nest home automation suite. The smart security camera stands out with a 6x digital zoom feature and a large 130° field of view.

pro
Pros
pro High resolution
pro Supersight zooming and tracking
pro Person alerts
pro Up to 6 m night vision range
con
Cons
con High cost
con Required subscription to use facial recognition

Unlike other cameras that make you pay to look at recorded footage (we’re looking at you, Ring), Nest Cam lets you see the last three hours of footage for free. Plus, most of its best features, like smart detection, work without a subscription. If you want more features, like facial recognition and extra cloud storage, the Nest Aware plan is just $9 per month.

Nest Cam can tell the difference between people and, say, a coat rack or Fido. When it detects a human, it sends an alert to your phone. But there is no pan-and-tilt capability.

For more information, read our full Nest Cam (battery) review.

5. Arlo Pro 5: Best wireless security camera for smart homes

Best for smart home
Arlo Pro 4
Arlo Pro 5
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
$297

Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Arlo Pro 5 is a SafeWise favourite. It has quality 2K video, a truly wireless design (no base station), and a bright spotlight for colour night-vision video.

The Arlo Pro 5 is a solid all-around camera that works inside or out, and it’s super easy to install. We love all of the advanced features it offers, including the ability to adjust spotlight brightness, camera brightness, motion sensitivity, and activity zones.

But by far the best part about the Arlo Pro 5 is its wide smart home compatibility - Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT.

pro
Pros
pro 100% wire-free operation
pro Quick, easy setup
pro Sensitive motion detector
pro Wide smart home compatibility
con
Cons
con High cost
con Battery life is limited
con Best features locked behind paywall

The only thing we're not keen on is the steeper upfront cost and the fact that most of the features we love are locked behind a monthly subscription fee.

6. Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen): Best doorbell camera

Best doorbell
Ring Video Doorbell (2nd gen)
Ring Video Doorbell
(2nd Gen)
4 out of 5 stars
4
$105🔥(30% OFF)

Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) is unmatched when compared to other doorbell cameras. It’s affordable, has great video quality, and you won’t find a doorbell camera that’s easier to install. Even better, you can choose to recharge the batteries with a charging cable or put it on auto-pilot with a Ring solar panel.

While Ring has come out with the Ring Video Doorbell 4, we think the older (and cheaper) version is where it really hit its sweet spot. We think the Ring 3 and Ring 4 just don’t have enough useful upgrades to justify the price difference.

pro
Pros
pro Affordability
pro Outstanding video quality
pro Solar charging option
con
Cons
con Subscription required

Final word

The Reolink Argus Pro 3 is one of the best tools for watching over your home. Its wire-free design, high-resolution video surveillance, and affordable price with no ongoing subscription fees required make it stand above the competition.

Security camera FAQ

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.

bullet
A word about wireless security

Several Ring Alarm and camera users have reported breaches in their accounts that allowed a stranger to use the two-way communication to intimidate them. This is a risk every user takes when they use any internet-connected wireless system. The good news is you can minimise the risk with proper internet security.

Here are a few easy tips for securing your system from online threats:

  • Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts
  • Opt for extra security measures like two-factor authentication
  • Add shared users instead of sharing login credentials
  • Change your home Wi-Fi password frequently

We still confidently recommend Ring and other similar wireless internet-connected systems. And while these threats are real, they can be avoided with these extra precautions.

How we reviewed the best security cameras

Our conclusions about each camera come from the following:

  • Years of experience
  • Thousands of customer reviews
  • Manufacturer specifications
  • Hundreds of hours of physical testing by many of our security experts and people like you

While making our selections, we kept an eye out for things that you care about, like price, usability, cool features, and practicality. We update these reviews regularly as new products hit the market so you get the freshest best picks possible. To date, SafeWise has evaluated over 150 different security camera models.

You can learn more about how we review products by checking out our methodology.


Disclaimer
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time of publish and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer’s website at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. SafeWise Australia utilises paid affiliate links.
Rebecca Edwards
Written by
Rebecca Edwards

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