Dome vs. bullet security cameras: Which is best for you?

When it comes to choosing security cameras for your home, you'll find that the two most common varieties are domes and bullets. While this may seem like a purely aesthetic choice, there's actually a lot more than should go into the decision.

Sure, having your security cameras match your interior design is desirable, but it's also important to consider other factors. Let's dive in.

While both dome cameras and bullet cameras can be installed wherever you want them (as long as your specific model is rated for outdoor use) they do tend to have distinct advantages in certain areas.

For example, the installation of bullet cameras outdoors usually allows for a longer range of vision, while also providing a clearly visible deterrent to would-be thieves. Having said that, however, dome cameras tend to be a better option for indoor areas, as you'll still enjoy the added security, without always feeling like you're being watched.

As noted above, bullet cameras tend to be able to see a lot further than their dome counterparts. This is down to the amount of space for components within the camera housing and the fact that a bullet camera can generally accommodate a larger lens.

Dome cameras, on the other hand, will often enjoy a wider field of vision as they're not cased in, and some can even rotate themselves to provide 360 visuals.

While you may want discretion in some places, there are just as many where you want your cameras to be obvious. External cameras, for example, will deter thieves much more effectively if they're easy to spot. In this instance, you would want to install bullet security cameras.

Indoors, however, or in areas where you don't want intruders to be able to guess what direction the camera is facing, a dome camera would be a better choice as they're far less conspicuous.

When it comes to durability, dome cameras will win almost every time. This is because their lens is protected, and they're also far harder to damage or remove than a bullet model given the way that they are designed. Bullet cameras also have more moving parts and are generally more exposed to the elements, however, it is possible to get models with enhanced protection against these factors.

Given that they exist within a clear dome, dome cameras will generally be slightly more susceptible to the impact of glare. This is because bullet cameras do not have anything obscuring their lens, and also tend to have an overhang that provides extra protection against glare.

Having said that, many dome security camera models have an anti-glare coating, so it's always worth comparing specific models.

While this one will depend almost entirely on the camera that you select, as a general rule, dome cameras do tend to have slightly better night vision. This comes down to the fact that they often have more LEDs in a cluster which allow them to see at night. Bullet cameras can also have this functionality, although since they tend to sit at a lower price point, they sometimes offer less features.

If your main goal is to have security cameras that are quick and easy to install, bullet cameras easily win in this category. Having said that, many dome cameras can be simple enough to install as long as they come with clear instructions, and professional installation is always an option.

You'll also need to consider where you'll be mounting your new security cameras, as dome options tend to be ceiling mounted, while bullet security cameras are often installed on walls as well.

If you want your camera to stay exactly where you place it and be hard to remove, you'll want to select a dome security camera. This is because bullet cameras are far easier to either remove or reposition, therefore making them more susceptible to tampering.

Having said that, if you want to be able to reposition the camera yourself, bullet cameras do provide a distinct advantage on this front.

Finally, it's important to consider your budget. Bullet cameras do tend to be a cheaper option than dome security cameras, but this does depend on the specifics of the model and brand that you choose to use.

In order to get the most out of your new security camera system, we suggest installing a mixture of both dome and bullet-style cameras. This allows you to get the best of both worlds in terms of functionality and helps ensure that your home is protected.