Sure, you can get a standalone security camera—but a full system with cameras adds professional monitoring, mobile alerts, and smart detection features to help stop a break-in before it starts. Plus you have professional backup in an emergency. If your budget allows, a home alarm system with cameras is one of the best ways to safeguard your home.
The Best Home Security Cameras in 2025
With over a decade of experience in home security and over 500 hours of testing security cameras, we know what works. Below are our top picks for the best security cameras on the market. We recommend security cameras as part of a complete home alarm system so that you're protected 24/7.
*With professional monitoring. Limit one per customer. Info current as of 9/9/25. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Pros and cons of a security system camera
Pros
Professional monitoring protection
Detect and identify intruders
Video verification can reduce false alarms 
Con
Professional monitoring requires monthly fee
Camera selection varies depending on company 
Limited time sale!
🔥 SimpliSafe is offering 50% off any new system + a FREE indoor camera!*
*On any new system with professional monitoring. Limit one per customer. Info current as of 9/22/25. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
What are the best home alarm systems with security cameras?
Is a home security system worth it?
SafeWise recommends choosing security cameras as part of a security system with professional monitoring, because it acts with or without you during an emergency. Self-monitoring a single security camera can be cheaper, but professional monitoring's 24/7 backup wins every time.
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SimpliSafe cameras: You can install yourself
SimpliSafe strives to simplify the home security experience, and its cameras deliver on that promise. They're easy to install and set up, and using them is as easy as opening the SimpliSafe app. Fortunately, simple doesn't mean poor quality. You'll enjoy crisp images, clear night vision, and good audio quality without being bogged down by too many settings.
Active Guard monitoring is available with SimpliSafe's Outdoor Cameras with a Pro or Pro Plus monitoring plan.
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Vivint cameras: You need a professional to install
Vivint have some of the most advanced home security cameras, showcasing its ability to innovate and stay relevant in a competitive home security marketplace. Because Vivint designs and manufactures all of its equipment, it passes on research and development costs to customers. This makes Vivint equipment some of the best and also some of the most expensive you can buy (financing available).
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Cove security cameras: You can install yourself
Cove's security cameras have HD video, competitive prices, and AI-driven motion recording. Their partnership with Eufy gives you access to high-quality battery-powered cameras that don't require cloud storage (you can store video footage on the camera).
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
The benefits of using security cameras with a home alarm system
There’s no question that alarm systems deter crime and can increase the odds of catching a burglar if your home does get broken into, especially with cameras.
Many emergencies are too serious for you to deal with by yourself. In most cases, you’ll want police, fire, or medical professionals on the scene as soon as possible. Around-the-clock alarm monitoring is an essential feature offered by the majority of home security providers.
Let's take a look at the benefits and unique perks you get when getting security cameras as part of a home security system.
1. Strong audiovisual deterrent
The mere presence of a home security camera sends an unmistakable message that someone's watching or recording you. It's possible to enhance this uneasy feeling by installing the camera in a location with high visibility, which provides a clearer view of events. Many security systems work with cameras using a bright spotlight for nighttime deterrence. That's often enough to discourage impulsive burglars looking for an easy target.
Looks alone won't stop someone with stronger motivations and more experience, so most security cameras include audible components like sirens and two-way audio to reinforce the message. For example, Vivint's lurker detection plays a sound and lights up to scare away uninvited guests.
2. Help detect and identify intruders
A surveillance camera's biggest strength is the ability to record footage for later review. Every frame contains loads of information, like actions, clothing, and physical characteristics, that can help identify a careless burglar. With many security systems, the camera triggers your alarm when detecting an intruder—giving you and the monitoring center valuable warning time.
That said, most modern security cameras use a built-in motion sensor to trigger recording when someone enters the field of view, so they may not capture the whole event.
3. Video verification can reduce false alarms when available
Video verification means the monitoring center can review recent recordings when an alarm triggers to verify that you need assistance. While the preceding three benefits apply to all security cameras, video verification is the only feature unique to home security with professional monitoring.
But here's the kicker with video verification: it's rare among residential security providers. To our knowledge, the only provider on this list that offer some form of video verification is SimpliSafe.
Alarm systems without video verification will check with you when an alarm goes off but err on the side of calling emergency responders when you don't reply—an unverified alarm. Unfortunately, many police departments won't respond without a verified alarm. Still, if the police arrive at your home without a legitimate emergency, they'll probably fine you for a false alarm. Depending on where you live, that can be very costly.
How we picked the best home security cameras
Image: SafeWise. Getting "hands-on" with home security equipment.
Every month, more than 1 million visitors look to us for home security information and recommendations. Our honest reviews and expert insights come from hundreds of hours of hands-on tests, interviews with real customers, and meetings with technical pros, owners, and CEOs of large and small home security companies.
While we research, we look at factors that matter most for protecting your home and family:
- Cost and contracts
- Response time and monitoring options
- Security features and smart home integration
- Customer service and reputation
- Ease of installation and use
Why we recommend security cameras as part of a monitored system
Security cameras and home security systems are a great combination. If you have the budget for monthly monitoring costs, we recommend adding a few cameras and a video doorbell to a home alarm system for full 24/7 protection.
Here are our top picks for high quality home security cameras:
SimpliSafe may not have many bells and whistles, but they're our top pick because its cameras are easy to use and install, and its active guard monitoring lets agents intervene during a break-in. Plus, it offers a 30-day free trial of professional monitoring, and you can switch to self-monitoring anytime.
Vivint takes things further with some of the most advanced cameras on the market. Built in-house for seamless integration, Vivint’s cameras offer AI detection, 4K sensors, and wide-angle views. Just be prepared for higher prices—though financing is available.
Cove’s cameras are tough to beat when it comes to value. With HD video, smart alerts, and a partnership with Eufy, you get battery-powered cameras with local video storage and a simple do-it-yourself setup—no pricey cloud subscription required.
