Best Security Cameras of 2026

With over a decade of experience in home security and over 500 hours of testing security cameras, we know what works.

SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera

4.75

Optional monthly monitoring
Active Guard monitoring

🔥 Get 20% off

Read review

Vivint Outdoor Camera

4.5

Required monthly monitoring
Advanced smart home features

View Packages

855-813-7566

Cove Outdoor Camera (Eufy)

4.25

Required monthly monitoring
Longest money-back period

View Packages

Read review

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

SimpliSafe's cameras are our top pick in 2026. We recommend security cameras as part of a complete home alarm system so that you're protected 24/7. With Active Guard Outdoor monitoring, SimpliSafe cameras help stop intruders before they break in. Plus, they're easy to set up and use. And you get a free 30-day trial to try professional monitoring and see what you think.

If we made a list of the most useful products for home security, security cameras would easily claim the top spot. If you have the budget for a professional monitoring plan, using a security system with cameras is the best way to protect your home 24/7. If can't pay for professional monitoring every month, we like SimpliSafe's flexible plans — you switch to self-monitoring whenever you want.

What are the best home alarm systems with security cameras?

SimpliSafe cameras: Easiest to install and use
Vivint cameras: Smart home integration
Cove: Popular Eufy cameras with local storage

Is a home security system worth it in 2026??

SafeWise recommends choosing security cameras as part of a security system with professional monitoring. The reason is that it acts with or without you during an emergency. Self-monitoring security cameras can be cheaper in the short run, but a monitored security system's extra backup wins every time. Alarm systems deter crime and can increase the odds of catching a burglar if your home does get broken into.

SimpliSafe cameras

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.

Product	Camera type	Price	Video resolution	Field of view	Power source	Learn more
SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera	Outdoor	$169.99	1080p HD	140°	Battery	View Packages
SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro	Doorbell	$169.00	1080p HD	162°	Wired	View Packages
Smart Alarm Indoor Camera	Indoor	$139.99	1536p HD	125°	Battery	View Packages
SimpliCam	Indoor	$99.00	1080p HD	120°	Wired	View Packages

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Vivint cameras

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.

Product	Camera type	Price	Video resolution	Field of view	Power source	Learn more
Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro (Gen 2)	Outdoor	$399.99	1080p	140º	Wired	View Packages
Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro (Gen 2)	Doorbell	$249.99	1080p	180º	Wired	View Packages
Vivint Indoor Camera Pro	Indoor	$249.99	1080p HD w/ 2x HDR	150º	Wired	View Packages

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Cove security cameras

Cove's security cameras are a great addition to the alarm system, and the brand's partnership with Eufy means you have access to some unique battery-powered cameras, like the solar-powered Eufy Outdoor Camera. Beyond that, Cove offers security cameras that have local storage, HD video, competitive prices, and AI-driven motion recording. They're a good combination with Cove's user-friendly security systems with professional 24/7 monitoring.

Product	Camera type	Price	Video resolution	Field of view	Power source	Learn more
Eufy Outdoor Camera	Outdoor	$199.99	1920p (2K)	135º	Battery, solar	View on Cove
Cove Indoor Camera	Indoor	$99.00	1080p	110º	Wired	View on Cove
Eufy Doorbell Camera	Doorbell	$99.99	1080p	160º	Battery	View on Cove
SkyBell Doorbell Camera	Doorbell	$189.00	1080p	180º	Wired	View on Cove

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 professional 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.

Prevent crime before it happens

The mere presence of a home security camera sends an unmistakable message that someone's watching or recording you. The security cameras we recommend work with cameras using a bright spotlight to deter would-be thieves at night, and also include either live guard monitoring, or audible components like sirens and two-way audio to scare away uninvited guests.

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.

Document your possessions

A security camera system can't guarantee to prevent a burglary. If you do have the misfortune of a break-in, security cameras can help you spot any items a burglar took. With recordings, you'll have an easier time filing police reports and insurance claims. You can compare older recordings with the aftermath to see what's different.

Video verification

Video verification means the monitoring center can review recent recordings when an alarm triggers to verify that you need assistance. Video verification is a feature unique to a home security system with professional monitoring, which is why we recommend using security cameras as part of a monitored home alarm system.

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

Final word: Why we recommend SimpliSafe, Vivint and Cove cameras

Security cameras are most effective when used as part of a professionally monitored home security system. If you have the budget for monthly monitoring costs, we recommend using a home alarm system with a few cameras and a video doorbell for full 24/7 protection.

Here are our top picks for high quality home security cameras:

SimpliSafe (install yourself), optional professional monitoring. Proprietary cameras with Live Guard feature on outdoor cameras, which means real people can respond.
Vivint: (professional installation), required professional monitoring plan. Proprietary cameras with smart theft deterrent features to scare away would-be intruders.
Cove (install yourself), required professional monitoring. Their brand partnership with Eufy offers popular solar and battery-powered cameras with local storage and Cove monitoring.