Best Weatherproof Security Cameras

We researched eight cameras to see how they hold up to rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.
Best overall
Lorex Smart Indoor/Outdoor
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
  • pro
    1080p resolution
  • pro
    129º field of view
  • con
    Wired only
Best for hot climates
Reolink Argus 3 Pro
Reolink Argus 3 Pro
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
  • pro
    1440p resolution
  • pro
    122º field of view
  • con
    Weak cold rating
Best budget
Wyze Cam Outdoor Starter Bundle
Wyze Cam Outdoor
4 out of 5 stars
4
  • pro
    1080p resolution
  • pro
    110º field of view
  • con
    No wired power
Best for smart homes
Arlo Pro 4
Arlo Pro 4
4 out of 5 stars
4
  • pro
    1440p resolution
  • pro
    160º field of view
  • con
    Weak heat rating
Best battery life
Blink Outdoor security camera
Blink Outdoor
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
  • pro
    1080p resolution
  • pro
    110º field of view
  • con
    Weak heat rating

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.

Weatherproofing is the bread and butter of outdoor cameras, so we wanted to turn up the heat—so to speak—to find out what weatherproofing options are out there. While most outdoor security cameras can handle hot and cold temperatures, don't expect them to survive scorching Death Valley or frigid Fort Yukon temperatures.

Still, there are extreme temperature camera options available like the Lorex Smart Indoor/Outdoor, which handles temps as low as -22º F and as high as 140º F. We like that it's affordable, though the wired power source complicates installation more than battery-powered outdoor cameras. Here's a quick roundup of the best weatherproof security cameras and how they stack up to Lorex.



Compare the best weatherproof security cameras

Product
Best for
Price
Power source
Minimum temperature
Maximum temperature
Learn more
Best overall Wired-22º F140º F
Best for hot climates Battery, wired, solar14º F131º F
Best budget Battery, solar-4º F120º F
Best for smart homes Battery, wired, solar-4º F113º F
Best battery life Battery, solar-4º F113º F

Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

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Weatherproof security camera reviews

1. Lorex Smart Indoor/Outdoor: Best extreme temperature camera

Best overall

Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Lorex Smart Indoor/Outdoor is a prime example of extreme weatherproofing in a security camera. It can withstand sub-zero temperatures as low as -22º F up to a scorching 140º F. This is a broader temperature range than any other brand on our list. We also like the impressive video quality and compatibility with the Lorex Home Center security camera system.

pro
Pros
pro Best resistance to heat and cold
pro Night vision up to 50 ft.
pro Massive local video storage capacity
con
Cons
con Wired power source

While we didn't test this Lorex camera in hot or cold conditions, our testing showed it produces great video and has a strong night vision range up to 50 feet. While we think the Reolink Argus 3 Pro and Arlo Pro 4 offer better overall video quality, the Lorex Smart Indoor/Outdoor is still a nice option for a weatherproof camera.

It supports microSD cards up to 256 GB, enough for weeks of security footage. Lorex resists rain and snow with an IP65 rating like our other top waterproof cameras, which keeps the internal electronics dry when the weather turns bad.

The main drawback with this camera is that it requires a wired power cable, which complicates installation, though it's not as susceptible to cold temperatures as battery-powered security cameras. Overall, we think the Lorex Smart Indoor/Outdoor offers strong durability no matter where you live.

Learn more in our Lorex cameras review.

2. Reolink Argus 3 Pro: Best for hot climates

Best for hot climates
Reolink Argus 3 Pro
Reolink Argus 3 Pro
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
$149.99

Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Reolink Argus 3 Pro is the highest-scoring security camera on SafeWise, thanks to excellent video quality, local storage, and affordability. Among weatherproof cameras, it boasts a high maximum temperature rating of 131º, which is second only to Lorex.

pro
Pros
pro Excellent heat resistance
pro Multiple power source options
pro Excellent video quality
con
Cons
con Not rated for sub-zero temps

Despite the Argus 3 Pro's resistance to hot climates, it doesn't fare too well with cold temperatures. The minimum temperature rating clocks in at a relatively balmy 14º F, almost 20º warmer than the average security camera on our list. Even though it doesn't rate for sub-zero temperatures, it's still a strong performer throughout most of the US.

The Reolink Argus has three power options: battery, solar, and wired—unlike Lorex—so you can install it in more locations. Regardless of the brand, batteries don't last as long in cold temperatures, so we're glad that Reolink has a solar panel option to keep the power flowing on sunny days.

Plus, the solar panel add-on is more affordable than similar accessories from Arlo and Ring. Overall, we think the Reolink Argus 3 Pro is one of the best security cameras you can buy, though we wish it could handle the cold better.

Learn more in our Reolink Argus 3 Pro review.

3. Wyze Cam Outdoor: Best

Best budget
Wyze Cam Outdoor Starter Bundle
Wyze Cam Outdoor
4 out of 5 stars
4
$69.98

Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Wyze Cam Outdoor is one of the best budget weatherproof cameras under $75. It comes with an impressive operating temperature range between -4º F and 120º F. Wyze is one of our favorite security companies because its equipment is so affordable, with many cameras and smart home devices that cost less than $50.

pro
Pros
pro Great heat and cold resistance
pro Affordable equipment
pro Affordable cloud storage
con
Cons
con No wired power option

Another of Wyze's strengths is local video storage since the Wyze Cam Outdoor supports microSD cards up to 32 GB. This isn't huge, but Wyze recently announced that it's removing the card size limit in a future camera update. Local storage is great because you don't need an internet connection for the camera to capture the dog trying to escape the backyard.

If you're okay with a monthly subscription, Wyze's Cam Plus cloud storage is also an affordable option (about $2 a month) to keep videos for up to 14 days. Considering most cloud plans cost $3 or more, this is a great option for frugal folks.

Even though the Wyze Cam Outdoor doesn't support a wired power option, we like that it works with Wyze's new solar panel accessory, which is the only one on the market that costs less than Reolink's. Overall, Wyze Cam Outdoor is worth considering if you want a waterproof security camera for cheap.

Learn more in our Wyze security cameras review.

4. Arlo Pro 4: Best for smart homes

Best for smart homes
Arlo Pro 4
Arlo Pro 4
4 out of 5 stars
4
$199.99

Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Arlo Pro 4 often earns a spot on our camera lists because there aren't any brands that can top its smart home compatibility. We like that it integrates with almost every major smart home platform like Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant​, and Samsung SmartThings. It even has good weather resistance with a waterproof enclosure and an operating temperature range of -4º F to 113º F.

pro
Pros
pro Good cold and heat resistance
pro Wide field of view
pro Top-tier smart home compatibility
con
Cons
con Pricey
con No listed IP rating

Arlo Pro 4 doesn't have a formal IP rating like the other entries on our list. This seems strange when cameras that cost a fraction of it still list a rating. It's not that the Pro 4 can't handle rain and snow, only that Arlo doesn't share precisely how waterproof the spotlight cam is.

Even without an IP rating, the Arlo Pro 4 is a sleek security camera with a 160º field of view that gives you a broad vantage point for watching over your yard. Plus, the video quality is some of the best in the business. Overall, the Arlo Pro 4 is an excellent choice for anyone looking to slap an outdoor camera on the side of the house.

Learn more in our Arlo Pro 4 review.

5. Blink Outdoor: Best battery life

Best battery life
Blink Outdoor security camera
Blink Outdoor
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
$99.99

Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Blink Outdoor takes a barebones approach to security cameras, outperforming rivals in one key area: battery life. The batteries in the Blink Outdoor last up to two years, which is much longer than the three to six months of most other battery-powered cameras. Its temperature resistance is the same as Arlo Pro 4's, making it ideal for most climates without roasting summers or frozen winters.

pro
Pros
pro Good cold resistance
pro 2-year battery life
pro Affordable
con
Cons
con Weak heat resistance

It has a long battery life because it skips energy-intensive features like long video clips or smart motion detection to spot people, animals, and vehicles. Despite having fewer features overall, it's a top-rated camera for around $100.

Another great thing about the Blink Outdoor is the option to connect a USB drive to the base station for local video storage, so you don't need to pay for the monthly cloud storage plan. The cloud plan is a bit pricey, considering Blink Outdoor can't record long video clips longer like the competition.

Overall, we like Blink Outdoor for its battery life and compatibility with Alexa, but it has fewer features than most security cameras.

Learn more in our Blink cameras review.

More cameras we considered

Ring Stick Up Cam Battery

The Ring Stick Up Cam Battery is a great wireless camera for around $100, but the IPX5 rating means Ring didn't test for dust resistance, putting it slightly below Arlo and Blink. Still, the waterproof rating of five is good, and Ring offers protection in temperatures as high as 122º. Plus, Ring's $10 cloud storage plan is a great value if you have more than three cameras.

Learn more in our Ring Stick Up Cam review.

Eufy SoloCam S40

The Eufy SoloCam S40 is a unique entry on our list because it has a built-in solar panel rather than a separate accessory like other solar-powered security cameras. It also has an impressive IP67 rating, giving it more water protection than other home security cameras. Still, it isn't in our top five because there's no way to expand its video storage capacity beyond the 8 GB of built-in memory.

Learn more in our Eufy cameras review.

Google Nest Cam (Battery)

The Google Nest Cam (Battery) is the only major security camera we looked at that had an IP54 rating. We tested this camera outdoors in the winter and didn't have any problems, but the lower IP rating offers less protection (in theory) than other brands on this list. On the other hand, Google Nest's cloud video storage and smart motion detection make this one of our favorite wireless cameras on the market.

Learn more in our Nest cameras review.

Final word

Some places have icy winters, while others have toasty summers that put more stress on sensitive equipment. That's why we think the Lorex Smart Indoor/Outdoor is a great option for people needing a little more protection against the elements. It's a wired camera, so the installation options are more limited compared to battery-powered competitors, but it's worth it for the added durability.

FAQ

How do you weatherproof a security camera?

Good weatherproofing in an outdoor security camera comes down to three factors:

  • Sunlight-resistant cases with few openings
  • Integrated seals (rubber or silicone) to keep out dust and moisture
  • Electronics that can handle a wide temperature range

You can boost weatherproofing (especially against sunlight) by adding a silicone skin to many home security camera brands, including Wyze and Blink. You can also find waterproof covers for indoor camera brands, but they're no substitute for an outdoor camera.

Do security cameras work in the rain?

Outdoor security cameras with a high ingress protection rating (IP rating) will work fine in the rain. We recommend outdoor cameras with a rating of IP65 or higher for the best waterproofing performance in rain and snow.1 All of the cameras in our top five—with the possible exception of Arlo Pro 4, which doesn't list an IP rating—come with an IP65 rating.

Does cold weather affect security cameras?

Cold weather can make your security camera less effective by reducing battery life and damaging sensitive components. Make sure your camera is water-resistant since moisture that gets inside during the winter can fog the lens or damage electronics.

If you live in a climate with extreme cold, you can help keep your camera warm by selecting a dark case or placing it in a spot that receives some sunlight. While it's not a guaranteed solution, this method can reduce the time a camera stays below its recommended temperature range in the winter.

If you struggle to keep the battery charged—even with a solar panel—consider a model where you can swap the battery occasionally, like the Arlo Pro 4.

Can security cameras overheat?

A camera can overheat in hot climates, but it's uncommon. It's mostly a problem with cameras in direct sunlight that are also streaming live video for long periods—recording video doesn't use as much energy as streaming a live feed.

Cameras that overheat usually shut down for a short time before rebooting. You can shade the camera from overheating by installing it under your eaves or other overhangs on your home. Commercial-grade cameras with active cooling exist, but they are well beyond the budget of most homeowners.

How do I install security cameras under eaves?

The eaves on your home can protect a camera from precipitation and sunlight. Here are some installation guidelines:

  • Choose a spot where the camera fits under the eave.
  • Make sure the camera can see the area it's monitoring.
  • If there's a power cable, make sure it can reach the intended mounting location.

Do security cameras need to be grounded?

Most cameras don't require or include grounded power cables. But like any electronic device, they’re prone to lightning damage, so consider installing them away from metal poles or the highest points on your home.

How we reviewed weatherproof security cameras

Testing the Lorex weatherproof camera

Image: SafeWise. 

This review dives into which security cameras can best handle extreme weather conditions. This means looking at manufacturer specifications and customer reviews for examples of what the cameras can take. We focus on three attributes: waterproofing, cold-temperature performance, and hot-temperature performance.

You'll notice the ratings differ from our main comparison page: wireless cameras, but this is because we put a higher priority on the weatherproofing aspects of each camera. We tested six of the eight cameras in this review. Due to the limitations that come with apartment living, only one of our tests (Nest Cam) took place outdoors.

Check out our methodology to learn more about how we rate and review products and services.

Related articles on SafeWise


Sources

  1. DSM&T, "IP Rating Chart," July 2012. Accessed January 19, 2022.
Disclaimers

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided "as is" and is subject to change or removal at any time.

†Google, Google Nest, Google Assistant, and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC.

John Carlsen
Written by
John Carlsen
John is a technology journalist specializing in smart home devices, security cameras, and home security systems. He has over a decade of experience researching, testing, and reviewing the latest tech—he was the Smart Home Editor for Top Ten Reviews and wrote for ASecureLife before joining SafeWise as a Staff Writer in 2020. John holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism emphasis from Utah Valley University. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, photography, cooking, and starting countless DIY projects he has yet to complete.

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