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 is our favorite camera pick for 2026.
SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera
4.8 out of 5 stars
4.75
  • pro
    Active Guard helps deter break-ins
  • pro
    30-day free trial for professional monitoring
  • pro
    No contracts
  • pro
    DIY installation
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products considered
250+
research hours in 25+ in-home tests
10k+
years of combined experience
176+
homes and people protected
10M+

If we made a list of the most useful products for home security, security cameras would easily claim the top spot. SimpliSafe's outdoor camera is our top pick because it can help stop a break-in before it happens. With Active Guard monitoring capabilities, SimpliSafe is our top pick for home security in 2026. You can get a 30-day free trial to try it out! 

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 security camera home alarm systems?

  1. SimpliSafe cameras: Best outdoor camera
  2. Vivint cameras: Smart home integration
  3. Cove: Popular Eufy cameras
Vivint Outdoor Camera on home
Why we love SimpliSafe's outdoor security camera
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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
Power source
Video resolution
Field of view
Learn more
SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera
Outdoor$169.99Battery1080p HD140°View Packages
simplisafe-doorbell-proSimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro
Doorbell$169.00Wired1080p HD162°View Packages
SimpliSafe Smart Alarm Indoor CameraSmart Alarm Indoor Camera
Indoor$139.99Battery1536p HD 125°View Packages
SimpliSafe SimplicamSimpliCam
Indoor$99.00Wired1080p HD 120°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
Power source
Video resolution
Field of view
Learn more
Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro (Gen 2)Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro
(Gen 2)
Outdoor $399.99Wired1080p140Âş View Packages
Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro (Gen 2)Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro
(Gen 2)
Doorbell$249.99Wired1080p180Âş View Packages
""Vivint Indoor Camera Pro
Indoor $249.99Wired1080p HD w/ 2x HDR150Âş 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 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
Power source
Video resolution
Field of view
Learn more
Eufy SoloCam S40Eufy Outdoor Camera
Outdoor$199.99Battery, solar1920p (2K)135ÂşView on Cove
Cove Indoor CameraCove Indoor Camera
Indoor$99.00Wired1080p110ÂşView on Cove
Eufy Video Doorbell with ChimeEufy Doorbell Camera
Doorbell$99.99Battery1080p160ÂşView on Cove
SkyBell Doorbell Camera
Doorbell$189.00Wired1080p180ÂşView 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.

VIew SimpliSafe packages
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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
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Is a home security system worth it in 2026?

Yes, a home security system is worth it to help deter break-ins, get help faster, and capture evidence. The average loss from a residential burglary is around $5,500, according to the FBI's most recent data. With the average cost of a monitored home security system coming in around $700 a year, including equipment, it’s a preventative measure that we think is worth it.

Why we recommend SimpliSafe's outdoor camera

SimpliSafe’s come a long way from its “set it and forget it” roots. With Active Guard monitoring, it doesn’t just alert you — it steps in to deter break-ins in real time. Active Guard monitoring uses AI and live agents to spot intruders, shout warnings, and call for help — all in real time. While no security system is 100% foolproof, SimpliSafe provides protection that acts before a break-in happens.

Setup is quick (under an hour) and truly DIY-friendly (but they have Expert Home Installation available if you'd rather leave it to the pros). The system’s design is sleek, the cameras are sharp, and the app is intuitive. You can start with self-monitoring for free or opt into professional monitoring whenever you need it — even just for a vacation.

VIew SimpliSafe packages