The Best Outdoor Cameras
There's no better way to keep an eye on your property than by using specialized outdoor cameras. These security cameras are made with outdoor conditions like rain and shine in mind, giving you a pristine view of anything that might be happening on your grounds. But not all outdoor cameras are made with the same picture-perfect standards, so we made this list of the best options on the market. Read on and get ready to keep watch.
What to Look For
In our hunt for the best, we used a few questions to guide our research: Can it deliver high-quality images in all types of outdoor conditions? Is the camera durable and long-lasting? And does it have good recording properties for viewing the footage later? We found a number of outdoor cameras we felt happy to recommend. Blink’s wireless design and suite of extra features placed it firmly at the top of our list. We also had to give praise to Femii, whose camera provided excellent security features at a reasonable price point. Keep reading for more of our in-depth reviews.
Blink Wireless Weather-Resistant Outdoor Camera
Seeing it all
Blink has made a device that features everything we’re looking for in outdoor cameras, and it’s easily our top choice. No installation is required and the battery lasts up to two years, making it simple to set up once without having to constantly tinker with it. Its recording features are also robust, providing motion alerts and the ability to upload pics and videos to the cloud. This device mixes quality and convenience at a level that puts it above the majority of outdoor cameras.
Pros
- Aside from being easy to set up, it’s also simple to integrate its features with Alexa.
- It comes with batteries included. Combined with the incredibly long lifespan, this makes charging a total nonissue.
- This camera can be ordered in packs of multiples and with variations between them, letting you secure your entire house or grounds to your liking.
Cons
- The subscription fees for its accompanying app can be expensive.
Dekco 1080p Panning Outdoor Camera
Convenient camerawork
The rotational properties of this Decko unit make it one of the most comprehensively secure outdoor cameras available. 180 degrees of rotation and a night vision filter ensure your property will remain under watch, no matter the angle or visibility you’re working with. It also includes a 2-way audio feature that lets you communicate with whoever is outside your door. Keeping an eye open is easier than ever without outdoor cameras as flexible as this.
Pros
- This camera is compatible with SD cards, allowing you to store even more information on them.
- It has a simple installation process that even those who’ve never worked with outdoor cameras should be able to manage.
- A blue LED light lets potential intruders know your house is guarded.
Cons
- It needs to be plugged into an outlet and can’t operate wirelessly or with batteries.
Femii 2K Home Security Outdoor Camera
The best budget security
We love when outdoor cameras offer a lot for a little, and this one gives you more than most. Femii’s weatherproof camera includes, among other features, panning angles, three separate night vision modes, and an SD card slot for greater data storage. The two-way communication feature is also noise-proof, leading to clearer sound and more private interactions. For only a small sum, this unit offers the best features of brand-name outdoor cameras.
Pros
- It’s easy to unpack and install, allowing you to start securing your home right away.
- The camera body is lightweight and aesthetically pleasing.
Cons
- It can be finicky about sending notifications to your phone.
Amazon Ring Solar Stickup Outdoor Camera
Originating and innovating
Amazon’s Ring cameras offer some of the most popular home security devices on the market, and this one keeps its stellar reputation alive. It features a sticky base that allows you to simply press it onto whatever surface you want the camera to surveil from. It also runs on a solar battery, so keeping it charged will never be a concern. Rings might be some of the most common outdoor cameras, but this model is undeniably excellent.
Pros
- It integrates flawlessly with households that use Alexa, so you can connect across a slew of devices.
- Its solar battery doesn’t even require consistent sunlight to keep it at a healthy charge.
- The motion detection is responsive and sends alerts to your phone quickly.
Cons
- Those with weak wifi signals might have to position it fairly close to the router to get a strong live connection.
Reolink Wireless Solar Outdoor Camera
All the angles
Outdoor cameras need a wide field of vision to work effectively, and this one from Reolink has the absolute best. With 355 degrees of horizontal movement and 140 of vertical movement, there’s little that can take this camera by surprise. Add a weatherproof body and night vision, and you have a camera that can see it all in night, day, rain, and shine. This is one of the best outdoor cameras for homeowners who want to leave nothing up to chance.
Pros
- The QR-code scans let you install this camera in less than 2 minutes, bringing a new meaning to “easy setup.”
- It records in 1080p resolution, meaning both night and day imagery will show up crystal clear.
Cons
- The rubber flap that covers the on/off switch can break off too easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of outdoor cameras?
Outdoor cameras aren’t only useful for making sure you know if there are intruders at your door. They can also monitor if a package has been dropped off or if one of your friends has come by to see you. Many even allow for two-way communication, allowing you to see who’s at the door without even getting up.
Will these outdoor cameras still work even if my wifi goes out?
Lots of outdoor cameras will be able to tap into Bluetooth to keep running in case there’s a wifi outage. Some will still work even if your wifi cuts out, though their connection to the cloud will obviously will be cut as well.
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