The Best Surveillance Cameras
Few things are more important than household safety and security. With contemporary smart gadgets reaching new heights of functionality and affordability, installing quality surveillance equipment at home doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg. These intelligent cameras boast state-of-the-art motion detection and in-app control, alerting you in the instant of detection and allowing you to view and communicate with unexpected guests remotely. Whether you're looking out for the safety of family and neighborhood or just want to add a practical interface to your home's main entrance, these cameras provide a modern solution. As we compared the best surveillance cameras for household use, we had three questions in mind: Is this camera suitable for indoor and outdoor use? Is it compatible with Alexa and a range of wifi routers? Is there ample storage capacity or an option for cloud storage? Our favorite overall is the Wyze Cam Spotlight, which is packed with top-of-the-line smart features at an astoundingly affordable price. This camera is great for indoor and outdoor use, but if you're hoping to cover a whole room or a wide-open space this lens might not be up to the task. For optimal coverage and flexibility, check out the 360-degree mount on the Blurams camera. Read on below to discover the rest of our top picks.
Wyze Cam Spotlight Security Camera
See for yourself
Keeping a close eye on the perimeter of your home is easier than ever these days thanks to advances in responsive camera technology. The Wyze Cam Spotlight uses smart motion-detection technology, recording at the first sight or sound of an unexpected visitor. You can also program it to send a notification to your phone within moments, and a loud integrated two-way audio system allows you to greet familiar faces or sound the alarm from a distance.
Pros:
- This resilient little eye in the sky will keep going even in the harshest of climates thanks to the IP65 weather-resistance rating.
- The powerful 70-lumens spotlight doesn’t just give you crystal-clear footage in the dead of night, it also doubles as a security light that can alert you to the presence of prying visitors.
- The onboard SD card memory makes it easy to store and retrieve your footage.
Cons:
- This camera relies on wifi to perform as intended, so be wary if your outdoor signal is a little patchy.
Blink Mini Security Camera
Interior vision
Don’t let the compact dimensions of the Blink Mini fool you, this powerful option captures crystal-clear 1080p video for real-time insight into your interiors. Better yet, you can be up-and-running in minutes, with easy wifi setup and intuitive control through the widely compatible Blink app. Customizable motion detection zones allow you to keep a close eye on specific areas of privacy within your home, without gathering reels of superfluous footage.
Pros:
- If you carry out your home operations from an Alexa system, this Amazon-designed option will fit seamlessly into the picture.
- Cloud storage over wifi means you don’t have to worry about constantly clearing space on an internal SD card.
- A miniature form means that this camera is easy to hide from view, so you can keep a concealed eye on the situation.
Cons:
- This camera isn’t the best option for a continuous feed, as you can only use the in-app live view function for 30 seconds at a time.
Zumimall Outdoor Security Camera
Remote power
Running power to outdoor electronic appliances can sometimes be a hassle. But, when your home security is at stake, you won’t want to choose a battery-powered option unless you can rely on its functionality day after day. This wireless option from Zumimall saves you from tangles and cable runs. With the two resilient 2,600mAh batteries onboard, you’ll be powered for up to six months of use from a single charge.
Pros:
- This freely positionable mounting arm allows you to easily adjust and optimize your camera angle. It’s also compatible with standard tripod attachments.
- Get a comprehensive view in the palm of your hand using the Zumimall app, which allows you to connect up to four cameras simultaneously.
- Sensitive PIR motion detection will immediately alert you to the presence of unexpected visitors.
Cons:
- This camera doesn’t deliver the best video quality when zooming in.
Blurams 2K Security Camera With Smart Motion Tracking
Unimpeded motion
Pros:
- Use the power of onboard AI algorithms to intelligently track the motion of specific visitors around a room.
- Cloud storage allows you to log a detailed video history from the last month.
- The crisp 2K resolution means the footage from this camera is a cut above the rest.
Cons:
- Some recording options are limited unless you purchase a yearly cloud subscription.
Netvue Outdoor Camera
Day or night, rain or shine
We all know that our homes are at their most vulnerable in the dead of night, so any security camera worth its salt needs to be able to perform well in the dark. This nocturnal eye-in-the-sky from Netvue deploys unparalleled night vision technology for the price, ensuring you can catch any intruders shrouded in the shadows. NHD Nightvision is complemented by a 100° wide-angle lens to capture all the details.
Pros:
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If you’re worried about leaving your camera exposed to the elements outdoors, this camera offers rugged IP66 waterproofing, vandal-resistant casing, and an operating temperature between -4°F to 122°F for the best performance in extreme weather.
- The AI human detection can distinguish incoming motion trajectories to let you know when you have an unexpected visitor on your property.
- SD card support up to 128GB means you can store a lengthy archive onboard if wifi becomes unavailable.
Cons:
- The onboard wifi receiver will only work with 2.4GHz routers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I format my SD card for use with my new camera?
Correct media formatting is imperative if you want to successfully store and retrieve your footage. Most surveillance cameras use the cross-compatible FAT32 format, which can be read and written on both Windows and OSX devices. If reformatting, make sure to select FAT32.
Can I use a smart camera without Alexa?
Most of the wifi cameras we found can be seamlessly integrated into Alexa and other smart home systems. Many also have a dedicated standalone app so they can be operated via smartphone or tablet devices when connected to your router.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.