Luckily, the emergence of the internet of things (IoT) technology, mobile connectivity, apps, and cloud technologies have radically changed the security landscape and made it easier than ever to set up multi-room and on-premise systems in your home.
The possibilities are endless: Cloud or local feed storage, customizable or automatic alerts and alarms, smartphone and tablet connectivity, wired or wireless, battery-powered or mains options, video capture, night vision, audio feeds, sirens, and more are all on offer and can be tailored to meet the requirements of your home.
While at first glance the idea of a smart camera might seem like overkill, once you’re used to being able to check in on your home in real time, the convenience and safety improvements pay for themselves.
Below, you’ll find my top picks for the best security cameras for your home in 2023.
Also: The best home security systems for protecting your home and office
Heavy-duty, wired surveillance systems used to be the only option to protect a home or business. Times have changed, and with the explosion in mobile solutions and the increased bandwidth offered by broadband and 4G/5G, there are mobile-friendly options for people seeking a budget-conscious security option. The benefit of the Ring camera range, including indoor, outdoor, stickup, and floodlights, lies within its flexibility. Each camera can be connected to the same account and accessed via smartphone, alerting users to motion from all areas. Ring’s stylish stick up cams can be placed inside or outdoors and on horizontal or vertical surfaces. Battery and wired options are available as well as devices that come with a solar panel and a backup battery pack. The Spotlight and Floodlight models are also worth considering, given their built-in security sirens.
There are a variety of different cameras users can choose from, so you can design a mix-and-match setup. You can also purchase gutter and pole mounts.
Google Nest cameras will be of interest to homeowners already in the Nest ecosystem – including users of the Nest Thermostat, Nest CO2 alarms, and Nest X Yale Locks.
The Nest Cam Indoor and Outdoor cameras are mobile options for on-premise security. They are best suited for budget-friendly users that need basic security measures in place. The cameras can record footage in 1080p HD, and when it comes to the outdoor version, this quality is maintained at night through infrared LEDs. You can pick up battery or wire-powered options. Both versions have built-in speakers and will alert users via their mobile devices when suspicious activity or visitors are detected by motion and noise sensors. Once the app has been installed, and an account has been set up, monitoring begins. Subscriptions vary.
If you want to dip a toe into the world of IoT and intelligent home security devices, you may want to consider the Wyze Cam v3, one of the most affordable options on the market today.
The Wyze Cam v3 is a $35 internet-connected camera offering 1080p recording, an IP65 rating for water resistance during indoor or outdoor use, a CMOS sensor designed to improve nighttime vision, a siren, and two-way communication.
The camera can become part of a broader Wyze security ecosystem, which includes outdoor cameras, motion sensors, leak sensors, keypads, and entry monitors.
The Arlo Pro 4 is another one of my favorite security cameras. This slimline option can be used indoors or outdoors, being a weather-resistant model with a variety of mounting options that can detect sound and motion. The Arlo Pro 4, available in black or white, can work as a day-to-day camera on the shop floor, as a discreet camera placed outside as a night watchman, or as a part of a full camera network in a large workplace. A spotlight to improve low-light recording is included alongside object scanning and detection.
The perfect camera for protecting large areas outside, such as a yard or driveway, is the Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus. This new model can record in 1080p HD and has a built-in 105dB siren – likely to grab the attention of any unwanted intruder on your property.
The Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus is equipped with ultra-bright LED floodlights, which are triggered when motion is detected. You can also take advantage of color night vision when you check in via your mobile phone, allowing you to see exactly what’s happening, no matter the time of day.
If you’re working from home, for example, you might forgo constant video capture and a subscription, opting instead for clips and the ability to check in while you’re away. However, if there is valuable stock in an office that is shut at night, you might pivot toward an option including night vision and constant video/audio feeds.
In each case, I have considered as many security system features as possible, including recording capabilities, environmental use, and cost – both upfront and due to ongoing subscriptions.
