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We use a variety of factors to compile our best lists. In the case of comparing security systems with no monthly fees, these factors include monitoring options, ease of installation, video quality, and how well each system works with its respective mobile apps. Below, we go through the complete set of criteria we used to create this list.

All systems with no monthly fees use self-monitoring. Unfortunately, no company offers 24/7 professional monitoring for free. However, we like systems that at least offer the option to upgrade to 24/7 professional monitoring. You never know when you may want an extra set of eyes on your home.

We’re keenly aware that some self-monitored systems don’t come with all the perks of professionally monitored systems. With this in mind, we look for self-monitoring systems without monthly fees that still provide the essential security tools, like mobile notifications, remote control, and short-term video storage.

These days, most security systems don’t use landlines. Most use Wi-Fi to communicate instead. Some companies, however, offer cellular security systems or landline security systems as backups. We prefer this safety measure, since we never know when our Wi-Fi might go down.

Camera features: We prefer cameras that meet or exceed industry standards. Specifically, we want 1080p HD video resolution, infrared night vision, two-way audio, cloud and local storage, smart platform integrations, and artificial intelligence capabilities like person detection and facial recognition.

Durability: If we’re installing outdoor cameras, we want them to function in extreme temperatures, such as above 100 or below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The best outdoor security cameras have IP ratings of 65 or higher, which means that they are dust-tight and can withstand low-pressure water jets. A 65 rating lets us hide our outdoor security cameras anywhere without worrying they might get damaged. Check out our list of the best outdoor security systems to find out more.

Wireless vs. wired: For wireless components, we consider battery life to be of the utmost importance. A wireless camera backup battery should last one to two years. Wire-free cameras, which rely on battery power solely, can last up to six months, but that length depends on how frequently the camera is triggered. The batteries actually last 48 to 72 hours, but because they operate for only seconds whenever they are triggered, that 48 to 72 hours might stretch over six months. Rechargeable batteries or alternative charging methods such as solar power gain extra points with us. For hardwired systems, we begin by seeing if the components are easy to install. Next, we consider if the systems have some built-in backup. If they have Wi-Fi, we like them to have either landline or cellular backup in case the Wi-Fi is down.

We also appreciate brands that offer a variety of equipment packages and bundles. We especially like companies that manufacture systems for different home sizes. We live in apartments, but we understand that some people need security systems for large homes.

When you think about how to secure your home, you can’t just think about the price of equipment. Installation can cost money upfront as well if there’s no DIY option. However, most home security systems that are free of monthly fees offer DIY installation only.

A few security companies provide professional installation for a fee. In those cases, the lower the fee, the better. Usually, you can expect to pay around $80 to $100.

None of the systems on this list require monthly fees, but that doesn’t mean they’re free. We have to take equipment costs into account. We’re always looking for the most affordable security cameras and the most affordable security systems.

How much is a home security system? There are lots of factors to consider, from the cost of home security system permits to potential home security system tax deductions (in certain cases when you run a business from your home). When you take everything into account, security systems can range in price from $30 to thousands of dollars. We tend to prefer systems in the $200-$300 price range, but it depends on the size of your house and your security needs.

When it came to pricing, the average cost of a security camera was $168. We also had cameras that reached as low as $30 and as high as $200 or more. For example, Nest had one of the highest prices we’d seen for a home security camera. Netatmo and Arlo Pro 4 were also priced relatively high. Still, we figured this was mostly due to Netatmo’s exceptional artificial intelligence capabilities and Arlo Pro 4’s excellence crushed in every category. Even though those cameras seemed a bit pricey, we agreed their value made up for it. To put two cameras head to head, read our comparison of the Nest Cam Indoor vs. the Arlo Pro 2.

Through rigorous research and testing, we identified the best security cameras out there. We used a few ways to make sure the security cameras we chose were up to par. First, we judged each product based on our Necessary Features Test, which evaluated cameras based on their video, audio, night vision, storage, artificial intelligence, smart platform integrations, convenience, and overall value.  We didn’t expect cameras to earn full marks in every category for us to consider them worth buying. Our test simply laid out the ideal characteristics we looked for in security cameras.

One of our Necessary Features was video with a clear and detailed picture. We knew it would come in handy if we needed evidence for the police or wanted to save some footage of a special event, like a birthday party. If we wanted more clear video, we had to invest in a 2K or 4K, a significantly more expensive technology. We also needed to keep in mind that most smartphones couldn’t stream in 4K, so 4K cameras likely weren’t worth it, especially since the Arlo 4K was discontinued so soon after its release (but later put back on shelves).

Next, we wanted to find a camera that zoomed-in optically. We discovered many camera companies claimed their cameras zoomed in, but the truth was they only did so digitally. We could only zoom in on our phone, not in real life. Zoom was essential to us because it allowed our camera to capture details it otherwise couldn’t. We preferred cameras that could zoom in optically at least three times. We saw the best optical zoom capability from the Nest Cam IQ Indoor, which could zoom in a whopping 12 times.

Next, we wanted to be sure we got a camera that could zoom in optically— optically being the keyword. Zoom is important because it allows the camera to capture details that it otherwise couldn’t. We prefer cameras that can zoom in optically at least three times. The most we’ve seen is from the Nest Cam IQ Indoor, which can zoom in a whopping 12 times.

Additionally, we determined the field of view should be no less than 120 degrees. The widest field of view is180 degrees. A great example of a camera with a 180-degree field of view is Logitech Circle 2. We did not even consider cameras with a field of view under 110 degrees because the more narrow the field of view, the more cameras we would have needed to buy to reach every corner of our home.

We wanted a camera that had both a microphone and a speaker. This was potentially very useful for a few reasons. First, it could help us communicate with people in our home, whether we were watching TV in the next room or on vacation in the Bahamas. Additionally, two-way audio has been known to help stop intruders in their tracks.

Since infrared night vision from LED sensors is invisible to the naked eye, it allowed us to record anyone in our cameras’ view at night without them realizing they were being filmed. In contrast, the bright white light with color night vision made it obvious when we were recording. Most cameras had infrared night vision, but we took points off for color night vision. Although it sounded better in theory, we wanted our security cameras and what they recorded kept secret.

It was important to us that the cameras we selected had both cloud and local storage. Storage was important for a couple of reasons. First, we figured we might be interested in the video our cameras recorded, like a party or event. Second, the photos and videos that the camera captured would have been helpful evidence if we had an intrusion.

During our evaluations, A.I. was a large part of home security. A.I. most often referred to person detection, meaning the camera differentiated between people and other moving objects like cars, pets, or shadows. This led to more specific and necessary notifications. Of course, we didn’t want a home security camera, so it could notify us whenever our pet bird flapped its wings! We even tested out the best pet cameras.

Aside from person detection, more advanced cameras like the Netatmo Welcome Indoor Camera employed facial recognition. With this technology, we were notified when specific people were in our home or an unfamiliar face was detected. Other detections included pet detection, baby crying detection, smoke, and C.O alarm detection, and package detection. Of course, we only considered person detection to be a Necessary Feature, but those are some nice extras.

Smart home quickly became a norm for us, so we also considered having integrations with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant a Necessary Feature. If we were already in a Google or Amazon ecosystem, we’d want to make sure our camera could easily integrate within our smart home.

One of the primary things we enjoyed about cameras with smart integrations was commanding them with our voices. We could also link our camera up with other smart home devices to create home automation. For example, we could set our smart light bulbs to go off whenever our camera was armed and turn on when our camera was disarmed. Extra points went to integrations with multiple smart ecosystems.

We looked for cameras with an installation that integrated with an app for step-by-step instructions or had an easy setup. Some cameras came with hubs, which we didn’t prefer, as they took up more space. While wireless cameras may have meant easier setup and less clutter, we had to change their batteries periodically. That was why wired systems were more convenient, including power over Ethernet cameras.

When it came to home security, we didn’t want to skimp on quality. We also didn’t want to break the bank. Security cameras came in a huge range of prices. The least expensive camera we reviewed was the Wyze Cam, which was priced at only $20. The average range was usually somewhere between $100 to $200 while the most expensive camera we reviewed was theArlo Ultra 4K for $400 (we compared the Arlo Ultra to the eufyCam E here). In our opinion, there was no reason to spend $300 on a security camera when high-quality cameras existed for much less. Here are some more security camera prices so you know what to expect.

To learn more, read our Canary cameras review, our page on Canary camera pricing, our page on eufy camera pricing, and our page on Reolink camera pricing. You can save on security cameras by waiting for Prime Day. In the past, we’ve seen Arlo Prime Day deals, Blink Prime Day deals, and Ring camera Prime Day deals, to name a few.

With a compact design, clear video, and two-way audio, this camera from Arlo matches our top pick on features and performs reliably well. It can sit on a shelf or be wall-mounted, has a privacy shutter that comes down when the camera is not in use, and stores video in the cloud.

While it is relatively expensive and cloud storage requires a subscription (starting from $3 per month), the accurate subject detection and smart alerts it unlocks are top notch. I’m also a big fan of the app for its ease of use, speed of loading, and two-factor authentication that enables you to log in to the live feed with your fingerprint or face scan (phone permitting). There’s also a built-in siren and solid smart home integration for Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, and IFTTT.

For folks with video doorbells or other cameras from Arlo, this camera is an obvious pick to keep things in a single app. But the price and lack of local storage will be a turnoff for some.

There is perhaps no price too high when it comes to protecting your home and monitoring for unsafe or criminal activity. That doesn"t mean you have to break the bank for effective DIY home security, though, especially considering how inexpensive many quality home security cameras can be.

Established names like Wyze, GE, Amazon Blink, TP-Link and others offer Wi-Fi cameras for $100 or much less without sacrificing basic features or performance. Even with these "cheap" cameras, you can expect live video streaming, 1080 resolution or higher, a motion sensor and an app to send push notifications, plus compatibility with smart home ecosystems like Google Assistant or Alexa.

Along with price and features, security and privacy is also a concern, maybe even more so when purchasing an inexpensive camera from a lesser-known manufacturer. If it"s top of mind for you, start by looking for a camera with two-step login authentication and WPA2 compatibility with your router (preferably WPA3, but most cameras are equipped for WPA2). End-to-end encryption, which prevents the company in question from viewing your footage without your consent, is ideal for privacy as well, but not every brand supports it.

You"ll find my picks for the best cheap cameras listed below to come with those basic features, security measures and more. Some are better suited than others for indoor or outdoor monitoring, motion tracking or other specific uses, but I"d deem them all to be worthwhile and relatively low-cost home security investments.

The Wyze Cam v3 is one of the cheapest home security cameras you"ll find, now on sale for just $30. Given the low cost, it"s certainly plausible to outfit your home with multiple Wyze Cam v3 cameras for the same cost as a single outdoor camera (or less) from another manufacturer.

In addition to standard features like 1080 HD resolution, motion detection and Google Assistant and Alexa compatibility, the camera also includes two free weeks of cloud storage -- a perk you won"t get with most other cameras -- and optional local storage via a built-in micro SD card slot.

Unlike most cheap security cameras, the Wyze Cam v3 is built for indoor or outdoor use, though I"d recommend it primarily for indoor use due to its requirement for a wired power source. The Wyze Cam Pan v2 is also a solid choice for an indoor camera and comes with the added ability to pan 360 degrees, though it"ll cost you about $10 more than the Wyze Cam v3.

The $40 Kasa KC410S indoor security camera features a crisp 2K video resolution, automatic motion detection and tracking, a Patrol Mode, plus 360-degree pan range -- all perfect tools for keeping up with your pets or home care professionals wherever they happen to go. Additional features include two-way talk, vibrant color in low-light conditions and local storage on a (not included) microSD card up to 256GB. Cloud storage with up to 30 days of video history is available with a Kasa Care account, starting at $3 per month per camera.

Two-step authentication is also a prominent feature of the Kasa KC410S and the accompanying app. Though I didn"t set it up initially, the app prompted me to do so roughly 50% of the time when I pulled it up. I appreciated the emphasis on security, especially from a camera that could be used primarily to monitor a nursery or home activity while you"re away.

Power cables aren"t much of a concern with indoor cameras, but they can limit where you place an outdoor camera and may require running long, unsightly extension cords along your home"s exterior. Amazon remedies this problem with its wireless Blink Outdoor Security Camera -- a battery-powered HD camera that enables you to set up a vantage point virtually anywhere your Wi-Fi signal will reach.

The $100 kit, now on sale for just $60, includes the wireless camera, two AA lithium batteries, a Blink Sync Module 2, charging cables and mounting hardware. Even on sale, it"s a bit more expensive than other cameras on the list, but I"d say the convenience of not having to plug anything in is worth the extra cost.

From a security standpoint, the Blink camera features Multiple Factor Security and end-to-end encryption, like other cameras on this list. Additionally, the company also hides your account details from Blink support unless you grant access permission from the Account Management screen.

The $50 (currently on sale for $40) TP-Link Tapo 2K HD Outdoor Security Camera isn"t wireless, unfortunately, but it does come with the added security feature of an automatic siren. When armed and triggered, the camera activates two lights and a sound alarm to scare off potential intruders. The lights aren"t super bright, but they will definitely put any trespassers on notice. As for the sound, it"s loud and intimidating, but not so loud as to excessively disturb the next-door neighbors, if at all.

You can turn the alarm on or off, of course, and program specific times, activity zones or line-crossing detection to trigger it. Additional features include color night vision up to nearly 100 feet away, two-way audio and local storage of 128GB (SD card not included). Cloud storage is available with a Tapo Care subscription starting at around $3 per month.

Each of the cameras listed above is available for under $100. We"ve also tried out a number of other low-cost, high-quality cameras including the GE Cync Indoor Stickup Camera and the Kasa KC410S, both of which made our list for the best indoor cameras. We make an effort to test every major camera as it comes out and will update this list as more cheap cameras hit the market.Cheap home security cameras compared

Hands-on testing is core to our evaluations of any home security products. When it comes to security cameras, we pay special attention to resolution, night vision and latency, extra features, general performance and overall value. We evaluate each attribute in a home environment over the course of a week to get a sense of how the camera and accompanying app responds to real-life activity and sounds during the day and night. Check out our in-depth article on how we test home security cameras and video doorbells to learn more about our testing practices.

Like any Wi-Fi-connected smart home device, security cameras are vulnerable to hacking, potentially granting unauthorized access to your camera feed, stored videos and account information. Not only that, but cameras without end-to-end encryption could leave your footage exposed to outside interception as it travels from one endpoint to another.

The manufacturers listed above have taken steps to enhance security and patch vulnerabilities in their cameras, though companies like Wyze and Ring (an Amazon-owned brand in addition to Blink) have had privacy and security concerns in the past. Still, each of the picks for "best cheap home security camera" feature an optional two-step authentication process, end-to-end data encryption and WPA2 compatibility.

When shopping for a cheap home security camera, compare pricing and features first, but don"t overlook the security aspect. And when you set up your camera, be sure to create a strong password to help prevent someone from gaining access to your data.

Even with strong security measures, your camera will never be completely impervious to security threats. A best practice is to treat your camera as if it has already been compromised and avoid placing it where you wouldn"t want the view to be seen or shared by others.

You can find lots of cheap security cameras online for under $50, but of the ones we"ve personally tested and would recommend, the Wyze Cam v3 and Blink Mini are the cheapest at $30 and $35, respectively. The two share similar features, though the Wyze Cam v3 offers more free cloud storage, while the Blink Mini can now pan and tilt with the addition of the new $30 Pan-Tilt Mount accessory.

Nearly all home security cameras are operable with no ongoing monthly fee. Upon purchasing the camera and downloading the app, you should have free access to many features such as live video viewing, push notifications, night vision and possibly two-way audio. Paying a little extra -- often between $2 and $6 for a single camera -- can unlock extra perks like more cloud storage, facial recognition, emergency calling and more.

If you just want to place a security camera on a shelf or counter, indoor cameras like the Blink Mini, Wyze Cam v3 and Cam Pan 2, Arlo Essential Indoor Cam, GE CYNC Cam and others are generally the easiest to install. Just set the camera where you want it and plug it in.

On the other hand, if you want to mount a camera to a wall or the ceiling, most will come with a detachable base and mounting hardware (a few screws and maybe some drywall anchors). This makes the installation fairly quick and easy, but keep in mind that the majority of cameras are wired, so you may have an unsightly power cord trailing down the wall when mounting your camera. If you"d rather not have to deal with the power cord, consider a wireless camera like the Blink Outdoor Security Camera.

Before installing a home security camera, especially if you plan to mount it with hardware, plug the camera in and place it in different locations to determine the best spot to give you a full, unobstructed view of the area you want to monitor. Placing the camera in a corner is often ideal for providing a full view of the room, though a more central location may be better for a camera with 360-degree pan capabilities.

For outdoor cameras, consider the night vision and motion detection range and avoid placing the camera too far away to be able to detect and record activity.

It used to be really expensive to outfit your house with a state-of-the-art security system, but nowadays almost everyone can afford to keep their home safe with the best home security cameras on the market. There are plenty of different models to choose from, including smart home

and condensed everything we"ve learned into this best home security camera list. Below, you"ll find the best home security camera for your home in every major subcategory, from

Wyze disappointed some of its customers in 2021 when its ridiculously cheap cameras got slightly less ridiculously cheap. But at $36, the Wyze Cam, which we gave an 8.5 review score, remains a great budget security camera -- and a great camera, period.

The Wi-Fi security camera features HD video quality live streaming, motion detection, night vision, a decent app and, best of all, 14 days of free motion-based cloud storage. This Wyze security camera also features a built-in microSD card slot if you want local video storage rather than relying solely on its cloud service (you have to buy the microSD card separately).

This home security camera works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands and features a motion detection zone and the ability to listen for and alert you to special frequencies, like smoke alarms. If you want a complete home security system, there are other cameras that you can buy from Wyze and connect into the grid.

The $115 Arlo Video Doorbell, which we gave a review score of 8.5, has a lot going for it. While 115 bucks isn"t cheap, it"s more affordable than most of the other smart buzzers I"ve tested. As a doorbell camera, it"s built to be an outdoor camera, so you don"t have to ever worry about the elements. Similar to the Arlo Pro 3 outdoor security camera, the Arlo Video Doorbell has arm/disarm modes, two-way audio, motion zones and an integrated siren.

The security camera system also has a competitive cloud storage subscription plan, starting at $3 per month. If you pay for cloud storage, you get access to advanced features like custom person, animal, vehicle and package detection for your outdoor camera video surveillance.

Arlo"s latest Pro series camera, which we gave an 8.5 review score and Editor"s Choice award, is a fantastic home security camera with features to spare. It boasts 2K resolution, a 160-degree field of view, two-way talk, full-color night vision, a built-in siren and spotlight, compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit -- the list goes on.

This powerhouse of a camera lists for only $160 -- pricier than super-affordable options like Wyze, but easily worth the premium. For $3 per month, you can also get smart alerts, motion zones, 30 days of event history and a few other cool features. In short, the Arlo Pro 4 is a fantastic security camera for most people.

Google"s newest -- and smartest -- Nest Cam is a specifically indoor and wired gadget that offers a slew of great features in a pretty package. The wired camera comes in four unique colors too, because who doesn"t love a light pink security camera? This "wired" designation separates it from the Nest Cam (Battery), a heftier Google Nest model designed for indoor or outdoor use, that also launched in 2021. Armed with the latest software features like object identification, activity zones, and Google Home app viewing and support, this new Google Nest device has both beauty and brains -- and that"s why we gave it an 8.4 review score.

The $100 Google Nest Cam (Wired) is not only the most affordable Nest camera yet, but it"s also our favorite from the brand. Thanks to the easy setup, the attractive design and, most importantly, the free smart features, it takes the top spot of all Google Assistant cameras.

While Wyze currently offers better options for cloud storage and cheaper price tags, the Nest Cam (Wired) indoor security camera is one of the best home security cameras on the market for Google Assistant loyalists.

Hands-on testing is core to our evaluation of any home security products. When it comes to security cameras, we start by identifying new and test-worthy products from established manufacturers -- cameras you"d be most likely to come across when shopping online or at your local hardware or electronics stores. When these products hit the market, or sometimes even earlier, we get our hands on them and thoroughly test them in a real-home environment over the course of a week.

We begin testing by setting the camera up according to the included and/or app instructions, making note of any difficulties encountered along the way. Once the camera is ready to roll, we evaluate all features, paying close attention to resolution, night vision, notification latency, local or cloud storage and compatibility with smart home ecosystems like Google, Alexa and Apple HomeKit.

There"s a lot to consider when purchasing a home security camera because it"s a massive, growing category that covers everything from professional firms like ADT and Vivint to standalone DIY devices like cameras, sensors and locks from brands like Wyze and Arlo. The first decision you"ll need to make is whether you"re looking for a professionally installed system or a DIY security system.

The next decision you"ll have to make involves the device specs and features. Do you want livestreaming? Is two-way talk a priority? What about night vision? Modern home security cameras are loaded with neat extra features: Motion detection, professional monitoring, push notifications, cloud video storage, weather resistance, sound and motion alerts and integration with third-party devices. Narrowing down which smarts you want your device to have will help you make a final decision.

A lot of the terminology when talking about security and surveillance cameras can be hard to track, not least because people use the terms informally and interchangeably all the time. Basically, surveillance cameras are usually used with CCTV, in businesses and where there is continuous recording. They are meant to record acts as they happen, so they can be investigated later. Home security cameras, by contrast, are often motion-triggered and connected to cloud storage. Often, people install them primarily to deter would-be burglars.

Many wireless cameras in 2022 cannot fully function without an internet connection. Some cameras -- especially those that are part of a larger home security system -- use alternative radio protocols to transfer information. Those cameras will require a separate hub. Other cameras, if they have local storage, will be able to record and store footage -- on a microSD card, for example -- even if the internet is out. All that said, most wireless cameras will require Wi-Fi to use all their features as intended.

Cameras can really strengthen your home"s security, but they can also degrade its privacy. Hackers have made headlines by spying on people or using two-way talk features with children in their rooms. Simply put, yes, your security cameras can be hacked, but it depends how vulnerable your devices really are. Major professionally monitored security systems -- and even individually sold cameras from reputable developers like Google Nest and Wyze -- include high-end encryption, which scrambles messages within a system and grants access through keys. In layman"s terms this means as long as you stay current with app and device updates, you should have little to fear of being hacked via software or firmware vulnerabilities.

Will you be able to tell if a security camera is actively recording you? It depends, too. Most security cameras will include a small light that will turn on when it"s recording, though that may not be a reliable indicator if the camera has been hacked. Others, like Arlo"s indoor camera, include design features that make it totally clear when the camera is watching and when it"s not. In general, though, devices with physical shields are always a solid option if you"re worried about maintaining your privacy.

Home security cameras can vary widely in price, ranging anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to a few thousand. It depends on the services, model, features or video storage you want for your camera. With this in mind, you can expect to spend anywhere from $30 to $500 for a home security camera.

Home security cameras don"t have to be expensive, though. All of the best home security cameras CNET tested fall between the range of $38 and just under $200. Many DIY options, like Arlo and Wyze, offer a rich set of features, dependable design and a competitive subscription service, but with an affordable price that can be as cheap as $30. While these are on the lower end of home security camera prices, you can certainly find a camera that meets your needs for under $200.

Along with its great hardware and fast response times, the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Wired can accurately distinguish between people, animals, vehicles, and packages. In our tests, that ability also allowed it to keep false alerts—a problem with many doorbell cameras—to a minimum. That advanced sensing and the camera’s ability to capture video clips up to five minutes long require a $3 monthly Arlo Secure subscription, but we think these features are essential, and the price is fair (otherwise you’re restricted to motion and bell alerts and live video streaming). Local storage cuts out the monthly fee but also the advanced motion-detection features. This Arlo model captures crisp video with a 1536×1536 resolution and a wide, 180-degree viewing angle in a square format, providing a comprehensive vertical and horizontal view of what’s going on in front of your door, whether it’s deliveries or the antics of visiting raccoons.

This camera offers a sharp image, four choices for video storage, and a continuous recording option, and it can distinguish between different motions and sounds. It also costs less than many others with similar features.

Out of the box, the Eufy Solo IndoorCam C24 is noticeably light. Some people may say it feels “cheap.” Well, it is: A $40 security camera that delivers 2K images, has so many storage options, and detects motion, people, pets, and even crying—whether you opt for a paid cloud storage plan or not—was, until now, unheard of. Thanks to that 2K resolution, the Solo IndoorCam C24 offers live viewing and some local recording at a far higher resolution than cameras that record 1080p video, producing video that is crisp and clear day or night. It’s also the only camera we’ve tested that offers four ways to store video: locally on a microSD card (which you need to provide), locally on network-attached storage (NAS) by way of the Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP), in the cloud via a Eufy Cloud subscription ($30 a year), or in the cloud through Apple HomeKit Secure Video (or HSV, a free video storage service that comes with some paid iCloud plans; see Apple"s site for more info). Although it downgrades the 24/7, NAS, and cloud recordings to 1080p, the images are still clear and detailed. And finally, the camera’s light weight makes it easy to mount anywhere, without sacrificing durability (we knocked ours off a table, and it was fine).

During our testing, this compact camera recorded sharp 2K images to a microSD card during the day as well as at night, thanks to its array of eight night-vision infrared LEDs. It also has an 8X digital zoom, which allows you to pinch to expand live and recorded images on the app for a closer look. The 125-degree viewing angle is narrow in comparison with that of some other models we tested, which could be limiting in a small room, but we found that we could move the camera back or angle it and still get a great image, thanks to the 2K resolution. We also found its motion alerts to be accurate, with the ability to distinguish between people, pets, and general motion.

The camera can send alerts that are triggered by sound, and it can specifically detect crying, which may make it useful as an assistant babysitter. We tested it using YouTube clips of teary people and babies, and it worked without fail. Another feature worth noting is Pet Command, which triggers the camera to play an audio clip whenever it detects a pet wandering into a designated activity zone. For instance, you can highlight the couch so that if your pet jumps on it the camera will announce in a robotic voice, “Hey, what are you doing there?” You can also record a customized response (“Pumpkin, stop scratching the carpet, you evil hellcat!”). Our cat wasn’t willing to actively participate in our testing but accidentally set off the feature anyway, and it worked (your mileage may vary depending on the cat).

One of the standout aspects of the Eufy Solo IndoorCam C24 is that it offers several options for storing your recordings. The most basic option is to keep the video stored locally on a microSD card or a network-attached storage device via RTSP (we didn’t test the latter, but when we had the camera record to a microSD card, we didn’t miss a moment). A 32 GB card can hold about 60 hours of 2K video or 72 hours of 1080p video; when you’re using a 128 GB microSD card (which is the max), you can expect about 240 hours of 2K footage and 288 hours of 1080p recordings. You must view clips through the app; because the files are encrypted, you can’t pop out the card and view or copy files on a home computer. Recordings live on your local storage until it’s full, at which point the camera auto-deletes the oldest footage automatically. Note that should you opt for continuous recording, the video quality is downgraded to 1080p, although you can still get all of the various types of alerts (including person, pet, and crying). This Eufy camera doesn’t come with a microSD card or a NAS box, but Synology’s NAS (our top pick) is verified and compatible with Eufy Security devices.

Another option is to have the video go to the cloud instead. Because of the format-conversion process, Eufy’s storage service downgrades all cloud recordings to 1080p. Although that could be interpreted as a bait and switch, functionally we didn’t find that this trade-off mattered too much. If you worry about your camera or your memory card being stolen, you can opt for a Eufy Cloud subscription; for iOS devices you can use HomeKit Secure Video so that your video goes directly to the internet, where you can access it using the app. The Eufy service costs $3 per month or $30 per year for 30 days of storage for one camera, and $10 per month or $100 per year for up to 10 cameras. It’s a pretty good deal compared with many camera subscriptions; Wyze’s Cam Plus, for example, costs $2 per month per camera for 14 days of video storage, or $20 annually, but Wyze doesn’t offer a multi-camera plan.

As with many cameras, Android users can sign up for cloud storage through the app, but iOS users need to sign up for a cloud subscription via the Eufy website. (The process is a bit confusing; click Support in the upper-right corner and then go to the Security Web Portal. Sign in to your account using the same username and password you use for the app, and then click Subscription.)

For iPhone owners, opting for HomeKit Secure Video automatically links your camera to your iCloud plan; the $1-per-month 50 GB plan can store 10 days’ worth of footage for one camera, with the $3-per-month 200 GB plan supporting up to five cameras, and the $10-per-month 2 TB plan capturing events from an unlimited number of cameras. We have tested HomeKit Secure Video with several cameras now (including models from Eufy, Arlo, Eve, Logitech, and Netatmo), and although we love the privacy and security aspects, we don’t love the actual service. The Eufy interface is more user-friendly, and in every test we’ve run, we’ve found HomeKit recordings mislabeling pets as people (and vice versa). Our recordings with HSV have also missed a lot of action, sometimes for hours at a time—even when our recordings with the Eufy Cloud subscription have caught it.

Unless you opt for 24/7 local recording, the camera captures video clips whenever it detects motion, for up to five minutes in length. When a motion event goes beyond five minutes, the Eufy camera automatically starts a new clip, without a reset period or a break in the action—a common issue with many other home security cameras that sometimes results in missing crucial moments. For instance, with other cameras we’ve missed the milk delivery, the mail carrier, package deliveries, and kids grabbing snacks.

In addition to using the Home app, you can view the Solo IndoorCam C24’s video through the Eufy app for iOS and Android devices, as well as in a web portal. Both apps are easy to navigate, with live views and access to a Settings section, an Events section, and geofencing all one tap or click away from the homepage. In the Settings section, you can pick specific alerts (such as for people only), adjust the camera’s motion sensitivity, create activity zones, and choose the video quality. Since the Solo IndoorCam C24 works with Apple HomeKit, as well as with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, you can call up camera feeds on supported devices using voice commands. For instance, using an Amazon Echo Show 5, we could say “Alexa, show me the living room” and call up live images while we were upstairs or in the kitchen.

An abundance of electrical outlets indoors makes a perfect habitat for wired security cameras. While you won"t have as much placement flexibility as with a wire-free camera, the installation process is just as easy in most cases. Plus, wired cameras are usually more affordable, so you can have excellent indoor coverage while focusing the bulk of your budget on outdoor cameras.

Wireless security cameras are a natural choice outdoors because you can achieve perfect placement, especially when using a solar panel charger. You"ll need to keep on top of the battery life, but it"s a small price to pay for quick installation.

In some cases, it might make sense to use a wired camera outdoors. A wired outdoor camera may take more effort to install but is easier to maintain. We recommend wired power for video doorbells and floodlight cameras. It"s especially useful for charging batteries in wireless models.

Likewise, using a wireless camera indoors is a good way to keep recording during a power outage. Most wireless cameras support a power cord, so charging the battery is effortless. You can also install the camera where a power cord won"t reach.

As you set your sights on the many camera options out there, you might get overwhelmed with such a wide range of choices. But trust us, it doesn’t have to be painstaking finding the right security camera. Also, the wide selection helps to ensure you get the right product, with the right features – and the peace of mind you need to feel safe in your home.

SimpliSafe is one of the most DIY-forward systems out there, with equipment that can be mounted and set up with no elbow grease required. In the SimpliCam, we got a basic, no-frills device, maxing out at 1080p resolution, which sounds kind of mediocre until you remember one important point: Lower-res video will run more smoothly over Wi-Fi than pricier competitors like Arlo and Google Nest,3 as they require less bandwidth to run and won’t overload your network.

And if you’re curious, SimpliSafe actually includes their SimpliCam (or its outdoor camera and video doorbell counterparts) free with most of their whole-home kits. Check out our full SimpliSafe system review for more.

Every security camera comes with an app these days, and like the cameras themselves, we’ve always found them relatively easy to learn. The best apps we’ve used present the camera’s features in an intuitive, logical way, so when we want to check on what time our kids’ school bus arrived home, it takes us just a few swipes to locate the footage.

FYI: In addition to helping with everyday tasks like monitoring the kids and pets, our camera’s mobile app is also a lifeline. If an intruder should show up on our property, we’ll be notified almost instantly, from anywhere.

The Blink app’s feed does a good job in this area, even automatically producing a highlight reel each day with short spurts of action that occurred in our home. We recommend Blink’s cameras and packages as a super-easy entry-level system, which isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but definitely impressed us in performance despite being pretty inexpensive; paying under $100 for a battery-powered Blink Outdoor camera is nothing to sneeze at, after all.

You’ll see an overwhelming number of security cameras that claim 1080p video resolution as you start comparing options. But this, too, can be a bit misleading. Many cameras will only reach that 1080p benchmark under the most ideal conditions, like when your Wi-Fi signal is running at full strength.

But with our sometimes-less-than-perfect Wi-Fi connection, we didn’t always see the ideal 1080p quality we were hoping for, even among the top-rated brands that are known for recording exceptional video. From time to time, our picture was pretty grainy.

But we might be a bit hyper-observant about this factor. As experts, we tend to pay extra attention to video quality in all of our reviews, as we know that resolution is one of the most important qualities people look for in a security camera. As an example, have a look at our view from the Blink Indoor Camera.

That is to say that the resolution isn’t the only factor dictating a security camera’s video quality. There’s the framerate, for example, and whether or not the camera uses High Dynamic Range (HDR).

That’s why your best bet is to purchase a camera with flexible, or fluid, resolution and video settings. As a whole, Google Nest Cams do quite well in that regard. They have HDR, and while they max out at 1080p, they can adjust their resolution depending on your network’s speed. Most importantly, they capture clear footage when it matters so you’ll never miss anything critical.

We’ve seen some spectacular night vision images from our tests of security cameras. We’ve owned our home for a little over three years now, and we had no idea that so many deer showed up in our backyard on a nightly basis until we started checking out the nighttime view from our new Ring Floodlight Cam. Have a look below!

We gave Arlo’s design-forward cams high marks in this category in our hands-on Arlo camera review, too, but do remember that infrared night vision is pretty standard across cameras; you’ll be able to see your home at night no matter what. Of course, we always end up spending more money if we want full color night vision, so do keep that in mind.

Like 1080p and night vision, two-way audio has become a standard we expect in home security cameras. Even Wyze, one of the least expensive cameras on the market, has it. We consider it an essential feature, and in our full Wyze Cam review, we admit we weren’t blown away with the quality of the audio in our tests. Par for the course, we say, for a super-affordable camera like Wyze Cam; when it comes down to it, all we really need is audio that works when we need instant communication with the person on the other end.

We use this feature often as a convenient home intercom (“Time for bed, kids!”). But as an effective crime deterrent, this feature pleases us primarily because there’s nothing like using our own “outside voice” to prevent a crook from choosing our house.

With Wyze’s camera packages, we’ll be upfront: The communication is a bit less crisp than the Rings and Arlos we’ve tested. But, again, we still got an effective two-way channel that we knew we could use in a pinch.

With some home security equipment boasting pretty heavy advanced tech, it can be tempting to buy cameras based on how high-tech they are. But it’s important to remember that all that data you’re getting from your high-tech cams is not cheap, no matter which camera you end up with.

The costs of storing all those ultra-HD videos with colorized night vision and wide viewing angles can easily get out of hand when it all shakes out. This can be a sticking point for some users, many of whom would rather not blow out their budgets on storage.

We advise caution here. Be realistic; how much time are you really going to spend looking over your footage? Do you really need the cameras to be running 24/7, or are you looking for a camera that records clips and is only activated by motion?

The latter setup, naturally, is more cost-efficient. Your camera won’t need to record everything, so you’ll end up paying less for video storage. We’d say less than $10 per month. This is something we can’t emphasize enough: The costs of securing your home can add up fast, so be sure to account for any monthly fees (like a cloud subscription) when computing the total costs of your security cameras.

Going with a trusted brand like Samsung, for example, could help ensure you get what you’re paying for without any surprises. In our review of Samsung’s Wisenet cams, we learned that the brand had recently discontinued their SmartCloud storage service; while we were initially disappointed, we soon felt comfortable using the camera’s pre-inserted micro SD card to store video. With local storage, we were able to save money on an already affordable system.

Of course, there could be trade-offs if you go with the cheaper, local storage solution. Mainly, if your local storage device gets lost, stolen, or corrupted, you’ll be left with no backup footage. That’s why if your budget allows, we recommend getting both local and cloud storage. Cloud storage stores footage offsite, allowing you to access your recordings whenever and wherever you are.

That being said, security cameras with a wider field of view tend to distort the footage, creating a fish-eye effect. A lot of good brands use additional software or hardware to correct that though, so it’s a friendly reminder that having a higher field of view doesn’t automatically give a camera an edge.

A camera’s design – how it’s built as well as how it looks – often reflects the purposes it serves. For example, the no-frills Ring Indoor Cam has a simple, cylindrical design with no weatherproofing or protective cover, so we knew when we tested it that we shouldn’t risk exposing a camera like this to our tumultuous Ohio winter weather.

The Ring Indoor Cam is plug-and-play, so we knew we should keep it close to a power outlet. It’s also small, so we assume (rightly, in this case) that this camera uses a standard lens with a field of view under 130 degrees. This, in turn, helps us understand where the camera should go and what it should do for us. Making sense, right?

This chain-reaction approach is common in our review repertoire, and it’s helped us make the most out of our cameras and not get intimidated by their technology.

Knowing all this, we always encourage folks not to get too concerned about equipment damage; the majority of outdoor cameras are designed to protect from weather, plus most brands now have pretty straightforward policies if something isn’t right with the camera.

Did You Know: The most common weather rating for outdoor cameras is IP-65, which means it’ll protect from most damage, barring extreme flooding. As users, we think it’s extremely important for cameras to be rated for weather. After all, these devices are supposed to provide peace of mind, right?

We love pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras because they’re a nice, economical option for apartment dwellers and homeowners alike. We’ve met a few cams with some very unique PTZ builds, with mechanical lenses that rotate Exorcist-style to allow us to see more out of our space than ever before. And we have to say, this can be a super convenient option; we know we’re getting one camera that covers a whole lot of ground, with little else to worry about.

Numerous brands, including Reolink, D-Link, Lorex, Amcrest, Wyze, and Swann, carry their own versions of pan-tilt cameras. As we mentioned earlier, brands with massive selection can be confusing, so if you’re looking for new and innovative features in a PTZ device, we advise giving the Amcrest ProHD a second look. We did a deep dive on this cam in our hands-on Amcrest camera review, if you’re interested.

Once used strictly by professional security systems, emergency connection is starting to pop up in standalone security cameras, too. But since we’re talking about wireless technology, a couple of camera packages are starting to appear with a thumbprint-activated safety feature we can tap from anywhere.

A select few cameras we’ve tested have joined forces with Noonlight, a security tech startup that helps self-monitoring security camera users dispatch emergency services without having to call 911.

We don’t see this emergency connection feature routinely in cameras yet, but when we do, it really amazes us. Take a look at our YI Home 3 camera review, where we discovered the 24/7 emergency service in an otherwise basic $19.99 indoor camera. Though it did involve signing on to a separate subscription, we do think you’ll appreciate the extra layer of safety here. If something goes terribly wrong, the monitoring center can dispatch 911, EMS, or Fire. Features like this are crucial for the elderly and those who live alone.

When we did our hands-on review of Canary cameras, we were spoiled by this feature, since they don’t charge a separate fee beyond the standard Canary subscription. But we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that Canary’s equipment costs are significantly higher than YI’s, so keep that in mind.

Though not widely common yet, we’re seeing more and more cameras with AI-powered facial recognition. For us, buying cameras with this advanced feature comes down to a question: How smart do we want our smart home to be?

In Google Nest Cams, for instance, we got one of the most impressive feature sets thanks to Google’s bold embrace of facial recognition technology. We saw this consistently in our tests as the camera gradually learned the faces and identities of each occupant in our home, then used the data to generate real-time Familiar Faces alerts. We couldn’t help but sit back and say, “Wow, they’ve come a long way, haven’t they?”

The type of camera you’ll need depends on where you want to place it. If you want one inside your home, there are many home security camera options. If you want one outside your home, you’ll need to decide whether you want a wireless security camera, video doorbell, or floodlight camera.

For monitoring a front or back door, consider using a video doorbell because it can be powered through your doorbell wiring. If you want to monitor another area of your property, you’re better off with a wireless security camera. And if you want to monitor an area that already has a hardwired floodlight, consider swapping it out with a floodlight security camera. Keep in mind that while all video doorbells are designed to survive the elements, not all wireless security cameras are weatherproof. So be sure to check the specs of a camera you’re considering if you want to put it outside.

Battery-powered wireless security cameras, video doorbells, and floodlight cameras (yes, there are a few options) offer the most flexibility in terms of placement in and around your home. Depending on the camera and how heavily it’s used, you’ll need to recharge it anywhere from weekly to once every few months to once or twice a year. Hardwired cameras and doorbells neatly sidestep the recharging problem but may limit your placement options, unless you’re willing to run an extension cord or hire an electrician.

Before you pick the camera or doorbell you want, be sure to find out how much free cloud storage it comes with and how much additional storage costs. Most manufacturers opt for cloud storage—where the footage is remotely stored on a server—instead of memory cards because the video files are large and they can make additional money from the subscriptions. Without cloud storage (or local storage), if you miss an alert for a potential intruder, you’ll have no idea whether someone tried to break in. Many of these cameras also won’t let you download clips to send to authorities unless you pay up.

The amount of free online storage and cost of storage plans can vary drastically by manufacturer and model. For example, the Blue by ADT Indoor Camera comes with 24 hours of free cloud storage, which stores the most recent day’s worth of motion-triggered video clips. Blue by ADT charges $6 per month for 30 days of motion-triggered storage for an unlimited number of cameras at one location. By comparison, Ring cameras and doorbells offer no free storage, but Ring charges only $3 per month (or $30 per year) for one camera for 60 days of storage, or $10 per month ($100 per year) for all cameras at one location with 60 days of storage.

While these cameras provide peace of mind, it’s worth remembering that to do that they provide a view into your home and connect to the internet. If you can watch your home from your phone, it may be possible for someone else to take a peek, too. The manufacturer also may have access to the video.

“There have been cases of companies deploying these with weak security that can be circumvented,” says Justin Brookman, director of privacy and technology policy at Consumer Reports. “Don’t use default credentials. Make sure you set up your own unique username and difficult-to-guess password.” Read our article on creating strong passwords to make sure yours are as hackproof as they can be.

More and more cameras are offering two-factor authentication, an additional layer of security that sends you a one-time-use passcode via a text message, a phone call, an email, or an authentication app. You input the passcode in addition to your username and password when you log in. That way, if a hacker cracks your password, they won’t be able to access your camera unless they also gain access to your one-time code. If your camera offers this, be sure to activate it. You can also find more advice in our article on preventing security cameras from being hacked.

These security concerns don’t mean you shouldn’t buy a home security camera, but if privacy is something you’re worried about, you may want to keep these devices out of bedrooms.

To help you purchase a camera that respects your privacy, we rate each model for data privacy. You can see how the privacy of each camera measures up in our home security camera ratings.

Sam’s Club® carries a wide range of security and surveillance equipment, from the simple to the complex, to help ensure you feel safe in your home or business. For surveillance and security systems for inside or outside your home, check out our inventory to find what you need.

Security cameras are meant to be discreet devices. Some have protective dome lenses and others have night vision technology. Some people prefer a whole surveillance and security system, which is generally comprised of multiple cameras for indoor and outdoor use and a multi-channel DVR base for recording footage. These components send live footage to your smartphone, tablet, or PC so you can check in anytime while on the go. We also carry related accessories, such as cables, extension cords, and microphones to complement your security and surveillance experience.

There are many factors to consider when buying security and surveillance devices. First of all, assess your situation and figure out just what you need. A discreet, motion-detecting “nanny-cam” style security camera for your child’s room? How about a surveillance system outside your home that captures every angle to protect your family and property? Maybe you are a business owner that wishes to set up security cameras indoors and out. Once you have these questions answered, you can narrow in on what product is best for your specific needs. We carry all of these types of security and surveillance equipment as well as their attending accessories at Sam’s Club, with options for every budget.

By clicking the download button, you"re downloading a free version of the program.*If you want to make the most of an IP camera, you"ll need the right software. The best IP camera software can allow you to set up security surveillance for your home and business while making use of a wide range of different features and functions. Read on through our guide for the best free IP camera software recommendations.Program

Security Eye is one of the best examples you can find of free security camera software. This IP camera program works with almost any IP or webcam and can be used for home or office security. It offers high-quality recording, motion detection, email and text alerts, a task scheduler, and more, all for free.

Xeoma is one of the most versatile IP camera recording software solutions, with a hugely flexible interface and range of settings. Offering everything from facial and emotional recognition to detection of missing items, heat maps, PTZ tracking, screen capture, and more, this program can be configured in countless ways to suit almost any application.

Anycam is another excellent option for those who are looking for surveillance camera software. It allows you to view and record live streams from your IP cameras with minimal effort needed, offering a super simple user interface and strong compatibility with most camera makes and models.

Those looking for IP camera software for free will find a lot to love about Perfect IP Camera Viewer. Compatible with over 1,200 different models of camera, you can count on this app to work with your devices. It allows you to view and save videos directly from the associated IP address, while also supporting SMS alerts, email alerts, motion detection, and more.

Genius Vision is another security camera viewer that allows you to remotely view and record video from your connected IP cameras. It offers beginner-friendly remote control functions and even the ability to pan and zoom your camera feed from any location directly through your mobile device.

ZoneMinder is free CCTV camera software you can use on Linux devices, with companion apps also available on Android and iOS. This CCTV monitoring software is open-source, with various features for capture, recording, analysis, and monitoring of security cameras.

SmartViewer is a useful piece of Windows 10 IP camera software you can use for monitoring multiple cameras. It supports up to 36 cameras at a time and offers a range of features and functions to allow the user to see and track different feeds on the fly.

WebcamXP IP camera software is a free app that allows you to connect up to two cameras for private use at your home, or you can pay for the Pro version for added features and functionality. It has a simple UI and a basic set of features, ideal for beginners and inexperienced users.

If you"re looking to download IP camera software for PC, Mac, Linux, or mobile devices with high-end technology, a sleek user interface, and a lot of potential applications, Ivideon is a great choice. This IP webcam app can be used for both business and home purposes as everything from office security to a baby monitor alternative.

ContaCam is one of the most popular options in the world of free NVR software and home security solutions. Available in a huge range of languages for users from different parts of the world, this video camera recorder and surveillance software make it easy to monitor your home with the help of connected cameras.

Luxriot Evo is another highly-rated HD security camera software solution that you can use both at home or at your place of work for security and surveillance purposes. It stands out for its modern interface and beginner-friendly design, while also offering an impressive array of video management features.

SGS HomeGuard is a security camera solution that is well-suited to small and mid-sized businesses. It offers motion detection, archives, logs, and real-time monitoring with remote access, ideal for business security and surveillance.

DeskShare IP Camera View