Home Security Cameras: Buying Advice, Tips, and News
Our experts test the top security cameras to help you monitor and protect your home, comparing features like video quality, smart alerts, night vision, storage, and installation options.
Our Current Top Tested Picks
Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Aqara G5 Pro is an outdoor security camera that delivers sharp 2K video with AI-driven motion detection and serves as a hub for every major smart home platform.
Full Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro ReviewPros
- Sharp 2K video
- Useful AI motion alerts
- Built-in video storage
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Works across multiple platforms
- Matter, Thread, and Zigbee connectivity
- Supports IFTTT
Cons
- Some features require a subscription
Pros
- Sharp 2K video
- Useful AI motion alerts
- Built-in video storage
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Works across multiple platforms
- Matter, Thread, and Zigbee connectivity
- Supports IFTTT
Cons
- Some features require a subscription
Eufy SoloCam S340 Wireless Outdoor Security Camera
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Eufy SoloCam S340 is a dual-lens outdoor security camera with solar charging and loads of features including a built-in spotlight, mechanical pan and tilt, and local video storage.
Full Eufy SoloCam S340 Wireless Outdoor Security Camera ReviewPros
- Sharp 3K resolution
- Dual camera lenses
- Color night vision
- Battery and solar power
- Local video storage
- Mechanical pan and tilt
- Voice control
- Built-in spotlight
Cons
- Pricey
- Does not support Apple HomeKit, IFTTT, or Matter
Pros
- Sharp 3K resolution
- Dual camera lenses
- Color night vision
- Battery and solar power
- Local video storage
- Mechanical pan and tilt
- Voice control
- Built-in spotlight
Cons
- Pricey
- Does not support Apple HomeKit, IFTTT, or Matter
TP-Link Tapo Wire-Free MagCam
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The TP-Link Tapo Wire-Free MagCam is a 2K outdoor camera that's easy to install and packed with features, including built-in spotlights, color night vision, and a rechargeable battery that can last nearly a year.
Full TP-Link Tapo Wire-Free MagCam ReviewPros
- Sharp 2K video
- Color night vision
- Built-in spotlights
- Local and cloud recording
- Long battery life
- Free intelligent alerts
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT
Cons
- Doesn't support HomeKit
Pros
- Sharp 2K video
- Color night vision
- Built-in spotlights
- Local and cloud recording
- Long battery life
- Free intelligent alerts
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT
Cons
- Doesn't support HomeKit
Arlo Essential Pan Tilt (2025)
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Affordable yet feature-packed, the Arlo Essential Pan Tilt camera offers 2K clarity, color night vision, and AI alerts in a nimble, weatherproof package.
Full Arlo Essential Pan Tilt (2025) ReviewPros
- Sharp 2K video
- Smooth mechanical pan-and-tilt action
- Strong third-party device support
- AI-powered intelligent alerts
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
Cons
- Recorded video and AI-powered alerts are paywalled
- No local recording option
Pros
- Sharp 2K video
- Smooth mechanical pan-and-tilt action
- Strong third-party device support
- AI-powered intelligent alerts
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
Cons
- Recorded video and AI-powered alerts are paywalled
- No local recording option
Arlo Essential XL (2nd Generation)
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Arlo Essential XL Outdoor is a wireless outdoor home security camera with standout battery life and lots of features for a relatively affordable price.
Full Arlo Essential XL (2nd Generation) ReviewPros
- Good image quality
- Long battery life
- Works with Alexa and Google voice commands
- Strong third-party device support
- Color night vision
- Built-in spotlight and siren
- Intelligent motion alerts
Cons
- Access to recorded video requires a subscription
- Doesn't support Apple HomeKit
Pros
- Good image quality
- Long battery life
- Works with Alexa and Google voice commands
- Strong third-party device support
- Color night vision
- Built-in spotlight and siren
- Intelligent motion alerts
Cons
- Access to recorded video requires a subscription
- Doesn't support Apple HomeKit
Lorex 2K Smart Wi-Fi Lightbulb Camera
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Lorex 2K Wi-Fi Smart Lightbulb Camera is a versatile indoor or outdoor LED bulb with a built-in high-res security camera that offers intelligent motion detection, mechanical pan and tilt, and local video storage.
Full Lorex 2K Smart Wi-Fi Lightbulb Camera ReviewPros
- Sharp 2K video
- Mechanical pan and tilt
- Voice control
- Local and cloud storage
- Easy to install
Cons
- SD card not included
- Does not support HomeKit or IFTTT
Pros
- Sharp 2K video
- Mechanical pan and tilt
- Voice control
- Local and cloud storage
- Easy to install
Cons
- SD card not included
- Does not support HomeKit or IFTTT
Reolink Altas PT Ultra
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Reolink Altas PT Ultra is a battery-powered outdoor security camera that offers 4K video with mechanical pan and tilt to provide a sweeping view of your property, with options for solar charging and continuous recording.
Full Reolink Altas PT Ultra ReviewPros
- Sharp 4K video
- Good color night vision
- Continuous and triggered recording options
- Smooth mechanical pan and tilt
- Local video storage
- Dual-band Wi-Fi support
- Works with the Alexa and Google voice control
Cons
- Doesn't support Apple HomeKit or IFTTT
- No SD card included
Pros
- Sharp 4K video
- Good color night vision
- Continuous and triggered recording options
- Smooth mechanical pan and tilt
- Local video storage
- Dual-band Wi-Fi support
- Works with the Alexa and Google voice control
Cons
- Doesn't support Apple HomeKit or IFTTT
- No SD card included
Blink Outdoor 2K+
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Blink Outdoor 2K+ is a compact, easy-to-install security camera with super-sharp 2K video and extra-long battery life
Full Blink Outdoor 2K+ ReviewPros
- Sharp 2K video
- Two-year battery life
- AI video descriptions
- Works with Alexa and IFTTT
Cons
- Some features require a subscription
- Doesn't support Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant
Pros
- Sharp 2K video
- Two-year battery life
- AI video descriptions
- Works with Alexa and IFTTT
Cons
- Some features require a subscription
- Doesn't support Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant
Nest Cam Outdoor (Wired, 2nd Gen)
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Nest Cam Outdoor is a weatherproof plug-in home security camera that delivers sharp 2K video and uses Gemini AI to help you easily find event videos with written descriptions.
Full Nest Cam Outdoor (Wired, 2nd Gen) ReviewPros
- Sharp 2K video
- Effective use of Gemini AI
- Intelligent alerts
- Face recognition
- Voice control
Cons
- Many features require a subscription
- Doesn't support HomeKit or IFTTT
Pros
- Sharp 2K video
- Effective use of Gemini AI
- Intelligent alerts
- Face recognition
- Voice control
Cons
- Many features require a subscription
- Doesn't support HomeKit or IFTTT
Ring Outdoor Cam Pro
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The pricey Ring Outdoor Cam Pro is a weather-resistant plug-in security camera that offers detailed 4K imagery, impressive low-light video capabilities, and smart AI-powered alerts.
Full Ring Outdoor Cam Pro ReviewPros
- Sharp 4K video
- Strong low-light performance
- AI alerts
- Voice control
- Works with Alexa and IFTTT
Cons
- Expensive
- Video recordings and other features require a subscription
- Doesn't support Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant
Pros
- Sharp 4K video
- Strong low-light performance
- AI alerts
- Voice control
- Works with Alexa and IFTTT
Cons
- Expensive
- Video recordings and other features require a subscription
- Doesn't support Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant
Latest Home Security Camera Stories
The Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ offers impressive video quality and exceptional battery life at an affordable price, but requires a subscription for basic features.
$47.99
This wireless Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Gen) gives you crisp 2K video, a wide head-to-toe field of view, and dual-power battery or wired flexibility, for almost 40% off at Walmart.
The Ring Spotlight Cam 2K outdoor security camera delivers sharp video, bright LED spotlights, and a loud siren, though recorded footage and other key features require a subscription.
$119.99
This wire-free Arlo Essential outdoor security camera (3rd Gen) delivers crisp 1080p HD video, Color Night Vision, and dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity, at under $40 right now at Walmart.
The wired Arlo Essential indoor security camera comes with 360-degree pan and 180-degree tilt mechanical coverage with dual-band Wi-Fi and automatic motion tracking at under $25 right now.
The Blink Mini 2K Plus Indoor Security Camera has color night vision, seamless Alex integration, and AI features that are actually useful. And right now, two cameras can be yours for $38!
Want to know what's going on outside without actually having to go outside? That's where an outdoor camera comes in handy, and you can get the Tapo 2K MagCam for $30 off today.
With 2K Retinal video, crisp low-light picture, and Two-Way Talk, this affordable security system is already hard to beat. But right now, you can get a two-pack for only $60!
A pet camera lets you monitor your cat or dog 24/7—and some even let you give them treats! These are the top pet cameras we’ve tested, along with some of our favorite security cameras that also serve as pet monitors.
The top indoor security cameras we've tested let you watch your home from anywhere and don't cost nearly as much as a full security system.
It isn't hard to build a home security system with this Blink bundle, which includes three wireless outdoor cameras and a video doorbell. And for $60 off, it's a steal all on its own!
Monitor your property day and night with one of the top smart floodlight cameras we've tested.
The best smart outdoor security cameras we've tested can withstand the elements and record clear footage any time of the day or night.
The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam is an affordable indoor security camera that gives you a wide view of any room, but its resolution tops out at 1080p, and you’ll need a subscription to view recorded video.
$39.99
The Ring Indoor Cam Plus delivers strong 2K video, AI-powered alerts, and easy Alexa integration at a reasonable price, but unlocking its full potential requires a paid subscription.
$34.99
The pricey Ring Outdoor Cam Pro is a weather-resistant plug-in security camera that offers detailed 4K imagery, impressive low-light video capabilities, and smart AI-powered alerts.
$199.99
The Ring Outdoor Cam Plus is a weather-resistant camera designed for indoor or outdoor use that delivers sharp 2K video and offers dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity.
$49.99
The Ring Outdoor Cam is a versatile battery-powered wireless indoor/outdoor security camera that records motion-triggered video and stores it in the cloud.
$49.99
The Ring Wired Doorbell Pro delivers exceptional 4K clarity, smart AI-powered alerts, and dependable performance, making it a standout choice for premium front door security.
$199.99
The Blink Outdoor 4 is a battery-powered and Alexa-integrated security camera that captures sharp daytime video, with a wider field of view than its predecessor and optional people alerts.
$69.99