Security cameras with audio were once unheard of, but now many IP surveillance cameras have a microphone and speaker. An audio camera is useful as a nanny cam and pet cam.
That’s because security cameras with two way audio let users speak with whoever is on the other side of the camera through an app or a control panel.
So, are cameras with audio worth it? Read on to find out, and discover the best surveillance cameras with audio below.
Table of Contents
What is a Two Way Audio Security Camera?
A two way audio security camera is a surveillance device that captures video and audio thanks to a speaker and microphone.
A wifi camera with audio transmits the audio to and from the viewing device (usually a mobile app installed to a phone) via the internet, so that conversations are carried out effectively.
Turn Your Old Phones into Two Way Audio Cameras
Unsure if you need two way audio cameras? You don’t have to blow a load of money on a security camera to find out.
AlfredCamera turns old phones and tablets into two way audio cameras, letting you chat through the device’s microphone and speaker.
Download AlfredCamera to your current phone and an old device for free, and you’ll have two audio cameras in under five minutes. Hassle-free, commitment-free, and just free, period.
Can I Speak Through My Security Camera?
Modern security cameras often feature two way audio, but not all do. Regular CCTV doesn’t allow you to speak through the security camera. To check if you can speak through your security camera,
- Ensure the security camera connects to the internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
- Look for a microphone icon on the security camera live feed, usually accessed on a dedicated app.
- Check for a microphone on the security camera. It will appear as a small dot, usually with a microphone symbol near it.
- See if there is a speaker on the security camera. This is commonly found on the back of the device and appears as a cluster of dots.
Why Would I Need Two Way Audio?
Security cameras with two way audio expand the uses of outdoor and indoor cameras beyond security. You might need two way audio for:
Pet Cams – If a pet is in distress but not in the frame, two-way audio allows the user to hear it. Activate the microphone to speak comfortingly to upset furry friends and calm them.
Nanny Cams – Hearing a child or newborn baby helps parents assess situations properly and act accordingly. If the kids have returned from school while mom and dad are at work, activate two way audio to check in on them.
Front Door Cams – An outdoor security camera with audio (like AlfredCam Plus) can be fixed to the porch, enabling easy communication with delivery people and unwanted visitors.
The 5 Best Security Cameras with Two Way Audio
Two way audio cameras are super useful, especially if you want more from your security camera than just, well, security. These are the best security cameras with two way audio that money can buy.
AlfredCam
Best security camera with two-way audio
Available on AlfredCamera and Amazon. $29.99.
Pros
- Affordable
- Loud speaker and clear audio
- Easy to use
Cons
- Indoor only
The first hardware camera designed for use with the AlfredCamera app, AlfredCam is among the most affordable indoor security cameras with two-way audio. The speaker projects loudly, taking advantage of this with a siren activated from the app. Two way conversations are clear and audible as well.
Other great features include infrared night vision and motion detection notifications, which, alongside excellent two way audio, allow it to be used as a nanny cam or for watching pets left alone throughout the day.
Key Specifications
- 1080p HD video130-degree field of view
- Two way audio
- Powered by USB
- Infrared night vision
- Built-in siren
- Person detection (Premium)
Our in-depth overview of AlfredCam covers everything you need to know about the first indoor two-way audio security camera from AlfredCamera.
AlfredCam Plus
Best outdoor security cameras with 2-way audio
Available on AlfredCamera and Amazon. From $39.99.
Pros
- Excellent two way audio
- Built in siren to deter
- 64 GB microSD card included for continuous recording
Cons
- More premium option compared to AlfredCam
AlfredCam Plus offers advanced outdoor security that’s truly affordable. Two way audio lets you chat easily with whoever’s nearby, be it a delivery person or the kids out playing in the yard, while 2K QHD video, excellent infrared night vision, and advanced motion detection excel at surveillance inside and out.
A magnetic mount, zip ties, mounting sticker, and nails give users plenty of ways to quickly set up AlfredCam Plus as an outdoor camera with two way audio.
Key Specifications
- 2K QHD video
- 130-degree field of view
- Two way audio
- 64 GB microSD card included
- Infrared night vision
- Built-in siren
- IP65 weatherproof
- Unlimited devices per account
Two way audio cameras are loved by pet owners wanting to stay close to their furry friends while out and about. Do you really need a dedicated pet cam? Find out here.
Defender Guard Pro
Best wired security camera with two way audio
Available on Defender Guard and Amazon. From $83.
Pros
- Affordable
- Wired, meaning battery never has to be recharged
- Local storage via microSD
Cons
- Wire itself isn’t weatherproof
- No option for cloud storage
Wired security cameras with audio, particularly ones designed for outdoor use, are less common than wire-free ones. But some may prefer charging their security camera. Defender Guard Pro is among the best wired security cameras with two-way audio.
Despite its meager price, it supports 2K video that looks great indoors and out. Footage is saved locally to microSD card, though feeds are viewed through the app, which is simple and well designed.There’s no smart home/voice assistant support or cloud storage options.
Key Specifications
- 2K video
- 124-degree field of view
- 16 x digital zoom
- Up to 256GB microSD card
- Built-in spotlight
- IP67 weatherproof
- Plug-in at wall
- Infrared night vision
- Built-in siren
Lorex 4K Security Camera System
Best security system with two way audio
Available on Amazon. From $799.99.
Pros
- Excellent 4K quality
- 12 cameras, mixture of bullet and dome shapes
- Voice assistance and person detection
Cons
- Very expensive
- Setup will be time consuming
- Though 3TB of storage is good, continuous 4K quality recordings will quickly fill it up
Lorex’s 12 camera set costs the best part of a thousand bucks, but it is among the most advanced wired setups, featuring two-way audio, voice assistant integration, smart detection, and built-in sirens and warning lights.
Each camera clocks in at an impressive 4K resolution. Eight of the devices are ‘bullet’ style and four are dome shaped. Apartment dwellers can give this a miss, but it’s well worth considering for large apartments, lofts, and penthouses.
Key Specifications
- 4K video resolution
- 8 x bullet cameras, 4 x dome
- Smart person and vehicle detection
- Alexa and Google Voice Assistant support
- Two-way audio
- Built-in siren
- Built-in spotlight
- 3TB storage
Reolink Argus 3 Pro
Best wireless security camera with two way audio
Available on Amazon and Walmart. RRP $119.
Pros
- High quality video for a reasonable price
- Bright motion spotlight
- 16 x digital zoom
Cons
- 122-degree field of view is disappointingly narrow
- No motion detection zones
Argus Pro 3 boasts fabulous 2K video, and 16 x digital zoom. Two way audio is loud and clear, and the inclusion of a motion-enabled spotlight helps keep an eye on things even in the dark.
The field of view is narrow for an outdoor camera, but adequate for regular use.
Key Specifications
- 2K 4MP video
- 16 x digital zoom
- 122-degree field of view
- Spotlight
- Battery-powered (wire-free)
- Weatherproof
- Color night vision
- Built-in siren
FAQ
Are security cameras allowed to have audio?
Security cameras are allowed to have audio. The legality of recording audio differs state-by-state.
In California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Washington the express consent has to be given by any party being recorded.
To find out more about the legality of security camera audio recording, check out our article on security camera audio.
How does two way talk work?
Two-way talk works by using the microphone and speaker on the security camera and the microphone and speaker on the viewing device (which is usually an app on a phone).
The user activates two-way talk by holding down or pressing a microphone icon on the app, which starts recording them through their phone’s mic. This is sent to the security camera and projected out of its speaker.
Conclusion
Two way audio isn’t necessary for every surveillance situation. Audio recording in storefronts, offices is, literally, unheard of.
Puns aside, audio recording isn’t that useful in high traffic spaces.
The real benefit of two way audio is in the home: monitoring pets, kids, babies, and the doorway, where you can chat with delivery people.