Hunting for security cameras on a budget? What brand you wind up going for will depend on all sorts of differing needs. That’s why we’ve compared the best brands on the market.
Best for Easy Use – Blink
 Best camera: Blink Mini | + Affordable + Straight forward, uncomplicated designs + Some models compatible with AA batteries |
Best for Home Security Systems – Ring
 Best camera: Ring Stick Up Cam | + Smart home savvy + Massive selection of products + Alexa compatible |
Best for Budget – AlfredCamera
 Best camera: AlfredCam | + Very affordable + Simple to use and accessible, allowing for flexible use of mobile devices alongside AlfredCam + Trusted brand with more than 70 million downloads Buy here |
Table of Contents
Popular Cameras Compared
| Product | Placement | RRP | Quality | Field of View | Power | Night Vision |
| AlfredCamera App | Indoor/Outdoor | Free/Premium | 720p | N/A | N/A | Low-Light Filter |
AlfredCam | Indoor | $29.99 | 1080p HD | 130º | Micro USB Cable | ✔️ |
Blink Video Doorbell | Doorbell | $49.99 | 1080p HD | 135º | Battery or Wired | ✔️ |
Ring Video Doorbell | Doorbell | $99.99 | 1080p HD | 155º | Battery (including Solar) or Wired | ✔️ |
Blink Mini | Indoor | $34.99 | 1080p HD | 110º | Micro USB Cable | ✔️ |
Ring Stick Up Cam | Indoor/Outdoor | $99.99 | 1080p HD | 130º | Battery (including Solar) or Wired | ✔️ |
Blink Outdoor | Outdoor | $99.99 | 1080p HD | 110º | Battery (including Solar) | ✔️ |
History of the Brand
AlfredCamera
Launched in 2014, AlfredCamera remains the most popular dedicated security camera app on Android and iOS devices, with over 70 million downloads. In 2019, it was named most popular utility app by Google Play.
The app allows users to utilize an old phone, tablet, or computer as a camera. They can then view the feed on their phone, tablet, or on the web.
The app’s genesis came about after founder, Alex Song, experienced multiple burglaries. With that came the realization that people around the world need fast, affordable security.
While most budget security brands have placed emphasis on the North American market, AlfredCamera is currently used in over 170 countries. The company believes that security should be accessible to everyone everywhere.
AlfredCam, the company’s first hardware camera, was launched in 2022 to provide users with the option to expand their existing security setups. Perhaps most importantly, the camera added infrared night vision, which phones do not natively support.
Like Blink, AlfredCamera is particularly conscious of cost, looking to push products that are super affordable and easy-to-use, but also secure, trustworthy, and powerful.
Ring
Founded as ‘DoorBot’ back in 2013, Ring has gone from strength to strength since being acquired by Amazon back in 2018 for a figure upwards of $1.2 billion. The company began with its doorbell camera, which remains its flagship and most popular product.
In the decade since being founded, the company has expanded its surveillance products considerably, allowing users to create an automated home security system.
Products cater to a mid-range budget, with Amazon’s other security camera acquisition, Blink, being priced considerably lower. A ‘Ring Protect’ subscription is required for all products for long-term use. There are several options available at different price points.
The ‘Neighbors’ app is a pseudo-social network in which users can report and learn about crime and other concerns in their local area. The app partners with local law enforcement, which has invited criticism for creating a private surveillance network and allowing police departments to access footage at will.
The brand has also received consistent criticism over data sharing practices. The app shares extensive personal data with third parties including Facebook and MixPanel, a business analytics company.
Blink
Acquired a year before Ring for a reported $90 million, Amazon’s ‘Blink’ was actually founded way back in 2009 as a microchip manufacturer before pivoting into consumer electronics.
The company invented a chip that could process HD video while being powered by two AA batteries; a technology still used in the doorbell and indoor cameras that, for many users, will make them significantly easier to install and use than wired and rechargeable options.
Since its acquisition, the brand has been fashioned into an affordable alternative to Ring, with an emphasis on indoor security. Despite that, the brand has many of the same kinds of products as Ring, including video doorbells, a panning camera, and an outdoor camera. While Ring’s main product line now includes things other than cameras, like alarms, Blink’s does not.
The products are designed to be very simple to use, with less features than Ring. Both companies encourage Alexa integration for seamless voice control.
A Blink Plus subscription isn’t necessary like a Ring Protect subscription is for long term use, but it does enable users to store footage on the cloud. A Sync Module 2, which allows footage to be stored on a USB harddrive, can be bought instead if the user doesn’t want to store data on the cloud. Many Blink products can be bought packed with a Sync Module 2.
Brand Pros and Cons
Ring
| Pros ✔️ | Cons ❌ |
| + Smart home savvy + Massive selection of products + Alexa compatible | – Subscription necessary – No local storage options for any products – Poor track record with third party personal data sharing |
Blink
| Pros ✔️ | Cons ❌ |
| + Super affordable + Simple solutions + Some products powered with AA batteries | – Limited selection – Settings are very simplified – Local storage requires a Sync Module (sold separately) |
AlfredCamera
| Pros ✔️ | Cons ❌ |
| + Extremely affordable + Mobile devices can be used as cameras alongside AlfredCam + Super fast setup with limited personal data required | – Limited product offering – No voice assistant integration – Uses of the app are limited by the hardware (unless using the dedicated AlfredCam device instead of an old phone) |
App and Software Use
Ring
???? The Ring app looks as good as it works. It’s easy to navigate and not susceptible to crashes or bugs, although its design is pretty ‘busy’ compared with both Blink and AlfredCamera.
That being said, automation is kept straightforward, which helps it to be intuitive. Ring calls its automations ‘Modes’, which are accessed via the ‘Mode Settings’ menu. These are divided into three self-explanatory defaults—disarm, home, and away—which can be customized as the user sees fit.
Ring’s Geofence feature is a way to snooze and activate all Ring devices based on the user’s location. Enabling Geofence creates a virtual perimeter around the property. When the device that the app is installed on is taken outside or inside that boundary, it can arm and disarm all Ring devices as required. This is a really useful feature because it allows users to essentially create a fully-fledged security system using Ring products.
???? The Ring app struggles to maintain a stable connection for live feed viewing when multiple devices are using the same Wi-Fi router at the same time, but motion detection works fine.
Setup of the app requires significant quantities of personal data to be handed over that other security camera apps either don’t ask for or don’t require, including home addresses.
Ring has a sister app called ‘Ring Neighbors’. It can be thought of as a social-network-meets-neighborhood-watch app, showing a real-time crime map and safety alerts provided by neighbors and local authorities. While the app will be useful for many users, it has received criticism for unclear data protection practices and creating an extensive private surveillance network for law enforcement agencies.
Downloading the app isn’t required, but signing up for Ring automatically ‘enrolls’ the user in Ring Neighbors.
AlfredCamera
???? AlfredCamera differentiates itself with a warm and easygoing design that’s super simple to navigate, even for those that are completely inexperienced with security products. The complete lack of a learning curve means the app can be installed, set up, and used within minutes.
AlfredCamera offers free users a lot to sink their teeth into. If a security solution is required fast (and a budget doesn’t permit a subscription), Alfred is a powerful free tool that doesn’t require any specific hardware purchases. Both Ring and Blink require either a subscription or the purchase of an additional accessory for saving footage.
While other security apps, including Ring and Nest Home, often struggle to connect to the live camera feed and maintain a stable connection, AlfredCamera is impressively responsive. Motion detection notifications are consistent and fast.
???? The responsiveness and stability of the app means that live stream quality is sacrificed compared with other security camera apps. AlfredCam currently offers the highest quality footage, at 1080p. Mobile footage maxes out at 720p and can be set to as low as 244p.
AlfredCamera doesn’t currently support any voice assistant technologies, which prevents it from being automated in the same way other security apps can be. That does, however, keep it very easy to use.
The app’s performance depends a lot on the device it is paired with as the camera. That’s why the company launched a dedicated hardware device, making it more suitable for users that don’t have reliable older mobile devices for use as cameras.
Blink
???? Blink’s app avoids the more advanced features of Ring, like person detection and automation options, but it is compatible with Alexa. Like AlfredCamera, it emphasizes ease of use.
Settings are contained in a single place, meaning users don’t have to venture deep into different menus to make simple alterations to their device. Connection is stable and there is no lag.
Cameras can be accessed via the home tab. Users can easily take pictures with the camera from this menu if they have poor internet connection and cannot access the live feed. An obvious ‘arm/disarm’ button makes activating and deactivating the camera easy.
???? Motion detection zones can be implemented, but the tool doesn’t allow for a particularly high degree of specificity.
Unless ‘early notifications’ are enabled (they aren’t by default), push notifications are slow.
Like AlfredCamera, the simplicity of the app means that true automation isn’t possible. Unlike AlfredCamera, a subscription doesn’t unlock advanced features like person detection (unless using the Wired Floodlight Camera).
Potential Uses
Ring’s uses are extensive, because the product line is large. Aside from outdoor and indoor security cameras, Ring also sells alarms, video doorbells, and intercoms. This, coupled with the app’s easy to use Geofencing and Alexa integration, allows users to create fully-fledged security systems for a fraction of the price of competitors.
Currently, Blink only sells security cameras, though the product line does feature a mix of indoor and outdoor devices to help secure the entirety of a space, including solar powered and floodlight cameras.
AlfredCamera’s flagship product is its app, but last year saw the launch of AlfredCam, the first hardware device made for use with AlfredCamera. It is designed to be used alongside any existing setups the user might have that utilize phones, tablets, or PCs. There’s no limit on the number of devices a user can add, meaning extensive indoor security setups can be created to cater to areas with different levels of traffic and different lighting. An outdoor camera is expected sometime in 2023.
All the security cameras from the three brands feature two-way audio, meaning they can be used for baby or pet monitoring, and some form of night vision.
Recommended reading: Here’s the Best Security Cameras with Two-Way Audio
Summary of Key Differences
Professional Monitoring: Ring offers a professional 24/7 monitoring service for its Alarm security system (it doesn’t cover the cameras or doorbells). Blink and AlfredCamera do not offer professional monitoring.
Storage: Ring only supports Cloud storage, meaning a subscription is essential for long-term use of any of their security cameras. Blink also has cloud-based storage via a subscription service, but purchasing a Sync Module 2 allows users to store up to 265 GB of footage locally. AlfredCamera stores footage on the cloud for up to 7 days for free users and up to 14 days for Premium users. Local storage is also a possibility, with continuous recording being saved to the device locally in eight hour loops. AlfredCam has a microSD card slot to support local storage, meaning there is no limit on storage for users of the hardware cam. No Blink or Ring products support microSD card storage.
Power: Ring’s cameras can be hardwired or charged via USB or solar power. All of Blink’s cameras are wire-free thanks to AA batteries, except for the Blink Mini, which is plugged in. How AlfredCamera is powered depends on the device it is installed on. The vast majority of users repurpose old smartphones, meaning it can be charged and left to record wire-free or kept plugged in continuously. AlfredCam is a plug-in camera powered via micro USB.
Price: Ring’s products, though still affordable, cost substantially more than the products offered by both Blink and AlfredCamera. Blink and AlfredCamera are inexpensive, with indoor camera models available for under $40, while the AlfredCamera app is a viable security solution for free and paid users.
Installation: Ring, Blink, and AlfredCamera devices can be easily installed at home without the help of a professional. Installations are facilitated through easy-to-follow instructions on each brand’s app. However, Ring does offer professional installation services in many territories for under $100.
Cloud Storage Comparison
AlfredCamera Free | AlfredCamera Premium | Blink Basic | Blink Plus | Ring Protect Basic | Ring Protect Plus | Ring Protect Plus Pro | |
| Monthly Cost | $0 | $5.99 | $3 | $10 | $3.99 per device | $10 | $20 |
| Annual Cost | $0 | $29.99 | $30 | $100 | $39.99 per device | $100 for all Ring doorbells and cameras | $200 for all Ring products |
| Max Number of Days Footage is Stored | 7 days | 14 days | 60 days | 60 days | 180 days | 180 days | 180 days |
| Motion Detection | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Professional Monitoring | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| AI-based features | ❌ | ✔️ Person Detection | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ Person Detection | ✔️ Person Detection | ✔️ Person Detection |
| Number of Cameras per Subscription | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 | Unlimited | 1 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Verdict
Best for Budget – AlfredCamera
If getting bang for your buck is your top priority for home security, look no further than AlfredCamera. The app continues to be the most popular mobile security solution, and with good reason: low-light filters, sirens, motion detection, and reliable push notifications can turn an old device into a viable surveillance device in minutes. A subscription brings with it additional benefits, including AI-based person detection.
For just $29.99, the AlfredCam indoor camera can be added to the arsenal for a more robust setup, benefitting from 1080p HD and infrared night vision that mobile devices simply can’t provide. Accessibility is key, and Alfred encourages users to experiment with setups that cater to their needs; there’s no limit on how many devices can be added, after all.
Best for Home Security Systems – Ring
Ring has amassed a pretty expansive selection of products aside from its well-known doorbell camera, including floodlight cameras and alarm systems.
The simple-yet-powerful automations, which can be easily controlled through Alexa and Geofencing, mean that users can essentially create a home security system through Ring’s product line for a price that isn’t to be sneered at. Particularly when compared to systems offered by ADT and other providers, Ring provides a perfectly viable way to easily monitor large spaces.
Best for Easy Use – Blink
Blink’s app pares down features to a degree, meaning that even the most technophobic of users won’t struggle to get to grips with implementing their cheap and cheerful products in meaningful ways.
Sure, it lacks what some might consider essential features, like sirens and person-based detection, compared with both Ring and AlfredCamera, but it’s well designed and works effectively. For simple surveillance with more flexibility and features, consider AlfredCamera instead.
Recommended reading: Ring vs Nest vs AlfredCamera: What’s Right For You?