Security cameras with audio were once unheard of, but now most IP surveillance cameras have a microphone and speaker on them. An audio camera allows for additional uses aside from regular surveillance, including as a nanny cam and pet cam.
Security cameras with two-way audio let users speak to whoever or whatever is on the other side of the camera and vice-versa. This is facilitated by the corresponding mobile app.
So, are cameras with audio worth it? Read on to find out, and take a look at our list of 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 is able to transmit the audio to and from the viewing device (usually a mobile app installed to a phone) via the internet, so that two-way conversations can be effectively carried out.
Why Would I Need Two-Way Audio?
Security cameras with two way audio can expand the uses of outdoor and indoor cameras beyond simple video surveillance. You might need two-way audio for:
Pet Cams – watching a pet through the camera feed without audio isn’t always useful. If a pet is in distress and it’s out of the frame, two-way audio will allow the user to hear it. They can then activate the microphone on their viewing device and speak comfortingly to it to help calm it down.
Nanny Cams – in the same vein as pet cams, being able to hear a child or newborn baby helps in being able to assess the situation properly and then act accordingly. If the kids have just returned from school while the user is still at work, they can activate two-way audio to converse with them (and make sure homework gets done!).
Front Door Cams – indoor cameras with audio can be positioned strategically at windows for a view of the doorway, or an outdoor security camera with audio (like a video doorbell) can be fixed to the porch or doorframe to the same effect. This allows users to communicate with delivery people and instruct them on where to place packages, as well as to safely converse with any unknown or unwanted visitors without opening the door.
The 4 Best Security Cameras with Two-Way Audio
AlfredCam
Best security camera with two-way audio overall
Available on AlfredCamera. $29.99.
Pros
- Affordable
- Loud speaker and clear audio
- Easy to use
Cons
- Indoor only
- Holding viewing device too near the camera may create audio feedback
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 that can be 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.
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, meaning drilling will be necessary for outdoor use
- 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 the idea of not having to charge their security camera periodically.
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. Generally, the camera keeps things straightforward, with no smart home/voice assistant support or cloud storage options. Footage is saved locally to microSD card, though feeds are viewed through the app, which is simple and well designed.
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 wired security camera with 2-way audio
Available on Amazon. From $799.99.
Pros
- Excellent 4K quality
- 12 cameras for total coverage, with a mixture of bullet and dome shapes
- Advanced features like 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, so expect the storage to fill fairly fast if recording 24/7. Eight of the devices are ‘bullet’ style and four are dome-shaped. Regular and smaller 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 outdoor security cameras with 2-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
While Arlo’s high-end line of wireless surveillance cameras with audio may be an unreasonable expense for many, there are some high-quality wireless security cameras that are more budget friendly, including the Argus 3 Pro from Reolink.
The 2K video looks fabulous, and 16 x digital zoom really makes the most out of it. 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. Sadly, the field of view is unusually narrow for an outdoor camera, particularly when compared to the 180-degree lens on the Arlo Ultra 2 (but the substantially more modest price-tag may make it worth the loss of visibility).
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
Turn Your Old Phones into Two-Way Audio Cameras
Two-way audio can be really useful in various contexts, but some may find they have very little use for it, particularly for those using their security camera for indoor surveillance and not baby or pet monitoring.
If you’re unsure about whether you need two-way audio security, the good news is that you don’t have to blow a load of money on a security camera to find that out.
AlfredCamera supports two-way audio even on old phones, making use of the viewing device’s native speaker and microphone to allow users to communicate back and forth. Simply download AlfredCamera to your device for free, and pair it to an old phone that’ll be used as the camera. Hassle-free, commitment-free–and just free, period.
FAQ
Are security cameras allowed to have audio?
Security cameras are allowed to have audio, and most modern options do support two-way audio. However, the legality of recording audio differs state-by-state.
For example, 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 both 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 it 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 going to be necessary for every security need. Namely, audio recording in public spaces, like storefronts, offices, and so forth is, literally, unheard of. Poor joke aside, audio recording is generally subject to far stricter laws than video recording is, since it’s more invasive and can therefore quickly devolve into wiretapping. It also just isn’t all that useful in high-traffic areas.
Yet modern home security cameras are rarely found without it, and that’s probably testament to how useful it is in the context of home surveillance; namely for monitoring pets, kids, babies, and the doorway/porch, where delivery people can be instructed appropriately when no one is home.
Give two-way audio a go by downloading AlfredCamera for free.