In-home security cameras are an important way to improve the safety of a living space, inside and out.
Compared to security cameras being used in workplaces, stores, and other public spaces, the best home security cameras have certain features that are only really necessary for use in the home. Home security, after all, has a wider array of uses aside from simple surveillance.
Find out what those essential features are below before discovering the best indoor and outdoor security cameras for the home.
Table of Contents
What Type of Camera is Best for Home Security?
The type of camera that’s best for home security is an IP camera. IP stands for ‘internet protocol’, so an IP security camera is one that works over the internet. Broadly speaking, IP cameras are by far the most popular home security solution, both for indoor and outdoor monitoring.
The use of an internet network means many modern features can be implemented, like push notifications and cloud storage, which can make for much more effective home security.
Other key features to look out for include:
Motion Detection – the camera can record only when motion is detected. A push notification can be sent immediately to the user’s phone to notify them of motion. Motion detection is common in modern security cameras, so check out our round up of the best motion sensor cameras.
Night Vision – for reliable nighttime use indoors and outdoors, infrared night vision is essential. Much like motion detection, night vision is now found in most modern security cameras. These are the best.
Two-Way Audio – although it would be unusual for public surveillance to have it, home security cameras can really benefit from having both a microphone and speaker. This allows for users to communicate through their phone with whoever is on the other side of the camera. Quality varies significantly when it comes to two-way audio cameras.
Easy Installation – hardwiring may require professional installation, as well as professional maintenance if something goes wrong. This isn’t ideal home security for most people. An easy installation makes setup faster. If efficiency is important, look for security cameras powered by a battery or a USB cable.
microSD Card Support – among the rarest of features still found in popular home security cameras, microSD support is useful in the event of internet signal dropouts and as an additional storage option alongside cloud storage.
What home security cameras have these essential features? Find out below.
There are many different types of security cameras available, and which one a person chooses depends a lot on what their purposes for it are. For more on the features to prioritize for your needs, check out our comprehensive guide to different types of security cameras.
5 Best Home Security Cameras
AlfredCam
Best cheap security cameras for home
Available on AlfredCamera. $29.99.
Pros
- Super affordable
- Easy to use alongside phones, tablets
- Plug-in via USB
Cons
- Indoor only
AlfredCam is among the most affordable indoor security cameras, and it doesn’t skimp on features. 1080p HD video captures everything clearly, while motion detection means users can choose to only be notified when necessary. Like the app, it’s a breeze to set-up for tech gurus and newbies alike, and the option for both local and cloud storage is appreciated
Other great features include infrared night vision, which, alongside excellent two-way audio, allow it to be used as a nanny cam or for watching pets, day and night. Consider a premium subscription to get AI-based person detection, motion detection zones and schedules, and ad-free app use.
Key Specifications
- 1080p HD video
- 130-degree field of view
- Two-way audio
- MicroSD card support
- Powered by USB
- Infrared night vision
- Built-in siren
- 7 days cloud storage
- Person detection (Premium)
Our in-depth overview of AlfredCam details everything you need to know about AlfredCam, the first indoor security camera from AlfredCamera.
Google Nest Cam
Best wireless security cameras for home
Available on Google, BestBuy, and Amazon. From $158.99.
Pros
- Seamless smart home integration
- AI-based person, vehicle, and animal detection
- Wire-free
Cons
- Only comes with three hours of cloud storage
- No zooming
- Google Home app can be very temperamental
Nest Cam ticks all of the home surveillance boxes, and makes a great wire-free choice. It’s weatherproofed and battery-powered, making it useful inside and out.
1080p HD video is clear and colors are well-balanced. Alerts go above and beyond the call of duty thanks to AI-based intelligent notifications, which are unusually speedy probably because they are processed inside the camera itself rather than via software.
Speakers are a little quiet for high-traffic outdoor areas, but Nest Cam’s biggest shortcoming is undoubtedly the live feed on Google Home, which is highly prone to signal dropouts.
Key specifications
- 1080p HD video
- 130-degree field of view
- Two-way audio
- Intelligent motion detection
- Wire-free
- Infrared night vision
- Magnetized base
- IP54 weatherproof
Take a look at our in-depth overview to find out more about what we liked (and didn’t like) about Nest Cam.
Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight
Best security cameras for home outdoor
Available from Arlo. From $199.99.
Pros
- Weatherproof for wire-free outdoor use
- Person, vehicle, package, and animal smart motion detection
- Spotlight improves visibility at night
Cons
- Expensive
- No free storage
The Arlo Pro 4 is a wire-free rechargeable camera that supports up to 2K video with HDR. It’s weather resistant, so it can be used to monitor outdoor areas of the home.
Apple HomeKit, Alexa, or Google Assistant support allows users to take advantage of voice control, automated push notifications and other advanced features.
Night vision footage looks great, but the integrated spotlight above the lens is powerful enough to make nighttime viewing in full color possible.
Key specifications
- 2K HDR video
- 160-degree field of view
- 12x digital zoom
- Two-way audio
- Wire-free
- Infrared night vision
- Built-in siren
- Built-in spotlight
Eufy Solo IndoorCam C24
Best indoor security cameras for home
Available on Eufy, Amazon, AliExpress. RRP $42.99.
Pros
- Most affordable 2K camera
- Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit support
- Plug-in via USB
Cons
- Indoor only
- microSD required for use
Eufy’s indoor-only camera is among the cheapest 2K cameras on the market. For $40, users can enjoy crisp video footage, motion detection, and night vision. Intuitive support for Alexa and Google Voice Assistant works well
The 125-degree field of view will suffice for most average sized rooms, though it doesn’t make the most of the crystal clear 2K video. microSD card support will be much appreciated, but be aware that it is required for use.
Key specifications
- 2K video
- 125-degree field of view
- Two-way audio
- MicroSD card support
- Powered by USB
- Infrared night vision
- Built-in siren
- Person detection
Reolink Argus 3 Pro
Best subscription-free security cameras for home
Available on Amazon and Walmart. RRP $119.
Pros
- Reasonably priced 2K video
- No subscription necessary for use
- Up to 128GB microSD support
Cons
- Narrow field of view for an outdoor camera
- No motion detection zones
Reolink’s Argus 3 Pro offers outdoor-ready 2K video for a reasonable price. 16 x digital zoom makes great use of the crisp resolution, although 122-degree field of view is pretty narrow for an outdoor camera; larger yards may need multiple devices.
Two-way audio is loud and clear, and the inclusion of a motion-enabled spotlight illuminates outdoor spaces at night, but for those looking for a subscription-free camera, the most compelling feature will no doubt be microSD support and the inclusion of 7 days of free cloud storage.
Key specifications
- 2K 4MP video
- 16 x digital zoom
- 122-degree field of view
- Spotlight
- Battery-powered (wire-free)
- Weatherproof
- microSD card support
- 7 days cloud storage
Recommended reading: Review: The Best Wireless Security Cameras 2022 Without Subscription
Cheap Home Security Cameras – Do It Yourself Using an Old Phone
Home security doesn’t have to mean buying hardware. AlfredCamera is a versatile solution that allows home security newbies to quickly DIY robust security—with or without purchasing dedicated hardware.
Simply download the app to an old phone and your current phone. The disused phone can be used as the camera device, the live feed of which can be viewed on the paired device. It can also receive push notifications and be used to communicate with whoever’s on the other side of the camera device.
After getting to grips with Alfred, easily expand your DIY security system by adding AlfredCam to the mix, which adds infrared night vision and 1080p HD image resolution.
Experience immediate DIY home security now by downloading the app for free.
Wired vs Wireless: What Do You Need?
Most great wireless cameras for home security, including AlfredCam, are simply plugged in via a USB cable, meaning there’s no hardwiring to speak of. Data is then transmitted wirelessly over the internet as opposed to through what’s known as a coaxial cable. If a camera needs to be hardwired, a professional may need to install it.
Completely wire-free security cameras may take a little longer to set-up than wireless cameras powered by a USB because the battery will need to be charged for several hours before the device can be used. However, all the irritation caused by hiding the wires is deftly avoided, so it can certainly be described as an easier installation.
| Advantages | Disadvantages | |
| Wired | More reliable storage in event of internet outages No downtime caused by recharging the battery Long-lasting | Hardwiring won’t be allowed in most rentals Much less mobile than a wire-free camera Wires can be unsightly in the home |
| Wireless | Easy installation Home automation Much more mobile than a wired device | Battery needs recharging or replacement More susceptible to hacking than a wired device with hard storage Competing wireless signals in home may cause issues |
That’s not all there is to consider when choosing between a wired and wireless security system for home—get the full scoop on the differences between wireless and wired security cameras.
FAQ
Which security camera has no monthly fee?
AlfredCam does not require a monthly fee for long-term use. A premium subscription gives users access to cloud storage and other useful features, like AI-based person detection, but the security camera also supports microSD card storage and 7 days of free cloud storage.
Which camera is best for outdoor security?
Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight is great for outdoor security at home. While it is a little pricey, its excellent wide-angle 2K video captures everything in great detail, while the built-in spotlight can help illuminate the yard at night. It’s weatherproof and wire-free, so can be easily set up and left outside safely.
Is it better to have wired or wireless security cameras?
It isn’t better to have either wired or wireless security cameras at home, because there are benefits and drawbacks to both. Different users will have different needs and preferences, so it is better to find out which will work best for specific circumstances.
What are the pros and cons of wireless security cameras?
Pros of wireless security cameras include easy installation, home automation, and greater mobility than a wired device. Cons include having to recharge/replace batteries periodically, greater vulnerability when it comes to hacking, and competing wireless signals causing signal dropouts.
How long do the batteries last in wireless security cameras?
The maximum battery life of most wireless security cameras is somewhere shy of 6 months when using motion detection in a low-to-average traffic area. High traffic or continuous recording will cause the battery to drain much faster.
Conclusion
Home security cameras are essential for providing failsafe security both inside and outside the home. Compared to public security, there is a greater need for features like two-way audio and automation, and users are likely to want something a lot more ergonomic and easy to install than traditional CCTV cameras.
AlfredCamera provides superior home security for an unbeatable price, allowing for great flexibility thanks to its encouragement of a DIY approach.
Recommended reading:
The Best Wireless Security Cameras
The Best Wired Security Camera Systems