Amazon Alexa Compatible Cameras That We’re Loving Right Now
By 2024, an estimated 8.4 billion devices will have digital assistants. Security cameras are no exception to this prophecy.
Voice-controlled home automation isn’t just about yelling album titles and ordering burgers from bed. Forget sifting through security camera menus just to change a basic setting. Simply call out a command and Alexa will handle it.
Which security camera is best for Alexa? Read on to discover what security cameras work with Amazon Alexa, including wireless outdoor security cameras that work with Alexa and Echo Show devices.
Table of Contents
What Security Cameras Work with Amazon Alexa? Top 6
Alexa was once the domain of Amazon products alone, but now so many security cameras from all kinds of brands, even competitors, now offer Alexa support.
What cameras can you use with Alexa, and which is best?
- Best doorbell camera for Amazon Alexa – Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell Camera
- Best budget camera for Amazon Alexa – Kasa Indoor Pan/Tilt Smart Security Camera
- Best indoor camera for Amazon Alexa – Ring Stick Up Cam
- Best outdoor camera compatible with Echo Show – Blink Outdoor
- Best wireless security camera for Amazon Alexa – Arlo Pro 4
- Best wired security camera for Alexa – Nest Cam (wired)
Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell
Best doorbell camera for Amazon Alexa
Available from Arlo. From $199.99.
Pros
- Connect to existing chimes or use built in siren
- Wide viewing angle for a doorbell cam
- Directly video calls your phone as soon as the doorbell is pressed
Cons
- Requires an Alexa screen device for Alexa use (sold separately)
- Subscription service essential for long-term use
- Recharging (required every six months) puts it out of use for about six hours
Admittedly, there are plenty of doorbell cameras offering Alexa support. But Arlo’s Essential Wireless Video Doorbell provides instant video calls when the doorbell is rung, and a super wide 180-degree viewing angle.
Wire-free, it supports up to 1080p HD video, two way audio, and night vision, making it a robust (albeit expensive) security camera housed in a sleek, sophisticated shell.
Key Specifications
- 1080p HD with HDR
- Two way audio
- Night vision
- 180° field of view
- Wire-free
- Motion detection
- Amazon Alexa support
What Other People Are Saying…
‘The Arlo Essential is an easy choice if you already have other Arlo devices in your home, and is worth considering even if you don’t. It may be more expensive than Ring’s rival battery-powered doorbells, but its higher-resolution camera and smart features mean it’s actually more comparable with the Ring Video Doorbell Pro and recently-announced Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2…’ – Carrie-Ann Skinner, Sabine Schults for Techradar.
Kasa EC70 Spot Pan/Tilt Smart Security Camera
Best budget camera for Amazon Alexa
Available on Amazon. From $29.99.
Pros
- Inexpensive, with no subscription fees
- MicroSD card support up to 64 GB
- Detection alerts via app
Cons
- Requires an Alexa screen device for Alexa use (sold separately)
- Rotation can produce a noise
- Sharing clips requires removal of SD card
Voice assistance sometimes requires parting with a pretty penny. After all, it is considered a ‘premium’ feature—check out our rundown of subscription free security cameras for great alternatives.
Kasa Spot/Pan Tilt is an inexpensive option for indoor security that still manages to pack quite a punch. 1080p video, real-time rotation, motion and sound detection are all included, and you can easily pair the device with Alexa for further efficiency.
Key Specifications
- 1080p Full HD
- 360 horizontal panning
- Vertical tilting
- 3.2 in x 3.2 in x 4.4 in
- 195 grams
- Two-way audio
- Motion detection and motion tracking
- Continuous recording via 8gb -128gb microSD (not included)
What Other People Are Saying…
‘TP-Link’s Kasa Spot Pan Tilt is a polished budget security camera designed for long-term indoor use alongside other smart devices. It isn’t mobile, but instead works best installed at a distance from its subjects to monitor larger spaces (i.e. from the ceiling).’ – Read AlfredCamera’s full review of Kasa Spot Pan Tilt.
Google Nest Cam (wired)
Best wired camera for Amazon Alexa
Available on Google Store. From $99.99.
Pros
- Powerful digital zoom makes it easy to identify people
- Facial recognition available with subscription
- Sleek and minimal design
Cons
- Requires an Alexa device for Alexa use (sold separately)
- Most advanced features require Nest Aware subscription
- No local storage.
Google security cameras support Alexa, albeit to a lesser degree than Google Assistant. This is probably a result of the partnership launched by Amazon, Google, Apple, and the Zigbee Alliance back in 2019, which aims to advance smart home technology.
The flagship wired Nest Cam, suitable for indoor use, features 1080p video, a 130-degree viewing angle, and advanced person recognition out of the box. Additional features like facial recognition are available with subscription.
Key specifications
- 1080p HD video
- 130-degree field of view
- Two-way audio
- Intelligent motion detection
- Wired plug-in
- Infrared night vision
- Magnetized base
What Other People Are Saying…
‘Yes. The Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired) is the best model we’ve tested from Nest. That doesn’t mean it’s the best fit for your smart home. If you’re on a budget, use Alexa sometimes or want more cloud video storage for free, Wyze and Blink Mini are better options.’ – Molly Price, David Priest for CNET.
Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight
Best wireless security camera for Amazon Alexa
Available on Arlo. From $199.99.
Pros
- 2K video support for optimum clarity
- A built-in spotlight illuminates the area at night
- Seamless Alexa device pairing
Cons
- Requires an Alexa device for Alexa use (sold separately)
- Expensive
- Additional fees for cloud storage and subscriptions
Arlo’s Pro series are juggernauts when it comes to image quality, and that’s certainly reflected in the price of the Pro 4. It supports up to 2K video with a 160-degree viewing angle, and though the 12x digital zoom falls slightly short of Nest’s 16x digital zoom, it’s still admirable given the quality of recordings.
Wireless and waterproof, it also boasts a built-in siren, two-way audio, and a spotlight, making it perfect for outdoor use.
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
What Other People Are Saying…
‘As far as security cameras go, the Arlo Pro 4 is among the very best. Its ultra-clear 2K resolution makes for sharp, colorful footage while its bright spotlight gives you just as much detail at night. The Arlo app is very well designed, clearly laid out and intuitive to use.’ – Yasmine Crossland for T3.
Ring Stick Up Cam
Best indoor camera for Amazon Alexa.
Available on Amazon. From $99.99.
Pros
- Bright 1080p footage
- Versatile mounting positions
- Painless Alexa pairing
Cons
- Battery takes a long time to charge
- Quiet two way audio, speaker, siren
Since it is owned by Amazon, it’s not surprising that Ring security cameras work well alongside Alexa. The Stick Up Cam might be a strong contender if you’re looking for basic, no-thrills indoor home security.
1080p video, respectable night vision, and motion detection features are all here for a reasonable cost, although similar options are available for less than half the price. It’s battery powered, so you don’t have to deal with wires when using the device.
Key Specifications
- 1080p HD with night vision (infrared)
- 110° field of view
- Two-way audio
- IPX5 water-resistant
- Motion detection
- Person detection notifications
What Other People Are Saying…
‘Ring’s latest Stick Up Cam is a solid security camera that comes in under $100, but it struggles to find a place between more affordable indoor-only cameras and more functional outdoor cameras.’ – Will Sattelberg for Android Police.
Blink Outdoor
Best outdoor camera compatible with Echo Show
Available on Amazon. From $99.99.
Pros
- Easy setup and seamless Echo Show integration
- Battery powered with two double AA batteries (not included)
- Option for local USB storage via the Sync Module 2 (sold separately)
Cons
- Requires an Echo Show device to get the most out of it
- Additional fees for cloud storage and subscriptions
- Motion detection recording is delayed by several seconds
Blink Outdoor sets itself apart from other Alexa security cameras by running on AA batteries. Setup is fast, including Echo Show integration. Users can see whatever it observes in real-time by asking Alexa to show it on the connected Echo device.
Expect 1080p video, 110-degree viewing angle, and motion detection notifications.
Key Specifications
- 1080p HD
- 110° field of view
- Motion detection
- Water resistant
- Continuous local recording with Sync Module 2 (sold separately)
- Infrared night vision
- Two-way audio
- Battery-powered (2x AA)
What Other People Are Saying…
‘The Blink Outdoor is an easy to use security camera that you can simply set up and forget, thanks to its weatherproof build and very impressive two-year battery life. Powered by AA batteries and bolstered by options for offline storage thanks to the Sync Module 2, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to keep an eye on their gardens and other outdoor surroundings.’ – Esat Dedezade for Techradar.
Alexa vs Google Assistant: What Should I Use With My Security Camera?
Automating security systems through a voice assistant is a great way to stay on top of surveillance. All devices can be viewed in one place, and Alexa handles sorting through clips and settings menus.
It’s common for security camera brands to support both Alexa and Google Assistant.
Far more smart home devices support Alexa, meaning you’re more likely to already own an Alexa supported device than a Google Assistant one.
In that sense, Alexa may have a slight edge over Google Assistant. Other small differences include the sister apps supported. Alexa has Amazon Music whereas Google Assistant has YouTube Music, for example.
What Are Alexa Skills?
‘Alexa Skills’ are like ‘apps’. Users can download Alexa Skills to their Alexa enabled device to give it certain capabilities.
Most Alexa Skills are created by third parties. When pairing a non-native device with an Alexa one, it’s expected to have to install a new skill or two to make it work. Alexa Skills are free to download but may require a subscription to use.
Find Alexa Skills in the ‘Skills & Games’ section of the Alexa app. Here, skills can be enabled or disabled. Alternatively, just ask Alexa with a voice command to enable, download, or recommend a skill.
How Do Security Cameras Work with Alexa
With Alexa, users get easier access to security camera footage and security camera settings on their Echo devices by using their voice.
If the security camera is connected to Alexa, the user can utter commands to get the information they want more quickly.
For example, utter ‘Alexa, show me the front door’ and Alexa will display the live feed for any camera devices named ‘front door’.
At the end of the day, ask Alexa what’s been happening throughout the day and motion-detected clips captured throughout the day will be shown to the user. This makes viewing relevant footage easier.
How to Add a Security Camera to Alexa
Adding security cameras to an Alexa enabled device is far from daunting. Here’s how, in five simple steps.
1. Complete camera setup by following manufacturer’s guide. It will need to be connected to the Internet to connect to Alexa.
2. Open the Alexa app on an Alexa screen device and select Skills from the menu.
3. Find and then Enable the Skill for the security camera.
4. Link the account made with the camera manufacturer to Alexa if there is one. If the Skill requires a subscription to use, this will be stated.5. Select Add Device and choose the security camera.
FAQ
Can Alexa connect to a security camera?
There’s a large number of security cameras compatible with Alexa. These are not limited to just Echo or Amazon-owned products.
What wireless outdoor cameras work with Alexa?
One of our favorite wireless outdoor cameras that is Alexa-enabled is Blink Outdoor. It’s waterproof, runs on AA batteries, and is simple to set up, meaning it connects to an Alexa screen device seamlessly. A more expensive, higher quality wireless outdoor camera for Alexa would be Arlo Pro 4, a third-party device.
Does Alexa have a video camera?
No. Alexa is a voice-enabled virtual assistant. Echo Show, Amazon’s flagship Alexa screen device, is a tablet that is compatible with all sorts of devices, including video cameras. Users can then view the footage on it.
Should I unplug Alexa at night?
No, keep Alexa devices plugged in at night to experience seamless smart home automation. If fire alarms or security cameras are connected to it, turning it off is not recommended.
How do I see all cameras in Alexa?
Multi-camera view is coming to Alexa, allowing users to view up to four cameras at once on most Echo Show devices. For now, view a camera in the Alexa app by opening the app, tapping Devices, and selecting Cameras. If there’s an Echo Show, Fire TV, or other Alexa-enabled screen device in the home, call out ‘Alexa, show me [device name]’.
Conclusion
With homes getting smarter and smarter, using voice assistants to control security cameras is a wise idea.. It not only makes home security more intelligent, it makes it much more efficient—and therefore more useful.
People are more likely to stay on their toes if security can be handled with a simple ‘Alexa, show me what’s going on outside’.
With an as-yet unmatched number of compatible devices from tech providers across the board, homes already featuring Echo and other Alexa devices will quickly benefit from seamless security camera integration.
Recommended reading: What Security Cameras Work With Google Home?