Home Security Cameras: Buying Advice, Tips, and News
Our experts test the top security cameras to help you monitor and protect your home, comparing features like video quality, smart alerts, night vision, storage, and installation options.
Our Current Top Tested Picks
Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Aqara G5 Pro is an outdoor security camera that delivers sharp 2K video with AI-driven motion detection and serves as a hub for every major smart home platform.
Full Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro ReviewPros
- Sharp 2K video
- Useful AI motion alerts
- Built-in video storage
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Works across multiple platforms
- Matter, Thread, and Zigbee connectivity
- Supports IFTTT
Cons
- Some features require a subscription
Pros
- Sharp 2K video
- Useful AI motion alerts
- Built-in video storage
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Works across multiple platforms
- Matter, Thread, and Zigbee connectivity
- Supports IFTTT
Cons
- Some features require a subscription
Eufy SoloCam S340 Wireless Outdoor Security Camera
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Eufy SoloCam S340 is a dual-lens outdoor security camera with solar charging and loads of features including a built-in spotlight, mechanical pan and tilt, and local video storage.
Full Eufy SoloCam S340 Wireless Outdoor Security Camera ReviewPros
- Sharp 3K resolution
- Dual camera lenses
- Color night vision
- Battery and solar power
- Local video storage
- Mechanical pan and tilt
- Voice control
- Built-in spotlight
Cons
- Pricey
- Does not support Apple HomeKit, IFTTT, or Matter
Pros
- Sharp 3K resolution
- Dual camera lenses
- Color night vision
- Battery and solar power
- Local video storage
- Mechanical pan and tilt
- Voice control
- Built-in spotlight
Cons
- Pricey
- Does not support Apple HomeKit, IFTTT, or Matter
TP-Link Tapo Wire-Free MagCam
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The TP-Link Tapo Wire-Free MagCam is a 2K outdoor camera that's easy to install and packed with features, including built-in spotlights, color night vision, and a rechargeable battery that can last nearly a year.
Full TP-Link Tapo Wire-Free MagCam ReviewPros
- Sharp 2K video
- Color night vision
- Built-in spotlights
- Local and cloud recording
- Long battery life
- Free intelligent alerts
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT
Cons
- Doesn't support HomeKit
Pros
- Sharp 2K video
- Color night vision
- Built-in spotlights
- Local and cloud recording
- Long battery life
- Free intelligent alerts
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT
Cons
- Doesn't support HomeKit
Arlo Essential Pan Tilt (2025)
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Affordable yet feature-packed, the Arlo Essential Pan Tilt camera offers 2K clarity, color night vision, and AI alerts in a nimble, weatherproof package.
Full Arlo Essential Pan Tilt (2025) ReviewPros
- Sharp 2K video
- Smooth mechanical pan-and-tilt action
- Strong third-party device support
- AI-powered intelligent alerts
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
Cons
- Recorded video and AI-powered alerts are paywalled
- No local recording option
Pros
- Sharp 2K video
- Smooth mechanical pan-and-tilt action
- Strong third-party device support
- AI-powered intelligent alerts
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
Cons
- Recorded video and AI-powered alerts are paywalled
- No local recording option
Arlo Essential XL (2nd Generation)
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Arlo Essential XL Outdoor is a wireless outdoor home security camera with standout battery life and lots of features for a relatively affordable price.
Full Arlo Essential XL (2nd Generation) ReviewPros
- Good image quality
- Long battery life
- Works with Alexa and Google voice commands
- Strong third-party device support
- Color night vision
- Built-in spotlight and siren
- Intelligent motion alerts
Cons
- Access to recorded video requires a subscription
- Doesn't support Apple HomeKit
Pros
- Good image quality
- Long battery life
- Works with Alexa and Google voice commands
- Strong third-party device support
- Color night vision
- Built-in spotlight and siren
- Intelligent motion alerts
Cons
- Access to recorded video requires a subscription
- Doesn't support Apple HomeKit
Lorex 2K Smart Wi-Fi Lightbulb Camera
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Lorex 2K Wi-Fi Smart Lightbulb Camera is a versatile indoor or outdoor LED bulb with a built-in high-res security camera that offers intelligent motion detection, mechanical pan and tilt, and local video storage.
Full Lorex 2K Smart Wi-Fi Lightbulb Camera ReviewPros
- Sharp 2K video
- Mechanical pan and tilt
- Voice control
- Local and cloud storage
- Easy to install
Cons
- SD card not included
- Does not support HomeKit or IFTTT
Pros
- Sharp 2K video
- Mechanical pan and tilt
- Voice control
- Local and cloud storage
- Easy to install
Cons
- SD card not included
- Does not support HomeKit or IFTTT
Reolink Altas PT Ultra
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Reolink Altas PT Ultra is a battery-powered outdoor security camera that offers 4K video with mechanical pan and tilt to provide a sweeping view of your property, with options for solar charging and continuous recording.
Full Reolink Altas PT Ultra ReviewPros
- Sharp 4K video
- Good color night vision
- Continuous and triggered recording options
- Smooth mechanical pan and tilt
- Local video storage
- Dual-band Wi-Fi support
- Works with the Alexa and Google voice control
Cons
- Doesn't support Apple HomeKit or IFTTT
- No SD card included
Pros
- Sharp 4K video
- Good color night vision
- Continuous and triggered recording options
- Smooth mechanical pan and tilt
- Local video storage
- Dual-band Wi-Fi support
- Works with the Alexa and Google voice control
Cons
- Doesn't support Apple HomeKit or IFTTT
- No SD card included
Blink Outdoor 2K+
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Blink Outdoor 2K+ is a compact, easy-to-install security camera with super-sharp 2K video and extra-long battery life
Full Blink Outdoor 2K+ ReviewPros
- Sharp 2K video
- Two-year battery life
- AI video descriptions
- Works with Alexa and IFTTT
Cons
- Some features require a subscription
- Doesn't support Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant
Pros
- Sharp 2K video
- Two-year battery life
- AI video descriptions
- Works with Alexa and IFTTT
Cons
- Some features require a subscription
- Doesn't support Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant
Nest Cam Outdoor (Wired, 2nd Gen)
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Nest Cam Outdoor is a weatherproof plug-in home security camera that delivers sharp 2K video and uses Gemini AI to help you easily find event videos with written descriptions.
Full Nest Cam Outdoor (Wired, 2nd Gen) ReviewPros
- Sharp 2K video
- Effective use of Gemini AI
- Intelligent alerts
- Face recognition
- Voice control
Cons
- Many features require a subscription
- Doesn't support HomeKit or IFTTT
Pros
- Sharp 2K video
- Effective use of Gemini AI
- Intelligent alerts
- Face recognition
- Voice control
Cons
- Many features require a subscription
- Doesn't support HomeKit or IFTTT
Ring Outdoor Cam Pro
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The pricey Ring Outdoor Cam Pro is a weather-resistant plug-in security camera that offers detailed 4K imagery, impressive low-light video capabilities, and smart AI-powered alerts.
Full Ring Outdoor Cam Pro ReviewPros
- Sharp 4K video
- Strong low-light performance
- AI alerts
- Voice control
- Works with Alexa and IFTTT
Cons
- Expensive
- Video recordings and other features require a subscription
- Doesn't support Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant
Pros
- Sharp 4K video
- Strong low-light performance
- AI alerts
- Voice control
- Works with Alexa and IFTTT
Cons
- Expensive
- Video recordings and other features require a subscription
- Doesn't support Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant
Ring Spotlight Cam Pro (2nd Gen)
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The second-gen Ring Spotlight Cam Pro is a plug-in outdoor security camera that delivers stunning 4K video and uses bright spotlights to illuminate exterior areas.
Full Ring Spotlight Cam Pro (2nd Gen) ReviewPros
- Sharp 4K video
- Bright spotlights
- Works with Alexa and IFTTT
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- AI-generated alerts
Cons
- Many features require a subscription
- No local video storage
- Does not support Google Assistant or HomeKit
Pros
- Sharp 4K video
- Bright spotlights
- Works with Alexa and IFTTT
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- AI-generated alerts
Cons
- Many features require a subscription
- No local video storage
- Does not support Google Assistant or HomeKit
Latest Home Security Camera Stories
Instead of recording video, Apple's security cams will act as sensors using AI.
Ring’s compact indoor cam protects your space with crisp 1080p HD color night vision and Advanced Pre-Roll with a physical swivel privacy cover, and it’s 50% off right now at Amazon.
The top smart outdoor security cameras we've tested can withstand the elements and record clear footage day or night.
This wireless Ring Battery Doorbell 2K brings sharp Retinal 2K resolution, 6x digital zoom, and easy USB-C recharging, all for less than $40 right now on Amazon.
The Blink Outdoor 4 security cameras capture crisp video day and night so you can monitor your property right from the couch. And this 65% discount is downright diabolical.
Ring's Floodlight Cam Wired Plus combines blinding 2,000-lumen motion floodlights, crisp 1080p color night vision, and a 105dB security siren—all under $90 right now on Amazon.
Amazon's Big Deals Day isn't until next month, but discounts have already been ringing in. We've gathered the best ones on doorbells and security cameras so you can watch your back.
This all-in-one security bundle includes a video doorbell, three Outdoor 4 cameras, and up to two years of power on standard AA batteries—all for under $190 right now on Amazon.
The unusual jump in price per device is due to the iCloud+ storage plans they are tied to.
Time to shine a light on the Eufy Security SoloCam S340, the solar-charging outdoor security camera that took home our Editors' Choice award. Right now, you can take it home for $60 off.
The wired Arlo Essential 2K indoor camera combines crystal-clear 2K resolution, an automated physical privacy shield, and two-way talk—all for under $15 right now at Amazon.
This wireless Eufy SoloCam S340 keeps an eye out with 3K dual-camera clarity, 360-degree pan-and-tilt tracking, and an integrated solar panel—all at under $140 right now on Amazon.
The Blink Mini 2K+ indoor security camera is a fine first (or fifth) addition to your home security system, and its already affordable $40 list price is slashed by 45% off for the holiday weekend.
The wireless Ring Battery Doorbell 2K delivers crisp video, a head-to-toe view of your space, and 6x enhanced zoom—all for under $70 at Amazon.
Put an extra set of eyes on your home with this Blink Mini camera that's now on sale. Safety and savings, what a winning combination.
The Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ offers impressive video quality and exceptional battery life at an affordable price, but requires a subscription for basic features.
$47.99
This wireless Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Gen) gives you crisp 2K video, a wide head-to-toe field of view, and dual-power battery or wired flexibility, for almost 40% off at Walmart.
The Ring Spotlight Cam 2K outdoor security camera delivers sharp video, bright LED spotlights, and a loud siren, though recorded footage and other key features require a subscription.
$89.99
This wire-free Arlo Essential outdoor security camera (3rd Gen) delivers crisp 1080p HD video, Color Night Vision, and dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity, at under $40 right now at Walmart.
The wired Arlo Essential indoor security camera comes with 360-degree pan and 180-degree tilt mechanical coverage with dual-band Wi-Fi and automatic motion tracking at under $25 right now.
