What is the best home security camera overall?
Security cameras are a key tool in any homeowner’s arsenal when it comes to keeping them, their family, their property, and their possessions safe. Particularly if your home is on the larger side, or you have outdoor areas at risk of trespassers, a camera system is a great way to keep a close eye on different areas – and ideal for giving you peace of mind when taking long vacations away from home.
But there are many different kinds of security camera, from indoor to outdoor models, and rotating cameras to video doorbells. There are many different features that can come with a home security camera, including notifications for motion detection, local file storage, or two-way audio to communicate with people in the vicinity of your device. Video storage, too, is a big issue, but might be limited unless you’re willing to pay for a monthly subscription fee on top of the hardware – so be sure to factor that into any buying decisions.
At CNET, our experts have tested every category of security camera, and we know which models are doing to be worth the investment or able to keep your home that little bit more secure. Our top pick is the Arlo Pro 5S 2K Spotlight camera, a model that can do everything from two-way audio to smart home support, with excellent high-end features – though there are many cheaper models out there for those with simpler needs, and you’ll find a wide range of excellent home security cameras below from Google Nest, Eufy, Ring, Lorex and Tapo.
If you’re nervous about setting up your first security cameras, do also read our guide to where not to install one, or visit the best security cams for a more thorough look at the options out there.
The best security cameras can work anywhere and adapt to any situation, based on the type of security you need — what you want to watch over, when and how you look and how you get alerts. The Arlo Pro 5S comes so packed with features that we had trouble thinking of something it couldn’t do. The up-to-2K resolution with HDR, color night vision and digital zoom all ensure you can keep an eye on any detail, while the 160-degree field of view is astounding for a cam this size.
Users have their pick of smart features too, including two-way audio and smart alerts with detection zones. Motion detection, honed by Arlo’s years of experience, can identify objects like people or packages and activate the built-in spotlight during dark conditions. With an operating temperature range down to minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit, you won’t have to worry too much about weather, either.
Buyer’s note: You can use this cam indoors or outdoors, and if you don’t want to rely on the battery it does come with an indoor cable (outdoor-rated cables are sold separately). The one issue for the cost-conscious is the inescapable subscription fee: The Arlo Secure plan enables so much, from full 2K streaming and cloud recording to 24/7 emergency responses, that it’s more or less necessary to get the most out of this already pricey camera. Local storage is possible, but you’ll need to buy a compatible SmartHub or Base Station, which again bumps up the cost.
Elevate your outdoor security with the Reolink Duo 3 PoE. This powerful camera captures every detail with its impressive 16MP ultra-high definition image. Its innovative dual-lens design provides a seamless 180° panoramic view, ensuring complete coverage without blind spots.
Introducing the new Motion Track feature, the Duo 3 PoE records the exact movement path of people, vehicles, and pets in a single frame, so you can quickly understand any activity while you’re away.
With an IK10 vandal-proof rating, this camera is built to withstand the elements and potential tampering, making it perfect for securing front doors, backyards, and driveways. Choose the Reolink Duo 3 PoE for comprehensive, high-definition outdoor security.
Best versatile home security camera
Google Nest Indoor/Outdoor Cam (2nd-gen)
You can install Google’s battery cam nearly anywhere, inside or outside, and unless conditions drop well below freezing, you don’t have to worry about the local weather. That versatility isn’t easy to find in smart security cameras, and Google’s AI detection makes an excellent companion feature, able to identify people, animals, vehicles and (with a subscription) familiar faces so you get useful alerts.
This 1080p Nest cam includes important security features like two-way audio and night vision with HDR. We found the design useful when you can pop the cam off the magnetic base for a quick recharge if the battery is running low. Although this is a Google Home cam through and through, it still works with Alexa if you prefer Amazon’s voice assistant.
One of the biggest reasons we’re giving this Nest cam the nod is its valuable video storage package. Unlike other cameras, Google Nest provides three hours of video storage for free, so you don’t need a subscription to get those cloud video benefits. You will need to take action within three hours or lose the footage without a subscription.
Best portable home security camera
Ring Indoor/Outdoor Stick Up Cam Pro
Mobile wireless cameras offer one big advantage: You can move them anywhere on a whim, from a sunroom or playroom to the kitchen or living room, all depending on your plans. This Ring Stick Up Cam Pro model boosts that benefit even more by allowing you to take the cam outside to a deck or patio if you want (without worrying about leaving it out in the rain).
In addition to its mobility, Ring’s Stick Up camera offers motion detection with alerts, two-way audio and the ability to
Best cellular/LTE home security camera
Eufy 4G “Starlight” Camera S230
Home security cams get recruited for all kinds of tasks, and you may have a spot in mind that’s well away from Wi-Fi. Even the exterior of larger homes can be beyond Wi-Fi’s reach, not to mention outdoor garages and granny pods, weekend camping sites or construction sites. A PoE (power over Ethernet) cam is one solution but not without a connecting cable. This cellular security cam from Eufy is a far more versatile option, powered by a SIM card that you can buy pre-loaded with minutes for simple operation.
Best local storage home security camera
Lorex 4K Spotlight Indoor/Outdoor Security Camera
Is cloud video storage a sore spot for you? Many people are uncomfortable trusting companies with their home video footage, especially when data breaches keep cropping up. The brands on our list do fairly well at security, but if you’re looking for an alternative, Lorex is made for you. Their cameras, like this model, come with a 32GB (potentially upgradeable) microSD card to save videos locally instead of on the cloud.
This indoor/outdoor 4K camera shines a customizable LED
Our Picks
What is the best home security camera overall?
Security cameras are a key tool in any homeowner’s arsenal when it comes to keeping them, their family, their property, and their possessions safe. Particularly if your home is on the larger side, or you have outdoor areas at risk of trespassers, a camera system is a great way to keep a close eye on different areas – and ideal for giving you peace of mind when taking long vacations away from home.
But there are many different kinds of security camera, from indoor to outdoor models, and rotating cameras to video doorbells. There are many different features that can come with a home security camera, including notifications for motion detection, local file storage, or two-way audio to communicate with people in the vicinity of your device. Video storage, too, is a big issue, but might be limited unless you’re willing to pay for a monthly subscription fee on top of the hardware – so be sure to factor that into any buying decisions.
At CNET, our experts have tested every category of security camera, and we know which models are doing to be worth the investment or able to keep your home that little bit more secure. Our top pick is the Arlo Pro 5S 2K Spotlight camera, a model that can do everything from two-way audio to smart home support, with excellent high-end features – though there are many cheaper models out there for those with simpler needs, and you’ll find a wide range of excellent home security cameras below from Google Nest, Eufy, Ring, Lorex and Tapo.
If you’re nervous about setting up your first security cameras, do also read our guide to where not to install one, or visit the best security cams for a more thorough look at the options out there.
Best home security cameras of 2024
The best security cameras can work anywhere and adapt to any situation, based on the type of security you need — what you want to watch over, when and how you look and how you get alerts. The Arlo Pro 5S comes so packed with features that we had trouble thinking of something it couldn’t do. The up-to-2K resolution with HDR, color night vision and digital zoom all ensure you can keep an eye on any detail, while the 160-degree field of view is astounding for a cam this size.
Users have their pick of smart features too, including two-way audio and smart alerts with detection zones. Motion detection, honed by Arlo’s years of experience, can identify objects like people or packages and activate the built-in spotlight during dark conditions. With an operating temperature range down to minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit, you won’t have to worry too much about weather, either.
Buyer’s note: You can use this cam indoors or outdoors, and if you don’t want to rely on the battery it does come with an indoor cable (outdoor-rated cables are sold separately). The one issue for the cost-conscious is the inescapable subscription fee: The Arlo Secure plan enables so much, from full 2K streaming and cloud recording to 24/7 emergency responses, that it’s more or less necessary to get the most out of this already pricey camera. Local storage is possible, but you’ll need to buy a compatible SmartHub or Base Station, which again bumps up the cost.
Elevate your outdoor security with the Reolink Duo 3 PoE. This powerful camera captures every detail with its impressive 16MP ultra-high definition image. Its innovative dual-lens design provides a seamless 180° panoramic view, ensuring complete coverage without blind spots.
Introducing the new Motion Track feature, the Duo 3 PoE records the exact movement path of people, vehicles, and pets in a single frame, so you can quickly understand any activity while you’re away.
With an IK10 vandal-proof rating, this camera is built to withstand the elements and potential tampering, making it perfect for securing front doors, backyards, and driveways. Choose the Reolink Duo 3 PoE for comprehensive, high-definition outdoor security.
Best versatile home security camera
Google Nest Indoor/Outdoor Cam (2nd-gen)
You can install Google’s battery cam nearly anywhere, inside or outside, and unless conditions drop well below freezing, you don’t have to worry about the local weather. That versatility isn’t easy to find in smart security cameras, and Google’s AI detection makes an excellent companion feature, able to identify people, animals, vehicles and (with a subscription) familiar faces so you get useful alerts.
This 1080p Nest cam includes important security features like two-way audio and night vision with HDR. We found the design useful when you can pop the cam off the magnetic base for a quick recharge if the battery is running low. Although this is a Google Home cam through and through, it still works with Alexa if you prefer Amazon’s voice assistant.
One of the biggest reasons we’re giving this Nest cam the nod is its valuable video storage package. Unlike other cameras, Google Nest provides three hours of video storage for free, so you don’t need a subscription to get those cloud video benefits. You will need to take action within three hours or lose the footage without a subscription.
Best portable home security camera
Ring Indoor/Outdoor Stick Up Cam Pro
Mobile wireless cameras offer one big advantage: You can move them anywhere on a whim, from a sunroom or playroom to the kitchen or living room, all depending on your plans. This Ring Stick Up Cam Pro model boosts that benefit even more by allowing you to take the cam outside to a deck or patio if you want (without worrying about leaving it out in the rain).
In addition to its mobility, Ring’s Stick Up camera offers motion detection with alerts, two-way audio and the ability to customize motion or privacy zones to focus the camera on important areas. A home/away feature lets you quickly switch between modes to help save on battery life when you’re home, and if you ever find the perfect spot, the cam also comes with a wall mount.
The Pro model is significantly more expensive, but it adds higher-quality video and more settings options. Plus, we frequently see it on discount, which really helps cut the price down to manageable levels.
Best cellular/LTE home security camera
Eufy 4G “Starlight” Camera S230
Home security cams get recruited for all kinds of tasks, and you may have a spot in mind that’s well away from Wi-Fi. Even the exterior of larger homes can be beyond Wi-Fi’s reach, not to mention outdoor garages and granny pods, weekend camping sites or construction sites. A PoE (power over Ethernet) cam is one solution but not without a connecting cable. This cellular security cam from Eufy is a far more versatile option, powered by a SIM card that you can buy pre-loaded with minutes for simple operation.
The S230 cam comes with an extra-high IP67 rating to stay active even in extreme weather, 2K resolution and a starlight sensor to keep details high at night. The battery is rated for about three months, but if you include a compatible Eufy solar panel, you may not have to worry about battery charging for a long time. Eufy’s AI detection also helps limit alerts to those involving people (plus customizable detection zones), and if the cam is close enough, you can activate the two-way audio for communication.
Finally, this go-anywhere cam doesn’t have cloud storage or a subscription. Instead, it has 8GB of onboard storage to save captured video. No fees are involved, but you will have to clear out the storage when it fills. If you don’t mind paying more for a higher-end version, we also really liked the Arlo Go 2 in our head-to-head.
Best local storage home security camera
Lorex 4K Spotlight Indoor/Outdoor Security Camera
Is cloud video storage a sore spot for you? Many people are uncomfortable trusting companies with their home video footage, especially when data breaches keep cropping up. The brands on our list do fairly well at security, but if you’re looking for an alternative, Lorex is made for you. Their cameras, like this model, come with a 32GB (potentially upgradeable) microSD card to save videos locally instead of on the cloud.
This indoor/outdoor 4K camera shines a customizable LED spotlight wherever you need extra illumination, letting you change the color to match different camera modes or purposes. It also comes with color night vision and built-in object detection for people, vehicles, animals and packages at no additional cost.
Whether you’re searching for a high-definition 4K camera or want to stick with local storage only to avoid being part of the cloud, we recommend a Lorex cam like this as the answer. Local storage does take slightly more effort to manage, especially when the hard drives get crowded with old video footage. Lorex wired cams like these are set by default to continuously record, so that storage can fill up very fast without some settings changes, like switching to scheduled or motion-activated recordings.
Best video doorbell camera
Google Nest Doorbell 2nd-gen (battery)
Our tests found multiple high-performing video doorbells like the Arlo 2K 2nd-gen Doorbell, but we’re recommending this Google Nest model for a specific reason. Video doorbells tend to capture more footage than most security cams: Even with AI detection, they still record everyone who comes and goes from your home and often people jogging or walking dogs along the street. That can fill up cloud storage or local storage quickly, which is why Nest’s free 3 hours of cloud storage are so useful. You can quickly view recordings and decide whether to download or let the three-hour countdown expire, saving only what you need alert by alert.
We also found the Google Nest Cam to be easy to install
Best budget home security camera
TP-Link Tapo Pan/Tilt C210 Camera
Most of our feature-packed picks are over $100, and some are well over that mark. If that’s a dealbreaker for you and your wallet, this HD Tapo camera has a much lower offer. For under $30, TP-Link offers a remarkably complete indoor security camera with pan and tilt capabilities so it can capture an entire room via app controls.
Even at this low price, the C210 camera manages to include important extras like two-way audio, a built-in siren and 30-foot night vision. It also uses both motion and audio detection so you can get alerts when there’s unexpected movement or noise around the house. That makes it a great budget pick for an open floor plan, keeping watch in a playroom or baby’s room, and all sorts of other tasks. It also comes with the ability to split live viewing between two different devices at the same time, so both people can look through the camera at once.
While the Tapo C210 isn’t the best pan/tilt model we’ve
Home security cameras compared
| Best security cams: | Arlo Pro 5S 2K Spotlight Camera | Google Nest Indoor/Outdoor Cam (2nd-gen) | Ring Indoor/Outdoor Stick Up Cam Pro | Eufy 4G Camera S230 | Lorex 4K Spotlight Indoor/Outdoor Security Camera | Google Nest Doorbell 2nd-gen (battery) | TP-Link Tapo Pan/Tilt C210 Camera |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retail price | $250 | $139 | $180 | $130 | $200 | $180 | $30 |
| Resolution | 2K with 12x digital zoom | 1080p/HD | 1080p/HD | 2K | 4K | 720p | 1080p/HD |
| Night vision | Color night vision with spotlight | Night vision and HDR | Color night vision | Starlight night vision | Night vision with spotlight | Night vision with HDR | Night vision |
| Power | Battery or cable | Battery or cable | Battery (wired model available) | Battery | Wired | Battery (wired model available) | Wired |
| Video storage | Cloud storage with subscription or local storage with SmartHub | 3 hours free cloud storage, more with subscription | Cloud storage with subscription | Built-in local storage | Local storage with microSD | 3 hours free cloud storage, more with subscription | Cloud storage with subscription, local storage with microSD |
| Motion detection | Yes, object detection with subscription | Yes with person, vehicle, animal, and familiar face | Yes, with privacy zones | Yes, with audio and human detection | Yes with person, vehicle, animal, and package detection | Yes, with person, vehicle, animal, package and familiar face detection | Yes with audio and person detection |
| Smart home support | Amazon Alexa, Google Home/Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, IFTTT | Amazon Alexa, Google Home/Assistant | Amazon Alexa | Amazon Alexa, Google Home/Assistant | Amazon Alexa and Google Home/Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Home/Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Home/Assistant |
| Review score | N/A | 8.4/10 | 8/10 | N/A | 7.5/10 (similar model) | 8/10 | N/A |
Other home security cameras we’ve reviewed
