One of the biggest benefits of a smart home is being able to know what’s going on when you’re not there. Whether you want to check in on your kids, pets, or an exotic jewel collection, a home security camera is an effective tool for monitoring everything from afar.
Although capabilities vary between devices, all indoor security cameras allow you to monitor the interior of your home through live or recorded video. Some of the features that differentiate them are alarms, the ability to send notifications when they detect activity, and two-way audio. Other cams are suitable for monitoring your baby or even double as full-on home automation hubs.
No two cameras are identical, so make sure to check out what makes each of our top picks unique and why that might work best for you. Also, keep in mind that the cameras here are designed to help you keep tabs on the inside of your house. For a look at what’s going on outside, check out our picks for the best outdoor home security cameras, the best floodlight cameras, and the best video doorbells.
The best home security cameras for 2019 — Clarification Please
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More About Our Picks
Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera
Best Overall Indoor/Outdoor Model
Bottom Line:
The Arlo Pro 4 is a wireless indoor/outdoor security camera that installs in minutes, delivers stunning 2K video, and offers a wealth of features with plenty of integration options.
Pros
- Completely wireless and easy to install
- 2K HDR video
- Color night vision
- Works with Alexa, Google, HomeKit, and IFTTT
- Lots of third-party integrations
- Built-in siren
- No hub required
Cons
- Some features require Arlo Smart subscription
Why We Picked It
The Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera works indoors or outside, is completely wireless, hub-free, and installs in minutes. This high-resolution, weather-resistant security camera not only captures motion-triggered video with a wide 160-degree field of view, but casts a bright light on whatever is moving around on your property. It delivers detailed 2K video with color night vision, and provides accurate and intelligent motion detection. It also works with numerous third-party smart devices, supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri voice commands, and integrates with Apple’s HomeKit and Samsung’s SmartThings home automation platforms.
Who It’s For
The Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera is a top choice for anyone who wants an easy-to-install 2K resolution home security camera that can be used indoors or outside. (If you want an indoor-only camera, however, there are many more affordable options.) You can attach the Pro 4 to your house or any other structure using the included magnetic mount, and its rechargeable lithium-polymer battery pack is rated to last up to six months between charges. Just note that you have to subscribe to an Arlo Smart plan to view recorded video and take advantage of some features, such as Package Detection and Advanced Object Detection.
Eufy Indoor Cam 2K Pan & Tilt P24
Best for 2K Video With Pan and Tilt Controls
Bottom Line:
The Eufy Indoor Cam 2K Pan & Tilt P24 is an affordable indoor home security camera that delivers vivid high-resolution video and is packed with features typically found on pricier models.
Pros
- Affordable
- Sharp 2K video
- Automatic motion tracking
- Sound and motion detection
- Local and cloud storage
- Works with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant
Cons
- Doesn’t support IFTTT
- Some features not available in HomeKit
Why We Picked It
Despite its affordable price, the Eufy Indoor Cam 2K Pan & Tilt P24 is packed with the kinds of features you usually find on more expensive cameras. It not only delivers outstanding 2K video and detects motion and sound, it offers smooth mechanical pan and tilt; works with AmazonAlexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit; and offers several useful features including intelligent motion detection, pet commands, and motion tracking. The camera is easy to install, and all of its features worked well in testing.
Who It’s For
If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly indoor security camera with 2K resolution, the Eufy Indoor Cam 2K Pan & Tilt P24 is a top choice. Priced at less than $55 and packed with high-end features, it’s an unbeatable value. One omission is support for IFTTT, so if you use the automation tool to link your smart home devices, we recommend the Wyze Cam V3. We’ll also note that while you can control it with Siri voice commands, some features aren’t available in HomeKit including sound detection, pet commands, activity zones, and intelligent motion alerts.
Best Budget-Friendly Model
Bottom Line:
The inexpensive Wyze Cam V3 is an indoor/outdoor home security camera that packs a ton of features into its tiny frame including color night vision, intelligent motion detection, voice control, a built-in siren, and local video storage.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Works indoors and outside
- Color night vision
- Local storage and free cloud storage
- Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT support
- Motion, person, and sound detection
- Built-in siren
Cons
- Doesn’t support HomeKit
- Some features require a subscription
Why We Picked It
The Wyze Cam V3 is one of the most feature-rich home security cameras you can buy, even if you’re willing to spend more money. It not only delivers high-quality 1080p video, it also offers color night vision, local and cloud storage, intelligent motion and sound detection, and voice control. It integrates seamlessly with other Wyze devices such as door locks, smart bulbs, and sensors, and it supports IFTTT applets that allow it to work with numerous third-party devices.
Who It’s For
The Wyze Cam V3 is an exceptional camera for monitoring the inside or outside of your home, and the fact that it costs less than $40 makes it easy to recommend. If you already use other Wyze devices and you’re looking to add a security camera to your setup, this model is easy to recommend. It isn’t as sharp as the Eufy Indoor Cam 2K, but it supports IFTTT and can be used outside.
Ring Stick Up Cam Battery
Easiest to Install
Bottom Line:
The Ring Stick Up Cam Battery is a versatile battery-powered wireless indoor/outdoor security camera that records motion-triggered video and stores it in the cloud.
Pros
- Completely wire-free.
- Sharp 1080p video.
- Works with Alexa voice commands and IFTTT.
- Motion detection.
- No hub required.
- Built-in siren.
- Easy to install.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Recorded video requires cloud subscription.
Why We Picked It
The Ring Stick Up Cam is all about ease of use. You can place it just about anywhere on the inside or outside of your home without having to worry about staying close to an outlet or snaking a power cord. Most of today’s home security cameras are easy to install, but because the Ring Stick Up Cam runs on battery power, it’s simpler than most. This model captures video at 1080p and has a 115-degree field of view, an upgrade from its predecessor’s 720p resolution and 80-degree field of view. Day and night video appeared sharp in our tests, and motion detection worked well, as did Amazon Alexa and IFTTT integrations.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking for a feature-rich security camera that can be used indoors and outdoors and is very easy to install, the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery delivers in spades. The battery is rated to last anywhere from six to twelve months between charges, and you can easily replenish it via an included USB cable. The Stick Up Cam offers free motion alerts and live on-demand video, but you have to pay for a subscription to view recorded video. That said, its $3.99/monthly 180-day Ring Protect storage plan is one of the more affordable options around.
Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera
Best Affordable Arlo Cam
Bottom Line:
The relatively affordable Arlo Essential Indoor is a Wi-Fi-enabled smart home security camera that delivers sharp 1080p video and works with lots of other smart devices.
Pros
- More affordable than Arlo Pro models
- Intelligent alerts
- Sharp 1080p video
- Works with numerous third-party devices
- Voice control
Cons
- Many features require paid subscription
- Hub required for HomeKit support
Why We Picked It
Arlo’s $99.99 Essential Indoor Security Camera offers intelligent alerts, voice control, and works with a wide assortment of third-party smart home devices for a lot less money than the company’s $199.99 Pro 4 model. In addition, it provides sharp, colorful 1080p video, accurate motion alerts, and is very easy to install. Note that it includes a three-month trial subscription to an Arlo Secure plan that gives you access to recorded video, intelligent alerts, and a handful of other features, but once the trial period is up, you have to pay a monthly fee to utilize these features.
Who It’s For
The Arlo Essential Indoor is a solid choice for those looking to add an affordable camera to an existing Arlo setup. It’s not quite as value-rich as the Eufy Indoor Cam 2K Pan & Tilt P24, which costs less and boasts sharper 2K video, local storage, and mechanical pan and tilt support, but it’s an excellent option if you’re already committed to the Arlo ecosystem.
Best Battery Life
Bottom Line:
The Blink Indoor is an affordable battery-powered indoor security camera that offers sharp HD video, motion detection, and local and cloud video storage.
Pros
- Sharp 1080p video
- Works with Alexa and IFTTT
- Local and cloud video storage
- Temperature alerts
- Long battery life
- Easy to install
Cons
- Requires a hub
- Doesn’t support Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant
Why We Picked It
Amazon owns Blink and Ring, so you might be wondering why it offers such seemingly similar security cameras as the Blink Indoor and the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery. Both are wireless, battery-powered 1080p security cameras that deliver sharp video and accurate motion detection. The Blink Indoor costs $20 less, but the trade-off is that it requires a wireless hub (which is included in the box) and has a slightly narrower field of view (110 vs. 115 degrees). The camera is powered by two AA batteries that provide up to two years of battery life. It works with Alexa voice commands and can be triggered by third-party smart devices with IFTTT applets, and it will record video when motion is detected and store it in the cloud (if you have a subscription). Or, you can connect a USB drive to the hub and store your videos locally. Overall, it’s one of the most value-rich indoor cameras you can buy.
Who It’s For
The Blink Indoor is a solid buy for anyone looking for an affordable indoor camera that’s easy to use and delivers sharp video and accurate motion detection. Note that Blink’s Basic storage plan goes for $3 per month or $30 per year and gives you 60 days of rolling storage for one camera and access to Blink’s Photo Capture feature. The Blink Indoor is a better value than the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery, but be aware that both models lack some features available on pricer competitors, including face recognition, intelligent alerts, mechanical panning, and support for Google Assistant voice commands.
Best Affordable 2K Camera
Bottom Line:
The Eufy Solo IndoorCam C24 is an affordable home security camera that offers lots of features for the price including sharp 2K video, voice control, and intelligent motion alerts.
Pros
- Sharp 2K video
- Local and cloud storage
- Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant support
- Intelligent motion detection
Cons
- Doesn’t support IFTTT
- Some features not available in HomeKit
Why We Picked It
Eufy’s Solo IndoorCam C24 is a reasonably priced home security camera that doesn’t skimp on features. For around $40, you get 2K video capture, intelligent motion detection, and both local and cloud video storage. It also works with the Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant platforms, although some features aren’t available in HomeKit. It’s a good performer and easy to install, and all of this makes it a strong value for a high-res indoor security camera.
Who It’s For
If you’re in search of ultra-affordable 2K security, it’s hard to beat the Eufy Solo IndoorCam C24. That said, if you require an indoor camera that provides a view of the entire room, the Eufy Indoor Cam 2K Pan & Tilt provides that while offering the same sharp 2K video as well as automatic motion tracking for around $12 more.
Google Nest Cam (Outdoor or Indoor, Battery)
Best for Intelligent Alerts
Bottom Line:
The Google Nest Cam is a battery-powered indoor/outdoor home security camera that’s easy to install and delivers crisp HD video and intelligent alerts.
Pros
- Easy to install (no wires)
- Weatherproof
- Intelligent alerts
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Works with Google Assistant
- Face recognition
Cons
- Expensive
- Doesn’t support Alexa, HomeKit, or IFTTT
- Some features require a subscription
Why We Picked It
The Google Nest Cam (Outdoor or Indoor, Battery) is all about versatility. As the name implies, you can use this weatherproof camera indoors or outdoors and power it using the built-in rechargeable battery or the included USB cable and AC power adapter. It’s easy to install and performed well in testing, capturing sharp 1080p video and identifying motion caused by people and animals. Just know that it requires a Nest Aware subscription (starting at $6 per month) to view recorded video that is more than three hours old and to use its face detection feature.
Who It’s For
If you’re in the market for a security camera that installs in minutes and offers a good selection of features—particularly if you already use other Nest Devices and/or Google Assistant—put the Nest Cam on your short list. It works with Google Assistant and the Nest Hub, though you don’t get much in the way of third-party integrations and you have to pay to get access to recorded video that’s more than three hours old. For $6 per month or $60 per year, the Nest Aware plan provides 30 days of video history, while for $12 per month or $120 per year, the Nest Aware Plus plan gives you 60 days of video history.
Read Our Google Nest Cam (Outdoor or Indoor, Battery) Review
Best Entry-Level Nest Cam
Bottom Line:
The wired Nest Cam delivers sharp 1080p video and offers intelligent alerts, making it a smart indoor security camera for homes that run on Google.
Pros
- Intelligent alerts
- Supports Google Assistant voice commands
- Recognizes faces
- Dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity
Cons
- Some features require a subscription
- No Alexa, HomeKit, or IFTTT support
Why We Picked It
We like that Google’s battery-powered Nest Cam that works indoors or outside, but it’s one of the pricier home security cameras out there. Although it isn’t quite as versatile, the Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired) offers many of the same features for around $80 less. Easy to set up and manage, the indoor Nest Cam delivers sharp 1080p video, accurately detects motion, and can distinguish between motion from people, animals, and cars. Just keep in mind that you must subscribe to a paid Nest Aware plan to view video that’s more than three hours old and to use the camera’s face recognition feature.
Who It’s For
The Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired) is a solid, relatively affordable security camera if you already use Google Assistant or a Nest Hub to control your smart home devices.
Best Low-Cost Ring Camera
Bottom Line:
The Ring Indoor Cam is an affordable smart security camera that delivers sharp 1080p video. It supports voice control and works with other smart devices, but you have to pay a monthly fee to view motion-triggered video.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Sharp 1080p video.
- Motion detection.
- Supports Alexa voice control and IFTTT.
- Easy to install.
Cons
- Requires subscription to record video.
- No sound detection.
Why We Picked It
Best known for its video doorbells and outdoor security cameras, Ring’s Indoor Cam ($59.99) is the company’s first indoor-only camera, as well as its most affordable model to date. It installs in minutes and delivers sharp daytime and nighttime 1080p video as well as clean two-way audio. It quickly responds to Alexa voice commands and IFTTT applets. Just keep in mind that while the camera offers motion detection, you have to pay a monthly fee to activate and view motion-triggered recordings. It has the same cylindrical shape as the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery, but at 2.9 by 1.8 inches (HW), it’s almost half the size.
Who It’s For
The Ring Indoor Cam is not only a smart choice for anyone who has already invested in the Ring ecosystem, it also provides an affordable starting point for users looking to test the smart home security waters. It costs about $30 less than the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery, but, as mentioned, is meant for indoor use only while its sibling also works outside. If you want to view and share motion-triggered clips, you have to subscribe to a Ring Protect plan, starting at $3.99 a month for 180 days of video history.
TP-Link Kasa Spot Pan Tilt 24/7 Recording (KC410S)
Best for a 360-Degree View
Bottom Line:
The TP-Link Kasa Spot Pan Tilt (KC140S) indoor security camera gives you a 360-degree view in highly detailed 2K for under $50.
Pros
- Affordable
- Sharp 2K video
- Mechanical pan and tilt controls
- Local and cloud storage options
- Motion tracking
- Supports voice controls
Cons
- Doesn’t work with HomeKit
- Limited IFTTT integrations
- Pan and tilt movements are a bit sluggish
Why We Picked It
For less than $50, the TP-Link Kasa Spot Pan Tilt KC410S indoor security camera gives you a 360-degree view. Designed for indoor use only, the KC410S uses mechanical pan and tilt controls and a 2K camera to record highly detailed video in every corner of the room you place it in. It works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands, but it doesn’t support many IFTTT integrations. The KC410S sends a push alert and records video when it detects motion or sound, and can let you know if a person is to blame for the disturbance. To store and view recordings, you need a microSD card (up to 256GB) or a Kasa Care subscription (starting at $3 per month for 30 days of video history).
Who It’s For
If you’re in search of a super-affordable security cam with a 360 view, the TP-Link Kasa Spot Pan Tilt is a top choice. The KC410S interacts with other Kasa devices, as well as with Alexa and Google Assistant via routines and voice commands.
Read Our TP-Link Kasa Spot Pan Tilt 24/7 Recording (KC410S) Review
Best Affordable Camera With Pan and Tilt Controls
Bottom Line:
The Wyze Cam Pan V2 is an inexpensive indoor security camera that lets you pan and tilt to see an entire room, with support for Alexa, Google, and IFTTT integrations, as well as color night vision.
Pros
- Affordable
- Mechanical pan and tilt
- Sharp 1080p video
- Color night vision
- Lots of third-party integrations
Cons
- Doesn’t support HomeKit
- Some features require a paid subscription
Why We Picked It
The Wyze Cam Pan V2 is an affordable indoor security camera that offers plenty of features for its sub-$40 price. That includes color night vision, responsive mechanical pan and tilt operations, voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and integrations with lots of other smart home devices via IFTTT. The camera delivered sharp 1080p video in testing and motion alerts arrived quickly and were accurate. Perhaps best of all, the camera records a 12-second video clip when it detects sound or motion and stores those recordings for free in the cloud for 14 days (just note that there is a five-minute cooldown period after each recording). You can also choose to store video on a microSD card. For $1.25 per month, the Cam Plus plan gets you unlimited clip length with no cooldown period and unlocks several features including person, vehicle, and pet detection, as well as the ability to fast-forward through event videos.
Who It’s For
If you already use other Wyze products, the Cam Pan V2 is a nice addition to your smart home that provides 1080p video with 360 degrees of panning maneuverability. Its low price also makes it a compelling option if you’re looking to outfit every room with a security camera.
How to Pick the Best Home Security Camera
We’ve tested lots of home surveillance cameras over the years, so we know what’s important to consider. First and foremost, you should choose a camera that’s simple to set up and use. Another important quality is an attractive—yet discreet—design. It’s important that the camera is unobtrusive to your design tastes and, depending on your needs, you may not want it to stand out too much, either. Device support is critical as well. Our favorite cameras allow you to check in from anywhere, such as from your phone or via a web browser.
Here are the main factors to consider when choosing a security camera:
Image Quality
Even though 1080p is generally the standard resolution for the cameras we test, higher-resolution models (the ones here top out at 2K) offer some benefits; the higher the resolution, the more you can zoom in and still see things clearly. A few home security cameras have optical zoom lenses, but the rest rely on digital zoom; the latter type crop and enlarge whatever the camera is recording.
Besides resolution, also consider the field of view. All security cameras have wide-angle lenses, but some are wider than others. Depending on the lens’ field of view, these devices can cover between 105 and 360 degrees; that’s a big range. If you want to watch a large area, look for a camera with the widest field of view. The ability to mechanically pan and tilt the camera is another useful feature as well.
Connectivity
Most security cameras use Wi-Fi, but not all rely on it exclusively. Some add Bluetooth for local control and easier setup through your smartphone, while others incorporate separate home automation networking standards, such as Zigbee or Z-Wave, to interact with other devices. For most cameras, all you need to do is follow instructions from an app to connect them to your network.
Once you connect your camera, you can access a live view and any recordings via your smartphone or tablet. The vast majority of home security cameras pair with a companion app that handles all the controls and settings. Some cameras offer access via a web portal too, which adds flexibility.
Many new cameras support voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. With Alexa, for instance, you can ask your camera to pull up a live video feed on your Echo Show. Several cameras support IFTTT as well, which lets you build integrations with other third-party devices and platforms. For instance, you can configure a smart light bulb to turn on whenever the camera detects motion.
Storage
Your camera probably relies on cloud services for storage and to provide remote access to recordings. That said, some models have a microSD card slot that allows you to save recordings locally. If you are worried about online security and don’t want to pay a subscription fee to store your videos, the latter is a better option.
Not all cloud service subscriptions work the same way; the number of days’ worth of recordings they keep and the number of cameras you can monitor with a single subscription often varies. Some companies offer free cloud storage but overwrite recordings typically after about a week.
Recommended by Our Editors
Face Detection
Most security cameras send a simple notification when they detect any type of activity. Others can identify who—or what—caused the commotion. Google Nest Cam models even offer face-recognition technology that helps eliminate unnecessary alerts. They automatically zoom in on people who enter the field of view and can send alerts both when they recognize a face and when they don’t.
What Is the Best Affordable Home Security Camera?
Many of our top-tested home security cameras cost roughly $200 and some require an additional subscription. We break down any extra fees you need to consider in our reviews. The good news is that many affordable options are now available for less than $100. Because you can’t put a price on peace of mind, however, carefully consider what features you want to forgo before picking a lower-cost option.
Check out our Readers’ Choice Awards to see which security cameras and brands other PCMag readers trust most. And once you find the right model, check out our tips for setting it up. If a single camera won’t cut it, also explore our picks for the best smart home security systems.
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