Home security cameras are easy to install, easy to use, and incredibly affordable these days. They let you keep tabs on your home–inside and out–from wherever you have internet access. They can respond to motion, creating a visual record of everything that’s happened within their field of view, and high-end models can distinguish between people, pets, and even cars.
The latest security cams require minimal installation and offer flexible setups and a range of security features—so many features, in fact, that it can be difficult to decide what you need and which model you should buy. Should you get an outdoor camera with a space-illuminating floodlight and a weatherized shell, an indoor cam with AI-powered pet detection and a motorized lens that patrols the room, or something in between?
We’ve tested dozes of the top home security cameras available in real-world conditions, and we’ve distilled a list of the very best models. Whether you’re looking to check on your kids and pets, or need a full-service sentinel with humans watching for intruders in real time, we’ll help find the right security camera for your needs.
Best home security camera reviews
Arlo Pro 5S 2K – Best home security camera overall
Pros
- 2K video resolution
- B&W and color night vision
- Automatic zoom and tracking
Cons
- Subscription required for best features
- Requires hub to record video locally
- No Apple HomeKit support
Who should buy the Arlo Pro 5S 2K?
Easy to set up yet packed with cutting-edge features, the Arlo Pro 5S 2K is the best choice for a battery-powered 2K security camera that can track moving subjects, see in the dark, and connect to speedy 5GHz Wi-Fi networks–everything you need to keep an eye on your homestead. It’s also compatible with Alexa and Google Home, meaning you can view lives feeds on a smart display or set the camera to trigger home automations when it detects motion.
Arlo Pro 5S 2K: Further considerations
The Arlo Pro 5S 2K keeps the Arlo Pro series near the top of the market with such high-end features as dual-band Wi-Fi support, a low-power mode (which extends battery life by 30 percent by taking snapshots of detected activity instead of full video clips), and Arlo SecureLink technology, which provides a more secure connection to protect your data while further optimizing battery life. Just be sure to factor in the cost of an Arlo Secure subscription to get the most utility from this camera.
Read our full Arlo Pro 5S 2K (model number VMC4060P) review
Nest Cam (battery, 2021) – Best security camera for Google Nest smart homes
Pros
- Offers the easiest setup in the industry
- Can be installed indoors or out
- Can operate on AC or battery power
Cons
- Anemic night vision
- Proprietary and too-short power cable
- Subscription required to get full value
Who should buy the Nest Cam (battery, 2021)?
Nest has long offered some of our favorite security cameras, and the Nest Cam (battery), redesigned in 2021, is a versatile offering packed with great features. Naturally, Google Home users will get th
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