The Best Outdoor Security Cameras To See What’s Happening 24/7

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Rich Forbes Staff Forbes Vetted Steven John Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Forbes Vetted Nov 1, 2023, 04:40pm EDT | Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Whether you want to keep tabs on your property while out of town or you just need some added peace of mind while relaxing (or sleeping) at home, outdoor security cameras can help. If your neighborhood is victimized by dreaded porch pirates, outdoor security cameras can offer some much-needed property protection—after all, if you’re armed with one or more camera, you can watch a live feed on your phone no matter where you are.

Also, a prominent camera can ward off a would-be thief before they even go for the grab. The best outdoor security cameras offer crisp night vision and motion sensors to alert you whenever anyone approaches your home—and features that can send people packing. The best outdoor security cameras feature water resistance and can keep tabs on your home 24/7.

Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers The latest outdoor security cameras work with both iPhone and Android phones and tablets, and many are quite affordable, usually costing between $100 and $300. Plus, since they offer a wide field-of-view, you may only need one camera to monitor your entire front yard. Some models have built-in floodlights and security sirens that you can activate remotely to deter local wildlife or potential intruders alike.

Read on for our take on the best outdoor security cameras you can buy today. Best Outdoor Security Camera Overall : Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera Best Outdoor Security Camera With Floodlights : Eufy Floodlight Cam 2 Pro Best 4K Outdoor Security Camera : Arlo Ultra 2 Best Budget Outdoor Security Camera : Wyze Cam V3 Best Ring Outdoor Security Camera : Ring Spotlight Cam Plus Best 1080p Outdoor Security Camera : Google Nest Cam 2nd Gen (Wireless) Best Video Doorbell : Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell Best Outdoor Security Camera Overall 2K Video, A Loud Siren And Even Optional Solar Power Best Features Best Buy Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera Camera Resolution: 2K | Installation: Wireless Best for : Wide compatibility and solid picture quality at a reasonable price point. The Arlo Pro 4 offers 2K resolution video, full-color night vision and comes with a built-in loud siren that you can activate remotely to scare off intruders or wild animals.

This outdoor camera also comes with easy integration with your smartphone, smart home hub or other security equipment so you can create a versatile, seamless setup for your home. This camera also offers an optional solar panel ($60) , which keeps the internal rechargeable battery fully charged. The camera connects wirelessly to your home’s Wi-Fi, so you don’t need an Arlo base station, unlike Arlo’s previous-generation cameras.

If you want to unlock all of the camera’s features, including cloud-based video storage, you’ll need to subscribe to the Arlo Secure service. Arlo provides a complimentary membership for the first three months. After it expires, you can expect to pay between $3 and $15 per month thereafter, depending on the service level you choose.

Pros : Full-color night vision Built-in motion and sound sensor Solar charging is optional Cons : Subscription required to unlock certain features 2K picture quality may not be enough for some Best Outdoor Security Camera With Floodlights Brighten Up Your Outdoor Space To See Who’s Approaching Amazon Eufy Floodlight Cam 2 Pro Camera Resolution: 2K | Installation: Wired Best for: Illuminating your property for a crisp and colorful image. The eufy Cam 2 Pro outdoor camera captures a crisp 2K resolution image with a 360-degree horizontal and 130-degree vertical viewing field to capture everything on your lawn. Additionally, it can adjust the video’s color temperature based on the time of day.

This camera also offers AI Subject Lock and Tracking, so the camera can target people and animals, lock in the subject and track them across its field-of-view. While night vision cameras can capture images and video, sometimes the imagery doesn’t capture the finer details. By including a 3,000-lumen floodlight, the Cam 2 Pro can capture video and images with a crisp detail.

And don’t worry about the light flooding your bedroom or living room; each of the lights is fully adjustable. You also don’t need a subscription for the Cam 2 Pro—all software is unlocked at the time of purchase, and no hub is needed, which can potentially save you up to $15 per month. Plus, it comes with compatibility for both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

One major drawback? It’s bulky and heavy, weighing at just over 3-pounds, so you’ll need to mount it in a sturdy location. Pros: 360-degree field-of-view Adjustable, bright floodlights Tons of smart features Cons: Heavy and bulky Wired-only connection Best 4K Outdoor Security Camera Crystal Clear 4K Video Editor’s Pick Best Buy Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera Camera Resolution: 4K | Installation: Wireless Best for : Its weather-proof build and fully wireless operation. The Arlo 2 captures video in full 4K—the best resolution currently available on the market.

While the Arlo Ultra 2 lacks its own dedicated floodlight, it does give users that 4K resolution in both regular and night vision so you can see exactly what’s outside your front door at all hours. Alternately, it comes with a much-smaller spotlight that pops on when the motion sensor gets triggered as a deterrence. Thanks to its battery-powered, wireless connection, the Arlo Ultra 2 installs easily.

The camera offers an extremely wide, 180-degree field-of-view—security cams like this typically offer no more than about 130-degrees. Plus, the camera reduces the fisheye effect for a more comprehensive image, another byproduct of most cameras on the market. Like others on this list, the Arlo camera still requires a subscription for any cloud-based storage.

Additionally, this price tag is for the camera solely; the Arlo SmartHub that’s required for operation to your Wi-Fi router will cost an extra $112 . Or, you can opt to buy the 2-cam set for a comprehensive package. Pros : 4K resolution Dedicated spotlight option Zoom when viewing the live feed from your phone Utilizes cloud and local video storage Cons : Cloud-based video storage requires subscription Spotlight isn’t as powerful as a floodlight Arlo SmartHub (sold separately) is required for use Best Budget Outdoor Security Camera This Indoor/Outdoor Camera Adds Home Security For Just $32 Good Value Best Buy Wyze Cam v3 Indoor/Outdoor Video Security Camera Camera Resolution: 1080p | Installation: Wired Best for : Getting great image quality at a low price.

Wyze is known for making high-quality, budget-friendly home security products that work just as well as its higher-priced competition. This is certainly true with the Wyze Cam V3 indoor/outdoor security camera. It offers a 1080p HD resolution with a 130-degree field-of-view, along with plenty of other features you’d expect from a versatile security camera.

For example, you’ll get full-color night vision, two-way audio communication and the option for both cloud or microSD memory card video storage for the 24/7 recorded feed. Plus, it has a built-in mini siren for keeping intruders away. The camera is compatible with the free Wyze mobile app, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, and is IP65 weatherproof rated, so it’ll withstand year-round weather conditions.

It also utilizes both motion and sound detection to alert you when something is happening outside of your home that might require your attention. Keep in mind that some features, like the unlimited cloud storage and pet detection are blocked by a paid subscription. Pros : Budget-friendly Motion and audio detection Full-color night vision Cons : microSD memory card sold separately Some features require a paid subscription Does not support Apple HomeKit Best Ring Outdoor Security Camera The Perfect Companion To Any Ring Video Doorbell Amazon Ring Spotlight Cam Plus Resolution: 1080p | Installation: Wireless Best for: Easy integration with the rest of Ring’s ecosystem.

Setting up this Ring Spotlight Cam Plus security camera is as easy as charging a battery, scanning a QR code and twisting home a couple of screws. This is a great choice for the person lacking in time and/or DIY chops but who still wants a great security camera watching over their home or workplace. The wireless camera’s battery will last a solid two months with regular use—constantly sounding the siren and shining the lights will speed its drain, of course—and you can buy an optional second battery or even a solar kit.

And that siren we just mentioned is loud enough to drive off intruders or animals alike at 100 decibels, while the lights will illuminate the entire driveway and much of the yard. You can customize the areas where the camera detects motion and can even set it to tell the difference between any motion (say, a bush in the breeze) and a person, minimizing false alerts. Because it’s an Amazon-brand camera, the Ring camera can be added to your Alexa smart home network, so you can ask Alexa to see a live feed of your camera at any time for extra peace of mind.

The Amazon brand means you can also pair it with the Ring Video Doorbell for a solid security system, especially if you’re already set up in the Alexa network. The biggest downside here is that you’ll need to pay for a subscription to get the most out of the camera, like recorded video. That said, subscriptions don’t cost that much.

Also, you won’t be able to use this camera with Google Assistant or HomeKit, but again the Alexa pairing is seamless Pros: Great battery life Good video quality in light or dark Seamless integration with Alexa network and other Ring devices Cons: Subscription needed for recorded video No Google Assistant or HomeKit connectivity Best 1080p Outdoor Security Camera Easy For Google Enthusiasts To Install And Use Best Buy Google Nest Cam (Battery Version) Camera Resolution: 1080p | Installation: Wireless Best for : Those who want a camera that integrates with Google devices. The Google Nest Cam is an easy-to-install and battery powered outdoor video camera that offers a decent battery life—up to seven months on a single charge for low-traffic homes. The 1080p HDR resolution offers night vision and up to three hours of free video playback; adding a Nest subscription boosts it to up to 60 days on cloud storage.

If your Wi-Fi internet goes down, the camera can internally store up to one hour of video, but you won’t be able to access the feed or recorded content until your service returns. The camera itself relies mainly on a motion sensor to activate. You can, however, see the live feed, review recorded video, or use a two-way communication feature in conjunction with your smartphone.

While the Google camera works seamlessly with an Android smartphone, it also works with an iPhone (with the appropriate mobile app installed). One important update to note: the camera no longer works with the Nest app. You’ll have to install the Google Home app to access the camera’s features.

Pros : Easy installation Decent video resolution Maintains a 3-hour video playback for free Cons : Not compatible with the Nest app Subscription required for expanded cloud storage Battery life may drain quickly depending on traffic Best Video Doorbell Lots of Features, Works With Any Smartphone Amazon Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell Camera Resolution: 2K | Installation: Wired Best for: Security right at the front door. If you’re looking to expand your home security without mounting a full camera system, a video doorbell may suit your home better than an outdoor security camera. The Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell can offer the same security features, such as HDR image and video playback, two-way audio and video chat, as its camera counterparts.

Plus it’s sleek and stylish, and integrates with other Arlo products, all in the dedicated Arlo app. The doorbell can detect things like packages, and it has motion zones that block notifications for motion in a certain area, like a car passing on the street. The doorbell also works with most major smart home platforms, including HomeKit, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings and Amazon Alexa.

Like other devices on this list, you will need to get a subscription to get the most out of your doorbell. The Arlo Secure plan comes at $5 per month, and offers cloud storage, adjustable motion zones, and more. Pros: Compatibility with most major smart home networks Lots of smart features Great design Cons: Subscription required Wired installation Designed only for front doors and porches MORE FROM FORBES VETTED This Month Is The Best Time To Buy A New Mattress And Save Big By Jessica Timmons Contributor The Best Latex Mattresses, Regardless Of Your Budget Or Sleep Style By Kate Watson Contributor What To Look For When Choosing An Outdoor Security Camera In today’s tech-oriented world, it makes sense to invest a small amount of money to be able to better monitor your home.

Most outdoor video cameras are easy to install yourself and cost between $100 and $300 each. They provide tremendous value when it comes to the added peace of mind you’ll experience knowing that you’ll be alerted if a person, wild animal, or unknown vehicle approaches your home. Let’s take a look at some of the key features to look for when choosing an outdoor video camera that’s best suited to meet your home security needs.

The camera you select does not need to offer all of these features, but the more functionality it offers, the better you and your home will be protected. Some outdoor security cameras require professional installation, while others can easily be . .

. [+] installed yourself. getty Video Quality A camera’s resolution determines how much detail the video camera will capture, display and record; the higher the resolution, the better.

Choose a camera offering at least 1080p resolution, although you’ll be able to see and record more detailed video if the camera supports 2K resolution—or better yet, 4K resolution. The field-of-view (FOV) determines how wide of an area the camera can monitor, and it’s measured in degrees. You’ll achieve the best results from a camera that’s able to capture between a 130- and 180-degree field of view.

Some cameras will offer 360-degrees, and in doing so, you’ll want to check the vertical field-of-view to see how much image and video playback you’ll get depending where it’s installed. Almost all outdoor security cameras include a night vision feature. However, not all of them offer full-color night vision.

With full-color night vision, you’ll capture video with a lot more detail at night or in low-light situations (especially if the camera unit does not have a built in floodlight). Motion and Sound Detection Most outdoor security cameras use a built-in motion sensor to detect movement. As soon as the camera registers this movement— be it from a person, vehicle or animal—an alert will immediately be sent to your smartphone and the camera will start recording.

Some cameras also offer sound detection, so if something can’t immediately be seen on-camera, if it’s making loud and unusual noises, you’ll still receive an alert. Weatherproofing All outdoor video cameras are designed to withstand a range of weather elements, such as rain, heat, high winds and snow, for example. When choosing any outdoor security camera, make sure the manufacturer included build-in weather protections so you’re assured it offers appropriate weatherproofing for your home’s location.

Usually, the company will state that it’s an outdoor camera, or mention an IPX waterproofing component. Many security manufacturers sell different cameras for indoor versus outdoor use, although they might look similar in appearance, so be sure to check the fine print. Very rarely are they designed to work in both settings.

Hardwired Versus Battery Powered When an outdoor security camera is hardwired to your home, this means it needs to be powered by the electricity in your home. Thus, unless you’re replacing a traditional outdoor floodlight with an outdoor security camera (with floodlight), you’ll likely need to hire an electrician to install the camera with the proper wiring. This eliminates the need to use batteries, however it’s not a catch-all.

If there’s a power outage, your camera will stop working until it’s restored. That said, if you opt for a wireless outdoor security camera, these typically use a rechargeable battery pack or solar panel for power. You can typically install one of these cameras using little more than a ladder and screwdriver.

With the battery power comes a large caveat—unless the unit is solar powered, you will periodically need to replace or manually recharge the camera’s internal battery. Built-In Floodlights Some outdoor security cameras have a powerful floodlight attached that will automatically turn on when the camera’s motion or sound sensors are activated. You’re also able to control the floodlight manually using the camera’s mobile app, plus pre-set optional timers for the light to automatically turn on or off at specific times of the day or night.

The brightness of an LED floodlight is measured in lumens. The more lumens, the brighter it’ll be. Keep in mind that if the floodlight is coming on more frequently, any wireless, battery-operated outdoor security cameras will see its battery drain more quickly.

Smart Home Compatibility Not all outdoor security cameras’ software is created equal. While many of them offer compatibility with Apple and Android smartphones, not all of them can connect to the dedicated smart home networks like Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit. Most cameras are upfront about which networks they can pair with, and no matter what, the security camera will need to be connected to your home’s Wi-Fi .

Your smartphone can use either Wi-Fi or a cellular data internet connection to check the feeds. Some of these cameras also work with either an Amazon Echo or a Google Nest Hub , so you can see the camera’s live video feed and interact with the camera using the smart hub that’s already located within your home. Cloud-Based Video Storage Versus Local Storage In addition to displaying a live video feed on your smartphone, these outdoor security cameras have the ability to record video content and automatically store it in the cloud or internally on an inserted memory card .

In some cases, you’ll need to pay a monthly fee to take full advantage of cloud-based recording—typically between $5 and $10 per month—to unlock this functionality. Ease Of Installation If you’re replacing a floodlight or existing hardwired video camera with an outdoor security camera and the necessary electrical wiring is already in place, you should be able to install the new hardwired camera easily. However, it’s still a good idea to hire an electrician or handyman to handle the one-time install on your behalf if you have concerns about safety and reliability.

Likewise, if your home is not currently wired for an outdoor camera, you should definitely hire an electrician to do the installation. Since they have the proper tools, experience and knowledge, the install process should take them around one hour. However, if you’ve purchased a battery powered outdoor security camera, you should have no trouble installing it yourself, assuming your able to climb a ladder and use a screwdriver.

Some of them opt to skip the screwdriver and magnetically attach to your home for ease of use, too. Subscription Fees In order to unlock all of the features and functionality that an outdoor security camera offers, you may need to pay an ongoing monthly fee. For example, if you want unlimited cloud-based storage of the recorded video content, most outdoor security cameras require a subscription fee.

Some of them also paywall the number of security cameras that can take advantage of cloud storage. Our recommendation: Determine how much it will cost to unlock and take advantage of all the features built into the outdoor security camera you’re considering, and then decide if the ongoing monthly fee is worth it to you. If it’s not, there are plenty of other options to choose from for your home security that will cost less over time.

Specialty Alerts And Notifications Most outdoor video cameras can do more than just distinguish between people, animals, vehicles and trees blowing in the wind. They can also use face detection and other built-in software to identify what, or who, is outside your home and then generate special alerts that get sent to your smartphone. For example, some cameras will detect a delivery person approaching your home and be able to tell them apart from your family members or other people who are frequent guests to your home.

Others come with special object and package detections so you’ll know exactly when your orders arrive to thwart those pesky porch pirates. Why Trust Forbes Vetted The Forbes Vetted tech team is made up of of accomplished tech experts, many of whom have (literally) written books on the subjects. (A couple of staffers, including Dave Johnson , deputy editor, have in fact authored multiple books on the subject.

) The tech vertical is overseen by Rebecca Isaacs , the consumer tech and electronics editor at Forbes Vetted. This story was authored by contributing writer Steven John , an accomplished writer and journalist with multiple outlets and an experienced product tester. In addition to covering dozens of tech topics, Steven has written many articles covering everything from camping gear to kitchen hardware to DIY tools and more.

He’s an expert in the smart home space, from providing top recommendations on the best robot vacuums for carpets to testing out the best smart lights for your home. We know tech tends to become quickly outdated. To keep this piece fresh and accurate, it will be regularly updated; its current iteration is from November 2023.

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