Don't Leave for Vacation Without First Installing this Home Security Camera (2024)

The Arlo Pro 4 is our pros' favorite wireless security camera for both indoor and outdoor monitoring. We’ve tested previous generations of this model in the Media & Tech Lab, which have stood out for exceptional performance. Installing the Arlo on a wall is as simple as screwing in the magnetic base and popping the camera on. Because the camera is wireless, you can attach it anywhere you want in the range of Wi-Fi, which includes outdoors as it’s weather-resistant.

Compatible with a range of smart home ecosystems like Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings and more, control is easy, and all alerts go straight to your phone. We like that this Arlo camera can even capture color videos at night and has an integrated spotlight as well as a built-in siren that you can trigger directly from the app. Plus, it offers some of the highest-quality video resolution. Just keep in mind that to view all your video recordings in that sharp 2K resolution, you'll need to purchase a $4.99 per month subscription. Without it, your videos will be in lower resolution. Another alternative to accessing 2K videos is to purchase an Arlo SmartHub or Base Station with a max of 2TB of local storage.

The WyzeCam has a whopping 70,000+ Amazon reviews and starts at just $33! Designed for both indoor and outdoor use thanks to a weather-proof design, it'll record video clips whenever motion is detected and send an alert to your phone. A magnetic mounting kit comes included so you can install your camera anywhere feasible, and all videos are saved on the cloud for 14 days with one of the most affordable subscriptions at just $1.67 per month.

You can also go subscription-free and opt for storage on a Wyze microSD card so video continues to record even if your Wi-Fi goes out. This camera also boasts great features such as color night vision and Alexa and Google Home compatibility. Reviewers especially love its small size, but note that the Wyze Cam must be plugged into a power source to operate and an outdoor power adapter must be purchased separately if you plan on setting it up outside.

Motion detection, two-way audio, color night vision and impressive 1080p video quality are just a few of the features you’ll get with this spotlight camera created to keep an eye on what’s going on outside your house. While this model is battery-powered and comes with a rechargeable battery pack, it’s also available in a wired version that’s always connected to power or you can automatically extend battery life with the addition of a solar panel.

Our pros found the setup of the camera easy, and love how intuitive the Ring app is. There are two LED spotlights located on both sides of the camera to help light up dark areas outside, and we found motion detection responsive. We were also impressed by the bird’s eye view feature, which gives you access to an aerial view of your home. Though you can always check your live video feed without a Ring Protect subscription, for $3.99 a month you’ll not only have access to live feeds but also 180 days of history. With this subscription, you'll get richer notifications, custom alerts and the ability to save and share videos.

Once this outdoor Nest Cam detects people, vehicles or animals, it not only notifies you on your phone but can also shine two bright built-in included LED lights to light up that area so you’re always aware of who or what is outside your home. It’s weather-resistant and packs excellent video quality at 1080p, as well as two-way audio so you can speak to your guests or delivery service from anywhere. During their in-Lab analysis, our experts were impressed by the quality of construction of the camera; it weighs in at 3.45 pounds, which is several times heavier than most security cameras. Between its heft and the fact that it must be hardwired, you may need a professional to install it for you, though replacing an existing wired floodlight with the Nest Cam might be doable for experienced DIYers.

Thanks to a constant connection, your camera is able to record 24/7 so you'll never miss someone passing through the yard. We like that the optional $6 per month Nest Aware subscription offers facial recognition to avoid unnecessary alerts for family or friends approaching, though if you choose to skip the subscription you’ll still have access to three hours of event video history. While this floodlight is for outdoor use only, our pros also recommend the wired Nest Cam if you want surveillance indoors.

Crisp 1536 x 1536 resolution, a 180-degree viewing angle and two-way audio make this video doorbell from Arlo a top choice for those looking for 24/7 surveillance right outside their door. You’ll be immediately notified as guests approach your home or when packages are dropped off thanks to responsive motion detection. In fact, the Arlo doorbell can distinguish among people, animals and cars to provide the most accurate notifications.

Set up of the Arlo is intuitive and hassle-free thanks to its wireless design. Video footage can be stored locally, or you can opt for a $4.99 per month subscription for 30 days of video cloud storage so you can access your surveillance history directly from your phone. If you use smart assistants, Arlo is compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant as well as IFTTT (If This Then That), which allows you to create chain reactions like having a porch light turn on when someone rings the doorbell.

Worried about your home security camera’s battery dying on you? Consider this solar-powered outdoor camera that requires just two hours of direct sunlight a day for continuous power. As soon as motion is detected, a built-in 600 Lumens spotlight will turn on as the camera captures footage in color night vision. “The 2K video resolution and quality was really nice,” comments Lab Assistant Nik Greenwald, who recently tested the camera in the Media & Tech Lab.

Greenwald points out how intuitive the Eufy app is, and that the camera held up to water-resistance claims during our rigorous tests by performing without issue even after it was submerged in water. Our pros also like that, unlike other home security cameras, this one comes with 8GB of local storage, which should give you about two months of storage so you can avoid paying another pesky monthly subscription fee.

The pros at the Good Housekeeping Institute Media & Tech Lab test all sorts of surveillance electronics, from the best baby monitors to pet cameras. To find the best home security cameras, we evaluate each one for video and audio performance, ease of installation and operation, app intuitiveness and motion detection. We also consider extra features such as smart home integration, storage capabilities and water-resistance claims for outdoor cameras when making our selections. In addition to in-Lab tests conducted by our experts, we send security cameras to homes when possible for consumers to try out and assess based on factors such as ease of setup, how well they work in day-to-day life, battery life and more.

To assess ease of use, we look at how intuitive it is to set up the camera and pair it with an app, how easy it is to customize settings and navigate the app, how accurate and useful alerts are, and if there are any issues with reviewing the video footage or history on the app.

In terms of performance, our Lab's analysts evaluate video quality in both daylight and nighttime conditions, considering the camera’s field of view and how much of the area is captured. We also assess the accuracy of motion detection notifications, along with the camera’s audio quality for both mic pick-up and speaker playback.

✔️ Resolution: You should find a home security camera with good picture quality. Our pros recommend one that has at least 720 pixels, though if you want clearer footage, consider opting for 1080 pixels. If you’re looking for the sharpest and most detailed video quality, you can't go wrong with a security camera that has 2K resolution.

✔️ Local vs. cloud storage: Home security cameras store video footage either locally on the device (usually with a microSD card) or in a cloud. Typically cloud storage requires a monthly subscription, while local storage may be more affordable and easier to download footage from.

✔️ Wired vs. wireless: Home security cameras can be wired, meaning they need to be plugged in, or they can be wireless and cord-free. Wireless cameras are powered by a battery that needs to be recharged every few months (unless you’re using it alongside a solar panel that charges it in direct sunlight). Wired cameras, on the other hand, are reliable and constantly connected to power so you don’t have to recharge them, but they may be harder to initially set up. Most online reviewers prefer wireless cameras as they're easier to move around and switch locations when needed. One thing to note is that wireless security cameras may be more prone to hacking, though most major brands these days offer high-end encryption to protect your privacy.

✔️ Indoor vs. outdoor: If your main goal is to prevent theft, go with an outdoor camera as it'll capture footage before someone enters your home and can deter a burglar with motion-activated technology or built-in lights that switch on. Indoor cameras are a great way to supervise any mischievous pets or kids while also maintaining a level of security. Most outdoor cameras can also be used indoors, but indoor cameras that are not weatherproof must be kept inside.

✔️ Price: Before buying a home security camera, you should know that most home security cameras require a subscription for complete access to all footage the camera captures. Though you may have enough for your needs without a subscription and should usually be able to access live video streams and receive notifications, you likely will have to pay extra for access to all features. For most of the home security cameras above, brands offer a monthly or yearly subscription that gives you full access to all video footage instead of shorter clips, on top of other advanced perks such as facial detection, so you won't get intruder alerts for your babysitter or family members.

✔️ Smart home compatibility: Many home security cameras today are compatible with your favorite voice assistants, like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. If you already use a voice assistant, try to find a home security camera that supports it so you can access handy voice commands and easy integration.

The Good Housekeeping Media & Tech and Home Improvement Lab provide expert reviews and advice on all things smart home-related, from building up a smart ecosystem to installing smart plugs, smart speakers and more.

Rachel Rothman, Chief Technologist & Director of Engineering at the Institute, has put her training in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics to work by researching, writing about products in the tech space and leading tests across a number of categories — including electronics, smart home, automotive, toys, parenting, fitness, tech, startups and more.

Senior Product Analyst Emma Seymour closely collaborated with Rothman to write this guide, which was most recently updated with the latest home security cameras by Media & Tech Reviews Analyst Olivia Lipski.