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Are you always worrying about what’s going on in your home when you’re not around? Do you need the smart home security camera to monitor your home and backyard? If potential burglaries and invasion of privacy are keeping you up at night — you’ve come to the right place.
A good smart home security camera could solve the problems that aren’t letting you get a good night’s sleep. You won’t have to worry about your dogs or kids playing in the yard because you’ll be able to see them at all times.
Still, even the smart home security camera for home use can come with seemingly crucial bells and whistles, which does make figuring out what’s really important somewhat tough. How can you be sure that you’re not falling prey to a clever marketing trick?
To help you figure out what’s what, I’ve created this guide. I will show you my eight favorite choices and crown a winner at the end. If you want to learn everything there is to know about the smart home security camera for home use — keep on reading.
My Top Picks for the Budget Home Security Camera
It’s time to check out all the features and benefits of my eight favorite smart home security cameras. Let’s see who comes out on top as the home security — after the reviews, I’ll crown the winner.
#1. Arlo Pro
Made by a company that truly does it all when it comes to home security, Arlo Pro claims to be the smart home security camera for both indoor and outdoor use. With its 7-day cloud recording service and motion tracking detection sensors, this wire-free system could finally help you feel safe at home.
Features and Benefits
The Arlo Pro is a wire-free system that is IP65-certified to withstand various weather conditions. With this wireless home system, you can live-stream your video in HD quality. What’s more, you can get the system with 1–6 cameras, and you can even buy an add-on camera later.
Power Source
Recording
Speakers and Mic
Arlo has also equipped this system with advanced motion sensors. In fact, the cameras have passive infrared sensors (PIR) to ensure that no motion is left unnoticed. The system’s night vision feature is also something worth mentioning.
It has integrated night vision sensors that automatically turn on at night so that you never miss what’s happening in your home. Finally, one of the main reasons I think Arlo Pro deserves to be called the smart home security camera for home use is a smart siren. The cameras have a 100-decibel siren that you can control remotely and use to scare away any potential burglars.
The App
Installation
Even if you don’t have any previous experience installing a smart home security camera, this one should be a piece of cake. What’s more, the app is pretty easy to install, set up, and use. But not everything is as perfect as it seems.
The Arlo Pro system has some issues with the motion detection sensors. No matter how you adjust the settings, the sensors are too sensitive. They will pick up a leaf blowing in the wind or a car driving in the distance.
On the other hand, I wouldn’t recommend disconnecting them or turning the notifications off because that might be dangerous. If you get a notification that someone has turned your sensors off, you should immediately check to see if there’s a burglar in your home.
#2. Blink XT 2
Next up, we have one of the smart home surveillance cameras from Blink. It is a system from their XT line, with a set of batteries that could keep it running for two years (or so the company says).
Features and Benefits
The XT is a set of two wireless security cameras that you can install indoors and outdoors. In fact, Blink claims that their smart home surveillance cameras are weather-resistant and that you can install the cameras almost anywhere.
Power Source
Video
The system can record up to 30 frames per second (FPS) without any delay as well. Also, even though it is 2-home security, you can buy an add-on camera that plugs into your main storage component.
Mic and Speakers
Another feature that’s worth mentioning is the infrared night vision. With it, you can watch everything that’s going on in your backyard at night in HD resolution.
The App
You can also stream the footage from your phone, laptop, or tablet. With the app, you will receive instant notifications when someone or something sets your motion detector off. Furthermore, you can customize and adjust the motion detection sensors and their sensitivity. Blink will also give you a year’s worth of free storage. In fact, you don’t even need to sign a service contract to get it. The system is also compatible with Alexa.
Installation
The XT comes with two AA lithium batteries, a power adapter, a mounting kit, a USB cable, and a user guide. Are there any problems with the Blink XT? Well, even though it is a fairly efficient smart home security camera, I had an issue with the two-way audio feature. At times, it became difficult to hear anything that was going on outside. What’s more, the built-in speakers seem to be of poor quality, and the volume is always too low.
#3. Arlo Pro 2
You might be wondering if and how a company can have more than one smart home wireless security camera. Well, when you plug the Pro 2 into an outlet, you’ll get some never-before-seen features like the 3-second Look-Back and 24/7 recording.
Features and Benefits
With this smart home wireless security camera, you can once again use the smart security siren, which you can control remotely via the app. The Pro 2 is a bit louder compared to the previous model, and the siren is 100 decibels.
Video
Power Source
Other Features
The App
Installation
The only downside I’ve seen with the Arlo Pro 2 and the company’s other systems is wide-angle. Since it has a 130° range, the footage almost seems distorted sometimes, and it’s difficult to make out some of the details.
#4. Wyze Cam
My next pick for the smart home wireless security camera comes from a company called Wyze. With HD resolution, an innovative design, and a huge online community, the Wyze system could be the next big thing.
Features and Benefits
Like the previous systems I’ve mentioned, this one has two-way audio. All of the cameras have a built-in mic and speakers, so you can listen and talk to people in your home. They also have an infrared lens, and you can watch everything that’s happening in the dark from 30 feet away.
Video
Design
Motion Detection Sensors
What’s more, with Wyze’s free AI detection software, you will be able to make out the people in the footage.
The App
Installation
The only issue I had with this system is data privacy. I would recommend checking out the terms and conditions, as well as some privacy reports on the app before signing up for all of the features. What’s more, the app isn’t always reliable — it sometimes stops working without any reason whatsoever.
#5. Reolink Argus 2
Next up, I want to talk about eco-friendly home security reviews for indoor and outdoor use — the Argus 2. Let’s see how you can use what Reolink claims to be their home security reviews to interact with everyone in your home.
Features and Benefits
You can use its Starlight Night Vision option to watch everything happening in the dark from 33 feet away. Additionally, Argus 2 comes with a smart PIR motion sensor that will send push notifications to your app as soon as it’s triggered.
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Video Quality
Motion Detection Sensors
Power Source
The App
The Reolink app is compatible with Alexa, and you can download it from the App Store or Google Play. You’ll be able to receive notifications each time your sensors get triggered and even when your battery has less than 10%. But that’s not all. You can also remotely control a 75-decibel siren and scare off any potential intruders, as well as create your own voice alerts based on what you need.
Installation
The only thing that worries me about the Argus 2 is that not all of the features are available in every country. Even though most of them work well for users from the US, they still sometimes malfunction. Also, on their website, you can see that numerous advertised features haven’t been released yet.
#6. Amcrest ProHD WiFi IP Security Camera
Now, let’s talk about Amcrest, yet another contender for the title of the smart home security camera. Can this camera stand the test of time and is it as durable as the company claims?
Features and Benefits
The system has a two-way audio feature that you can control with the app. The camera also has 12 infrared LEDs in it, so you will be able to see up to 32 feet in the dark.
Video Quality
Motion Detection Sensors
The App
Amcrest gives you four hours of recorded storage for free, as well as a live streaming feature. Additionally, you can use the app to set up different alerts and push notifications.
Installation
As far as the installation process goes, it is pretty simple; it shouldn’t take you over an hour to set up the system. Now, the one downside to the ProHD camera is that you can’t install it outside because the system is not weatherproof. Besides that, you need to make sure that your system is close to your router because it won’t work well if you have a weak connection.
#7. ZOSI 1080P WiFi Security All-in-One Monitor System
if you’re looking for a home security systems you can install both inside and outside, Zosi could be the smart home security camera and your family. It’s weatherproof and has IR sensors.
Still, the app leaves much to be desired.
Features and Benefits
The camera has a two-way audio feature. With a built-in microphone and speaker, you’ll be able to talk with anyone in your home. Also, the system has PIR motion detection, which is one of the reasons it might be the smart home security camera on the market right now (or at least one of the best).
Video Quality
Motion Detection Sensors
The cameras will only send an intruder alert to your phone when they sense the heat coming off moving objects. So, you won’t have to worry about a car or rustling leaves setting your motion detection sensors off.
The System
All you have to do is hook your cable to the monitor and sync the cameras. You can easily back up all of your recordings from the LCD monitor with a USB flash drive. The interface is simple and intuitive; you can look up the footage you want by searching for different days, hours, and even minutes.
The App
Installation
For easy installation and setup, Zosi has included a camera and monitor mounting kit, as well as the user manual. Now, the one issue I’ve seen with the Zosi system is the app. Even though it is easy to install and set up, at times, it won’t sync with the cameras. What’s more, some features, like the multiple monitoring one, can stop working for no apparent reason.
#8. Nest Security Camera
Last but not least, we have the Nest Security camera. You can get the Nest cameras for indoor or outdoor use as they have all-glass lenses and are made out of premium materials. Of course, you can also get the bundle with both types included.
Features and Benefits
Setting the system up is pretty easy, and Nest even says that their cameras can work in all homes. You can set the camera down on a flat surface, stick it to something that’s made of metal, mount it on the wall, or use it with a tripod.
Video Quality
Motion Detection Sensors
In addition, by customizing your activity zones, you can keep an eye on the areas that are most important to you. The cameras also have a two-way audio feature and a built-in microphone and speakers.
The App
However, when syncing your cameras with the app, make sure you’ve turned your Bluetooth on and that your phone and system are on the same network.
Installation
Also, they will send you two guides — a Welcome guide and a Quick Start guide. Even though it comes with some incredible features and might even be the smart home security camera, the Nest is not without its problems.
The biggest issue the Nest system has is the subscription fee. Unless you become a member and get the monthly or yearly plan, you won’t have access to most of the app features.
Final Comparison — My Top 8 Picks
| Image | Title | Highlights | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Arlo Pro | This camera system will work both indoors and outdoors. It is easy to install and has plenty of features, like motion detection and PIR sensors. | PrimeEligible | CHECK FOR PRICE | |
| 2. Blink XT 2-Camera System | Blink’s cameras have 1080p full HD resolution, and its lithium batteries can last up to two years. It also works with Google Assistant and Alexa. | PrimeEligible | CHECK FOR PRICE | |
| 3. Arlo Pro 2 | New and improved, the Arlo Pro 2 boasts many features and is waterproof. The cameras have a wide viewing angle and HD resolution. | PrimeEligible | CHECK FOR PRICE | |
| 4. Wyze Cam | This camera system from Wyze has smart motion detection sensors and is really easy to install. Also, you can watch live footage via the app. | PrimeEligible | CHECK FOR PRICE | |
| Top | 5. Reolink Argus 2 | This camera system comes with a 130-degree viewing angle and rechargeable batteries. The cameras are weatherproof, and you can even create your own voice alerts. | PrimeEligible | CHECK FOR PRICE |
| 6. Amcrest ProHD WiFi IP Security Camera | With this system, you can set your own detection zones. What’s more, it has a two-way audio feature and infrared LEDs. | PrimeEligible | CHECK FOR PRICE | |
| 7. ZOSI 1080P WiFi Security All-in-One Monitor System | Zosi’s cameras will work great for those who want a fully automated home security system. They are easy to install and have PIR sensors. | PrimeEligible | CHECK FOR PRICE | |
| 8. Nest Security Camera | The Nest cam is easy to install — you can mount it on plenty of surfaces. It also offers a 130-degree viewing range and HD resolution. | PrimeEligible | CHECK FOR PRICE |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Types Of Camera Systems Available
Now, buying the smart home security camera can be tough if you don’t know what you’re looking for. The two main types I’m going to show you are indoor and outdoor home security camera.
Indoor Camera Home System
Long gone are the days when you had to call an electrician and spend hundreds of dollars just to get your wireless security camera installed. Nowadays, most indoor camera home systems are plug and play. What’s more, most of them have apps that you can use to control, monitor, and remotely access your cameras.
But, if you want to find the smart home security camera, you need to consider which features are essential to you:
- Video Quality — Do you want 720p or 1080p video quality? Is live streaming important to you? Of course, cameras with lower video quality might be cheaper. But if you want to stream your feed on your phone, then you may need to spend some extra cash on 1080p.
- Night Vision — When looking to buy a wireless security camera, you also need to find out if it offers night vision. What’s more, you should always check what kind of range it has.
- Two-Way Talk — Do you want to talk with others through your camera? If so, you need to get a wireless security camera that has a two-way audio feature. The cameras that have it come with a built-in speaker and microphone.
- Video Storage — How much storage do you need? Do you want to keep the footage on your device for a few days, weeks, or months?
Are You Still Looking For a Better wireless security camera Options? Check our guide on the best long-range wireless security camera systems that have been popular this year 2020 (security packages).
Types of Indoor Security Camera
In addition to the regular indoor wireless security camera, there are three more types you can look into. First up, we have nanny cams that work great when you want to keep an eye on your babysitters, kids, or pets. Depending on what you need, you can get hidden or exposed nanny cams.
Next, you can get pet cams, which are pretty similar to nanny cams, with a few key differences. For example, some newer models of pet cams have built-in speakers or laser lights so that you can interact with your pets even when you’re not home.
Finally, if you want to get a wireless security camera for your home but aren’t fond of nanny cams, you can look into baby monitors. Some of the latest versions of baby monitors have heat and humidity sensors, remote light displays, two-way talk features, and much more.
Outdoor Camera Home System
If you want to complete your security system, you can get outdoor cameras too. Let’s go through all of them briefly and see which one would be the security camera.
- Analog Security Cameras – Analog cams plug directly into a computer and run on closed-circuit television (CCTV) software. CCTV software uses a wired system that receives video from the cameras and then stores it on a hard drive.
- Network Security Cameras – In contrast, network security systems use IP cameras that are more expensive and have more features compared to the analog ones. Instead of a DVR, network wireless home security camera stores the video footage on an SD card.
- Dome Security Cameras – Dome security cameras usually have a wide-angle, and they’re known to be burglar-proof. Also, because they have a domed shape, they’re protected from harsh weather conditions and are pretty durable.
- Bullet Security Cameras – Bullet cameras are pretty similar to dome cams in terms of shape and durability. However, they are a bit easier to install and have a wider angle.
- Pan, Tilt, and Zoom Security Cameras – Last but not least are the pan, tilt, and zoom security cameras. I would recommend them to households with large backyards because of their viewing range. Also, due to their shape, they can scan and record video from different angles.
Things To Consider — Best Home Camera System Features
Finally, before I get into the reviews, let’s talk about the most important things you should look for when shopping for the security camera. Before you make your final decision on which system to buy, consider where, how, and why you’re going to use it.
- Field of View – A vast majority of security cameras has a viewing range of anywhere between 90° to 140°. If you need a wireless home security camera for a larger room or a backyard, you should get one with a bigger range.
- Night Vision – If you want to monitor your home 24/7, having a night vision feature is crucial. Luckily, most systems offer some form of night vision.
- Motion Detection – Wireless home security camera can have a 90°–270° motion detection range (sound detection). If you have motion detection sensors, you will get an alert on your phone or computer each time someone or something moves in your home.
- Source of Power – Another thing to consider is what kind of power source the camera system uses. Some of the options you can choose from are Power over Ethernet (POE), batteries, and even solar power.
- App Support – Nowadays, all of the security camera manufacturers have their own apps. You can use the apps to get alerts, notifications, and watch a live feed from your security cameras.
- Installation – When looking for the security camera, you also need to consider how easy it is to install. A company might offer to set up their system for free. On the other hand, you might have to install it on your own, which means you need to be at least a little bit tech-savvy. In any case, that shouldn’t be a problem with wireless cams because most of them are plug and play.
Related Topic That You Might Been Looking For: Best Self-Monitored Home Security Systems
To Conclude
And there you have it — any of these could be the security camera. So, now that you’ve seen what my top picks are, it’s time to declare a winner. But remember — before making any decisions, figure out which type of camera would work best in your home.
If you want the security camera for both indoor and outdoor use, go with something that is IP65-certified. On the other hand, if security is your number one issue, you should get dome or bullet-shaped cameras. These usually have a wide-angle, can easily blend into any environment, and are quite durable. With that said, I believe that the security camera is Reolink Argus 2.
The system has Starlight Night Vision and PIR sensors. It comes with a siren, the voice alerts are customizable, and it works with Google Assistant and Alexa. Furthermore, you can install it both inside and outside, as well as recharge the batteries using solar energy.
Do you want to know more about Reolink Argus 2? We have written a guide on the top 5 best battery-powered security cameras this 2019 as we uncover the amazing features of reolink as a full security camera package that you can buy today.
