Securing Your Home: The Best Security Camera Systems Reviewed

The choice of appropriate security cameras is a key point for the smooth installation of CCTV systems. However, the growing number of offers from the manufacturers and software developers makes selections a hard work for homeowners. Still, we are here to help you find out what is the best security camera and hope that our recommendations will come in handy.

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Through years of our work, we explored options and properties of many models developed by top brands. Now, we are going to unveil the key benefits of the cameras we liked best, while our rating includes devices which turn out to be the right solution in specific cases.

1.SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe home security cameras are often marked as the best burglar deterrents thanks to special features, such as Intruder Intervention and Active Guard. The first option means that company’s agents have remote access to the device and can talk to an intruder and scare him off when you are somewhere out. Thanks to the Active Guard option for an outdoor camera, they can also prevent the intervention as it is through activating spotlight and sirens, which could instantly terrify the attacker. The live stream opens right at the moment motion is detected.

The options are included in SimpliSafe paid monitoring plan and may cost you money. However, the safety and integrity of your home is a game that is worth the candle.

Pros:

  • Both DIY and professional monitoring options are available.
  • You can install the security system on your own.
  • Easy integration with Google Home and Alexa.
  • Active Guard and Intruder Intervention, unique features for outdoor and indoor cameras.
  • Privacy shutters for cameras provided.

Cons:

  • You have to subscribe to a monitoring plan for the access to the cloud storage.
  • No 4K quality.
  • Their security camera range is limited.

2.Ring

With its Indoor Cam, Floodlight Cam, Spotlight Cam, Stick Cam, brand-new Car Cam, and their sub-variants, the brand offers the largest array of models for your security. Almost all models are introduced in base version and a Pro model, a device which can tilt and pan. The cameras may be powered by electricity, a battery, or even a solar panel; the set of options depends on the model and its sub-version as well.

As for up-to-date monitoring features, you can appreciate 3D-motion detection and Bird’s Eye View which is a simulation of top-view, allowing you to see anyone who dares to intervene with your house. Still, the brand offers quite affordable and high-quality models without top-notch features, such as Ring Indoor Cam. The device can stream and record videos, detect motion and plug into any outlet, and the key functions are available for $60 only.

Pros:

  • The selection of outdoor and indoor cameras suits any demands.
  • The HD video image quality is hard to beat.
  • There are no problems with DIY installation.
  • You can integrate cameras with third-party smart platforms.

Cons:

  • Hardwiring is necessary for Ring Pro cam installation.
  • The Ring devices are a costly matter.
  • Some models look too massive.
  • False alarms may be triggered occasionally.

3.Wyze

Wyze is a security camera brand which helps to protect your house from intruders without sending your budget into a tailspin. Its lineup includes models which are really cheap; you can buy a Wyze camera for just $30 and add options like pan-and-tilt for $10 only. However, the brand’s devices are not low-tech at all. You can rely on their ability to detect specific audio frequencies and detect motion, choose cameras with floodlights and spotlights, or use them within the Wyze Home Monitoring System with entry sensors and motion sensors.

Pros:

  • The Wyze indoor camera prices are the most affordable.
  • You can store videos in the cloud for 14 days for free.
  • The voice control is carried out via Alexa.
  • There are some cutting-edge features like motion tagging.

Cons:

  • Only self-monitoring is offered.
  • You can select from indoor cameras only.
  • You have to plug Wyze cameras in, and the power cords are too long sometimes.
  • There is no geofencing technology.

4.Lorex

The brand is known for its high-end and high-quality hardware. Moreover, the majority of Lorex cameras are protected with heavy-duty metal cases, and their wiring is really thick; all this turns them into prominent outdoor devices. It is a challenge for any intruder to destroy or to break any of them. Still, though its exterior is bulky, they are high-tech and user-friendly.

Video surveillance elements from Lorex are known for their state-of-the-art NVR or DVR, so they can record video non-stop, and then restart over the oldest clips when the recorder is full. Facial recognition, 4K solution, and person detection are also options to believe Lorex cameras are reliable and effective.

Pros:

  • The HD video quality is very clear, vivid, and up to 4K.
  • Some Lorex models offer long-range night vision options.
  • All cameras are professionally designed and assembled.
  • The number of options is really impressive.

Cons:

  • High-end video surveillance systems may cost you a fortune.
  • Sorting out cameras’ options may be challenging.
  • You have to plug devices into power outlets.
  • Lorex customer support leaves much to be desired sometimes.

5.Arlo

The brand pushed the standard high-definition resolution of 1080 p down the list with its 4K ultra-high-definition. The hearts of installers and home owners have been stolen by the weatherproof Arlo Ultra security camera which can lower resolution at lower bandwidth and owns a number of features, including integration with Google Assistance and Alexa, remote control siren, and two-way voice.

An array of setup options may also be considered Arlo’s benefit. The brand offers both wired and wireless versions, as well as magnetic mounts for fast and easy installation. The footage can be saved on a USB, though you can also use the cloud with a seven-day free access.

The Arlo’s lineup includes an array of high-low and closer-to-budget options. While Arlo Ultra has proven its ability to provide the most effective resolution at a rather high price, there are more affordable versions, such as wireless Arlo Pro 4. The model is a good option, with its 1080p and 2K video quality and some cutting-edge features like color night vision and integrated spotlight while its rain and sun resistance contribute to their user-friendliness. If you are tech-savvy, you can also consider the Arlo Pro 5S, a spotlight device with 2K video quality, revolutionary 160-degree viewing angle. and longer battery life.

Pros:

  • The quality is about to reach for the stars.
  • The number of options provides choices to every need and taste.
  • You don’t need to step into a long-term subscription.

Cons:

  • High quality and excellent functionality cost appropriately.
  • Home automation option is not included.
  • Entryway sensors are out of the features’ list.

6.Nest

Nest Cam ranks first if you are in search of cameras which are the most compatible with Google Home products, as well as with Google Assistant. Moreover, you can just use your voice to manage it. The Nest lineup includes battery-powered weatherproof devices, models with floodlights, and wireless and wired hardware. Person and motion detection are also points to consider. The company also offers its own Nest Aware subscription offering cloud recording, facial recognition aka Familiar Face Alerts, and up to 10 days of footage at the highest resolution.

Pros:

  • Plenty of smart features for the highest security level.
  • The ability to stream live video round-the-clock.
  • The 1080p HD video admires with clarity.
  • Z-Wave technology may be integrated.

Cons:

  • Local video storage option is not offered.
  • Internet connection is always required.
  • Nest has something to do to improve its customer service.

7.eufy 2K Camera

Hardware by eufy is a proof of the fact that high quality and affordable price are quite compatible when it comes to home security. The brand offers 2K quality indoor cameras for Apple HomeKit, so we can name it a rare bird because the majority of manufacturers prefer to deal with Alexa and Google Assistant only. All eufy devices are fully compatible with Siri which provides end-to-end encryption for all videos, as well as 10 days of extended cloud storage. All these options make these devices a top-notch option for iPad and iPhone users.

We have already mentioned affordable prices, and would like to specify them right now. The eufy 2K camera will cost you just $43, while prices for similar hardware models starts at $100. At this investment, you can count on notifications when people appear next to your home, proper footage quality, and proven reliability.

Pros:

  • Prices are more than affordable.
  • Two-way audio contributes to security and peace of mind.
  • You can integrate it with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant.

Cons:

  • The brand offers plug-in cameras only.
  • eufy cameras can’t work within 5G networks.
  • It is necessary to provide much data for 2K HD cloud streaming.

8.Blink

Blink cameras are of rather high demand, because they are easy to install and easy to use, both indoors and outdoors of residential or commercial property. The hardware can boast a number state-of-the-art features, including two-way audio (optionally), customizable motion zones, motion and temperature sensors, and compatibility with Amazon Alexa.

The work of both indoor and outdoor battery-powered cameras is based on passive infrared (PIR) motion sensors. They recognize heat signatures from living creatures and start shooting only at the moment; it is a battery-saving feature compared to motion detection. Cheap cloud storage is also on the list of benefits, though you can do without monthly fees at all with a USB flash drive or a Sync Module 2 hub.

Pros:

  • You can install Blink cameras on your own.
  • The devices are reliable and maintenance is low.
  • Battery life is extended.
  • No contract for self-monitoring required.

Cons:

  • Features list is a bit outdated.
  • Video storage options leave much to be desired.
  • Streaming is available to one person at a time only.

Our list includes short reviews of cameras which became the most popular for certain qualities, such as crisp HD video, top-notch features, and durability, as well as affordable pricing. Still, there are also reliable brands which offer high-quality hardware for video surveillance systems. You can consider cameras by Swann, Zmodo, or Ecobee, with their vast array of models to every taste and budget.

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Finally, it’s up to you to decide what security camera suits you best. Think of what you expect from the video surveillance of your home, explore all options, and plan your budget for hardware and installation. If there are any doubts, consult professional installers or turn to an expert team which can offer an appropriate package for safety and security of your property.