Consumer security cameras are all the rage. However, which one should you choose to get the best picture quality, install it quickly and use it at no extra cost? This guide will help you make the right choice: it lists the best home security cameras of the moment.
Outdoor security cameras can be equipped with lights or only offer local video storage. To find the surveillance solution that suits you best, we test them for about a week. In doing so, we take particular care to ensure that the installation and operation of the device are simple and intuitive – even for novices.
The performance of the microphone, speaker and alarm is also scrutinised. Finally, if the device is wired, we look at the power consumption to see how much it costs on the annual electricity bill. In short, we leave nothing to chance in determining whether a product is effective.
Google Nest Cam (Outdoor / Indoor, Battery) Security Camera
Pros
- Simple and utterly wireless installation
- Neat design
- Excellent video and audio quality
- Very effective motion detection
- Highly effective facial recognition
Cons
- Average battery life
- Lack of options in home
The Nest Cam (battery) has a neat and clever design and delivers excellent performance. Its motion detection is effective, and the quality is suitable for both image and sound. However, this new Nest Cam lacks some features that have become common in its price range and the Home application, which now wholly replaces Nest’s, still needs to be improved despite Google’s additions.
EZVIZ C8W PRO 2K
Pros
- Strong points
- Beautiful image quality
- 360° vision and motion tracking
- Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection
- Storage on microSD card or cloud
- Powerful speaker, and very sensitive microphone
IP65 certification
Cons
- Not very practical stand
- No pet or package detection
The C8W Pro won’t win any awards for its options and settings, but Ezviz has once again produced a reliable and practical surveillance camera. The image and detection quality is good, and the motorisation allows you to keep an eye on a large area. In addition, the microphone and speaker make it easy to communicate when needed.
TP-Link Tapo 2K Outdoor Security Camera
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Local recording of video clips
- Videos that can be viewed remotely
- Image quality
- Sensitivity of detection
Cons
- Poor microphone and speaker
- No cloud storage
The TP-Link Tapo C310 is easy to use and provides good outdoor security camera system. It offers good image quality day and night and quickly detects any activity. Its local storage solution is a plus for some users who want to avoid putting their data in the cloud, but it does not offer this option. This outdoor camera is an exciting alternative to the excellent and, in principle, more expensive Ezviz C3X.
TP-Link Tapo 2K QHD Outdoor Security Camera
Pros
- People detection
- Ethernet and wifi connection
- Storage on microSD card or cloud
Cons
- Average colour night vision
- The speaker needs to be more powerful
The Tapo C320WS retains the strengths of its smaller sister, the Tapo C310 while introducing some interesting new features with its colour night vision and, above all, person recognition. Thanks to the latter, the detection system is enriched with an additional option to limit notifications while maintaining effectiveness. TP-Link could have gone a little further with its AI, and we regret that the audio part is still average.
EZVIZ BC1 2-Cam Kit Security Camera Outdoor Wireless
Pros
- Image quality
- Color night vision
- Easy to install
- Local or cloud storage
Cons
- Motion detection could be better
- Non-removable battery
- No vehicle recognition
- Base required
With its BC1, Ezviz comes directly to hunt on the lands of Arlo, a specialist in outdoor home security cameras on battery. Furthermore, it seems that the student has surpassed the master: the BC1 is easy to install and configure and offers good quality images, especially at night, thanks to the night vision in colour made possible by the small integrated LED projectors. Despite a somewhat shaky motion detection, Ezviz offers excellent value for money.
Arlo Ultra2 Wireless Outdoor 4K CCTV Camera System
Pros
- High resolution
- Large field of view
- Wireless communication
- It can be combined with smart home systems
Cons
- High price
- No PoE
Above all, installing the Arlo Ultra 2 (VMS5240-200EUS) surveillance camera is simple. Communication is via WLAN, so no cable other than power needs to be connected to the camera. Even without mains power, there are two solutions. A rechargeable battery, which should last up to half a year, and a solar panel are available. Unfortunately, power and data transmission via LAN cable (PoE) was not considered. The camera itself allows hardly any compromises. Thanks to 4K resolution, even small details are captured. There are two infrared LEDs for the night vision functions. In addition, a small spotlight is also built-in, which, like the siren, can serve as a deterrent. In addition, the camera can also be used for communication. Another practical feature is the link to the smart home. This works with Google assistant voice support as well as Amazon and Apple. As expected, the price is high. The full range of functions is only available for a subscription fee.
Reolink 4K Dual-Lens Home Security Camera with 180° Viewing Angle
Pros
- The enormous viewing camera angle of 180
- Weatherproof housing
- It can store footage locally
Cons
- PoE power supply requires a PoE injector
- No WLAN
The Reolink Duo 2 PoE is not a multi camera setup but a camera with two lenses whose image is digitally merged into one. This results in an enormous viewing angle of 180 degrees. For example, you can keep an entire backyard in view with just one camera. The classic surveillance camera is comparatively large and conspicuous, which is why it is more suitable, at least visually, for monitoring company premises than private property. The power supply and the connection to the network are made via Ethernet cable, whereby a PoE injector is necessary for the power supply. This utensil is also more likely to be used in the corporate sector.
Recordings can be stored in the cloud, an FTP server, a video surveillance system or even a microSD card directly in the camera’s housing. The camera’s software can recognise people and pets, and visitors can be contacted directly with the intercom function and app.The sister model with WLAN is more recommendable for home use because of the easier installation conditions.
EZVIZ Elife 2K+ Security Camera System
Pros
- 270-Day Battery Life
- Weatherproof housing
- Everything included for wall mount
- Large field of view with good resolution and decent night vision
- Various warning mechanisms
Cons
- None has known yet
The Ezviz eLife 2K⁺ is a self-sufficient smart security camera designed for wall mounting. Thanks to its weatherproof housing (IP66), it can easily withstand any rain or storm and is one of the outdoor cameras. With a 2K lens with a 112° field of view, the camera has the best prerequisites for good recordings in which you can see everything you need. Even at night, the camera can still produce sharp images at up to 10 metres in night vision mode – even in colour. The integrated memory holds 32 GB, which is easy enough for everyday use. The camera has practical two-way audio to interact with people in front of the camera from a distance or to issue warnings. It also has an alarm siren to draw loud attention to itself and scare off intruders. The camera is quickly integrated into your network via Wi-Fi. Ezviz also offers cloud storage. With 32 GB of memory, however, this does not seem necessary.
Arlo Go 2 - Mobile HD Smart Home Security Camera CCTV
Pros
- Connection via WiFi or 4G
- Good video quality
- Motion and noise detection
- Siren, spotlight, night vision and other functions
Cons
- Not mobile
- Relatively short battery life
- High price
The Arlo Go 2 is aimed at users who want to monitor remote locations. The battery-powered security cameras can transmit images via WiFi and LTE/4G. However, this requires a SIM card with a data plan, which is outside the scope of delivery. In addition, there is the option of saving the images to local storage on a memory card (also not included). The camera captures in Full HD and delivers outstanding image quality. Numerous functions provide many application possibilities. For example, the camera has a built-in siren, a light and a motion sensor. What is annoying is that the camera cannot be tilted or swivelled, therefore, only view a relatively limited area. In addition, the battery is not bad at two months, but more is needed for holiday homes or the like.
Ring Spotlight Cam Pro Battery by Amazon
Pros
- Solid Full HD video quality
- Night vision
- Reliable motion detection and alerts via the app
- Quick-change battery pack
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- Not waterproof
- The alarm siren must be activated manually
The new ring security camera Spotlight Cam Pro Battery already bears the smart features
in its name. It can be mounted entirely wirelessly and is powered by a rechargeable battery. This home security camera offers a warning siren and a bright light to automatically keep intruders away or illuminate a defined area in case of movement. Unfortunately, the warning siren can only be activated manually. The otherwise sufficiently sharp Full HD quality camera also delivers usable night footage thanks to the infrared night vision function. The microphone can be convenient, thanks to which two way talk with people in front of the camera is also possible. The biggest disadvantage of the camera is the lack of fixed memory. The ring also has no use for memory cards. Thus, all camera records are stored in the cloud, to which you only get access if you book a paid subscription model.
