As the basis of your home’s entire security system, an outdoor security camera can keep you aware of your home’s surroundings. Plus, it sends you alerts when motion is detected. You need a reliable device that your family can count on. Unreliable cameras may quit on you at the most inopportune time – a no-go when you’re talking about security. Today’s modern systems, too, can provide other features – motion-based floodlights, sirens, and two-way talk to deter unwanted visitors. I have found the best outdoor security cameras available on the market right now, as well as some deals you shouldn’t miss. Also: The best home security cameras you can buy Eufy Security is known for selling full security systems with no monthly fees and is a great option if you want to avoid having to sign up for a subscription. The EufyCam 3 is the overall best outdoor security camera because it combines wire-free technology, solar power, 4K resolution video, and wide-angle viewing. The cameras also employ BionicMind AI technology, which intelligently differentiates motion from humans, animals, and vehicles, as well as face recognition to inform you who is approaching your home. Plus, the cameras only need a couple of hours of sunlight daily for solar power, so you’ll never need to manually charge them. The cameras pair with the HomeBase 3 for local footage storage, and there aren’t any subscription fees to access your feed. It’s saved right in the hub, no strings attached. This compact security camera is both inexpensive and highly versatile. At only $36, the Wyze Cam v3 is small and waterproof, making it an easy addition to a side yard or porch. These cameras are even popularly used as baby monitors. An advantage of Wyze cameras is that you can switch them around for both indoor and outdoor placement, depending on where we need coverage. For years now, our Wyze Cams have continued to work effectively by reliably alerting us of any motion detection. Without the monthly subscription, the camera will only record clips over a limited time frame. However, you can subscribe to Cam Plus to unlock advanced features. Plus, the Wyze Cam can record onto a microSD card if you choose to add one. Don’t let the Wyze Cam’s size fool you. The camera’s IP65 rating for dust and moisture-proof enables it to withstand rain or shine. Also: Here are the best cheap home security cameras under $100 (and not all require Wi-Fi) The Arlo 4 Pro Spotlight camera is a wide-angle, 2K resolution outdoor security camera that gives you the option to store video recordings in the cloud via subscription or in a separate hub for local storage. What makes this wire-free camera stand out from competitors is the high-quality IR and color night vision. The camera has a bright, motion-activated spotlight that provides enough lighting for a clear night vision picture – so you can clearly see details in visitors’ faces. As a bonus, the camera supports two-way audio. This camera comes with a rechargeable battery that’ll last between three and six months on a single charge. The Ring Floodlight Cam Pro is one way to increase your home security with 2000-lumen floodlights and a built-in 110 dB alarm. You can count on this camera to alert you of motion detection and to even deter unwanted visitors – and if the camera isn’t enough to deter them, the siren will. Ring’s Floodlight Cam Pro features advanced motion detection that you can also choose to set to person-only mode. That way you can avoid floodlighting cars, animals, and falling leaves. If you’re a fan of Ring products, this is the best outdoor camera for you. The live feed and notifications are available for free through the Ring app. However, video recording is only available with a subscription to a Ring Protect Plan. Our cars and motorbikes, unfortunately, are often the target of vandalism and theft. Nowadays, it’s not just your property you might have to worry about – and this is the market that Ring is now targeting. The Ring Car Cam is a discreet vehicle camera with two dual-facing HD cameras to capture activity both inside and outside of your car. If movement is detected, the camera will automatically start recording, with footage captured both day and night. If you want to capture footage while you’re on the road, you can order the Alexa voice assistant to start recording, hands-free. The camera utilizes LTE connectivity, with subscribers able to use up to 2GB per month. You can also connect the camera to your home Wi-Fi. However, you should check Ring’s compatibility list before purchase, as it may not be workable with some electric and other vehicles. With storage that is expandable to up to 16TB, you never have to worry about monthly fees or subscriptions. You can relax knowing you’re protected and that your videos are saved in your home. Plus, the two solar cameras don’t need separate batteries or charging. My best pick overall is great if you want to avoid monthly fees and enjoy great video quality, but different priorities can lead you to an alternative option – such as easy installation, a lower price point, or a camera best suited for vehicles. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right outdoor security camera for your circumstances: I’ve researched and tested many security cameras on the market, and when possible, I’ve examined products hands-on – enough to know which are top-performing. Furthermore, I’ve considered customer reviews, company reputations, and more to recommend the best outdoor security cameras you can rely on.
Wired cameras include plugin options, like the Wyze Cam v3. Others may require wiring either with existing home wiring or new wiring, like the Ring Floodlight Cam Pro and Reolink System.Battery-powered cameras may include a rechargeable battery that you only have to charge every few months, like the Arlo Pro 4. Or, they may use replaceable batteries, as is the case of the Blink Outdoor using AAs. Solar-powered cameras need a solar panel to work. The panel may be built-in along the top edge of the camera like the EufyCam 3, or exist as a separate panel, like the Foaood Camera has. Separate panels won’t blend into your home as easily, but strategically-placed solar-powered cameras mean you never have to worry about charging them or replacing batteries.
Night vision: Night vision allows you to see what’s happening at night, even in low-light conditions. This technology usually uses infrared LED lights to capture images. Color night vision can work with small motion-activated lights built into the camera, capturing high-quality video even at night. Motion detection: Motion detection technology recognizes visitors approaching your property, and the camera alerts you of these events via a mobile app or smart device. Ideally, these features include people and animal detection, so you don’t receive false alarms whenever the neighbor’s cat hangs out on your porch. Package detection is also helpful if you’ve ever lost a delivery to porch piracy. If you are buying an outdoor security camera on a budget, I would at least make sure you get a camera with motion detection technology. Ease of installation: A camera that’s easy to install is better when you’re not particularly handy and don’t want to spend extra money on professional help. Consider the differences in installing wireless, wired, or plugin cameras as well as where you want to place the cameras. It’s a good idea to check for customer reviews to see how other real-world users fare with installation.Cost: When you buy home surveillance systems, consider more than the price of the camera. You might need to consider additional expenses like professional installation, mount bases, cloud storage and premium service monthly fees.Audio: Many cameras have two-way audio so that you can talk with visitors or delivery drivers. Keep in mind that although some cameras allow you to record audio, this may violate federal wiretapping laws unless proper signage is posted – it depends on the state.Field of view: The field of view refers to how much area the camera can cover from a single angle. For outdoor cameras, we prefer a field of view of at least 110 degrees or higher. Resolution: The higher the resolution of the outdoor camera, the more network bandwidth and space on the cloud or internal storage it will require. A higher resolution allows you to see much more detail, but do consider if your home network and broadband speed can support it, and if you are willing to pay for a more expensive cloud storage service. You should opt for a camera with at least 1080p resolution.
When it comes to outside options, some products – including the Ring line – will come with useful accessories, including pole and gutter mounts. Subscriptions are typically required to pay for cloud services to keep your video recordings. Some cameras only store videos in the cloud, while others have options for both cloud and local, so keep an eye out for that. You may choose a camera and lack a way to store videos without a subscription. In that case, you’ll probably only receive motion notifications on your phone and have access to viewing the live feed – the camera won’t record events.
