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The days of bulky CCTV cameras are long gone, and modern home security cameras are now compact, smart and affordable. You no longer have to worry about clunky cameras that continuously record with no end or purpose aside from capturing video. Instead, the best security cameras are smart enough to ensure that only real threats are captured. Thanks to these vast improvements in camera technology, anyone can protect their home from every angle, inside and out.
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Because we’re big fans of smart home systems, we’ve tested every major product in this category. Our editors and contributors have tested all of the best home security cameras, and some of our product testers have over a decade of experience reviewing these products. We know exactly what sets the best security cameras apart from the competition, such as offering excellent video quality, reliable alerts, color night vision and the ability to detect threats intelligently. We know that no one has the time to micromanage their camera and security setup. Instead of scrolling through hours of video footage, the top security cameras only record what you need to see, and they can even send you real-time alerts as potential threats are detected.
For this review, SPY tested more than 20 security cameras over a year-long period, covering indoor cams, outdoor cams and video doorbells. With so much testing under our belt, we can confidently say you’ll find the best home security cameras of 2022 below. If you’re in the market for smart security products, then keep reading for SPY’s in-depth security camera reviews.
The Best Home Security Cameras At a Glance
1. Best Overall: Google Nest Cam (battery) — $179.99 at Target
2. Runner Up: Ring Video Doorbell 4 — $199.99 at Amazon
3. Best Budget: Wyze Cam V3 — $34.99 at Amazon
4. Most Versatile: Eufy Solo IndoorCam P24 — $54.99 at Amazon
5. Best Video Quality: Arlo Pro 4 — $199.99 at Amazon
6. Most Travel Friendly: Wyze Cam Outdoor — $59.99 at Amazon
7. Best Detection: Google Nest Doorbell — $179.99 at Home Depot
8. Widest Field of View: Logitech Circle View — $159.99 at Amazon
9. Best For Privacy: Arlo Essential Indoor Camera — $99.99 at Amazon
10. Quick Setup: GE Cync Indoor Camera — $69.99 at Amazon
11. Longest Battery Life: Blink Outdoor — $89.99 at Amazon
SPY Home Security Camera Reviews: About Our Testing Process
Why should you trust us? For starters, our editors and contributors have tested a ton of home security cameras. For this product category, our testing and review process consists of using a particular camera for weeks at a time until we can properly evaluate its responsiveness, security and privacy features, video quality, smart features and video quality. We tested some of the models below for months at a time before rendering a verdict.
Of course, our subjective experience of using them in a home setting is valuable, but for this particular roundup, we also assessed each camera according to the following criteria:
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Field of view: The maximum coverage area that the camera can see. Wider is better.
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Video quality: How well does the footage look when previewed?
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Offline mode: Can they continue to operate if there are internet outages at home?
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Two-factor authentication: The added layer of security beyond just using a password to access the camera.
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Local storage: Can video clips captured by the camera be saved locally?
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Geofencing: The ability of a camera to arm/disarm automatically based on your GPS location.
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Detection zones: Reduce false alerts by setting up detection zones to watch for motion in specific areas.
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Two-way communication: How clear are conversations?
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Intelligent detection: Can it detect movement based on people, animals or vehicles?
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Privacy: Are there any features that specifically relate to privacy in the home?
After rating more than 20 home security cameras according to the above criteria, we compared the results and selected only the 11 best models for this review. A lot of good-but-not-great products from brands like Blink and Wyze didn’t make the cut, and we took great care to ensure that only the very best home security cameras were included in our guide. As new security cameras are released, we’ll regularly update this article to ensure that it’s always up to date.
Editor’s Note: This article was last updated on Tuesday, March 29, 2022.
Comparing the 11 Best Security Cameras of 2022
Cameras are all around us. There’s a very good chance that you’re facing a camera right now as you read this sentence. When it comes to protecting your home, which security camera should you choose? Today, the best security cameras provide us with convenience and meaningful alerts, so you’re not wasting time scrolling through pointless video footage. Often, we depend on these cameras to record emergency situations, and in the worst-case-scenario, home invasions. In these cases, a home security camera is only as good as its responsiveness and video quality, and these were two crucial criteria in our testing process. At the same time, we know that convenience and affordability matter to SPY readers, so we’ve included options at a variety of price points.
Having tested and reviewed many of the most popular home security cameras, we selected the 11 best devices for SPY readers. Since home security cameras cover a broad category, we included video doorbells, indoor cameras and outdoor cams. Most importantly, all of these cameras have proven to us that they’re reliable enough to protect your home and perform when you need them.
1. Google Nest Cam, Wireless (Battery-Powered)
BEST OVERALL
Best For: Homeowners who want extra-clear video quality and meaningful alerts. People who are worried about power outages or dead batteries knocking out their camera.
The Google Nest Cam (Battery) earns our top spot for best security based on many reasons. For starters, it’s a versatile home security camera that you can use indoors or outdoors because it’s battery-powered and has a water-resistant construction. Its magnetic mounting plate has one of the strongest connections we’ve come across, too, just because it requires a fair amount of force to remove.
It’s not only the best wireless security camera, we also love that it offers incredible video quality thanks to HDR support, which handles high-contrast scenes exceptionally well by balancing out the exposure throughout the entire shot. That way, details in the highlights and shadows are maintained. It’s also intelligent enough to discern people, pets and vehicles, so you only receive relevant alerts.
Furthermore, the Google Nest Cam (battery) is one of the few that can remain operational in the event of power or internet outages — something that’s critical in protecting your home through all sorts of events. And yes, it comes with 3 hours of free video alerts history.
Field of View: 130-degrees
Video Resolution: 1080p (1920 x 1080)
Coolest feature: It can still work during power and internet outages
Full Review: Putting the Google Nest Cam (Battery) to the Test
Buy: Google Nest Cam (Battery) $179.99
Buy: Google Nest Cam (battery) $147.90 (orig. $199.00) 26% OFF
2. Ring Video Doorbell 4
RUNNER UP
Best For: Stopping porch pirates. Anyone that wants a video doorbell and already uses and loves Amazon devices.
Ring makes some of the best video doorbells around. The Ring Video Doorbell 4 takes the runner-up position because of its simple installation, excellent video quality and enhanced detection features.
Since it’s battery-powered, you don’t have to worry about messing with wires during the installation. We also love that it features a quick-release mechanism with its rechargeable battery, which is a far better implementation than previous offerings that required users to remove the entire video doorbell to recharge the battery.
Over on the video side, the 1080p clips are crisp and detailed, but you’ll appreciate that its pre-roll feature manages to record the four seconds before motion detection. This feature is vital because most security cameras begin recording the first instance that motion is detected, so you may miss something important before the event happens. You won’t with the Ring Video Doorbell 4.
Price: $199.99
Field of View: 160-degrees
Video Resolution: 1080p (1920 x 1080)
Coolest Feature: Pre-roll captures video four seconds before motion is detected
Full Review: Ring Video Doorbell 4
Buy: Ring Video Doorbell 4 $199.99
Buy: Ring Video Doorbell 4 $199.99
3. Wyze Cam V3
BEST BUDGET BUY
Best For: Budget shoppers looking for a high-quality alternative to more expensive products from Google Nest, Ring or Arlo.
Owning a low-cost home security camera doesn’t mean you’ll need to settle for fewer features or a sub-par performance. The Wyze Cam V3 doesn’t compromise.
For what you’ll end up saving, it’s unbelievable how many rich features come with it. Sure, it comes with the now-standard 1080p video recording with night vision. Still, Wyze generously packages it with features like color night vision, local storage via microSD card slot, detection zones, and a water-resistant design.
It absolutely sets the bar for all entry-level security cameras.
Field of View: 130-degrees
Video Resolution: 1080p (1920 x 1080)
Coolest Feature: IP65 water-resistant construction
Full Review: Wyze Cam V3 Long-Term Review
4. Eufy Solo IndoorCam P24
MOST VERSATILE
Best For: Protecting the inside of your home with intelligent motion tracking and excellent video quality. Parents that want to keep watchful eyes on their kids (or pets!) at home.
It’s crazy how much value you get with the Eufy Solo IndoorCam P24. At under $60, it’s easily one of the best home security cameras, and it boasts features such as 2K video, continuous recording via local storage, intelligent detection, and the ability to track subjects.
The latter is especially noteworthy because the Eufy Solo IndoorCam P24 is the only one on our list that can pan and tilt for 360-degree protection. While you can manually articulate the camera to any position, it can automatically track subjects, so they’re always in frame. This really makes it a top contender for the best indoor security camera.
Eufy has upgraded its camera since it launched because now you can set up two-factor authentication with your account and the option for geofencing to automatically arm and disarm itself without having to do that yourself manually.
Field of View: 125-degrees
Video Resolution: 2K (2560 x 1440)
Coolest Feature: Automatically pans and tilts to track subjects
Full Review: Eufy Solo IndoorCam P24, Reviewed
Buy: Eufy Solo IndoorCam P24 $54.99
Buy: Eufy Solo IndoorCam P24 $59.99
5. Arlo Pro 4
BEST VIDEO QUALITY
Best For: Shoppers who want the best security cameras protecting their home, no matter the price tag. Homeowners who prefer wireless security cameras.
Arlo’s a well-known player in the security camera space, but it takes video quality more seriously than others. The Arlo Pro 4 offers superior video quality compared to the other home security cameras we tested, with 2K video resolution and a very impressive battery life. In fact, the Arlo Pro 4 has the best video quality we’ve seen in a home security camera in the last year with class-leading 2K HDR video, resulting in highly detailed clips with proper exposure throughout the scene.
It also has one of the best night vision performances we’ve seen. You have your standard black and white night vision footage, but the Arlo Pro 4 takes the next logical step with color night vision. This feature is beneficial because the addition of color means you’ll be able to provide even better descriptions of people and events.
Setting it up is a breeze because it’s a battery-powered security camera that works indoors and out, with a 6-month battery life rating.
Field of View: 160-degrees
Video Resolution: 2K (2560 x 1440)
Coolest Feature: Unrivaled color night vision performance
Buy: Arlo Pro 4 $179.99 (orig. $199.99) 10% OFF
Buy: Arlo Pro 4 $179.99 (orig. $199.99) 10% OFF
6. Wyze Cam Outdoor
MOST TRAVEL FRIENDLY
Best For: Protecting the outside of your home without spending too much money. Vacationers that want to protect their valuables
Have you ever thought about bringing a security camera when you travel? If so, the Wyze Cam Outdoor fits the bill because of its compact size, battery power, local storage, and ability to work offline.
The Wyze Cam Outdoor offers a travel mode that allows it to continuously record video to a microSD card without internet connectivity. This feature is essential because most home security cameras require internet connectivity to work, whether detecting motion or saving clips. Other options in travel mode consist of timelapse, continuous and scheduled recording.
For an outdoor-centric security camera, it’s honestly impressive how compact Wyze was able to design it — so you can even use it indoors as well.
Field of View: 110-degrees
Video Resolution: 1080p (1920 x 1080)
Coolest Feature: Travel mode that records video without internet connectivity
Read More: The Wyze V3 Cam vs Blink Mini – Which Camera Is Best?
7. Google Nest Doorbell
BEST DETECTION
Best For: Protecting your home from porch pirates without being constantly bothered by false alerts. Even the top video doorbells struggle with oversensitivity, but not the Google Nest. This is also one of the best home security cameras for anyone that doesn’t want to subscribe to yet another service.
Monitoring what’s happening at your front door is critical because it’s the barrier between the inside of your home and the outside world. You’ll have a worthy guard with the Google Nest Doorbell because of its intelligent detection.
All security cameras watch out for detection, but no one wants to be constantly bombarded with alerts whenever a squirrel runs through the frame. Thanks to on-device machine learning, the Google Nest Doorbell is one of the smartest to provide you with meaningful alerts. In fact, it can distinguish vehicles, packages being delivered, pets, and even familiar faces if you happen to subscribe to Nest Aware.
Like the Google Nest Cam (battery), it benefits from 3 hours of free video event history, so you’re not forced into a subscription service.
Field of View: 145-degrees
Video Resolution: 960 x 1280
Coolest Feature: Detects package deliveries
Buy: Google Nest Doorbell $179.99
Buy: Google Nest Doorbell $179.99
8. Logitech Circle View
WIDEST FIELD OF VIEW
Best For: Monitoring package deliveries with a wide field of view and strong video quality. Apple users that want a HomeKit compatible camera.
Often overlooked, a camera’s field of view is significant because it can differ between seeing an event and not. The Logitech Circle View has the widest field of view in our roundup at 180-degrees, which means it can see everything that’s happening in front of it.
The wide field of view with its weather-resistant construction is an asset because it can see more of the scene in a fixed position. Add to that; this HomeKit-only compatible home security camera is simple to set up because you don’t need to download any additional apps. Instead, you control everything through Apple’s Home app, making for less clutter with managing apps. There’s also a strong focus on respecting your privacy at home with its convenient on/off button, geofencing options and end-to-end encryption with videos stored in iCloud.
Thanks to its superior video quality and wide field of view, Logitech’s Circle View is one of the best home security cameras of 2022. While Logitech isn’t as well known in the security space, encryption and convenient cloud storage make this is a great option for smart security systems.
Field of View: 180-degrees
Video Resolution: 1080p (1920 x 1080)
Coolest Feature: Detects package deliveries
Buy: Logitech Circle View $159.99
Buy: Logitech Circle View $159.99
9. Arlo Essential Indoor Camera
BEST FOR PRIVACY
Best For: Those who are paranoid about big brother watching. Homeowners searching for best-in-class privacy features that are lacking in brands like Ring and Wyze.
No one should ever feel like big brother is watching them while they’re home, which is why the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera is so beloved by us. No other camera in our roundup offers mechanical privacy like the one used by the Arlo Essential Indoor.
Taking it one step further, Arlo adds even more peace of mind because you can activate a physical privacy shutter to go over the camera’s lens — so you know for sure that no one can see you. All security cameras can have the capability to be turned off electronically. However, a good hacker can still bypass that and watch you without your knowledge, so we love this implementation. There’s even an audible sound whenever the privacy shutter is activated.
Beyond that, it also features geofencing to arm and disarm itself automatically. It can open the camera’s lens when you’re out, then close it when you return. The only thing that’s lacking with this camera? It loses out compared to other security cameras for its average video quality and a somewhat narrow field of view,, which can leave blind spots unless you place it in exactly the right place.
Field of View: 130-degrees
Video Resolution: 1080p (1920 x 1080)
Coolest Feature: Privacy cover that goes over the camera’s lens
Buy: Arlo Essential Indoor Camera $93.86 (orig. $99.99) 6% OFF
Buy: Arlo Essential Indoor Camera $99.99
10. GE Cync Indoor Camera
QUICKEST SETUP
Best For: Indoor security for homes and rental properties. Anyone that wants a simple to set up camera.
Setting up a security camera shouldn’t be a long, arduous process, so you’ll have a breeze with the GE Cync Indoor Camera. This affordable indoor camera only takes a few minutes to set up and connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network using the Cync app for mobile. Don’t let its simple design fool you either because it comes loaded with rich features such as 1080p video, night vision, two-way audio, an SD card slot for local storage, and even a manual privacy shutter covering the camera and mutes the microphone.
While the GE Cync is certainly easy to set up, it’s not as sophisticated as other smart home security cameras. Fortunately, unlike many other GE smart home products, the Cync does not require a separate smart home hub.
Video Resolution: 1080p (1920 x 1080)
Coolest Feature: Simple setup process
Buy: GE Cync Indoor Camera $32.60 (orig. $69.99) 53% OFF
Buy: GE Cync Indoor Camera $69.99
11. Blink Outdoor
LONGEST BATTERY LIFE
Best For: Homeowners that already use the Amazon ecosystem of smart-home products. Anyone that’s searching for an affordable and reliable wireless outdoor camera. Homeowners that don’t have time to constantly recharge their cameras.
One of the main benefits of today’s security cameras is that many of them are wireless and powered by batteries. However, it can be a little annoying to frequently charge them. That’s why you’ll want to check out the Blink Outdoor, which like its predecessor, takes pride in offering a long-lasting battery life.
That’s because the company has it rated to last upwards of two years, powered by nothing more than two lithium batteries that comes included with the packaging. During our time testing the Blink Outdoor, it was still chugging along after six months. That’s pretty impressive for an outdoor camera.
Besides that, it’s really simple to set up, features a water-resistant construction, and works great with Alexa and other Amazon smart home products. There are a lot of great Blink products, but the Blink Outdoor is easily one of the best home security cameras of 2022.
Field of View: 110-degrees
Video Resolution: 1080p (1920 x 1080)
Coolest Feature: Two year battery life
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1. Ring Video Doorbell 4
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Ring makes some of the best video doorbells around. The Ring Video Doorbell 4 takes the top position because of its simple installation, excellent video quality and enhanced detection features.
Since it’s battery-powered, you don’t have to worry about messing with wires during the installation. We also love that it features a quick-release mechanism with its rechargeable battery, which is a far better implementation than previous offerings that required users to remove the entire video doorbell to recharge the battery.
Over on the video side, the 1080p clips are crisp and detailed, but you’ll appreciate that its pre-roll feature manages to record the four seconds before motion detection. This feature is vital because most security cameras begin recording the first instance that motion is detected, so you may miss something important before the event happens. You won’t with the Ring Video Doorbell 4.
Pros: Simple installation thanks to battery power. Capable of capturing moments just before motion detection so you get the full picture.
Cons: Ring has faced privacy concerns in the past.
2. Wyze Cam V3
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SPY.com may receive an affiliate commission.
Owning a low-cost home security camera doesn’t mean you’ll need to settle for fewer features or a sub-par performance. The Wyze Cam V3 doesn’t compromise. For what you’ll end up saving, it’s unbelievable how many rich features come with it. Sure, it comes with the now-standard 1080p video recording with night vision. Still, Wyze generously packages it with features like color night vision, local storage via microSD card slot, detection zones, and a water-resistant design so that it can be used indoors or outdoors.
After testing dozens of home security cameras, we believe this small but impressive product absolutely sets the bar for all entry-level security cameras.
Pros: Economical. Offers local storage, and has top features like detection zones and night vision.
Cons: Not as many features as some other options.
3. Blink Outdoor Camera
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SPY.com may receive an affiliate commission.
For any homeowners that already use the Amazon ecosystem of smart-home products, the Blink Outoor camera is a perfect addition to your smart home setup. This reliable outdoor camera is fully wireless, and it boasts an incredible battery life. During our time testing the Blink Outdoor, it was still chugging along after six months, which is pretty impressive for an outdoor camera. Besides that, it’s really simple to set up, features a water-resistant construction, and works great with Alexa and other Amazon smart home products. There are a lot of great Blink products, but the Blink Outdoor is easily one of the best home security cameras we’ve tested.
Pros: Unbeatable battery life, fully wireless and easy to install. Weather-resistant and capable of shooting 1080p video. Works well with Amazon ecosystem of smart home products.
Cons: Field of view is narrow. Blink products are lacking privacy features like camera shutters.
4. Eufy Solo IndoorCam P24
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SPY.com may receive an affiliate commission.
After testing out this home security camera, we can’t believe how many great features you get — 2K video, continuous recording via local storage, intelligent detection, and the ability to track subjects. The latter is especially noteworthy because the Eufy Solo IndoorCam P24 is the only one on our list that can pan and tilt for 360-degree protection. While you can manually articulate the camera to any position, it can automatically track subjects, so they’re always in frame. This really makes it a top contender for the best indoor security camera.
Eufy has upgraded its camera since it launched because now you can set up two-factor authentication with your account and the option for geofencing to automatically arm and disarm itself without having to do that yourself manually.
Pros: Economical price. Pan and tilt features, including manual and automatic tracking.
Cons: Not suited for outdoor use.
5. Arlo Pro 4
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SPY.com may receive an affiliate commission.
Arlo’s a well-known player in the security camera space, but it takes video quality more seriously than others. The Arlo Pro 4 has the best video quality we’ve seen in a home security camera in the last year with its class-leading 2K HDR video, resulting in highly detailed clips with proper exposure throughout the scene. It also has one of the best night vision performances we’ve seen. You have your standard black and white night vision footage, but the Arlo Pro 4 takes the next logical step with color night vision. This feature is beneficial because the addition of color means you’ll be able to provide even better descriptions of people and events.
Setting it up is a breeze because it’s a battery-powered security camera that works indoors and out, with a 6-month battery life rating.
Pros: Easy setup thanks to battery power. Color night vision. 4K HDR.
Cons: Some options may be more economical.
6. Logitech Circle View
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SPY.com may receive an affiliate commission.
Often overlooked, a camera’s field of view is significant because it can differ between seeing an event and not. The Logitech Circle View has the widest field of view in our roundup at 180-degrees, which means it can see everything that’s happening in front of it. The wide field of view with its weather-resistant construction is an asset because it can see more of the scene in a fixed position. Add to that; this HomeKit-only compatible home security camera is simple to set up because you don’t need to download any additional apps. Instead, you control everything through Apple’s Home app, making for less clutter with managing apps.
There’s also a strong focus on respecting your privacy at home with its convenient on/off button, geofencing options and end-to-end encryption with videos stored in iCloud.
Pros: Convenient for Apple HomeKit users. A wide field of view to easily see the entire room.
Cons: Not as ideal for non-Apple users.
