Best Wireless Home Security Cameras of 2024
Does it work with smart home platforms? If so, do the smart functions work well together?
Today, home security cameras are expected to work with at least one major smart home platform. Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit are the main ones to look out for. Support for the Apple Home app is usually the hardest to find.
How is the live view?
Wireless security cameras and video doorbells are often exposed to direct sunlight, weather, and other natural elements, but many others are installed under porches, near shady trees, and in a variety of other settings. The camera should have sharp, clear video images or even night vision so you aren’t stuck with grainy and unusable images.
Local vs cloud storage
Not all video storage is created equal. You have two main options and choosing one depends on your personal preference. There’s cloud storage, which sends your video footage to a remote server for storage, and local storage, which relies on a separate accessory or piece of hardware, usually a microSD card, to store any footage you want to save. Typically, cloud storage requires a monthly fee, and companies typically reserve the right to share that footage with others in the event of an emergency, such as an FBI investigation.
Motion detection and recognition
Motion detection is one of the most important features of DIY security cameras. You want a feature that automatically records video and sends you alerts when the camera detects motion. You also don’t want to receive alerts and useless videos every time leaves blow by (or cars drive by, deer walk by, etc.). That’s where object detection comes in: the best security cameras can distinguish between vehicles, animals, and people. The best versions like Google’s AI detection can also detect packages and, if you allow it, familiar faces at your door.
Battery life and management
Wireless cams literally live and then die based on their battery life. When looking for a good battery, keep in mind that reviews are subjective and batteries deplete faster depending on how often the camera is activated. We have found that most wireless security cameras live up to their ratings and last several months with at least a few daily activations. Ring’s Outdoor 4 cam is a notable standout with its extra-long battery life, and solar cams offer an alternative way to charge.
Whichever battery option you choose, consider installing a wireless camera in a spot that is relatively easy to reach so that you can place the camera or battery inside it to charge. Not everyone wants to climb a ladder every time.
Privacy and security
You may want to look up the privacy policy for the camera you’re interested in and see if the brand has had any recent security issues. We look for brands that act quickly and make significant changes when they discover a security problem, like Eufy did in the early 1920s. We’d also like to see changes, like Ring removing the informal option for police to request user videos.
