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CNET has tested countless home security cameras over the years and can help you find the right camera for your needs.
There are hundreds of home security cameras on the market, ranging widely in price, features, and quality. With all the options, it can be hard to avoid getting overwhelmed, especially when you’re considering something as important as your home’s security. After CNET’s years of testing home security cameras, we have some tips for you if you’re on the hunt for a new one. Here are a few parameters to consider:
Privacy
This is an important one. You don’t want anyone snooping on your property or hacking into your camera. Wireless home security cameras can be more susceptible to hacking due to their connectivity to Wi-Fi networks and remote access, especially if your router security is poor. Wired home security cameras that don’t use Wi-Fi at all are generally more secure. (Read more about the pros and cons of wired vs. wireless systems here .) As we mentioned above, data breaches and security breaches can also be dangerous to your privacy, so it’s important to consider a company’s recent reputation.
Inside vs outside
One of the first things to consider is where you want to place your home security cameras. If you want your camera to be outside and record your porch or yard, you’ll probably want an outdoor camera that is also weatherproof or has night vision.
While many cameras can be used both indoors and outdoors, there are also cameras that are designed exclusively for indoor use, such as the Wyze Cam Pan v2. So make sure you buy cameras that can withstand outdoor conditions.
Video resolution
Video quality should be a major consideration when buying a home security camera. Simply put, your camera won’t be effective if the only footage it records is grainy and unreadable.
The higher the resolution, the better the video quality. Most home security cameras on the market now have a resolution of 1080p, but some even have a resolution of 2K (like the Arlo Pro 4) or a resolution of 1536×1536 pixels (like the Arlo Video Doorbell). Keep in mind that the higher the video quality, the more bandwidth it takes up and the more likely your camera is to experience lag or interference.
Field of view
Field of view (usually diagonal) refers to how wide the camera’s field of view is. Wider is generally better because it captures more space and makes it easier to spot activity. The average security camera tends to top out at around 130 degrees, although some go above that. Pan and tilt features make field of view less important because the camera can move.
Battery or wired power
The choice between battery-powered, wireless, and cable-powered cameras is a matter of taste, as both types have advantages and disadvantages.
Wireless options are typically easier to install and operate, and often use cloud storage so you can access your footage from anywhere. Wireless security cameras have their own power supply, so even during an internet or power outage, they can still record and save footage. One of the biggest drawbacks is that you will have to manually replace the batteries or charge them occasionally, unless you purchase a solar-powered home security camera.
Wired cameras are hardwired to a stable connection, so they don’t need to be charged and can often deliver high-quality video resolution. They’re generally more reliable, secure, and more consistent in video quality, while not requiring monthly fees for cloud storage. On the downside, wired home security cameras often need to be professionally installed and can’t integrate with smart home systems like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
Some wired home security cameras (like the Google Nest Cam Indoor) tend to have better video and audio quality.
Local vs. Cloud Storage
Not all video storage is created equal. You have two main options, and the choice really comes down to 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 all the footage you want to save. Typically, cloud storage costs a monthly fee.
Wi-Fi quality and range
When you install wireless home security camerasplease note that the smart home The camera you buy (and your security system as a whole) will only be as good as the quality of your Wifi connection where you want to install it. So check your Wi-Fi speed before you drill holes in your walls or otherwise ruin your door frame, brick or siding for your home security camera. If your wireless security camera connection is spotty, you will notice significant lag, pixelation in the live feed and other Wi-Fi delays. These make for poor video quality and a hassle for home security cameras to use.
With a good WiFi connection you are able to indoor security camera or outdoor security camera without any major issues with the camera system and get clear images every time. Any questions? Check out my Home Security Camera Buying Guide and the frequently asked questions below.
