Best wireless outdoor security camera systems for home

We have tested several other outdoor security cameras. These are the ones we like that just missed out on a place above.

Reolink Argus 3 Pro for $130: There’s a lot to like with this security camera, not least the affordable price. It offers 2K video, local or cloud storage, two-way audio, a siren, and person recognition. The live feed loads fast, and it’s cheap to buy a solar panel accessory for power. It misses out on a place above because there’s no 2FA and the app is a little confusing.

Eve Outdoor Cam for $250: This stylish floodlight camera must be wired in, and installation is tricky (you may want an electrician). It can replace an outdoor light to give you motion-activated light (up to 1,500 lumens), 1080p video (157-degree field-of-view), and two-way audio. But as a Homekit camera, you will need an Apple Homekit hub (Apple TV, HomePod, or iPad) and an iCloud+ storage plan. Sadly, the video and sound quality are average, it only works on 2.4-GHz Wi-Fi, and there’s no Android support.

Toucan Wireless Outdoor Camera for $90: Toucan’s wireless camera resembles our top pick from Arlo with a smart magnetic mount and easy installation. The 1080p video is good in ideal conditions but struggles with mixed lighting (no HDR). Two-way audio is passable. The app works well and loads the live feed quite quickly, but this is cloud-only, which means you need to subscribe (from $3 per month) if you want tagged events, more than the last 24 hours recorded, or to download more than five videos per month.

Wyze Cam V3 Outdoor Camera for $35: This camera has an IP65 rating making, it suitable for outdoor use. It comes close to matching the Wyze Cam Outdoor on video quality and features, but because it must be plugged in, you might easily end up spending more on a lengthy cable than on the camera itself. Local storage is also limited to a MicroSD card on the device.

Toucan Security Light Camera for $130: You can simply plug this camera into an outlet, and it comes with an 8-meter waterproof cable. It has a motion-activated light (1,200 lumens), records 1080p video, and supports two-way audio. I found the footage quite detailed, but it struggled with direct sunlight. You can record locally on a microSD card (sold separately), and you get 24 hours of free cloud storage, but it has limitations. Plans start from $3 per month. Even with motion detection set to the lowest sensitivity, this camera triggered too often during testing, and there’s no way to filter for people, so I got frequent false positives (blowing leaves, moths, and birds all triggered alerts).

Ezviz C3X for $108: Like the C8C above, the C3X gets the basics right, offering crisp footage and reliable alerts. It sports a dual-lens camera for better night vision, offering full-color video without the need for a spotlight. It is also easy to set up, takes a MicroSD card, and supports convenient two-factor authentication with a fingerprint. Unfortunately, you have to run a power cable (there’s optional Ethernet too), and the cloud subscription is too expensive.

Blurams Outdoor Lite 3 for $68: This is a feature-packed security camera for the price, with support for pan, tilt, and zoom functionality, spotlights, siren, motion tracking, continuous recording, and two-way audio. You can store footage locally on a microSD card (sold separately) or subscribe to a cloud plan. Video quality is reasonable, but the app is very glitchy and loading the live feed was inconsistent (sometimes it just buffered indefinitely).

EufyCam 2C 2-Cam Kit for $240: This camera system is very similar to the EufyCam 2 Pro, but the video resolution is limited to 1080p, the battery life isn’t as good, and it has a narrower field of view and weaker encryption. If you can live with those differences, it's a good alternative.

SimpliSafe Wireless Outdoor Security Camera for $180: A solid set of features, crisp 1080p video, and support for HDR sounds tempting, but you need a Simplisafe security system (9/10, WIRED recommends) and monitoring plan to make this camera worthwhile, making it too expensive for what you get. (The Arlo Pro 4 offers better-quality video and more features.) It may be a useful add-on for existing SimpliSafe customers, though.

Safety is one of the top things we strive to achieve as humans, and the importance of security measures and precautions cannot be stressed enough. One of the integral parts of our lives that we can make this possible, and control to some extent, is in our homes.

Picket fences and secured gates are a great place to start, but safety doesn’t end there. What happens when someone can break down these defenses and gain access to your property?

That’s why security cameras are so important. These small devices go a long way in reinforcing our security by capturing clear and uncut footage of happenings in and around our homes. This way, you get live visuals and potential evidence of anything going on at your home, regardless of where you are. We have selected the best home security cameras that prioritize the safety of you and your household.

How We Picked

Camera Quality
The main objective of these devices is to deliver clear, usable footage. Therefore, camera quality is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting a home security camera.
Recording Capabilities
Do you desire visual and audio recordings, black and white or colored footage, or even a playback feature? Whatever your needs are, you should be able to find a device that meets most of the sought-after recording capabilities.
Power and Battery Life
Whether it's corded or battery-powered, your future home security device should have excellent power functionalities that allow it to capture every important moment without dying out too quickly.
Cost-Effectiveness
You should be able to afford to keep your home and loved ones secure at all times. The selected devices offer top-quality features at decent price ranges, suitable for different budgets.

Our Top Picks

Our Top Pick

Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera

The best video quality you will ever find, offering all the security features you will ever need.

The Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera makes a chart-topping entry at the number one spot on our list thanks to its unbeatable features. This device offers clear 2K resolution video footage that includes full-duplex audio and crisp colored night vision. It is super easy to set up and will be up and running in no time, giving you a wide-angled view of any part of your home. To top it off, this camera offers fully-compatible smart home options by connecting easily with Alexa, Google, Assistant, IFTTT, and multiple other smart options.

Buy Now for $251.97

Capture crisp video footage and get all the right features at a reasonable price.

Our Runner-Up

Ring Stick Up Cam

Scare off intruders, without moving an inch with this powerful option from Ring.

We love a simple device that gets the job done, and our runner-up fits the bill seamlessly. The Stick Up Cam Battery by Ring is a 1080p HD resolution video camera that captures a clear day or night with a two-way audio system. This motion-detecting device is battery-powered and requires no hub for WiFi operation. It works with Alexa and IFTTT voice commands and even has a built-in siren to scare intruders away.

Buy Now for $69.99

Quickly and easily secure your home with this battery-powered functional option from Ring.

Most Cost-Effective

Wyze Cam V3

The most affordable, yet highly functional home security camera on the market today.

This device offers all the right stuff — crisp HD footage, local storage, night vision, voice control, full-duplex audio, and so much more — for under $50! It is compact, easy to set up, and is a great fit both indoors and outdoors. Although this camera is not battery-powered, that might be a reasonable price to pay for its powerful functionality.

Buy Now for $35.98

All the right features at the most affordable price with this pocket-friendly option from Wyze.

Our Runner-Up

Ring Stick Up Cam

Scare off intruders, without moving an inch with this powerful option from Ring.

$69.99

Buy Now

Most Cost-Effective

Wyze Cam V3

The most affordable, yet highly functional home security camera on the market today.

$35.98

Buy Now

Who This Is For

These products are for anyone who takes their safety and security seriously and doesn’t compromise when it comes to protecting their homes, loved ones, and property. Security cameras are for individuals looking to beef up the safety of their homes by taking extra cautionary measures.

Do I need a security camera?
Contrary to public opinion, security cameras aren’t designed for just people living in criminally-prone neighborhoods or as an afterthought for those who have once been victims of unjust incidents at their homes. Security cameras were made to be a preventive safety precaution. These devices capture everything going on within and around your home so that, in the case of any break-ins, theft, or danger, you not only have proof of evidence but also some form of an alarm system. Therefore, the short answer to this question is yes. Owning a security camera is a necessary step toward the safety of yourself, your property, your family, and all your guests.

Where is the best place to have an outdoor security camera?
Now that you’ve decided to get security cameras for your home, the next item on your train of thought will be where to install these devices. Before we get into that, we must first emphasize that, just like your eyes, one camera cannot capture everything. That is why it is veWeatherproofinghave multiple cameras as opposed to just one or two, to fully secure all parts of your home.

With that being said, the rule of thumb for installing these devices is to make sure you secure all entryways around your home. This means that, aside from your front door, your back, and side doors should also be covered, alongside your garage and driveway, as these parts of your home often hold valuables like your vehicles, tools, and other important gear. Other great places to mount your security cameras are in open spaces surrounding your house that can be easily accessed from surrounding fences or streets, such as your backyard and front yard. When installing these devices, ensure their fields of view aren’t capturing any footage from neighboring compounds or any content that may be considered an invasion of privacy.

Why You Should Trust Us

More than anything, we understand the importance of safety and enabling precautionary security measures. With safety in mind, we have carried out thorough research and tests to ensure we find the best security cameras on the market that make the safety of your property and family their top priority.

How We Picked

We did all the thinking so that all you’d have to do is pick your choice. Here are all the must-have features we know your future home security camera cannot do without.

Camera Quality
Of course, the most important feature of these devices will make it to the top of our list. Camera quality refers to the video and audio production of a camera. The lens’s resolution determines how clear the footage produced on it will be, and the higher this number, the better the picture quality. Therefore, cameras with HD quality — 720p, 1080p, etc. — produce lower quality footage than those with 2K or 4K resolution. Likewise, the audio system of a camera determines its sound quality and functionality. A one-way security camera only allows you to hear audio from the recordings, whereas a two-way/full-duplex system allows you to hear from and speak through the camera. For example, being able to tell the delivery man to leave your package at the front door.

Night Vision
Studies show that crime happens more at night than during the day. Once you get a camera with the solid recording quality, the next thing you’d want to do is make sure your device can see just as clearly in the nighttime. Security cameras have night vision capabilities thanks to different kinds of apertures, lenses, spotlights, and sensors. This helps them see just as brightly in the nighttime, thereby producing crisp-colored footage.

Power and battery life
The most convenient types of home security cameras are removable battery-powered devices because they can easily be recharged when needed and installed wherever you like. On the other hand, wired cameras need to be installed somewhat close to being installed relatively close to a power source so that they are constantly up and running. The best battery-powered security cameras last a significantly long time and will only need to be recharged once every three to six months. It also shouldn’t take too long for said batteries to be all charged up, as the average charging time for a well-functioning camera battery is five to ten hours. With wired devices, once these devices are plugged in, they operate for as long as they are in good condition. However, their pitfall is that they turn off once there’s a power outage or no electrical issues.

Connectivity to WiFi and/or Bluetooth
If there is one thing we are spoiled by in this day and age, it’s the ability to connect to devices at our convenience, and facilities like WiFi and Bluetooth make this a breeze. Thanks to technological advancements, our household security cameras also have a variety of connectivity options and allow us to connect via WiFi and sometimes Bluetooth as well. Some security cameras require you to have an additional hub in order to connect using WiFi, but all our selected products don’t need additional tools or costs. Connect, operate, and upload recordings at ease.

Storage type
There are two major ways security cameras store footage — internally and externally. Some devices store your recordings locally for a short period of time in in-built storage systems, while other devices allow you to use an SD card to keep a larger volume of footage. On the other hand, some devices only let you store recordings on the cloud via certain manufacturer software. In most cases, you would have to subscribe to these platforms to gain monthly/yearly access to this additional storage that is oftentimes available on the cloud for only a certain period of time.

Durability and reliability
Your future home security device should be able to stand a reasonable test of time and should be reliable even in the most strenuous conditions. A durable device is made of premium weatherproof/waterproof materials that can withstand extreme weather conditions, from heat to rain to even snow. Because these are outdoor security tools, they need to be consistently productive in a wide range of conditions so that you can always depend on their protection. The durable and reliable nature of our chosen security cameras gives you the best value for money by staying useful for years to come.

Notifications
We all hate seeing unnecessary notifications pop up on our screens. Not only do they take up space, but they also have a unique way of raising our anxiety levels for no reason. Intuitive security cameras are programmed to show you only what you need to know and what’s important for your safety. These devices are usually connected to smartphone apps that are able to provide intelligent alerts under certain conditions, like motion sensing. Some of them even take it a step further by being able to differentiate between people/animals/vehicles/packages and give you detailed notifications based on such identifications, although this is oftentimes a paid feature through software subscriptions.

Sensors
How can a security camera tell the difference between an animal and a vehicle, or see so clearly at night to tell when there’s an intruder, or be able to tell when something moves within its field of view motion range, or better yet, remember a visitor’s face or identity? These and more all happen thanks to the use of sensors! Sensors are utilities used to fine-tune the intuition of security cameras and also make them more alert. A device with the right sensors and programming truly is a force to be reckoned with.

Our Picks For You

Our Top Pick - Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera

Our Top Pick

Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera

The best video quality you will ever find, offering all the security features you will ever need.

Buy Now for $251.97

Who It's For

For individuals who love feature-packed products and never want to be found wanting, the Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera is the pick for you. Our top pick has the best video and audio quality on the market and delivers unmissable premium features.

Why It's Great

In case you missed it, the Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera produces impeccable audio and video footage day or night in 2K HDR resolution! As great as this sounds, it is only the beginning of the many promising offers from this device. This security camera connects directly to WiFi without a hub, works with practically all voice assistants, houses rechargeable batteries, and works perfectly well in any weather.

Potential Flaws

As you guessed, our top pick also works with the help of a smartphone app to complete its ease of use. However, this also means that some of its advanced features require the use of a subscription to this software. You will also need to cough up a few bucks for some extra cloud storage.

Other Features

Arlo offers an award-winning, stylish, compact, and extremely functional device with the Pro 4 Spotlight Camera! It has unmatchable capturing quality thanks to its 2K HDR resolution and an integrated spotlight system that produces crisp details and colors even at night. The 160º-wide viewing angle allows it to reach all the nooks and crannies of your home, while the smartphone app allows you to stay connected with real-time alerts. This motion-detecting device connects directly to WiFi with no hub necessary, while working seamlessly with voice activation software like Alexa, HomeKit, Google Assistant, and IFTTT.

The Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera is built with weather-resistant material, making it perfect for even the most extreme weather conditions. With its full-duplex audio system, you get to not only hear what’s going on but also respond to others in clear audio quality and even deter unwanted guests by triggering its built-in siren. You can gain access to advanced functionality such as object detection, intelligent alerts, and cloud storage by making a monthly subscription to Arlo Secure. Thanks to a wireless, magnetic mount, this device is not only a breeze to set-up, up but also features rechargeable batteries that last up to six months and are backed by a one-year limited warranty.

Our Runner-Up - Ring Stick Up Cam

Our Runner-Up

Ring Stick Up Cam

Scare off intruders, without moving an inch with this powerful option from Ring.

Buy Now for $69.99

Who It's For

If you want a home security camera that easily fits and installs anywhere in your home, inside or out, then allow us to introduce the Ring Stick Up Cam. This powerful device offers sharp footage and wireless connectivity and is a perfect addition to a Ring ecosystem home.

Why It's Great

Our runner-up captures video and audio footage in crisp 1080p HD resolution at any time of the day. What we love about this device is its easy installation thanks to its stick-up wireless mount that can be placed and adjusted just about anywhere in the home. Stay secure, safe, and connected to your home, and integrated with other Ring devices with the Ring Stick Up home security camera.

Potential Flaws

This device has no local storage whatsoever and requires a paid subscription to save recordings for future use. It also has no Google Home or HomeKit integrations, and can only be controlled using Alexa, Ring, and IFTTT voice commands. Its night vision capability only goes as far as 25 feet and has no object detection functionality.

Other Features

The Ring is a staple name in the home security industry and they have upped their game with the Ring Stick Up Cam. This camera is perfect for all parts of your home, indoors and outdoors, and its weather-resistant construction makes it suitable for any and every condition. Get motion-activated notifications and two-way audio capabilities with crystal clear HD recordings day or night, as well as real-time notifications and live video updates.

The wireless design and countless placing options of this device allow it to go anywhere, while its 130º-wide viewing angle allows you to see more than enough. Easily mount your Ring Stick Up Cam at the side of your garage or your living room wall so that you don’t miss a beat. It also has a built-in siren system and connects to WiFi without a hub. Subscribe to the Ring app at $3.99/month to gain access to cloud storage, personalized alerts, and rich notifications.

Most Cost-Effective - Wyze Cam V3

Most Cost-Effective

Wyze Cam V3

The most affordable, yet highly functional home security camera on the market today.

Buy Now for $35.98

Who It's For

Don’t miss a moment or empty your wallet with this budget-friendly home security option from Wyze. Get just the right features at the right price with the Wyze Cam V3.

Why It's Great

The remarkable thing about our third pick is that not only is it the cheapest option on our list, it also does so without lacking functionality. Wyze is known for budget-friendly home security products, and with the Wyze Cam V3, you get a feature-packed device at a cost-effective price. From its crisp HD video quality to its local storage capabilities, what’s not to love about this award-winning device?

Potential Flaws

The Wyze Cam V3 offers the least viewing angle of any camera on our list, and also does not support Apple HomeKit. This device is also fully wired with no removable or rechargeable batteries and doesn’t do the best job with object detection. It however makes up for that with stellar person detecting capabilities.

Other Features

We love this device for two things — affordability and feature-packed functionality! The Wyze Cam V3 is one of the rare devices that are suitable for users of all budgets and does so while providing premium functionality. This camera records in 1080 HD resolution with starlight sensors and colored night vision, backed by two-way audio. It has a built-in siren, is motion-sensitive, weather-resistant, and works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT.

The Wyze Cam V3 also offers local storage via an SD card slot (a feature none of our top picks can brag about) and free 14-days worth of cloud storage. Upgrade to the Cam Plus subscription at $2/month for access to object detection, unlimited cloud storage, and other advanced features. Another great thing about this device is that you get to customize its motion detection zone so you can receive notifications only when they matter. It also instantly alerts you and records automatically when it hears a smoke or CO alarm. Install it easily with an included magnetic mounting kit, screw kit, and built-in adjustable table stand.

Almost Made The Cut - Google Nest Cam

Almost Made The Cut

Google Nest Cam

Solid home security device offered by a leading household name.

This weather-proof, stylish, HD recording device is Google’s first battery-powered security camera, and should not be their last! This device offers 1080 HD resolution, intelligent alerts, wireless installation, face recognition, and free person, animal, and vehicle detection capabilities. It is easy to install, and its clean design will aesthetically fit into any given location of your home.

Buy Now for $159.00

Who It's For

If you’re looking for a battery-powered security camera that offers all the right kind of functionality for free, look no further than Google’s Nest Cam. A stylish device that seamlessly blends into the aesthetics of any home.

Why It's Great

One thing to love about the Google Nest Cam is that it offers so many great functionalities for free, such as person/animal/vehicle recognition, smart alerts, motion zoning, as well as free cloud and local storage. This device is battery-powered and is easy to install both outdoors and indoors.

Potential Flaws

This device only supports Google Assistant and doesn’t work with other voice activation software. It is also quite expensive and requires an equally expensive subscription of $6/month to unlock certain features. However, this fee covers all Nest cameras, speakers, and displays. Its battery is also nonremovable and the camera will need to be plugged directly into a power source for recharging.

Other Features

The Nest Cam is Google’s first battery-powered security camera! It features a 130º-wide field of view captured by a 1080p HDR night vision enabled resolution lens. This device has a full-duplex audio system and three hours' worth of local storage. The weatherproof stylish construction and design make it fit right into any part of your home, outside or inside.

With the Google Nest Cam, you get free, relevant, and intelligent alerts thanks to its person/animal/vehicle detection capabilities. Add on a subscription to Nest Aware and get face recognition, direct emergency service response, and 24/7 protection backed by cloud storage. The magnetic mount of this device makes it easy to set up and with added tools from Google Home like indoor stands and weatherproof cables you can conveniently accessorize and enhance your space. Google Nest Cam has dual-band WiFi functionality and stores up to one hour of recorded events in its local memory in case of a power outage.

Care and Maintenance

Security cameras are more of a “set it and forget it’’ purchase, requiring little to no maintenance after that. You don’t need to routinely clean these devices but you can give them a wipe/dust down every time you need to take them out to recharge or swap batteries. With that being said, there are, however, some important steps to take when setting up your security camera.

Pick a careful location. Earlier in this article, we discussed important outdoor areas of your house that need to be safeguarded by cameras. Once you have decided where you’re placing them, make sure they are as “incognito” as possible, and out of reach from possible intruders.
Mount/install your device. As we have established, these devices are usually very straightforward to install and require little to no tools thanks to their magnetic/screw-in stands.
Ensure your camera is well secured and practically immovable before proceeding to the other steps.
Set up storage and viewing angles either through mobile software or by inserting physical SD cards if need be. Use your device’s app to test your live recordings and ensure you are capturing what you really need. Manufacturers’ have detailed instructions on how their individual cameras can be set up.
All you need to do now is sit back, relax, and let your camera do its job

What type of outdoor security camera is best?

Best wired outdoor security camera overall Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus. $199.99 at Amazon. ... .

Best wireless outdoor security camera: Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera. ... .

Best outdoor security camera without subscription: Eufy Floodlight Camera 2. ... .

Best HomeKit-compatible outdoor security camera: Eve Outdoor Cam..

Which security camera is best for House?

Best Home Security Cameras of 2022.

Wyze Cam (2020) Best home security camera overall. $36 at Amazon. ... .

Wyze Cam Pan v2. Best indoor home security camera. $40 at Amazon. ... .

Arlo Video Doorbell. Best video doorbell camera. ... .

Arlo Pro 4. Best outdoor home security camera. ... .

Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired) Best Google Assistant home security camera..

Which outdoor security camera has the best night vision?

A Closer Look At Our Top Picks.

Lorex - Best for Outdoor Use. Editors Rating: ... .

Nest Cam Indoor - Best for Indoor Use. Editors Rating: ... .

Blink Outdoor - Best Wire-Free Infrared Camera. ... .

Arlo Pro 3 - Best Camera with Both Infrared and color Night Vision. ... .

Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro - Best Infrared Camera with Professional Monitoring..

Are wireless security cameras worth it?

Advantages of Wireless Security Cameras Wireless security cameras are less invasive to your home than wired cameras, so they set up easier and faster. No drilling through walls or ceilings is required. Wireless cameras also are more flexible than wired systems because they aren't as tied down by wires.