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CNET has tested many home security cameras over the years, and can help you find the right one for your needs.
There are hundreds of home security cameras on the market, ranging widely in price, function, and quality. With all the options, it can be hard not to get overwhelmed quickly, especially when you’re thinking about something as important as the safety of your home. After years of testing home security cameras on CNET, I have some advice if you’re looking for a new one. Here are some parameters to consider:
privacy
This is a big one. You don’t want anyone spying on your property or hacking your camera. Wireless home security cameras Could be more Vulnerable to hacking Because they connect to Wi-Fi networks and can be accessed remotely, especially if your router has poor security. Wired home security cameras that don’t use Wi-Fi at all are generally safer. (Read more about Pros and cons of wired versus wireless systems here.) As I mentioned above, data breaches and security vulnerabilities can also pose a risk to your privacy, so it’s important to consider a company’s recent reputation.
Internal versus external
One of the first things you should consider is where you want to place the security cameras in your home. If you want to put your camera outside, and record your porch or patio, you’ll probably want this External camera It is also weather resistant or features night vision.
While many cameras can be used interchangeably for indoor or outdoor purposes, some cameras are made specifically for this purpose Internal useSo make sure you buy cameras that can handle the outdoor elements.
Video resolution
Video quality should be a major consideration when purchasing a home security camera. In simpler terms, a 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 1080p resolution, but others have a 2K resolution (like the Arlo Pro 4) or 1536 x 1536 pixels (like the Arlo Video Doorbell), and A growing number have embraced 4K. Just remember that the higher the video quality, the more bandwidth it takes, and the more likely your camera will experience lag times or glitches.
Field of view
The field of view (usually provided diagonally) refers to how wide the camera’s view is. A wider range is generally better because it captures more area and makes it easier to detect activity. The average security camera tilts at about 130 degrees, although some go beyond that. Pan and tilt features make field of view less important since the camera can move.
I find that a wide field of view is great if you want to scan multiple angles in the backyard—less important if you just want to keep an eye on packages and guests right outside your front door.
Battery or wired power
Battery powered cameras and wireless cameras versus wired options have been a matter of taste ever since Both types have pros and cons.
Wireless options are usually 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 need to manually change or charge the batteries every now and then unless you get a Solar powered home security camera.
Wired cameras plug into a fixed connection, so they don’t need to be recharged and can often boost high-quality video resolution. They tend to be more reliable, secure, and consistent in video quality while not requiring monthly cloud storage fees. However, not all owners will feel comfortable wiring a camera without the help of a professional, and they’re not great options for renters and renters. People who live in apartments.
Some wired home security cameras (such as Google Nest Cam Indoor) have better video and audio quality.
Local storage versus cloud storage
Not all video storage is created equal. You have two main options and choosing one comes down to your personal preference. There’s cloud storage, which sends your video footage to a remote server to be saved, and local storage, which relies on a separate accessory or piece of hardware, usually a microSD card, to hold any footage you wish to save. Cloud storage usually requires a monthly fee of about $5 to $10.
Wi-Fi quality and range
When you install Wireless home security cameraskeep in mind that Smart home The camera you buy (and your security system as a whole) will only be as good as your camera Wi-Fi connection In the location where you plan to install it. So check your Wi-Fi speed Before you drill holes in your walls or damage your door frame, brick or siding, use your home security camera. If the connection is spotty on your wireless security camera, you will notice significant lags, choppiness in the live stream, and other Wi-Fi delays. This makes the video quality poor and makes home security cameras a pain to use.
With a good Wi-Fi connection, you should be in good shape to use your device Indoor home security camera or Outdoor home security camera Without any major hassle with your camera system and get clear shots every time. Still have questions? Take a look at my Home security camera buying guide Frequently asked questions below.