The best security cameras of 2023

1 year ago 111

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A robust home security setup with cameras, sensors, and night vision can give you peace of mind both at home and when you're away.

Utilizing mobile connectivity, a variety of apps, and cloud technologies, the Internet of Things (IoT) technology has made for a smarter, more integrated and user-friendly home security camera setup. These security cameras include feature-rich suites, including cloud and local feed storage, customizable alarms, video capture, night vision, and all housed in a relatively simple wired or wireless form factor.

Also: The best home security systems for protecting your home and office

ZDNET's top pick for the best security camera overall is the Ring Indoor Cam, thanks to its discreet and sleek form factor and budget-friendly price tag. And features like a privacy cover, siren, and 1080p recording promise to make your home smarter and more secure. Read on to see how other Ring doorbell generations, models from Arlo, and more stack up.

The best security cameras of 2023

Pros

privacy cover excellent price reliable connectivity

Cons

wired subscription required for full access

Ring Indoor Cam features: Wired | 1080p HD video | Color night vision | Adjustable mount | Privacy cover

Ring's Indoor Cam might not be as feature-rich as some of the other options on the market, but it remains one of my top favorites, having been a user of Ring products for years.

It used to be the case that I avoided using indoor cameras as they were too sensitive to pet movements, but a few years on, I have found Ring's indoor offerings to be reliable and high-quality -- and with a price point as low as $60, the Ring Indoor Cam is a great option to affordably improve your home security.

This camera, while -- perhaps, unfortunately -- wired, offers 1080p HD video recording and color night vision, mobile connectivity, motion zones, a siren, and more. The privacy cover is a welcome touch.

Pros

Flexible and quick setups Professional monitoring available Bolt-on ecosystem additions available, including outdoor cameras

Cons

Multiple camera costs can be high

Ring Stick Up Cam Solar features: Two-way audio | Motion-activated | 1080p video | Flexible mounting

Heavy-duty, wired surveillance systems used to be the only option to protect a home or business. Times have changed, and with the explosion in mobile solutions coupled with the increased bandwidth offered by broadband and 4G/5G, there are mobile-friendly options for people seeking a budget-conscious security option.

The benefit of the Ring camera range, including indoor, outdoor, stickup, and floodlights, lies within its flexibility. Each camera can be connected to the same account and accessed via smartphone, alerting users to motion from all areas.

Ring's stylish stick up cams can be placed inside or outdoors and on horizontal or vertical surfaces. Battery and wired options are available as well as devices that come with a solar panel and a backup battery pack. The Spotlight and Floodlight models are also worth considering, given their built-in security sirens.

There are a variety of different cameras users can choose from, so you can design a mix-and-match setup. You can also purchase gutter and pole mounts.

Also: This Ring camera hack helps me keep an eye on my most dangerous tech

Pros

Additional security products create a wider security network Small, compact design Budget-friendly

Cons

Limited cloud storage included unless subscribed

Wyze Cam v3 features: Color night vision | Motion and sound detection | 32GB storage | Works with Alexa and Google Assistant

If you want to slowly make your way into the world of IoT and intelligent home security devices the Wyze Cam v3, is a great starter piece as it's budget conscious, accounts for 32GB of storage, and allows for Alexa and Google Assistant integration.

Smart home security doesn't have to be an expensive investment, as this product highlights. The Wyze Cam v3 is a $35 internet-connected camera offering 1080p recording, an IP65 rating for water resistance during indoor or outdoor use, a CMOS sensor designed to improve nighttime vision, a siren, and two-way communication.

The camera can become part of a broader Wyze security ecosystem, which includes outdoor cameras, motion sensors, leak sensors, keypads, and entry monitors.

Also: The best outdoor security cameras

Pros

Built-in siren Stylish design

Cons

Wired Expensive outside of sales events

Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus features: 1080p HD video | Built-in 105dB siren | Motion-activated floodlights | Two-way talk | Color night vision

The Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus is the perfect camera for protecting large areas outside, such as a yard or driveway. This model can record in 1080p HD and has a built-in 105dB siren -- likely to grab the attention of any unwanted intruder on your property.

The Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus is equipped with ultra-bright LED floodlights, which are triggered when motion is detected. You can also use color night vision when you check in via your mobile phone, allowing you to see exactly what's happening, no matter the time of day.

Also: The best video doorbells

Pros

Color night vision Magnetic mounts Activity zones

Cons

Arlo Secure subscription is required for premium features

Arlo Pro 4 features: 12x zoom | Built-in siren | Noise-canceling audio | Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit compatible | Color night vision

The Arlo Pro 4 is another one of our favorite security cameras. This slimline option can be used indoors or outdoors, being a weather-resistant model with various mounting options that can detect sound and motion.

The Arlo Pro 4, available in black or white, can work as a day-to-day camera on the shop floor, as a discreet camera placed outside as a night watchman, or as a part of a full camera network in a large workplace. An included spotlight improves low light and recording alongside object scanning and detection.

Users will receive real-time alerts whenever motion or sound is detected, and footage is captured in up to 2K HDR resolution. The vendor also has implemented Activity Zones, which can be set to reduce unwanted or nuisance notifications.

Arlo's subscription plan also provides the ability to call a friend or contact emergency services. Arlo's camera is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.

Also: The best cheap home security cameras under $100

The Ring Indoor Cam is the best camera on the market to bolster your home security without breaking the bank.

For a quick comparison to other top choices on this list, here's a table with their respective starting prices, power sources, and video options.

Best security camera	Price	Power source	Video
Ring Stick Up Cam Solar	$140	Solar, wired	1080p HD, Live View, Night Vision
Ring Indoor Cam	$60	Wired	1080p HD
Wyze Cam v3	$34	Wired	1080p HD, Live View, Color Night Vision
Arlo Pro 4	$158	Battery	1080p, Color Night Vision
Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus	$130	Wired	1080p HD video with Color Night Vision

When selecting your security camera, you should consider the pain points at home or your business's location. What areas are the most important when it comes to monitoring? What assets do you need to protect? When might your home or business be most vulnerable?

If you're working from home, for example, you might forgo constant video capture and a subscription, opting instead for clips and the ability to check in while you're away. However, if there is valuable stock in an office shut at night, you might pivot toward an option including night vision and constant video/audio feeds.

Choose this security camera...	If you want...
Ring Indoor Cam	The best overall option. Affordable, discreet, and privacy-preserving, we believe this is one of the best cameras to easily make your home smarter and more secure.
Ring Stick Up Cam Solar	A security camera with renewable energy features. Not only are they stylish and reasonably priced, but these cameras are extremely flexible and can be mounted on numerous surfaces, gutters, and poles.
Wyze Cam v3	A budget-friendly security camera. This wired, 1080p HD camera doesn't have many bells or whistles, but it does provide color night vision.
Arlo Pro 4	A security camera for the workplace. If you're willing to pay for the Arlo Secure plan, you will have access to every feature you could possibly need to monitor your workplace and deter unwanted visitors.
Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus	A wired, reliable security camera system. This option is perfect if you need to monitor large, outdoor areas both day and night, and the floodlights included are a bonus.

The requirements of home and business security cameras vary. The average person may lean toward an easy-to-install, budget-conscious product. In contrast, a company may be more inclined to invest in a more powerful alternative to protect valuable assets.

In each case, we have considered as many security system features as possible, including recording capabilities, environmental use, and cost -- both upfront and due to ongoing subscriptions. These are some factors that helped shape our decision.

Location: Not all home security cameras have the weatherproofing required to work outdoors. Be sure to double-check which home security cameras have the type of build you need based on the intended location. Wired: If you decide to purchase a wired home security camera, especially one intended for use outside, be sure to remember that professional installation will likely need to be involved.
Camera: The standard for home security cameras is a 1080p resolution, but there are also models these days with 4K video and color night vision. Anything less than 1080p will deliver a subpar picture that lacks all of the sharpness and clarity you would otherwise receive.
Features: Whether it is motion detection or two-way audio, there are many features that can make a home security camera right for you. Many vendors provide functions that ensure their products are valuable security additions to your home, including alerts, sirens, night vision, two-way audio, and more.

It's best to place exterior security cameras at entry points to your home, like near a front or back door. Be sure to place the security camera in plain sight, so people know they are there and criminals are deterred, since they know you have a security camera.

No, but technology services now -- ranging from streaming to IoT -- will not usually stop at hardware. Revenue models are pivoting to subscriptions, too. If you want constant monitoring and footage to be stored beyond a specific period of time, you may need to sign up.

Yes and no. A common problem with earlier forms of IoT and smart cameras, vendors are constantly improving false-positive rates through improved object detection and the implementation of features such as activity zones.

This bolt-on integration is usually added to make products more appealing and convenient, but you do not need to connect your home security system to anything else in your IoT ecosystem.

Our top picks have a variety of functions and uses. However, there are many home security systems on the market, and some standalone offerings you might want to consider as part of a wider ecosystem rather than a "one size fits all" security package. We've listed other top options below.

Best alternative with motion and sound detection

Roku Smart Home Indoor Camera SE (2-pack)

For the equivalent of $25 each, Roku's two-pack indoor camera system is a budget-friendly way to secure your small home or apartment.

Best alternative with 24/7 HD video

SimpliSafe SimpliCam

The SimpliCam is a great addition to SimpliSafe home security systems or for use as a standalone product. As another perk, it has 24/7 HD video.

Best budget alternative

Blink Mini

One of the most budget-friendly security cameras on the market is the Blink Mini, a discreet option for keeping an eye on your home. It also has night vision and motion detection.