7 Best Security Cameras of 2024: Pricing, Features
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Security cameras let you keep a closer eye on your home. Many integrate with home security alarm systems to send alerts and emergency services through professional monitoring centers. The best security cameras offer sharp footage, intelligent alerts differentiating between people and other motion, two-way audio and clear night vision.
Security cameras can be geared for indoor or outdoor use, though most of the devices on this list work in both settings. Some are plug-in, while others need a single-use or rechargeable battery. Many require a paid monthly plan to save video recordings to the cloud, though several offer local storage through an SD card or an add-on device.
We reviewed the top security cameras on the market for these features and more. Many of these models are often discounted, which we factored into our rankings, but the prices below are list prices. Here are our top picks.
1. Best budget: Wyze Cam v4
Courtesy of Wyze
Equipment cost: $35.98
Video storage cost: Local storage available with a MicroSD card (sold separately starting at $8.99 for 32GB). Cloud storage $2.99 per month for 14 days of footage for a single camera or $9.99 for unlimited devices.
Why we like it: Wyze’s indoor/outdoor plug-in camera offers the best “bang for your buck” on this list. It includes many of the best features of higher-priced security cameras at a fraction of the cost, including 2.5K HDR quality, two-way audio, color night vision and auto zoom.
The camera also has a built-in siren and motion-activated spotlight.
Person detection requires a paid monthly subscription, which also includes up to 14 days of recorded footage saved to the cloud. A subscription isn’t required to save footage, though, because the Wyze cameras also offer local storage with a MicroSD card, which you can purchase from Wyze. The cards range from 32 GB to 256 GB.
You can record continuously (24/7) to an SD card, but not with cloud storage.
2. Best wireless: TP-Link Tapo Wire-Free MagCam
Courtesy of TP-Link
Equipment cost: $119.99
Video storage cost: Local storage with SD card. Cloud storage $3.49 per month for 30 days of recordings for up to 10 cameras.
Why we like it: TP-Link’s wireless camera includes a rechargeable battery that the website says lasts for up to 300 days. It can be used indoors or outdoors and records in 2K, with color night vision, two-way audio and up to 12X zoom-in capabilities.
Unlike several cameras on this list, this camera offers smart detection for free. You can also avoid ongoing fees by using a compatible SD card for local storage, which costs around $20. Cloud storage is also available as an optional backup for a monthly fee. This camera doesn’t offer 24/7 recording.
3. Best cloud storage: Ring Stick-Up Cam
Courtesy of Ring
Equipment cost: $99.99
Video storage cost: $4.99 per month and up for cloud video recording storage up to 180 days. Conversion to local storage requires a $20 monthly subscription, Ring Base Station and SD card.
Why we like it: Ring offers three versions of its stick-up cam: battery-powered, plug-in and solar. The camera can be installed indoors or outdoors and records in 1080p HD. It offers two-way audio and color night vision, but smart detection requires a monthly subscription.
A Ring Protect subscription includes cloud-based video recording storage for up to 180 days, the longest cloud storage time on this list. Local storage is possible but requires a Pro subscription plan, a Ring base station and an SD card.
Ring’s 24/7 recording is currently in beta for “select customers,” according to Ring, but only works with a plug-in camera and likely requires a paid subscription. Ring cameras can be voice-activated with Alexa.
4. Best Alexa compatibility: Blink Outdoor 4
Courtesy of Blink
Equipment cost: $99.99
Video storage cost: $3 per month for 60 days of video history on the cloud for one device or $10 for unlimited devices. Local storage with a Sync Module for $49.99 (requires a USB flash drive).
Why we like it: Although some other providers offer more advanced features, Amazon’s battery-operated Blink outdoor security camera offers a good mix of features at a more affordable price. It’s powered by two AA batteries and is easy to set up and mount.
The device records in 1080p HD and offers infrared night vision and two-way audio, plus voice activation with Alexa. There’s no advanced zoom feature or color night vision, and person detection requires a paid monthly plan. Other Blink cameras do have color night vision.
Blink doesn’t offer continuous (24/7) recording on any of its cameras.
5. Best local storage and video quality: Lorex 4K Spotlight
Courtesy of Lorex
Equipment cost: $199.99
Video storage cost: MicroSD card included for local storage. Optional cloud storage backup available for $2.99 per month for 30 days of video history in the cloud for one device, or $9.99 for unlimited devices.
Why we like it: The Lorex 4K Spotlight is one of the few security cameras that prioritizes local storage, which can reduce ongoing video storage costs. The device has a built-in 32GB MicroSD card, which you can replace for under $10.
According to Lorex, this storage capacity corresponds to just under three total days of footage, though with standard event-based recording (not continuous), this can last for months. You can get 24/7 recording with the purchase of an NVR system recorder.
The camera also offers the highest video quality on our list, plus color-changing motion-activated LED lights, a built-in siren, two-way talk and color night vision. It sends intelligent alerts that differentiate between people, packages, animals and vehicles for no added cost. Lorex devices are compatible with both Alexa and Google Voice.
6. Best solar-powered camera: Eufy SoloCam S340
Courtesy of Eufy
Equipment cost: $199.99.
Video storage cost: Free (built-in local storage only).
Why we like it: Eufy’s outdoor security camera is likely the most self-sufficient device on this list: it powers itself with a built-in solar panel and comes with an 8 GB eMMC chip that, according to Eufy, offers enough storage to record 30 30-second videos a day for 30 days.
The storage is not expandable, though. You may have to delete older recordings to free up space. This camera does not offer continuous (24/7) recording, though other Eufy cameras do.
The device records in 3K, can zoom in up to 8X, offers color night vision and two-way audio, and sends intelligent alerts to detect person versus other motion. Some Eufy devices are compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, but this camera isn’t on Eufy’s list of compatible devices.
7. Best features: Google Nest Cam (battery)
Courtesy of Nest
Equipment cost: $179.99
Video storage cost: $8 per month and up for 30 days of event-based video history; $15 per month for up to 60 days plus 10-day continuous history with the wired model.
Why we like it: Google Nest’s battery-powered camera works for outdoor or indoor use, with valuable features that make it a top pick, especially for existing Google Home Users. It has a built-in three-hour video history, and you can save up to 60 days of footage in the cloud with a Nest Aware subscription.
The battery is rechargeable, though you can purchase an indoor plug-in cord or a weatherproof outdoor cable for continuous power. If your camera is plugged in and you have the $15 monthly Nest Aware Plus subscription, you can also access up to ten days of 24/7 recording.
The camera has infrared night vision (not full color), 1080p HD quality footage, two-way audio and zoom capabilities. It also includes intelligent alerts for people, animals and vehicles, and you can add familiar face detection with a Nest Aware subscription. It can be voice-activated with Google Home but not Alexa.
How we selected top security cameras
We ran highly-rated security cameras through a comprehensive rubric, measuring each product on pricing, video features, storage capabilities and customer reviews. Some security cameras are only available for purchase as part of a custom home security system, such as one from home security provider Vivint, so they were not part of this review process.
Methodology
We collect data from providers and do firsthand testing as necessary. Our process starts by gathering information from providers and contacting providers for further information where needed. This information, combined with our specialists’ hands-on research, makes up our proprietary assessment process that scores each provider’s performance. The final output produces star ratings from poor (1 star) to excellent (5 stars). Ratings are rounded to the nearest half-star. Learn more about our ratings methodology here.
