A smart home security camera lets you check on your home remotely, get motion alerts, and store footage. Here are the five best for home use.
Why We Picked These
We assessed video quality, night vision, smart detection (person vs. animal), subscription costs, and ease of installation.
1. Blink Outdoor 4 Camera
Best battery life in the industry — up to 2 years on AA batteries. The Blink Subscription Plan is optional and cheaper than Ring/Nest.
Key specs: Price ~$99 | Rating: ★★★★☆
- 2-year battery life
- Optional subscription
- Amazon Alexa integration
- 720p on some older Blink cameras
- Cloud storage requires subscription
2. Blink Video Doorbell
Wired or battery installation with motion detection and two-way audio. Alexa integration lets you answer the door hands-free from any Echo device.
Key specs: Price ~$49 | Rating: ★★★★☆
- Wired or battery flexible
- Two-way audio
- Alexa doorbell announcements
- 720p daytime, 1080p night unclear
- Requires Sync Module for local storage
3. Ring Video Doorbell (4th Gen)
The most recognised doorbell brand with colour night vision and the largest neighbourhood safety network. Pre-roll captures 4 seconds before motion trigger.
Key specs: Price ~$99 | Rating: ★★★★★
- Colour night vision
- Pre-roll capture
- Ring Neighborhood network
- Ring Protect plan needed for full history
- Amazon required
4. Google Nest Cam (Battery)
Google's AI person/vehicle/animal detection is the most accurate available. HDR video and the ability to store 3 hours locally without internet standout.
Key specs: Price ~$179 | Rating: ★★★★★
- Accurate AI object detection
- 3h local storage, no internet needed
- HDR video
- Expensive
- Requires Google account
5. Wyze Cam v3
The most affordable capable camera available. Colour night vision, 1080p, IP65 weatherproofing, and a local storage option via microSD.
Key specs: Price ~$35 | Rating: ★★★★☆
- Very affordable
- Colour night vision
- microSD local storage
- Smaller company reliability concerns
- App has been criticised for privacy
Buying Guide
For an outdoor camera the Blink Outdoor is the battery life winner. Doorbell: Ring Video Doorbell for reliability. Budget indoor/outdoor: Wyze Cam v3 at $35.