Best Home Security Cameras of 2025: Keeping Your Home Safe and Secure
Home security cameras have become increasingly sophisticated, offering a wide range of features to protect your home and provide peace of mind. Here’s a look at some of the best home security cameras for 2025, categorized by their strengths:
Best Overall:
- Ring Stick Up Cam Battery: A versatile and affordable camera that offers a balance of features, including 1080p video resolution, two-way audio, motion detection, and night vision. It’s a great option for both indoor and outdoor use.
Best for Budget:
- Wyze Cam v3: A highly affordable camera that delivers impressive features, including 1080p video resolution, night vision, two-way audio, and motion detection. It’s a great option for those who want a basic security camera without breaking the bank.
Best for Outdoor Use:
- Arlo Pro 4: A weatherproof camera that offers 2K video resolution, color night vision, two-way audio, and a built-in siren. It’s a great option for monitoring your property and deterring crime.
Best for Indoor Use:
- EufyCam 2C: A compact and stylish indoor camera that offers 1080p video resolution, night vision, two-way audio, and motion detection. It’s a great option for monitoring your home and keeping an eye on your pets.
Best for Advanced Features:
- Nest Cam with Floodlight: A powerful camera that combines a floodlight with a 2K video resolution camera, offering exceptional visibility and motion detection. It’s a great option for those who want a comprehensive security solution.
Factors to Consider When Choosing:
- Resolution: Choose a camera with a high resolution (1080p or higher) for clear and detailed video footage.
- Features: Consider features like night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, and cloud storage.
- Weatherproofing: If you’re looking for an outdoor camera, choose one with a weatherproof rating.
- Compatibility: Ensure the camera is compatible with your chosen smart home ecosystem (Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, etc.).
- Price: Set a budget and find a camera that offers the best value for your money.
Remember:
- The best home security camera for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
- Research different brands and models before making a purchase.
- Consider the latest features and updates when making your decision.
By thoughtfully choosing the right home security camera, you can enhance your home security, provide peace of mind, and keep your property safe.
What Features Are Most Important When Choosing a Home Security Camera?
Choose features that align with your needs. Resolution may be crucial for capturing clear images, and if this is the number one priority for you, make sure that you get a higher resolution security camera. This way, if you’re worried about getting vidoe with, say, a license plate, it comes through on your feed crystal clear.
Additionally, for those with a wide space, the field-of-view, or FOV, ensures adequate coverage of the area you want to monitor. Night vision capabilities are also essential for around-the-clock surveillance, while two-way audio allows you to communicate with visitors or your delivery driver.
And, of course, you’ll want to consider integration with your smart home systems so you can ask your Echo Show to pull up your feed, as an example. Additionally, think about storage options, such as local storage or cloud storage subscriptions, to ensure your footage is safely stored and accessible.
Additionally, for those with a wide space, the field-of-view, or FOV, ensures adequate coverage of the area you want to monitor. Night vision capabilities are also essential for around-the-clock surveillance, while two-way audio allows you to communicate with visitors or your delivery driver.
And, of course, you’ll want to consider integration with your smart home systems so you can ask your Echo Show to pull up your feed, as an example. Additionally, think about storage options, such as local storage or cloud storage subscriptions, to ensure your footage is safely stored and accessible.
What should you look for when buying a home security camera?
There’s a lot to consider when purchasing a home security camera because it’s a massive, growing category that covers everything from professional firms like ADT and Vivint to standalone DIY devices like cameras, sensors and locks from brands like Wyze and Arlo. The first decision you’ll need to make is whether you’re looking for a professionally installed system or a DIY security system.
The next decision you’ll have to make involves the device’s specs and features. Do you want live streaming? Is two-way talk a priority? What about night vision? Modern home security cameras are loaded with neat extra features: Motion detection, professional monitoring, push notifications, cloud video storage, weather resistance, sound and motion alerts and integration with third-party devices. Narrowing down which smarts you want your device to have will help you make a final decision.
The next decision you’ll have to make involves the device’s specs and features. Do you want live streaming? Is two-way talk a priority? What about night vision? Modern home security cameras are loaded with neat extra features: Motion detection, professional monitoring, push notifications, cloud video storage, weather resistance, sound and motion alerts and integration with third-party devices. Narrowing down which smarts you want your device to have will help you make a final decision.
Can a security camera record sound?
We get this question frequently, and the answer is complicated. Many security cameras come with an option to record sound along with video, as well as a way to turn it off. Some disable this feature altogether. The reason is that laws about recording sound (like conversations) vary from state to state and country to country. Most wiretapping laws also affect home devices, often requiring you to have two-party consent before legally recording. That makes this a very gray area, especially if you want to use footage as evidence. You can always use live two-way audio without recording to stay safe.
Are Home Security Cameras Easy to Install and Set Up?
Many home security cameras are designed with user-friendly installation in mind. Most of them provide detailed instructions and user-friendly mobile apps that help guide you through the installation. You don’t need to call a handyman, either; many are designed for DIY installation (though you can always call one if you’re unsure).
Setup typically involves connecting the camera to your Wi-Fi network and configuring settings through the accompanying app. Even if you’re not particularly tech-savvy, you’ll find that most cameras offer straightforward installation and setup procedures, allowing you to enjoy enhanced security without hassle.
Setup typically involves connecting the camera to your Wi-Fi network and configuring settings through the accompanying app. Even if you’re not particularly tech-savvy, you’ll find that most cameras offer straightforward installation and setup procedures, allowing you to enjoy enhanced security without hassle.
Can wireless home security cameras work without Wi-Fi?
Many wireless cameras cannot fully function without an internet connection. Some cameras — especially those that are part of a larger home security system — use alternative radio protocols to transfer information. Those cameras will require a separate hub. Other cameras, if they have local storage, will be able to record and store footage — on a microSD card, for example — even if the internet is out. Lorex is one of the best brands for avoiding the internet altogether, but it will take some work.
Can a home security camera be hacked?
Cameras can really strengthen your home’s security, but they can also degrade its privacy. We don’t recommend any cameras that have had recent and serious problems with data breaches for that reason. But as we explain, direct hacking isn’t really a concern. There’s no need for burglars to hack security cameras, and malware is more likely to infect webcams if it starts causing problems. In reality, your cams are more likely to be “hacked” by a monitoring center employee who doesn’t care about the law or an ex who has your login information than by any shadowy cybercriminal.
Will you be able to tell if a security camera is actively recording you? It depends, too. Most security cameras will include a small light that will turn on when it’s recording, though that may not be a reliable indicator if the camera has been hacked. Others, like Arlo’s indoor camera, include design features that make it totally clear when the camera is watching and when it’s not. In general, devices with physical shields are always a solid option if you’re worried about maintaining your privacy.
Will you be able to tell if a security camera is actively recording you? It depends, too. Most security cameras will include a small light that will turn on when it’s recording, though that may not be a reliable indicator if the camera has been hacked. Others, like Arlo’s indoor camera, include design features that make it totally clear when the camera is watching and when it’s not. In general, devices with physical shields are always a solid option if you’re worried about maintaining your privacy.
Do These Cameras Require a Subscription for Full Functionality?
While some home security cameras offer optional subscription plans for additional features or cloud storage, many models give you plenty of features without the need for shelling out that pesky monthly fee. Basic features such as live streaming, motion detection and two-way audio are often included without additional fees. Before adding a home security camera to your home, carefully review the included features and read the fine print on any associated subscription plans. That way, you are fully aware before you buy.
Ring Stick Up Cam Battery: The Best Overall Home Security Camera
The Ring Stick Up Cam Battery is a versatile and affordable home security camera that offers a compelling balance of features, performance, and value. It’s a great option for both indoor and outdoor use, making it a versatile choice for a variety of security needs.
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
Verdict:
The Ring Stick Up Cam Battery is a great overall choice for a home security camera, offering a balance of features, performance, and value. Its versatility, 1080p video resolution, two-way audio, motion detection, night vision, and built-in alarm make it a compelling option for both indoor and outdoor use.
Final Thoughts:
The Ring Stick Up Cam Battery is a solid choice for those who want a versatile and affordable home security camera. Its features, performance, and ease of use make it a great option for both indoor and outdoor monitoring. However, its limited field of view and subscription requirement for cloud storage might be a deterrent for some. If you prioritize a wider field of view or want free cloud storage, other security cameras might be more suitable.
EufyCam 2C: The Best Indoor Home Security Camera for 2024
The EufyCam 2C is a compact and stylish indoor security camera designed for those who prioritize privacy, affordability, and ease of use. It offers a compelling combination of features and performance, making it an excellent choice for monitoring your home and keeping an eye on your pets.
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
Verdict:
The EufyCam 2C is a great choice for those who prioritize privacy, affordability, and ease of use in an indoor security camera. Its compact design, 1080p video resolution, two-way audio, motion detection, and local storage make it a compelling option for monitoring your home and keeping an eye on your pets.
Final Thoughts:
The EufyCam 2C is a solid choice for those who want a reliable and affordable indoor security camera. Its privacy-focused design, clear video quality, and local storage make it a great option for those who want to monitor their home without relying on a cloud subscription.