CNET has tested tons of 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, performance and quality. With all the options, it can be hard not to get overwhelmed quickly, especially when you’re considering something as important as your home’s security. After CNET’s years of reviewing home security cameras, I have some tips if you’re on the hunt for a new one. Here are a few parameters to consider:
Privacy
This is a big one. You don’t want anyone looking at your site or hacking your camera. Wireless home security cameras can be vulnerable to hacking due to their connection to Wi-Fi networks and remote access, especially if you have poor router security. Wired home security cameras that don’t use Wi-Fi at all are generally more secure. (Read more about the pros and cons of wired vs. wireless systems here.) As I mentioned above, data breaches and security vulnerabilities can also be a threat to your privacy, so it’s important to consider a company’s recent reputation.
Inside vs. outside
One of the first things you need to consider is where you want to place your home security cameras. If you want your camera to be outside, recording on your patio or yard, you’ll probably want an outdoor camera that’s weatherproof or has night vision.
While many cameras can be used interchangeably for indoor or outdoor purposes, some cameras are designed for indoor use only, so be sure to buy cameras that can handle outdoor use.
Video editing
Video quality should be a major consideration when purchasing a home security camera. In simple words, your camera will not work if the only video recorded is green and unreadable.
The higher the resolution, the better the video quality. Most home security cameras on the market now have 1,080p resolution, but some have 2K resolution (like the Arlo Pro 4) or 1,536×1,536-pixel resolution (like the Arlo Video Doorbell), and a growing number have adopted 4K. Just remember, the higher the video quality, the more bandwidth it takes and the more likely your camera is to experience lag or issues.
Field of view
Field of view (usually given diagonally) refers to how wide the camera’s field of view is. Wider is usually better because it takes up more space and makes it easier to see the work. The average security camera is usually about 130 degrees high, although some exceed that. The pan and tilt features make the field of view less important since the camera can’t move around.
I find the wide field of view to be great if you want to explore many corners of the backyard — not so important if you just want to keep an eye on packages and guests in front of your door.
Battery or wired power
Battery cameras and wireless cameras versus wired options are a matter of taste as both types have pros and cons.
Wireless options are often easier to install and operate, and often use cloud storage, so you can access your recordings from anywhere. Wireless security cameras have their own power supply, so even during internet or power outages, they can still record and save videos. Another downside is that you will need to manually change the batteries or charge them regularly unless you get a solar powered home security camera.
Wired cameras are tightly wound for a secure connection, so they don’t need to be charged and can often improve high-quality video resolution. They tend to be more reliable, secure and consistent in video quality while not requiring monthly cloud storage costs. However, not all owners will feel comfortable wiring the camera without the help of a professional, and they are not good options for renters and people living in apartments.
Some wired home security cameras (like the Google Nest Cam Indoor) often have better video and audio quality.
Location vs. cloud storage
Not all video storage is equal. You have two main options and choosing one comes down to personal preference. There is cloud storage, which sends your video to a remote server for storage, and local storage, which relies on a separate accessory or piece of hardware, usually a microSD card, to hold whatever video you want to store. Generally, cloud storage requires a monthly fee of about $5 to $10.
Wi-Fi quality and range
If you enter wireless home security camerasremember that smart home the camera you buy (and your security system as a whole) will only be as good as your quality Wi-Fi connection in the place where you plan to install it. So check yours Wi-Fi speed before you drill holes in walls or stain your door frame, brick or the side of your home security camera. If the connection is spotty to your wireless security camera, you’ll notice noticeable lag times, pixelated live feeds and other Wi-Fi delays. This makes video quality poor and home security cameras a pain to use.
With a good Wi-Fi connection, you should be in a good position to use yours indoor home security camera or outdoor home security camera without major camera system problems and get clear pictures every time. Still have questions? Look at mine Home security camera buying guide and FAQs below.
