What is a Home Security Camera?
A Home Security Camera is a device designed to record videos for surveillance. Its main purpose is to help you detect and prevent any suspicious activity from happening on your property. You would want to make sure that your home is not at risk for crime and everyone at home is safe. Having the best security camera would help you achieve this.
Best Home Security Camera Models for All-Around Safety
It is very important to explore your options in choosing the best home security camera to identify which suits your house and family needs. This will not only help you in decision making but also in the long run. Here’s a list of the home security camera models you could choose from.
Reasons to Buy a Home Security Camera
Getting a home security camera may cost you money, but it’s worth the price when it can give you peace of mind. There are plenty of reasons for getting a security camera, but here are the most common ones: Wyze Cam Pan’s features also include two-way audio, which allows communication to both ends. Though the sound quality is better received through the app rather than the camera’s speaker, this is still an amazing feature. Another good thing is its night vision, which allows you to view clearly during nighttime. This affordable home security camera has downsides, unfortunately. Its free rolling 14-day cloud storage can only apply to automatic alert videos. It only captures a 10 or 15- clip of motion detected and stores it on the Wyze cloud. You can have a longer playback, but you will need to use an SD card or your phone’s storage. Wyze Cam Pan also uses a wired power cord to function, which can be a hassle for some, but this is still a great deal for its price. Compared to the standard 1080p resolution for most home security cameras, Arlo Pro 3 offers a 2K video resolution. This allows recording videos with better quality so you can clearly see whoever tries to break into your house. It also has an infrared night vision feature and a built-in spotlight to have a clear vision any time of the day. This home security camera is versatile that you can put it anywhere, be it inside or outside of your house. In terms of storage, Arlo Pro 3 offers an affordable subscription for cloud video storage at $2.99 a month. One major drawback of this model is that it requires a base station which you could only get when you purchase two or more cameras. But what could go wrong when you get two of these cameras, right? The Blink Indoor may have fewer features compared to the other home security cameras, but it is good enough for its price. It also doesn’t require a power cord to function, so it’s less hassle for the users. Being a wireless security camera makes it easier to set up and install the device. Also, its motion sensor feature is sensitive and accurate that it can pick up every move the subject makes. This simple camera would have been better if it included two-way communication instead of just one mic. Another thing to note about this camera is its lack of night vision; you won’t be able to see clearly in the dark with this unit. Its battery is also an issue, but you can turn off motion alert settings when you’re in the same room with the cam. In that way, you can receive a less low battery warning. This home security camera also sends push alerts and records clips whenever it detects activity in the area it’s placed in. You’ll also feel a little safer during the night with its night vision feature, which allows you to see up to five meters in the dark. It also has an available SD card slot so you can record and download clips without worrying about storage. The Omna app is also available for Android and iOS devices for you to access anywhere. You can also install this home security camera anywhere you want because it’s adapter-dependent and can be connected over Wi-Fi. If you want to tether it to your router, you may use the Ethernet port that comes with the cam. Another part of its features is the two-way audio that allows you to communicate with anyone the camera is capturing. It also offers clear night vision for up to 33 feet and an HD 1080p resolution. In terms of storage, you can use a micro SD card with 128GB storage to store at least a month’s worth of motion detection recording. You also have the option to avail cloud storage for an additional fee. It doesn’t matter if it happened at night because its night vision will let you clearly see what was happening in the dark. Its 1080p HD resolution, 130-degree wide-angle view, and 8x zoom would be able to provide great-quality recordings. It also has a built-in speaker and mic, which would allow you to hear what’s happening at home. If you have inquiries that need an answer from real humans, they offer customer support 24/7 Another good thing about this Nest Cam Indoor is it’s easy to install and can be put on all types of surfaces. Once plugged in, you can continue setting it up from your phone. It has a stand that allows it to stand on a table or shelf. It also has a removable wall plate you can use if you feel like attaching the nest cam to a wall. Make use of its built-in magnet if you want to stick the camera to something metallic. If you find it more conveniently, you can also mount the cam onto a tripod. This home security camera also uses an intelligent motion detection algorithm that can detect humans and ignore distractions. This is a great feature because you wouldn’t get false alerts when it detects a tree branch moving outside. It can also capture what happened before, during, and after the detected activity. That said, you would have enough evidence to share with the authority. This home security camera’s infrared night vision also allows for a clearer view, even when the light is out. The SimpliCam has a stainless steel privacy shutter that only opens with the user’s permission. This gives you complete control over your privacy, making it one of the best home security camera models. This Lorex security camera has a two-way audio feature that allows you to communicate with whoever’s on the other end. You can also enable push notification when motion is detected. You don’t need to worry about false alerts because this affordable Wi-Fi cam has built-in person detection. It also comes with a 16GB MicroSD card to store videos triggered by motion and sound. You can also upgrade local storage up to 256 GB to capture more footage. It also has night vision capabilities that you can take advantage of when there is a limited amount of light. The best thing about Canary Flex is it can work plugged in or wire-free, providing you with the freedom to pretty much put it everywhere. It has a built-in rechargeable battery that you can recharge using a power cord. You can also use it while charging, so no one has a chance to break into your home unseen. You can check the battery status using the Canary app so you would know if it’s time to recharge your battery. This home security camera has a 360-degree magnetic base which allows you to capture at any viewing angle. Just stick it on a flat surface like a table or even on the wall, and twist it in any direction you want. The Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro also allows two-way communication with its speaker and microphone. With this, you can scare away intruders or even greet your neighbor, all with the help of the Vivint Smart Home app. If someone’s planning to break into your home, the camera will play a tune and will light up its LED lights to prevent it before it happens. The LED lights can also be used to see clearly in the dark with its infrared night vision. All these features are great, but you should note that this wired camera requires the larger Vivint security system to function. But if you already have that, then you should more than consider purchasing this product. This home security camera is easy to install, and it’s very convenient since you wouldn’t need additional wiring or battery. It has a built-in music quality speaker and microphone so you can communicate with whoever’s on the other side of the lens. This also allows you to play pre-recorded greetings, or if you prefer, you can change the chime into a barking dog sound. The Maximus Camera Floodlight can also sound off a 100 dB siren or call 911 using the mobile app. These features are great, but the advanced features are only accessible for 14 days. You have the option to upgrade to Kuna Premium to keep all the features like the 30-day look-back and unlimited video downloads. Otherwise, you can enjoy its basic features without spending a single cent. Thanks to its IP67 weatherproof rating, it can be used indoors and outdoors. It is built to withstand rain, snow, or humidity. You can mount it at any location because Swann NHD-881 comes with a 30-meter Ethernet cable. After installing, you can view it remotely on your smartphone or tablet, which is very convenient. You should note, however, that this home security camera cannot function all by itself. It can only be used in combination with Swann’s Ultra HD Network Video Recorders, which you can purchase separately. This battery-powered security camera also offers two-way audio, enabling two-way communication. It also has an infrared night vision feature so you wouldn’t worry about intruders breaking into your house when the sun is down. The Blink app that you can use to view remotely is free together with the two hours of rolling Cloud storage. Having a wireless home security camera may be hassle-free, but one of its biggest disadvantages lies in battery power. The Blink XT2’s battery life depends on the settings, environmental factors, and the features you use. For example, using two-way audio frequently will greatly reduce its battery life. But if you’re going to consider its price, it can still be a great option to consider. There is also an added facial recognition feature, which makes it more convenient and secure to use. However, you would need to sign up for Nest Aware and pay for a subscription to enjoy this amazing feature. Arlo Pro 2 can also provide sound and advanced motion detection that will provide emails or notifications to your smartphone. You can also get an image of what happened three seconds before a triggered event for you to look back on. It also has a smart security siren that can be used to scare off intruders. If you’re worried about false alerts, you can assign specific areas that you want your camera to focus on when detecting sound or motion. One of the best things about the Canary Pro is it’s very easy to set up. Just set it on a flat surface, connect it to the internet or plug it in with Ethernet, and you’re good to go. This home security camera also has a built-in climate monitor that allows you to check the temperature, humidity, and air. This could be helpful for those living in places with extreme climates because the climate sensors can notify the user. The Canary Pro and all Canary cameras have AI-powered Person Detection to give you smarter alerts. Not only that, but it also learns and adapts as time goes by; it will get smart enough to know whether a certain activity is unusual or plain ordinary. The Wyze Cam V3’s ability to do a lot of things when the sun is down is what makes it all the more extraordinary. Did anyone mention it can see clearly at night in full color or black and white? The color night vision option is enabled by default, but you can switch to black and white night vision if that’s your preference. It has a Starlight CMOS sensor that allows it to illuminate dark areas, providing details that not even your eyes can see at night. Its f/1.6 aperture also helps by capturing more light that gives more accurate details. Reducing noise and sharpening the image wouldn’t also be a problem since the Starlight ISP does its job well. This can be a suitable candidate for the best home security camera models because of its other outstanding features. With Wyze Cam V3, you can have a two-way conversation, detect sound and motion, and assign motion detection zones so you don’t get false alerts. A free 14-day cloud storage comes upon purchase, but you can use a MicroSD card or avail of a Cam Plus subscription if you want to add more to your recordings. It has a built-in motion sensor that only records and stores videos when it detects motion so it conserves battery life. What’s nice about the Reolink Argus 2 is it allows you to adjust the picture quality size. You can increase the resolution for better quality or you can decrease it for longer battery life and better performance. You can also have a customized voice-recordable alert so the siren wouldn’t be your only option. This home security camera has two-way audio, making it possible to have a real-time conversation even when you’re miles away. The free Reolink mobile app will allow you to get remote access so you can monitor what’s going on at home anytime, anywhere. The Amcrest 4MP UltraHD Indoor has built-in two-way audio, allowing you to speak with anyone when you think just seeing them isn’t enough. It utilizes a noise-canceling algorithm so you can talk with great audio quality. This home security camera has smart motion detection that sends the right notification to your smartphone. With its advanced zone detection, you can pick specific zones that you want your camera to focus on. This feature prevents the detection of motion from trees and other distractions. Another thing this home security camera offers is a MicroSD card slot so you can record locally. If you want to store it in the cloud, you can get cloud storage plans available for a monthly subscription. The starter kit includes a key fob, mini-door or window sensor, and a basic plan that doesn’t require monthly fees for the subscription. The key fob allows you to arm and disarm your system remotely with a press of a button. You can also monitor your doors or windows, depending on where you mount the mini-sensor. With this, you can set up notifications whenever the doors or windows open or close. The Iota also has a built-in siren to scare off intruders, making it a good home security camera to have. The motion detection is also advanced because it has a built-in sensor and detection technology. These things prevent you from receiving false alarms triggered by plants, pets, or insects. This home security camera can also watch an entire room, even when placed in just one place with its 360-degree PTZ. It has an advanced motion algorithm that follows the movement trajectory of a moving object or person. If you’re out for a vacation or in the grocery, you can still monitor your home using the Yi Home app.
Theft Prevention
It is undeniable that one of the major reasons for installing a home security camera is to prevent theft from happening. There is a notion that if you have one at home, you will less likely experience being the target of criminals. In most cases, thieves try to learn about how secure is the house they’re going to rob. If they find that the level of security is weak, they will think that it’s an easy target. But if they notice that the house has security cameras, there is a great possibility that they wouldn’t push through with their plans.
Remote Surveillance
If you always go out, say you go to work every day and you want to keep an eye on your kids at home, you can get a home security camera. Most, if not all, security cameras nowadays work with mobile apps to provide remote access. If you want to check in on anyone at home, you can just use your smartphone to see what they’re doing. This is enough reason to buy one to free your mind of these worries. With a home security camera and a reliable internet connection, you can go to work every day with peace of mind.
Enhancing Overall Security of the Household
There are some instances that other crimes happen at home, say a kidnapping or other worse things. You can feel more secure if you have a home security camera that enhances the overall security of the household. Most of the listed home security camera models above can send alerts to notify the users about what’s happening. Some even have a siren to scare off intruders. Some models can also quickly contact the authorities when it detects a suspicious event. Having a security camera is very helpful to increase the level of security in your household.
Things to Consider When Buying a Home Security Camera
There are a lot of factors to look at if you’re considering getting a home security camera. It is important to seek the features that matter, so here are some things that you might want to look for.
Indoor or Outdoor use
It is important to know how you want to use your camera so you could maximize its features. Identifying where to install it is a good way to start. There are security cameras that are designed specifically for indoor or outdoor use. If you want to monitor what happens inside your home, you should get an indoor security camera. Otherwise, get the model that can work well even when exposed to the elements. There are also models that can be used both indoors and outdoors, which makes them a flexible option to have.
Video Quality
Anyone who gets a home security camera looks at the video quality because no one would buy something that produces blurred, pixelated footage. The essence of having a security camera is not only to see but also to recognize who comes to your house. You should get a camera that has at least 720p resolution, but it’s generally recommended for you to get cameras that offer higher resolutions. Having night vision and a wide field of view is also desirable since it can help give more details in wide areas even in the dark.
Audio Quality
A home security camera would be appreciated even more if it can produce clear audio. This is very important, especially when you want to have a conversation using the camera’s two-way audio feature. You wouldn’t want to be misunderstood when greeting someone in front of your door using the built-in microphone and speaker. To avoid that, pick a home security camera that has excellent audio quality.
Storage
Aside from the quality of the recordings, storage is also one of the things that you should consider. You can record footage with the best quality possible, but it would just be for nothing if you have no space to store it. There are home security cameras that offer free cloud storage, but those only last for a while. Unless you avail of a cloud storage plan, you will have to stick with what you can get for free. Some models have a MicroSD card slot, which gives you the option to have expandable storage.
AI/Smart Device Integration
Alerts
Receiving alerts when a home security camera detects suspicious motion builds the level of security that you want to have. This will serve as a warning or source of information about what’s going on in or outside of your home. Some security cameras have a built-in siren or floodlights that are helpful in scaring off intruders.
Battery Life
There are wire-free home security cameras that rely on batteries. This can be good at first because it makes it less-hassle for installation. However, there would come a time that you’d have to either recharge or replace your battery. That being said, you have to pick a security camera that is rechargeable or has long battery life.
Motion Detection
Motion detection can sometimes give false alerts rather than convenience. Some home security cameras detect motion from trees or other objects and instantly send you an alert. This can be a problem because it would take space from your storage and even reduce battery life. There are security cameras that have smart motion detection to avoid receiving false alerts. There is also a human detection feature that detects motion only from humans. These things would help you track down intruders.
Price
Of course, you would also have to consider how much you would spend when getting a home security camera. Price can sometimes tell you about the performance and quality it can provide. There are pricey models that give you the best features. on the other hand, some models give a reasonable performance while having an affordable price. You should always think if what you’re going to buy is worth its price or not.
How to Maintain a Home Security Camera
It is important to know how to keep your home security camera functioning seamlessly. Regularly check your device to see if it’s performing well. You can remove unnecessary elements from the camera lenses to ensure the best image quality. You can also dust off the DVRs to keep excellent performance. The camera position should also be checked to make sure it sees the right areas to monitor. If you have a waterproof camera, you might also want to check the inside of the camera housing. These sometimes have water, condensation, or dust inside, so you should check your cameras regularly to keep them running for longer. You should also inspect your home security camera for signs of corrosion. If you find any, replace the corroded connector to avoid short circuits from occurring. If you are having a hard time with the maintenance of the product, you can always contact the service provider. Because if there’s someone who knows better, it would be them.
