Smarterhome.org may earn a commission when you click on our affiliate links and this may impact the placement of listings. Learn more.
Smarterhome.org may earn a commission when you click on our affiliate links and this may impact the placement of listings. Learn more.
Explore and compare camera options from top home security brands
Most trusted
Type of cameras
Outdoor, indoor, and doorbell cameras
Installation required
System-based pricing
Wired and wireless
Best smart home automation
Type of cameras
Outdoor, indoor, and doorbell cameras
Installation required
System-based pricing
Wired and wireless
Best premium DIY
Type of cameras
Outdoor, indoor, and doorbell cameras
Installation required
System-based pricing
Wired and wireless
Best basic DIY
Type of cameras
Outdoor, indoor, and doorbell cameras
Installation required
System-based pricing
Wired and wireless
Best for a budget
Type of cameras
Outdoor, indoor, and doorbell cameras
Installation required
System-based pricing
Wired and wireless
Home security cameras are a cost-efficient, simple, and effective way to protect your home, loved ones, and valuables. With options for indoor or outdoor, wired or wireless, and smart home security cameras, you can keep your eye on your home from any angle, even when you’re away.
Whether you’re looking for a security camera that connects to your phone without WiFi, a security camera you can install yourself, or anything in between, you have options. Here are our top-recommended security cameras:
Home security cameras come with unique features to enhance your home protection. Depending on the camera you choose, you can experience peace of mind and a simplified life. These are some of our favorite benefits of home security cameras:
When a would-be criminal sees your outdoor security cameras, they’ll be less likely to follow through with their original plan. Plus, you’ll have them on video if they trespass or attempt to break-in.
Should someone enter your home without permission, an indoor security camera will capture their every move. With the recorded footage, you and the police have a better chance of identifying and apprehending the suspect.
These days, home security cameras do even more than provide peace of mind from break-ins. With high-tech features and automation options, they can help simplify your life. For example, indoor cameras with two-way talk allow you to communicate with people or pets in your home, and doorbell cameras allow you to monitor your front step, even while you’re away.
To use all the features of your camera, you typically need a home security system base. Once you have a base system and the cameras, it’s easy and relatively affordable to add sensors and additional features to create a complete home security system, providing even more benefits.
If your goal is to proactively protect your home, a system provides whole-home protection. You can add motion sensors for intrusion detection and life safety monitoring, and you can sign up for 24/7 professional monitoring for real-time responses to any unusual activity.
Smart security cameras include features like two-way audio and remote control access. With a complete home security system, you can add other smart security equipment such as smart lights, a remote garage door opener, smart locks for keyless entry, and more.
When you purchase a security system, you have access to the company’s support team. Whether you need to troubleshoot an issue with your home security cameras or want to add 24/7 monitoring, you are able to do so.
One of the best things about a complete security camera system is that you can monitor it while you’re away with a mobile app. The best security companies provide a seamless mobile app experience so you can control all of your security products on the go.
Wireless security camera systems use WiFi to communicate with your cameras. As long as you have an internet connection at your home, you can connect your cameras to your system control panel and smart device for at-home or remote monitoring.
Wireless security camera systems use WiFi to communicate with your cameras. As long as you have an internet connection at your home, you can connect your cameras to your system control panel and smart device for at-home or remote monitoring.
DIY installation for your wireless security camera system
DIY installation for your wireless home security cameras
You can set it up anywhere throughout your home
Ideal for renters who can’t drill into their home or connect to apartment wiring systems
Sometimes less expensive than wired security cameras
Must maintain a strong WiFi connection at all times to transmit camera feed to mobile device
Uses battery power, which needs to be replaced or recharged periodically
Wifi-controlled cameras: ADT Learn more
Solar-powered cameras: Ring Learn more
HD video: SimpliSafe Learn more
High-quality night vision: Frontpoint Learn more
Wired security cameras connect to a power source and typically require a professionally installed control system that works as the “hub” for in-person and remote monitoring and control. Rather than connecting to the internet to function, wired security cameras can transmit video and audio via a hardwired cable connected to your central hub.
Reliable signal that doesn’t need an internet connection
Consistent power to the camera
Professional installation (typically required) ensures proper setup and function
Easy to connect more security products to a wired hub
Not portable
Not ideal for renters because drilling and running wires are required
Must hide wiring throughout home
Indoor-outdoor system: Vivint Learn more
Quality outdoor system: ADT Learn more
Hardwired options: Ring Learn more
An indoor security camera is placed strategically inside your home so you can record and view what’s happening in your house or apartment while you’re sleeping or away. An indoor security camera with audio lets you take home security a step further by communicating to people or pets who near the camera, even while you’re away. If you want to keep an eye on things at home, use a hidden indoor security camera with a mobile app to view live and recorded footage at all times.
Here are the indoor home security cameras offered by our favorite home security brands:
4.5 rating from SmarterHome
Wired indoor camera that starts recording once motion is detected
4.2 rating from SmarterHome
Wireless indoor security camera with two-way audio and video analytics
4.0 rating from SmarterHome
Indoor camera and premium indoor camera with a Bluetooth speaker and two-way audio
3.0 rating from SmarterHome
Indoor Cam with plug-in installation and Stick Up Cam Battery for a completely wireless experience
4.0 rating from SmarterHome
Indoor security camera with video recording and 30-day storage
Most indoor home security cameras require a monthly monitoring plan to access recorded footage and get the most out of your camera’s features. When deciding which indoor security camera is best for you, consider the cost, installation process, and smart features, like an indoor security camera with audio. The best indoor home security cameras are easily monitored on a mobile app for remote viewing and control.
Outdoor security cameras are placed outside your home, apartment, or garage to keep an eye on your property. With live and recorded video footage, you can identify any unwanted visitors or see who is at your front door from the comfort of your home or while you’re away. An outdoor security camera system helps deter burglars and package thieves and keeps your home and family safe.
Outdoor home security cameras can feature smart automation, floodlights, and two-way audio. Here are our top picks for outdoor cameras:
4.5 rating from SmarterHome
Wired Outdoor Camera with “Smart Deter” technology that plays a loud sound and illuminates its LED ring when prolonged motion is detected
4.2 rating from SmarterHome
Wired Outdoor Security Camera with two-way audio and video analytics
4.0 rating from SmarterHome
Outdoor Camera with a built-in speaker and microphone for two-way audio
3.0 rating from SmarterHome
Outdoor Stick Up Cam, Spotlight Cam, or Floodlight Cam for outdoor video coverage
4.0 rating from SmarterHome
Outdoor Security Camera with a rechargeable battery and built-in spotlight
For 24/7 monitoring and live video footage and recordings, you’ll need an outdoor security camera system. It’s also important that the outdoor cameras you choose provide the functions you need to feel at peace at home.
The best outdoor security cameras include night vision, a wide field of view, and rain and dust protection, so they don’t get damaged by the elements. With options for wired and wireless outdoor security cameras, you can find the home protection that works best for you.
Doorbell security cameras enable you to see who is at your front door from your mobile device. So, whether you’re home and unable to answer the door or away at work or on vacation, you can keep an eye on what’s happening on your front step. Some doorbell security cameras also come with one or two-way audio, so you can communicate with your visitors, even when you’re not home. Say “thank you!” to the delivery person, see the babysitter bring your kids home from school, and watch for unwelcomed visitors, all from your mobile security app.
Here are our favorite doorbell camera options:
4.0 rating from SmarterHome
Doorbell Camera with infrared night vision and industry-leading detection range
4.5 rating from SmarterHome
Doorbell Camera Pro with 180°x180° field of view—the tallest and widest of any doorbell camera
4.2 rating from SmarterHome
Google Nest Doorbell with instant notifications and HD video footage
3.0 rating from SmarterHome
7 Video Doorbells so you can choose between wired and battery operated
4.0 rating from SmarterHome
Video Doorbell Pro with two-way audio and motion alerts
Most doorbell security cameras come with live feed and video recordings when paired with a professional monitoring plan. Typically, you’ll need to connect the device to your current doorbell wiring, which might not work if you rent your home or live in an apartment building. When deciding which doorbell security camera is best for you, consider the installation process and features available to help you keep an eye on your front door at all times from anywhere.
Home security cameras are an excellent way to keep an eye on your home or apartment while you’re there or away. With multiple wired and wireless installation options, you can select the camera that meets your needs. For whole-home protection, select a home security camera system from the top security providers in the nation.
Smarter Home was created to help you make an informed decision when choosing a home security system.
Powered by Soleo Communications, Inc. 2024. All rights reserved.
Requires 36-month monitoring contract starting at $38.99/mo. without QSP (24-month monitoring contract in California, total fees from $935.76) and minimum installation amount of $599 for professionally installed systems OR month-to-month monitoring contract for ADT Self Setup systems starting at $24.99 without QSP (one month minimum) and minimum purchase amount of $194.98. Professional monitoring required for ADT to notify emergency contacts or services on your behalf. Service and installation charges vary depending on system configuration, equipment and services selected. For reactivations of professionally installed systems, a $99 test and inspect fee applies . Upon early termination by Customer, ADT may charge 75% of the monthly service charges due for the balance of the initial contract term. Quality Service Plan (QSP) is ADT’s Extended Limited Warranty and is available for additional fee. Additional charges may apply in areas that require guard response service for municipal alarm verification. Professionally installed system remains property of ADT. Local permit fees may be required. Prices and offers subject to change and may vary by market. Additional taxes and fees may apply. Satisfactory credit required. A security deposit may be required. Simulated screen images and photos are for illustrative purposes only. For Self-Setup Systems, cancel by calling 888-392-2039 or by following the instructions in your order confirmation email. To avoid contract termination charges, cancellation must occur no later than 30 days after the contract date. Contract termination charges may be applied for cancellation after the initial 30-day period. Equipment must be fully removed and returned before a refund will be processed. Any shipping costs previously paid are non-refundable. Google and Nest Doorbell are trademarks of Google LLC. Some features, including mobile notifications, remote control, video streaming and video recording, require working internet and Wi-Fi. Minimum OS requirements are available at g.co/home/req. iOS is a trademark of Cisco and is used under license. Google Nest products and services featured are designed to make life easier and to build a helpful home and were not designed specifically for life-sustaining or safety-critical use cases. These products and services are compatible with the ADT Self Setup System, and depend upon working internet, Wi-Fi, and, in some cases, the service availability from ADT and/or Google. To learn more, please visit http://g.co/nest/TOS.
Money-back guarantee only applies after ADT has made attempts to resolve a system-related issue and has not been able to resolve that issue within the first six (6) months of your original activation. ADT Money-Back Guarantee is not transferable. Equipment must be returned before a refund will be processed. Conditions preventing normal system operation cannot be caused by the customer. For professionally installed systems only.
Customer may receive reimbursement of up to five hundred dollars ($500) of Customer’s homeowner’s insurance deductible (if any) if, and only if, ALL requirements for Theft Protection Guarantee are met to ADT’s reasonable satisfaction. Customer must request reimbursement within 60 days of property loss. Request must be mailed to ADT and include: Theft Protection Guarantee certificate signed by Customer, a letter from Customer requesting reimbursement, a copy of the police report, and a copy of the accepted insurance claim. ADT reserves the right to reject any application for reimbursement that does not comply with all of the requirements. For professionally installed systems only.