Outdoor Security Camera

Outdoor Security Camera

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https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-outdoor-home-security-cameras
Best Affordable Indoor/Outdoor Camera
Best for Real-Time Professional Monitoring
Best Affordable Alternative to Wyze
Our Experts Have Tested 42 Products in the Home Security Cameras Category in the Past Year

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Nest Cam (Outdoor or Indoor, Battery)

Pros

Completely wireless and easy to install
2K HDR video
Color night vision
Works with Alexa, Google, HomeKit, and IFTTT
Lots of third-party integrations
Built-in siren
No hub required

Cons

Some features require Arlo Smart subscription

Best Affordable Indoor/Outdoor Camera

Pros

Very affordable

Works indoors and outside

Color night vision

Local storage and free cloud storage

Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT support

Motion, person, and sound detection

Built-in siren

Cons

Doesn't support HomeKit

Some features require a subscription

Best for Real-Time Professional Monitoring

Pros

Easy to install

Battery-powered cameras

Responsive real-time monitoring

Solid video and audio quality

Excellent AI technology

Loud siren

Cons

Expensive monitoring

Lacks Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice support

Doesn't interact with other smart devices

$699.00 at Deep Sentinel Home Security

Pros

Completely wire-free.
Sharp 1080p video.
Works with Alexa voice commands and IFTTT.
Motion detection.
No hub required.
Built-in siren.
Easy to install.

Cons

Expensive.
Recorded video requires cloud subscription.

Pros

Affordable

Detects motion and sound

Bright LEDs

Works with other Wyze devices

Easy to install

Cons

Doesn't work with HomeKit

No voice control

Pros

Affordable
Wireless
Easy to install
Free cloud and local storage
Sharp 1080p video
Travel mode

Cons

Requires hub
Non-removable battery

Pros

Sharp 1080p video
Color night vision
Voice control
Supports IFTTT applets
Intelligent motion alerts
Doesn't require a hub

Cons

Recorded video and other features require a subscription
Non-removable battery

Pros

Sharp 1080p video
Works with Alexa and IFTTT
Local and cloud storage
Good battery life
Easy to install

Cons

Requires a hub
Doesn't support HomeKit or Google Assistant

Best Affordable Alternative to Wyze

Pros

Affordable
Face recognition
Supports voice control
Works with IFTTT applets
Local and cloud video storage

Cons

Some features require cloud subscription
Lacks HomeKit support

Pros

Easy to install (no wires)
Weatherproof
Intelligent alerts
Dual-band Wi-Fi
Works with Google Assistant
Face recognition

Cons

Expensive
Doesn't support Alexa, HomeKit, or IFTTT
Some features require a subscription

Pros

Records sharp video

Responsive mechanical pan and tilt controls

Works with Google Assistant

Dual-band Wi-Fi and wired LAN connectivity

Free cloud and local video storage

Cons

Lacks Alexa support

Doesn't work with HomeKit or IFTTT

Pros

Sharp HDR video

Dual-band Wi-Fi

3D motion detection and subject-tracking features

Intelligent alerts

Color night vision

Works with Alexa voice commands and IFTTT

Cons

Expensive
Requires subscription to access video recordings
Lacks HomeKit and Google Assistant support

Google Nest Cam (Outdoor or Indoor, Battery)

The best home security cameras for 2019 — Clarification Please
Google Nest Cam (Outdoor or Indoor, Battery)
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Keep your home and property safe by installing a connected camera. These smart outdoor security devices can withstand the elements and record at any time of day or night.
I’ve been working with computers for ages, starting with a multi-year stint in purchasing for a major IBM reseller in New York City before eventually landing at PCMag (back when it was still in print as PC Magazine ). I spent more than 14 years on staff, most recently as the director of operations for PC Labs, before hitting the freelance circuit as a contributing editor.
If anyone ever stole a package from your porch or broke into your car while it was in your driveway, the perpetrator likely disappeared long before you even knew you were a victim. You also likely never found out who committed the deed. If this sounds familiar, you should consider investing in an outdoor security camera.
These rugged smart home devices , designed to withstand rain, snow, and extreme temperatures, typically connect to your home Wi-Fi network and allow you to view live video footage of activities occurring outside your home. They can also send an alert to your phone when someone or something is out there, record video of the event, and, depending on features, let you speak with whomever is on your property, all without requiring you to open your door (or even be inside your house).
Read on to find out what features to consider when choosing an outdoor security camera, and check out our top picks. Note that several of the cameras on this list are suitable for use both indoors and outdoors. If you want a model specifically for keeping tabs on what goes on inside your home, head over to our list of the best indoor home security cameras .

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The Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera is a wireless outdoor security camera that installs in minutes, delivers stunning 2K video, and offers a wealth of features with plenty of integration options.
The inexpensive Wyze Cam V3 is an indoor/outdoor home security camera that packs a ton of features into its tiny frame including color night vision, intelligent motion detection, voice control, a built-in siren, and local video storage.
Deep Sentinel's outdoor security cameras not only detect motion on your property, but use live guards to intervene and contact the authorities when there’s suspicious activity.
The Ring Stick Up Cam Battery is a versatile battery-powered wireless indoor/outdoor security camera that records motion-triggered video and stores it in the cloud.
The Wyze Cam Floodlight combines the excellent Wyze Cam V3 with bright, motion-sensing LEDs for a potent outdoor security solution under $100.
The Wyze Cam Outdoor has everything you need to monitor activity outside your home—or anywhere else—for under $50.
The Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera is a wireless outdoor security cam that offers color night vision and uses a bright spotlight and a loud siren to ward off intruders.
The Blink Outdoor is a battery-powered weatherproof 1080p security camera that offers motion detection, cloud and local storage, Alexa voice control, and support for third-party smart devices.
The Blurams Outdoor Pro is an affordable home security camera that offers sharp 1080p video, voice control, and interaction with other smart devices.
The Google Nest Cam is a battery-powered indoor/outdoor home security camera that's easy to install and delivers crisp HD video and intelligent alerts.
The relatively affordable Reolink E1 Outdoor camera uses mechanical pan and tilt functionality to provide a 360-degree view of your property.
The Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro delivers excellent HD video, accurately detects motion, and is bright enough to light up most yards.
Most smart outdoor security cameras use a Wi-Fi radio to connect to your home network, enabling you to access them from anywhere via mobile app. Some models even use Ethernet, Bluetooth, Z-Wave, or a proprietary wireless technology to connect to a mobile app or a dedicated hub .
Wi-Fi cameras are easier to install than their wired counterparts because you don't have to place them near an Ethernet port or set up any wiring. Battery-powered Wi-Fi cameras are the easiest to install because you can put them just about anywhere (as long as they can connect to your router) without having to snake a power cable around your home to plug into an outlet. These types of cameras typically use batteries that you can easily pop out and recharge with a USB cable, but they tend to drain quickly in colder weather. Bluetooth cameras are also simple to install, but you have to stay within 30 feet or so to connect to them via your phone.
Look for an outdoor Wi-Fi camera that can connect to either the 2.4GHz or 5GHz radio band to alleviate network congestion. If you have trouble getting a good signal outside, try boosting it with a wireless range extender .
Any outdoor camera worth its salt must be able to withstand exposure to the elements and should carry an Ingress Protection (IP) rating. IP ratings contain two digits that tell you just how well the camera holds up under most weather conditions. The first digit following the IP prefix tells you how resistant the camera is to the ingress of solid objects such as wind-blown dust and ranges from 0 (no protection) to 6 (total protection against dust and dirt). The second describes how resistant the camera is to moisture and ranges from 0 (no protection) to 9 (protected against close-range, high-pressure sprays from all angles).
Most outdoor security cameras have an IP66 rating, which means they offer complete protection from dust ingress and can handle water jets from any direction. Although you shouldn't submerge them in water, they are typically safe from rain, snow, heat, and cold.
An outdoor security camera isn't very useful if you can't recognize who or what the camera captures. A 720p camera typically offers a fairly sharp picture, but 1080p video offers more detail and is the most popular resolution for these devices; 1080p recordings don't require a lot of storage and are viewable on nearly every phone, tablet, and PC.
Cameras that capture 4K (Ultra HD) video are also available, but you need a very strong network connection to stream such high-res video without choppiness or lag, plus lots of room to store recordings; that last requirement may result in expensive cloud storage fees.
No matter the resolution, try to choose a camera with a relatively wide field of view and make sure it can capture clear night-vision video. Most cameras use IR (infrared) LEDs to deliver black-and-white night video, but a few use white light to deliver full-color night video. Look for a camera with a night vision range of at least 30 feet.
Nearly all outdoor security cameras feature a sensor that triggers the camera to record video when it detects motion. Most sensors can also send a push alert to your phone (or an email) when the activity occurs. For an extra layer of security, look for a camera that can detect sound; those cameras can alert you if somebody is out there even if they're out of range of the camera lens and the motion sensor. Fair warning: You probably have to tweak the sound sensitivity settings to avoid alerts from barking dogs, loud cars, and other random noises.
Some security cameras include a floodlight, automatically lighting up driveways, pools, and other parts of your property when they detect motion. Some floodlight models are included in this roundup, but check out our story on the best floodlight cameras for a wider selection.
If the camera has a microphone for sound detection, it likely has a speaker with two-way audio capabilities that lets you speak with (and listen to) whomever is outside. This is useful for dealing with annoying solicitors as well as scaring off porch pirates and other unwanted visitors. For more ways to see and communicate directly with the person at your door, check out our list of the best video doorbells .
Cameras store video recordings in several ways. Many cameras offer free cloud storage for a limited number of days (typically seven) before it is overwritten or deleted, while others are strictly subscription-based. If you require more than a week's worth of video storage, you can subscribe to a 30-day plan to avoid worrying about losing important footage before you get to review and download it.
If you're concerned about privacy and would rather not store your video in the cloud, look for a camera that offers a local storage option via a microSD card slot. A few cameras let you save video recordings to a portable USB or NAS drive, but these devices are rare.
And if you want the ability to go back and see everything, look for a camera that offers a CVR (Continuous Video Recording) plan. With this option, the camera records continuously and stores up to 30 days of 24/7 video in the cloud.
Many outdoor cameras do more than just record video and send alerts; they also integrate with other smart devices. Many recent outdoor Wi-Fi cameras support IFTTT , an internet service that lets you create applets that link the camera with other IFTTT-enabled devices. For example, you can configure a smart plug to turn on a lamp indoors or activate an external siren when the camera detects motion.
Support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands is also increasingly common. These integrations allow you to, for example, display video from the camera on a compatible smart display . If you have a home automation hub, look for a camera that works with your existing setup. That way you can integrate your security camera with even more smart devices like door locks .
Outdoor security cameras are generally more expensive than their indoor counterparts. They can range in price from around $50 up to a few hundred dollars or more depending on features. Plenty of affordable cameras offer good video performance, but, as with just about any smart device, you typically pay more for features such as motion-tracking, facial recognition, cellular connectivity, time-lapse recording, additional storage options, and rechargeable battery power.
Check out our Readers' Choice Awards to see which security cameras and brands other PCMag readers trust most. Once you find the camera for your home, check out our tips for setting it up .
For an even more advanced way to keep a set of eyes on your home, both indoors and out, explore our picks for the best smart home security systems . And if you prefer to go the DIY route, check out our tips for building your own home security system .
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I’ve been working with computers for ages, starting with a multi-year stint in purchasing for a major IBM reseller in New York City before eventually landing at PCMag (back when it was still in print as PC Magazine ). I spent more than 14 years on staff, most recently as the director of operations for PC Labs, before hitting the freelance circuit as a contributing editor.
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Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings

Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT

IFTTT, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant

Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT

Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT

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Stick Up Cam 3rd Gen - Battery Powered
The best outdoor security camera overall
Smart Home Compatibility: Google Assistant
Cloud Storage: Starting at $6/month
View at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
Free person, animal, vehicle detection
Best budget wired outdoor security camera
Smart Home Compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant
Cloud Storage: Free cloud storage for 14 days (rolling, in perpetuity)
Best budget fully wireless outdoor camera
View at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
Records good quality audio and video
A versatile wireless camera that works with HomeKit
Smart Home Compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit
Cloud Storage: 30-day rolling storage for $2.99/month
All features enabled with or without a cloud plan
A capable outdoor security camera for Ring owners
Field of view: 130° Diagonal, 110° Horizontal, 57° Vertical
Cloud Storage: $3/month ($30/year) for 60 days of video
Ring ecosystem and Alexa Integration
No Google Home or Apple HomeKit Integration
Video resolution: 1080p/20 fps (day), 10 fps (night)
Smart Home Compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
Travel mode lets you bring the camera with you
Bulkier than other budget security cameras
Best outdoor security camera for video quality
Local Storage: Yes (in base station)
Smart Home Compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
Cloud Storage: 30-day rolling-cloud service (1080p) for up to 10 cameras free for one year;$9.99/month afterwards. Upgrade to 4K recording for $1.99/month per camera.
Nest's excellent security camera, paired with a floodlight
Field of view: 130 degrees (diagonal)
Smart Home Compatibility: Google Assistant
Cloud Storage: 30-day rolling storage for $5.99/month
View at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
A floodlight cam for less than $100
Very bright but adjustable LED lights
Simple installation, especially if replacing an existing outdoor light
People, pets, and package detection
The free tier of video storage is very limited
An outdoor camera and floodlight in one
Smart Home Compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
Cloud Storage: $3/month ($30/year) for 60 days of video
Smart Home Compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
Cloud Storage: $3/month ($30/year) for 60 days of video
View at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
Requires subscription for many features
A very good Arlo outdoor security cam for less
Local Storage: Yes (in base station)
Smart Home Compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
Cloud Storage: $3/month for 30-day rolling-cloud service (2K) for up to 10 cameras
View at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
Requires subscription for many features
The best outdoor security camera with professional monitoring
Ring Stick Up Cam 3rd Gen - Battery
Google Nest Cam with Floodlight (wired)
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Tom's Guide, can you redo your aticle on "Best outdoor security cameras in 2022" and have a separate section for WiFi cameras, and one for Cellular cameras? That would be very helpful. With Cellular cameras, if you can let us know which ones can send photos and alerts with a weak cell signal that would benefit people who want t
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