With porch piracy an ever-present danger and liability lawsuits potentially waiting in the wings, having incontrovertible video proof can mean the difference between a successful insurance claim or an unsuccessful one. Furthermore, the mere presence of a lawn sign from a reputable company makes thieves less likely to target your home, although it won’t prevent determined criminals.
These home security cameras, including top choice Wyze Cam v3, will give you peace of mind and let you survey your home and loved ones virtually from anywhere via Wi-Fi while keeping your property secure.
What to know before you buy a home security camera
Cost of system/ongoing subscription services
While it’s said that you can’t put a price on achieving peace of mind, the top home security camera manufacturers have no such compunctions when it comes to putting a price tag on their products. For example, the initial cost of a single camera can range anywhere from $30-$150, while two-camera setups can easily cost $300 and up. Many standalone home security cameras rely on MicroSD cards to store video data or require the user to purchase a subscription to enable digital recordings and other advanced features. In other words, you’ll have to consider the whole package and determine what you want in terms of recording before you make a purchase.
Ease of setup/installation
Before you decide between a wireless or a wired setup, it’s important to consider any physical limitations of both the home security camera and the location where it will be installed. For example, it’s always best to have some familiarity with electrical wiring before you decide to drill a hole through your door frame.
You should also consider how exposed the area is, how visible the home security camera is to others, whether the power supply can be easily interrupted and whether the camera is sufficiently weatherproofed for its level of exposure.
Determine how difficult the system will be to install and set up, particularly if it’s being done for the benefit of those who might be less technically adept. Your camera won’t do you much good if you can’t figure out how to connect it to your Wi-Fi network or figure out the app that controls it in the first place.
Company reputation
Recent events have demonstrated that not all security systems are created equal. Over the last several years, a number of prominent home security cameras have been publicly compromised, leading to incidents of stalking, criminal harassment and other illegal behavior.
Whether due to manufacturer overconfidence, user error or the increasingly sophisticated tactics and techniques of cybercriminals, you should always check the news before your home security camera inadvertently compromises your information or the well-being of your loved ones.
Home security camera features
Wi-Fi connectivity
The backbone of modern home security cameras, Wi-Fi connectivity allows your camera to operate and record wirelessly and lets you view live and recorded footage at will.
Cloud/physical storage and associated costs
Home security cameras generally require you to either purchase and regularly download and wipe MicroSD cards or pay for monthly services to record and view older footage or use enhanced features like package or animal detection.
Ability to incorporate third-party software
While most of us are content with a home security camera that records our home and its comings and goings, some people like to take things to the next level. By integrating virtual assistants like Google Assistant, users can create visual profiles for their friends and family and get a text whenever a familiar face is at the door. Also, having a voice-operated security system can give those of us who always misplace our keys a bit more peace of mind.
Home security camera cost
Depending on whether you want a single camera or an entire home security setup, the cost can range from $30-$350 and up.
Home security camera FAQ
Does my security camera have to be hardwired in order to use it?
A. While this used to be the case, most home security cameras now come in both wired and wireless versions for a variety of customizable setups.
Can I watch live video and audio from my camera on demand?
A. Yes, you will be able to watch live footage on your camera through the appropriate app, although the features you can access depend on your camera and any subscription plans.
Which home security camera should I get?
Best of the best home security camera
Wyze Cam v3 1080p HD Indoor/Outdoor Video Security Camera: available at Amazon
Our take: An incredible indoor/outdoor camera with a user-friendly app.
What we like: Night vision. Motion detection. 14-day premium trial. Integrates with Google Assistant and Alexa.
What we dislike: Event notifications can be excessive without tweaking the motion sensitivity settings.
Best bang for your buck home security camera
ZOSI 1080P Wi-Fi Outdoor Security Camera with Two-Way Audio: available at Amazon
Our take: An AI-driven solution for those who want to eliminate erroneous detections and alerts.
What we like: AI Human Technology recognizes facial patterns and body types while avoiding bugs, animals and birds.
What we dislike: Installation issues have been reported, leading to mounting issues and compromised waterproofing.
Honorable mention home security camera
Arlo Essential Video Doorbell: available at Amazon
Our take: An elegant solution capable of distinguishing people, pets and packages.
What we like: Easy installation. Cloud storage plans starting at $3 per month. 180 degrees of view with a proprietary method of securing.
What we dislike: Issues with wireless battery life have been reported along with connecting to 5GHz Wi-Fi networks.
Daniel Martin is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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