Outdoor security cameras can keep an eye on welcomed (and unwelcome) visitors, package deliveries, and furry critters having a midnight snack in your yard. It also acts as a strong deterrent against potential mischief-makers.
But after reviewing dozens of cameras over the past seven years, I still haven’t found the perfect model. Some are difficult to deploy, some require frequent billing, and some require a subscription fee to be most effective.
If you want a completely code-free option, we recommend the Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera.
If you want something a little less expensive (and have an outdoor outlet nearby), we recommend the Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In.
our picks
This battery-powered camera captures crisp 2K video. A video storage subscription adds the ability to detect people, animals, vehicles, packages, and general movement.
Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit (with compatible base station), Google Home, IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings
Arlo Pro 4 offers the best combination of detailed video performance, specialized alerts, and easy installation. To record clips and differentiate between people, pets, packages, and vehicles, a subscription to Arlo Secure (starting at $5/month) is required. However, it delivers clear 2K video of him, including color video, day or night, even in the dark. The Pro 4 can record up to 5 minutes of continuous motion, but we found that running the camera frequently can drain the battery quickly, and you’ll need to charge it about once a month. Arlo Pro 4 also offers a 24/7 recording option, but enabling it requires a high subscription fee, $150 to $200 in additional equipment, and is separate from Arlo Secure. It belongs to.
our picks
Plug-in 1080p models come with weather-resistant cords or additional batteries and can distinguish between people and other moving objects.
Compatible with: Amazon Alexa works with Ring
The Ring Stick Up Cam plug-in Wi-Fi camera comes with a long, weather-resistant power cord, but can also be powered by a battery or solar panel. Delivers crisp 1080p video with an expansive 130-degree field of view and clear two-way audio. Sign up for the Ring Protect Basic plan ($4 per month or $40 per year) to save recordings for up to 60 days and also enable features like people notifications, the option to save videos, and smartphone notifications with enhanced thumbnails. . . And despite some issues in the past, Ring currently offers better privacy and security measures than any other camera manufacturer we’ve tested.
This is also great
This camera offers long battery life, crisp 2K images, HomeKit support, and three options for video storage.
Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home
Although it’s not as smart as the Arlo Pro 4, the Eufy S221 EufyCam has the best rechargeable battery we’ve ever seen on a cordless outdoor security camera. (The company claims the battery will last a year, but our experience with it is between 4 and 12 months, so it depends on where you put the camera and how often it’s triggered.) Freebies includes the ability to record 2K video to storage. With its built-in base station, it also has the ability to distinguish between humans and other moving objects. To send and store your videos in the cloud, you can choose a paid subscription to either Eufy Cloud Storage ($3 per month) or Apple HomeKit Secure Video (free with iCloud plans starting at $1 per month). Note that both services lower the video resolution from the original 2K to 1080p quality.
