From WIRED · Simon Hill · · 5m
How to pick a home security camera
A decade of testing over 100 models reveals which brands deliver and which to avoid.
In brief
A decade of testing over 100 models reveals which brands deliver and which to avoid. After testing over 100 security cameras, five brands dominate: Eufy for subscription-free features, Arlo for cloud storage, TP-Link Tapo for budget, Google Nest for AI, and Aqara for HomeKit. Originally reported by WIRED.
Why add security cameras
Security cameras deter intruders and thieves, alert you to unwelcome guests, and let you monitor entrances, driveways, garages, sheds, and hallways from anywhere.
The cost of ownership
Beyond the purchase price, expect ongoing running costs and be prepared to sacrifice some privacy. Pick one brand for easy app access and management.
A decade of testing
The author has tested more than one hundred different security cameras over the last decade. Five brands consistently dominate recommendations across different needs.
Eufy: subscription-free features
Eufy cameras are feature-packed, easy to set up, and reliable. They don't hide best features behind a subscription, allowing local recording on a hub, NVR, NAS device, or directly on the camera.
Eufy Indoor Cam S350
The Indoor Cam S350 costs one hundred forty dollars. It combines a regular camera with a one hundred thirty degree field of view up to four K with a two K telephoto lens providing three X optical zoom.
S350 tracking and storage
The S350 has three hundred sixty degree pan and seventy five degree tilt controls with AI tracking. It supports up to four preset positions it can patrol through, including a default position after tracking a subject out of frame.
S350 recording options
Record locally with a microSD card up to one hundred twenty eight G B, hook it up to a HomeBase S380 at two hundred dollars, or subscribe for cloud storage from four dollars per month.
Eufy S4: outdoor powerhouse
The EufyCam S4 costs three hundred fifty dollars. It has a fixed main lens with a one hundred thirty degree field of view recording up to four K, paired with dual two K pan and tilt lenses panning three hundred sixty degrees and tilting seventy degrees.
Arlo: cloud storage leader
Arlo cameras alert reliably with the best rich notifications and generous cloud storage. Hardware is relatively affordable, though it requires an expensive monthly subscription for top features.
Arlo Essential Indoor
The Essential Indoor second generation costs twenty eight dollars for two K or eighteen dollars for one thousand eighty p. It has a compact design, clear video, two way audio, and a privacy shutter that lowers when not in use.
Arlo subscription cost
Cloud storage, accurate subject detection, and smart animated alerts require an Arlo Secure subscription at ten dollars per month or ninety six dollars per year for a single camera.
TP-Link Tapo: budget option
TP-Link Tapo cameras offer quality at low prices. The trade-off is that Tapo cameras lack proper end to end encryption, and the company's router business has come under fire in the US.
Tapo C120: affordable indoor
The Tapo C120 costs forty dollars, down to thirty dollars on sale. It offers crisp video, quick setup with a magnetic base, two way audio, and a slot for up to five hundred twelve G B microSD cards for local recording.
Google Nest: smartest AI
Google Nest cameras offer the smartest AI detection, descriptions, and video filtering. You need a relatively expensive subscription to unlock top features, but integration with Google's ecosystem makes it easier.
Nest Cam Indoor third generation
The Nest Cam Indoor wired third generation costs one hundred twenty nine dollars. It has H D R, clear footage at thirty fps, automatic night vision, and upgraded video quality from one thousand eighty p to two K.
Nest familiar face alerts
Google Home Premium subscription costs ten dollars per month or one hundred dollars per year for thirty days of event video history and familiar face alerts across all Nest devices. Once you tag familiar faces, notifications include their names.
Aqara: HomeKit integration
Some Aqara cameras double as smart home hubs with Matter, Thread, and Zigbee support. They offer wide smart home standard support, including Apple HomeKit Secure Video for those invested in Apple's ecosystem.
Aqara Camera Hub G350
The Camera Hub G350 costs one hundred forty dollars. It's a dual lens camera with a one hundred thirty three degree four K lens and a two point five K telephoto lens for up to nine X hybrid zoom.
Securing your camera
Avoid no name cameras. Go with brands that outline privacy policies and make security setup easy. Use a strong unique password, set up two factor authentication, keep software updated, and turn cameras off when home.
Key features to consider
Consider video quality, connectivity, subscription model, local or cloud storage, placement, false positives, night vision, spotlights, camera theft risk, and power requirements when choosing a security camera.
The takeaway
After testing over 100 security cameras, five brands dominate: Eufy for subscription-free features, Arlo for cloud storage, TP-Link Tapo for budget, Google Nest for AI, and Aqara for HomeKit.
