How do you determine how many security cameras do I need? - Best Outdoor Home Security Cameras for 2021
Keep your home and property safe by keeping an eye on what's happening outside with a connected camera. These smart outdoor security cams can support the elements to keep your home protected from the inside.
TOP 11 PICKS
The image of the camera Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight
editors ' choice
Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera
Free shipping
The Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera is a wireless outdoor security camera that installs in minutes, offers stunning 2K video, and offers many features with many integration options.
PRO
is completely wireless and easy to install
2K HDR video
Night vision color
Works with Alexa, Google, HomeKit, and IFTTT
Many third-party integrations
Built-in siren
The lack of proper shaft
CONS
Some features require an Arlo Smart subscription
Read Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera Review
Best for 4K Imagery
The Arlo Ultra camera and SmartHub
editors ' choice
Arlo Ultra
Free shipping
The Arlo Ultra is the first outdoor security camera we've seen that streams and records video in stunning 4K. It's expensive, but it's packed with features including color night vision, motion tracking, auto-zoom, and intelligent motion detection.
PRO:
No wires.
Waterproof.
Detailed 4K images with a wide field of view.
Night vision color.
AI-based motion detection.
Built-in projector.
Automatic zooming and motion tracking.
Support for Amazon Alexa, Apple Watch, and Google Assistant.
CONS
An expensive flaw.
This requires a center.
Some features require a subscription.
Read Arlo Ultra review
Professional real-time monitoring
Image of Sentinel Deep
editors ' choice starter cam set 3
Set of 3 Deep Sentinel cams
Deep Sentinel Home Security
The Deep Sentinel outdoor security cameras not only detect movement on your property, but also use live security guards to step in and contact authorities when there is suspicious activity.
PRO
is easy to install
Battery-powered cameras
Sensitive real-time monitoring
Solid video and audio quality
Excellent AI technology
A loud siren
CONS
Expensive monitoring
Not enough voice support from Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
Does not interact with other smart devices
Read Deep Sentinel Starter 3-Cam Kit Review
Available camera with strobe and siren
Ezviz ezGuard C3W Outdoor Intelligent Security Camera
editors ' choice
Ezviz c3w ezGuard Wi-Fi security camera
Free Express Delivery
Ezviz C3w ezGuard Wi-Fi Security Camera is a very affordable surveillance camera that allows you to track activity outside of your home.
PRO
Reasonable price.
Sharp 1080p video.
Local and cloud video storage.
Support for Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands, IFTTT applets.
Built-in siren and strobe light.
Easy to install.
CONS
It does not interact directly with other smart home devices.
Read Ezviz C3W ezGuard Wi-Fi Security Camera Review
Fully wireless Home Security
Ring stick up cam
Ring handle up cam battery
The Battery Ring Stick Up Cam is a versatile indoor/outdoor wireless security camera that records motion-activated video and stores it in the cloud.
PRO
is completely wireless.
Sharp 1080p video.
Works with Alexa and IFTTT voice commands.
Motion detection.
No hub required.
Built-in siren.
Easy to install.
An expensive flaw.
A cloud subscription is required for the recorded video.
Read Ring Stick Up Cam Battery Review
The most affordable model
Wyze cam photo outdoor
editors' choice
Wyze Cam Outdoor
The Wyze Cam Outdoor has everything you need to monitor activity outside of your home or anywhere else for less than $ 50.
PRO
Wireless
Easy to install
Free cloud and local storage
Sharp 1080p video
Mode of travel
DISADVANTAGE
Requires
a non-removable battery hub
Read Wyze Cam Open Review
Cellular communication
Arlo Go Cellular camera
Arlo Go
Arlo Go is a fully wireless outdoor surveillance camera that uses cellular connectivity to deliver live and recorded video to your phone from anywhere in the world.
PRO
Completely wireless.
Sharp 720p video.
Cloud and local storage.
Motion and sound detection.
Works with other smart devices.
Supports IFTTT.
An expensive flaw.
A cellular plan is required.
Read Arlo Go review
Super long battery life
Outdoor flicker image
Open Flashing
The Blink Outdoor is a weatherproof 1080p security camera that offers motion detection, cloud and local storage, Alexa voice control, and support for third-party smart devices.
Pro
sharp 1080p video
Works with Alexa and IFTTT
Local and Cloud storage
Good battery life
Easy to install
CONS
Hub required
not compatible with HomeKit or Google Assistant
Read an overview of flashing outdoors
Free Cloud Storage
TP-link Casa Cam Outdoor KC200
TP-Link Kasa Cam Outdoor KC200
The TP-Link Kasa Cam Outdoor is a low-cost outdoor security camera that offers clear video, free cloud storage, and support for multiple voice platforms.
PRO
Reasonable price.
Easy to install.
Motion and sound detection.
Sharp 1080p video.
Free cloud storage.
Support for Alexa and Google Voice.
CONS
There is no support for HomeKit, or IFTTT.
It does not interact directly with other smart home devices.
The siren may be louder.
Read TP-Link Kasa Cam outdoor kc200 review
Wireless Indoor / Outdoor Security
Search for a word
The versatile Reolink Argus 2 is a weatherproof indoor/outdoor security camera that requires no wires and is powered by a rechargeable battery.
Available PRO.
Sharp 1080p video.
Completely wireless.
Waterproof.
Local storage.
CONS
It does not integrate with other smart home devices.
SD card is not included.
The siren is not loud.
Read Reolink Argus 2 Review
One Ring Camera with One Reflector
Ring Projector Cam Battery
Ring Projector Cam Battery
The Ring projector cam battery is a fully wireless outdoor security camera with bright projector, motion detection and activated recording.
PRO
is easy to install.
Completely wireless.
Motion-activated recording.
Crisp, clear video quality.
A loud siren.
Works with Alexa and IFTTT.
CONS
A subscription is required to view the recorded video.
Without pre-buffering.
To read the ring spotlight Cam battery review
COMPARE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
If you've ever had a stolen package from your front porch or had a broken down car while parked in your driveway, there's a good chance that the perpetrator left a long time ago before you even discovered that he was the victim. There's an even better chance that you'll never know who did the Writing. If this sounds familiar, maybe it's time to invest in an outdoor security camera.
Designed to withstand rain, snow, and extreme temperatures, these robust smart home devices typically connect to a home Wi-Fi network and allow you to watch real-time video of activities happening outside your home. They'll also send an alert to your phone when someone or something is out there, record a video from the event, and, depending on the features, let you talk to whoever is on your property, all without having to open the door (or even be inside your home, for that matter).
Read on to find out what features to look for when choosing an outdoor security camera, and see our best options. Please note that some of the cameras in this list are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. If you need a model specifically designed to keep track of what's going on inside your home, go to our list of the best indoor security cameras.
How do outdoor security cameras work?
Most smart outdoor security cameras use a Wi-Fi radio to connect to your home network, allowing you to access them from anywhere with a mobile app. But there are also models that can use wired Ethernet, Bluetooth, Z-Wave, or proprietary wireless technology to connect to a mobile app or dedicated hub.
Best Deals for Outdoor Home Security Camera*
Ring Projector Cam Battery with ECO 5 Show - $219.99 (list price $ 288.99)
Spotlight Cam Mount Ring with Echo Show 5- $ 269.99 (list price $ 338.99)
Ring Reflective Camera with Echo Show 5 - $ 269.99 (list price $ 338.99)
Arlo Ultra 2 4K UHD Wireless Security System 2 - $ 499.99 (list price $ 599.99)
Wi-Fi cameras are easier to install than their wired counterparts because they don't have to be located near an Ethernet port and don't require wiring. Battery-powered Wi-Fi cameras are the easiest to install, because you can place them anywhere (if they can connect to your router) without having to plug a power cord into your home to plug it into an outlet. These types of cameras typically use rechargeable batteries that can be easily removed and taken indoors for charging with a USB cable, but they tend to drain quickly in colder weather. Bluetooth cameras are also easy to install, but you have to stay within 40 feet or so to connect to them with your phone.
Look for an outdoor Wi-Fi camera that can connect to the 2.4 GHz or 5GHz radio band to ease network congestion. If you're having trouble getting a good signal from outside, try pumping it up with a wireless range extender.
Outdoor Security camera
What kind of weather can handle outdoor security cameras?
Any outdoor camera that is worth your salt must be able to withstand the elements and must have an IP (Ingress Protection) rating. The IP ratings contain two digits that tell you how well the camera will stay in most weather conditions. The first digit following the IP prefix tells you how resistant the camera is to the penetration of solid objects, such as dust blown by the wind, and ranges from 0 (unprotected) to 6 (full protection from dust and dirt). The second number tells you how resistant the camera is to moisture, and ranges from 0 (unprotected) to 9 (protected from short range, high pressure drops from all sides).
Most outdoor security cameras are rated IP66, which means they provide complete protection against dust ingress and can handle water jets in any direction, but must not be submerged in water. They are usually safe from rain, snow, heat and cold.
What resolution do you want?
It's useless to have an outdoor security camera if you can't recognize who or what the camera is looking at. A camera that captures 720p video usually offers a fairly clear image, but 1080p video offers more detail and is the most popular resolution for these devices; it doesn't require a lot of memory and can be viewed on almost every phone, tablet, and PC.
Cameras that capture 4K (Ultra HD) video are also available, but you'll need a very strong network connection to stream it without experiencing choppiness or latency, and you'll need a lot of storage space for the recorded video, which can lead to an expensive cloud storage fee.
Regardless of the resolution, try choosing a camera with a relatively wide field of view (viewing angle) and make sure it can shoot clear night vision video. Most cameras use IR (infrared) LEDs to deliver black-and-white night video, but there are some that use white light to deliver full-color night video. Look for a camera with a night vision range of at least 30 feet.
Do you need motion and sound detection?
Almost all outdoor security cameras are equipped with a motion sensor that activates the camera to record video when motion is detected. The sensor can also trigger a push alert on your phone when an action occurs, and some also generate an email alert. For an extra layer of security, find a sound-sensitive camera that can tell you if someone is there, even if they are out of reach of the camera lens and motion sensor. Fair warning: You will probably have to adjust the sound sensitivity settings to avoid warnings about barking dogs, noisy cars, and other random noises.
If the camera has a microphone to detect sound, it probably also has a speaker and offers two-way audio communication that lets you talk to (and listen to) who is outside. This is useful when it comes to annoying lawyers, and can be used to scare off porch pirates and other unwanted visitors. For more ways to see and communicate directly with whoever is on your doorstep, check out our list of the best video doorbells.
Outdoor Security camera
How do security cameras store video?
The recorded video can be stored in several ways. Many cameras offer free cloud storage for a limited number of days (usually seven) before it is overwritten or deleted, while others are strictly subscription-based. If you need more than a week of video storage, you can sign up for a 30-day plan and not worry about losing important images before you have a chance to view and download them.
If you're concerned about privacy and prefer not to store videos in the cloud, find a camera equipped with a microSD card slot so you can store it locally. Some cameras will even allow you to save videos to a portable USB drive or NAS, but these devices are few and far between.
And if you want the ability to go back and see everything that's happening around your home, find a camera that offers a CVR (Continuous Video Recording) plan, where the camera will always record and store up to 30 days of video 24/7 in the cloud.
What else do outdoor security cameras work with?
For an outdoor camera that does more than just record video and send alerts, make sure it works with other smart devices. Many recent outdoor Wi-Fi cameras offer support for IFTTT( If This Then That), an internet service that uses mini-programs (applets) that are created to interact the camera with other IFTTT-enabled devices. For example, you can turn on the smart socket in the room or turn on the external siren when the camera detects movement.
Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands also find their way on many of the latest cameras and allow you to do things like display video from the camera on a compatible smart screen. If you have a home automation center, find a camera that you can integrate into your smart home so that it works with other smart devices, such as door locks.
How much should you spend on an outdoor security camera?
Outdoor security cameras are generally more expensive than their indoor counterparts. They can range in price from $ 100 to $ 400 depending on the features. There are plenty of cameras available that deliver good video performance, but as with almost any smart device, you'll pay more for features like motion tracking, face recognition, cellular, time-lapse recording, built-in and cloud storage options, and battery-powered charging.
Check out our award-winning Readers' Choose Awards to find out which security cameras and brands other PCMag readers trust the most. Once you've found a camera for your home, check out our tips for setting it up. And for an even more advanced way to keep a pair of eyes on your home, both indoors and outdoors, check out our picks for the best smart home security systems.
