CNET has tested tons of home security cameras over the years, and can help you find the right one for your needs.
There are hundreds of home security cameras on the market, ranging drastically in price, functionality and quality. With all the options, it can be hard to not become overwhelmed fast, especially when you’re considering something as important as your home’s safety. After CNET’s years of testing home security cameras, I have some tips if you’re on the hunt for a new one. Here are a few parameters to consider:
Privacy
This is a big one. You don’t want anyone peeping on your property or hacking into your camera. Wireless home security cameras can be more susceptible to hacking due to their connectivity to Wi-Fi networks and remote access, especially if you have poor router security. Wired home security cameras that don’t use Wi-Fi at all are generally more secure. (Read more about the pros and cons of wired vs. wireless systems here.) As I mentioned above, data breaches and security vulnerabilities can also be dangerous for your privacy, so it’s important to consider a company’s recent reputation.
Indoor vs. outdoor
One of the first things you’ll need to consider is where you want to place your home security cameras. If you want your camera to be located outside, recording your porch or yard, you’ll likely want an outdoor camera that’s also weather-resistant or features night vision.
While many cameras can be used interchangeably for indoor or outdoor purposes, some cameras are solely made for indoor usage, so make sure you’re buying cameras that can handle the outdoor elements.
Video resolution
Video quality should be a major consideration when buying a home security camera. In simplest terms, your camera won’t be effective if the only footage being recorded is grainy and unreadable.
The higher the resolution, the better the video quality. Most home security cameras on the market now have 1,080p resolution, but others have 2K resolution (like the Arlo Pro 4) or 1,536×1,536-pixel resolution (like the Arlo Video Doorbell), and a growing number have embraced 4K. Just remember, the higher the video quality, the more bandwidth it takes up and the more likely your camera is to experience lag times or glitches.
Field of view
Field of view (usually provided diagonally) refers to how broad the camera’s view is. Broader is generally better because it captures more space and makes it easier to spot activity. The average security camera tends to top out around 130 degrees, although some go beyond that. Pan and tilt features make the field of view less important since the camera can move around.
I find a broad field of view is great if you want to survey multiple corners of a backyard — less important if you just want to keep eyes on packages and guests right in front of your door.
Battery or wired power
Battery and wireless cameras versus wired options are a matter of taste since both types have pros and cons.
Wireless options are usually easier to install and operate, and often use cloud storage, so you can access your footage from anywhere. Wireless security cameras have their own power supply, so even during an internet or power outage, they can still record and save footage. One of the biggest disadvantages is that you’ll need to manually change the batteries or charge them every so often unless you get a solar-powered home security camera.
Wired cameras are hardwired to a steady connection, so they don’t need to be recharged and can often boost a high-quality video resolution. They tend to be more reliable, secure and consistent in video quality while not requiring monthly cloud storage fees. However, not all owners will feel comfortable wiring in a camera without a pro’s help, and they’re not great options for renters and people living in apartments.
