When defending your house and property against intruders, the best outdoor security cameras are the first line of defense. These cameras allow you to take preventative actions, such as sounding an alarm, in addition to alerting you to people and animals that are approaching your house.
Outdoor cameras without built-in lighting and outdoor cameras with spotlights or floodlights are the two categories into which we have divided this guidance. The latter are perfect if you want to replace a current floodlight or spotlight because the former are typically more compact. All of them have undergone extensive testing in actual environments to determine how well they withstand the elements, illuminate in the dark, and catch people, animals, and other objects.
OUTDOOR SECURITY CAMERAS WITHOUT LIGHTS
- Nest Cam has built-in intelligence and can tell the difference between a person, animal, and vehicle and send alerts directly through the Google Home app[1], no subscription required.Controller Type:Google Assistant.Connectivity protocol:Bluetooth;Wi-Fi.Power source type:Battery Powered
- Easily check in from anywhere 24/7 with 1080p HDR video[1] with night vision, and see what you missed with 3 hours of free event video history[2]; add a Nest Aware subscription (sold separately) for up to 60 days of video history[3]
- If your Wi-Fi goes down or there’s a power outage, Nest Cam will store up to an hour of recorded events so you can see what you missed[4]. Nest Cam Outdoor comes with a wall plate that can be mounted on your brick wall.
- Put Nest Cam anywhere, outside or in; it’s battery powered, so you don’t need to set it up near an outlet, and the magnetic mount makes installation effortless
- For continuous power and 24/7 video recording with Nest Aware Plus, add a weatherproof power cable or indoor stand with power cable (both sold separately)
- Motion & Sound Detection: Wyze Cam sends an alert to your phone when baby is crying. 24/7 Continuous video recording with a 32GB MicroSD card (sold separately) lets you monitor your home security throughout the night easily.
- Indoor/Outdoor: Wyze Cam is a wired video camera with an IP65 rating so you can confidently install it outside in the rain or inside in the baby room. (Only work with 2.4GHz WiFi)
- 2-Way Talk: Wyze Cam now comes with simultaneous 2-way communication. Let your baby hear the sound of your voice no matter where you are.
- Color Night Vision: An all-new Starlight Sensor records night time video in full, vivid color. The Starlight Sensor can see full color in environments up to 25x darker than traditional video cameras and the new f/1.6 aperture captures 2x more light.
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant: Use your voice to view Wyze Cam's live stream on any Alexa or Google Assistant device with a screen. You can say things like “Alexa, show me the living room” or “Ok Google, show the baby' room.”
- This bundle contains the Blink Outdoor – 1 camera kit and Blink Mini.
- Blink Outdoor is a wireless battery-powered HD security camera that helps you monitor your home day or night with infrared night vision.
- Blink Mini is an indoor, plug-in security camera with 1080 HD video, motion detection and two way audio that lets you monitor the inside of your home day or night.
- With long-lasting battery life, Outdoor runs for up to two years on two AA lithium batteries (included).
- Outdoor is built to withstand the elements to help you protect your home inside or out, come rain or shine.
- See 4K Detail Day and Night: Spot tiny features on any potential trespasser (human or animal) with eufyCam 3—even at night. The Starlight photosensitive system enhances low light conditions for clarity in color.
- Forever Power Durability: eufyCam 3 is self-sustaining in any outdoor environment with an integrated solar panel only needing 2 hours of daily sunlight for Forever Power.
- Local Expandable Storage: With this local 4K security camera system, you're in control of your own data with advanced encryption. 16 GB built-in storage with the ability to expand up to 16 TB with a portable hard drive (not included)—storing a lifetime of videos, all for no monthly fee.The operating system will occupy a portion of the built-in storage capacity.
- BionicMind AI Empowers Your Security: See the true potential of your security with BionicMind—providing facial recognition that differentiates between family and strangers with self-learning AI.
- Put Yourself in Control: Feel at ease conveniently controlling eufyCam 3 with voice activation via Alexa and the Google Assistant, and clear two-way audio. You can even set activity zones to avoid false alarms.
- See, hear and speak to people from your phone, tablet or select Echo device with Stick Up Cam Battery, a battery-powered camera that can be mounted indoor or out.
- With Live View, you can check in on your home any time through the Ring app.
- With a Ring Protect Plan (subscription sold separately), record all your videos, review what you missed for up to 180 days, and share videos and photos.
- Place on a flat surface or mount to a wall with the versatile mounting bracket. Add-on the Mount for Stick Up Cam (sold separately) for ceiling mount.
- Watch over your entire home by connecting one or multiple Stick Up Cams to all your Ring devices in the Ring app.
- Battery powered and wire-free: Mount it anywhere and leave it there. Get up to 6 months battery life on a single charge.
- Easy installation: Skip running wires or searching for outlets. Friendly step-by-step guides in the Wyze app make wireless DIY install a breeze.
- Protect every corner of your home: Connect up to 4 cameras to a single base station and view all video streams in the Wyze app.
- Smart security: Get notified about movement with a PIR sensor that senses body heat. Set custom detection zones. Person and package detection available with CamPlus.
- IP65 weather resistance: Built to perform even in the harshest conditions.
Review
Nest Cam (battery)
- Nest Cam has built-in intelligence and can tell the difference between a person, animal, and vehicle and send alerts directly through the Google Home app[1], no subscription required.Controller Type:Google Assistant.Connectivity protocol:Bluetooth;Wi-Fi.Power source type:Battery Powered
- Easily check in from anywhere 24/7 with 1080p HDR video[1] with night vision, and see what you missed with 3 hours of free event video history[2]; add a Nest Aware subscription (sold separately) for up to 60 days of video history[3]
- If your Wi-Fi goes down or there’s a power outage, Nest Cam will store up to an hour of recorded events so you can see what you missed[4]. Nest Cam Outdoor comes with a wall plate that can be mounted on your brick wall.
- Put Nest Cam anywhere, outside or in; it’s battery powered, so you don’t need to set it up near an outlet, and the magnetic mount makes installation effortless
- For continuous power and 24/7 video recording with Nest Aware Plus, add a weatherproof power cable or indoor stand with power cable (both sold separately)
The best outdoor security camera overall
SPECIFICATIONS
- Video resolution: 1080p
- Field of view: 130 degrees
- Night vision: Yes
- Audio: full-duplex
- Local Storage: Yes
- Battery Powered: Yes
- Weather Resistant: Yes
- Smart Home Compatibility: Google Assistant
- Cloud Storage: Starting at $6/month
REASONS TO BUY
- Great design
- Very sharp video quality
- Free person, animal, vehicle detection
- 3 hours of video storage free
REASONS TO AVOID
- Nonremovable battery
One of the easiest house security cameras to install is the well-designed Nest Cam (battery), thanks to its magnetic base. Because it is weatherproof, it can be put pretty much anywhere outside. Its speaker and microphone allowed for easy communication, and its 1080p video produced sharp images in both daylight and at night.
The Nest Cam (battery) includes person, vehicle, and animal detection in addition to free rolling video storage for three hours. You can get familiar face detection and the capacity to store up to a month’s worth of footage if you subscribe to Nest Aware (starting at $6/month). While the battery life is excellent, Nest does not produce any add-ons to increase it, such as a removable battery or solar panel.
Wyze Cam v3
- Motion & Sound Detection: Wyze Cam sends an alert to your phone when baby is crying. 24/7 Continuous video recording with a 32GB MicroSD card (sold separately) lets you monitor your home security throughout the night easily.
- Indoor/Outdoor: Wyze Cam is a wired video camera with an IP65 rating so you can confidently install it outside in the rain or inside in the baby room. (Only work with 2.4GHz WiFi)
- 2-Way Talk: Wyze Cam now comes with simultaneous 2-way communication. Let your baby hear the sound of your voice no matter where you are.
- Color Night Vision: An all-new Starlight Sensor records night time video in full, vivid color. The Starlight Sensor can see full color in environments up to 25x darker than traditional video cameras and the new f/1.6 aperture captures 2x more light.
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant: Use your voice to view Wyze Cam's live stream on any Alexa or Google Assistant device with a screen. You can say things like “Alexa, show me the living room” or “Ok Google, show the baby' room.”
Best budget wired outdoor security camera
SPECIFICATIONS
- Video resolution: 1080p
- Field of view: 110 degrees
- Night vision: Yes
- Audio: full-duplex
- Local Storage: Yes
- Battery Powered: No
- Weather Resistant: Yes
- Smart Home Compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant
- Cloud Storage: Free cloud storage for 14 days (rolling, in perpetuity)
REASONS TO BUY
- Dirt cheap
- Great video for price
- Local storage
REASONS TO AVOID
- Needs to be plugged in
The Wyze Cam v3 is the finest home security camera for those on a budget, so don’t be fooled by its low cost. It can record video at a resolution of 1080p, as the name implies, and while the quality isn’t as good as the 4K Arlo Ultra, it’s still clear enough to see who’s there. Particularly remarkable is its color night vision.
The Wyze Cam v3 has a microSD card slot that you can use to enable continuous recording and make time-lapse videos. It also comes with two weeks of free cloud storage, though clips are only 12 seconds long. Subscribe to Wyze Cam Plus ($1.25/month per camera) to get unlimited-length recordings with no cool-down times. That is reasonably priced and of high quality. Additionally, you will probably receive the camera sooner because Wyze is presently only shipping Cam Plus subscribers.
The Wyze Cam v3’s need to be plugged in may be its only drawback; Wyze offers a mounting kit for $4 that includes a 5-foot USB extension cable, allowing you to mount it up to 11 feet from a power source.
Blink Outdoor
- This bundle contains the Blink Outdoor – 1 camera kit and Blink Mini.
- Blink Outdoor is a wireless battery-powered HD security camera that helps you monitor your home day or night with infrared night vision.
- Blink Mini is an indoor, plug-in security camera with 1080 HD video, motion detection and two way audio that lets you monitor the inside of your home day or night.
- With long-lasting battery life, Outdoor runs for up to two years on two AA lithium batteries (included).
- Outdoor is built to withstand the elements to help you protect your home inside or out, come rain or shine.
Best budget fully wireless outdoor camera
SPECIFICATIONS
- Video resolution: 1080p
- Field of view: 110 degrees
- Night vision: 25 feet
- Audio: half-duplex
- Local Storage: Yes
- Battery Powered: Yes, two AA
- Weather Resistant: Yes
- Smart Home Compatibility: Alexa
- Cloud Storage: starts at $30/year
REASONS TO BUY
- Records good quality audio and video
- Can store video locally
- Long battery life
REASONS TO AVOID
- No person detection
For those looking for a genuinely wireless choice for less than $100, the Blink Outdoor is the best outdoor security camera. The camera interacts wirelessly with a small base station that is linked to your Wi-Fi network and is powered by two AA batteries, which should last up to two years. But unlike Arlo’s cameras, the Blink doesn’t have a solar panel choice for charging its batteries. (Although This solar panel accessory is a paradigm changer for security cameras like the Blink Outdoor camera).
The Blink Outdoor has a handy mounting device and is weatherproof. The 1080p video it captures is decent for the price even though it’s not the best. Videos can be saved locally to a USB drive despite the absence of free cloud storage like the older Blink XT2. A year of cloud storage costs $30, or $3 per month. Despite not having all the bells and whistles of Arlo’s cameras, Blink’s app is reasonably feature-rich and offers a lot of features for the money.
EufyCam 3
- See 4K Detail Day and Night: Spot tiny features on any potential trespasser (human or animal) with eufyCam 3—even at night. The Starlight photosensitive system enhances low light conditions for clarity in color.
- Forever Power Durability: eufyCam 3 is self-sustaining in any outdoor environment with an integrated solar panel only needing 2 hours of daily sunlight for Forever Power.
- Local Expandable Storage: With this local 4K security camera system, you're in control of your own data with advanced encryption. 16 GB built-in storage with the ability to expand up to 16 TB with a portable hard drive (not included)—storing a lifetime of videos, all for no monthly fee.The operating system will occupy a portion of the built-in storage capacity.
- BionicMind AI Empowers Your Security: See the true potential of your security with BionicMind—providing facial recognition that differentiates between family and strangers with self-learning AI.
- Put Yourself in Control: Feel at ease conveniently controlling eufyCam 3 with voice activation via Alexa and the Google Assistant, and clear two-way audio. You can even set activity zones to avoid false alarms.
AI smarts meet solar power
SPECIFICATIONS
- Video resolution: 4K
- Field of view: 135 degrees
- Night vision: 24 feet
- Audio: full-duplex
- Local Storage: Yes (in base station)
- Battery Powered: Yes
- Weather Resistant: Yes
- Smart Home Compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant
- Cloud Storage: 30-day rolling-cloud service $4.99/month per camera.
REASONS TO BUY
- Integrated solar panels
- AI-powered facial recognition
- HomeBase 3 supports up to 16TB HDD or SSD
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
- Takes some time for AI to recognize familiar faces
The EufyCam 3 is expensive up front ($549 for two cameras and the base station), but you can recover that expense over time because you don’t have to pay a subscription fee to keep videos. But that wasn’t the only thing that surprised us; the EufyCam 3’s 4K resolution was clear and sharp both during the day and at night, and the enormous battery and integrated solar panels meant that even after using the camera for months, we never needed to recharge or replace the batteries.
The cameras’ AI can be trained to identify moving objects, animals, and recognizable faces. Alexa and Google Assistant are also compatible with it. Video is stored locally on the HomeBase 3, which comes with 16GB of built-in storage but can be expanded up to 16 TB using a 2.5-inch HDD or SSD.
a wireless 4K surveillance camera that doesn’t require a monthly subscription and never needs to be recharged? In our opinion, that is a success.
Ring Stick Up Cam Battery
- See, hear and speak to people from your phone, tablet or select Echo device with Stick Up Cam Battery, a battery-powered camera that can be mounted indoor or out.
- With Live View, you can check in on your home any time through the Ring app.
- With a Ring Protect Plan (subscription sold separately), record all your videos, review what you missed for up to 180 days, and share videos and photos.
- Place on a flat surface or mount to a wall with the versatile mounting bracket. Add-on the Mount for Stick Up Cam (sold separately) for ceiling mount.
- Watch over your entire home by connecting one or multiple Stick Up Cams to all your Ring devices in the Ring app.
A capable outdoor security camera for Ring owners
SPECIFICATIONS
- Video resolution: 1080p
- Field of view: 130° Diagonal, 110° Horizontal, 57° Vertical
- Night vision: 25 feet
- Audio: full-duplex
- Local Storage: No
- Battery Powered: Yes
- Weather Resistant: Yes
- Smart Home Compatibility: Alexa
- Cloud Storage: $3/month ($30/year) for 60 days of video
REASONS TO BUY
- Slick app
- Ring ecosystem and Alexa Integration
- Good battery life
- Weather resistant
REASONS TO AVOID
- No local storage
- Useless without subscription
- No Google Home or Apple HomeKit Integration
The Ring Stick Up Cam Battery is the best choice for those who are committed to the Ring ecosystem, despite not being the finest outdoor camera overall. It is simple to set up, has a long battery life, and can be linked to a solar panel so you don’t frequently need to manually recharge its battery.
The Stick Up cam’s video quality was above normal day and night, and Ring’s app is among the most complete available. However, the Stickup Cam lacks local storage, just like Ring’s other surveillance cameras, so you’re stuck if your internet goes out. Additionally, if you want to save videos or use some of the advanced functions of the camera, you’ll need a Ring subscription.
Wyze Cam Outdoor
- Battery powered and wire-free: Mount it anywhere and leave it there. Get up to 6 months battery life on a single charge.
- Easy installation: Skip running wires or searching for outlets. Friendly step-by-step guides in the Wyze app make wireless DIY install a breeze.
- Protect every corner of your home: Connect up to 4 cameras to a single base station and view all video streams in the Wyze app.
- Smart security: Get notified about movement with a PIR sensor that senses body heat. Set custom detection zones. Person and package detection available with CamPlus.
- IP65 weather resistance: Built to perform even in the harshest conditions.
A cheap, wired outdoor camera
SPECIFICATIONS
- Video resolution: 1080p/20 fps (day), 10 fps (night)
- Field of view: 110 degrees
- Night vision: Yes
- Audio: Full duplex
- Local Storage: Yes
- Battery Powered: Yes
- Weather Resistant: Yes
- Smart Home Compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
- Cloud Storage: $14.99/year
REASONS TO BUY
- Inexpensive
- Travel mode lets you bring the camera with you.
- Local storage
REASONS TO AVOID
- Bulkier than other budget security cameras
- Low quality nighttime video
For those searching for an outdoor security camera for under $100, Wyze’s fully wireless outdoor camera is another excellent choice. The Wyze Cam Outdoor is similar to the Blink Outdoor in that it comprises of a base station that connects to your router and a wireless camera that can withstand the elements.
The Wyze Cam Outdoor performs admirably for a $50 camera, but we thought its video clarity was inferior to that of the Blink Outdoor camera. Additionally, since the cell in the Wyze Cam Outdoor is integrated, recharging the camera is the only option; batteries cannot be added or removed. The solar module for Wyze’s cameras is not available for purchase. The Wyze Cam does, however, have a very reasonable cloud storage subscription, and you can bring this camera with you on vacation since it can operate without a base station and has a useful time-lapse feature.
OUTDOOR SECURITY CAMERAS WITH LIGHTING
- Free local storage - Remotely access your locally secured smart camera footage from the included Arlo Smart hub (requires MicroSD card, sold separately)
- Smarter alerts, quicker action - With an Arlo Secure plan, receive smarter notifications for people, vehicles, packages, and animals so you can react quickly, right from your phone’s lock screen.
- Coverage for every corner - Fast and easy wire-free installation with the no wire. The wireless camera delivers increased installation flexibility to get the perfect camera view from your home security system
- See more at night - See important features through these outdoor security cameras and home camera like faces or license plates in full color, at night, with color night vision
- Stay better informed with clearer details - The 4k security camera and wireless security camera system can automatically zoom and track moving objects with clarity
- 2K Video Resolution - Livestream in clarity and detail, whenever you need it, with crisp, clear 2K resolution.
- Integrated Spotlight and Siren - A motion-activated, 80-lumen spotlight for more detail in your videos, more light along your walkway, and more deterrence for unwanted visitors. Plus an 89-decibel, user-activated alarm when you need to deter them even more.
- Color Night Vision - 4-MP starlight sensor amplifies low light and shows dark areas in vivid, unbelievable detail.
- Indoor/Outdoor - Wyze Cam v3 Pro is a wired video camera with an IP65 rating so you can confidently install it outside in the rain or inside in the kids’ room. Wyze Outdoor Power Adapter (sold separately) required for outdoor use.
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant - Receive alerts and use voice commands to check and manage your devices. You can also create schedules and automations in the Wyze app.
- Nest Cam with floodlight has built-in intelligence and can tell the difference between a person, animal, and vehicle and send alerts directly through the Google Home app[1], no subscription required
- Easily check in from anywhere 24/7 with 1080p HDR video[1] with night vision; see what you missed with 3 hours of free event video history[2], or add a Nest Aware Plus subscription for 10 days of 24/7 recording and 60 days of event video history[3]
- If your Wi-Fi goes down or there’s a power outage, Nest Cam will store up to an hour of recorded events so you can see what you missed[4]
- Nest Cam with floodlight detects more than just motion; it automatically lights up when there’s important activity and it can even detect familiar faces with a Nest Aware subscription[3,5], so you know who’s coming and going
- Take action in an instant if something happens; talk and listen with the built-in speaker and mic on your security camera or call your local emergency service directly from the Google Home app (Nest Aware subscription required)[6]
- Two super bright, adjustable LEDs for a combined 2600 lumens of light, and a handy dimming option where less brightness is desired.
- Three individually controlled PIR sensors provide for 270 degrees of customizable motion detection. Range and sensitivity are adjustable up to 30 feet.
- Built in Wyze Cam v3 provides sound detection, as well as artificial intelligence and the ability to identify and record motion, with or without the floodlight, in 1080p Full HD with Starlight Sensor color night vision.
- Dusk to Dawn automation. Wyze Cam Floodlight knows when the sun is down and when it's up. No need to turn the floodlight on or off once it’s connected.
- This bundle includes a Floodlight Cam Pro and a plug-in adapter
- 1080p HD security camera with motion-activated LED floodlights, Two-Way Talk and Audio+, 3D Motion Detection, HDR, and a built-in 110 dB security siren
- Upgraded with advanced security features like improved noise reduction and Bird’s Eye View, a way to monitor motion events from above in the Ring app
- Pinpoint motion with 3D Motion Detection to get accurate real-time alerts in the Ring app
- Enjoy a reliable connection with dual-band (2.4 or 5.0 GHz) wifi connectivity
- Security at its brightest - The motion sensor outdoor lights illuminate your property with 2000 Lumens of brightness or up to 3000 Lumens using the outdoor magnetic charging cable
- Zoom in to see sharp details with your home security system - See and record security camera outdoor footage in 2K with HDR for a clearer, undistorted picture, day or night
- Never miss a thing with a wider view - The outdoor camera wireless video offers a wide 160° diagonal viewing angle lens that has an auto image correction, reducing the fisheye effect
- Smarter alerts, quicker action - The security camera system lets you receive notifications for people, vehicles, and packages so you can take quicker actions with emergency response features provided in the Arlo Secure trial
- Coverage from every corner - Fast, wire-free setup, the wireless outdoor security camera delivers increased installation flexibility to get the perfect camera view
- See a bigger picture - The security camera has a wide 160° diagonal viewing angle lens for auto image correction and reduction of the fisheye effect to make this surveillance camera ideal for protecting medium to larger spaces
- Capture clearer details - The wireless outdoor security cameras with advanced video quality that records in clear 2K HDR footage to let you see clearer details and zoom in on moving objects with clarity
- Light up the night - Ward off unwelcome guests with the outdoor camera using the integrated spotlight. See features like faces or license plates in full color, even at night, with color night vision
- Easy wire-free setup - Wireless camera with fast setup that requires no hub or wiring; its wifi camera capability allows the home security system to connect directly to Wi-Fi for a quick setup.
- Smarter alerts, quicker action - With an Arlo Secure plan, receive smarter notifications for people, vehicles, packages, and animals so you can react quickly, right from your phone’s lock screen.
Review
Arlo Ultra 2
- Free local storage - Remotely access your locally secured smart camera footage from the included Arlo Smart hub (requires MicroSD card, sold separately)
- Smarter alerts, quicker action - With an Arlo Secure plan, receive smarter notifications for people, vehicles, packages, and animals so you can react quickly, right from your phone’s lock screen.
- Coverage for every corner - Fast and easy wire-free installation with the no wire. The wireless camera delivers increased installation flexibility to get the perfect camera view from your home security system
- See more at night - See important features through these outdoor security cameras and home camera like faces or license plates in full color, at night, with color night vision
- Stay better informed with clearer details - The 4k security camera and wireless security camera system can automatically zoom and track moving objects with clarity
Best outdoor security camera for video quality
SPECIFICATIONS
- Video resolution: 4K
- Field of view: 180 degrees
- Night vision: 25 feet
- Audio: full-duplex
- Local Storage: Yes (in base station)
- Battery Powered: Yes
- Weather Resistant: Yes
- Smart Home Compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
- Cloud Storage: 30-day rolling-cloud service (1080p) for up to 10 cameras free for one year;$9.99/month afterwards. Upgrade to 4K recording for $1.99/month per camera.
REASONS TO BUY
- Excellent video
- Digital pan and zoom
- Intuitive software
REASONS TO AVOID
- Expensive
If money is no issue, the Arlo Ultra is the best outdoor security camera. In addition to providing the best video quality, it also uses the additional resolution to allow digital track and zoom, which makes it simpler to track and identify a person as they move across the frame. Additionally, a built-in spotlight makes it possible to film in color at night, and it has two microphones for superior audio.
The Arlo Ultra runs entirely on batteries, but it can be wired if there is a close outlet. For an additional $80, Arlo offers a photovoltaic panel that ought to prolong the battery’s life.
All of this will, however, cost you money: The price for a single camera is $399 (including the hub), and extra cameras are $299 each. If you want to save any videos, the Arlo Ultra’s limited cloud storage requires a minimum monthly payment of $3. In addition, if you want to save 4K videos, the monthly plan, which is free for the first year, costs $1.99 more per camera per month. The Arlo Ultra, on the other hand, is the best option if you want the best video clarity.
You should be able to position the cameras farther from the base station now that Arlo has released the Arlo Ultra 2, which has improved Wi-Fi.
Wyze Cam v3 Pro
- 2K Video Resolution - Livestream in clarity and detail, whenever you need it, with crisp, clear 2K resolution.
- Integrated Spotlight and Siren - A motion-activated, 80-lumen spotlight for more detail in your videos, more light along your walkway, and more deterrence for unwanted visitors. Plus an 89-decibel, user-activated alarm when you need to deter them even more.
- Color Night Vision - 4-MP starlight sensor amplifies low light and shows dark areas in vivid, unbelievable detail.
- Indoor/Outdoor - Wyze Cam v3 Pro is a wired video camera with an IP65 rating so you can confidently install it outside in the rain or inside in the kids’ room. Wyze Outdoor Power Adapter (sold separately) required for outdoor use.
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant - Receive alerts and use voice commands to check and manage your devices. You can also create schedules and automations in the Wyze app.
The best budget security camera with a built-in light
SPECIFICATIONS
- Camera resolution: 2K 20 fps day/15 fps night
- Field of view: 116°
- Size: 2.05 x 2.05 x 2.3 inches
- Spotlight brightness: 2 spotlights/70 lumens
- Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n @2.4GHz
- Battery powered: No
- Weather resistant: Yes
- Local storage: Yes
- Cloud storage: Starting at $4/month
REASONS TO BUY
Very affordable
Great video quality
Inexpensive subscription
Can store video locally and in the cloud
REASONS TO AVOID
Spotlight could be brighter
Needs to be plugged in
The Wyze Cam v3 is one of our other favorite inexpensive security cameras, and while it is the same size, the Pro edition adds a tiny 70-lumen LED to help with nighttime illumination. The Wyze’s light is relatively weak in comparison to other versions on this list, like the Nest Cam with Floodlight, but if you only need a little light, it might work.
The Wyze Cam v3 Pro can also capture video at up to 2K (at 20 fps), which is a higher resolution than the 1080p limit of the standard Wyze Cam v3. Even though the video wasn’t as clear or smooth as what the Arlo Ultra would provide, it was still clear enough for us to recognize people and animals plainly, day or night.
The Wyze Cam v3 Pro has local storage, but you can’t view it via the Wyze app unless you pay a subscription, and it needs to be plugged in to operate.
Nest Cam with Floodlight (wired)
- Nest Cam with floodlight has built-in intelligence and can tell the difference between a person, animal, and vehicle and send alerts directly through the Google Home app[1], no subscription required
- Easily check in from anywhere 24/7 with 1080p HDR video[1] with night vision; see what you missed with 3 hours of free event video history[2], or add a Nest Aware Plus subscription for 10 days of 24/7 recording and 60 days of event video history[3]
- If your Wi-Fi goes down or there’s a power outage, Nest Cam will store up to an hour of recorded events so you can see what you missed[4]
- Nest Cam with floodlight detects more than just motion; it automatically lights up when there’s important activity and it can even detect familiar faces with a Nest Aware subscription[3,5], so you know who’s coming and going
- Take action in an instant if something happens; talk and listen with the built-in speaker and mic on your security camera or call your local emergency service directly from the Google Home app (Nest Aware subscription required)[6]
Nest’s excellent security camera, paired with a floodlight
SPECIFICATIONS
- Video resolution: 1080p
- Field of view: 130 degrees (diagonal)
- Night vision: Yes
- Audio: full-duplex
- Local Storage: Yes
- Battery Powered: Backup only
- Weather Resistant: Yes
- Smart Home Compatibility: Google Assistant
- Cloud Storage: 30-day rolling storage for $5.99/month
REASONS TO BUY
- Excellent video quality
- Free tier is actually useful
- 5 GHz WiFi radio
- Battery backup
REASONS TO AVOID
- Only compatible with Google Home
- No expanded local storage option
The Nest Cam with Floodlight is what you get when you combine the superb Nest Cam (wired) with two potent floodlights (wired). Excellent high-definition video is captured by the camera itself, which also has a three-hour local backup in case your Internet link is lost. Two adjustable LEDS on either side produce a combined 2400 lumens, which is more than enough light for the area.
The Nest camera is less portable than the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight because, like the Ring Floodlight, it requires a physical connection to function. Still, you get a few amenities for free, including person detection, customizable motion zones, and (limited) local storage. This is unquestionably a floodlight camera to take into consideration, unless you require a camera that functions with Alexa.
Wyze Cam Floodlight
- Two super bright, adjustable LEDs for a combined 2600 lumens of light, and a handy dimming option where less brightness is desired.
- Three individually controlled PIR sensors provide for 270 degrees of customizable motion detection. Range and sensitivity are adjustable up to 30 feet.
- Built in Wyze Cam v3 provides sound detection, as well as artificial intelligence and the ability to identify and record motion, with or without the floodlight, in 1080p Full HD with Starlight Sensor color night vision.
- Dusk to Dawn automation. Wyze Cam Floodlight knows when the sun is down and when it's up. No need to turn the floodlight on or off once it’s connected.
A floodlight cam for less than $100
SPECIFICATIONS
- Video resolution: 1080p
- Field of view: 130 degrees
- Night vision: Yes
- Audio: full duplex
- Local Storage: Yes
- Battery Powered: No
- Weather Resistant: Yes
- Smart Home Compatibility: Alexa
- Cloud Storage: $1.99/month
REASONS TO BUY
- Very bright but adjustable LED lights
- Simple installation, especially if replacing an existing outdoor light
- People, pets, and package detection
REASONS TO AVOID
- The free tier of video storage is very limited
- Software setup has a few quirks
Like most of its rivals, Wyze created the Wyze Cam Floodlight by taking its outstanding Wyze Cam v3 and adding a few LEDs. The Wyze Cam Floodlight, which costs less than $100 and is a steal compared to other security video floodlights, is also affordable because the Wyze Cam is so cheap.
We were generally happy with the video quality despite the low cost, though if you were too near, the floodlights tended to wash out people’s faces. To expand your surveillance area, you can also link a second Wyze Cam to the floodlight. In case your internet goes out, the cams also have local storage. If you want person and package detection, you’ll need to pay for Wyze Cam Plus, like most other security cams, but at $1.99/month, it’s considerably less expensive than most.
Ring Floodlight Camera
- This bundle includes a Floodlight Cam Pro and a plug-in adapter
- 1080p HD security camera with motion-activated LED floodlights, Two-Way Talk and Audio+, 3D Motion Detection, HDR, and a built-in 110 dB security siren
- Upgraded with advanced security features like improved noise reduction and Bird’s Eye View, a way to monitor motion events from above in the Ring app
- Pinpoint motion with 3D Motion Detection to get accurate real-time alerts in the Ring app
- Enjoy a reliable connection with dual-band (2.4 or 5.0 GHz) wifi connectivity
An outdoor camera and floodlight in one
SPECIFICATIONS
- Video resolution: 1080p
- Field of view: 140 degrees
- Night vision: Yes
- Audio: half-duplex
- Local Storage: No
- Battery Powered: No
- Weather Resistant: Yes
- Smart Home Compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
- Cloud Storage: $3/month ($30/year) for 60 days of video
REASONS TO BUY
- Wide field of view
- Comprehensive app
- Affordable subscription program
REASONS TO AVOID
- Must be wired
The Ring Floodlight Camera combines a house security camera and a motion-activated floodlight into one useful gadget. The Floodlight camera begins recording as soon as it notices movement and activates both of its two potent LED beams. Those in front of the camera can be spoken to and heard from using the powerful speaker on the Floodlight Cam.
The Arlo Floodlight Camera(opens in new tab) ($249) can operate on battery power and is a more adaptable choice than the Ring Floodlight Camera, which needs to be wired into your home’s electrical system to function.
The features available in the Ring app include custom motion zones, scheduling, and other options. Unfortunately, you must subscribe to one of Ring’s cloud storage options, which start at $3 per month, in order to record and distribute video.
The Ring Floodlight Camera Wired Pro ($249), a more recent edition, has a better design, brighter LEDs, and more sophisticated person-tracking technology.
It and the Floodlight Cam Plus are both offered in plug-in and hardwired versions.
Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera
- Security at its brightest - The motion sensor outdoor lights illuminate your property with 2000 Lumens of brightness or up to 3000 Lumens using the outdoor magnetic charging cable
- Zoom in to see sharp details with your home security system - See and record security camera outdoor footage in 2K with HDR for a clearer, undistorted picture, day or night
- Never miss a thing with a wider view - The outdoor camera wireless video offers a wide 160° diagonal viewing angle lens that has an auto image correction, reducing the fisheye effect
- Smarter alerts, quicker action - The security camera system lets you receive notifications for people, vehicles, and packages so you can take quicker actions with emergency response features provided in the Arlo Secure trial
- Coverage from every corner - Fast, wire-free setup, the wireless outdoor security camera delivers increased installation flexibility to get the perfect camera view
Battery-powered floodlight cam
SPECIFICATIONS
- Video resolution: 2K
- Field of view: 160 degrees
- Night vision: Yes
- Audio: full duplex
- Local Storage: No
- Battery Powered: Yes
- Weather Resistant: Yes
- Smart Home Compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
- Cloud Storage: $3/month ($30/year) for 60 days of video
REASONS TO BUY
- Good video
- Built-in floodlight
- Digital subject tracking
REASONS TO AVOID
- Requires subscription for many features
- Short battery life
The Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight camera is the best choice for adding an outdoor security video with a floodlight if you don’t already have an outdoor lighting fixture. This battery-operated camera is easy to set up, has a 2000-lumen light that is bright, and a 2K video with digital pan and zoom so you can see more of what’s outside.
We discovered that the camera’s battery runs out fast, particularly when using the floodlight, so you might also want to consider buying a solar charging panel. And, like many security cameras, Arlo requires a subscription to use all of its functions (starting at $2.99/month).
Arlo Pro 4
- See a bigger picture - The security camera has a wide 160° diagonal viewing angle lens for auto image correction and reduction of the fisheye effect to make this surveillance camera ideal for protecting medium to larger spaces
- Capture clearer details - The wireless outdoor security cameras with advanced video quality that records in clear 2K HDR footage to let you see clearer details and zoom in on moving objects with clarity
- Light up the night - Ward off unwelcome guests with the outdoor camera using the integrated spotlight. See features like faces or license plates in full color, even at night, with color night vision
- Easy wire-free setup - Wireless camera with fast setup that requires no hub or wiring; its wifi camera capability allows the home security system to connect directly to Wi-Fi for a quick setup.
- Smarter alerts, quicker action - With an Arlo Secure plan, receive smarter notifications for people, vehicles, packages, and animals so you can react quickly, right from your phone’s lock screen.
A very good Arlo outdoor security cam for less
SPECIFICATIONS
- Video resolution: 2K
- Field of view: 160 degrees
- Night vision: 25 feet
- Audio: full-duplex
- Local Storage: Yes (in base station)
- Battery Powered: Yes
- Weather Resistant: Yes
- Smart Home Compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
- Cloud Storage: $3/month for 30-day rolling-cloud service (2K) for up to 10 cameras
REASONS TO BUY
Clean, user-friendly app
Slick camera design
Removable Battery
Good video quality
REASONS TO AVOID
Requires subscription for many features
The Arlo Pro 4 is a very excellent home security camera with above-average video quality. It has 2K video resolution, a built-in LED spotlight, and color night vision. It has two power sources: rechargeable cells (which ought to last up to six months) or an electrical outlet. To keep the battery filled longer, you can also buy a solar panel.
The Arlo Pro 4 is basically the same camera as the Arlo Pro 3, with one important exception: If you don’t need or want local storage, you can connect directly to your Wi-Fi with the Pro 4. However, you will need to sign up for a plan, which begins at $2.99/month, in order to use many of the Arlo Pro 4’s features, such as saving video and person, vehicle, and package detection.
OUTDOOR SECURITY CAMERAS WITH PROFESSIONAL MONITORING
Deep Sentinel
- The only camera system with guards included: Deep Sentinel's proprietary AI (Artificial Intelligence) identifies potential threats even before a crime and streams to a live guard to review, engage 2-way audio, the siren or even call the police.
- 100 Percent Wire Free: Battery powered cameras, integrated battery charger in the hub. Kit includes extra battery so never be without a charged battery.
- Includes the Deep Sentinel Smart Hub with 4-core CPU, 2 AI processors, 64GB of storage, 4GB RAM.
- Deep Sentinel Mobile App Includes all the bells and whistles: live camera view, event review, integrated AI, privacy scheduling and privacy mode, protection zones, 2-way audio.
- Includes a free 30-day trial of 24/7 Live Sentinel monitoring. After your trial period, the subscription for Live Sentinel service will be $200 per month for 1 year.
The best outdoor security camera with professional monitoring
SPECIFICATIONS
- Video resolution: 480p
- Field of view: 130 degrees
- Night vision: 25 feet
- Audio: full-duplex
- Local Storage: No
- Battery Powered: Yes
- Weather Resistant: Yes
- Smart Home Compatibility: None
- Cloud Storage: $50/month
REASONS TO BUY
- Professional monitoring
- Quick response
- Loud, clear audio
REASONS TO AVOID
- Expensive
- Low-resolution
Instead of being a standalone security camera, the Deep Sentinel functions more like a small, properly monitored security system. That’s because the camera transmits a live feed to a monitoring station when it detects an intruder. A professional can then use the camera to sound an alert, shout a warning, and, if necessary, call the police.
This is not a cheap option: in addition to the $499 price tag for three cameras, there is a $50 monthly charge.
Additionally, the video’s quality is capped at 480p because the smoothness of the video stream is given more importance than its definition.
Even the best home security system costs about the same, but it doesn’t constantly monitor your cameras like Deep Sentinel does. The finest home security cameras, however, are those that offer live monitoring.
What to look for when buying an outdoor security camera
When looking for an outdoor security camera, there are a few factors besides price that you should take into account.
Weatherproofing: Any outdoor surveillance camera needs to be weather-proofed. While they probably won’t take to being dunked underwater, they should have some resistance to rain, sleet, and snow.
Battery powered: Numerous exterior security cameras, including the Arlo and Blink cameras, can operate solely on batteries. Because you don’t have to think about running a power cord to the camera, they are simpler to install. But this also means that you’ll need to change the batteries or refresh them frequently. Companies are increasingly providing solar panels as optional extras so you won’t need to recharge the batteries as frequently.
Night vision: Almost all exterior security cameras capture quality video during the day, but it’s the footage captured at night that really reveals who has what and who doesn’t. The majority of cameras illuminate their targets with infrared lights; better cameras will light the scene without overexposing the subject, allowing you to see more details.
Extra lighting: Some outdoor security cameras, like those made by Ring and Arlo, have LED lights built into them, making it easier for you to see yourself if you’re outside at night as well as the people you’re watching. Others have floodlights, which are useful for illuminating a yard, while some have spotlights, which are good for a limited area.
Storage and storage fees: To use all of their features or to store footage in the cloud, the majority of security cameras today require a subscription. You’ll want to refer to our best security camera storage plans for more detail, but before choosing a security camera, think about how many other cameras (including the best video doorbells) you’re planning to install. Depending on how many cameras you want to use on your property, you can choose the company that provides the best value.
How we test the best outdoor security cameras
We test outdoor security cameras outside of our homes, just like we do with the finest home security cameras. We examine the quality of the video they capture both during the day and at night, as well as the recorded video’s level of clarity and the audio that goes along with it.
We also assess the apps and features of the security cameras. You should be able to easily schedule when the cameras turn on and off, as well as select options like custom motion zones and sensitivity, so that a tree branch or passing car won’t trigger it.
To ensure that you only receive the notifications you want, better cameras will also let you filter for people, animals, vehicles, and packages.
Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
