Arlo Ultra camera with floodlight illuminatedSource: Arlo

Best Security Cameras iMore 2021

A smart security camera allows you to monitor your home anytime and anywhere. Most security cameras include cloud-based storage and night vision, watching your home 24/7, 365 days a year. The Arlo Ultra is a completely wireless security camera that supports ultra high definition resolution and HDR recording, enabling you to catch every detail. We have gathered all of the best security cameras to help you decide which is the best for your needs.

Best Overall: Arlo Ultra Wire-Free Security Camera

Arlo Ultra Camera outdoorsSource: Arlo

The Arlo Ultra is a security camera designed to provide ultra-high-resolution imagery during the day and night through 4K video and HDR support. An included LED spotlight shines for motion events, ensuring that your recordings capture every detail, even when it is dark.

Arlo's Ultra camera is entirely wireless and weather-resistant, making it capable of being placed almost anywhere indoors and out. An included rechargeable battery lasts for up to six months, and a magnetic mount allows for quick removal when needed.

Included with the Ultra is a free year of Arlo's Smart Premier service which enables powerful features such as advanced object detection and 30-day video recording. The service also supports the ability to call 911 right from the Arlo mobile App if needed using e911 technology.

Pros:

  • 4K image quality
  • Completely wireless
  • Integrated spotlight

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • 4K recording requires subscription
  • Requires bulky base station

Best Overall

Arlo Ultra 2 Camera Kit

Arlo Ultra Wire-Free Security Camera

Ultra high resolution

Arlo's Ultra is the best for capturing all of the details in glorious 4K. Weather resistance and a magnetic mount allow anywhere.

Best Value: Wyze Cam Indoor Wireless Camera

Wyze Cam in a kitchen settingSource: Wyze

The Wyze Cam Indoor Wireless Camera is a low-cost device that provides many of the same features that its higher-priced competitors offer. Even with its low cost, there are no additional subscriptions or fees involved, which means that the price that you pay is the only price involved.

In addition to 1080p video recording, the Wyze Cam supports smart sound recognition, which can alert you if a smoke detector is going off in your home. Best of all, integration with Amazon's Alexa and the Google Assistant enables a quick and easy way to summon your camera's feed.

Pros:

  • Low cost
  • Compact design
  • No monthly fees

Cons:

  • Indoor only
  • 114-degree field of view
  • 2.4ghz Wi-Fi only

Best Value

Wyze Cam

Wyze Cam Indoor Wireless Camera

Low cost, highly capable

Wyze Cam combines the best security camera features with an amazingly low price. Free cloud storage makes this one worth a look.

Blink Indoor Camera sitting on a staircaseSource: Amazon

The Blink Indoor Home Security Camera takes a different approach to modern wireless cameras. Powered by the included two AA batteries, the Blink Camera enables placement almost anywhere within the home. The batteries last up to two years, making it a set and forget it solution.

Despite a low cost and low power consumption, the Blink Camera can record video in up to 30 frames per second in 720p high definition. Free cloud storage is also included, with no additional costs required after your initial purchase.

Pros:

  • Completely wireless
  • Two-year battery life
  • Compact and portable

Cons:

  • 720p resolution
  • No night vision
  • No two-way audio

Best Portability

Blink Indoor Security Camera

Blink Indoor Home Security Camera

Take it anywhere

Blink's Camera is a wireless option that runs on two AA batteries for up to 2 years. 720p video is plenty for most basic needs.

Best Battery: eufyCam 2

eufyCam 2Source: eufy

The eufyCam 2 is an affordable wireless alternative that doesn't require a subscription for recording or advanced features. Despite being wireless, it offers 1080p high definition video, 2-way audio, and it even works with Alexa, HomeKit, and the Google Assistant.

eufy's camera works both indoors and out, with an IP67 weather-resistance rating, and it features absolutely incredible battery life, rated at 365-days. This means that you can set it outside and forget about for an entire year, plus when it is time to charge, all you need is a micro-USB cable.

Pros:

  • 365-day battery
  • No subscription required
  • Supports HomeKit, Alexa, Google

Cons:

  • Bulky design
  • Batteries not removable
  • Requires hub

Best Battery

eufycam 2 camera system with home base and 2 wireless cameras in white

eufyCam 2

Amazing battery life

The eufyCam 2 has 1080p video, weather-resistance and 365-day battery life. Plus, it doesn't require a subscription for recording.

Best for Outdoors: Nest Cam Outdoor

Google Nest Cam OutdoorSource: Google

Google's Nest Cam Outdoor offers 1080p video recording and two-way audio, allowing you to monitor everything that is going on in the great outdoors. An IP65 weather resistance rating ensures that your camera will be well protected against the elements and can be placed in the perfect location for your needs.

The Nest Cam also provides power artificial intelligence through its subscription-based Nest Aware service. The camera can distinguish who or what is passing by and prevents it from sending you notifications for things such as pets or cars.

Pros:

  • Built for the outdoors
  • Magnetic mount
  • Sound event recording

Cons:

  • No battery option
  • Only integrates with Nest products
  • Advanced features require a subscription

Best for Outdoors

Nest Cam Outdoor

Nest Cam Outdoor

Let it rain

Nest Cam Outdoor has IP65 weather resistance for protection year-round. LED night vision captures everything around your home.

Best for HomeKit: Logitech Circle View

Logitech Circle View Camera on a shelfSource: Logitech

Logitech's Circle View Camera provides up to 1080p video recording and includes a built-in microphone for speaking with those around your home. A sleek metal frame and weather resistance allows this doorbell to work both indoors and out, and it can be paired in a matter of minutes as it goes through Apple's Home app.

HomeKit support allows the Circle View to work with other devices within your home, opening up a world of possibilities. The built-in motion sensor allows the camera to turn on a connected light through automation. This camera also supports HomeKit Secure Video, which provides secure, privacy-focused, recording that utilizes iCloud.

Pros:

  • Works indoors and out
  • Supports HomeKit Secure Video
  • No additional app required

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • No motion zones
  • HomeKit only

Best for HomeKit

Logitech Circle View Camera

Logitech Circle View

Harness the power of HomeKit

The Circle View sports 1080p video, 2-way audio, and weather resistance. It also works with HomeKit for private iCloud recording.

Safe and Secure

Setting up a smart security camera around your home is an easy way to add a little extra security and protection both indoors and outside. Whether it is keeping an eye on your deliveries or just for added peace of mind, security cameras are the best way to keep tabs on the happenings around your home, even when you are out and about.

If you are in the market for a camera that captures high-resolution video and works both indoors and out, then look no further than the Arlo Ultra Wire-Free Security Camera. This thoughtfully designed camera includes a magnetic mounting base, stunning 4K HDR imagery, weather resistance, and a built-in rechargeable battery making it capable of capturing all the details from just about anywhere.

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