Best Security Cameras iMore 2020

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 4K 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 4K Wire-Free Security Camera

The Arlo Ultra 4K 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 4K 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 4K 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 4K Wire Free Security Camera

Ultra high resolution

Arlo's Ultra 4K is the best choice for capturing all of the details. Weather resistance and a magnetic mount allow placement just about anywhere.

Best Value: Wyze Cam Indoor Wireless Camera

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 Indoor Wireless Camera

Low cost, highly capable

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

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 Home Security Camera

Take it anywhere

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

Best Integration: Amazon Cloud Cam

The Amazon Cloud Cam offers the best in smart home integration in a cost-effective package. Powered by Alexa, the Cloud Cam's 1080p HD video feed can appear on your Fire TV, Echo Show, or Fire Tablet at any time.

Amazon's Cloud Cam can also work in conjunction with other Amazon Alexa devices within your home, such as door locks and garage door openers. This enables the Amazon Key service, which can give trusted delivery partners access to your home to deliver your items securely.

Pros:

  • Low cost
  • Amazon key integration
  • 1080p video resolution

Cons:

  • Some features require a subscription
  • Only supports Amazon Alexa
  • No local storage options

Best Integration

Amazon Cloud Cam

Keys to the kingdom

Amazon's Camera integrates directly with the Amazon Key service. This allows you to open your front door or garage for deliveries, keeping your stuff safe.

Best for Outdoors: Nest Cam Outdoor

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

Let it rain

Nest Cam Outdoor features IP65 weather resistance, allowing it to work outside all year. An 8 LED night vision system captures everything around your home.

Best for HomeKit: Logitech Circle 2 Indoor/Outdoor Camera

Logitech's Circle 2 Indoor/Outdoor Camera provides up to 1080p video recording and includes a built-in microphone for speaking with those around your home. Logitech also offers several unique mounting options for the Circle 2, including a plug mount for a clean visual appearance and a window mount allowing direct to glass placement, making it one of the most flexible cameras on the market.

HomeKit support allows the Circle 2 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. Support for HomeKit Secure Video is also coming to the Circle 2, which provides secure, privacy-focused, recording that utilizes iCloud.

Pros:

  • Works indoors and out
  • Supports Apple's HomeKit
  • Flexible mount accessories available

Cons:

  • Motion zones require a subscription
  • Confusing setup process
  • Limited HomeKit integration

Best for HomeKit

Logitech Circle 2 Indoor/Outdoor Camera

Harness the power of HomeKit

Logitech's Circle 2 camera is the best HomeKit camera around. This camera sports 1080p video, 2-way audio, and night vision, making it a solid choice.

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 4K 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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