Our Best Security Cameras review covers features to look for when choosing an outdoor security camera
Chances are the perpetrator is long gone before you find out you're the victim when a package is stolen from your porch or broken into by a car while parked in your driveway. You'll never even know who did it when you weren't there. Maybe it's time we invest in an outdoor security camera if this sounds familiar.

These rugged smart home devices are favored by most users because they are designed to withstand rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. Best outdoor wireless surveillance cameras typically connect to a user's home Wi-Fi network and allow users to view live video footage of activities taking place outside of their home. Best Security Cameras will also send an alert to the user's phone when someone or something is out there. Best Security Cameras even allows users to talk to anyone on their property without having to open the door.

Our Best Security Cameras review covers features to look for when choosing an outdoor security camera. Some of the cameras on this list are our favorites because they are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Check out our list of the best cheap outdoor security cameras if you want a model specifically designed to keep an eye on what's going on inside your home.

Best Security Cameras

Google Nest Cam Indoor Security Camera

Google Nest Cam Indoor Security Camera works with two different apps, Google Home and Nest

Google Nest Cam Indoor Security Camera

Bank-level security with 128-bit SSL encryption helps ensure your privacy Nest Cam indoor camera Stand 10' USB cable Power adapter Wall-mounting plate Screws Welcome Guide & Quick Start Guide Window decal Camera 3-megapixel sensor with 8X digital zoom Video H.264 encoding, up to 1080p at 30fps (1920 x 1080) Field of view: 130 degrees diagonal Night vision: 8 high-power infrared LEDs with IR cut filter Wireless: 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)4.5"H x 2.8"W x 2.8"D Weight: 7.16 oz. Requires a Wi-Fi connection, free Nest account & compatible phone or tablet Compatible with iOS 8 or later & Android 4 or later Model no. NC1102ES

Receive alerts when there's motion or sound in your home while you are away
Constantly watches for you with night vision, offering nighttime security
Streams 1080p HD video to your phone, tablet, or laptop
Easy setup: plug it in and download the app
View the whole room or zoom in for a close-up
Talk & Listen lets you hear when your baby wakes and lets you tell your dog to get off the couch
The Google Nest Cam Indoor is becoming more and more popular thanks to its excellent alarm capabilities, two-way communication, and video quality. While it's more expensive than our top two picks combined, we still think it's an ideal camera for existing Nest users or those who want a camera that can capture the action. 24/7 cloud — an option with the Nest Aware service. Users can set up the Nest Cam Indoor to record only when triggered by motion just like our other picks. However, the unique ability of the Google Nest Cam Indoor Security Camera is to record everything 24/7 to the cloud - where it remains accessible and this sets it apart. Users can always view recorded content even if someone pulls the cord, loses power, or steals the camera or memory card. Read on to our Nest Indoor Camera Review for more details on the expansion packs.

Users will get a 30-day trial of event-based video recording, which can be triggered by general motion, people, or sound, with the purchase of the Google Indoor Security Camera System. Then, to store event-based video recordings in the cloud for 30 days, users pay $6 per month or $60 per year for Nest Aware at the time of publishing. Nest Aware Plus will increase that video history to 60 days and add 10 days of 24/7 video history when paying $12 per month or $120 per year. Users will never miss a minute of action or a minute of no action at all thanks to this special feature. Most of the cameras we chose to do our tests with offer some kind of free recording even with limited or local storage. However, you will only have access to live video and get no storage without subscribing to Nest Aware. Users can only see a still image of the action within a three-hour window, although the camera still sends them motion alerts.

Ring Indoor Camera

Ring Indoor Camera not only provides sharp 1080p video but also supports Amazon Alexa voice commands

Ring Indoor Camera

Watch over your home in 1080p HD video and check-in at any time with Live View Hear and speak to people on camera from your phone or tablet Customize your motion sensors to focus on important areas at home Get real-time notifications whenever motion is detected Place indoors on flat surfaces or mount it to a wall Plug into standard outlets for nonstop power Indoor camera Indoor power cable and adapter Screws and wall anchors Manual Security sticker Model no. 8SN1S9-WEN0, 8SN1S9-BEN0 1.81"H x 1.81"W x 2.95"D Compatible with iOS 9.3 and above, Android 5.0, and up Manufacturer's 1-year limited warranty. Weight: 1 lb.

Affordable
Sharp 1080p video
Motion detection
Supports Alexa voice control and IFTTT
Easy to install
Requires subscription to record video
No sound detection
The Ring is the brand best known for its video doorbells and outdoor security cameras. However, the brand's new Indoor Cam is a breakthrough because it is the company's first indoor-only camera but is well received by users as the most affordable camera model to date. Ring Indoor Camera not only supports Amazon Alexa voice commands but also works with other smart devices through IFTTT apps and provides sharp 1080p video. Ring Indoor Camera Wireless also offers motion detection when users sign up for a monthly fee to activate and view motion-triggered recordings.

The white Ring Indoor Camera Night Vision has a cylindrical shape with dimensions of 2.9 x 1.8 inches (HW). It is designed to sit on a round desktop base that can be removed and reattached to the back of the camera if the user wants to mount it on the wall. The front of the Ring Indoor Camera has a black face, speakers, LED status lights, and a microphone for two-way audio. Around the back of the Ring Indoor Camera is a mini USB power port. Ring Indoor Camera comes with a power cable, mounting screw, Ring Indoor Camera Manual, plug adapter, and security sticker.

Ring Battery Spotlight Cam

Ring Camera For Apartments is loved by the majority of users because it has an IP55 waterproof rating

Ring Battery Spotlight Cam

Powered by a rechargeable battery with a quick-release function 1080HD video with the two-way talk Adjustable motion zones and a 110-decibel siren give you peace of mind Protect your home day or night with built-in night vision and LED spotlights Get motion-activated alerts on your phone, tablet or PC 6.5"H x 4.9"W x 7.2"D Weight: 2.07 lbs. Battery: lithium-ion Compatible with iOS, Android, or Windows 10 Device Plastic, aluminum Manufacturer's 1-year limited warranty Model no. 8SB1S7

Easy to install
Completely wireless
Motion-triggered recording
Loud siren
Sharp video quality
Works with Alexa and IFTTT
Requires subscription to view recorded video
No pre-buffering
Ring Wireless Outdoor Security Cameras delivers video to users in 1080p and has a 140-degree field of view. To provide night vision up to 30 feet, the Ring Battery Spotlight Cam uses four infrared LEDs. Additionally, the Ring Battery Spotlight Cam comes with a built-in 110dB siren, speaker and microphone for two-way audio, and 802.11n Wi-Fi radio. The sides of the camera include two spotlight strips that provide an overall brightness of 700 lumens with a color temperature of 4,000K, each with four LEDs. We received the package with the Camera, a battery pack, a bracket, a screwdriver, drill bit, wall screws and anchors, and a setup guide a few days after ordering.

You need to make sure that your outdoor camera works with other smart devices instead of just recording videos and sending alerts. We encourage you to refer to outdoor Wi-Fi cameras that support IFTTT (If This Then That). It's an internet service that uses small user-generated programs for the camera to interact with other IFTTT-enabled devices. We've tried setting it up to turn on the smart plug, turn on the lights in the house, and activate the siren outside when the camera detects motion. The Ring Security Camera Outdoor uses IFTTT apps like other Ring cameras to work in conjunction with other smart devices in the home. You can set it up to control lighting, thermostats, and garage door openers. One of the best things about this device is that it also supports the Works With Ring program - which allows users to control certified third-party devices from within the Ring app.

Google Nest Cam Outdoor/Indoor Security Camera with Wireless Battery

The Wireless Indoor/Outdoor Security Cameras is designed for indoor or outdoor use with an IP54 rating

Google Nest Cam Outdoor/Indoor Security Camera with Wireless Battery

Mobile notifications Remote control Video recording Video streaming Require working internet and Wi-Fi 1920 x 1080 Resolution at 30 fps 130° Diagonal Field of View Up to 20' of Night Vision Nest Camera Magnetic plates Wallplates Two wall anchors Two wall screws Charge cable 3.3 ft (m) power adapter 3.26"H x 3.26"W x 3.26"D Weight: 0.87 lbs. Rechargeable lithium-ion battery DC Power Google Home for Android, ios Wireless: Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz Manufacturer's 1-year limited warranty. Model no. GA01317-US

Outdoors or indoors
Know what's happening 24/7
Check-in anytime or see what happened with 3 hours of free event video history
Add a Nest Aware subscription for up to 60 days of video history
Install it yourself
Google is well received by consumers in the field of smart home security with the Google Nest Cam Outdoor/Indoor Security Camera with Wireless Battery. This product is rated for outdoor or indoor use as it is battery powered and packed with smart features and appealing specs. The Google Nest Outdoor Camera is not in the most expensive or cheapest segment. The specifications of the Google Nest Cam Outdoor/Indoor Security Camera with Wireless Battery are also mid-range. Free smart alerts, active zones, and on-device processing powered by new machine learning chips are What you get for the first time from Google.

With smart home devices like cameras, locks and doorbells, battery life is a big question that users need to ask. The Nest Cam's battery life, like other outdoor cameras, depends on many factors: temperature, operation, and camera settings. Depending on those factors, the Google Nest Home Security Cameras can last between 1.5 and seven months. We charged our camera to 100% to monitor the battery drain. 24 hours later, with automatic battery saver, our Google Nest Cam Outdoor/Indoor Security Camera with Wireless Battery was down to 97% in default battery mode. Under correct circumstances, it can last about four months of battery life. To adjust the event recording frequency, video quality, and clip length, we work with the options in the Home app. Plus, if you don't want to choose your power settings, the Google Nest Cam Outdoor Security Camera also has three battery modes to choose from.

Best Rated Home Security Cameras: How Outdoor Security Cameras Work

How outdoor security cameras work

We have tested most of the smart outdoor security cameras currently on the market. They use Wi-Fi radios to connect to the user's home network and allow the user to access them from anywhere using a mobile app. In addition, we also tested models that use Bluetooth, Z-Wave, wired Ethernet, or proprietary wireless technology to connect to a mobile app or a dedicated hub.

We've found that Wi-Fi cameras are easier to set up than wired ones because they require no wiring and don't have to be located near an Ethernet port. Battery-powered Wi-Fi cameras can be placed anywhere without having to plug a power cable into the house to plug into an outlet, as long as they can connect to a router. So they are the easiest to install. While these types of cameras typically use rechargeable batteries that are often loved by many because they can be easily popped out and taken indoors to charge with a USB cable, these devices tend to run out of battery quickly in the colder weather. You have to be within 40 feet or so to connect Bluetooth cameras with them to your phone, although they are also easy to set up. To ease network congestion, you should look for an outdoor Wi-Fi camera that can connect to the 2.4GHz or 5GHz radio bands. Try pumping that signal up with a wireless range extender if you're having trouble getting a good signal outside.

We think any worthwhile outdoor camera should be able to withstand exposure to the elements and must carry an Ingress Protection - IP rating. The IP rating tells the user how well the camera will perform in most weather conditions through the two digits it includes. The first digit following the IP prefix tells the user the camera's resistance to ingress of solid objects such as dust blown by the wind. This number ranges from 0 to 6 with the lowest being no protection and the highest providing total protection against dirt. The second number represents the camera's moisture resistance. It ranges from 0 to 9, the higher the level, the more protected the camera is against close range, high pressure spraying down from all angles and vice versa without protection.

Most of the best outdoor security cameras we've compiled in the best home security system with outdoor cameras reviews have an IP66 rating. Not only do they provide complete protection from dust ingress, but they can also handle water jets from any direction, but you should take great care not to immerse them in water. Best Security Cameras are generally safe from rain, snow, heat, and cold.

Best Security Cameras Reviews By TopFreeReviews

Resolution and storage are important

If you can't make out who or what the camera is looking at, having an outdoor security camera won't help. 1080p video offers more detail, although a camera that records video at 720p will usually provide a fairly sharp image. So the most common resolution for these devices is 1080p. The best wireless camera system outdoors doesn't require a lot of storage space and is viewable on most tablets, phones, and PCs. Users will need a very strong network connection to play 4K (Ultra HD) videos without stuttering or lag. This can be costly for cloud storage because we need a lot of space to store recorded video.

You should try to choose a camera with a relatively wide field of view and make sure that the camera can record clear video at night regardless of the resolution. Some cameras use white light to provide full-color night video while the majority of cameras use IR LEDs aka infrared to provide black and white night video. We recommend looking for a camera with at least 30 feet of night vision.

Motion sensors are found on almost all outdoor security cameras to trigger the camera to record video when motion is detected. When the activity is in progress, the sensor will initiate a push alert to the user's phone and another will generate an email alert as well. You can refer to a camera with sound detection that can tell the user if someone is out there for an extra layer of security. This helps you to know all the things going on even when they are out of range of the camera lens and motion sensor. However, users need to adjust the sound sensitivity settings to avoid alerts from noisy cars, barking dogs, and other random noises.

Chances are your camera also has a speaker and provides two-way audio communication allowing you to talk to and hear anyone outside if your camera has a microphone to detect sound. You can use this feature to deal with annoying inviters, scare away arrogant pirates, and turn down other unwanted guests. Check out our list of the best-rated home security cameras for more ways to see and communicate directly with anyone at your doorstep.

Recorded video can be stored in a variety of ways: cloud storage, microSD card,... This storage is free for a limited number of days usually seven days and after that, it is overwritten or destroyed. delete or completely based on user subscriptions. You can sign up for a 30-day plan if you require more than a week of video storage so you don't have to worry about losing important footage before you've had a chance to review and download it. Look for cameras equipped with a microSD card slot so you can store it locally if you're worried about privacy and don't want to store your videos in the cloud. We also find a few cameras that allow users to save videos to a USB drive or portable NAS.

A camera that offers a CVR package - Continuous Video Recording - will provide the ability to go back and allow the user to see everything that is happening around outside his or her home. Their videos will be stored for up to 30 days of 24/7 video in the cloud. Also, you need to make sure that your outdoor camera works with other smart devices instead of just recording videos and sending alerts. We encourage you to refer to outdoor Wi-Fi cameras that support IFTTT (If This Then That). It's an internet service that uses small user-generated programs for the camera to interact with other IFTTT-enabled devices. We've tried setting it up to turn on the smart plug, turn on the lights in the house, and activate the siren outside when the camera detects motion.

Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands are also being applied to many of the latest cameras. These devices allow users to do things like display video from the camera on a compatible smart display. You should find a camera that you can integrate into your smart home so that it works with other smart devices like door locks if you have a home automation hub. We hope our best doorbell camera for apartments reviews is useful to you!