Home security cameras compared

We begin testing by setting the camera up according to the included and/or app instructions, making note of any difficulties encountered along the way. Once the camera is ready to roll, we evaluate all features, paying close attention to resolution, night vision, notification latency, local or cloud storage and compatibility with smart home ecosystems like Google, Alexa and Apple HomeKit. 

Such evaluations can take less than a day, but we monitor the camera over the course of a week for a more complete look at the camera’s performance day and night. And if that general use doesn’t give us all the data we’d like to see, we’ll create a mock situation — like staging a porch pirate scenario — to see how quickly and accurately the camera and app send notifications and record the event.

If you want to read more about our review process, check out our home security cameras and video doorbells.

Factors to consider when choosing a home security camera

Local vs. cloud storage

Not all video storage is equal. You have two main options and picking one is up to your personal preference. There’s cloud storage, which sends your video footage to a remote server to be saved, and local storage, which relies on a separate accessory or piece of hardware, usually a microSD card, to hold any footage you’d like to save. Usually, cloud storage requires a monthly fee. 

A few more considerations

When you’re installing , keep in mind that the camera you buy (and your security system as a whole) will only be as good as the quality of your at the location where you plan to install it. So check your before you drill holes in the walls or otherwise mess up your door frame, brick or siding for your home security camera. If the connection is spotty on your wireless security camera, you’ll notice significant lag times, pixelation in the live feed and other Wi-Fi delays that make the video quality poor and home security cameras a pain to use.

With a good Wi-Fi connection, you should be in good shape to use your or without any major camera system issues and get clear footage every time. Still have questions? Take a look at my  and the below FAQs. 

Home security camera FAQs

There’s a lot to consider when purchasing a home security camera because it’s a massive, growing category that covers everything from professional firms like ADT and Vivint to standalone DIY devices like cameras, sensors and locks from brands like Wyze and Arlo. The first decision you’ll need to make is whether you’re looking for a professionally installed system or a DIY security system.

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What’s the difference between home security cameras and surveillance cameras?

Many wireless cameras cannot fully function without an internet connection. Some cameras — especially those that are part of a larger home security system — use alternative radio protocols to transfer information. Those cameras will require a separate hub. Other cameras, if they have local storage, will be able to record and store footage — on a microSD card, for example — even if the internet is out. All that said, most wireless cameras will require Wi-Fi to use all their features as intended.

Can your home security camera be hacked?

Home security cameras can vary widely in price, ranging anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to a few thousand. It depends on the services, model, features or video storage you want for your camera. With this in mind, you can expect to spend anywhere from $30 to $500 for a home security camera.

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