Home security is more important than ever. But traditional security cameras can only let you know when a crime has happened after the fact. You can’t keep an eye on your home 24/7—or, at least, you can’t do it all by yourself. That’s where the latest genre of DIY home security cameras come into the picture, and in this comparison guide we cover the best security camera options out there for 2023.
While You’re Away, Burglars Are at Play
According to a recent burglary victimization survey, the most common burglaries happen during work hours, while crimes at night were 17% of all burglaries. Your home is more likely to be invaded during the day when most criminals know you’re away.
In addition, more residents today are reporting stolen packages right off of their doorsteps. In fact, about 8% of Americans have had a holiday package stolen from the front of their homes. And when you don’t have a home security camera, the perpetrator will likely be long gone before you even know what’s happened.
Fortunately, there are more home security options than ever before. You can use smart home security to network cameras with devices like door sensors and smoke alarms, or get a live stream of your home—indoors and out—with the touch of a button.
But not all home security cameras are made equal. And not every feature or option will be right for everyone. Here is a rundown of some of the most popular home security cameras and systems, presented in alphabetical order.
Arlo Cameras
Best For:
Versatile wireless indoor/outdoor all-weather home security. Wired indoor cameras also available.
Key Features:
Indoor/outdoor cams are weather-resistant, will stream up to available 4K video resolution, infrared night vision, standard “No Subscription” service is free. Color night vision available on some cameras.
Drawbacks:
Expensive, feature-light, and no audio recording. Arlo does sell a lower-cost version of their camera, the Arlo Q, but it’s designed for indoor use only, is wired only, and has the same limited feature set as all other Arlo models.
Available Subscription Plans:
See details in our Definitive Guide to DIY Security Camera Subscription Plans.
App:
The Arlo management app is available for Android, Apple iOS, and Apple TV. Can also be accessed via the web.
Live Video Streaming:
Available via the Arlo app.
Blink Cameras
Best For:
Lightweight, low-cost, weatherproof home security with no need for extensive recording
Key Features:
Free, indefinite cloud storage. Battery life of up to two years. One of the lowest-cost all-weather home cameras out there.
Drawbacks:
Only records for 60 seconds after detecting motion. No on-demand recording. No two-way audio. Requires a Sync module for the camera to communicate with the app (the Sync module is included with purchase, and if you have a Sync module from an older Blink camera, it should also work.)
Available Subscription Plans:
See details in our Definitive Guide to DIY Security Camera Subscription Plans.
App:
The Blink app is available for most devices and also via the web.
Live Video Streaming:
Available via the Blink app.
Canary Cameras
Best For:
All-in-one indoor camera with security system features.
Key Features:
Wide-angle view (147 degrees). Two-way audio. No contract required. An air quality sensor, which detects pollutants like carbon monoxide, hydrogen, ethanol, cigarette smoke, cooking odors, and dust (the Canary website does note that the camera is not meant to replace a carbon monoxide or smoke detector). Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Drawbacks:
Required Wi-Fi connectivity, no wall mounting kit.
Available Subscription Plans:
See details in our Definitive Guide to DIY Security Camera Subscription Plans.
App:
Standard camera control center available for most devices and via the web.
Live Video Streaming:
Available via the Canary app.
Google Nest Cameras, Video Doorbells, and Smart Displays
Best For:
Video security capability that comes with a smart home control center. Works with the Google Home app, Google Assistant, Google Nest Hub smart displays, and the Nest app.
Key Features:
Compatible with dozens of different smart home devices. 24/7 video recording available. Cloud storage is encrypted.
Drawbacks:
Very expensive. Variety of compatible products can seem more overwhelming than useful. A subscription plan is required for video retention. Recent Google Nest move away from the Works with Nest program and migration to Google accounts and Works with Google Assistant may cause significant disruptions. Limited functionality for Nest devices in Google Nest Hub displays (for example, no capability to view steaming history). No camera on smaller Nest Hub (only on Nest Hub Max).
Available Subscription Plans:
See details in our Definitive Guide to DIY Security Camera Subscription Plans.
App:
Most Google Nest camera devices are controllable via both the Nest app and Google Home app. Some Nest devices will require the Nest app to be configured. While not officially discontinued yet, the Nest app will probably be merged with Google Home in the near future (you can also do most of this from a Google Nest Hub smart display.)
Live Video Streaming:
Available via the Nest app, Nest website, Google Home app, and the smart displays.
Kasa Smart Cameras
Best For:
Mid-range DIY security cameras that can integrate with range of smart home devices.
Key Features:
1080p HD video. Two days of free video storage. Built-in siren. Integrates with other Kasa Smart products, like their smart plugs, switches, and bulbs with the Kasa app. Indoor and outdoor options.
Drawbacks:
Low-quality audio. Kasa recently dropped Works with Nest features from the Kasa app.
Available Subscription Plans:
See details in our Definitive Guide to DIY Security Camera Subscription Plans.
App:
The Kasa companion app is available for most devices. Allows you to precisely change the camera’s viewing angle and set zones that the camera’s motion sensor will ignore.
Live Video Streaming:
Available via the Kasa Smart app.
Netatmo Cameras
Best For:
Subscription-free, high-quality home security.
Key Features:
An indoor and outdoor camera are available, while a video doorbell is not currently available—but should hit the market some time this year. Built-in noise maker to make your home seem like it’s occupied. Timelapse feature allows you to quickly review long video recordings. Smart motion detection. Integrates with other Netatmo devices, including the Smart Siren, Smart Door and Window Sensors. One of few security cameras that works with Apple HomeKit. Also works with Google Assistant.
Drawbacks:
Works best in concert with other Netamo security devices. On the expensive side. No Amazon Alexa support.
Available Subscription Plans:
See details in our Definitive Guide to DIY Security Camera Subscription Plans.
App:
Available for most devices. If you have another Netatmo app installed on your phone, may still need to install the security-specific Netatmo Security App.
Live Video Streaming:
Available via the app and on the web.
Ring Cameras, Video Doorbells, and Security Systems
Best For:
Versatile DIY multi-point indoor and outdoor camera plus doorbell monitoring through a single app.
Key Features:
Motion-activated notifications. Real-time video with live view. Two-way talk on many devices. Lifetime theft protection. Whole-home security with Ring Alarm system and available professional monitoring. Neighborhood watch feature in app. Solar panel power optional for truly wireless monitoring. Works with Amazon Alexa and Amazon Echo Show devices.
Drawbacks:
Included free plan does not provide any video retention. Integration not possible with Google Home, Google Nest, and Google Nest Hub smart displays.
Available Subscription Plans:
See details in our Definitive Guide to DIY Security Camera Subscription Plans.
App:
Ring app available for most devices and via the web.
Live Video Streaming:
Available via the Ring app and Ring website.
SimpliSafe Cameras, Video Doorbells, and Security Systems
Best For:
High-quality DIY wireless home security with a wide variety of devices to choose from.
Key Features:
Month-to-month contracts. Two different contract levels and a wide variety of device packages. Devices are owned by you, so you can pause contract without needing to return or uninstall any equipment. Devices include doorbells, smoke detectors, video cameras, sirens and entry sensors. Cameras offer 1080p video.
Drawbacks:
A paid plan is required to get video retention features. While a video doorbell is available, no other outdoor cameras available yet.
Available Subscription Plans:
See details in our Definitive Guide to DIY Security Camera Subscription Plans.
App:
Available for most devices. Allows you to control all your SimpliSafe devices. Requires a contract to use.
Live Video Streaming:
Available via the app and on the web.
Best Smart Security Cameras
When picking a smart security camera, it’s best to focus on the personal needs of your home. Some DIY security systems offer window sensors, smoke alarms, and doorbells that will help you stay ahead of any threat to your safety. But maybe all you need is another pair of eyes on the front door. And whatever you need, it’s probably available—now is one of the best times to buy a smart security camera.
