Best Security Camera Systems for Indoors and Outdoors
Making sure your home is properly secured should be a top priority for all homeowners. One of the best ways to monitor your home, deter intruders, and have video evidence if a crime does occur is by installing security cameras, both indoors and outdoors.
After extensive research, I have found what I believe to be the 5 best indoor/outdoor home security camera systems currently on the market from top brands. I’ll provide an overview of each system along with their pros and cons to help you determine which is best suited for your needs and budget.
Arlo Pro 4 Wire-Free Security Camera System
Arlo has been a leader in wire-free security camera systems for years, and their Pro 4 system showcases the most advanced features and highest video quality they’ve offered yet in a 100% wire-free package. With 2K video quality, an integrated spotlight and color night vision, and a 160° view angle, these weather-resistant cameras provide comprehensive monitoring without any wiring hassles.
Arlo – Pro 4 Spotlight Camera Security
- 6 month battery life per charge
- 2K video quality with HDR
- 160° diagonal field of view
- Integrated spotlight and color night vision
- Weather-resistant for outdoor/indoor use
- 2-way audio
- Onboard AI to distinguish people from other motion
Pros
- Truly wire-free for the easiest installation
- Excellent high resolution video quality
- Large coverage areas with wide field of views
- Very good battery life from a single charge
- Advanced features like color night vision on Pro 4 model
Cons
- Cameras and Smart Hub must be within range for connectivity
- No local storage option – requires paid subscription plan
- Most expensive system reviewed
Ring Spotlight Cam Battery HD Security Camera
Ring is well-known for its convenient security products like video doorbell cameras, but they also offer excellent outdoor spotlight cameras like the Spotlight Cam Battery. With two ultra-bright LED spotlights, 1080p HD video, infrared night vision and two-way talk, you’ll be able to clearly monitor outside areas around your home any time of day or night.
Ring Spotlight Cam Battery HD Security Camera
- Simple installation with included mounting bracket
- 1080p HD video with infrared night vision
- Motion activated LED spotlights
- 2-way talk lets you speak with visitors
- Works on battery power or wired ethernet
- Get alerts on phone when motion triggered
Key Features –
Pros
- Bright LED floodlights deter intruders
- Crisp 1080p video day and night
- Easy set up even for limited DIYers
- Can be used wired or on battery power alone
- Affordably priced compared to competitors
Cons
- Requires Ring Protect plan to save videos
- No local storage option
- Battery may need frequent charging based on usage
Nest Cam IQ Outdoor Security Camera
The Nest Cam IQ Outdoor camera takes outdoor monitoring to the next level with 4K video quality, intelligent motion alerts and automatic zoom tracking features. With Supersight, this professional-level security camera can automatically zoom in on motion to show you details of what’s happening outside your home in Ultra HD 4K resolution. It also differentiates between people and other motion events.
Nest Cam IQ Outdoor Security Camera
- 4K Ultra HD live video quality
- 12x digital zoom tracks motion automatically
- Supersite and facial recognition identifies people
- Weatherproof for dealing with outdoor elements
- Customizable activity alerts zone
- Built-in Google Assistant for smart integration
Pros
- Incredible 4K ultra HD image quality
- Intelligent motion and facial detection alerts
- Automatically zooms in on activity
- Withstands tough outdoor weather conditions
- Works with other smart devices and Google Assistant
Cons
- Very expensive compared to other models
- Requires Nest Aware subscription for best functionality
- Large camera may seem obtrusive to some homeowners
Eufy 2K Indoor Cam Pan & Tilt Security Camera
The Eufy 2K Pan & Tilt is an indoor smart security camera that offers sharp 2K video for less than $50. The motorized camera head provides 360° vertical and horizontal rotation to scan entire rooms with ease. It also features motion and sound detection, night vision, built-in storage, and support for both Alexa and Google Assistant.
Eufy Security Cam
- Motorized 360° horizontal & vertical rotation
- 2K resolution video with night vision
- Onboard storage – no monthly fees needed
- Motion and sound detection triggers
- Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility
Pros
- Excellent price point under $50
- Sharp and detailed 2K resolution
- Motorized rotation provides complete room scans
- Local storage – no monthly subscription needed
- Works with Alexa & Google Assistant voice commands
Cons
- Limited features compared to higher end models
- Can only be used indoors
- Doesn’t integrate with other smart home devices
- Activity zones aren’t customizable
SimpliSafe Wireless Home Security Camera System
SimpliSafe is an affordable and easy-to-use whole home wireless security system. It comes with the option to add indoor and outdoor security cameras for comprehensive monitoring around your property. Setting up the SimpliSafe system only takes around 30 minutes with no wiring or tools needed.
SimpliSafe Security Camera
Sub Title
- Wireless installation – no wiring hassles
- App notifications of detected activity
- Live streaming video views from cameras
- Records video clips triggered by motion events
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- No long-term contracts – cancel anytime
Pros
- Very affordable monthly rates
- Quick and wireless installation
- Sleek camera designs blend into home décor
- Easy to use and manage through mobile app
- No professional installation or contracts required
Cons
- Lower resolution video compared to high-end models
- Shorter video clip recordings limits evidence
- Wireless range may be limited in larger homes
- Battery operated cameras require frequent charging
As you can see, each of these top security camera systems have excellent features that make them stand out from the competition. Make sure to factor in your budget, coverage needs, video quality preferences and smart integration requirements as you determine which is the best home security camera system to keep your property safe. I am happy to provide any other details or recommendations to help you pick the perfect products to meet your specific needs. Let me know if you have any other questions!