Once you start uploading your video for storage on a company's servers, then that footage is subject to whatever that company's policies are regarding storing it and sharing it. If you're privacy conscious, then your best bet is to shop for security cameras that let you store the footage locally, usually on a MicroSD card or some other means of storage on the device itself. What are the privacy and security considerations for outdoor cameras? If you want to read more about our review process, check out our in-depth article on how we test home security cameras and video doorbells. We evaluate all of these elements in a real home environment over the course of a week. In short, when it comes to security cameras, we pay special attention to resolution, night vision and latency, extra features, general performance and overall value. Hands-on testing is core to our evaluations of any home security products. The above picks are the best options we've found so far. While many of these devices offer similar features, including 2-way talk, live streaming, app notifications and more, finding the right device for the right price can be a challenge. We've tested too many outdoor security cameras to list here, but we've reviewed dozens of the most popular cameras from the biggest brands, including Google Nest, Amazon Blink, Amazon Ring, Wyze, Arlo, Eufy, Canary and many more. Read more about the Arlo Go 2 LTE security camera. That makes the Go 2 the more flexible of the two cameras and can potentially leverage your home's Wi-Fi signal to reduce the LTE data usage. That's a nice value if you don't want to buy a MicroSD card, but it also means your local storage is capped, and you'll need to pay a monthly fee if you want to store additional footage on Eufy's servers.Īnother key difference: The Arlo Go 2 can connect over both LTE and Wi-Fi, while the Eufy 4G Starlight Cam doesn't support Wi-Fi. Eufy's LTE camera doesn't have a MicroSD card slot at all: Instead, you get 8GB of built-in local storage. Still, I lean toward the Go 2 here mainly due to the fact that it includes a MicroSD card slot for expandable local storage. They each cost about $250, too, though the Eufy 4G Starlight Cam is the slightly less expensive of the two.īoth performed well when we tested them out, and there are good reasons to go with either one. Your top two options are the Arlo Go 2 and the Eufy 4G Starlight Cam, each of which includes a SIM card slot for cellular connectivity along with similar features, including night vision and customizable motion alerts. If you need a camera to keep watch over a place where Wi-Fi won't suffice, then your best bet is to shop for a camera that can stay connected over cellular data instead. Unlike an indoor camera, the best outdoor security cameras have to tackle rain, wind, snow and all sorts of other weather changes and still record watchable footage.Īre you ready to build your own outdoor security camera system? We've tested a lot of weather-resistant models to arrive at this short list of surveillance camera favorites to help you find the best outdoor security cameras for your home and budget. You're only a few cameras away from a full-blown security system that maximizes safety.īut technological capabilities are only half the battle.
You can get a doorbell camera or a smart security camera that connects to your existing smart home setup, which you can monitor with your phone.
Standard features now include night vision and a motion sensor, while some models also include two-way audio, free cloud storage, IR LEDs, floodlights, spotlights, Wi-Fi and facial recognition. Video quality among the many security camera options on the market is steadily improving.
My picks range from the classic dome camera to high-tech options with top-notch, 1080p HD video. Whether you're adding to your existing surveillance system or are just searching for some affordable home security options, there are plenty of choices for the best outdoor security cameras. Their very presence helps deter potential burglars. Outdoor security cameras are a great way to protect your loved ones and property.