Best Outdoor Camera
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  Arlo Pro 3 Outdoor Camera
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| #2 |  WYZE Outdoor Camera
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| #3 |  Ring Stick Up Cam
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| #4 |  Maximus Floodlight Camera
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| #5 |  Deep Sentinel
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| #6 |  Reolink Outdoor Solar Security Camera
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Outdoor security cameras are more expensive than their indoor counterparts because they require special construction to keep them protected from the weather,
If you are looking for an outdoor security camera, you need one that can detect an event, record it, and send you an alert. There are many cameras now with their apps and tons of special features. Here is a list of some of the features you may want to look for:
Alerts: Home security cameras send notifications to your smartphone when they detect events. This way you don’t have to watch the live feed all day but can keep up to date with what is happening while you are away. Depending on the camera, it may send text alerts when it detects motion, sound, or a face (known or unrecognized). Some can send alerts to multiple people, others will send emails in addition to text messages.
Battery backup: Power outages happen, and clever burglars will cut electricity before breaking into your home to make sure that the alarm never goes off. For this reason, many cameras can also run for a time on battery power alone. Check out the power of the battery for how many days (months) it needs before recharging.
Cloud recording: Many manufacturers offer cloud storage plans with their cameras. When your video is sent to the cloud, a remote server stores it for a predetermined time— usually anywhere from 24 hours to months before it is deleted to make space for new videos. Though sometimes free, these cloud plans usually require a monthly subscription, but can be worth it if you want extended surveillance during a vacation or are spending a long period away from home.
Local storage: You will find that cameras include memory-card slots so you can store video right on the device. Many will allow this in addition to cloud storage but you can go without remote storage if you want to eliminate the cost of monthly storage fees. The downside is if you aren’t backing it up and you lose the chip or the thief steals the camera, they take the evidence along with them.
Mobile app: Most of today’s home security cameras are accessed primarily through a smartphone/tablet app. This gives you a reliable way to view the camera’s live feed, and also offers plenty of options to customize the way you want your camera to perform. The app should also be intuitive and easy to master.
Motion detection: Motion detection is one of the most desirable features of a security camera. As sensors pick up movement within the camera’s field of view, they trigger video recording. But fair warning: many of these sensors can be sensitive to any movement—even a shift in lighting or a cat in your yard—so be sure that your camera system also offers the ability to narrow the range of detection or adjust the sensor’s sensitivity to cut down on false alerts.
Night vision: Since most break-ins occur after dark, this feature is important for true security detection. Most home security cameras support infrared LED illumination, rather than true night vision which is based on image intensification or thermal vision. Most cameras will switch to night vision automatically in low-light conditions, or you can customize when and how it should be activated.
Pan/Tilt/Swivel: Most security cameras can be manually tilted and swiveled to focus on a certain viewing area during the installation. If you have a true pan/tilt camera it will be equipped with a motor so that you can move its lens via the product app. Some cameras can even track a person moving within their field of view!
Resolution: No amount of security video will help you if it’s blurry, jittery, or unclear. Do yourself a favor and look for a camera within your budget that has the highest possible resolution. Cameras with 1080p are considered HD but now you may find some models offering even higher resolution (2K or 4K) but remember; the higher the resolution, the more internet, Wi-Fi bandwidth, and battery life they will use.
Smart device integration: If you have a home full of smart devices, consider looking for a security camera that will connect to them.
Two-way audio: When you think of a security camera you are imagining pictures but being able to hear what’s going on will help capture even more information in a situation. This feature can also allow you to speak through the camera which can be a great tool for remotely startling an intruder in the act, or helping a delivery person know where to leave a package.
Web client: Many cameras can be accessed through a web portal. This is useful if you don’t have access to your mobile device.
Best Outdoor Cameras
Arlo Pro 3 Outdoor Camera
Specs:
- Product Dimensions: 17 x 12 x 8 inches
- Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
- Material: Silicone coated fiberglass
Best Wireless
The third-generation of the Arlo Pro is packed with features like an on-board LED spotlight, color night vision, smart alerts, motion tracking, and adjustable viewing angles. The Arlo Pro 3 includes two cameras that boast 2k resolution and the camera battery will last three to six months on a single charge, depending on usage. The Arlo Pro 3 introduces a new SmartHub base station that includes a USB port, and supports up to 2TB of local storage, so you don’t need to depend on the cloud. However, to unlock all of the camera’s full potential like AI features, e911 emergency call service, custom activity zones you will need to pay an additional $10 a month for a cloud subscription. This is optional as there are loads of storage and features available without the cloud. If you decide you want more cameras you can easily buy additional cameras and connect them to your system. The setup of the device is easy and Arlo finds itself topping many tech magazine lists of best outdoor camera systems.
Pros
- Includes two cameras
- 2K video resolution
- 100% wire-free design
- Indoor/outdoor versatility
- Smart home integration
- Color Night Vision
- Easy to install
- Adjustable viewing
- Spotlight
- AI activation available
- Flexible set up
Cons
- Paid cloud storage
Who should buy this outdoor camera:
If you are looking for a multiple camera set with loads of extra features then Arlo wireless should be in your cart.
WYZE Outdoor Camera
Specs:
- Size: 14.57 x 9.45 x 9.57 inches
- Weight: 3.39 pounds
Best Budget
WYZE delivers sharp 1080p video for a lot less money than most of the competitors out there. It also supports Alexa and Google voice commands and works with other smart devices and interacts with other Wyze products. It comes with a small base station, a camera, mounting hardware and a LAN cable. The base station has adjustable antennas, and SB port, an ethernet port and a microSD card slot so you can save video locally. It will hold a 32 GB card but that must be purchased separately.
The stations will hold additional cameras and you purchase them as you want to expand your system. The camera has a 110-degree field of view, 8x digital zoom and it uses 8 infrared LEDs for up to 25 feet of black-and-white night vision, and has a microphone and speaker for two-way audio and a PIR (Passive Infrared) motion sensor. The rechargeable battery is rated to last between three to six months
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Easy installation
- Wireless
- Free cloud and local storage
- Clear 1080p video
Cons
- Non-removable battery
- Requires hub
Who should buy this outdoor camera:
If you are looking to create outdoor security on your property the WYZE provides everything you need to get started at a price you can’t pass up!
Ring Stick Up Cam
Specs:
- Size: 2.36″ x 2.36″ x 3.82″
Best Flexibility
The Ring Cam can be used both indoors and outdoors, and since it is 100% wire-free it gives you complete flexibility and freedom with your setup. The Ring Cam captures video at 1080p and has a 115-degree field of view, provides four infrared LEDs for 30 feet of black and white night vision, offers motion detection and two-way audio by way of a built-in microphone and speaker. You can watch your Ring camera easily from your phone. Ring securely stores all motion-triggered clips for your review, and you can keep the clips for up to 60 days each. For the longer term, video storage Ring has the least expensive cloud package available starting at just $3 per month.
Pros
- No power cables to wrangle
- Indoor/outdoor capability
- Motion-activated sensors
- Alexa compatibility
- Night vision
- 1080p
- Two-way audio
- No hub needed
- Affordability
- Easy installation
Cons
- Tedious process to recharge the battery
- Short battery life
Who should buy this outdoor camera:
If you want flexibility with your outdoor camera then Ring is your choice as it is completely wireless it lets you put your cameras anywhere – even inside!
Maximus Floodlight Camera
Specs:
- Size: 12 x 10.78 x 8.02 inches
- Weight: 6 pounds
Best Camera Light Combo
The Maximus Camera Floodlight has crisp, clear 1080p video and its dual articulating LED floodlights cover a very wide area. The floodlights are dimmable so they can double for outdoor mood lighting. You can also use the camera’s pre-recorded message that is triggered by motion and it causes the intruder to look up to the noise for better facial recognition. The camera has a 155-degree diagonal field view that you can manually pivot. It has a two-way microphone and speaker as well as many options to record from a nice greeting to a barking dog.
Pros
- 1080p HD Camera with 155° field of view
- Access live-view from your mobile phone
- Adjustable motion sensitivity
- Built-in quality speaker and microphone enabling 2-way talk
- 115 dB emergency siren
- Dimmable and adjustable LED panels
- Easy install
- Alexa integration
Cons
- No internal storage
Who should buy this outdoor camera:
If you are looking for a strong floodlight deterrent with your camera, Maximus Camera Floodlight offers you clear video, a great two-way speaker set up and strong floodlights that can be programmed and used in a variety of ways.
Deep Sentinel
Specs:
- Size: 16.93 x 10.51 x 6.34 inches
- Weight: 6 ounces
Best Professional Monitoring
The key feature that sets Deep Sentinel apart from other home security systems is that notifications of suspicious activity are sent to human beings whose entire jobs are to monitor and, if appropriate, respond to them. They’ll use two-way audio to order a potential thief to leave the area, and they will call a police dispatcher if needed. Deep Sentinel offers 24/7 monitoring using specially trained security guards who will intervene when they spot suspicious activity taking place on your property. They offer a professional monitoring fee for $100 per month, which is easily the most expensive service we’ve come across, but if you require real-time, live remote monitoring from a smart DIY outdoor security camera system, this is better and more affordable than any full-service alarm company. The 3-Cam Kit includes three wireless outdoor cameras, a smart hub, four battery packs (one is an extra), installation hardware, and a yard sign. Accessories include standard, high-capacity, and extreme-temperature batteries, as well as a solar charging kit and a Wi-Fi range extender.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Responsive Real-Time monitoring
- Solid video quality
- Excellent AI technology
- Loud siren
- Long-lasting battery
- Extra battery included
- Two-way audio capability
- AI technology
- Mobile Ap
Cons
- Expensive monitoring
- Doesn’t interact with other smart devices like Alexa or Google Assistant
Who should buy this outdoor camera:
If you need top-notch security with real-time monitoring then Deep Sentinel will give you exactly the peace of mind you are looking for with their high-quality product and their exemplary 24/7 monitoring.
Reolink Outdoor Solar Security Camera
Specs:
- Size: 3.8 x 2.3 x 2.3 inches
- Weight: 2.86 pounds
Best Solar Powered
The Reolink Argus is completely wireless with a clean and simple installation process. Your purchase includes a solar panel (even though it also has a rechargeable battery) so you can get a non-stop solar power supply. The camera records high resolution 1080p and has advanced 33ft night vision with a 130° wide field of vision. You also have a micro SD card slot that will hold up to 64GB for your home security camera recording. The Reolink backs up your videos on the Reolink Cloud to avoid the risk of losing footage. You can remotely access your camera via the free Reolink Software that has live view and playback of your security camera via your iOS/Android phones, windows or mac computers without any monthly subscription fee required. Relink Argus 2 also works with Amazon Alexa/ Echo Spot/ Echo Show/ Google Assistant and more cameras can be added if you later wish to expand your security set up.
Pros
- 100% wireless
- Comes with a solar power panel
- Two-way audio
- 1080p resolution
- Enhanced color night vision
- No monthly subscription fee for cloud backup
- Works with smart home applications
Cons
- No “zoning” option
- Cloud storage is free but you have to “renew” it monthly
Who should buy this outdoor camera:
If you are looking for a wireless camera where you are worried about a power source, the Reolink Argus complete with solar power will have your security “off grid” in no time.
Last Words:
As secure as security cameras can be there are a few things you can do to maximize the privacy of your camera:
- Do your research and read customer reviews
- Buy your camera from a trustworthy seller
- Make sure your home Wi-Fi network is secure
- Always create unique, strong passwords for your camera
- Keep firmware up to date on your camera and your Wi-Fi router
- Turn off remote viewing when you don’t need it
- Maintain the contents cloud storage
There are a lot of great cameras on the market and digital capability is just getting better and better. Be sure though to have a budget in mind and don’t be swayed by bells and whistles that you will never need. Almost all systems are upgradeable and can be expanded so you can always add another camera to fill out your security system.