Note: This article contains affiliate links. When you buy through the links, we may get a commission.
The best home security cameras of 2021 assist you in monitoring and keeping your home safe. They allow you to check your home remotely and send alerts when someone is on your premises. You can access the device through your smartphone and be aware of what happens at your residence without being there.
A Quick Introduction to Home Security Cameras
A home security camera is a smart device for modern residences. It enables you to monitor your home remotely and can be used indoors or outdoors. You can access the camera by installing an app on your smartphone or tablet. These wireless security cameras connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network to enable remote access via the Internet. They may have advanced features like motion detection for automatically alerting you to unwanted presence through notifications. The video footage may also be recorded and stored for later viewing. Most home security cameras have infrared LEDs for night vision. It enables you to surveil your home in the dark easily. An integrated microphone and speaker allow the visitor and owner to communicate. Wi-Fi security cameras are convenient to install and use. As a result, their popularity is increasing.
The Best Home Security Cameras of 2021
There are many smart security cameras available from brands like Arlo, Blink, Nest, Ring, and Wyze. Here are our picks for the best home security cameras of 2021.
#1. Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera
Arlo Pro 4 is one of the best home security cameras of 2021 overall. The recently launched smart security camera carries on the legacy of the previous generation Arlo Pro 3. Most of its specifications are the same. Arlo Pro 4 shoots footage in 2K video resolution (2560×1440) with a 160° field of view. It features colored night vision and supports 12x zoom. There is an integrated spotlight for illumination in low-light conditions and a motion detector for alerts. The Wi-Fi security camera supports 2-way audio for communication and comes with a built-in siren. Users can watch live video feed through their smartphone and chat with the person in front of the camera. It is weather-resistant and suitable for indoor and outdoor installation. Arlo Pro 4 employs a rechargeable battery as a power source that may last up to 6 months and charges in three hours. The home security camera work with Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, and SmartThings.
One of the most significant changes is that the Arle Pro 4 smart security camera will connect directly to your home’s Wi-Fi network, making a SmartHub optional. In comparison, the previous generation Arlo Pro 3 wireless security camera required buyers to purchase a SmartHub. Users will need a SmartHub if they want to store recorded footage locally. They will have to purchase an Arlo Smart subscription for cloud storage and enabling activity zones, although the first three months are included in the purchase. Alternatively, you can consider the Arlo Pro 3 cameras if you need the SmartHub. Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera is a cheaper 1080p home security camera that also works without a SmartHub.
#2. Wyze Cam v3
The newly launched Wyze Cam v3 is among the best home security cameras of 2021 due to its price. It costs only twenty bucks, which makes it a lucrative offering. The wireless security camera can record videos in 1080p resolution and features colored night vision. It captures footage at 20fps during the day and 15fps at night. The device has an IP65 weatherproof rating and can be used indoors and outdoors. Wyze Cam v3 integrates motion and sound detection for sending notifications and even allows users to customize motion zones. There is the 2-way talk capability as well as a mini siren to deter intruders.
As the smart security camera supports 24/7 continuous recording, it has to be wired to a power source. It will connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network for accessing the Internet. Users get free 14-day rolling cloud storage access but can also install a memory card in its MicroSD slot for local recording. They don’t need a subscription with Wyze Cam v3, unlike most Wi-Fi security cameras. It works with Alexa and IFTTT. Users can optionally subscribe to the Cam Plus service for enabling additional features like person detection and full-length motion recording.
#3. Ring Spotlight Cam
Ring Spotlight Cam is a highly-recommended item out of the best home security cameras of 2021. It records videos in 1080 HD resolution with a 140° horizontal and 78° vertical field of view for covering your property. Its two-way audio enables residents to communicate with the person at their front door. Users can access the live feed from the wireless security camera through a smartphone or tablet via the Ring app. Ring Spotlight Cam supports advanced motion detection and allows homeowners to customize motion zones for eliminating false alerts. There is a 110-decibel alarm built into the smart security camera that can also be manually activated remotely. The wireless security camera connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network for Internet access. It works with Amazon Alexa and is compatible with various Echo and Fire TV devices.
Ring Spotlight Cam home security camera is available in Battery and Wired variants. You may choose either as per your installation requirements. Users can additionally buy a solar panel for continuously charging the Ring Spotlight Cam Battery variant. A Ring Protect subscription may be required for enabling some advanced features and cloud storage.
#4. Blink Outdoor Security Camera
Blink Outdoor is an excellent choice for buyers of the best home security cameras of 2021. It is a smart security camera designed for the outdoors but is suitable for indoors as well. The device is designed to be weatherproof and can withstand rain and moisture. Blink Outdoor is battery-powered and utilizes two AA batteries that can last for up to two years, thanks to the proprietary chip technology. It records video footage in 1080p resolution. You can view the live feed from the wireless security camera on a smartphone through the Blink app. It supports infrared night vision for protecting your home after dark. Blink Outdoor allows users to customize motion detection and even set privacy zones. It will eliminate false alerts while addressing your privacy concerns.
The Wi-Fi security camera supports two-way audio for talking to the visitor at your front door. It comes with temperature monitoring capability. The Blink Outdoor home security camera works with the Amazon Alexa voice assistant. You may require a Blink Subscription Plan for recording and accessing footage. Alternatively, users can opt for a Blink Sync Module 2 to store the video feed locally on a USB flash drive.
#5. Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera
Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera is a premium item on the list of the best home security cameras of 2021. The camera is a high-end device that can record videos in up to 4K resolution. You can downsize the resolution to 2K, 1080p, and 720p resolution if required. It has an 8-megapixel image sensor with 12x zoom and a 180° field of view for maximum area coverage. Arlo Ultra 2 wireless security camera comes with a spotlight for illumination as well as IR LEDs for colored night vision. Dual motion detectors are integrated into the device for alerting you to any activity. The smart security camera runs on a rechargeable battery with a runtime of up to six months. Its weather-resistant design makes it suitable for indoor and outdoor installation. A dual microphone is provided for 2-way audio communication. There is a built-in siren to discourage intruders.
Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight home security cameras require you to purchase a SmartHub. It allows you to store data locally to a USB flash drive or a MicroSD card. A kit containing two Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight cameras and the SmartHub costs $600, which is quite expensive for most homeowners. However, if you want a premium option, it is one of the best home security cameras of 2021.
#6. Wyze Cam Pan
Wyze Cam Pan is one of the best home security cameras of 2021 for the indoors. It allows you to keep an eye on what happens inside the house. The smart security camera can rotate 360° horizontally and 93° vertically at a speed of 110° per second, providing decent coverage of your home’s interior. Wyze Cam Pan records footage in 1080p Full HD resolution at 15fps. It has a 120° wide-angle lens and supports 8x digital zoom. The wireless security camera can detect and track motion automatically in its field of view. A 12-second footage is recorded when the motion sensor is triggered. You also receive a push notification and can watch the live feed from your smartphone. Continuous 24/7 recording is available with local storage.
Wyze Cam Pan Wi-Fi security camera comes with six infrared LEDs for night vision. You can monitor the inside of your house in the dark. There is a 2-way audio feature that enables you to talk with your family or pets at home. The main selling point of the Wyze Cam Pan wireless security camera is its low price, thirty bucks. There is no need for a subscription as it offers free 14-days of rolling cloud storage. A MicroSD card slot is provided for storing footage locally. Wyze Cam Pan home security camera works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
#7. Canary Pro
If you are looking for an easy-to-use indoor security device, then Canary Pro is the best home security camera of 2021 for you. It is a smart security camera designed for indoor use. You place it on a shelf, connect to the Internet, and are good to go. The device comes with a 1080p HD camera and has night vision for monitoring in the dark. It uses a wide-angle lens with a 147° field of view. You can connect the wireless security camera to a Wi-Fi network or through Ethernet. It supports intelligent alerts that use AI for Person Detection and eliminating false positives. Its Canary Talk feature allows you to communicate with the people at home. You can watch the video feed from the Wi-Fi security camera on a smartphone.
Canary Pro has a built-in 90-decibel siren that can be manually triggered for deterring intruders. It can also connect to emergency services at the press of a button. Additionally, the wireless security camera can monitor the temperature, humidity, and air quality in the room. Users may have to pay a subscription for availing of some features. Canary Pro smart security camera works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. A cheaper Canary View variant is also available.
#8. Google Nest Cam Outdoor
Google Nest Cam Outdoor is a popular product when it comes to the best home security cameras of 2021. Google Nest Cam Outdoor records footage in 1080p (1920×1080) resolution at 30fps. It employs a 3-megapixel color sensor, supports 8x digital zoom, and has night vision. The 130° field of view is decent but a little less than some of the other home security cameras. There is the Talk and Listen feature for conversing with visitors. Google Nest Cam Outdoor will require a hardwire connection to a power source. The Wi-Fi security camera with a dual-band module (2.4GHz/5GHz) connects to your home’s wireless network for providing remote access and storing recordings in the cloud. Its IP65 weather resistance rating makes it suitable for outdoor installation.
Nest Cam Outdoor wireless security camera can send an alert (known as Person alerts) to your smartphone when it detects a human. You can also set activity zones in important areas. A Nest Aware subscription is necessary for enabling cloud storage and Person alerts. Google also sells the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor with an 8-megapixel color sensor and 12x zoom. The device has premium features like Supersight and Familiar face alerts. However, the smart security camera is quite expensive, costing twice as much and is not worth it for most users, in our opinion.
Note: This article contains affiliate links. When you buy through the links, we may get a commission.
