An outdoor security camera system is an excellent investment if you want to have peace of mind while you are far from home or simply go to sleep without worrying about troublemakers. Not only does it provide a level of protection, but it even adds value to your property.
Finding the best outdoor security cameras requires thoughtful research evaluating criteria such as pricing, resolution and high tech features. We evaluated popular self-monitored outdoor cameras that do not require a professional security system to protect your belongings.
If you prefer consumer-level smart home technology for your home surveillance system, here is our selection of the best outdoor security cameras in the market.
|
Camera |
Prive |
Resolution |
Storage |
Smart Device Compatibility |
Audio |
|
Blink Outdoor |
$99.99 |
Up to 1080p |
$3/camera/mo. for cloud or USB-based free storage |
Alexa, Echo, Echo Dot |
2-way |
|
Arlo Pro 3 |
$499 (two cameras) |
Up to 2K |
A 3-month trial then $2.99/camera/mo. cloud storage |
Google Home Hub, Alexa, Apple Home Kit, SmartThings |
2-way |
|
Wansview W6 |
$37.99 |
Up to 1080p |
280GB Micro SD or cloud |
Alexa |
2-way |
|
Wyze Cam Outdoor |
$49.99 |
Up to 1080p |
14-day free footage history |
Google Assistant, Alexa |
2-way |
|
Canary Flex |
$281.39 |
Up to 1080p |
1-day free footage history, 30 days with the subscription |
Google Assistant, Alexa |
2-way (with subscription) |
*Information accurate as of March 2021.
Best overall outdoor camera
Starting price: $99.99 | Resolution: 1080p | Field of view: 110 degrees |
Features:
- Blink Home app
- 2-year battery life
- Free cloud storage
- 30 frames per second
- -4° to 113° Fahrenheit operating range
- DIY installation
Our best overall outdoor security camera system has motion detection, free storage; it’s weather-resistant, works as an outdoor and indoor camera, and is enabled for two-way communication. The only catch is that you will need to buy the mount base separately for outdoor installation.
Pros:
- No subscription service needed
- Free storage
- Weather-resistant
- Alexa voice compatibility
Cons:
- No facial recognition or person detection
- Not compatible with Google, Apple or Microsoft
- Can’t expand storage
Pricing:
- 1 camera: $99.99
- 2 cameras: $179.99
- 3 cameras: $249.99
- 5 cameras: $379.99
- Add-on camera: $89.99
Best high-end outdoor camera
Starting price: $499.99 | Resolution: 2K | Field of view: 160 degrees |
Features:
- Two-way audio
- Color night vision
- Weather-resistant
- Magnetic mounts
- -20° to 45° Celsius operating range
Arlo Pro 3 is our best high-end option for outdoor security cameras. It offers a starting package for $499.99, which can easily read as expensive but comes with two cameras, so if you are willing to pay more, this is a great option.
Pros:
- Indoor/outdoor use
- High video quality
- 12x digital zoom
Cons:
- More expensive than competitors
- Premiums features require a subscription
- Storage requires subscription
Pricing:
- 2 cameras: $499.99
- 4 cameras: $799.99
- Add-on camera: $199.99
- $2.99 – $19.99/month storage subscription
- $9.99 – $19.99 continuous video recording per month
Best outdoor security camera on budget
Starting price: $37.99 | Resolution: 1080p | Field of view: 105 degrees |
The price of this camera starts at only $33.99, making it the most affordable camera on our top list. The Wansview W6 is a low-price yet a high-quality option for those on a budget.
Features:
- Two-way audio
- Color night vision
- IP-66 water-resistant rating
- Compatible with Alexa
- Subscription-based cloud storage
Pros:
- Cheapest option
- Easy to install and set up
- Clear vision day and night
Cons:
- Poor reviews for mobile app
- Requires you to subscribe to a monthly service
- Not battery operated
Pricing:
- 1 camera: $33.99
- 4 cameras: $129.99
Best for DIY installation
Starting price: $49.99 | Resolution: 1080p | Field of view: 110 degrees |
The Wyze Cam Outdoor cameras are easy to set up and start at a price lower than other competitors. Customers simply set up the base station, connect to the app and use magnetic mounts to install their cameras.
Features:
- Two-way audio
- 25-foot night vision distance
- IP-65 water-resistant rating
- Internal microSD storage is available
- Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility
- 14 days of free storage
- -4° to 120° Fahrenheit operating range
Pros:
- Two weeks of free storage
- Local storage available
- Easy installation
- Less expensive than competitors
Cons:
- The app is not user-friendly
- Short-range night vision
Pricing:
- Starter bundle (1 camera and base station): $49.99
- Add-on cameras: $39.99
Best for home integration
Starting price: $281.39 | Resolution: 1080p | Field of view: 116 degrees |
The Canary Flex is compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa, making it easy to ensure your camera is always up and running. So if you leave for the weekend and forget to arm the security system, you can ask Google or Alexa to activate the camera while you’re away.
Features:
- 1 or 30 days of video storage
- Two-way audio (subscription feature)
- Works wire-free or plugged in
- Motion detection
- -20° to 45° Celsius operating range
Pros:
- HD night vision
- Easy installation
- Weather-resistant
Cons:
- Premium subscription required for best features
- No local storage is available
- More expensive than competitors
Pricing:
- 1 camera and basic service: $281.39
- 1 camera and 1-year subscription: $393.10
- 1 camera and 2-year subscription: $504.81
Outdoor security cameras: What you need to know
When looking for an outdoor security camera system, check for convenient features with advanced technology before choosing the one that suits your needs best. Features such as night vision, ample field of view, motion detection and real-time notifications to your phone, high-quality image and weather-resistance are essential for this type of camera.
Checklist for choosing an outdoor security camera
Here is a list of elements that you need to cross out before buying your next outdoor security camera system:
