The best home security cameras: keep your home secure

Your home is your safe space, your place to relax and block out the world for a little (or a long) while, and you deserve to feel 100% comfortable in your downtime. Adding a security camera to your home can be a great way to get that added piece of mind and help you sleep a little easier.

Whether you’re looking to keep an eye on your exterior or see what your pets get up to when you’re out, there's a home security camera to suit every space, but with so many options to choose from, where do you start? Well, that's where we come in.

The Recommended has scoured the web to find the best home security cameras to help you get a little bit more peace of mind and feel more secure in your home. Still have some questions about home security cameras? We've done the research to help you figure out which option is right for you - check out our buyer's guide at the bottom of this page.

Bets security cameras at a glance:

• Best indoor camera: Blink Mini
• Best outdoor camera: Blink Outdoor Camera
• Best doorbell camera: Ring Video Doorbell
• Best battery life: eufy Security Camera
• Best pet camera: Imou WiFi Security Camera
• Best for motion detection: ieGeek 360° Security Camera
• Best value camera: SANNCE Hi-Resolution Home Security Camera
• Best 360° View: EZVIZ Smart Indoor Security Camera
• Best portable camera: WONSUN Mini Camera

The best home security cameras:

Best indoor camera: Blink Mini

Effective and affordable

• Type: Indoor
• Resolution: 1080p HD
• Setup: Wired
• Powered by: Mains
• Weatherproofing: N/A
• Two-way audio: Yes

The Blink Mini indoor security camera features a subtle design and is available in either black or white to best suit your space. The mini indoor camera offers reliable quality that won’t break the bank, and the video it captures can be viewed on smartphones and tablets.

The camera is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and motion detection, and day and night HD video. It has a two-way audio system which means you can speak to people on the other side of the camera using the Blink mobile app.

Best outdoor camera: Blink Outdoor Camera

An extra pair of eyes

• Type: Indoor and outdoor
• Resolution: 1080p HD
• Setup: Wireless
• Powered by: 2 AA lithium batteries
• Weatherproofing: IP65 rated
• Two-way audio: Yes

The Blink Outdoor Camera is wire-free and battery-powered, offering day, night, and infrared vision capabilities. It is made for the outdoors and has a good weatherproof rating meaning it can withstand the elements.

The camera sends motion detection alerts to your home monitor app, giving you added peace of mind. It takes minutes to install and also features two-way audio so you can speak and listen to people using the mobile app.

Best doorbell camera: Ring Video Doorbell

Subtle security

• Type: Doorbell
• Resolution: 1080p HD
• Setup: Wired
• Powered by: Mains
• Weatherproofing: Water resistant
• Two-way audio: Yes

The Ring Doorbell is equipped with 1080p HD Video and a sleek, subtle design. The video doorbell features two-way talk, advanced motion detection, customisable privacy settings, and standard 2.4 GHz connectivity.

You can choose to be notified when motion is detected and video can be uploaded to your app and saved. It is also equipped with a crisp night vision feature for peace of mind, day or night.

Best battery life: eufy Security Camera

Round-the-clock security

• Type: Outdoor
• Resolution: 1080p
• Setup: Wireless
• Powered by: 2 lithium batteries
• Weatherproofing: IP67 weatherproof-rating
• Two-way audio: No

The eufy Security Camera uses advanced human detection technology that recognises body shape and face patterns. You can opt to receive notifications only when these are detected, so you only receive important alerts.

The home security camera kit is also equipped with a half-year battery life from one full charge and detailed night vision. The camera is built to withstand all weather and comes with an IP67 weatherproof rating- one of the highest you can achieve.

Best pet camera: Imou WiFi Security Camera

To see what they get up to

• Type: Indoor
• Resolution: 1080p HD
• Setup: Wired
• Powered by: Mains
• Weatherproofing: N/A
• Two-way audio: Yes

This security camera is the perfect tool for helping you keep an eye on your pets while you’re out and about. The Imou Security Camera offers 1080p HD video, 360° Coverage, and 10m smart night vision for round-the-clock surveillance.

This camera is also equipped with AI human detection, smart tracking, and a built-in siren. All of the videos can be viewed in real-time via smartphone, and the Imou also has a two-way audio system.

Best for motion detection: ieGeek 360° Security Camera

Crystal clear video

• Type: Outdoor
• Resolution: 1080p HD
• Setup: Wireless and wired
• Powered by: Wired, battery and solar
• Weatherproofing: Waterproof case
• Two-way audio: Yes

The ieGeek 360° Security Camera is available in wired, battery, and solar-powered designs and is made with 1080P FHD resolution for reliable, high-quality video. The camera is equipped with auto-tracking technology that registers movement and sends instant alarm notifications via the mobile app.

It can film with three different night modes and 360° surveillance night and day. It can be mounted to walls with its two antennas, meaning it can connect to wi-fi even when the signal is weak.

Best value camera: SANNCE Hi-Resolution Home Security Camera

Value for money

• Type: Indoor and outdoor
• Resolution: 1080p HD
• Setup: Wired
• Powered by: Mains
• Weatherproofing: IP66 weatherproof rating
• Two-way audio: No

This discreet security camera offers lasting quality at an accessible price. The SANNCE Hi-Resolution Home Security Camera comes equipped with long-distance night vision and crystal clear vision.

It is also made with high-quality, durable materials as well as an IP66 weatherproof rating. It is light, so can easily be mounted to walls, and has a special ceiling mount if you’d prefer it to be elevated higher.

Best 360° View: EZVIZ Smart Indoor Security Camera

Eyes everywhere

• Type: Indoor
• Resolution: 1080p HD
• Setup: Wireless or wired
• Powered by: 1 lithium battery or mains
• Weatherproofing: N/A
• Two-way audio: Yes

With the EZVIZ Security Camera, you’ll never have a blind spot again. Equipped with its 360-degree field-of-view, it has eyes in the back of its head (literally). The indoor security camera has Smart IR Night Vision up to 33 ft and a two-way communication feature that connects to your mobile device.

The camera also comes from a phone-operated sleep mode, so you can turn it off if you want more privacy. It can either be battery-powered or wired, so its position can be customised to suit your needs.

Best portable camera: WONSUN Mini Camera

Small but mighty

• Type: Indoor and outdoor
• Resolution: 1080p HD
• Setup: Wireless
• Powered by: Rechargeable battery
• Weatherproofing: N/A
• Two-way audio: No

The WONSUN Mini Camera can be connected to any device via Bluetooth and offers 1080p HD video. The security camera is super discreet and offers loop recording as well as a 150° Super Wide Angle for maximum coverage.

Its small design means that it can be fitted almost anywhere, and it has a surface mount so you can angle the recording. An in-built magnet also allows you to attach the camera to furniture and other objects inside or outside the home.

Home security cameras buyers guide

Home security cameras are used to protect your property and bring peace of mind that your house is safe. If you’re wondering about buying one and have some questions beforehand, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve created a useful buyer's guide to help answer some common questions about home security cameras, how to set them up, and why they might be right for you.

Benefits of home security cameras

Home security cameras are beneficial for a number of reasons and are usually installed to protect personal property. One of the main motivations for buying a home security camera is the fact they’re a deterrent to criminals who might be looking to burgle or vandalise.

Also, if you are a victim of a crime, e.g. your car is stolen, home security cameras can help police identify the criminals. Being able to monitor your home whilst you’re not there can also add to peace of mind and help make people feel safer in their homes. If you’re in an anti-social mood, you can also see who's approaching your house and decide not to answer.

What picture quality should your camera have?

Most of the cameras you can buy for home security range between resolutions of 1080p, 1440p, 1920p, and 2160p. The higher the number, the more pixels are in each image. So, if you buy a camera with a high resolution, you will get a better definition and quality of the video captured. High resolutions also make zooming in and out easier.

Although cameras with higher resolutions provide better images, they are often more expensive and require more storage capabilities. It’s worth considering your budget and how far away you plan to place the camera before choosing picture resolution.

Where to position home security cameras

Positioning home security cameras is all about protecting your home and giving you peace of mind. There are some common mistakes to avoid and also some key factors to take into account when setting them up.

When positioning your cameras, you should make sure to cover the most obvious access points to your property. These include windows, doors, and garden areas. If you only have one camera, you should position it at the most obvious entrance to your property. If you are looking to protect your home, then make sure the camera will catch the faces of anyone who might be approaching.

Common mistakes when setting up a home security camera include positioning it where it will catch a glare from the sun, putting it at a height criminal can easily take it down, and pointing the camera at waist level, so faces aren’t caught. Try to avoid these were possible.

Wireless vs wired home security cameras: which is right for you?

When thinking about buying a home security camera, one of the main considerations is whether your camera is wired or wireless. It will affect how long it takes to set up your home security and can sometimes determine the camera’s resolution and connectivity.

Wireless cameras

These are easy to install and require limited setup. Unlike their wired counterparts, they require no drilling or cabling and can quickly be repositioned. Most wireless models are able to connect to your smartphone and devices, so can be monitored even when you’re not at home.

On the downside, wireless cameras can sometimes rely on batteries and have to be charged, meaning they can run out of power. You might not be aware when this happens, and until you charge them up, they are useless.

Wired cameras

Set-up time is usually longer with a wired camera as they need to be connected to a power source and sometimes a recorder that stores the video. If you have a large house, you will have to consider cabling and probably use extension leads. The main downside with wired cameras is their difficulty to install.

Understanding IP ratings and weatherproofing for outdoor security cameras

If you want your camera to be placed outside, then it’s important to know how weatherproof it is. The IP protection rating (Ingress Protection) indicates how protected each camera is from solids, such as dust, and liquids, such as water.

The first digit in the IP rating, ranging from 0 to 6, represents the camera's protection against solids. A higher number indicates better protection. The second digit, ranging from 0 to 8, represents the camera's protection against liquids. Higher numbers indicate better water resistance.

For outdoor security cameras, it's advisable to look for a minimum IP rating of IP65, which indicates the camera is dust-tight and protected against water jets from any direction. Ideally, opt for a camera with an IP66 or IP67 rating for even greater protection against harsh weather conditions.

Want to read more Household product round-ups? Check out our list of the best video doorbells, the best smart bulbs, the best WiFi extenders, to help you turn your home into a fully-fledged smart home.