Ring Protect Plus ($10 per month or $100 per year) includes storage for unlimited cameras and adds an extended equipment warranty (as long as youre within the original warranty when you first sign up) and a discount on future Ring purchases. We specifically selected cameras that included infrared night vision rather than color night vision via a bright white light. Ring cameras dont offer alerts beyond people and general motion, as the Arlo and Wyze cameras do. Outdoor security cameras are typically wireless, powered by either batteries or solar panels. Media Company. A Wi-Fi surveillance camera on your front porch, over your garage, or attached to your back deck can give you a peek at whats really going on outdoors. Which one stood out as the outdoor security champion of 2022? Packing 3,000 lumens, the Eufy Floodlight Cam 2 Pro has the brightest lights of any hardwired floodlight we tested. The Arlo Pro 4 also includes a few interesting security perks that set it apart from our other camera picks. These devices can usually withstand extreme temperatures, and they often come with two-way talk, night vision, and HD resolution. However, the company has since implemented a few privacy and security measures that set this camera apart from others on our list. Having problems with someone stealing packages off of your steps or with trash pandas in your garbage cans? This spotlight is also bright enough to scare off bunnies and to guide you past garbage cans (but at the expense of draining the battery quickly). It boasts 2K resolution, a 160-degree field of view, two-way talk, full-color night vision, a built-in siren and spotlight, compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit -- the list goes on. And while the other outdoor camera, the Nest Cam Floodlight, requires hardwiring, its relatively easier to install than other smart light-equipped cameras. But these days you can find the best wireless security camera models for the job, no matter what your needs may be. Additionally, we always tested out the cameras night vision before making a purchase. Our hands-on experience with scores of outdoor security cameras taught us that these devices were not only valuable for recording crime. Dive in with us as we review our thought process behind each type of feature we sought during the selection of 2022s best outdoor security cameras. Eufy claims the camera can deliver 365 days of power on a full charge, which is true under perfect conditions. The image isnt as sharp, and the 130-degree field of view isnt as wide as whats offered on the Arlo. Owners can turn off that option or set night vision to Auto, so the system will flip to black-and-white night vision when it gets too dark out. Ring is also currently the only company offering Privacy Zones, allowing you to block out areas you dont want recorded, such as the street or a neighbors lawn. It can be set to trigger if the camera is moved, or you can set it off in an emergency using the app and have it sound on either device or both simultaneously. That means the camera will wait five minutes between recordings, so you may miss out on something important. Arlo did say its camera batteries should last four to five years under normal conditions; it also recommends that owners turn in dead batteries to Call2Recycle, the companys recycling partner. When general motion and a human are present on the same screen, the Ring will identify the first thing detected (see Flaws but not dealbreakers). It looks like you attached a small spaceship to the side of your house. Genuine Genie Products to Keep You Safe & Secure, All customers get FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. Video: Rachel Cericola, The Ring Stick Up Cam can distinguish between people and general motion. Regardless, we knew to be prepared to spend roughly $200 purchasing an outdoor security camera and additional funds on monthly or yearly storage plans. For comparison, the cheapest Nest camera plan was $6 per month and included only five days of storage. Weve added language to address recent news of companies sharing user data without permission in Security, privacy, and outdoor security cameras. This powerhouse of a camera costs $180 -- a bit pricier than super-affordable options like Wyze, but easily worth the premium. It will let you know instantly whether that bump in the night comes from a friend, foe, or furry creature. The exceptions were cameras that were integrated into outdoor lighting fixtures, which I had installed on the porch by a licensed electrician (who happens to be my husband). Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2022, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. The Kami Wire-Free Outdoor Camera left huge gaps in between clips, had audio issues (on two different units), lacked motion-sensitivity controls, and has an operating temperature of 14 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. For $3 per month, you can also get smart alerts, motion zones, 30 days of event history and a few other cool features. Everything we love about the EufyCam 2 Pro isnt part of the Eufy SoloCam E40. Infrared was much more inconspicuous, which was definitely a quality we looked for in a smart security camera. The third-generation version of the camera delivers a better image than its predecessor, but its still compact and easy to use. The Eufy is also the only floodlight weve reviewed that allows for color-temperature adjustments, from 3,000 to 5,700 Kelvin, so you can choose between cool and warm whites. However, we also wondered how far many of the outdoor cameras would reach from outdoor outlets. They start at $3 per month for 60 days of cloud storage for one camera, and go as high as $10 per month for 60 days of cloud storage for unlimited cameras. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). Color night vision will be as bold or nonexistent as you want it to be by adjusting that color temperature. They even offered professional installation for $79. Another way the Ring Stick Up Cam is versatile is with mounting. Having cloud storage makes this a better camera, with the ability to distinguish between general motion and people. We also dismissed the Yi Outdoor Security Camera because it has a limited operating temperature range of 14 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as too many audio and alert issues. These can be created in the Ring app, under Device Settings, and then clicking Privacy Settings. Note that we do not long-term test these models (which we do with our top picks). During our testing, we read each of the privacy policies for our picks, specifically looking for sections that strayed from what we consider to be standard in the category. If you want to read more about our review process, check out ourin-depth article on how we testhome security cameras and video doorbells. Various Lorex models had two-way voice systems, geofencing, and other special features. Nest Aware pricing is competitive, too, at $6 per month. Although it doesnt offer versatile placement, like our other picks, that pan-and-tilt feature allows you to scan your property from the comfort of your couch, office, and pretty much anywhere else. Make sure wherever you live and its weather conditions are compatible with your outdoor security camera before purchasing youll thank me later. The first is a bright, motion-activated spotlight. We also love that it has an option to hardwire your web connection. We also asked companies about recycling suggestions and whether or not they have a recycling or trade-in program. Adding a Cam Plus subscription for $2 per month per camera (or $15 per year) enables recording up to five minutes, with no reset period if motion continues beyond that time limit. (Check out our guides to the best Wi-Fi routers, the best Wi-Fi extenders, and the best Wi-Fi mesh networking kits for suggestions.). Even so, we had a difficult time not making the v3 our top pick. Although the Eufy doesnt have as many bells and whistles as the Arlo Pro 4, it does have better battery life. It made our notifications smarter and more specific, so it was easier to monitor our home with minimal effort. Weve tested two Reolink cameras. The Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In can be set to record clips between 50 and 120 seconds, but you will get that set amount of time every time there is action. They can also opt to store videos locally if their camera has a built-in hard drive or, like many Eufy devices, has a slot for mini SD cards. Like the Arlo Pro 4, the EufyCam 2 Pro captures 2K images, and since the cameras have rechargeable batteries, they can be placed anywhere thats convenient. This app is not as user-friendly as some others, but once you know, you know.). For instance, most camera companies say that in certain circumstances they will cooperate with police and may turn over your camera footage with or without your permission. If you do opt to use the battery, we recommend repositioning the camera or applying an anti-fog coating. It had a Z-Wave radio chip and connected wirelessly with smart lights, keyless door locks, and other smart home equipment for safety and convenience. For instance, the 1080 HD Outdoor Wireless Security Camera ($149) had a 115-foot range in the dark. We like the option for flexible placement, and the battery life was on par with that of the Arlo Pro 4. Some special features ofArlo Prooutdoor security cams include: Arlos main products were indoor cameras, outdoor cameras, and security floodlights. Video: Rachel Cericola, The Eufy Floodlight Cam 2 Pro includes the option to adjust brightness and color-temperature levels. The included stand makes it easy to set this camera on your front porch, on a table, or in a tree. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in, myQ Smart Garage HD Camera - Wifi Enabled - myQ Smartphone Controlled - Two Way Audio - Model SGC1WCH, White, Chamberlain Group G940EV-P2 Chamberlain/LiftMaster/Craftsman 940EV-P2 Keyless Entry, Security +2.0 Compatible Garage Door Opener Keypad, Grey, Ring Indoor Cam, Compact Plug-In HD security camera with two-way talk, Works with Alexa - White. However, we cant recommend this low-priced camera, because even on the lowest sensitivity setting and with activity zones, we received an unbearable amount of notificationsto the point where we needed to disable them. With the exception of hardwired lighting models and some battery-operated cameras that required separate indoor hubs, all of the cameras installed almost exactly the same way. And when those notifications came at night, it often triggered the bright integrated LED. The best outdoor security cameras are from the brands Lorex, Google Nest, Ring, Arlo, and Blink. Not everyone has an outside outlet where they need it. And Ring sells a separate, $20 ceiling mount, which adds a bit more flexibility. Though I recommend plugging the camera into a power outlet to get better, more accurate recordings, I have found being able to use a battery pack especially useful and convenient. Motion Detection, Instant Alert via Phone, 2-Way Audio, Live Video Zooms Function, Cloud Storage/Micro SD Card (Black), Blink Outdoor wireless, weather-resistant HD security camera with two-year battery life and motion detection, set up in minutes Add-on camera (Sync Module required), Ring Spotlight Cam Battery HD Security Camera with Built Two-Way Talk and a Siren Alarm, Works with Alexa - White. It combines a 2K pan-and-tilt camera with a 3,000-lumen floodlight that replaces your existing outdoor lightswhich means it needs to be hardwired rather than plugged into an outlet. Examples of special features on Rings weatherproof cameras included sirens, two-way talk, LED floodlights, and infrared night vision. Some are hard to place, some need to be charged regularly, and others require a subscription fee to be most effective. And finally, under Device Settings, you can set Privacy Zones, which completely block your neighbors property from view. (And please make sure to cut the power to your existing light fixture before starting this project.). Although the Arlo Pro 4 can distinguish between people, pets, packages, and cars, the camera can tag recordings with only one label at a time. Wirecutter long-term tests all of its picks. We also reached out to the companies that produced our top picks and had them answer an extensive questionnaire to confirm information that we thought should be of primary concern for any potential buyer (see Privacy and security: How our picks compare for a complete look at their answers). But during long-term testing, we found the cameras went the full 12 months, which shows battery life really depends on camera placement and the amount of activity in its view. To power outdoor security cameras, either recharge your camera in the home, replace the batteries, plug it into an outlet or attach a solar panel. (Just know that some uses of surveillance cameras can wade into ethically questionable waters.). The base station has 16 GB of built-in storage, which Eufy says should hold about two to three months of 2K footage (or four to five months of 1080p video). Also, we had issues with the battery-operated model developing condensation on the lens in humid weather; its possible it was an isolated issue with our test unit (it wasnt an issue with the plug-in model we tested).