Effective homesecurity starts outside of your property. Whether you need to keep tabs on visitors, check on your kids while they play in the yard, or figure out who's eating your fresh garden vegetables, a good outdoor security camera is a must.
As the basis of your home's entire security system, an outdoor security camera can keep you aware of your home's surroundings. Today's systems provide features like motion detection alerts sent to your phone, motion-based floodlights, sirens, and two-way talk to deter unwanted visitors.
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has tested and researched many outdoor security cameras on the market. Our pick for the best outdoor security camera overall is theEufyCam 3 . The EufyCam 3 is a great starter camera to help you build an excellent home security system that you can continue expanding with additional products in the future. Plus, with storage that is expandable to up to 16TB, you never have to worry about monthly fees or subscriptions.
We have found the best outdoor security cameras available right now and some deals you shouldn't miss.
EufyCam 3 features: 4K resolution IR and color night vision Solar power Expandable 16GB local storage IP67 weather resistance Two-way audio
Eufy Security is known for selling full security systems with no monthly fees and is a great option if you want to avoid signing up for a subscription.
The EufyCam 3 is the overall best outdoor security camera because it combines wire-free technology, solar power (two hours of sunlight required), 4K resolution video, and wide-angle viewing.
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The cameras also employ BionicMind AI technology, which intelligently differentiates motion from humans, animals, and vehicles, as well as face recognition to inform you who is approaching your home. Plus, the cameras only need a couple of hours of sunlight daily for solar power, so you'll never need to manually charge them.
The cameras pair with the HomeBase 3 for local footage storage, and there aren't any subscription fees to access your feed. It's saved right in the hub with no strings attached.
View now at Best Buy View now at Walmart View now at Crutchfield more buying choicesRing Floodlight Cam Wired Plus features: Motion detection 1080p HD video recording Siren Floodlight Two-way talk
Some outdoor cameras on the market provide improved video quality over this model. Still, the Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus is currently our top pick as a mid-tier, relatively affordable outdoor security solution (especially if you can purchase during sales events).
The Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus offers users 1080p HD video recording, motion detection and motion-activated alarms, day and night color vision, a 105dB siren, a 2000 lumens floodlight, detection zones, and more, making it suitable for homes or small businesses.
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The downside is that you will need to install this wired model (unless you purchase a plug-in), but this camera is still a great addition to your existing Ring security network.
Furthermore, discounts are on offer if you purchase a multipack. For example, if you purchase two, you will save$50.
View now at RingWyze Cam v3 features: 1080p video Color night vision Wired Optional subscriptionIP65 weather resistant Two-way audio
This compact security camera is both inexpensive and highly versatile. At only$33, the Wyze Cam v3 is small and waterproof, making it an easy addition to a side yard or porch. These cameras are even popularly used as baby monitors.
An advantage of Wyze cameras is that you can switch them around for indoor and outdoor placement, depending on where you need coverage. For example, I have one stationed in my barbeque shack to monitor the garden -- and also my equipment when I'm cooking.
Also: The best cheap home security cameras under$100
Without the monthly subscription, the camera will only record clips over a limited time frame. However, you can subscribe to Cam Plus to unlock advanced features. Plus, the Wyze Cam can record onto a microSD card if you choose to add one.
Don't let the Wyze Cam's size fool you. The camera's IP65 rating for dust and moisture-proof enables it to withstand rain or shine.
View now at Amazon View now at Walmart View now at Best Buy more buying choicesArlo Pro 5S camera features: 2K resolutionIR & color night vision Removable rechargeable battery Hub or subscription for storage IP64 weather resistant Two-way audio
The Arlo 5S Pro is a wide-angle, 2K resolution outdoor security camera that allows you to store video recordings in the cloud via subscription or in a separate hub for local storage. This is the newest Arlo camera available, and unlike its predecessor, the Pro 4, it supports both 2.4GHx and 5GHz Wi-Fi networks.
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The high-quality IR and color night vision make this wire-free camera stand out from competitors. The camera has a bright, motion-activated spotlight that provides enough lighting for a clear night vision picture -- so you can see details in visitors' faces.
This camera comes with a rechargeable battery lasting six to eight months on a single charge. It supports two-way audio, SecureLink to keep you covered during Wi-Fi outages with an Arlo Home Security system, and a low-power mode to conserve battery light.
View now at Amazon View now at Best Buy more buying choicesEzviz C3TN camera features: 2K resolution IR & color night vision Plug-in power 256GB microSD card or subscription for storage IP67 weather resistant Two-way audio
The Ezviz C3TN is an outdoor, 2K security camera with an IP67 waterproof rating. It's excellent at person detection, in my experience, and uses artificial intelligence to correctly discern when a person is detected versus other movements, reducing false alarms.
I love that this camera is inexpensive, at only$50, but you still get a higher-quality image than most Ring cameras. It's also compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
The only thing I don't like is that it requires a wired connection for power. I like my outdoor cameras to be wireless, as it makes for easy installation, and I'm not a fan of drilling into my brick exterior. But if you don't mind a little extra work at setup or already have somewhere to set this up, it's certainly worth every penny.
View now at AmazonArlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera Security Bundle features: 2K HDR video Integrated spotlight camera multipack wireless
The Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera Security Bundle is our top pick if you need to protect a vast amount of outside land.
Currently on sale for$300 ($300 off), the bundle contains three wireless cameras that can be used indoors or outdoors, three anti-theft mounts, rechargeable batteries, a charging pad, and a yard sign -- useful in itself for potentially deterring unwanted visitors.
The cameras are capable of day and night recording in color in 2K HDR video. There is a 12x zoom for focusing on detail at a 160o diagonal view.
View now at Best BuyThe best outdoor security camera on the market right now is the EufyCam 3. Though pricier than other systems, the EufyCam 3 and HomeBase 3 are the basis for an excellent home security system that you can continue to build with more Eufy Security products in the future.
With storage that is expandable to up to 16TB, you never have to worry about monthly fees or subscriptions. You can relax knowing you're protected and that your videos are saved in your home. Plus, the two solar cameras don't need separate batteries or charging.
Outdoor security cameras | Best use | Price | Power source | Resolution | Video storage |
Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus | Best mid-tier option | $200 | Wired | 1080p | Cloud, subscription |
Wyze Cam v3 | Best for a budget | $34 | Wired | 1080p | microSD card (not included) |
EufyCam 3 | Best overall | $549 | Solar power | 4K | 16GB local (expandable) |
Arlo Pro 5S | Best for night vision | $250 | Rechargeable battery | 2K | Hub or subscription |
Ezviz C3TN | Best with no subscription | $50 | Wired | 2K | microSD card (not included) |
Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera bundle | Best for protecting large areas | $300 | Wireless | 2K HDR | Cloud, subscription |
An outdoor camera is the foundation for a great security system and can make a significant difference in your and your family's safety. Because of this, choosing the best option for you is crucial.
Our top pick overall is great if you want a robust, energy-efficient outdoor system with great video quality, but different priorities can lead you to an alternative option -- such as easy installation, a lower price point, or a camera best suited for vehicles.
Here's a guide to help you choose the right outdoor security camera for your circumstances:
Choose this outdoorsecurity camera... | If youwant... |
EufyCam 3 | A set-it-and-forget-it camera with 4K video and no monthly subscription. Expensive, but a long-term quality investment. |
Wyze Cam v3 | An inexpensive option that you can move anywhere in and around your home -- you could, for example, have one in the backyard and one acting as an indoor baby monitor. |
Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus | To expand your Ring system with a camera and floodlights. If a siren attached to your outdoor security camera appeals to you, this is the best choice. |
Arlo Pro 5S | Clear, wide-angle images, especially at night. If you want an outdoor camera with great color night vision, this should be your choice. |
Ezviz C3TN | An affordable option to surveil outdoor areas day and night with high resolution images. Add a microSD card up to 256GB and bypass any monthly fees. |
Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera Security Bundle | A multipack of indoor or outdoor cameras capable of recording in high resolution across large areas. |
To choose the best security cameras, we considered different needs, price points, and features.
We've researched and tested many security cameras on the market, and when possible, we've examined products hands-on -- enough to know which are top-performing. Furthermore, we've considered customer reviews, company reputations, and more to recommend the best outdoor security cameras you can rely on.
Outdoor cameras can have different power sources: Wired, battery-powered, or solar-powered.
Here is a list of elements you should consider before buying your next outdoor security camera system:
The easiest security camera to install is a wireless option. Though I have used them in the past, I don't like routing wires along my door frames. Trying to figure out the best ways to hide them is a pain, so I prefer the truly wire-free options.
When it comes to outside options, some products -- including the Ring line -- will come with useful accessories, including pole and gutter mounts.
The key to finding security cameras that don't require a subscription or extra fees lies in storage. A security camera that allows for local storage without restrictions, like an SD Card or hard drive slot, lets you bypass monthly payments, even if they offer optional subscriptions for calling emergency services.
Subscriptions are typically required to pay for cloud services to keep your video recordings. Some cameras only store videos in the cloud, while others have options for both cloud and local, so keep an eye out for that.
You may choose a camera and lack a way to store videos without a subscription. In that case, you'll probably only receive motion notifications on your phone and have access to viewing the live feed -- the camera won't record events.
Like many products, security cameras are not one-size-fits-all. Furthermore, we can't highlight every fantastic outdoor security camera and deal on the market. Because of this, we've also gathered some alternative options worth considering:
Ring's Car Cam is a dual-facing vehicle security camera. Make sure you check compatibility first, though, before purchasing.
View at RingThe Blink Outdoor security camera has a massive two years of battery life on standard lithium batteries.
View at AmazonA top pick if you want to rely on renewable energy sources.
View at RingThe Google Nest Cam outdoor security camera is a DIY option with recordings made in 1080p HD video.
View at WalmartThe Blink floodlight camera offers users a built-in siren, enhanced motion detection, and floodlights to keep your garden safe.
View at Amazon