Start taking home security seriously with this selection of impressive cameras.
By
Joseph Green
Global Shopping Editor
Joseph Green is the Global Shopping Editor for Mashable. He covers VPNs, headphones, fitness gear, dating sites, streaming, and shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day.
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Overview
Table of Contents
This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.
We all want our homes to be safe and secure. That's part of what makes it a home, after all. In the 21st Century, being safe and secure home means upgrading your home the latest and best smart tech around. In other words, a smart security camera.
Security cameras work as an effective deterrent against break-ins and unwanted visitors, but they're also great for monitoring your home at all times. It's little wonder that smart security cameras are very popular, as evidenced by the always advancing smart tech and range of available models.
But how do you know which home security camera is the best for you and your family? Selecting any technology for your home is hard. It's easy to get blindsided by specifications, complicated by the fact that everyone's home and daily routine is different. But don't fret: We're here to help secure your home. Here's some helpful information and a roundup of the best security cameras currently available.
What is a smart security camera?
A smart security camera connects to an app or to your WiFi. They tend to stream live video directly to your smart device (such as a phone or tablet) and will generally have features that can be controlled remotely or via a voice assistant, They may even be powered by AI technology, with features such as automatic motion detection. You don't have to choose a smart security camera, of course, though all of the cameras on this roundup have smart tech capabilities. It's pretty much the standard now.
What’s the difference between indoor and outdoor security cameras?
Outdoor cameras must be robust enough to withstand changes in temperature and a variety of weather conditions. And when it comes to indoor cameras, most people prefer devices that easily blend into their home/decor. You don’t want anyone to be aware that they’re being recorded. After all, intruders are notoriously camera shy!
Are wireless security cameras reliable?
It’s important to consider what kind of “juice” a camera needs to operate. Does it rely on batteries or does it require a power source? You might face constraints as to where you can place a camera that needs a power source. Conversely, batteries obviously have a limited life. We can say with some degree of confidence that a dead camera isn’t incredibly useful. It’s not a case of which is best, but which type better suits you.
Do security cameras have audio?
Some cameras do indeed offer audio surveillance as well as imagery. Some options will simply have a microphone that allows them to capture sound. Others can both capture and emit sound, turning them into a sort-of intercom with two-way audio.
Do security cameras require WiFi?
Like the vast majority of technology today, many security cameras available have WiFi capability. This is great for a handful of reasons including the fact that it's harder to disable them. Moreover, most cameras with WiFi allow you to turn your house into a smart home. They can integrate with Amazon and Google and allow you to remotely lock your door and control your lights, as well as sending you texts/alerts.
Though some cameras come with microSD cards, most models rely on cloud services for storage and offer you remote access. Keep in mind that not all storage is alike. Some might save footage for a month, others only a week. Additionally, you may have to pay a subscription fee for the cloud service.
What is the best security camera?
It’s all about which security camera suits you and your home. Your lifestyle or comings and goings may require a particular set of features. What you need are options. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and pulled together some of the top picks.
These are the best security cameras in 2025.
The Good & The Bad
- 2K HDR quality
- WiFi connectivity
- 8-month battery
- 80db smart siren
- Colour night vision
- Requires rolling subscription
- App is a bit tricky
- No Apple HomeKit connectivity
Why We Like It
The Netgear Arlo Pro 5 is a top choice overall. It's certainly not the cheapest option in this roundup but it's a premium offering, with the features and performance to back up the cost. The Arlo can be used both indoors or outdoors, though it’s really built for the outdoor use thanks to water resistance and features for capturing footage over expansive outside areas. And it has a whopping battery of eight months, which will give you some peace of mind.
It captures crisp 2K images — clearer than the standard HD — with a 160° field of view and enhanced colour night vision. There's also motion detection that works up to 7.5 metres and a smart siren to ward off intruders. The siren is triggered by either motion detection or via the Arlo Secure App.
And there’s even more: Two-way audio that allows you to speak to visitors (or unwanted intruders), plus package detection and cloud video storage for up to 60 days with a subscription. While there's no obligation to subscribe, the features are limited without a subscription.
Another bonus is its compatibility with other systems, with support for Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, IFTTT, and Samsung SmartThings. Apple HomeKit connectivity, however, requires several additional hubs.
Details
The Good & The Bad
- 4MP/2K resolution
- Dimmable spotlight
- Two-way audio
- Local video storage
- Connects to Zigbee devices
- IP65 waterproofing
- Zigbee can be confusing
- Subscription costs required
Need something robust for your outdoor space? And something that can pretty much do it all? Look no further than the Aqara G5 Pro Camera Hub, which delivers 4MB resolution footage (which is effectively the same as 2K) with True Colour night vision while also packing in a whole bunch of features.
First off, it's a WiFi-powered smart device and connects to other smarts devices via Zigbee, Thread, and Matter mesh networks. It might be a bit confusing to get your head around at first but rest assured it will enable you to set up an efficient smart home system. The camera actually works as a hub. It also works with Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, and other smart platforms.
In terms of features, its various types of motion and sound detection capabilities are especially impressive. It can recognise faces, specific vehicles, and pets, and even knows when there's a unwelcome visitor lingering. As for sound detection, it recognises all kinds of things, including your baby crying.
It has built-in storage though there's also a 30 day trial for free cloud storage, which can recall 90 days of recordings. And you can rely on the performance — this camera hub is built to withstand rain, dust, and extremely cold conditions.
Details
The Good & The Bad
- 24/7 live video stream
- Integrates with smart home
- Two-way audio
- Smart people and pet alerts
- Easy-to-use app
- You have to remember to recharge
- Some features need subscription
- Two cameras, twice the price
Why We Like It
The Google-powered Nest Cam is a leader in the home security camera market. This indoor/outdoot model is easy to use: Just find a good spot and set it up with its magnetic mount. This particular model is battery powered so there's no need to mess about with wires, though you can use them wired if you prefer.
Most importantly, Nest offers 24/7 live streaming so you can know what’s happening in your home at any moment. It sends 1080p HD resolution footage (plus night vision for up to 7 metres) straight to the Google Home app.
The Nest stores three hours' worth of footage, so you rewind and investigate any incidents. And with a Nest Aware subscription (beginning at £8 per month) you'll be able to access up to 60 days' worth of Nest video history.
The Nest doesn’t just stop at images. It also comes with a built-in speaker and microphone for two-way audio with noise cancellation. In other words, you can hear everything and even yell at your dog/kids/roommates/intruders. On that point, the Nest detects general movement and recognises the difference between people, pets, and vehicles, which prevents unnecessary alerts.
If you want to see what's happening in a specific room, just ask Google Assistant or Alexa. Brilliantly simple. It connects wirelessly by either Bluetooth or WiFi. And as you can see, this version comes in a two-pack, which means double the coverage in and around your home.
Details
The Good & The Bad
- Alexa compatible
- 3D motion detection
- Bird's-eye-view feature
- Head-to-toe video
- Colour night vision
- Requires installation
- Limited to front of home
Why We Like It
If you’re looking for a sleek and subtle doorbell camera, the Ring Pro 2 is definitely the way to go. It's particularly good for Alexa users as it's from the same Amazon-made brand of smart home tech. It's easily compatible with Alexa and select Alexa-powered devices.
It offers Hi-Def 1536p resolution video, with an impressive 150-degree field of view and colour night vision. It also has a bird's eye view feature, which uses 3D motion detection to map out the exterior of your home and show how motion events have played out (i.e. from which direction and at what speed an intruder/innocent delivery driver approached your home).
The Ring Pro 2 sends alerts to your phone, computer, and/or tablet whenever anyone triggers the motion sensors or rings your bell. And with the Ring app, you can connect to your doorbell and see what's happening remotely, or adjust motion settings and watch over your home in real time.
The Ring Pro is also equipped with two-way communication capabilities: You can quickly speak with visitors via your mobile device. And since it connects to your doorbell wiring, you don’t have to worry about batteries.
Details
The Good & The Bad
- Enhanced colour night vision
- AI-powered detection
- Robust weatherproofing
- Fast motion tracking
- Customisable settings
- Some DIY needed to install
- No two-way audio
Why We Like It
It's incredible how much the Tapo C520WS packs in for a relatively low price. Built for outdoor use, it's designed to be attached to a wall or ceiling. It will require someone who's handy with their toolset to install, but once it's up there you're covered, with a rotating 360° view and 130° vertical range. The camera uses high-speed rotation to track objects or people.
It's equipped with "Starlight" night vision, which is part of the camera's multi-mode night vision capabilities. In the most basic terms it uses a large-aperture lens and starlight sensor for enhanced colour night vision.
It has local video storage via a microSD card, though you can sign up for a relatively cheap subscription (from £2.99 per month) for seven days of storage.
It uses AI to identify visitors and others, and has the smarts to distinguish between people, pets, and vehicles. It sends notifications and has customisable motion detection. Compared to other cameras on this list, the thing that's most obviously missing is two-way audio, but the price is so much lower than its closest competitor that it's a worthwhile tradeoff.
Details
The Good & The Bad
- 4K resolution video
- AI-powered detection
- 8x digital zoom function
- Small and discrete
- Super easy installation
- Indoor only
Why We Like It
The eufy S350 Security Indoor Cam is an excellent indoor camera that offers sharper-than-sharp 4K video and a range of settings.
It covers your home with a 360° pan and tilt function, which is further boosted by an 8x zoom. Best of all, it automatically adjusts the zoom, pan, and tilt with AI motion detection. In fact, it can detect humans up to 30 feet away.
There are extra details, such as a split screen capability that allows you to view an image both zoomed in and zoomed out within the app. Indeed, it's all controlled with the eufy app, or via Alexa or Google Assistant if you prefer.
Unlike other cameras on this list, there's no subscription fee required. It stores your footage locally in a microSD card, which inserts into the base.
If you want the kind of high resolution this camera offers, the only real drawback is that it's for indoors only. However, eufy has alternative models for outdoor use, such as this 3K outdoor camera plus foodlight.
Details
The Good & The Bad
- Small & discreet build
- Alexa enabled
- High-quality video
- Motion detection alerts
- Two-way audio
- Local storage costs extra
- Limited features
- Needs a power mains
If you need something cheaper, or a camera that’s little and discreet, the Blink Mini is well worth the relatively small price tag. It actually has an impressive set of features — particularly for such a small, budget-priced model.
This camera delivers 1080p HD footage — plus infrared night vision — which you can check via the app at any time. As with other cameras on this round-up — though not all — it also offers two-way audio.
It’s super easy to set up — juts pop it down and plug it in — and has motion detection capabilities that sends alerts directly to you. Not only that, it’s compatible with Alexa so you can ask Alexa to show you specific rooms in house if you gave more than one of these clever little cameras set up.
There’s no option for local storage, unless you buy a separate module, though many cameras are cloud based. With the Blink Mini there’s an optional subscription for saving footage in the cloud (it costs between £2.50 and £8 per month). Blink offers a free 30-day subscription trial so you can try it first.
Details
Joseph Green is the Global Shopping Editor for Mashable. He covers VPNs, headphones, fitness gear, dating sites, streaming, and shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day.
Joseph is also Executive Editor of Mashable's sister site, AskMen.
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