Jane
Opting for an indoor security camera can keep your home secure without the hassle of rewiring. Checking in on your home from anywhere offers peace of mind, whether at work, on vacation, or just out for the day. These cameras give you an extra layer of protection, helping you feel more confident that your space is being monitored 24/7.
That said, while the security benefits are clear, it’s essential to recognize the privacy risks involved. The best home security cameras constantly record and transmit data that hackers or companies could access. So, while they’re great for keeping an eye on things, protecting your privacy, such as using strong passwords and ensuring your devices are securely connected, is essential.
Best Home Security Cameras of 2024: Top Options for Protecting Your Home
These are our top picks for security cameras, and we’ve also included some helpful tips on what to look for when shopping for one. Whether after something easy to set up, with excellent video quality, or with smart features like motion detection and remote access, we’ve got you covered. Our goal is to help you find the perfect camera to keep your home safe and secure without the guesswork.
1. TP-Link Tapo C120
The C120 is a budget-friendly security camera that offers a lot of value for the price. It can stream and record video in up to 2K resolution, features two-way audio (with a slight delay) and has a slot for microSD cards up to 512GB for local storage. It features a starlight sensor for stunning color night vision and smart detection, identifying people, pets, and vehicles—no subscription required.
With an IP66 rating, it’s durable enough for outdoor use (as long as you can run a power cable), and the versatile base makes it easy to mount on the wall, place on a shelf, or even stick to a magnetic surface. For anyone looking to monitor an entrance or a specific room, this camera provides excellent features without the high price tag.
2. Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera (2nd Gen)
The Arlo Essential Indoor Camera offers a compact design, sharp video quality, and reliable two-way audio, making it a strong contender for the top spot. It’s versatile enough to sit on a shelf or be wall-mounted and features a privacy shutter that covers the lens when it’s not in use. Video is stored in the cloud, and with a 24 fps frame rate, there’s no motion blurring, just straightforward, detailed footage.
The camera comes in a more affordable 1080p model and a higher-end 2K version. The Arlo app is easy to use, loads quickly, and includes two-factor authentication for added security, allowing you to log in with your fingerprint or face scan. It has a built-in siren and integrates with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT, though it doesn’t support Apple HomeKit.
3. Blink Mini 2
The Blink Mini 2 is a compact security camera that makes a solid upgrade over its predecessor, earning a recommendation for its key improvements. It offers better image quality with a wider 143-degree field of view (up from 110), enhanced low-light performance thanks to an optional spotlight, and on-device person detection that reduces false alerts.
This sleek, rounded square camera can be easily mounted with its circular base or placed discreetly on a shelf. It records in 1080p at up to 30 fps, delivering clear footage even in dim conditions. You can customize activity and privacy zones, and while the two-way audio is functional, its quality could be improved. Another nice touch is the ability to log into the app with biometrics, adding a layer of convenience and security if your phone supports it.
4. Google Nest Cam (Wired, Indoor)
With its sleek and understated design, Google’s indoor Nest Cam seamlessly blends into any room and is available in various elegant finishes, including one with a maple wood base. It provides sharp 1080p video at 30 fps with HDR and seamlessly transitions to night vision in low-light conditions. The camera also offers two-way audio, enhanced security with two-factor authentication, and precise detection that alerts you to the presence of people, pets, or vehicles. You can easily set it up and manage it through the Google Home app, and it’s quick to view on Nest displays or a Chromecast with Google TV. Plus, it’s now accessible via a web interface, making it even more convenient to watch things from anywhere.
5. TP-Link Tapo Pan/Tilt AI Camera
This camera has excellent features, including 2K video at 30 fps, 360-degree pan, 149-degree tilt, and local storage on a microSD card (up to 512GB). It offers fast loading, excellent image quality, and smooth subject tracking; you can set waypoints for the camera to patrol on a schedule. The AI can distinguish between people, pets, and vehicles, and you can get alerts for things like line crossings. The two-way audio is clear, and sound detection picks up baby cries, pets, or breaking glass. Its Starlight sensor delivers clear images even in low light, and the privacy mode ensures the camera isn’t recording when you don’t want it to.
6. Aqara Camera Hub G3
This pan-and-tilt security camera is more than just practical. It’s also packed with personality, thanks to its cute ears. Beyond keeping an eye on things, it doubles as a smart home hub with broad compatibility, including Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and IFTTT. It also acts as a Zigbee 3.0 hub, connecting various Aqara sensors and accessories to your smart home setup. Plus, it comes with an IR controller, and you can set up triggers like having the camera turn and start recording when a door or window sensor is activated. It’s an innovative, multifunctional device that adds security and convenience to your home.
7. Eufy Indoor Cam S350
This Eufy camera might be more than most people need, but it’s incredibly versatile and packed with features. It offers a 130-degree field of view, with 4K resolution and a 2K telephoto lens that provides 3x optical zoom. The camera can pan 360 degrees and tilt 75 degrees, plus it has AI tracking to follow subjects and can patrol up to four preset positions, returning to its default after monitoring.
It also has privacy mode, two-way audio, and onboard AI that detects people, pets, and sounds. You can record locally with a microSD card (up to 128GB, not included), connect it to a HomeBase 3 (sold separately), or opt for cloud storage at $3 monthly. It’s a competent camera that gives you plenty of options for security and peace of mind.
8. Ring Indoor Cam
If you already have a Ring doorbell, the Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) is an affordable addition that lets you keep all your security devices in one app. This camera records sharp 1080p video at 24 fps and features optional color night vision, so you’ll always have clear footage. It also includes a privacy shutter that you can swivel when you don’t want it recording, motion alerts, and pre-roll footage that captures a few seconds before an event.
The two-way audio is decent, and there’s even a built-in siren for added security. You can set up customizable motion zones, though the Ring app can be slow to load and tricky to navigate. Thankfully, there are helpful in-app tutorials to guide you through it.
9. Philips Hue Secure Wired Camera
If you already use Philips Hue smart lights, the Philips Hue Secure camera might be a great addition to your setup. This wired camera is solid and durable, with an IP65 rating, and comes with an optional weighted base for extra stability. While it maxes out at 1080p, the video quality is sharp, effectively handling mixed lighting and moving subjects.
It offers a wide 140-degree field of view, clear night vision, and reliable two-way audio. Alerts are quick to send, and the live feed loads fast in the Hue app. However, if you’re looking for more advanced features, such as smart detection or cloud storage, you’ll need to subscribe for $4 per month ($40/year) to unlock those perks and get 30 days of cloud storage for a single camera.
10. Imilab C22
This solid pan-and-tilt camera offers 360-degree rotation and 115-degree tilt, delivering crisp 3K video quality. However, it struggles with mixed lighting, often blowing out bright areas even when WDR is on. You can add a microSD card (up to 256GB) for local storage or a cloud storage subscription. While it has subject tracking, it doesn’t return to the starting position when the subject moves out of frame, and the footage can get blurry when the camera moves. Tracking fast-moving subjects can be slow and jerky. If you already use your Xiaomi products, this camera works well with the Xiaomi Home app, making it an excellent choice for those with other Xiaomi devices.
11. Cync Indoor Smart Camera
The Cync camera (formerly C by GE) has long been a favorite, and while it’s starting to show its age, it still offers many great features. We love the privacy shutter and the mandatory two-factor authentication for added security. This budget-friendly camera captures 1080p video at 25 fps, includes two-way audio, and is super easy to set up through a user-friendly app.
While it’s a solid choice for basic security, it must catch up to newer options because it lacks smart detection, HDR, and a 32GB microSD card limit. You’ll need to subscribe for a small fee for extra features like storage or more storage options. While it may not top our list anymore, it’s still a reliable pick for those who want simplicity without breaking the bank.
Find Your Perfect Home Protection
In 2024, there’s a need for more great options for home security cameras, whether you’re looking for something budget-friendly or feature-packed. From the TP-Link Tapo CC120’ssolid 2K resolution to the Eufy Indoor Cam SS350’s4K video and AI tracking, here suits every need. Many of these cameras offer convenient features like two-way audio, night vision, and smart home integration, making it easier than ever to monitor your space. However, it’s important to remember the privacy risks involved with these devices, so always take steps to secure your camera and data. Ultimately, the best security camera for you will depend on your specific needs, but each option offers a great way to protect your home with ease and peace of mind.
