Security cameras have become affordable and easy to install, but the options can be overwhelming. Indoor or outdoor? Wired or wireless? Cloud or local storage? This guide helps you navigate the choices to find cameras that fit your needs.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Cameras

Indoor Cameras

Designed for inside your home:

Monitor kids, pets, or caregivers
Watch entry points from inside
Typically smaller and more discreet
Not weatherproof—cannot be used outside

Outdoor Cameras

Built to withstand the elements:

Weatherproof (look for IP65 or higher rating)
Monitor driveways, yards, entry points
Usually larger with more visible deterrent effect
Can handle temperature extremes, rain, snow

Power Options

Wired (Plug-In)

Pros: Constant power, no battery management, best for continuous recording
Cons: Need outlet nearby or professional installation, visible wires unless hidden
Best for: Permanent installations, areas with power access

Battery-Powered

Pros: Install anywhere, easy DIY, no wires to hide
Cons: Battery lasts 2-6 months depending on activity, may miss events while recharging
Best for: Renters, locations without power, temporary monitoring

Solar-Powered

Pros: No battery swapping, no wiring needed
Cons: Needs adequate sunlight, panel adds to installation
Best for: Sunny locations far from outlets

Video Quality

Resolution

1080p: Standard HD, good for most uses
2K (1440p): Sharper details, better for identifying faces
4K: Maximum detail but requires more storage and bandwidth

Night Vision

IR (infrared): Black and white night footage, most common
Color night vision: Uses ambient light or built-in spotlight for color at night
Spotlight cameras: Illuminate the area and record in color—also deters intruders

Detection Features

Motion Detection

Basic motion detection triggers on any movement. Better cameras offer:

Person detection: AI identifies humans vs. animals, cars, etc.
Vehicle detection: Specifically identifies cars in driveways
Package detection: Alerts when deliveries arrive
Activity zones: Define specific areas to monitor—ignore the street, focus on your driveway

Storage Options

Cloud Storage (Subscription)

Most popular brands require subscriptions for video history:

Ring Protect: $4/camera/month or $10/month unlimited
Nest Aware: $6-12/month for all cameras
Arlo Secure: $5-15/month depending on tier

Local Storage

Store footage without monthly fees:

SD card: Built into some cameras (Wyze, Eufy)
NVR (Network Video Recorder): Central storage for multiple cameras
Home base: Some brands (Eufy, Arlo) offer local storage hubs

Top Brands Compared

Ring

Wide range of indoor/outdoor options. Best Alexa integration. Subscription required for useful features. Owned by Amazon.

Nest/Google

Premium build and AI detection. Excellent Google Home integration. Higher price point, subscription for history.

Wyze

Incredible value—good cameras for very low prices. Local storage option. App less polished than premium brands.

Eufy

Strong privacy focus with local storage included. No required subscription. Good middle ground between value and features.

Budget Guidance

$30-50: Budget indoor cameras (Wyze, budget brands)
$80-150: Quality indoor or basic outdoor cameras
$150-250: Premium outdoor cameras, floodlight cameras
$300+: PoE systems, multi-camera kits

Remember to factor in subscription costs—they add up across multiple cameras.

Our Recommendations

Best indoor budget: Wyze Cam v3—unbeatable value with local storage option.

Best indoor premium: Nest Cam (indoor)—excellent detection, clean design.

Best outdoor value: Eufy Outdoor Cam—no subscription needed, solid features.

Best for Alexa homes: Ring Spotlight or Floodlight Cam—deep integration, good deterrent.

Best for Apple users: Eve Outdoor Cam or Logitech Circle View—HomeKit Secure Video support.

Best for no subscriptions: Eufy cameras with HomeBase—full features, local storage.