Overview
- Jump To Details
Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera
Best Overall Indoor/Outdoor Camera - Jump To Details
Eufy Indoor Cam E220
Best for 2K Video With Pan and Tilt Controls - Jump To Details
Wyze Cam OG
Best Budget-Friendly Camera - Jump To Details
Ring Stick Up Cam Battery
Most Versatile - Jump To Details
Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera
Best Low-Cost Arlo Cam - Jump To Details
Eufy Solo IndoorCam C24
Best Budget-Friendly 2K Camera - Jump To Details
Google Nest Cam (Outdoor or Indoor, Battery)
Best for Intelligent Alerts - Jump To Details
Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired)
Best Entry-Level Nest Cam - Jump To Details
Ring Indoor cam 2nd Gen
Best Affordable Ring Cam
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One of the biggest benefits of a smart home is being able to know what's going on when you're not there. Whether you want to check in on your kids, pets, or an exotic jewel collection, a home security camera is an effective tool for monitoring everything from afar.
Although capabilities vary between devices, all indoor security cameras allow you to monitor the interior of your home through live or recorded video. Some of the features that differentiate them are alarms, the ability to send notifications when they detect activity, and two-way audio. Other cams are suitable for monitoring your baby or even double as full-on home automation hubs.
No two cameras are identical, so make sure to check out what makes each of our top picks unique and why that might work best for you. Also, keep in mind that the cameras here are designed to help you keep tabs on the inside of your house. For a look at what's going on outside, check out our picks for the best outdoor home security cameras, the best floodlight cameras, and the best video doorbells.
Editors' Note: On Sept. 8, 2023, Wyze experienced a security breach that exposed some users' camera feeds via the company's web portal. At the time, Wyze failed to proactively notify all users about the breach. The company says the exposure was limited in scope, and has since outlined the steps it's taking to prevent a similar incident from reoccurring. After assessing this situation, we have decided to continue recommending Wyze cameras for their value and performance. As with any smart home technology, we urge you to consider all the available product and company information before deciding if it's right for you. If not, plenty of solid alternatives are available below.
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera
Best Overall Indoor/Outdoor CameraWhy We Picked It
The Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera works indoors or outside, is completely wireless, hub-free, and installs in minutes. This high-resolution, weather-resistant security camera not only captures motion-triggered video with a wide 160-degree field of view, it also casts a bright light on whatever is moving around on your property. It delivers detailed 2K video with color night vision, and provides accurate and intelligent motion detection. It also works with numerous third-party smart devices, supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri voice commands, and integrates with Apple’s HomeKit and Samsung’s SmartThings home automation platforms.
Who It's For
The Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera is a top choice for anyone who wants an easy-to-install 2K resolution home security camera that can be used indoors or outside. (If you want an indoor-only camera, however, there are many more affordable options.) You can attach the Pro 4 to your house or any other structure using the included magnetic mount, and its rechargeable lithium-polymer battery pack is rated to last up to six months between charges. Just note that you have to subscribe to an Arlo Smart plan to view recorded video and take advantage of some features, such as Package Detection and Advanced Object Detection.
Pros
- Completely wireless and easy to install
- 2K HDR video
- Color night vision
- Works with Alexa, Google, HomeKit, and IFTTT
- Lots of third-party integrations
- Built-in siren
- No hub required
Cons
- Some features require Arlo Smart subscription
Learn MoreArlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera ReviewEufy Indoor Cam E220
Best for 2K Video With Pan and Tilt ControlsWhy We Picked It
Despite its affordable price, the E220 Indoor Cam packs the kinds of features you usually find on more expensive cameras. It delivers outstanding 2K video, detects motion and sound, offers smooth remote pan and tilt controls, works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, and even tracks motion. The camera is easy to install, and all of its features worked well in testing.
Who It's For
If you're in the market for a budget-friendly indoor security camera with a 360-degree view and 2K resolution, the Eufy E220 Indoor Cam is an unbeatable value. The TP-Link KC410S indoor security camera offers those same features for less than $50, but its pan and tilt maneuvers can be a bit slow, a problem we didn't have with the Eufy E220.
Pros
- Affordable
- Sharp 2K video
- Automatic motion tracking
- Sound and motion detection
- Local and cloud storage
- Works with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant
Cons
- Doesn't support IFTTT
- Some features not available in HomeKit
Learn MoreEufy Indoor Cam E220 ReviewWyze Cam OG
Best Budget-Friendly CameraWhy We Picked It
The Wyze Cam OG delivers high-quality 1080p video, plus offers color night vision, local and cloud storage, intelligent motion and sound detection, and voice controls. It integrates seamlessly with other Wyze products and works with lots of other third-party devices via IFTTT. The camera even supports a neat picture-in-picture viewing mode if you pair a second OG camera (such as the OG Telephoto).
Who It's For
The Wyze Cam OG is a strong choice if you're on a budget, and you already use other Wyze devices. Suitable for use indoors or outside, it has a 121-degree field of view but it does not pan and tilt. If you need a 360-degree view, the Wyze Cam Pan v3 is an affordable choice with pan and tilt controls.
Pros
- Affordable
- Sharp 1080p video
- Color night vision
- Built-in spotlight
- Picture-in-picture mode
- Supports voice controls and lots of third-party integrations
- Local and cloud storage options
Cons
- Outdoor power adapter costs extra
- Some features require a subscription
- Lacks HomeKit support
Learn MoreWyze Cam OG ReviewRing Stick Up Cam Battery
Most VersatileWhy We Picked It
The Ring Stick Up Cam is all about ease of use. You can place it just about anywhere on the inside or outside of your home without having to worry about staying close to an outlet or snaking a power cord. Most of today's home security cameras are easy to install, but because the Ring Stick Up Cam runs on battery power, it's simpler than most. This model captures video at 1080p and has a 115-degree field of view, an upgrade from its predecessor's 720p resolution and 80-degree field of view. Day and night video appeared sharp in our tests, and motion detection worked well, as did Amazon Alexa and IFTTT integrations.
Who It's For
If you're looking for a feature-rich security camera that can be used indoors and outdoors and is very easy to install, the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery delivers in spades. The battery is rated to last anywhere from six to twelve months between charges, and you can easily replenish it via an included USB cable. The Stick Up Cam offers free motion alerts and live on-demand video, but you have to pay for a subscription to view recorded video. That said, its $3.99-per-month Ring Protect storage plan with 180 days of video history is one of the more affordable options around.
Pros
- Completely wire-free
- Sharp 1080p video
- Works with Alexa voice commands and IFTTT
- Motion detection
- No hub required
- Built-in siren
- Easy to install
Cons
- Expensive
- Recorded video requires cloud subscription
Learn MoreRing Stick Up Cam Battery ReviewArlo Essential Indoor Security Camera
Best Low-Cost Arlo CamWhy We Picked It
Arlo’s $99.99 Essential Indoor Security Camera offers intelligent alerts, voice control, and works with a wide assortment of third-party smart home devices for a lot less money than the company's $199.99 Pro 4 model. In addition, it provides sharp, colorful 1080p video, accurate motion alerts, and is very easy to install. Note that it includes a three-month trial subscription to an Arlo Secure plan that gives you access to recorded video, intelligent alerts, and a handful of other features, but once the trial period is up, you have to pay a monthly fee to utilize these features.
Who It's For
The Arlo Essential Indoor is a solid choice for those looking to add an affordable camera to an existing Arlo setup. It's not quite as value-rich as the Eufy E220 Indoor Cam, which costs less and boasts sharper 2K video, local storage, and mechanical pan and tilt support, but it's an excellent option if you're already committed to the Arlo ecosystem.
Pros
- More affordable than Arlo Pro models
- Intelligent alerts
- Sharp 1080p video
- Works with numerous third-party devices
- Voice control
Cons
- Many features require paid subscription
- Hub required for HomeKit support
Eufy Solo IndoorCam C24
Best Budget-Friendly 2K CameraWhy We Picked It
Eufy’s Indoor Cam C120 is a reasonably priced home security camera that doesn’t skimp on features. For around $40, you get 2K video capture, intelligent motion detection, and both local and cloud video storage. It also works with the Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant platforms, although some features aren't available in HomeKit. It's a good performer and easy to install, and all of this makes it a strong value for a high-res indoor security camera.
Who It's For
If you're in search of ultra-affordable 2K security, it's hard to beat the Eufy Indoor Cam C120. That said, if you require an indoor camera that provides a view of the entire room, the Eufy E220 Indoor Cam provides that while offering the same sharp 2K video as well as automatic motion tracking for just slightly more.
Pros
- Sharp 2K video
- Local and cloud storage
- Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant support
- Intelligent motion detection
Cons
- Doesn't support IFTTT
- Some features not available in HomeKit
Learn MoreEufy Solo IndoorCam C24 ReviewGoogle Nest Cam (Outdoor or Indoor, Battery)
Best for Intelligent AlertsWhy We Picked It
The Google Nest Cam (Outdoor or Indoor, Battery) is all about versatility. As the name implies, you can use this weatherproof camera indoors or outdoors and power it using the built-in rechargeable battery or the included USB cable and AC power adapter. It's easy to install and performed well in testing, capturing sharp 1080p video and identifying motion caused by people and animals. Just know that it requires a Nest Aware subscription (starting at $6 per month) to view recorded video that is more than three hours old and to use its face detection feature.
Who It's For
If you’re in the market for a security camera that installs in minutes and offers a good selection of features—particularly if you already use other Nest Devices and/or Google Assistant—put the Nest Cam on your short list. It works with Google Assistant and the Nest Hub, though you don’t get much in the way of third-party integrations and you have to pay to get access to recorded video that's more than three hours old. For $6 per month or $60 per year, the Nest Aware plan provides 30 days of video history, while for $12 per month or $120 per year, the Nest Aware Plus plan gives you 60 days of video history.
Pros
- Easy to install (no wires)
- Weatherproof
- Intelligent alerts
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Works with Google Assistant
- Face recognition
Cons
- Expensive
- Doesn't support Alexa, HomeKit, or IFTTT
- Some features require a subscription
Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired)
Best Entry-Level Nest CamWhy We Picked It
We like that Google's battery-powered Nest Cam that works indoors or outside, but it's one of the pricier home security cameras out there. Although it isn't quite as versatile, the Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired) offers many of the same features for around $80 less. Easy to set up and manage, the indoor Nest Cam delivers sharp 1080p video, accurately detects motion, and can distinguish between motion from people, animals, and cars. Just keep in mind that you must subscribe to a paid Nest Aware plan to view video that's more than three hours old and to use the camera's face recognition feature.
Who It's For
The Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired) is a solid, relatively affordable security camera if you already use Google Assistant or a Nest Hub to control your smart home devices.
Pros
- Intelligent alerts
- Supports Google Assistant voice commands
- Recognizes faces
- Dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity
Cons
- Some features require a subscription
- No Alexa, HomeKit, or IFTTT support
Learn MoreNest Cam (Indoor, Wired) ReviewRing Indoor cam 2nd Gen
Best Affordable Ring CamWhy We Picked It
The second-generation Ring Indoor Cam improves upon its predecessor with a privacy cover and color night vision while continuing to deliver sharp 1080p video, phone and voice controls, and robust third-party device support. With a Ring Protect subscription (starting at $3.99 a month), it offers 180 days of recorded video storage, the ability to download recorded clips, and notifications when a person is in view.
Who It's For
With clear video and accurate motion detection in our tests, Ring’s second-generation Indoor Cam is an excellent option for keeping an eye on the inside of your home, especially for existing Ring users. If you need a camera that can be used indoors or outside, the more expensive Ring Stick Up Cam Battery is a top alternative.
Pros
- Affordable
- Sharp 1080p video
- Works with Amazon Alexa and IFTTT
- Color night vision
- Manual privacy cover
Cons
- Requires a subscription to record video
- No local storage option
- Does not support Google Assistant or HomeKit
Learn MoreRing Indoor cam 2nd Gen Review
Buying Guide: The Best Indoor Security Cameras for 2024
How to Pick the Best Home Security Camera
We've tested lots of home surveillance cameras over the years, so we know what's important to consider. First and foremost, you should choose a camera that's simple to set up and use. Another important quality is an attractive—yet discreet—design. Choose a camera that doesn't clash with your design tastes and, depending on your needs, you might need to make sure it doesn't stand out too much. Device support is critical as well. Our favorite cameras allow you to check in from anywhere, such as from your phone or via a web browser.
Here are the main factors to consider when choosing a security camera:
Image Quality
Even though 1080p is generally the standard resolution for the cameras we test, higher-resolution 2K models offer improved visibility: the higher the resolution, the more you can zoom in and still see things clearly. Most home security cameras rely on digital zoom, but a few boast optical zoom lenses that capture more detail.
Besides resolution, also consider the field of view. All security cameras have wide-angle lenses, but some are wider than others. Depending on the lens' field of view, these devices can cover between 105 and 360 degrees; that's a big range. If you want to watch a large area, look for a camera with the widest field of view and/or the ability to mechanically pan and tilt.
Connectivity
Most security cameras use Wi-Fi, but not all rely on it exclusively. Some add Bluetooth for local control and easier setup through your smartphone, while others incorporate separate home automation networking standards, such as Zigbee or Z-Wave, to interact with other devices. (The Matter smart home interoperability standard is still missing support for security cameras and video doorbells.) For most cameras, all you need to do is follow instructions from an app to connect them to your network.
Once you connect your camera, you can access a live view and any recordings via your smartphone or tablet. The vast majority of home security cameras pair with a companion app that handles all the controls and settings. Some cameras offer access via a web portal too, which adds flexibility.
Many new cameras support voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. With Alexa, for instance, you can ask your camera to pull up a live video feed on your Echo Show. Several cameras support IFTTT as well, which lets you build integrations with other third-party devices and platforms. For instance, you can configure a smart light bulb to turn on whenever the camera detects motion.
Storage
Your camera probably relies on cloud services for storage and to provide remote access to recordings. That said, some models have a microSD card slot that allows you to save recordings locally. If you are worried about online security and don't want to pay a subscription fee to store your videos, the latter is a better option.
Not all cloud service subscriptions work the same way; the number of days' worth of recordings they keep and the number of cameras you can monitor with a single subscription often varies. Some companies offer free cloud storage but overwrite recordings typically after about a week.
Face Detection
Most security cameras send a simple notification when they detect any type of activity. Others can identify who—or what—caused the commotion. Google Nest Cam models even offer face-recognition technology that helps eliminate unnecessary alerts. They automatically zoom in on people who enter the field of view and can send alerts both when they recognize a face and when they don't. Sound detection is also a valuable feature.
What Is the Best Affordable Home Security Camera?
Many of our top-tested home security cameras cost roughly $200 and some require an additional subscription. We break down any extra fees you need to consider in our reviews. The good news is that many affordable options are now available for less than $100. Because you can't put a price on peace of mind, however, carefully consider what features you want to forgo before picking a lower-cost option.
Check out our Readers' Choice Awards to see which security cameras and brands other PCMag readers trust most. Once you find the right model, read our tips for setting it up. If a single camera won't cut it, also explore our picks for the best smart home security systems.
