
If you want sharper footage and more detail, look for a camera that can shoot at 2K or 4K resolutions.Ī wireless device is nice and mobile but, if you want to place your camera in a specific spot, then it’s not necessary. Recording and streaming at Full HD resolution is the minimum because it means that you can zoom into the footage and get a decent look at the perp. The only essential features of these devices are that they can record videos and live stream video 24/7, that they have a night vision mode, that they can detect when there’s a person or motion, that they’ll record the footage when they do and that they’ll notify you on your phone. So what these extras offer is everyday value, two-way talk for a home intercom especially. The occasions where these cameras do the real business of recording and catching burglars are, hopefully, few and far between. What's a little hard to bear is that some manufacturers won’t enable some of your camera’s features – two-way talk, action zones, face recognition – if you don’t pay the subscription. We've outlined if there's a free cloud storage option and the cost of on-going subscriptions in every review. You do often sacrifice features that the camera’s native app provides to switch to Apple’s system, though. Provided you have an iCloud subscription, you can use Apple’s cloud storage to keep your video footage, and use the Home app to control your cameras. Getting more common is support for Apple HomeKit Secure Video. Some off-site storage is a must if you want to get serious about security. That comes with its own issues (what happens when a burglar comes in and takes the camera and the evidence?). Some brands will offer you a small amount of cloud storage for nothing, others offer nothing for nothing, and some get around the problem by recording everything to a SD card for local storage. All Nest Aware plans add in activity zones and little extras, such as facial recognition on some models. The basic plan gets you 30-days of video history for motion-activated events, and the next plan gets you 60-days of video history with the last 10 days continuously recorded. A single monthly fee covers all of your cameras, but there are three options to choose from. For instance, Nest has its Nest Aware plans. In most cases, subscribing also gets you additional features.įor example, with the Arlo Smart Cloud Service you also get cloud activity zones and smart notifications, which can warn you about people, animals or vehicles, rather than just generic movement.Įach company approaches its cloud storage differently.

Most security cameras also have cloud subscription fees to contend with, which nets you online storage. Your first choice needs to be price, and that should extend beyond the upfront cost, which will start at around £50 and can move up to over £450 depending on the brand you go with and the camera’s features. Smart home security cameras: Things to consider It's a detailed look at everything you need to know about buying the latest and greatest home security cameras, from our in-depth reviews plus a in-depth explainer of some considerations you might want to know about before splashing your cash.

However, if you want the very best cutting edge hi-tech features you could well be looking at spending more than £250. It's now possible to pick up a great home security camera without spending more than £50.

built in motion detection, integration with home security systems, playback and smart features that help you make sense of large numbers of recorded clips. These home security cameras are getting even better – with some offering 4K recording. Whether they're solely for security, to act as a dedicated pet camera, or even a supercharged smart baby monitor, wireless home security cameras are versatile beasts - they can even act as smart motion sensors to trigger automations and routines. The best home security cameras are surging in popularity, offering peace of mind and acting as a strong security deterrent. It didn’t take home security cameras long to become a firm fixture of the smart home.
