The Best Outdoor Security Cameras to Watch Over Your Home in 2022

Warning: We no longer recommend security cameras manufactured by Wyze and eufy. We’re currently evaluating replacement options, and will update this article when suitable alternatives are available.

All the smart cameras in this article work with Google Assistant and Alexa smart home systems. The only security camera on our list that boasts compatibility with Apple HomeKit and Samsung SmartThings is the Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera (and to use Apple HomeKit, you have to own a base station from Arlo). Google’s Nest Cam Outdoor is recently compatible with Samsung SmartThings as well.

Of course, you don’t need a smart home to use any of these products. You just need a smartphone and a surface to mount your camera, and you’re good to go!

What to Look For In an Outdoor Security Camera

A good outdoor security camera can stand up to dark nights, heavy weather, and the sneakiest of snoops. The smart cameras in this article tick those boxes, but they have some unique features and perks that may work better for your home than mine (or vice versa).

So before we start looking at security cameras, let’s review some essential features, like resolution and two-way audio. It’s better to read about this stuff now than to figure it out after dropping hundreds on a camera setup:

• Resolution: Resolution may not seem important, but those extra pixels give you leeway to zoom in on faces or objects without blurring. An HD camera might get the job done, but high-res options are always worth the extra money.
• Night Vision: Smart security cameras have built-in night vision modes. And while night vision works a lot better than you’d expect, you should consider buying a security camera with a built-in floodlight if you’re especially concerned about nighttime pests and snoops.
• Two-Way Audio: A two-way audio system allows you to talk to people through your camera. It’s kinda terrifying, but two-way audio is excellent for scaring off the neighbor’s cat or a Peeping Tom. The security cameras in this article feature two-way audio systems, although the more expensive options have better microphones and speakers.
• Power Source: Battery-powered security cameras are easy to install, but they need to be charged once or twice a year. If you’re willing to drill holes through your home, a wired security camera can save you from recharging batteries (or replacing cameras with worn-out batteries).
• Subscription Fees: Most (but not all) smart security cameras require a monthly fee for additional video storage and expanded features. If you hate the idea of monthly fees, skip the others, and grab a eufy camera. The eufy smart camera line stores video locally, eliminating the need for monthly subscriptions.

Best Overall: eufy Solo OutdoorCam C24

The Solo OutdoorCam C24 from eufy Security is a step above the rest. You’ll be able to see and hear everything you need to with its super clear 2K resolution and two-way speakers. The camera has a built-in spotlight that automatically turns on when it detects motion. Plus, it’s wired, so you don’t have to worry about changing out batteries.

The best thing about the Solo OutdoorCam C24 (or any of eufy Security’s cameras) is that none of its features hide behind a monthly fee. What you see is what you get. And because the security cam stores all of your footage locally on a 32GB microSD card, you don’t have to fight with finicky or insecure cloud storage platforms.

Best Budget: Wyze Cam Outdoor

A fantastic product with an unbeatable price tag, the Wyze Cam Outdoor is the best security camera for anyone on a budget. It features 1080p recording, night vision, two-way audio, a time-lapse mode, and an easy-to-use app (Android/iOS). Oh, and a $50 price tag.

The Wyze Outdoor Cam is battery-powered and runs for anywhere from three to six months on a charge. It has a MicroSD slot for video backups or optional offline recording, and it connects to your Wi-Fi network over a proprietary receiver, which is good news for people with weak Wi-Fi signals or large homes.

You can subscribe to Wyze Cam Plus for a few bucks a month to unlock motion capture, person-detection, and 14-day cloud storage for your camera. Wyze Cam Plus is billed annually and only costs $2 per month per camera. With Wyze’s Basic Plan (which is free), you can still view a live feed and get motion- and sound-triggered alerts. Just be aware that unless you install a microSD card, the free version limits you to 12-second recordings with five-minute cooldowns.

With all this goodness, it’s no wonder why we scored the Wyze Outdoor Cam a 9/10 in our detailed review. But the camera lacks some features that security freaks crave, like 2K or 4K recording, a built-in spotlight, or automated person tracking. You have to pay a lot more to get that CSI-type stuff!

Best Premium: Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera

Let’s take a trip to the future with the impressive Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera. Its camera features 2K resolution, a bright motion-activated spotlight that’ll scare away pests and perps. It also has a built-in siren you can activate from afar and a 160-degree viewing angle perfect for driveways, back yards, or narrow walkways.

The Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight has a six-month battery and easily mounts to the outside of your home. It’s an incredible security camera for day or night use, although you have to subscribe to an Arlo Smart Plan to view recordings. For a single camera, the monthly price for an Arlo Smart Plan starts at $2.99 per month, but if you want to pay for unlimited cameras, plans start at $9.99 per month. Otherwise, it’s just a live streaming camera with a built-in spotlight.

And if you’re looking for HomeKit or SmartThings compatibility, this is your camera. Although for HomeKit, you will need the Arlo Base Station.

Best Doorbell Camera: eufy Security Video Doorbell

Sometimes it’s best to stick with an affordable, straightforward home security solution. If you aren’t a fan of wacky cameras and floodlights, then replace your old-fashioned doorbell with a smart, camera-equipped eufy Security Video Doorbell.

The eufy Doorbell has an impressive 1080p resolution with night vision and 2-way audio. When someone comes to your door, the eufy Doorbell sends you a notification with a picture of your guest. And like the eufy Solo OutdoorCam C24 era, the eufy Doorbell stores all your video locally, so you don’t have to fight with cloud storage or pay annoying monthly fees.

Best For Google Homes: Google Nest Cam Outdoor

Calling all smart home nerds and security freaks! The Google Nest Cam Outdoor features a 130-degree field of view, 1080p video resolution, and an impressive night vision mode that lets you see all the essential details no matter how dark it is outside. This particular Nest security camera is wireless, so you won’t have to do any special drilling for installation.

Nest-branded cameras offer the best smart home experience of all the security cameras available today. They’re highly programmable with Google Assistant or Alexa setups, and they pair beautifully with smart displays like the Google Nest Hub.

Still, the Nest Cam Outdoor is pretty expensive, and its most important features (like advanced motion detection, automated tracking, and “person seen” phone notifications) hide behind a monthly Nest Aware subscription, which starts at $6 per month. Nest Aware subscriptions also increase the recording capacity of your Nest security camera, which doesn’t have an SD card slot for offline recording.

I should also mention that most Google Nest cameras are wired, not battery-powered. You don’t have to worry about recharging the battery (or replacing it if it wears out), but you may need to drill through your home to install the camera’s power cable.

Best for Amazon Homes: Ring Stick Up Camera

The Ring Stick Up Cam will fit right in if you’ve got a home chockful of Amazon products. You can see, hear, and talk to people on the other side of the door with Ring’s Stick Up Cam, using your smartphone, tablet, or even an Echo device.

Through the Ring app (Android/iOS), you can check on your home from anywhere to ensure your packages are okay or see who’s come by to see you. A Ring Protect Plan is practically a requirement and ranges from $3-20 per month, depending on the features you want. All plans include the ability to record all your videos, share videos and photos, and access stored files for up to 60 days.

If you don’t pay for a Ring Protect Plan, you’ll still have live camera features and boosted home security, but you won’t be able to save and share anything if something bad happens. To set up the Stick Up Cam, you’ll need access to a standard outlet and a steady Wi-Fi connection.