Best cordless outdoor security camera
Top pick
- Subscription: optional (local storage is free)
- Power: built-in rechargeable battery
- Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Home
Who this is for
People who don’t have an outdoor outlet or who want maximum flexibility when installing an outdoor camera.
Why we like it
The TP-Link Tapo Wire-Free Magnetic Security Camera is relatively inexpensive compared to our other picks, yet captures clear 2K video and includes a long-life internal battery so you can install it anywhere within reach of your Wi-Fi signal. You have the option to store video for free, using local video storage via a microSD card, or using a paid cloud subscription which enables 30 days of storage for $3.50 per month (or $35 per year) for one camera. With or without a subscription, AI detection is enabled (not all cameras include that) so it can distinguish between various motion triggers including people, vehicles, and pets. To limit the volume of nuisance recordings, you can create Activity Zones that tell the camera what it should and shouldn’t record — for example, you might have one zone triggered by vehicles and animals, and another zone that records only people.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
In December 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported that US authorities may seek to restrict the sale of TP-Link Wi-Fi routers following federal investigations into potential security vulnerabilities, including links between the company and the Chinese government. We reached out to TP-Link and a company representative stated that there is “no interdependence” between TP-Link Technologies Co., Ltd. in China, and the US-based TP-Link Systems Inc, the global headquarters since 2024 which markets and sells TP-Link smart home devices. Furthermore, the TP-Link Cloud for all global users is hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS), with Virginia-based infrastructure serving U.S. users. The TP-Link representative also noted that nearly all TP-Link products sold in the US are currently manufactured in Vietnam, and the remainder will eventually.
Although this model has color night vision, I found it to be grainier than other models we tested — and turning it on drained the battery faster. I recommend relying on the camera’s standard black-and-white night vision, which delivers a better picture.
At $3.50 per month per camera, the cloud service is competitively priced. However, the price continues to increase when you add cameras: $7 for two cameras, $10.50 for three, and $12 for up to 10.
Learn more in our full review of the best outdoor security camera.
Best indoor security camera
Top pick
- Subscription: optional (local storage is free)
- Power: corded
- Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, IFTTT, SmartThings
Who this is for
People who want to keep tabs on what’s going on inside, whether they’re checking in on kids and pets or watching for unidentified houseguests.
Why we like it
The TP-Link Tapo C120 captures 2K QHD images day and night, a massive upgrade from 1080p resolution, which has long been considered the gold standard. It can distinguish between various types of motion, such as people, pets, and vehicles, as well as detect the sounds of crying, glass breaking, barking, and meowing — and all without the need for a subscription. Like our outdoor pick, the C120 offers a lot of customization options, including the ability to create Activity Zones that can detect specific types of motion in a limited area. For instance, I created a zone in my living room to detect people and pets, with a separate zone around my couch specifically for my chonky cat. Users can store recordings for free on a microSD card or in the cloud for a fee (starting at $3.50 per month per camera).
Flaws but not dealbreakers
In December 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported that US authorities may seek to restrict the sale of TP-Link Wi-Fi routers following federal investigations into potential security vulnerabilities, including links between the company and the Chinese government. We reached out to TP-Link and a company representative stated that there is “no interdependence” between TP-Link Technologies Co., Ltd. in China, and the US-based TP-Link Systems Inc, the global headquarters since 2024 which markets and sells TP-Link smart home devices. Furthermore, the TP-Link Cloud for all global users is hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS), with Virginia-based infrastructure serving U.S. users. The TP-Link representative also noted that nearly all TP-Link products sold in the US are currently manufactured in Vietnam, and the remainder will eventually.
Technically, the Tapo C120 is an indoor/outdoor camera, but I don’t recommend it for outdoor use. The company doesn’t sell a separate weatherproof cord or plug, and the original plug completely failed when testing it outside.
At $3.50 per month per camera, the cloud service is competitively priced. However, the price continues to increase when you add cameras: $7 for two cameras, $10.50 for three, and $12 for up to 10.
Learn more in our full review of the best indoor security camera.
Best doorbell camera
Top pick
- Subscription: optional (free cloud storage)
- Power: hardwired
- Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Home
Who this is for
People who want a permanently installed way to screen visitors at the door, whether they’re on the other side of the door or the other side of the world.
Why we like it
The Google Nest Doorbell (Wired, 2nd Gen) was the most accurate video doorbell when it came to identifying types of motion (person, animal, vehicle, or package), and reacted quickly when sending smartphone alerts and displaying live views. The image resolution is only 960×1280, which is lower than our other picks, but the picture is clear, and the low-res actually ends up being easier on your Wi-Fi network to allow for smoother streaming. Audio was always clear on either end, with adjustable volume and the ability to switch off the microphone when necessary. While it offers free cloud storage, you’ll only be able to access footage from the past 3 hours. If you want to keep it longer, the Nest Aware plan (starting at $10 per month or $100 per year) can store video up to 30 days, and adds in Familiar Face Detection. In addition, if you want 24/7 recording to the cloud, you’ll have to shell out $20 a month or $200 annually for the Nest Aware Plus plan.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
The Familiar Face Detection feature (a feature that “recognizes” and names frequent visitors) included with the Nest Aware subscription can be faulty. It needs a good look at your visitors to work properly — and even then it still gets some wrong, but you can correct it.
The Nest Aware plan is technically the most expensive, starting at $10 per month (or $100 per year). However, that price includes all of the cameras in your home, making it a good deal if you plan to have them inside and out. If you’re unsure about the value of the sub, you can still use the Google Nest Doorbell with the free cloud storage, but a subscription is required to get face recognition, as well as the ability to detect emergency sounds, such as a smoke alarm.
Learn more in our full review of the best smart doorbell camera.
Top pick
- Subscription: optional (local storage is free)
- Power: built-in rechargeable battery or hardwired
- Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Home
Who this is for
People who want a video doorbell, but don’t have existing doorbell wiring.
Why we like it
The TP-Link Tapo D225 Video Doorbell Camera offers an almost comprehensive selection of features you’d want with a doorbell. It captures video in 2K and has an expansive 180-degree field of view. It has a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts about 3-4 months, but can also be hardwired if you don’t see yourself ever charging it. You can choose between storing video locally on a microSD card for free or signing up for a cloud plan (which starts at $3.50 a month or $35 a year for one camera). If you opt for hardwiring the doorbell, you also gain the ability to record 24/7 video and have it stored locally. The D225 uses AI to distinguish between motion, people, vehicles, animals, and packages, and allows for customized notifications and Activity Zones, so you can choose precisely what triggers recordings and alerts, and what to skip.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
The Tapo D225 isn’t as slick looking as our wired doorbell pick. At 5.91-by-1.97-by-1.52 inches, this unit is bulky, but that’s because of the internal battery. But if you’re in need of a battery doorbell, this one is packed with features at an excellent price.
The Tapo D225 records video which has a noticeable distortion or “fisheye effect,” which some customers say they hate. We don’t love it but it’s also needed in order to deliver the extra-wide angle, head-to-toe image.
Like our outdoor camera pick, the Tapo D225 doorbell has color night vision, which is provided by the doorbell’s LED ring. Using that may kill the battery faster, and frankly, I think images look better with standard black-and-white night vision.
Learn more in our full review of the best smart doorbell camera.
Best outdoor floodlight camera
Top pick
- Subscription: optional (local storage is free)
- Power: hardwired
- Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Home (light only)
Who this is for
People who want the sense of security that comes with motion-activated lighting, along with the additional assurance of recorded or live video. The built-in LED also makes nighttime images brighter and more detailed.
Why we like it
The Eufy Floodlight Camera E340 combines a bright outdoor LED light with two surveillance cameras: one with a 2K telephoto lens and the other a 3K resolution wide-angle camera. The E40 can survey a far greater area than other models because both cameras can pan and tilt 360 degrees horizontally and 120 degrees vertically. Both cameras can track and follow motion well, capturing clear images day and night — both with and without color night vision. Video can be stored internally on a removable microSD card (up to 128 GB), to the HomeBase S380 hub (sold separately), or in the cloud (if you opt for a subscription; they start at $4 per month). Two integrated LED panels capable of blasting 2,000 lumens of brightness can be turned on and off or tweaked via the Eufy app or voice control.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
The E340 supports both Amazon Alexa and Google Home, but currently Google Home only supports voice and app control of the light.
Similar to all Eufy cameras, this model downgrades 2K footage to 1080p and 3K footage to 2K when it is uploaded to the cloud. Still, we always recommend cloud video storage for security reasons — if someone steals or damages your camera, you don’t lose your recordings — and in real-world use, we noticed a drop in image quality only when we deliberately compared videos side by side (and it’s still of good quality).
Learn more in our full review of the best outdoor security camera.
This article was edited by Jon Chase and Grant Clauser.
Best cordless outdoor security camera
Top pick
- Subscription: optional (local storage is free)
- Power: built-in rechargeable battery
- Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Home
Who this is for
People who don’t have an outdoor outlet or who want maximum flexibility when installing an outdoor camera.
Why we like it
The TP-Link Tapo Wire-Free Magnetic Security Camera is relatively inexpensive compared to our other picks, yet captures clear 2K video and includes a long-life internal battery so you can install it anywhere within reach of your Wi-Fi signal. You have the option to store video for free, using local video storage via a microSD card, or using a paid cloud subscription which enables 30 days of storage for $3.50 per month (or $35 per year) for one camera. With or without a subscription, AI detection is enabled (not all cameras include that) so it can distinguish between various motion triggers including people, vehicles, and pets. To limit the volume of nuisance recordings, you can create Activity Zones that tell the camera what it should and shouldn’t record — for example, you might have one zone triggered by vehicles and animals, and another zone that records only people.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
In December 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported that US authorities may seek to restrict the sale of TP-Link Wi-Fi routers following federal investigations into potential security vulnerabilities, including links between the company and the Chinese government. We reached out to TP-Link and a company representative stated that there is “no interdependence” between TP-Link Technologies Co., Ltd. in China, and the US-based TP-Link Systems Inc, the global headquarters since 2024 which markets and sells TP-Link smart home devices. Furthermore, the TP-Link Cloud for all global users is hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS), with Virginia-based infrastructure serving U.S. users. The TP-Link representative also noted that nearly all TP-Link products sold in the US are currently manufactured in Vietnam, and the remainder will eventually.
Although this model has color night vision, I found it to be grainier than other models we tested — and turning it on drained the battery faster. I recommend relying on the camera’s standard black-and-white night vision, which delivers a better picture.
At $3.50 per month per camera, the cloud service is competitively priced. However, the price continues to increase when you add cameras: $7 for two cameras, $10.50 for three, and $12 for up to 10.
Learn more in our full review of the best outdoor security camera.
Best indoor security camera
Top pick
- Subscription: optional (local storage is free)
- Power: corded
- Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, IFTTT, SmartThings
Who this is for
People who want to keep tabs on what’s going on inside, whether they’re checking in on kids and pets or watching for unidentified houseguests.
Why we like it
The TP-Link Tapo C120 captures 2K QHD images day and night, a massive upgrade from 1080p resolution, which has long been considered the gold standard. It can distinguish between various types of motion, such as people, pets, and vehicles, as well as detect the sounds of crying, glass breaking, barking, and meowing — and all without the need for a subscription. Like our outdoor pick, the C120 offers a lot of customization options, including the ability to create Activity Zones that can detect specific types of motion in a limited area. For instance, I created a zone in my living room to detect people and pets, with a separate zone around my couch specifically for my chonky cat. Users can store recordings for free on a microSD card or in the cloud for a fee (starting at $3.50 per month per camera).
Flaws but not dealbreakers
In December 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported that US authorities may seek to restrict the sale of TP-Link Wi-Fi routers following federal investigations into potential security vulnerabilities, including links between the company and the Chinese government. We reached out to TP-Link and a company representative stated that there is “no interdependence” between TP-Link Technologies Co., Ltd. in China, and the US-based TP-Link Systems Inc, the global headquarters since 2024 which markets and sells TP-Link smart home devices. Furthermore, the TP-Link Cloud for all global users is hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS), with Virginia-based infrastructure serving U.S. users. The TP-Link representative also noted that nearly all TP-Link products sold in the US are currently manufactured in Vietnam, and the remainder will eventually.
Technically, the Tapo C120 is an indoor/outdoor camera, but I don’t recommend it for outdoor use. The company doesn’t sell a separate weatherproof cord or plug, and the original plug completely failed when testing it outside.
At $3.50 per month per camera, the cloud service is competitively priced. However, the price continues to increase when you add cameras: $7 for two cameras, $10.50 for three, and $12 for up to 10.
Learn more in our full review of the best indoor security camera.
Best doorbell camera
Top pick
- Subscription: optional (free cloud storage)
- Power: hardwired
- Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Home
Who this is for
People who want a permanently installed way to screen visitors at the door, whether they’re on the other side of the door or the other side of the world.
Why we like it
The Google Nest Doorbell (Wired, 2nd Gen) was the most accurate video doorbell when it came to identifying types of motion (person, animal, vehicle, or package), and reacted quickly when sending smartphone alerts and displaying live views. The image resolution is only 960×1280, which is lower than our other picks, but the picture is clear, and the low-res actually ends up being easier on your Wi-Fi network to allow for smoother streaming. Audio was always clear on either end, with adjustable volume and the ability to switch off the microphone when necessary. While it offers free cloud storage, you’ll only be able to access footage from the past 3 hours. If you want to keep it longer, the Nest Aware plan (starting at $10 per month or $100 per year) can store video up to 30 days, and adds in Familiar Face Detection. In addition, if you want 24/7 recording to the cloud, you’ll have to shell out $20 a month or $200 annually for the Nest Aware Plus plan.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
The Familiar Face Detection feature (a feature that “recognizes” and names frequent visitors) included with the Nest Aware subscription can be faulty. It needs a good look at your visitors to work properly — and even then it still gets some wrong, but you can correct it.
The Nest Aware plan is technically the most expensive, starting at $10 per month (or $100 per year). However, that price includes all of the cameras in your home, making it a good deal if you plan to have them inside and out. If you’re unsure about the value of the sub, you can still use the Google Nest Doorbell with the free cloud storage, but a subscription is required to get face recognition, as well as the ability to detect emergency sounds, such as a smoke alarm.
Learn more in our full review of the best smart doorbell camera.
Top pick
- Subscription: optional (local storage is free)
- Power: built-in rechargeable battery or hardwired
- Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Home
Who this is for
People who want a video doorbell, but don’t have existing doorbell wiring.
Why we like it
The TP-Link Tapo D225 Video Doorbell Camera offers an almost comprehensive selection of features you’d want with a doorbell. It captures video in 2K and has an expansive 180-degree field of view. It has a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts about 3-4 months, but can also be hardwired if you don’t see yourself ever charging it. You can choose between storing video locally on a microSD card for free or signing up for a cloud plan (which starts at $3.50 a month or $35 a year for one camera). If you opt for hardwiring the doorbell, you also gain the ability to record 24/7 video and have it stored locally. The D225 uses AI to distinguish between motion, people, vehicles, animals, and packages, and allows for customized notifications and Activity Zones, so you can choose precisely what triggers recordings and alerts, and what to skip.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
The Tapo D225 isn’t as slick looking as our wired doorbell pick. At 5.91-by-1.97-by-1.52 inches, this unit is bulky, but that’s because of the internal battery. But if you’re in need of a battery doorbell, this one is packed with features at an excellent price.
The Tapo D225 records video which has a noticeable distortion or “fisheye effect,” which some customers say they hate. We don’t love it but it’s also needed in order to deliver the extra-wide angle, head-to-toe image.
Like our outdoor camera pick, the Tapo D225 doorbell has color night vision, which is provided by the doorbell’s LED ring. Using that may kill the battery faster, and frankly, I think images look better with standard black-and-white night vision.
Learn more in our full review of the best smart doorbell camera.
Best outdoor floodlight camera
Top pick
- Subscription: optional (local storage is free)
- Power: hardwired
- Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Home (light only)
Who this is for
People who want the sense of security that comes with motion-activated lighting, along with the additional assurance of recorded or live video. The built-in LED also makes nighttime images brighter and more detailed.
Why we like it
The Eufy Floodlight Camera E340 combines a bright outdoor LED light with two surveillance cameras: one with a 2K telephoto lens and the other a 3K resolution wide-angle camera. The E40 can survey a far greater area than other models because both cameras can pan and tilt 360 degrees horizontally and 120 degrees vertically. Both cameras can track and follow motion well, capturing clear images day and night — both with and without color night vision. Video can be stored internally on a removable microSD card (up to 128 GB), to the HomeBase S380 hub (sold separately), or in the cloud (if you opt for a subscription; they start at $4 per month). Two integrated LED panels capable of blasting 2,000 lumens of brightness can be turned on and off or tweaked via the Eufy app or voice control.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
The E340 supports both Amazon Alexa and Google Home, but currently Google Home only supports voice and app control of the light.
Similar to all Eufy cameras, this model downgrades 2K footage to 1080p and 3K footage to 2K when it is uploaded to the cloud. Still, we always recommend cloud video storage for security reasons — if someone steals or damages your camera, you don’t lose your recordings — and in real-world use, we noticed a drop in image quality only when we deliberately compared videos side by side (and it’s still of good quality).
Learn more in our full review of the best outdoor security camera.
This article was edited by Jon Chase and Grant Clauser.
