Choose the best security camera for your needs



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Deterring crime

If you are worried about what's happening in your neighborhood and around your property, get an outdoor camera. Look for a camera capable of capturing long recordings and not leaving gaps between clips – a common trap. Clear night vision is also essential, and the adjustable motion sensitivity will reduce harmful smartphone alerts triggered by each passing car. If you do not have an outdoor outlet or large yard, look for a camera with a rechargeable battery, which makes placement easier. Just know that if there is a lot of activity, you will often charge the camera.

Keep an eye on animals

Some animals have separation anxiety when their owners are away, and some just love to eat socks, trash and anything that is not in concrete. An indoor security camera with a wide viewing angle lets you watch what Fido and Fluffy are doing in your absence. Most cameras also have a two-way sound, which is useful for shouting them off the couch.

Follow-up of children

While this may seem Orwellian, indoor cameras can help you monitor your children by alerting you (via smartphone alerts) as soon as they detect motion, for example when children come and go. Point the camera at the door. Cameras with two-way audio allow you to greet them (and remind them of homework and other tasks), while face-recognition cameras help to distinguish family members from the dog walker. In addition, consider a type of video clip storage unless you plan to monitor alerts 24/7.

Remote location monitoring

For those who own a holiday home or rental home, an outdoor camera can warn you in real time of rovers, raccoons or storm damage. The home of an elderly parent is also a good place for a camera (with their consent, of course); in this case, choose an indoor model that supports live viewing and two-way audio so you can chat with your parent or guardian.

Selection of guests

You want to know who's going? A doorbell camera can show you who's on your porch, whether you're right behind the door or thousands of miles away. Doorbell cameras can also send alerts when they detect a movement or if someone rings, allowing you to respond accordingly. The visitor has no idea whether you are at home or not. If you do not know who you're going to miss, if you can not respond to the smartphone alert, look for a camera that records the records on the cloud so you can access them remotely.

Catch the pirates of the porch

A doorbell camera is ideal for keeping an eye on deliveries to your porch as you can be notified when a parcel arrives or even converse with the deliveryman. Choose a camera with motion detection (and a way to adjust it to avoid nuisance alerts) because delivery men do not always ring the bell. The main disadvantage of this camera style is a relatively limited view, as they are only designed to patrol your door. If you want to expand the viewing angle or coverage of a specific place, such as the driveway, the back door or the side of the house, also consider adding an outdoor camera .

If you think your home surveillance needs go beyond a few cameras, read our guide to the best home security systems.

This guide may have been updated by Wirecutter. To see the current recommendation, go here.

When readers choose the editorial choices Wirecutter selects independently, Wirecutter and Engadget can earn affiliate commissions.

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