Trying to ensure that our lives and properties and that of those who are close to us are safe should be a priority. Also, you want to make sure that packages and mails delivered to you are safe and secured, so the need for an outdoor security camera comes in.
Getting an outdoor security camera is definitely a good investment as the safety of lives and properties is being upgraded.
Previously, people used updated and tight security gadgets such as security cameras, facial recognition, and other sophisticated security gadgets, mainly in big businesses and mighty houses. But not anymore, as technology has grown over time, and virtually anybody can get to secure what is theirs.
Although there are a lot of outdoor security cameras to choose from, it requires some technical know-how to make the right choice. When looking out for a perfect security camera for your home, there are some key factors to look out for, and they are;
How are they being powered?
What is their Video Resolution?
Can they resist bad weather and are waterproof?
Are they pocket-friendly?
After spending over 120 hours testing and reviewing top outdoor security cameras in the market, we came up with this undiluted top 10 list of the best outdoor security camera to go for. This list contains a variety of security cameras to pick from; regardless of your budget or home security needs, there is an outdoor security camera to go for.
We created this list after testing for essential outdoor surveillance camera factors such as;
- Image quality
- Night vision
- Weather-resistant
- Sound feature
- Storage ability
- Ease of control and zooming ability
- Alarm
Here is the list of the top 10 best outdoor security cameras to consider buying.
Best Outdoor Security Camera
Arlo Pro 2
The Arlo Pro 2 home security camera is a 100% wire-free security camera, making you not go through the stress of wiring it when installing. It has a wireless range of about 300+ feet.
It is a weather-resistant camera, and you don’t have to worry about bad weather. It can operate in temperature levels between 32⁰ to 122⁰ Fahrenheit.
All that is needed for it to power on is to use the 2440 mAh rechargeable battery that is included. It can serve both indoor and outdoor purposes.
You don’t have to worry about your home while away, as this security camera can watch your home in perfect 1080p HD quality. Even at night, you can protect your home with its night vision and advanced motion detector feature.
Also, this security camera comes with a 2-way audio system. With this camera, you can get motion and sound alerts. It works well with Amazon Alexa, Echo Show, Fire TV, and Google Assistant for voice control. It can also work with IFTTT and Samsung SmartThings.
Features:
- 100% Wire-Free
- 1080p HD
- Rechargeable
- Weather-Resistant
- 2-Way Audio
- Night Vision
- Free Cloud Recordings
- Local Backup Storage
- Works with Amazon Alexa
- Product Dimensions 9.9 x 9.7 x 5 inches
- Item Weight 3.6 pounds
The Good:
- High image quality
- Weather-resistant
- Long battery life.
- Easy to install
The Bad:
- No outdoor mount
- Requires a base station
Nest Security Camera
Here is a highly effective and efficient outdoor security camera from Nest, which happens to be a leading brand in the home gadget industry.
This home security camera is weatherproof and has a good design. All you need to do is plug it into power, and you won’t have to worry about battery issues.
Even when not at home, the motion alert feature of this security camera would keep you informed of what is happening in your home. Also, it comes with a 2-way audio system that enables you to hear and scare off potential burglars.
This home security camera allows you to watch your home clearly in 1080p HD quality.
Features:
- Wired
- 1080 HD quality
- Weather-Resistant
- 2-Way Audio
- Night Vision
- Works with Amazon Alexa
- 24/7 live streaming
- Cloud Storage
- Product Dimensions 2.8 x 2.8 x 3.5 inches
- Item Weight 11 ounces
The good:
- Weatherproof with IP66 rating.
- Uninterrupted live streaming
- Person alerts.
The bad:
- Requires A/C Power
- Additional subscription for facial recognition feature
Ezviz C3W ezGuard Wi-Fi Security Camera
This outdoor security camera is a wireless security camera and has a remote-activated alarm system. With this home security camera, you can protect your home just like you are at home.
This Wi-Fi security camera ensures that your home is secured. It has a 2-way audio system and a motion detecting system that keeps you updated even when far away from home. Also, it has an alarm system that includes a loud siren and a bright LED strobe to send off unwanted visitors.
This wireless camera is designed to last long and is weatherproof and waterproof. The hard-wired power and onboard recording provide additional safeguards in case the internet becomes unavailable.
You can be sure of getting clear images from this security camera as it has a Full HD 1080p image and video quality. This wireless outdoor security camera can operate at a temperature between 22°-140° Fahrenheit.
Features:
- Product Dimensions 9.9 x 3.6 x 4.3 inches
- Item Weight 11.5 ounces
- 1080 HD quality
- Night Vision
- Weather-Resistant
- 2-Way Audio
- Wireless
- Local Storage
The good:
- Built-in Sirens and alarm lights.
- Well priced.
- It offers both local and cloud-based storage.
The bad:
- No direct connection with other smart home devices
SV3C Wi-Fi Wireless Outdoor Security Camera
This is another wireless outdoor security camera, and it comes with an IP camera that can secure your home while you are away.
This wireless security camera would only take about 1-3 minutes to set up. There are no wires, except for the one that connects to the power.
It has an effective Wi-Fi performance for easy setup and security.
Also, it comes with an active motion detection system and sends alerts to your mobile phone or sends snapshots to email. You can also record videos and save them locally on a micro-SD card meant for security cameras.
It has a clear night vision and can catch images at night up to 20 meters away. The Full HD 1080P feature lets you get clear pictures and videos straight to your phone, pad, or windows PC.
It also has a good design and is very durable. This Wi-Fi security camera is waterproof and strong enough to withstand bad weather. It can operate at a temperature between 10⁰C-50⁰C.
On the other hand, this camera does not have any audio or sound system. Also, when it comes to saving video footage and images on a micro-SD, it must be a security camera-supported SD card. Regular phone SD cards don’t work with it.
Features:
- Wireless
- 1080 HD quality
- Weather-Resistant
- Night Vision
- Local Storage
- Package Dimensions 8.6 x 4.9 x 4 inches
- Item Weight 12.6 ounces
The good:
- Easy to install.
- Can take clear images of an object far away.
The bad:
- It does not have an audio system.
Amcrest 2K 3MP Wireless Outdoor Security Camera
This Wi-Fi Security IP Bullet Camera keeps you close to your home and provides you with the best security camera features.
It has an intelligent motion detection system and sends an alert to you alongside the footage.
This Surveillance IP camera can function during any season and any time of the day. Whether it is raining or at night, this security camera still keeps you secured. It has a built-in IR LED to provide a seamless night vision capability up to 98 feet.
This outdoor security camera is waterproof and has a high resistance to bad weather.
Also, you can get to store videos offline and online. This security camera was built with simplicity and reliability in mind. Although, it does not have an audio system.
Features:
- Wireless
- Color: Black
- Product Dimensions 6 x 2.5 x 2.8 inches
- Item Weight 1 pound
- 4k Ultra
- Weather-Resistant
- Night Vision
- Local Storage and Cloud storage
The good:
- It has a weatherproof rating of IP67, which is currently one of the highest IP ratings.
- It has a night vision of about 98 feet.
The bad:
- No 2-way audio system
Reolink Argus 2
Here is a unique outdoor security camera, and this is because it can be powered by solar. This security camera is a wire-free security camera and can be powered by either solar or a rechargeable battery.
This solar security camera is equipped with 1920×1080 resolution in order to provide you with a full HD display and footage. It is also enabled for night vision and can provide you with clear night-vision footage for up to 33ft.
It also comes with a 2-way audio system and can send alerts to emails and push notifications. This security camera can operate within the temperature range of 14° to 131° Fahrenheit.
It has a high resistance to bad weather and is also waterproof. You can store video footage both on local storage and cloud storage.
Features:
- Wireless
- Color white
- Product Dimensions 2.3 x 3.8 x 2.3 inches
- Item Weight 1.6 pounds
- Batteries 1 Lithium-ion batteries included
- 1080 HD quality
- Weather-Resistant
- Night Vision
- Local Storage and cloud storage
The good:
- No base station is needed.
- It has a built-in microSD card slot.
- You get an email and push notifications.
- Easy to install.
The bad:
- The motion detection tends to delay
- The siren is not loud
Simonet Wireless Security CCTV Surveillance Systems
This wireless security camera comes with 4 CCTV Surveillance cameras and a 1TB Hard Drive to serve as local storage. This surveillance camera can provide you with 24/7 Live Surveillance.
This security camera is simple to install and works in the plug-and-play style.
With this outdoor surveillance camera, you can get to view the live video remotely anytime and anywhere by phone and pad (this feature is available for only android and IOS system users).
It has a smart motion detector system and sends an instant email or app alert. Also, it has a Powerful IR-LED for Night Vision which can go up to 65 feet.
This outdoor security camera is able to withstand bad weather and is waterproof. Although, it does not support any audio system and has an image resolution of 720P.
Features:
- Wireless
- Product Dimensions 13 x 9.5 x 6.5 inches
- Item Weight 7.95 pounds
- Night vision
- Premium 720P
- Weather-Resistant
- Easy to install
- Local Storage
The good:
- It comes with a 1TB hard drive for local storage.
- It has a Powerful IR-LED for Night Vision.
- You get an email and push notifications.
The bad:
- The image quality of 720P.
- No 2-way audio system.
TP-Link Kasa Cam Outdoor
This security camera is a wireless outdoor security camera and is very easy to install with the help of a provided manual.
As for the image quality, it has a 1080 resolution size that enables you to get clear and sharp images and videos. It has a 2-way audio system that can allow you to either communicate with the delivery person at your door or scare away intruders.
It has an effective night vision of up to 30 feet. Also, it has an active motion and sound detector and then sends an alert to your app. You can also zoom in and out to get a clearer view of what is happening. This security camera can operate in temperatures between -4°-109.4° Fahrenheit.
Features:
- Wireless
- Product Dimensions 2.9 x 3.4 x 2.9 inches
- Item Weight 8.8 ounces
- Color white
- 1080 HD quality
- Weather-Resistant
- Night Vision
The good:
- No subscription is needed.
- Well priced.
- Free cloud storage.
The bad:
- No direct connection with other smart home devices.
Ring Stick Up Cam Battery
Here is a battery-powered outdoor security camera from Ring. This security camera provides you with the security you need while making you see your entire house, even when far away.
This surveillance camera can serve as an indoor security camera and an outdoor security camera.
It provides quality images and footage due to its 1080p HD quality. Also, it has an active night vision and a 2-way audio system. With this security camera, you can monitor activities going on in your home on your phone, tablet, or PC.
This outdoor security camera can also be powered by solar energy and operate on a temperature level between -5°F to 120°F. It also has a motion detector and sends a notification to your device. It is Alexa supported.
Features:
- Wireless
- Dimensions 3.82 in x 2.36 in x 2.36 in
- Color white and black
- 1080 HD quality
- Weather-Resistant
- Night Vision
The good:
- It comes with a siren.
- Easy to install
- Easy to adjust
The bad:
- A subscription is needed for recorded videos.
- Quite expensive
Ring Spotlight Cam Battery
Here is another top-notch outdoor surveillance camera from Ring that comes with a rechargeable battery. It can also be powered by solar energy.
It comes with an active 2-way audio system that lets you see, hear and speak to visitors from your phone, tablet, or PC. This outdoor security camera sends alerts and notifications as soon as motions are detected. It also has a remote-activated alarm.
It provides you with clear footage as it has an image resolution size of 1080p. The night vision can’t fail as it is very active. This security camera can operate at a temperature of -5°F to 120°F. It is also resistant to bad weather and is waterproof.
Features:
- Wireless
- Colors: Black, White
- Dimensions 4.96 in x 2.72 in x 2.99 in
The good:
- Motion-triggered recording.
- Easy to install.
- Built-in siren.
The bad:
- A subscription is needed for recorded videos.
Buyer’s Guide
Factors to consider before buying an outdoor security camera
When planning to choose the outdoor security camera to buy for either your home or workplace, there are several factors that you should consider. Certain security cameras can’t meet certain expectations because they lack the capabilities to do so.
So, the first thing to do is to know why you need the outdoor security camera, and then you will know the features that are necessary. Here are the main things or factors to look out for when buying an outdoor security camera based on your need.
- Image quality
Before picking any outdoor security camera, it is crucial to take note of the image quality. The image and video quality of the security camera is the primary and most important feature to look out for. With a crisp, clear image or video, you can get a chance to spot strangers and unwanted guests.
No doubts that the 720 Pixel seems to be the standard as it can capture an individual’s face. But I highly recommend going for a better and higher resolution, such as 1080 Pixels or even 4K; they are way clearer and better.
Also, it is essential to note that if you plan to connect your security camera to a digital video recorder (DVR) to record your camera’s footage, you would need HD compatibility to produce clear photos and images.
- Sound
The sound feature is another essential capability to watch out for when choosing an outdoor security camera. Getting a security camera that can pick sounds while recording video footage gives you a complete outdoor security package.
Also, another part of the sound feature that is important is the two-way communication feature; always look out for this. This two-way communication feature allows you to listen to the visitor around the camera and also talk to them. So, you can communicate with your guests or postman even while you are away.
Although getting a security camera with this feature can cost an extra buck, it is worth it.
- Night Vision
The night vision of an outdoor security camera is vital for security purposes during dark hours? Or do you plan on securing your live or/and properties only during the day? Definitely not!
Being able to see clear images and video footage at night through your outdoor security camera is very important. It is another vital feature to look out for when buying an outdoor security camera.
It is a big plus if any security camera you choose would have the ability to cover large areas clearly at night, even though it would cost more.
- Motion detection
The motion detection feature in an outdoor security camera can not be underrated as it can help do two critical things at the same time.
First off, when the camera detects any movement, it records the activity immediately. Secondly, it alerts the users about the movements it detected.
This motion detection feature keeps you updated with every movement in your outdoor space, even in your absence.
Trust me, you don’t want to underrate this feature.
- Wi-Fi
In most cases, outdoor security cameras that have a Wi-Fi feature are extensive and can connect to any Wi-Fi network around or any smart house system installed around the premises.
With the help of this Wi-Fi ability, you can control your security camera with intelligent voice assistance. Also, security cameras with a perfect Wi-Fi facility allow you to install them and carry out other actions quickly.
- Range of view
Generally, it is better to choose security cameras (regardless of whether they are for indoor or outdoor purposes) with a broader viewing range. The more comprehensive the range of view, the bigger the control you get over your outdoor space.
So, you don’t have to move your camera to see a particular part of your outdoor space. Since the range of view feature has to do with the camera’s width measurement, it would go a long way in determining the number of security cameras you would buy.
- Pan, tilt, and zoom function
When using outdoor security cameras for large areas, being able to zoom in and get a closer image is essential, and this feature helps you to do so. So you do not have to reposition or readjust the camera to get a better view.
- Video Recording
Video recording for an outdoor security camera is a nice feature that allows you to save video footage for future reference. However, some security camera provides an uninterrupted recording, while others get to record when the camera detects a movement.
- Storage
There are two different types of storage features that outdoor surveillance cameras provide: cloud storage and local storage. Cloud storage saves them online, while local storage has to do with saving them offline, mainly in a micro SD (note that not all micro SD are compatible with surveillance cameras).
While some surveillance cameras have just one of these, some have both.
- Subscription
Using several quality outdoor security cameras would require you subscribe to get a complete package. Some surveillance cameras allow you to upload footage to the cloud storage only when you have subscribed.
So, look out for them and find out if the surveillance camera you are going for requires a subscription and what the subscription covers.
- Mobile device remote control
Most of the outdoor security cameras in the market today allow you to stream live from your smartphone, which is what this feature is all about. This is a crucial feature that will enable you to watch your home or property even when you are far away. So, you can still be far away and be in charge of your property at any time of the day. Also, when going for this feature, make sure you choose a camera that matches your device.
- Sirens and alarms
Still partly under the remote-control feature, this particular feature helps you to raise an alarm while far away from home. This feature in an outdoor security camera can come in handy when you notice a stranger, unwanted guest, or burglar, and you get to send them away by pressing the alarm button. The good thing is that you can still be away from your home and do this.
- Weather
Due to the fact that you are using this surveillance camera for an outdoor purpose, most likely, you might want to consider how compatible it is with your weather. Also, whether the security camera can resist the weather and still function properly is very crucial.
- Installation
How easy it is to install an outdoor surveillance camera should be considered. Wi-Fi-enabled security cameras are easy to install and set up in most cases.
- Price
The price is another thing to look out for when buying an outdoor security camera. I am sure you don’t want to spend money on an under-valued security camera. But there is always an outdoor security camera that would fit your budget.
The bottom line is that even though some might look over-priced, what you pay for is what you get.
FAQs
How Do Outdoor Security Cameras Work?
Outdoor security cameras have a primary purpose: to keep your house or property safe and secure by providing you with clear images and videos. Now, what you need it for would determine the features to make your priority when selecting a surveillance camera.
If you need complete security, then most of the features mentioned earlier, if not all, should be your priority.
Can anyone hack my outdoor surveillance camera?
Yes, anyone who has the knowledge of how to can hack into your surveillance camera. The good thing is that you can keep hackers away and most security cameras from recognized manufacturers support encryption.
Although there are ways to prevent this from happening and making hackers stay away, they are by;
- Purchasing security cameras that are made by recognized manufacturers and from trusted outlets/sellers.
- Securing your Wi-Fi network, camera, and any other app or device connected to the security camera.
- Make sure your security camera stays up-to-date in terms of software upgrades.
How Much Should be Spent on an Outdoor Security Camera?
Basically, there is no fixed amount that one can spend on outdoor security cameras. Although, the majority of surveillance cameras cost between $100-$400. Your needs can determine how much you should spend on outdoor surveillance cameras.
Where to place outdoor security cameras?
There might not be any perfect place or spot to mount outdoor security cameras. All you need to do is to find the best place in your own outdoor space and mount the security camera. Although, it is mainly advised you place security cameras at the door, both the front and back doors. Also, it is advisable to place surveillance cameras at every entry to your home.
Other important places to mount a security camera are the garage, workshop, and basement. Also, for persons with livestock and pets, you might want to install surveillance cameras with night visions around areas where these animals stay.
How many outdoor security cameras do I need?
The number of outdoor security cameras you would need can be determined by the camera’s range of view and how big the area you want to cover is.
What weather can outdoor security cameras withstand?
In most cases, outdoor security cameras are designed to be waterproof and dustproof. Also, many of them are able to withstand temperature levels that are between 22°-140°F.
Can a security camera inside the house do the work of an outdoor security camera?
Getting a security camera that is inside the house to watch your outdoor space through a window is almost impossible. In most cases, the glass gets to blur the image, making the footage irrelevant. Also, the surveillance cameras inside the house can’t cover a large portion of the outdoor space.
Uses of outdoor security cameras
Outdoor security cameras are becoming essential in our daily lives and are becoming a general source of security for both lives and property. Some of the benefits of an outdoor security camera are:
- To help safeguard areas in the house such as the garage, attic, and basement from intruders.
- To help keep a close look on your home or property even while away.
- To help secure deliveries and items delivered to your home.
- To get uninterrupted home surveillance.
Basically, outdoor surveillance cameras are good at providing security.
Conclusion
In summary, an outdoor security camera will always be a significant investment. Lives and properties are safer with a surveillance camera around. Getting the right security camera can never be overrated and you should get one today. Click here to get
