Best outdoor security cameras of 2023 to level up your home security
Amanda Morgan
November 13, 2024
No one's home is the same as the next person's, but everyone's property deserves to be well protected. So, how can you get all the benefits of home security (and then some) without breaking the bank?
The answer is simple – outdoor security cameras. Outdoor security cameras have changed the game when it comes to home security – not only do they let you always have eyes on your property — they are also a great way to deter burglars from entering your yard.
Don't be kept in the dark any longer!
Let HomeLinkd give you the low down on why outdoor security cameras are a must-have, and which providers have the best outdoor home security cameras of 2023.
Are outdoor security cameras worth it?
Your first question might be, "do I really need security cameras?"
Our answer? Yes, you do.
According to Forbes, it's estimated that approximately 1 million burglaries occur in the US per year — and a staggering 75% of these homeowners do not have home security systems set up.
Still not convinced?
Well, did you know burglars are far less likely to break into your home if it has outdoor security cameras installed? Statistics suggest thieves would rather target another house to avoid having their faces caught on camera - making your outdoor security camera system the smartest choice to keep you, and your loved ones, protected.
Not only do they give you peace of mind, but outdoor security cameras also allow you to keep track of what's happening around your property (we see you, pesky neighbor trying to steal our begonias!)
Home security cameras are a great way to keep an eye on your property and deter potential criminals. When choosing a camera, it is important to consider the field of view, resolution, and storage capacity. You will also need to decide whether you want a wired or wireless system.
Whether you're out of town for the weekend or need to check on what your kids and pets are up to while you're at work — an outdoor security camera is your best friend.
What features should the best outdoor cameras have?
Still not sure if an outdoor security camera is the best option to keep your home, and family, well protected?
An outdoor camera system is one of the best security options for keeping a close eye on your property, whether you're away on business or on a much-needed holiday. They can be placed in strategic locations to give you a clear view of all activity taking place on your property.
Outdoor security cameras are also weatherproof and can withstand the elements, so you don't have to worry about them being damaged by the elements - meaning more bang for your buck.
Turn your home into a smart home - here are some of the best features you can have access to with a security camera:
1. Recording
Recording footage could be a priority for you.
Certain cameras store footage on the camera itself, on a memory card or another storage device, or on a cloud storage or local storage solution.
This feature can be useful if you need to review the footage at a later time, or if you want to share it with someone else, such as the police in the event of an attempted burglary.
But keep in mind that if your camera is constantly recording, you will require a lot of bandwidth and storage space.
2. Motion sensor alert
Motion sensor alerts can notify you or the authorities if someone is on your property, giving you the chance to take action before they have a chance to break in or cause damage.
How does it work?
You'll receive a notification to your smart device once motion is detected — giving you a heads up at what's going on around your home. Ensure your cameras are set up in high-traffic motion zones - such as near your front door or in a spot that oversees the majority of your backyard.
3. Night vision
Several outdoor security cameras have night vision - which means they can see in the dark. This is a great feature to have if you want to ensure you and your family are protected while you sleep, or while you're away working the graveyard shift.
Some of these outdoor cameras can come with color night vision and are usually more expensive than regular security cameras. But they are worth the investment if you want to be able to see what is going on outside your property at night.
It is also a great feature to have if you live in an area with high crime rates, if you want to be extra cautious, or if your property does not have enough outdoor lighting.
4. A built-in siren or floodlight
Most outdoor security cameras have a built-in siren or security light that will activate when the camera detects motion. This can scare off potential intruders and help you to quickly identify any suspicious activity happening around your home.
It's an added deterrent for those brave enough to enter your property.
5. A mobile app
To make it that much easier for you, many outdoor security cameras come with a mobile app that allows you to view live footage of your home from anywhere. You can also receive alerts when motion is detected, arm/disarm your security system from anywhere, and set up custom schedules to record video.
This gives you peace of mind knowing that your home is protected even when you're away.
6. Connect to a Wi-Fi network
Outdoor wireless security cameras are easy to install and can be connected to your home Wi-Fi network, meaning you can view the camera feed on your smartphone or tablet.
What you should consider when choosing an outdoor home security camera
There are many different features to consider when choosing outdoor security cameras.
Here's what you should be looking at:
The camera's field of view
This is the angle at which the camera can see.
The field of view is determined by the camera's lens. A wider-angle lens will have a larger field of view, while a narrower-angle lens will have a smaller field of view.
The camera's resolution
The camera's resolution is the number of pixels that make up the image it captures. The higher the resolution, the more detail the footage will be.
The camera's frame rate
This is the number of frames per second that the camera can capture. The higher the frame rate, the smoother the video will be.
The camera's low light performance
This is how well the camera performs in low-light conditions. If you need to be able to see in low light, then you will need a camera with good low light performance.
What is the difference between wireless outdoor and battery-operated home security cameras?
Wireless security cameras are a smart security solution which can be connected to your home network and can be accessed remotely, while battery-powered cameras are not connected to your home network and can only be accessed locally.
Wireless security cameras are more convenient to use, but battery powered home security cameras are more affordable.
What is the battery life of outdoor security cameras?
Outdoor security cameras usually have a battery life of around 3-6 months. This varies depending on the brand, model, and how often the camera is used.
Some factors that can affect battery life include recording resolution, frame rate, storage capacity, and wireless connectivity.
Do outdoor security cameras have audio?
Most outdoor security cameras come with audio capabilities.
Many modern outdoor Wi-Fi cameras come with a built-in microphone, while the more traditional surveillance camera systems will require you to purchase specific audio surveillance equipment.
Do you need security cameras with audio?
There are three main purposes for having a security camera with audio:
You'll be able to capture audio while recording footage — this can be useful in cases of a home invasion or a nasty fight with your next-door neighbor.
Some security cameras use audio to trigger video recording — making sure you don't miss out on what's going on outside your home.
Two-way audio, which uses a camera's built-in speaker, acts as an intercom which you can control from your mobile device. You'll be able to see and speak to a person near the camera.
Top security services:
ADT
ADT outdoor security cameras are designed to help you keep a watchful eye on your home while staying within your budget with their affordable offerings.
With features like night vision and motion-activated recording, they can help you stay informed about what's going on around your property. And because they're weatherproof, you can rest assured that they'll continue to work no matter what the conditions are like outside.
Price: Ranging from $36.99 to $62.99
ADT offers smart security through:
Affordable outdoor camera packages and bundles
Remote web access to camera footage and home automation
24/7 professional monitoring and pet-sensitive motion detection
Vivint
Out of all our home security cameras on our list, Vivint's offerings provide high-definition videos, night vision, and motion detection, so you can always see what's going on.
They're also weatherproof, so you don't have to worry about them getting damaged in the rain or snow.
Price: Ranging from $39.99 to $59.99
Vivint offers:
Smart doorbell cameras or outdoor security cameras
Doorbell cameras which come with two-way audio capability and always-on recording
Smart motion detetion – faces are easily recognized so you don't receive a notification every time someone walks past your home.
Best value for money
SimpliSafe
While not as feature-rich as some of the other outdoor security cameras on our list, SimpliSafe's outdoor security camera is a great value for the money.
Price: Ranging from $24.99 to $49.99
SimpliSafe offers:
An affordable security camera system
No monthly fees for monitoring or recording
Customizable settings so you can choose what kinds of events you want to be notified about
Best overall
Google Nest Cam Outdoor
Nest Camera's outdoor security camera is our top pick for the best overall because it's easy to set up, has great video quality, and comes with a lot of features that can help you keep an eye on your home.
Price: $199
Nest Camera offers:
A wide-angle view with HD video quality
24/7 live streaming and two-way audio
Advanced night vision
A free Nest Aware subscription for up to 30 days of footage storage
5 best outdoor security cameras on the market
There are a lot of outdoor security cameras on the market, but not all of them are created equal. Here are 5 of the best outdoor security cameras, according to HomeLinkd:
1. Nest Camera Outdoor
2. Vivint Doorbell Camera
3. Arlo Camera
4. Blink Camera
5. Ring Doorbell Pro
Security camera FAQs
Where are the best places to install outdoor security cameras?
There are a few things to consider when choosing the best locations for your security cameras.
First, you'll want to make sure that the cameras have a clear view of the areas you want to have monitored.
Second, you'll want to avoid placing the cameras in locations where they could be easily tampered with or obstructed, and out of reach from potential burglars.
Finally, you'll want to choose locations that will allow the cameras to be powered properly, whether it's a wired camera or battery-operated camera.
HomeLinkd recommends 4 ideal locations for your security cameras:
Near your front door
Positioning a security camera near your front door is a great way to discourage burglars and keep your home safe. By having a clear view of who is coming and going, you can have peace of mind that your home is well protected.
Additionally, placing a camera in this location can also help you keep an eye on packages being delivered and ensure that they are not stolen.
HomeLinkd Tip: A doorbell camera is a great pick for your front door.
Back door and side entrances
It is important to position security cameras at all entrances to your home, including the back door and side entrances. This will help you to deter intruders from entering your home, as they will know that they are being watched. Cameras at these entrances will also help you to identify any suspicious activity that may be taking place.
Having cameras overlooking all your home entrance points ensure you have full knowledge of who's going in and out of your home.
Near the garage
We keep a lot of stuff in our garages, right? Think of your power tools, kids’ bikes and that very expensive golf club set. Having a security camera near the garage will help you keep an eye on activities in and around the area. This will help to deter crime and keep your home and belongings safe.
Overlooking your yard
A yard camera helps you watch what your kids are doing outside, or keep tabs on suspicious people watching your house from the outside.
An outdoor security camera placed strategically in your yard can also be used to keep an eye on your pets and garden while you are away from home.
What is a ring camera?
Ring cameras are a type of outdoor security camera that can be used to deter burglars and keep your home safe. Ring cameras come in a variety of styles, including doorbell cameras and floodlight cameras.
Do security cameras come with color night vision?
Some security cameras come with color night vision, while others have black and white night vision. Color night vision is generally considered to be better quality than black and white night vision.
When choosing a security camera, you'll want to consider the type of night vision that is available.
Outdoor wireless vs wired cameras: which are better?
Outdoor security cameras can be either wired or wireless. Both have their own benefits and drawbacks.
Wired outdoor security cameras are generally more reliable than wireless cameras, as they are not subject to interference from things like WiFi signals.
However, wired cameras can be more difficult to install, and may require professional help.
Wireless outdoor security cameras.
Does my security system need a security light?
Security lights are a great way to deter burglars and keep your home safe. When placed in strategic locations, security lights can make it difficult for burglars to approach your home without being seen.
Additionally, security lights can be used to increase the visibility of your security cameras, making it easier to identify intruders.
What is the difference between outdoor and indoor cameras?
Outdoor security cameras are designed to withstand the elements and provide a clear view of activity taking place outside your home. Outdoor cameras typically have night vision and are weatherproof.
Indoor security cameras are designed for use inside your home and do not need to be weatherproof. Indoor cameras may or may not have night vision.
Are outdoor home security cameras worth it?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the value of outdoor security cameras depends on a number of factors and why you would need it. These include the specific needs of the property owner, such as the level of security required, the location of the property and whether it is in a high-crime area, and the owner's budget.
However, in general, outdoor security devices are a valuable addition to any security system, providing an extra layer of protection against intruders and other threats, as well as providing the owner and their loved ones peace of mind.
As the saying goes, “rather be safe than sorry.” And, while there is a wide range of security options for you to choose from today — outdoor security cameras really put you in control of what’s happening in your home, allowing you to have both your eyes and ears on the ground — no matter where in the world you are.
See HomeLinkd’s wide range of top-tier security solutions, from the US’s best providers, ADT and Vivint.
Written by:
Amanda Morgan
Hey, I’m Amanda! A big fan of sunny days, good coffee, and making life easier for you. When I’m not exploring how technology can improve our everyday lives, I’m all about finding simple ways to explain those benefits to you. I love chatting about how a smart home setup can make your mornings smoother or how the right internet plan can change your streaming experience. Life’s complicated enough—your tech shouldn’t be!
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