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These are the best smart outdoor security cameras. Credit: Reviewed / Rachel Murphy

The Best Outdoor Home Security Cameras of 2024

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These are the best smart outdoor security cameras. Credit: Reviewed / Rachel Murphy

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Editor's Choice Product image of Google Nest Cam (Battery)
Best Overall

Google Nest Cam (Battery)

Check Price at Best Buy

With multiple options for installation, the Nest Cam (battery) is a versatile home security camera that’s full of smarts. Read More

Pros

  • Multiple installation options
  • Great audio and video quality
  • Free intelligent smart alerts

Cons

  • Too easy to remove
2
Product image of Eufy Security SoloCam S40
Best Solar-Powered

Eufy Security SoloCam S40

Check Price at Amazon

The Eufy SoloCam S40 is a solar-powered home security camera that works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Read More

Pros

  • Great solar battery
  • Tons of features
  • Solid performance

Cons

  • No support for Apple HomeKit
3
Editor's Choice Product image of Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight
Best Spotlight

Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight

Check Price at Best Buy

Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera is very reliable, offers a wide view, and records in 2K video. Read More

Pros

  • Reliable
  • Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
  • Clear day and night view

Cons

  • Two-way talk could be louder
4
Product image of Ring Stick Up Cam Battery
Best for Alexa

Ring Stick Up Cam Battery

Check Price at Amazon

Ring's Stick Up Cam Battery can be used indoors and outside, comes in solar and plug-in versions, and is a responsive security camera. Read More

Pros

  • Easy setup
  • Works with Amazon Alexa
  • Good video and audio quality

Cons

  • Nothing we could find
5
Product image of TP-Link Tapo C325WB
Best Without Subscription

TP-Link Tapo C325WB

Check Price at Amazon

This Tapo security camera offers fantastic day and night video quality, including color night vision, and works with Amazon Echo and Google Home. Read More

Pros

  • Excellent video quality
  • Free AI Detection
  • Free local storage

Cons

  • No HomeKit support
  • Best Overall Nest Cam (battery)
  • Best Solar-Powered Eufy SoloCam S40
  • Best Spotlight Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight
  • Best for Alexa Ring Stick Up Cam Battery
  • Best Without Subscription Tapo C325WB
  • Best Budget Reolink Argus 3 Pro
  • Best for Apple HomeKit Logitech Circle View
  • Other Outdoor Home Security Cameras We Tested
  • How We Test Outdoor Home Security Cameras
  • How to Choose an Outdoor Home Security Camera
  • More Articles You Might Enjoy

The peace of mind that can come with outdoor home security cameras is priceless. Unfortunately however, purchasing surveillance cameras can be pricey. Here at Reviewed, we test the best security cameras on the market so you know that you’re buying the best option for you.

The best outdoor home security cameras should have a wide field of view, take high-quality video, and have desirable features such as night vision and smart motion detection. Additionally, they should be easy to install, weatherproof, and have sufficient video storage. Some even incorporate flood lights for extra protection.

Reviewed’s smart home experts continuously test outdoor security cameras in our own homes to get hands-on experience about how these top picks perform. The best outdoor home security camera we recommend is the Nest Cam (battery) (available at Best Buy for $139.99) for its fantastic spread of free smart features and multiple installation options.

If you don’t want to deal with charging camera batteries, you might want to consider the Eufy SoloCam S40 (available at Amazon), our favorite solar-powered outdoor home security camera. It has a great battery life as long as you install it in a spot that gets plenty of sun.

Regardless of what you’re looking for, we’re confident that our list will have an option that will suit your needs.

The Nest Cam (battery) hangs on a wooden fence.
Credit: Reviewed / Rachel Murphy

The Nest Cam (battery) is a smart, functional, and reliable outdoor security camera that's perfect for any home.

Best Overall
Nest Cam (battery)
  • Power source: Built-in rechargeable battery or weatherproof cable
  • Resolution: 1080p
  • Field of view: 130 degrees
  • Compatibility: Works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa

The indoor/outdoor wireless Nest Cam (battery) is the first battery-operated wireless home security camera from Google. If you prefer continuous power, this camera can do that, too, with a separately-sold weatherproof power cable. Dual power is unusual for home security cameras, making the Nest Cam one of the most flexible options, inside or out.

The Nest Cam (battery) is also more affordable than Nest’s previous line of IQ Cams. It includes free features you’d previously have to pay for, like intelligent alerts and a three-hour video history. The rich smart notifications include alerts that can detect people, motion, vehicles, and animals.

The Nest Cam (battery) runs through the Google Home app, not the Nest app like previous Google cameras. The app lets you view your event history, filter by event type, and create custom motion zones. You can view the camera’s 1080p live stream in the app, too, and pull it up on any Nest smart display.

There are a few downsides. The battery isn't removable, so you’ll need to pull down the entire camera to recharge it. The seven-month battery life is on par with other cameras, but could be more or less depending on how many motion events it captures.

Despite its sturdy magnetic base, it’s easy to reach up and pull the camera down, so make sure to mount it up high. In the rare event your camera is stolen, Google will replace it for free.

This camera, which works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, is reliable, accurate, versatile, and secure. It offers a fantastic spread of smart features for free, multiple options for installation, and a competitive price tag that makes it our best overall pick for outdoor home security cameras.

Read our review of the Nest Cam (battery).

Pros

  • Multiple installation options

  • Great audio and video quality

  • Free intelligent smart alerts

Cons

  • Too easy to remove

$139.99 from Best Buy

$139.99 from Target

$139.99 from Home Depot

$139.99 from Abt
The Eufy SoloCam S40 mounted to a fence
Credit: Reviewed / Nick Woodard

The Eufy SoloCam S40 has a built-in solar panel.

Best Solar-Powered
Eufy SoloCam S40
  • Power source: Solar powered
  • Resolution: 2K HD
  • Field of view: 130 degrees
  • Compatibility: Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant

The Eufy SoloCam S40 is a solar-powered security camera with a built-in solar panel that harnesses the sun to safeguard your home around the clock. The setup process is quick and easy—make sure to find a sunny spot in your yard as the battery needs several hours of sunlight daily to keep the battery life juiced up.

In our tests, the battery life barely decreased with regular daytime and nighttime use over roughly a month. Your mileage will vary based on sunlight. The camera comes with a USB-C cable when you need to plug it in for a recharge and is rated for outdoor use.

Eufy’s solar security camera comes with 8GB of built-in storage, full-color night vision, and AI person detection. The device records video in sharp 2K resolution and has loud and clear two-way audio. There’s also a 600-lumen spotlight that shines bright at night when motion is detected. The camera works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

We are impressed with the camera's long-lasting battery life and reliable performance—all powered by the sun. If you're looking for a solar-powered security camera, this is a good option to consider.

Read our review of the Eufy SoloCam S40.

Pros

  • Great solar battery

  • Tons of features

  • Solid performance

Cons

  • No support for Apple HomeKit

Buy now at Amazon

$129.99 from Best Buy

$199.99 from Home Depot

$199.99 from Abt
Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera
Credit: Reviewed / Rachel Murphy

The Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight camera is a reliable option to help safeguard your home.

Best Spotlight
Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight
  • Power source: Removable rechargeable battery
  • Resolution: 2560 x 1440 pixels
  • Field of view: 160 degree
  • Compatibility: Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT

Touting a 160-degree viewing angle and 2K video resolution, Arlo’s Pro 4 offers a wider range of view and excellent video quality, which is just as clear at night as during the day thanks to the camera’s color night vision output. It also has a built-in spotlight that illuminates when motion is detected and a smart siren that can be triggered remotely or automatically.

The installation process is relatively simple, using a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection for setup. There are no wires to fiddle with, as this camera includes a mount that can easily be screwed in on the exterior of your home. Arlo says the removable battery can last up to six months on a single charge, which is typical of outdoor battery cameras.

The camera easily connects to smart assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. Previous Arlo outdoor cameras required a base station, but the Pro 4 doesn’t need a hub or any extras to get going.

A subscription to Arlo’s Smart Plan is the best way to get the most out of this Arlo camera. The paid plans include 30-day video history; 2K cloud recording; activity zones; advanced and accurate object detection for people, cars, and packages; and other useful features you’ll want access to.

One of the only gripes we have with the Pro 4 camera is the two-way talk audio isn’t as loud as it could be. If you’re within three to five feet, you can hear it well, but any farther away and it’s hard to make out what the other person is saying. But that’s a minor grumble about the Pro 4, which offers just about everything a reliable outdoor home security camera should.

Read our review of the Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera.

Pros

  • Reliable

  • Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant

  • Clear day and night view

Cons

  • Two-way talk could be louder

$90.99 from Best Buy

$177.26 from Walmart
The Ring Stick Up Cam Pro is maximized with a number of subscription services.
Credit: Reviewed / Christian de Looper

The Ring Stick Up Cam Battery work well with Alexa.

Best for Alexa
Ring Stick Up Cam Battery
  • Power source: Rechargeable battery or USB adapter
  • Resolution: 1080p
  • Field of view: 155 degrees
  • Compatibility: Amazon Alexa

Ring's Stick Up Cam Battery can be used indoors and outside, making it a versatile option for your home security setup. This camera runs on batteries and is completely wire-free. It didn't give us any trouble, providing us with timely notifications over both Wi-Fi and cellular. The audio quality was fairly loud and responsive, too. One cool thing about this camera is that it can be added to any Ring security system.

Most home security cameras offer a paid subscription to access the best features and Ring is no different. Ring Protect offers two plans: Basic ($3/month or $30/year for 60-day video history, sharing, and more) or Plus ($10/month or $100/year for the same features, plus extended warranties, discounts on Ring products, and more).

Ring’s Stick Up Cam Battery is a great option for anyone who exclusively uses Alexa or other Ring security products like Ring doorbells.

Read our review of the Ring Stick Up Cam (battery).

Pros

  • Easy setup

  • Works with Amazon Alexa

  • Good video and audio quality

Cons

  • Nothing we could find

$99.99 from Amazon

$99.99 from Best Buy

$99.99 from Target

$99.99 from Home Depot
The Tapo camera mounted on a wall.
Credit: Reviewed / Nick Woodard

The Tapo C325WB security camera offers incredible video performance.

A Reolink Argus 3 Pro security camera on a table.
Credit: Reviewed / Christian de Looper

The Reolink Argus 3 Pro security camera offers good video quality for the money.

Logitech Circle View security camera mounted on a wall.
Credit: Reviewed / Logitech

The Logitech Circle View security camera works exclusively with Apple HomeKit.

Best for Apple HomeKit
Logitech Circle View
  • Power source: Wired
  • Resolution: 1080p
  • Field of view: 180 degrees
  • Compatibility: Works with Apple HomeKit

Logitech’s Circle View camera is the only one we tested that works exclusively with Apple HomeKit and iOS operating systems. We set this camera up on iPhone XR and were quickly able to add it to Apple’s Home app. Most home security cameras are wire-free these days, but the corded Circle View camera needs to be plugged into an outlet.

Logitech’s Circle View camera offers a large field of view, and at 1080p resolution, the view looks good. You can ask Siri things like “show me the Circle View camera” and the stream appears almost immediately, which is a nice touch if you’re all in on HomeKit-compatible products.

A Home Hub, like a fourth-gen Apple TV or HomePod, is needed to record and save video, which is an extra cost to consider unless you already have one.

HomeKit exclusivity means this camera isn’t for everybody. However, if Siri is your preferred smart assistant, then Logitech’s Circle View security camera will fit right in.

Pros

  • Quick setup

  • Great for iOS devices

  • Timely alerts

Cons

  • HomeKit-only

  • Hub required for video recording

$153.33 from Amazon

$139.99 from Walmart

Other Outdoor Home Security Cameras We Tested

How We Test Outdoor Home Security Cameras

While video doorbells excel at detecting activity on a porch, a security camera system can protect other areas of the home. Indoor security cameras are great for interior spaces, but an outdoor security camera is the first line of defense in protecting your home.

To find the top outdoor home security cameras, we research the market, purchasing and testing cameras from the top brands. As new options emerge and older models are discontinued, we retest our winners, pitting them against new cameras.

We install each camera, making notes about the installation procedures, in-app setup process, and reliability. Testing includes evaluating video quality, audio quality, responsiveness, Wi-Fi network reliability, weather resistance, and app usability.

A big trick with security cameras is getting the notifications dialed in, so you're alerted to the things you want to know about without being bombarded with notifications every time a bird flies by. Because of this, we test the sensitivity controls for each product, whether they support motion zones, and how quickly they send alerts about people and noise.

We also install the mobile apps on both an iPhone and a Samsung device to determine if the app experience was identical across platforms. Additionally, we test how quickly each app begins a livestream.

How to Choose an Outdoor Home Security Camera

In a world where high-powered cameras are becoming more common, it takes more than pixel count to set a good security camera apart. Here are some things to consider.

Wireless vs. Wired

A wireless outdoor camera with a rechargeable battery is convenient, as most cameras should only need to be recharged once or twice a year. However, not all cameras have a removable battery. That means you’ll have to take the entire camera down to charge it. It’s not make or break, but it’s something to be aware of if you like the appearance of having security cameras up at all times.

With wired cameras, we recommend having electrical outlets in the soffits of your roofline, to easily connect a camera without running cords all along the outside of your home.

Picture quality

While there is more to a good outdoor camera than picture quality, it’s still an important factor. Finding a camera with 2K resolution doesn’t have to break the bank, however. Some of the models we tested have exceptional picture quality at a value price, such as the Kasa Cam Outdoor.

Field of View

Another thing to consider when investing in an outdoor home security camera is field of view. You want the camera you choose to be able to capture images from important access points around your home and have limited blind spots. Our top pick has a 130-degree field of view, while other recommendations have a wider degree. One thing to keep in mind: You may need to restrict the field of view so you aren’t looking into your neighbors’ properties.

Features

When shopping for an outdoor home security camera, you should consider what features are really necessary to meet your needs, as additional ones usually come with a higher overall price tag. Features can range from two-way talk audio to privacy zones. Here are a couple important features we think are worth consideration.

  • Night Vision: Night vision can come from either infrared imaging, full-color night vision capture, or a spotlight. Infrared is the least reliable of the three. Full-color night vision uses powerful light sensors and a minimal supplement light to help the camera record in the dark. Finally, a spotlight can both help the video capture images and warn passersby that they’re being recorded, which you may or may not want.

  • Smart Motion Detection: Not all motion sensors are created equal. Some cameras are incredibly adept at telling vehicles, packages, animals, and people apart. Others simply bombard you with constant notifications. Still others allow you to set up zones and adjust sensitivity to your preferences. Make sure your camera is on when it needs to be.

Storage

Where does your video live? Is it on a hard drive that you own? Or is it on the cloud somewhere? It’s not uncommon to pay extra for updates, advanced features, and cloud storage. However, there’s something to be said for knowing you have access to your video without an extra fee.

It’s worth noting that most outdoor security cameras have apps that let you control when they're recording and uploading video to the cloud, too.

Paid Subscription Plans

A paid subscription plan is fairly common with almost any smart home security system gadget from smart doorbells to security cameras. Think of home security as a continual investment rather than a one-time deal. If you want access to the best features like continuous surveillance and special detection alerts for people, cars, animals, and packages, then subscribing to a paid plan is the way to go.

As an alternative, some cameras record to built-in storage an optional microSD instead of uploading to a cloud, at least as an option. But most of the time, a paid plan enhances what the camera can do. Features like differentiating between people and general motion, or the ability to share videos, is worth paying for.

Data Security and Privacy

From data breaches to sharing your footage without your consent, there are plenty of concerns about the security of your security footage. Make sure that you sign on with a company that you trust to maintain your privacy.

Absent from our security camera recommendations are any from well-known brand Wyze. The company received criticism after some customers reported they were able to see live feeds of cameras that weren’t theirs. For that reason and previous security issues, Reviewed has decided to withdraw recommendations of all Wyze security cameras.

When deciding which security camera to choose, there are some privacy protections to look for.

  • Two-factor authentication: This security feature, which sends a code to your mobile device to verify it’s really you, is available on many home security cameras and is absolutely something to seek out and activate. That way, if someone tries to hack into your account, you will receive an alert and can quickly take care of the problem.

  • End-to-end encryption: Encryption offers a layer of protection that can help prevent unwanted eyeballs from viewing your saved videos.

There are some steps you can take to protect your data, as well. Make sure you create a strong password that’s unique to your camera’s app. It’s important not to reuse passwords across multiple websites and apps.

You should also consider regularly deleting your voice recordings when using security cameras with smart assistants like Google, Alexa, and Siri. Muting the speaker’s mic when not in use is yet another way to protect your privacy..

For more privacy tips, read our securing your smart home guide.

Meet the testers

Camryn Rabideau

Camryn Rabideau

Contributor

@CamrynWrites

Camryn Rabideau is a full-time freelance writer and product tester with eight years of experience. She's been lucky enough to test hundreds of products firsthand, and her specialties include bedding and pet products, which often require help from her two dogs, three cats, and flock of rambunctious chickens.

See all of Camryn Rabideau's reviews
Rachel Murphy

Rachel Murphy

Editor, Home

@rachel_murphy

Rachel Murphy is Reviewed's home editor. She holds a journalism degree from the University of Central Florida. Prior to joining the team, she worked as a freelance writer for publications like Insider and Mashable, and as an associate editorial producer for Good Morning America. Aside from smart home tech, her interests include food, travel, parenting, and home renovation. You can usually find her sipping on coffee at any time of the day.

See all of Rachel Murphy's reviews
Christian de Looper

Christian de Looper

Contributor

@cdelooper

Originally from Australia, de Looper has long had a passion for gadgets and consumer electronics. He has reviewed products in all areas of the consumer tech world, and is dedicated to helping people find the best products for their lifestyle.

See all of Christian de Looper's reviews
Nick Woodard

Nick Woodard

Contributor

@nwoodard25

Nick Woodard is a tech journalist specializing in all things related to home theater and A/V. His background includes a solid foundation as a sports writer for multiple daily newspapers, and he enjoys hiking and mountain biking in his spare time.

See all of Nick Woodard's reviews
Rick Broida

Rick Broida

Contributor

Rick Broida has been writing about consumer technology since the days of the Commodore Amiga, meaning he’s not only incredibly old, but also the undisputed champion of Defender of the Crown.

See all of Rick Broida's reviews

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