An outdoor security camera can help you keep an eye on visitors, package deliveries, and animals in your garden. They also serve as a powerful deterrent to potential troublemakers.
However, after reviewing many cameras over the last seven years, we have yet to find a perfect model. Some are difficult to position, some require frequent charging, and others need a subscription for full functionality.
If you’re looking for a completely cord-free option, the Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera is our recommendation.
For a more affordable option (assuming you have an outdoor outlet nearby), we suggest the Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In.
And if you want a camera that can illuminate your porch at night, we recommend the Eufy S330 Floodlight Cam.
Our pick
This battery-powered camera captures clear 2K video. The video storage subscription adds the ability to detect people, animals, vehicles, packages, and general motion.
Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit (with a compatible base station), Google Home, IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings
The Arlo Pro 4 provides the best combination of detailed video performance, specialized alerts, and easy installation. A subscription to Arlo Secure (starting at $5 per month) is necessary to record clips and differentiate between people, pets, packages, and vehicles. Despite these requirements, it delivers clear 2K video day and night, including color video in the dark. The Pro 4 can record up to five minutes of continuous motion, but frequent use can deplete the battery, requiring charging about once a month. It also offers a 24/7 recording option, albeit at a higher subscription fee and additional equipment cost.
Our pick
A plug-in 1080p model, it comes with a weather-resistant cord or add-on battery and can distinguish between people and other moving objects.
Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Works With Ring
The Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In Wi-Fi camera comes with a lengthy, weather-resistant power cord, but it can also be powered by battery or a solar panel. It provides crisp, 1080p video with a wide 130-degree view and clear two-way audio. With a Ring Protect Basic plan subscription ($4 per month or $40 per year), you can store recordings for up to 60 days and access features like person alerts and video saving. Ring now offers more privacy and security measures than other camera manufacturers.
Our pick
This 2K camera also has a bright but adjustable floodlight. It can store video in the camera for free or in the cloud with a subscription.
Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Google Home
The Eufy S330 Floodlight Cam offers two modes of security, serving as both a bright outdoor light and a surveillance camera. It provided the best video and lighting quality in our testing. The camera can pan and tilt 360 degrees horizontally and 130 degrees vertically, capturing high-quality 2K images day and night, with and without color night vision. Integrated LED panels deliver up to 3,000 lumens of brightness, which can be adjusted via the Eufy app or voice commands to Alexa or Google Home. The Eufy is the only floodlight camera we’ve reviewed that supports color-temperature adjustment, ranging from a warm 3,000 K to bright white 5,700 K. You have the option of storing video locally with the built-in 8 GB storage or in the cloud (starting at $3 per month).
Also great
This camera offers long battery life, a clear 2K image, HomeKit support, and three options for storing video.
Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home
The Eufy S220 EufyCam, while not as advanced as the Arlo Pro 4, features the best rechargeable battery among cordless outdoor security cameras. According to the company, the battery can last up to a year, although actual usage ranges from four to 12 months. A free option includes the ability to record 2K video to storage in the included base station and differentiate between humans and other moving objects. Paid subscription services are available for cloud storage.
