Best Garage Security Cameras To Get For Your Home

Last updated: July 21, 2023

KEY TAKEAWAYS

These days, locking your doors is no longer enough to say that you are protecting your home. If you want to ensure your property and family are safe, you should invest in home security devices — cameras for all areas of your home, including the garage.

Investing in a garage security camera allows you to check on your property 24/7, wherever you may be. But how do you pick out the best one? Check out our compilation of the best home security cameras for your garage and what makes them worthwhile.

What Is A Garage Security Camera, And How Is It Different From A Spy Camera?

According to statistics, burglaries were the top 4 most common crimes in the United States in 2020. Amongst possible entry points to the home, the garage is also the fourth most used by burglars. This is why you must invest in garage security cameras.

Like other cameras, garage security cameras are installed inside and outside your garage to record any activity, especially crimes. They are helpful, in particular, for:

  • People who want to secure their vehicles
  • People whose garages are also main entry points to their homes
  • People whose garages double as storage units, workshops, or craft areas
  • People in the automotive sales or repair businesses

8 Garage Security Cameras To Check Out In 2022

Garage security cameras offer benefits to all types of home and business owners. There are traditional models, tech-savvy ones, or a mixture of both. Here are the best ones to consider buying and their essential camera features.

Product NameArlo Pro 4 Spotlight CameraRing Stick Up Cam Plug-In HD Security CameraDefender PHOENIXM2 Non-WiFi Plug-in Power Security CameraWyze Cam V.3
Cost$179.99 $99.99$199.99$35.98
DesignDomeCylinderBulletSquare
Microphone QualityTwo-way audioTwo-way audio with noise cancellationTwo-way audioTwo-way audio
Battery LifeUp to six months, rechargeable Wired with rechargeable battery or solar power optionWiredWired with back-up lithium battery
Voice ActivationYesYesNoneYes
Storage SizeCloud-storage up to 30 days, local storageCloud-storage up to 60 days, upgradable to unlimited8 GB local storage, up to 128 GB added SD card32GB MicroSD card, cloud storage 
Ease of UseEasy, wire-free setupInstall within 5 to 10 mins3-minute installationPlug and play installation
Size5.91 x 5.2 x 3.98 inches2.36 x 2.36 x 3.82 inches5.5 x 2.2 x 2.2 inches2.51 x 2.24 x 3.93 inches
Product NameREOLINK Argus PT Security CameraGoogle Nest Cam IndoormyQ Smart Garage HD CameraArlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera
Cost$146.36 $127.99$89.99$215.99
DesignDomeRoundDomeBullet
Microphone QualityTwo-way audioTwo-way audioTwo-way audio with adjustable volumeTwo-way audio
Battery LifeSolar-powered 6500 mAh batteryWiredWiredThree to six months
Voice ActivationYesYesNoYes
Storage SizeFree cloud storage up to 7 days, local storage up to 128 GBUp to 10-day video cloud storageCloud-storage up to 30 days with subscription fees30-day cloud storage
Ease of UseInstall within minutesEasy mount and installEasy set up with magnetic mounting baseQuick and easy wire-free installation
Size8.53 x 6.25 x 7.78 inches2.8 x 2.8 x 4.5 inches‎5.81 x 4.5 x 4.38 inches7 x 6 x 2 inches

1. Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera – Best Wireless Outdoor Camera

Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera
  • Cost: $179.99 
  • Design: Dome
  • Microphone Quality: Clear, two-way audio
  • Battery Life: Up to six months, rechargeable 
  • Voice Activation: Yes
  • Storage Size: Cloud-storage up to 30 days, local storage
  • Ease of Use: Easy, wire-free setup
  • Size: 5.91 x 5.2 x 3.98 inches

When it comes to installing outdoor security cameras, not needing outlets nearby can be very beneficial. The Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera will allow you to place the camera anywhere reachable by your WiFi connection. It also produces clear 2K resolution images and videos, plus an added cloud-storage service to keep the recordings up to 30 days.

ProsCons
Bright motion-activated spotlightCan only tag recordings with one label at a time
Auto zoom feature and automated trackingBattery claims may be unrealistic
Full-color night vision Limited to a 160-degree angle

2. Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In HD Security Camera – Best Wired Outdoor Camera

Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In HD Security Camera

  • Cost: $99.99
  • Design: Cylinder
  • Microphone Quality: Two-way audio with noise cancellation
  • Battery Life: Wired with rechargeable battery or solar power option
  • Voice Activation: Yes
  • Storage Size: Cloud-storage up to 60 days, upgradable to unlimited
  • Ease of Use: Install within 5 to 10 mins
  • Size: 2.36 x 2.36 x 3.82 inches

Get the best of both (power) worlds with the Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In HD Security Camera. This camera boasts literal 24/7 coverage as it can run through a power outlet, batteries, or solar energy. It is also reliable in how quickly it delivers alerts with app notifications and 85 dB alarms.

ProsCons
Sends notifications within three secondsNo alerts beyond people
Easy mounting with included standMotion detection needs improvement
Mix and match power sources with cords, rechargeable battery, and solar panelSet recordings may waste storage space

3. Defender PHOENIXM2 Non-WiFi Plug-in Power Security Camera – Best No-Subscription, Non-WiFi Camera

Defender PHOENIXM2 Non-WiFi Plug-in Power Security Camera

  • Cost: $199.99
  • Design: Bullet
  • Microphone Quality: Two-way audio
  • Battery Life: Wired
  • Voice Activation: None
  • Storage Size: 8 GB local storage, up to 128 GB added SD card
  • Ease of Use: 3-minute installation
  • Size: 5.5 x 2.2 x 2.2 inches

The Defender PHOENIXM2 Non-WiFi Plug-in Power Security Camera is a good pick for those who are looking for a more traditional set-up. It is fully usable indoors and outdoors without relying on the power of the internet. Your purchase gets you a 7-inch LED display to view up to four cameras simultaneously with high-resolution in full, split, or quad layouts.

ProsCons
No WiFi or internet connection requiredNo smartphone connectivity
No fees or subscriptions requiredNot integrated with smart home devices
Limited storageHard to update firmware

4. Wyze Cam V.3 – Best Entry-Level Camera

Wyze Cam V.3

  • Cost: $35.98
  • Design: Square
  • Microphone Quality: Two-way audio
  • Battery Life: Wired with backup lithium battery
  • Voice Activation: Yes
  • Storage Size:  32GB MicroSD card, cloud storage 
  • Ease of Use: Plug and play installation
  • Size: 2.51 x 2.24 x 3.93 inches

If you’re looking to sidestep the expensive costs of most branded cameras, the Wyze Cam V.3 is a good choice. It offers a vast improvement over its predecessors — full-color HD night vision, IP65 weather resistance, motion detection, smart home device integration, and more in its compact size.

ProsCons
Easy set-up and installationNeeds subscription for better footage quality
Bright color night visionNeeds to be close to a power outlet
1080p video at an affordable priceFree cloud storage is limited to 12-second clips every five minutes

5. REOLINK Argus PT Security Camera – Best Solar-Powered Camera

REOLINK Argus PT Security Camera
  • Cost: $146.36 
  • Design: Dome
  • Microphone Quality: Two-way audio
  • Battery Life: Solar-powered 6500 mAh battery
  • Voice Activation: Yes
  • Storage Size: Free cloud storage up to 7 days, local storage up to 128 GB
  • Ease of Use: Install within minutes
  • Size: 8.53 x 6.25 x 7.78 inches

Take advantage of a wireless security camera with 2K resolution. The REOLINK Argus PT Security Camera is one of the best picks if you want better coverage — it offers 355 degrees horizontal and 140 degrees vertical reach. Plus, it is an energy-efficient option through its 6500 mAh battery powered by solar energy.

ProsCons
Camera pans and tilts for better coverageMount needs improvement
Spotlight and full-color night visionConnectivity needs improvement
Smart human and vehicle detectionCloud storage can be expensive

6. Google Nest Cam Indoor – Best for Indoor Garage Security

Google Nest Cam Indoor

  • Cost: $127.99
  • Design: Round
  • Microphone Quality: Two-way audio
  • Battery Life: Wired
  • Voice Activation: Yes
  • Storage Size: Up to 10-day video cloud storage
  • Ease of Use: Easy mount and install
  • Size: ‎2.8 x 2.8 x 4.5 inches

With the Google Nest cam, enjoy live stream video in full 1080p HD resolution. Plus, install the compatible app and get mobile alerts and notifications wherever, whenever. Though it is not specifically created for garage security, its night vision equipped with eight infrared LEDs can deliver protection, even in the darkest of nights.

ProsCons
Comes with a two-year warrantyRequires Google Nest subscription
Syncs with Amazon Alexa aside from Google Software may be buggy sometimes
Two-factor authentication for better video history protectionNo local storage option

7. myQ Smart Garage HD Camera – Best for myQ and Chamberlain Users

myQ Smart Garage HD Camera
  • Cost: $89.99
  • Design: Dome
  • Microphone Quality: Two-way audio with adjustable volume
  • Battery Life: Wired
  • Voice Activation: No
  • Storage Size: Cloud-storage up to 30 days with subscription fees
  • Ease of Use: Easy set up with magnetic mounting base
  • Size: ‎5.81 x 4.5 x 4.38 inches

myQ smart garage systems are a go-to innovation for many smart home enthusiasts. If you enjoy access to your garage door remotely, you can go to the next level by incorporating the myQ Smart Garage HD Camera. Though you can use them independently, these two systems work well together, especially with video quality, notifications, and extreme temperature resistance.

ProsCons
Syncs with Ring doorbells and indoor camsRequires extra payment for cloud storage
Records and saves 1080p HD videos for up to 30 daysPay extra for Amazon Key
Connects with a myQ Smart Garage Door OpenerSensitivity is not adjustable

8. Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera – Best Floodlight Feature

Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera

  • Cost: $215.99
  • Design: Bullet
  • Microphone Quality: Two-way audio
  • Battery Life: Three to six months
  • Voice Activation: Yes
  • Storage Size: 30-day cloud storage
  • Ease of Use: Quick and easy wire-free installation
  • Size: 7 x 6 x 2 inches

Security cameras don’t just have to record footage — they can sound alarms and blind intruders with bright light. That’s what you can expect with the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera. This camera’s motion-sensitive detection feature triggers a 2000-lumen light beam and starts recording footage in HD for the effective protection you seek.

ProsCons
Brightest floodlights from 2000 to 3000 lumensSubscription required for video recording and two-way audio 
2K HD resolution with zoomMotion detection needs improvement
Reduce unwanted notifications with activity zonesRequires strong connection to work well

What Are The Pros And Cons of Having A Garage Security Camera?

Garage security cameras are an effective way to protect your home. However, before making a purchase, you must familiarize yourself with its advantages and disadvantages.

ProsCons
Monitor the activities around your garageMay be an invasion of privacy
Aid in the identification of offendersMay require financial investment
Can provide real-time monitoringMay have a limited or distorted view
Reduce the need for human monitoringMay be accessed by hackers
Improve safety and security for people and propertyMay still come with errors like other types of technology

How To Choose A Garage Security Camera

As you look into the various camera options available, it can be overwhelming to settle on which one you must buy. If you want to make a smarter choice, here are a few features you should look out for in a garage security camera.

Design

A security camera’s design is as important as how it was built. The shape of the camera, its materials, and its protective elements, especially for outdoor security cameras, can influence how long you will be able to use it and how much footage it will capture.

Audio/Video Quality

For better quality footage, it’s crucial that you think about the camera resolution and how it captures audio.

Most cameras offer full high-definition video at 1080p, but newer models can offer 2K or 4K resolution. Moreover, many security cameras are built with zoom options up to 12x closer.

Additionally, garage security cameras may come with one-way or two-way audio. The former comes with a microphone that allows you to hear what’s happening. The latter has that and a speaker that lets you talk to whoever is there.

Power Source

Security cameras can either be wired or wireless. Wired cameras are connected to a central recording device. On the other hand, wireless cameras can get power from a battery or solar energy.

Voice Activation

Some security cameras offer integration with smart home ecosystems like Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home. With this feature, you can use voice commands to control the cameras and pull up security footage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about elevating the security in your garage by finding out the answers to the internet’s most asked questions about it.

Can I add a camera to my garage door opener?

You can install security cameras on your garage door and use them to record activity,  add trigger alarms, and motion sensors for alerts.

Can a garage security camera be hacked?

Just like other technology, garage security cameras are also vulnerable to hacking. However, you can invest in added layers of security to keep your network safe.

How can I make my garage more secure?

You can add security to your garage by installing motion-activated floodlights, getting a garage shield, and investing in the best home security camera system

Security is one of the things you shouldn’t compromise in your home. You should invest in reliable home security systems, including garage security cameras. Our top recommendation is the Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera, with its two-way audio, HD resolution, motion-activated spotlight, auto-zoom feature, and motion tracking.

Learn more about the essential security measures for your home and business here at Security Forward. Get started by checking out our tips for keeping the home secured during the holidays!

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