Best Security Camera Providers for 2022
Although cybersecurity concerns are growing increasingly important over the years, physical security is equally important for your home. Security camera systems are still one of the most reliable tools to protect properties. When it comes to installing a home security system, it’s best to find security cameras that have good value for money and useful features.
The Benefits of Security Cameras
If you’re unsure about whether investing in a security camera is the right fit for your home, there are many benefits that you may have overlooked. Firstly, burglars tend to be warier of homes with visible security cameras. Most of them agree that they tend to deter break-ins, especially when combined with good lighting and well-kept gardens.
In addition, security camera systems can help you identify criminals who are trying to break into your home and gather legal evidence for a case. However, one major concern may be privacy since security camera recordings are often stored on the cloud.
On the other hand, it could also be argued that other devices in your home like mobile phones and computers already collect private data. To help minimize privacy risks, you can also choose to install cameras outside of your home so that they don’t record any personal activities indoors.
Other benefits include being able to monitor any visitors to your home when you’re out of town or at work through a live feed from your mobile device, preventing vandalism, lowering the cost of homeowner insurance, and protecting valuables in your home.
What Are the Best Security Camera Systems?
The best security camera providers for your home include Defender, Reolink, Foscam, eufy, and Arlo.
Defender Ultra-HD 4K Wired
Established in 1999, Defender is a Canadian brand that sells its security systems in over 80 countries. They offer both wired and wireless systems, including a non-wifi-enabled plug-in system.
Pricing
Depending on how many cameras you’re planning to set up, costs can range between $308 to $789. The Defender Ultra-HD model has no monthly fees and different storage capacities from 1TB upwards, depending on your needs.
Features
The 4K Ultra HD provides even more definition than standard 1080P systems and can be installed yourself. The wired connection is reliable, and you can customize your home system to provide motion, scheduled, or continuous recording options. 24/7 real-time surveillance is also possible, and you can view, save and share footage remotely.
Mobile notifications are also provided, and you can get up to 20 days of continuous 4k recording depending on the storage size. Night vision is enabled up to a distance of 100ft.
User Experience
Although the Defender Ultra HD 4K cameras are I67certified and built to operate down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit, it also comes with a 2 year extended warranty in the event that it needs servicing.
This system is a good fit for homeowners that need an advanced monitoring system of up to 16 cameras. It has plenty of features for remote monitoring and increased clarity to give you all the peace of mind you need.
Reolink Argus 2 Wireless
Reolink is a popular security camera brand that sells battery-powered models, dual-lens cameras, and more.
Pricing
The Reolink Argus 2 costs $76.49 on sale and comes with useful features like starlight night vision up to 33 feet, IP65 weatherproof certification, 2-way audio, and 1080p HD recording.
Features
The Argus 2 wireless can be battery-powered or solar-powered with the Reolink solar panel for non-stop power. It operates on a 2.4 GHz WiFi system and can be placed indoors or outdoors. It also comes with motion alert notifications that can be enabled on your mobile phone or by email.
User Experience
The free Reolink app is easy to use and compatible with Mac, Windows, and most mobile phones. Reolink offers a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you’re unhappy with your purchase.
Overall, this model is best suited for buyers looking for an affordable home security system with basic features.
Foscam PoE Ultra HD 2K 4MP IP Camera
Foscam was founded in 2007, and since then, they have sold 100 million of their security products to over 60 countries.
Pricing
The Foscam PoE Ultra HD 2K 4MP IP Camera costs $79.99 on sale and operates over an Ethernet system. It offers 6X digital zoom at 20fps along a wide field of view of up to 112 degrees.
Features
This model comes with AI human detection to decrease false alerts attributed to animals, objects, and more. It is also compatible with Alexa and is weatherproof from -4˚F to 140˚F. Night vision distance is enabled up to 66ft.
User Experience
Foscam offers a 30-day return policy from the date of receipt of the shipment. Technical support is available via email, and they also offer free product testing.
The PoE Ultra HD model is ideal for individuals looking for an easy-to-install security camera with responsive customer care.
eufyCam 2C
eufy is an American brand that offers smart home products and appliances designed to add convenience to your life. They are a subsidiary of Anker innovations, a major electronics brand.
Pricing
The eufyCam 2C is priced from $139.99 for a 1-cam kit, $414.98 for a 4-cam kit, and $119.99 for each add-on camera. The add-on camera currently requires the additional purchase of a HomeBase 2 system to operate.
Features
With 180-day battery life, you’ll only need to charge this model twice a year. It provides a 135-degree field of vision to maximize visibility around your home in clear 1080p HD. Other notable features include the AES-128 military-grade encryption to keep your data as private as possible. It is also equipped with an IP67 weatherproof rating and night vision.
User Experience
Eufy offers live chat support, email support, and phone call support. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with their products.
The eufyCam 2C is a great choice for users who already own other eufy products and don’t want to pay any monthly fees. While the price may be higher than average, strong data privacy is another plus.
The Home Security Superstore Safety Tech 360º HD Motion Activated WiFi Security Camera
The Home Security Superstore sells a wide variety of self-defense, security, surveillance, and spy technology for your home.
Pricing
The Safety Tech Camera is an affordable model, priced at only $49.95. It includes a 32GB Micro SDF card but provides maximum support for a 128GB Micro SDF. It is designed for indoor use only.
Features
Designed to provide surveillance of an entire room through most smartphones, this ceiling-mounted model has a 360-degree field of vision and two-way audio communication. It can be used during the day and night, and you can set a custom field of recording to prevent false motion detection triggers.
User Experience
The Safety Tech Camera comes with a lifetime manufacturer warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
It is ideal for families looking to monitor their children, pets, elderly relatives, or home office when they’re away from home.
Arlo Pro 4 Wireless Security Camera
Arlo was founded in 2014 as a division of Netgear. They specialize in smart home security cameras that are innovative and well-designed.
Pricing
The Arlo Pro 4 comes in black and white models, from $199.99 for one camera to $549.99 for three cameras. It’s worth noting that first responders, nurses, teachers, military, government workers & students may get 15% off on their purchase.
Features
To deter unwanted guests and intruders, you can trigger a siren automatically or manually through the Arlo app. The magnetic mount makes it easily adjustable, and it connects to wifi for easy setup. With an integrated spotlight and 2-way audio from your mobile phone, you can respond to visitors easily.
User Experience
As is standard for most companies, Arlo provides a 30-day refund for their items in addition to a one-year hardware warranty. They have online support, a community page, and chat and call customer help.
This model is the best fit for those who have other smart home devices like Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Ok Google, and Samsung SmartThings.
SimpliSafe Wireless Outdoor Security Camera
SimpliSafe sells a wide variety of home security systems and motion sensors that are easy to install for homeowners.
Pricing
The base station and wireless keypad with a hidden panic button are priced at $199.98 and come with a free yard sign, accessories and batteries, and shipping.
Features
The SimpliSafe Wireless Outdoor Security Camera comes with 1080p HD video with 8x digital zoom, a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 6 months, a 140-degree field of vision, custom activity zones, two-way audio, and a backup battery.
User Experience
Simplisafe offers a 60-day refund policy, online support, email support, and live chat.
SimpliSafe is ideal for those looking to personalize a home security system with an entry sensor, motion sensor, hazard sensors, and other useful add-ons.
Security Cameras in a Nutshell
At the end of the day, investing in a good security camera from the best security camera providers can give you greater protection while you’re at home and when you’re away. Depending on the size of your property, you may benefit from more than one camera, but even basic systems tend to have useful features like night detection and motion sensing.
Read on to learn more about what other smart home security products can boost your safety on Security Forward today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the basics of security cameras with some of these frequently asked questions.
What is the difference between security cameras and surveillance cameras?
Security cameras can record a crime before they happen and automatically provide alerts to authorities, while surveillance cameras typically require someone to watch a feed before they can take action actively.
Do wireless security cameras slow down internet?
Wireless security cameras have barely any impact on internet speed unless you remotely access a camera through another device.
How far can a wireless security camera reach?
The reach of a security camera depends on the model you choose, but this can range between 250 to 450 feet outdoors and 100 to 150 feet indoors.
How good are security cameras at night?
Most security camera systems offer limited night vision technology ranging from 30 to 40 feet, but higher-end cameras can provide a clearer line of sight up to 170 feet.
How wide can security cameras reach?
Some wide-angle types can capture up to 80 degrees when it comes to the field of view, but this can go up to 180 or even 360 degrees, depending on the brand and model you choose.