THE TOP WIFI SECURITY CAMERAS FOR PROTECTING YOUR HOME IN 2023

These clever devices watch over your home when you’re not around.

We all know how stressful it is to miss a vital delivery or to constantly worry that our property is not secure while we are away. This is especially true if your worries keep you up at night while you're supposed to be unwinding on vacation. The top smart burglar alarm systems and the best wifi security cameras can both help with these issues by watching over your property when you're not there.

The top wifi security cameras will be easy to install, run for an extended period of time on a single charge, and record clear, high-quality footage when motion is detected. A wifi security camera can assist keep you informed about what is happening at home whether you are leaving on vacation, running to the store, or just waiting for a package. Whatever your particular There will be a solution for your demands and budget, and we've compiled the top models below.

WHAT IS WIFI SECURITY CAMERA?

A wifi security camera works similarly to a smart video doorbell in that it records anything in its field of view and allows you to check in on it and view a live stream while you're away (through an app). Additionally, it can alert you if it detects any motion, whether it's brought on by a person, a pet, or a car. Some wifi security cameras can also determine what moved. With these, you may decide whether to receive a warning for a human, rather than each time your neighbor's cat crosses your garden.

Since the cameras are wireless, you won't need to run cables throughout your property or a large central unit, as you would with a wired system, and they will save videos (either in the cloud or on the device itself). standard CCTV system. Some of them connect to your home's internet while others require a base station that stays in your house and plugs into your network.

HOW DO WE TEST WIFI SECURITY CAMERAS

In order to select the finest wifi security camera for you, our specialists assessed the functionality, usability, and design of some of the top models on the market. We evaluated the video's overall quality, both during the day and at night, as well as the audio's clarity, including the microphone that enables you to speak and hear visitors to your property.

Additional features like sirens, the ease of use of the app, battery life, and compatibility with smart home platforms like Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa were also examined. However, not every camera is suited for every need, so we compared which models are the best on a budget.

whether you want to record indoors, and whether you need anything weatherproof to use outside. Along with the top picks from our thorough research, this list includes top-performing models that have been thoroughly reviewed by our testers.

Below our list, we've outlined all the critical factors to take into account when purchasing a wifi security camera.

OUR TOP PICKS:

1. ARLO ULTRA 2

The newer Arlo Ultra 2 records color video at 4K resolution, just like its predecessor and our previous top selection, the Arlo Ultra, and we discovered the footage was sharper than that recorded by HD cameras. The color footage it records is much clearer than any HD competitor, and this is the only 4K model on our list. Even when the camera was positioned at the level of our first floor, we could still make out car license plates.

You can set it further away from the SmartHub with to its greater wireless coverage (it supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz wifi bands in contrast to the earlier Arlo Ultra, which only supports 2.4GHz), making it a better option for those with larger homes.

It’s also available in a larger XL variant that is £669 more expensive and has a battery life of up to 12 months. A three-month free trial of Arlo's cloud storage is included with the Ultra 2, which we found to be effective at determining if a person, animal, or car was the cause of a motion alert.

Video storage: Cloud storage and local storage with a micro SD card (not included)

Subscription cost: a 90-day free trial of 30-day online storage, £2.79 a month for a single camera and £8.99 a month for multiple

• Field of view: 180 degrees • Two-way audio: Yes • Recording resolution: 3840x2160 • Night vision: Colour • Siren: Yes • Power: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery • Typical battery life: 3 to 6 months (or 6 to 12 months for Ultra 2 XL) • Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.2 x 7.8 cm • Weight: 331g • Number of cameras: 3

2. ARLO PRO 3

Although still pricey, the Arlo Ultra 2 is more expensive than this Arlo model. It includes all the same wonderful smart features and is just as easy to use. The color footage isn't nearly as sharp, but at 2K quality, it is still far and away the best option. It too fluctuates in length depending on how long it detects motion. It does have one minor drawback in comparison to our top selection for most users. The Pro 4 is easier to install than the Pro 3 because it doesn't require an Arlo SmartHub. However, given that it includes two cameras and the hub, we still believe this makes a great starter kit.

Video storage: Cloud storage and local storage with a USB drive (not included)

Subscription cost: a 90-day free trial of 30-day online storage, £2.79 a month for a single camera, and £8.99 a month for multiple

• Field of view: 160 degrees • Two-way audio: Yes • Recording resolution: 2560x1440 • Night vision: Colour • Siren: Yes • Power: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery • Typical battery life: 3 to 6 months • Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.2 x 7.8 cm • Weight: 316g • Number of cameras: 2

3. BLINK OUTDOOR

This wireless security camera is powered by AA batteries, which can last up to two years before they need to be changed. It is also inexpensive and small. We believe it to be the ideal choice for anyone looking for a wifi security camera they can genuinely set and forget because it is waterproof and can be used outside.

It can capture color, Full HD video in both daylight and nighttime, but it cannot determine the direction of a motion alert. Additionally, using the Blink Add-On Sync Module 2 (which costs £30), it has the option to store video locally for no additional charge. The module can save videos from up to 10 different sources once you've connected a USB flash drive (up to 256GB).

Video storage: Cloud storage with a Blink Subscription Plan and local storage that’s available via the Blink Sync Module 2

Subscription cost: Comes with a free trial (Blink says you’ll get at least 30 days' notice when the free trial is due to end), this allows you to save video clips to the cloud – once the trial ends you can pick either the “Basic” plan (£2.50 per month) or the “Plus” plan (£8 per month), the cheaper plan supports one camera while the “Plus” plan works with unlimited Blink cameras

• Field of view: 110 degrees • Two-way audio: Yes • Recording resolution: 1920 x 1080 • Night vision: Black and white • Siren: No • Power: 2 x AA batteries • Typical battery life: Up to 2 years • Dimensions: 7.1 x 7.1 x 3.1 cm • Weight: 48g • Number of cameras: 1

4. BLINK MINI

Choose the small £30 Blink Mini if you want to try out a wifi security camera without spending a lot of money. Both during the day and at night, if it detects any motion, it records in-depth video clips. When it does, the smartphone app will alert you. Although it didn't send alerts during testing for false positives (motion caused by shadows or reflections), we noticed the image became hazy when we placed it next to a window.

Video storage: Cloud storage with a Blink Subscription Plan and local storage that’s available via the Blink Sync Module 2

Subscription cost: Comes with a free trial (Blink says you’ll get at least 30 days’ notice when the free trial is due to end), this allows you to save video clips to the cloud – once the trial ends you can pick either the “Basic” plan (£2.50 per month) or the “Plus” plan (£8 per month), the cheaper plan supports one camera while the “Plus” plan works with unlimited Blink cameras

• Field of view: 110 degrees • Two-way audio: Yes • Recording resolution: 1920 x 1080 • Night vision: Black and white • Siren: No • Power: Mains power • Dimensions: 5 x 4.9 x 3.6 cm • Weight: 48g • Number of cameras: 1

5. GOOGLE NEST CAM INDOOR OR OUTDOOR

This waterproof wireless security camera will allow you to monitor your property without having to pay a monthly fee if you rarely leave the house for longer than a few hours. It doesn't charge extra to store video of any motion it notices for up to three hours.

During testing, it produced crystal-clear Full HD video in both color and black and white. The magnetic mount makes it easy to remove the camera when it needs to be recharged, and we found that it was reliable at telling whether an activity alert had been triggered by a human or by some other source. The battery-powered camera is easy to operate and has built-in storage for when your wifi is unavailable.

This waterproof wireless security camera will allow you to monitor your property without having to pay a monthly fee if you rarely leave the house for longer than a few hours. It doesn't charge extra to store video of any motion it notices for up to three hours.

During testing, it produced crystal-clear Full HD video in both black and white. The magnetic mount makes it easy to remove the camera when it needs to be recharged, and we found that it was reliable at telling whether an activity alert had been triggered by a human or by some other source. The battery-powered camera is easy to operate and has built-in storage for when your wifi is unavailable. coming home from school, as an illustration.

Video storage: Cloud storage

Subscription cost: Three hours of online storage is free, £5 per month for 30-day online storage and £10 per month for 60-day online storage including up to 10-10 daysays of continuous recording.

• Field of view: 130 degrees • Two-way audio: Yes • Recording resolution: 1920x1080 • Night vision: Black and white • Siren: No • Power: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery • Typical battery life: Up to 3 months • Dimensions: 8.3 x 8.3 x 8.3cm • Weight: 398g • Number of cameras: 1

6. ARLO PRO 4

Because this Arlo wifi security camera doesn't need a SmartHub, you won't need to worry about where to put another device or where to find a free router port to use it. Instead, you can use the app to connect it directly to your home wifi network. It may have a similar appearance to the Arlo Ultra or Arlo Ultra 2, but it records at a little lower 2K resolution, which also makes it less expensive.

As with all Arlo cameras, the clips vary in length depending on the length of the motion that triggered the recording. The results were clear and in color both during the day and at night (provided the spotlight is activated when it detects motion). 2K quality is still lacking.

There is no option for local storage without a base station, but it does include a three-month trial of Arlo's cloud storage service, which was reliable when identifying whether the source of motion was a person, animal, or car. Similar to the Arlo Ultra 2, it is also offered in a larger XL version that increases battery life by an additional six months, although this model costs £227.23.

Video storage: Cloud storage

Subscription cost: a 90-day free trial of 30-day online storage, £2.79 a month for a single camera, and £8.99 a month for multiple

• Field of view: 160 degrees • Two-way audio: Yes • Recording resolution: 2560x1440 • Night vision: Colour • Siren: Yes • Power: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery • Typical battery life: 3 to 6 months (or 6 to 12 months for Pro 4 XL) • Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.2 x 7.8 cm • Weight: 331g • Number of cameras: 1

7. RING INDOOR CAM

The Ring mains-powered security camera is a small, cost-effective method to monitor your pets when you're not home. If you currently own a Ring Video Doorbell, you may use it to monitor your home's interior security without downloading any other apps.

When we tested it out, the video was crystal clear and simple to see because the results are in Full HD. During the day, the camera records in color; at night, it records in black and white. The useful "people-only" feature we discovered helped us receive fewer false-positive warnings during testing by filtering out motion from moving pets, cars, and sunshine.

Alexa is compatible with the wifi security camera, and we had no trouble arming it.

We also discovered that it was simple and easy to communicate with individuals (and animals) within the camera's range of view using an Amazon Echo.

Video storage: Cloud storage

Subscription cost: a 30-day free trial of 30-day online storage, £3.49 for a single camera and £8 a month for multiple

• Field of view: 115 degrees • Two-way audio: Yes • Recording resolution: 1920x1080 • Night vision: Black and white • Siren: No • Power: Mains-powered • Dimensions: 4.58 x 4.58 x 7.5cm • Weight: 105g • Number of cameras: 1

8. ARLO PRO 3 FLOOD LIGHT CAMERA

This is the one to choose if you want a wifi security camera with battery-operated lighting. It can also be powered by the mains with the provided waterproof wire if you choose. It has two powerful floodlights that you can manually turn on or have activated when motion is detected. On the test, the color video was clear, but to view anything it records, you must subscribe. With an 80 dB siren and a two-way microphone, the Pro 3 Floodlight can determine whether a person, animal, vehicle, or other source triggered the motion it detects.

Video storage: Cloud storage with a subscription to keep videos for 30 days, base station required for local storage

Subscription cost: a 90-day free trial of 30-day online storage, £2.79 a month for a single camera and £8.99 a month for multiple

• Field of view: 160 degrees • Two-way audio: Yes • Recording resolution: 2560x1440 • Night vision: Colour • Siren: Yes • Power: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery or mains power via included weatherproof cable • Typical battery life: 3 to 6 months • Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.2 x 7.8 cm • Weight: 331g • Number of cameras: 1

9. YELE INDOOR WIFI CAMERA PAN & TILT

This mains-powered security camera captures crisp HD video both during the day and at night, however, the image does become a little hazy when it is put next to a window or other bright light source. However, you can tilt and pan the camera using the app to move the lens while you're not there. It can warn you if it hears unusual noises, detects whether someone has moved into its range of view, and we like that it can also use its siren—a capability that is uncommon on indoor versions.

Video storage: Local storage only with a micro SD card – the camera can hold up to a 256GB card (not included)

• Field of view: 355 degrees • Two-way audio: Yes • Recording resolution: 1920 x 1080 • Night vision: Black and white • Siren: Yes, but only triggered on detection of abnormal sounds • Power: Mains power • Dimensions: 10.6 x 7.7 x 7.7 cm • Weight: 238g • Number of cameras: 1

10. EUFY SOLO CAM E40

This Eufy model is the one to buy if you like the notion of a subscription-free wifi security camera but don't want a system that includes a base station. On the camera's 8GB internal memory, which Eufy claims is enough for two months' worth of video clips, motion-activated footage is stored.

The camera captures crisp, color video during the day, but because there isn't a spotlight, the nighttime recording is in black and white. Even if you don't consider yourself to be tech-savvy, you will be able to install this camera without the need for further assistance because during testing we found the camera to be easy to set up and intuitive to operate. It can even recognize whether a person or another source caused the motion it detects. The battery isn't replaceable, though, unlike more expensive battery-powered cameras on the market. Although it can last for up to four months, we had to take the camera off of its mount and bring it inside to recharge, which rendered it inoperable for about eight hours.

Video storage: Local storage is built into the camera, which is enough to store up to two months' worth of recordings

• Field of view: 130 degrees • Two-way audio: Yes • Recording resolution: 2560 x 1440 • Night vision: Black and white • Siren: Yes • Power: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery • Typical battery life: Up to 4 months • Dimensions: 4.9 x 10 x 4.9 cm • Weight: 399g • Number of cameras: 1

11. EUFYCAM 2C 2-CAM KIT

This system is one of the best wifi security cameras you can get without the stress of continuous subscription fees, just like the other Eufy models on our list. It functions both inside and outside because it is inexpensive and weatherproof. The built-in storage can accommodate up to a year's worth of HD video clips and the battery is expected to last for 180 days. You can also use an app on your phone to view these recordings. The package we've highlighted here includes a base station and two cameras. Additional Eufy cameras can be purchased for £90 each.

Video storage: It comes with 16GB EMMC digital storage, which is enough to store up to a year's worth of recordings

• Field of view: 140 degrees • Two-way audio: Yes • Recording resolution: 1920x1080 • Night vision: Colour (with the built-in spotlight) • Siren: Yes • Power: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery • Typical battery life: 180 days • Dimensions: 8.12 x 4.79 x 5.69 cm • Weight: 253g (per camera) • Number of cameras: 2

12. EUFY CAM 2

This Eufy system is essential if you want a wifi security camera without the hassle of a recurring monthly fee. Two battery-powered cameras are included, and they record video to the base station's 12GB of memory. Without incurring any recurring costs, that's enough space for three months' worth of video.

Although the video is in Full HD, the nighttime footage won't be colored because there isn't a built-in spotlight. Additionally, it can determine whether a motion alert was brought on by a person or by some other source.

The EufyCam 2 is easy to set up and use and has double the battery life of the EufyCam 2C, which is also on our list.

Additionally, it has a slightly wider viewing angle than the 2C, requiring less mounting height to capture an entire room.

Video storage: It comes with 16GB EMMC local storage, which is enough to store up to three month’s worth of recordings

• Field of view: 140 degrees • Two-way audio: Yes • Recording resolution: 1920 x 1080 • Night vision: Black and white • Siren: Yes • Power: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery • Typical battery life: 180 days • Dimensions: 10.7 x 5.7 x 5.7cm • Weight: 362.9g (per camera) • Number of cameras: 2

13. SWAN WIRE-FREE 1080P

This offers comparable technology at a lower cost than the Google model if you like the concept of facial recognition but don't want to pay a high price. During testing, we discovered that it only notified us of sound and movement brought on by people, and the video it captured was clear and detailed (even if bright lights like windows were a little fuzzy). We appreciate that it is battery-powered and weather-proof so that it can be used outside. We were also happy that the film is saved to a secure web location for seven days at no additional cost.

Video storage: Free secure cloud storage, video clips are stored for seven days

Subscription cost: If you need 60-day video storage, you can buy a subscription for £2.99 a month for a single camera and £8.99 a month for multiple, this also includes extra features like package, vehicle and pet detection

• Field of view: 180 degrees • Two-way audio: Yes • Recording resolution: 1920 x 1080 • Night vision: Black and white • Siren: Yes • Power: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery • Typical battery life: 3 to 6 months • Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 5.1 cm • Weight: 228g • Number of cameras: 1

14. ARLO GO 2

The Arlo Go 2 differs from its competitors in that it can be added to a 4G SIM card and taken virtually anywhere, even though all the security cameras on this list connect to wifi, and this one is no exception. This camera can help you keep a watch on your possessions, whether they're inside or outside if you're going camping, looking for a camera for a caravan, need security in a place where the wifi doesn't reach, or you're gone for the weekend in a strange place.

It has a large 130-degree field of vision and records in Full HD, but its resolution and range are a little bit lower than those of other Arlo cameras.

Although it shares many similarities with Arlo's entry-level Essential camera, it is much more adaptable. In contrast to the first Go, this model has color night vision, a spotlight, and an 80db siren built in to deter would-be thieves. You won't lose track of where you put it because it also includes GPS.

We've provided an Amazon link above, but if you want to bundle it with a preloaded 120GB EE SIM card, a solar panel charger, and two years of the Arlo Secure subscription, you can get it all for £329.98 by purchasing it through BT. As with all Arlo models, if you want to access your footage in the cloud or utilize the camera's intelligent person, animal, or vehicle detection features, you'll need that subscription.

Video storage: Cloud storage, and optional local storage with a Micro SD card (up to 32GB)Subscription cost: 90-day free trial of 30-day online storage, £2.79 a month for a single camera and £8.99 a month for multiple

• Field of view: 130 degrees • Two-way audio: Yes • Recording resolution: 1920x1080 • Night vision: Colour • Siren: Yes • Power: Rechargeable battery • Typical battery life: Four months on 4G, and 12 months on wifi • Dimensions: 12.0 x 6.42 x 8.6 cm • Weight: 490g • Number of cameras: 1

OUTDOOR VS INDOOR SECURITY CAMERAS

OUTDOOR SECURITY CAMERAS

Weatherproof outdoor cameras can be mounted on the outside of your house. To connect the camera to a wall, you might need to perform some simple DIY tasks like drilling holes in the wall. Additionally, you ought to raise them so that nobody can steal your camera. These are very effective at deterring burglars, and they are also useful if you want to watch over your garage, shed, or car parked on your driveway. If the worst happens, you will have a video that you can show the authorities so they can find and apprehend the offender.

There are outdoor cameras that are battery- and mains-powered available. Installing ones that are mainly powered is more difficult. How frequently will you utilize live-view and how frequently the camera detects motion will determine whether you need to change or replenish the batteries (rechargeable lithium-ion or regular alkaline) on wireless devices? You might anticipate receiving anything from three months to a year.

INDOOR SECURITY CAMERAS

Indoor wifi security cameras are installed inside your home and are not weatherproof, as the name implies. Although they are frequently powered by the mains, some indoor cameras are battery-operated, which is useful if you need to move them around.

Get an indoor model if you reside in a condo or other rental where it is not permitted to install cameras on the exterior of the building. These can be helpful if you want to make sure the kids are home from school or to keep an eye on your pets while you're away.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A WIFI SECURITY CAMERA?

There are many options available when picking a wireless home security camera, but there are two primary categories you should think about indoor and outdoor.

Video archiving: The majority of cameras save your movies to a private "cloud" internet. Some offer free access to video clips for a brief period of time (such as 24 hours), but if you want to view or download them to your phone for up to 30 days after that, you'll need to pay a monthly fee of between £3 and £7. Some others require a subscription to access the video, while others offer a free trial. Or, you can save the video to a micro SD card with some cameras that have local storage.

Video caliber: Each camera takes pictures in a variety of resolutions. Choose one that can capture video at least in Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels). It might not be sufficiently clear or detailed if it is lower than this. Sharper still will come from a 2K camera with a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels, while the most brilliant and detailed films will come from expensive 4K systems (3840x2160 pixels).

The region that the lens covers varies between cameras and is referred to as the "field of view." The camera will capture more of this as it gets bigger. Consider the camera's placement and whether its field of vision will provide you with what you require.

Night vision is often only available in black and white, although some cameras also include color night vision. If you need to provide a more thorough description of someone suspicious on your property, this can be useful.

Two-way communication: A built-in microphone and speaker are found on many wifi security cameras. This implies that you can communicate with and hear anyone who is in the camera view. This is useful for chatting to your dogs while you're not home as well as yelling at intruders to leave your property.

The number of cameras: Some versions come in kits with two or more cameras. These are perfect if you want to cover more of your property than a single camera can see. Generally speaking, buying a kit with multiple cameras is more cost-effective than purchasing additional cameras separately.

Sirens: A few wifi security cameras come with built-in sirens that you can activate from the app or program to sound whenever motion is detected.