Best Outdoor Security Cameras (Updated 2023)

Having outdoor security cameras for your home has a lot of advantages. It can deter burglars and “porch pirates,” people who steal packages from unguarded front doorsteps. Even having a security camera up makes others aware that their actions are being recorded, and their identities might be exposed. You also could protect yourself in the event you’re being staked or harassed, as the presence of an outdoor security camera can provide evidence to get a restraining order.

Another benefit of installing a security camera outside your premises is that you are alerted when someone enters your property grounds. You get to know if the person is friendly or hostile and take the appropriate actions. You also get to keep an eye on your car and know if someone is trying to break into it.

You can also use a security camera to keep an eye on your kids or your pets if they are playing in the yard. It makes it easier to do other things in the home without worrying if your kids and/or pets are safe.

Security camera technology is improving, so image quality can now compete with the best digital cameras. Unlike digital cameras, security cameras are not meant to take pictures. They are intended to guard your home against threats or provide evidence in the event you or a loved one is harmed, or your property is damaged or stolen.

Because we understand the importance of these cameras to your peace of mind in these modern times, we put together a list of the best outdoor security cameras for your perusal. You are sure to find one that suits your needs and tastes below, and make sure to take security measures to keep you safe. Review the following products and weigh their pros and cons against your preferences. When you’ve finished, you’ll be able to choose one of the best outdoor security cameras! There are various factors to consider when purchasing an outdoor security camera for your residence. These features include:

The Arlo Ultra 2 is a completely wireless outdoor/indoor camera with a removable lithium-ion that lasts six months between charges. It has a magnetic charging point for charging on-site or connecting to an external power source. The Arlo Ultra 2 does have to be connected to a Smart Hub, but that hub does provide local storage via a MicroSD card. The Arlo Ultra 2 provides a 180-degree field of view in bright and colorful 4K footage with HDR. Other features include a built-in spotlight, auto-zoom and track, 12x zoom, and dual wi-fi band (2.4 and 5.0 Ghz) support. Night vision is handled via IR or its excellent color night vision feature. Color night vision is activated by the spotlight and is very good for identifying persons. Some options are only available with an Arlo Secure plan which includes cloud storage, smart alerts, and notifications, among other features.

The Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera is an excellent option with a full range of features that make it one of the best outdoor security cameras available. One downside to the Arlo Ultra 2 is that all those features are going to cost you; it is not cheap. But, it can be argued that you will get what you pay for with the Arlo Ultra 2 outdoor security camera. Security and peace of mind just may be worth the extra cost.

The images are also recorded in a 130-degree wide-angle view and the presence of a 2-way audio communication makes it possible for users to communicate with whoever is at the door. The camera is capable of night vision and can detect motions at night for a distance of up to 10m. The motion or audio detected by the camera then activates the camera for recording. It has an SD card slot that can take up to a 128 GB memory card. However, users should note that this outdoor security camera does not come with an SD card out of the box. The camera footage can also be backed up to a cloud storage platform that users can gain access to via a paid subscription.

The camera is easy to install as it comes with a magnetic bracket screw as well as a double-sided adhesive tape which makes it possible to install it without leaving lasting damage on the surface. It also has an IP65 rating which means you don’t have to worry about damage coming from the elements.

Overall, the Zumimall wireless rechargeable camera is a great option for protecting your home, and you can rest easy knowing you have it installed.

This security camera supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and remote view a variety of devices, from iOS and Android smartphones to multiple tablets. It also supports 3rd party software security, including NVR, QNAOP, ipsy, Blue iris, and more, making your experience more customizable. The camera also comes with a 16.5-foot cable with an extension to 33 ft to keep it charged and running. Setup is easy, and it’s been reported to take less than 5 minutes.

The BOAVISION also comes with color night vision, 4x digital zoom, and pan tilt rotation.

The setup is easy. Without wires, all you have to do is mount it where you need it and follow the steps to sync it to your phone. The battery is long-lasting and can go 2-4 months without needing a charge. Need to save the footage? The security camera comes with a micro-SD card slot. Place an SD card that can hold up to 128GB of storage. No card? No problem – a free, 7-day Cloud loop comes included, no subscription required. You can also share the security camera’s live stream with multiple family members, so everyone can know what’s going on at home.

It’s also waterproof, so there is no need to worry if you cannot mount it under a cover. The waterproof material helps your security camera withstand rain, snow, sleet, or whatever else the weather will throw its way.

You can view your video feed in real-time and can connect your NETVUE Outdoor Camera to the cloud via a 2.4GHz WiFi connection or an ethernet cable. The camera is compatible with Alexa, Echo Show, Echo Spot, and your Fire TV. It uses AWS Cloud to protect and store your recordings on the cloud for up to 30 days afterward. The recordings are also protected with bank-level AES 256-bit encryption to ensure your footage is secure from prying eyes. With the 2-way audio functionality, you can converse with whoever is in your camera’s line of sight at a given moment. The camera also has an IP65 waterproof rating, hence, it is secure from rainfall and can work in temperatures ranging from -4°F to 122°F.

On the whole, the camera will help monitor the activities in your home’s exterior and make you feel relaxed.

Even at night, the night vision technology lets you see what is going on around your premises. You also get automated alerts on your phone if the motion sensor detects movement. It is easy to install with the magnetic mount, and you can install it at any place of your choosing.

The Google Nest Cam Outdoor Security Camera needs to be plugged in to function. While this means you lose visibility in the case of a power outage, it also means you don’t have to worry about your battery running out at any time. The camera, cable, and adapter are weatherproof, so your footage still gets recorded even in extreme weather conditions. To access your video footage, all you need to do is subscribe to the Nest Aware or Nest Aware Plus subscription plan. The difference is that the former gives you access to 30 days of video history while the latter gives you access to the video for up to 60 days after.

The motion detector is customizable. With this, you can select specific areas where motion has to be detected before you receive alerts. This helps prevent you from receiving alerts that might be unnecessary. The Blink XT2 Outdoor/Indoor Smart Security Camera records 1080p HD videos during the day and is capable of infrared HD night vision to record at night. It is easy to set up and does not require wiring or the presence of a professional. You also don’t have to worry about monthly contracts. This smart security camera stands up to the elements, and you don’t have to worry about it being damaged by rain, snow, or the sun as it has an IP-65 rated camera casing.

This is one of the best outdoor security cameras that is easy to install, and if you ever run into any issues, customer support is always waiting to help you.

With the motion sensor, you get to receive an alert immediately when there is a movement outside your home. You can then proceed to view the live footage by opening the Wansview cloud app. The files being stored automatically in the cloud also means the recorded video is available even if an intruder damages the camera. The data stored in the cloud is protected with Financial Encryption Technology to ensure the security and privacy of the files. You should, however, note that the camera is not rechargeable and does not use batteries. Hence, you have to leave it plugged into an outlet to power it.

The Wansview Waterproof Outdoor Security Camera is a great option for whoever does not care about having a power backup for their security camera.

With 2-way communication, you can communicate with whoever is around your camera in real-time. The microphones have noise cancellation to ensure you receive clean audio from the camera. The camera is 1080p HD and provides you with a live view of your environment as well as night vision. The camera is weather-resistant and can operate in temperatures ranging from -22°F to 120°F. It comes with no battery and has to be plugged into a power source always. It is hardwired to weatherproof electrical boxes for this purpose. You can connect it to the internet via a 2.4GHz WiFi connection with at least 1Mbps speed.

All in all, this is a good camera that can stand in as a replacement for your security floodlights, and you can choose either white or black to match the environment in which you want to install it.

This ieGeek camera gives you a 360-degree turnaround for maximum viewing. No matter where you mount it, you’ll enjoy a wide range of surveillance. It also has a pan 90 tilt and 4x digital zoom, controlled through your phone for extra surveillance. Plus, it comes with full-color night vision and provides extra surveillance capabilities. You also enjoy real-time alerts and a two-way voice function with a built-in microphone.

Also, the ieGeek has a smart-motion detection alarm. To prevent false alarms, you can program it to different settings depending on where you live. Do you live in an area with unpredictable weather? The IP65 waterproofing protects your security camera from rain and snow. And with a convenient power adapter, there’s never a need to worry about charging.

This security camera gives you a lot for your money. Do you need to save your footage? There’s 128 GB storage and Cloud storage maximum to save, and an SD card that can help you save your needed footage. This security camera is an all-in-one package that’s worth the investment when you consider the affordable price.

Battery Life, View Angle, And Connectivity

Not all outdoor security cameras come with battery backups, so you have to decide whether you want a security camera that has a battery backup or not. If a security camera does not have batteries, you have to keep them constantly plugged into an outlet for them to function. This might not be the best option for people who live in areas where power failure occurs from time to time. This also means that if power is cut to your residence, your camera automatically stops recording.

When it comes to a camera’s viewing angle, the wider, the better. This is because a wide viewing angle helps reduce blind spots which can be used to sneak in without being recorded. The standard for a good security camera is still at least a 120-degree viewing angle, but that is changing. Many security cameras now come with 360-degree viewing and 90-degree tilt. You should also consider your camera’s connection to the cloud. All the cameras on this list can connect to the cloud via a 2.4GHz WiFi connection. However, some of the cameras can connect via an Ethernet cable. Whichever you choose, test it before leaving home to ensure it works well with your router so that you can have access to the recorded footage.

Cloud Storage Accessibility & Local Storage

Some of the cameras give you free access to a cloud storage platform where your video files get stored for various periods. Some allow you to view your files for up to seven days after, while some store your videos and give you access for three or six months after they have been recorded. However, not all of these cameras allow you free cloud storage. Some of them have different plans that require a subscription fee for their cloud storage. Some also don’t come with their own cloud or personal storage but are compatible with third-party security storage systems.

Having a local storage option in your security camera can be a nice feature if you want to avoid paying for cloud storage. You want to check if your camera allows the use of an SD card to store files locally. If an SD card slot is present, you want to check the maximum capacity the slot supports, the higher, the better. You might also want to check if the camera stops recording on the SD card when it’s full or if it automatically deletes the oldest videos to make room for the new ones. You also want to make sure your camera automatically notifies you immediately if there is a new video or someone walks into your yard.

Now that you’ve finished this guide, you can revisit our list of products and find the best outdoor security camera for you!

FAQ

Q: Is installing an outdoor security camera difficult?

The process for installing an outdoor security camera will depend on what type of camera is being installed.  Regardless of the type of system being installed, the most important part is following the manufacturer’s instructions. Generally speaking, a wired outdoor camera may be a bit more difficult to install than a wireless one because of considerations like hardwiring it to your home or using an outlet. With either system, the first step is to determine where to mount the camera. Good installation points for outdoor cameras include entry and exit points to your home. Other things to consider will be avoiding direct light so that glare won’t be an issue, taking blind spots into consideration and that placement won’t violate the law by recording public highways or your neighbors.

Q: Do I need wi-fi to use an outdoor security camera?

Many of the outdoor security cameras out there will use wi-fi (an internet connection), but there are cameras available that do not. Depending on how you prefer to use your system, there are pros and cons to cameras that use wi-fi and those that do not. For example, non-Wi-fi cameras are not as hackable, but they can be bulkier and more costly than wi-fi outdoor cameras. Wi-fi cameras can provide livestreaming, remote operation, and notifications but can be less dependable because it is dependent on a wi-fi system that is not reliable, and can be open to hacking.

Q: How is footage stored and retrieved?

There are mainly two different types of storage systems when it comes to outdoor security cameras, internal and external. Those with internal storage use a microSD card which needs an external device to view the footage. External storage cameras store footage on a hard drive from a personal computer, DVR, or network video recorder which then provides the avenue to view the files. Another form of external storage is cloud storage where footage is sent off to remote servers. Cloud storage has many advantages like being able to view footage from anywhere, and remote servers can have better security than home computers.

Q: What does IP rating mean for outdoor security cameras?

IP stands for ingress protection (also international protection) and most outdoor security cameras will come with some form of IP protection. The level of protection is indicated by the number (or numbers) listed after the IP. That number will indicate what the camera is protected against. The first number will indicate the level of protection against dry elements like dust and dirt and the second number indicates the level of protection against water. The higher the number for either the first or second digit the more protection. For example, an IP65 means the camera is dust-tight (6) and can withstand low-pressure water jets (5). Instead of being confused by terms such as waterproof, water-resistant, or weatherproof, it is better to take a look at the IP rating to know how well-protected the camera will be against the elements.

Q: How are outdoor security cameras powered?

No matter the type of outdoor security camera, it is going to need a power source. Some wireless outdoor security cameras will have their own power supply typically via an onboard battery. This type of power source requires monitoring the power level of the camera to know whether to either change batteries or charge the camera. Some wireless outdoor security cameras will come with a plug and require a wall outlet for power. Then there are cameras that have solar panels attached to them which will provide power to its battery. When sunlight is not available, the camera will be powered by its rechargeable battery. Wired cameras can be powered either via the home’s power supply (hardwired) or even through PoE (power over ethernet).