Security is important. In fact, it may just be the most important thing in life. Without safety and security, it’s impossible to relax or protect yourself, your family, and your property. However, by having an outdoor security camera, you can deter criminals from targeting your home or business, record anybody who approaches your property , and sleep easy knowing that your home is protected and monitored.
Fortunately, technology has come a long way over the past decade, and there are now some excellent outdoor security cameras on the market. But with so many options, how do you choose the best one? Well, in this guide to the best outdoor security cameras in 2022, you’re sure to find the product that’s perfect for your family.
Keep reading to learn:
- How outdoor security cameras work
- The questions to ask when buying a security camera
- The features to look for in an outdoor security camera
- The best outdoor security cameras on the market
- And much more
How Do Outdoor Security Cameras Work?
The days of having to worry about wires are long gone. These days the best outdoor security cameras are completely wireless and connect to Wi-Fi networks. The way it works is really quite simple. Basically, you power on your device, connect to your Wi-Fi network, set up your receiver (whether that’s a control panel, a smart device, or your phone), and then you just mount your outdoor security camera wherever you want. The camera will then record everything going on and upload that data to your device or cloud storage account.
Thanks to the rise of apps and smart home technology, the outdoor security cameras of today are equipped with a number of state-of-the-art features and functions that would have been impossible even a few short years ago. You can now watch what’s going on outside from anywhere just by opening an app on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. You can even speak through your outdoor security camera and have two-way voice conversations.
In the event that something is wrong, you can immediately contact the authorities through your app and save the footage in case you’ll need to rely on it later in court. In other words, you have complete control over your security camera and footage at all times, which allows you to have peace of mind knowing that your residence or place of business is secure, even if you’re out of town or out of the country.
There are a ton of different outdoor security cameras available these days, and choosing one can be quite difficult, so let’s consider some of the questions to ask when buying a security camera, go over the best features available with modern outdoor security cameras, and look at the very best outdoor security cameras in 2022, so that you can choose the very best one for you and your family.
Questions To Ask When Buying An Outdoor Security Camera
Most modern outdoor security cameras work over Wi-Fi and support the features discussed above, but not all outdoor security cameras are created equally. Many of the best models available are jam-packed with a ton of additional features to provide more than the basic security to your home or workplace. So, before you purchase your new outdoor security camera, there are a few things you should consider and a couple of questions you should ask yourself around what to look for in a i-Fi security camera.
Do You Need Motion and Sound Detection?
Some modern outdoor security cameras feature motion and sound detection capabilities, which can enhance the security of your home by recording what’s going on outside whenever motion or sound is detected.
Security cameras, in general, will record everything happening outside, but many cameras will only upload that footage for a certain period of time, say 24 hours, before it gets erased to make room for new footage. Of course, if something happens and you need the footage, you can always back it up within that time frame or purchase additional memory so that the camera stores data for longer time frames, but it is something to keep in mind when purchasing.
However, some outdoor security cameras that feature motion and sound detection can be set to automatically back up your footage whenever there is nearby movement or audio, which can be a great feature to have, but also requires a lot of memory or cloud storage space. So, before you buy your new camera, ask yourself if you really need motion and sound detection.
How Much Detail Do You Require?
Outdoor security cameras are available at a number of different price points, so whatever your budget is, there will be a great option available to you. However, there is a trade-off that occurs between price and video quality. Lower-end cameras may only support 480p and can even be black and white, whereas higher-end cameras support 4K and have vivid full-colour detail. In most cases, the industry-standard resolution these days is 1080p with colour. So, consider how much detail you need in your footage, and be sure to budget accordingly.
Do You Need Two-way Audio?
Two-way audio is a great feature to have, but it also isn’t necessary for every situation. Being able to communicate with people outside your home or business can be really convenient and can add an extra level of security to your property. Let’s say you are away on a trip in another country, and you see somebody approach your home, that person may see your security camera, but if you speak to them through the camera, they will assume you are home for sure, which can deter them from trying anything shady if they are up to no good.
But two-way audio is also great when you are expecting package deliveries, waiting for company to arrive, or if a knock comes to the door from an unknown visitor. Since some people only need video recordings and don’t require any sort of voice support, ask yourself whether two-way audio is a feature you need or not.
Do You Require Smart Platform Integration?
Some of the features we’ve been discussing are only available with cameras that support smart platform integration or work with smart home systems. Basic outdoor security cameras still exist, and they only send the video footage to a receiver that records for a certain amount of time., But if you want to be able to view your location remotely from your phone, and have two-way remote audio, then you will need a camera that has smart features available.
Monetarily, modern smart-enabled outdoor security cameras cost about the same amount of money as non-smart-enabled devices, so there really isn’t any reason to go with an old-fashioned basic security camera instead of a new smart device. However, if you aren’t tech-savvy and aren’t sure how to work with apps, then you may just want an old-style analog system, and that’s perfectly fine.
Wired or Wireless?
As mentioned, most new outdoor security cameras, especially cameras that support smart platform integration, will be wireless. However, there are still wired security cameras available. If wiring the system isn’t a problem for you, and you want to save a bit of money, then a wired system might be a good decision.
In most cases, the wireless systems are much easier to install, don’t cost much more, and include a ton of other features that you might not be able to find in a wired security camera, such as remote viewing. So, again, ask yourself whether you want a wired or wireless system.
Product Recommendations
Now let’s look at some of the most trusted, highest rated outdoor security cameras on the market, and look at some of their best features so that you can choose the best one for you according to your needs and unique situation.
Vivint Outdoor Camera Is An Excellent Choice
The Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro is an excellent choice and has many of the best features available in modern outdoor security cameras, including 1080p video with a 4K image sensor, flashing LED motion lights, event-based recording with continuous video, and best of all, the Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro work with smart home systems including Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
The only downside (and for some—especially in the Vivint ecosystem—it’s not a downside, at all) is that the camera isn’t available as a stand-alone product and requires the Vivint home security system along with professional installation. But the professional installation is free with the purchase of the security system.
The Arlo Pro 4 is Feature-Packed
The Arlo Pro 4 packs many of the features we’ve looked at in this guide, including high definition 2K video with a wide-angle lens that covers a field of 160 degrees, night vision, a built-in LED spotlight, a built-in siren, an impressive 30 days of recording time, and advanced 911 functionality.
Arlo’s Pro 4 is a wireless, 2K HDR security camera with an integrated spotlight. Rest easy knowing your home is protected!
Of course, it’s a wireless smart camera that connects with the Arlo app so that you can monitor your home while you’re away.
The Google Nest Cam is Popular For A Reason
The Google Nest Cam is one of the most popular outdoor security cameras on the market and has many of the same features as the Arlo Pro 4 for only half the price. One great feature of the Nest Cam is that it doesn’t require you to purchase a subscription in order to access the camera’s advanced features, in comparison to the Arlo Pro 4.
The camera works both indoors and outdoors and stores videos for 3 hours before restarting the video feed. There is a paid option available for storing more footage if three hours isn’t enough. The Google Nest Cam features high-resolution with HDR and includes a magnetic plate for easy installation.
The Ring Spotlight Cam Offers Great Value
The Ring Spotlight Cam is a great outdoor security camera, but it also features an excellent security spotlight. The price really can’t be beat for what’s included with the camera. The camera features a high-powered built-in spotlight with motion detection, 1080p video, and a loud security siren.
The companion app allows you to monitor your video feed in real-time, activate the siren and spotlight, and upload footage to a cloud storage account of your choice. For under $200, you can’t go wrong.
TELUS Smart Home Security Offers a Solid Outdoor Wi-Fi Camera
It might not be the least expensive option, but the TELUS Smart Home Security Outdoor Wi-Fi Security Camera may very well be one of the most solid outdoor security cameras in 2022. With the quality you’d expect from Canada’s #1 home security provider, it can capture live and recorded video around your home, and offer motion activated notifications and recording.
The wireless cameras use a weatherproof rated plastic enclosure, although you’ll require a standard electrical outlet nearby to power the camera. They capture video at 1080p, have a wide field of view, and can record from up to 40 ft away, even in the dark. The cameras contain a speaker and microphone allowing for two-way audio communication with whomever is in front of the camera, and for two-way communications using the TELUS mobile app. Support for up to 4 cameras is included with video plans, which can store 3,000 video clips included with video plans. However, TELUS offers video expansion packs that provide an extra 5000 clips storage, 5000 uploads and support for up to 8 cameras for only $5 per month.
The EufyCam 2 Is Truly Wireless
Last but not least, the EufyCam 2 has the longest battery life of any outdoor security camera on the market and boasts a number of excellent features, making it one of the best wireless security cameras on the market today. No subscription is necessary, which makes the EufyCam 2 an excellent value over time, and it also features night vision, motion detection, and it’s expandable, allowing you to add as many additional cameras to the system as you’d like.
The EufyCam 2 also works with Apple Homekit, which is a feature that most other outdoor security cameras don’t have If your smart home is powered by Apple, then this very well may be the best security camera for you in 2022.
Conclusion & Recommendation
When it comes to protecting your home, your family, and your property, security is of the utmost importance, and one of the best investments you can make in terms of security is an outdoor security camera. There are many great security cameras available on the market, but the ones we’ve looked at in this article are among the very best. So, if you’re thinking about investing in a new security system for your home or business, then you’ll be making a great choice by going with any of the cameras we’ve looked at.
Conclusion & Recommendation
When it comes to protecting your home, your family, and your property, security is of the utmost importance, and one of the best investments you can make in terms of security is an outdoor security camera. There are many great security cameras available on the market, but the ones we’ve looked at in this article are among the very best. So, if you’re thinking about investing in a new security system for your home or business, then you’ll be making a great choice by going with any of the cameras we’ve looked at.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now, let’s turn our attention to some of the most frequently asked questions from people who are on the fence and aren’t sure whether or not an outdoor security camera is a good option for protecting their home or business.
Can my security camera be hacked?
In short, security cameras can be hacked in a number of different ways. The long answer is yes, security cameras can be hacked, but it’s extremely difficult to do, requires extensive technical knowledge, costly equipment, and is very unlikely to occur. Modern security cameras are encrypted, and so unless the culprit has your password, it will be a very daunting task to decipher the encryption and gain access to your camera.
That said, it can happen. However, there are a few things you can do to make this even more unlikely, such as changing the default password of your camera, updating your password frequently, and never disclosing your password to anyone.
Remember, banks, governments, and the world’s largest security companies all get hacked, but they are hacked by people with very special skills, huge budgets, and for larger than life reasons. The odds of one of these super hackers targeting your outdoor security camera are very unlikely indeed.
What Type of Weather Can Outdoor Security Cameras Handle?
The operating temperature of outdoor security cameras varies from model to model. Cheaper options may only work in mild weather, but the best outdoor security cameras on the marketcan withstand freezing cold winter temperatures with no problem at all. So, if you live in a region with particularly cold weather, then you’ll probably want to stay away from the cheapest systems and err on the side of caution by purchasing a more advanced, better-quality outdoor security camera.
How Do Security Cameras Store Video?
Most outdoor security cameras these days transmit footage over Wi-Fi to a control panel or receiver that has a hard drive. However, older wired models may still record to a disk. The best models these days feature automatic video uploads to cloud storage accounts, meaning that you can backup and access your security footage remotely from anywhere in the world by signing into your cloud storage account or the app of your specific camera manufacturer.
How Many Security Cameras Do I Need?
There is no right answer to this question. It really all depends on your situation and the size of your property. If you are buying the camera for your home residence, then one camera on the front door and one on the backdoor is probably sufficient. However, if you feel as though you need a camera on each side of your house, then that will, of course, provide you with even more security.
On the other hand, if you are buying a security system for your business, then you may want to have more cameras installed than you would at your home. This is because businesses often contain lots of valuable equipment and money that could be of interest to would-be thieves and burglars. If you are buying the cameras for your business, then it’s all a write-off anyways, so you might as well install one above every entrance so that you’re covered and protected from all angles.
