7 New Security Camera Options For Your Home in 2023

Top 7 security cameras for your home

1. Arlo Pro 2 Indoor/Outdoor Camera

The Arlo Pro 2 Indoor/Outdoor camera stands out for its relatively low price and the range of features it offers. Motion and sound-activated recordings are captured in 1080p HD video, giving it a crisp video resolution with twice as many pixels as SD recordings. You can control the system’s settings through a mobile app with full monitoring, activation and scheduling functionalities.

While Arlo doesn’t offer professional monitoring, it does provide enhanced options, such as 2K and 4K recording, 30-day video storage and advanced object detection. 

Arlo security camera details

Pricing: The smallest Arlo Pro 2 system contains one camera and one hub, priced at $199.99 as of May 2020. Add-on cameras are $179.99 each. 

Features: Built-in siren, 8x digital zoom, two-way talk, custom motion detection zones (23-foot range)

Arlo security camera reviews 

Reviews of the Arlo Pro 2 Indoor/Outdoor security cameras praise it for being one of the best affordable options on the market. It was usually found to be easy to install and set up. One of the most common complaints is that video recordings are too short. Sometimes a single event will be split into multiple recordings. Additionally, the recordings lack date and time stamps. 

Pros and cons of Arlo security cameras

Pros: 

• High definition video
• Extensive mobile functions
• Compatible with many smart assistants

Cons: 

• No professional monitoring
• No professional installation
• Video recordings are short

2. Blue by ADT Outdoor Camera

The Blue by ADT outdoor camera is one of the newest offerings by the veteran home security brand. It is backed by ADT’s advanced security measures and comes with smart home automation features like mobile app controls and compatibility with Amazon Alexa and If This Then That (IFTTT). 

The cameras are compatible with existing Lifeshield systems. If you are looking to expand your existing system with smart cameras, the Blue by ADT outdoor camera is a solid choice. 

Blue by ADT security camera details

Pricing: Blue by ADT cameras are $199.99 each. 

Features: Noise cancellation for two-way talk, facial recognition alerts, custom motion detection zones (16.4-foot range) 

Blue by ADT security camera reviews 

Blue by ADT owners seem most impressed by the quality of the Lifeshield professional monitoring service, mainly for its superior responsiveness and low price (starting at $19.99 per month). The DIY-only installation has been a problem for some owners, who say they couldn’t get the setup right. 

Pros and cons of Blue by ADT security cameras

Pros: 

• Facial recognition
• Two-way talk with noise cancellation
• Options for professional monitoring

Cons: 

• No home automation accessories
• No professional installation

3. Google Nest Cam IQ Outdoor

The Google Nest Cam IQ Outdoor is the brand’s most advanced camera option, providing a wealth of smart features and capabilities. These include enhanced 1080p HD video recordings and advanced detection that can distinguish between objects, people and pets. 

Integration with existing Nest home automation systems is easy, and the camera can be controlled with Google Voice Assistant. The IQ camera is the best selection for Google-powered smart homes that need extensive security features. 

Google Nest Cam IQ Outdoor security camera details

Pricing: The Google Nest Cam IQ Outdoor is $399, or $698 for a pack of two. 

Features: Close-up tracking view, 12x digital zoom and image enhancement, multi-axis 360° rotation, facial recognition with Nest Aware subscription, custom motion detection zones (50-foot range), HD two-way talk with noise cancellation

Google Nest Cam IQ Outdoor security camera reviews 

Reviewers of Google Nest Cam IQ Outdoor cameras are especially pleased with the image quality, ease of setup and simplicity of the Nest app controls. They also report good performance of the sound detection feature and audio quality of the two-way talk.

Pros and cons of Google Nest Cam IQ Outdoor security cameras

Pros: 

• Enhanced HD recordings
• Seamless smart home compatibility
• Options for professional monitoring

Cons: 

• Expensive
• Facial recognition only with Nest Aware subscription

4. Google Nest Cam Outdoor

The Google Nest Cam Outdoor is the brand’s standard camera. While it isn’t as advanced as the IQ camera, it still has enough features to be an effective, less expensive alternative. 

As with the IQ camera, one of the biggest selling points for the basic Google Nest Cam is its compatibility with Nest smart home automation systems. The camera can be controlled along with all of your other Nest/Google products in the Nest app, or with Google Voice Assistant. 

Google Nest Cam Outdoor security camera details

Pricing: The Google Nest Cam Outdoor is $199.

Features: 1080p HD image quality, 8x digital zoom, custom motion detection zones (20-foot range), facial recognition with Nest Aware subscription 

Google Nest Cam Outdoor security camera reviews 

Reviews of Google Nest Cam Outdoor cameras highlight the high definition of video clarity, as well as the 24/7 recording. The lack of batteries was seen as a benefit by some, and a drawback by others. Ease of use and setup was commonly praised.

Pros and cons of Google Nest Cam Outdoor security cameras

Pros: 

• High definition video
• Seamless Smart home compatibility
• Options for professional monitoring

Cons: 

• No facial recognition
• Person alerts only with Nest Aware subscription

5. Lorex Smart Outdoor Security Camera

The Lorex Smart Outdoor Security Camera is a solid mid-range option with robust security features. It allows you to deter trespassers with two-way talk speakers, motion-activated LED warning light and even a remote-controlled siren. All video is recorded and stored on the included 32 GB microSD, which can be upgraded to 256 GB. 

This camera is compatible with several smart home automation systems: Amazon Alexa, Apple TV, Chromecast and Google Voice Assistant. Therefore, it’s a good option for many people who already have smart systems set up. 

Lorex Smart Outdoor security camera details

Pricing: The Lorex Smart Outdoor security camera is regularly $189.99, but promotional discounts are sometimes available. 

Features: 1080p HD image quality, person and vehicle detection, motion-triggered LED warning light, two-way talk, night vision (50-foot range)

Lorex Smart Outdoor security camera reviews 

Reviews sometimes find Lorex security camera performance to be better than that of comparable competitors. Its ease-of-use and low bandwidth usage were also well-liked. 

Pros and cons of Lorex Smart Outdoor security cameras

Pros: 

• Remote-triggered siren
• Comes with micro SD for storage
• Smart motion detection

Cons: 

• No cloud backup options
• No professional monitoring
• No professional installation

6. Ring Video Doorbell

The Ring Video Doorbell is the brand’s best-selling camera. It is one of the simplest and most affordable home security cameras on the market. At 720p, its video isn’t the clearest, but it works well for a budget option. 

Ring’s affordable storage and monitoring plans give it a leading edge against competitors. You can easily manage your camera with the Ring app and even tap into your local camera network with the Neighbors by Ring app. 

Ring Video Doorbell security camera details

Pricing: The Ring Video Doorbell is $99.99. Financing options are available. 

Features: 24/7 live video, two-way talk with noise cancellation, adjustable motion detection, 180° field of view

Ring Video Doorbell security camera reviews 

Those who reviewed the Ring Video Doorbell appreciated the live video stream and functionality of the app. Some have reported issues with over-sensitivity in motion detection and a delay in receiving notifications. 

Pros and cons of Ring Video Doorbell security cameras

Pros: 

• Inexpensive equipment
• Low-cost storage and monitoring plans
• Battery power with plug-in option

Cons: 

• Storage only with subscriptions
• No professional installation

7. Simplicam from SimpliSafe

Even though it’s a budget smart camera, the Simplicam offers a few high-end features. It can distinguish people from objects using heat signature detection, send instant alerts through the SimpliSafe app, and compress video for optimal clarity.  

SimpliSafe’s professional monitoring plans are offered for about $15-$25 per month with no contract required and they include video storage. 

Simplicam security camera details

Pricing: The Simplicam is available for $99. Outdoor adapter kits are $19.99. 

Features: 24/7 live video and audio, human heat signature detection, the outdoor conversion option

Simplicam security camera reviews 

Those who reviewed Simplicam reported that the activation process was sometimes finicky, and connectivity was not always reliable. It’s acknowledged that the product is a rather basic camera and ideal for those who need a simple solution. 

Pros and cons of Simplicam security cameras

Pros: 

• Inexpensive equipment
• Low-cost storage and monitoring plans
• Smart motion detection

Cons: 

• Storage only with subscriptions
• Needs adapter to use outdoors
• No professional installation

Frequently asked questions

How much does a security camera cost? 
Entry-level security cameras can cost as little as $99, but more advanced cameras can cost nearly $400. Advanced features that come with pricier wireless security cameras often include facial recognition, HD video, and professional monitoring.

Which are the best security cameras for budgets?
If you’re looking for enhanced home security for an affordable price, the Arlo Pro 2 cameras, Ring Video Doorbells, and Simplicam cameras are all solid choices for lower budgets.

Which security cameras work with smart homes?
All of the cameras in this list are compatible with at least one type of smart home system. Many companies offer a suite of products to enable smart home technology throughout your home. 

Which security cameras come with professional monitoring?
Blue by ADT, Google Nest, Ring, and SimpliCam cameras have optional professional monitoring services.