Security is important everywhere, but it is most important in the home. You have to make sure your properties, kids and every other person in the home is safe, especially when you are not always there all the time. The best way to do this is to get the best CCTV camera for home use, and the best time to get it is now. Do not be like me that had to learn the need for CCTV camera in the home the hard way.
This review is not only borne out of my experience, but also from the fact that in finding the best CCTV for me, I stumbled into several great options which I’d be reviewing shortly. Hopefully, you’d get one that fits your needs and keep your kids, family, and properties safe.
The Blink Mini Security Camera is indoor home security that is a bit different from the many rigged options you will find on Amazon. It is portable, very lightweight making it easy to move from one place to another, and it is budget-friendly. Notwithstanding the simplicity of this camera, it stands itself out as one of the most performing CCTV cameras for the home in the market today. It has a very good image and video quality both at night and in the day.
The audio quality is also very clear and absolute. One reason why this is standing at the top of this review is not just because I tried it and found it worthy, but because it is highly compatible with many other devices. You don’t have to go through any stress to set this up as it comes with a manual that provides step by step guide on how to do that.
Features
It records in 1080p at 30fps and produces clear images.
I know some of you might not want an indoor camera and find it difficult to get a quality outdoor camera, and that’s why I have decided to introduce you to Netgear Arlo Pro 2 Security Camera. This camera is rated as one of the most flexible outdoor cameras in the market with a quality brand reputation and amazing product performance. It has a relatively wide range of view that covers about 130-degree and an image resolution of up to 1080p. This is a battery-powered camera that comes with solid batteries that can last for as long as six months before they are changed. Though expensive, this is one comprehensive, versatile, and high performing camera that you should get if you can afford it.
Features
Has the 130-degree field of view
Comes with a magnetic base that allows you to stick it to a metal
Offers very reasonable cloud storage options
Pros
Highly flexible, durable, and effective camera
Weatherproof and can be used across different seasons
The night vision is up to 8m and has motion detection with adjustable sensitivity
There is no length to which you can go in securing your life and properties that can be regarded as too much. If there is an extra mile, then it is what going, and that’s what Google Nest Cam Indoor Smart Security Camera offers you. Established as a reputable brand when it comes to offering home security devices, Google Nest is tested and trusted. This camera doesn’t fall short of the quality that the brand is known for as it offers great features and facilities.
This CCTV camera for the home comes with an onscreen joystick that gives you control over the camera from anywhere you are. Upon successful installation of this device, you are expected to work with an accompanying app that will require you to create an account. When this account is successfully created, you can keep an eye on your home regardless of where you are.
Features
It records high quality in 1080p at 30fps
Has a night vision mode, a microphone, and a two-way audio
Users can automatically save recorded clips to a third-party storage device
Pros
Rated as an excellent choice for indoor security
It can cover a wider area in the home than other cameras will
The motion detection comes with adjustable sensitivity and motion tracking.
Cons
Motion detection can be confused if one walks too fast past the lens
Even though I think a lot has to be done with regards to the design of this camera, I cannot deny that this is one home camera that is easy to set up, use and maintain. This CCTV camera provides for basic features and can capture up to 1080p at 30fps. It also comes with a pair of infrared lights that enhance vision at night.
The outstanding feature of this home camera from others on the list is the facial recognition technology it has. This means that once an unfamiliar face is spotted in the home, you will be alerted immediately. It can do this by first putting together a database of known people through consistent appearance in the home. This way, you don’t get unnecessary alerts of people in your home except when the presence of a stranger is spotted.
Features
Inclusion of a facial recognition technology
High-quality video, image, and audio resolution
Enhanced Night vision and motion detection
Pros
This camera is very easy to set up and maintain
Users don’t have to worry about unnecessary alerts of known people in the home
It is not just an affordable camera, but an effective one as well.
Cons
Takes a lot of time to build the database of known people.
When I was looking for the best CCTV camera for my home that will secure my kids, I was introduced to a lot of brands. What I noticed was that Ring kept reoccurring, and that caused me to do some research, and I found it they are a unique brand. This indoor cam that is made available by them married great price with absolute performance. It is well-known for its lightweight, amazing design, and great features. If you are looking to get a security camera at the best price to quality ratio, then, you should be looking in the direction of Ring Indoor Cam.
Features
Its specifications measure about 45.8 x 45.8 x 75mm with a 140 degrees field of view
Comes with a 30-day free user trial of the ring protect plan.
Offers three different modes – disarmed, home, and away.
Pros
The features of this product are completely customizable
Users can set to the camera to watch only human movement
It works well in environments with poor lights as well
Cons
Buyers have complained that it needs an upgrade as it can be hacked
CCTV cameras for home are usually very expensive because of the features that they possess. Considering that I didn’t have that much money to spare at a time when I was looking to get one, I also considered some cheap options, and I found this awesome product – Yi Home Camera. In my analysis, this is the best cheap indoor home security camera in the market now.
This camera is a recent upgrade to match the new technological shift to artificial intelligence. This means it can detect humans and notify you when a stranger is spotted in the home. I think the most outstanding feature of this product is that it can filter out other motions like pet movements in the home. Though a basic camera, this product still offers great image, video, and sound quality and can be a good product for you with a very low budget.
Features
Very impressive night vision and baby crying detection
The first-month free cloud video clip storage plan
It also has a high-quality two-way audio
Pros
You can save some money off this camera while still being able to access great features
Offers activity alerts for pet and many monitors
Images and videos can be downloaded to a third-party storage
Cons
There is a limit to the range this camera covers in the home.
Are you looking for the best cheap outdoor security camera in the market now? Then, you are looking for this amazing outdoor camera provided for by the very popular home security products brand – Eufy. This camera records up to 1080p with a limited recording option. It, however, provides for an option that allows you to record longer by slotting in an SD card. This outdoor camera makes use of rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries that can be recharged. The time-span for these batteries is six months after which they are to be changed for better performance. If you are a homeowner that is buying CCTV camera on a budget, then this is an option that is worth considering.
Features
Offers free 7-day storage for motion-triggered clips
The battery charger is included with the product on purchase
Allows the user to connect a microSD card to extend recording time
Another big name among top-ranking brands that offer home security cameras is Blink. It has grown to be a company many buyers want to buy from, and this XT2 wireless camera it offers is an upgrade to make it weatherproof and of a high resolution. I think what I found amazing about this product is that it can store a lot of clips before it starts deleting them. This way, you can refer back to clips for different purposes. Beyond that, this wireless camera is very easy to install outside the home, very simple to use and comes with a battery that can last you for two long years. With this product, you can also enjoy up to two hours’ worth of free video footage. Blink XT2 wireless camera also has a resolution as it records in 1080p at 110 degrees field of view.
Features
It has both night vision and motion detection
Comes with a specification of about 71 x 71 x 34 and weighs about 89g
Its battery life is up to 2 years
Pros
Installation can be carried out by yourself without third-party
You don’t have to worry about changing batteries all the time
It has a good price to quality ratio compared to other outdoor cameras
The ring isn’t just known for producing quality indoor cameras, but also quality outdoor cameras, one of which is the Ring Video Doorbell Outdoor Camera. This camera has a sophisticated Wi-Fi setup, dual-band connectivity, and more flexible motion detection. The dual-band connectivity of this outdoor camera means that you can have a more reliable connection.With this camera, you can select a near motion zone to limit the number of alerts that you get per time. It captured its footage at 1080p, has an impressive horizontal field of view of about 160 degrees, and motion detection.
Features
The pre-roll function included to let camera capture footage for 4 seconds
Offers user with a 30-day free trial after installation
Like I said earlier, Ring is one of the best brands out there when it comes to CCTV camera for home and that’s why it seems like we cannot get enough of the products they offer. On this list is yet another product from Ring and it is the spotlight cam which is the best option for dark corners. This is the best camera option to enhance security for an outside building with a dark entrance or dark exit. Flanked on both sides with a pair of LED bar lights, this camera records in 1080p and floods dark places with lights when anyone approaches it. It makes use of rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries and comes with its charger.
Features
Appealing design
Super bright LED lights
Video resolution of 1920 x 1080
Pros
Installation of the product is very easy.
It can be charged directly via a micro-USB
Comes with a siren for better deterrent
Cons
The subscription model that comes with it is quite expensive.
CCTV Cameras for Home of UK Buying Guide
Now that we have examined 10 of the best CCTV cameras for a home in the market lets us look at major considerations to note when buying one. This is important because as a buyer if you will make informed decisions, you have to know what to look out for and not just what you are presented with. So when in the market in search of the best CCTV camera for home, what are basic considerations to follow?
Which Do You Want – Outdoor or Indoor Security Cameras?
If you look closely at the review and products that are listed in it, you will discover that they are a mix of both internal and external CCTV cameras. While they both serve the same purpose of ensuring security in the home, how they go about it differs. The outdoor cameras are weatherproof and usually installed outside the home. They usually take a long time and process to install and many times guarantee better security.
They help notify you of burglars even before they get into the home. Indoor security cameras, on the other hand, are to be placed inside the home. Unlike outdoor cameras, they are very easy to install as they come in handy. Your location, purpose of security, and budget are factors that should influence your decision on which to go for. However, if you live in a rented apartment or places where it is not allowed to keep outdoor cameras, the indoor cameras are the best options.
How Easy Is It To Hack The CCTV Camera?
Another factor to be considered when buying a CCTV camera for your home is the ease of hacking it. Considering that these cameras are just like other internet-powered devices, the possibility of it being hacked shouldn’t be one that should be ignored. Always go for cameras that have better security mechanisms put in place to prevent it from being hacked. Pay attention to the app that accompanies the camera and determine whether there is a provision for two-step authentication and that security of information provided is guaranteed.
The Video Storage and Quality of the Camera
The resolutions of CCTV cameras differ from one camera to another, and so does the storage. So, when buying a camera, make sure it can record in 1080p as that is full HD. The clearer the video is, the better the chance you stand of identifying people and activities that are recorded. A camera with a high video quality will always produce extremely clear images.
Asides from the video quality, there is also video storage. While there are cameras that require you to subscribe for you to be able to download images or videos captured to your phone, others require you to subscribe even before viewing the video. Make sure you factor in this and make a decision that will suit you, especially when the free trial plan that comes with many cameras reviewed above is exhausted.
Range/Field of View
The range of view of CCTV cameras also differs, and it is a major factor to consider when you are buying one. The field of view here refers specifically to the area that is covered by the lens of the camera. No camera can cover a larger area than its field of view. So, depending on the size of your home, you may want to go for a camera that can guarantee you a range that matches your needs.
Two-way Audio and Sirens
Many of the CCTV cameras that have been reviewed above come with a microphone, speaker, and offer two-way audio. This means that you can speak on one end, be heard in the other, and vice versa. This is important for communication when a breach is spotted or to tell at the stranger to get them away from home. It could also be a good way to communicate with your pets and notify them of the breach. Other than the two way audio, there is also the siren feature that should be considered. Do you want a siren feature that automatically turns on when any strange movement is spotted or not?
Read Reviews from Customers
Listening only to what the manufacturer or brand or product has to say about the product alone might not help you make the best buying decisions. This is because they, many times, only talk about the strengths of the product and not its weaknesses. Customers, on the other hand, always provide an honest review of these cameras telling you their own experiences with it. This way, you can avoid the mistakes they made when buying cameras for their homes and ensure you buy the best camera for you.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Why do I need a CCTV Camera in my home?
The primary reason why you need a CCTV camera in your home is for security, but that is not all there is to it. It can also be used to monitor the activities of your kids in the home. If you want to know what your kids do while you are away, the kinds of friends they bring on, and how they spend their day, you can also get a CCTV camera. Yes, you need CCTV camera to identify the activities of strangers in the home, but it is not limited to that.
How do I identify the best CCTV Camera for my home?
There is no one-fits-it-all CCTV camera for home. What works well in one person’s home might not work so well in yours. This is why, beyond the product list, you also have to pay attention to the buying guide and ask yourself some questions before making a decision. What type of CCTV camera do I need for my home based on its size? What features do I need in a CCTV camera with regards to installation, usage, and maintenance? What is my budget like to get the type of CCTV camera I want for my home? These are some questions you have to provide answers to if you want to identify the best CCTV camera for your home.
Do I need to pay attention to the brand of the camera when buying?
Yes, because while the features might seem excellent, the reputation of the brand also plays a major role. You should buy a CCTV camera from a brand know to produce home security products that are of high quality. Sometimes, the quality of the brand is all the guarantee you need that the product will serve your needs well.
Conclusion
That’s it on a review of the best CCTV camera for home in the market, and I am sure that a lot has been said that will help you make the best decision when buying. Don’t forget to give as much attention to the buying guide as you will to the product list. This is because while the product list provides for the best products in the market, the buying guide will help you narrow your choices into finding a product that meets your specific needs.
That way, you are not just buying one of the best products; you are buying the best camera for your home to be more specific. Regarding recommendations, I’d go for the Blink Mini Security Camera as my best-budget choice because it offers all you need in a home camera at an affordable price. For the best choice, I’d pick the All-new Ring Stick Up Cam Battery Camera for the relative ease of installation, the outstanding features, and the low cost of maintenance. Finally, my premium choice will be the Netgear Arlo Pro 2 Security Camera first because of its price, but most importantly, because it offers a high performance that matches that price.