Best Home Security Cameras of 2025: My Picks for Your Protection
There's nothing worse than dealing with burglaries and package theft , which is why so many people are looking for ways to protect their homes by investing in added security, such as smart home features and cameras. While you can't go wrong with having more than one security camera, it isn't necessary. All you need is a one-time purchase of the right camera.
Our CNET editors have tested dozens of cameras over the years, including the latest 2025 models such as Arlo's pan/tilt option, Ring's updated 4K cams, Blink's new options with a higher resolution and Google Nest's big third-gen upgrades -- all to see which stand out from the crowd and add value to your living space.
What is the best overall home security camera?
An Arlo Pro cam mounted to a wooden wall.
I recommend the Arlo Pro 6 camera ,a new 2025 release packed with intelligent features, high resolution, a spotlight and lots more. It also benefits from Arlo's homeowner-friendly app, if it's your first security cam, and you can put it nearly anywhere to watch your porch, driveway, living room, entryway and more. If you want the best and don't mind paying for it, start here. Otherwise, you may be interested in my other picks below.
Best home security cameras of 2025
Read more: This Arlo Security Cam Gives Me Premium Features While Staying Cheap
Arlo Pro 6
Why I like it:
The best security cameras can work anywhere and adapt to any situation, based on the type of security you need -- what you want to watch over, when and how you look and how you get alerts. The Arlo Pro 6, the latest 2025 model, comes so packed with features that I had trouble thinking of something it couldn't do. The up-to-2K resolution with HDR, color night vision and digital zoom all ensure you can keep an eye on any detail, while the 160-degree field of view is astounding for a cam this size.
Users have their pick of smart features too, including two-way audio and smart alerts with detection zones. Motion detection, honed by Arlo's years of experience, can identify objects like people or packages and activate the built-in spotlight during dark conditions. With an operating temperature range down to minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit, you won't have to worry too much about weather, either. There's even an XL battery pack if you dislike recharging.
Arlo offers advanced AI options like event captions, customizable object detection and car recognition but you'll have to pay for them with at least an $8 Arlo Secure subscription. The subscription also adds cloud video storage. For Arlo cams in particular, I recommend adding a subscription or looking for another option.
Who is this for:
People who want to combine high-quality views with a ridiculous number of smart features.
Who shouldn't buy it:
The budget-conscious looking for under-$100 steals and those who want to avoid subscriptions.
Arlo's latest outdoor camera includes their best features plus an option for an extra-large battery.
Other popular home security cameras we've reviewed
Lorex/Amazon
Wyze Cam v2 : Wyze cams have a lot to love, particularly its low prices and user-friendly interfaces, which is why models like the Cam v2 have qualified as previous top picks. Over the past several years, Wyze has encountered a string of security vulnerabilities that don't seem to be getting any better, including a late 2023 video caching error that had users looking out of strangers' live views . I'm putting Wyze on hold for now until it's clear it has security issues sorted out, but if that doesn't bother you (many brands have periods where they struggle with a vulnerability ), then it could be an option for budget cams.
Lorex 2K Wi-Fi Floodlight Camera : My local storage Lorex pick is an all-purpose cam, but Lorex has more role-specific options too. One version I especially liked was the floodlight camera, ideal for position over a garage or patio to get shine extra light on your property.
Eufy SoloCam S230 with integrated solar panel : Going solar in the right outdoor spot can help remove battery woes. Eufy makes this sunny solution simple by combining the cam with a built-in solar panel on top. If you can position it correctly, you may not need to worry about battery life until the middle of winter.
Blink Mini 2 : Tiny and super easy to use, I recommend this Blink Mini 2 cam as a good option if you have a rented room or dorm that you want to keep watch over. The small cam packs a spotlight, audio features, night vision and even has an outdoor option. It's a potential option for anyone wanting a small, affordable camera… although a subscription is necessary to get some important benefits.
TP-Link Tapo MagCam : When I tested the Tap MagCam, I was impressed with its resolution and outdoor durability. However, it's a heavy cam and the adhesive wall mount option wasn't an effective method of mounting for me, which made me hesitate to recommend it as an outdoor cam in lieu of other options like Blink's Outdoor cams. I also liked Blink's app more than Tapos. With a screw-in magnetic mount, this cam could be a viable option for monitoring long driveways or backyard properties.
How I test home security cameras
Security cameras work best in the right spots, and cause major issues in the wrong areas.
Hands-on testing is core to my evaluation of any home security products. When it comes to security cameras, I start by identifying new and test-worthy products from established manufacturers -- cameras you'd be most likely to come across when shopping online or at your local hardware or electronics stores. When these products hit the market, or sometimes even earlier, I get my hands on them and thoroughly test them in a real-home environment over the course of a week.
Setup
I begin testing by setting the camera up according to the included and/or app instructions, making note of any difficulties encountered along the way. Once the camera is ready to roll, I evaluate all features, paying close attention to resolution, night vision, notification latency, local or cloud storage and compatibility with smart home ecosystems like Google, Alexa and Apple HomeKit.
The Blink Outdoor 4 has an adjustable mount that's sturdy enough to stay at the right angle.
Feature testing
Such evaluations can take less than a day, but I monitor the camera over several days to a full week for a more complete look at the camera's performance day and night. If general use doesn't give me all the data I need, I create a mock situation -- like staging a porch pirate scenario where someone leaves a package and then someone else quickly grabs it -- to see how quickly and accurately the camera and app send notifications and record the event.
When possible, I leave cameras up and outdoors for months to take a look at their battery and climate performance. My area gets plenty of cold temperatures and blazing summers alike, so it's an easy way to see what outdoor cams can stand.
If you want to read more about CNET's review process, check out our in-depth article on how we test home security cameras and video doorbells.
Factors to consider when choosing a home security camera
CNET has tested tons of home security cameras over the years, and can help you find the right one for your needs.
There are hundreds of home security cameras on the market, ranging drastically in price, functionality and quality. With all the options, it can be hard to not become overwhelmed fast, especially when you're considering something as important as your home's safety. After CNET's years of testing home security cameras, I have some tips if you're on the hunt for a new one. Here are a few parameters to consider:
Privacy
This is a big one. You don't want anyone peeping on your property or hacking into your camera. Wireless home security cameras can be more susceptible to hacking due to their connectivity to Wi-Fi networks and remote access, especially if you have poor router security. Wired home security cameras that don't use Wi-Fi at all are generally more secure. (Read more about the pros and cons of wired vs. wireless systems here .) As I mentioned above, data breaches and security vulnerabilities can also be dangerous for your privacy, so it's important to consider a company's recent reputation.
Indoor vs. outdoor
One of the first things you'll need to consider is where you want to place your home security cameras. If you want your camera to be located outside, recording your porch or yard, you'll likely want an outdoor camera that's also weather-resistant or features night vision.
While many cameras can be used interchangeably for indoor or outdoor purposes, some cameras are solely made for indoor usage , so make sure you're buying cameras that can handle the outdoor elements.
David Anders/CNET
Video resolution
Video quality should be a major consideration when buying a home security camera. In simplest terms, your camera won't be effective if the only footage being recorded is grainy and unreadable.
The higher the resolution, the better the video quality. Most home security cameras on the market now have 1,080p resolution, but others have 2K resolution (like the Arlo Pro 4) or 1,536x1,536-pixel resolution (like the Arlo Video Doorbell), and a growing number have embraced 4K . Just remember, the higher the video quality, the more bandwidth it takes up and the more likely your camera is to experience lag times or glitches.
Field of view
Field of view (usually provided diagonally) refers to how broad the camera's view is. Broader is generally better because it captures more space and makes it easier to spot activity. The average security camera tends to top out around 130 degrees, although some go beyond that. Pan and tilt features make the field of view less important since the camera can move around.
I find a broad field of view is great if you want to survey multiple corners of a backyard -- less important if you just want to keep eyes on packages and guests right in front of your door.
Battery or wired power
Battery and wireless cameras versus wired options are a matter of taste since both types have pros and cons .
Wireless options are usually easier to install and operate, and often use cloud storage, so you can access your footage from anywhere. Wireless security cameras have their own power supply, so even during an internet or power outage, they can still record and save footage. One of the biggest disadvantages is that you'll need to manually change the batteries or charge them every so often unless you get a solar-powered home security camera .
Wired cameras are hardwired to a steady connection, so they don't need to be recharged and can often boost a high-quality video resolution. They tend to be more reliable, secure and consistent in video quality while not requiring monthly cloud storage fees. However, not all owners will feel comfortable wiring in a camera without a pro's help, and they're not great options for renters and people living in apartments .
Some Wired home security cameras (like the Google Nest Cam Indoor) typically have better video and audio quality.
Local vs. cloud storage
Not all video storage is equal. You have two main options and picking one is up to your personal preference. There's cloud storage, which sends your video footage to a remote server to be saved, and local storage, which relies on a separate accessory or piece of hardware, usually a microSD card, to hold any footage you'd like to save. Usually, cloud storage requires a monthly fee of around $5 to $10.
Wi-Fi quality and range
When you're installing wireless home security cameras , keep in mind that the smart home camera you buy (and your security system as a whole) will only be as good as the quality of your Wi-Fi connection at the location where you plan to install it. So check your Wi-Fi speed before you drill holes in the walls or otherwise mess up your door frame, brick or siding for your home security camera. If the connection is spotty on your wireless security camera, you'll notice significant lag times, pixelation in the live feed and other Wi-Fi delays. These make the video quality poor and home security cameras a pain to use.
With a good Wi-Fi connection, you should be in good shape to use your indoor home security camera or outdoor home security camera without any major camera system issues and get clear footage every time. Still have questions? Take a look at my home security camera buying guide and the below FAQs.
How do you place and install a home security camera?
Getty Images/Amy Kim/CNET
Home security cams can be either shelf/table models, wall/ceiling mounts or a combination of both. Cams that offer both options are common, but some are made only for wall mounts. The best cameras tend to stay away from adhesives that can fade over time. Instead, they use a few simple screws to attach a base plate to wooden trim or posts: Brick, stone, fiber cement and other materials tend to make poor cam placement options without extra work. My guide on placing security cams has more info on where they are best used.
What we're currently testing
Lorex
After testing Arlo's latest pan/tilt line and the new solar cams from Eufy, it's time for a bigger project. Amazon Ring, Blink and Google Home's Nest have all made major releases recently. That lineup includes a new 4K series from Ring with expanded Alexa Plus features, 2K cameras from Blink (including the Blink Arc 180-degree cam), and third-gen 2K Nest cams. Plenty to keep us busy in the months ahead.
What's new in the security camera industry right now?
It's no surprise that AI has come to security cameras and spurred on many of the latest innovations in the past year. That means security cameras are offering tons of new features, and the good news is that many of them are actually useful. That includes capabilities such as AI event captions and summaries for video clips to save time, AI searches that can answer specific questions about objects and activities around the home and more customized object detection. But it's also raising more privacy concerns , like the spread of face detection capabilities .
