A Closer Look at our Top Picks

1. Lorex

Lorex Technology offers the most high-quality, industrial-grade outdoor security cameras. Lorex Wi-Fi cameras and IP cameras are more durable than other home security cameras and have higher performance. They were practically vandal-proof and offered long depths with color night vision. The 1080 HP Outdoor Wireless Security Camera (149), for example, had a 115-foot range in the dark. Some Lorex cameras had resolutions of “ultra-high”, at 4K, while others could only display 1080p. Weatherproof Lorex cameras start at $159.

Lorex models came with geofencing and two-way voice systems. Sensitivity to off-screen audio was a feature that we had never seen anywhere else. Alerts were triggered by noise from off-screen activities. Lorex allowed us to record continuously or choose audio-triggered or motion-triggered alerts.

DIY Monitoring and Installation

You could also monitor Lorex camera activity yourself. Our regular computer, smartphone or tablet was used to access the video. A DVR was also connected. Lorex also provided a widescreen LCD monitor.

Lorex cameras could use either mains power or batteries. The battery was generally replaced every four months. Lorex Technology is a highly rated brand for durable cameras that deliver high performance. The best outdoor security cameras were available on their website, including single cameras, sets of cameras and bundles that include high-resolution monitors.

2. Nest Cam

Nest, a Google-owned security company, was a major competitor to Amazon’s Ring. Google showcased the Nest video doorbell and two outdoor security cameras, and complete home security systems. Although the selection was smaller than Ring’s, Nest had the most DIY-installable camera options for those who need continuous video recording (CVR).

Nest outdoor security cameras are best for DIY setup. Nest Cam Outdoor IQ ($159) and Nest Cam Outdoor IQ ($149) can be simply plugged into an electrical outlet. The Nest Cam Outdoor IQ has improved weather resistance, vandal resistance, and facial recognition. Nest Doorbells, which are doorbell cameras, were easy to set up and run off a long-lasting lithium battery.

Information about CVR, Do-It-Yourself Monitoring, and Pro Monitoring

We used activity zones to avoid excessive alerts. They exclude certain sections from motion detection. We received notifications when motion was detected around our property’s perimeter, but not because our children were running around the yard. To view and save Nest Aware security video, payment was required. There were three options available: $5 per month for five days storage, $10 for 10 days storage and $30 to store 30 days.

Nest-Brinks also offered professional home security monitoring for $29 per month. Professional monitoring ensured that, in the event of an automated alert, someone from the security agency called firefighters and/or police. Paid professional monitoring offered the benefits of DIY Nest monitoring such as text alerts, live streaming video and access at any time.

Compatibilities

Google Assistant was the best-in-industry compatibility for Nest security cameras. We integrated a Google Home speaker to control our security cameras and video.

Voice control was also possible via the Nest hub. We used voice to get a child’s bedroom ready for bed by saying, “OK, Google.” The lights should be dimmed in the room.

Nest was overall the best choice for DIY security cameras that record continuously. Nest even offered professional installation for $79. Nest Aware’s $5/month deal was more affordable than the $30/month cost of long-term storage.

Nest’s outdoor cameras were plugged into mains power, which could be a problem. Both Nest Cam Outdoor and Nest Cam Outdoor IQ had cords. To prevent tampering, the IQ version came with a protected cord. Arlo could have been our security camera system if we wanted cordless options.

3. Arlo

Arlo offers the best outdoor wireless security cameras at a price of $189 or less for DIY home security. They also included color night vision, floodlights and facial recognition as special features. There were four options for indoor and outdoor cameras. There were four options for resolution. These included 1080p, 720p and 2K. The video doorbells were also capable of a range of up to 300 feet.

Indoor video security was another great option with the Arlo brand. Because it was portable, the Arlo Baby camera was very popular. It had many special functions that ranged from air quality testing to lullaby modes.

Monitoring Arlo Cameras

Arlo didn’t offer professional monitoring for alerts. Although we could integrate the cameras with other security systems, we decided to self-monitor an Arlo camera at $2.99 per month. With storage for up to 5 days, the continuous recording was included. Optionally, you could monitor up to 10 cameras for $9.99 and up to 20 cameras for $14.99. Premium service allows you to store videos for up 60 days

Features

Arlo Pro Outdoor Security Cams has some special features, including:

• Wire-free installation
• Color night vision
• Motion-activated spotlights
• Facial recognition
• Camouflage, camouflage, and black are all options
• Arlo Pro 3 & Arlo Ultra support Apple HomeKit

Arlo was a manufacturer of security floodlights indoor and outdoor cameras. Arlo offers the best home security cameras deals that we have seen. The four weatherproof options offered a range of resolutions, from 720p to 4K with color night vision or infrared. Two or more were eligible for discounts, and Arlo cloud storage was affordable for continuous video recordings.

4. Ring Camera

The ring was first successful with very small cameras, doorbell video cameras measuring 2.5 inches in width and 5 inches high. Ring offered video security for all of our properties, including our driveway and our home, when we reviewed it. We managed video security 100% independently as camera owners and did not paying Ring for professional support.

Amazing Selection of Outdoor Cams

Ring’s outdoor security camera range was exceptional. Unlike other companies that only had one or two models, Ring offered many options. We had the option of either solar energy or batteries for power. The cameras were reasonably priced and offered the best outdoor security features. Ring outdoor cameras start at $99 before discounts. Ring’s weatherproof cameras include sirens and two-way talk. LED floodlights are also available. Infrared night vision is another example. Ring’s outdoor sirens were activated by the motion of trespassers or by pressing a button on our Ring mobile app.

We could also automate our home using the hub used to connect Ring security cameras. It was equipped with a Z-Wave radio chip and could be connected wirelessly to smart lights, keyless doors locks and other smart home equipment. To control our cameras and other equipment connected via the Ring hub, we used Amazon Alexa. With our Ring camera system, we tried Siri and Google Home speakers.

Ring Spotlight Camera

These features were available on some models of all-weather Ring cameras:

• 1080p resolution
• Custom motion zones
• Night vision with infrared
• Talk in two ways
• Spotlight
• Siren

The average setup time for a security camera was between five and 20 minutes, depending on the design. No hardwiring was necessary.

Affordable DIY and Pro Monitoring

DIY monitoring of Ring cameras starting at $3 per month with cloud video storage, which was the best-in-industry deal. Ring stored all motion-triggered clips securely for our review. We could keep the clips for as long as 60 days. The cheapest Nest camera plan costs $5 per month and only five days of storage. The ring didn’t allow us to record continuously, so only motion-triggered clips could be saved. Nest outdoor security cameras are reviewed for continuous recording.

5. Blink XT

Blink XT sells reliable outdoor security cameras starting at $69 or less. Blink XT was able to claim the title of “Most Affordable Outdoor Cameras”. It was simple to set up and maintain the weatherproof Blink XT2 Indoor/Outdoor Security Camera ($99). The battery life was up to 2 years, while the resolution was 1080p.

Blink cameras were not feature-rich, but they are good value for DIY security. These cameras were simple to install and had motion detection with configurable zones. They also recorded at night with infrared vision.

What amount of storage did Blink offer for free? Each user account could store up to 2 hours of footage, and each clip could last up to 60 seconds. As new clips arrive, Blink automatically deletes videos. Therefore, it was important to make sure we checked our mobile alerts immediately after they arrived. Blink XT was overall the best choice for DIY security at a low budget. We had two hours of storage, and some footage could be overwritten.

What Features Should You Look for?

These are some important points to keep in mind when comparing outdoor security cameras:

• Power Source Outdoor security cameras have a variety of power sources. There were three main options: solar power, battery power and plug-in power. All of our top-choice brands offered models that could be set up wire-free. Long-lasting, rechargeable batteries power the majority of cordless outdoor cameras. Arlo was one company that offered solar-powered cameras. A mains-powered camera will likely have a cord. Outdoor cams that had cords were the best-had cords that could be protected from vandals and had backup batteries.
• Continuous video recording: Outdoor security cameras can only record audio and video when activated by trespassers. Others could record continuously. Continuous video recording was sometimes called CVR.
• Resolution – The resolution of the top cameras was 720p up to 4K. The most popular resolution was 1080p. This was a video with 1080 pixels height and 1920 pixels width.
• Recording cost: All brands below had either a smartphone or a desktop app. The apps let you view live camera footage free of charge. However, you would need a paid plan to save clips and record continuously. Blink XT is a budget-friendly security camera brand. Blink provided very little cloud storage at no cost. Many home security plans include professional monitoring and video storage. Professional monitoring alerted emergency dispatchers to potential problems. They could also send police to us even if we couldn’t call 911. Many alarm monitoring companies can also dispatch paramedics and firefighters.
• Two-Way Voice: The best outdoor security cameras we reviewed captured exceptional audio. They should have echo cancellation and other advanced audio features. Some had a two-way voice. This allowed us to holler at potential criminals and stay with our family members.
• Doorbell Camera A wide-angle camera recorded from the door provided a clear view and protected our front yard. Smart-motion detectors ignored squirrels running and trees swinging and alerted us to a person’s presence even though they didn’t ring. Two-way communication via a smartphone app gave the illusion that we were home no matter where we were. Some doorbell security cameras, such as the Nest video camera, recognized familiar faces and recorded visitors’ messages.

While there are many things to consider when selecting a security camera, outdoor cameras have made it even more complicated. Our necessary features test was the first step in creating our Best Outdoor Camera List for 2022. These cameras are weather-resistant and can be used in a range of climates. We didn’t want to spend too much on a camera, wired or wireless. Continue reading to find out more about our 2022 Best Outdoor Camera List, including their prices, how they were chosen, and why.

2022 brought several new outdoor security cameras, including the Wyze Camera Outdoor and Arlo Pro 3. In our Youtube video, we show you how they work.

Pricing Rundown

There was clearly a wide range in pricing for outdoor security cameras. The most expensive one costs well over $200, while the least expensive is just $50. We generally get what we pay for, so we recommend spending more on a high-quality camera than on a less-featured camera. We knew that we needed to budget around $200 for an outdoor security camera and additional funds to cover monthly and yearly storage plans.

Methodology for Outdoor Security Cameras

How did we choose the outdoor security cameras that made it on our list? We will discuss in detail the selection process.

Design

We also considered the aesthetics of whether our camera should be wired or wireless. Although wiring a camera to our house-made installation was more difficult, it was easier than changing a battery. We were also curious about how far the outdoor cameras could reach outside outlets. We also considered the cost of hubs, bridges or DVRs for some cameras before purchasing.

Durability was the main consideration when designing. This was measured by a temperature range and an IP rating. It measures how susceptible an object is to liquids and solids.