Best Security Cameras for Build Quality (2024)

1

Arlo Pro 3

Score: 8/10

Arlo Pro 3

Durable, weather-resistant design with a rechargeable battery, but requires a hub for full functionality.

Video Quality

8/10

Offers excellent 2K video quality with HDR and color night vision, though lacks 4K resolution.

Connectivity

7/10

Compatible with major smart home systems but requires an Arlo SmartHub, which can complicate setup.

Ease Of Use

7/10

User-friendly setup with app guidance, though familiarity with the app is necessary for optimal use.

Security Features

7/10

Strong security features with AI detection and deterrents, but requires a subscription for full access.
2

eufyCam 3

Score: 8/10

eufyCam 3

Robust design with built-in solar panels, but some design limitations.

Build Quality

8/10

S

Smart Home Solver

I'm surprised at how small a camera they were able to pack everything into.

S

Smart Home Solver

The camera has solar panels, and two hours of sunlight a day is supposed to keep it completely charged.

S

Smart Home Solver

The spotlight on the camera instantly turns on, even though it requires a little extra battery power.

Video Quality

7/10

Exceptional 4K video quality with clear daytime footage, but night vision is weak.

Quotes from Reviewers

S

Smart Home Solver

This is Yuffie's first 4K camera, and it's actually really good.

S

Smart Home Solver

The footage has exceptional quality, thanks to these 4K cameras.

S

Smart Home Solver

Night vision is a little weak with this camera, and the recognition capability also drops slightly.

Connectivity

6/10

Offers expandable storage and flexible placement, but has connectivity issues.

Quotes from Reviewers

S

Smart Home Solver

The new Home Base 3 will actually help your existing UV cameras.

S

Smart Home Solver

You can add more storage, not with SD cards or thumb drives, but with a hard drive or SSD of up to 16 terabytes.

S

Smart Home Solver

It doesn't work with Matter, but hold up and put down the pitchforks for at least a second because Matter doesn't even support cameras yet.

Ease Of Use

7/10

Easy to install and use, but initial setup can be inconvenient.

Quotes from Reviewers

S

Smart Home Solver

The UV Cam 3 is simple to install.

S

Smart Home Solver

The user-friendly design and smart features of the software dramatically improve performance and reliability.

S

Smart Home Solver

To initialize the cameras, you need to charge them for roughly 8 hours.

Security Features

6/10

Advanced AI detection without fees, but some security vulnerabilities.

Quotes from Reviewers

S

Smart Home Solver

Bionic Mind AI offers human, vehicle, pet, and face detection, and it works pretty well.

S

Smart Home Solver

If a camera is being stolen and the sync button is held down, all the footage for that camera is erased from the home base.

S

Smart Home Solver

The camera can distinguish between non-individuals and strangers by recognizing human and animal faces.

3

Tp-link Tapo Wire-free Magcam

Score: 8/10

Tp-link Tapo Wire-free Magcam

Durable and weather-resistant, but slightly bulky with less sturdy mounting hardware.

Build Quality

8/10

R

Raymond Strazdas

The construction is durable.

R

Raymond Strazdas

The camera feels slightly bulky.

Video Quality

7/10

Good daytime video quality with clear resolution, but night vision and video feed lag need improvement.

Connectivity

7/10

Stable Wi-Fi connection and easy setup, but occasional disconnections and limited range are drawbacks.

Ease Of Use

7/10

User-friendly app and easy installation, though initial setup and app interface could be improved.

Security Features

7/10

Strong data encryption and reliable motion detection, but lacks alert customization and two-factor authentication.
4

Eufy Security SoloCam E40

Score: 8/10

Eufy Security SoloCam E40

Compact and weatherproof, but lacks a charging brick.

Build Quality

8/10

D

DIY Reid

Look at the size of this; it's not too bad, not too big, and not too awkward.

D

DIY Reid

This device offers a 120-day battery life and is IP65 weatherproof.

D

DIY Reid

They don't provide you with the charging brick.

Video Quality

9/10

Produces clear 2K resolution images with excellent night vision capabilities.

Quotes from Reviewers

D

DIY Reid

It's not a bad price for an ultra 2K camera, which is fantastic and produces images that are crystal clear both during the day and at night with night vision.

D

DIY Reid

2K looks nice, sharp, crisp, and clear.

D

DIY Reid

I like the 2K resolution, the daytime, and the nighttime.

Connectivity

8/10

Easy setup with app support, but requires a 2.4 GHz network.

Quotes from Reviewers

D

DIY Reid

It connects to your network wirelessly, and everything is sent through your local network.

D

DIY Reid

You don't need a base station, and you don't need to plug anything into your router.

D

DIY Reid

You do have to set it up on a 2.4 gigahertz wireless network, though.

Ease Of Use

8/10

User-friendly setup and customization, but lacks a magnetic mount.

Quotes from Reviewers

D

DIY Reid

The setup for this is quite quick and easy.

D

DIY Reid

You can set up your own little zones to record from exclusively.

D

DIY Reid

One thing I don't really like about this, and I wish Eufy did a little bit differently, is that most of their other cameras have magnetic mounts.

Security Features

7/10

Effective AI detection and communication, but limited storage.

Quotes from Reviewers

D

DIY Reid

This has AI detection, so it will try to detect humans.

D

DIY Reid

It has a speaker and microphones, so you can listen to what's going on and talk to someone on the other end.

D

DIY Reid

You can't add any storage, though, which is a little disappointing.

5

Reolink Argus 3 Pro

Score: 8/10

Reolink Argus 3 Pro

Durable with IP65 waterproof rating and sleek design, but non-removable battery limits replacement options.

Build Quality

8/10

L

LifeHackster

It is IP65 waterproof and features 2-way audio.

L

LifeHackster

Pretty well made, definitely better than the lower X1 or 9L, the drug dealer cameras.

L

LifeHackster

Everything seems to be pretty well made.

Video Quality

8/10

The camera delivers clear 2K resolution images with impressive daytime clarity and enhanced nighttime visibility.

Quotes from Reviewers

L

LifeHackster

This is a 2K, 4-megapixel, battery-powered Wi-Fi camera.

L

LifeHackster

It records in 2K video quality, which is two times clearer than 1080p.

L

LifeHackster

The video quality is amazing if the person or object stays still, but if they move around, 6 fps is not going to cut it.

Connectivity

7/10

Supports dual-band Wi-Fi and easy setup, but lacks HomeKit integration and may experience live view delays.

Quotes from Reviewers

L

LifeHackster

It can connect to both 2.4 and 5 gigahertz Wi-Fi.

L

LifeHackster

Download, sign up, and log into the Real Link app.

L

LifeHackster

On the main app page, you will see the camera icon, and by clicking on it, you will access the live view.

Ease Of Use

8/10

User-friendly with simple setup and app interface, though installation may require additional tools.

Quotes from Reviewers

L

LifeHackster

Setting up the Reolink Argus 3 Pro via the Reolink App is quite easy.

L

LifeHackster

Scan the QR code on the camera.

L

LifeHackster

The setup is quite easy.

Security Features

7/10

Offers AI detection and privacy features, but lacks motion zones and has a potentially weak siren.

Quotes from Reviewers

L

LifeHackster

This camera has AI-based person and vehicle detection.

L

LifeHackster

It has privacy masking and records motion-activated events via a micro SD card.

L

LifeHackster

The siren is present, but it is not the greatest siren in the world.

6

Arlo Ultra 2

Score: 8/10

Arlo Ultra 2

Weatherproof and stylish design, but magnetic mount security could be improved.

Build Quality

8/10

B

Best Buy Canada Product Videos

The Arlo Ultra 2 is one of the latest Arlo cameras available. It is a 4K camera with a rechargeable battery, a weatherproof case, and a brand new anti-theft mounting system.

B

Best Buy Canada Product Videos

The wire-free, all-weather design is perfect for Canadian weather.

B

Best Buy Canada Product Videos

The new battery charger for the Arlo cameras is a small base station.

Video Quality

8/10

4K video with HDR and color night vision offer excellent clarity, though some features require a subscription.

Quotes from Reviewers

B

Best Buy Canada Product Videos

The Arlo Ultra 2 is a 4K camera with a rechargeable battery.

B

Best Buy Canada Product Videos

Both the sound and video quality are really impressive in the Arlo Ultra 2.

B

Best Buy Canada Product Videos

You can set activity zones, as well as any other preferences, like live 4K streaming.

Connectivity

7/10

Dual-band support and SmartHub provide secure connections, but setup requires careful placement and Ethernet connection.

Quotes from Reviewers

B

Best Buy Canada Product Videos

The Arlo Smart Hub is a base station for the cameras.

B

Best Buy Canada Product Videos

I recommend that you move the smart hub around to find the sweet spot where you have the best connection to your cameras.

B

Best Buy Canada Product Videos

Your phone and smart hub must be on the same network for them to connect automatically.

Ease Of Use

7/10

User-friendly app and modular design, but setup can be cumbersome and live feed may have delays.

Quotes from Reviewers

B

Best Buy Canada Product Videos

The Arlo app is where you can view a live stream of your cameras, as well as any stored video footage.

B

Best Buy Canada Product Videos

First, you'll need to download the Arlo app.

B

Best Buy Canada Product Videos

The kit includes all the necessary mounting hardware.

Security Features

8/10

Comprehensive security features with smart notifications, but full access requires a subscription.

Quotes from Reviewers

B

Best Buy Canada Product Videos

They have spotlights, color night vision, and a siren to deter any intruders.

B

Best Buy Canada Product Videos

With your Arlo Ultra 2 security bundle, you get a three-month free trial of Arlo Secure.

B

Best Buy Canada Product Videos

Arlo Secure is the cloud storage system for Arlo cameras.

7

Swann 8 Channel 4K NVR Security System

Score: 8/10

Swann 8 Channel 4K NVR Security System

Durable aluminum cameras with weatherproofing, though complexity may necessitate professional installation.

Build Quality

8/10

L

LifeHackster

The camera body is made of aluminum, and it is weatherproof with an IP66 rating.

L

LifeHackster

The system includes weatherproof connectors or couplers for connecting the Ethernet cables to the cameras.

L

LifeHackster

I highly recommend hiring somebody, especially if you're not AVI wire.

Video Quality

7/10

The system provides clear 4K video with color night vision, though the frame rate and upscaling may not meet all expectations.

Connectivity

7/10

Offers stable wired connectivity and Google Assistant support, but setup can be complex for first-time users.

Ease Of Use

6/10

Setup wizard aids initial configuration, but app usability and installation complexity can be challenging.

Security Features

8/10

Advanced motion detection and video analytics enhance security, but remote setting changes are limited.
8

Reolink RLC-810A

Score: 8/10

Reolink RLC-810A

Durable metal housing with weatherproof design, though the design is boxy and reset button impractical.

Video Quality

9/10

The camera delivers excellent 4K resolution with sharp, detailed footage, though it requires significant bandwidth and storage.

Quotes from Reviewers

S

Securitybros

The RLC-810A is a PoE bullet security IP camera designed with 8 megapixels Ultra HD.

S

Securitybros

The image quality is excellent on both cameras.

S

Securitybros

The image quality is excellent, the colors are always good, and the 4K resolution truly looks like 4K.

Connectivity

6/10

Supports RTSP and ONVIF for integration but lacks WiFi, requiring Ethernet, and has issues with 4K streaming.

Ease Of Use

7/10

Easy setup with PoE and a simple app, though the app can be confusing and lacks two-way talk.

Security Features

7/10

Effective person and vehicle detection, but lacks cloud storage and has unreliable Motion Zones.
9

eufy Security eufyCam 2C 2-Cam Kit

Score: 8/10

eufy Security eufyCam 2C 2-Cam Kit

Durable, weatherproof design but requires regular lens cleaning.

Build Quality

8/10

A

Adam's Tech Life

These cameras are wire-free and IP67 weatherproof rated, so they're built to withstand elements like rain, snow, and heavy wind, and they work perfectly fine.

A

Adam's Tech Life

The cameras have held up very well; they are still white and have not been discolored.

Video Quality

8/10

Offers high-quality 1080p video with smooth motion capture and effective night vision.

Connectivity

7/10

Reliable connectivity with HomeKit support, though live feed may lag on data plans.

Ease Of Use

7/10

User-friendly setup with quick motion alerts, but some features are limited in HomeKit.

Security Features

8/10

Comprehensive security features with accurate motion detection, but limited storage options.
10

Swann AllSecure650 2K Wireless Security Kit

Score: 7/10

Swann AllSecure650 2K Wireless Security Kit

Sturdy design with weather-resistant cameras, though some components could be improved.

Build Quality

7/10

A

ASBYT

The cameras work all year round and in various weather conditions, thanks to their IP66 water and dust-resistant rating.

A

ASBYT

It's also not the most affordable option, with different packages starting from just under 450 pounds.

Video Quality

8/10

The cameras deliver sharp 2K resolution with effective night vision, though nighttime footage can be slightly noisy.

Quotes from Reviewers

A

ASBYT

These cameras record in 2K resolution, so live feeds and recorded clips are really nice and sharp.

A

ASBYT

Nighttime footage is equally good. Obviously, the daytime footage has more color and clarity. In the nighttime footage, a little bit of noise creeps in, but not too much.

Connectivity

7/10

Offers both wireless and wired options, but setup requires a monitor or TV, which may not be convenient.

Quotes from Reviewers

A

ASBYT

The swan also cures 650 kinds of fuses, combining the two because, apart from one thing which we'll touch on, it has all the ease of installation of wireless systems.

A

ASBYT

If the signal between the Hub and the cameras is wavering, you may experience slightly choppy footage and a few problems.

Ease Of Use

6/10

Installation is straightforward, but the setup process is lengthy and requires a monitor or TV.

Quotes from Reviewers

A

ASBYT

The installation process is fairly self-explanatory when you follow the instructions provided in the paperwork.

A

ASBYT

You need access to a monitor or TV during the setup process, along with the use of a mouse.

Security Features

7/10

Comprehensive security features with two-way talk and local storage, but motion alerts can be overly sensitive.

Quotes from Reviewers

A

ASBYT

The cameras have a power button, an antenna for extended range, a camera lens, a spotlight, a mic, and speakers for two-way communication.

A

ASBYT

The Osecure 650 also has a really cool feature called True Detect, which can help with this, as it allows motion and the warmth of objects like people and cars to trigger the sensors and push notifications to your devices.