Best Security Cameras for Ease Of Use (2024)

1

Blink Outdoor 4

Score: 8/10

Blink Outdoor 4

Easy to install and use with Alexa, but setup involves additional steps.

Ease Of Use

8/10

L

LifeHackster

They were a breeze to install and were super easy to use.

L

LifeHackster

The Blink app is minimal and responsive, making it easy to scroll through your event history and find specific clips.

L

LifeHackster

If you want to check out the live view, you have to tap the video camera icon, and it should load the live view with a slight delay.

Video Quality

7/10

Offers a wider field of view and better low light performance, but lacks significant improvements over previous models.

Connectivity

7/10

Compatible with Alexa and supports local recording, but requires a sync module for setup.

Build Quality

6/10

Weatherproof with a stylish design, but the mount could be more robust.

Security Features

6/10

Includes person detection and privacy zones, but some features require a subscription.
2

Wyze Cam Outdoor v2

Score: 8/10

Wyze Cam Outdoor v2

Simple installation process with guided app setup.

Video Quality

8/10

The camera provides good video clarity with 1080p resolution and enhanced night vision.

Quotes from Reviewers

W

Wyze

With the Wyze Cam Outdoor v2, you will have full-color night vision, which means you'll be able to see things at night in even greater detail.

W

Wyze

It still records in 1080p resolution, but now it has a starlight sensor that provides color night vision, similar to their Wyze Cam v3.

W

Wyze

The starlight sensor is good for color night vision, but remember that to take advantage of this, you need to have some ambient lighting.

Connectivity

7/10

Supports multiple cameras with easy Wi-Fi setup but lacks Apple HomeKit compatibility.

Build Quality

7/10

Affordable setup with all necessary components included.

Security Features

6/10

Offers encryption and motion detection but has a history of data breaches.
3

Eufy Security SoloCam E40

Score: 8/10

Eufy Security SoloCam E40

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

Ease Of Use

8/10

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.

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.

Build Quality

8/10

Compact and weatherproof, but lacks a charging brick.

Quotes from Reviewers

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.

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.

4

Reolink Argus 3 Pro

Score: 8/10

Reolink Argus 3 Pro

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

Ease Of Use

8/10

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.

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.

Build Quality

8/10

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

Quotes from Reviewers

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.

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.

5

TP-Link Tapo C200

Score: 8/10

TP-Link Tapo C200

User-friendly with an easy setup process and intuitive app interface.

Ease Of Use

8/10

K

KLGadgetTV

It's also very easy to set up the Tapo C200.

K

KLGadgetTV

The Tapo app is also very straightforward.

Video Quality

8/10

The camera delivers excellent 1080p video quality with effective night vision, though it records at a lower frame rate.

Quotes from Reviewers

K

KLGadgetTV

It can pan and tilt and supports 1080p recording.

K

KLGadgetTV

The low-light video quality is one of the best I've seen.

K

KLGadgetTV

With its infrared night vision, the camera can capture impressive details even when all the lights are turned off.

Connectivity

7/10

Offers seamless connectivity with smart assistants and maintains functionality even if the internet is lost.

Quotes from Reviewers

K

KLGadgetTV

It supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

K

KLGadgetTV

The connection is really fast, making communication through the camera pleasant.

Build Quality

6/10

Compact and stable design, but not suitable for outdoor use due to lack of water resistance.

Quotes from Reviewers

K

KLGadgetTV

The Tapo C200 features a compact design, making it convenient for you to install anywhere.

K

KLGadgetTV

I recommend you use this camera indoors or place it somewhere where it can't be exposed to rain because it doesn't have IP protection.

Security Features

7/10

Provides essential security features like motion detection and encrypted video, but lacks cloud backup.

Quotes from Reviewers

K

KLGadgetTV

You can also rest assured that your video transmission is encrypted.

K

KLGadgetTV

The Tapo C200 has an alarm to scare off strangers if needed.

6

Reolink E1 Pro

Score: 8/10

Reolink E1 Pro

User-friendly setup with the Reolink app, though it requires app access for configuration and may trigger false alerts.

Ease Of Use

8/10

L

LifeHackster

Download the Relink app, sign up or log in, click the plus sign in the upper right corner of the main app screen, and scan the QR code located at the bottom of the camera.

L

LifeHackster

You can set motion zones, which is somewhat unique in how you set this up.

L

LifeHackster

There will still be false motion alerts.

Video Quality

8/10

The Reolink E1 Pro delivers clear 4MP Super HD video with good night vision, though the frame rate and bitrate could be improved.

Quotes from Reviewers

L

LifeHackster

This is a 4-megapixel Super HD Wi-Fi camera.

L

LifeHackster

The default frame rate for this camera is 15 FPS, but we can increase it to 20 FPS.

L

LifeHackster

One feature that these cameras didn't have is motion tracking, which some of you might want.

Connectivity

7/10

Supports dual-band Wi-Fi and smart home integration, but has some connectivity issues and lacks a built-in web server.

Quotes from Reviewers

L

LifeHackster

You'll be able to connect this to either a 2.4 or 5-gigahertz Wi-Fi network.

L

LifeHackster

This camera is also compatible with Google Home and Amazon Alexa.

L

LifeHackster

The E1 Pro is not responding to the real link.

Build Quality

7/10

Compact and stylish design with secure installation, but lightweight construction may not feel robust.

Quotes from Reviewers

L

LifeHackster

We have the mounting plate if you want to install this on a wall or ceiling.

L

LifeHackster

If you tilt the lens up, you will see the slot for the micro SD card and the reset button.

L

LifeHackster

I received the box in this condition, but the camera and all other parts are okay.

Security Features

7/10

Offers real-time alerts and local storage, but relies on pixel-based detection which can lead to false alerts.

Quotes from Reviewers

L

LifeHackster

It has a micro SD card option and provides real-time alerts and live view with the Reolink app on your smartphone.

L

LifeHackster

The e1 pro uses pixel or camera-based detection and not PIR.

L

LifeHackster

You can insert a microSD card, connect it to the Reolink and VR4 local storage, or sign up for Reolink Cloud to record the motion-activated clips to the cloud.

7

D-Link DCS-8300LH

Score: 8/10

D-Link DCS-8300LH

Simple setup and customizable app, though some features like two-way audio may be unnecessary.

Ease Of Use

8/10

A

AdzProductions

Setting up this camera is very simple.

A

AdzProductions

Within the mydlink app, you can set up features like automation.

A

AdzProductions

You will never really use the two-way audio for anything other than joking around.

Video Quality

7/10

Provides Full HD 1080p resolution with night vision capabilities, though image quality could be improved.

Connectivity

7/10

Easy to connect with the mydlink app, supports cloud and NAS recording, but app can be buggy.

Build Quality

6/10

Compact and lightweight design, but feels slightly cheap and lacks premium stability.

Security Features

7/10

AI-based person detection with customizable settings, but limited night vision and audio features.
8

Arlo Pro 3

Score: 7/10

Arlo Pro 3

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

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.

Build Quality

8/10

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

Security Features

7/10

Strong security features with AI detection and deterrents, but requires a subscription for full access.
9

Eufy E220 Indoor Cam

Score: 7/10

Eufy E220 Indoor Cam

Setup is straightforward with a QR code and app, though it involves multiple steps initially.

Ease Of Use

7/10

F

FishBee Product Reviews

Once you're in the mobile app, it's pretty easy to just hit 'add device' once the camera is plugged in.

F

FishBee Product Reviews

You need to have the Yui security app.

Video Quality

8/10

The camera delivers clear and detailed images with its 2K resolution and wide field of view, though it lacks color night vision.

Connectivity

6/10

Compatible with Apple HomeKit and voice assistants, but limited to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and has connectivity issues with Homebase 3.

Build Quality

6/10

Compact design with mounting options, but the plastic build may not feel premium.

Security Features

7/10

Offers human and pet AI detection with 24/7 recording, but local storage is limited and notification settings can be problematic.
10

eufyCam 3

Score: 7/10

eufyCam 3

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

Ease Of Use

7/10

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.

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.

Build Quality

8/10

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

Quotes from Reviewers

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.

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.