Clear Video Quality: If you want to see all the details in your recorded clips, like someone’s face or a car number plate, the resolution of your camera is important. Nowadays, cameras can capture video at 1080p (also known as “Full HD”) or even higher resolutions like 2K or 4K. It’s best to avoid anything under 1080p because the footage will be blurry and pixelated, making it difficult to make out details.
Another factor to consider is night vision. Some cameras record in black and white at night, while others can capture in color.
No Subscription Cost: Many popular brands like Arlo, Blink, Nest, and Ring require a subscription fee for full access to their features. This usually applies to cloud storage of videos, but subscribing may also unlock advanced features like object recognition. In our list, we’ve provided information on ongoing costs and highlighted options that don’t require a subscription.
Wide Field of View: The camera’s field of view, or what it can see, is an important factor to consider. A 180-degree view will give you a “fisheye” effect, so most options have a wide-angle between 110 and 75 degrees. It’s also worth checking if the camera has zoom, pan, and tilt capabilities to provide a more comprehensive view of the scene.
Smart Features: These cameras come with a range of smart features that make them stand out from traditional home CCTV systems. They all have two-way audio for easy communication and integration with mobile apps. Some cameras can even connect to smart assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, allowing you to control them with voice commands. Additionally, many cameras offer AI features such as facial recognition and object detection, which can be useful for filtering alerts and notifications.