7 Best Home Security Camera System Consumer Reports & Reviews 2023

If you are searching for the best home security camera system according to consumer reports in 2023 then this post is for you.

There are 30 percent lesser chances of burglary in a home with a security camera installed.

Yes, there are chances that intruders with the sight of a camera installed in a system, back–off.

I am not saying that trespassing, burglary, or theft would not occur when you are not in your home, or thousands of miles away with a camera installed.

But with a security camera installed, you at least get peace of mind.

Peace of mind that there will be at least a recording of whatever happened in your home.

Or maybe if you have motion detector security cameras installed, the loud siren with spotlights can make them call off the robbery.

There is no doubt, that a security camera is a must-have tool for the security of your home.

But, what security camera for our home should we buy.

There is a huge variety of camera systems available. It becomes overwhelming to decide the type, features, specs, and range of home security cameras.

That’s why I decided to give you a detailed insight into a home security camera system. I spend hundreds of hours testing and conducting results of these cameras, to only help you decide better for you.

So without further ado, here are the best home security camera systems as per consumer reports and reviews.

Best Overall: Arlo Pro 3 Spotlight

Arlo Pro 3 Spotlight camera is our best overall product for its sharper, and clearer video capturing capabilities even at the night. It captures 2k videos, with no grainy or fisheyes.

With 160-degree viewing angle easily covers every corner, and 2-way audio help communicates with intruders.

7 Best Home Security Camera System Consumer Reports

I have compiled a list of the best home security camera systems based on consumer reports 2023.

1. Arlo Pro 3 Spotlight Camera System

Price at Amazon!

Features at a glance
  • HDR 2K recording
  • 160-Degree angle
  • Zoom in videos
  • Smart alert system

If you are interested in buying a full-proof security camera a system with cameras and base station, integrated with modern features, Arlo Pro 3 Spotlight camera system is the best option.

You can pick up to 6 camera options, yes with increased price. This package we are reviewing after testing comes with 2 cameras, indoor and outdoor with a base station.

What sets this system apart from the rest is its HDR 2K video recording. Yes, now you get to view the videos undistorted, no fish-eye, or grainy. You can zoom the videos to see sharp details.

With a smart alert system enabled, this camera sends a notification if people, vehicle, or package reaches your doorstep.

You get a notification so that you could alert your security guys, your neighbor, or call the police as a security measure.

With 2-way audio enabled, you can communicate and make them back off. In our testing too, we found the audio clearer than you imagine, you can hear what robbers or intruders are talking about.

This video camera system for your home supports 160-degree diagonal viewing angle. This viewing angle helps view the person’s accurate details of recognition. This feature also enables auto image correction, autofocus, and no-fisheye.

It is a wireless security camera system with rechargeable batteries. Once recharged the batteries easily last for 3-4 months, before recharging them again.  It offers a local storage option. You can store videos to your

Arlo Smart Hub and view the videos recorded anytime you like, you can store the videos on your local storage, on your computer.

To take full advantage of the camera’s notification and storage facilities, you will have to buy Arlo smart plan which allows you to set call direction to 911, or your set number.

Pros

  • The smart alert system enabled
  • Comes with rechargeable batteries that last for 3-4 months
  • 160-DEGREE diagonal viewing angle for accurate details
  • 2k HDR videos recording

Cons

  • For smart notification, you require Arlo premium plan

2. Wyze Cam v3 with Color Night Vision

Price at Amazon!

Features at a glance
  • 1080p recording
  • IP65 rating
  • Custom motion and sound detection
  • 24/7 recording

If you are on a budget and looking for a home security camera that comes with all modern features enabled, go with Wyze designed V3 cam with night vision.

Well, it comes at a tiny price compared to others, so don’t let the affordable price fool you about its performance.

It is an FHD 1080P resolution video camera that captures sharper, clearer, and more vivid images.

Well, in our testing it is not a 4K resolution a video, and can’t match the crispness and sharpness level of 4k captures.

Still, the videos recorded in testing are pretty sharp, and faces and figures can easily be recognized.

The Wyze Cam 3 comes with two weeks of free cloud storage. You can set up storage in your computer, or buy more cloud storage.

The setup in your computer is a better option, way cheaper, and easier to handle as well.

The Video camera supports a 32GB micro SD card, it comes with a slot on its back. The card can be purchased from the Wyze brand, you will have to pay extra for that.

We also tested the cam performance at night. The claimed performance was 25% darker view than traditional video cameras, and it matches the claim in real tool.

Yes, it got an IP65 rating that makes it waterproof. So, if you have kids to tweak the cameras at home, and rains outside, don’t have to worry about any factor.

For outdoor installation, you will have to buy a power adapter separately, not included in the package.

Its motion and sound detection and recording also set it apart from others. According to consumer reports, its customized motion and sound detection makes it easier to use in homes when you are away on trips.

You can adjust the sensitivity, as well as custom range, and get a notification on your smartphone.

Pros

  • 25% darker night view
  • Affordable price range
  • 1080P resolution video recording
  • Waterproof

Cons

  • No SD card or power adapter included

3. Blink Outdoor Wireless Security Camera system

Price at Amazon!

Features at a glance
  • Up to 1080p resolution re cording
  • Waterproof outer shell
  • The battery lasts for 2 years
  • Wireless

If you are looking for a wireless security camera for your home outdoor under a budget, I can’t recall any quality camera than Blink designed security camera system.

The most promising aspect that marks a big difference than Blink and others we reviewed is its battery backup.

This camera system works truly for around 2 years, with 2 AA lithium-ion batteries. Yes, that’s amazing to see such remarkable battery performance.

It is a waterproof security camera system with up to 1080 pixels resolution recording. Although it is an outdoor camera, we tried it to install indoors, and it works seamlessly.

We tried to store the videos recorded on the cloud but it asks for a premium subscription. So, not free trials at least could have given for a 24-hour free cloud storage trial.

But, you can store videos locally via transferring to a USB drive, which is not included in the package.

Yes, like most of the video camera systems we reviewed here this too supports night vision with infrared support.

Its night vision range is relatively lower than the above reviewed Arlo model, it is 25 feet, good for a home security camera.

The thing I liked the most is its seamless installation. Yes, with no technical knowledge and no expert onboard, a non-tech savvy user can easily install the camera and set it up.

With the app installed on your phone, you can get a smart notification. With the app, you can set a motion detection zone, and get alerts if someone or something tries to enter that custom zone. Yes, it also supports

2-way audio, but the audio system lacks the sharpness, the Arlo system has to offer. But it fills the bills and helps intruders back off.

Pros

  • Affordably priced model
  • Waterproof, good for outdoors
  • Night vision support up to 25 feet
  • Two-way audio

Cons

  • Does no natively work with smart apps?

4. Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera

Price at Amazon!

Features at a glance
  • 4K video camera
  • 180-degree viewing
  • Smart notification system
  • Custom motion range setting

Do you prefer buying a 4k Resolution video camera? Because 4K video resolution provides crisper, and sharper details like clear faces, license plates, and many other details even at night. Arlo designed Ultra 2 Spotlight 4K video camera is the best grab.

This 4k video camera comes at a hefty price range but if you look at the features and functions it is capable of doing. You would happily pay for buying it.

The stand-out feature in our testing, the one that stands it apart is the 180-degree diagonal viewing angle lens.

Without rotating, it captures 180-degree viewing to help you cover every inch of your home, without intruders taking benefit of loopholes and camera rotating.

The second most important thing I personally loved is its sharper details. Unlike many HD and FHD cameras, its night vision capturing capability is the best to none.

A smart alert system is Arlo all security cameras features, comes with this one too.

You will have to purchase an Arlo subscription plan for a smart alert system to receive notifications for people, vehicles, and packages, and call on the provided or set numbers including 911.

It is a wireless security camera system, no need to install messy wires throughout your home.

It runs on batteries, and battery as per consumer reports easily lasts for a 1-plus year.

Yes, you can either store the videos locally or on the cloud. I preferred locally, I have a USB drive, connected to that drive and copy all the stored video on the Micro SD card.

You can get that micro SD card out to transfer the stored videos to your computer as well.

It has two-way audio, and unlike Blink’s designed outdoor security camera, its audio quality is way better, and smooth.

The two-way audio helps you communicate with the intruders, or those on your doorstep when you are away.

In our testing, we also checked the custom range motion detection. Well, it performs beyond expectations, you can change the custom range using the application installed on your smartphone.

Pros

  • 4K HDR video capturing capability
  • Clearer, recognizable Face, License plates capturing
  • Smart notification alerts get on your phone
  • Custom range motion detection feature

Cons

  • The smart app allows devices to log in one time

5. Hiseeu All in one Wireless Security Camera System

Price at Amazon!

Features at a glance
  • 12 inches FHD monitor
  • 4 3.0MP cameras
  • NVR base with 3TB storage
  • 50-Feet night vision

If you live in a big home and looking for a series of camera networks that covers every inch of your home without missing any corner, go with

Hiseeu designed one wireless security camera system. This system can work up to 12 cameras if you want to expand the coverage.

It comes with an NVR system, and in my testing, that’s one of the biggest differences between this series of video cameras connected and others.

NVR systems automatically take backup of the videos stored and store it either on cloud storage or on your local storage.

This home security camera system comes with a 12-inches screen monitor that helps you view all recordings at 1080p resolution.

Plus, according to the consumer report, the installation too was seamless. Just connect the camera with your NVR system and that’s it.

But, keep in mind, that the video camera system is wireless in sense of network connectivity.

It does not require any Ethernet connection, but it still needs power, it is not a battery-operated system. So, make the cameras have the power through wires installation.

On the camera front, the package comes with four cameras.

Each camera shares 3.0 MP and produces up to 2k resolution images, around 1.5 times clearer than FHD images. It is an a3-array LED camera that allows 65 feet of night vision.

If you want to cover an outdoor area too including lawn, the cam system comes with an IP66 rating. The cam is encased in metal, making it waterproof.

Plus, the NVR system provides 60-days of nonstop video storage space. It comes with 3TB HDD storage that helps you enjoy non-stop video capturing capability around the clock. It is an H265 compression NVR system that saves 50 percent storage.

We did not notice before, but noticed at all is, that it got Ethernet connectivity support as well.

In case you don’t have good WI-FI coverage in any area of your home give an Ethernet connection and make it secure from all corners.

Pros

  • NVR system with H265 compression
  • Comes with 3TB storage
  • 2K video resolution capturing
  • Wireless connectivity support

Cons

  • Only for a large home, not a simple home security camera solution

6. Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus

Price at Amazon!

Features at a glance
  • Ring floodlight cam system
  • 115db siren
  • 1080P videos recording
  • Motion detection

What are the two most used security camera devices around the world? Security cameras and motion detected floodlights.

What if you get the combo that takes both of the home security devices and makes them work together?

I think that would make the best security camera system, floodlight can detect motion and easily turn on LED along with the siren.

In my test, I found that can make an ideal security camera system for a home where robbery happens frequently.

This system can make the intruders terrified, and make them back off. Because, the sirens are 115db loud, can easily make neighbors and surroundings learn there is someone unauthorized trying to break in?

I personally loved its custom motion zone feature. Actually, for kids and toddlers, you can’t let them access a few areas or spots like pools.

I turn off the security camera setting when accessing the pool for my swimming and turn it on again.

So that when my kid tries to pass the set distance, the siren rings and make the entire home learn that little creature is into something.

You can stay updated on your home security even when you are away. It got an app that let you access the backup made on the cloud. Or you can view the real-time scene of your home using your phone.

Pros

  • Security camera plus Floodlights
  • 2 LED lights with a siren of 115db
  • Customizable zones
  • 1080P resolution videos

Cons

  • For cloud storage you require premium subscription

7. Google Nest Cam Indoor wired camera

Price at Amazon!

Features at a glance
  • 8 infrared LEDs for night vision
  • Google Home compatibility
  • 30-day free trial of smart alerts
  • FHD video capturing

Did you love DropCam? Let me introduce you to with upgraded version of DropCam, it is Nest Cam, the advanced version, and a first-generation hard-wired video camera.

It is among one of the best video cameras for homes for reasons I am going to list down here.

The most prominent aspect that sets this camera apart is its night vision. In many top-notch cameras, you will see either the feature is completely missed, or the night vision range is limited.

This one with 8 high-power infrared LEDs improved your viewing in dark to easily spot things.

It allows you to get alerts on your smartphone.  Don’t worry for starting of 30-days you don’t require any subscription for the alerts.

Get smart alerts, if something or someone crosses the area you set for motion detection, you instantly get a notification so that you could view it in real-time.

Yes, my favorite feature is its 2-way audio. I think the crispness and clearance in the audio stand out.

You can speak with your family member on the 2-way audio, can say your dog to get off the sofa, or speak to your kid to put the milk in the fridge.

It got a simple installation. Even though if you got no expert around, just follow the guideline, I am certain you can install it without any big issue.

The video camera system got a 2-year limited warranty. Yes, in case the product stops working, or witness a malfunction, you got all right to send it back and claim.

Pros

  • 2-way clear audio
  • FHD video recording
  • 8 powerful LEDs for powerful night vision
  • 2-years limited warranty

Cons

  • No battery backup

Home Security Camera System Buying Guide

You should invest your time in learning what makes a security camera good for a home. In that way, you will be able to get the most out of your camera.

Security cameras come in various types, sizes, shapes, uses, and features. It is important for you, to learn how these security cameras work and what is required for your home.

Even if the recorded videos are of 1080p resolution, you get to View the recording at the highest clarity and sharpness to easily recognize the face to help police catch them.

Wired or Wireless

Security cameras come in two types, it is important for you to learn about them and decide which one suit you the most.

Wired cameras are usually installed in big homes with the need for more than six cameras. They require not only power to run them but

Ethernet cable for their internet connectivity.

Here wired cameras come in two further divided categories. Wired with the power cable and Ethernet connection.

You need a separate power cable and internet connection. On the other hand, the PoE cable provides power as well as Ethernet connectivity.

Wired cameras require a hefty installation process. It costs more than wireless cameras, it is just a one-time investment, and you get reliable video recording at good quality, with a steady connection.

Wireless as the name suggests do not require wired power and Ethernet connectivity.

They run on batteries which have to be replaced after every month. For the internet, they connect wirelessly. They are easier to set up but can have a limited number of cameras.

If there is no good bandwidth in any corner of your home, the cameras may not record and send video to your cloud set up online or in your laptop or computer storage.

Video resolution

Video resolution is one of the core important features you should look for in a security camera. Video resolution in my view should be at least 1080P.

HD 720 or 480P videos are hard to recognize and would not have any benefit even if there is something recorded.

So, go with at least a 1080P video camera, or with some high-quality home security camera system around 4k Resolution.

With a 4K the resolution, you will get way sharper and clearer recordings, but videos recorded at 4k resolution going to take lots of storage space of your cloud or computer space.

Local or cloud storage

Where the videos are going to be stored and recorded by the cameras; Cloud or local storage.

Most videos are corded in the clouds because they are cheap, and you don’t have to buy expensive drives.

Some like to store locally, to get them to access easily, because sometimes on the cloud you get limited storage capacity.

And in the middle of the recording that storage can run short, and the cameras can stop recording.

Person, animal, vehicle detection

Sometimes you set your camera’s recording on notification if some motion is detected.

The motion can be of a person, anima, or anything else, not intruders. That’s a false alarm.

But smart security cameras can easily detect if there is a human, animal, or vehicle. With that feature integrated, you can get the right use of your cameras.

Smart Home Compatibility

Modern security cameras come with smart home compatibilities like Alexa or Google assistant.

With these features on board, you can connect your camera with smart home devices, and turn on or off many features without any big trouble.

With these smart home features enabled, you can connect the notification of the camera with your smartphone, smart watches, and other smart devices.

Night vision

With night vision support, the cameras can view in the nights, the face of burglars in the night.

Well, cameras come with the range they can cover the nights. So, you buy one as per your range of cover.

Two-way Audio

This modern feature is really helpful. With this feature integrated into a home security camera, you can send your audio to the intruders, and get back their response or what they are talking about at your place.

Wrap Up

Home security cameras have become an essential part of home security even when you are at home. These devices help you get alerts when someone tries to break into your home.

The objective of having security cameras installed is to stop criminals and make them realize again to think about their life choice again.

Even if a crime occurs, you get your home robbed, the cameras recording can be the most important evidence to catch the culprits.

In this long guide, we tried to help you pick the best home security cameras after personally checking and testing them for several hours.

We can hope that this guide helped in picking the right option.

FAQs

Do Home Security Cameras Have Audio?

Yes, modern home security cameras come with two-way audio or one-way audio, or they can have none of the options.

It depends on your security camera, but most of them got 2-way audio to help speak to those on your doors or trying to break into your home.

Do Home Security Cameras Need Wi-Fi?

If you have a WI-FI enabled security camera that can connect to a WI-FI router, yes, home security cameras require WI-FI.

If it does not support any WI-FI connectivity, the only way to make it run and store videos on your cloud or local storage is through Ethernet connectivity.

You will have to hard-wire your Ethernet connection to the cameras.

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