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If you want to protect your home and family from intruders, accidents, or other unwanted events, you need a smart home camera. A smart home camera is a device that connects to your Wi-Fi network and streams live video and audio to your smartphone, tablet, or computer. You can also receive alerts when the camera detects motion, sound, or other triggers. Some cameras even let you talk to the people or animals on the other side.
But with so many smart home cameras on the market, how do you choose the best one for your needs? In this article, we will review some of the best smart home cameras for indoor and outdoor use, based on their features, performance, price, and customer reviews. We will also list the pros and cons of each camera, so you can make an informed decision.
Best Indoor Smart Home Camera: Nest Cam (battery)
The Nest Cam (battery) is one of the latest products from Google’s smart home brand. It is a versatile camera that can be used indoors or outdoors, thanks to its weather-resistant design and rechargeable battery. It has a 1080p HD resolution, a 130-degree field of view, night vision, two-way audio, and person, animal, and vehicle detection. It also works with Google Assistant and Alexa, and integrates with other Nest products.
The Nest Cam (battery) requires a subscription to Nest Aware to access some of its features, such as cloud video storage, event history, intelligent alerts, and familiar face recognition. The subscription starts at $6 per month or $60 per year for one camera, and goes up to $12 per month or $120 per year for unlimited cameras. You can also opt for local video storage by using a compatible USB drive.
Pros
- Works indoors or outdoors
- Rechargeable battery
- High-quality video and audio
- Smart detection and alerts
- Works with Google Assistant and Alexa
Cons
- Requires subscription for some features
- No free cloud storage option
- Battery life may vary depending on usage
Best Budget Smart Home Camera: Wyze Cam v3
The Wyze Cam v3 is an affordable smart home camera that offers a lot of value for its price. It has a 1080p HD resolution, a 130-degree field of view, night vision, two-way audio, motion and sound detection, and a siren. It also works with Google Assistant and Alexa, and supports microSD cards for local video storage.
The Wyze Cam v3 comes with 14 days of free cloud storage for motion-triggered clips up to 12 seconds long. You can also upgrade to Wyze Cam Plus for $1.99 per month or $23.88 per year per camera to get longer clips, continuous recording, person detection, package detection, and vehicle detection.
Pros
- Very low price
- Good video and audio quality
- Free cloud storage option
- Works with Google Assistant and Alexa
- Supports microSD cards
Cons
- Limited features without subscription
- No smart detection without subscription
- No battery option
Best Outdoor Smart Home Camera: Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera
The Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera is a wireless smart home camera that is designed for outdoor use. It has a 1080p HD resolution, a 130-degree field of view, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, and a built-in spotlight. It also works with Google Assistant and Alexa, and has an IP65 rating for weather resistance.
The Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera runs on a rechargeable battery that lasts up to six months on a single charge. It comes with three months of free trial to Arlo Smart, which gives you access to cloud video storage, advanced object detection, activity zones, and emergency call service. After the trial ends, you can choose from different plans starting at $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year per camera.
Pros
- Wireless and easy to install
- Rechargeable battery
- Built-in spotlight
- Works with Google Assistant and Alexa
- Weather-resistant
Cons
- Requires subscription for some features
- No free cloud storage option
- No local video storage option
Best Smart Home Camera for Baby Monitor: Kasa Smart Security Camera
The Kasa Smart Security Camera is a smart home camera that can double as a baby monitor. It has a 1080p HD resolution, a 130-degree field of view, night vision,
two-way audio with noise cancellation,
and motion and sound detection. It also works with Google Assistant and Alexa,
and supports microSD cards for local video storage.
The Kasa Smart Security Camera comes with 30 days of free trial to Kasa Care,
which gives you access to cloud video storage, activity zones, and person detection. After the trial ends, you can choose from different plans starting at $3 per month or $30 per year per camera.
Pros
- High-resolution video and audio
- Free cloud storage option
- Works with Google Assistant and Alexa
- Supports microSD cards
- Affordable price
Cons
- Requires subscription for some features
- No battery option
- No smart detection without subscription
Conclusion
These are some of the best smart home cameras for keeping an eye on your home. Depending on your budget, preferences, and needs, you can choose the one that suits you best. However, keep in mind that most of these cameras require a subscription to unlock their full potential, so factor that into your decision as well. We hope this article has helped you find the best smart home camera for your home. Stay safe and happy shopping!
