Best security cameras: the best models, from Ring to Amazon

Enhance your home security with our pick of the best security cameras, at the best prices.

If you're serious about enhancing your home security, or wish to actively deter criminals, when you're not necessarily at home then you'll need to get your hands on one of the best security cameras.

A security camera is one element of the best home security system. They're not a very new piece of tech but have certainly become a lot smarter over the past few years. Now our options are super smart, wireless with two-way audio and pretty impressive image definitions to boot – the list goes on.

Keep scrolling to see our pick of the best security cameras, and don't pass up on reading our honest reviews.

What is the best security camera?

If you want the best security camera (in our opinion) we wouldn't hesitate to buy the Ring Spotlight Security Camera. The camera will not only record in Full HD when triggered, but it also has the added benefit of a motion-detected security light – both are totally customisable – so you'll be able to see any movements from the window, or the app wherever you are in the world.

Closely following this top spot, and one which we feel we must mention at this stage, is a security camera from Amazon which offers incredible value-for-money, easy set up (indoors and outdoors) over Wi-Fi and the ability to add multiple cameras to the app. It's for these reasons, we can highly recommend buying the Amazon Blink XT2 Security Camera.

Keep scrolling to find out more about these two security cameras, and for more of our best security camera options.

The best security cameras

1. Ring Spotlight Security Camera

Best security camera

Superb HD video with night vision
Weather resistant
Totally customisable motion detection
Intuitive app enables total control
Wired version plugs in leaving potential weakness, but hard wiring is an option

The Ring Spotlight is a motion-detecting combination security camera and light, which is packed full of handy features so you can make it your own. It's for this reason, and a few extras, why it gets our vote for the best security camera. Buy the Ring Spotlight Security Camera

Two-in-one

This security camera from Ring, put simply, has it all. With the Full HD video, and built-in microphone and speakers, you'll be able to see and speak with anyone (or anything) who is detected on your property. The 140 degree wide angle camera lens will cover a lot of ground too, so there will be no hiding around any corners.

The built-in motion-activated spotlight will broadcast crisp footage, even when it's lights out, which is a deterrent to crime in itself.

Setting up

Depending on whether you choose the wired or battery powered Ring Spotlight, the set up requirements may differ but will be just as easy. The most difficult thing you will have to do is to decide where you would like it setup, and then you may need a little patience screwing it to the wall.

The Ring app is intuitive and takes around five minutes to set up. It can sync to all your other Ring devices so you can access, and control, them all on one nifty dashboard.

Total control

A tremendous strength of the Ring app is the ability to customise how the security camera works. You can draw your own motion zone for the camera and, when motion is detected, you'll receive an alert on your mobile or tablet device.

What's more, you can launch on-demand video at the sound of your voice with the Ring Spotlights ability to connect with Echo Show, Echo Spot, Fire Tablets Gen. 7+ and Fire TV so you can even control your security camera hands-free!

Best security cameras: the best models, from Ring to Amazon

2. Amazon Blink XT2 Security Camera

Best security camera for creating a system

The simple four-step set-up process took less than five minutes
Weather resistant
Good value for money
Great battery life
Cameras inside can be easily knocked out of position if not fixed
External cameras must be within range of your home's Wi-Fi

This security camera from Amazon narrowly misses out on the top of our list because it needs to be within a Wi-Fi range to work outside, but that's it. There's a lot going for this camera so, especially if you want more than one security camera and no subscription fees, this one gets a thumbs up from us.

Inside and out

The Blink XT2 is built to withstand the elements, which makes it ideal for being mounted on a wall looking out on the driveway or placed on a shelf to keep an eye on who is walking through the front door. It is totally wire-free and is powered by two AA batteries, (which last up to two years!) so it's incredibly efficient too.

Setting up

The Blink system runs off a really simple app which, once set up, will enable you to control the HD camera (or cameras if you require) with easy finger-sliding actions. If a camera is 'armed' and detects movements, you'll receive instant notifications and a recording for immediate viewing.

Being wireless there's no hassle with hard-wiring the Blink XT2, but you will just need to position the camera so it's within a Wi-Fi range.

Total control

When your Blink XT2 is up and running you'll be able to control it wherever you are (at home, in the shops or even on holiday!) though the app. This way you can always check in on the house so you feel safe in the knowledge that your home is secure.

3. Ezviz C3A Security Camera

Best security camera for value and set up

Feature-packed, offering security, flexibility and remote access uses
Weather resistant
Great build quality
Easy to set up
Subscription

The Ezviz security camera is a compelling option to soup up your home security, so it gets our vote for the best security camera for value and ease of set up.

Inside and out

Similar to the Amazon Blink, this security camera is weather resistant so it can be used around the home or in the garden – as long as it’s within Wi-Fi range. This offers incredible flexibility, and is one which is likely to save you time and money in the long run because it's also battery operated.

Setting up

Roughly the size of a coffee mug, the Ezviz C3A will take just a few minutes to set up (depending on whether or not you can agree where to put it!) and connect it to the app. A quick and easy registration is all you'll need before you can start using your new security camera.

Total control

With the app on your phone or tablet device, you'll be in a position to watch over your home wherever you are in the world. Through the app, you can adjust the motion sensors so you can really hone in on the areas you're most concerned about. And if / when anyone triggers the motion sensors, you'll get an instant alert straight to your device.

4. Google Nest Cam IQ Indoor Security Camera

Best security camera for smart features

Great video quality, in night and day
Fantastic feature set (with subscription)
Smart features i.e. facial recognition
Easy to set up and use
Expensive
Mains power only
Indoor use only
Requires a subscription to get the best from it

The Next Cam IQ is the smartest indoor camera out there, which is why is makes our list for the best security cameras.

Indoors, only

As the name suggests, the Google Nest Cam IQ Indoor is for indoor use only. Just as the other security cameras in this guide, it has a Full HD picture quality so it's super clear what's going on in the home whether you're near or far. One difference is that you can't actually move or adjust the camera via the app so you'll need to adjust it manually if needs be.

You'll also need to consider where in the home there is a plug socket which is in the area you want to pay close attention to – just something to bear in mind when considering your options.

Setting up

So we've just touched on the small matter that it has a plug, but if that's not a problem for you then the rest of the set up is hassle free.

When you're all plugged in, simply download the Nest app and scan the QR code on the bottom of the camera to pair it with the app. Now you're good to go!

Total control

The app can sync to your other items in the Nest ecosystem (thermostat, doorbells and locks) so you can monitor what's going on in the home, from wherever you are, and have a say with what's going on. This means that you can access 24-7 live streaming, listen-in to what's being said at home, chip in to conversations (or tell your dog to get off the sofa!) and share clips with other members of the household.

5. Netgear Arlo Pro 2 Security Camera

Best security camera system – comes with a hub and up to 4 cameras

Superb video quality, night and day
Wireless
Weather resistant
Built-in siren
7 days cloud storage for free
Expensive
Not as accurate as some
Competitors offer more features

The Arlo Pro 2 from Netgear is at the more premium end of the scale, but is an all-singing all-dancing security system so could be worthwhile your investment.

Inside and out

The Arlo Pro 2 is a wireless security camera set up which comes with its own hub. This means that you can monitor more than one room in the house, even take it outside, without staying in your home Wi-Fi zone. The cameras are IP65 rated too so they should withstand the rain, cold, heat and sunshine.

Since they're wireless, the system is powered by built-in batteries which could last for up to a couple of months. This removes the hassle of having to change batteries every so often, and faffing with any cables during the set up process.

Setting up

The Arlo Pro 2 is a relatively compact system which can be set up using your laptop, or via the app. Just follow the step-by-step process, which will start with getting the hub online and then follow suit with the cameras.

Once set up, you'll be able to see the live feeds all through the app.

Total control

Through the app you can record, take a picture or speak through the microphone. It also comes with free cloud storage, saving footage of any suspicious movement or sound for seven days.