The best home security cameras for staying safe and secure

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

A home should be safe and secure. That's all part of what makes it a home. And in the 21st Century, being safe and secure home means upgrading your home the latest and greatest smart tech. In other words, you need a smart security camera.

Security cameras are not only a great deterrent for break-ins and unwanted visitors, they're also an excellent means of monitoring what's happening around your home. It's little wonder that smart security cameras have become increasingly popular, which is evidenced by the rapidly advancing technology and the numerous models available.

But how do you know which home security camera is the best for you and your family? Selecting any technology for your home is hard. It's easy to get blindsided by specifications, added to the fact that everyone's home and routine is different. But don't fret: We're here to help secure your home with some helpful information and a roundup of the best security cameras currently available.

What is a smart security camera?

A smart security camera connects to an app or to your WiFi. They tend to stream live video directly to your smart device (such as a phone or tablet) and will generally have features that can be controlled remotely or via a voice assistant, They may even be powered by AI technology, with features such as automatic motion detection. You don't have to choose a smart security camera, of course, though all of the cameras on this roundup have smart technology. It's pretty much the standard now.

What’s the difference between indoor and outdoor security cameras?

Outdoor cameras must be robust enough to withstand changes in temperature and a variety of weather conditions. And when it comes to indoor cameras, most people prefer devices that easily blend into their home/decor. You don’t want anyone to be aware that they’re being recorded. After all, intruders are notoriously camera shy!

Are wireless security cameras reliable?

It’s important to consider what kind of “juice” a camera needs to operate. Does it rely on batteries or does it require a power source? You might face constraints as to where you can place a camera that needs a power source. Conversely, batteries obviously have a limited life. We can say with a moderate degree of confidence that a dead camera isn’t incredibly useful. It’s not a case of which is best, but which type better suits you.

Do security cameras have audio?

Some cameras do indeed offer audio surveillance as well as imagery. Some options will simply have a microphone that allows them to capture sound. Others can both capture and emit sound, turning them into a sort-of intercom with two-way audio.

Do security cameras require WiFi?

Like the vast majority of technology today, many security cameras available have WiFi capability. This is great for a handful of reasons including the fact that it's harder to disable them. Moreover, most cameras with WiFi allow you to turn your house into a smart home. They can integrate with Amazon and Google and even potentially let you remotely lock your door, control your lights, as well as sending you texts/alerts.

How do you access your video footage?

Though some cameras come with microSD cards, many models don’t store their footage themselves. Instead, they rely on cloud services for storage and offer you remote access. Keep in mind that not all storage is alike. Some might save footage for a month, others only a week. Additionally, you may have to pay a subscription fee for the cloud service. It’s important to consider that when pricing your options. 

What is the best security camera?

It’s all about which security camera suits you and your home. Your lifestyle or comings and goings may require a part spec. What you need are options. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and pulled together some top picks.

These are the best security cameras in 2024.