Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Best Cheap Security Cameras under $50

Top Pick
Zosi 720p cameraZOSI 720P CCTV Camera
  • Cheapest of the cheap
  • Reliable inside and outdoors
  • Cheapest of the cheap
  • Reliable inside and outdoors
Smart Cam Pick
Wyze Cam Pan product imageWyze Cam Pan
  • Works with Alexa
  • Scans entire rooms
  • Works with Alexa
  • Scans entire rooms
Outdoor Pick
SV3C Outdoor Wi-Fi CameraSV3C Outdoor Wi-Fi Camera
  • Night vision up to 67 ft.
  • Two-way audio
  • Night vision up to 67 ft.
  • Two-way audio
Calendar Icon
Last Updated: A day ago
We added some info about Wyze’s generous response to the coronavirus pandemic in its home state of Washington. We also replaced the SV3C HD Wi-Fi Security Camera Outdoor with a newer version.

Home security cameras aren’t reserved for people who can drop a wad of cash on a fancy surveillance system. If you want to add a security camera, but have a budget to stick to, this is the resource you’ve been looking for.

We found five cheap security cameras that deliver high-quality reliability—and they’re all under $50. 

Compare Cheap Security Cameras

Price*
Night Vision
Two-Way Communication
MicroSD
Cloud Storage
Smart Home Capability
Top Pick Smart Cam Pick Outdoor Pick Cloud Storage Pick Night Vision Pick
ZOSI 720P Wyze Cam Pan SV3C 1080p Wi-Fi YI Dome Cam Wansview Wireless 1080pv
Zosi 720p camera Wyze Cam Pan product image SV3C Outdoor Wi-Fi Camera YI Dome Security Camera Wansview Wireless 1080p Security Camera
$12.59 $37.98 $45.99 $33.99 $39.99
Up to 65 ft. Up to 30 ft. Up to 67 ft. Up to 10 ft. Up to 20 ft.
X
No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes
X
No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes
X
No

Yes
X
No
None Alexa compatible None YI Home products None
View on Amazon View on Amazon View on Amazon View on Amazon View on Amazon

*Amazon.com list price as of 03/31/20 4:03 p.m. (MT). Read full disclaimer.

Our Approach

SafeWise tests, researches, and compares products based on the factors that matter most to the people who want to use them. We get our hands on products, fall into rabbit holes of research, look up customer reviews, contact customer service, and more.

Learn more about our rankings and reviews process on our methodology page.

Best Cheap Security Camera Reviews

ZOSI 720P CCTV Camera: Top Pick

Top Pick
Zosi 720p CCTV Security Camera

Zosi 720p

This is a four-in-one security camera from ZOSI. You can use it inside and outdoors, and it’s compatible with four different video outputs.

This ZOSI security camera looks like what you expect from a security camera, which should scare away burglars who are on the prowl. And you can find plenty of videos online from customers who caught thieves in the act thanks to this versatile, cheap camera.

Pros

  • Weather-resistant design
  • 65 ft. night vision
  • Vandal-proof construction
  • Compatibility with other ZOSI cameras

Cons

  • No motion tracking
  • No mobile pan or tilt
  • No two-way audio

Wyze Cam Pan: Smart Cam Pick

Smart Cam Pick
Wyze Cam Pan product image

Wyze Cam Pan

It’s hard to believe that you can get a smart Wi-Fi camera for less than $40. But the Wyze Cam Pan delivers—and it’s become a staff favorite.

You’ll love the clear night vision images, built-in speaker for two-way audio, and smart motion tracking that follows movement from start to finish. And if you’ve got a little tyke that likes to sing themselves to sleep, you can check in remotely for a sweet serenade every night. 

Pros

  • Free rolling cloud storage
  • Voice control with Amazon Alexa
  • 360° pan and scan
  • Motion and sound detection
  • Longer power cord

Cons

  • No auto-reboot function
  • Some network security concerns
  • Hit-and-miss motion alerts

More Cheap Security from Wyze

If you want to upgrade your home security on the cheap, Wyze has a full suite of products to protect your home. Wyze Sense contact sensors ($19.99) let you guard doors, windows, cabinets, and anything else that opens. You can also add extra security with a smart light bulb from Wyze ($7.99), and the Wyze Plug ($14.99).

Plus, you can now get the Wyze Lock, which is the cheapest smart lock on the market at just $89.99.

Wyze Cam Donations

To help support small businesses in its home state of Washington during the coronavirus pandemic, Wyze is giving away free security cameras. We think Wyze’s choice to support its local community is a noteworthy example of companies stepping up during this trying time. If you live in Washington state and run a small business, head over to Wyze's website to fill out an application.

SV3C Outdoor Wi-Fi Camera: Outdoor Pick

Outdoor Pick
SV3C Outdoor Wi-Fi Camera

SV3C Outdoor Wi-Fi Camera

This outdoor IP camera lets you protect your home and property without breaking the bank.

The SV3C provides smart motion detection, high-resolution images, and the broadest night vision range of any camera on our list (up to 67 feet). And at around $46 a piece, you can afford to place a few around your property.

Pros

  • Long night vision range
  • Smart motion detection
  • Compatibility with third-party security software
  • Two-way audio

Cons

  • No smart home compatibility
  • Difficult adjustment of recording settings

YI Dome Camera: Cloud Storage Pick

Cloud Storage Pick
yi dome camera

YI Dome Cam

The YI Dome Camera makes it easy to stay on top of everything in your home when you have to be away. And you can wave goodbye to blind spots because the YI Dome Camera features a bidirectional rotation range that captures panoramic scenes.

Best of all, you can store all those sweeping images for free on the YI Cloud.

Pros

  • Unlimited rolling YI Cloud storage
  • Motion tracking
  • Video bookmarks
  • Compatibility with other YI devices
  • Noise reduction

Cons

  • App privacy concerns
  • Some firmware issues
  • No motion alert zone settings

Wansview Wireless 1080P Security Camera: Night Vision Pick

Night Vision Pick
Wansview Wireless 1080p Security Camera

Wansview Wireless 1080P Security Camera

This affordable Wansview security camera delivers a lot for under $50. You get 1080p HD resolution, a 350° pan range, and 4x digital zoom.

Plus, with two-way communication, this is a great solution if you want to check in on little humans or fur babies. And customers love how crisp the images are—even at night. But that awesome night vision only extends up to 20 feet.

Pros

  • iOS and Android mobile app
  • Smart pan and tilt function
  • Quick setup
  • Broad field of view
  • Excellent night vision clarity

Cons

  • Limited night vision range
  • No smart home capability
  • Glitchy Android app

How to Buy a Cheap Security Camera

It’s fine and good to want an affordable home security camera solution, but you don’t want to sacrifice quality for a few extra bucks in your wallet. Some of the best security cameras are still affordable. Here are our tips for buying smart on the cheap.

Know what you want from your security camera

It helps to start shopping with a goal in mind. Are you using your camera inside or outside? Do you need a camera with special talents like motion sensors or pet-friendly features?

When you’re buying cheap it helps to know in advance the features that you’re looking for. That helps you weed out cameras that don’t deliver right away.

Here are some questions to help you figure out what you want (and need) in a cheap security camera.

  • Do you want to install more than one security camera?
  • Do you want a camera to deter burglars?
  • Do you want a security camera so you can check in on people and pets when you’re not at home?
  • Is a mobile app important to you?
  • Do you want motion-activated alerts sent to your phone or email?
  • Do you want to be able to listen in and talk through the camera?
  • Are you interested in a camera that you can move around, or do you want to install it in a permanent location?
  • Are you more interested in wireless cameras, or are you okay with a power cord?
  • Is storing and saving video footage important to you? If so, do you want to use cloud storage or do you prefer an SD card?
  • Do you want to watch a live video feed?
  • Are smart home features and compatibility important to you?

Identify security camera brands that you trust

Finding high quality at low prices is a lot easier when you know which brands deliver at a lower price point.

Start with brands that you may already be familiar with, or ask trusted friends and family for recommendations. Then research expert reviews and customer ratings to see what people are saying about the camera after they’ve used it for a while.

Look out for security cameras that come with hidden costs

The purchase price posted for one camera may not be the whole story. Some security cameras are part of a bigger system and require extra equipment to function. Extras can be a base station, playback DVR, or cloud storage subscription.

Take time to read the fine print and root out any extra costs before deciding which cheap security camera is right for you.

Disclaimer

*Amazon.com list price as of 03/31/20 4:03 p.m. (MT). Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

The post Best Cheap Security Cameras under $50 appeared first on SafeWise.



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The 10 Best Wireless Security Cameras of 2020

Wire-Free Pick
Arlo Pro 3Arlo Pro 3
  • 100% wire-free connection
  • Free 7-day cloud storage
  • 100% wire-free connection
  • Free 7-day cloud storage
Indoor Budget Pick
Wyze Cam PanWyze Cam Pan
  • Under $40
  • 360° coverage
  • Under $40
  • 360° coverage
Smart Home Pick
canary viewCanary Pro
  • Camera, siren, climate monitor
  • Learning technology
  • Camera, siren, climate monitor
  • Learning technology
Outdoor Budget Pick
Ring Stick Up Cam BatteryRing Stick Up Cam
  • No power cables
  • Outdoor capabilities
  • No power cables
  • Outdoor capabilities
Calendar Icon
Last Updated: A day ago
We’ve added information about Wyze’s donations to small businesses in Washington state and Amazon Key’s temporary pause in services due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Wireless vs. Wire-Free

We love the convenience and flexibility of wireless home security cameras. Our favorites are 100% wire-free, which means they use a Wi-Fi connection and a wireless power source like a battery. Cameras that fall into that wire-free category, like the Arlo Pro 3 and the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery, got extra credit when it came to ranking the top wireless security cameras this year.

But we couldn’t dismiss high-quality cameras like the Amcrest 4MP UltraHD, Wyze Cam Pan, and Google Nest Cam IQ Indoor just because of a compulsory power cord.

Find out which cameras on our list are truly wireless, which ones you can use indoors and outdoors, and what smart features each one offers in our comparison table and security camera reviews below.

If you’re looking for a wireless camera that works with a security system, you can start with recommendations from our best home security systems.

Compare the 4 Best Wireless Security Cameras

List Price*
Camera
Type
Wire-Free
Video Resolution
Night Vision
Learn More
Wire-Free Pick Indoor Budget Pick Smart Home Pick Outdoor Budget Pick
Arlo Pro 3 Wyze Cam Pan canary view Ring Stick Up Cam Battery
$498.98 $37.98 $95.00 $99.99
Arlo Pro 3 Wyze Cam Pan Canary Pro Ring Stick Up Cam
Indoor/Outdoor
Wire-free
Indoor Wired Indoor Wired Indoor/Outdoor
Wire-free

Yes
X
No
X
No

Yes
1440p (2K) 1080p 1080p 1080p
Color/Infrared Infrared Infrared Infrared
View on Amazon View on Amazon View on Amazon View on Amazon
Read Review Read Review Read Review Read Review

*Amazon.com list price as of 03/31/20 at 2:40 p.m. (MT). (Read full disclaimer)

Our Approach

To find the best wireless security cameras, we looked at price, image quality, reliability, ease of setup, smart features, night vision, and customer satisfaction. We tested several cameras in our homes, read expert reviews, researched industry standards and camera specs, and consulted thousands of customer reviews. Find out more about how we rank and review products in our full methodology

  • 60+ hours of research and testing
  • 11 in-home tests
  • 28 products considered
  • 1,100+ customer reviews read
  • 10 coffees consumed

Best Wireless Security Camera Reviews

1. Arlo Pro 3: Best Wire-Free Camera

Wire-Free Pick
Arlo Pro 3

The Arlo Pro 3 is our pick for the best wireless security camera because it doesn’t need a power cord and still manages to outperform the competition. We think the Arlo Pro 3 is an excellent choice for most people, especially if you want a quick setup, multiple cameras, and outstanding video quality.

Its 2K video captures more detail than 1080p cameras and records clear video any time of day thanks to infrared night vision and a built-in spotlight. A helpful tutorial in the Arlo app makes it incredibly easy to set up. And the magnetic wall mount makes it easy to install anywhere.

The biggest drawback of Arlo Pro 3 is that it requires a base station that you get only when buying two or more cameras. This makes it an expensive choice, but it balances out if you need more than one camera.

Pros

  • 2K video resolution
  • 100% wire-free design
  • Indoor/outdoor versatility
  • Smart home integration

Cons

  • High price
  • 2 cameras required to get base station

2. Wyze Cam Pan: Best Budget Indoor Camera

Indoor Budget Pick
Wyze Cam Pan

This little Wi-Fi camera can scan an entire room in just three seconds. You can adjust settings with the Pan Scan feature to automatically scan an area to your specifications.

The Wyze Cam’s motion tracking is also cool—if a kid or dog runs through the room, the camera will follow all the action. (No more arguments about who broke the lamp.) Plus, you can pick up the Wyze Cam for under $40.

One of the only things we don’t like is that you need a power cord, which limits placement options. Read our full Wyze Cam Pan review.

Pros

  • Affordable price
  • 360° coverage with Pan Scan
  • Smart motion tracking
  • Free rolling 14-day cloud storage

Cons

  • Wired power cord
  • Hit-and-miss motion alerts

Wyze Cam Donations

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Wyze announced that it would donate free security cameras to small business owners in Washington state. Wyze operates out of Seattle, Washington and we applaud the company’s commitment to help its local community. If you have a small business in Washington state, you can fill out an application for a free camera on Wyze's website.

3. Canary Pro: Best Smart Home Camera

Smart Home Pick
canary view

Canary Pro combines home security features like a siren and environmental sensors with a smart home security camera. And don’t let the small, unobtrusive design fool you.

Canary has packed enough security features into this Wi-Fi camera to make it qualify for home insurance discounts from many major insurers.

The Canary Pro can sense if the fireplace isn’t fully out or let you know if someone left the tub running. We wish it had a little more power when it comes to night vision, though—it only sees about 20 feet in the dark. Read our full Canary review.

Pros

  • Camera, siren, and climate monitor
  • Learning tech to adjust to your habits
  • Alexa and Google integration
  • Direct connection to emergency services

Cons

  • Only 20-foot range for night vision
  • Subscription required for some features
  • Buggy mobile app

4. Ring Stick Up Cam: Outdoor Budget Pick

Outdoor Budget Pick
Ring Stick Up Cam Battery

The Ring Stick Up Cam Battery is completely wire-free so you have a ton of flexibility in where you put it. And it costs around $100, making it one of the most affordable security cameras you can use both indoors and outdoors. As a result, we think the Stick Up Cam Battery is best for people that need a wireless outdoor camera on a budget.

There are reports of short battery life on Ring products (some say it lasts about a month), and recharging the Stick Up Cam is a tedious process since you need to remove the battery each time. You can get a solar panel accessory so you don’t need to remove the battery as often, but it’ll cost you extra. Read our Ring Alarm review to see how Ring products all work together.

Pros

  • No power cables to wrangle
  • Indoor/outdoor capability
  • Motion-activated sensors
  • Smart home compatibility

Cons

  • Tedious process to recharge battery
  • Short battery life

Avoiding Breaches

Some Ring users have reported security breaches in their devices that allow bad actors to use the two-way communication and view the video feed. In a statement to SafeWise, Ring noted that these breaches can be avoided by using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, changing passwords regularly, and adding authorized users instead of sharing credentials.

We still like Ring products, but we also recommend users follow security best practices for all internet-connected devices.

5. Reolink Argus 2: Indoor-Outdoor Pick

Inside-Outside Pick
reolink argus 2

We like the Reolink Argus 2 because it works just as well indoors as it does outside. Its starlight night vision gives you clear images up to thirty-six feet without any extra ambient light.

This camera uses a rechargeable battery or solar power, so you have a lot of flexibility about where to place it. In our experience, the battery drains fairly quickly if you don’t use the solar panel accessory.

Setup is easy using the mobile app, but the camera doesn’t have a very stable Wi-Fi connection at times, which leads to choppy video playback. Read our Reolink Argus 2 review.

Pros

  • Email and push notifications
  • Built-in microSD card slot
  • Free video playback via Reolink app
  • No base station

Cons

  • Wi-Fi connectivity issues
  • No web viewing capability
  • Motion detection delays

6. Amcrest 4MP UltraHD Indoor: Free Storage Pick

Free Storage Pick
Amcrest 4MP UltraHD Indoor

At SafeWise, we’re Amcrest fans, and this wireless indoor security camera doesn’t disappoint. Its remote pan and tilt function, easy setup, and variety of video storage options make this one of the best cameras available for under $100.

While this camera records video without issues, there’s a noticeable lag when you stream live video. Unfortunately, the user manual is hard to follow, and mounting the Amcrest 4MP UltraHD on the wall limits the camera’s rotation options.

But we still like the free cloud storage and the addition of two-way talk.

Pros

  • Remote pan and tilt
  • Multiple storage options
  • Two-way communication
  • Smart digital zoom

Cons

  • Limited rotation when mounted
  • Confusing user manual
  • Laggy live streaming

7. Google Nest Cam IQ Indoor: Best High-Tech Camera

High-Tech Pick
Nest Cam IQ Indoor

The Google Nest Cam IQ Indoor is awesome when it comes to image, video, and sound quality. Plus it has person alerts and built-in Google Assistant so you can use it as a virtual assistant to control your smart home.

For some, that may be worth the $300 price tag. But while we like the smart functions and home automation compatibility of the Nest Cam IQ, many of the cameras we looked at offer the same perks at a more reasonable price.

The fact that you can’t use many of the best features (including video recording) unless you sign up for a monthly subscription is a big downer.

Read more in our review of the Nest cameras suite and our Nest Cam IQ review.

Pros

  • Great video quality
  • Compatibility with Google Assistant, Alexa, and other Nest products
  • Crystal clear two-way audio
  • Quality design and aesthetic

Cons

  • High price point
  • Required Nest Aware subscription for coolest features

8. YI Dome Camera: Audio Quality Pick

Audio Pick
yi dome camera

This wireless security camera makes us think of R2-D2. It’s cute and looks like the type of tech you can count on to stay in touch with kids and pets when you can’t be at home.

The antinoise filter makes it easy to listen for baby’s cries or chat with kids about homework after school. You can even tell Rover to get off the sofa. Another great feature of the YI Dome Camera is unlimited free cloud storage.

But watch out if you’re an Android user—there are several reported issues with the Android app.

Pros

  • Cute design
  • Motion tracking
  • Antinoise filter for clear audio
  • No cloud storage limit

Cons

  • Limited night vision range
  • Android issues
  • Difficult setup

9. Abode Iota: Home Security Pick

Home Security Pick
Abode Iota security camera

The Abode Iota is a high-end home security camera and security system in one. This compact device delivers two-way talk, high video quality, and sensitive motion detection.

It also comes with the option to add 24/7 professional monitoring. That gives you a direct link to help through a monitoring center without buying any additional security equipment.

Best of all, Abode’s professional monitoring starts at just $8 per month, and there’s no contract required. Read our full Abode Home Security review.

Pros

  • 24/7 monitoring available
  • Built-in siren
  • Entry sensors
  • Key fob control

Cons

  • Small size that limits security range
  • Poor sound quality

10. Amazon Cloud Cam: Delivery Protection Pick

Delivery Protection Pick

Amazon stopped selling the Cloud Cam as a standalone device, but you can still get it as part of an Amazon Key kit. This lets Prime members pair the camera with a smart lock or garage door opener to get unattended deliveries inside your home.

It’s no surprise that Amazon’s wireless security camera would be besties with Amazon’s Alexa. But we’re bummed that you can’t use some of the camera’s coolest features (video storage, motion zones, person detection, and audio detection) without a Cloud Cam subscription.

You get 24 hours of video clips stored for free, but you need the subscription to support multiple cameras, use person detection, or set motion zones to limit false alarms.

Even without the extra perks, it’s still a good camera to keep an eye on kids and pets when you’re away.

Pros

  • 24 hours of free video clips
  • Compatibility with Alexa, Fire TV
  • Viewing options on mobile device or PC
  • Unattended deliveries for Prime members

Cons

  • Required kit to buy the camera
  • Required Cloud Cam subscription for full function
  • Required Amazon Prime subscription to use Amazon Key

Amazon Key on Hold Due To COVID-19

Amazon chose to pause its Amazon Key in-home delivery service until further notice during the coronavirus pandemic. This move encourages better social distancing practices and in-home deliveries aren’t strictly necessary for homebound customers. For more information, check out Amazon’s FAQs about Orders and Deliveries and the COVID-19 virus.

Wireless Security Camera FAQ

Can my security camera be hacked?

The unfortunate truth is that, yes, security cameras can be vulnerable to hacking—but the good news is that you can do things to keep hackers out.

Nearly every security camera we looked at supports encryption. This protects the camera’s data stream (like videos of your kids after school) from prying eyes.

No matter what security features come with your camera, these tips can help you maximize the privacy of your security cameras:

  • Buy a camera with a recognizable name and purchase it from a trustworthy seller.
  • Make sure your home Wi-Fi network is secure.
  • Create unique, strong passwords for your camera and any apps you use to access it.
  • Keep firmware up-to-date on your camera and your Wi-Fi router.
  • Turn off remote viewing when you don’t need it.
  • Block the lens of your camera when you’re not using it—a post-it or a piece of painters tape will work.

Will a security camera work as a baby/kid/pet monitor?

We’ve learned that many people want a wireless security camera to keep an eye on the people and pets they love. If this is your goal, here are some things to consider:

  • Two-way communication: This lets you listen in and talk to the pets or people at home.
  • Night vision: Clear images in low light are especially important if you want to use the camera as a baby monitor.
  • Field of view: Most security cameras use a wide-angle lens, while baby monitors and nanny cams often use a more narrow range of vision to focus on the baby.
  • Pan and tilt: If you’re viewing pets or older kids remotely from the office or on a beach, you may want to be able to move the camera angle.

Can an indoor camera do double duty looking out a window?

Wireless cameras can’t have it all—watch things inside by day, and keep an eye on what’s going on outside after dark. It rarely works.

Most indoor security cameras will pick up glares and reflections when aimed out a window. This obscures the outside view, making it useless.

If security both outdoors and indoors is a priority for you, we recommend getting the right type of camera for each area. You may be able to find an indoor camera that claims to be specifically designed to minimize the glare and reflection of a window, but be sure to read a lot of customer reviews to verify that those claims are accurate.

Is an indoor wireless camera enough security?

If your goal is to protect against intruders, we recommend an outdoor camera first and foremost.

Outdoor security cameras can deter criminals and provide an early warning before someone enters your home. While indoor security cameras often help people catch a burglar after the fact, you have a better chance of sending a thief running with an outdoor camera.

And if you want to be connected to the police, you should look into security cameras that come with an option to add professional monitoring.

Contributing writer: John Carlsen

Disclaimers

*Amazon.com list price as of 03/31/20 at 2:40 p.m. (MT). Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. SafeWise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

Google, Google Nest, Google Assistant, and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC.

2019 Best Home Security Systems

Vivint

Best for Smart Home

ADT

Best Monitoring

Frontpoint

Best Customer Service

Protect America

Budget Pick

Link Interactive

Best Basic Plans

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ADT Disclaimer

ADT $27.99 Essential package: $99.00 Customer Installation Charge. 36-Month Monitoring Agreement required at $27.99 per month ($1,007.64...