Much like video doorbells, the best outdoor security cameras provide a quick way to get peace of mind about what’s happening at home. Here at Reviewed, we continuously test outdoor security cameras in our homes to get hands-on experience about how these cameras perform. The best outdoor security camera we recommend is the Nest Cam (battery) (available at Best Buy for $119.99) for its fantastic spread of free smart features and multiple installation options.
We’ve tested many other outdoor security cameras included in this guide, each with its own specialties, depending on your needs.
You are watching: The Best Outdoor Security Cameras of 2023
Other Outdoor Security Cameras We Tested
How We Tested Outdoor Security Cameras
The Testers
Cameras in this guide have been tested by smart home editor Rachel Murphy, along with freelancers Nick Woodward, Christian de Looper, Camryn Rabideau, and Rick Broida.
The Tests
To find the top products, we researched the market, purchasing and testing cameras from the top brands. As new options emerged on the market and older models were discontinued, we retested our winners, pitting them against new cameras to see if any new contenders could oust the current winners.
We installed each camera, making notes about the installation procedures, in-app setup process, and reliability. Testing included evaluating video quality, audio quality, responsiveness, network reliability, and app usability.
A big trick with security cameras is getting the notifications dialed in, so you’re alerted to the things you want to know about without being bombarded with notifications every time a bird flies by. So, we tested the sensitivity controls for each product, whether they support motion zones, and how quickly they alerted me to people and noise.
We also installed the mobile apps on both an iPhone and a Samsung device to determine if the app experience was identical across platforms, and I tested how quickly each app began the live stream.
What You Should Know About Outdoor Security Cameras
Privacy
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Even your security camera needs security. So, what should you look for? Features like two-factor authentication, end-to-end encryption, and the option for local storage are all things to consider before investing in an outdoor security camera setup.
Two-factor authentication, which sends a code to your mobile device to verify it’s really you, is available on many home security cameras and absolutely something to seek out and activate. That way, if someone tries to hack into your account, you will receive an alert and can quickly take care of the problem.
Another thing to consider is how your videos are used and stored. Most outdoor security cameras have apps that let you control when they’re recording and uploading video to the cloud. Look for end-to-end encryption for storing videos. The encryption offers a layer of protection that can help prevent unwanted eyeballs from viewing your saved videos.
Make sure you create a strong password that’s unique to your camera’s app. Data breaches feel like the norm as of late, making it all the more important not to reuse passwords across multiple websites and apps.
Finally, when using these devices with smart assistants like Alexa, Google, and Siri, you can help protect your privacy by regularly deleting your voice recordings and muting the speaker’s mic when it’s not in use.
Looking for more privacy tips? Read our guide to securing your smart home.
Paid Subscription Plans
A paid subscription plan is fairly common with almost any smart home security system gadget from smart doorbells to security cameras. Think of home security as a continual investment rather than a one-time deal. If you want access to the best features like continuous surveillance and special detection alerts for people, cars, animals, and packages, then subscribing to a paid plan is the way to go.
As an alternative, some cameras record to built-in storage an optional microSD instead of uploading to a cloud, at least as an option. But most of the time, a paid plan enhances what the camera can do. Features like differentiating between people and general motion, or the ability to share videos, is worth paying for.
Installing Outdoor Security Cameras
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When considering which outdoor security camera to buy, consider your current setup. A wireless outdoor camera with a rechargeable battery is convenient, as most cameras should only need to be recharged once or twice a year.
However, not all cameras have a removable battery. That means you’ll have to take the entire camera down to charge it. It’s not make or break, but it’s something to be aware of if you like the appearance of having security cameras up at all times.
Another option is a wired camera. With this setup, we recommend having electrical outlets in the soffits of your roofline, to easily connect a camera without running cords all along the outside of your home.
What to Look For in an Outdoor Security Camera
In a world where high-powered cameras are becoming more common, it takes more than pixel count to set a good outdoor security camera apart. Here are some features to consider:
Night Vision
Night vision can come from either infrared imaging, full-color night vision capture, or a spotlight. Infrared is the least reliable of the three. Full-color night vision uses powerful light sensors and a minimal supplement light to help the camera record in the dark. Finally, a spotlight can both help the video capture images and warn passersby that they’re being recorded, which you may or may not want.
Storage
Where does your video live? Is it on a hard drive that you own? Or is it on the cloud somewhere? It’s not uncommon to pay extra for updates, advanced features, and cloud storage. However, there’s something to be said for knowing you have access to your video without an extra fee.
Data Security
From data breaches to sharing your footage without your consent, there are plenty of concerns about the security of your security footage. Make sure that you sign on with a company that you trust to maintain your privacy.
Smart Motion Detection
Not all motion sensors are created equal. Some cameras are incredibly adept at telling vehicles, packages, animals, and people apart. Others simply bombard you with constant notifications. Still others allow you to set up zones and adjust sensitivity to your preferences. Make sure your camera is on when it needs to be.
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Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor
