Best Outdoor Security Cameras

The Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera is first on our list. Boasting a rating score of 76 at Consumer Reports, this weather-resistant and UV-protected outdoor camera comes packed with the longest list of features in its class.

Two-color options, available solar power, 12x digital zoom, 2K video resolution option, infrared LED night vision, noise and echo canceling audio components and a 160-degree field of view make up just part of the Arlo Pro 3’s features. The camera and its bright, 2,000-lumen flood lights can be powered wirelessly or with Arlo’s outdoor magnetic charging cable.

The camera can function with just the smartphone app, but a three-month subscription to Arlo Secure is included with purchase. Arlo Secure unlocks the best camera features and starts at just $2.99 per month after the trial period. The Pro 3 is compatible with HomeKit, Alexa, Ok Google, SmartThings and IFTTT and is covered by a 30-day money-back return policy and a one-year warranty.

Taking second place on our list is the Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro. Amazon customers give this weather and temperature-resistant, outdoor floodlight camera, a 4.6 star, average rating.

The Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro comes complete with two color options, digital zoom, 1080p video resolution, 110db siren, a 140-degree horizontal field of view, color night vision and noise canceling audio components. Two flood lights create 2,000 lumens of brightness and 3D motion detection provides accurate alerts.

The camera must be hardwired to the home’s electrical system, and some features are available using just the Ring app over your Wi-Fi system. However, Ring’s Protect Plan subscriptions start at just $3 per month and unlock all of the camera’s features. A one-year limited warranty, theft protection and a 30-day subscription trial are included with purchase. The device is compatible with select Echo and Fire TV devices.

Our third-place winner is also the second Arlo product on our list. The Arlo Pro 4 Wireless Security Camera carries a 4.1 average rating at Amazon and a solid score of 66 at Consumer Reports. Wireless battery operation and standalone Wi-Fi connectivity that requires no separate hub, makes this camera stand out.

Features of the Arlo Pro 4 include two color options, 12x digital zoom, maximum 2K resolution, A 160-degree field of view, noise and echo canceling audio and infrared LED night vision. The integrated spotlight minimizes the size of the camera to allow easy installation almost anywhere.

Connection to Arlo’s smartphone app will allow some features to work. For access to the best features, an Arlo secure plan is required. Plans start at $2.99 per month and a three-month trial subscription comes with the camera. The Pro 4 works with HomeKit, Alexa, Ok Google, SmartThings and IFTTT. A one-year limited warranty protects your purchase.

The Wyze Cam Outdoor is next up. This wireless camera is affordable and rates highly, but lacks some features of higher-end devices. Notably missing are facial and object recognition abilities, color choices and floodlighting.

The Wyze Cam Outdoor does include nice features for a budget model, including 8x digital zoom, 1080p video resolution, built-in speaker and microphone, a 110-degree field of view and LED lighting that can provide up to 25 feet of night vision. Infrared sensors are used to distinguish body heat movement from tree or leaf movements to minimize false detection alerts.

Subscription plans start at $4.99 per month and are recommended, but some features are available without a plan. The camera can be used with Alexa and Google Assistant, and comes with a one-year warranty.

Editor’s note: Since this article was originally published, The Verge reported complications with Wyze home security cameras, including customers being able to see into other customers’ homes when accessing live video. Wyze has also reportedly failed to address the issue transparently with its customers. If you currently use or are contemplating purchasing a Wyze system, we recommend you take this into consideration. The Forbes Home editorial team is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to evaluate the company’s standing.

Ring’s second installment on our list is their Stick Up Cam Battery. Over 36,000 Amazon customers give this wireless, outdoor camera an average of 4.7 stars. It packs a lot of features into its compact size, including advanced motion detection with customizable motion zones, which is uncommon for budget-priced cameras.

It’s available in white or black and features digital zoom, 1080p video resolution, noise-canceling speaker and microphone, 130-degree horizontal field of view and color night vision. It’s compact size and mounting hardware allow it to be mounted anywhere you can think of.

The Stick Up Cam Battery is compatible with Alexa and Echo devices, along with the Ring App that provides some useful features. The device works best with a Ring Protect Plan that starts at just $3.00 per month. Your purchase is covered by a one-year parts warranty and lifetime purchase protection.