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  • Home Improvement
  • Home Security
  • Best Wireless Security Cameras

Best Wireless Security Cameras

Audited & Verified: Sep 25, 2024, 2:08am

Chauncey Crail Contributor
Chauncey grew up on a farm in rural northern California. At 18 he ran away and saw the world with a backpack and a credit card, discovering that the true value of any point or mile is the experience it facilitates. He remains most at home on a tracto...
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Chauncey Crail Contributor
Chauncey grew up on a farm in rural northern California. At 18 he ran away and saw the world with a backpack and a credit card, discovering that the true value of any point or mile is the experience it facilitates. He remains most at home on a tracto...
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Chauncey Crail
Chauncey Crail Contributor
Chauncey grew up on a farm in rural northern California. At 18 he ran away and saw the world with a backpack and a credit card, discovering that the true value of any point or mile is the experience it facilitates. He remains most at home on a tracto...
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Chauncey Crail Contributor
Chauncey grew up on a farm in rural northern California. At 18 he ran away and saw the world with a backpack and a credit card, discovering that the true value of any point or mile is the experience it facilitates. He remains most at home on a tracto...
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Deane Biermeier Contributor
Having spent 30+ years in residential construction, contracting, remodeling, maintenance and home repair, Deane now contributes DIY, informational and financial content as a freelance writer and consultant for several publications such as Angi, Trust...
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Written By
Deane Biermeier
Deane Biermeier Contributor
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Audited & Verified: Sep 25, 2024, 2:08am
We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Home. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

Home security works best when it’s convenient and easy to use. Today’s residential security systems can offer complete protection for your home. That is, as long as they get used. That’s where wireless security cameras come in. Nothing beats the ease of installation and user convenience that these important protection components have to offer.

The trick is knowing how to sort through the vast amount of available products, price points, compatibility options and features to find one that fits your needs.

To help, we’ve reviewed dozens of the best wireless security cameras on the market today and ranked them, in order, based on numerous factors. We’ve listed our top five picks here, and have provided our best information, to assist you in choosing one that’s best for you.

Show More
Home Security Company Guides
  • Best Home Security Systems
  • Best Home Security Companies
  • Best Outdoor Security Light Cameras
  • Best Solar Security Cameras
  • Best Night Vision Cameras
  • Best Wireless Home Security Systems
{{ showSummarySection ? 'Hide Summary' : 'Show Summary' }}
  • The 5 Best Wireless Security Cameras
  • Arlo Essential Wireless Security Camera
  • Arlo Pro 4 Wireless Security Camera
  • Ring Stick Up Cam Battery
  • Arlo Ultra 2 Wireless Security Camera
  • Ring Spotlight Cam Battery
  • Summary: Best Wireless Security Cameras
  • How Do Wireless Security Cameras Work?
  • How Much Do Wireless Security Cameras Cost?
  • What to Consider When Buying A Wireless Security Camera?
  • How To Determine Which Wireless Security Camera Is Best For You
  • Reasons to Install a Wireless Security Camera
  • Methodology
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Featured Partners

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THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.

1

Vivint

Customer Reviews

Excellent

Contract Required

Yes

Lowest Monitoring Price

$19.99

1

Vivint

Learn More

On Vivint's Website

2

ADT

Customer Reviews

Excellent

Contract Required

Yes

Lowest Monitoring Price

$29.99

2

ADT

Learn More

From ADT

3

Simplisafe

Customer Reviews

Great

Contract Required

No

Lowest Pro Monitoring Price

$21.99

3

Simplisafe

Learn More

On SimpliSafe's Website

The 5 Best Wireless Security Cameras

  • Arlo Essential Wireless Security Camera
  • Arlo Pro 4 Wireless Security Camera
  • Ring Stick Up Cam Battery
  • Arlo Ultra 2 Wireless Security Camera
  • Ring Spotlight Cam Battery

Arlo Essential Wireless Security Camera

$109.99 On Amazon
4.2
Forbes Home Improvement
Our ratings take into consideration factors like cost and contracts, app reviews, customer reviews and reputation, customer support, features and smart home integration, options and equipment and warranties. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Price
Great
Customer Reviews
Great
Field of View
Excellent
4.2
Forbes Home Improvement
Our ratings take into consideration factors like cost and contracts, app reviews, customer reviews and reputation, customer support, features and smart home integration, options and equipment and warranties. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Arlo Essential Wireless Security Camera

Price
Great

Customer Reviews
Great

Field of View
Excellent

$109.99 On Amazon
Why We Picked It

First on our list is Arlo’s Essential Wireless Security Camera. We like it for its high-end capabilities at the budget-friendly price. On top of that, Consumer Report awards it a respectable score of 74.

It’s feature list is long and includes two color options, 12x digital zoom, 1080p video resolution, integrated LED spotlight that provides 25-feet of full-color night vision, facial and object recognition, noise canceling audio components, a 130-degree field of view and motion detection. It’s compact size makes it simple to install anywhere you need it.

The Essential Wireless Security Camera’s battery provides up to six months of use on a single charge. It can be used without a subscription plan, but a three month free trial comes with your purchase and unlocks the camera’s best features. Plans start at $2.99 per month after that. Compatible with HomeKit, Alexa, Assistant, SmartThings and IFTTT, Arlo’s products are protected by a one-year limited warranty.

Pros & Cons
  • No hub required
  • Excellent zoom capability
  • Affordable subscription prices available
  • Resolution is lower than high-end models

Arlo Pro 4 Wireless Security Camera

On Amazon
4.2
Forbes Home Improvement
Our ratings take into consideration factors like cost and contracts, app reviews, customer reviews and reputation, customer support, features and smart home integration, options and equipment and warranties. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Price
Good
Customer Reviews
Great
Field of View
Excellent
4.2
Forbes Home Improvement
Our ratings take into consideration factors like cost and contracts, app reviews, customer reviews and reputation, customer support, features and smart home integration, options and equipment and warranties. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Arlo Pro 4 Wireless Security Camera

Price
Good

Customer Reviews
Great

Field of View
Excellent

On Amazon
Why We Picked It

Another wireless Arlo camera takes the next spot. This one comes with even more features, but with that comes a higher price tag Amazon customers give it a 4.1 star average rating.

Up-to-the-challenge features include your color choice of black or white, 12x digital zoom, a maximum 2K resolution with three video modes, infrared LED night vision, noise-canceling audio components, facial and object detection, motion sensor and a 160-degree field of view.

It pairs well with HomeKit, Alexa, Ok Google, SmartThings and IFTTT. Many of the camera’s functions operate without a subscription plan, but the best ones are available through Arlo’s plans that start at $2.99 per month.  A one-year limited warranty is provided.

Pros & Cons
  • Infrared LED night vision
  • Three video resolution options
  • Compact size
  • Price

Ring Stick Up Cam Battery

$55.40 On Amazon
4.1
Forbes Home Improvement
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Pricing
Great
Customer reviews
Excellent
Field of view
Great
4.1
Forbes Home Improvement
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Ring Stick Up Cam Battery

Pricing
Great

Customer reviews
Excellent

Field of view
Great

$55.40 On Amazon
Why We Picked It

The Stick Up Cam Battery security camera from Ring is third on our list. 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, and Amazon customers rate it 4.7 out of five stars.

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.

Pros & Cons
  • Nice features for price
  • Easily mounts anywhere
  • Lifetime purchase protection
  • Limited third party compatibility

Arlo Ultra 2 Wireless Security Camera

$379.99 On Amazon
4.1
Forbes Home Improvement
Our ratings take into consideration factors like cost and contracts, app reviews, customer reviews and reputation, customer support, features and smart home integration, options and equipment and warranties. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Pricing
Okay
Customer reviews
Great
Field of view
Excellent
4.1
Forbes Home Improvement
Our ratings take into consideration factors like cost and contracts, app reviews, customer reviews and reputation, customer support, features and smart home integration, options and equipment and warranties. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Arlo Ultra 2 Wireless Security Camera

Pricing
Okay

Customer reviews
Great

Field of view
Excellent

$379.99 On Amazon
Why We Picked It

The Ultra 2 Wireless Security Camera is Arlo’s third installment on our list and shows up in fourth place. This compact camera represents the best features in the company’s wireless camera lineup. The Ultra 2 requires the use of an Arlo hub station, which retails for $99.99.

Two color choices, 12x digital zoom, 4K video resolution, infrared night vision with integrated spotlight, facial and object recognition, motion detection and noise canceling audio equipment are all part of the package. A full 180-degree field of view puts this camera in a league of its own.

Starting at $2.99 per month,  after the free three-month trial period, the camera works best with one of Arlo’s subscription plans, but some features work without one. It’s compatible with HomeKit, Alexa, Ok Google, SmartThings and IFTTT and is protected by a one-year limited warranty.

Pros & Cons
  • 180-degree viewing ability
  • 4K video resolution
  • Requires Arlo SmartHub
  • Price

Ring Spotlight Cam Battery

On Amazon
4.1
Forbes Home Improvement
Our ratings take into consideration factors like cost and contracts, app reviews, customer reviews and reputation, customer support, features and smart home integration, options and equipment and warranties. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Price
Good
Customer Reviews
Excellent
Field of View
Great
4.1
Forbes Home Improvement
Our ratings take into consideration factors like cost and contracts, app reviews, customer reviews and reputation, customer support, features and smart home integration, options and equipment and warranties. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Ring Spotlight Cam Battery

Price
Good

Customer Reviews
Excellent

Field of View
Great

On Amazon
Why We Picked It

The second Ring wireless camera on our list is the Ring Spotlight Cam Battery. It lands in the respectable fifth spot. The Spotlight Cam Battery is a compact and robust contender and enjoys 4.7 stars at Amazon.

Featuring two color choices, digital zoom, 1080p resolution, a 140-degree horizontal range of view, noise-canceling speaker and microphone, motion detection with customizable motion zones and an integrated spotlight for night vision ability, this camera covers a lot of bases.

It’s compatible with Echo and FireTV devices and works well without a subscription plan. More features are available through a Ring Protect subscription that starts at $3.00 per month, and a 30-day trial is included with purchase. Lifetime theft protection and a one-year limited warranty is also included.

Pros & Cons
  • Theft protection coverage
  • 110 decibel alarm
  • Lower resolution than others
  • Limited third party device compatibility
Vivint
Learn More On Vivint's Website

Have you considered Vivint?

Your home is unique; your smart security system should be too. Get smart home alarm systems to protect your home with Vivint. Here's why we chose it:

  • A video surveillance camera that can intelligently identify and automatically deter a true threat.

  • Home security system custom-built for your unique home.

  • Control your entire system from a single app.

Learn More On Vivint's Website
Take a look above because we feel Vivint is worth considering.
Continue To Amazon Continue To

Summary: Best Wireless Security Cameras

Arlo Essential Wireless Security Camera
Arlo Essential Wireless Security Camera
Forbes Home Desktop Logo Forbes Home Mobile Logo
4.2
Buy Now
On Amazon
Pricing*
Great
Customer Reviews
Great
Field Of View
Excellent
Arlo Pro 4 Wireless Security Camera
Arlo Pro 4 Wireless Security Camera
Forbes Home Desktop Logo Forbes Home Mobile Logo
4.2
Buy Now
On Amazon
Pricing*
Good
Customer Reviews
Great
Field Of View
Excellent
Ring Stick Up Cam Battery
Ring Stick Up Cam Battery
Forbes Home Desktop Logo Forbes Home Mobile Logo
4.1
Buy Now
On Amazon
Pricing*
Great
Customer Reviews
Excellent
Field Of View
Great
Arlo Ultra 2 Wireless Security Camera
Arlo Ultra 2 Wireless Security Camera
Forbes Home Desktop Logo Forbes Home Mobile Logo
4.1
Buy Now
On Amazon
Pricing*
Okay
Customer Reviews
Great
Field Of View
Excellent
Ring Spotlight Cam Battery
Ring Spotlight Cam Battery
Forbes Home Desktop Logo Forbes Home Mobile Logo
4.1
Buy Now
On Amazon
Pricing*
Good
Customer Reviews
Excellent
Field Of View
Great
*Rating based on average security camera cost of $100
COMPANY FORBES HOME RATING PRICING* CUSTOMER REVIEWS FIELD OF VIEW LEARN MORE
Arlo Essential Wireless Security Camera
Arlo Essential Wireless Security Camera
Forbes Home Desktop Logo Forbes Home Mobile Logo
4.2
Great
Great
Excellent
Buy Now
On Amazon
Arlo Pro 4 Wireless Security Camera
Arlo Pro 4 Wireless Security Camera
Forbes Home Desktop Logo Forbes Home Mobile Logo
4.2
Good
Great
Excellent
Buy Now
On Amazon
Ring Stick Up Cam Battery
Ring Stick Up Cam Battery
Forbes Home Desktop Logo Forbes Home Mobile Logo
4.1
Great
Excellent
Great
Buy Now
On Amazon
Arlo Ultra 2 Wireless Security Camera
Arlo Ultra 2 Wireless Security Camera
Forbes Home Desktop Logo Forbes Home Mobile Logo
4.1
Okay
Great
Excellent
Buy Now
On Amazon
Ring Spotlight Cam Battery
Ring Spotlight Cam Battery
Forbes Home Desktop Logo Forbes Home Mobile Logo
4.1
Good
Excellent
Great
Buy Now
On Amazon
*Rating based on average security camera cost of $100

How Do Wireless Security Cameras Work?

Wireless (and wire-free) security camera systems send footage from cameras placed around the house to the home’s Wi-Fi. The transmission is entirely wireless. Once the Wi-Fi receives the signal, it is sent to a cloud server, where footage can be viewed in real-time or archived for later viewing. Some cameras have onboard micro SD cards, which store a limited amount of footage.

In addition to knowing how wireless cameras work, it’s essential to know the difference between wireless and wire-free cameras. Wireless cameras’ video signals are sent wirelessly to the central hub, but the cameras receive power through wires. Wire-free cameras are battery-powered. Because of the limited power of wire-free cameras, they conserve power by recording only when they detect a signal. By contrast, wireless systems receive constant power from the home and can record constantly. They can also be set to record only when motion is detected.


How Much Do Wireless Security Cameras Cost?

There are several factors to consider when shopping for wireless security cameras, such as the brand, features, video quality and additional functionalities that can contribute to the overall price. Different brands also may offer varying levels of reliability, customer support and advanced features, which can affect the cost of the camera. According to HomeGuide, the typical price range for a wireless home security system is between $200 to $2,000.


What to Consider When Buying A Wireless Security Camera?

When purchasing a wireless security camera, consider key factors such as price, video resolution, field of view, audio, storage and warranty. Considering these features will help you make an informed decision and find the best wireless security camera for your needs.

Price

As mentioned, the price of wireless security cameras can vary depending on factors like the brand, features, video resolution and additional functionalities. Generally, you can find wireless security cameras ranging from around $200 to $2,000. However, high-end wireless security cameras with advanced features and higher video resolutions may cost significantly more.

When determining the price range you’re willing to invest in a wireless security camera, it’s necessary to consider both your budget and the specific features you require. Additionally, discounts, promotions and the availability of different brands and models can also impact the price range.

Video Resolution

When choosing a wireless security camera, it’s important to consider the various video resolutions available. The video resolution determines the level of detail and clarity in the captured footage, with higher resolutions offering sharper and more detailed images. When shopping for a wireless security camera, it’s important to consider the specific monitoring requirements, like the desired video quality and the associated cost, to ensure optimal surveillance capabilities.

Field of View

When deciding the right wireless security camera, it’s essential to look at the field of view. This refers to the area or angles the camera can cover and capture within its range. It’s typically measured in degrees and can vary among different camera models.

The wider the field of view will allow you to monitor larger areas with a single camera, reducing the need for multiple cameras in some cases. However, you’ll want to balance a wide field of view and maintain clear image quality and detail. Consider the specific areas you want to monitor and choose a wireless security camera with an appropriate field of view that meets your surveillance needs.

Audio

Wireless security cameras can come equipped with audio capabilities allowing monitoring and communication. There are two main types: one-way audio, which allows for listening to captured audio, and two-way audio, which enables both listening and speaking through the camera. Two-way audio can facilitate real-time communication and interaction, making it useful for remote monitoring, engaging with family members or visitors and potentially deterring intruders.

When considering wireless security cameras with audio features, it’s essential to assess the quality of the microphone and speaker, check for compatibility with mobile apps or monitoring systems and ensure the camera meets your specific audio requirements.

Storage

Wireless security cameras offer two primary storage options: local and cloud. Local storage involves saving recorded footage directly onto the camera itself, typically using an SD card or built-in storage. This option provides easy access to footage without internet connectivity or subscription fees, but it’s also important to consider the security system’s storage capacity.

On the other hand, cloud storage securely stores footage on remote servers accessible through the internet. It offers convenient access from anywhere and mitigates the risk of footage loss, although it often requires subscription fees based on storage capacity and retention duration. When choosing a wireless security camera, evaluate your storage needs, consider each option’s pros and cons and ensure compatibility with the chosen storage method.

Warranty

When you’re shopping for a wireless security camera, it’s important to consider the warranty. It provides protection and assurance against potential defects or issues that may arise with the camera. The warranty terms and coverage can vary between manufacturers and models, so reviewing the warranty details before purchasing is crucial.

Key factors to consider are the duration of the warranty, what types of defects or malfunctions are covered and any limitations or exclusions that may apply. A longer warranty period can provide peace of mind and protect your investment, while comprehensive coverage ensures that you can seek assistance or replacements if any issues arise during the specified warranty period.


How To Determine Which Wireless Security Camera Is Best For You

Consider the following factors before deciding on the right wireless security camera for you:

1. Doorbell camera vs. traditional camera

The first step in choosing a wireless security camera is to decide if you’d also like a wireless doorbell as part of a smart home system. Because capable wireless doorbells on the market include cameras that are often as good as a traditional camera, you may not need to consider a traditional camera at all if you’d like a smart doorbell.

Smart doorbells streamline the process of detecting and keeping an eye on visitors at the door, whether expected or not, but they tend to lack the most advanced camera features available with other smart home security options.

2. Compatibility and subscriptions

Check for compatibility with an existing smart home system, if you have one. If avoiding a monthly subscription fee is important to you, consider which camera options offer the most important comprehensive storage or other functions without requiring you to pay extra. (Some brands limit function significantly without a paid subscription in order to incentivize subscribing, while others aim to entice consumers that are sick of paying subscription fees for everything.)

3. Software and hardware

Buying a camera that seems to be able to do it all may be enticing, but taking advantage of the most complex systems will usually cost you—and lead to more complicated operation. Consider the capabilities of the camera itself (image quality, field of view, etc.) along with characteristics like detection software and the manner in which recording and video storage are triggered.

Users in less populated areas, for example, will have different needs than those living in a dense, urban environment with frequent passersby, and different cameras excel in different scenarios.

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Reasons to Install a Wireless Security Camera

Installing a security camera can be a quick and easy activity that leads to ultimate home security. Here are a handful of great reasons why you should install one of your own if you don’t already have one:

1. Peace of mind

While the camera itself is only one layer of a home security system, it remains an important part of keeping a house secure. Whether a home is unattended for a quick trip to the store or you need total home security during a vacation, a watchful eye that connects to a smartphone makes effective monitoring easier than ever.

2. Deterrence

One of the strongest cases for security cameras of any kind is the disincentive to burglary and vandalism. The majority of homeowners do not use security cameras, but simply displaying a security camera could make a difference.

Of course, there’s no guarantee, but knowing footage from around a home will instantly get uploaded to the cloud may deter some unwanted visitors. If the presence of a camera alone doesn’t do the trick, the motion-activated floodlight and remote-triggered alarm that many models feature provide further deterrence, and an outdoor security camera in particular can help stop suspicious activity.

3. Convenience

By far the most common use of a wireless security camera is to see who’s at the door in situations when nothing nefarious is going on. It’s nice to know when a package arrives or when kids have returned home safely from school. To amp up the convenience factor, consider solar security cameras as well, which can be more efficient and low-maintenance if your home gets a lot of sunlight exposure.

4. Smart Home Integration

Anyone can install a camera outside their home, but the wireless security cameras we’ve reviewed are all meant to function as part of a broader smart home system. For those that already use products like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and the like, adding a smart camera and making its use part of everyday life means that much more subservience to the robot gods.


Methodology

To determine the best wireless security camera ranking, the Forbes Advisor Home editorial team analyzed third-party data on 29 major companies, with each product’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including:

  • Price (15%)
  • Customer reviews (15%)
  • Weather resistance (10%)
  • Video resolution (10%)
  • Field of view (10%)
  • Zoom (10%)
  • Audio (10%)
  • Warranty (10%)
  • Color options (5%)
  • Night vision (5%)

*Price, customer reviews and field of view counts for 40% of the total weighting.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best wireless security camera to buy?

A broad variety of homeowner needs means there’s no single camera that will work perfectly for everyone, but our top five list offers a great place to start sorting through the options. For those in search of the most capable cameras on the market with the most advanced features, Arlo products have become an industry leader.

The Arlo Ultra 2 Wireless Security Camera that made our list provides an excellent example. Alternatively, for those in search of the best “bang for your buck,” it’s hard to beat the pound-for-pound value and performance of the Arlo Essential Wireless Security Camera.

How do wireless cameras get power?

Most rely on a rechargeable battery or batteries. Solar charging options that integrate directly with a wireless camera are popular, too, and make battery life a non-issue in exchange for some extra cost upfront.

Do you need Wi-Fi for wireless security cameras?

Not all wireless security cameras require Wi-Fi (as long as you don’t need remote access, Wi-Fi isn’t always necessary), but most rely on it for normal use and an internet connection of some form is needed to connect the camera to a smartphone or smart home system, through which video storage and monitoring takes place.

How long do the batteries last in a wireless security camera?

All models with rechargeable batteries will come with an advertised battery charge duration. Some claim to hold a charge for over a year, though actual battery life performance varies and will depend on recording settings. For example, cameras that begin recording when triggered will use more battery while recording than they do while on standby.

What should I look for when buying a wireless security camera?

Factors like price, the included special features and image quality may vary widely among models and should be valued according to each customer’s situation. The most important qualities to look for that apply to all camera users include reliability, weatherproofing and warranty. Field of view is important as the wider the range, the more effective the surveillance, as is compatibility with smart home systems that the customer may already have in use.

Read More

  • Best Home Security Systems
  • Best Home Security Companies
  • Best Indoor Security Cameras
  • How Much Does A Security System Cost?
  • Best Outdoor Security Cameras
Information provided on Forbes Home is for educational purposes only. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances.

Forbes Home adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.

Chauncey Crail
Chauncey Crail Contributor

Chauncey grew up on a farm in rural northern California. At 18 he ran away and saw the world with a backpack and a credit card, discovering that the true value of any point or mile is the experience it facilitates. He remains most at home on a tractor, but has learned that opportunity is where he finds it and discomfort is more interesting than complacency.

Deane Biermeier
Deane Biermeier Contributor

Having spent 30+ years in residential construction, contracting, remodeling, maintenance and home repair, Deane now contributes DIY, informational and financial content as a freelance writer and consultant for several publications such as Angi, Trusted Company Reviews, USNews and World Report and Small Spaces Great Life.

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