Getting to know Wireless Outdoor Best Security Cameras Having an outdoor security camera is one of the most effective ways of monitoring the compound as well as discouraging incidences of crime. Most homeowners prefer wireless models because you do not have to run video cables from the camera to your WiFi router or NVR. This makes installation much simpler than those wired for use in a home or any residential building. Wireless cameras also can be placed anywhere within the WiFi range which is a big advantage. Several aspects have to be taken into account when purchasing an outdoor wireless security camera - the video quality, the viewing angle, the night vision range, the smartphone notifications, the available cloud storage options, and the waterproofing. This buying guide presents the best choices for different price ranges and outlines the key factors to consider when selecting a wireless outdoor cam.
Image Quality and Features If you’re going to be live streaming then you need to look at the video resolution and the field of view of your camera. Many of the outdoor cams for purchase today have a 1080p high-definition recording quality. There are also higher-end 4K models on the market however they are slightly more expensive and do not offer much more in terms of security. It has a broad diagonal field of view of 130 degrees, meaning the camera captures even more of your yard. The pan and tilt function using a smartphone app enables turning the cam horizontally to follow activity.
Video resolution is also important where it offers black and white video and night vision when it becomes dark. Infrared LEDs can light up to a distance of 20-30 feet in most cases. Modern cameras have a feature known as Smart IR that does not allow the object close to the camera to be overexposed while making other objects in the background visible.
Other features found in today’s high-end outdoor cameras include the ability to send motion alert notifications the use of mobile apps for camera control, time-lapse recording, the ability to mask out certain areas, and pre-buffer and post-buffer video clips with motion detection. For the most portability, wireless cameras can be incorporated into battery-powered systems to allow for their placement anywhere. Some also offer notifications when the battery is low on the user’s smartphone.
A comparison of Cloud Storage and Local Storage Outdoor security cameras capture video clips as soon as the cameras detect motion in their vicinity. Availability and storage of the video are different with the different models. Some cameras offer free cloud storage for clips with the older clips being overwritten by new ones within 24-48 hours. Another possible method involves recording the video to an SD card in the camera or directly to the NVR. This eliminates any monthly charges. But after that, you can have access to your video and then it is limited by location unless you set up remote access. A few cameras allow for both cloud and local storage to provide the best of both worlds.
The best wireless outdoor security cameras you should consider. Based on the criteria above, here are our top recommendations across three budget tiers:
Top Wireless Outdoor Cameras under $100
Wyze Cam Outdoor The Wyze Cam Outdoor records in 1080p and offers cost-free 14-day cloud storage along with a microSD card slot built-in. A budget-friendly surveillance camera that offers a lot of options such as night mode, movement/sound activation, and notification options.
Blink Outdoor The Blink Outdoor camera has a 2-year battery life, 1080p resolution, motion detection, and night vision that can go up to 30 feet with Cloud storage for clips free. Though the video quality was a little less than our top-rated camera, it is still a fantastic camera in the affordable wireless category.
Top Wireless Outdoor Cameras Under $200
Arlo Pro 3 The Arlo Pro 3 camera supports 2K HDR video quality, color night vision, and advanced motion detection. It has features for a spotlight and siren alarm. Lacks needed paid cloud plans for storing videos for a longer clip making it suitable for tech lovers.
Ring Spotlight Cam Battery Their wireless camera, the Spotlight Cam, is equipped with 1080p HD recording, night vision, and LED spotlights. Comes with battery power as well as solar power to enable it to be fitted at any place. There is free cloud storage that provides motion clip backup for 60 days. Customizing the privacy zones and changing the sensitivity of the motion sensor trigger is possible with Ring app controls.
Taking into consideration all of the details above, we provide you with a list of the best wireless outdoor cameras for under $350.
Arlo Ultra The Arlo Ultra is the leading outdoor security camera with features like 4k HDR video, auto-zoom, and tracking that follows the motion. Has smart alerts to a higher level, an anti-theft alarm/spotlight, and the longest WiFi range. However, this comes at the cost of high ongoing subscription fees for continued event clip storage beyond the typical event length.
Nest Cam IQ Outdoor Nest Cam IQ Outdoor has 1080p, and it is packed with best-in-class software features including facial recognition. However, it is expensive most of the time and doesn’t offer free storage for the event video clips, which makes it less appealing in terms of value.
For those planning to buy an outdoor wireless security camera, the following are some of the highlights: As discussed earlier, the outdoor camera space has changed at quite a frenzied pace within the last few years. They remain relatively cheaper and at the same time introduce new features that were only available in other better security cameras. While comparing the models, consider the video streaming quality of the camera, the viewing angle, the night vision mode, the triggers of alerts, and the cloud storage options. Also, take into account the installation and setup processes. And if buying multiple cameras then knowing what it will cost for a subscription to store and retrieve the event clips in the long run is very important.
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