9 hours Ago By Tyler Lacoma
Give yourself peace of mind in knowing you can check in on your home inside and out with home security cameras . Whether you're going on vacation, at work or wanting to keep an eye on nighttime activity, a 4K camera will capture it all in the clearest view with high-quality video, while the best cameras will also have motion detection, remote access and two-way audio for communication when you’re away. With countless home security cameras on the market, all offering different features and capabilities, choosing the right one can be tough.
But after hours of testing dozens of top models, our experts have narrowed down the best high-resolution options. The Lorex 4K Spotlight cam takes our spot as the best overall 4K camera thanks to its wireless design, which can be used indoors or out, and it offers free object recognition and local storage without a subscription fee. Other recommendations include a 4K camera set from Arlo (which works with Apple ), a more affordable indoor 4K cam from Eufy, and other picks for your pixels that you won't want to miss out on.
Plus, we'll explain what factors matter most when picking a security camera. And if you're looking further, check our other picks for outdoor cams and cameras with lights for a full look at your options. Best home security cams with 4K resolution Reolink RCL-810A 4K PoE Camera : This Reolink model is an excellent option for a Power over Ethernet camera that’s located well away from Wi-Fi.
Overall, we prefer the Argus line for more general home use, which is why this more specialized model didn’t quite make it on our list. Lorex H13 : This Lorex cam is a bit more suited for commercial uses than residential properties, although it’s still an option 4K pick. Motion detection A 4K resolution doesn’t do much good unless the camera can alert and record when something is happening.
The best motion detection includes object recognition for humans, animals and cars. We like to see object recognition for free, but more and more brands are charging for it. We also like to see motion activity zones and privacy zones to help improve accuracy and block out areas you don’t want the camera looking.
Video storage 4K video can take up a lot of space, so video storage options are especially important to capture detail. Local storage is subscription free and keeps your video out of the cloud, but you’ll need to invest in a larger microSD card to make management easier. Cloud storage is an option but it usually requires a $5 to $8 monthly subscription to enable.
Power source Many of our 4K picks are battery models, which allow for much easier placement and let you know when you need to recharge them. But wired cams, or wireless cams with a cable option, allow you to set up the cameras and leave them without ever worrying about battery life, which some users prefer. Lighting 4K details work best with a light source lighting up the area.
These cameras pair well with spotlights. However, if you have nearby lighting already like porchlights or floodlights, you may be able to skip this feature. Field of view Field of view refers to how wide the angle the camera lens covers.
It’s an important give-and-take with a 4K resolution. The wider the field of view, the more pixels it may take up, which means you may sacrifice a bit of image clarity. However, we generally prefer that compromise since the 4K resolution still adds plenty of detail and a wide field of view is especially useful outdoors.
Night vision Night vision is a pleasant addition to any outdoor 4K camera that will be working in the dark. It doesn’t directly affect resolution, but night vision tends to show better results with a better camera. Color night vision is a major quality boost for this feature.
Smart home support Look for a camera that works with your existing smart home setup, including voice assistants like Alexa and platforms like Google Home or Apple Home. If possible, check our reviews on a cam before you buy: Platform compatibility can take different forms and sometimes there’s a clear winner. Put those pixels to work by giving a 4K camera plenty to see.
Place it in an area with no nearby awnings, branches or potential blockages . Choose a central location. Higher is generally better for capturing a wide area, but it’s not absolutely required with the right angles.
We have a guide on a few of the best spots to choose here . Above garage, patios and porches is a common decision for many homes..
