The Best Smart Home Camera 2024
By Elisabeth Christ
Updated May 2024
In today’s connected world, maintaining the security of your home is easier than ever with smart home cameras that blend seamlessly into our daily lives. This year’s lineup includes models that are not only more powerful but also more intuitive, ensuring that homeowners can feel secure and in control, regardless of where they are. From the sleek Google Nest Cam (2nd Gen) to the versatile Ring Stick Up Cam (2nd Gen), each camera offers unique features to cater to different security needs. Whether you need a camera that pans and tilts to cover more ground or a device that integrates tightly with other smart home systems, 2024’s selection has something for everyone. Let’s dive into the details and functionalities that set these top contenders apart.
Best Overall: Google Nest Cam (2nd Gen)
✓ 1080p HD video quality with bright, crisp images of night vision
✓ Full-duplex two-way audio with noise cancellation
✓ 130° diagonal field of view
✓ Intelligent object/subject detection and 6x digital zoom
Best for Field of View: TP-Link Tapo Pan/Tilt C210
✓ 360° horizontal and 114° vertical range coverage
✓ Advanced night vision with a visual distance of up to 30 feet
✓ Up to 256 GB on a microSD card
✓ Privacy mode to shut down surveillance
Best for Outdoor Camera: Blink Outdoor 4
✓ 1080p HD Resolution
✓ Infrared LEDs for night vision for clear visibility in low-light conditions
✓ Customizable Motion Detection Zones
✓ Up to 2 years of AA lithium batteries
Best for Video Quality: Arlo Pro 4
✓ 2K HDR footage records with a 16x9 aspect ratio and 2560x1440 resolution
✓ Integrated spotlight for faces and license plates visibility in color at night
✓ 160° diagonal viewing angle
✓ 2-way audio support
Best for Budget: Ring Stick up Cam (2nd Gen)
✓ 1080p full HD resolution and infrared LEDs for adequate visibility in low-light conditions
✓ Customizable Motion Detection Zones
✓ 143° diagonal field of view
✓ Two-Way Communication with Built-in Speaker and Microphone
#1 Best Overall: Google Nest Cam (2nd Gen)
Google Nest Cam (2nd Gen)
The Google Nest Cam (2nd Gen) is a solid choice for basic indoor security needs. It captures footage in 1080p HD resolution, which is decent for identifying people and objects within close range. Night vision capabilities are powered by infrared LEDs, allowing you to see activity even in low-light conditions. However, keep in mind that night vision footage might appear grainy compared to some competitors.
While the Nest Cam doesn't boast fancy features like facial recognition, it does offer basic motion detection with customizable alerts. You can set specific activity zones within the camera's view to receive notifications only when motion is detected in those areas. The Nest Cam integrates seamlessly with the Google Home app, allowing for easy live view access, managing recordings, and setting schedules. One perk is the option to subscribe to Nest Aware, a cloud storage service that allows you to store and review past recordings.
Google Nest Cam (2nd Gen)
However, the Nest Cam 2nd generation does have some limitations to consider. It lacks a built-in speaker and microphone, so two-way communication (talking through the camera) isn't possible. Additionally, the wired design requires a power outlet nearby, limiting placement flexibility. Finally, some users report occasional connectivity issues and concerns about the long-term viability of the Google Home ecosystem, as Google has a history of discontinuing products.
Google Nest Cam (2nd Gen)
Best Overall
✓ 1080p HD video quality with bright, crisp images of night vision
✓ Full-duplex two-way audio with noise cancellation
✓ 130° diagonal field of view
✓ Intelligent object/subject detection and 6x digital zoom
#2 Best for Field of View: TP-Link Tapo Pan/Tilt C210
TP-Link Tapo Pan/Tilt C210
The TP-Link Tapo C210 offers a feature-packed option at a budget-friendly price. This little camera captures footage in 3MP resolution, surpassing the Nest Cam's 1080p in terms of detail and clarity. Night vision utilizes invisible infrared LEDs, providing a clearer picture in low-light environments compared to the Nest Cam's standard infrared LEDs.
The Tapo C210 shines with its pan-and-tilt functionality. The motorized base allows the camera to rotate 360 degrees horizontally and tilt 114 degrees vertically, giving you a wider field of view and the ability to scan a larger area. Two-way communication is also possible thanks to the built-in speaker and microphone, allowing you to talk and listen through the camera remotely. The Tapo app provides basic controls and functionalities, including live view, motion detection with customizable zones, and scheduling recording options.
TP-Link Tapo Pan/Tilt C210
However, the Tapo C210 requires a microSD card for local storage of recordings (cloud storage requires a separate subscription service). This can be a drawback for some users who prefer cloud-based storage solutions offered by competitors like Nest Aware. Additionally, the Tapo app might feel less polished compared to the Google Home app, and some users report occasional connection hiccups.
TP-Link Tapo Pan/Tilt C210
Best for Field of View
✓ 360° horizontal and 114° vertical range coverage
✓ Advanced night vision with a visual distance of up to 30 feet
✓ Up to 256 GB on a microSD card
✓ Privacy mode to shut down surveillance
#3 Best for Outdoor Camera: Blink Outdoor 4
Blink Outdoor 4
The Blink Outdoor 4 is a battery-powered security camera designed for easy outdoor use. It captures footage in crisp 1080p HD resolution, providing clear visuals for identifying activity and objects within its field of view. Night vision utilizes infrared LEDs for adequate visibility in low-light conditions.
The Blink Outdoor 4 boasts a few features that enhance its user-friendliness. Motion detection is customizable, allowing you to set specific zones within the camera's view to receive alerts only when motion is detected in those areas. This helps minimize false alarms triggered by things like blowing leaves or stray animals. Additionally, the Blink app provides easy live view access, allowing you to check in on your property remotely anytime. Blink offers two storage options: local storage on a Blink Sync Module (purchased separately) or cloud storage with a Blink subscription plan.
Blink Outdoor 4
Best for Outdoor Camera
✓ 1080p HD Resolution
✓ Infrared LEDs for night vision for clear visibility in low-light conditions
✓ Customizable Motion Detection Zones
✓ Up to 2 years of AA lithium batteries
#4 Best for Video Quality: Arlo Pro 4
Arlo Pro 4
The Google Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired) is a high-quality security camera that is designed to keep your home safe and secure. It is an indoor camera that can be easily mounted on any wall or placed on a flat surface. The camera has a sleek design that is both stylish and functional, making it an ideal choice for those who want a reliable and effective way to monitor their home.
One of the key features of the Google Nest Cam is its high-quality video recording capabilities. This camera is capable of recording in 1080p HD, which means that you can enjoy crystal-clear footage of your home at all times. Additionally, the Nest Cam is equipped with advanced night vision technology, allowing you to monitor your home even in low-light conditions.
The Nest Cam offers a variety of features that make it an excellent choice for home security. For instance, it has motion detection capabilities that send alerts to your smartphone whenever motion is detected. Additionally, its built-in intelligence can distinguish between a person, animal, and vehicle. This feature helps you stay informed about what's happening in your home even when you're not there. Moreover, the Nest Cam has sound detection capabilities, meaning that you'll be alerted if there are any loud or unusual noises in your home.
Arlo Pro 4
Best for Video Quality
✓ 2K HDR footage records with a 16x9 aspect ratio and 2560x1440 resolution
✓ Integrated spotlight for faces and license plates visibility in color at night
✓ 160° diagonal viewing angle
✓ 2-way audio support
#5 Best for Budget: Ring Stick up Cam (2nd Gen)
Ring Stick up Cam (2nd Gen)
The Ring Stick Up Cam (2nd Gen) is a versatile security camera option for both indoor and outdoor use. This wire-free camera captures footage in 1080p HD resolution, offering clear visuals for identifying activity and objects within its field of view. Night vision utilizes infrared LEDs for adequate visibility in low-light conditions.
The Stick Up Cam boasts several features that enhance its user-friendliness. Motion detection is customizable, allowing you to set specific zones within the camera's view to receive alerts only when motion is detected in those areas. This helps minimize false alarms triggered by things like pets, blowing leaves, or stray animals. Additionally, the Ring app provides easy live view access, allowing you to check in on your property remotely anytime. The built-in speaker and microphone enable two-way communication, allowing you to talk and listen through the camera remotely, adding another layer of security and convenience. The Stick Up Cam comes with two power options: a rechargeable battery for wire-free placement or a power adapter for continuous operation.
Ring Stick up Cam (2nd Gen)
Best for Budget
✓ 1080p full HD resolution and infrared LEDs for adequate visibility in low-light conditions
✓ Customizable Motion Detection Zones
✓ 143° diagonal field of view
✓ Two-Way Communication with Built-in Speaker and Microphone
Compare Smart Home Cameras
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right smart home camera comes down to specific needs and the layout of your home. For those seeking comprehensive indoor coverage, the TP-Link Tapo Pan/Tilt C210 stands out with its ability to provide a 360-degree view, ensuring no corner is left unwatched. If outdoor security is a priority, the Blink Outdoor 4 offers robust weather-resistant features coupled with an extended battery life, making it ideal for monitoring without frequent maintenance.
For users invested in a particular ecosystem, choosing a camera like the Google Nest Cam (2nd Gen) for those in the Google ecosystem, or the Ring Stick Up Cam (2nd Gen) for those using Amazon Alexa, ensures seamless integration with other smart devices. The Arlo Pro 4 is perfect for those who prioritize video quality and fast response times, thanks to its high-resolution video capabilities and direct Wi-Fi connectivity that doesn’t require a hub.
Ultimately, the best smart home camera for you should blend effectively with your lifestyle, provide the security features you need, and offer peace of mind through both its presence and its performance. Whether you are away from home often or need to keep an eye on different parts of your property, the right camera can make all the difference in maintaining the safety and security of your space
If you like to read more about Smart Home Cameras, check out our other relevant guides here:
Arlo Ultra 2 vs Pro 4: Smart Home Cameras Comparison
Arlo Essential vs Pro 4: Do you really need the more expensive one?
Ring Spotlight Cam Plus vs Pro: 5 Key Aspects to Compare
Ring Floodlight Cam Plus vs Pro: 5 Key Aspects to Consider
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