SafeHome.org may receive compensation from some providers listed on this page. Learn More
We may receive compensation from some providers listed on this page. Learn More
Ranking the best outdoor security cameras based on ease of setup, affordability, and more from brands like Lorex, Ring, and Arlo.
Updated December 11, 2024
copied!
Editor’s Note: If you’re researching outdoor security cameras, then you’re probably interested in keeping your property safe. Don’t just settle for a camera. Get enhanced security with one of the best outdoor home security systems for your entire property.
Home security cameras for outdoor use cost more than their indoor-only counterparts. But frankly? Outdoor cameras also offer more value to your home security. They are your first line of defense, standing guard outside your house so you can be alerted the moment an intruder crosses your property line. In turn, you’d have a better chance at stopping would-be burglars.
Home security studies also show that outdoor cameras passively deter burglars. Well, not outdoor cameras specifically, but the research says that 60-percent of burglars would look for a different target if they see signs of increased security. And the one device they fear the most is… you guessed it! Outdoor cameras.
So, if you’re looking to enhance your home security, adding outdoor cameras is an excellent place to start. And here, we’ll show you the seven top options, starting from Lorex – a brand that offers dozens of outdoor security cameras in all shapes and sizes.
Simply put, Lorex offers more outdoor cameras than any other company on the market. It’s not just about the quantity though, but also the quality of the cameras. Lorex made our list of the best security camera brands because of its wealth of technology to choose from. It has 4K cameras, pan-and-tilt cameras, cameras with night vision up to 150 feet, and recently, even dual-lens cameras that provide a stitched 180-degree panoramic view captured from two independent lenses.
Suffice it to say, we had fun exploring all the options when we bought Lorex security cameras to test. Was it daunting? Yes, it was. But at least you get good options at just about any price point. We even saw 4K UHD cameras with color night vision for about $180 apiece and floodlight-equipped cameras for less than $100.
Pro Tip: Lorex is always running deals on their huge product lineup. Before you make your choice, make sure you check out the “Deals” section of their website. Their clearance section offers up to 50 percent off on certified refurbished items.
Installing our mostly-wired Lorex cameras was the most difficult part of our Lorex experience, followed closely by the selection and buying process. But once we were through the ‘bedding in’ phase, Lorex was user-friendly.
We purchased a four-camera system of Lorex’s 3MP IP cameras with a motorized varifocal lens, adjustable field of view, and night vision. It came with an 8-channel DVR that can hold 1 TB of videos. Setting everything up was easy since we followed the instructions, but it’s tedious. We had to snake wires through the attic to connect the cameras to the NVR. It was all plug-and-play; you just have to make sure the wires find their way to where you want to plug them in.
Once set up, the cameras and NVR started recording continuously. That’s why most Lorex cameras are for outdoor use; continuous recording isn’t a good practice for indoor cameras, but it’s valuable outdoors.
If we are to point out one flaw, it’s that Lorex cameras don’t come with high-tech gadgetry. Our test system doesn’t have advanced AI features like facial recognition or voice control. Some Lorex cameras do, but they cost more. Lorex’s apps also aren’t the best, which is why we preferred to access our recordings by plugging an LCD monitor into the NVR. But hardware-wise, Lorex cameras reliably do what they’re supposed to.
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or PoE |
|---|---|
| Power | Wired, battery, or PoE |
| Field of View | Up to 180° |
| Resolution | Up to 4K |
| Storage | Free local, optional cloud |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa and Google Home |
Ring doesn’t offer as many outdoor camera models as Lorex, but you still have choices, including the Ring Stick Up Cam, the Ring Spotlight Cam, and the Ring Floodlight Cam. All of these work smoothly with Ring doorbells and indoor cameras, which means you can use them as standalone home security solutions or set up an entire home security system with cameras, sensors, detectors, and more. These outdoor cameras are designed to handle the elements and feature easy DIY installation.
The value of a Ring outdoor camera starts with the name Ring. Ring pioneered the video doorbell and remains an innovator in the security camera industry. The company’s outdoor models offer an array of features and sturdy construction. Plus, with wide connectivity ranges, you can place these cameras anywhere from your garage to your backyard and still get a strong signal.
Most Ring cameras are either battery-operated or can be plugged into any available outlet, making for easy installation and virtually unlimited placement options. Some include 3D motion detection, and you can add functions like motion-triggered floodlights and high-decibel sirens. All come with night vision and two-way talk. Unlike Lorex cameras, Ring’s outdoor cameras integrate easily with automation platforms like Alexa and Google Home. When we were home, we didn’t bother with the app, we preferred to use our voice to activate everything.
Yet, for all their complicated features, Ring equipment is easy to use. That starts with installation. Ring pioneered DIY installation, and the company has perfected the model, with easy-to-follow instructions and available video guides. Operation is just as simple, with a user-friendly app that lets you control all the important aspects of your cameras.
When it comes to costs, the Stick Up Camera is the lowest-cost option. Operating on batteries, it is regularly $99.99. The Spotlight Cam Plus, available in battery, wired, plug-in, or solar power, is priced at $169.99 to $229.99. The Spotlight Camera Pro, also available with four power options, costs $229.99 to $249.99.
Here’s a complete rundown of Ring’s outdoor offerings and their prices:
| Model | Power Source | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Stick Up Cam | Battery | $99.99 |
| Stick Up Cam Pan Tilt | Battery | $139.99 |
| Stick Up Cam | Plug In | $59.99 |
| Stick Up Cam Pan Tilt | Plug In | $129.99** |
| Stick Up Cam Solar | Solar | $139.98 |
| Stick Up Cam Elite | PoE | $199.99 |
| Model | Power Source | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Floodlight Cam Plus | Wired | $199.99* |
| Floodlight Cam Plus | Plug-In | $219.98 |
| Floodlight Cam Pro | Wired | $249.99 |
| Floodlight Cam Pro | Plug In | $269.99 |
| Floodlight Cam Pro (Premium Colors | Wired | $269.99 |
| Model | Power Source | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Spotlight Cam Plus | Battery | $169.99 |
| Spotlight Cam Plus | Plug In | $169.99 |
| Spotlight Cam Plus | Wired | $199.99 |
| Spotlight Cam Plus | Solar | $229.98 |
| Spotlight Cam Pro | Battery | $229.99 |
| Spotlight Cam Pro | Plug In | $229.99 |
| Spotlight Cam Pro | Wired | $249.99 |
| Spotlight Cam Pro | Solar | $249.99 |
On Sale for $199.99
We should point out that Ring cameras don’t record footage unless you pay for a cloud subscription. You can check real-time footage, and Ring’s subscription fees are affordable. In fact, one $10-a-month subscription covers an unlimited number of cameras (Check out our full Ring Cam review for more information). There are outdoor cameras out there that let you record for free – Lorex, for example, offers several local storage options – so you’ll want to think through all of your options.
| Connectivity | Wi-fi, ethernet |
|---|---|
| Power | Wired, battery, PoE |
| Field of View | Up to 140° |
| Resolution | Up to 1080p |
| Storage | Cloud |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa and Google Home |
The Arlo security camera lineup is more limited than Ring’s, and quite a bit more limited than Lorex’s. Arlo’s cameras are some of the most cutting-edge on the market, though, with features including 4K resolution, infrared spotlights, and color night vision. Some have viewing angles as wide as 160 degrees, and the Go series can protect property even if you don’t have access to power. Add in exceptional professional monitoring, and you’ve got top-tier cameras.
Here’s a complete list of Arlo’s outdoor camera offerings:
| Camera | Power Source | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | Battery | From $49.99 |
| Essential Indoor | Plug-in | From $59.99 |
| Essential XL | Battery | From $99.99 |
| Essential Spotlight | Battery | From $69.99 |
| Pro 4 | Battery | From $139.99 |
| Pro 5S 2K | Battery | From $179.99 |
| Ultra 2 | Battery | From $249.99 |
| Go 2 | Battery | From $249.99 |
Arlo does a nice job differentiating its various camera models so you can pick the one that’s going to do what you need. The Arlo Ultra 2 ($300), for example, offers 4K resolution, person detection, and a built-in spotlight, so you can capture anyone or anything that happens to wander onto your property. If you’re looking for a camera you can put anywhere, you might look into the Alro Go ($250). It’s both weatherproof and completely wire-outdoor. It works on long-lasting batteries, so you don’t need a power outlet. It comes with on-board recording, and an LTE connection, so you don’t need a Wi-Fi signal.
We reviewed the Alro Pro 4, the company’s more middle-of-the-road camera. At $200, it’s $100 cheaper than the Ultra 2, and you don’t get quite the level of resolution. 2K HDR is plenty clear and better than the industry standard of 1080p HD. Plus, with a 160-degree field of view and 12x digital zoom, we could see our entire yard or switch to a closeup of the label on the package we received while we were at work.
Except for the Arlo Essential Indoor, all the company’s cameras are sturdy enough to work outdoors. Ours made it through a vicious snowstorm back in February with no problem. All Arlo cameras come with seven days’ worth of free cloud storage for up to five separate cameras or the option to connect them to a USB drive. That means you can self-monitor for free if you choose and still have clips to show the police if you need. For a more complete look at all these cameras can do, check out our hands-on Arlo camera analysis.
| Connectivity | Wi-fi, ethernet |
|---|---|
| Power | Wired, battery, PoE |
| Field of View | Up to 180° |
| Resolution | Up to 2160p |
| Storage | Cloud |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa and Google Home |
Nest makes two outdoor security cameras — the Nest Cam and Nest Cam with floodlight. Both are waterproof and durable enough to let you monitor your outdoor spaces, rain or shine. The Nest Cam, which doubles as an indoor camera, is battery-powered while the floodlight version needs an outlet.
What sets the Nest Outdoor apart, though, is its many AI features. Cameras aren’t just triggered by motion, for instance, but by sound as well. They include person detection and facial recognition. You can set up custom motion zones, and they come with two-way talk. All of this is easily controlled through Alexa or Google Home or, when you’re away from home, through the responsive mobile app.
Nest outdoor cameras include a long list of useful extras like night vision, a wide-angle view, and 1080p HD resolution. Beyond these basics, you get unique high-tech features like sound detection so you receive alerts even if your camera can’t see what’s happening. Built-in two-way audio lets you talk to whoever’s at your door, so you seem like your home even when you’re not. Person detection eliminates false alerts, which ultimately keeps you safer.
The Nest app is as sophisticated as the cameras. The Nest system sends intelligent alerts any time it picks up activity. Intelligent means you’ll know what the alert is about without having to pull up footage. We know when the mail arrives every day, because we get a notice that says “mailman.”
The app can also be set to provide thumbnail images of everything it captures, so you can catch up on anything you missed during the big meeting. And with Nest Aware enabled, you can create and share video clips with neighbors or the police. We used the time-lapse feature to let the couple across the street know how much time their cat spends on our front porch.
It’s also worth noting that Nest makes more than video cameras. Our outdoor camera, for instance, synched up perfectly with our Nest thermostat. We set the temperature to shift when we turned on our cameras before leaving for work, so we saved money during the day. We’ve also got our eye on a smart door lock that works with Nest so we can activate everything with the turn of a key.
See our full Google Nest Cam analysis to really understand what it’s like to protect your home with this popular camera system.
| Connectivity | Wi-fi |
|---|---|
| Power | Wired |
| Field of View | Up to 130° |
| Resolution | 1080p |
| Storage | Cloud |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa and Google Home |
Blink cameras are known for their affordability. And far be it from us to complain about that reputation. The thing is, you don’t want to start thinking these are cheap cameras, in the sense of flimsy. Yes, Blink keeps costs down by focusing on construction rather than lots of fancy features. These cameras are built to last, though. They’re also small, something you expect in much higher-priced camera lines. The bottom line is that Blink gets the job done without costing you a fortune.
Blink offers a choice of two outdoor camera models. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Camera | Blink Outdoor 3 | Blink Outdoor 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p | 1080p |
| Field of Vision | 110 degrees | 143 degrees |
| Power | Battery | Battery |
| Person Detection | No | Yes* |
| Cost | $99.99 | $119.99 |
*with the purchase of a $3-per-month Blink subscription
We found installation to be a breeze with these two. They’re both battery-powered, so we didn’t have to worry about stringing cords to outlets. That meant we could place them high, where they could see more of our yard and where no one could tamper with them.
Blink’s all about convenience, though. For example, these cameras integrate perfectly with Amazon Alexa, which meant we were able to arm and disarm them, even when our hands were loaded down with grocery bags. For a deep dive into all these cameras’ pros and cons, head over to our complete Blink Camera review.
| Connectivity | Wi-fi |
|---|---|
| Power | Battery |
| Field of View | Up to 143° |
| Resolution | Up to 1080p |
| Storage | Cloud |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa |
Wyze cameras stand out for many reasons. They are affordable, durable, and overall a good value because of the combination of their low prices and the features they offer. Another thing that stands out about them is the option to add professional monitoring.
We don’t often come across security cameras that include professional monitoring, and to be honest we were thrown at first. It made us more than a little uneasy to think that someone, even a professional security monitor, might be keeping an eye on what we did in the privacy of our own home. Then, Wyze cleared things up by pointing out that their monitoring only applies to outdoor cameras. That, in fact, is a fantastic idea. It meant we didn’t have to keep an eye on our camera feeds, which left more time for Bridgerton. Plus, plans start at just $3.99 per month per camera.
The way Wyze’s professional monitoring works reduces false alarms while ensuring reliable detection. The Wyze Cam Outdoor v2 (and other latest Wyze Cam models) have on-board artificial intelligence. The AI determines if the motion detected is caused by a person, an animal, or a vehicle. It only sends an alert to the monitoring center when it detects a person.
From there, an agent will review the footage and access the live feed if necessary. If there’s a real cause for alarm, they will follow the usual professional monitoring alarm response. That includes informing the homeowner and calling emergency dispatch.
The monitoring service is optional, and again, you can activate it on select cameras only for $3.99 per month for each camera.
| Connectivity | Wi-fi |
|---|---|
| Power | Wired |
| Field of View | Up to 110° |
| Resolution | Up to 1080p |
| Storage | Cloud, local |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa and Google Home |
Features are great and all, but a camera’s first job should always be to let you see what’s happening at home. Zmodo’s outdoor cameras do that as well as any cameras on this list. Take their new 1080p Outdoor Wi-Fi Camera, for instance. As the name suggests this camera offers sharp 1080p HD video, for crystal-clear views of your property and anything that might be happening on it.
Of course, Zmodo manages to pack a few nice features into its cameras too. You don’t want to just see in the daytime, so the 1080 Outdoor comes with night vision. It also includes motion detection and remote viewing options. Plus, Zmodo cameras offer complete home surveillance via Wi-Fi, and the company throws in 36 hours of free cloud storage, meaning you can self-monitor with video review for free. Plus, Zmodo allows you to set pre-determined viewing areas, which helps to cut down on false alarms. You won’t find a better deal on DIY monitoring.
Another offering is the Zmodo Sight 180 Outdoor video doorbell. It also features night vision, 1080 HD video, motion alerts and has a wide 180-degree lens. Zmodo also just introduced the Snap Pro, which is a wire-free 1080p camera. It features electromagnetic mount and is weatherproof, which means that you can place it anywhere outdoors. This outdoor security camera is available for pre-order now but will not ship until January 2019.
Zmodo offers several outdoor security cameras — all very affordable compared to similar outdoor cameras. You get 12 hours of free cloud storage. There are no fees or hidden charges. The picture quality is pretty great on the cameras. The software supports multiple cameras. Therefore, consider Zmodo if you want an affordable outdoor surveillance camera. You can customize your outdoor security camera setup to best suit your needs. There are also several cloud storage plans to choose from and start at just $4.99 a month. We recently tested Zmodo cameras in our home. You’ll be surprised by what we found.
| Connectivity | Wi-fi, ethernet |
|---|---|
| Power | Wired, battery, PoE |
| Field of View | Up to 360° |
| Resolution | Up to 1080p |
| Storage | Cloud |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa and Google Home |
Setting up security cameras around the exterior of your home has numerous benefits, but up until the last 5-10 years or so, it often involved complicated installations and hardwiring done by a professional.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for outdoor security solutions, you might also want to consider lighting — lighting is one of the best ways to prevent burglars from coming on your property.
These days, with an emphasis on wireless DIY technology, almost anyone can add outdoor cameras to their home – whether it’s an entire system of cameras rife with advanced features, or one high-tech gadget that can automatically pan and tilt over an area to get up-to-the-second coverage. And it’s all controlled via a mobile app.
Lorex Outdoor Camera Installed
That’s all easy enough, but if you’re wondering how to power outdoor security cameras, it’s important to remember that not all outdoor cameras are powered the same way. In our review repertoire, we’ve tested PoE (Power over Ethernet) cameras, wire-free (battery) cameras, plug-in cameras, hardwired cameras, and the most popular configuration, wireless cameras.
We suggest doing an in-depth perimeter check around your home, paying special attention to the location of power outlets. This is especially crucial if you have a “wireless” camera that needs to be plugged into a wall.
Wait… a wireless camera that needs to be plugged into a wall? But I thought it was … wireless?
Yes, terminology in the security camera industry can get a bit confusing, especially when it comes to wireless, Wi-Fi, and wire-free cameras. It’s hard to keep all those W’s straight, so here’s a quick cheat sheet.
Still confused? Here’s an example: The Blink wireless camera system we reviewed most recently includes a battery-powered indoor camera, a small plug-in camera, a battery-powered outdoor camera, and a sync module. Since they’re wireless, we got the whole thing online in under 30 minutes. That’s a lightning-fast install, owed mostly to the fact that the indoor and outdoor camera are both powered by two extended-life AA batteries that last up to two years.
Blink Outdoor – Installed
And, zeroing in on the outdoor camera for a moment, we had a device that worked without wires, which gave us lots of flexibility. Who needs wires, anyway?
This is a typical configuration, but keep in mind you can also buy a wireless kit from another brand that includes more than cameras – like a SimpliSafe system, for instance, with alarms, sensors, and cameras that you can set up in DIY fashion. In this industry, it’s all about your needs and preferences.
Of course, as with any battery-powered technology, you do have to remember to change batteries or recharge the batteries from time to time. This is no different than any wireless electronic device, and many cameras we’ve reviewed send us reminders through their mobile app that the battery is low.
Pro Tip: Wondering what features and tech to look for in a security camera? See our Home Security Camera Buying Guide to learn everything you need to know to make a smart buying decision.
Ring’s wireless cameras, which include battery and plug-in devices, take a similar approach to Blink’s. But after reviewing both brands, we did notice one big difference: Ring’s battery cameras use a rechargeable battery pack, not the extended-life batteries Blink uses.
We’ve found advantages to both setups, but let’s break it down. Here are the pros and cons for both wireless and wire-free configurations.
| Wireless Setup | Wired Setup | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Pros | Cons | Pros | Cons |
| Usually more Affordable | Usually Have to Install Yourself | Usually More Reliable | Much Harder to Install |
| Can Install Anywhere | Have to Recharge Batteries | Harder to Vandalize or Steal | Harder to Adjust |
| Usually Have More Options | Higher Risk for Malfunction | Consistent Video Quality | Offline if Power Goes Out |
But here’s our bottom line: Regardless of what you choose, security cameras will help keep your home safer in the long run.
An outdoor security camera is one of the most vital tools in our home security setup. We’ve reviewed a ton of them – floodlight cams, spotlight cams, stop-speeding-down-my-cul-de-sac cams, all kinds of cameras for all kinds of functions and purposes. We highly recommend them for dimly lit backyards, for front porches and patios, or beamed onto outdoor recreation areas like swimming pools and playsets.
But what if you need a camera you don’t want would-be burglars to see? What if you’re dealing with someone more brazen, who isn’t spooked by deterrents like this? If you’re wondering how to hide security cameras outside, read on!
For times when you need a more discreet setup, we’re sharing three ideas on how to put your outdoor camera into incognito mode:
If you’re willing to put in the time and flex your creative muscles, you’re sure to find a nice hiding spot for your outdoor camera.
Yes, some of the best outdoor cameras will capture sound. Not all systems will automatically pick up on audio, though. This depends on the settings you select and the system itself.
Yes, many outdoor cameras will provide two-way audio for you. This means you can talk back-and-forth with a person outside. This is ideal if you need to ask someone to leave or you do not feel comfortable opening the door.
Yes, you can control outdoor cameras using a home security system. Most outdoor cameras integrate with a complete home security offering in some capacity.
Yes, most outdoor cameras have night vision. Look for cameras that include infrared LED night vision for the best possible results. Some companies go further and offer color night vision. This provides a higher level of clarity but isn't necessary for all people
Yes, some outdoor cameras are designed to be waterproof. However, most other cameras are designed to be weatherproof or water-resistant. Be sure to check the specific terminology before buying.
No, not all outdoor cameras require professional installation. Installation requirements depend on the type of home security cameras or system you purchase.
Yes, some outdoor cameras work with Alexa as well as other smart home assistants.
Yes, some outdoor camera systems will offer long-term storage either in the cloud or in a local hard drive.
Most outdoor home security cameras are equipped with night vision, motion sensors, and high-resolution video capability. Here are some other features of outdoor security cameras that you should look for when shopping for one.
Any security camera worth its salt has to have effective motion detection. Modern-day cameras are known to include features that can be customized to fit our needs, and it can usually be done simply through the camera’s mobile app. From adjusting sensitivity to mapping out privacy zones to distinguishing between people, animals, and vehicles, we have more options than ever to get the most out of our outdoor cameras.
Cameras without two-way audio, or two-way talk, are becoming more rare as the security industry evolves. We’ve made no secret of our love for this feature, for one main reason: there’s nothing like using our own “outside voice” to spook potential burglars. Relatedly, it’s especially helpful for times when you’re trying to make an unwanted visitor think you’re home … when maybe you’re not.
Seeing at night has gotten a whole lot easier in outdoor security cameras thanks to full-color night vision. Not every camera has it – most indoor cams don’t – but monitoring your space at night in full color is an experience that, in our opinion, can only be seen to be appreciated.
We tend to pay extra attention to video quality when choosing security equipment. These days, we’d be hard pressed to find a security camera without high-resolution video; the lowest we’ve seen is a standard 720p SimpliCam, which still records in high resolution but not quite as sharp as the industry-standard 1080p, or HD. For us, HD is essential for any camera; a camera that records in up to 1080p resolution will most likely give you smooth, reliable footage with lots of detail. Higher resolutions, like 2K, 5MP, or 4K, are certainly impressive, but keep in mind that they’re by and large unnecessary in DIY cameras.
As wireless technology continues to dominate the industry, we have seemingly endless flexibility in terms of how we want to record our video footage. Now, we’re no longer limited to just a hard drive like an NVR/DVR system for storing footage around the clock; many cameras these days record motion-activated video clips as an easy way to monitor your home yourself.
Cloud security technology has propelled simple security cameras into smart home devices. It’s not as expensive as it once was to store camera footage in the cloud; a monthly subscription from Ring Protect, for example, to store video footage starts at only $3.49 per month. Plans offered by other brands tend to be a bit pricier, but the bottom line is: if you don’t have an option for local storage like an NVR or microSD, the cloud is always a nice alternative.
As new cameras are released into the market each year, we’re finding more and more of them offered with built-in sirens. This is an encouraging development for us, for one key reason: sirens are one of the most effective active deterrence tools. In many cameras, including Arlo, Ring, and the beloved Nest, the siren can be activated manually or set to activate when motion or sound is detected, all through the mobile app.
Front door, back door, and everywhere in-between — this feature allows you to remotely tap into your outdoor security camera and watch the activity unfold. Live view capability is great for those who travel often, and it’s especially well-suited for the curious consumer. So pull up a chair and pop some popcorn, the live stream is about to start.
Looking for an outdoor security camera that can weather the fiercest storms? You’ll want to go with a weatherproof camera. Sun, wind, rain, sleet, snow (even very feeble tornados) — the elements have never met such a worthy adversary. Weatherproof outdoor home security cameras are built with quality materials that last and last.
