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When it comes to protecting yourself, your family and your home, there’s really no such thing as being over prepared, and installing an outdoor security camera is a great way to add an extra layer of protection to your home.
Ready to get an outdoor security camera but not sure where to start? We’ve reviewed 10 different major outdoor security cameras across a variety of metrics and ranked our top five picks. All five of the cameras on this list offer professional installations through company partnerships. Ring has partnered with Amazon Home Services (AHS) to help fully install Ring products in your home, and Arlo has also partnered with HelloTech (US only) to help connect you with a professional for your installation services.
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The Ring Floodlight Cam topped our list of best outdoor security cameras because of its reliability, functionality and highly rated customer satisfaction. For the price of $199.99, you can secure your home with a Ring Floodlight Cam in either black or white, meaning no matter the color of your home, you can choose a color that will blend in (if you prefer your camera to be hidden) or stand out (if you want it to be obvious that your house is being protected by a camera).
The price does not include the cost of installation, however, this camera can be installed without the need to hire a professional. To make it easier, Ring has step-by-step installation instructions and videos available on their website.
Additionally, Ring offers a 30-day free trial of Ring Protect, their comprehensive video recording service, when you purchase this camera. Ring Protect is not necessary to have in order to use the camera for real-time viewing, however, without this service, you cannot review any video or images that you missed. After the trial has ended, this service can be added on for as low as $3 per month, or as much as $100 per year, depending on the plan that you choose.
Choosing the Ring Floodlight Cam means enjoying the benefit of two-way audio with noise cancellation, 140-degree horizontal field of view and high-definition video resolution with night vision, plus better-than-average pricing.
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The Arlo Pro 3 Wireless Security Camera made the top of our list for a few reasons. For $199.99, you can purchase the Arlo Pro 3 Wireless Security Camera, which boasts good customer reviews, a 160-degree diagonal field of view (wider than that of many competitors) and color night vision.
Included with the purchase of this camera is a three-month free trial of Arlo Smart, which includes for video recording, advanced A.I. technology, customizable notifications and other features. Arlo Smart is not necessary to have in order to use the camera for real-time viewing, however, without this service, you cannot review any video or images that you missed. This service can be added on for as low as $2.99 per month, or as much as $14.99 per month, depending on the type of plan that you choose, and the number of cameras that you have.
As an added benefit, this camera is simple to install on your own, has a rechargeable battery and includes a full 30-day refund policy from the date of shipment if for whatever reason you need to return it.
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The Ring Spotlight Cam impressed us for a handful of reasons. It has exceptional customer reviews in addition to advanced motion detection with customizable motion zones (so you can ensure the camera is focusing on the most important parts of your porch or yard) and lifetime theft protection, so if the device is ever stolen, Ring will replace it for free.
Available in both black and white with a 140-degree field of view, this camera is enhanced with two-way audio and noise cancellations. As an added bonus, this camera has a quick-release battery pack to make swapping out the battery easy and fast. The Ring Spotlight Cam can be purchased for $199.99 and can be installed on your own 10 minutes or less. To make it easier, Ring has step-by-step installation instructions and videos available on their website.
This Ring camera also offers a 30-day free trial of Ring Protect, which can then be purchased, if you choose to do so, for as low as $3 per month, or as much as $100 per year, depending on the plan that you choose, however, this is not required if you’re only looking to use the camera for real-time viewing.
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The Ring Spotlight Cam Wired is a great, highly rated option if you’re specifically looking for a wired outdoor security camera. This camera is available in both black and white, has 1080 HD video, live view and night vision.
Being that this is a wired camera, installation is fairly simple to DIY (Ring has step-by-step installation instructions and videos available on their website), and you don’t have to worry about replacing dead batteries. Instead, this device plugs directly into any standard power outlet and provides non-stop power. The Ring Spotlight Cam Wired, which also comes with a 30-day free trial of Ring Protect, can be purchased for $199.99. We love Ring’s promise to provide lifetime theft protection and the dynamism of the customizable motion zones feature.
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The Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro is Ring’s most advanced outdoor camera. This camera has enhanced sensors with 3D motion detection and bird’s eye view to prove a full, clear image of your yard. Additionally, it has advanced audio and noise cancelation. These enhancements come at a price, though, as this camera sells for $249, not including the cost of installation.
However, if you do choose to do the installation yourself, there are detailed instructions for how to do so on the Ring website. Ring does note, however, that if you are unfamiliar with, or can’t easily identify the wires coming from your junction box, or feel uncomfortable with them in any way, you should consult a licensed electrician (Ring has partnered with Amazon Home Services to help fully install Ring products in your home).
The Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro, which has good customer ratings, comes in both black and white, so it’s a great option for both light- and dark-colored homes.
NOTE: Depending on where you live, it may be a requirement, by law, to have installation done by a qualified electrician. Check on laws and building codes in your area before performing your own electrical work; permits and professional installation may be legally required.
Company | Pricing | Customer Reviews | Field Of View |
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Ring Floodlight Cam | Great | Excellent | Great |
Arlo Pro 3 Wireless Security Camera | Great | Good | Excellent |
Ring Spotlight Cam Battery | Great | Excellent | Good |
Ring Spotlight Cam Wired | Great | Excellent | Good |
Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro | Good | Good | Good |
When it comes to choosing an outdoor security camera for your home, there are so many options to choose from that it can become overwhelming. However, identifying your needs can help you narrow down your search. Consider the following factors when doing your research:
Do you live somewhere extremely hot, cold, windy, snowy or rainy? The answer is likely yes to at least one of those, and if that’s the case, be sure to factor that in when making your decision on which outdoor security camera is best for you by choosing one that is weatherproof.
Most outdoor security cameras will either come in black or white. However, for some, only one color option is available. Do you want your camera to blend in with the color of your home? Or maybe you actually want it to contrast with your home to make it more obvious to outsiders that a camera is present. No matter your preference, if you have one, be sure to choose a camera that comes in a color option that works for your wants and needs.
When it comes to picking a power source, you have to decide between battery-powered or hardwired. Both have their pros and cons. While wireless, battery-powered outdoor security cameras offer the flexibility of placement, (since you don’t need to work around the location of a plug) consider the fact that they will eventually require battery replacement. On the other hand, with a hardwired camera, you don’t have to worry about the power source ever running out, but you’re limited on where you can place it, since you’ll be forced to work around the existence of outlets.
Before making your final decision, think about anything (garages, trees, electrical poles, etc.) that might block the view of the camera, and compare different field of view options to determine what will work best for your space. Maybe you need a full 180-degree view, or maybe 110 degrees will work fine. Either way, it’s worth considering before making your decision.
Maybe the most obvious reason to install an outdoor security camera is simply to improve your home’s security. A camera will help you keep a keen eye on the surroundings of your home, and it will add an extra layer of protection against danger.
Sometimes the fear of the unknown is actually more frightening than reality. Installing an outdoor security camera allows you to have a visual of your home’s surroundings literally at your fingertips. Knowing that you can check in on what’s going on outside at any hour of the day should help ease anxiety and give you peace of mind.
The presence of an outdoor security camera is a great way to help deter unwanted intruders around your home. If a trespasser approaches your home and sees your camera, they’re much less likely to invade, as they know they’re being watched and recorded.
If a break-in does occur, and you need to submit an insurance claim, the video footage recorded on your outdoor security camera can act as proof, and be of great assistance in validating your insurance claim.
Beyond the protection of your home, installing an outdoor security camera, depending on the one you choose, can allow you to check in on children or pets while you’re away. Many connect to phones or tablets, so if your family members are enjoying time outside, you can still keep an eye on them when you’re away
To determine the best outdoor security camera ranking, the Forbes Home Improvement editorial team analyzed third-party data on 10 major companies, with each product’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including:
*Price, customer rating and field of view counts for 40% of the total weighting.
The best outdoor security camera for you can vary based on your specific wants and needs. That said, we have rated the Ring Floodlight Cam as the best outdoor security camera based on factors like pricing, color options, camera sensor, video resolution, field of view, night vision audio, weather resistance, warranty and customer rating.
No. While some outdoors security cameras do require hardwiring, there are battery-powered, wireless options that do not need to be plugged in.
Surveillance cameras typically work on IP networks that connect the camera from its remote location to its designated security location, while security cameras, also known as CCTV cameras, work to transport signals from one specific location to a monitor situated at a different location.
When regarding functionally, neither a wired or wireless security camera can be considered better than the other. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. If you’re concerned with ease of installation and flexible location, a wireless camera is better. If you’re concerned with length of power, a wired camera is better, as it plugs directly into an outlet for non-stop power, so you won’t run into the issue of dying batteries.
For most cameras, yes, they can run and record without access to the Internet. However, if you’re looking to extract video recordings from the camera, you will need internet access to do so.
For most homeowners, installing a security camera is worth it. If you’re looking to add protection to your home and give yourself peace of mind, a security camera can help achieve that goal. According to ADT, a home armored with a security camera is 300% safer from break-ins than those without one.
Lexie is an assistant editor who is responsible for writing and editing articles over a wide variety of home-related topics. She has almost four years’ experience in the home improvement space and harnessed her expertise while working for companies like HomeAdvisor and Angi (formerly Angie’s List).
Samantha is an editor who covers all topics home-related including home improvement and repair. She edited home repair and design content at websites like The Spruce and HomeAdvisor. She also has hosted videos on DIY home tips and solutions and launched multiple home improvement review boards staffed with licensed pros.