Ensuring the safety and security of your home has never been easier in the rapidly expanding home security camera industry. These streaming video cameras capture live footage and connect to your home’s WiFi to send you alerts, clips, and live feeds to your smartphone. However, there are many different types of cameras on the market, each with its own differing functionalities and drawbacks. Furthermore, one camera might be better suited for one home over another. With all these things in mind, choosing the right home security camera seems impossible. To make the best decision for your home, consider these variables before you buy.
Types of Home Security Cameras
To help narrow the scope of your search, keep in mind the three main types of home security cameras: wireless security cameras, video doorbells, and floodlight cameras.
Wireless Security Cameras
Wireless security cameras are one of the most popular home security cameras on the market today. They can connect to your home network and will send your smartphone alerts, clips, and live video feed. Some models need to be plugged into an outlet, whereas others are wireless, running only on a rechargeable battery. Some cameras can store footage on a memory card, but others force you to store them on the cloud, allowing manufacturers to charge you a recurring fee.
Pros: Placed anywhere | Weatherproof | Check remotely | Receive smartphone notifications
Cons: Cloud storage fees (if applicable) | Monthly fees (if applicable)
Video Doorbells
As their name suggests, video doorbells are simply a doorbell with a built-in camera. Like the wireless security camera, this home security camera can also send alerts and video to your smartphone. All video doorbells also feature two-way audio so you can talk to whoever is at your door. Most video doorbells use wiring from an existing doorbell, but if you live in a rental or a property without a wired doorbell, battery-operated video doorbells exist, too. Depending on the model you get, you could also run into monthly fees for long-term cloud storage.
Pros: No need for separate wiring if doorbell wiring present (if applicable) | Answer doorbell when not home
Cons: Don’t work with existing doorbell chime | Connectivity to WiFi could be affected by thick walls | Cloud storage fees (if applicable) | Monthly fees (if applicable)
Floodlight Cameras
You’re probably pretty familiar with the function of floodlights, but recently the technology and benefits of floodlights have been combined with home security cameras. These devices shine their bright LED lights on potential intruders when movement is sensed and record the footage. Some models even feature a siren to scare off intruders. In addition to the sirens, most also have two-way audio. Like other home security camera models, some have memory cards, while others require recurring fees for cloud video storage.
Pros: No need for charging batteries | Keep tabs anywhere around your home
Cons: Connectivity to WiFi could be affected by thick walls | Cloud storage fees (if applicable) | Monthly fees (if applicable)
Choosing the Right Home Security Camera for You
You need to consider your home and what you’re looking for when you decide what home security camera is right for you. In addition, Consumer Reports has an excellent home security system rating guide.
Choose a Camera Type
When you think of the camera type that best suits your home and your needs, you need to consider where you’ll be placing it. If you want one inside your home, many options are available, such as wireless security cameras. If you want some outside your home, you can choose a wireless security camera, but you can also choose a video doorbell or a floodlight camera.
A video doorbell or wireless security camera will work best if you want to monitor your front door. If you are more worried about intruders or monitoring the outside of your home for pests, a wireless security camera or floodlight camera would be safe options. It’s also important to keep the weather for outdoor security cameras in mind. Some cameras are weatherproof, but others, like wireless security cameras, are not all weatherproof.
Consider Your Power Source
As mentioned above, several different power sources should be considered when choosing the best security camera for your home. Most homeowners want to go wireless, so most will opt for the wireless version of a wireless security camera, video doorbell, or floodlight camera, so they don’t have to worry about recharging weekly or monthly. But some homeowners don’t have that flexibility due to wiring issues. Keep in mind what capabilities your home has for wireless or wired options.
Compare Cloud Storage Fees
Now that you’ve narrowed your options, it’s time to consider the cloud storage you’re permitted for free versus what you’ll have to pay more for. Most companies charge for cloud storage because of how large the video files can be and because it’s another way for them to make money. While this might annoy some homeowners, it’s important to consider the benefits of cloud storage. Without it, you could miss footage or an alert about a potential intruder or safety threat. Consider the various plans available and what best suits your wallet.
Consider Your Privacy
While one of the main points of having a home security system is to protect your privacy, some security system brands are weak in this department. This can be easily circumvented by choosing strong usernames and passwords, but choosing a brand that doesn’t have one form of authentication is also crucial. Most cameras now require two-factor authentication, which requires users to enter a one-time passcode they can choose to receive via their smartphone, email, or an authentication app. If a hacker can guess your username and password, an impassable hurdle won’t allow them to gain access unless they have that one-time code.
Another Deciding Factor
When you’ve decided on the type of home security camera you want or still have more questions, don’t hesitate to contact ASAP Locksmith of Des Moines. We can install and help you in your decision-making process. Contact us to update the security and integrity of your home with ASAP Locksmiths of Des Moines today.