Keep your home and property safe by installing a connected camera. These smart outdoor security devices can withstand the elements and record at any time of day or night
If anyone ever stole a package from your porch or broke into your car while it was in your driveway, the perpetrator likely disappeared long gone before you even knew you were a victim. You also likely never even found out who committed the deed. If this sounds familiar, you should consider investing in an outdoor security camera. These rugged smart home devices, designed to withstand rain, snow, and extreme temperatures, typically connect to your home Wi-Fi network and allow you to view live video footage of activities occurring outside of your house. They also send an alert to your phone when someone or something is out there, record video of the event, and depending on features, let you talk to whoever is on your property, all without requiring you to open your door (or even be inside your house). Read on to find out what features to consider when choosing an outdoor security camera, and check out our top picks above and below. Note that several of the cameras on this list are suitable for use both indoors and out. If you want a model specifically for keeping tabs on what goes on inside your home, head over to our list of the best indoor home security cameras. How Do Outdoor Security Cameras Work? Most smart outdoor security cameras use a Wi-Fi radio to connect to your home network, enabling you to access them from anywhere via a mobile app. Some models even use Ethernet, Bluetooth, Z-Wave, or a proprietary wireless technology to connect to a mobile app or a dedicated hub. Wi-Fi cameras are easier to install than their wired counterparts because you don’t have to place them near an Ethernet port or set up any wiring. Battery-powered Wi-Fi cameras are the easiest to install because you can put them just about anywhere (as long as they can connect to your router) without having to snake a power cable into your home to plug into an outlet. These types of cameras typically use batteries that you can easily pop out and recharge with a USB cable, but they tend to drain quickly in colder weather. Bluetooth cameras are also simple to install, but you have to stay within 40 feet or so to connect to them with your phone. Look for an outdoor Wi-Fi camera that can connect to either the 2.4GHz or 5GHz radio band to alleviate network congestion. If you have trouble getting a good signal outside, try pumping it up with a wireless range extender. Google Nest Cam (Outdoor or Indoor, Battery) What Type of Weather Can Outdoor Security Cameras Handle? Any outdoor camera worth its salt must be able to withstand exposure to the elements and should carry an Ingress Protection (IP) rating. IP ratings contain two digits that tell you just how well the camera holds up under most weather conditions.
