Arlo
Pro 3
Test score
We use cookies to allow us and selected partners to improve your experience and our advertising. By continuing to browse you consent to our use of cookies. You can understand more and change your cookies preferences here.
The best wireless security cameras will let you know all is well at home when you’re out, whether you want to make sure it's secure or just see how the cat is coping without you.
They can also detect motion in your home and record footage of an intruder, with more advanced cameras include facial recognition and two-way audio.
While the best security cameras can record in high resolution and are simple to use, bottom-of-the-heap models suffer from poor-quality video, sub-standard app interfaces and cheap build quality. See below for the key things to look for when buying a smart home security camera.
Just want to see reviews of high-quality wireless security cameras? to discover which models we recommend, visit our wireless security camera reviews.
Although not one of the cheaper outdoor cameras that we have tested, this big brand model is certain one of the best. it's simple to set up and use and records crystal-clear footage of the outside of your home.
Sign up to revealFull Access first month £2.99, then £9.99 per month, cancel at any time
With a built-in light and siren, this innovative outdoor camera can provide a complete home security system. It's not the easiest to use but has excellent picture quality and some handy features.
Sign up to revealFull Access first month £2.99, then £9.99 per month, cancel at any time
This Eufy camera isn’t cheap to buy, but it did very well in our testing, and you get two cameras included in the package. Alongside the Arlo Pro range, it's one of the best outdoor security cameras that you can buy.
Sign up to revealFull Access first month £2.99, then £9.99 per month, cancel at any time
Pricing, recommendations and test scores correct at March 2022
Comfortably one of the best indoor cameras that we have tested, this innovative device is an excellent and affordable option for home security. It has good picture quality, is easy to use and you can store videos without needing a paid subscription.
Sign up to revealFull Access first month £2.99, then £9.99 per month, cancel at any time
For a wallet-friendly price you get a high quality indoor security camera from a well-known brand that did very well in our testing. It's easy to use and has some useful features. If you're shopping on a tight budget, get this camera on your shortlist.
Sign up to revealFull Access first month £2.99, then £9.99 per month, cancel at any time
An innovative design and useful features combine with excellent picture quality in this indoor security camera. You'll pay a bit more for it than some rival products, you do get good value for your money.
Sign up to revealFull Access first month £2.99, then £9.99 per month, cancel at any time
You'll recognise the brand behind this well-designed indoor camera and be happy with its overall quality. There are cheaper options available, but this impressive camera should be on your shortlist.
Sign up to revealFull Access first month £2.99, then £9.99 per month, cancel at any time
Pricing, recommendations and test scores correct at March 2022
While some cameras can be used both inside and outside your home, the majority are designated for use as either indoor or outdoor models.
If a camera is to be used outside then it has to be weatherproofed to surive the elements and usually must be mounted on a wall or external surface.
Some outdoor cameras also double up as security lights or even alarm systems.
You'll generally pay a bit more for an outdoor camera, with most Best Buys cost over £100. By contrast, you can pick up a high quality Best Buy indoor camera for around £50.
Below, see the best indoor and outdoor cameras to buy right now.
There are a wide range of wireless security cameras available, and fortunately you can find great models at low prices. We've tested a number of Best Buy wireless security cameras that cost less than £50.
However, be wary at the cheap end of the market, especially if you're shopping at online marketplaces like Amazon Marketplace, eBay, AliExpress and Wish.com. Our investigations have frequently found security issues with cheap cameras from little known or unknown brands. Read more in our guide to wireless security cameras and hacking.
Wireless security cameras aren’t necessarily wire-free, the term ‘wireless’ meaning they connect wirelessly to your existing wi-fi network.
Most wireless security cameras are plugged into the mains, with a few of these offering some back-up battery time in case of power failures.
However, there are battery-powered, wire-free security cameras, which are easier to position as they doesn’t need to be near a power source. But bear in mind this does mean you’ll have to charge the battery or pay for new ones if they’re disposable.
One of the key decisions you’ll need to make is whether you’d prefer a camera with cloud-based or internal storage.
As well as connecting your wireless security cameras to your devices to manage and view footage, some wireless security cameras also are compatible with other smart home devices such as light bulbs, pet food dispensers, doorbells and even other smart home security systems. See our smart home security systems guide to find out how else you can protect your home.
As more household items become internet-connected – such as fridges and thermostats – a smart home hub provides a centralised way to control them all. These hubs allow you to turn multiple gadgets on or off with a swipe of your finger via a mobile app or even with your voice. For example, Nest and Arlo cameras are compatible with Amazon Alexa.
A good wireless security camera will seamlessly switch between day and night modes, and should be able to pick out the same level of detail even in low light. For night vision, most devices use either LED lights or infrared, or a combination of the two.
This is the most important aspect of the security camera, especially if you want to identify someone. All wireless security cameras support at least 720p resolution (1,280 x 720 pixels), and some record in 1080p (1,920 x 1,080 pixels). A higher resolution will generally mean higher-quality footage, although 720p is usually clear enough to make out faces.
Ideally you want the best video resolution possible – no less than Full-HD (1080p) – so the images are clearer and easier to see.
If you want to hear what’s going on in your house – whether it’s a knock at the door or the dog barking while you’re out – look for a wireless security camera with one-way audio recording. If you would like to be able to communicate with the people or animals in your home, for example, to tell your children to get on with their homework or the dog to get off the sofa, two-way audio is what you need.
Wireless security cameras with this feature will trigger recording when motion is detected. Some will send an alert to the app on your phone or via email. One handy feature to look out for is the ability to set up a schedule so that motion alerts are enabled only when you know you'll be out of your home.
Most wireless security camera apps will be compatible with both iOS and Android, but check that the app will work with the version you have. A simple-to-use interface will make it easier to live-stream footage or view recordings. Before buying your wireless security camera, check whether all app features, such as setting a schedule or sharing footage, come as standard, or if you will need to pay extra to unlock the full functionality.
As home smart security becomes more popular, there are more and more brands on the market. Some of the most popular are Nest, Arlo and Hive as well as brands such as Motorola, Netamo and Logitech.
As with any internet-connected device, data privacy and security are of the utmost importance. While the camera may record first-class-quality video, the camera isn’t fit for purpose if it has weak security setting, making it vulnerable to being hacked.
So how can you stop hackers and other nefarious users from finding your camera(s) on the internet and watching you?
Although there aren’t any wireless security cameras which are ‘unhackable’ per se, you can follow these simple steps to greatly reduce the risk of someone accessing your footage and device.
While data protection laws do not apply if your camera only covers your private property, they do come into force if it captures footage outside the boundary, for example the street or neighbouring properties.
Under the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), anyone captured on footage from your camera has the right to ask for a copy, have it erased or request for them not to be filmed in the future.
Therefore, it's important to consider where your camera is placed, how wide the angle is and what is included in the view.
If you are recording parts of your neighbour's garden, or a shared passageway, either shift the camera view, or alert your neighbour that you have a camera recording there.
As long as you use your camera in a responsible way that protects the privacy of others, you should be fine.