Featured in this article
Best Indoor Security CameraTP-Link Tapo C120Read more$45 $40 (11% off)TP-Link
Best Subscription CameraArlo Essential Indoor Security Camera (2nd Gen)Read more$80 $21 (74% off)
Amazon (2K)
Smartest Security CameraGoogle Nest Cam Indoor (Wired, 3rd Gen)Read more$100
Best Buy
Best Panning CameraAqara Camera Hub G350Read more$160 $140 (13% off)
Amazon
While indoor security cameras are a cheap and easy way to check in when you are away from home, you must weigh the privacy risks. There are legitimate reasons you might want an indoor security camera (I run through some below), but inviting a camera into your home is a big step, and you must make sure everyone in the home is aware and on board. If you decide it’s for you, read my advice on how to secure it.
I’ve been testing security cameras for a decade now, and I have a handle on what to look for. The affordable TP-Link Tapo C120 ($36) is my top pick for most people, but you’ll find some alternatives below. Be sure to check out our many other guides, including the Best Outdoor Security Cameras, Best Baby Monitors, and Best Video Doorbell Cameras.
Updated May 2026: I added an Aqara camera, added mentions for cameras from Blink, Wyze, and Ulticam, reorganized and streamlined my picks, added more information on why you might want an indoor security camera, how to keep it secure, and what alternatives you have, and updated prices.
Best Indoor Security Camera
Photograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistSave to wishlistTP-Link
Tapo C120
$45 $40 (11% off)TP-Link
$36B&H
$36Amazon
Crisp, clear video at a relatively low price secures the top spot for the Tapo C120. This camera is quick and easy to set up, with a handy magnetic base that can stick to the fridge, be wall-mounted, or sit on a shelf. It supports two-way audio (with a slight lag) and has a slot for up to 512 GB microSD cards to keep recordings local. Importantly, it offers smart detection (people, pets, and vehicles) without a subscription. I found the motion detection very reliable, and you can tweak the sensitivity and customize the notifications you receive, so you don’t get bothered by false positives. The color night vision is also above average.
You can set activity and privacy zones in the Tapo app, and there’s AI detection to recognize people, pets, vehicles, and the sound of a baby crying. This camera also supports the open Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP), making it easy to use with a network video recorder (NVR) or third-party software. This camera even has an IP66 rating, which means you can also use it outdoors (provided you can run the power cable). It works OK with Google Gemini or Amazon Alexa, though it was a little slow to load the stream on my Nest Hub.
On the downside, the frame rate maxes at 20 fps, so fast-moving subjects sometimes appear blurry, especially with low light. Rich notifications, including a snapshot of the subject, are bundled with the optional Tapo Care subscription, along with 30 days of cloud storage for clips, and it’s expensive at $3.50 per month for a single camera or $12 per month for up to 10 cameras. It also lacks Apple HomeKit or IFTTT support. Some folks may also have concerns about TP-Link, as its router business has been under investigation by the US government for alleged links to China.
If your budget is tight, the Tapo C110 ($18) is cheaper with only a few compromises (lower frame rate, no pet or vehicle detection, microSD limited to 256 GB).
SpecsMax Resolution: Up to 2K, 20 fpsRecording: Local microSD card (up to 512 GB) or cloudAudio: Two-way audio, SirenSmart Home: Amazon Alexa, Google HomeWIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIRED- Crisp and clear video
- Supports local storage
- Accurate AI detection
- Color night vision
- Rich notifications require subscription
- Limited frame rate
Best Subscription Camera
- Photograph: Simon Hill
- Photograph: Simon Hill
Arlo
Essential Indoor Security Camera (2nd Gen)
$80 $21 (74% off)Amazon (2K)
$80 $28 (65% off)Best Buy (2K)
$40 $23 (43% off)Walmart (1080p)
With its compact design, clear video, and two-way audio, this Arlo camera matches our top pick in features and performs reliably well. It can be placed on a shelf or wall-mounted, features a privacy shutter that lowers when the camera is not in use, and stores video in the cloud. The footage is detailed, and there’s no blurring on motion (the frame rate is 24 fps). Arlo’s second-generation Essential Indoor cameras are available in two varieties: a 1080p model and a pricier 2K model. I’m a fan of the app for its ease of use, loading speeds, and two-factor authentication, enabling you to log in to the live feed with your fingerprint or face scan (phone permitting). There’s also a built-in siren and smart home integration for Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT, but not Apple HomeKit.
Unfortunately, cloud storage, accurate subject detection, and smart animated alerts require an expensive Arlo Secure subscription at $10 per month ($96/year) for a single camera. It’s a bit more palatable if you have multiple Arlo devices, as it costs $20 per month ($216/year) for unlimited cameras. For folks with video doorbells or other cameras from Arlo, this camera is an obvious pick to keep things in a single app. But the lack of local storage might be a turnoff, and there are occasionally a few seconds of lag on the live feed.
SpecsMax Resolution: Up to 2K, 24 fpsRecording: Cloud-onlyAudio: Two-way audio, SirenSmart Home: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, IFTTTWIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIRED- Crisp and clear video
- Rich notifications
- Quick-to-load live feed
- Requires a subscription
- Occasional lag
Smartest Security Camera
- Photograph: Simon Hill
- Photograph: Simon Hill
- Photograph: Simon Hill
Google
Nest Cam Indoor (Wired, 3rd Gen)
$100Best Buy
$98Amazon
$100Walmart
$100The Home Depot
With an understated style, Google’s indoor Nest Cam comes in two subtle finishes to blend in with your decor, or a bright red “berry” paint job if you want it to stand out. It has HDR, footage is clear at 30 fps, with night vision that kicks on automatically when the lights are out, and the third generation ups the video quality from 1080p to 2K. There’s also two-way audio, enforced two-factor authentication, and accurate detection to alert you about people, animals, or vehicles. This latest model also features a wider field of view and animated previews that zoom in on the subject. You can install and use the Nest Cam through the Google Home app by scanning the QR code (it’s the fastest and easiest setup I’ve encountered), and it’s quick to load on Nest displays or a Chromecast with Google TV. (It's even accessible via a web interface.)
You only get six hours of history unless you sign up for a Google Home Premium (previously Nest Aware) subscription, which costs $10 per month ($100/year) for 30 days of event video history and familiar face alerts, but that covers all your Nest devices. (You can also use the camera in a Nest Hub Max as an indoor security camera.) Once you have tagged familiar faces, your notifications include their names, which is handy (and can be reassuring). It’s good to know when your kids get home versus when an unfamiliar face pops up. It’s not 100 percent accurate (it confuses my kids), but it’s closer than any other camera I have tested.
The overhauled Google Home app is much improved, quicker to load, and easier to navigate, and Gemini for Home provides more descriptive alerts, such as “cat walks around room” or “person walks out of gate." However, you have to subscribe to the costly Home Premium Advanced at $20 per month to get them. Advanced also enables you to pose questions like “Who opened the back door last night?” or “Did a package arrive today?” and provides a Home Brief summarizing the day's events. Sadly, there’s no local storage option, it lacks a privacy shutter, and the smart features that set it apart require expensive monthly fees.
SpecsMax Resolution: Up to 2K, 30 fpsRecording: Cloud-onlyAudio: Two-way audioSmart Home: Google HomeWIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIRED- Crisp video day or night
- Can recognize faces
- Accurate animated alerts
- Requires a subscription for best features
Best Panning Camera
- Photograph: Simon Hill
- Photograph: Simon Hill
- Photograph: Simon Hill
- Video: Simon Hill
Aqara
Camera Hub G350
$160 $140 (13% off)Amazon
Don’t be fooled by the cutesy look. The new model of Aqara’s indoor pan and tilt security camera is an impressively feature-packed device that’s perfect for smart home enthusiasts. This is a dual-lens camera with a 133-degree 4K lens and a 2.5K telephoto lens for zooming in on subjects (up to 9x hybrid zoom). The video is crisp, detailed, and vibrant, and the ability to zoom in is very handy. It also has onboard AI that works locally for automatic tracking of people and pets and sound recognition. As a pan and tilt camera, you can spin through 360 degrees, tilt is limited (maybe 45 degrees), and you can fix preset positions to patrol and have it return to a fixed position after tracking a subject out of frame. You get a free trial of the cloud service Home Guardian, but you can also insert a microSD card for local recording, and there’s NAS support. The sleep mode, which you can schedule, has the camera lens roll up and shows a pair of closed eyes.
The G350 doubles as a smart home hub, with Matter, Thread, and Zigbee support, and compatibility with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, and IFTTT. But there are caveats here. I had no issue adding it via the Matter code to my Google Gemini setup, but Google doesn’t yet support Matter security camera feeds for non-Nest devices, so it’s better to add it via the Aqara app for now. If you opt for HomeKit, Apple limits the camera features and resolution to 1080p. While it can also act as a Zigbee 3.0 hub to bring all kinds of sensors and accessories into your smart home fold, they must be Aqara Zigbee devices (third-party devices are not supported).
Sadly, recording at 20 fps means fast movement can cause blurring, particularly when it’s dark. I don’t like the way you are auto-enrolled into the cloud service (90-day event storage) free trial. While the app has a great range of options, it doesn’t have the best layout, and you can expect to spend some time rummaging around to configure the camera the way you want. Aqara has also paywalled a bunch of AI features, like filters and video summaries, and enhanced notifications.
SpecsMax Resolution: Up to 4K, 20 fpsRecording: Local microSD card (up to 512 GB), NAS, or cloudAudio: Two-way audioSmart Home: Apple HomeKit Secure Video, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings, Matter, ZigbeeWIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIRED- High quality video
- Can pan 360 degrees
- Supports local storage
- Smart home connectivity
- Limited frame rate
- Some features require a subscription
Compare Indoor Cameras
CamerasPrice (MSRP)Video QualityRecordingAudioSmart HomeBest Indoor Security Camera: TP-Link Tapo C120$402K, 20 fpsLocal microSD card (up to 512 GB) or cloudTwo-way audio, SirenAmazon Alexa, Google HomeBest Subscription Camera: Arlo Essential Indoor$802K, 24 fpsCloud-onlyTwo-way audio, SirenAmazon Alexa, Google Home, IFTTTSmartest Security Camera: Google Nest Cam$1002K, 30 fpsCloud-onlyTwo-way audioGoogle HomeBest Panning Camera: Aqara Camera Hub G350$1604K, 20 fpsLocal microSD card (up to 512 GB), NAS, or cloudTwo-way audioAmazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit Secure Video, Samsung SmartThings, Matter, ZigbeeBest MicroSD Cards
Courtesy of SamsungMany security cameras support local storage, enabling you to record videos on the camera or a linked hub. A few hubs have built-in storage, and some provide slots for hard drives, but most rely on microSD cards. Here are some details on what to look for, and a few recommendations. (Check out our buying guide to the Best MicroSD Cards for more.)
The microSD card you choose should have fast read and write speeds so that you can record high-quality video and play it back without delay. We recommend going for Class 10 microSD cards rated as U1 or U3. You can dive deeper into what that means in our SD card explainer. Before buying, check the card type, format, and maximum supported card size for your security camera. Consider how many hours of video each card capacity can store. For example, you might get a couple of days of HD video on a 32-GB card. If you want to record continuously, you likely want a higher-capacity card.
I recommend formatting the card as soon as you insert it into the camera. You will usually be prompted to do this, but if not, there is generally an option in the settings. Just remember, formatting will wipe anything on the microSD card, so back up the contents first.
Some security camera manufacturers offer their own branded microSD cards. They work just fine in my experience, but for maximum reliability, here are my favorites. Always remember to check the specs. Even different sizes of cards in the same range often have different capabilities.
Note: Memory card prices have gone crazy due to the AI chip shortage, so you may want to wait or shop around, as some of these cards are four times the usual price.
- Samsung PRO Endurance MicroSDXC (128 GB) for $77
- SanDisk High Endurance Video microSDXC Card (256 GB) for $60
- PNY Elite-X microSDXC Card (128 GB) for $25
Other Indoor Cameras to Consider
Photograph: Simon HillThere are a lot of security cameras out there. Here are others I tried that didn't earn a top spot.
Blink Mini 2K+ for $40: This teeny camera is very affordable (look out for frequent discounts), and this latest model supports 2K video with 4x hybrid zoom and color night vision, though the field of view has shrunk slightly to 138 degrees. Blink is Amazon’s budget camera range and operates separately from Ring. The camera works well, and motion detection is very reliable, but the catch is that you really need the subscription at $3 per month or $30 per year for a single camera, or $10 a month or $100 a year for unlimited cameras. You can technically record locally if you purchase a Sync Module 2 ($50) and insert a USB flash drive, but without a subscription, your live feed is limited to five minutes with no record option, videos are much slower to load, you don’t get person detection, and you can’t share clips..
The original Blink Mini ($30) is even cheaper, but footage is only 1080p, bright areas can appear blown out, and the two-way audio often lags and distorts. You can also get the Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Camera for $40, which is a regular Blink Mini camera with a pan-and-tilt mount, so you can pan through 360 degrees and tilt through 135 degrees.
Eufy Indoor Cam S350 for $140: This feature-packed camera from Eufy is likely overkill for most folks. It combines a regular camera with a 130-degree field of view that can go up to 4K with a 2K telephoto lens that provides 3X optical zoom. It also has 360-degree pan and 75-degree tilt controls, AI tracking that works well, and support for up to four preset positions it can patrol through, including the default it returns to after tracking a subject out of frame. There’s also privacy mode, two-way talk, and onboard AI to detect people, pets, and sounds.
You can record locally with a microSD card up to 128 GB (not included), hook it up to a HomeBase S380 ($150), or subscribe for cloud storage from $4 per month. The Home Base S380 (previously called HomeBase 3) is a hub that connects to your router, ideally via Ethernet cable, and offers 16 GB of internal storage that can be expanded up to 16 TB with a hard drive. The footage is crisp and detailed enough to zoom in on, though bright areas like sun streaming in a window can appear blown out. Because the frame rate is 15 fps, sometimes fast-moving subjects appear blurry. The motion detection is reliable, and you can set up privacy zones in the app. Notifications are swift and come with a thumbnail if you don’t mind uploading to the cloud (it is optional). I sometimes noticed a slight lag on the live feed, and the sound quality could be better. There is no HomeKit support, but you get Alexa and Google Assistant, though the camera was very slow and sometimes failed to load for me via Google.
Photograph: Simon HillTP-Link Tapo C225 (TC73) for $44: With a compelling range of features, including video at up to 2K and 30 frames per second, 360 degrees of pan and 149 degrees of tilt, and local storage on a microSD card (up to 512 GB), this camera was my favorite panning camera. The live feed is consistently quick to load, and image quality is excellent if you select the higher resolution and frame rate and toggle on HDR in the app. You can also set waypoints for the camera to patrol through on your chosen schedule, and the automatic subject tracking is top-notch. The onboard AI can categorize by motion, person, pet, or vehicle, and you can set an alert when a line is crossed. The two-way audio is relatively clear and lag-free, and there’s sound detection too (baby, pet, or glass breaking). There’s also a large image sensor for clearer image capture in low light. The privacy mode prompts the camera lens to rotate inside, so you know you aren’t being recorded.
On the downside, it's a little bulky, and a Tapo Care subscription is required for cloud storage, rich notifications with snapshots in them, and easy video filtering. Everything else is available without a subscription, making this an excellent local recording option, but it’s a real shame that the rich notifications are behind the paywall. This camera is usually cheaper on Amazon under the model name C225, but it also appears as TC73 sometimes.
Philips Hue Secure Wired Camera for $99: Folks with Philips Hue smart lights will find the company’s security camera intriguing. The Philips Hue Secure is a wired security camera with an optional weighted base. It feels solid and durable (it has an IP65 rating). Video maxes out at 1080p but is crisp and deals with mixed lighting and moving subjects well. It offers a wide 140-degree field of view. Night vision is decent, there’s two-way audio, and it’s quick to send alerts or load the live feed in the Hue app. You get 24 hours of video history in the cloud for free, but if you want more than that, you need to subscribe for $4 per month ($40/year) for a single camera, which gives you 30 days of cloud storage and unlocks smart detection features. The person and animal detection works well, helping to filter out false positives, and you can also set multiple activity and privacy zones. There’s vehicle and package detection, too, for outdoor use. There’s no local storage, but footage is end-to-end encrypted, so only you can access it. If you have a Hue bridge and lights, you can have the camera trigger them.
Photograph: Simon HillWyze Cam Pan V4 for $60: The V3 was our pick for the best panning camera, and the V4 offers several improvements, including an upgrade to 4K footage and a built-in spotlight. The smart design allows it to spin 360 degrees and tilt 180 degrees to take in a whole room. I like the option to set waypoints in the app to have it cycle through, the privacy mode, the automatic motion tracking, and the ability to record locally on a microSD card (up to 512 GB). On the downside, you must subscribe for features like AI detection and rich notifications, starting from $3 a month ($20 a year) for a single camera, though that only gets you 14 days of video storage. The frame rate also drops to 15 (from 20) at night, and I found moving subjects, combined with the camera panning, resulted in blurry footage. While we are testing Wyze cameras again after the firm beefed up its security policies, the past security breaches may still give you pause if you’re considering its cameras for inside your home.
I also tried the fixed Wyze Cam V4 ($36), which offers clear 2.5K video with WDR, better color night vision than previous versions with a spotlight, and local recording via microSD card (sold separately), but it has the same issues as the Pan version. It is very cheap, but too many features are paywalled to drive you to sign up for the subscription.
Aqara Camera G100 for $40: This affordable camera comes from Aqara’s rapidly expanding stable of smart home gadgetry, and offers an impressive set of specs for the money (2K video, 140-degree field of view, AI detection, IP65 rating, spotlight for color night vision, two-way audio, and microSD card slot for local storage). On paper, it’s very similar to our top pick, but I found connectivity a little flaky (it needs a strong Wi-Fi signal) and the AI detection frequently identified my cat as a person. It’s still a bit of a bargain and makes sense for folks who have already invested in Aqara gear. It also boasts wide smart home compatibility, including Apple HomeKit, which is a real rarity at this price.
TP-Link Tapo HybridCam 360 C216 for $36: With a cute design that can sit on a table or shelf or be mounted the other way up, this camera has an IP65 rating, so it can also work outdoors, though it needs to be plugged in via the 6.6-foot USB-C cable. The video is sharp at up to 2K and 30 fps, and the C216 allows 360-degree pan and 152-degree tilt. It can track subjects and patrol the room, and there’s local video storage via microSD card. People detection is good, and it can recognize a baby crying (my cat can also trigger this). An excellent pan/tilt camera at a very competitive price, the only thing keeping this from a recommendation above is TP-Link’s slightly superior C225, but if your budget is limited and the C225 isn’t on sale, this is a great second choice.
Lorex 2K Dual-Lens Indoor Pan-Tilt Camera
Photograph: Simon HillLorex 2K Dual-Lens Indoor Pan-Tilt Camera for $110: There’s a lot to like about this dual-lens camera, with one fixed-view camera and a pan-and-tilt lens on top to track subjects and cover a 360-degree area. It offers crisp 2K video with HDR, smart motion detection for people and pets, and local storage on a microSD card up to 256 GB (32 GB included). There’s also two-way audio with a call button on the camera, capable of calling the app on your phone. The tracking was sometimes a bit unreliable, and tapping on notifications did not always load the clip, but it mostly worked well. Lorex was owned by Dahua (banned by the US government) until a Taiwanese firm, Skywatch, reportedly bought it in 2023.
Eufy Indoor Cam E220 for $55: This is a solid alternative to TP-Link’s Tapo Pan Camera above. Eufy’s E220 also offers up to 2K footage with a 125-degree field of view, but pans to cover 360 degrees horizontally and tilts through 95 degrees vertically. It has person and pet detection, can automatically track movement, offers local or cloud storage, and supports Google Home and Amazon Alexa. The weakness is the limited frame rate (15 fps), which can result in choppy footage.
Ezviz C6 for $100: A cute design, crisp and clear video, and onboard AI and storage make this a compelling prospect. I like that the 2FA allows fingerprint unlock, it has a privacy mode, and it gives you the option to have gestures trigger a call. But the C6 struggled in mixed lighting, repeatedly identified my cat as a human intruder, and needs to be positioned low for the best view. I also tested the Ezviz C6N ($60), which had problems with subjects appearing blurry, and the Ezviz CP1 Pro (£30) and Ezviz SD7 (£130), which are available only in the UK. The SD7 is a 7-inch portable screen with a battery inside that offers a dedicated view of your Ezviz cameras (up to 30), allowing you to play back video and control them where applicable, but that’s all it does, so I am slightly puzzled about why you would buy it over a smart display that can also do other stuff.
Photograph: Simon HillEzviz C1C for $27 and C6CN for $60: Ezviz's panning cameras are as affordable as Wyze's. The app has a really nice grid view, so you can easily watch a live feed of all your cameras, but there's a small delay when detecting motion—I set up the C6CN panning camera in my living room, and it didn't start recording until I made it from the door to the other side of the room. It always detected motion accurately, but the delay might be an issue if you're dealing with an intruder.
Psync Camera Genie S for $40: Easily the most interesting security camera I have tested, the unusual Psync Camera Genie S has a funky, blocky design that folds open to reveal a 2K camera and four LED lights. It records in a vertical format like TikTok, can pan 350 degrees and tilt 135 degrees, and has smart motion tracking. It supports two-way audio and has 32 or 64 GB of storage inside. In keeping with the AI trend, it is GPT-enabled, so if you spring for a ViewSay subscription ($1/month during Beta, then $7/month), it uploads frames of each video to a secure server and uses a visual language model to describe them for your notifications. This can have unintentionally hilarious results. Instead of getting a generic alert, it might say, “A man is opening a door, and a cat is behind him,” or, “A person is standing in a dark room, holding a baby, and looking at the camera.” Those are both real notifications I got, though the latter was actually my daughter holding a cat toy. ViewSay can also label objects in the room, but for most folks, it seems like a pointless gimmick, and it definitely needs to work on the accuracy to make it useful. The feed is quick to load, but I found the footage a bit blurry in low light (the maximum frame rate is 20), and the vertical orientation limits your field of view.
Wiz Indoor Security Camera for $27: As a 1080p camera with a relatively narrow 120-degree field of view, the debut Wiz security camera is a hard sell. Parent company Signify owns Philips Hue, but Wiz is cheaper, and if you own any of its smart lights, you can use the camera to trigger them. It also works with the company’s SpaceSense technology to use Wi-Fi and your Wiz lights to detect motion. It supports two-way audio, sound detection, and night vision. You can insert a microSD card for local recording, but you need a subscription ($4/month) for activity zones, cloud storage, and manual recording. There is a privacy mode, but it lacks a shutter. It’s a reliable camera, but only worth considering for folks with Wiz lights. It comes with a USB cable, but no power adapter.
TP-Link Tapo C210 for $24: If you want the ability to pan around the room, TP-Link’s Tapo C210 is another affordable indoor security camera with versatility. Like its sibling, our budget pick above, this camera supports up to 2K video, two-way audio, and local recordings via microSD cards up to 256 GB. But it has the same disappointing frame rate (15 frames per second), which can result in jerky video clips—more of a problem with a panning camera. There’s also some lag on the two-way audio, and the camera does not return to its starting position after tracking a subject, which can leave it facing the wrong way.
Eve Cam for $165: This is a solid HomeKit security camera for Apple households. The video quality is reasonably good, the night vision works well, motion alerts are reliable, and it can generally distinguish pets from people. The magnetic base is quite handy, and it is easy to automate this camera through Apple’s Home app so that it turns on when you leave the house or triggers lights when it senses motion. But it is relatively expensive, and it only works with Apple devices. An iCloud storage plan (starting from $1 per month for one camera) and a HomePod or Apple TV to act as a HomeKit hub are essential.
Don't Buy These
Photograph: Simon HillI didn't like every camera I tested. These are the ones to avoid.
Ring Indoor Cam: Ring is reintroducing a policy to enable local law enforcement to request footage directly from Ring users, making its camera tough to recommend. We stopped recommending Ring a few years ago due to this policy (among other reasons), but began testing and recommending Ring hardware after it changed its tune. If you're already in the ecosystem, you may still fancy the Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen). It records crisp 1080p footage at 24 frames per second, has optional color night vision, and has a privacy shutter you can swivel around. You get motion alerts, pre-roll captures a few seconds before each event, two-way audio is decent, and the Ring Indoor Cam has a built-in siren. But the feature-packed app can be slow to load the live feed, and the best features, like person alerts and rich notifications, require a Ring Protect Plan ($5 per month for one camera or $10 per month for all your cameras and doorbells). Ring recently introduced a new version of this camera that ups the resolution to 2K and brings a few other improvements, but we haven’t tested it yet.
Ulticam Dot: Cute-looking, with a handy magnetic design and crisp 2K video, the Ulticam Dot looks the part, but I was turned off during setup when it erroneously pointed me at the U-home app (you actually need the Xthings Home app because they’re in the middle of a rebrand). It also demanded my email address and my phone number, and then failed to send me a setup code multiple times. It’s expensive (my top pick offers more for less), requires four AA batteries, and I’m suspicious of companies offering “free cloud storage”. I’m willing to bet a subscription will roll out any day now and paywall the onboard AI features.
Chamberlain myQ Smart Indoor Security Camera: While we love the MyQ Garage Opener, the firm’s foray into security cameras was not as successful. We had issues getting the camera up and running, the MyQ app was slow and buggy, and a subscription starting from $8 per month is required if you want to record video (there’s no local option). The 1080p resolution is OK, but the night vision is weak, and there are several better options above.
Nooie 360 Cam 2: We liked the original Nooie 360 Cam. This version sports a similar design, allowing for almost 360-degree rotation and 94-degree tilt, and bumps the video resolution up to 2K. It takes microSD cards (up to 128 GB), and cloud plans start from $3 per month for 14-day event recording. Unfortunately, alerts are not reliable (sometimes they didn’t come through to my phone). The Nooie app is buggy, and it often takes a frustratingly long time to load the video feed. Any motion triggers a recording (there’s no person or pet detection), and you can set the camera to track a subject or pan and tilt manually, but annoyingly, it doesn’t return to a default position. There is 2FA, but it’s optional.
SwitchBot Indoor Camera and Pan/Tilt Cam: These cameras are affordable and offer clear video, but both struggled with exposure in mixed lighting. The app is a little flaky and crashed on me when I tried to play back video from an inserted microSD card, and there’s no 2FA. If you enable motion tracking, the pan cam also has the unfortunate habit of staying in the last position it tracked movement.
Why Would You Want an Indoor Security Camera?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronAn indoor security camera potentially provides peace of mind. You may want to ensure that no one enters your home when you’re not there, and collect video evidence of wrongdoing. They can be a deterrent for intruders if they are visible.
Many folks use indoor security cameras to check on children, pets, or elderly relatives from anywhere on their smartphone, and they can serve as baby monitors. Most indoor security cameras enable two-way communication with people in the home.
Some folks use cameras as smart home triggers to automate lighting, but this is usually a secondary consideration.
How to Secure Your Indoor Security Camera
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronSecurity cameras are great tools, but you also need to protect your security from these cameras. You don't want to find out that a stranger has been watching you sit in your bathrobe bingeing trash TV for the third day in a row, or worse. If you follow these tips, you can be a vigilant and conscious consumer and still feel like your home is protected while you're away.
Avoid no-name cameras: If you type "security camera" into Amazon’s search bar, you’ll come up with hundreds of cheap options from brands you’ve never heard of. I don’t feel comfortable recommending them. You should always go with brands that clearly outline their privacy policies and make it easy to set up security protocols. That doesn't mean they can't be hacked—Wyze, Nest, Eufy, and Ring have all had breaches—but you probably won't be hung out to dry by a brand intent on protecting its reputation. Somewhat counterintuitively, it may be better to pick a brand that has had issues, because the increased scrutiny typically encourages them to improve their security practices. (This also depends on how they have responded to previous security breaches.)
Use a strong password and set up two-factor authentication: Setting a strong password you don't use for anything else is extremely important. Always change your password from the default, and also change the password for your Wi-Fi network, if you haven't already. Set up two-factor authentication (2FA) as soon as you create an account with the camera brand you've bought. It will make it harder for a hacker to gain access to your device, even if they do figure out your password.
Keep it updated: Make sure you're frequently checking for software updates (for your camera and router) that can patch any security issues that may have come up. Set your camera to auto-update if possible.
Turn it off: When you're home, or at least when you're doing something personal you wouldn't want someone to see, turn the camera off. Some cameras have a physical shutter that you can close or a sleep mode that obscures the lens. You could also turn the camera around for good measure.
What Features to Look for in an Indoor Security Cameras?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronHere are some of the main things to think about when you shop for an indoor security camera.
Video quality: Going for the highest-resolution video isn't always the best idea. While 4K video definitely picks up more detail, it also requires more bandwidth to stream and more storage space to record than 1080p or 2K resolution. Folks with limited Wi-Fi bandwidth must be cautious. A wide field of view is good, so the camera takes in more, but can cause a curved fish-eye effect at the corners, which some cameras are better than others at correcting. If your camera is facing a mixed lighting location with some shadow and direct sunlight (or a streetlight), look for HDR (high dynamic range) or WDR (wide dynamic range) support, as it can prevent bright areas from blowing out or loss of detail in the shadows. Frame rate is also worth thinking about, as a low frame rate can cause artifacts and blurring with moving subjects, especially in low light. Drop below 20 frames per second (fps) and you can expect blurring and jerkiness.
Connectivity: Most security camera systems connect to your Wi-Fi router on the 2.4-GHz band. Depending on where you install, you may appreciate support for the faster 5-GHz band, but it is shorter range. Some systems come with a hub that can act as a Wi-Fi range extender. Bear in mind that you should never install a security camera in a location without a strong Wi-Fi signal.
Subscription model: Most security camera manufacturers offer a subscription service that provides cloud storage for video recording. It isn’t always as optional as it seems. Some manufacturers bundle in smart features such as person detection or activity zones, making a subscription essential to get the best from its cameras. Always factor in the subscription cost, and make sure you are clear on what is included before you buy.
Local or cloud storage: If you don't want a cloud subscription service, make sure your chosen camera offers local storage. Some security cameras have microSD card slots, while others record video to a hub device inside your home. You can also configure some cameras to work with network-attached storage (NAS) or a network video recorder (NVR). A few manufacturers offer limited cloud storage for free, but you can usually expect to pay somewhere around $3 to $10 per month for 30 days of storage for a single camera. For multiple cameras, a longer recording period, or continuous recording, you are looking at paying between $10 and $20 per month. There are usually discounts if you pay annually.
Placement is important: A visible security camera can be a powerful deterrent. You don't want to hide your cameras away. Also, make sure the view isn't peering into a neighbor's window or pointing into your bathroom. Most cameras offer customizable zones to filter out recording or motion detection for areas of the camera's frame.
False positives: Unless you want your phone to ping every time your cat wanders into the frame, consider a security camera that can detect people and filter alerts. Good cameras also enable you to set privacy or activity zones.
Night vision and spotlights: Security cameras generally have infrared night vision, but low-light performance varies wildly. You always lose some detail when light levels are low. Most night vision modes produce monochrome footage. Some manufacturers offer color night vision, though it is often colorized by software and can look odd. We prefer spotlights, as they allow the camera to capture better-quality footage, and the light acts as a further deterrent to any intruder. But they aren’t suitable for every situation.
Camera theft: Concerned about camera theft? Choose a camera that doesn’t have onboard storage. Some manufacturers have replacement policies for camera theft, especially if you have a subscription, but they usually require you to file a police report and have exclusions. Check the policy thoroughly before you buy.
Power: I only recommend plug-in security cameras here, so they will need a power outlet nearby. If you want a battery-powered device that you can place anywhere, you'll find several in our best outdoor security cameras guide.
Alternatives to Indoor Security Cameras
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronDo you really need an indoor security camera? Most folks can guard against intruders and keep tabs on people coming and going with outdoor security cameras and a video doorbell, and presence sensors can be used to unobtrusively check no one is in your home when you’re not there (I’m currently working on a new guide to privacy-focused security devices). There are some good alternatives that don’t involve the risk of a live video and audio feed of you and your family in your private haven.
Can You Use a Phone as a Security Camera?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronYou don't need to spend money on a new security camera—an old smartphone will do as long as it can still connect to Wi-Fi. Just download a camera app (we like Alfred) to both your old phone and your new phone, then sign in with the same email address. Find a spot to mount your device and keep it charged, and you'll be able to view the camera feed through your current phone.
The field of view won't be as wide, the battery won't last as long, and the mount will probably be a lot less secure. Still, if you're going on a weekend vacation, it's a quick and easy way to set up something essentially for free. Alfred is available for iOS and Android. It offers motion detection and can set off an alarm when it sees someone.
How I Test Security Cameras
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronI test every security camera for at least two weeks, but often far longer. I run through the installation process and note any issues. I check that alerts come through correctly to my phone when I am home, connected to Wi-Fi, or away connected to a cellular network. I usually place two or more cameras in the same spot to compare picture quality, motion detection, and other features. I consider the image resolution, frame rate, and audio quality of videos and the live feed. I also check for lag with the live feed. I test the performance during the day, see how it copes with the sun facing the lens, and how it performs in the dark at night (testing both spotlight and night vision). I check how long the live feed and recorded videos take to load at different times of the day.
I play around with the settings in the app to try every mode and feature. I test any smart detection features to see if they can correctly identify people. I test the two-way audio for a short conversation and try the siren where applicable. I also test local storage and cloud storage options for recording videos. If there are any smart home integrations, I set them up and check how quickly the feed loads on a smart display. I always ensure the cameras we recommend support 2FA and test any additional security or privacy features.
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Simon Hill is a senior writer for WIRED and has been testing and writing about technology for around 20 years. You can find his previous work at Business Insider, Reviewed, TechRadar, Android Authority, USA Today, Digital Trends, and many other places. He loves all things tech, but especially smartphones and ... Read MoreSenior writer and reviewerTopicsShoppingsmart homesecurity cameraNestbuying guidessecurityprivacyhouseholdThese Are Our Favorite Standing Desks to Liven Up Your WorkstationTake your home office to new heights with our favorite motorized standing desks.Nicole KinningStay Charged Around the World With the Best Travel AdaptersWhen going abroad, the right plugs are essential to keep your gadgets charged. These are my favorite travel adapters and chargers.Simon HillTake Your Tunes Anywhere With the Best Bluetooth Speakers for Inside and OutThese are our favorite portable speakers of all shapes and sizes, from clip-ons to a massive boom box.Parker HallThe Best Portable Power StationsWhether you’re going off-grid or safeguarding against blackouts, these beefy, WIRED-tested batteries can keep the lights on.Simon HillThe Best MagSafe Accessories for Your iPhone or Qi2 PhoneMagSafe accessories make your phone feel uniquely yours. These are our favorites, including Android-friendly Qi2 picks.Julian ChokkattuThe Best iPhone 17 Cases and Accessories—We’ve Tested More Than 100Protect your expensive iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone Pro, or iPhone 17e with our favorite cases and screen protectors.Julian ChokkattuThe Best Wi-Fi Routers to Reach Every Corner of Your HomeDon’t suffer the buffer. These WIRED-tested home routers will deliver reliable internet across your home, whatever your needs or budget.Simon HillWhat Should Be in Your Emergency Kit Before Disaster Strikes?We consulted preparedness experts and WIRED’s team of testers for the essential gear to keep on hand in case of wildfires, earthquakes, and lord knows what else.Matthew KorfhageThe Best MagSafe Grips for Getting a Handle on ThingsKeep your phone firmly in hand and add some personality with these comfortable, durable, and nifty smartphone grips.Louryn Strampe17 Adventurous Gifts for Hikers, Backpackers, and Outdoorsy PeopleLet them pick out their own hiking boots. Instead, try gifting a useful blade or a nature journal to delight your outdoorsy friend.Scott GilbertsonThe New Wave of Fans Is Surprisingly High-TechSwap out your creaky old box fan for a new model that lights up, mists, or even follows you around the room.Kat MerckThe Best Gifts for Bird LoversWhether they’re into feeders, field guides, or games, these tried-and-tested picks are sure to land perfectly.Kat Merck
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