Best 24/7 Recording Security Camera System for Your Home
KEY TAKEAWAYS
With the rising cost of goods and the economic impact of the recent pandemic, many states experienced an increase in criminal activity these past years. In fact, homeowners now face a higher risk of property crimes than ever. If you want to protect yourself and your household, you’ll do well to invest in high-quality security cameras that record 24/7.
Can a single camera prevent crimes? No. However, outdoor and indoor monitored alarm systems have improved significantly over the past decades. The most widely known world-class smart cameras feature person detection, motion-triggered recordings, and smart home integration. We’ve come a long way from grainy, low-quality video recordings.
Best 24/7 Recording Security Camera System
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Amazon's Choice
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Most Affordable
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Works with Alexa
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Highly Rated
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Best Seller
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Solar Paneled
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3.5
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3.5
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3.5
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3.5
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3.5
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3.5
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$499.99
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$28.05
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$249.99
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$78.99
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$319.99
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$129.00
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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4K Ultra HD
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1080p HD
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2K
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3MP HD
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5MP
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Not specified
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Yes
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Color
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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|
|
Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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2TB HDD
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Cloud
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Cloud
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microSD Card
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2TB Pre-installed HDD
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Not specified
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With dozens of different smart cameras, indoor cameras, outdoor cameras, and battery-powered cameras on the market, first-time shoppers might feel intimidated.
Fortunately, we’re here to help. Our comprehensive comparison review will give you first-hand insights into the best smart home security camera systems on the market.
1. Amazon’s Choice: REOLINK RLK8-800B4 4K Security Camera System
REOLINK RLK8-800B4 4K Security Camera System
If you’re up for an easy buyer’s choice, the REOLINK RLK8-800B4 4K Security Camera System offers top-notch 8MP resolution, easy PoE setup, advanced detection, and remote access for comprehensive home security.
Key Features
- 4K Ultra HD Resolution: High-quality, detailed 8MP camera images.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE): Easy single-cable installation for power and data.
- Person and Vehicle Detection: Reduces false alarms with advanced technology.
- 8-Channel NVR: Includes an 8-channel Network Video Recorder for extensive coverage.
- 2TB HDD: Ample built-in storage for constant recording.
- H.265 Compression: Saves storage and bandwidth efficiently.
- Remote Access: Manage and monitor remotely via the Reolink app.
- The 4K resolution ensures clear and detailed footage.
- PoE technology makes setup simpler and more straightforward.
- 2TB HDD provides significant storage for continuous recording.
- Reduces false alarms by accurately identifying people and vehicles.
- Conveniently monitor your property from anywhere using the Reolink app
- This may not integrate seamlessly with other smart home systems.
- Higher upfront cost due to the advanced features and 4K resolution.
- Some users might find the setup and configuration challenging.
2. Most Affordable: Wyze Cam V3
Wyze Cam V3 Security Camera
Meet the Wyze Cam V3: An affordable, high-definition security solution with enhanced night vision, two-way audio, and flexible storage options for smart home safety.
Key Features
- High-Definition Clarity: Captures crisp 1080p resolution video for detailed footage.
- Enhanced Night Vision: Features color night vision for clear, vivid images in low-light conditions.
- Two-Way Audio: Enables communication through the camera with built-in microphone and speaker.
- Instant Alerts: Sends real-time notifications for detected motion or sound.
- Flexible Storage Options: Offers cloud storage solutions for easy access and management of footage.
- Cost-Effective: Exceptionally budget-friendly for its 1080p high-definition capabilities.
- Enhanced Field of View: Offers a broader viewing angle than its predecessor, the Wyze Cam V2.
- User-Friendly Setup: Simplified installation process, making it accessible for non-tech-savvy users.
- Multiple Units Required: To achieve comprehensive coverage, additional cameras are necessary.
- Limited Free Cloud Storage: The complimentary cloud service restricts video clips to 12-second durations.
- Customer Support Challenges: Some users have reported difficulties with receiving effective customer service.
- Superior Resolution: Delivers sharp 2K video quality for detailed imaging.
3. Works with Alexa: Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera
Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera
Experience the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera, which is Alexa-compatible, features superior 2K resolution, advanced night vision, and robust weather resistance for reliable outdoor security.
Features
- Advanced Night Vision: Equipped with enhanced night vision capabilities for clear low-light recordings.
- Two-Way Audio Communication: Features built-in microphone and speaker for audio interaction.
- Real-Time Alerts: Sends immediate notifications upon detecting motion or sound.
- Cloud-Based Storage: Provides secure cloud storage options for video footage.
- High-Quality Visuals: Offers crystal-clear video and audio performance.
- Expansive Viewing Angle: Wide field of view for comprehensive area coverage.
- Weather-Resistant Design: Built to withstand challenging weather conditions.
- Subscription Dependency: Full cloud storage access requires a subscription.
- Additional Costs for Multiple Cameras: Extra subscription fees for using several cameras.
- Limited Technical Support: Some users report subpar technical support experiences.
4. Highly Rated: REOLINK Home Security Camera
REOLINK Home Security Camera System, 3MP HD
Featuring pan-tilt functionality, night vision, two-way audio, and smart detection for versatile home monitoring, REOLINK 3MP HD Indoor WiFi Camera is highly rated among its competitors.
Key Features
- 3MP HD Resolution: Provides clear and detailed video quality.
- WiFi Connectivity: Easy wireless setup for convenient placement.
- Pan and Tilt Functionality: Offers wide area coverage with adjustable viewing angles.
- Night Vision: Ensures visibility in low-light conditions.
- Two-Way Audio: Allows for communication through the camera.
- Smart Human/Pet Detection: Intelligent detection to differentiate between humans and pets.
- Local microSD Card Storage: Offers onboard storage for video footage.
- High-Resolution Video: Ensures detailed and clear footage.
- Flexible Viewing: Pan and tilt features allow for comprehensive room coverage.
- Convenient Communication: Two-way audio enables interaction with people or pets at home.
- Smart Detection Features: Reduces false alarms by distinguishing between human and pet movements.
- Easy Installation: WiFi connectivity allows for simple setup without complex wiring.
- Limited to Indoor Use: Primarily designed for indoor monitoring.
- Dependent on WiFi: Performance is reliant on the strength and stability of the WiFi connection.
- Storage Limitations: This may require frequent management or expansion of microSD card storage.
5. Best Seller: REOLINK Smart 5MP 8CH Home Security Camera System
REOLINK Smart 5MP 8CH Home Security Camera System
Another best-selling home security tool is the REOLINK Smart 5MP 8CH System. Its exceptional clarity, PoE ease, smart detection, and extensive coverage for advanced and reliable home security make it an easy choice in our top six.
Key Features
- 5MP High-Resolution Cameras: Clear and detailed video quality.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE): Easy installation with a single cable for power and data.
- Person and Vehicle Detection: Advanced detection for accurate alerts.
- 4K 8-Channel NVR: High-capacity Network Video Recorder for extensive coverage.
- 2TB Pre-installed HDD: Ample storage for continuous 24/7 recording.
- Outdoor-Ready: Cameras designed for outdoor conditions.
- High-Quality Video: Detailed and clear footage with 5MP resolution.
- Easy Installation: PoE technology for straightforward setup.
- Ample Storage: 2TB HDD for significant recording space.
- Smart Detection: Accurate identification of people and vehicles.
- Robust Design: Weather-resistant features suitable for outdoor use.
- Requires Wired Setup: May need professional assistance for installation.
- Limited Indoor Flexibility: Primarily for outdoor monitoring.
- Dependent on NVR: System functionality tied to the NVR unit.
6. Solar Paneled: 4G LTE Cellular Security Camera
4G LTE Cellular Security Camera with Solar Panel
An eco-friendly security option is the Solar Paneled 4G LTE Cellular Camera. It offers an array of features, including wireless operation, extensive coverage, and enhanced night vision for off-grid monitoring solutions.
Key Features
- 4G LTE Connectivity: Wireless connectivity without needing WiFi.
- 20W Solar Panel: Powers the camera for continuous operation.
- 20000mAh Battery: Large capacity for extended use.
- 360° Pan and Tilt: Wide area coverage with adjustable angles.
- Spotlight Color Night Vision: Clear low-light visibility.
- Two-Way Audio: Built-in microphone and speaker for communication.
- PIR Motion Detection: Advanced motion sensing technology.
- IP66 Weatherproof: Durable for various outdoor conditions.
- Wireless Operation: Allows placement in areas without WiFi.
- Eco-Friendly Power: Solar panel reduces the need for manual charging.
- Extensive Coverage: 360° pan and tilt for comprehensive monitoring.
- Enhanced Night Vision: Color night vision for clear images in the dark.
- Reliable Battery Life: Large battery capacity for prolonged use.
- Durable Design: Suitable for outdoor use with IP66 weatherproofing.
- Dependence on Cellular Signal: Performance reliant on 4G LTE network coverage.
- Solar Panel Limitations: Efficiency may vary based on weather and location.
- Potential Additional Costs: May incur charges for cellular data usage.
Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best 24-Hour Recording Camera
Don’t skimp on your indoor and outdoor security cameras. These devices will play an integral role in deterring home invasions, break-ins, medical emergencies, and theft, so you’ll need a system that you can rely on. As such, avoid unreliable, cheap security camera systems. Instead, limit yourself to options that meet the following criteria:
High-Quality Resolution
Video resolution stands among the most crucial features of any outdoor or indoor security camera. Invest in options that feature the best video recording capabilities.
Night Vision Capabilities
Statistics show that the occurrence of violent crimes peaks from 3 P.M. to 9 P.M., so having infrared night vision-enabled security cameras is a must.
Crisp Audio Feedback
Having a continuous recording security camera is great, but does it capture background noise and conversations? Audio adds value to surveillance footage. You can use them to strengthen your argument in cases wherein the captured video recording doesn’t have adequate context or information.
Real-Time Notification System
Invest in a smart camera that sends live feedback to your smartphone. That way, you can monitor your outdoor and indoor camera footage 24/7, regardless of your location.
Storage
Although a continuous video recording security camera provides 24/7 surveillance, it also takes up massive storage space. Most systems can only accommodate a few weeks’ worths of continuous recordings, so you’ll need to transfer your video footage to a local storage system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t worry if you find yourself on the fence about your surveillance security system options. Get a better grasp of what you need by going through some questions shoppers commonly ask when looking for outdoor and indoor cameras.
1. How do you know if a security camera is recording?
Modern home security camera systems with motion detection and night vision typically pan sideways while recording. Some also emit a minute buzzing sound.
2. Do home security cameras delete footage?
Indoor and outdoor security cameras have limited video storage. They delete files two to nine weeks old to make way for new video footage. Transfer your files to a local storage system or third-party cloud storage database if you need to keep them for more than just a few weeks.
3. How long do security cameras record for?
Most surveillance cameras accommodate two to four weeks’ worth of continuous video recording before overwriting old footage. However, more high-end smart cameras can record continuously for up to three months.
Conclusion
When looking for a home security camera, choose an option that suits the structure and architecture of your property. Remember: no two households share the exact security needs. You might just end up wasting your money if you blindly invest in the same high-quality indoor and outdoor security cameras that your fellow homeowners use.
Also, carefully strategize the correct positioning of your surveillance camera system. Ideally, you’ll need indoor and outdoor cameras in your front porch, backyard, first-floor windows, driveway, and garage, among other entry and exit points.
Are you on the fence about which security cameras to install in your outdoor living space? Check out our comprehensive review of the best outdoor security camera systems featuring high-quality recording capabilities at Security Forward today.