It may help automatically drive away any unwanted guests. If you have an accessible power outlet (perhaps in your garage or an inconspicuous location on your home's exterior), the TP-Link Tapo C310 is worth checking out. The only significant drawback to the camera I see is that it uses a wired power source, so you'll have to run a cord to plug it in. If you want cloud storage, Tapo Care plans start around $.50 per month per camera and include 30 days of event recording. The outdoor camera also features 2K resolution, night vision up to 98 feet away, Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility, and local storage via a microSD card slot (card not included). You can position the camera to watch specific zones, like a driveway, at scheduled times and blare its siren and spotlight when anyone crosses the detection line. A good video doorbell can deter a porch pirate, but keeping opportunists off your driveway and out of your cars can present a different challenge.Ī camera equipped with an automatic siren and spotlight, like the TP-Link Tapo C310 outdoor camera, can be one of your most effective tools for keeping trespassers at bay. Thieves checking for unlocked car doors can be as much of an outdoor home security concern as porch pirates stealing packages off your doorstep.

Read our review of a previous Arlo Pro cam model. If you prefer local storage, you’ll have to add an Arlo SmartHub or Base Station, which can run well over $100. The Arlo Secure subscription not only unlocks 2K resolution streaming but also enables cloud recording for saving clips, so we highly recommend budgeting for a subscription if you pick this camera. While the camera gets added benefits like optimized battery life from being connected to an Arlo Security System or base station, it’s still easy to use it solo. With UV resistance, weather resistance and an operating temperature range down to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s ready for homes in nearly any climate. The two-way audio is also a nice touch if you prefer to have cam-based conversations or call out strangers. The integrated spotlight turns on in low-light conditions (although you can control this via the app) while auto-tracking and the 12x zoom function help focus coverage on the most important details. The camera also has particularly useful extras for an all-purpose outdoor security camera. It’s wireless for flexible installation options, and the battery is better than ever (rated up to eight months) with new low-power modes to help decrease those tiresome recharging sessions. The 2K video resolution yields extra detail (although a subscription is required for maximum resolution), a 160-degree field of view is great on a cam this size and color night vision works very well to enhance images in dark conditions. If cost is no problem and you’re looking for the latest security camera features, the Arlo Pro 5S 2K is a top-line DIY model with a solid set of features. You'll also find tips on what makes an outdoor cam worthwhile, how we test and how to place them around your home ( or where not to put security cams). Whether you're looking for a broad floodlight or would prefer to save a lot of money on a budget cam compared to our undeniably expensive top pick, check out the alternatives below. With more than five years of putting cameras from Ring, Blink, Eufy and TP-Link through their paces, we're also going to recommend several other models. This wireless camera is packed full of more features than we've ever seen before, from a spotlight and snappy motion detection to two-way audio and a high resolution. After more than 200 hours testing features like these, our experts have settled on the Arlo Pro 5S 2K as the best outdoor camera for buyers who want everything. They deter troublemakers, identify packages, shine lights on activity and detect key kinds of motion to let you know what's going on. Outdoor home cameras tackle several different security problems at once.

Night owl surveillance cameras