Designed as much for security as for peace-of-mind, today’s outdoor security cameras are well-equipped and highly powered to meet the needs of your family. Whether you’re searching for a full system with 4 to 16 cameras, or simply want a single camera pointed at a front door (no more stolen packages!), there’s an economical and easy-to-use system to meet your needs.
So, what should you look out for? To start, resolution: most cameras promise 720p or 1080p HD resolution, but there are a few alternatives out there, too. Almost all cameras offer wireless connections, but what does differ is what those wireless connections do: Do you need to connect to your camera via a smartphone app? Do you want to set up push-notifications on your phone? Etc. etc.
Also be on the lookout for high-intensity night vision, which cuts through the darkest night to deliver clear video up to 100 feet. And finally, be aware of viewing angle; depending on the space to monitor, you may require a wide-angle or even fisheye security camera lens, to eliminate blind spots.
And now, the best outdoor security cameras available today:
This outdoor surveillance camera from 4sdot is equipped with an IP66 waterproof housing, to withstand even the toughest weather conditions – know what’s happening at home, no matter where you are. It produces 720p high-quality picture and excellent night vision: 6 infrared LEDs extend your pitch-black line of sight up to 65 feet. We love the motion-detection & alert tech, which sends real-time notifications to your phone, email or FTP server.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 1280 x 720 pixels
- IP66 waterproof, to withstand extreme outdoor conditions
- 12-month warranty
Nest is a big name in security cameras; high-quality, well-designed and richly featured, Nest cameras often represent best-in-class technology. This version is right up there, with a weatherproof casing, sleek design, 1080p HD video, 8x digital zoom, and massive 130º wide-angle view. And then there’s Nest Aware, which sends you an alert if the camera senses outdoor activity – and then, via the two-way talk feature, allows you to speak with them.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 1280 x 960 pixels
- Viewing Angle: 70-90 degrees
- 1-year warranty & lifetime technical support
If you’re looking for a full, multi-camera outdoor security system, ZOSI Multi-Channel is an excellent option. Offering 8-channel video input and 4-channel audio input, this system is equipped to handle up to 8 cameras (you can start small and expand when ready) and offers standard features, like motion-detection and other programmable trigger events, real-time alerts, and app access for instant live-access to image viewing and playback.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 720P (1280 TVL)
- 8-channel system allows you to start with just 4 cameras; HDD memory available
- 2-year warranty and lifetime tech support
Never miss a moment (especially a crucial one), thanks to this outdoor security camera from Foscam. Not only does it offer 720p HD video, 6 high-intensity IR LEDs for clear night vision up to 65 feet, and a wide 75º viewing angle, but this security camera is also fully-featured in the notification arena: you can set motion alerts, receive real-time push notifications to your phone, and even enable two-way outdoor audio. Stay on top of your home’s security.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 1280 x 720 pixels
- Includes external mic/speaker audio jacks for optional two-way audio
- 2-year warranty with U.S.-based support
Looking for something a little different? Something that would-be intruders will never notice? Then give this TecBillion light bulb security camera a try. It looks just like a standard light bulb but instead of just illuminating the outdoors, it sheds light on your real-time security: a 360º fisheye lens has no blind spots and motion-detector to sense activity, so you’ll know immediately via a real-time alert. It also offers two-way talk, to communicate with family and friends at the door.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 960p
- Wide 360-degree viewing angle – no blind spots!
- 30-Day Money Back and Free Lifetime Technical Support
Another robust, multi-camera indoor/outdoor security system, this 8-channel option from FREDI delivers a crisp, clear and smooth image, thanks to 720p high-quality image recording. It has motion-detection and trigger alerts, as well as remote access (via smartphone or tablet), so you can access and control your system from afar. This system also sports powerful night vision, with 24 IR LEDs per camera, to record up to 98 feet away in total darkness.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 1080p lite digital video recorder with 720p indoor/outdoor cameras
- Email alerts if motion is detected
- 1-year warranty
This Ztcolife HD mini camera offers big features in a tiny package. It’s small enough that would-be intruders won’t notice it, but large enough to pack in the tech to produce 1080p HD video and 30 fps frame rate, so your recordings and pictures are always crystal-clear – even at night, thanks to infrared night vision. Furthermore, you can choose between motion-activated and continuous-play modes, customizing your camera settings to your intended use.
Key Features:
- Resolution: your choice of 1280 x 720 or 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Camera turns on only when motion is detected
- Long-life warranty
This INKERSCOOP home surveillance camera is built for the outdoors, with an IP66 super waterproof grade durable outdoor weatherproof casing; it’ll keep on recording, come rain or shine, snow or sand storm. Infrared LED night vision cuts through up to 65 feet of pitch black, 720p HD video records high-quality image, and the motion-detector can be set to send instant alerts when activity is recorded.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 1280 x 720 pixels
- iSmartViewPro app supports online viewing for 4-5 people at a time
- 45-day free return & exchange service + free technical assistance
The SANNCE 8-Channel video surveillance system delivers 720p high-definition, continuous-movement picture – day or night, thanks to the high-powered infrared LEDs for clear images, even in the dead of night. Remote access is afforded via P2P technology – no port mapping or configuration, just log into your account via computer, smartphone or tablet, and you can look in on your home, anytime and from anywhere.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 720p
- IP66 weatherproof housings are durable enough to withstand extreme weather conditions
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee + 1-year warranty
This Floureon outdoor security bullet camera protects your property with 720p high-resolution image, a broad 70º viewing angle, and real-time smart motion alerts with advanced recording configurations. Built-in infrared night vision keeps your image clear, even in total darkness, and motion-trigger alerts send immediate notifications to your phone, email, or another device. We give bonus points for the super-simple setup.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 720p
- 3 record modes: alarm record, motion-detection alarm record, and timing video record
- Remote-control via app
This outdoor security camera from Dericam is equipped with an all-weather guard and an IP65 weatherproof design, to keep your camera in top condition – rain or shine, snow or sleet. We love the 4x optical zoom with 2.8-12mm varifocal lens: sharp images, large subjects, and superior detail, unlike what you’d get with standard digital zoom. The 22 powerful infrared night vision LEDs shine up to 65 feet in the dark, and the pan/tilt function provides 360º of all-day visibility.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 1280 x 960 pixels
- Pan/Tilt visibility angle of 360 degrees
- 1-Year Warranty and Lifetime Technical Support
Offering another full-featured, multi-camera outdoor security system, this option from SMONET offers both 4-channel and 8-channel systems with full 1080 HD video. All included cameras are equipped with high-powered infrared night vision for a clear image, up to 65 feet away in the dark of night. Plug-and-play installation with auto-pairing is a snap, but be aware that a 2.4 GHz wireless connection is required.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 1080p
- Infrared night vision can capture clear footage up to 65 feet away, in pitch-black darkness
- 1-year warranty with lifetime technical support
The Foscam FI9900PR is a 1080p high-definition outdoor security camera with two-way audio, perfect for placing anywhere you need an extra set of eyes (and ears). IP66 weatherproofing means you’ll never have to worry about image interruption due to extreme weather conditions, while remote-accessibility via the mobile app means you can look in on your all-weather recordings from anywhere.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 1080 pixels
- Wide 75° viewing angle
- 2-year warranty
Expand your outdoor camera range with this outdoor surveillance camera from ieGeek. In addition to a Sony 1080p HD lens, 1080p video quality, and a high-performance media processor, this robust little camera is also capable of H.264 video, smooth transmissions, and super-clear video – day or night. It supports a number of monitoring and recording functions, with a range of smart-motion alerts you can tweak to your preferences.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 720p or 1080p
- Remote monitoring, recording, and playback from your PC, web & smartphone (iPhone and Android)
- Infrared lights record clear image up to 49ft in the dark
COOAU brings to the table this robust outdoor security camera with 720p high-definition video recording, high clarity, and seamless streaming in live view: look in on your property from anywhere, as long as you have a smartphone, tablet, mobile device, or Windows PC. The 75-degree viewing angle promises a wide angle and 36 infrared LED-powered night vision means you’ll be able to see what’s happening, day or night (up to 49 feet in the dark).
Key Features:
- Resolution: 720p
- 36 infrared lights for clear night vision up to 49 ft.
- 1-year warranty and customer support
Amcrest offers an extremely versatile video security system: from a 4-channel system to a high-powered 16-channel model, you can build a system that perfectly suits your property and needs. The included cameras are equipped with high-definition picture and 24 infrared LEDs (each), which automatically activate in low-light conditions and deliver clear picture up to 65 feet away. The pre-installed 500GB hard drive (expandable to 3TB) is a big bonus.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 720p or 960H
- Extremely customizable, from a 4-channel system with 2 bullet-cameras and 2 dome-cameras to a 16-channel system with 8 bullet-cameras and 8 dome-cameras
- 1-Year Domestic Warranty plus Lifetime Support
The JOOAN video security system offers 8-channel access (for 8 cameras) and comes equipped with a 5-in-1 multi-function DVR to record security footage and enable remote access, anytime and from anywhere. This robust system accommodates up to 1,640-foot translation, which gives you a broad range of installation options, and the 1080p HD cameras deliver realistic, high-quality and sharp images.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 1080p
- Equipped with high-quality LEDs for up to 98 feet night vision
- 1-year warranty
The R-Tech CA-IR140-HD is a small-but-mighty outdoor bullet camera powered with weather-sealing and a weatherproof casing, as well as 1000 TV lines of resolution, a 2.8-12mm lens, and powerful night vision to deliver a clear picture, day or night. We appreciate that the camera will work on most BNC-cable systems, so you could even connect it to your 20-year-old compatible security system.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 1000 TV lines
- IP66 waterproof to withstand extreme outdoor weather conditions
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee + US-based standard replacement warranty
This home surveillance bullet camera from FREDI expands on your outdoor security range, with 1080p high-definition video, real-time motion detection (plus their related smart alerts), powerful night vision up to 65 feet, and IP65 waterproof technology, to ensure your camera stays up and running, even in the toughest weather conditions. Multiple recording options, including timer and loop, are available.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 1080p
- Night vision up to 65 feet
- 30-day free return + free technical assistance
This HD security camera from Foscam keeps your property secure and always in the palm of your hand. IP66 weatherproofing keeps it running, no matter the outdoor conditions, while powerful features, including high-intensity infrared LEDs, two-way audio, motion detection, intelligent alerts and real-time push notifications keep you apprised of any situation. We give big thumbs up to the advance WDR tech, which intelligently corrects shadowed faces under heavy light.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 1089p
- Superior 118º ultra-wide viewing angle
- 2-year warranty
This 8-channel video home security system from ZOSI combines a huge internal hard drive (up to 6TB), various video and audio input/output options, high-intensity infrared LED night vision (up to 65 feet), and IP66 weatherproof technology, to create a robust and versatile system that adjusts to almost any security need. We appreciate the hybrid 4-in-1 DVR with self-adaptive tech, which may support other cameras you already own.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 1280TVL
- Hybrid Capability 4-in-1 DVR: self-adaptive technology supports 4 camera types (960H Analog, 720P/1080P AHD, 720P/1080P TVI and CVI); connect your old cameras, too!
- 2-year warranty with free lifetime support
From EZVIZ, this outdoor surveillance system offers much of the standard, must-have security technology, such as night vision in 100 feet of ambient light and 65 feet of total darkness, and high-definition 1080p video with a 107.5º wide viewing angle. What’s more, it adds highly customizable motion detection via IFTTT (if this, then that), and offers both DVR and remote access to your security footage.
Key Features:
- Resolution: your choice of 720p / 1080p / 3MP
- IP66 waterproof to withstand extreme weather, including temperatures from -40ºF to 140ºf
- 12-month warranty and free lifetime support
We’re back with another light bulb surveillance camera, this time from JBonest. Offering a no-blind-spots 360º fisheye lens – you can’t get a better viewing angle! – and push-notification alarms, real-time video, anywhere playback, motion alerts, intelligent brightness control (= lift shadows in dark conditions and pull down the brightness in high sun), and even a two-way voice intercom, this is one light bulb that pulls double-duty.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 960p
- 360-degree fish lens eliminates blind spots
- IR night vision with crisp & clear image, even in the dark
Ipccam enters the fray with a high-definition bullet camera armed with 1080p resolution, a 3-megapixel lens, and wide viewing angle up to 90º. It sports IP66 weatherproof technology, guaranteeing function rain or shine, and promises superior night vision up to 82 feet. As versatile as it is well equipped, this camera has standard RTSP stream and ONVIF protocol (Port 1018), and is compatible with Blue Iris, Ispy, Zoneminder, Security Spy, VLC, and other third-party Onvif software.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 1080p
- POE injector and splitter kit (5.5mm x 2.1 mm DC jack/plug) extends ~130ft from your router to the camera installation location
- 2-year warranty and lifetime technical support
