Outdoor home security cameras protect and monitor your home with advantages such as night vision, loud sirens, and motion detection capabilities, all the while allowing you to see and capture your footage in high definition. These are not your basic, outdated motion sensor security lights; these systems are high-tech, indoor- and outdoor-ready, weatherproofed, and allow easy remote viewing access from your phone or device. The top cameras we tested also offer impressive night vision, which you can check out in the security camera reviews below.
While some cameras require a subscription, many of the best outdoor security cameras don’t require a subscription and have local storage options. Whichever system you go with, it’s important to keep your home secure, and a reliable outdoor security camera can help achieve that.
To help you upgrade your home security, we’ve selected the best outdoor security cameras of 2022 from brands such as Wyze, Ring, Logitech, and Eufy after testing dozens of home security cameras.
The Best Outdoor Home Security Cameras at a Glance
1. Best Overall: Google Nest Cam (Battery) — $158.00 at Amazon
2. Runner Up: Wyze Cam Outdoor — $59.98 at Amazon
3. Best Spotlight: Ring Spotlight Cam Pro — $189.99 at Amazon
4. Most Utility: Eufy Starlight 4G — $229.99 at Amazon
5. Most Affordable: Wyze Cam V3 — $35.98 at Amazon
6. Best Image Quality: Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight — $158.99 at Amazon
7. Best Value: Arlo Essential XL Spotlight — $123.99 at Amazon
8. Most Reliable: Ring Stick Up Cam — $69.99 at Amazon
9. Widest Field of View: Logitech Circle View — $159.99 at Amazon
10. Best For Apple HomeKit: Eve Outdoor Cam — $249.95 at Amazon
11. Best Battery Life: Blink Outdoor — $99.99 at Amazon
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1. Google Nest Cam (Battery)
Best For: Making sure your home is protected even when there are power and internet outages.
Why We Chose It: Excellent image quality paired with its onboard machine learning makes it the smartest and most effective home security camera.
Full Review: Google Nest Cam (Battery)
Key Specs:
- Free 3 hours of event-based video history
- 1080p at 30 FPS with HDR video recording
- Works through internet & power outages
The Google Nest Cam (Battery) is an outstanding outdoor security camera with everything you’ll need to watch over the outside areas of your home. In our testing, onboard machine learning was impeccable at detecting people, pets, and even vehicles.
We were also impressed by its HDR performance, which managed to handle high-contrast scenes easily to ensure shadows are boosted during the night — while highlights in bright areas during the daytime are toned down. The result? You get a properly exposed video feed with good details and accurate colors.
And we have to mention that it’s one of the few that doesn’t require a subscription service because the Google Nest Cam (Battery) comes with three hours of event-based video history that will save recorded clips locally, which is free. It’ll also continue to work in the event of power and internet outages, which means it will keep you safe even if it’s offline.
Pros
- Minimalist design
- Excellent HDR performance
- Impressive battery life
- Stores clips when there are power/internet outages
- Doesn’t require a subscription service
Cons
- It has a proprietary charging port
2. Wyze Cam Outdoor
Best For: Vacationers staying in the great outdoors.
Why We Chose It: Travel mode lets you continually record video without an internet connection.
Key Specs:
- Travel mode lets it record without internet
- microSD card local storage
- 1080p video recording
Even though it can work inside the home, the Wyze Cam Outdoor was designed for heavy outdoor use. Not only is this cube-shaped home security camera designed to handle the elements, but it features local storage for continuous recording, night vision, and up to six months of battery from a single charge.
One of its unique features is its ability to continue working offline when there’s no internet connection, making it perfect for those that want to take it with them on vacation. It’s extremely versatile, thanks to the long life of the battery and the ability to work without the internet; it can be used on the go, such as watching over your possessions in a hotel or catching lurking critters outdoors. We took this on vacation multiple times and set it to travel mode, which continuously records to a microSD card or can capture a time-lapse video.
Pros
- Travel mode allows it to work offline
- Compact design
- Affordable cost
- Long-lasting battery life
Cons
- Speaker is on the weak side
3. Ring Spotlight Cam Pro
Best For: Covering dimly lit areas
Why We Chose It: 3D Motion Detection allows it to trace on a map where someone was detected.
Key Specs:
- 1080p HDR video recording
- Radar-powered motion detection
- Two 3000° Kelvin spotlights.
The Ring Spotlight Cam Pro is one of the company’s latest outdoor home security cameras with bright spotlights to illuminate paths and entryways. It reliably detects and traces the location of people and movement with its bird’s eye view map, which is done with the help of its 3D Motion Detection technology.
We found it extremely reliable at detecting subjects, but we were even more impressed by its long-lasting battery that’s easy to swap out. And with the help of 1080p HDR video recording, it’s able to perfectly deliver outstanding dynamic range to see details in high-contrast scenes. We were also impressed by its extra-long 30+ feet of night vision range.
4. Eufy Starlight 4G
Best For: Coverage when there’s no Wi-Fi network in the vicinity.
Why We Chose It: It’s one of the few that offers 4G LTE for connectivity almost all the time and anywhere.
Review: Eufy Starlight 4G
Key Specs:
- 4G LTE connectivity only
- 2K video recording resolution
- Built-in GPS to track camera’s location
The Eufy Starlight 4G works like the company’s other recent outdoor security cameras, like the incredible Eufy SoloCam E40 we also tested. But this model got an upgrade with 4G LTE connectivity. That means it can be accessed just about anywhere worldwide, offering users instant alerts whenever there are triggers.
Pair it with the solar panel charger, and it becomes an outstanding outdoor security camera perfect for capturing nature. This can be mounted on a tree without worrying about running out of battery since the solar panel will charge the internal battery.
Even though we were satisfied with its crisp-looking 2K video footage, we were even more impressed by its color night vision performance.
Pros
- Works anywhere with 4G LTE coverage
- Excellent color night vision performance
- Detailed 2K resolution
Cons
- Requires data plan
5. Wyze Cam V3
Best For: Users looking for rich features at a lower price than most.
Why We Chose It: For what you’re paying, it’s unbelievable you’re getting color night vision, local storage and water-resistant construction.
Full Review: Wyze Cam V3
Key Specs:
- IP65 rating for indoor/outdoor use
- 1080p recording with color night vision
- Built-in microSD card local storage
The Wyze Cam V3 remains a gem in the home security camera space. Even though it’s mainly positioned as an indoor camera, its IP65 water-resistant rating ensures that it’ll be protected from the elements if used as an outdoor camera.
We’ve personally used the Wyze Cam V3 for an entire year and love its color night vision performance, which is perfect for the outdoors if someone suspicious is lurking around. The color night vision allows you to distinguish every detail down to the color of a potential intruder’s clothing, which is something that can’t be done with black-and-white night vision.
In all honesty, it’s the best outdoor security camera if you’re on a tight budget. You could outfit nearly every corner of your home without spending a fortune.
Pros
- Ultra affordable cost
- Features color night vision
- Compact and discreet size
Cons
- Integrated power cable
6. Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight
Best For: Capturing the sharpest, most detailed video of events.
Why We Chose It: Class-leading 2K HDR video recording can’t be beaten if you’re looking for the best image results.
Key Specs:
- Wide 160-degree field of view
- 2K HDR video recording with color night vision
- Auto-track and zoom
Every detail is essential, especially when describing perpetrators who nab packages off porches and front doors. That’s why we adore the Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight and its 2K HDR video recording. It’s pricey but well worth the cost.
With a vast 160-degree field of view, it captures all the details to describe a porch pirate, from their clothes to the color and make of the getaway vehicle. This wireless outdoor security camera was also a breeze to install outdoors with its magnetic mount, making it easy to remove and recharge.
No other camera captures better details than the Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight.
Pros
- Captures crisp details
- Simple to install
- Excellent HDR performance
- Now offers Wi-Fi direct connection
Cons
- Requires base station for local storage
7. Arlo Essential XL Spotlight
Best For: Having access to rich features at a moderate price without compromising performance.
Why We Chose It: You won’t spend a fortune on it, but you’ll have reliable 1080p video with up to a year of battery life.
Key Specs:
- Up to 1-year battery life
- Integrated spotlight
- 1080p video recording
It’s neither cheap nor pricey — the Arlo Essential XL Spotlight is the perfect middle ground for homeowners looking for a reliable outdoor camera with plenty of features.
While it shares a similar design to the superior Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight, the Arlo Essential XL Spotlight dials it back on the specs with its 1080p video recording and 130-degree field of view. If you’re okay with that, you’ll find it’s pleasantly accompanied by other premium features such as color night vision, intelligent monitoring courtesy of Arlo Secure, and a built-in siren to ward off intruders.
Best of all, it’s rated for upwards of one year with a full charge, so you won’t have to take it down frequently from its mount to recharge. In our testing, we reached the six-month mark before it needed a recharge, but we placed it in a high-traffic area.
Pros
- Long-lasting battery life
- Loud built-in siren
- Intelligent monitoring with Arlo Secure
Cons
- Narrower field of view
8. Ring Stick Up Cam
Best For: Users who are invested in the Ring ecosystem and need a reliable camera with instant notifications.
Why We Chose It: It’s a simple outdoor security camera that’s easy to set up and integrates nicely into Ring’s exceptional security system.
Key Specs:
- 1080p video recording with color night vision
- Works indoors and outdoors
- Two-way audio with noise cancellation
It won’t win awards for its design, but the Ring Stick Up Cam is a reliable camera that works when needed. Available as either a wired or battery model, the Ring Stick Up Cam features 1080p video recording and real-time notifications and works with Amazon Alexa.
To test this out, we set up a routine to hear notifications on our Amazon Echo smart speakers whenever the Ring Stick Up Cam detects motion. After setting up a detection zone to minimize false alerts, we have been impressed by its reliability in detecting events.
Furthermore, we’ve set it up to work with the Ring Alarm Pro to continuously record video to a microSD card.
Pros
- Reliable notifications about events
- Modestly priced
- Plenty of routines to set up
Cons
- Design is too generic
9. Logitech Circle View
Best For: Achieving maximum coverage for outdoor areas.
Why We Chose It: You’ll be able to see from corner to corner if you place it right in the middle of your property.
Full Review: Logitech Circle View
Key Specs:
- 180-degree field of view
- Dedicated privacy button cuts off audio and video
- 1080p video recording
Most people overlook a security camera’s field of view but don’t neglect this detail because it may save you money. The Logitech Circle View has the widest field of view we’ve come across, with edge-to-edge, 180-degree coverage. This wide range of coverage eliminates gaps other cameras would have with a narrower field of view.
One thing to note, this outdoor security camera is only compatible with Apple HomeKit. We appreciated how simple it was to set up through the Home app for iOS, which didn’t require us to create a new account or download another app.
Pros
- Super-wide coverage
- Easy to set up
- Enhanced privacy features
Cons
- Integrated power cord
- Only compatible with Apple HomeKit
10. Eve Outdoor Cam
Best For: Devout Apple HomeKit users in need of a polished-looking outdoor camera with excellent image quality.
Why We Chose It: There are very few HomeKit-compatible outdoor cameras on the market, but this is the best.
Full Review: Eve Outdoor Cam
Key Specs:
- 157-degree field of view
- IP55 water-resistant rating
- 1080p video recording at 24fps
The Eve Outdoor Cam is well-designed and even Apple-esque, thanks to its minimalist look and solid construction. This is the best HomeKit-compatible outdoor security camera you’ll find with custom motion zones, iCloud’s superior encryption for cloud storage, and outstanding color night vision. It also has one of the widest fields of view at 157 degrees.
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Wide field of view
- Excellent color night vision performance
- Offers facial recognition
Cons
- It’s pricey
11. Blink Outdoor
Best For: Sheds, separate garages, and other places detached from the home.
Why We Chose It: With its 2-year battery life, you won’t have to worry about constantly taking it down to recharge.
Key Specs:
- 2-year battery life rating
- IP55 water-resistant rating
- Temperature monitoring
The Blink Outdoor camera uses only two AA lithium batteries to power it for up to two years, which is a long time compared to other outdoor security cameras. When we tested the battery life, we were more than impressed when it showed more than 75% battery life after three months.
Beyond the outstanding battery life, the Blink Outdoor is ideal for detached areas outside the home because it can be fastened to just about anything — including a tree or post. If you already have cameras looking out to the yard and streets, the Blink Outdoor could alternatively be used to monitor your home because of its excellent range with the Blink Sync Module 2.
Pros
- Long-lasting battery life
- Excellent range
- Loud internal speaker
Cons
- Colors can appear muted
How We Chose the Best Outdoor Security Cameras: About Our Testing Process
Outdoor security cameras cover a wide range, but we looked at models that work with the three most popular smart home ecosystems: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit. We’ve also tested out both wired and battery-operated cameras to get a feeling of the advantages of each.
For this roundup, we tested over 15 outdoor security cameras from brands like Ring, Google, Swann, Wyze, Eufy, Logitech, Arlo, Reolink, and many more. We used them for a minimum of one week. A handful we came to enjoy and ended up using for several months.
To determine the best outdoor security cameras, we graded each of them on the categories below after testing.
- Resolution: Most outdoor security cameras offer 1080p video recording, but we gave more points to those with higher resolutions. It helps capture more detail.
- Field of view: We looked at the field of view because wider coverage is critical because a camera needs to monitor the largest area possible. Narrower fields of view have limited sight, which can often lead to buying more cameras to cover the gaps.
- Two-factor authentication: Additional points were given to outdoor security cameras with two-factor authentication. If you want optimal privacy, security cameras must offer two-factor authentication as an extra layer of protection against hackers.
- Local storage: While every security camera offers cloud storage, we gave extra points to those that offer local storage.
- Offline mode: Internet outages can render a security camera useless, but the best outdoor security cameras still function when there are internet outages, so they’ll continue to monitor events and save them.
- Detection zones: Setting up detection zones helps mitigate false alerts whenever motion is detected. We gave extra points to those that allowed us to manually set detection zones.
- Geofencing: Another handy way to minimize false alerts is to set up a geofencing zone. This allows you to turn off the cameras when you’re at home to maintain more privacy, then turn them on when you’re away.
- Setup and installation: We set up each camera to see how easy it was to use straight out of the box.
- Design: Outdoor cameras need to be functional more than anything else, but they also need to be designed to deter potential crimes. We gave more points to models that offered better protection against the elements.
- Camera quality: We looked at the same video feeds on each camera to distinguish the differences to find what gave the best image quality and details.
- Two-way audio performance: While there’s the convenience of tapping into a video feed at any time, we gave more points to security cameras that offered strong speakers with clear voices.
Click here to read more about how we test and review products.
About The Author: John Velasco
John Velasco is the Tech Editor at SPY.com and has tested hundreds of smart home products during his decade-long career reviewing gadgets. Since joining SPY.com, he’s reviewed the best home security cameras, flagship smartphones, and Amazon’s first smart TV. Previously, John worked as the smart home editor at Digital Trends. He’s also worked for Android Authority covering Android-related news as an editor-at-large and at PhoneArena as the senior editor. John has been covering mobile and smart home tech for over a decade, and he is also passionate about virtual reality, drones and electric bikes.
Editor’s note: Lisa Levine and Jonathan Knoder previously contributed to this article.
