Best Cheap Security Cameras Guide & Reviews of 2021

Protection video systems for houses are becoming more and more common every day. With more competitors in the field, the prices of the best cheap security cameras tend to go down on Amazon. This means that some great new products are coming out at really low prices. Read on to learn which is the top affordable home security camera for each different need.

Emily Brooks - Editorial Staff

Updated: March 2, 2021

What We Did to Find the Best

To gauge these cheap security cameras, we went through a review process. For that, we talked to specialists, partners, and users of every affordable home security camera we could find.

  • Features

    0-10

    monitoring period, 24/7 alerts, disaster protection etc.

  • Support

    0-10

    telephone, email, chat, and other channels

  • Price

    0-10

    monthly fee, money-back, trial period

  • Ease of Use

    0-10

    installation, maintenance, service support

  • Trust Score

    0-10

    BBB.org and Trustpilot (positive, negative reviews)

To compile this list, it was important to analyze the security cameras based on key metrics like features & equipment, customer support, cost, ease of use, trust score (positive and negative reviews). From there, each supplier earned a score from 0 to 10 for each metric. Then the average value is calculated, and the total estimations contributed to their position on this list. Readers can trust this review because it scoured dozens of client surveys, consults, blog posts, and articles.

1. ADT Outdoor: Just Enough

Total Score 9.6/10

ADT-main
ADT Outdoor Camera
ADT Outdoor Security Camera
  • Features & Equipment10/10
  • Customer Support10/10
  • Price8.0/10
  • Ease of Use10/10
  • Trust Score10/10

Starting Price

$160

Visit Website
BBB Rating A
Best for Night Control

DIY instal

NO

Trial Period

NO

The brand of this device is one of the best known in the market. It has all it needs to fulfill its duty. Users can control their HD camera with the phone app. In this way, thanks to the low light sensor and the movable head, one can see everything that is going on – no matter the time or the angle. One of the things that makes it unique is the compatibility with Alexa. Today, every Amazon user knows how useful Alexa is to connect many electronic devices. So, ADT can send alerts, so the customer gets it right away.

Pros:

  • Quality brand
  • Automatic alerts
  • Motion sensors
  • Compatible with Alexa
  • Creates a report with movements
  • Records different angles
  • Live stream

Cons:

  • Rather pricey
  • Only 720p
  • Customer service may be a bit slow

2. Ring Floodlight: See the Way

Total Score 9.4/10

Ring-Review
Ring Cameras
Ring Floodlight Cam
  • Features & Equipment9.0/10
  • Customer Support10/10
  • Price9.0/10
  • Ease of Use10/10
  • Trust Score9.0/10

Starting Price

$61.77

Visit Website
BBB Rating A
Best for Long-Term Contract

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

NO

The main feature that makes this cam stand out is bright LED lights. This, combined with the motion detector feature, help to keep the home safe. When somebody is approaching, the device will turn on and put them in the spotlight. This also works well with the Ring function, which lets neighbors know if there is something strange going on. These perks work well when trying to protect several homes at the same time, for example. Plus, one can be sure that the product will not break down if it rains or snows. It can even resist strong winds. So, it will keep a place safe for a long time.

Pros:

  • Communicates with neighbors
  • Night vision
  • Endures harsh weather conditions
  • Works well with the main voice assistants
  • Saves videos to the cloud
  • Full HD videos
  • Strong LED lights

Cons:

  • A rather narrow field of view
  • Saving videos requires a subscription
  • No trial period

At relatively affordable pricing, this device offers some very nice things. The most important of all is having peace of mind. People who travel often will be able to rest knowing that their neighbors, the police and firefighters will know if something is out of place. And the LED lights are good for this too.


3. Wyze Cam Pan: Cheap and Effective

Total Score 9.3/10

Wyze Main
Wyze Cam Pan
Wyze Cam_Pan
  • Features & Equipment9.0/10
  • Customer Support9.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease of Use9.5/10
  • Trust Score9.0/10

Starting Price

$40

Visit Website
BBB Rating A
Best for Users on a Budge

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

NO

This device has all the features one comes to expect from the best ones in the market. For example, the price is very convenient for those without a large budget. And this is for a very low price. It has a microphone and a speaker so that users can talk from one end to the other. Such a thing is useful for people who monitor places or homes in teams. It’s nice that it has a connection to Wi-Fi. Yet, this may render the product a bit unstable. It also delivers very good audio and image quality at night.

Pros:

  • Can be controlled by voice
  • 360 wide-angle lens
  • Motion detector
  • Top-notch night performance
  • It is possible to chat through it
  • Wi-Fi connection
  • Affordable pricing

Cons:

  • No trial period available
  • It doesn’t reboot by itself
  • Network connection may be unstable

All in all, this wireless device has a lot to offer and doesn’t ask for much. Its 360 degrees lens helps to get a complete picture of what is going on outdoor, even when the lighting conditions are not ideal. Even though it may be a bit unstable at times, it is a very solid option that has nothing to envy to its pricier competitors.


4. EZVIZ Mini O Indoor 720p Wi-Fi Network: See All-Around

Total Score 9.3/10

Ezviz Main
EZVIZ Mini O
EZVIZ Mini O Features
  • Features & Equipment9.0/10
  • Customer Support9.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease of Use10/10
  • Trust Score8.5/10

Starting Price

$36.99

Visit Website
BBB Rating A
Best for Сommodity-Based Security

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

NO

This indoor camera has a wide-angle lens to see everything that is going on without missing a detail. It allows streaming the video from anywhere with an Internet connection. What is more, it has a speaker and a mic to talk with anyone on the other side. Clients will be sure they are not missing any data. Why? Because it contains an internal SD to keep info for long. And those who rely more on the Internet can keep their data in the Cloud for free.

Pros:

  • Integration with Alexa and Google Assistant
  • Two-way communication
  • Infrared lights
  • Compatible with all major OS
  • 1-year warranty
  • Internal and cloud storage
  • Compatible with Android and iOS

Cons:

  • No 1080p
  • The app tends to freeze
  • Difficult to setup

This nice little device gives great quality for a low price. Its 720p sensor is good enough to get a clear picture of the house. And it is possible to stream the image from anywhere thanks to its app. Though sometimes, users will have to be patient, as it is not the fastest one around. All in all, it has an app compatible with every smartphone, so it’s worth the shot.


5. YI Dome 1080p HD Pan: Great for Outdoors

Total Score 9.3/10

YI Main
YI 1080p Dome Camera
YI 1080p Features
  • Features & Equipment9/10
  • Customer Support9.5/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease of Use9/10
  • Trust Score9/10

Starting Price

$39

Visit Website
BBB Rating A+
Best for Home Monitoring

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

YES

The Dome device is the perfect option for those who want to be alert at night. It includes the option to pay for fees and integrate the camera with the police or EMS agencies. Plus, it has a 360° rotation angle. This gives a full view of everything that happens around the system.

Pros:

  • Good for mobile phones
  • 360° rotation and good angles
  • Panoramic view
  • Non-invasive LEDs for use at night
  • Cruise bookmarks
  • Real-time alerts
  • Auto-masking mode, so it keeps invisible

Cons:

  • Short trial for the Cloud
  • Only 7-day storage of activity
  • A bit small

The integration with Android makes the camera a great choice for families who spend a lot of time outside. This way, they can get to know what is happening in the house. Also, the device has very advanced algorithms that track down every movement. Some other features available have to do with baby monitoring and night vision.


6. ZOSI 720p CCTV: Scare Off the Thieves

Total Score 9.2/10

ZOSI Main
ZOSI 720P CCTV
ZOSI 720P
  • Features & Equipment9.0/10
  • Customer Support9.5/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease of Use9.0/10
  • Trust Score9.0/10

Starting Price

$12.59

Visit Website
BBB Rating A
Best for Big Spaces

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

NO

This device has several uses. It can be installed indoors and outdoors. Its design is that of a typical security camera. So, it is likely to keep thieves away. It has an HD sensor with night vision, which can record up to 65 feet away. The company builds CCTV with top-notch materials. That ensures it will last for years to come. If any issue comes up, then the customer care team will solve it.

Pros:

  • Long-range, low light vision
  • Endures harsh weather conditions
  • Solidly built
  • Great design
  • Good warranty
  • Efficient service
  • Multi-use

Cons:

  • No motion sensor
  • No movable head
  • No mic to allow for conversations

This super cheap product is quite good for its price. It includes most of the basics that users have come to expect. Even though it lacks tracking, for example, it still provides decent image quality and good functionality. And in case there is any problem, it is covered by a warranty and a customer support team. These people usually respond within 24 hours. This guarantees that issues or questions get solved in no time.


7. Wyze Cam 1080p: See What You Want

Total Score 9.2/10

Wyze Cam Black
Wyze Cam 1080
Wyze Cam 1080p
  • Features & Equipment9.0/10
  • Customer Support9.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease of Use9.0/10
  • Trust Score9.0/10

Starting Price

$37.49

BBB Rating A
Best for Personal Protection

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

NO

This cam is movable. This means that users can control what it is recording. With the app, one can zoom into the image and move it to the sides or up and down. In this way, one can keep a close eye on the house even from miles away.

Pros:

  • See every angle with the movable camera
  • 24/7 stream of video
  • Cloud backup
  • Infrared lights to see in the dark
  • Integration with Alexa
  • People detection
  • Motion and audio sensors

Cons:

  • Does not reconnect to WiFi after losing connection
  • The cam sometimes freezes up
  • Customer service can be slow

This device has a lot to offer for an affordable price. Many users will like the idea of being able to change angles remotely. But it has much more than that. The infrared lights are a nice touch that is usually not included at this price range. The same goes for the 1080p live stream. This feature never stops, not even at night. Yet, some clients report that the image at points got frozen. This is something to consider if one is looking for a reliable source of safety. All in all, the cloud backup leaves owners sure that they will not miss anything that goes on around their property.


8. Wansview Wireless 1080P: Get a Close Look

Total Score 9.2/10

Wansview Main
Wansview Camera 1080
Wansview Camera Features
  • Features & Equipment8.0/10
  • Customer Support9.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease of Use10/10
  • Trust Score9.0/10

Starting Price

$160

BBB Rating A
Best for Сonstant Watching

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

NO

This device has a lot to offer. For less than 50 dollars, it includes a full HD resolution wide a wide viewing angle of 350 degrees and a 4x zoom to get a close look at the image and save it in the local storage. It also has a mic and a speaker, so that users can communicate with those on the other side of the camera, like babies, pets, or neighbors at the door. Forget about not knowing what children are doing. The high-quality zoom also comes in handy when reporting anything unusual. With just one button, the image appears clearly. With the angle, it also shows what happens around the child, pet, or property. The easy-install feature makes it suitable for almost any client.

Pros:

  • App for Android and iOS
  • Easy to install
  • 350 degrees field of view
  • Good image quality
  • High-quality zoom
  • Night vision
  • Accurate span and tilt

Cons:

  • The app is slow at times
  • No integration with smart homes
  • Short-range of vision at night

This cam is a good affordable option for those who want to take care of their house. Its smart video system is of very good quality with its high resolution, deep zoom, and wide field of view. So, missing details is not likely. Also, it sends instant notifications with a short clip of the scene when something happens and then saves it in the local storage.


9. TP-Link Kasa Spot: Keep an Eye on the Loved Ones

Total Score 8.8/10

TP Link Main
Kasa Spot
Kasa Spot Features
  • Features & Equipment8.0/10
  • Customer Support8.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease of Use9.0/10
  • Trust Score9.0/10

Starting Price

$44.99

BBB Rating A
Best for Night Vision

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

NO

This device by TP-Link helps to keep the loved ones safe at all times of day with its night vision capabilities. Its wide-angle lens gives a field of view of 130 degrees. And its 1080p sensor captures every detail in the scene. Also, its mic and speaker allow having conversations with others.

Pros:

  • HD night vision
  • Motion alerts
  • Two-way communication
  • Infrared lights
  • 1080p resolution
  • It has an app for Android and iOS
  • Sound sensor

Cons:

  • No integration with voice assistants
  • Only for indoors
  • No zoom

TP-Link’s cam works just well. The user experience is quite friendly. Though it lacks smart home compatibility, for its price, it is not fair to ask for much more. It records very clear images at night thanks to infrared lights. It uses its sound and motion sensors very well to detect if there is any stranger at home. There are no extra charges to using this device, so that’s something to consider, too. Yet, those looking to protect their parks or yards might not find this product a good option. It is only suitable for indoors, as it’s not protected from water or snow.


10. Logi Circle: Lasts and Adapts

Total Score 8.6/10

Logitech Circle Main
Logitech Circle Camera Outdoor
Logitech Circle Camera
  • Features & Equipment8.0/10
  • Customer Support9.0/10
  • Price8.0/10
  • Ease of Use10/10
  • Trust Score8.0/10

Starting Price

$200

BBB Rating A+
Best for Adaptable Battery

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

10 days

This product is all about its battery. It is rechargeable, and it can adapt to the situation. According to Logitech, one can use the default power settings to get up to 3 hours of video. But things change with the special mode. With it, the image quality lowers, but it is possible to get up to 12 hours. This perk is great for those who need to protect their houses for a long period of time. Plus, its easy setup makes it a nice option if owners do not have an idea of how to install these products like a pro. And don’t forget to watch the trial period to see if it’s convenient.

Pros:

  • Easy setup
  • Rechargeable battery
  • User-friendly app
  • High-quality image
  • Adaptable power usage
  • Night vision
  • Crystal clear lenses

Cons:

  • Only works indoors
  • People detection doesn’t always work
  • The battery doesn’t last long

This is one of the cheap security cameras that will work well for those who need a product that adapts. Sometimes one knows that he will not need to have the device on, so it is possible to turn on the smart power-saving feature and the cloud. It is also nice that it is rechargeable, even if it does not last long. But it is strongly built.


Best Cheap Security Cameras of 2021 (Pricing & Features)

Here is all the info related to the cheap security cameras more graphically. With this table, users will be able to see clearly, which is the best option for them in contrast with the other products.

Provider Total Score Price BBB Rating DIY instal Trial Period Warranty Resolution Night vision Wide-Angle Field of View Push Notifications Cloud storage Integration Local storage Motion Detection App Two-way communication
1. ADT Outdoor 9.6/10 $160 A NO NO No 720p Yes Yes 95° Yes No Alexa No No Yes No
2. Ring Floodlight 9.4/10 $61.77 A YES NO No 1080p Yes Yes 140° Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes
3. Wyze Cam Pan 9.3/10 $40 A YES NO No 1080p Yes Yes 120° Yes Yes Alexa, IFTT Yes Yes Yes Yes
4. EZVIZ Mini O 9.3/10 $36.99 A YES NO 1 year 720p Yes Yes 111° Yes Yes Alexa and Google Yes Yes Yes Yes
5. YI Dome 1080p 9.3/10 $39 A+ YES YES No 1080p Yes Yes 112° Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes
6. ZOSI 720p CCTV 9.2/10 $12.59 A YES NO 1 year 720p Yes Yes 100° Yes No No Yes No Yes No
7. Wyze Cam 1080p 9.2/10 $37.49 A YES NO No 1080p Yes No 110° Yes Yes Alexa Yes Yes Yes Yes
8. Wansview Wireless 1080p 9.2/10 $39.99 A YES NO 1 year 1080p Yes Yes 105° Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes
9. TP-Link Kasa Spot 8.8/10 $44.99 A YES NO 2 years 1080p Yes Yes 130° Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes
10. Logi Circle 8.6/10 $200 A+ YES 10 days No 1080p Yes No 180° Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes

Top Security Camera Features to Consider Before Buying

Each one of the cheap security cameras has a special characteristic. So, it is important to know which feature is more important. Below, find a very useful list with all the different functions.

1. High-Quality Video Definition

Get rid of pixelated images. Having a high-quality definition is a must in security cameras. They offer a clear day or night footage. The resolution is generally around 1080p. Although it may be more expensive, it is worth it. Good image quality can help with a criminal investigation. So, it is very important to have this function available.

2. Clear Images at Night

Night vision is also a great characteristic. It allows users to have clear images during dark hours. This may also ask for more investment. But it is also worth it. It is important to have a good track of the house at any time of the day.

3. Different Movement Function

Some home security cameras can move in different ways. For example, they have pan, tilt, and zoom functions. This provides greater coverage and viewpoint. This is useful for users because they don’t have to move the camera from one place to the other.

4. Live Streaming

Another incredible characteristic is live view. Users can have access to live streaming from any angle. They can do so just by using their smartphones. They only need to download the app control. This feature is available in any affordable camera.

5. Movement Detection

Some cameras can also detect motion. They may even send an alert to users’ smart devices. This is very useful if somebody tried to get into the house. Yet, this option is only available in more expensive cameras. But it is worth paying for it.

6. App Control

This app is essential. Users just have to download it on smartphones. This way, they will have control of the whole home security system. They can watch live stream videos or footage. They can check their home with only a few clicks.

How to Buy a Cheap Security Camera

Users always look for the cheapest home security cameras on Amazon. But, this is not always recommendable. Study the market. Sometimes it is better to pay a few more bucks for good quality products.

Previous Step to Buying a Camera: Important Aspects to Bear in Mind

What will the camera be used for? Where is it going to be installed? Users have to ask themselves these types of questions. They need to know the purpose before buying the right camera. In some cases, they will need night vision or motion detection features. In some other cases, they would want the product to be pet-friendly. The functions and needs may vary.

Start with Trustworthy Brands

It may be easier to start looking for a camera with brands that sound familiar. They guarantee quality at a reasonable price. It is also useful to ask friends or family members for good recommendations. Reading customers’ reviews is also a useful option. There are many ways to find the perfect camera.

Number of Features

Bear in mind what type of device is needed. Some of them come with fancy features like night vision and smart home integration. But not everyone needs that. Some people just want to see that their pets are doing fine while they are not home. So, think carefully about the objective of has with the product to see how many features are necessary.

Watch out for Hidden Costs in the Description

The purchase price posted for one device may not be the whole story. Some security cameras are part of a bigger system and require extra equipment to function. Extras can be a base station, playback DVR, or cloud storage subscription. Take time to read the fine print and root out any extra costs before deciding which cheap security camera is right for you.

Clients Reviews: Are They Trusted?

Sometimes brands promise a lot of things, and then they do not deliver. The only way to prevent this from happening is by seeing what previous users think of them. If they claim that the product came broken out of the box, that the customer service is not effective or that they refused to fix a problem, then it would be best to avoid that product and go for another one with better reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Are the Best Security Cameras for Home?

    Users always look for practical and convenient security ones. The best ones are wireless. This means they work with Wifi connection and batteries. Some examples include the most recommended security products of 2019. The important thing is to find the device that goes with the needs of the house.

  • Can You Install Security Cameras Yourself?

    Yes, it is possible. Most home security products are user-friendly and easy to install. Users can set them on the desk or stick them on the wall with an adhesive. They can also attach the camera to the wall with a frill. There are many different ways to install the equipment. Yet, it may still not be comfortable for all users, especially when they have to drill into the walls. In this case, professional installment could be better.

  • Do Security Cameras Record All the Time?

    Not always. These are some of the factors that affect recording time:

  • How Far Can Security Cameras See?

    It depends on the type of camera. Some of them can see within the range of 0 to 700 feet. Some of the factors that affect this length are the type of sensor and lens used and the resolution. Yet, some high-quality cameras can reach long distances. The best thing to do is to read the description or ask a professional. Reading customers’ reviews is also very useful in this case.

  • Can Security Cameras See into Cars?

    This will depend on many factors. One of them is the quality of the sensor. High-quality ones can capture much better images, with better colors and more details. One should also bear in mind the angle of the device and the lighting conditions. If the glass reflects light, it will be much harder to see inside. Yet, in normal circumstances, it should be possible to see into cars.

  • What Is the Difference Between a Dome Camera and a Bullet Camera?

    The main difference between these two is in the design. The dome ones have the shape of a sphere covering them. They are a bit harder to see because their design is more subtle, and they blend with the environment. They can also rotate 360 degrees, so it is possible to get a more comprehensive view of them. Bullet ones look like the barrel of a gun. They are quite easy to mount and are better to scare off potential thieves.

What Options Are There?

Finding the perfect device for what every user needs may take some time with so many options in the market. Some of them are ideal for those who just need to take care of their pets while they are away. Others are better for parents who need to keep an eye on their little children. And then, there are the ones that include all the necessary features to protect a house. Hopefully, this guide to the best cheap security camera for every need of 2019 has been helpful to help decide which one to buy.


Editorial Staff

As a journalist, Emily draws on her rich experience in home safety and seeks to research more on the topic. She is truly passionate about her interests. Emily is knowledgeable about security systems due to the in-depth studies that she has conducted for Securing Home.


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