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 |
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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
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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.
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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.
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Do Security Cameras Record All the Time?
Not always. These are some of the factors that affect recording time:
- Resolution: cameras with high resolution tend to have a shorter recording time.
- Compression: this allows for longer recording time to become the video’s original size is reduced.
- Bitrate: High bitrate will end up in shorter recording time.
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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.
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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.
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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.