(Zain Awais)
If there's one universal experience of Black Friday and the holiday shopping season, it's that there will be a ton of packages left on your doorstep or at your mailbox. If you're concerned about deliveries going missing (or trucks driving through your flowerbeds), take advantage of the early deals we've discovered on various smart security cameras at every price point for any budget.
Make sure to check out the FAQ below the deals for tips and tricks on navigating your next home security camera purchase.
Low-priced table-mounted cameras are a popular way to keep tabs on pets and babies, and the TP-Link Tapo C210 is a fine value for the price, especially when sales bring it down to under twenty bucks. In our review, we said it "offers useful features including mechanical pan and tilt controls, 2K video, local storage, and voice control," but tester John Delaney criticized its lack of compatibility with Apple's HomeKit platform. That said, if you're not in the Apple ecosystem that shouldn't be a problem, and for under twenty bucks there isn't a better value on the market.
Buying security cameras in bundles is often the best way to save, and this two-pack of excellent Arlo devices is a perfect example. In our review of the Arlo Pro 5S, writer John Delaney said it was "a cinch to install" and called out its great 2K video quality, smart alert system and seamless integration with Alexa and Google Assistant voice controls.With six months of battery life under regular operation or a eight months in Low Power mode, it's extremely easy to maintain. You'll need an Arlo Smart Hub or a monthly Arlo subscription to store videos, but you're saving $150 so that should cover that extra cost with ease.
While several outdoor cameras offer night vision capability, the Wyze Cam Floodlight pushes the envelope by adding a pair of 2800 lumen super bright LED lamps that can be activated remotely or when motion is detected. In our review, we said that it "delivers detailed 2K video, color night vision, both cloud and local video storage options, and intelligent alerts," according to John Delaney. A wide 160-degree field of view captures tons of space using either infrared LEDs for black-and-white night vision as well as supporting color capture if ambient light is sufficient. You can store video locally on a microSD card or in the cloud with a Wyze subscription.
Amazon's Ring brand makes a selection of video doorbell models, but this is the budget entry, and an additional discount makes it a real deal. In our review, expert John Delaney said that the newest Ring Battery Doorbell "holds appeal if you're looking to smarten up your home on a budget." If you want to take advantage of advanced features like cloud video storage you'll need a Ring Protect plan, which starts at $4.99 a month. It's a good value. As you'd expect, the Ring Battery Doorbell plays nice with Alexa-enabled devices and it's a snap to install.
If you're looking for a simple camera system that doesn't require a lot of monitoring, Amazon's Blink setup is a solid choice, especially at this price. In our review, writer John Delaney said that the third-generation Blink indoor model "is a solid buy for anyone looking for an affordable indoor camera that's easy to use and delivers sharp video and accurate motion detection." It naturally integrates well with Alexa devices as well as other home automation systems through IFTTT applets. Two-way audio lets you communicate with the scene through your phone. With an additional subscription, you can store video in the cloud.
And don't forget to check out the Best Early Black Friday Deals Available Now.
Home Security Camera FAQs
Hi, I'm Angela Moscaritolo, PCMag's Managing Editor focused on consumer electronics. With more than a decade of experience covering consumer technology, it's my passion to help readers like you make well-informed purchase decisions and get the most out of the devices you buy. Here are my answers to some of the most common questions about buying a smart home security camera, especially around sales events like Black Friday.
Is Black Friday a Good Time to Buy a Security Camera?
Yes, shopping holidays like Black Friday can be a great time to buy a smart home security camera. In November, we've seen some of our favorite home security cameras discounted up to 50% off. But don't just buy a product because it's a good deal – be sure to check our roundups of the best indoor and outdoor security cameras for models we recommend, based on our rigorous independent firsthand testing experience.
Are Battery-Powered or Wired Security Cameras Better?
Battery-powered security cameras are often more expensive than wired ones, but they are easier to install outdoors because you can put them anywhere within range of your Wi-Fi network without having to run a power cable to plug into a GFCI outlet. For indoor use, a wired model may be a better choice, as you can plug it into a standard wall outlet for continuous power and never have to worry about recharging a battery.
How Long Do Battey-Powered Security Cameras Last?
Battery life varies, but six to 12 months is standard. Some of our favorite battery-powered security cameras can power through more than a year between charges. Many factors impact battery life, including the weather (they drain faster in the cold), Wi-Fi signal strength, and overall usage. Most battery-powered models are easily rechargeable via USB, while others use disposable batteries.
Do I Need a Subscription to Use a Smart Home Security Camera?
With most smart home security cameras, you can access a live view from your phone anytime for free. Many models, including all Ring cameras and doorbells, require a subscription to view recorded video, while others give you a few days of free cloud storage before requiring a subscription. If you want to avoid subscription fees or you're concerned about online security, look for a model with a microSD card slot that allows you to save recordings locally.
Are There Any Smart Home Security Camera Brands to Avoid?
We no longer recommend security cameras or any products from the Wyze brand. This decision follows a series of Wyze security failures, including privacy breaches in February 2024 and September 2023 that exposed users' camera feeds, and a significant vulnerability detailed by Bitdefender researchers in March 2022 that Wyze failed to disclose for three years.