Beyond the Best: A Look at Outdoor Security Cameras That Almost Made the Cut
Choosing the right outdoor security camera can feel overwhelming with a market flooded with options. While we’ve previously highlighted our top picks, understanding what came close to making the cut is just as valuable. These cameras offer a mix of strong features, good performance, and competitive pricing, making them worthy contenders for your security needs.
Let’s dive into the fascinating world of "almost-best" outdoor security cameras, exploring their unique strengths and shortcomings.
1. Safemo Set P1 (2-Pack) for $350:
This local security system is a compelling option for those seeking privacy and control. The Safemo Set P1 offers a simple plug-and-play setup, pre-paired cameras, and optional solar panels for continuous power. It records 4K video with locally processed person, vehicle, pet, and package detection that proved mostly accurate in tests.
However, the lack of 2FA (although promised by Safemo) and occasional connectivity issues between cameras and hub are two significant drawbacks. While self-correcting, these issues can be worrying. Additionally, viewing the live feed in 4K requires a robust internet connection.
Quote: "What prevents me from wholeheartedly recommending this impressive debut is the lack of 2FA (Safemo says it is coming) and connectivity issues where one of the cameras would occasionally disconnect from the hub and be inaccessible in the app."
2. X-Sense Smart Security Camera for $50:
The X-Sense Smart Security Camera presents itself as an affordable option. It comes with a solar panel, microSD card slot, and 1080p video recording. While offering spotlight and two-way audio, the quality is limited due to the low price point.
A subscription is required for 60 days of cloud storage, AI recognition, smart notifications, and activity zones. While offering value for its price, alert response times were slow, and motion detection occasionally missed events.
3. Imilab EC6 Dual 2K WiFi Plug-in Spotlight Camera for $180:
This camera boasts dual 2K lenses for fixed spot coverage and simultaneous tracking. The bottom camera offers pan/tilt controls, while the Xiaomi Home app integration makes it an attractive option for existing users. It supports microSD card storage and cloud storage through subscription.
Its strengths include reliable person detection and tracking. However, the video can get jerky during movement, and fast-moving subjects may blur. It lacks HDR for a more balanced image.
4. Arlo Essential Wireless Security Camera for $70:
This is a solid security camera from Arlo that offers ease of setup, clear 1080p footage, and excellent, rich notifications. However, a subscription to Arlo Secure (€8 per month for one camera, €13 for unlimited) is required for all features.
Compared to our top pick, the Essential has a narrower field of view and lacks HDR, resulting in a less detailed image. A more expensive Essential XL (€100) with a larger battery adds extra value.
5. AlfredCam Plus for $50:
AlfredCam Plus is a budget-friendly camera with IP65 rating, 2K video recording, and a 64GB microSD card. It requires an external power adapter but offers 7 days of free, ad-supported cloud storage (with limitations).
A subscription is necessary for 14 days of cloud storage, smart features, and better video quality.
6. Ezviz H3C for $60:
The Ezviz H3C is a wired camera with 2K video recording, a fast-loading live feed, and onboard AI person detection. It also offers a spotlight, black-and-white night vision, and two-way audio.
However, it only connects to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, and the two-way audio has lag and poor quality.
7. Imou Knight Spotlight Camera for $180:
The Imou Knight Spotlight Camera shines with its smart design, 4K video with HDR, 600-lumen spotlight, and microSD card support. The app offers various advanced features, including detection zones, cross-line alerts, and human or pet detection.
Unfortunately, the low frame rate (15 fps) often leads to blurry footage. While offering potential, it just missed the mark due to this limitation.
8. Reolink Go PT Ultra for $220:
This 3G/4G LTE connected camera from Reolink offers pan-and-tilt functionality, 4K video recording on a local microSD card, and cloud storage via subscription. It also comes with a solar panel, spotlight, and color night vision.
The reliable detection system sometimes miscategorizes subjects. Additionally, loading times and lag depend on the strength of the cellular signal. This camera is best for users who need cellular connectivity without Wi-Fi dependency.
9. Swann AllSecure650 4 Camera Kit for $700:
This comprehensive kit includes four wireless, battery-powered cameras and a network video recorder (NVR) for local storage without subscription. It boasts 2K video recording with detailed footage and decent night vision.
However, the mobile app is poorly designed, the camera feeds have loading delays, and there is no 2FA. The NVR interface is clunky, and the two-way audio lags and sounds distorted.
10. Reolink Argus 3 Pro for $70:
This affordable camera offers 2K video, local or cloud storage, two-way audio, a siren, and person recognition. It also features a fast-loading live feed and the option for a solar panel accessory.
While the app can be a bit confusing, Reolink has recently added 2FA. The Reolink Argus PT with solar panel (€104) offers a similar feature set with pan-and-tilt functionality. Both cameras support dual-band Wi-Fi.
11. Eve Outdoor Cam for $242:
This stylish camera offers motion-activated light (up to 1,500 lumens), 1080p video, and two-way audio. It is a HomeKit camera requiring an Apple HomeKit hub and an iCloud+ storage plan.
Its downsides include average video and sound quality, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only, and no Android support. This camera makes sense for Apple-centric home ecosystems but is unlikely to appeal to a broader audience.
12. Toucan Wireless Outdoor Camera for $100:
Toucan’s wireless camera is similar in design to our top pick from Arlo, offering easy installation and good 1080p video in ideal conditions. It offers passable two-way audio and a functional app with quick live feed loading.
This camera is cloud-only, requiring a subscription for full features like tagged events, extended recording history, and download limits.
13. Toucan Security Light Camera for $120:
This plug-in camera features motion-activated light (1,200 lumens), 1080p video recording, and two-way audio. It offers detailed footage but struggles with direct sunlight, and it has limited free cloud storage (24 hours).
The motion detection is overly sensitive, resulting in frequent false positives, and there’s no option to filter for people.
14. Blurams Outdoor Lite 3 for $50:
This feature-rich camera offers pan, tilt, zoom, spotlights, a siren, motion tracking, continuous recording, and two-way audio. It supports microSD card storage and cloud storage subscriptions.
While the video quality is decent, the app is glitchy, and the live feed loading is inconsistent.
15. SimpliSafe Wireless Outdoor Security Camera for $150:
This camera boasts a solid feature set, crisp 1080p video, and HDR support. However, it can only be used with a SimpliSafe security system and monitoring plan.
The cost of purchasing a security system alongside this camera makes it too expensive for what you get. While potentially valuable for existing SimpliSafe users, it falls short compared to the Arlo Pro 4 for overall value.
Conclusion:
These “almost-best” outdoor cameras offer a compelling mix of features, quality, and affordability. Analyzing their strengths and shortcomings allows you to make an informed decision based on your individual needs and budget.
Remember to consider local vs. cloud storage, subscription fees, image quality, detection capabilities, connectivity options, and app performance. For each camera reviewed, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons to determine if they’re the "almost-best" choice for your unique home security needs.
