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You need the best outdoor security cameras to allow you to keep an eye on your home even when you're not there. With the ability to detect motion, capture video, and send alerts, they provide peace of mind by letting you monitor any suspicious activity around your house.
We've researched dozens of outdoor security cameras over the past several years to bring you our recommendations for the best options in 2023. Whether you want completely wireless capabilities, sharp night vision, or budget-friendly choices, we have a pick that will work for your needs.
Our Top Picks
Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera – Best Overall
The Arlo Pro 4 delivers top-notch performance thanks to its detailed 2K video, intelligent alerts that distinguish between people, vehicles, and animals, and easy installation. It connects to WiFi so there's no wiring required.
Some key features:
- Records video in color even at night thanks to built-in spotlights
- Detects motion up to 25 feet away
- Sends notifications when it spots people, animals, cars or packages
- Stores recordings securely in the cloud
The downsides are that it requires a paid Arlo Secure subscription starting at $5/month to access certain features, and the battery may need charging about once a month with frequent use. But for the best combination of detailed video and smart alerts, the Arlo Pro 4 is a superb choice.
Wyze Cam V3 – Most Affordable
At just $35.98, the new Wyze Cam V3 proves you don't have to spend a lot for a full-featured security camera. The V3 captures crisp 1080p video and offers free cloud storage of motion alerts. New features include color night vision, faster motion detection, compatibility with Alexa and Google voice commands, and support for IFTTT applets. For basic monitoring at a bargain price, the V3 is hard to beat.
All-new Blink Outdoor 4 (4th Gen) – Wire-free smart security camera, two-year battery life, two-way audio, HD live view, enhanced motion detection, Works with Alexa – 3 camera system
Blink Outdoor – Completely Wireless
If you want to place a camera anywhere without worrying about wiring, the Blink Outdoor security camera delivers. This 100% wire-free HD camera runs on two AA lithium batteries that provide months of use per charge. It captures 1080p video with night vision and motion alerts, and allows two-way audio so you can talk through the camera. At $100 for the starter kit, it's pricier than some competitors but the convenience of the removable, waterproof battery is a major perk.
Noorio B210 – Flexible Magnetic Mounting
The Noorio B210 outdoor security camera offers flexible placement thanks to its magnetic mounting system. This 100% wireless 2K camera has color night vision, human detection, 16GB local storage, and an IP66 weatherproof rating. It runs for 6 months on a charge and starts at just $99.99, making it a versatile budget-friendly option.
What To Look For in an Outdoor Security Camera
- Video Quality: Look for 1080p or higher resolution for sharp footage.
- Power Source: Wireless cameras offer flexible placement, while wired cameras limit you to mounting near an outlet.
- Field of View: A wider field of view (100-150 degrees) covers more area with one camera.
- Night Vision: Infrared or color night vision ensures recording in low light.
- Smart Alerts: AI detection of people, cars, animals and packages reduces false alerts.
- Weatherproofing: IP65 or IP66 rating protects against the elements.
- Local Storage: On-board storage allows recording if WiFi is disrupted. Cloud backup provides remote access.
Reviews of the Best Outdoor Security Cameras
Arlo Pro 4
With superb 2K video quality, intelligent alerts that distinguish between types of motion, and flexible wireless setup, the Arlo Pro 4 is our top recommendation for most homeowners.
Key Features:
- 2K resolution with HDR provides detailed video day and night
- 160° diagonal field of view
- Color night vision spotlights objects up to 25 ft away
- Detects people, vehicles, animals and packages
- Local storage with microSD card support
- Wireless and weatherproof (IP65 rating)
- Rechargeable battery lasts 1-2 months per charge
- Auto zoom and tracking lock onto motion
The Arlo Pro 4 checks all the essential boxes and more for an outdoor security camera. It delivers excellent video quality with 2K resolution and high dynamic range (HDR), so faces and license plates will be clear. The built-in spotlights enable full color night vision video.
One of its standout features is intelligent alerts. The camera uses AI to distinguish between people, cars, animals and packages, sending notifications only for the types of motion you want to be alerted to. This dramatically cuts down on false alerts from branches blowing or other harmless activity.
Installation is quick and simple with the included mounts and no wiring required. The rechargeable battery generally lasts 1-2 months between charges depending on usage. An IP65 weatherproof rating ensures it can withstand the elements. Local storage and cloud backup offer dual recording options.
Overall, the Arlo Pro 4 combines robust features with top-notch video and smart alerts to provide reliable monitoring and peace of mind. The required Arlo Secure subscription starts at $2.99 per month for basic features, making this a worthwhile investment for whole-home security.
Wyze Cam V3
If you need an affordable camera that doesn't skimp on features, the Wyze Cam V3 is a superb value.
Key Features:
- Captures 1080p HD video
- Color night vision
- 130° wide field of view
- AI motion and sound detection
- Free 14-day cloud storage
- MicroSD card support for continuous recording
- Alexa and Google Assistant voice control
- IP65 weather resistance rating
The recently released V3 builds on the popular Wyze Cam line of budget-friendly indoor/outdoor cameras. Beyond sharp 1080p recording, the V3 adds color night vision for better visibility in low light. Detection zones and a faster processor reduce false alerts and speed up notifications.
Like previous versions, the V3 features free basic cloud storage of motion events. For $1.99 per month, you can upgrade to continuous recording to the cloud. It also supports local continuous recording with a microSD card (sold separately).
With voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant, you can pull up live video on displays using voice commands. Support for IFTTT lets you connect the camera to other smart devices and services.
For all it delivers at less than $40, the Wyze Cam V3 is a no brainer for affordable whole-home security monitoring. It provides 24/7 recording, intelligent alerts that matter, and easy connectivity.
Blink Outdoor
Go wire-free with Blink's Outdoor camera that runs for months on removable AA batteries.
Key Features:
- 100% wireless and weatherproof
- 1080p HD video with 110° FOV
- Infrared night vision
- Motion detection alerts
- 2-way audio communication
- Alexa integration
- Cloud storage and local USB storage options
The Blink Outdoor camera brings the convenience of wireless operation plus long-lasting battery power. It runs for up to two years on the included lithium batteries. Placing the camera anywhere in WiFi range, without having to mount near an outlet or run electrical wiring, is a huge perk.
The Blink features crisp 1080p recording, night vision up to 30 feet, and motion alerts with activity zones. With two-way talk, you can warn off intruders through the camera. Integration with Alexa allows voice commands to view the live feed.
Storage options include free cloud storage for motion events or local USB storage for continuous recording.
For flexible wireless security, the Blink Outdoor delivers sharp video and key features at a reasonable price point. If you want to mount cameras in tricky locations without wiring hassles, this battery-powered unit is up to the task.
Noorio B210
The Noorio B210 provides versatile wireless security with flexible magnetic mounting.
Key Features:
- 100% wireless with magnetic mount
- 2K resolution with night color vision
- Advanced human motion detection
- IP66 weatherproof rating
- Up to 6 months battery life
- App connectivity and push alerts
- Built-in microphone and speaker
- 16GB local storage
This wireless home security camera boasts 2K video quality day and night thanks to color night vision. The innovative magnetic mounting base allows flexible placement on any metal surface indoors or out.
AI detection focuses on people while ignoring other motion to reduce false alerts. And built-in local storage eliminates the need for an extra subscription fee.
The powerful long-life battery provides security monitoring for up to half a year on a single charge. With an IP66 weatherproof rating and operating range from -4° to 122°F, it can withstand any climate.
Priced below $100, the Noorio B210 delivers impressive capabilities for the money. For easy installation anywhere without wiring, it's a versatile outdoor security pick.
Final Thoughts
Adding an outdoor security camera is one of the best ways to deter and monitor unwanted activity around your home. Today's cameras provide HD recording, motion alerts, night vision and convenient features at increasingly affordable prices.
Our top recommendation for all-around performance and value is the Arlo Pro 4. With superb 2K video, smart alerts, wireless design, and easy installation, it's a wise investment for full-home security.
For budget-friendly monitoring, the $35 Wyze Cam V3 packs impressive specs into an ultra-affordable package.
The Blink Outdoor delivers wireless flexibility perfect for tricky installations.
The Noorio B210 provides a flexible magnetic mount and weatherproofing at a reasonable price point.
Whichever model you choose, positioning outdoor security cameras around your home's perimeter provides an extra set of eyes to give you peace of mind.
Ready to step up your home security? Get a quote on professional installation services in your area. Our trained technicians will help you select the right cameras and optimal placement to protect your property with complete coverage day and night.
