Picking a Security Camera

I don’t like monthly fees so when home security companies offered their services to me, I quickly said no. Instead, I bought a security camera. Now I have 3 brands of security cameras and they all have their pros and cons. If you’re in the market for a security camera, I think any one of the 3 below will do you well.

Nest Cam

https://nest.com/cameras

Pros:

  • Offers 24/7 cloud recording with the ability to easily scrub through the timeline
  • When browsing the timeline, you can easily find motion points indicated by markers
  • Ability to create a time lapse
  • Ability to create custom clips up to 1 hour long
  • The 4K models allow for zooming in on subjects
  • Once set up, you can leave it alone. No batteries to charge.
  • 1080p video resolution

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Requires a power cable
  • The narrowest part of the power cable is 7/8″ in diameter so if you need to drill holes in walls, they’ll need to be at least 1″ in diameter.
  • Requires a monthly fee of at least $10
  • Some models only support 720p video resolution

Arlo

https://www.arlo.com/en-us/products/default.aspx

Pros:

  • No wires necessary
  • The 4K models allow for zooming in on subjects
  • Super easy to install
  • No monthly payments required
  • 1080p video resolution

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • No 24/7 recording; only records when motion or sound is detected
  • Must recharge battery every so often

Wyze Cam

http://www.wyzecam.com

Pros:

  • Super cheap! ($25)
  • Once set up, you can leave it alone. No batteries to charge.
  • Though it is hard-wired, the narrowest part of the cable is only the width of a USB-C plug so if you need to drill holes in walls, they can be small holes
  • Very long 3rd party cables are available for purchase to so don’t need to daisy chain extension cables
  • No monthly payments required

Cons:

  • No 24/7 recording; only records when motion or sound is detected