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
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
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