The Best Outdoor Security Cameras To Keep Watch At All Times

Forbes

11-07-2025

An outdoor security camera can help you monitor your backyard while you're on vacation, keep tabs on delivery drivers and more. Some of the best outdoor cameras go a step further, capturing crisp 4K video footage—including after dark—and providing a two-way audio system so you can share instructions with delivery drivers. After researching and testing, I chose the Reolink Duo 3 PoE as the best outdoor security camera overall. It offers a crystal clear 4K resolution and a 180-degree field of view that can monitor your large backyard, the driveway and the street beyond.
An outdoor security camera acts as a first line of defense for your home, warding off those who so ... More much as see it. Forbes / Photo: Retailer
If you're concerned about complexity of installing or operating of a security camera, don't be. Many of these cameras use batteries or solar power, so installing them can mean all of a few screws, not hardwiring electrical connections. They also work with phones and tablets, which helps make them easy to set up. And cost need not be a barrier for peace of mind either, since our value pick, the Wyze Cam V3 Indoor/Outdoor, costs less than $50. No matter your budget or your needs, here are the best outdoor security cameras you can get right now. Our Top Recommendations Best Outdoor Security Camera Overall: Reolink Duo 3 PoE
Best Outdoor Security Camera With Floodlights: Eufy Floodlight Cam S330
Best 4K Outdoor Security Camera: Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera
Best Value Outdoor Security Camera: Wyze Cam V3 Indoor/Outdoor
Best Ring Outdoor Security Camera: Ring Spotlight Cam Plus
Best 1080p Outdoor Security Camera: Google Nest Cam (Battery Version)
Resolution: 4K | Lumens: 560 | Power source: Wired | Field of view: 180 degrees
Pros: Huge 180-degree field of view
Crisp 16MP UHD image clarity
Smart playback options
Cons: Requires hard-wired installation
Occasional false alarms
If you only want to install one security camera and have a commanding view of your entire yard, then the Reolink Duo 3 PoE is the camera to buy. The 'Duo' part of the name refers to the fact that this camera has two forward-facing lenses, each set at a slight angle outward. The cameras uses a real-time algorithm to 'stitch' both images together into one huge panoramic view that covers a full 180 degrees of space, letting you see the whole of a front or back yard or the span of a long driveway. There are 16MP UHD cameras with 4K sensors, too, so you get a crisp image no matter the time of day. This pairing works in tandem to give a broad, seamless 180-degree field of view of any yard.
The Duo 3 PoE gets its power via the same ethernet cable it uses to transmit data, so while it does require a hardwired setup, once it's connected, you can expect a strong signal. Depending on the size of the (sold separately) microSD card you choose, you can store up to 64 hours of video. If that's not enough storage, you can buy a Reolink NVR (network video recorder) and store weeks worth of footage. Either way, you can find the video clips you want to review quickly via the Reolink app's smart playback feature, which lets you search through stored videos based on the type of event recorded and by timeline. The camera does experiences false alarms, specifically with insects setting it off after dark, but the color and black-and-white night vision are so sharp that you won't be left wondering what you're seeing.
Resolution: 2K | Lumens: 3,000 | Power source: Wired | Field of view: 360 degrees
Pros: 360-degree field of view
Adjustable, bright floodlights help you spot everything in your yard
Tons of smart features
Cons: Heavy and bulky
Wired-only connection
The Eufy Floodlight Cam S330 outdoor camera captures a crisp 2K resolution image with a 360-degree horizontal and 130-degree vertical viewing field to capture everything on your lawn. Additionally, it can adjust the video's color temperature based on the time of day.
This camera also offers AI Subject Lock and Tracking, so the camera can target people and animals, lock in the subject and track them across its field of view. While night vision cameras can capture color images and video, sometimes the imagery doesn't capture the finer details. By including a 3,000-lumen floodlight, the Eufy Floodlight Cam S330 can capture video and images with a crisp detail. And don't worry about the light flooding your bedroom or living room; each of the lights is fully adjustable.
You also don't need a subscription for the S330—all software is unlocked at the time of purchase, so no hub is needed. It also comes with a microSD card slot so you can score up to 128GB of footage on the camera. Plus, it comes with compatibility for both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. One major drawback? It's bulky and heavy, weighing at just over three pounds, so you'll need to mount it in a sturdy location.
Amazon Tapo TP-Link C420S1 With A200 Solar Panel
Resolution: 2K | Lumens: Unknown | Power source: Wireless | Field of view: 113 degrees
Pros: Needs no batteries or wires thanks to the accompanying solar panel
IP65 weatherproof hardware
Full color night vision
Cons: App can be slow and finicky
Motion detection can feel too sensitive
Just 30 minutes of sunshine daily is all it takes to keep the Tapo TP-Link C420S1 powered up all day (and night) long. If you don't want to be bothered with charging batteries now and then, and you certainly don't want to be bothered with a hardwired installation, then this is definitely a camera and solar power bundle to consider. Both the camera and its accompanying solar panel are rated IP65, so rain, snow, cold and heat shouldn't damage this hardware. The 2K resolution provides crisp images by day, and thanks to a large F1.6 aperture (the lower the aperture number, the wider open it is and the more light gets in), the camera can capture clear and colorful video at night, too.
Some reviews flagged some lag in the app, while others pointed out the annoyance of the camera's overly-sensitive motion detection; sometimes, it send alerts when there's really nothing there. You can customize the alerts to a degree, though, and given the attractive price of this camera and solar panel package, it's easy to overlook these minor quirks.
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Best Buy Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera
Resolution: 4K | Lumens: 400 | Power source: Wireless | Field of view: 180 degrees
Pros: 4K resolution with a dedicated spotlight option
Zoom when viewing the live feed from your phone
Uses both local and cloud storage
Cons: Cloud-based video storage requires subscription
Spotlight isn't as powerful as a floodlight
Arlo SmartHub (sold separately) is required for use
The Arlo 2 Spotlight Camera captures video in full 4K—the best resolution currently available on the market. While the Arlo Ultra 2 lacks its own dedicated floodlight, it comes with a small, 400-lumens light. It does give its users a 4K resolution in both regular and night vision so you can see exactly what's outside your front door at all hours. Alternately, it comes with a smaller, 400-lumens spotlight that pops on when the motion sensor gets triggered as a deterrence.
Thanks to its battery-powered, wireless connection, the Arlo Ultra 2 installs easily. And after testing this device, I appreciated how compact and subtle this camera is. It does its job without detracting from the look of a property and comes with a 180-degree field of view. For context, most security cams I've tested typically offer no more than about 130 degrees. Plus, the camera reduces the fisheye effect for a more comprehensive image, another byproduct of most cameras on the market. Like others on this list, the camera still requires a subscription for any cloud storage. Additionally, this price tag is for the camera solely; the Arlo SmartHub that's required for operation to your Wi-Fi router costs extra. Or, you can opt to buy the 2-cam set for a comprehensive package.
Resolution: 1080p | Lumens: 72 | Power source: Wired | Field of view: 98.5 degrees
Pros: Budget-friendly
Motion and audio detection
Full-color night vision
Cons: MicroSD memory card sold separately
Some features require a paid subscription
Does not support Apple HomeKit
Wyze is known for making high-quality, budget-friendly home security products that work just as well as its higher-priced competition. This is certainly true with the Wyze Cam V3 Indoor/Outdoor security camera. It offers a 1080p HD resolution with a 130-degree field of view, along with plenty of other features you'd expect from a versatile security camera. For example, you'll get full-color night vision, two-way audio communication and the option for both cloud or microSD memory card video storage for the 24/7 recorded feed. Plus, it has a built-in mini siren for keeping intruders away.
The camera is compatible with the free Wyze mobile app, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, and is IP65 weatherproof rated, so it'll withstand year-round weather conditions. It also utilizes both motion and sound detection to alert you when something is happening outside of your home that might require your attention. Keep in mind that some features, like the unlimited cloud storage and pet detection are blocked by a paid subscription.
Amazon Ring Spotlight Cam Plus
Resolution: 1080p | Lumens: 350 lumens (per light) | Power source: Wireless | Field of view: 140 degrees
Best for: Easy integration with the rest of Ring's ecosystem.
Pros: Great battery life
Good video quality in light or dark
Seamless integration with Alexa network and other Ring devices
Cons: Subscription needed for recorded video
No Google Assistant or HomeKit connectivity
After testing the Ring Spotlight Cam Plus, setting it up is as easy as charging a battery, scanning a QR code and twisting home a couple of screws. It's a great choice for someone lacking in time and/or DIY chops. It's also the one I use for my home because it also has seamless pairing with the Ring Video Doorbell, too. The wireless camera's battery lasts a solid two months with regular use—constantly sounding the siren and shining the lights will speed its drain, of course—and you can buy an optional second battery or even a solar kit. And that siren I just mentioned is loud enough to drive off intruders or animals alike at 100 decibels, while the lights illuminate the entire driveway and much of the yard. You can customize the areas where the camera detects motion and can set it to tell the difference between any motion (say, a bush in the breeze) and a person, minimizing false alerts. I also appreciate that I can easily check each video feed from one app at any time.
Because it's an Amazon brand camera, you can add the Ring Spotlight Cam Pro to your Alexa smart home network, so you can ask Alexa to see a live feed of your camera at any time for extra peace of mind. The Amazon brand means you can also pair it with the Ring Video Doorbell for a solid security system, especially if you're already set up in the Alexa network.
The biggest downside here is that you'll need to pay for a subscription to get the most out of the camera, like recorded video. That said, subscriptions don't cost that much. Also, you won't be able to use this camera with Google Assistant or HomeKit, but again the Alexa pairing is seamless.
Best Buy Google Nest Cam (Battery Version)
Resolution: 1080p | Lumens: N/A | Power source: Wireless | Field of view: 130 degrees
Pros: Easy installation
Decent video resolution
Maintains a 3-hour video playback for free
Cons: No floodlight without separate accessory
Subscription required for expanded cloud storage
Battery life may drain quickly depending on traffic
The Google Nest Cam is a battery powered outdoor video camera that offers a decent battery life—up to seven months on a single charge for low-traffic homes. The 1080p HDR resolution offers night vision and up to three hours of free video playback; adding a Nest subscription boosts it to up to 60 days on cloud storage. If your Wi-Fi internet goes down, the camera can internally store up to one hour of video, but you won't be able to access the feed or recorded content until your service returns. Plus, it's easy to install.
The camera itself relies mainly on a motion sensor to activate. You can, however, see the live feed, review recorded video or use a two-way communication feature in conjunction with your smartphone. While the Google camera works seamlessly with an Android smartphone, it also works with an iPhone (with the appropriate mobile app installed). One important update to note: The camera no longer works with the Nest app. You have to install the Google Home app to access the camera's features.
The Forbes Vetted tech team is committed to sharing only the most up-to-date, relevant and accurate product information. We have published scores of articles focused on consumer tech, many of which have had to do with home security. All of the cameras in this section were selected by Steven John, who has personally tested more than 20 different security cameras in recent years, along with testing and reviewing dozens of other products.
The tech vertical is overseen by Rebecca Isaacs, the consumer tech and electronics editor at Forbes Vetted. When she's not testing the latest smart home products, she's testing the best gaming TVs and the best wireless earbuds.
We spoke to several home security experts while preparing this story, including David Selinger, the co-founder and CEO of Deep Sentinel and Justin Clark, the owner and president of A2Z Security Cameras.
We know tech tends to become quickly outdated. To keep this piece fresh and accurate, it's regularly updated. Its most recent update was in July 2025 to add a new solar-powered outdoor security camera pick, the Tapo TP-Link C420S1 With A200 Solar Panel. We also added insights on how to choose the best outdoor security camera for your home.
We compiled this list of the best outdoor security cameras based on firsthand testing, product demonstrations, insights from colleagues and other experts and thorough research. We narrowed down the list to reputable brands, including Arlo, Wyze and more.
The Forbes Vetted team has tested many of the best outdoor security cameras on the market, including the best home security cameras, which augmented our already extensive knowledge on the topic. We used this knowledge to compare specs and features across over 20 cameras to narrow our top picks.
We also consulted other colleagues and industry experts, including Selinger and Clark, to learn more about outdoor security cameras. Additionally, we read through user reviews to get a full picture of what constitutes the best outdoor security cameras in 2025, for users of all types.
We evaluated each product based on features like resolution, battery life (where applicable), field of view, autofocus, AI integrations and price.
Choosing the best outdoor security camera can feel a little overwhelming if you're not sure what you're looking for. We recommend reviewing these features to help you decide which model is best for your home. Power Supply
Power Supply is the first consideration many people have when choosing a security camera. There are two options: wired and wireless. Opting for a wireless camera can mean a much easier installation, but of course it means you should expect to charge it every few months. A hardwired camera can be more complicated to install, but once it is properly set up, you will never have to worry about the camera's power for the lifespan of the unit. Resolution
For many households, a 1080p, or HD, security camera resolution will be plenty. Others, however might want to opt for 2K or even a 4K image clarity for peace of mind. If you want to be certain you can see details like license plate numbers, then opt for the higher resolution. If you just want to keep general tabs on who is coming and going, opt for 1080p. Two-Way Audio
If you need to communicate with a deliver driver, being able to hear and be heard is essential. Two-way audio allows you to communicate wherever you are with the person in your hard. A good security camera lets you hear what's going on. A great one lets you be heard as well. 'A quick response to a threat is essential,' says Selinger. 'Look for a camera with the capabilities to address perpetrators through a two-way speaker system.' Footage Storage
Some outdoor security cameras store video clips locally, either with internal memory or with an SD card, while some store it remotely via cloud. The former offers the less expensive option, while the latter usually comes with a subscription, but also can offer effectively unlimited video storage. Siren And Floodlight
While the presence of a camera itself is a primary deterrent, for extra peace of mind, a loud siren and bright light can also discourage raccoons or pranksters from staying in your yard. Look for a floodlight with a minimum of 700 lumens to adequately light up your backyard. Detection Features
Many outdoor security cameras have smart motion detection capabilities and are often able to differentiate between types of movement, such as the motion of a vehicle, person or animal. If you want to be in control of the types of alerts you get, look for a security camera that can provide such.
Is It Better To Have Wired Or Wireless Security Cameras?
This is really a matter of personal preference, though with all things considered, ultimately a hardwired camera is the better option, as you will never have to worry about charging it. That said, the installation can be a frustration, and an event of a blackout, you might lose power to your security camera while a battery powered camera would keep on operating.
What Is The Best Wi-Fi Outdoor Camera?
Based on testing and research, the best outdoor security camera overall, the Reolink Duo 3 PoE, is a great Wi-Fi outdoor camera. That said, almost all current outdoor security cameras offer a Wi-Fi connection, so look past that as a feature and instead look at other aspects of any camera you are considering, from resolution to weather ratings to power source.
What Is The Best Outdoor Security Camera Without A Subscription?
Cloud video storage solutions offer features like off-site storage, often for a subscription fee, while cameras without a subscription store footage on SD cards (or SSDs). 'Each has unique benefits and tradeoffs—for example, cloud systems may involve recurring costs or latency issues, while [local] solutions may suffer from limited third-party interoperability compared to traditional systems with centralized recorders,' says Clarke.
If you're looking for a camera with a subscription-free storage, the Reolink Duo 3 PoE offers a microSD storage that can store up to 64 hours of video playback.