7 Best Home Security Cameras to install in Australia for 2024
Equipped with motion sensors, two-way audio and even facial recognition, these smart cameras will keep your home secure – no matter how far away you are.
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One privacy feature on home security cameras is winning over shoppers, with many now saying they "couldn't be happier" and "highly recommend" it for others.
Home security systems are a great way to keep an eye on your home and family while you're away, or double check if any late night noises from outside are something to worry about, without having to leave the safety and comfort of your bed.
One of our tried and tested favourites is the Ring Indoor Camera (2nd Gen), which features a nifty privacy cover so you can keep your private moments... private.
"The package includes everything you need for a quick and hassle-free installation... Even for someone like me, who is not particularly tech-savvy, the process was straightforward," praised an Amazon customer.
Modern systems are simple to install and monitor via your phone, and many models offer nifty features like facial recognition to let you know who is home; motion-triggered lights to help you find your keys when you get to your front door; and two-way audio, so you can speak to visitors or have a chat with the postie even when you’re not at home.
Whether you’re after a multi-camera system or just an easy, budget-friendly option for indoor or outdoor use, we’ve rounded up our picks of the best home security cameras to suit every need.
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST OUTDOOR HOME SECURITY CAMERAS
Ring Stick Up Camera Pro*, $199 (down from $299) at Amazon Australia
Ring Stick Up Cam Pro
Tried and Tested by Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito, Shopping Writer
If you're looking for a camera with good night vision, this is the one. I was so surprised at how clear the Ring camera's image quality is, especially during dark and low light conditions. The process of installing the camera and setting up the app was also super easy and quick.
Plus, the camera was way more compact than I expected and doesn't scream 'I'm watching you' to all my neighbours. Although, if I wanted to use the siren or the two-way audio, both offer loud and pretty crisp sound.
The main downside is that it need to be charged fairly frequently, with one single charge typically lasting one to two weeks. There's a plug-in version alternatively available, otherwise you can get the Ring Solar Panel USB-C to keep it recharged, which is what I plan on doing.
The motion sensors can also be very sensitive and sometimes picks up cars driving past, yet won't always alert me when a postie quickly drops off a package. However, it does detect visitors well for the most part and there's usually very little lag, if any.
eufy 2C Pro 2K Security System & Homebase (4 Cameras), $799 at The Good Guys
eufy 2C Pro 2K Security System & Homebase (4 Cameras)
What You Need To Know
Not a fan of subscriptions? This all-in-one eufy home security system set doesn't require monthly fees to save and access footage, and you can still enjoy features like two-way audio, night vision and motion detection without getting billed.
But the best part is the long battery life, promising to last up to 180 days on a single charge - that's half a year!
"Purchased after an attempted break in. The settings on this are excellent and everything (is) accessible to see or change from phone app. (The) ability to turn on a light, night light, alarm on motion, talk through the cameras and live stream are unreal," praised a customer on The Good Guys website.
"The quality of the image is excellent night and day. Highly recommend it! Home security made easy.
BEST INDOOR HOME SECURITY CAMERA
Ring Indoor Camera, $99 at Amazon Australia
Tried and Tested by Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito*, Shopping Writer
I've honestly been quite hesitant to get an indoor home security camera because I didn't want it to monitor everything 24/7 or potentially record anything I didn't need to. The manual privacy cover on this indoor Ring camera won me over since I could take the extra step and close the lense whenever I wanted to disarm the security system.
While I mainly use this camera to keep an eye on my furbaby, I also like how it can fit most of the 'main' doors and windows in just the one shot for extra peace of mind. Despite being an indoor camera, I think it made me sleep better (and feel better whenever I leave the house) since I can see the different entrances at once. It also seems slightly faster at detecting movement compared to the outdoor Ring cam.
The two-way audio isn't too bad either, although it might be a little quiet if you've got the TV on and other loud sounds happening at once. The siren is definitely loud though.
Compared to the Ring Stick Up Cam Pro, this doesn't have any lag (presumably because it's closer to the Wi-Fi router). It's also not battery powered, so there's no need to recharge (which is what I personally prefer).
I didn't renew the Ring Protect Plan for this particular device and still find it useful. I can still share access, create motion zones, customise motion sensitivity, receive and schedule alerts, and trigger the siren if needed.
BEST BUDGET HOME SECURITY CAMERAS
TP-Link Tapo Pan/Tilt Home Security Wi-Fi Camera (2-Pack)
What You Need To Know
These wallet-friendly Tapo home security cameras (C200) offer more range than some pricier models, capable of panning 360-degrees horizontally and 114-degrees vertically. And for times when you don't want either of the cameras to monitor or record the area, you can turn on Privacy Mode.
It's also versatile enough to be used as an indoor or outdoor security camera, or even a baby monitor.
You can locally store up to 128GB in the microSD card for each camera, which is approximately 16 days' worth of footage, so there's no need to fork out on regular subscriptions either.
One reviewer says they "couldn't be happier" after opting for this budget-friendly buy.
"I was always looking to install cameras at my home and was looking for contractors who quoted quite a lot, until I found this on the big sale... Motion detection is superb, night vision is very clear surprisingly, app is easy to use and works very well," an Amazon customer reviewer posted, rating it five stars.
"(I) purchased another set of two units (and) now can monitor my entire home through the app when I am away."
Arlo Essential Indoor HD Security Camera (2nd Generation), $87 (down from $129)
Arlo Essential Indoor HD Security Camera (2nd Generation)
What You Need To Know
Keep certain moments or times in the day private with an automated privacy shield, such as the one featured on the Arlo Essential Indoor HD Security Camera. Reviewers say this "in-built privacy shield is a terrific and reassuring feature" that makes it clear the room isn't being monitored.
Similar to other home security systems, the live feed and notifications will still work after the 30-day trial ends but you need to have a paid subscription to continue accessing premium features including video object detection, video cloud storage (i.e. recording) and interactive notifications.
BEST VIDEO DOORBELL CAMERA
Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation), $99 (down from $105) at Amazon Australia
Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation)
What You Need To Know
Don't have time to use the built-in microphone and speaker for a two-way chat? You can use the choose a pre-selected response, such as "leave the package" or "we're not interested", and allow visitors to leave a message.
This Ring Video Doorbell has amassed five star ratings from more than 133,000 reviews on Amazon.
"The package includes everything you need for a quick and hassle-free installation, and the step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to follow. Even for someone like me, who is not particularly tech-savvy, the process was straightforward," a shopper reviewed.
"The item itself just feels solid, well made, with a considered design covering long term ease of use. Our nearest wifi router is up one (concrete) floor and we have a thick solid wooden door, (which is) set in a concrete filled block wall, but signal strength was not an issue," another raved.
"The live view on the app and the ability to go back through recent motion alert videos is really useful, more so than I thought it would be after purchased it just as a doorbell."
BEST HOME SECURITY FLOODLIGHT CAMERA
Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus, $239 (down from $299) at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
Avoid blind spots in larger areas like the backyard or garage with a floodlight camera, such as the Ring Floodlight Cam. This comes with two LED floodlights and Colour Night Vision, along with two-way audio and a very loud 105db remote-activated siren to ward off unwanted guests.
Shoppers who "highly recommend" this Ring camera say it offers "amazing" picture quality and is "easy to use and install".
It's available in black or white, and as a single-pack or up to four floodlights. You can also choose whether to get a battery, plug-in, solar or wired version.
If you just want to cover a smaller space, such as the front of your door, you can alternatively opt for a spotlight camera like the popular Ring Spotlight Cam Plus (available as battery-powered or plug-in device). It's definitely worth considering, with more than 10,000 reviews and a 4.6-average customer rating backing up the hype. The device has many of the same features, and similarly available in a wide variety of options.
WHAT YOU NEED TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A HOME SECURITY CAMERA
Here are a few factors we considered when evaluating which products to include in our top picks.
Subscription fees
You can still access basic features without a subscription and use the device for free. Otherwise, some brands offer a subscription to use premium features (such as the ability to record and save footage, or view past detected movements).
Fees can vary depending on whether it's the basic or premium plan, monthly or yearly, and if it's for a single or multiple security cameras.
Field of View
The Field of View (FOV) refers to how much of the area the security camera can capture at once. A narrower FOV (e.g. spotlight camera) focuses on a smaller area and with better detail compared to a device with a wider FOV (e.g. floodlight camera).
Number of cameras
If you just want a camera at your door, a one-cam system will suit you fine and save some cash. If your property is larger and you want to keep an eye on multiple areas, you may have to invest in a larger system.
For the outdoors, floodlights can illuminate a much larger area compared to spotlights.
Smart connectivity
Most cameras now offer smart capabilities that allow them to be monitored remotely via apps on your smart devices. Some also can be voice controlled through Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and more.
Recording options
Most cameras offer live viewing options, but storing all your footage can be a bit more complicated. Majority of home security cameras allow you to store footage locally on a hard drive or memory card. Some brands additionally offer paid subscriptions which let you save as many recordings as you want.
Budget
Entry-level cameras can cost you less than $100, but you’ll likely only get one camera and fewer customisation options for that price. For a multi-cam system, you’re looking at upwards of $300.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS IT BETTER TO HAVE WIRED OR WIRELESS SECURITY CAMERAS?
Wired security cameras are connected to a power source and the internet via cables, whereas wireless cameras are connected to the internet via Wi-Fi and powered by single-use or rechargeable batteries.
Wired options may require professional installation, especially if you’re not totally technologically literate. Wire-free options are the easiest to install without an electrician’s help, or if you don’t have close power or ethernet outlets – and they’re usually quite easily set up via Bluetooth or similar means.
ARE HOME SECURITY CAMERAS WORTH IT?
While we all hope we’ll never be the target of a break-in, they are a risk we should be aware of. A home security system can not only help you identify intruders, but also potentially ward them away by alerting you in real time so you can signal an alarm or call the police. Even if you’re never the victim of such an incident, home security cameras are still a valuable investment – as we’ve described above, they’re handy for letting you know when your visitors arrive, when family members get home, or when your online shopping order arrives.
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*Product has been provided by Ring for a 100 per cent independent, honest review.
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