The Best Indoor Security Camera

 

It’s often said that peace of mind is priceless. However, here we are, putting a price on it—and surprisingly, it’s quite reasonable.

An indoor security camera provides you with the peace of mind of keeping an eye on what matters most at home, be it your children, your beloved pets, or your cherished vinyl collection.

We suggest considering the Eufy Indoor Cam C120, priced at around $35. This camera offers crisp 2K video quality, boasts four storage options for your convenience, accurately distinguishes between humans and pets, and is even equipped to detect the sound of a crying baby. Additionally, if you wish to seamlessly integrate it with your other smart devices, rest assured as it comes with support for Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit.

Everything we recommend

Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home

The Eufy Indoor Cam C120 excels in capturing exceptional video quality round the clock, boasting a respectable 125-degree field of view. It’s adept at discerning various types of movement and sounds, whether it’s detecting people, pets, or the cries of a baby. Additionally, it offers a wider array of storage options compared to our other recommendations. However, it’s worth noting that to fully leverage its impressive 2K video resolution, all motion-triggered recordings must be directed to a microSD card. Opting for alternative storage methods, such as continuous 24/7 video recording to a microSD card, a networked hard drive (NAS device), or cloud storage via subscription to services like Eufy Cloud or Apple HomeKit Secure Video, will result in video downscaling to a still sharp 1080p resolution.

Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT, SmartThings

The TP-Link Tapo C110 stands out as the most budget-friendly indoor camera among our recommendations. Priced at around $25, it offers hardware that is more economical compared to our other options. The camera provides the flexibility of locally storing video footage onto a microSD card, whether you prefer to capture only motion-triggered events or continuous motion throughout the day. However, it’s important to note that cloud storage for the Tapo C110 comes at a slightly higher cost than our top pick, at $3.50 per month per camera. Therefore, if you intend to deploy multiple cameras, the cumulative expense of the cloud plan could become significant. Unlike our other picks, the C110 lacks pet detection capabilities, yet it does feature the ability to identify people and detect crying.

Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Google Home

The Google Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired) is designed with longevity and advanced recording capabilities in mind. It sets itself apart by capturing the longest clips among our recommendations, lasting up to five minutes each. With the option for continuous 24/7 cloud recording (subscription required), it ensures comprehensive coverage of your space. Moreover, it excels in distinguishing between people, pets, and vehicles. Unlike other models, it lacks a microSD card slot or any provision for local storage, relying solely on cloud storage. However, it stands out by offering limited free cloud storage for recorded footage, albeit for a duration of just three hours after capture. Additionally, Nest provides the most economical subscription plans for users with multiple cameras, starting at $8 per month for unlimited cameras, with the option to upgrade for facial recognition capabilities.

Who this is for

A standalone Wi-Fi camera serves as a reliable source of peace of mind, enabling you to stay informed about various aspects of your home life. Whether it’s receiving notifications when the kids arrive home from school, monitoring your pets’ activities throughout the day, identifying individuals accessing the liquor cabinet, or detecting potential trespassers entering your home, these cameras provide invaluable insights into your household dynamics and security.

Note: We advise against utilizing security cameras as substitutes for baby monitors. Unlike dedicated baby monitors designed to provide continuous live video and audio streaming, indoor security cameras often have timeout features that interrupt monitoring after a short duration, rendering them ineffective for prolonged supervision purposes.

While the cameras discussed in this guide offer fundamental security features, it’s important to note that they are not meant to serve as substitutes for comprehensive home security systems. A complete home security setup typically includes a range of components such as door and window sensors, motion detectors, smoke alarms, and other specialized security accessories, providing a more comprehensive approach to safeguarding your home.

The deployment of security cameras within your home raises significant privacy concerns for all individuals who enter the premises, including guests, family members, and residents. During our evaluation process, we meticulously reviewed the privacy policies of our recommended camera options. These policies outlined the data collection practices of the companies, the purposes behind such data collection, and the subsequent utilization of this information. We paid particular attention to any deviations from what we consider to be standard practices within the industry. There are several key points that merit attention from all users. For instance, most camera manufacturers stipulate in their policies that, under specific circumstances, they may comply with law enforcement requests to access your camera footage—and in some cases, they may do so without necessitating your explicit consent.

On a practical level, integrating a smart camera into your household provides the capability to monitor and record the activities of individuals within your home—often without their awareness or consent. Consequently, the installation of an indoor security camera raises significant ethical considerations, and in certain jurisdictions, it may also raise legal implications. If you are contemplating the installation of such a device, it is imperative to involve all members of your household in the decision-making process, taking into account their feelings and expectations. Key considerations include the placement of the camera, its operational schedule, and the individuals granted access to the recorded video footage. Depending on local regulations, it may be necessary to inform visitors to your home, such as babysitters, cleaners, and service professionals, about the presence of surveillance cameras. Ultimately, your choice of camera should align with your preferences regarding visibility and the scope of recorded content.

How we picked and tested

We’ve conducted extensive testing on indoor cameras over the years. While numerous models utilize Power over Ethernet (PoE), our focus remains on cameras that operate solely over Wi-Fi, eliminating the requirement for a networked video recorder. In our evaluation process, we prioritize models that meet the following criteria:

• Video quality: While there are options available with 2K and 4K resolutions, we typically find that a 1080p resolution suffices for most users. This resolution provides crisp video quality that streams smoothly over a standard Wi-Fi network.

• Wide-angle lens: While pan-and-tilt cameras offer the advantage of a broader field of view and potentially superior video quality, our extensive testing across various models revealed a common issue: they frequently encountered mechanical jams, leading to instances of missed activity. As a result, we lean towards stationary cameras that can be strategically positioned to cover wider areas effectively. The majority of standard models typically offer viewing angles ranging from 105 to 180 degrees, ensuring comprehensive coverage without the risk of mechanical failures.

• Two-way talk: With a built-in microphone and speaker, you have the capability to communicate with potential intruders, notifying them that authorities are being alerted, or even instruct your furry friend to vacate the couch while you’re away at work.

• Alerts: While all cameras provide motion alerts as a standard feature, certain models offer more advanced capabilities. These include the ability to notify you specifically when people or pets are detected, trigger alerts based on sound, and even differentiate between various sounds such as a smoke alarm and a baby’s cry.

• Geofencing: This feature facilitates automated motion detection based on your departure or arrival at a predefined location, typically your home. To ensure its effectiveness, it requires every individual residing in the household, including children, to have the corresponding app installed on their smartphone and geofencing enabled.

• Storage: We focus our testing efforts exclusively on cameras that utilize cloud storage for video footage. While some devices offer the alternative of local storage, wherein recordings are stored on a microSD card, this method poses limitations. In the event of a power outage or if the card is compromised, access to the recordings becomes inaccessible.

• Smart-home integration: Integration with smart-home systems enables seamless connectivity between your camera and other compatible smart devices. This functionality enables actions such as automatically activating lights or adjusting thermostats in response to motion detected by the camera.

To evaluate indoor security cameras, I linked each device to a gigabit Verizon Fios network using a Wi-Fi router and the Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8), selected as our top choice for mesh-networking kits. Utilizing devices such as an iPhone 12, a Google Pixel 7 Pro, and an iPad, we thoroughly assessed the performance of the cameras and their accompanying applications. Additionally, we tested the compatibility of the cameras with smart displays including the Amazon Echo Show 5, Apple TV, and Google Nest Hub.

After shortlisting our potential candidates, we conducted an in-depth review of their privacy policies, seeking clarification on privacy and security practices by reaching out to each company with specific inquiries. Furthermore, we subjected them to scrutiny by connecting them to Firewalla Purple SE, a firewall device designed to monitor networked devices and identify data transmissions, including destinations. Additionally, we vigilantly monitor the practices of each company, stay abreast of any pertinent news developments, and closely observe their responses to any incidents that arise.

Our pick: Eufy Indoor Cam C120

Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home

The Eufy Indoor Cam C120 embodies everything one could desire in an indoor security camera. Delivering crystal-clear 2K video footage day and night, it excels in discerning between various types of motion, including people, pets, and even detecting the sound of crying. Remarkably priced at just $35, it stands out as a cost-effective option. What sets it apart is its versatile video storage options, offering users the flexibility to store footage internally on a microSD card (sold separately), on network-attached storage (NAS), or in the cloud. With the choice of either a Eufy Cloud subscription ($3/month or $30/year) or Apple HomeKit Secure Video (HSV), users have ample options to suit their preferences. Although recordings on Eufy are downscaled to 1080p resolution for 24/7, NAS, and cloud storage, our testing revealed that the video quality remains impressively detailed.

Select your preferred storage method. The Eufy Indoor Cam C120 offers a variety of recording and storage modes to cater to your needs. To achieve full 2K-quality video (2304×1296 resolution), motion-triggered clips can be recorded directly onto a microSD card. Alternatively, you have the option of continuous 24/7 recording to a microSD card, motion-triggered recordings to a network-attached storage device via RTSP, or cloud recording through paid plans with Eufy ($3/month or $30/year for one camera) or HomeKit Secure Video (starting at $1/month for one camera). However, it’s important to note that all of these options involve a reduction in video resolution (refer to ‘Flaws but not dealbreakers’).

It’s adept at capturing various types of activities and responding accordingly. Whether you opt for a paid subscription or not, the Eufy Indoor Cam C120 demonstrates remarkable proficiency in distinguishing between human, pet, and general motion triggers. Additionally, it excels in detecting crying, a feature we rigorously tested using YouTube clips of individuals and babies shedding tears—and it consistently performed flawlessly. Another noteworthy feature is Pet Command, which prompts the camera to play a predefined audio clip upon detecting a pet entering a designated activity zone. For example, by highlighting the couch within the app, if your pet jumps on it, the camera will emit a robotic voice asking, ‘Hey, what are you doing there?’ Furthermore, users have the option to record and customize their own responses, such as, ‘Pumpkin, stop scratching the carpet, you evil hellcat!’

Eufy has encountered security vulnerabilities in the past. Following an incident in 2022, the company swiftly addressed issues with its web portal. In addition to implementing internal fixes, we observed new security protocols during our latest round of testing. To access video footage via the website, users are required to enable Web Portal Access within the Eufy Security app’s Control Center. This process involves generating a PIN, which remains valid for a duration ranging from one to 24 hours. Should users require web access beyond this timeframe, they will need to generate a new PIN.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The video quality may not consistently reach 2K resolution. While the C120 is labeled as a 2K camera, it achieves this resolution solely when saving clips directly to a microSD card. However, if you opt for storage on a NAS hard drive or utilize Eufy’s cloud plan or HomeKit Secure Video, all recordings will be downscaled to 1080p resolution. Although the resulting video remains notably sharp, it may not meet the expectations of those anticipating true 2K quality.

We maintain vigilant oversight over privacy and security matters. In light of the November 2022 incident previously referenced, a spokesperson from Eufy affirmed that the company utilizes an AWS-based cloud server to facilitate the delivery of push notifications accompanied by thumbnail preview images. Consequently, even if users opt for local storage, their content will transit through the cloud. While Eufy has revised the language within its app to enhance clarity, users retain the option to deactivate thumbnail-enhanced smartphone alerts by accessing their camera’s settings, navigating to Notifications, and selecting their preferred notification delivery method.

Runner-up: TP-Link Tapo C110

Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT, SmartThings

The TP-Link Tapo C110 outshines our top pick in several aspects. It boasts the capability to capture 2K images, which can be stored either on a microSD card or in the cloud. Moreover, it comes at a more budget-friendly price point and features a more compact design. However, a few minor limitations prevent it from securing the top spot for most users. Some individuals may find it lacking as it can only detect either people or general motion, and it does not offer compatibility with Apple HomeKit.

The video looks great, no matter where you store it. The C110 stands out as a 2K camera capable of capturing sharp images both day and night, a feature we observed while monitoring movements throughout the day and tracking our cat’s nocturnal activities. When storing footage on a microSD card, the image quality matches that of our top pick. However, noteworthy differences arise when utilizing cloud storage: since the C110 records in 2K to the cloud (unlike the Eufy), users may notice a slightly higher level of detail in the images.

It’s cheap to buy, and free (or cheap) to use. Priced at approximately $25, the C110 emerges as the most budget-friendly option among our selections. Similar to our top pick, it offers the convenience of standalone use without requiring a subscription plan, as users can save videos directly to a microSD card. The camera records motion-triggered video clips lasting up to three minutes, or alternatively, users can opt for continuous 24/7 recording—although this may quickly fill up the card. Much like the Eufy, in continuous mode, the Tapo C110 still alerts users to motion events, isolates them as clips, and permits easy download as needed.

While a cloud storage option is available, providing notifications with thumbnails and up to 30 days of storage accessible from anywhere, even during power outages, the base plan is priced at an additional 50 cents per month compared to our top pick ($3.50/month per camera). For users planning to deploy more than two cameras, it’s worth noting that the subscription cost becomes the highest among our selections. (Eufy charges $10/month for up to 10 cameras; Nest offers plans starting at $8/month for unlimited cameras.)

You can create a highlights reel. For users who prefer not to sift through numerous smartphone alerts, the Video Summary feature offers a convenient solution by condensing a full day’s worth of events into a concise video. While this feature is currently in beta and exclusive to Tapo Care subscription holders, our testing revealed its effectiveness. However, it’s important to note that the feature replaces captured audio with a generic soundtrack, which may seem unusual to some users.

Upgrade pick: Google Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired)

Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Google Home

The Google Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired) stands out with its sleek and sturdy design, exuding an air of elegance compared to our other recommendations. Notably robust and durable, it gives the impression of being able to withstand significant impact, perhaps even a drop-kick. Offering the advantage of recording longer clips, it provides complimentary but limited cloud storage, with the option to upgrade to a subscription for continuous 24/7 cloud recording. However, when factoring in the cost of both the Nest Cam itself and a subscription plan, it emerges as a pricier option compared to our other picks, especially for single-camera setups. Additionally, it records in 1080p resolution, in contrast to the 2K resolution offered by other cameras, and lacks built-in storage.

The most action in one clip. The Google Nest Cam records the longest clips among all of our selections, capable of capturing footage up to five minutes in duration, triggered by motion detection. In comparison, the Tapo C110 has a maximum clip duration of three minutes, while the Eufy Indoor Cam C120 maxes out at two minutes. All three cameras seamlessly create new clips following the conclusion of each clip, provided that motion persists. However, it’s worth noting that the Tapo C110 consistently leaves a four-second gap between clips, a deliberate measure intended to prevent clip overlap according to the company.

The most cost-effective option for multiple camera users. If you wish to retain recordings beyond a restricted duration (see below), subscribing to Nest Aware is necessary. While the $8 monthly subscription fee may initially appear steep, it offers coverage for an unlimited number of cameras. In contrast, the Eufy cloud plan is priced at $3 per month for one camera and $10 per month for up to 10 cameras, while Tapo Care costs $10.50 per month for three cameras or $12 per month for up to 10 cameras.

It’s all about the cloud. The Nest Cam does not provide any local recording options; however, it distinguishes itself as the sole contender among our selections to offer complimentary cloud storage. Nevertheless, this free storage is limited, with clips being retained for only three hours after capture. If this timeframe does not align with your requirements and you seek prolonged storage and accessibility of clips, opting for a Nest Aware subscription becomes necessary. Nest Aware subscriptions start at $8 per month.

That Nest Aware subscription adds great features. Subscribing to Nest Aware not only extends clip storage duration to 30 days (or 60 days with Nest Aware Plus) but also introduces features such as face recognition, enabling you to identify individuals entering your home. Our testing revealed that this feature performs effectively, provided the camera obtains a clear view of the subject. Additionally, Nest Aware includes monitoring capabilities for sounds of glass breaking, as well as detection of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Other good indoor security cameras

We conducted evaluations on several indoor security cameras that didn’t quite match the performance of our current top picks but still offer commendable features, particularly if they align with your specific requirements. It’s important to note that these models are not subjected to long-term testing like our top picks.

If you’re a Roku user: The Roku Indoor Camera SE offers users a clear image quality and intuitive controls. Notably, it integrates seamlessly with Roku’s platform, allowing you to conveniently view camera feeds on your Roku TV or streaming box. Despite being manufactured by Wyze (please note that we no longer endorse Wyze devices), the app management is overseen by Roku. While our top pick boasts superior storage options, Roku does provide the option for local storage as well as a cloud plan priced at $4 per month per camera, or $40 per year.

If you’re all in with Arlo: The Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera impresses with its high-quality 1080p video resolution and advanced alerts capable of distinguishing between people, pets, vehicles, and general motion. Despite its commendable features, we found our recommended picks to offer better value for money. Additionally, it’s worth noting that a newer Arlo camera is set to be released soon.

If you’re all in with Apple HomeKit Secure Video: The Aqara Camera Hub G2H Pro offers excellent picture quality, compact design, and affordability. Additionally, it serves as a Zigbee hub, allowing seamless integration with other Aqara devices, including our recommended sensor picks. Compatibility with HomeKit Secure Video is another standout feature; however, similar to other HSV cameras, we encountered occasional issues with the service when using this camera. Nevertheless, for users keen on setting up a system with HSV or Aqara devices, this camera presents a solid option. Alternatively, if this isn’t your priority, we believe our other recommendations would be more suitable.

If you’re all in with Ring: The Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) offers users a crisp 1080p image quality, along with features such as person detection and a removable privacy cover. The convenience of the privacy cover allows users to manually swivel it to conceal the camera when they’re at home. However, it’s worth noting that this option tends to be pricier compared to our top two recommendations and is exclusively compatible with Alexa.