We have conducted extensive tests on a variety of outdoor security cameras, and while some of them didn’t make it onto our list above, they still offer noteworthy features. In this expanded review, we will discuss these cameras in detail to provide you with comprehensive information before making a purchase.
The Wyze Cam OG and Wyze Cam OG Telephoto are a budget-friendly option from Wyze that work well together. The OG camera provides a wide 120-degree view and comes with a spotlight, while the OG Telephoto offers a 3x optical zoom. These cameras can be bundled with a stack kit for $56, making it an affordable choice. For example, you can use the OG camera to monitor your backyard and the Telephoto camera to focus on the gate area. You can even set up a picture-in-picture view in the Wyze app. Both cameras have an IP65 rating, but if you want to use an outdoor socket, you’ll need to purchase the Wyze Outdoor Power Adapter for $14.
The Swann AllSecure650 4 Camera Kit priced at $700 includes four wireless, battery-powered cameras and a network video recorder (NVR) that can be connected to a TV or monitor via HDMI. These cameras can record up to 2K, providing crisp and detailed footage. The night vision capability is reasonably good, but the two-way audio lags and sounds distorted. One standout feature is the option to view all camera feeds simultaneously. The backup battery in the NVR allows for easy battery swapping when a camera is running low. Plus, there is no need for a subscription as everything is local. However, the mobile app is subpar, camera feeds can take several seconds to load, and there is no implementation of two-factor authentication (2FA). Additionally, navigating the NVR interface with the provided mouse can be clunky.
Arlo Pro 4, priced at $154, was our top pick in the previous review, and it continues to be an excellent choice that is easily accessible. Its successor, the Pro 5, offers slightly better battery life and enhanced color night vision, but the difference is not significant. The Arlo Pro 4 provides crisp and clear footage, responds swiftly, and has an excellent detection and notification system. However, it’s important to consider the cost of an Arlo subscription, which starts from $5 per month for a single camera.
Related Post
The Reolink Argus 3 Pro, priced at $120, is an affordable security camera that offers a range of features. It provides 2K video quality, with the option for local or cloud storage. The camera supports two-way audio, includes a siren, and has person recognition capabilities. The live feed loads quickly, and you have the option to purchase a solar panel accessory for power. Although the app can be a bit confusing, 2FA has been recently added. Alternatively, you can consider the Reolink Argus PT with a solar panel for $160, which is a reliable pan and tilt camera with similar features. Both Reolink cameras also support dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).
For those looking for a stylish floodlight camera, the Eve Outdoor Cam priced at $250 is an option to consider. However, keep in mind that it must be wired into your home, and the installation process can be tricky. This camera offers motion-activated light (up to 1,500 lumens), 1080p video with a 157-degree field-of-view, and two-way audio. As a Homekit camera, it requires an Apple Homekit hub (such as Apple TV, HomePod, or iPad) and an iCloud+ storage plan. Unfortunately, the video and sound quality are average, it only works on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, and there is no Android support.
The Toucan Wireless Outdoor Camera priced at $100 is reminiscent of our top pick from Arlo with its smart magnetic mount and easy installation process. The 1080p video quality is good under ideal conditions, but it struggles with mixed lighting as it lacks HDR capabilities. The two-way audio functionality is passable. The app works well, loading the live feed quickly. However, it is a cloud-only camera, which means you will need a subscription (starting from $3 per month) for tagged events, extended recording beyond 24 hours, or to download more than five videos per month.
The Wyze Cam V3 Outdoor Camera priced at $35 offers an IP65 rating, making it suitable for outdoor use. It comes close to matching the Wyze Cam Outdoor in terms of video quality and features. However, keep in mind that it requires constant power, which may result in additional costs for a lengthy cable. Additionally, local storage options are limited to a microSD card on the device.
The Toucan Security Light Camera priced at $180 is another option worth considering. It can be easily plugged into an outlet and comes with an 8-meter waterproof cable. This camera provides motion-activated light (1,200 lumens), records 1080p video, and supports two-way audio. The footage is detailed, but it may struggle with direct sunlight. You have the option to record locally on a microSD card (sold separately) and receive 24 hours of free cloud storage, although it comes with limitations. Subscription plans start from $3 per month. During testing, we found that this camera triggered too often, even with motion detection set to the lowest sensitivity. Additionally, there is no way to filter for people, resulting in frequent false positives triggered by blowing leaves, moths, and birds.
The Ezviz C3X priced at $90 offers reliable features, including crisp footage and reliable alerts. It includes a dual-lens camera for better night vision, providing full-color video without the need for additional lighting. Setting it up is simple, with the option to use a power cable (Ethernet is also available as an option). The camera supports convenient two-factor authentication using a fingerprint. However, the cloud subscription is relatively expensive. For users in the UK, the wireless Ezviz EB3 priced at £80 is also worth considering. It is a battery-powered outdoor security camera offering 2K resolution, on-device person detection, and a microSD card slot.
The Blurams Outdoor Lite 3 priced at $65 is an affordable security camera that offers an extensive range of features. It supports pan, tilt, and zoom functionality, spotlights, a siren, motion tracking, continuous recording, and two-way audio. Footage can be stored locally on a microSD card (sold separately) or through a cloud subscription plan. While the video quality is reasonable, the app can be glitchy, and loading the live feed can be inconsistent, buffering indefinitely at times.
Lastly, the SimpliSafe Wireless Outdoor Security Camera priced at $190 offers a solid set of features, including crisp 1080p video and HDR support. However, it requires a SimpliSafe security system and monitoring plan to make it worthwhile. This can make it expensive compared to alternatives such as the Arlo Pro 4. However, for existing SimpliSafe customers, it may serve as a useful add-on.
In conclusion, while these outdoor security cameras didn’t make it onto our list of top recommendations, they still offer valuable features and affordable options for those on a budget. Depending on your specific needs and preferences, any of these cameras could be a suitable choice for keeping your outdoor spaces secure.
