Best Outdoor Security Camera
Want to find the top outdoor security cameras on the UK market?
This guide will lay out the best products in various categories, including wired, wireless and night vision outdoor security cameras.
The article will prove especially helpful if you’re hoping to buy outdoor CCTV, either soon or perhaps, at some point down the line.
What is an Outdoor Security Camera?
First, let’s explore what an outdoor security camera actually is...
Outdoor cameras, for security reasons (i.e., exterior CCTV), can be fitted on the outside of a property. Outdoor security cameras are, out of necessity, weatherproof, and some are designed to capture images in differing light conditions.
Of course, night vision CCTV would be especially suitable for capturing footage during the dark. Outdoor security cameras are a great way of protecting your home burglary and loiterers.
How Does an Outdoor Security Camera Work?
Want to know how these cameras function? Let’s take a closer look.
These cameras record security footage and either back up the data (such as on an SD card) or store it on a hard disk before replacing it after, say, 24 or 48 hours. Wireless security cameras can also feed the footage to the cloud. As you can see, the exact way they function will vary.
Broadly speaking, outdoor security cameras work as follows:
- Outdoor CCTV is installed
- The security camera is turned on and begins to record
- The footage is saved on a given location or multiple in some cases
Types of Outdoor Security Camera
There are several predominant options when it comes to security camera types. Let’s break down these examples by looking at what they are, as well as their pros & cons.
Wired Outdoor Cameras
This form of CCTV is also known as a digital video recorder or DVR security system. Wired outdoor cameras would also be connected to the internet by a cable and use a wired power source. They are reliable and tend to be more secure than wireless outdoor cameras.
In addition, wired systems can support large instalments. However, they naturally take longer to install, lack portability, and are vulnerable to power cuts.
The Good
- Reliable
- Secure
- Minimal network interference
- Supports large instalments
The Bad
- Longer to fit
- Non-portable
- Would turn off during power cuts
Wireless Outdoor Cameras
This security camera is easier to install, given that the footage is transferred wirelessly. An outdoor wireless security camera is portable, versatile, and scalable too.
On the other hand, they depend on Wi-Fi connectivity, are less reliable than their wired counterparts, susceptible to hacking, and don’t support large instalments.
The Good
- Easy to fit
- Flexible/versatile
- Portable
- Scalable
The Bad
- Not as reliable
- Vulnerable to hacking
- Relies on Wi-Fi
Floodlight Cameras
These security cameras have motion-activated floodlights incorporated into their design. These lights will turn on in response to movement outside of your property.
This could bring your attention to outside activity in real-time and ensure that the footage is bright and clear if motion is detected.
The Good
- Motion-activated
- Can bring your attention to outside activity in real-time
- Can record in bright, clear quality at night
The Bad
- Tend to be more expensive
Video Doorbells
A doorbell camera or video doorbell is fixed to the front door of a property.
For power, it may be hardwired into the existing doorbell and chime set up, or it may depend on batteries.
The Good
- Fixed to the front door
- Different power options such as batteries
The Bad
- Not as effective as other options
Best Outdoor Security Camera
We’ll now look at the top outdoor CCTV products based on different categories. In each category, we’ll explore several fantastic options. The following security cameras have (to varying degrees) plenty of positive outdoor security camera reviews backing them.
Best Wired Outdoor Security Camera
Google Nest Cam IQ Outdoor
This high-end wired security camera from Google comes with Alexa and Google Assistant. It’s a pretty common joke to mock how modern CCTV is worse than footage from the 1800s, but that joke is starting to age, as outdoor cameras like the Nest Cam IQ record in 1080p HD.
But, it also has a 12x digital zoom and a 4K sensor. This wired camera offers zoom and track, facial recognition and records 24/7. With that being said, it’s costly, a bit challenging to install, and lacks a siren.
Things we liked
- Features Alexa and Google Assistant
- 1080p and 24/7 recording
- Digital zoom
- Facial recognition
- Zoom and track
Things we didn't like
- Difficult to fit
- No siren
- Not cheap
Logitech Circle View
This relatively inexpensive smart camera also records in 1080p. The Logitech Circle View can work with Apple Home Kit, 180° rotating up and down, as well as 360° circular rotation, and an appealing design.
However, it doesn’t function with Android phones, only works with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, and lacks a weatherproof power cable. It does, however, have 4.5 metres of infrared night vision thanks to its high-end sensor and a glass lens.
Things we liked
- Smart camera
- 1080p recording
- It won’t work with Android phones
- 180° up/down rotation and 360° circular rotation
Things we didn't like
- No weatherproof power cable
- 4.5 metres of infrared night vision
EZVIZ C3N
This especially inexpensive security camera has a 120° viewing angle. EZVIZ C3N footage can be stored locally or in the cloud. This camera provides two-way audio, 1080p video for great footage in light or dark and requires minimal (if any) maintenance.
However, its night vision is effectively spotlight night vision and not the extremely crisp night footage you might get with other products, like Arlo security cameras.
Things we liked
- Inexpensive
- Two-way audio
- Limited maintenance
Things we didn't like
- Night vision is not the highest quality
Reolink RLC-510A
This wired security camera from Reolink offers 5MP of optimal resolution, it only uses a single wire, and it’s reportedly very reliable.
On the other hand, the RCL-510A does not have two-way audio. Still, though, with a fairly low price tag, it offers good value for money.
Things we liked
- Fantastic quality of footage
- One wire used
- Very reliable
- Good bang for your buck
Things we didn't like
- Lack of two-way audio
Swann Enforcer 4 Camera 4 Channel DVR Security System
If you’re looking for the best outdoor wireless camera system with DVR, the Enforcer 4 is a top candidate to consider.
It offers full HD 1080p, red & blue flashing lights to deter potential intruders, mobile alerts, spotlights, 12 months of recording, and heat & motion detection. It is, with that being said, not surprisingly, pretty expensive.
Things we liked
- Great wired camera with DVR
- Red & blue flashing lights
- Heat and motion detection
- Footage saves for up to 12 months
Things we didn't like
- Not cheap
Best Wireless Outdoor Security Camera
Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera
Many products from Arlo are pretty expensive, but the brand’s Essential Spotlight Camera is not too costly.
This 1080p security camera has a viewing angle of 130°, stores footage on the cloud provides two-way audio, and comes with a fantastic and versatile app.
Things we liked
- Relatively inexpensive Arlo camera
- 1080p security camera
- Two-way audio
- Great app
Things we didn't like
- Not the widest viewing angle
Arlo Pro 3
This more costly security camera from Arlo provides storage locally and on the cloud, recorded in 1440p, has two-way audio, 160° of viewing angle, colour night vision, and a spotlight and siren. However, its hub placement can be an issue.
Things we liked
- 1440p footage
- Cloud and local storing available
- Two-way audio
- 160° of viewing angle
- Colour night vision
- Spotlight and siren
Things we didn't like
- Hub placement can be an issue
EufyCam 2C
The 2C comes with two-way audio, a maximum resolution of 1080p, cloud and local storage options, person detection, and a non-extortionate price tag.
However, this security camera will sometimes fail to detect motion and lacks anti-theft protection.
Things we liked
- 1080p footage
- Two-way audio
- Person detection
- Not too costly
Things we didn't like
- It won’t always pick up on motion
- No anti-theft protection
ieGeek Security Outdoor Camera
This quite popular ieGeek security outdoor camera 1080p product is fairly cheap provides ease of installation, IP66 waterproof features, smart upgrade in motion detection, and has a night vision distance of 20 metres.
Things we liked
- Easy to install
- Good value for money
- Night vision distance of 20 metres
Things we didn't like
- Some reports of reliability issues
Best Video Doorbell Outdoor Security Camera
Eufy Video Doorbell
This 2K doorbell camera, 115° camera, cloud storage only, 1080p recording, and lots of features and versatility. It can be installed practically anywhere, and it has a useful app.
Things we liked
- Versatile
- Lots of features
- Useful app
Things we didn't like
- Delay in video and voice chat
- Has WDR rather than HDR
- It turns off in order to recharge
Nest Hello
The Nest Hello has a 160° field of view, two-year limited warranty, 1600 x 1200 footage, it is mains powered, and comes with sound event, face, and motion detection triggers.
With that being said, this video doorbell is costly, tricky to install, and the subscription is expensive too.
Things we liked
- Two-year limited warranty
- High-quality footage and audio
- 160° field of view
Things we didn't like
- Expensive
- Tricky installation
- Expensive subscription
Arlo Video Doorbell
Another standout product from Arlo is this video doorbell, which provides 1536 x 1536 resolution, a 180° field of vision, a year of limited warranty, and plenty of great features (e.g. it can call your phone automatically with audio or video).
The Arlo Video Doorbell has smart motion detection.
Things we liked
- 1536 x 1536 resolution
- 180° field of view
- Many top-notch features
Things we didn't like
- It has to be hardwired
Best Nightvision Outdoor Security Camera
Arlo Ultra Wireless Home Security Camera
This high-end albeit expensive night vision security camera is classed under Energy Class A and 180° diagonal field of view. It comes with noise-cancelling tech, as well as auto zoom and tracking. It provides integrated spotlight and enhanced night vision.
Notably, this Arlo night vision camera also offers auto image correction to reduce the image from having a fish-eye look. This CCTV product also comes in many different options, ranging from 1K to 4K and 4K v2, as well as a 1-camera to 4-camera system.
Things we liked
- Energy class A
- 180° diagonal field of vision
- Many options, including 4K
- One of the best outdoor security camera system ranges
Things we didn't like
- Expensive
Arlo Pro 3 Outdoor Floodlight
This night vision security camera, also from Arlo, offers 2K video & HDR, colour night vision, weatherproof features, 2-way audio, and a 160° field of view.
It comes with a siren as well as an integrated spotlight. The Arlo Pro 3 also offers smart motion detection, but like the Arlo Ultra, it is quite costly.
Things we liked
- Colour night vision
- Smart motion detection
- 2K video & HDR
- Weatherproof features
- Siren and integrated spotlight
Things we didn't like
- Not cheap
Zmodo Outdoor Security Camera
This wireless and 1080p HD security camera can see to a distance out as far as nearly 20 metres. This Zmodo product can work with Google Assistant and Alexa and offers weatherproof qualities and Wi-Fi connectivity.
One notable advantage of the Zmodo Outdoor Security Camera is that it’s inexpensive.
Things we liked
- Inexpensive
- Wi-Fi outdoor security camera
- Compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa
- Weatherproof qualities
Things we didn't like
- Not that many features
- No two-way audio
Best Budget Outdoor Security Camera
Swann Wire-Free 1080p Security Camera
This security camera offers two-way audio, a max of 1080p HD, 180° field of view, extendable system, smart home compatibility, and can store footage for up to seven days in the cloud.
This inexpensive product does, nonetheless, lack a siren.
Things we liked
- 180° field of view
- Two-way audio
- Smart home compatibility
- 1080p HD
Things we didn't like
- Lacks a siren
Ring Stick Up Cam
For a particularly low-costing security camera, you should consider this one from Ring. It has a 110° field of vision, two-way audio, a siren, an extendable system, and, once again, 1080p HD.
This Ring outdoor security camera is also battery-powered.
Things we liked
- Battery operated security camera
- Two-way audio
- Siren
- Extendable system
Things we didn't like
- Its android app isn’t great
- Lacks person detection
- Only 110° field of view
Kami Outdoor Battery Camera
This product provides a great battery life, 140° field of view, 1080p HD, the Kami Cloud system for internet storage (albeit local storage is also possible), and an extendable system.
The Kami Outdoor Battery Camera, however, comes with no siren, and it doesn’t have too many advanced features.
Things we liked
- 1080p HD
- 140° field of view
- Internet and local storage
- Extendable system
Things we didn't like
- No siren
- Lack of advanced features
Blink Outdoor Security Camera
You can choose from a 1-, 2-, or -3 security camera system with this Blink product. This security camera is highly rated online.
It offers motion detection phone alerts, can run for two years on its AA lithium-ion batteries and comes with infrared night vision capabilities.
Things we liked
- Popular choice
- It runs for up to two years before batteries must be replaced
- Multiple camera system options
Things we didn't like
- Only 110° field of view
Best Non-Subscription Outdoor Security Camera
Hive View Outdoor Security Camera
This older but very reliable security camera offers HD recording, on-camera storage with an SD card slot, a dedicated app, and two-way audio. On the other hand, this Hive outdoor security camera is a bit costly.
Things we liked
- 1080p HD
- SD card slot
- Two-way audio
Things we didn't like
- Installation is tricky
- Plastic design
What to Consider Before Buying an Outdoor Security Camera
There are many points you should take on board before purchasing an exterior CCTV product. Let’s take a closer look at some prominent examples.
Affordability
Firstly, you should consider what your budget is. As shown in this guide, there are plenty of inexpensive security cameras available, but if you’re happy to spend more, you’ll generally get higher quality content.
Lifespan
Some products are more durable than others. It’s worth doing your research and checking out the life expectancy of a given security camera before buying one.
Purpose
Some would like to use a security camera to simply deter intruders (in which case purchasing a budget product would make more sense), or you would like a high-quality and even night vision-enabled security camera.
FAQs
Is a wireless or wired outdoor security camera better?
Each option has its pros and cons. Wired cameras are more reliable but more difficult and expensive to install. Wireless cameras are more portable and scalable.
How much does it cost to install outdoor security cameras?
This would likely cost between £200 and £400.
Do I need Wi-Fi for an outdoor security camera?
Not necessarily. It would depend on the product. You could avail of an outdoor Wi-Fi security camera, but there are other options.
How long should an outdoor security camera last for?
Approximately ten years, but it will depend on the quality of the product and how well-maintained it is.
Do security cameras delete their footage?
Once again, this is product-dependent. Some security cameras continue to back up footage in the cloud, while others store footage locally and (unless it is backed up in a second location manually) this footage is then inevitably written over after a given time period.
Sources
- https://www.usnews.com/360-reviews/security-cameras/how-do-security-cameras-work
- https://www.caldersecurity.co.uk/wired-vs-wireless-security-cameras/
- https://www.security.org/doorbell-camera/
- https://uk.pcmag.com/home-security-cameras/119880/the-best-outdoor-home-security-cameras
- https://www.idealhome.co.uk/buying-guide-reviews/best-wireless-security-cameras-194652
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/tech/g685215/best-wifi-security-cameras/
- https://uk.pcmag.com/home-security-cameras/93068/the-best-video-doorbells
- https://www.expertreviews.co.uk/home/1407418/best-video-doorbell
- https://www.techradar.com/reviews/eufy-video-doorbell-2k-wireless
- https://www.expertreviews.co.uk/nest/1407331/nest-hello-review
- https://www.security.org/security-cameras/ring/review/stick-up-cam-battery/