Best home security cameras in the UK

We all want homes that are safe and secure. Yet, according to the real estate listings we definitely skimmed, fortress inventory is at an all-time low. Additionally, the landscape architect we totally interviewed informed us that moats haven’t been en vogue since the Middle Ages. Fortunately, we remembered that we live in the 21st century and have access to some remarkable technology including home security cameras. 

If you’re looking to protect your home, security cameras are the way to go. They are a great deterrent for break-ins and an excellent way to monitor what’s happening in and around your house. They’ve also become increasingly popular, as evidenced by the numerous options available on the market today. So how do you know which home security camera is the best for you and your family? Well, unless you love rolling the dice when you shop, you’ll want to think about these factors prior to making your purchase:

Indoor vs outdoor: Are you looking to install a camera on the exterior of your house? Or do you want one to monitor indoor activity? Outdoor cameras must be robust enough to withstand changes in temperature and a variety of weather conditions. And when it comes to indoor cameras, most people prefer ones that easily blend into their home/decor. You don’t want anyone to be aware that they’re being recorded. After all, intruders are notoriously camera shy.

Power: It’s important to consider what kind of “juice” a camera needs to operate. Does it rely on batteries or does it require a power source? You might face constraints as to where you can place a camera that needs a power source. Conversely, batteries obviously have a limited life. You’ll have to check periodically to ensure that the camera hasn’t died. We can say with a moderate degree of confidence that a dead camera isn’t incredibly useful.

Audio: Sure, all security cameras provide visual footage (if yours doesn’t you’ve likely been duped). But a handful kick it up a proverbial notch and offer audio surveillance as well. Some cameras simply have a microphone which allows them to capture sound. Others can both capture and emit sound, turning them into an intercom of sorts.

Degree of coverage/movement: Before buying a security camera, think about how much coverage you want. Do you need to monitor a variety of rooms or outdoor spaces? If so, a system that allows you to hook up multiple cameras might be best. Moreover, some cameras have the ability to pan or tilt. Hence they can cover a larger area than a camera that’s static.

WiFi/Home automation: We live in the 21st century. Therefore, like the vast majority of technology today, many security cameras available have WiFi capability. This is great for a handful of reasons including the fact that this makes it harder to disable them. Moreover, most cameras with WiFi allow you to turn your house into a smart home. They can integrate with Amazon and Google and even potentially let you remotely lock your door, control your lights, etc. Some cameras also have companion apps that allow you to view live streams and send email/text alerts. Of course, you’ll need to make sure you have the bandwidth to support all of these facets.

Resolution and lighting: There’s no point in investing in a camera with terrible resolution. You need to be able to receive clear images. Lighting is also key to picture quality. How well lit is the area in which you want to install your camera? Does it receive adequate sunlight? Will there be a glare? Be aware that it can be difficult for indoor cameras to adequately capture images from outdoors, especially after the sun goes down. You should also know that a variety of cameras are designed with night vision and/or motion-activated floodlights. If you’re worried about criminal activity, you should get a camera with these capabilities.

Advanced features: These days, you can find security cameras that have some pretty cool advanced features. If you’re willing spend a little more, you can get cameras with facial recognition, built-in sirens and even ones that respond to voice commands. Additionally, some products/brands let you establish ‘activity zones’ wherein you can program the camera to either focus on or completely ignore a specific area. 

Cloud storage: Though some cameras come with microSD cards, many models don’t store their footage themselves. Instead, they rely on cloud service for storage and offer you remote access. Keep in mind that not all storage is alike. Some might save footage for a month, others only a week. Additionally, you may have to pay a subscription fee for the cloud service. It’s important to consider that when pricing your options. 

Now that you have a sense of what to look for in a security camera, it’s time to peep our top picks: