Wi-Fi security cameras let you keep tabs on packages outside your home, pets on the couch, and even prowlers raiding your refrigerator. This cord-free camera offers excellent battery life, the option to store recordings locally or in the cloud, and the best array of customizations for the money.
The TP-Link Tapo Wire-Free Magnetic Security Camera is relatively inexpensive compared to our other picks, yet captures clear 2K video and includes a long-life internal battery so you can install it anywhere within reach of your Wi-Fi signal.
With or without a subscription, AI detection is enabled—not all cameras include that—so it can distinguish between various motion triggers including people, vehicles, and pets. In December , The Wall Street Journal reported that US authorities may seek to restrict the sale of TP-Link Wi-Fi routers following federal investigations into potential security vulnerabilities, including links between the company and the Chinese government. Although this model has color night vision, I found it to be grainier than other models we tested—and turning it on drained the battery faster.
Learn more in our full review of the best outdoor security camera. This camera delivers high-resolution images, can distinguish between different types of motion and sound, and offers options for local or cloud storage. It can distinguish between various types of motion, such as people, pets, and vehicles, as well as detect the sounds of crying, glass breaking, barking, and meowing—and all without the need for a subscription.
Like our outdoor pick, the C offers a lot of customization options, including the ability to create Activity Zones that can detect specific types of motion in a limited area. For instance, I created a zone in my living room to detect people and pets, with a separate zone around my couch specifically for my chonky cat. Learn more in our full review of the best indoor security camera.
