9 Best Cheap Security Cameras of 2023

Jun 27, 2023

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Keep your home safe and secure from break-ins without breaking the bank.

Whether you want to keep a closer eye on your pets while you’re running errands or protect your home from potential intruders while you’re on vacation, home security cameras can give you peace of mind with access to a live video feed. Even cheap security cameras can offer high-definition footage you can monitor from your phone. Many security cameras are durable enough to use outdoors, while others are designed to be placed on a desk or in the corner of a bedroom.

While it isn’t hard to find a security camera that fits your needs, whether it’s monitoring motion at the doorbell or completely revamping your home security, finding one that fits your budget is more difficult. That’s why we rounded up the best high-quality security camera options that won’t run you several hundred dollars—here are our picks.

Along with price, there are several factors worth keeping in mind before you buy a cheap security camera, including the power source, its purpose, and connectivity with other devices.

Security cameras use one of two power sources: batteries or corded power. Battery-powered security cameras provide far more mobility without the necessity of a nearby power outlet. This allows for placement in more unique places, particularly outdoors and from higher vantage points. Corded power options never need replacement batteries and are generally built for more convenient locations, like in your living room.

Even among more affordable security cameras, there is still a massive variety of designs and unique features. Security cameras often come with design features built specifically for indoor or outdoor settings, such as privacy screens, floodlights, and weather-resistant exteriors. Make sure you know your camera needs before making a final choice.

While the majority of security cameras have wireless connectivity through an app on your smart devices and computers, there are many options that require a direct, wired connection to your home’s internet and the camera’s storage. Wired connections reduce lag and don’t require Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. However, wireless cameras tend to provide significantly more convenience.

Keep in mind that the cheapest security cameras typically only come with live feeds, like our best overall pick from Wyze, so if you want to store a lot of video footage from you camera, prioritize that feature—several of our recommendations below have limited local storage.

We selected these cameras based on research conducted by our colleagues here at Best Products, as well as respected publications like CNET. We scoured hundreds of reviews from verified buyers to see what real customers think, and made sure to keep our selections limited to items close to, or lower than, $100 at the time of publication.

When it comes to marrying high-level security with affordability, the Wyze Cam v3 is a great option with an excellent reputation among homeowners and pet parents. The security camera comes with motion- and sound-detection technology that triggers automatic notifications, which is great for keeping tabs on front-porch deliveries or your kids during nap time.

The Wyze Cam v3 also comes with two-way audio to communicate directly with neighbors, delivery drivers, and pets, even when you aren’t home. Our deputy editor, Zoë Hannah, uses hers to communicate with her crated puppy during long days in the office.

The security camera sets itself apart from other options with color night vision enhanced with image improvement technology. Hannah says this feature works great, and can see her dog laying in the crate even when the entire room is pitch black.

The camera is also equipped with weather-resistance for outdoor use, and only requires one plug, though the power cord is quite short.

The Google Nest security camera is designed for easy integration with your home and smart devices. The security cam connects directly to the Google Home app, and is therefore compatible with any smart device with Google Assistant, whether that is a Google Pixel, Google Nest Smart Speaker, or Chromebook.

One feature unique to the Nest camera is the one-hour local footage backup, so in the event of a Wi-Fi outage, the camera records up to a full hour of security footage directly on the device, preventing lost surveillance while you sort out your internet connection.

One of the most affordable and durable security cameras on the market, the Tapo 2K camera is designed for long-term value. The device has an IP66 weather-resistance rating to prevent damage, even when mounted outdoors.

It can save up to 128 gigabytes of local storage so you can review important footage, but you need a microSD card or a Tapo Care subscription to save it. The device has many other security-focused features including a night-vision mode and a motion-activated siren for when you’re out of town.

When it comes to outdoor-specific options, the Blink outdoor camera is worth considering. The security camera offers high-level durability against rain, dust, and more, so feel free mounting it anywhere around your home, even without overhead cover.

Because Blink is an Amazon brand, the camera easily connects to any Alexa devices for improved integration with your smart home devices. The Blink Outdoor camera also has a uniquely long battery life of up to two years, so you don’t have to readjust and remount the device every few months—ideal for a “set it and forget it” outdoor camera.

For outdoor security at an affordable price, the Wyze Cam floodlight fits the bill. The LED lights provide up to 2600 lumens of brightness when on—perfect for lighting up a walkway or backyard—and can be adjusted to different brightnesses. The motion sensors on the camera extend beyond the visual range of the camera itself, with a total sensing spectrum of 270 degrees for ultimate security.

Along with the floodlights, the device has a 105-decibel alarm siren to deter any unwanted visitors, which is a handy feature for when you’re out of town for an extended time. You can attach another Wyze camera to this one for even more coverage, ideal for capturing multiple angles, and the entire device is weatherproof.

This Ring indoor camera provides 1080p HD resolution and easy setup for monitoring any activity inside your house. Built to watch kids or pets while you’re away, the device has a high-quality two-way audio feature with built-in noise cancellation for clearer voices on both sides of the device.

The Ring camera easily connects to smart devices including smart home assistants like Alexa, so you can check in on any room of your home with a voice command. With a stand attached to the camera, installation is as easy as plugging it in and connecting it to the app on your phone.

The Blink video doorbell remains one of the best security camera doorbells on the market today. The device is built to detect motion at y0ur front door, notify your smart devices automatically with a doorbell press, and provide a two-way communication platform with neighbors or delivery drivers even when you aren’t home.

The Blink doorbell connects wirelessly to your smart devices and Wi-Fi. It also gives you the option of hardwiring it to replace your existing doorbell, so you can keep your current chime sound and avoid the awkwardness of having two doorbells.

Tom Price is an Associate Editor of Commerce for Popular Mechanics, and also contributes to Runner's World, and Bicycling. He has previously covered product reviews, startup news, and even professional wrestling. In his free time, he enjoys watching pretentious TV, low-brow movies, and exercising for beauty, not health. If you are interested in exploring more of his work, check out his website.

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