The Best Indoor Security Cameras for 2024


The Best Indoor Home Security Camera Deals This Week*

*Deals are selected by our commerce team

One of the biggest benefits of a smart home is being able to know what’s going on when you’re not there. Whether you want to check in on your kids, pets, or an exotic jewel collection, a home security camera is an effective tool for monitoring everything from afar.

Although capabilities vary between devices, all indoor security cameras allow you to monitor the interior of your home through live or recorded video. Some of the features that differentiate them are alarms, the ability to send notifications when they detect activity, and two-way audio. Other cams are suitable for monitoring your baby or even double as full-on home automation hubs.

No two cameras are identical, so make sure to check out what makes each of our top picks unique and why that might work best for you. Also, keep in mind that the cameras here are designed to help you keep tabs on the inside of your house. For a look at what’s going on outside, check out our picks for the best outdoor home security cameras, the best floodlight cameras, and the best video doorbells.  


Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. See how we test.

Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

Eufy Indoor Cam E220

Eufy E220 Indoor Cam

Best 2K Camera

Why We Picked It

Despite its affordable price, the E220 Indoor Cam packs the kinds of features you usually find on more expensive cameras. It delivers outstanding 2K video, detects motion and sound, offers smooth remote pan and tilt controls, works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, and even tracks motion. The camera is easy to install, and all of its features worked well in testing.

Who It’s For

If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly indoor security camera with a 360-degree view and 2K resolution, the Eufy E220 Indoor Cam is an unbeatable value. The TP-Link KC410S indoor security camera offers those same features for less than $50, but the Eufy E220 Indoor Cam’s pan and tilt maneuvers are faster.

PROS

  • Affordable
  • Sharp 2K video
  • Automatic motion tracking
  • Sound and motion detection
  • Local and cloud storage
  • Works with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant

CONS

  • Doesn’t support IFTTT
  • Some features not available in HomeKit

SPECS

Connectivity Wi-Fi
Integrations Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant
Field of View 125 degrees
Resolution 2K
Storage Cloud, Local
Two-Way Audio
Mechanical Pan/Tilt
Night Vision
Alarm
TP-Link Tapo Indoor/Outdoor Home Security Wi-Fi Camera C120

TP-Link Tapo Indoor/Outdoor Home Security Wi-Fi Camera C120

Best Indoor/Outdoor Camera

Why We Picked It

For just $40, the TP-Link Tapo C120 is loaded with features usually only found on more expensive models, including 2K resolution (2,560 by 1,440 pixels), color night vision, and local video storage. The camera records video when it detects motion and offers free intelligent alerts that differentiate between people, pets, vehicles, and other motion events, which many competitors charge extra for. The C120 also has an IP66 weatherproof rating, meaning you can use it indoors or outside.

Who It’s For

If you’re in the market for a wallet-friendly 2K security camera for indoor or outdoor use, the TP-Link Tapo C120 is well worth considering. It requires a nearby outlet for power, but saves you a lot of money compared with wireless 2K alternatives.

PROS

  • Sharp 2K video
  • Weatherproof design
  • Built-in spotlights
  • Intelligent motion detection
  • Color night vision
  • Local and cloud storage options
  • Supports voice control

CONS

  • Doesn’t support HomeKit
  • Didn’t work with IFTTT in testing

SPECS

Connectivity Wi-Fi
Integrations Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
Field of View 120 degrees
Resolution 2K
Storage Cloud, Local
Two-Way Audio
Mechanical Pan/Tilt
Night Vision
Alarm
Ring Stick Up Cam

Ring Stick Up Cam Battery

Best 1080p Camera

Why We Picked It

The Ring Stick Up Cam Battery is all about ease of use. Since it runs on battery power, you can place it just about anywhere on the inside or outside of your home without having to worry about staying close to an outlet or snaking a power cord. It captures video at 1080p with a 115-degree field of view, and uses Wi-Fi to connect directly to your home network without a separate hub. Day and night video appeared sharp in our tests, and motion detection worked well, as did its Amazon Alexa and IFTTT integrations. The battery is rated to last anywhere from six to twelve months between charges, and you can easily replenish it via an included USB cable.

Who It’s For

If you’re looking for a feature-rich security camera that can be used indoors and outdoors and is very easy to install, the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery delivers in spades. You have to pay for a subscription to view recorded video, but its $3.99-per-month Ring Protect storage plan with 180 days of video history is one of the more affordable options around. The pricier Pro version also earned our Editors’ Choice award, but its advanced motion detection, which lets you see where visitors have traveled on your property, makes it a better fit for outdoor use.

PROS

  • Completely wire-free
  • Sharp 1080p video
  • Works with Alexa voice commands and IFTTT
  • Motion detection
  • No hub required
  • Built-in siren
  • Easy to install

CONS

  • Expensive
  • Recorded video requires cloud subscription

SPECS

Connectivity Wi-Fi
Integrations IFTTT
Field of View 115 degrees
Resolution 1080p
Storage Cloud
Two-Way Audio
Mechanical Pan/Tilt
Night Vision
Alarm
Arlo  Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Generation

Arlo Essential Indoor Camera (2nd Generation)

Best Low-Cost Arlo Cam

Why We Picked It

Arlo’s $39.99 Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Generation lets you monitor any room in your house without spending a bundle. This wired indoor security camera installs in minutes, captures sharp 1080p video, and provdies accurate motion alerts. It also supports Alexa and Google voice commands and works with lots of third-party smart home devices via IFTTT.

Who It’s For

The Arlo Essential Indoor is a solid choice if you’re looking to add an affordable camera to an existing Arlo setup. It’s not quite as value-rich as the Eufy E220, which costs less and offers sharper 2K video, local storage, and mechanical pan and tilt support, but it’s a smart choice if you’re already committed to the Arlo ecosystem. Note that an Arlo Secure subscription is required to access recorded video and to unlock intelligent alerts and other features.

PROS

  • Sharp 1080p video
  • Voice control
  • Strong third-party device support
  • Intelligent alerts
  • Automated privacy shield

CONS

  • Doesn’t work with HomeKit
  • Access to recorded video requires a subscription

SPECS

Connectivity Wi-Fi
Integrations Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
Field of View 130 degrees
Resolution 1080p
Storage Cloud
Two-Way Audio
Mechanical Pan/Tilt
Night Vision
Alarm

Blink Indoor (3rd Gen)

Best Battery Life

Why We Picked It

The Blink Indoor is a battery-powered 1080p security camera that delivers sharp video and accurate motion detection. There are no wires involved, which makes for easy installation, and it promises up to two years of battery life from two AA batteries. As with its weatherproof sibling, the Blink Outdoor, the Indoor model works with Amazon Alexa voice commands and supports third-party integrations using IFTTT applets.

Who It’s For

The Blink Indoor is a compelling alternative to the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery that allows for both cloud and local video storage, not just the former. It requires a wireless hub (which is included in the box), and it gives you the option to store videos locally on a USB drive (sold separately) if you don’t want to pay for a cloud subscription.

PROS

  • Sharp 1080p video
  • Works with Alexa and IFTTT
  • Local and cloud video storage
  • Temperature alerts
  • Long battery life
  • Easy to install

CONS

  • Requires a hub
  • Doesn’t support Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant

SPECS

Connectivity Wi-Fi
Integrations Amazon Alexa, IFTTT
Field of View 110 degrees
Resolution 1080p
Storage Cloud, Local
Two-Way Audio
Mechanical Pan/Tilt
Night Vision
Alarm
Google Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired)

Google Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired)

Best Entry-Level Nest Cam

Why We Picked It

We like that Google’s battery-powered Nest Cam that works indoors or outside, but it’s one of the pricier home security cameras out there. Although it isn’t quite as versatile, the Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired) offers many of the same features for around $80 less. Easy to set up and manage, the indoor Nest Cam delivers sharp 1080p video, accurately detects motion, and can distinguish between motion from people, animals, and cars. Just keep in mind that you must subscribe to a paid Nest Aware plan to view video that’s more than three hours old and to use the camera’s face recognition feature. 

Who It’s For

The Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired) is a solid, relatively affordable security camera if you already use Google Assistant or a Nest Hub to control your smart home devices.

PROS

  • Intelligent alerts
  • Supports Google Assistant voice commands
  • Recognizes faces
  • Dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity

CONS

  • Some features require a subscription
  • No Alexa, HomeKit, or IFTTT support

SPECS

Connectivity Wi-Fi
Integrations Google Assistant
Field of View 135 degrees
Resolution 1080p
Storage Cloud
Two-Way Audio
Mechanical Pan/Tilt
Night Vision
Alarm
Google Nest Cam (Outdoor or Indoor, Battery)

Google Nest Cam (Outdoor or Indoor, Battery)

Best for Intelligent Alerts

Why We Picked It

The Google Nest Cam (Outdoor or Indoor, Battery) is all about versatility. As the name implies, you can use this weatherproof camera indoors or outdoors and power it using the built-in rechargeable battery or the included USB cable and AC power adapter. It’s easy to install and performed well in testing, capturing sharp 1080p video and identifying motion caused by people and animals. Just know that it requires a Nest Aware subscription (starting at $6 per month) to view recorded video that is more than three hours old and to use its face detection feature. 

Who It’s For

If you’re in the market for a security camera that installs in minutes and offers a good selection of features—particularly if you already use other Nest Devices and/or Google Assistant—put the Nest Cam on your short list. Just keep in mind that you have to pay to access recorded video that’s more than three hours old. For $8 per month or $80 per year, the Nest Aware plan provides 30 days of video history, or you can upgrade to the $15 monthly/$150 yearly Plus plan for 60 days of video history.

PROS

  • Easy to install (no wires)
  • Weatherproof
  • Intelligent alerts
  • Dual-band Wi-Fi
  • Works with Google Assistant
  • Face recognition

CONS

  • Expensive
  • Doesn’t support Alexa, HomeKit, or IFTTT
  • Some features require a subscription

SPECS

Connectivity Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Integrations Google Assistant
Field of View 130 degrees
Resolution 1080p
Storage Cloud
Two-Way Audio
Mechanical Pan/Tilt
Night Vision
Alarm
Ring Indoor Cam 2nd Gen

Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen)

Best Affordable Ring Cam

Why We Picked It

The second-generation Ring Indoor Cam improves upon its predecessor with a privacy cover and color night vision while continuing to deliver sharp 1080p video, phone and voice controls, and robust third-party device support. With a Ring Protect subscription (starting at $3.99 a month), it offers 180 days of recorded video storage, the ability to download recorded clips, and notifications when a person is in view.

Who It’s For

With clear video and accurate motion detection in our tests, Ring’s second-generation Indoor Cam is an excellent option for keeping an eye on the inside of your home, especially for existing Ring users. If you need a camera that can be used indoors or outside, the more expensive Ring Stick Up Cam Battery is a top alternative.

PROS

  • Affordable
  • Sharp 1080p video
  • Works with Amazon Alexa and IFTTT
  • Color night vision
  • Manual privacy cover

CONS

  • Requires a subscription to record video
  • No local storage option
  • Does not support Google Assistant or HomeKit

SPECS

Connectivity Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Integrations Amazon Alexa, IFTTT
Field of View 143 degrees
Resolution 1080p
Storage Cloud
Two-Way Audio
Mechanical Pan/Tilt
Night Vision
Alarm
TP-Link Kasa Spot Pan Tilt (KC410S)

TP-Link Kasa Spot Pan Tilt (KC410S)

Best for a 360-Degree View

Why We Picked It

For less than $50, the TP-Link Kasa Spot Pan Tilt KC410S indoor security camera gives you a 360-degree view. Designed for indoor use only, the KC410S uses mechanical pan and tilt controls and a 2K camera to record highly detailed video in every corner of the room you place it in. It works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands, but it doesn’t support many IFTTT integrations. The KC410S sends a push alert and records video when it detects motion or sound, and can let you know if a person is to blame for the disturbance. To store and view recordings, you need a microSD card (up to 256GB) or a Kasa Care subscription (starting at $3 per month for 30 days of video history). 

Who It’s For

If you’re in search of a super-affordable security cam with a 360-degree view, the TP-Link Kasa Spot Pan Tilt is a top choice. The KC410S interacts with other Kasa devices, as well as with Alexa and Google Assistant via routines and voice commands.

PROS

  • Affordable
  • Sharp 2K video
  • Mechanical pan and tilt controls
  • Local and cloud storage options
  • Motion tracking
  • Supports voice controls

CONS

  • Doesn’t work with HomeKit
  • Limited IFTTT integrations
  • Pan and tilt movements are a bit sluggish

SPECS

Connectivity Wi-Fi
Integrations Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
Field of View 360 degrees
Resolution 2K
Storage Cloud, Local
Two-Way Audio
Mechanical Pan/Tilt
Night Vision
Alarm
Lorex 1080p Smart Indoor Wi-Fi Security Camera

Lorex 1080p Smart Indoor Wi-Fi Security Camera

Best for Local Video Storage

Why We Picked It

The affordable Lorex Smart Indoor Wi-Fi Security Camera offers sharp 1080p video, Alexa and Google voice control, and local storage for video triggered by motion and sound. It’s very easy to install and performs well, delivering sharp video both day and night.

Who It’s For

If you’re looking for a security camera that doesn’t require ongoing subscription fees for cloud storage and other features, the Lorex Smart Indoor Wi-Fi Camera is worth a look. It has a microSD card slot with a 16GB card preinstalled, but it supports media up to 256GB.

PROS

  • Affordable
  • Sharp image quality
  • Works with Amazon and Google voice commands and smart displays
  • Local storage

CONS

  • Doesn’t support Apple HomeKit or IFTTT

SPECS

Connectivity Wi-Fi
Integrations Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
Field of View 115 degrees
Resolution 1080p
Storage Local
Two-Way Audio
Mechanical Pan/Tilt
Night Vision
Alarm

Buying Guide: The Best Indoor Security Cameras for 2024


How to Pick the Best Home Security Camera

We’ve tested lots of home surveillance cameras over the years, so we know what’s important to consider. First and foremost, you should choose a camera that’s simple to set up and use. Another important quality is an attractive—yet discreet—design. Choose a camera that doesn’t clash with your design tastes and, depending on your needs, you might need to make sure it doesn’t stand out too much. Device support is critical as well. Our favorite cameras allow you to check in from anywhere, such as from your phone or via a web browser.

Here are the main factors to consider when choosing a security camera:

Image Quality

Even though 1080p is generally the standard resolution for the cameras we test, higher-resolution 2K models offer improved visibility: the higher the resolution, the more you can zoom in and still see things clearly. Most home security cameras rely on digital zoom, but a few boast optical zoom lenses that capture more detail.

Besides resolution, also consider the field of view. All security cameras have wide-angle lenses, but some are wider than others. Depending on the lens’ field of view, these devices can cover between 105 and 360 degrees; that’s a big range. If you want to watch a large area, look for a camera with the widest field of view and/or the ability to mechanically pan and tilt.

Connectivity

Most security cameras use Wi-Fi, but not all rely on it exclusively. Some add Bluetooth for local control and easier setup through your smartphone, while others incorporate separate home automation networking standards, such as Zigbee or Z-Wave, to interact with other devices. (The Matter smart home interoperability standard is still missing support for security cameras and video doorbells.) For most cameras, all you need to do is follow instructions from an app to connect them to your network.

Once you connect your camera, you can access a live view and any recordings via your smartphone or tablet. The vast majority of home security cameras pair with a companion app that handles all the controls and settings. Some cameras offer access via a web portal too, which adds flexibility.

Many new cameras support voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. With Alexa, for instance, you can ask your camera to pull up a live video feed on your Echo Show. Several cameras support IFTTT as well, which lets you build integrations with other third-party devices and platforms. For instance, you can configure a smart light bulb to turn on whenever the camera detects motion.

Storage

Your camera probably relies on cloud services for storage and to provide remote access to recordings. That said, some models have a microSD card slot that allows you to save recordings locally. If you are worried about online security and don’t want to pay a subscription fee to store your videos, the latter is a better option.

Not all cloud service subscriptions work the same way; the number of days’ worth of recordings they keep and the number of cameras you can monitor with a single subscription often varies. Some companies offer free cloud storage but overwrite recordings typically after about a week.

Recommended by Our Editors

Face Detection

Most security cameras send a simple notification when they detect any type of activity. Others can identify who—or what—caused the commotion. Google Nest Cam models even offer face-recognition technology that helps eliminate unnecessary alerts. They automatically zoom in on people who enter the field of view and can send alerts both when they recognize a face and when they don’t. Sound detection is also a valuable feature.

Privacy

Smart home device maker Wyze is known for its affordable home security cameras, but we no longer recommend them following a series of security breaches that exposed users’ camera feeds.


What Is the Best Affordable Home Security Camera?

Many of our top-tested home security cameras cost roughly $200 and some require an additional subscription. We break down any extra fees you need to consider in our reviews. The good news is that many affordable options are now available for less than $100. Because you can’t put a price on peace of mind, however, carefully consider what features you want to forgo before picking a lower-cost option.

Check out our Readers’ Choice Awards to see which security cameras and brands other PCMag readers trust most. Once you find the right model, read our tips for setting it up. If a single camera won’t cut it, also explore our picks for the best smart home security systems.



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