Security cameras are a key tool in any homeowner’s arsenal when it comes to keeping their family, their property and their possessions safe. Particularly if your home is on the larger side, or you have outdoor areas at risk of trespassers, a camera system is a great way to keep a close eye on different areas — and ideal for giving you peace of mind when taking long vacations away from home.

But there are many different kinds, from indoor to outdoor models, and rotating cameras to video doorbells. There are many different features that can come with a home security camera, including notifications for motion detection, local file storage, or two-way audio to communicate with people in the vicinity of your device. Video storage, too, is a big issue, but might be limited unless you’re willing to pay for a monthly subscription fee on top of the hardware — so be sure to factor that into any buying decisions. At CNET, our experts have tested every category of security camera, and we know which models are worth the investment or are able to keep your home that little bit more secure. Our top pick is the Arlo Pro 5S 2K Spotlight camera, a model that can do everything from two-way audio to smart home support, with excellent high-end features — though there are many cheaper models out there for those with simpler needs. Here are three of CNET’s top choices for a great security camera.

Best overall home security camera: Arlo Pro 5S 2K Spotlight Camera

The best security cameras can work anywhere and adapt to any situation, based on the type of security you need — what you want to watch over, when and how you look and how you get alerts. The Arlo Pro 5S comes so packed with features that we had trouble thinking of something it couldn’t do. The up-to-2K resolution with HDR, color night vision and digital zoom all ensure you can keep an eye on any detail, while the 160-degree field of view is astounding for a cam this size.

Users have their pick of smart features too, including two-way audio and smart alerts with detection zones. Motion detection, honed by Arlo’s years of experience, can identify objects like people or packages and activate the built-in spotlight during dark conditions. With an operating temperature range down to minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit, you won’t have to worry too much about weather, either.

Best portable home security camera: Ring Indoor/Outdoor Stick Up Cam Pro

Mobile wireless cameras offer one big advantage: You can move them anywhere on a whim, from a sunroom or playroom to the kitchen or living room, all depending on your plans. This Ring Stick Up Cam Pro model boosts that benefit even more by allowing you to take the cam outside to a deck or patio if you want (without worrying about leaving it out in the rain).

In addition to its mobility, Ring’s Stick Up camera offers motion detection with alerts, two-way audio and the ability to customize motion or privacy zones to focus the camera on important areas. A home/away feature lets you quickly switch between modes to help save on battery life when you’re home, and if you ever find the perfect spot, the cam also comes with a wall mount.

The Pro model is significantly more expensive, but it adds higher-quality video and more options. Plus, we frequently see it on discount, which really helps cut the price down to manageable levels.

Best video doorbell camera: Google Nest Doorbell 2nd-gen (battery)

Our tests found multiple high-performing video doorbells like the Arlo 2K 2nd-gen Doorbell, but we’re recommending this Google Nest model for a specific reason. Video doorbells tend to capture more footage than most security cams: Even with AI detection, they still record everyone who comes and goes from your home and often people jogging or walking dogs along the street. That can fill up cloud storage or local storage quickly, which is why Nest’s free 3 hours of cloud storage are so useful. You can quickly view recordings and decide whether to download or let the three-hour countdown expire, saving only what you need alert by alert.

We also found the Google Nest Cam to be easy to install and use, simple to recharge, and excellent at detecting packages as well as alerting you when those packages have been removed with great accuracy. There’s a wired version of the camera available, but you get more options for placement with the battery model, which is useful for conforming to any awkwardly shaped entryway. The doorbell also comes with a wedge to slant it in a specific direction if your space is tight.

Google includes important security camera standbys like two-way audio and night vision for its doorbell. The resolution is pretty low for a modern security cam, not even reaching full 1080p/HD. Since doorbells tend to focus on close-at-hand action, this isn’t as important as it would be for other cameras.

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