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Best Cheap Home Security Cameras for 2022 – CNET [CNET]
Home security in 2022 doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Even though some security cameras still cost over $100, a growing number of cheap smart cams from companies like Wyze and Amazon Blink provide quality security without putting a dent in your bank account.
These more affordable security cameras tend to have many of the same features as their pricier counterparts, such as continuous recording, a motion sensor, a rechargeable battery and apps that send a push notification when something triggers the camera. And though these cameras cost as little as $35 — and are often found on sale — they often have 1080p resolution or better. Any models on this list would make a great nanny cam or pet cam, and they can even connect to your existing smart home setup or smart devices to keep you in the loop at all times.
So if you’re on the hunt to create a cheap video surveillance system under $100, here are my picks. Each security camera varies in terms of functionality and features, but they’re both solid choices. We included an indoor and an outdoor camera to ensure your surveillance system covers every inch of your property.
All that said, if your home needs stronger security, you may want to opt for a pricier security camera with advanced features such as professional monitoring, two-way audio and color night vision. You also might want a model with more video storage or a slot for an SD card if you need to review footage from days or weeks before.
Home security camera FAQs
What’s the cheapest home security camera?
Home security cameras are cheaper than ever, but if you find any brands consistently clocking in under $20, you may want to avoid the temptation to buy a bunch of units. Security cameras can pose a privacy risk, and cheaper, off-brand devices tend to have fewer security measures — like multi-factor authentication and encryption — in place. Generally, the cheapest but still-relatively-secure devices you’ll find will be in the $30 range, unless they’re on sale.
Which security camera has no monthly fee?
Most home security cameras don’t require monthly fees to use them. That said, subscriptions will usually give you access to more advanced features, like person alerts, cloud storage and so on. Wyze offers one of the best subscription-free experiences, though, because two weeks of event storage is included with the devices — even though there’s a 5-minute cooldown between event recording.
What is the easiest home security camera to install?
If you care about affordability, you may also be wondering about general convenience. The good news is, by this point, most smart security cameras from major developers are a breeze to install, requiring little more than downloading an app and following a few onscreen directions. Generally speaking, indoor cameras will be less involved than outdoor cameras to set up, since you can plop them on a shelf and forget about them. If you’re installing a device outside, screwing it into a wall or fence isn’t a bad idea, but it may take a little extra elbow grease.
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