If you’re not quite ready to fully invest in a comprehensive home security system with window, door, and motion sensors, or if you’re hesitant about ongoing monitoring services, an indoor security camera can be a smart and cost-effective solution. These cameras provide peace of mind by allowing you to check in on your home while you’re away. However, it’s essential to understand their limitations, including potential privacy concerns.
After extensive testing, we’ve identified the best indoor security cameras for 2024. Whether you’re looking for affordability, advanced features, or seamless smart home integration, we’ve got you covered. For more options, check out our guides on the Best Outdoor Security Cameras, Best Pet Cameras, and Best Video Doorbell Cameras.
Updated September 2024: We’ve revised our top picks, added new models from Ring, Imilab, and Ezviz, and updated pricing information. Let’s dive into our favorite indoor security cameras and what makes them stand out.
1. Best for Most: TP-Link Tapo C120
Why We Love It: The TP-Link Tapo C120 offers excellent value with 2K resolution video streaming and recording, a starlight sensor for impressive color night vision, and smart detection features for people, pets, and vehicles. It supports up to 512 GB of local storage via microSD, which helps you keep recordings without relying on a cloud subscription. The camera’s IP66 rating makes it versatile enough for outdoor use, and its customizable motion detection settings ensure you receive tailored alerts. Despite its high frame rate of 20 fps, it occasionally struggles with fast-moving subjects.
Price: $28 (Amazon)
2. Upgrade Pick: Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera (2nd Gen)
Why We Love It: Arlo’s Essential Indoor Camera excels with clear 1080p video quality, two-way audio, and a built-in siren. It’s compact, easy to mount, and integrates smoothly with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. The user-friendly app supports two-factor authentication for enhanced security. Although it lacks local storage and requires a subscription for cloud storage and advanced features, its performance and integration with other Arlo devices make it a top choice.
Price: $49 (Amazon, 2K model)
3. Most Affordable: Blink Mini 2
Why We Love It: The Blink Mini 2 improves on its predecessor with a wider field of view (143 degrees), better image quality, and enhanced low-light performance. This compact camera offers 1080p resolution and reliable on-device person detection. While local recording is possible with additional equipment, a subscription provides better functionality and 60-day cloud video history. It’s an excellent budget option if you’re willing to invest in a subscription.
Price: $30 (Amazon)
4. Smartest Security Camera: Google Nest Cam (Wired, Indoor)
Why We Love It: Google’s Nest Cam impresses with its stylish design, clear 1080p video at 30 fps, and automatic night vision. The camera offers excellent detection capabilities for people, animals, and vehicles, and integrates seamlessly with the Google Home app. While local storage isn’t an option and a Nest Aware subscription is needed for extended video history and familiar face alerts, it provides a sophisticated, reliable experience.
Price: $79 (Amazon)
5. Best Panning Camera: TP-Link Tapo Pan/Tilt AI Camera
Why We Love It: The TP-Link Tapo Pan/Tilt Camera shines with its 2K resolution video, extensive 360-degree pan, and 149-degree tilt capabilities. It features local storage support and high-quality automatic subject tracking. While some advanced features require a subscription, the camera’s extensive range and robust AI capabilities make it a standout for comprehensive monitoring.
Price: $50 (Amazon)
6. Best for Smart Home Integration: Aqara Camera Hub G3
Why We Love It: The Aqara Camera Hub G3 doubles as a smart home hub with support for Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa. It offers crisp 2K video, wide-angle coverage, and integrates with Aqara’s Zigbee 3.0 ecosystem. This camera is ideal for users invested in smart home automation, though it requires the Aqara app for some functionalities and has a slower subject tracking response.
Price: $110 (Amazon)
7. Dual Lens Camera: Eufy Indoor Cam S350
Why We Love It: The Eufy Indoor Cam S350 features both a 4K main lens and a 2K telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, providing detailed and versatile coverage. It supports 360-degree pan and 75-degree tilt, making it highly adaptable for various monitoring needs. While it lacks HomeKit support and has a slightly laggy live feed, its local recording options and advanced AI features offer substantial value.
Price: $130 (Amazon)
8. Best for Amazon Alexa: Ring Indoor Cam
Why We Love It: Ideal for existing Ring users, the Ring Indoor Cam integrates seamlessly with the Ring app, providing 1080p video, a privacy shutter, and a built-in siren. It requires a Ring Protect Plan for cloud storage and advanced features, but it’s a reliable and affordable choice for Alexa users, despite its limited field of view and potential issues with app responsiveness.
Price: $40 (Amazon)
9. Sync Your Smart Lights: Philips Hue Secure Wired Camera
Why We Love It: For Philips Hue smart light owners, this camera offers integration with the Hue ecosystem, allowing automatic light adjustments based on security events. It delivers crisp 1080p video, decent night vision, and two-way audio. However, local storage is not available, and a subscription is required for advanced features.
Price: $170 (Amazon)
Best MicroSD Cards for Security Cameras
Many security cameras support local storage via microSD cards. For optimal performance, choose Class 10 cards rated U1 or U3. Here are some top picks:
- Samsung PRO Endurance MicroSDXC (128 GB) – $19
- SanDisk High Endurance Video microSDXC Card (256 GB) – $23
- PNY Elite-X microSDXC Card (128 GB) – $14
Note: Formatting your microSD card before use is essential for reliable performance.
Honorable Mentions
Other notable indoor security cameras we tested include the Ezviz CP1, Imilab C22, and Cync Indoor Smart Camera. While they didn’t make our top list, they offer good features and might suit specific needs.
Choosing the right indoor security camera depends on your priorities—whether it’s affordability, advanced features, or smart home integration. Consider your needs and budget to find the best camera for your home.
