If you value the security of your home, it is probably a good idea to install an indoor home security camera for times like when you are away from home (or even when you are home).
I love indoor security cameras. Whenever your smart security cameras detect motion, you will receive an alert on your mobile device and with some models through a home assistant device like Google Mini or Amazon Echo. In addition, a home security camera is relatively inexpensive (especially compared to the pricey professional-grade security systems, easy to install, and very durable. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best outdoor and indoor cameras on the market.
What Should You Look For In An Indoor Security Camera?
I cannot stress this enough: A home security camera should be at the top of your list when it comes to home security. Not only do they provide you with an extra level of protection, but they can also help you keep an eye on things when you’re not home. But with so many different home security cameras on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? Here are a handful of use things to look for when choosing an indoor home security camera:
Resolution:
The higher the resolution of the camera, the better the quality of the image. Look for a home security camera that offers at least 1080p resolution.
Field Of View:
The field of view is the number of degrees that the camera can see. The wider the field of view, the more the camera will be able to see. Look for a home security camera with a field of view of at least 120 degrees.
Night Vision:
If you want to be able to see what’s going on even when it’s dark outside, look for a home security camera that offers night vision. Many home security cameras will let you see up to 25 feet in complete darkness.
Two-Way Audio:
Many home security cameras come with two-way audio. The feature of two-way audio isn’t a deal-breaker for me when it comes to home security cameras, but I’ve had models that didn’t have two-way audio and this functionality is something you will find yourself using quite a bit.
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The Google Nest Cam Indoor
Nest indoor cameras have up to 1080p HD video, audio, and UV night vision. Nest Aware lets you store 30 days of data in the cloud and detect people, so you are sure to receive notifications that matter.
Nest Aware lets you save and share memorable moments, such as your baby’s first steps. It will alert you when it detects activity in a particular area, like a doorway or bike rack.
Google Next Indoor Cam Specs
- Indoor/Outdoor Usage: Indoor
- Brand: Google
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Room Type: Bedroom, Living Room, Classroom, Study Room, Hallway
- Item Weight: 7.2 ounces
- Price: $99.99
Pros
- Elegant and compact
- Owned by Google so you know you’re getting a quality product + quality support
- User-friendly
- Having a 130° viewing angle
- 3 hours of free cloud storage
- Paid plans recognize faces (it might feel creepy at first but it’s awesome!)
- High-quality video + high-quality two-way audio
Cons
- Videos are minimal without subscribing, which I understand. It’s all about that subscription model nowadays.
There are a lot of reasons to buy the Google Nest Indoor Cam! For one, it’s a great way to keep an eye on your home while you’re away. With its HD video and two-way audio, you can check in on your kids or pets and make sure they’re safe. Additionally, the Nest Indoor Cam can be used as a nanny cam or pet cam to make sure your loved ones are being well taken care of. And if you ever need to call for help, the Nest Indoor Cam can act as a security camera, providing valuable footage that can be used to identify intruders or help the police solve a crime. If you’re looking for a versatile and reliable home security camera, the Google Nest Indoor Cam is a perfect choice.
Ring Indoor Cam
A powerful punch from this miniature marvel will protect your home. The Ring Indoor Cam allows you to monitor your home remotely. A motion detector notifies you whenever someone moves, so you can view, hear, and speak to them remotely. The small size allows it to fit in many places, and with its simple plug-in installation, you’ll have it working in no time. Use it indoors so you can easily see your house from anywhere.
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Ring Indoor Cam Specs
- Install time: 5 minutes
- Video: Live View, 1080p HD
- Audio: Noise cancellation and two-way talk
- Power: Plug into an electrical outlet
- Connectivity: 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi connection @ 2.4 GHz
- Operating conditions: -5°F to 113°F (-20°C to 45°C)
- Available colors: White, Black
- Price: $59.99
Pros
- Cost-effective.
- High-quality 1080p video.
- Detecting motion.
- IFTTT and Alexa support.
- Installs easily.
- Easily add on new devices to your home security network
Cons
- Only subscribers can record videos.
- At times, it does feel like you’re spending a little more for the brand BUT getting access to Ring’s community is almost worth the extra price.
Blink Mini Compact Indoor Cam
The Blink Mini HD Cam is a plug-in indoor security camera with two-way audio, motion detection, and Alexa compatibility. Using Mini, you can enjoy infrared night vision and HD video from anywhere in your home. In my opinion, it is the most compact and discreet indoor security camera we looked at.
With this high-definition, wired security camera, you’ll be able to watch over your home and see and hear what’s happening. Blink Mini enables you to communicate with people and pets at home using your smartphone.
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Connect your camera to Wi-Fi, plug it in, and then add the camera to your Blink app. You can engage in live view, watch recorded videos, and arm and disarm Blink Mini with your voice using a supported Alexa-enabled device. I absolutely love the seamless connection and utilization of controlling this device with my voice.
Blink Mini Compact Indoor Cam Specs
- Field of view: 110° diagonal
- Resolution: Daytime HD video in 1080p, nighttime HD video in infrared (very underrated feature IMO)
- Frame rate: 30 frames/sec
- Size: 2 in. x 1.9 in. x 1.4 in. (50 mm x 49 mm x 36 mm)
- Weight: 1.7 ounces (48 grams)
- Available colors: White, Black
- Smartphone requirements: iOS 12, Android 6.0, Fire OS 7
- App: Blink Home Monitor
- Audio: Two-way speaker output
- Price: $84.99 for 3 cameras OR $34.99 for 1
Pros
- Cost-effective. Get high-quality home security for around $30? Great value. You can get 3 cameras as a bundle for nearly $80 which is enough coverage for most homes.
- Sharp video quality
- Solid construction
- High-quality images
- Easy to install. Blink and Ring completely get it. They make installation and setup so simple.
Cons
- The MicroSD slot is unavailable. Not a deal-breaker, but it’s nice to have that slot.
- Not free of charge
YI Security Home Camera
I debated adding this one because do we really expect a semi-known brand to compete with the likes of Google, Amazon, and Ring? When I thought about it, I find myself asking, ‘Why not the YI 1080p Home Camera?’ It is an affordable security camera. It does have smart detection and cloud search. And the camera does all of those quite well too. YI was one of the first home security cameras I put in my home. In fact, I still use Yi on another one of my properties because I trust the device so much.
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As the YI Home Cameras use 1080p HD video, the picture quality during the daytime was excellent when the connection was good. You can see more of the picture by turning your smartphone left or right. The night vision on the camera is also surprisingly quite good, so there’s no need to worry about that either. You can tell a dog from a cat, or a friend from an enemy by using this camera. You can talk with your kids using the security cameras with two-way audio when you’re not at home. When looking for an indoor security camera, the YI does check the boxes on the four criteria you should prioritize when shopping for one of these devices. The YI is not the best indoor home security camera, but it definitely is a solid choice. As mentioned earlier, it’s ol’ reliable for me, which is saying something.
YI Security Home Camera Specs
- Indoor/Outdoor Usage: Indoor
- Brand: YI
- Connectivity: Wired
- Product Uses: Indoor
- Room Type: Living Room
- Weight: 4.2 ounces
- Price: $89.99 for 4 cameras
Pros
- Installs easily. In-app step-by-step instructions are on point.
- The YI app is one of the easiest apps to operate.
- Cloud search for Pro
- Smart Alerts
- Low-priced
Cons
- Compared to the other models reviewed, the playback video can feel clunky and glitchy.
- There’s a slight delay in connection which you really only notice when you activate two-way audio.
- From time to time (especially when there are firmware updates), you have to reconnect the device, which can be a pain in the butt. Reconnecting is relatively easy, but it does take time and is annoying.
What Are You Waiting For?
I’m still shocked by the number of people who haven’t taken advantage of this relatively inexpensive home security device that has so many benefits. In my opinion, every home should have a security camera. A home security camera is a great way to deter burglars and keep an eye on your home while you’re away. But are there more reasons why you should have one?
Here’s a handful I thought of: A home security camera can act as a deterrent to burglars. If a burglar knows that their every move is being watched, they’re less likely to target your home. There’s a reason why fake security cameras are a thing. It’s because they work effectively as a deterrent. A home security camera can also give you peace of mind while you’re away from home. Hard to put a price tag on peace of mind. Whether you’re on vacation or at work, it’s comforting to know that you can check in on your home at any time.
A home security camera can help you keep an eye on your kids or pets while you’re not home. Whether you want to make sure your kids are getting home from school safely or make sure your pets are behaving themselves, a home security camera has you covered. We use our indoor camera while on vacation to keep tabs on our pets. The two-way audio also lets us talk to them. A home security camera can be a valuable tool in the event of a break-in. If a burglar does manage to get into your home, footage from your security camera can be used to identify the culprit and bring them to justice. One of my favorite things to check out is footage of people breaking and entering with their mugs captured in pure 1080 resolution. A LOT of perps have been brought to justice because of these inexpensive (but not cheap) security devices. If you don’t have one yet, do yourself a favor and invest in one today.
