Smart security cameras let you watch a home, flat or small office from your phone and send an alert when motion is detected. Our range is small and focused, with most models from Aqara, plus cameras from Eufy and Gembird. It suits anyone buying a first camera for a hallway or living room, and people who want to add video to an existing smart home.
How to choose a smart security camera
Indoor or outdoor use. Cameras made for outdoor mounting need weather protection, while indoor models are usually smaller and cheaper to run. Check the product specification for an ingress protection (IP) rating before fixing a camera to a wall outside, because an indoor camera will not survive rain or dust for long.
Video quality and night vision. Higher resolution makes it easier to read a face or a number plate, but the lens and sensor matter as much as the pixel count. Look for infrared or colour night vision if the camera will cover a dark entrance, and a wide viewing angle if one camera has to cover a whole room.
Storage and subscriptions. Some cameras record to a microSD card or a home hub, and others rely on paid cloud storage for saved clips. Decide whether you want footage kept locally, and check what is included before you buy so that running costs do not surprise you.
Smart home compatibility. If you already use Apple Home, Google Home or Amazon Alexa, confirm that the camera supports your platform. Some cameras also act as a hub for other sensors, which is useful if you plan to build up a wider smart home with door sensors or motion detectors.
Power and connection. Most cameras connect over Wi-Fi and need a nearby socket or USB power supply. Battery cameras are easier to place, but they need recharging, so a plugged-in camera is the better choice for a spot you want covered all the time.
Smart security camera brands we carry
- Aqara: known for its smart home ecosystem of sensors, switches and hubs, with cameras designed to work alongside them and, in many products, with Apple Home.
- Eufy: the smart home brand of Anker, known for security cameras that favour local storage over mandatory cloud subscriptions.
- Gembird: a manufacturer known for computer accessories, cables and everyday peripherals, which also makes simple smart home devices.
Smart security cameras: frequently asked questions
Do smart security cameras need Wi-Fi to work?
Most smart security cameras need Wi-Fi to send alerts and let you view live video on your phone. Some models can still record to a memory card when the internet is down, but you will not be able to watch remotely until the connection returns. Cameras that use a hub or a wired connection are less dependent on your Wi-Fi signal.
Do I have to pay a subscription for a smart camera?
Not always. Many cameras record to a microSD card or a local hub at no extra cost, while cloud storage and advanced detection features are often optional paid extras. Read the specification of the individual model to see which features work without a plan.
Where is the best place to put an indoor security camera?
The best place is usually a spot that covers the main entrance or the busiest walkway, mounted high enough to see the whole room. Avoid pointing it straight at a bright window, because glare makes the image hard to read. Keep cameras out of bathrooms and bedrooms, and only film areas of your own property.
Will a smart security camera work with Apple Home, Alexa or Google Home?
It depends on the model, because support differs from one camera to the next. Aqara cameras are often built around its own ecosystem and many support Apple Home, but you should check the product page for the platforms listed. If you use a particular voice assistant or app, confirm it is supported before you order.
