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While I love talking about the ins and outs of the latest home security AI technology or just how high camera resolution is these days, there’s another inescapable factor: your budget. And I know, some of these high-tech cams look expensive, especially if you’re unfamiliar with all the technology inside.
So, just how much should you pay for a new security camera for your home? Prices vary, especially between cable-based and wireless models, but they continue to fall, we’ve got some key guidelines and factors to follow before you click that buy button.
Cheap security cams that still get the job done: Around $30
TP-Link’s Tapo brand is one of the most reliable budget home security options.
If you’re into big value for minimal cost, expect to pay around $30 for a budget cam. These cams are usually wired and indoor models, but are still packed with smart features including object detection, video storage options, two-way audio, night vision and voice assistant support.
To see what I mean, take a look at my favorite model, the Tapo C210 pan/tilt cam with 2K resolution, usually available between $20 and $30. Or the Blink Mini 2, which has outdoor options with an added cable and is available between $40 and $60.
Midrange security cams for high-quality views: $100
Eufy’s cam can keep an eye on large spaces.
If you want a solid all-purpose security camera with a good resolution and plenty of smart home support, set your budget for about $100. That’s right in the range for the Google Nest Indoor Cam, Eufy’s high-resolution pan/tilt S350, or the Blink Outdoor 4 model with its extra-long battery life.
These cameras offer ways to manage all types of home monitoring, often with 2K or 4K resolutions, wireless mounting options, wide fields of view and lots of third-party support, including compatibility with existing security systems. And when big deals come along, their prices tend to drop well below $100.
High-end security cams with all bells and whistles: $200
This Arlo Pro cam is useful outdoors or inside.
A single high-end security camera shouldn’t cost you more than $200 in 2024. In that echelon we include many outdoor-ready models like our top pick the Arlo Pro 5S 2K with a retail price of $180, or the Google Nest Video Doorbell battery model, also at $180.
This 4K Lorex spotlight cam is an excellent outdoor pick available at $200, and Arlo’s Go 2 is an ideal LTE cam for distant places without Wi-Fi that’s listed for $250 but has frequent discounts that bring it below $200. Or you could choose a portable, indoor/outdoor model like the Ring Stick Up Cam Pro.
These cameras offer better smart home support, smarter AI object detections, extras like spotlights, sturdy construction for outdoor use even in bad winters, and other benefits. They may also be bundled with solar panels, Wi-Fi hubs for adding more cameras later or other important components for establishing more home security in the future.
Security cam local storage options: $0 to $20
If you want to avoid monthly subscription fees altogether to save even more on home security cameras, look for cameras that skip video storage subscriptions and instead offer local storage options. Brands like Lorex, Eufy and Tapo are known for this kind of local storage, which is typically a microSD card slot or a hub with a USB drive slot.
You won’t have to pay much more for this such built-in storage. Lorex, for example, has a 2K camera with an included 16GB microSD card at no extra charge. But if you do have to pay for a card or want to upgrade your storage, you can find a large 256GB microSD card for only $25 (less on sale), an acceptable price to ditch subscriptions.
ADT’s increased integration with Nest and Yale is nice to see, but costs remain an issue with the long-time security brand.
Security cam subscriptions: $5 to $10 per month
Some camera brands benefit immensely from a subscription service, including Arlo, Blink and Ring. If you don’t mind paying a monthly fee to enable many extra features, including cloud video storage and object recognition, expect to pay between $5 to $10 a month for most subscriptions. Some are a little lower (Blink’s is currently around $3 per month), but basic subscriptions shouldn’t go beyond $10, especially for a single cam.
You can find subscription tiers up to to $20 or $30, but at that point the services start including 24/7 emergency assistance or professional home monitoring services, which are nice but not necessary, particularly if you don’t already have a full security system.
My advice? Look for plans below $10 when starting out, then explore other options if you want to expand your security tech in the future.
One last tip: Once you’ve chosen the right security camera, hop over to our guide on where to install a home cam, the worst places to mount a camera and the legal issues with recording video inside your home.
