Best Wireless Home Security Cameras Android Central 2020

The prevalence of Wi-Fi-connected security cameras has made it easy to keep an eye on your home when you're away. Many of these cameras include internal batteries so that you can mount them anywhere, even in places that a power cable can't reach. We've rounded up our favorites to help keep your security untethered to power outlets, although our favorite is the EufyCam 2C thanks to all of its features for the price.

Source: Nick Sutrich / Android Central

If you're looking for a wireless security camera with brains, battery life, and a great price, look no further than the EufyCam 2C. There's no need to pay for cloud service after purchasing your EufyCam 2C's. All EufyCam 2 models connect to the Eufy HomeBase 2, which stores all recorded videos in one easy-to-access location. This local storage is accessible via the Eufy app anywhere you might be in the world, and you can even drop an extra SD card in it for additional storage. All this to say there's no need to pay for cloud service after purchasing your EufyCam 2C's. On top of that, Eufy builds in onboard AI inside of each camera that can identify humans without storing their identity or sending that data to the cloud. Just like the video storage, this option is completely free and included with every EufyCam. The EufyCam 2C even has two-way audio and customizable motion alerts, as well as the ability to arm and disarm the system based on whether you're home or away. The EufyCam 2C specializes in night vision thanks to a powerful infrared light that can illuminate the dark without casting light that's visible to the human eye. But what if you want someone to know they're being watched while they prowl around your property? Eufy has outfitted the EufyCam 2C with a spotlight that can be used to shine a little color on that nighttime video, too. The universal mounts included make it easy to mount the EufyCam 2C indoors or outdoors, as well as on a variety of surfaces. It's simple to remove to for when you need to recharge the built-in battery, which only needs to be topped up twice a year. All in all, this camera setup isn't just affordable, it's also powerful and helps keep you safe while keeping your budget in check. Pros: Black & white and color night vision with a spotlight

IP67 weather-resistant

On-device AI-based human detection

135-degree field of view

Free unlimited local recording Cons: Requires a base station

Doesn't tie into many smart home services well

Upgrade Pick: Arlo Pro 3

Source: Arlo

Sometimes you get what you pay for, and that's exactly what the Arlo Pro 3 is all about. While it's the most expensive setup on this list, it does absolutely everything you could ever want and it looks good doing it. Arlo's upgraded flagship camera sports the best video quality you'll find from a wireless camera, with unbelievably crisp 2K (2560p) HDR video. That means you won't just see every minute detail, but the HDR video will keep the brightest and darkest parts of the video balanced and easy to see. It can even identify humans, animals, vehicles, and even packages when you pair it with an Arlo Smart subscription. Arlo has some of the best security you'll find from any provider on this list, including 2-factor authentication on Arlo accounts. Arlo also ties in marvelously with popular smart home systems like Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and even IFTTT. It's got two-way audio support and even a built-in floodlight for color night vision. There are two real downsides to the Arlo Pro 3, but they can be wrapped up in the same package: cost. The Arlo Pro 3 will not only cost more out of the box, but you'll need an Arlo Smart subscription in order to activate all the features. On the bright side, an Arlo Smart subscription is only $3 per month and enables 30-day cloud storage, as well as AI-based object detection and customizable motion zones. Pros: Operates wired or wireless

IP65 weather-resistant

Stunning 2K HDR video

160-degree field of view

Local and cloud recording options Cons: Requires a base station

Expensive and requires a subscription for some features

Local storage can sometimes be buggy

Best Value: Blink Outdoor Source: Blink It's hard to find a more affordable security camera with as many features as Blink Outdoor. It offers the same two-way audio, customizable motion alert zones, and night vision as the other cameras on this list for a fraction of the cost. One of its key features is its promise to last up to two years off of two AA batteries. Amazon will even begin selling a battery pack that will last a whopping four years on a single charge. Of course, the Blink Outdoor is also weather-resistant, making it ideal for placing outdoors, and it even has a built-in temperature sensor. Blink offers free cloud storage, rather than requiring a subscription plan. The new Blink Sync Module 2 supports USB drives and can locally store footage from up to 10 Blink cameras. If you'd prefer to run the Blink Outdoor from a wall outlet or even a battery pack, it also has a Micro-USB port. Of course, USB-C would've been ideal, but you can't win them all. Pros: Very affordable

Free cloud storage

Lasts up to two years on two AA batteries

Supports Amazon Alexa

Local storage for up to 10 cameras Cons: Clunky software

Micro-USB rather than USB-C

Best Value Blink Outdoor The cheapest security camera around is better than you'd think Blink Outdoor packs in two-year battery life, night vision, 2-way audio, HD video, and even free cloud storage. $100 at Amazon

Works with Alexa: Ring Stick Up Camera

Source: Android Central

Ring is best known for its Video Doorbells, but the Stick Up Cam packs most of the same features and can be easily installed just about anywhere. Of course, since Ring belongs to Amazon, the Stick Up Cam also integrates nicely with Alexa. You can easily pull up your video feed on smart displays like the Echo Show. The Stick Up Camera comes in separate battery-powered and wired configurations, rather than a single model that handles both. But the battery has a built-in Micro-USB port for easy recharging and lasts for months at a time. It also features two-way audio, motion-activated notifications, and night vision — though you'll have to pay for a Ring Protect plan to view recorded footage. Pros: Easy to set up

Box includes almost all tools needed for installation

1080p video with night vision

Integrates well with Amazon Alexa

Two-way audio Cons: Requires a Ring subscription for video storage

Doesn't work well with Google Assistant

Works with Alexa Ring Stick Up Camera "Alexa, show me my Stick Up Cam" The Stick Up Cam is a simple camera that's quick and easy to install, integrates with Amazon Alexa, and lasts for months on each charge. $100 at Amazon

All the Angles: Canary Flex

Source: Canary

The Canary Flex has a unique design that makes use of powerful magnets to connect the camera to its swivel base. This feature makes it easy to adjust its angle quickly. It works over either wired or battery power and has a built-in speaker and microphone for two-way audio. The Flex can differentiate between people and other moving objects like animals for smarter motion alerts. This way, your pets don't continuously set off the camera while you're out. The 116-degree field of view isn't quite as wide as the other security cameras in this list, and you'll have to pay for services like two-way audio and 30-day video storage. Still, the Flex is an excellent offering with water resistance and night vision. Pros: IP65 weather resistance

Works with Alexa and Google Assistant

Works wirelessly or wired

Easily adjustable angle

Two-way audio and night vision Cons: Only 720p video

Narrow 116-degree field of view

Best Security Camera with Light: Ring Spotlight Cam

Source: Android Central