Today’s indoor cameras have to do more than just “take video”. The best are filled with smart features that can enhance the video experience and protect your home in other ways. 1080p HD, a mobile app and a wide-angle view are now nearly requirements while smoke detection, facial recognition and two-way talk are a must to be considered one of today’s top cameras. Check out our picks for the best indoor home security cameras.
Compare the Best Indoor Cameras
| Price | $99.99 | $199 | $299 | $169 | $199.99 | $150 | $99.99 | $199.99 | N/A | $199.99 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service contract required | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Two-way talk | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Power source | Plug-in | Plug-in | Plug-in | Plug-in | Battery-powered | Plug-in | Battery-powered | Plug-in | Plug-in | Plug-in |
| Field of view | 120-degrees | 130-degrees | 130-degrees | 147-degrees | 160-degrees | 127-degrees | 110-degrees | 155-degrees | 128.6 degrees | 130-degrees |
| Night vision | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Low-light | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HD video | 720p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 2K HDR | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 720p | 1080p |
| Installation | DIY with professional option | DIY | DIY with professional option | DIY | DIY | DIY | DIY | Professional | Professional | DIY with professional option |
| Professional monitoring | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | N/A | Optional | N/A | Required | Required | N/A |
| Warranty | 3 years | 30 days | 2 years | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year | 2 years | 3 months | Based on contract length | 1 year |
Our take
The Simplicam indoor security camera is a Wi-Fi enabled camera that protects your video footage with end-to-end encryption. The Simplicam camera also includes a shutter to control when your camera is active. It’s equipped with two-way audio, 120-degree field of view, night vision and motion detection. When motion is detected, you’ll receive an instant alert to watch live footage using the Simplisafe mobile app. Simplicam is expandable to other cameras and easily connects to other Simplisafe home security equipment.
Stand-out features include
- 720p HD video
- Smart motion detection to reduce false alarms
- 120-degree field of vision
Our take
The Blue by ADT Indoor Camera plugs into a standard wall outlet for easy control. See crystal clear live camera activity with the Blue by ADT mobile app. You’ll also receive instant motion-triggered alerts anytime your camera detects motion, or carbon monoxide or smoke is detected. The Blue Indoor Camera can store up to 24 hours of clips to playback later. You’ll also get facial recognition to spot familiar faces on the app, two-way talk to speak to guests and custom motion zones.
Stand-out features include
- Detects fire and carbon monoxide
- Uses Facial Recognition technology to spot familiar guests
- Plugs into a standard wall outlet and includes battery backup
Our take
The Nest Cam IQ Indoor is the indoor smart security camera for those looking for next-level camera features. You’ll get Person Alerts, Supersight and HD two-way audio. You can also get Familiar Face Alerts with a Nest Aware subscription. This camera also comes with a built-in Google Assistant for hands-free control of your camera.
Stand-out features include
- 1080p HD video with a 4k sensor
- Access to artificial intelligence features like facial recognition with subscription
- Built-in Google Assistant smart technology
4. Canary All-in-One
Our take
The Canary All-in-One is built with 1080p HD video quality, night vision and two-way audio. This wireless security camera connects to Wi-Fi or Ethernet and is equipped with AI Person Detection to automatically send a push notification when someone’s detected at your home. All video footage can be stored on Canary’s encrypted cloud storage. The Canary All-in-One also monitor’s your home’s temperature, air quality and humidity to help have a safe and healthy home.
Stand-out features include
- 147-degree field of view
- 1080p HD video quality
- Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Equipped with two-way audio to speak with guests
- Includes a 90-decibel alarm
5. Arlo Pro 3
Our take
The Arlo Pro 3 can help you guard your home with deterrence features like a siren and spotlight, designed to make lurkers think twice. This camera also has sharp 2K resolution for recording and a wide 106-degree field of view so you can see more areas of your home.
Stand-out features include
- Comes with deterrence features like a siren and spotlight
- Sharp 2K video recording
- Sharp 2K video recording
6. Abode Cam
Our take
The Abode Cam gives you a live view of your home using the abode app. You can also use the app to record live footage if your abode security system’s alarm is triggered. This camera also lets you set rules using the app for your camera to automatically record footage when you need it most. This camera comes with the basics including 1080p HD video and two-way audio. It’s easy to install and plugs into a standard wall outlet.
Stand-out features include
- Record live footage using the abode app
- Set rules to record footage automatically
- Two-way audio
Our take
Amazon’s newest battery-powered security camera is designed to work indoors and outdoors. It includes two-way audio, night vision, temperature monitoring and motion detection. When motion is detected, the Blink XT2 sends a push notification and instantly records activity for you to view later using free cloud storage. The camera is easy to monitor using the Blink Home monitor app and Amazon Alexa voice commands.
Stand-out features include
- Made with two-way audio to clearly speak to guests
- Pairs with Amazon Alexa for hands-free camera control
- Includes night vision for crystal clear camera footage in the dark
- IP65-certified weatherproof outdoor security camera
8. Vivint Ping Camera
Our take
Vivint is a monitored home security provider that is well-known for its innovative connected devices, and its indoor camera is no exception. The Ping Camera has top-of-the-line specs like a wide viewing angle and two-way audio, in addition to professional installation as part of a fully monitored home security system. Vivint also offers conveniences like month-to-month contracts and financing.
Stand-out features include
- 155-degree field of view
- 1080p HD video quality and two-way audio
- Connects to additional home security equipment
Our take
The ADT Indoor security camera connects to your ADT security system to help protect your home. It’s built with motion detection, night vision and 720p HD video quality. When your camera detects activity, you’ll receive instant alerts to watch live footage from your smartphone. ADT wireless security cameras connect to a secure wireless network for secure video storage and playback.
Stand-out features include
- 90-degree field of view
- 720p HD video quality
- View real-time and historical footage via mobile device
- Connects to additional smart home and security equipment
10. Netatmo Welcome
Our take
The Netatmo smart indoor security camera plugs into a standard wall outlet and can be controlled using the Netatmo mobile app, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit. When motion is detected, you’ll receive an instant mobile alert showing a photo and live video footage. Even when your Netatmo security camera hears any smoke or carbon monoxide alarm, it’ll send an instant notification and video footage to your smartphone to view immediately and playback later. All camera footage is stored on the included 8GB microSD card for local storage.
Stand-out features include
- 130-degree field of view
- 1080p HD video quality
- Works with Facebook Messenger, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit
- Connects to additional smart home and security equipment
Showing 5 of 10 products
Showing 10 of 10 products
Indoor Camera Clip Storage
You’ll likely have two options to store your security camera footage – local or cloud storage. Here’s the difference.
Local – You’ll need to install an SD card in your camera in order to record activity. Once the card is full you’ll need to upload the footage to your computer or another device to continue recording footage. On the other hand, some cameras will automatically record over old footage.
Cloud – You’ll be able to access your footage using the camera’s mobile app or online portal from anywhere. Most companies charge at least $5/mo. for cloud storage. Your monthly cost will depend on your provider, amount of storage you need and other features included in the plan such as continuous video recording (CVR) or professional monitoring. Keep in mind, the monthly cost may be more if you have multiple cameras.
Most people trust cloud storage because of extra data and privacy measures taken to protect your footage and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.
Best Places to Set-Up an Indoor Security Camera
It’s important to know where you should and shouldn’t place indoor cameras for your family and guests to feel most comfortable. If you own an indoor camera, be mindful of the laws in your state – some require you to inform guests that you own a camera and it’s recording. In the meantime, here’s where we recommend placing your cameras throughout your home.
- Near entryways including the front door, back door and first floor near a window facing inside your home.
- Garage
- Basement
- Nurseries and bedrooms (Be mindful of placement and privacy)
- Near areas where your valuables are hidden
Security Camera Installation
See more of the best places to install a security camera around your home.
Factors to Consider Before Buying an Indoor Camera
Before you start narrowing down your favorite camera, there are a few points to think about:
- Power Source – Some cameras are battery-powered while others plug into the wall. If the power goes out, you’ll want to make sure your camera’s still working. Make sure your camera has a backup battery or rechargeable batteries to keep your camera running.
- Home Security – Your favorite camera may only work with certain home security equipment, such as ADT or Vivint. Most of their cameras are add-ons and require a contract with their home security. The camera cannot be a standalone product.
- Field of View – Your field of view is how much of your home your camera will show. The wider the field of view, the better view of your home. If you want a good view of your home look for a camera with at least a 110-degree view outdoors. And if it’s not enough, it might be best to add a few extra cameras.
- Night Vision – Most cameras are equipped with night vision to give you a good look around your home in darkness. The best cameras have color night vision for a better view, but most offer infrared. Keep in mind that some cameras are low-light cameras and may not work as well in complete darkness.
Shop Outdoor Cameras
Looking for better security equipment outside of your home? Get started with an outdoor security camera.
Explore Additional Security Camera Resources
Looking for more information before you decide on a camera? We’ve got you covered. Check out a few of our top picks to help you learn more before you pick the perfect camera for your home.
