CNET reviews: Best security cameras

Security cameras are a key tool in any homeowner's arsenal when it comes to keeping their family, themselves, their property and their possessions safe. Particularly if your home is on the larger side, or you have outdoor areas at risk of trespassers, a camera system is a great way to keep a close eye on different areas – and ideal for giving you peace of mind when taking long vacations away from home.

Here ar three of CNET's top choices for a great security camera.

WHAT Arlo Pro 5S 2K Spotlight Camera

THE COST $119.99

AVAILABLE FROM arlo.com

The Arlo Pro 5S comes so packed with a ton of features. The up-to-2K resolution with HDR, color night vision and digital zoom all ensure you can keep an eye on any detail, while the 160-degree field of view is astounding for a cam this size. Users have their pick of smart features too, including two-way audio and smart alerts with detection zones. Motion detection can identify objects like people or packages and activate the built-in spotlight during dark conditions. With an operating temperature range down to minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit, you won’t have to worry too much about weather, either.

WHAT Ring Indoor/Outdoor Stick Up Cam Pro

THE COST $179.99

AVAILABLE FROM ring.com

This Ring Stick Up Cam Pro model allows you to take the cam outside to a deck or patio if you want (without worrying about leaving it out in the rain). It also offers motion detection with alerts, two-way audio and the ability to customize motion or privacy zones to focus the camera on important areas. A home/away feature lets you quickly switch between modes to help save on battery life when you’re home, and if you ever find the perfect spot, the cam also comes with a wall mount.

WHAT Google Nest Doorbell 2nd-gen (battery)

THE COST $179.99

AVAILABLE FROM store.google.com

Video doorbells tend to capture more footage than most security cams: Even with AI detection, they still record everyone who comes and goes from your home and often people jogging or walking dogs along the street. That can fill up cloud storage or local storage quickly, which is why Nest’s free 3 hours of cloud storage are so useful. You can quickly view recordings and decide whether to download or let the three-hour countdown expire, saving only what you need alert by alert.

Google Nest Cam is also easy to install and use, simple to recharge and excellent at detecting packages as well as alerting you when those packages have been removed with great accuracy. There’s a wired version of the camera available, but you get more options for placement with the battery model, which is useful for conforming to any awkwardly shaped entryway. The doorbell also comes with a wedge to slant it in a specific direction if your space is tight.