Either way, we’ll give you insight on installation and the best way to place your camera. If you’re not sure what type of camera you want, check out some of our other reviews to explore your options:
Best Outdoor Security Cameras Best Indoor Security Cameras Best Cheap Security Cameras Best Window Security Cameras Best Night Vision Cameras Best Motion Detector Cameras Best Cheap Video Doorbell Cameras Best CCTV Systems
Most cameras these days are not only easy to install on your own, but also designed to be as pain-free as possible. Some you can set on a table, mount on a wall, or attach to a magnetic surface. However, not everyone is comfortable with drilling into their walls. The easiest cameras to install on your own will be wire-free, battery-powered cameras like the EufyCam 2 or the Reolink Argus 3. If you have an indoor security camera, then those are also quite easy to set up yourself. You just need to put the camera where you want it and plug in the power cord. If you want to get a whole network of home security cameras that integrate into your home security system, then it’s much easier to have a professional install those cameras for you. It’s also easier to have the pros install video doorbells, so you don’t have to mess around with electrical wires. Both ADT and Vivint offer professionally installed doorbell cameras. Decide which purpose is most important to you and place your camera where it will best be able to see what you want to keep an eye on. How much you’ll pay depends on what type of device you have and potentially other factors as well, such as your location. But HelloTech does list starting prices for security cameras and video doorbells. Smart security camera installation price: starts at $129 Video doorbell installation price: starts at $99 HelloTech installs devices from several major smart home brands, including Ring and Google Nest. Check the operating temperature and approved use for the camera you want to buy. There are some models, like the SimpliSafe SimpliCam, that can be modified to work outside as well as indoors. A good indoor camera should have a decent field of view, which you can get with a higher corner or shelf. The best places will have a clear view of the room, a place to hide the camera from thieves, and very little foot traffic (to avoid unplugging the camera or tripping on the cord). With wired installation, you’re a little limited in terms of placement, but your connection will be more reliable and secure. Consider where you have to run the wire and how much length you need. You can always buy longer extension cables. A big benefit of wire-free (sometimes still called wireless) cameras is being able to place them nearly anywhere. But you’ll still want to make sure you’re within range of your Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other wireless connections. That said, if your outdoor camera needs a power cord, like the Nest Cam Outdoor, you should be able to drill easily through denser materials like brick or stucco if needed. Make sure you place your security camera out of reach so a thief or guilty child can’t just grab it and leave. Tech installers recommend placing your cameras at least nine feet above ground—but just don’t go so high you can’t see what’s happening down below. Local storage options vary by camera, but may include these options:
microSD cards USB drives Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) Network Video Recorders (NVRs)
If you’re going with local storage, you’ll have to place your cameras out of harm’s way, but somewhere you can access it when you need it. However, if you get cloud storage, you can view footage through your phone or desktop apps, and you can access footage regardless of the camera’s condition. If you are going for DIY installation and need more specific instructions, some CCTV and surveillance companies have thorough walkthroughs and video tutorials on their websites:
Arlo Ring Reolink Wyze Eufy Blink Cove Scout
We took a survey of 500 Americans to see how people feel about real and fake home security measures, and if they think both are equally effective. Here are some of the most interesting things we found. But most people agree that the genuine article is better than any fake. When it comes to defending your property, the majority opinion is that real security systems and real cameras offer better protection. And we agree. A real security camera, with a livestream you can view through a mobile app and two-way audio you can use to yell at intruders, is always going to top some plastic replica.
