13 Best Cheap Cameras for Home Security

Who says having a home security camera is only for moguls? It’s 2022, and looking for cheap home surveillance cameras has never been easier! While many don’t offer the bells and whistles found in the more expensive models, the best cheap cameras for home security are still impressive. They offer HD video at a low cost, making them an excellent option for starting with home security. Many also offer two-way audio, free video storage, and customizable motion zones. To help you choose the best one, we’ve selected some of the most reliable options on the market. Without any further ado, let’s take a look at them!

Neos SmartCam

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Kicking off this list is the Neos SmartCam, one of the best cheap cameras for home security. This product is perfect for indoor use, at less than a quarter of the price of similar cameras. Though cheap, it can capture 1080p HD footage in the day and dark without sacrificing details. Though the field of view limit is only 110 degrees, you’ll have sharper footage!

This model offers motion and noise detection like some cheap home surveillance cameras. Furthermore, it’ll alert you when either happens! Plus, you can view the camera’s feed from the app no matter where you are. Not to mention, it supports multiple cameras as well. Besides offering a microSD slot for local storage, it offers free cloud storage for 14 days.

Swann Indoor/Outdoor Wireless Security Camera

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Perfect for indoors and outdoors, the Swann Indoor/Outdoor Wireless Security Camera is a great addition to our list of the best cheap cameras for home security. Unlike other wireless cameras on the market, you don’t have to pay for a monthly subscription to access some of its special features. Moreover, you can get features like facial recognition for free and seven days of cloud storage.

What’s more, the footage quality is crystal-clear, no matter how bright or dark the condition is. However, you have to note that it doesn’t have built-in spotlights, so that night footage will be in black and white. Finally, the camera integrates with both Alexa and Google Assistant!

acelerar Battery Security Camera

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You can’t have the list of the best cheap cameras for home security without the acelerar Battery Security Camera. Featuring innovative low-power technology, this camera can last up to six months on a single charge! Besides the amazing batteries, we also love its weatherproof, making it the perfect outdoor surveillance camera.

Like some cheap home surveillance cameras, it has a built-in microphone and speaker, providing convenient two-way audio calling! That way, you can monitor and communicate with your loved ones even when you’re far away. Additionally, it also allows multiple users to view the video simultaneously. Finally, it comes with a MicroSD slot for local storage.

D-Link Wi-Fi Security Camera

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If size matters, you’ll want to take a look at the D-Link Wi-Fi Security Camera. This small camera isn’t much bigger than a stick of chewing gum! This means you can easily put this camera anywhere you want in your home. Feel free to put it on the table or the wall. While there’s no 1080p video streaming, the video is still sharp enough so you can see what’s going on at home.

Thankfully, there’s night vision, meaning it can protect your home around the clock. On top of that, you can also set up custom activity zones! The 120-degree field of view is also better than most cameras at a similar price range. Finally, videos will be kept for 24 hours in the cloud, and you can save 50 of the most crucial ones for as long as you like.

EZVIZ Indoor Security Camera

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EZVIZ is no stranger when it comes to making reliable cheap cameras for home security, and the EZVIZ Indoor Security Camera is one of our favorites. It’s budget-friendly and does all the jobs you need it to do to keep your home safe! Features like night vision and two-way audio are standards, and there’s also a local storage option, so you don’t have to rely on the cloud.

Moreover, motion alerts can be investigated easily through mobile apps, and you can also load up a live feed from the camera anytime you want through your smartphone. As you might expect, this camera is compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant, just like other cheap cameras for home security.

Ring Indoor Cam

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We’re a huge fan of security cameras made by Ring, but compared to its siblings, the Ring Indoor Cam is noticeably more affordable. Despite its low price, this camera still maintains the speedy alerts and intuitive software that Ring cameras are loved for. If you plan on getting a cheap and reliable indoor security camera, this is for you.

Though cheaper than other Ring cameras, it still offers night vision, two-way audio, and crystal-clear 1080p video. Apart from that, the Ring apps also let you set up custom motion activity zones, which is a huge plus. In addition to that, it’s also Alexa-compatible! This isn’t surprising, though, as the company is now under Amazon.

YI Home Security Camera

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The YI Home Security Camera has everything you need and more cheap cameras for home security. One of the highlights of this camera to us is the magnetic base that makes it a breeze to fix just about anywhere. Apart from that, we’re a huge fan of the design! It looks incredibly stylish and is easily a standout on this list.

Not to mention, clips of motion-captured events will be stored in the cloud for free for a week. Of course, you can also record video onto a local microSD card. Like many other cheap home surveillance cameras, you can expect reliable night vision, Alexa voice control support, activity zones, and two-way audio.  

REOLINK E1

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Small and simple, the REOLINK E1 is another security camera worth being on this list. As one of the best cheap home surveillance cameras, it allows you to have a reliable security camera without breaking your bank. For a start, this camera offers two-way audio, which is perfect for hollering at an intruder. There’s also an eight-LED infra-red night vision mode, offering a solid 40 feet of vision.

Furthermore, the extensive panning and tilting range makes positioning this camera a piece of cake. Seen as one of the top cheap home security cameras, its resolution isn’t too shabby either! The 1296p video is slightly better than other cameras at this price point. Best of all, this camera is wireless.

TP-Link Tapo C100

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Cheaper than chips, the TP-Link Tapo C100 is the dark horse of this list. Often overlooked because of how cheap it is, this camera is easily one of the best cheap cameras for home security out there. You’ll get clear 1080p video, hub-free operation, and local storage. Even better, you can also set activity zones!

On top of that, this security camera can also record detailed footage in low-light conditions. Another feature worth mentioning is the two-way audio. Plus, you can choose whether to wall-mount this camera or leave it standing on its own. Like many other cheap home surveillance cameras, it also has built-in Alexa and Google Assistant support.

Wyze Cam Pan v2

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Compared to other cheap cameras for home security, the Wyze Cam Pan v2 sure isn’t the cheapest. However, suppose you factor in its panning and tilting feature that lets you monitor whole rooms, follow motion, and scan huge spaces periodically for abnormalities. In that case, this camera sure is worth the extra money.

Furthermore, this amazing camera also offers color night vision, as many cheap home security cameras don’t offer this. Apart from that, there’s also voice control and integration with many smart home devices. It delivers sharp 1080p video, and motion alerts are pretty accurate.

Blink Mini Compact Indoor Smart Security Camera

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As the name suggests, the Blink Mini Compact Indoor Smart Security Camera is a tiny camera! Though small, this affordable item sure doesn’t disappoint. As one of the best cheap cameras for home security, it can record full HD footage in bright weather and at night. We also love how easy it is to set up the camera, even for beginners. Moreover, you’ll have the privilege to control it with the app.

Named one of the top cheap home surveillance cameras, this product offers cloud and local storage. However, you must purchase an additional sync module to use the local storage. Thankfully, there’s a free could storage trial bundled with the camera. If you’re looking for a mini camera for your home, this is the one!

Blink Outdoor Security Camera

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With the Blink Outdoor Security Camera, you won’t miss anything! While it’s a basic camera, it sure gets the job done! As one of the best cheap cameras for home security, this item meets all the requirements for an outdoor security camera. Thanks to its infrared night vision, this battery-powered camera allows you to monitor your home clearly during the day and at night.

Speaking of which, the battery life is also worth praising! It can run for up to two years on two AA lithium batteries, also included with the camera. Furthermore, it’s built to withstand the element come rain or shine. Of course, you can expect features like motion detection, two-way audio, Alexa integration, and cloud storage.

Wyze Cam v3

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On the top of this list is the Wyze Cam V3, arguably one of the most feature-rich security cheap cameras for home security you can get today. Aside from offering high-quality 1080p video, this camera also offers color night vision, which is rarely found in cheap home surveillance cameras! Apart from that, it also features both local and cloud storage, which is a huge plus.

This camera also supports person, sound, and motion detection, perfect for indoors and outdoors. It integrates seamlessly with Wyze devices like door locks, smart bulbs, and sensors. If you’re a fan of Wyze products, you’ll want to have this camera. Of course, it also works with Alexa and Google Assistant! Considering its size and price, this tiny camera sure packs a ton!

How To Choose The Best Cheap Cameras for Home Security

Now that you’ve seen our top picks, it’s time to know some of the most important features to consider when choosing the best cheap cameras for home security.

Indoor vs outdoor

When shopping for the best cheap home surveillance cameras, you have to decide where you want to mount the camera. Remember, only those designed to withstand the elements should be placed outdoors.

Wireless vs wired

There are two types of security cameras: wireless and wired. The former is easier to set up, but you’ll have to recharge or change the batteries occasionally. Meanwhile, the latter requires installing an outlet or drilling holes through your wall. However, you don’t have to worry about changing any batteries.

Video resolution

We never recommend getting cheap home security cameras with a resolution of less than 1080p unless you love looking at blurry footage. Having a high resolution means the video will have sharper quality, and it allows you to zoom in and still see features clearly.

Subscriptions

If you want to save your money, you can consider getting a camera that offers comprehensive storage without requiring you to pay extra for subscriptions. There are many models out there that offer local storage as well.

How much is the cheapest security camera?

It depends on which brand you’re looking for and the features you need. However, you can easily find reliable security cameras starting from 30 USD.

Can I install security cameras myself?

Why not? Most security cameras on this list are easy to install. And if you can’t, you can always look for a professional that can help you.

Are security cameras worth it?

Of course! Security cameras are an excellent tool for home protection. It can also work as a deterrent and a recovery tool.