Although you can't be in two places at once, you can keep an eye on your home even while you're away. Whether you're checking if you locked the door, looking in on a pet, or even bragging about your flowers on your windowsill, an indoor security camera can give you a little bit more peace of mind.
If you want a full security system, there are plenty of those to choose from – but there are also standalone security cameras that work without a larger system. These are ideal for people that live in small spaces like studio apartments and don't need a wide range of devices for basic monitoring. This list of indoor home security cameras will help you find the best fit for your home.
6 Best Indoor Security Cameras
Any device that has access to your private life should keep privacy front and center, and that's where the Arlo Essential excels. This camera comes with an automated privacy shield; rather than just turning the camera off, a piece of plastic actually moves to block the lens when not in use.
On top of the privacy features, you get 1080p HD video, a 130-degree field of view, two-way audio, and integration with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. The Arlo Essential is a wired camera, so you need to remain near a power outlet, but it's easy enough to place on a shelf or mount to a wall.
At $99.99 for one camera, the Arlo Essential is affordable – but adding the Arlo Secure Plan takes it a step farther. Arlo Secure enables Object Detection, changing your push notifications from a standard "motion detected" alert to one that distinguishes between people, animals, packages, and vehicles. You can also set up Activity Zones for more focused alerts. Arlo Secure also enables 30-day video history so you can review the previous month all at once.
2. Wyze Cam v3
The Wyze Cam v3 is the latest iteration in Wyze's lineup. At $35.99 for one camera (or $70.96 for two) plus shipping, it's an affordable choice. The price decreases even further if you're already a Wyze Cam Plus subscriber.
The Wyze Cam v3 works both indoors and out, thanks to its IP65 weatherproof rating. With an tolerable range between -4 degrees and 113 degrees, it can stand up to almost any weather condition – but note that you will need the Wyze Outdoor Power Adapter to use it outside of your home, and this accessory isn't included with the standard purchase.
Mounting is made easy through an included magnetic mount, the secure screw mount, or the 0.25" thread mount. Place the camera anywhere you need it for maximum coverage of your home. You can chat with visitors through the two-way talk feature and make out details thanks to its 1080p HD resolution. A built-in siren makes it easy to startle away unwanted guests, whether that's someone sniffing around your porch or a racoon in the garden.
Blink hits the middle ground between affordability and functionality. At $79.99 for a single camera, it isn't the most affordable option out there, but it comes with a lot of features that lower-cost cameras do not. The price does go down the more cameras you purchase; a three-pack is $189.99, while a five-pack is $279.99, dropping the price to roughly $56 per camera.
The Blink Indoor is a completely wireless camera, which gives you many more options for placement throughout your home. It can last for up to two years on just a pair of AA batteries (but life is dependent on how often the camera is triggered.) The Blink Home Monitor App makes it easy to set up customizable motion alerts, check in on your home in real-time, and use the two-way talk features built into the camera. You can also use any Alexa-enabled smart display to check your camera feed.
The purchase of a Blink Indoor includes a Sync Module 2, the accessory that allows you to connect the Blink to Wi-Fi, smart devices, and more. It also enables local storage through a USB flash drive. If the idea of a flash drive doesn't work for you, the Blink Subscription Plan provides 30-day cloud storage for $3 per month per camera, or $10 per month for unlimited cameras.
The SimpliSafe SimpliCam is a great option for indoor home security. At just $99.99, you get a lot of features including HD video and audio, a 120-degree field of view, high-quality night vision, and more. Best of all, it works without a SimpliSafe subscription – you don't need to sign up to utilize this camera. It connects through the SimpliSafe app.
While the SimpliCam has many of the features you would expect from a security camera in this price range, it excels in one particular area: streaming. The video stream is encrypted, but still loads quickly and plays without much stuttering or frame skips. SimpliCam also utilizes algorithms that look for heat signatures, rather than just motion. This allows it to more accurately identify humans instead of a passing leaf or your cat.
If you have an existing SimplISafe system, the SimpliCam pairs easily via the keypad. Just make sure your system is third generation or later, or the camera might not work with it.
At less than three inches high, the Ring Indoor Cam is a compact option for home security – but don't let its small size fool you. While this camera is easy to hide and small in price, it has a lot of powerful features that make it one of the most popular options on the market. The Ring Indoor Cam is $59.99 for one camera, or you can buy a two-pack for $119.98.
It features 1080p HD video and two-way audio, as well as real-time notifications. Installation takes only a few minutes, too – just place the camera where you want it and set it up through the Ring app. The Ring App grants complete control over the camera, including the ability to set up shared users and link accounts. You can check the feed of the camera from the app, but if you have an Alexa smart display, you can just say, "Hey Alexa, show my Ring camera."
Further heighten security with the Ring Protect Plan for $3 per month per device, or $10 per month per household. The Ring Protect Plan enables video recording and cloud storage. Unfortunately, there's no onboard storage for the Ring Indoor Cam.
Tip
After your free 30 day trial with Ring, you can subscribe to Ring Protect Basic for only $3.00 per month or Ring Protect Plus for $10.00 per month.
The Cove Indoor Cam is one of the most user-friendly options available. It lets users store security footage in the cloud or through an onboard memory card for better privacy. With a 1080p HD camera, a 110-degree field of view, two-way talk, and night vision, the Cove Indoor Cam is a one-stop shop for most home security needs – all for $99 per camera.
Built-in AI reduces false alarms, and all footage is saved to the cloud and memory card. Redundant storage means it's less likely to be lost. Cove has also announced Cove Cloud+, a soon-to-be-available subscription plan for 30 days of unlimited cloud storage for $2.99 per month per camera.
Although not explicitly stated, Cove does work with Google Assistant through the Cove Home skill. You can arm and disarm the camera through voice commands or speak through the camera itself.
Professional vs DIY Installation
The idea of do-it-yourself installation intimidates many people, but it doesn't have to. There are online tutorials for everything (thanks, YouTube), and many camera companies provide helpful links that walk you step-by-step through the installation process. In some cases, the app will provide you with all the information you need. You can mount your camera almost anywhere in your home with just a couple of screws.
On the other hand, it's okay to not be completely confident in your ability to install a camera. You can choose professional installation, especially if the camera is part of a larger security system. A technician will help you set up the camera and mount it in a location that provides you with the best viewing angles. Best of all, if something does go wrong during the process, the cost of replacing the camera doesn't fall to you.
The good news is that the cameras on this list are all easy to install and include guides and/or videos that will help you install the cameras on your own. Most of these options include a base that allows the camera to sit on a shelf, no mounting needed – and easy to move around.
Tip
Most cameras come with a steady base to stand on if you want to place it on a safe shelf, mantle, or counter for easy setup.
How Many Cameras Do You Need For Home Security?
The number of cameras for optimal home security depends on the size and layout of your home. For example, a studio apartment with only one door won't need a full-sized security system; one camera is often sufficient. However, a family-sized home with multiple entryways and rooms will need more than one camera.
It's a good idea to have at least one camera per doorway. However, some people like a camera on each doorway and every major common room in the home, like the living room and kitchen. With the new era of work-from-home, a lot of people also opt to install a camera in their office to watch over important documents and expensive computer equipment.
Indoor security cameras provide peace of mind, not only against intruders, but also just for checking in on your pets throughout the day. You can check in on your home from anywhere in the world, and it's a lot easier to enjoy a vacation when you know everything is all quiet on the home front.
Are Indoor Security Cameras Worth it?
A security camera might seem like it's not that useful, but it's often the unknown that creates the worst fear. Being able to check in on your home from anywhere can put you at ease, especially when you combine it with motion detection, sirens, and two-way audio. Some indoor security cameras let you contact the authorities with just the tap of a button. Even if you're home, an indoor camera can warn of potential threats before they step beyond your threshold.
Indoor security cameras are worth the investment. Not only do they provide video evidence of any burglaries, but they can help authorities catch the thief after the fact and simultaneously provide you with a list of items that were stolen. In some cases, you may even be able to get a discount on homeowners insurance if you install a security camera.
