Smart home smart cctv systems security gives you a 24/7 view of your home or apartment from anywhere you have an internet connection. You can check on your kids playing in the backyard, pets wandering the yard, or a suspicious person standing at your door. Smart cameras can be plugged into an outlet or run on rechargeable batteries, but the majority connect to your home WiFi network for live and recorded video. Some models can also send alerts to your smartphone when triggered by motion or other events.

The best smart home cameras are easy to set up, simple to use, and provide high-quality footage. Look for a model with built-in microphones, which allow for two-way audio communication. Some feature face recognition, which can distinguish people from pets or other objects and automatically upload pictures to your family album when it detects them. Other features include motion detection and a 105-decibel siren that can draw attention to unwanted activity.

The Role of AI in Smart Home Camera Security: Advancements and Concerns

If your smart camera will be primarily used indoors, consider choosing one with night vision capabilities that let you record clear footage in total darkness. This is especially helpful if you want to monitor sleeping infants or office work spaces, as burglaries tend to happen in the evening. Some smart camera options offer cloud storage for your footage, letting you avoid running out of space on your smartphone. However, ongoing fees for storage can add up over time. For example, Arlo offers 24 hours of free storage for its Pro 2 cameras, while Nest and Ring require a monthly subscription fee to access their stored videos, starting at $2.99 per month.