Best Smart Security Camera

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A smart security camera is an absolute necessity these days. The reason is that smart security cameras deliver a customizable experience. You can choose one according to your needs. From basic monitoring to professional surveillance, smart cameras can offer great security.

You can integrate the security camera into a smart system or an app. This will allow you to monitor your house from anywhere. We recommend Arlo Pro 3 (see it on Amazon) for fully comprehensive security experience.

Arlo Pro 3 Spotlight Camera
  • Arlo Pro 3 Add-on Camera requires an Arlo SmartHub or base station, sold separately.
  • Spend less time recharging with 6 months of battery life on one charge.
  • No monthly fees or service contract required.
  • Zoom in to see sharp details - See and record video in 2K with HDR for a clearer, undistorted picture, day or night.
  • See colorful at night - See features like faces or license plates in full color, even at night, with color night vision.
  • Respond quickly - Hear and speak to visitors at your door with clear, two-way audio.
  • See a bigger picture - With a wide 160° diagonal viewing angle lens that has an auto image correction, reducing the fisheye effect.
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Let us take a look at its features. We will also discuss the essentials of choosing the best smart security camera.

Arlo Pro 3 Review

Arlo Pro 3 comes with great quality, performance, and enhanced features. If you are already familiar with the previous cameras in the Arlo series, you will find Pro 3 between Pro 2 and Arlo Ultra.

What you will like about it

  • Weatherproof, wireless design
  • Long-lasting battery
  • 2K streaming provides sharp videos
  • Noise-canceling microphone for better two-way communication
  • Motion detection and night vision lens
  • Great sensors and sirens

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Video quality reduced when motion-detection is active.

Design

Pro 3 has the same sturdy, sleek and modern designs as the other security cameras by Arlo. Arlo Pro 3 is wireless and can, therefore, be installed easily. The weather-proof body can withstand extreme weather conditions. therefore, you can use Arlo Pro 3 for both indoor and outdoor security.

Price

Pro 3 is expensive. You can choose to buy one camera for less than $200. Or get a kit that comes with 2 cameras, a smart hub, and other accessories required for set-up.

The whole package costs more than $400 right now. It also comes with three months of Arlo Smart Plan and cloud storage. However, after three months you will have to pay for the plan.

Battery

Pro 3 comes with a long-lasting battery. In our experience, it will last you a good six months. This means you wouldn’t have to worry about replacing the batteries too often. You can use the app to check the battery level.

Installation

Arlo Pro 3 is very easy to install. If you follow the directions, you will be able to set it up in a few minutes. After installation, you can connect the camera to the hub.

Once the camera is in place, download the app and make an account. Add the camera to the device and connect the hub to the router. If you plan to get more cameras in the future, you can add them to the app.

2K Streaming

Arlo Pro 3 uses a high-quality 4-mp sensor and HDR technology. The High Dynamic Range captures a quality 2K resolution video. The surveillance works great with 12 times digital zoom and a 160-degree field of view. The night vision further improves performance.

In our experience, the video quality is amazing in Pro 3. You get sharp and clear images with great colors and contrasts. Even the night vision lens provides a much clearer video.

Pro 3 also comes with a noise-canceling microphone and a speaker. This allows the security camera to detect sounds and provide better security. We were impressed by the clarity of sound. Also, the camera does a great job in two-way communication.

Siren & Sensor

Arlo Pro 3 comes with a built-in siren. Moreover, it has a motion sensor. The sensor provides great detection. The 80dB siren and 130-degrees sensor make sure you get the best security. However, when the motion-detection is activated, the video quality reduces to 1080p.

The smart camera works very well in detecting faces and even animals. It will send you an instant notification when it detects a sound or motion. Moreover, the siren is very loud. You can turn it on from the app. It will be great to scare away any intruders.

Arlo Smart Plan

If you want to enjoy the best features of Pro 3, we recommend you to use it with the Smart Plan by Arlo. The cost of the plan starts from $2.99 per month for one camera. You can upgrade the plan to use with more cameras.

With the smart plan, you can get access to some of the best features. This includes smart notifications, e11 Emergency Service, extra cloud storage, and other such features.

The plan allows you to make the best use of the camera. It will especially be great for people who stay away a lot and like to keep an eye on the house/business remotely.

Arlo Smart App

Once you download the smart app, you will be able to monitor the live stream from the camera anywhere. The app can be downloaded on both iOS and Android.

You can use the app to change settings like brightness, volume, zooming or activate local 2K streaming.

You can also use the controls of the app to mute the sound or start two-way communication. Moreover, you can also use the app to activate the sirens and turn in the spotlight. You can also call a friend or call 911.

The app is very easy to use. If you choose to get the smart plan, you can use the app to make any changes to the advanced features.

Privacy

Pro 3 comes with different options for storing the information. You may use cloud storage or any local storage option. In this way, you can decide if you want the information to go to a remote server. On the other hand, SmartHub secures the footage. It will add a protected network to your router.

Buying Guide for Smart Security Camera

Smart security cameras have changed the landscape of home security. However, security cameras cost a lot. Therefore, before buying one make sure it is perfect for your home. This buying guide will help you pick the best smart security camera.

Camera Type

There are a lot of types of smart cameras in the market.

  • Indoor/Outdoor: First, figure out whether you want indoor security or are you looking for a camera that can also work outdoors. An outdoor camera will have a weather-proof body to withstand extreme temperatures.
  • Power Source: Another thing to look at is what power source do you intend to use. You can either use a camera and attach it to a power line, or you can get one that operates with a battery. A wireless security camera gives you the freedom to put the security camera where you want. Choose a smart camera that has a good battery life, so you won’t have to replace the batteries.
  • Door/Wall: Depending on where you want to put the security camera, you can get one that works with a doorbell or one you can mount anywhere. If you are looking for an outdoor security camera, we recommend using a wall mount one. The doorbell security cameras are not weatherproof.

Cloud Storage and Plan

Buying a smart security camera is an investment but using one for good surveillance is a continuous expense. At the least, you will need to buy cloud storage for the surveillance videos. Some smart cameras come with an optional plan. You will have to pay for the plan every month. Therefore, choose a brand that provides cloud storage and maximum features in its plans.

Privacy Policies

Ironically, the videos from your security camera can cause more trouble. Therefore, choose a company that provides genuine protection against hackers. Use a safe network with your camera. We suggest you read the privacy policy carefully. Moreover, instead of continuing with default options, use your settings, username, and password.

Advanced Features

Look for a security camera that offers the best smart surveillance.

  • Push Notifications

There are smart security cameras that will send you a notification on detecting sound and motion. You can check the notification through your phone or tablet. This will help you keep an eye on any activity remotely.

  • Sensors & Sirens

Some security cameras will allow you to turn on a siren from your app. This is a great feature to scare away anyone who is trying to trespass.

  • Monitor Zones

You can focus the camera to monitor a specific spot. This is a great idea if you don’t want to get a notification every time the camera detects a passer-by.

  • Two-way Communication

Most modern designs come with a speaker and a microphone. If you want to record sounds as well, use a camera that uses a microphone with noise-cancellation. This will allow a clearer sound quality. You can also get a camera that allows you to make two-way communication.

Conclusion

A smart security camera plays an integral role in making your smart home safe. When buying a camera, make sure to check the privacy policies. Arlo Pro 3 is a great outdoor camera that will provide comprehensive surveillance.