Quick pick for the best outdoor security cameras: the Arlo Pro 5S 2K is the best outdoor camera if you’re happy to pay for a plan: great video, a spotlight and the most polished app. The eufyCam S3 Pro is the best with no monthly fee. For a driveway or garage that needs light, get the Ring Floodlight Cam (2nd Gen). On a budget, the Wyze Cam v4 covers a porch or patio for well under $50.
How we put this guide together: written by Md. Mehedi Hasan for TopSmartGear, using the makers’ specifications, independent expert reviews and verified owner feedback. This is a research-based review, not a hands-on test. Sources include Ring’s official plans page. Read how we review.
Best outdoor security cameras: our picks at a glance
| Camera | Best for | Power | Plan needed to save video? | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlo Pro 5S 2K | Best overall | Battery (solar panel optional) | Yes (Arlo Secure) | Check current price |
| eufyCam S3 Pro | Best with no monthly fee | Battery with built-in solar | No | Check current price |
| Ring Floodlight Cam (2nd Gen) | Best floodlight camera | Wired | Yes (Ring plan) | Check current price |
| eufy SoloCam S340 | Best solar pan-and-tilt | Battery with built-in solar | No | Check current price |
| Wyze Cam v4 | Best budget | Plug-in | No (microSD) | Check current price |
1. Arlo Pro 5S 2K: best overall
Sharp 2K HDR video, a built-in spotlight, color night vision and long battery life, with an app that’s fast and easy to use. It works with Alexa and Google Home. The trade-off is that you need Arlo Secure to save clips. Read our Arlo Pro 5S review.
2. eufyCam S3 Pro: best with no monthly fee
4K video, superb color night vision, radar-assisted detection and a built-in solar panel. Everything saves to the HomeBase 3 at home, so there’s no subscription. It’s IP67 weatherproof. Read our eufyCam S3 Pro review.
3. Ring Floodlight Cam (2nd Gen): best floodlight camera
It replaces an existing outdoor light fixture with two bright floodlights and a sharp camera, so it lights up and records anyone coming up the drive. Because it’s wired, there’s no battery to charge. It’s the best fit for Alexa homes; recording needs a Ring plan. Read our Ring Floodlight Cam review.
4. eufy SoloCam S340: best solar pan-and-tilt
Two lenses and 360-degree pan and tilt let one camera watch a whole yard, with built-in solar and storage and no fee. See more in our best solar security cameras guide.
5. Wyze Cam v4: best budget
A small plug-in camera that’s rated for outdoor use, with sharp 2.5K video, color night vision and free microSD recording, for about the price of a takeout dinner. It needs a nearby outlet and a covered spot. Compare it in Blink Mini 2 vs Wyze Cam v4.
How to choose an outdoor camera
- Weatherproofing: look for IP65 or higher. IP67 handles heavy rain and dust.
- Power: battery and solar cameras go anywhere; wired and floodlight cameras never need charging and can record more.
- Monthly cost: Ring, Arlo and Nest work best with a plan. eufy, Reolink, Wyze (with a microSD card) and Tapo can save video for free. See how much smart security costs.
- Night vision: color night vision or a spotlight makes faces and clothing far easier to identify.
- Ecosystem: Ring for Alexa, Nest for Google, HomeKit-capable models for Apple.
Where to mount outdoor cameras
Mount cameras about 7 to 9 feet high, angled down, covering paths people actually use: the front door, driveway, back door and side gates. Test the Wi-Fi signal at each spot before drilling. New to this? Start with our smart home security setup for beginners.
Frequently asked questions
Can indoor cameras be used outside?
Only if the maker rates them for outdoor use. Indoor-only cameras can fail from moisture and temperature swings.
Do outdoor cameras work in the cold?
Most are rated for freezing temperatures, but batteries drain faster in the cold. Wired or solar models handle winter best.
Final verdict
Get the Arlo Pro 5S 2K for the best all-round outdoor camera, the eufyCam S3 Pro to avoid monthly fees, or the Ring Floodlight Cam for a driveway. Compare brands in Arlo vs eufy, see every pick in best home security cameras, and check the deals page before Black Friday.
