The best home security cameras to watch over your property

Which features should you look out for in a home security camera?

First, look for high resolution. “1080p Full HD is the most common camera resolution,” advises Anna Forbes, Smart Home buyer at Currys. “It’s easily high enough for seeing a parcel at the door or watching the pets at home. But if you want to capture more detail of faces or number plates, then 2K, 3K or 4K cameras [offering two, three or four times the resolution of Full HD] are a better bet.”

Second, you’ll want a decent field of view. “If a user has a specific area they want to monitor, they will need a security camera whose field of view matches the area’s size,” advises Stephanie Fort.

Third, consider storage: some cameras have in-built memory but these aren’t always the best choice. “As long as you have a solid internet connection, cloud storage is generally safer than using local storage,” says Anna Forbes. “There’s always a risk of theft or physical events – like fire or flood – wiping out video stored on the latter.”

Finally, think about whether your camera can integrate with other home tech. “If your outdoor camera detects motion, a smart home can then switch lights on to give the appearance you are at home. Some systems can even recognise family members and then switch the entrance light on in response.”

What video resolution do I really need (1080p, 2K, 4K)?

For indoor security, 1080p is usually a sufficient resolution. It will deliver clear images for general monitoring and it is cost-effective with lower storage and bandwidth needs. If you want to make sure you can capture fine details for identification, such as facial features, then a 2K or 4K camera is a better choice.

Do I have to pay a monthly subscription for home security cameras?

It depends on which security camera you buy as to whether you will need to pay a monthly subscription. Most require you to if you want to store your video history, but some options have local storage with a microSD that doesn’t require a subscription.

Is it better to have wired or wireless security cameras?

“If you have a lower budget, or want something a bit more affordable and flexible, then a wireless camera is better,” advises AOs Stephanie Foat. “If you rent your current home, for example and want to take your security system with you when you leave, then wireless cameras are the best way to go.

“If you’re after something with higher quality footage and more permanently installed in your home, or have patchy Wi-Fi, then wired cameras are recommended. Having cameras hardwired into your home also ensures strong video and audio signals that won’t degrade over time.”

What’s the difference between CCTV and wireless home security cameras?

“Wired CCTV cameras work as a direct camera-to-monitor system, but can be trickier to install as they rely on physical extension cables and connectors,” cautions Stephanie Foat.

“Wireless cameras, on the other hand, transmit images to your phone, tablet or computer using digital technology. So long as you have a solid internet connection, they’re generally the better option as it’s far more convenient for households to receive video footage direct to their phones.”