If you have the means to do so, having some form of protection and security device in your home can bring you peace of mind and allow you to check on your property in real-time. However, not everyone has the budget to spend thousands of dollars on a new home security system. You don’t need all the bells and whistles to remain secure. While it can be beneficial to have cameras watching every doorway and window, siren-equipped floodlight systems, and sensors everywhere, sometimes, one or two well-placed cameras will perform just as well. So, I’ve rounded up the best cheap home security cameras under $100 so you can protect your home for less. Also: What is the best outdoor security camera (and which is easiest to install)? The Wyze Cam Pan v3 is my top pick for cheap security cameras in 2023. Coming far below $100 at only $34 directly from the vendor, this camera packs a variety of useful features into a small, compact device. You can expect the camera to record footage in 1080p, and it even comes with color night vision. Furthermore, the Wyze camera has pan, tilt, and zoom functions, making it a great option indoors if you want to keep an eye on your home, pets, and children via motion tracking or live view. The camera is compatible with Google Home and Alexa. The Blink Mini is a small, compact home security camera with a 1080p HD camera for a better performance than you would expect. It has a simple plug-in design means set-up is done that much faster with easy smartphone connectivity for all of the rest. There are also other features like motion detection and two-way audio. The live view keeps you in the know at all times, plus you can use the two-way audio to communicate with family and guests alike. You can even customize motion detection zones for specific areas of your home or office. The Blink Outdoor security camera uses wireless connectivity with an easy set-up that skips the wiring and professional installation. It uses a battery-powered design that runs up to two years on the AA batteries that are also included – allowing you to install, set, and forget, while ensuring your garden or driveway is secure. The camera’s other features are attractive, too, including infrared night vision, motion detection alerts, customized motion zones, and live view with two-way audio. You also have the option to upgrade to the Blink Subscription Plan in order to access cloud storage. The Arlo Essential Spotlight camera is one of the more premium devices I recommend. Useful as part of a wider ecosystem, this 130-degree field-of-view camera can be used either indoors or outdoors, and comes with an integrated spotlight to light up outside areas. This security camera will appeal to many due to its stylish look, and being wireless, you don’t have to worry about the hassle of a wired installation – or the cost of one. At the time of writing, Arlo has a promotion that includes a discount of up to 20% when you create a security bundle. TP-Link Tapo is a wireless indoor model that lacks any weather resistance but still manages to pack a punch with multiple features. For daytime use, there is a Pan/Tilt IP camera that allows for scanning with a wider field of view. At night, enjoy night vision up to 30 feet away with a motion sensor with instant push notifications and two-way audio. Other features include a built-in siren that you can sound whenever a threat is detected. This is a home security camera that is perfect for surveillance of your home, office, or other areas that you want monitored. To see how it compares, this is an overview of the best cheap home security cameras. To help you find the best cheap home security camera for you, our expert recommendations can help.
Location: Not all home security cameras have the weatherproofing required to work outdoors. Be sure to double-check which home security cameras have the type of build you need based on the intended location. Wired: If you decide to purchase a wired home security camera – especially one intended for use outside – be sure to keep in mind that professional installation will likely need to be involved. Camera: The standard for home security cameras is a 1080p resolution, but there are also models these days with 4K video. Anything less than that will deliver a subpar picture that lacks all of the sharpness and clarity you would otherwise receive.Features: Whether it is motion detection or two-way audio, there are many features that can make a cheap home security camera the best pick for you.
That said, you’ll miss some of the most important features if you don’t connect your camera to the internet. This includes cloud video storage and alerts, meaning you could lose precious seconds if someone tries to break into your home while you’re there and you don’t know about the situation until it’s too late.
