Best home security camera under $100

What are the best home security cameras that are under $100?

With the rise in property crimes happening all around us, we have all thought about getting a home security camera that will make us feel more secure. The good news is we are in 2023 and there is so much modern technology that will increase your quality of life. Selecting the right security camera for your home or business is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and protection of your property. With a wide array of options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to determine the best fit for your specific needs.

We tested several home wireless security cameras, and the list below are the cameras that we recommend picking up. The wireless security cameras we listed are under $100.00, reliable, easy to install, and overall a good product.

In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to choose the best wireless security camera for under $100.00. By considering factors such as camera type, resolution, connectivity, storage options, and additional features, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your security requirements.

The best wireless home security cameras under $100

The Blink Outdoor 3rd Gen

Setup: Outdoor

Resolution: 1080p (Full HD)

Wireless?: Yes

Motion Detector? Yes

Storage: Cloud via app

The Blink 3rd Gen camera was one of our absolute favorites. The biggest draws to this wireless security camera was the ease of installation and the battery life. This camera uses your generic AA lithium batteries. The battery life on this camera is approximately 2 years!

The installation of this camera is very simple. It comes with everything you will need to install it. You screw the base into a surface and simply push the camera into the base and it pops right into place. You can have this camera out of the box set up with your WIFI and mounted/installed in under 15 minutes. No professional service is needed!

The camera allows for a talk feature similar to how Ring cameras work. Also, it has a motion detector which is important. If motion is detected, it will activate and you will receive a notification. You will be able to view live footage or view the motion clip in your cloud storage on your cell phone application. Also, the picture quality is great, it is full HD (1080p).

This wireless security camera is built to withstand various weather conditions. It’s durable construction and IP65-rated weather resistance ensure that the camera will remain fully functional, even in rain, snow, or extreme temperatures. This makes it a reliable option for year-round surveillance, no matter the climate.

The Blink Outdoor Wireless Security Camera Gen 3 offers a great solution for safeguarding your property. With its impressive features, wire-free convenience, extended battery life, weatherproof durability, and intuitive mobile app, it provides a comprehensive and reliable surveillance experience. Whether you’re concerned about home security, monitoring your outdoor spaces, or ensuring the safety of your loved ones, the Blink Outdoor Camera delivers peace of mind and convenience.

Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera

Setup: Outdoor/Indoor

Resolution: 1080p (Full HD)

Wireless? Yes

Motion Detector? Yes

Storage: Cloud via app

The Arlo brand is a notable wireless security camera brand that is also reputable. This camera is easy to install and just like the Blink camera listed above, you can have this out of the box and mounted/installed in under 15 minutes.

This wireless home security camera has a feature that allows it to alert intruders when motion is detected. How you may ask? It has a siren. Sirens are a deterrent that will spook an intruder. An intruder does not want to draw attention. They want to commit their crime the easiest and fastest way.

On top of that, when motion is detected, it also has a feature of activating a spotlight. A spotlight is a useful addition because it is a deterrent when a criminal is trying to use the darkness to their advantage.

When motion is detected it will alert your cell phone and you can view the notification immediately. It even allows you to press a button while viewing the video to call 911 if needed.

This security camera needs to be charged for a couple of hours every 3- 6 months, which is not bad considering all the features this camera provides. So keep in mind, if you are going to mount this camera somewhere, make sure you will be able to take it down with relative ease when you need to charge it.

This security camera seamlessly integrates with popular smart home systems, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. This allows you to control and manage your camera using voice commands and incorporate it into your existing smart home technology.

The Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera offers a reliable and comprehensive security solution for your home or business. With its powerful spotlight, advanced motion detection, flexible installation, convenient remote access, and intuitive smart home integration, it delivers enhanced protection and peace of mind.

Vision Well Camera

Setup: Outdoor/Indoor

Resolution: 1080p (Full HD)

Wireless? Yes

Motion Detector? Yes

Storage: Cloud via app

The Vision Well camera is a great pickup that is affordable! The setup on this camera is as easy as the options above. The video quality is full HD, and it has night vision. It also comes with a motion detector that will notify you when motion is detected. It gets better. The motion notification will tell you what type of motion was noticed. Such as an animal, vehicle, package, or person. This is powered by AI technology.

This camera also has a spotlight that features a siren. It also has a talk feature that allows you to speak through the camera if need be.

The battery life on this camera is great! it can last up to 5 months. Similar to the Arlo once your camera is on low battery, you will have to charge it for a couple of hours, and then re-mount it.

It allows for multiple users to have access to the camera feed which is very useful.

The Vision Well Wireless Outdoor Security Camera offers a comprehensive surveillance solution for your property. With its wireless connectivity, built-in spotlights, intelligent motion detection, crystal clear video quality, and weatherproof design, it definitely is a great affordable option.

FOAOOD Security Camera

Setup: Outdoor

Resolution: 1080p (Full HD)

Wireless? Yes

Motion Detection? Yes

Storage: Cloud via app

Weird name right? I know. But the camera works great! To begin, as you can tell by the image, it comes with a solar panel. This allows you to mount the solar panel (if you want) just like you will mount the camera. This ensures that you don’t have to unmount it from its location when the camera is on low battery.

The video resolution and quality of this camera is full HD. It comes with a motion detector, sound alarm, and a spotlight. The camera will send you notifications when motion is detected. It also has night vision.

This home security camera is capable of accurately identifying human movement and minimizing false alarms triggered by pets, insects, or other non-human factors.

It is designed to withstand various weather conditions. With their waterproof rating, they can endure rain, snow, and other challenging environments, ensuring reliable performance in both indoor and outdoor settings.

It should be noted, when connecting this to WIFI, your WIFI cannot be 5Ghz. Simply check with your internet provider if you do not know if you have 5Ghz or 2.4Ghz. Most people do not have 5Ghz.

It is important to keep in mind that you can install the above-listed security cameras yourself. You do not need a professional to come install it for you. I will write a separate article about the best higher-end cameras you can purchase that may require assistance being installed. 

What is Cloud video storage?

Cloud storage for security cameras refers to the practice of storing video footage captured by security cameras in servers maintained by the providers. Rather than relying on local storage devices, the footage is securely uploaded and stored in the cloud. This method ensures that the recorded data is protected against physical damage, theft, or tampering.

Users can log in to their cloud storage accounts from anywhere with an internet connection, allowing them to view live feeds or access recorded footage remotely. This accessibility is particularly valuable for homeowners or businesses with multiple locations or for those frequently on the move.

Whether you’re at work, traveling, or away from your property, cloud storage ensures that you can monitor your security camera footage and stay connected to your premises in real time.

Difference between indoor or outdoor security cameras

Outdoor security cameras

One significant difference between outdoor security cameras and indoor security cameras lies in their design and durability. Outdoor cameras are specifically built to withstand various weather conditions, including rain, snow, extreme temperatures, and dust. They feature rugged construction and are often equipped with weatherproof casings to protect them from the elements.

Outdoor security cameras are equipped with advanced night vision technology to provide clear surveillance footage even in low-light or no-light conditions. They often utilize infrared (IR) illuminators to capture detailed images and videos in darkness.

Indoor security cameras

In contrast, indoor cameras prioritize aesthetics and blend seamlessly into indoor environments. They are not designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions and do not typically have weatherproofing features.

Indoor cameras, on the other hand, are designed for well-lit indoor environments and may not have the same level of night vision capabilities. Since they typically rely on ambient lighting, indoor cameras may not deliver optimal performance in dimly lit areas or during nighttime surveillance.

Considering the lighting conditions of your intended installation area is crucial when choosing between outdoor and indoor cameras.

How to choose the best home security camera

Choosing the best security camera involves considering your specific security needs, exploring different camera types and features, assessing connectivity and monitoring options, evaluating storage and recording capabilities, and researching reputable brands.

Consider factors such as the coverage area, desired resolution, and the level of detail required. Determine whether you need indoor or outdoor surveillance, whether the camera should be discreet or act as a visible deterrent, and if night vision or motion detection capabilities are essential.

Understanding your specific security requirements will help narrow down the options and ensure that you choose a camera that caters to your needs.

Is a monthly subscription required?

For the most part yes. You will often have to download the security camera’s application or access it from your computer. The subscriptions are typically very affordable. The purpose in signing up for the subscription is to be able to access their cloud video storage and other unique benefits.

Home security camera FAQs

Should I just pay for a surveillance company such as “ADT”?

The short answer is no, however, the more accurate answer is it depends. Surveillance companies can be very beneficial for large businesses, a family that doesn’t want to look at motion notifications, or non-tech-savvy individuals.

Surveillance companies will monitor your property/business 24 hours a day. If anything unusual is detected, they will contact the nearest law enforcement agency. However, these surveillance companies are not without fault.

A big flaw with surveillance companies is the delayed response time. For example, if a burglar breaks into a home and the cameras detect motion, the surveillance company will get the notification. But a big question is, is the operator sitting attentively at their desk when the notification gets sent to them? Is the operator immediately ready to take action to call 911?

Most burglaries last approximately 1 minute and 30 seconds. If the operator was unable to see what happened clearly, they will still report the unusual activity, however, the local law enforcement agency may not prioritize that call for service due to the mass amount of false alarms that happen daily.

The officer will respond 25 minutes later and see that your property was actually burglarized. Simply put, surveillance companies are the middleman and are often a bit slow. By the time the suspect breaks in, the notification gets sent to the company, the company calls the local law enforcement agency, the agency inputs the call for service, and the officer responds, that 1 minute and 30 seconds is over, and the suspect is gone.

What if I don’t have WIFI?

If you do not have WIFI, most security cameras come with an option of local storage via a microSD card. This will allow you to review footage that has been captured and saved on the microSD card. It will essentially be the same as the cloud storage, however, you will not be able to receive real-time notification.

The best recommendation is to have WIFI, and if your WIFI signal is not strong, we recommend investing in a WIFI extender. WIFI extenders are affordable and can help boost your WIFI range drastically in certain dead zones in or around your property.

Can my security cameras be hacked?

We have all seen the news coverage of families having their security cameras hacked. Unfortunately, anything that uses the internet has the potential to get hacked. However, major companies have learned so much over the recent years that the likely hood of your security cameras getting hacked is slim to none. They have many security measures on their end to help secure that. It is important to stay up to date with software updates to ensure you have the latest versions of their software.

Most security cameras also come with a small light on the face of the camera that will illuminate when it’s recording. If you notice that small light come on when you are not recording, that would be an indicator that someone has illegally accessed your camera, (which is slim to none). I’ve known people to cover their indoor cameras when they are home walking around, but uncover them when they leave or are sleeping. While that isn’t necessary, some people will never feel a sense of privacy no matter how good the software security is.

How much should you spend on a home security camera?

This depends, this article is tailored to those who want to spend under $100.00. Under $100.00 should be fine for most home security cameras. However, If you live in a very large property, or have a high level of crime rates in your neighborhood, you may want to get 3 to 4 cameras instead of 1.

If you do buy more than one home security camera, try to stick to the same brand. This is important so that you don’t have to download two different applications and have to pay for two different subscriptions.

Most brands have a bundle pack that offers you more than one security camera.

How important is battery life in a wireless security camera?

There are a few key reasons why battery life in wireless security cameras is important. First, it provides what we call “uninterrupted surveillance”. With a reliable power source, the camera can continuously monitor the area without the need for frequent battery changes or recharging. This ensures that your camera remains operational, capturing any suspicious activities or events that may occur, and providing you with a continuous stream of security footage.

Also, consider the possibility of a power outage. Power outages are not uncommon, and they can leave your property vulnerable to security risks. A wireless security camera with a long-lasting battery will ensure that your surveillance system remains operational even during power failures. This is important for monitoring properties located in areas prone to frequent power disruptions.

Conclusion

The importance of having a security camera cannot be overstated in today’s world. Security cameras provide a range of benefits that contribute to the safety, protection, and peace of mind of individuals, families, and businesses. From deterring potential criminals to providing crucial evidence in the event of incidents, security cameras have become an indispensable tool in our modern society.

The mere presence of visible cameras can significantly reduce the likelihood of burglaries, vandalism, or trespassing. Potential wrongdoers are less likely to target properties equipped with surveillance systems, knowing that their actions may be captured on video, increasing the chances of being identified and apprehended.

In the unfortunate event of a crime or security breach, security cameras can serve as a valuable source of evidence. The recorded footage can provide crucial details, including timestamps, descriptions of individuals involved, and the sequence of events.

This evidence can aid law enforcement agencies in their investigations and strengthen legal proceedings, leading to higher rates of successful prosecutions.

Moreover, security cameras offer a sense of security and peace of mind. Whether installed in residential properties, commercial establishments, or public areas, they provide an added layer of protection.

Families feel safer knowing that their homes are under constant surveillance, while business owners can monitor their premises and ensure the safety of employees and customers. This enhanced security contributes to a greater sense of comfort and well-being for everyone involved.

The importance of having a security camera cannot be overlooked. They serve as a deterrent, provide crucial evidence, instill a sense of security, and offer valuable insights for businesses. With advancements in technology, security cameras have become more accessible, affordable, and feature-rich, making them an essential investment for individuals and organizations alike.

By deploying security cameras, we not only protect our physical spaces and assets but also create a safer and more secure environment for ourselves and our communities.

We hope this detailed guide will help you select the best home security camera.