Some of the Security cameras I recommend are expensive, but there are a growing number of great options that cost a lot less. Here is my curated list of the best cheap security cameras priced at $ 100 or less. These three cheap home security cameras offer a wide variety of features and functions, but I recommend them all.
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You really can't beat the Wyze Cam if you're looking for an affordable security camera system with solid performance. Here's the gist:
- It costs $ 20
- It comes with two weeks of free cloud storage
- The camera has an optional local storage via an integrated microSD card slot
- You can set a custom motion detection zone for free
These things together make the Wyze cam surveillance system hard to beat. Yes, it's only for indoor use, and the app isn't perfect, but the Wyze Cam is an excellent choice if you want a live-streaming indoor camera that works well for less. It also works with Alexa voice commands - and the other Wyze devices. Read more from CNET.
Chris Monroe / CNET
Get $ 60 back with Tend Secure's Lynx Indoor Camera (now called Indoor 2 Camera). This indoor camera has all of the regular features of a typical home security camera like live streaming, motion detection and night vision. However, this indoor security camera also offers free 7-day video clip storage and free facial recognition features.
Use the app to create a custom database of friends, family members, and other regular visitors (although social distancing is fully effective, visitors are likely to be at a minimum right now). Then the camera recognizes faces and sends alerts to your phone to let you know that it has just seen "Dave" or "Molly". The camera's facial recognition performance will improve over time as it does. Read more from CNET.
Chris Monroe / CNET
The Blink XT2 starter kit comes with a Blink XT2 camera and required Wi-Fi module - all for $ 100. After that, each additional XT2 camera you buy will cost $ 90 for the camera system. (Seems like it should be less since the Wi-Fi module retailed for $ 50 alone, but it's still a good deal.)
The camera itself is battery operated and is powered by two AA lithium metal batteries. It is designed for a service life of up to two years. So far, the XT2, which I am testing long-term, has been running continuously since last July. It also has free video storage that you can view in the Blink app.
Blink's XT2 camera is weatherproof, so you can use it as an outdoor camera anywhere outdoors (as long as it's within Wi-Fi range). The one I test as an outdoor camera has withstood more than 100 degree days, snow, hail and regular old storms. A gust of wind threw it off the second floor deck of the CNET smart home - and it was fine. Read more from CNET.
How to choose the right outdoor security camera for you
