> Best wireless security cams
Swann Smart Security Camera
$99.99 From Swann, swann.com Features 6,000mAh battery
If you have a large home with a wide perimeter, some camera systems can be pricey to get started with. Swann’s lower–priced cam can capture a very nice 120–degree picture despite its bargain status — once you’ve delved into the settings to up its quality from the highly compressed default — and it can do even more when used as an indoor cam, including zone–based motion sensing. Its heat–based passive infrared sensor (PIR) cuts down on false–positive activations, and we love the mounting mechanism, pivoting via a magnetic dish on the back when placed on the mount’s metal ball. You’ll need to pull the whole cam down to recharge it, and, ironically, it’s probably easily to steal because of this.
Awesome
Ring Spotlight Cam Battery
$199.00 From Ring, ring.com Features 6,100mAh battery
Ring’s company name came from its original smart doorbell, but its expansion into the security camera market shows a lot of tech smarts: this is a combination of security camera, motion sensor, and LED spotlight that really pulls its weight. The quality of the images taken through its 140–degree lens shines through, and the engineering on display — exemplified by the battery, which pops out of the base of the sensor for easy recharging without the need to reposition the camera — is impressive. While we had no trouble getting the LEDs to light up when something was moving, its motion sensing reporting was a little slow, but that’s a small quibble with what is an otherwise excellent camera.
Great
Arlo Pro 2 (Two pack)
$479.99 From Arlo, arlo.com Features 2,440mAh battery
Arlo’s package is not at all cheap. In this case we’re looking at a base station (with built–in siren) and two–camera combination, but additional cameras are available, and there’s also a five–pack option. You do get a lot for your money: cameras with two–way audio, a 130–degree viewing angle, seven days’ storage of captured footage, and removable rechargeable batteries which, if you’ve purchased an extra, can be switched out in seconds so you stay covered. Video quality is great, motion sensing quick, and connectivity was flawless in our tests. Like Swann’s cam, you get more features when used indoors, but that’s a necessary limitation on running from battery.
Awesome