Best home security cameras
Icontrol Networks Piper NV
Cnet rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 The good: From setup to shutdown, the Piper NV all-in-one security device is an absolute delight.
The bad: You’ll spend more up front than some other stand-alone security options. It doesn’t have an IFTTT channel or offer partnerships with third-party brands beyond its basic Z-Wave integrations. The cost: $280 to $378
The bottom line: For easy, seamless to-it-yourself home security and automation integration, look no further than the Piper NV.
Nest Cam Indoor
Cnet rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 The good: Nest Cam’s 1080p highresolution video, magnetic base, pivoting stand and updated app make this device an improvement over Dropcam Pro — and many other DIY cameras.
The bad: Like Dropcam Pro, Nest Cam is still just a webcam at heart. While it does offer security features like opt-in motion and sound alerts, they aren’t especially useful since you can only receive one notification every 30 minutes. The cost: $175 to $200
The bottom line: Given that Nest Cam and Dropcam Pro are pretty similar, it doesn’t make a lot of sense for existing users to replace their Pro. But budding DIY-ers searching for a high-res live streaming camera really can’t beat Nest Cam.
Canary Flex
Cnet rating: 4 stars out of 5 The good: Canary’s Flex installs fast, it’s well designed, and its app is easy to navigate. It’s also a highly versatile camera that can watch over your house from pretty much anywhere.
The bad: The Flex is limited to 720p HD live streaming, it has a smaller 116-degree field of view, and it only works with Wink for smart home integration. The cost: $170 to $200 The bottom line: The Canary Flex isn’t perfect, but its adaptability, simple app interface and excellent design make it a great choice for anyone who needs a lot of flexibility in their home security setup.
SkyBell Video Doorbell
Cnet rating: 4 stars out of 5 The good: SkyBell’s latest Wi-Fi doorbell has a 1080p high-definition resolution, on-demand clip recording and free video storage, as well as an IFTTT channel and integration with Amazon’s Alexa Skills Kit and Google/Alphabet’s Nest. The bad: There’s no Web interface, it doesn’t work directly with Samsung’s SmartThings or Wink, and you can’t alter the push alert settings or the quality of the video resolution in the app.
The cost: $219 The bottom line: The SkyBell HD Wi-Fi Video Doorbell’s 1080p resolution and array of third-party integrations set it apart from the pack, including August’s impressive Doorbell Cam.