Cameras secure your smart home
Ring Spotlight Cam
Cnet rating: 4 stars out of 5
The good: The Spotlight Cam installs in minutes, and its integrated LEDs provide reliable security lighting for your yard.
The bad: You have to pay for Ring’s Protect cloud storage service to access saved video clips.
The cost: $200
The bottom line: Easy setup and solid performance make it a favorite among today’s outdoor cameras with built-in lights.
Kuna Toucan
Cnet rating: 4 stars out of 5
The good: The Toucan connects to the included Smart Socket light bulb adapter with USB so you don’t have to bother with batteries or a power cord. It has a discreet design and a built-in 100-decibel siren for an extra dose of deterrence.
The bad: Its Smart Socket adapter made the light bulb extend past the bottom of a wall light. The Toucan relies on the light fixture for illumination rather than infrared LEDs, it doesn’t work with smart home products from other manufacturers, and its motion sensor was too sensitive.
The cost: $150
The bottom line: If you’re looking to add a low-maintenance outdoor camera to your home security setup, Toucan could easily fit the bill.
Canary Flex
Cnet rating: 4 stars out of 5
The good: The 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 currently works only with Wink for smart home integrations.
The cost: $150 to $200
The bottom line: The 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.
Netgear Arlo Pro
Cnet rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
The good: The Arlo Pro provides indoor and outdoor security monitoring in a single camera. You get seven days of free event-based cloud storage, and its rechargeable battery is supposed to last for up to six months.
The bad: It costs more than its competition, and it was difficult to see what was happening in night-vision mode. Some customers won’t want to deal with a hub accessory during installation.
The cost: $190 to $250
The bottom line: The Pro is an even smarter cam than Netgear’s first-gen Arlo, but competitors are closing in fast with innovative designs and updated apps.