The possibilities are endless: Cloud or local feed storage, customizable or automatic alerts and alarms, smartphones and tablet connectivity, wired or wireless, battery-powered or mains options, video capture, night vision, audio feeds of varying quality, and the ability to check in in real-time are all on offer and can be tailored to meet the requirements of your home.
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Once the case, heavy-duty, wired surveillance systems were the only options available to protect a premises. Times have changed, and with the explosion in mobile solutions and the increased bandwidth offered by broadband and 4G/5G, there are mobile-friendly options for people seeking a budget-conscious security option. The benefit of the Ring camera range, including indoor, outdoor, stickup, and floodlights, lies within its flexibility. Each camera can be connected to the same account and accessed via smartphone, alerting users to motion from all areas. Of particular note are stick up cams, which can be placed inside or outdoors and on horizontal or vertical surfaces. Battery and wired options are available as well as devices that come with a solar panel and a backup battery pack. The Spotlight and Floodlight models, too, are of interest, given their inbuilt security sirens. As there are a variety of different cameras users can choose from, it’s possible to design a mix-and-match setup to protect a premises. Google Nest cameras will be of interest to home owners already in the Nest ecosystem – including users of the Nest Thermostat and Nest CO2 alarms as well as Nest X Yale Locks. The Nest Cam Indoor and Outdoor cameras are mobile options for on-premise security. They are best suited for budget-friendly users that need basic security measures in place. The cameras can record footage in 1080p HD, and when it comes to the outdoor version, this quality is maintained at night through infrared LEDs. You can pick up battery or wire-powered options. Both versions have inbuilt speakers and will alert users via their mobile devices when suspicious activity or visitors are detected by motion and noise sensors. Once the app has been installed, and an account has been set up, monitoring begins. Subscriptions vary. If you want to dip a toe into the world of IoT and intelligent home security devices, you may want to consider the Wyze Cam v3, one of the most affordable options on the market today. The Wyze Cam v3 is a $35 internet-connected camera offering 1080p recording, IP65 quality for indoor or outdoor use, a CMOS sensor designed to improve nighttime vision, a siren, and two-way communication. The camera can be part of a wider Wyze security ecosystem, which includes outdoor cameras, motion sensors, leak sensors, keypads, and entry monitors. Another option is the Arlo Pro 4. This slimline option can be used either indoors or outdoors, it being a weather-resistant model with a variety of mounting options that can detect both sound and motion. The Arlo Pro 4, available in black or white, can work as a day-to-day camera on the shop floor; a discreet camera placed outside to act as a night watchman, or as a part of a full network of cameras in a large workplace. A spotlight to improve low-light recording is included alongside object scanning and detection. SimpliSafe is another worthy addition to our list and would suit users who need a flexible solution for smaller homes and apartments. SimpliSafe is a WiFi-connected security solution backed by real-time monitoring in remote centers. Though wired, in the case of a blackout, devices in the SimpliSafe range have backup batteries. The basic Essentials package, starting at $287, includes a base station, a keypad, three entry sensors, and one motion sensor. A free HD camera also is included in the bundle at the time of writing. Other packages and bolt-on options include panic buttons, freeze and water sensors, smoke detectors, and sirens. If you’re working from home, for example, you might forgo constant video capture and a subscription, opting instead for clips and the ability to check-in while you’re away. However, if there is valuable stock in an office that is shut at night, you might pivot toward an option including night vision and constant video/audio feeds.
