If you've started shopping for a reliable home security camera, you may have winced at seeing so many prices above $100 or even $200. Good news: I've been testing security cameras for years, and you can get amazing features without paying nearly that much -- no subscriptions required, either.
Our Picks
Why I like it:
Pros
- 2K resolution
- Motion and audio detection
- Two-way audio
- Night vision
- Multiple storage options with cloud storage or a microSD card
- Voice assistant support for Google and Alexa
Cons
- Wired only
- No zoom
Why I like it:
Pros
- Great battery life rated at two years
- 2K resolution
- Night vision
- Two-way audio
- Motion alerts without subscription, plus new AI alerts with subscription
- Easy, intuitive app UI
Cons
- While it gets big discounts, the standard $100 price may be too high for some
- No Google Home or Gemini compatibility
- Included hub does not support local storage
Why I like it:
Pros
- 2K resolution
- Local storage with included microSD card
- 2K resolution
- Night vision
- Two-way audio
- Adjustable angle
Cons
- Design is a little awkward compared to more compact cameras
- Included storage card may fill up quickly depending on use
- Prices have risen recently so you may want to wait for a discount
Why I like it:
Pros
- Great night vision up to 100 feet away
- Ethernet cable options for internet
- 2K resolution
- Built-in siren and light alarm
- Antennas for Wi-Fi
Cons
- Cloud storage will cost you extra
- Spotlights aren't very bright compared to other options
Why I like it:
Pros
- 2K resolution
- Built-in spotlight
- 12x optical zooming
- Color night vision
- Indoor and outdoor ready
- Can add an Arlo hub and storage card for no-subscription video storage
Cons
- Subscription required for a number of extra features, including AI recognition
Why I like it:
Pros
- Very affordable and easy to set up
- Addresses issues to make window cams viable
- Free objection recognition for animals, packages, vehicles and so on
- Slot for microSD card and local storage
- Plenty of settings
Cons
- Window cams need very careful placement and don't work for everyone
- May need to adjust sensitivity on settings
- Needs nearby outlet
Why I like it:
Pros
- Affordable solar bundle
- 2K resolution
- Object recogntion
- Local storage
- Two-way audio
Cons
- Need to buy your own microSD card
- Low 115-degree field of view
OUTDOOR SECURITY CAMERA DEALS OF THE WEEK
- $180 (save $270)
- $29 (save $8)
- $190 (save $90)
- $94 (save $177)
The cams on my list still offer durability, indoor/outdoor options, higher resolutions, AI recogniton features and local storage options. You can get that stuff without throwing down lots of cash, so let's start with my current favorite.
What is the best cheap home security camera overall?
After 120 hours of testing affordable home security cameras, we found the best, with the TP-Link Tapo C210 as our top pick. It offers great smart home integration, two-way audio, pan-tilt features and object recognition, all at around $20.
Most of our choices are priced under $100, without sacrificing quality or features. These cheap DIY cameras offer some of the latest features from security brands like Amazon's Blink, Lorex, Arlo, Reolink and others. Whether you're building a budget-friendly home security plan or sharing a space with roommates, our full list and top tips will help you get the most out of any camera.
Best cheap home security cameras of 2026
Pros
- 2K resolution
- Motion and audio detection
- Two-way audio
- Night vision
- Multiple storage options with cloud storage or a microSD card
- Voice assistant support for Google and Alexa
Cons
- Wired only
- No zoom
Why I like it:
I like a security camera that can do a little of everything. This indoor HD Tapo camera from TP-Link uses a pan/tilt design to view any part of a room, along with important features including motion detection with person tracking, two-way audio (plus a siren) and night vision, all managed via the app. The resolution is also better-than-average at 2K for extra detail. I like to see all those specs in modern security cameras, but what took me off guard was the price: TP-Link is selling this camera for $30, and with frequent discounts, you can often find it for even less.
The Tapo C210 isn't done yet. It offers video storage with two choices: Either the Tapo Care plan at $3.50 per month with cloud storage or a local storage microSD card slot. A microSD card isn’t included, but you can find very affordable options if you want to avoid fees while storing video (and we highly recommend storage capabilities). If you have a current smart home setup, note that the cam also works with Google Home and Alexa.
You do give up a couple of things for this price. There's no zoom option, which is too bad on a pan/tilt cam, and it's a wired cam, so you will need to find a spot near an outlet. Those are minor issues compared to the bevy of features and incredible pricing on this indoor cam.
Who is this for:
Those who don't have a lot to spend but want an indoor camera that still offers a full suite of features.
Who shouldn’t buy it:
People looking for an outdoor camera, buyers who don't want to purchase a microSD card for local storage.
Pros
- Great battery life rated at two years
- 2K resolution
- Night vision
- Two-way audio
- Motion alerts without subscription, plus new AI alerts with subscription
- Easy, intuitive app UI
Cons
- While it gets big discounts, the standard $100 price may be too high for some
- No Google Home or Gemini compatibility
- Included hub does not support local storage
Why I like it:
I've liked Blink's outdoor cams as a budget-friendly outdoor option for a few years now. Outdoor cameras can be expensive due to durability and battery requirements, but this Blink series keeps prices low. The latest model, the Outdoor 2K Plus cam, is the most impressive yet with a powerful AA battery set rated for up to a very lengthy two years. My own tests with this line confirm the batteries do last well beyond a year.
The 2K-resolution Blink cam brings expected features like night vision and two-way audio, plus Alexa compatibility (Amazon stops short of supporting Google Home or Assistant). Cloud video storage is only included with a subscription plan -- which also adds person recognition -- the included Sync Core hub doesn't have local storage, but you can add a Sync Module 2, which stores locally with a USB stick.
Note that the standard $100 is pretty expensive for a budget cam, but this camera is frequently on sale and I've seen it drop to $50 several times, which is why it made it on the list.
Who is this for:
Buyers who want an all-purpose outdoor camera with a local storage option and extra, extra-long battery life, even if they have to pay a bit more.
Who shouldn’t buy it:
Buyers who are looking for a sub-$50 cam, people who want an indoor camera more than an outdoor version.
Pros
- 2K resolution
- Local storage with included microSD card
- 2K resolution
- Night vision
- Two-way audio
- Adjustable angle
Cons
- Design is a little awkward compared to more compact cameras
- Included storage card may fill up quickly depending on use
- Prices have risen recently so you may want to wait for a discount
Why I like it:
Lorex may not be as recognizable as brands like TP-Link, Ring or Arlo, but it's carved out a space for reliable local storage cameras. These cams are perfect for people who want to stay away from cloud video storage due to privacy concerns or prefer to stay off the internet completely. They come with a microSD card for local video storage, which takes a little more effort to manage as the card fills with auto-captured video, but there's no subscription to worry about and no additional fees.
Lorex also stays on top of some important security camera features like two-way audio, night vision and free object detection of people and animals. The 2K resolution is also particularly high for this price, ideal for capturing more detail. Smart platform aficionados should note the cam works with both Google Assistant and Alexa. The camera doesn’t have any panning features, but you can "bend" it to adjust the angle and get the perspective you want when placing it on a shelf or table.
Who is this for:
Buyers who want to save money with local storage and no subscription, and don't want to purchase an extra microSD card to do it.
Who shouldn’t buy it:
People looking for an outdoor or wireless cam, users who want pan/tilt features.
Pros
- Great night vision up to 100 feet away
- Ethernet cable options for internet
- 2K resolution
- Built-in siren and light alarm
- Antennas for Wi-Fi
Cons
- Cloud storage will cost you extra
- Spotlights aren't very bright compared to other options
Why I like it:
The TP-Link Tapo 2K HD Outdoor Security Camera (under $50 and often found discounted) comes with powerful deterrents against intruders, including a highly focused siren. When armed and triggered, the camera activates two lights and a sound alarm to scare off potential intruders. The lights aren't super bright, but they will definitely put any trespassers on notice. Without spotlights, the camera comes with excellent night vision reaching up to 100 feet.
As with other Tapo cameras, you have a choice between buying a microSD card for local storage or using a Tapo subscription plan. Either way, you'll get motion alerts and the ability to communicate with two-way audio.
You can turn the alarm on or off, of course, and program-specific times, activity zones or line-crossing detection to trigger it. Additional features include color night vision up to nearly 100 feet away, two-way audio and local storage of 128GB (SD card not included). Cloud storage is available with a Tapo Care subscription starting at around $3 per month.
Who is this for:
Buyers looking for a versatile outdoor camera that specializes in long-range night vision and spotlights well away from the house.
Who shouldn’t buy it:
Pros
- 2K resolution
- Built-in spotlight
- 12x optical zooming
- Color night vision
- Indoor and outdoor ready
- Can add an Arlo hub and storage card for no-subscription video storage
Cons
- Subscription required for a number of extra features, including AI recognition
Why I like it:
Adding a spotlight to an outdoor security camera tends to bump the price up, often well beyond $100 or even $200. This Arlo Essential HD cam is $70 but frequently on discount, and still provides a small but bright spotlight to shine in the dark corners of your yard or porch.
The battery-powered camera is easy to place anywhere, indoors or outdoors and includes two-way audio, color night vision and motion alerts. Plus, I really like the Arlo app and its approach to making multiple device management easy if you want to add any other Arlo devices. Arlo's
The 3rd generation comes with welcome battery changes, including a low power mode and an XL battery pack option if you prefer not to charge as often. I'm also very impressed with Arlo's durability: I've drop-tested this line, and it has one of the best designs around.
If you want video storage, you can get it with a compatible Arlo BaseStation and USB drive. Otherwise, you'll need to pay for an Arlo plan, which starts at $8 per month and adds many additional detection features.
Who is this for:
Buyers look for a full-featured, wireless camera more affordable than any other in this quality range.
Who shouldn’t buy it:
People who want to stay away from even a hint of monthly subscription plans or cameras over $50.
Wyze's window cam makes the concept work at last.
Pros
- Very affordable and easy to set up
- Addresses issues to make window cams viable
- Free objection recognition for animals, packages, vehicles and so on
- Slot for microSD card and local storage
- Plenty of settings
Cons
- Window cams need very careful placement and don't work for everyone
- May need to adjust sensitivity on settings
- Needs nearby outlet
Why I like it:
Windows cams run into problems with glare and positioning, which is why an indoor camera facing a window is a bad idea. But this very affordable and easy-to-install Wyze cam (basically the Wyze v4 in a slightly different design) uses an adhesive, Velcro attachment that fixes the glare issue. If you have a window looking out over your driveway, porch or carport, then it could be an ideal solution for your security needs.
Wyze also brings other budget-minded benefits to the table, including a microSD slot for local storage (not included). It's also one of the few cams that offers certain object recognition for free, including pets, vehicles and packages. I found this basic AI very accurate in my testing, although you may want to adjust some settings so it doesn't detect every passing car.
Wyze's camera comes with other important features like color night vision and Google/Alexa support, but don't expect to use the two-way audio much. It's not useful on a window cam.
Who is this for:
People looking for a cheap cam that can watch over nearby outdoor areas without needing an outdoor space. It's also one of the few ways to get free basic object detection and has one of the easiest setup processes.
Who shouldn’t buy it:
Those who don't have windows overlooking important areas, or who would prefer an outdoor camera, as well as people on the watch for a higher resolution. Oh, and you'll want to be extra careful when leveling and placing the window patch, which is a pain to strip off if you want to move the cam.
Pros
- Affordable solar bundle
- 2K resolution
- Object recogntion
- Local storage
- Two-way audio
Cons
- Need to buy your own microSD card
- Low 115-degree field of view
Why I like it:
Adding a solar panel to a battery security camera gives you a range of placement options while keeping the battery regularly charged in sunny conditions, cutting out a big chunk of your maintenance. One problem is that solar-included security cameras tend to be expensive. Reolink breaks the trend with a bundle that, while pricier than other options on our list, is still very affordable for solar power.
In addition to the solar panel, this camera includes a 2K resolution plus 10x zoom, object recognition for people and vehicles and night vision powered by six infrared LEDs. Video storage is available via a microSD card slot (card not included), and the cam works with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. However, the field of view at 115 degrees diagonal, is quite low compared to other cam options.
Who is this for:
People who want a powerful wireless camera where they don't have to worry about battery life.
Who shouldn’t buy it:
Buyers who have broad yards or driveways and need a large field of view, people who don't want to install a solar panel.
Cheap home security cameras compared
| Best cheap home security cams | TP-Link Tapo C210 | Blink Outdoor 2K+ | Lorex 2K Indoor Cam | Wyze Window Cam | Arlo Essential Wireless Security Camera (2nd-gen) | TP -Link Tapo C310 | Reolink Argus Eco + Solar Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $25 | $100 | $50 | $35 | $50 | $30 | $85 |
| Resolution | 1080p/HD | 2K | 2K | 1080p/HD | 1080p/HD | 2K | 2K |
| Night vision | Infrared night vision | Infrared night vision | 32-foot night vision | Color night vision | Color night vision | 98-foot night vision | 32-foot night vision |
| Power | Wired | Battery | Wired | Wired | Battery | Wired | Battery with solar panel |
| Audio | Two-way audio | Two-way audio | Two-way audio | Two-way audio (but not useful in a window cam) | Two-way audio | Two-way audio | Two-way audio |
| Video storage | Cloud storage with subscription, local storage with microSD | With subscription or with a local storage hub (not the included one) | Included 16Gb card | Subscription or local storage via microSD card (not included) | Subscription only | Subscription or local storage via microSD (not included) | Subscription or local storage via microSD (not included) |
| Motion detection | Yes with audio and person detection | Yes, with person detection (plan required) | Yes with person detection | Yes, with detection zones plus free person, vehicle, package recognition | Yes | Yes with person recognition | Yes with vehicle and person recognition |
| Voice assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Home | Amazon Alexa | Amazon Alexa, Google Home | Amazon Alexa, Google Home | Amazon Alexa, Google Home | Amazon Alexa, Google Home | Amazon Alexa, Google Home |
| Review score | N/A | 8/10 | N/A | 8/10 | 7.6/10 (earlier model) | N/A | N/A |
Factors to consider when choosing a cheap home security camera
You get a whole lot for a low price with this Tapo cam.
There are hundreds of home security cameras on the market, ranging drastically in price, functionality and quality. With all the options, it can be hard to not become overwhelmed fast, especially when you're considering something as important as your home's safety. After CNET's years of testing home security cameras, we have some tips if you're on the hunt for a new, budget camera that still meets your quality expectations. Here's what to consider.
Privacy
This is a big one. You don't want anyone peeping on your property or hacking into your camera. Wireless home security cameras can be more susceptible to hacking due to their connectivity to Wi-Fi networks. It's not an enormous concern, especially if you have a strong Wi-Fi password, but it's good to be aware of a potential risk.
A bigger privacy issue comes from the cloud storage and management of video. Trying to keep track of data breaches and security vulnerabilities is exhausting, which is why we're taking care of that side for you. We keep track of companies that have had security troubles and improved like Ring, and companies that have changed their policies on sharing video with the police, like Ring again. We track companies that are struggling to show any improvement in their security, like the ongoing troubles of Wyze.
Indoor versus outdoor
One of the first things you'll need to consider is where you want to place your home security cameras. If you want your camera to be located outside, recording your porch or yard, you'll likely want an outdoor camera that's also weather-resistant or features night vision.
Many cameras can be used interchangeably for indoor or outdoor purposes, but some cameras are solely made for indoor usage, like the Lorex 2K indoor cam, so make sure you're buying cameras that can handle the outdoor elements with an IP rating that shows weather resistance.
Local versus cloud storage
Not all video storage is equal. You have two main options and picking one is up to your personal preference. There's cloud storage, which sends your video footage to a remote server to be saved, and local storage, which relies on a separate accessory or piece of hardware, usually a microSD card, to hold any footage you'd like to save. Usually, cloud storage requires a monthly fee.
Aqara's app showing cards for security cam views, lights, sensors and more.
Field of view and resolution
Field of view refers to how wide the angle the camera lens can capture, in degrees. The very top cameras can reach 160 degrees or above, but this is rare. For a budget camera, between 110 and 130 degrees is common and will suffice for most security purposes when angled correctly. Or you could choose a pan/tilt camera, which can move to capture any angle within view.
Likewise, resolution is typically around 1080p for budget cams like these. If you can find 2K resolution on an affordable camera, it can be a sizable feature upgrade.
Smart home compatibility
What smart home systems do security cameras work with? If you already like using Google Home and Google Assistant or Alexa's platform, then you'll want a camera that's compatible, and most will work with these voice assistants. Apple Home and Siri compatibility is much harder to find. If you have a brand-based whole-home system from a company like Vivint, Abode or Frontpoint, you'll want to check and see if a specific security camera can integrate with your system.
Once the Matter standard comes to security cameras, it will be the best way to guarantee compatibility, but that protocol hasn't adopted cameras quite yet.
Battery versus wired
Battery-based cameras are very DIY and apartment-friendly, and you can install them anywhere you want. You will have to recharge them every few months on average, or use a solar panel to help out (they'll let you know via app when batteries are low).
Wired cameras are more limited and often more difficult to install, but you never have to worry about recharging a battery. If you choose a Power over Ethernet camera, you don't have to rely on Wi-Fi, either.
Monitoring options
If you're interested in professional home monitoring that can watch your house and contact law enforcement, you'll have to pay for it. Home monitoring services usually cost at least $20 per month and can go beyond $70. That's why I didn't include much monitoring information in my picks, because it's not a budget-friendly option.
However, if you're determined to add professional monitoring services then several of my picks support it, including the Arlo and Reolink models. I suggest starting with these models.
How we test cheap home security cameras
Aqara's camera provides a highly customizable, expandable indoors security option.
Hands-on testing is core to our evaluations of any home security products. When it comes to home security cameras, we evaluate each attribute in a home environment over a week to get a sense of how the camera performs. That includes several essential tests.
Setup and installation (and battery life)
Our tests begin with setup, examining the design, how easy the camera is to mount, and its mounting options (none versus screwed-in mount versus adhesive). We also look at the setup from an app perspective to see how easy it is, if you have to set up a new account and generally how confusing it may be to new users.
This is also where we begin to examine battery life, charging methods and how long batteries last throughout our tests.
Blink app and Outdoor cam home scren.
Video clarity, lights and night vision
The core of a security camera, no matter how inexpensive, is its video quality. We test both live and captured video for clarity, latency issues and how the video matches the stated resolution. We wait for dark and test the night vision at ranges, turning on spotlights and seeing how well they function.
We also take this opportunity to see how easy video storage is to manage, access and sort through, including new options like AI video recognition.
Home and away settings are a particularly easy way to use geofencing, especially when arming security devices.
App performance
How is the app? Do the menus make sense? Is everything easy to find fast? As we test, we explore the app's UI to see how user-friendly and streamlined it is, seeing where pain points or complexity might cause problems.
Motion detection and AI objection recognition
Even the cheapest modern security cameras have AI detection options, even if it's just basic object recognition for free. So we stage an experiment with people and pets passing by, packages left in front of the camera, and other common events to see how accurate and speedy the motion detection is.
Many camera apps have options to adjust motion detection sensitivity.
Audio and advanced settings
We also take time to dig into extra features such as motion detection zones and, of course, two-way audio. We see how easy these settings are to access, what adjustment options they have, and how clear and responsive audio features are.
Check out our article on how we test home security cameras and video doorbells to learn more about our testing practices.
Other cheap home security cameras we tested
The Blink Mini remains a great budget camera with a compact design.
Each of the cameras listed above is available for under $100, but we've also tried out several other low-cost, high-quality cameras, some of which came close to making our list but not quite close enough. Here are a few examples.
Amazon Blink Indoor Security Camera (Update: out of stock): The Blink indoor camera has many of the same features we liked so much in the Outdoor 4 cam that made it on our list. Ultimately, the indoor version was a little too expensive for what you got in return.
Amazon Blink Mini: The Blink Mini remains a great budget camera with a compact design that hardly takes up any space. That compact design also means you have to pay a subscription for video storage, and it doesn't come with a hub alternative like the Blink Outdoor 4, or extra features to make up for it like the Arlo Essential cam.
Eufy Indoor Cam 2K: Eufy's cam is an excellent budget pick for Apple users, one of the few security cams that supports HomeKit. Ultimately we gave the list pick to Lorex for its local storage approach to home security, but Apple fans should certainly consider this Eufy model as well.
Blink Outdoor 4 : The Blink Outdoor 4 combines the usual features like night vision and two-way audio but combines it with a powerful AA battery set that gives it up to two years of use. You'll also find Alexa capability. You've got an option to store footage locally with the included Sync Module 2 or you can spring for the subscription plan for cloud storage that also adds person recognition.
Amcrest PoE camera: While a very affordable power-over-Ethernet camera, it didn't quite make my list because those looking for cheap cameras usually don't have an outdoor PoE connection. But if you do, this cam is only $60 and a good way to save, although you may need to add a subscription or NVR setup for storage.
What we've updated
Not all cameras offer their features for a cheap price.
Winter 2026: Several excellent budget camera releases helped me make new picks for this list, which is currently in excellent shape. There are now new entries from Blink for outdoor cameras, a unique Wyze window camera option that helps you save and an upgrade Arlo Essential cam with new battery options.
Cheap home security camera FAQs
What's the cheapest home security camera?
You can find many cheap security cameras online for under $50, but our best deals, including Tapo's pan/tilt cam, are under $30. With the right discount, you can find a full-featured camera like this for $25 or less. Always keep an eye on the details, like if the camera needs a separate hub, subscription plan or extra SD card to work properly. In our list, "cheap" doesn't mean these cameras are lower quality or more likely to break, it just means you can find these budget cameras for especially low prices considering the capabilities they offer.
Which security cameras have no monthly fee?
Nearly all home security cameras are operable with no ongoing monthly fee. Upon purchasing the camera and downloading the app, you should have free access to many features such as live video viewing, push notifications, night vision and possibly two-way audio. Paying a little extra -- often between $2 and $6 for a single camera -- can unlock extra perks like more cloud storage, facial recognition, emergency calling and more.
Lorex, for example, gives you the option to store your footage on a DVR or NVR so you don't have to pay a subscription. Some of the cameras also have ability to save the footage to a MicroUSB. However, if you decide you'd like to cloud save your footage, there is an option to pay either $3/month ($30/year) for one camera or $10/month ($100/year) for up to 10 cameras in one location.
What is the easiest home security camera to install?
If you just want to place a security camera on a shelf or counter, then indoor cameras like the Blink Mini, Wyze Cam v3 and Cam Pan 2, Arlo Essential Indoor Cam, GE CYNC Cam and others are generally the easiest to install. Just set the camera where you want it and plug it in. On the other hand, if you want to mount a camera to a wall or the ceiling, most will come with a detachable base and mounting hardware (a few screws and maybe some drywall anchors). This makes the installation fairly quick and easy, but keep in mind that the majority of cameras are wired, so you may have an unsightly power cord trailing down the wall when mounting your camera. If you'd rather not have to deal with the power cord, consider a wireless camera like the Blink Outdoor Security Camera.
Where should I install a security camera?
Before installing a home security camera, especially if you plan to mount it with hardware, plug the camera in and place it in different locations to determine the best spot to give you a full, unobstructed view of the area you want to monitor. Placing the camera in a corner is often ideal for providing a full view of the room, although a more central location may be better for a camera with 360-degree pan capabilities. For outdoor cameras, consider the night vision and motion detection range and avoid placing the camera too far away to be able to detect and record activity.
Can I return a home security camera?
Sometimes, but it will depend on who you buy them from. Most return policies will apply to security cameras the same way they apply to other electronics. Search for the return policy for a specific product if you really want to know before you buy.
Do home security cameras get discounts?
Yes, they frequently get discounts. One of the best ways to save even more money is to wait for a holiday season or weekend (anyone from Amazon Prime Day to Christmas deals) or wait until a newer model has been released. We often mention great deals on CNET, so stay current with us to watch for any big discounts.
Will security cameras work without internet?
Some cameras will work without internet but it will likely be limited functions and need to be set up with Wi-Fi connection first. The TP-Link Tapo will record to a MicroSD card without the internet and record 24/7, but without internet you won't be able to do live feed or receive notifications. Cameras on our list that will work without internet are:
- TP-Link Tapo C210
- Lorex 2K Indoor
- Amcrest Outdoor Camera ASH22-W
- TP-Link Tapo C310
- Reolink Argus Eco + Solar Panel
Others will not work at all without connection:
- Blink Outdoor 4
- Arlo Essential Wireless Security Camera (2nd generation)
