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These home security cameras are the best

Amazon Cloud Cam Cnet rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 The good: The crisp 1080p HD live feed, prompt motion notifications and free 24-hour clip storage set a new value standard for indoor home security cameras. The bad: Only Amazon cloud subscribers can set motion zones and receive person alerts. Continuous recording is not available (even for subscribers), and there’s no local microSD card storage. Recommended Video: Now Playing: Protect your home on all fronts with these smartphone-controlled security devices. Media: Brandpoint The cost: $120 The bottom line: Amazon’s Cloud Cam is affordable, reliable and easy to use, but it’s the free storage that ultimately makes it more appealing than Nest security cameras and many other competitors. Nest Hello Cnet rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 The good: The video doorbell looks great and works consistently well. Its optional facial recognition feature and advanced integrations with the Nest Cam IQ Indoor and Google Home speakers set this smart buzzer above the rest. The bad: A seemingly unnecessary “chime connector” accessory is a required part of the installation for “power management” purposes, whether you have a manual or a digital doorbell chime. There’s no free video clip storage. The cost: $229 The bottom line: The Hello is the smartest video doorbell available today, and a really solid choice for anyone — but it’s especially appealing if you’re sold on a broader Google/Nest smart home. Ring Spotlight Cam Cnet rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 The good: The 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: $185 to $199 The bottom line: The easy setup and solid performance make it a favorite among today’s outdoor cameras with built-in lights. Netgear Arlo Pro Cnet rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 The good: It provides indoor and outdoor 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: $197 to $250 The bottom line: The Arlo Pro is an even smarter DIY cam than Netgear’s first-gen Arlo, but competitors are closing in fast with innovative designs and updated apps. The following Cnet staff contributed to this story: Megan Wollerton and Laura K. Cucullu. For more reviews of personal technology products, visit www.cnet.com .
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