Cyber Monday is here, and if you’re looking to upgrade your home security, now’s the time. From deterring theft to keeping an eye on family and pets, smart cameras and doorbells are more accessible than ever—and heavily discounted. Here’s a breakdown of the best deals, what they offer, and what to consider before you buy.
Why Now? The Rise of Home Security Tech
The demand for home security is surging. Porch piracy is up 30% in the last year, according to industry reports, making cameras and doorbells a vital deterrent. But the market’s also evolving rapidly, with new features like AI-powered alerts and subscription models becoming standard. This means more choices, but also more complexity.
Top Outdoor Security Cameras
Arlo Pro 5S: This camera delivers crisp 2K video, a wide 160-degree view, and two-way audio. The Arlo app is fast and secure, but the best features require a subscription. Expect to pay extra for person detection, smart alerts, and cloud storage.
Versatile Solar-Powered Camera: For off-grid security, this pan-and-tilt model has a built-in solar panel to keep the battery charged. It offers dual lenses—wide-angle and telephoto with 3x zoom—plus 8 GB of local storage.
Best Indoor Security Cameras
Tapo C120: This is the top pick for indoor surveillance. It records up to 2K video, supports two-way audio, and works with up to 512 GB microSD cards for local storage. Crucially, it offers smart detection (people, pets, vehicles) without a subscription. It’s also IP66 rated, making it usable outdoors with a power cable.
Nest Cam (2K): Google’s latest indoor cam offers crisp 2K footage and face recognition, but requires a Google Home Premium subscription ($10/month) to unlock its full potential. There’s no local storage option.
Arlo Indoor Camera: This camera delivers 2K video, fast app performance, and two-factor authentication for secure login. Again, the best features come at a subscription cost.
Smart Video Doorbells
Nest Doorbell: Despite newer options with higher resolutions, the Nest Doorbell remains a top pick. It captures quality 1080p footage at 30 fps with HDR, plus smart features like face recognition. However, a Google Home Premium subscription is essential ($10/month).
Blink Mini 2: The most affordable doorbell worth considering, the Blink Mini 2 offers 1080p video but has a narrower field of view. Notifications are slower and lack images, but it’s a budget-friendly option.
Hidden Gems & Versatile Options
Reolink E340: This dual-lens camera combines a 3K wide-angle lens with a 2K telephoto lens for up to 8x zoom. It pans 360 degrees, tilts 120 degrees, and records locally to microSD or a HomeBase 3.
Pan-Tilt Camera (4K): This versatile camera records in up to 4K resolution, but the battery drains quickly even with the solar panel. It pans 355 degrees and tilts 90 degrees, supporting Wi-Fi 6 for fast connectivity.
The Fine Print: Subscriptions & Local Storage
Many of these deals look tempting, but subscriptions are the catch. Cloud storage, smart alerts, and advanced features often require monthly fees. Consider local storage options (microSD cards or HomeBase systems) to avoid recurring costs.
Conclusion
Cyber Monday is a great time to upgrade your home security, but do your research. Factor in the total cost—including subscriptions—and choose a system that fits your needs. With so many options on the market, a little planning can save you money and ensure you get the right tools to protect your home.
