Home security cameras are easy to install, easy to use, and incredibly affordable these days. They let you keep tabs on your home–inside and out–from wherever you have internet access. They can respond to motion, creating a visual record of everything that's happened within their field of view, and high-end models can distinguish between people, pets, and even cars. The latest security cams require minimal installation and offer flexible setups and a range of security features--so many features, in fact, that it can be difficult to decide what you need and which model you should buy. Should you get an outdoor camera with a space-illuminating floodlight and a weatherized shell, an indoor cam with AI-powered pet detection and a motorized lens that patrols the room, or something in between? We've tested dozes of the top home security cameras available in real-world conditions, and we've distilled a list of the very best models. Whether you're looking to check on your kids and pets, or need a full-service sentinel with humans watching for intruders in real time, we'll help find the right security camera for your needs. Easy to set up yet packed with cutting-edge features, the Arlo Pro 5S 2K is the best choice for a battery-powered 2K security camera that can track moving subjects, see in the dark, and connect to speedy 5GHz Wi-Fi networks–everything you need to keep an eye on your homestead.

Security cameras can give you peace of mind by watching things when you're out of the house. They can also help keep tabs on your pets' actions or let you check in on other parts of your property like your backyard. Set them up outdoors or at a window and you can get notifications when someone's delivering a package or heading to your door. Of course, anything that takes footage in and around your home is a privacy risk, so you'll want to look for security cameras with proper privacy features. And if you've already got some smart devices, it's important to know whether your new camera will work with them. Some cameras are practically useless without a subscription, while with others, the subscription is just nice to have. There's a lot to consider -- so we tried out over a dozen well-regarded models, filming our cats, dogs and other household members for weeks to help you pick the best security camera for your home. One of the first things you'll want to consider before buying a security camera is where you intend to put it. Do you want an outdoor or indoor setup, or cameras that can work in both environments?

This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, Wirecutter and Engadget may earn affiliate commission. Despite what I tell my son, I really don't have eyes in the back of my head. But I do have Wi-Fi security cameras with smartphone apps, which allow me to keep tabs on him, as well as my dog, my car, the front door, and the yard. Picking the right one (or two, or three) depends on what you want to do with it.