Smart cameras are one of the most popular smart home devices today. They let you see what’s happening at home in real time, send alerts when something moves, and even store recordings for later. Whether you want more security, peace of mind, or just to check on your pets, smart cameras can help.
How Do Smart Cameras Work?
Unlike old security cameras that needed wires and TV screens, smart cameras connect to your home Wi-Fi. This means you can view the feed on your phone, tablet, or even with a voice assistant like Alexa or Google Home. Many also work with other smart devices through hubs or apps.
Main Features to Look For
- Live streaming – Watch your home anytime through an app.
- Motion alerts – Get a notification when movement is detected.
- Night vision – Clear video, even in low light.
- Two-way audio – Talk to family, pets, or visitors.
- Storage options – Save clips to the cloud (usually a paid plan) or on a local SD card.
Recommended Cameras from the Web
Eufy E220 Indoor Cam
The Eufy E220 Indoor Cam offers sharp 2K resolution with mechanical pan and tilt features, providing full-room surveillance and intelligent motion tracking. It supports two-way audio, integrates smoothly with Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit, and features AI detection for humans and pets, plus flexible storage via SD card or cloud. This makes it great for keeping an eye on pets, kids, or common living spaces.
Supports Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, or Amazon Alexa.
Check PricesType: Indoor
Cost: £54.99
- Pros: 2K resolution for sharp video; Pan and tilt controls; Strong smart device integration; Reliable performance
- Cons: Needs wired power; Limited outdoor suitability
TP-Link Tapo C120
The TP-Link Tapo C120 is a versatile indoor/outdoor camera with 2K video, effective night vision, and clear mobile alerts. It is compatible with Alexa and Google Home for easy smart device integration. An affordable pick for basic security with simple app controls and straightforward setup.
Check PricesType: Indoor/Outdoor
Cost: £44.99
- Pros: Affordable; 2K video; Night vision; Works with Alexa/Google
- Cons: Wired only; No advanced AI features
Botslab Advanced AI Tech 4K Battery 4-Cam System W510
This Botslab kit includes four battery-powered cameras with 4K Ultra HD video and advanced AI detection for motion, people, and vehicles. It features solar compatibility, no subscription fees, and excellent coverage for large homes or outdoors. The setup is ideal for users wanting premium quality without ongoing costs.
Check PricesType: Outdoor (and Indoor)
Cost: £299.99 (4 camera kit)
- Pros: 4K Ultra HD; AI-powered detection; No subscription needed; Solar panel compatible; Long battery life
- Cons: Higher upfront cost; Relies on Botslab app ecosystem
SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera Pro
SimpliSafe’s Outdoor Camera Pro delivers clear 1080p HDR video and operates on battery power, making it flexible for outdoor mounting. It synchronizes with SimpliSafe’s security ecosystem for smart alerts and monitoring. Useful for those already invested in SimpliSafe and seeking straightforward outdoor protection.
Check PricesType: Outdoor
Cost: £149.99
- Pros: Battery powered; 1080p HDR; Two-way audio; Smart AI alerts; Integrates with SimpliSafe system
- Cons: Requires SimpliSafe base; Advanced features need subscription
CEYOMUR Solar Wildlife Camera 4K
The CEYOMUR 4K Wildlife Camera is built for rugged outdoor use, equipped with solar charging, powerful night vision, and high-resolution image capture for monitoring wildlife or garden spaces. Motion-activated and weatherproof, it excels at capturing animal activity in intricate detail.
Check PricesType: Wildlife/Trail
Cost: £119.99
- Pros: 4K/30fps video; Solar powered; 68MP high-res photos; Night vision; Motion-activated; Weatherproof (IP66)
- Cons: No smart home integration; Setup less simple than mainstream cameras
Indoor vs. Outdoor Cameras
Indoor cameras are usually smaller and focus on areas like living rooms or hallways. Outdoor cameras are built to handle rain, dust, and extreme temperatures. They often come with stronger night vision and wider viewing angles to cover larger spaces like gardens or driveways.
Popular Brands
Some well-known brands include:
- Ring
- TP-Link Tapo
- Eufy
- Reolink
- Tuya-based cameras (sold under many names)
Things to Think About Before Buying
- Connection type – Wi-Fi is easiest, but some use Zigbee or Z-Wave and need a hub.
- Power – Plug-in cameras never run out of charge, but battery models are more flexible.
- Privacy – Choose cameras with strong security settings and enable two-factor login.
- Costs – Cloud storage often has a monthly fee. SD cards are free but easier to steal or damage.
Do You Really Need One?
For many people, smart cameras bring peace of mind. Parents use them to check on kids, pet owners use them to watch pets, and travelers use them to monitor empty homes. They aren’t a perfect security system, but they’re a big step toward a safer, smarter home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need cloud storage for a smart camera?
No. You can usually view live video for free. Cloud storage is only needed if you want recordings saved online so you can watch them later. Many cameras also let you save clips to a local microSD card instead of paying for cloud storage.
Can I view my smart camera when I’m not at home?
Yes — as long as the camera is connected to the internet and linked to your app/account. If the camera was set up in a local-only mode (where your phone connects directly to the camera), it won’t be viewable when you’re away. Make sure the device is paired to your cloud account for remote access.
What’s the difference between indoor and outdoor smart cameras?
Indoor cameras are smaller and built for rooms inside your home. Outdoor cameras are weatherproof, often have stronger night vision and wider views, and are made to handle rain, dust, and temperature changes.