2024 Guide to Home Automation Systems & Smart Home Products
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affordable security cameras
It’s a great question, but it doesn’t have a definite answer. You could spend a couple hundred bucks on some <anchor>affordable security cameras</anchor>, or you could spend tens of thousands of dollars outfitting your home with every technological bell and whistle available. The question, really, is how much do you want to spend?
Cheapest and Best Affordable Home Security Cameras of 2024
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# Best Cheap Security Cameras

When you need a home security solution on a budget that doesn't sacrifice vital features like motion alerts, we recommend Zmodo.

Rob GabrieleRob Gabriele, Managing Editor & Home Security Expert

Updated July 30, 2024

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Zmodo Image

Zmodo

Zmodo

SecureScore™: 7.3/10

Zmodo offers affordable cameras without sacrificing features like motion detection, two-way voice, and remote viewing. They also offer seamless smart home integration for added flexibility on a budget.

Blink Image

Blink

Blink

SecureScore™: 7.6/10

Another great affordable option, Blink security cameras offer robust protection on a budget. These easy-to-use, DIY cameras offer all the features you need with nothing you don't, and as an added bonus, they integrate well with Alexa.

Ring Image

Ring

Ring

SecureScore™: 9.2/10

With an option for almost every need, Ring’s indoor and outdoor security cameras are great as stand alone products or as part of larger security packages. Regardless of what you choose, though, Ring will always be budget-friendly and DIY-ready.

- Zmodo Product Image

Zmodo

Zmodo Logo

SecureScore™: 7.3/10

Zmodo offers affordable cameras without sacrificing features like motion detection, two-way voice, and remote viewing. They also offer seamless smart home integration for added flexibility on a budget.

- Blink Product Image

Blink

Blink Logo

SecureScore™: 7.6/10

Another great affordable option, Blink security cameras offer robust protection on a budget. These easy-to-use, DIY cameras offer all the features you need with nothing you don't, and as an added bonus, they integrate well with Alexa.

- Ring Product Image

Ring

Ring Logo

SecureScore™: 9.2/10

With an option for almost every need, Ring’s indoor and outdoor security cameras are great as stand alone products or as part of larger security packages. Regardless of what you choose, though, Ring will always be budget-friendly and DIY-ready.

Editor’s Note:

We recommend never settling for a camera-only setup. So check out our guide on the most affordable home security systems. It’s the only way to get well-rounded home protection.

You might think outfitting your home with security cameras is a little out of reach, budget-wise. And with certain manufacturers, you might be right. A lot of really advanced cameras will cost a couple hundred dollars at least, but there are plenty on the market that aren’t going to break the bank.

And these aren’t cheap in the pejorative sense, either. Although many cameras on our list retail for under $100, these are sophisticated pieces of equipment with all of the features necessary for keeping your family and your property safe.

- ### 1   Zmodo - Most Affordable Security Cameras

Zmodo Product Image

SecureScore™ 7.3

##### Customer Service

6.9

##### Value

8.1

##### Equipment

7.4

##### Features & Technology

6.8

##### Ease Of Use

7.2

##### SecureScore™

7.3

Overview:

Zmodo offers a variety of inexpensive indoor and outdoor security cameras, and at $39.99 for their hybrid model, you’re not going to break the bank. Their flagship indoor/outdoor model has 1080p resolution — more than enough to record clearly — motion alerts, and night vision.

Zmodo isn’t going to blow you away with a long list of high-tech features, but they do offer durable indoor and outdoor cameras that get the job done for a more than reasonable price. Here’s a breakdown of some of their most popular cameras and their prices so you can get a sense of what we’re talking about:

#### Zmodo Camera Price Breakdown

Zmodo CameraPriceZmodo Mini Pro$39.99Zmodo 1080p Indoor & Outdoor$33.99Zmodo 1080p Wireless$35.99Zmodo Torch 360$72.99

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

- Low-Cost Cameras
- Simple, Discreet Design
- No Paid Subscription Required
- Clear 1080p Video Quality
- Numerous Indoor Camera Options
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- 30-day Money-Back Guarantee
- 1-year Warranty

Cons:

- Limited Features
- Some Delay on Wake Time in App
- Bulky design

Our Experience:

Zmodo is a good choice for anyone looking for variety and flexibility when it comes to choosing a security camera. The company offers a huge variety of indoor and outdoor security cameras and doorbells. All of the cameras are affordable considering the range of options they offer. Because Zmodo’s products all work together, it is easy to upgrade to more cameras at any time.

Product Specs:

Connectivity
Wi-fi, ethernet
Power
Wired, battery, PoE
Field of View
Up to 360°
Resolution
Up to 1080p
Storage
Cloud
Smart Platform Compatibility
Alexa and Google Home

- ### 2   Blink - Easiest Installation

Blink Product Image

SecureScore™ 7.6

##### Customer Service

7.5

##### Value

9.0

##### Equipment

7.5

##### Features & Technology

6.5

##### Ease Of Use

7.5

##### SecureScore™

7.6

Overview:

The Blink camera system is an “ultra-affordable” home security camera system. They don’t offer a ton of products, but what they do have in their lineup is definitely worth considering — especially when you take a look at the pricetags. Here’s a quick rundown:

#### Blink Camera Prices

Blink CameraPriceBlink Outdoor$99.99Blink Mini$34.99Blink Mini Pan-Tilt$59.99Blink Floodlight Camera$139.99Blink Indoor$79.99

Another point to consider when you’re shopping for budget cameras — you’re never going to pay subscription fees with Blink. You get totally free cloud storage. These budget-friendly cameras also offer high quality night vision, two-way talk and record in 1080p resolution.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

- Fully Wireless Cameras
- Easy DIY Installation
- Lightweight, Minimalist Design
- 1080p HD Video Resolution
- Two-Way Talk
- Infrared Night Vision
- Low-Cost Cloud Storage
- Local Video Storage
- Smart Home Integration

Cons:

- Lacks Advanced Motion Features
- App Setup Can Be Glitchy
- Relies on Wi-Fi Connection
- No Continuous Recording
- Requires Separate Hub to Connect

Our Experience:

Blink’s cameras are ideal for customers who want a cheap home security camera system with remote viewing and control. For customers who want a cheap way to see what is going on at home, then Blink’s cameras are perfect. To read more about our experience testing Blink, see our Blink camera review.

Product Specs:

Connectivity
Wi-fi
Power
Battery
Field of View
Up to 143°
Resolution
Up to 1080p
Storage
Cloud
Smart Platform Compatibility
Alexa

- ### 3   Ring - Cheapest Doorbell Cameras

Ring Product Image

SecureScore™ 9.2

##### Customer Service

8.0

##### Value

9.3

##### Equipment

9.9

##### Features & Technology

9.3

##### Ease Of Use

9.5

##### SecureScore™

9.2

Overview:

Ring is known for their line of high-quality video doorbells, but over the years the company has expanded their offerings to include a range of indoor and outdoor security cameras. Like their video doorbells, Ring security cameras are affordable and offer DIY installation.

One of the things we really like about Ring is that they’re always innovating. Be on the lookout for their new “Always Home” Cam — a security camera attached to a drone that will patrol your home while you’re away, and their car cam — a smart dashboard cam that will ensure any important moments are recorded while you’re behind the wheel.

Ring also offers a lot of flexibility when it comes to your equipment. The cameras run on a range of energy sources. You can choose from solar, battery or wired power. Using the Ring app, you can monitor your indoor and outdoor security cameras in clear 1080 HD anytime.

Cloud storage plans are available for an extra fee. The Ring Protect Basic Plan is just $3 a month. It includes video storage. You can also share videos with this plan. The Ring Protect Plus Plan is ideal for multiple Ring cameras as it allows you to store footage from more than one camera.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

- Easy DIY installation with minimal wiring
- At least 1080p HD video resolution on all models
- Designed for indoor and outdoor use
- Choose how you want to power your cameras (battery, wired, plugged in, solar)
- Enhanced audio for clearer two-way talk
- Built-in motion-activated lights on some models

Cons:

- No 2K or 4K camera options
- Some models cost at least $200 per camera
- History of privacy issues and hacking (now resolved)
- Design aesthetics could be improved

Our Experience:

Best known for their popular video doorbells, Ring has branched out into the greater security camera industry extremely successfully. Their versatile line of indoor and outdoor cameras start around $99.99 and offer a range of features that you’d see in cameras double that price.

To read all about our experience testing Ring’s lineup of indoor and outdoor security cameras, head on over to our in-depth Ring Cam review.

Product Specs:

Connectivity
Wi-fi, ethernet
Power
Wired, battery, PoE
Field of View
Up to 140°
Resolution
Up to 1080p
Storage
Cloud
Smart Platform Compatibility
Alexa and Google Home

- ### 4   Google Nest - Best Quality

Google Nest Product Image

SecureScore™ 8.5

##### Customer Service

8.9

##### Value

7.5

##### Equipment

8.7

##### Features & Technology

8.5

##### Ease Of Use

9.0

##### SecureScore™

8.5

Overview:

Google Nest home security cameras are a great option for folks looking for a high-tech security solution that’s not going to cost an arm and a leg. These cameras are slightly more expensive than the others on our list — their battery-operated indoor/outdoor camera costs $179.99 — but we’d argue that the price is absolutely worth it for the features Google packs into these cameras.

Their AI-powered smart alerts help you keep an eye on important events while being able to ignore the things that don’t matter, and their super-long battery life means you’re not going to constantly be taking them down to recharge. The two-way audio feature is perfect for having a conversation with visitors without having to open the door, and the easy DIY installation process will have you up and running in minutes.

If you sign up for Nest Aware, the company’s storage service, you’ll increase your recording capacity and access more features, and at just $6 per month, it’s almost a steal.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

- Plenty of features
- Simple set up and installation
- Great UI in app
- Exceptional design
- Long battery life

Cons:

- Somewhat pricey
- No color night vision
- Resolution just average

Our Experience:

Google Nest cameras are well-designed, durable, and reliable. Their smart, AI-driven feature set is impressive (facial detection feature included!), and their subscription costs are low. Overall, they’re a great choice for people looking to protect their families and their properties while keeping costs under control.

Product Specs:

Connectivity
Wi-fi
Power
Wired
Field of View
Up to 130°
Resolution
1080p
Storage
Cloud
Smart Platform Compatibility
Alexa and Google Home

- ### 5   Arlo - Best Features

Arlo Product Image

SecureScore™ 8.0

##### Customer Service

8.0

##### Value

7.1

##### Equipment

7.8

##### Features & Technology

9.0

##### Ease Of Use

8.9

##### SecureScore™

8.0

Overview:

Arlo is one of those companies that almost seems too good to be true. Their cameras are feature-packed, they record in super-high resolution, and they are well-designed and stylish to boot. You might expect to pay a premium for this type of equipment, but Arlo surprises again by keeping costs fairly low.

Arlo keeps things simple by powering their cameras with batteries rather than having to hardwire them in, which means their perfect for DIYers. The Arlo Pro 4 is a perfect example of this ethos, recording in 2K HDR and only costing $199.99.

Most of their cameras feature AI-powered intelligent motion detection and some models offer loud sirens or onboard motion-activated floodlights. See our full Arlo camera analysis to learn more.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

- Detailed 2K resolution
- AI-friven detections
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Long battery life
- Great app experience

Cons:

- Expensive
- Requires a subscription to access all features
- Mounting hardware a little flimsy

Our Experience:

Arlo’s home security cameras are a great option for customers who want a high-tech camera at an affordable price. Although they are pricier than some of the other cameras on the market, Arlo’s offers include a lot of helpful features.

Product Specs:

Connectivity
Wi-fi, ethernet
Power
Wired, battery, PoE
Field of View
Up to 180°
Resolution
Up to 2160p
Storage
Cloud
Smart Platform Compatibility
Alexa and Google Home

## Should I Use Affordable Security Cameras?

We understand that protecting your home with modern day security equipment can get expensive pretty quickly. So if you’re looking to save money on a budget security camera, just be sure not to go too cheap.

If you go too cheap, you risk buying an unreliable product. And when you’re talking about a security system, unreliable is one thing it cannot be. Can you imagine how frustrating it would be if your packages were swiped from your porch and that $15 dollar no-name camera you bought was on the fritz? What if something even more serious happened, and you couldn’t give the police any information because its night vision stopped working?

You see our point.

That said, we do recommend affordable cameras. Those cameras are absolutely worth your time and money.

## Final Thoughts on Affordable Security Cameras

A common bit of wisdom you might be familiar with is to never go cheap on things that go between you and the ground. Your mattress, your tires, your bicycle helmet. We’d also add to that maxim that you want to spend an adequate amount of money on items that deter folks from breaking into your home — i.e., security cameras.

That said, we’re not saying you have to go out there and buy the most expensive camera on the market. For most folks, that doesn’t make a whole lot of sense either. What we are suggesting is that you take a closer look at the camera manufacturers on this list. They were selected specifically because they strike the right balance of features, reliability, durability, and cost. We’re sure you could find a cheaper camera somewhere, but we’re also pretty sure you’d be throwing it away in a month or two.

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Written By

###### Jaime Fraze

Security Camera Expert

Jaime Fraze has 16 years of writing and editing experience, with seven years spent writing about emerging technologies. As our home security camera expert, she has hand-tested and reviewed every major security camera brand and has written more than 300 articles on the topic. Previously, Jaime has contributed to award-winning media outlets such as the Rocky Mount Telegram and the Daytona Beach News-Journal. As a homeowner and mother of two, Jaime is constantly looking for ways to keep her home and family safe. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English/Journalism from the University of Delaware.

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