Best 4K Home Security Cameras for 2025
Motion detection
4K resolution isn’t much use unless the camera can alert and record when something happens. The best motion detection includes object recognition of humans, animals, and cars. We’d like to see free object recognition, but more and more brands are charging for it. We’d also like to see areas of motion activity and privacy zones to help improve accuracy and block out areas you don’t want the camera to see.
video storage
4K video may take up a lot of space, so video storage options are especially important for capturing details. Local storage requires no subscription and keeps your videos off the cloud, but you’ll need to buy a larger microSD card for easier management. Cloud storage is an option, but typically requires a monthly subscription of $5 to $8 to enable.
power supply
Many of our 4K options are battery-powered models, which allows for easier placement and lets you know when they need to be recharged. But wired cameras or wireless cameras with cable options allow you to set up the cameras and leave them without worrying about battery life, which some users prefer.
light
4K detail works best when a light source illuminates the area. These cameras pair well with spotlights. However, you can skip this feature if you already have lighting nearby (such as a porch light or floodlight).
vision
Field of view refers to how wide of an angle a camera lens covers. This is an important compromise with 4K resolution. The wider the field of view, the more pixels it takes up, which means you might sacrifice a bit of image sharpness. However, we generally prefer this compromise, as 4K resolution still adds a ton of detail, and the wide field of view is especially useful outdoors.
night vision goggles
Night vision is a delightful addition to any outdoor 4K camera that works in the dark. It doesn’t directly affect resolution, but night vision tends to show better results with better cameras. Color night vision is a major quality improvement to this feature.
Smart home support
Find a camera that fits your existing smart home setup, including voice assistants like Alexa and platforms like Google Home or Apple Home. If possible, check out our review of the camera before buying: Platform compatibility can take different forms, and sometimes there’s a clear winner.
