Best IP Cloud cameras to monitor your home or office and avoid intruders

Features to look out for

When we go to buy an IP camera to monitor our home, we usually find technical characteristics that we do not know if they are good or bad. Next, we are going to explain the characteristics that you should look for to buy a good camera, otherwise, it may not look good at all and may not even have enough necessary configuration options.

Resolution and frames per second

Resolution is one of the most important parts of an IP camera, whether it’s for home use or for small and medium-sized offices. Today the resolution of a camera should be Full HD 1920 x 1080 pixels as a minimum, below this, we will only find very cheap entry-level models, which will not provide us with good image quality or the possibility of zooming . Right now there are very cheap models that are Full HD, and we even have higher-end models with 2K resolution and even 4K resolution, however, for a domestic environment we recommend Full HD but with very good image quality.

The frames per second is also a very important aspect, it is useless to have a camera with Full HD resolution if it is then capable of recording only at 10 FPS or less, this means that we will see the image with “jerks”. Today the minimum that we should demand from a camera is 20FPS, although the ideal would be to have 25 FPS and even 30 FPS as it happens with some models. Therefore, we should also pay attention to this very important aspect.

Night vision

Generally, all the models that we can find today have night vision, that is, we will be able to continue recording in complete darkness and see everything that happens. There are two different kinds of night vision, depending on the cameras, we can have one or the other:

• Infrared : this is the most common, infrared will be activated on the device to record in black and white but in complete darkness. Depending on the power of these infrared we can record at distances of up to 30 meters in complete darkness.
• Built-in light : some high-end models have a light source that allows you to record in the dark, illuminating the area where you are recording. This allows us to record in total darkness, illuminating the area we want, and we will record everything in color.
• Low light sensor : there are cameras that have very bright sensors, in this way, they will be able to record in complicated light conditions without the need to activate the infrared or the built-in light. This is a compromise between infrared and built-in light, however, most cameras that have this option have infrared and no light.

two-way audio

Many models have two-way audio, this means that they have a microphone so that we can hear everything that happens on the other side, but they also have a small speaker so that we can talk on the mobile and broadcast that voice through the camera. . The lower-end models only have a microphone, however, little by little manufacturers are beginning to also incorporate the corresponding speaker to enjoy bidirectional audio.

Through the applications for mobile devices we can activate and deactivate both the microphone and the speaker, in addition, if we want to say something through the camera’s speaker, we must keep the corresponding button on our smartphone pressed, otherwise it will not work for protect our privacy.

Local and/or cloud storage

In order to store video clips with all the recordings made by the cameras, we have a micro SD card slot in the vast majority of camera models. Today it is rare to find models that do not have a slot to insert a storage card and save video clips there. In some models the compatibility allows us to have up to 32GB maximum, and in higher-end models they allow us to have up to 256GB maximum, it all depends on the standard they support.

Regarding cloud storage, manufacturers such as D-Link or EZVIZ, among others, allow us to save video clips directly on cloud servers, with the aim of avoiding theft of the memory card in our home. If we are going to have the camera to monitor intrusions, and then the thief steals the micro SD card, we will have no proof of anything. For this reason, in home and office environments we always recommend buying camera models that support cloud recording, either under a temporary free subscription or paying, because it is well worth having.

connectivity

The vast majority of models for domestic environments have WiFi connectivity, either in the 2.4GHz band and even incorporate compatibility with the 5GHz band. These types of devices usually connect directly to the main router, the WiFi mesh system, the WiFi repeater or the access point, however, there are models that are previously connected to a camera base, and this camera base is the one that is connects to the local network and the Internet. It is very important that you buy a model that connects directly to the wireless network in your home, without using a camera base, in this way, you will have fewer devices on permanently, and it is much more comfortable to have a direct connection.

In other cases, we also have models that have a Fast-Ethernet RJ-45 port to connect the camera via cable. Most models that have an RJ-45 Fast-Ethernet port to connect it by cable, also have WiFi to connect wirelessly. In this way, we will have the maximum possible versatility.

Battery to be totally wireless?

Another aspect that we must review is the level of “wireless” that a certain model has. When a manufacturer tells us that a model is wireless, but that it must be connected to the electrical current, this means that it has WiFi connectivity and that’s it, but we will always need a power cable, either with a 12V transformer or a micro USB port. to 5V for easy connection.

There are models of cameras that are truly wireless, and that is that they will connect via WiFi to the main router or to a camera base, and are powered by batteries that are recharged after several weeks of use. These models are not recording continuously, but have a PIR sensor for motion detection, to start recording video clips and upload them to the cloud or store it locally. In this way, the battery can last for several weeks without problems, and we have even found that it lasts about 5 months if you manage motion detection and uploading video clips well.

Management application

The application for our smartphone that allows us to manage, administer and view the cameras is one of the most important aspects and that we should not overlook. Manufacturers like D-Link or EZVIZ have really complete applications that will allow us to make a large number of configurations on the image of the device itself, but will also allow us to configure what to do when a movement is detected, a sound, if the movement is detected of a person etc.

These applications also allow us to make different schedules, for example, turning off the cameras at a certain time, turning them on only when we leave the house, and many other really interesting settings.

Once you know everything you should take into account when buying a camera, now we are going to make a list of the best and most recommended ones.

Fully wireless IP cameras

The models that we are going to recommend below are totally wireless devices, they will communicate via WiFi with the main router or with a camera base, and they are powered by rechargeable batteries, therefore, we can place these devices anywhere in our home, it is not necessary to have a plug near the equipment, because it is powered by batteries that we can recharge at any time.

D-Link DCS-2802KT

This D-Link brand camera kit is the best option if you want or need IP video surveillance cameras that are totally wireless. This kit is made up of 2 cameras but we can buy more and incorporate them into the same surveillance system.

• Resolution and FPS : Full HD 1920 x 1080 pixels at 25 FPS.
• Night vision : yes, with infrared up to 10 meters.
• Two-way audio – yes, it has a microphone and speaker.
• Micro SD card slot : yes, up to 256GB capacity.
• Support cloud recording : yes.
• Connectivity : totally wireless, they connect via WiFi to the base, and the base via cable to the router or switch.
• Other features : the base has a 100dB power alarm and a USB port to connect a flash drive.

If you are looking for a video surveillance system with completely wireless Cloud cameras, this model is the first you should look at.

As you can see, this model of wireless cameras has everything to monitor our home without the need for cables of any kind.

EZVIZ C3A

This model is similar to the previous one, but it allows you to connect it directly to the main WiFi router or to an AP, without the need to connect it to a camera base. This model allows both options, so we will have greater freedom to choose whether we want the camera base or not. Next, you can see its main characteristics:

• Resolution and FPS : Full HD 1920 x 1080 pixels at 15 FPS.
• Night vision : yes, with infrared up to 10 meters.
• Two-way audio – yes, it has a microphone and speaker.
• Micro SD card slot : yes, up to 256GB capacity.
• Support cloud recording : yes.
• Connectivity : totally wireless, they connect via WiFi to the base or main router at home.
• Other features : large capacity battery (5,500mAh) to last several weeks in operation.

This camera model has a fairly competitive price of about €65:

We also have the version with 2 cameras plus the base to extend the battery life for only €180, a really interesting price for everything it offers us:

As you can see, we have the possibility to buy it individually or with a kit that includes the base.

Reolink Go 1080P

This Reolink model is ideal for monitoring our house in town where we do not have a fixed Internet connection. This model incorporates a 3G/4G modem inside that will allow us to connect to the Internet without the need for WiFi, access to the camera is done through a reverse connection, it is not necessary for the camera to have a public IP. Here are its main features:

• Resolution and FPS : Full HD 1920 x 1080 pixels at 15 FPS.
• Night vision : yes, with infrared up to 10 meters.
• Two-way audio – yes, it has a microphone and speaker.
• Micro SD card slot : yes, up to 64GB capacity.
• Support cloud recording : yes.
• Connectivity : totally wireless, they connect via 4G to the Internet (you need a SIM card).
• Other features : high-capacity battery and can be charged through a solar panel to extend its autonomy, it is outdoor with IP65 certification and incorporates a siren inside.

If you are looking for a camera that is independent of the local home network, and that connects to the 3G/4G network to view and manage it, this model is ideal for you.

Reolink is one of the leading brands in video surveillance for home and also for professional environments, so it is highly recommended.

Arlo Pro 2 VMS4230P

Arlo is a brand that previously belonged to NETGEAR, it is characterized by having high-quality models even though they have a somewhat higher cost than other alternatives. This model is made up of two fully wireless Full HD cameras, so they will be connected to the corresponding base to establish communication. Its main characteristics are:

• Resolution and FPS : Full HD 1920 x 1080 pixels at 15 FPS.
• Night vision : yes, with infrared up to 10 meters.
• Two-way audio – yes, it has a microphone and speaker.
• Micro SD card slot : yes, up to 64GB capacity.
• Support cloud recording : yes.
• Connectivity : completely wireless, they connect via WiFi to the base, and the base to the main router.
• Other features : high-capacity battery and it is outdoor with IP65 certification.

If you are looking for a very complete totally wireless video surveillance system, this model is one that you should take into account, although its price is clearly higher than that of D-Link or EZVIZ.

Generally the Arlo brand is somewhat more expensive than normal, but at the software level they are really good, and that is that we can configure a large number of aspects of our cameras.

Arlo Ultra 4K

If you want the best of Arlo with 4K resolution and totally wireless, this home and office surveillance system is ideal for you, as long as you have the money to pay for it, because it is quite expensive. Next, you have the main characteristics of this model:

• Resolution and FPS : 4K at 3840 x 2160 pixels at 15 FPS.
• Night vision : yes, with a light source to scare away intruders and animals.
• Two-way audio : yes, it has a (double) microphone and speaker.
• Micro SD card slot : yes, the base has storage.
• Support cloud recording : yes.
• Connectivity : completely wireless, they connect via WiFi to the base, and the base to the main router.
• Other characteristics : IP65 certification against dust and water, it is for outdoors.

This model is only suitable for users who want to have the best regardless of the price, and the 2-camera kit is worth €600, a really high price.

We also have the 4-camera version available for more than €1,000, of course, it includes the necessary base for communication in all of them.

Reolink Argus 3 Pro

This Reolink model is highly recommended and high-end, since it incorporates 2K resolution and has everything you need to see everything with the highest image quality. This model has a spotlight to illuminate everything and be able to record in full color.

• Resolution and FPS : 2K 2560 x 1440 pixels at 15 FPS.
• Night vision : yes, with a light source to scare away intruders and animals. It also has infrared up to 10 meters away.
• Two-way audio – yes, it has a microphone and speaker.
• Micro SD card slot : yes, it allows up to 128GB of capacity.
• Support cloud recording : yes.
• Connectivity : it incorporates WiFi connectivity and is completely wireless as it incorporates a battery.
• Other features : IP65 certification against dust and water, it is for outdoor use, the battery is 6,000mAh and it can be powered by a solar panel.

This model is only suitable for users who want to have the best regardless of the price, and the 2-camera kit is worth €600, a really high price.

We also have a version with a solar panel for only 20 euros more, if you are going to place it in a place where the sun hits it, it would be ideal to feed it that way.

Once we have seen all the most recommended wireless IP cameras, now we are going to recommend different models of high, medium and low range, to adapt to your needs.

High-end cameras recommended

These cameras that we are going to recommend below have 2K or Full HD resolution, but they have a really high image quality, much better than other low-cost cameras that have the same resolution. All models have many configuration options and also display options, if you want to have one of the best value for money high-end cameras, pay close attention.

D-Link DCS-8635LH

This model from D-Link is one of the best, it has 2K resolution and it has a really impressive image quality. In addition, this model is prepared for placement on a mast or directly on the wall. Finally, it is robotized horizontally, so we can cover a large space. Below, you can see all the available features:

• Resolution and FPS : 2K 2560 x 1440 pixels at 25 FPS.
• Night vision : yes, infrared up to 7 meters away.
• Two-way audio – yes, it has a microphone and speaker.
• Micro SD card slot : yes, it allows up to 256GB of capacity.
• Support cloud recording : yes.
• Connectivity : it incorporates WiFi connectivity in 2.4GHz and 5GHz, it also has a Fast-Ethernet port for cable.
• Other features : IP65 certification against dust and water, built-in siren and motorized 360º horizontal.

The price of this model is around 150 euros, a somewhat high price but worth it for its image quality and possibilities.

This camera model is one of the most advanced without going to professional surveillance models, which have many more advanced options where we can change image parameters.

D-Link DCS-8302LH

This model is quite special because it is prepared to be placed in “covered” outdoor environments, that is, it withstands temperature and humidity well, but it does not have IP65 certification against dust and water. It is ideal to place it in the garage or under the porch, but not outdoors.

• Resolution and FPS : Full HD at 1920 x 1080 pixels at 30 FPS.
• Night vision : yes, infrared up to 5 meters away.
• Two-way audio – yes, it has a microphone and speaker.
• Micro SD card slot : yes, it allows up to 256GB of capacity.
• Support cloud recording : yes.
• Connectivity : it incorporates WiFi connectivity in 2.4GHz and 5GHz, it also has a Fast-Ethernet port for cable.
• Other features : prepared for covered outdoors (without rain) and built-in siren.

The price of this camera is around 110 euros, a price in accordance with its technical specifications, in addition, we can connect it directly via network cable to the router, without the need to use the WiFi router.

The image quality of this model is excellent, which will allow us to zoom without the image distorting too much.

EZVIZ LC3

This model is very interesting, it has 2K resolution and a focus that provides up to 700 lumens, so we can record in complete darkness in full color, thanks to this focus that we can turn on on demand or automatically.

• Resolution and FPS : 2K (2560 x 1440 Pixels) at 30 FPS auto adaptive.
• Night vision : yes, infrared up to 10 meters away. It has a focus that provides up to 700 lumens (it is adjustable).
• Two-way audio – yes, it has a microphone and speaker.
• Micro SD Card Slot – Yes, it has a built-in 32GB eMMC card.
• Support cloud recording : yes.
• Connectivity : incorporates WiFi connectivity at 2.4GHz.
• Other features : prepared for outdoors with IP67 certification.

The price of this model is 170 euros, really what you are paying for here is both the design, the built-in focus and the 2K resolution of the camera.

This equipment is perfectly prepared for outdoor environments, as it is IP67 certified.

EZVIZ C6W

This IP camera has a truly spectacular design, it is a really small device but it has 2K resolution and all the necessary features to fully exploit the potential of this model.

• Resolution and FPS : 2K (2560 x 1440 Pixels) at 25 FPS auto adaptive.
• Night vision : yes, infrared up to 10 meters away.
• Two-way audio – yes, it has a microphone and speaker.
• Micro SD card slot : yes, it allows you to install a micro SD of up to 256GB capacity.
• Support cloud recording : yes.
• Connectivity : it incorporates WiFi connectivity at 2.4GHz and also a Fast-Ethernet port for cable.
• Other features : the camera is robotic and is controlled from the app.

The price of only 55 euros makes this model highly recommended, and it has a really competitive price.

We must remember that this equipment is robotic, so we can cover a wide space.

Reolink E1 Zoom

This Reolink device has the features of a very high-end camera, but at a high-end price. The most remarkable thing is that it has 2K resolution and is robotized.

• Resolution and FPS : 2K (2560 x 1920 Pixels) at 20 FPS auto adaptive.
• Night vision : yes, infrared up to 12 meters away.
• Two-way audio – yes, it has a microphone and speaker.
• Micro SD card slot : yes, it allows you to install a micro SD of up to 256GB capacity.
• Support cloud recording : yes.
• Connectivity : incorporates WiFi connectivity in 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
• Other features : the camera incorporates a siren.

The price of this model is around 90 euros approximately, a price in accordance with its technical specifications.

This model is one of Reolink’s best sellers due to its versatility.

Mid-range cameras you should buy

These cameras that we are going to recommend below, mostly have Full HD resolution, however, there are some models with 2K resolution, although the image quality is somewhat lower than the previous ones. If you want to buy a model with the best value for money, pay special attention to the following that we recommend.

D-Link DCS-8626LH

This model has Full HD resolution and is robotized, it is one of the most versatile models of D-Link, and it is that it not only has WiFi connectivity but also has a Fast-Ethernet port for the LAN.

• Resolution and FPS : Full HD (1920 x 1080 Pixels) at 30 FPS.
• Night vision : yes, infrared up to 5 meters away.
• Two-way audio – yes, it has a microphone and speaker.
• Micro SD card slot : yes, it allows you to install a micro SD of up to 256GB capacity.
• Support cloud recording : yes.
• Connectivity : it incorporates WiFi connectivity at 2.4GHz and a Fast-Ethernet port for the cable.
• Other characteristics : it is robotized PTZ.

The price of this model is around 100 euros, a very interesting price since it is very versatile and has all the usual features.

Something that we would like to highlight is that the image quality of this model is really good.

D-Link DCS-8300LHv2

If you need a small device that looks really good, this model is ideal for you, in addition, it has a really small size so we can put it anywhere.

• Resolution and FPS : Full HD (1920 x 1080 Pixels) at 30 FPS.
• Night vision : yes, infrared up to 5 meters away.
• Two-way audio – yes, it has a microphone and speaker.
• Micro SD card slot : yes, it allows you to install a micro SD of up to 256GB capacity.
• Support cloud recording : yes.
• Connectivity : incorporates WiFi connectivity in 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
• Other features : allows continuous recording on the micro SD card and supports WPA3-Personal.

The price of this model is around 60 euros, a real bargain if we take into account its technical specifications.

A very important feature is that it allows continuous recording on the micro SD card, currently other mid-high range models from D-Link also support this, and it is a very interesting strong point.

EZVIZ CP1

This model is one of the cheapest that has 2K resolution, in addition, it is robotized, so its versatility is beyond doubt.

• Resolution and FPS : 2K (2560 x 1440 Pixels) at 20 FPS auto adaptive.
• Night vision : yes, infrared up to 10 meters away.
• Two-way audio – yes, it has a microphone and speaker.
• Micro SD card slot : yes, it allows you to install a micro SD of up to 256GB capacity.
• Support cloud recording : yes.
• Connectivity : incorporates WiFi connectivity at 2.4GHz.
• Other features : it is robotized PTZ and performs intelligent tracking of people and objects.

The price of the EZVIZ CP1 is around 50 euros, a really interesting price due to its technical characteristics.

As you can see, it has everything it takes to be a big seller.

EZVIZ C6TC

This model is similar to the C6W that we have shown you before, but logically the technical characteristics are quite inferior. While the other model was high-end, this device is mid-range.

• Resolution and FPS : Full HD (1920 x 1080 Pixels) at 20 FPS auto adaptive.
• Night vision : yes, infrared up to 10 meters away.
• Two-way audio – yes, it has a microphone and speaker.
• Micro SD card slot : yes, it allows you to install a micro SD of up to 128GB capacity.
• Support cloud recording : yes.
• Connectivity : incorporates WiFi connectivity at 2.4GHz.
• Other features : it is robotized PTZ and performs intelligent tracking of people and objects.

The price of the C6TC is about 65 euros, if we take into account everything that it provides us and the spectacular design that it has, it is a very good price.

This model is capable of tracking people and detected objects, ideal for monitoring absolutely everything.

Reolink E1 Pro

This Reolink model with 2K resolution and robotics is a similar model to the previous one, but cheaper. Our recommendation is that you buy this model because it is the one with the best value for money, although the other has better image quality.

• Resolution and FPS : 2K (2560 x 1440 Pixels) at 25 FPS auto adaptive (default 15 FPS).
• Night vision : yes, infrared up to 10 meters away.
• Two-way audio – yes, it has a microphone and speaker.
• Micro SD card slot : yes, it allows you to install a micro SD of up to 128GB capacity.
• Support cloud recording : yes.
• Connectivity : incorporates WiFi connectivity in 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
• Other features : includes a custom siren, is robotized PTZ and performs intelligent tracking of people and objects.

The price of the Reolink E1 Pro is approximately 50 euros, very competitive if we take into account everything that it is capable of providing us.

As you can see, it has the typical design of robotic cameras.

Very cheap low-end cameras

If you don’t want to spend a lot of money but want to keep an eye on your home, the best thing you can do is buy the low-cost versions but without going for the lower-end ones with HD 720p. All the models that we are going to recommend are Full HD 1080p, although logically the image quality is not as good as in the high-end models.

D-Link DCS-6500LH

This model is the cheapest of D-Link in a robotic device, in addition, it has a fairly small size, ideal to place it anywhere. Next, you have the rest of the technical characteristics:

• Resolution and FPS : Full HD (1920 x 1080 Pixels) at 25 FPS.
• Night vision : yes, infrared up to 5 meters away.
• Two-way audio – yes, it has a microphone and speaker.
• Micro SD card slot : yes, it allows you to install a micro SD of up to 128GB capacity.
• Support cloud recording : yes.
• Connectivity : incorporates WiFi connectivity at 2.4GHz.
• Other characteristics : it is robotized PTZ.

The price of this device is around 35 euros, a groundbreaking price that makes any home user want to buy 2 or 3 to cover their entire house with surveillance.

If you are not interested in being robotized, its low-cost “sister” is the DCS-6100LH that we show you below.

D-Link DCS-6100LH

This low-cost model also has a Full HD 1080p resolution and everything you need to be very versatile, such as a microphone, infrared, micro SD card slot and more.

• Resolution and FPS : Full HD (1920 x 1080 Pixels) at 25 FPS.
• Night vision : yes, infrared up to 5 meters away.
• Two-way audio : No, it only has a microphone.
• Micro SD card slot : yes, it allows you to install a micro SD of up to 128GB capacity.
• Support cloud recording : yes.
• Connectivity : incorporates WiFi connectivity at 2.4GHz.
• Other characteristics : it is low-cost, one of the cheapest.

We can buy this model for about 35 euros as well:

Taking into account its characteristics, we believe that buying the DCS-6500LH model is more accurate, because it is robotic. However, this team has a smaller size, logically.

EZVIZ C6N

This EZVIZ model has the same characteristics as the DCS-6500LH from the manufacturer D-Link, they are very similar.

• Resolution and FPS : Full HD (1920 x 1080 Pixels) at 25 FPS.
• Night vision : yes, infrared up to 10 meters away.
• Two-way audio – yes, it has a microphone and speaker.
• Micro SD card slot : yes, it allows you to install a micro SD of up to 256GB capacity.
• Support cloud recording : yes.
• Connectivity : incorporates WiFi connectivity at 2.4GHz.
• Other characteristics : it is robotized PTZ.

The price of this device is around 30 euros or 35 euros, a really interesting price if we take into account everything it provides us.

Something that we must highlight is that it is robotized, so we must take it into account.

EZVIZ CTQ2C

This model is similar to the DCS-6100LH from the manufacturer D-Link, but it does have two-way audio and better infrared. This device is so cheap that it is sold in a pack of 2 cameras. Below, you can see the summary of the technical characteristics.

• Resolution and FPS : Full HD (1920 x 1080 Pixels) at 25 FPS.
• Night vision : yes, infrared up to 10 meters away.
• Two-way audio – yes, it has a microphone and speaker.
• Micro SD card slot : yes, it allows you to install a micro SD of up to 256GB capacity.
• Support cloud recording : yes.
• Connectivity : incorporates WiFi connectivity at 2.4GHz.
• Other characteristics : it is very cheap, totally low-cost.

The price of the EZVIZ CTQ2C is about 30 euros, a groundbreaking price.

As you can see, this device is really cheap, and highly recommended if we take into account all the options that we have in the EZVIZ app.

Reolink E1

This Reolink model has a resolution somewhat higher than Full HD, it has quite powerful infrared that reaches up to 12 meters away.

• Resolution and FPS : Full HD+ (2304 x 1296 Pixels) at 20 FPS.
• Night vision : yes, infrared up to 12 meters away.
• Two-way audio – yes, it has a microphone and speaker.
• Micro SD card slot : yes, it allows you to install a micro SD of up to 256GB capacity.
• Support cloud recording : yes.
• Connectivity : incorporates WiFi connectivity at 2.4GHz.
• Other characteristics : it is very cheap, totally low-cost.

This model costs about 45 euros, a little more than the other models, but it is still a very cheap model if we take into account what it provides us.

As you can see, we have a large number of IP surveillance camera models to control everything that happens in our home. Depending on the features we need and our budget, we can choose from a wide variety of models and manufacturers. In principle, manufacturers such as D-Link, EZVIZ, Reolink or Arlo are the best you can buy, however, there are other brands such as Xiaomi that also work very well.