Gone are the days of purchasing bulky CCTV cameras for home security. Today’s security systems are sleek, compact and discrete. They sync to your smartphones and tablets and you can access them even if you’re hundreds of kilometres away. With high-tech functionality available in a range of prices, home surveillance systems are something you can buy once, and take comfort in for years to come. Check out indoor security cameras, too!
If you are a Prime member, avail of the same-day or one-day delivery that Amazon has to offer. Amazon Home Services also offers security camera installations for a fee, so that you can leave the technicalities to the experts and enjoy a system that's ready to use.
No matter where you live, whether in a small apartment or a large villa, our curated picks for the best security cameras will have you feeling confident and protected.
1. Best Overall: Wyze Cam v3 (Pack of Two)
Pros
- Colour night vision
- Works both indoors and outdoors
- Includes local and free cloud storage
- Built-in siren
- Affordable
Cons
- Some features require a subscription
Wyze’s third-generation security cameras pack a punch, in terms of features. You can expect sharp 1080p video, free storage (both local and cloud), compatibility with voice command systems like Alexa and Google Assistant, and support for IFTTT (If This Then That), which means it will connect to a host of third-party apps and devices. Add to this, colour night vision, two-way audio, intelligent motion detection, and a great price tag, and there’s no question - it’s an all-rounder and one of the best security cameras out there, which is why it’s at the top of our list.
Warranty: Amazon offers 1-year extended warranty for Dh23, and 2-year extended warranty for Dh33.
2. Best Doorbell: Ring Video Doorbell 2
Pros
- Excellent design
- Effective motion tracking
- App is easy to use
Cons
- No free video storage
- A little bulky
If you spend a lot of time travelling for work, or spend long hours in the office and have children being taken care of at home, this device lets you keep an eye on visitors to your home while you’re away. The Ring Video Doorbell 2 allows you to be in two places at once – you can answer the door remotely, from your smartphone, tablet or PC, when you receive an instant alert. With improved, next-generation features, Ring provides crystal-clear 1080p HD video, motion detection and two-way talk. It takes just five minutes to install, and you can charge its battery without ever having to remove the device from the wall. Pair it with the Ring Indoor Cam for complete security coverage, indoors and outdoors.
Bonus: Book an in-home installation service by a professional for Dh117 (Prime members get 10 per cent off).
Warranty: Amazon’s Protection Plan offers one-year extended warranty for Dh50, and two-year extended warranty for Dh63.
3. Best Value: eufyCam 2C Wireless Home Security Camera System (Two-Camera Kit)
Pros
- Local storage facility
- Excellent daylight video
- Differentiates between people and pets
- Military-grade data security
Cons
- Night videos can appear pixelated
- Cloud plan is not free
As far as value for money goes, eufyCam 2C can’t be beat with its set of two cameras and base station. The camera delivers great 1080p HD video, and since it’s powered by a battery (which lasts for about six months), you can place it anywhere you like without worrying about wiring issues. As an added bonus, you can store your videos locally in its base station, rather than spend money on a cloud storage plan. The cameras work with Alexa and Google Assistant.
Bonus: Buy with 0% instalments and pay Dh74.92 for 12 months with select banks. Book an in-home installation service by a professional for Dh134.10 (Prime members get 10 per cent off).
Warranty: Amazon offers 1-year extended warranty for Dh52, and 2-year extended warranty for Dh73.
4. Best Budget: EZVIZ C8C
Pros
- Crisp HD video
- Local and cloud storage facility
- Differentiates between people and pets
- Affordable
Cons
- No two-way talk feature
- Doesn’t stream to smart displays
This no-fuss, weather-resistant outdoor camera by EZVIZ is ideal for those who want to monitor their home without shelling out money for bells and whistles they wouldn’t use. The device has two small LED spotlights that can be set to get triggered whenever the camera detects motion. If the spotlight is on, you’ll get night video in full colour, but if there’s not enough light, it will revert to black-and-white recordings. The C8C supports mechanical pan and tilt controls, delivers sharp, clear 1080p video, and works with a host of smart home devices so that you can keep an eye on your property from anywhere.
Warranty: Amazon offers 1-year extended warranty for Dh18, and 2-year extended warranty for Dh25.
5. Best for 360° View: Reolink E1 Outdoor
Pros
- Responsive mechanical pan and tilt controls
- Sharp, clear video
- Works with Google Assistant
- Free local and cloud storage
Cons
- No support for Alexa
- Doesn’t work with IFTTT (If This Then That) or third-party apps
If you want to keep an eye on your entire front yard or backyard, Reolink E1 takes care of it for you with its sweeping 360° pan and 50° tilt function. The device also offers colour night vision, motion tracking, time-lapse recording and dual-band Wi-Fi, giving you the option of connecting it wirelessly or through wired LAN. If it detects motion, it sends alerts to your phone, and you can use a relatively loud and clear two-way talk function for quick conversations.
Bonus: Save an extra Dh90 when you apply a coupon.
6. Best Solar Camera: eufy Security SoloCam S40
Pros
- Detailed, sharp video
- Free storage
- Built-in solar panel
- Integrated spotlight
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons
- Bulky
- Expensive
Why charge batteries when the sun can do it for you? Eufy’s SoloCam S40 makes life easier with its integrated solar panel; the battery requires just two hours of sunlight a day to ensure it never runs out of charge. With a decent 130° field of view, the SoloCam captures footage in colour, both at night and in the day, and stores any activity in 2K to be reviewed whenever convenient. Its 600 lumens floodlight powers on when any motion is detected and there’s also a siren that blasts at 90 decibels, which can be set to trigger and deter any intruders.
Bonus: Book an in-home installation service by a professional for Dh134.10 (Prime members get 10 per cent off).
Our recommendations are independently chosen by Gulf News editors. If you decide to shop through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission, as we are part of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.
