Until a few years ago video surveillance it was the prerogative of those who could afford it. In fact, it required complex systems, the installation of a technician and managing it was not at all easy. But now we have the smart rooms, systems designed to be simple to use and configure, based on components that do not require the intervention of a technician but only a normal smartphone.
The alternatives available on the market are really many, with solutions ranging from a few tens of euros to more complex and more demanding systems. So which one to choose? What are the features that matter? Which brands should you rely on? To help you choose, we have decided to select the best smart video surveillance systems of 2021.
Best smart video surveillance systems: our selection
Let’s start from an important assumption: not all video surveillance systems are the same. First of all you could simply opt for a single security room instead of having 2, 3 or even 4, perhaps associated with a siren. Secondly, you will have to consider the video quality, the presence of speaker and microphone, any sensors for night vision and much more.
The intended use is also fundamental: wanting to control your pet is not the same as really monitoring your possessions.
Don’t panic though and let’s discover together the best solutions on the market today.
Blink Mini
Blink Mini and the smaller surveillance camera on our list as well as the cheapest.
This camera with video power cable captures video a 1080p, detects the moment and is equipped with audio
two way to talk to people and pets using the Live View function included in the application.
The latter also allows you to set up notifications and check system status, as well as reviewing everything that Blink Mini captured
Installation is simple and immediate, both local and online storage are provided and there is no lack of compatibility with Amazon Alexa.
Eufy Solo IndoorCam C24
Eufy is one of the brands of Anker Innovation, specialized in two product categories: household appliances and security systems. The latter type belongs to Solo IndoorCam C24.
This is a designed room for indoor environments and capable of showing 2K images. On board there are both speaker and microphone, designed to communicate with those inside the house.
The smart features offered are several. For example, you receive real-time notifications in case of loud noises or if motion is detected. In the latter case, a clip is also automatically recorded, a clip that is saved both locally and on the cloud for safety. You can also configure the activity zones, i.e. the areas to actually monitor, such as those close to doors and windows and more you can use infrared when the house is totally dark.
We also point out the possibility of connecting the eufy camera to Apple HomeKit, to Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
Ring Stick Up Cam
Ring is an Amazon subsidiary, specializing in video intercoms and cameras. His Stick Up Cam could be placed anywhere, indoors or out, on a flat surface or on a wall.
It’s a simple way to keep an environment under control using the Ring application and setting an alert to be sent when motion is detected.
Videos are captured in FullHD, the battery is rechargeable and quick release and, of course, is compatible with Alexa.
You can also subscribe to Ring Protect, so videos and photos will be saved to your Ring profile for 30 days. Not sure you want this service? You have a 30-day free trial to see if it’s right for you or not.
Nest Cam
Nest is the Google brand dedicated to the smart home and its Nest Cam has just landed on the market. It is designed to operate on battery and provide protection both inside and outside the home.
This product sends alerts on relevant events and is capable of distinguish people, animals and vehicles, so you can exclude what you don’t care about; You can also respond to alerts directly from the Google Home app.
The images are always clear thanks to HDR technology and night vision, its particular form factor vi
helps place it anywhere while two-way audio helps you interact with anyone, such as couriers and delivery drivers.
Please also note that in the event of a power failure or wireless connection, Nest Cam stores footage of
maximum one hour in local memory so you can check what happened later.
You can buy Nest Cam directly on the Google store. The price? € 199.99.
Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight
Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight it is available in several kits: ranging from one to 4 safety chambers. Of course they all have the same characteristics: video in 2K con HDR, zoom fino a 12x, built-in siren, 160 ° field of view and weather resistance.
On board you will also find an integrated spotlight to use at night, in addition to the inevitable night vision, this time in color.
Again the product is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and HomeKit.
The one offered by Arlo is a very advanced system that is joined by one of the most complete and intuitive applications on the market. And, a little gem, you can also receive security alerts on Apple Watch.
mydlink Pro Wire-Free Camera Kit
mydlink Pro Wire-Free Camera Kit is a totally wireless video surveillance system. Its security cameras are wireless and can be placed both indoors and outdoors, thank you to weather resistance, they fear neither rain nor snow. But that’s not all: they are equipped with two-way audio, they have infrared for night vision up to 7.5 meters and are controlled through the application mydlink.
You can also count on compatibility with Google Assistant and Alexa, on that with IFTTT to automate your home and make the D-Link system work with other household appliances, such as light bulbs, and store any clips in the cloud.
The plus is represented by thecentral hub that not only behaves like a real mermaid but that includes a USB port and a microSD slot, so you can connect external devices on which to store recordings.