These Are The Best Smart Security Cameras To Protect Your Home
Caeva O'Callaghan | March 12th, 2020
When it comes to home security, you can’t do much better than a security camera. Last year, John Lewis interviewed ex-criminals to find out how homes could improve their safety measures. They found that security cameras were the best deterrent, even beating burglar alarms.
No would-be thief wants to be caught in the act. But with so many security cameras on the market, which one do you choose?
In this article, we’ll go over questions like:
- What is the best security camera for my home?
- Is a smart security camera better than a normal one?
- How expensive are smart security cameras?
If you’re on the fence when it comes to buying options, take a look at our rundown below before you decide what security camera you need.
What is a smart security camera?
A smart security camera is a video recorder installed in your home which monitors entry points or other important areas. They can be recording 24/7, or rely on a motion detector to spot activity.
It’s worth noting here that any camera – smart or not – needs to only ever be recording your property. A neighbour may object to images of their property being recorded and could take a civil legal action if their right to privacy is infringed if your camera is recording their home or garden.
The ‘smart’ part alludes to the fact these cameras connect to your smartphone via an app. This lets you control the camera from wherever you are, and see what it sees on the go.
Smart security cameras aren’t just for the tech savvy. This technology is becoming easier to use and more widespread, meaning everyone can take advantage of better security. While you’re getting a tan in the Costa del Sol, you can check who’s at your rainy front door in Cork. Or if you’re just at work, a notification may tell you something’s wrong in an instant.
If you want to store your footage, you have a few choices. Some cameras come with subscriptions to cloud storage, meaning your footage is stored remotely. Others have memory card slots. When it comes to resolution – 1080p, 720p, etc – the bigger the number, the higher quality picture.
Read on to find out more about the latest models, and which ones will suit you.
Logitech Circle 2
This great all-rounder has night vision, a 1080p resolution for high quality images, can be placed indoors or outdoors, and works with Alexa.
It comes with clever mounting options, so you can place it on a power socket or even a window. Its rechargeable battery makes it easier to install outdoors than other models which need mains power. However, if you’re looking for a 24/7 solution you need to take into account the fact this camera will be out of action while you recharge it.
When you install the app, it will give you “day briefs” in the form of clips from throughout the day captured by its automatic motion sensor, which give you a montage-style breakdown of activity.
Perfect for: All-round software and hardware performance
Price: €259.99
Hive View
If this isn’t your first rodeo with smart devices, you’ll know all about Hive’s excellent reputation. These guys make gold standard smart home products, and their security camera is no different.
This indoor-only video camera has night vision and 1080p resolution for a high-definition picture, and it works with Alexa and Google. You can easily combine actions with other devices: for example, turn on your house lights when the camera detects motion.
It looks stylish and minimalist, and you can tilt it up and down from the app to find the perfect vantage point. It will record automatically detected sound or motion, creating a daily archive you can view on your phone. Or, you can take a look at the live stream at any time.
When it comes to cloud storage, Hive offers 24-hour video playback for free or 30-day video playback from €3.99 per month.
Perfect for: Homes with multiple smart products
Price: €199
Where to buy: https://www.hivehome.com/ie/products/hive-view/buy
Canary Flex
As long as it’s charged, the Canary Flex works indoors or outdoors, provided it’s in range of your WiFi. You can use either mains power or a rechargeable battery to use it, giving you even more flexibility.
The Flex is one of the best looking security cameras we’ve seen. Sleek and pill-shaped, its minimalist look will appeal to discerning homeowners.
Also, it comes with a couple of nifty features, including advanced motion detection technology which can recognise human beings. This means you won’t suffer any heart attacks when your smartphone alerts you to a prowler, only to find out it’s just a cat. Plus, the app has a one-touch emergency call button, which will alert authorities if you see anything suspicious.
One slight drawback to the Canary Flex is the relatively steep monthly outlay of $9.99 (roughly €9.10) per month to access its full video playback functionality. However, we think this gorgeous piece of kit is worth the extra money.
Perfect for: Stylish homeowners
Price: Around €270
Where to buy: https://canary.is/uk/flex/
If you have any questions regarding Home Security call us in QuoteMe.ie
If you have any questions regarding how best to secure your home and how this may affect your home insurance, just pick up the phone and talk to our trained insurance experts. We have been providing advice in Ireland for over 30 years. We know all the angles. We are available for calls between 8.30am and 5.30pm each weekday on 0818 224433 or 042 9359051.
If you need a home insurance quote online, you can use our online quote system. We compare home insurance in the Irish market from 12 insurers to get you the right cover for your situation.
These Are The Best Smart Security Cameras To Protect Your Home
Caeva O'Callaghan | March 12th, 2020
When it comes to home security, you can’t do much better than a security camera. Last year, John Lewis interviewed ex-criminals to find out how homes could improve their safety measures. They found that security cameras were the best deterrent, even beating burglar alarms.
No would-be thief wants to be caught in the act. But with so many security cameras on the market, which one do you choose?
In this article, we’ll go over questions like:
- What is the best security camera for my home?
- Is a smart security camera better than a normal one?
- How expensive are smart security cameras?
If you’re on the fence when it comes to buying options, take a look at our rundown below before you decide what security camera you need.
What is a smart security camera?
A smart security camera is a video recorder installed in your home which monitors entry points or other important areas. They can be recording 24/7, or rely on a motion detector to spot activity.
It’s worth noting here that any camera – smart or not – needs to only ever be recording your property. A neighbour may object to images of their property being recorded and could take a civil legal action if their right to privacy is infringed if your camera is recording their home or garden.
The ‘smart’ part alludes to the fact these cameras connect to your smartphone via an app. This lets you control the camera from wherever you are, and see what it sees on the go.
Smart security cameras aren’t just for the tech savvy. This technology is becoming easier to use and more widespread, meaning everyone can take advantage of better security. While you’re getting a tan in the Costa del Sol, you can check who’s at your rainy front door in Cork. Or if you’re just at work, a notification may tell you something’s wrong in an instant.
If you want to store your footage, you have a few choices. Some cameras come with subscriptions to cloud storage, meaning your footage is stored remotely. Others have memory card slots. When it comes to resolution – 1080p, 720p, etc – the bigger the number, the higher quality picture.
Read on to find out more about the latest models, and which ones will suit you.
Logitech Circle 2
This great all-rounder has night vision, a 1080p resolution for high quality images, can be placed indoors or outdoors, and works with Alexa.
It comes with clever mounting options, so you can place it on a power socket or even a window. Its rechargeable battery makes it easier to install outdoors than other models which need mains power. However, if you’re looking for a 24/7 solution you need to take into account the fact this camera will be out of action while you recharge it.
When you install the app, it will give you “day briefs” in the form of clips from throughout the day captured by its automatic motion sensor, which give you a montage-style breakdown of activity.
Perfect for: All-round software and hardware performance
Price: €259.99
Hive View
If this isn’t your first rodeo with smart devices, you’ll know all about Hive’s excellent reputation. These guys make gold standard smart home products, and their security camera is no different.
This indoor-only video camera has night vision and 1080p resolution for a high-definition picture, and it works with Alexa and Google. You can easily combine actions with other devices: for example, turn on your house lights when the camera detects motion.
It looks stylish and minimalist, and you can tilt it up and down from the app to find the perfect vantage point. It will record automatically detected sound or motion, creating a daily archive you can view on your phone. Or, you can take a look at the live stream at any time.
When it comes to cloud storage, Hive offers 24-hour video playback for free or 30-day video playback from €3.99 per month.
Perfect for: Homes with multiple smart products
Price: €199
Where to buy: https://www.hivehome.com/ie/products/hive-view/buy
Canary Flex
As long as it’s charged, the Canary Flex works indoors or outdoors, provided it’s in range of your WiFi. You can use either mains power or a rechargeable battery to use it, giving you even more flexibility.
The Flex is one of the best looking security cameras we’ve seen. Sleek and pill-shaped, its minimalist look will appeal to discerning homeowners.
Also, it comes with a couple of nifty features, including advanced motion detection technology which can recognise human beings. This means you won’t suffer any heart attacks when your smartphone alerts you to a prowler, only to find out it’s just a cat. Plus, the app has a one-touch emergency call button, which will alert authorities if you see anything suspicious.
One slight drawback to the Canary Flex is the relatively steep monthly outlay of $9.99 (roughly €9.10) per month to access its full video playback functionality. However, we think this gorgeous piece of kit is worth the extra money.
Perfect for: Stylish homeowners
Price: Around €270
Where to buy: https://canary.is/uk/flex/
If you have any questions regarding Home Security call us in QuoteMe.ie
If you have any questions regarding how best to secure your home and how this may affect your home insurance, just pick up the phone and talk to our trained insurance experts. We have been providing advice in Ireland for over 30 years. We know all the angles. We are available for calls between 8.30am and 5.30pm each weekday on 0818 224433 or 042 9359051.
If you need a home insurance quote online, you can use our online quote system. We compare home insurance in the Irish market from 12 insurers to get you the right cover for your situation.
All Information in this post is accurate as of the date of publishing.