Key takeaways
- Battery cameras are easy to place; wired cameras never need charging.
- Local storage avoids monthly fees; cloud storage protects footage if a camera is stolen.
- Color night vision and person detection reduce false alerts.
In this article
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This buying guide is for anyone shopping for security cameras in the US who wants a straight answer rather than a spec sheet. Work through the checks below and you will know what to buy and what to skip.
What to check before you buy
- Battery cameras are easy to place; wired cameras never need charging.
- Local storage avoids monthly fees; cloud storage protects footage if a camera is stolen.
- Color night vision and person detection reduce false alerts.
How much to spend
The security cameras we rate range from about $25 (TP-Link Tapo C120 2K QHD Security Camera) to about $249 (Arlo Pro 5S 2K). Indoor cameras are cheap and cover most home monitoring needs.
The mistake to avoid
Skipping two-factor login on the camera app.
Our shortlist
If you want to skip the research, these are the security cameras we would buy in the US:
- eufy Security SoloCam S340 ($129 – $179) – Check Price on Amazon
- Blink Outdoor 4 ($69 – $99) – Check Price on Amazon
- TP-Link Tapo C120 2K QHD Security Camera ($25 – $35) – Check Price on Amazon
See every pick, with pros and cons, in Best Security Cameras (2026): What to Buy and What to Skip.
When to buy
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.
Compare more options
Search security cameras on Amazon See top-rated security cameras on Amazon
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose the right security cameras?
Battery cameras are easy to place; wired cameras never need charging. Local storage avoids monthly fees; cloud storage protects footage if a camera is stolen.
How much should I spend on security cameras in the US?
The models we rate range from about $25 to about $249. Indoor cameras are cheap and cover most home monitoring needs.
What is the biggest mistake when buying security cameras?
Skipping two-factor login on the camera app.
When should I buy security cameras in the US?
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.