After having been the prerogative of companies for years, here is that security invites itself at home with the surveillance cameras. Easy to install and control, these accessories allow you to keep an eye on your home at all times. Are you interested in this security device? This buying guide is dedicated to the best IP cameras of this year.
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Our selection
"A true concentrate of technology, this tilt and turn Wifi IP camera will allow you to capture images in Ultra-HD quality perfectly clear during the…"
"Recording in a resolution of 1080 p, this indoor IP camera offers very clear images that can be used as evidence in case of crime…"
"Reolink's Argus Pro is the perfect 100% self-contained IP camera for monitoring a driveway or portion of your exterior. Although this IP camera lacks a…"
"Offered at the best value, this IP camera with 115° wide-angle lens will allow you to keep an eye on your home when you are…"
A true concentrate of technology, this tilt and turn Wifi IP camera will allow you to capture images in Ultra-HD quality perfectly clear during the day. At night, it records with impressive clarity in a radius of 9 m, so you feel completely safe.
35,92 £ on AmazonThe Tapo C210 is not TP-Link's newest IP camera, but it continues to be popular with a good number of home users, as well as professionals. This device owes its strong popularity to the quality of its recordings, but also to its detection system that sends you a notification as soon as it detects a suspicious movement. Designed for your security, this IP camera is also equipped with an audible alarm combined with lighting effects. Thanks to its two-way audio system, interaction is possible with loved ones. As a storage solution, this device can receive a 256 GB Micro SD card which is the equivalent of 512 hours or 21 days of recordings.
When all the lights are off, the 850 nm infrared night vision of this camera is activated to monitor what is happening at 360° in a radius of 9 m. Nothing can escape the lens of this device, rest assured. To set up and control this device, simply download the free Tapo Camera app.
Recording in a resolution of 1080 p, this indoor IP camera offers very clear images that can be used as evidence in case of crime or home invasion. But rest assured: this security device triggers an alarm and informs you via a notification as soon as it detects any suspicious movement.
31,99 £ on AmazonThis Wifi IP camera was designed to replace your eyes and ears when you're away from home. In addition to recording images at 1080p, its rotating lens triggers a sound signal and sends you a real-time notification when it detects abnormal movement. This way, you'll have plenty of time to notify security services and go to your home to make a report.
Of course, this camera can work at night thanks to its night vision function. It also has a two-way microphone and a speaker that will allow you to interact with people. As for the recording of images, it is done via a Micro SD card with a maximum capacity of 128 GB. Accessorily, this IP camera comes with a support, a USB cable, a power cord, screws and its user manual.
Reolink's Argus Pro is the perfect 100% self-contained IP camera for monitoring a driveway or portion of your exterior. Although this IP camera lacks a little discretion, it does its job well especially at night, during which its lens continues to record with exceptional clarity.
86,40 £ on AmazonIntroduced to the general public a few years ago, Reolink's Argus Pro continues to be a hit with fans of 100% autonomous technology. As you might expect, this outdoor IP camera runs on a battery that charges itself via a photovoltaic panel. This security device also embeds an alarm, a two-way microphone and speaker for interactions. Cloud subscription is futile, as you can keep the recorded images on a micro SD card with a maximum capacity of 64 GB.
With an IP 65 rating, this IP camera is dust and splash resistant. After you install it, all that's left to do is connect it to the WiFi network via the Reolink application that you need to install on your smartphone. From the settings, you can define the sensitivity but also the detection schedule. You can also record a personalized message such as "the police are on their way" which is played at the same time as the alarm.
Offered at the best value, this IP camera with 115° wide-angle lens will allow you to keep an eye on your home when you are not there. To do this, you just need to connect it to your local network. And again, this device is compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
39,92 £ on MacwayAny specific needs?
The best entry-level IP camera
The best IP camera with 4 MP lens
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| THE BEST | CHEAPEST | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
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| OUR SELECTION |
TP-Link Tapo C210 3MP Ultra-HD
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Sricam 1080p HD Ready IP camera
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Reolink Argus Pro IP Camera on batteries
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Dahua Technology Imou A1 4MP
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A true concentrate of technology, this tilt and turn Wifi IP camera will allow you to capture images in Ultra-HD quality perfectly clear during the day. At night, it records with impressive clarity in a radius of 9 m, so you feel completely safe.
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Recording in a resolution of 1080 p, this indoor IP camera offers very clear images that can be used as evidence in case of crime or home invasion. But rest assured: this security device triggers an alarm and informs you via a notification as soon as it detects any suspicious movement.
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Reolink's Argus Pro is the perfect 100% self-contained IP camera for monitoring a driveway or portion of your exterior. Although this IP camera lacks a little discretion, it does its job well especially at night, during which its lens continues to record with exceptional clarity.
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Offered at the best value, this IP camera with 115° wide-angle lens will allow you to keep an eye on your home when you are not there. To do this, you just need to connect it to your local network. And again, this device is compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
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Power supply
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Power cord
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Power cord
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Lithium battery
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Power cord
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Connectivity
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Wifi
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Wifi
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Wifi
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Wifi and Ethernet cable
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Range of coverage in night mode
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9 m on 360°
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Up to 32 feet
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Up to 10 m
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Up to 10 m
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Resolution
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3MP (2304 x 1296)
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1920 x 1080 p
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1920 x 1080 p
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2560 x 1440 p
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Warranty
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2 years
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1 year
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1 year
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1 year parts and labor return
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An IP camera must be permanently connected to the Internet, otherwise it cannot be called such. When it comes to connectivity, you can choose between Ethernet, Wi-Fi or a mix of both. Today, wireless connectivity is a huge hit with users who enjoy a good home connection. However, the wireless link with the IP camera is only effective for medium-sized homes. Owners of multi-story homes will have to fall back on the wired link. So, consider checking that the IP camera has an RJ45 port or an adapter.
IP cameras run on AC or battery power. These security devices are more flexible when they are self-contained. However, you'll need to recharge them frequently to prevent them from running out of power when you need them most. If you don't want to deal with this step, consider models that run on AC power. You simply need to provide a solution to make the camera's power cables more discreet.
For image backup, you have a choice between local storage on hard drive/Micro SD card or on the Cloud. By opting for the hard drive, you must regularly delete recordings manually to make room for the next images. The Cloud seems to be a flexible solution except for its cost which can weigh heavily on your budget in the long run. So you need to take stock of which solution is best suited to your budget and habits.
The best IP cameras are capable of horizontal movement up to 360°, as well as vertical movement up to 120° in order to record images efficiently. If the area to be covered is very spacious, this is the kind of camera you need. On the other hand, if the room or corridor to be covered is small, a simple motorized IP camera should do the trick. Just make sure to restrict blind spots as much as possible.
A good IP camera offers many features that are as smart as they are useful, as it is the case of the motion detector and real-time alert for example. The principle is very simple: an SMS or e-mail is sent to you by the system when the camera detects a suspicious presence. The models with detection of noise breakage and night vision are also very popular with users, because they allow them to leave their home at night with peace of mind.
First of all, you should know that no law forbids you to install a camera inside your home and use it as you wish. But this does not mean that everything is allowed, quite the contrary. Indeed, it is formally forbidden to point your IP camera on the public highway or towards the house or garden of the neighbor. This is to respect the privacy of others, as clearly defined in Article 9 of the Civil Code. Note that this principle is valid for all persons living under the same roof. Each member is entitled to his or her privacy.
The Labour Code applies if you employ domestic staff. Babysitters, housekeepers and other mobile workers must be informed that an IP camera is installed in your home. In principle, this information must be included in the employment contract. A declaration to the CNIL must also be made in case of recording. In addition, the recorded images can not be kept beyond 30 days.
In the event that your IP camera manages to record a burglar on the fact, the case is not closed for all that. Of course, the images of your camera are admissible even if they are considered as evidence obtained without the knowledge of the burglar. However, it is up to the judge and his assistants to assess the credibility of the images.
Consumer IP cameras are very discreet, as they are light and small in size. Despite their small size, these IP cameras have two major advantages, namely their simplicity of use and their ease of configuration. The Plug & Play system avoids the need for professionals to install them. All you have to do is connect them to the Internet box via WiFi or Ethernet cable. If the camera is too far from the Internet source, the user will have to use a repeater or a PLC socket.
As for the location, some models must be plugged into a power outlet to operate. These IP cameras record images in HD, Full HD and 4K quality that can be viewed remotely via an application. Since these cameras are intended for home use, their lenses are not motorized and they do not have a patrol mode. However, interaction is still possible thanks to the two-way audio feature.
In contrast to consumer IP cameras, professional IP cameras are very imposing. Intended to be installed indoors or outdoors, these IP cameras are installed in an ultra-resistant and waterproof housing. Let's be reassured, the lenses of these cameras are motorized and they can zoom. The only drawback is that it is not possible to change these lenses unless a complete maintenance of the device.
Professional IP cameras are called professional because they are more advanced and more powerful than consumer IP cameras. The best of them are capable of recording images in 1920 x 1080 or even more, and this, with a rate of more than 30 fps night and day. In addition, it is possible to configure the zones to improve intruder detection or to apply dynamic masks on the image to preserve the confidentiality or the intimacy of the people who are in the field of observation of the camera.
The IP camera is said to be autonomous, because it runs on a lithium battery and connects to the Internet via WiFi. It is the consumer IP camera par excellence, because it is enough to install it in a place of the house and to activate it. The lack of wiring makes it easy to install, but if in doubt, it's best to get help from a professional. Its only drawback: its battery will need to be recharged every 3 to 6 months for the best models. Note that these IP cameras have no storage memory. Their images are recorded directly on the Cloud or an FTP server.
This category of IP camera plugs into an electrical outlet to operate. This surveillance device may seem basic or even archaic at first, but it's nothing of the sort. This accessory is still powerful and intuitive even though it's wired all over. Don't think that these IP cameras stop working in the event of a blackout. In fact, some of them have a battery backup that immediately takes over if the power goes out.
One cannot help but say that the choice of power supply for an IP camera depends primarily on your personal preferences. However, in order to have more flexibility, security experts recommend opting for the IP camera with built-in battery, but making sure that the device is not handicapped by poor battery life.
1. It is easy to install
An IP camera can be installed very quickly. If you are good enough at DIY, you will have no trouble fixing and configuring this security device even if it comes with a lot of cables. But more interestingly, this personal video surveillance system can evolve according to your present and future needs.
2. It allows you to keep an eye on children and seniors
By placing the IP camera in the most frequented areas of your home, you will know what your children are doing when they come home from school or when you are simply away. Having an eye on them will give you peace of mind. You can even interact with seniors if the device has a two-way microphone.
3. It prevents burglaries
The presence of an IP surveillance camera is enough to discourage thieves from breaking into your home. Studies have shown that this surveillance device has a deterrent effect on malicious people. By choosing a model that is equipped with an anti-vandalism system or that connects to your intelligent garden lighting, you can be sure to keep unwanted guests away from your property.
4. It allows you to have proof of a misdeed committed
In the event that a thief manages to break into your home to steal your belongings, the images recorded by a camera will be of great help to the police. As you regularly see in fiction, investigators always ask if a surveillance camera covers the place where the crime was committed.
5. It allows you to keep an eye on your pets
You can have an IP camera installed in your home simply to monitor your pets. If the rascal is about to do something stupid, you can tell him to stop through the two-way microphone.
In our opinion, the best brands of IP cameras in 2022 are :
Logitech has come a long way since its founding in 1981. Today, the Swiss family-owned company is one of the world's leading designers of home automation and computer equipment.
The immense success of its repeaters, WiFi boxes and routers has led TP-Link to conquer other markets, including video surveillance systems. Reliable and efficient, the TP-Link range of IP cameras is attracting interest from the general public throughout the world.
Few people know this, but Axis was the originator of the very first network camera that the manufacturer launched in 1996. Today, Axis is one of Europe's leading IP camera manufacturers.
D-Link is a brand to consider if you are looking for a consumer or professional IP camera. D-Link's high-performance IP cameras don't miss a single intrusion into a home. They inform homeowners of a burglary almost instantly.
Foscam is also a world leader in intelligent video surveillance systems. Its range of IP cameras is particularly appreciated for its performance in night mode.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Choose the right location for the IP camera
Whether the IP camera is intended for monitoring the interior or exterior of your home, choose its location carefully. The objective is to have an optimal view on strategic areas or places that lead to the interior. However, make sure to always respect the regulations and never film someone without their knowledge.
Always be alert
Burglars never warn before committing their misdeeds, hence the interest of having an IP camera at home. This system replaces your eyes and ears in your home. If the device warns you that an intrusion is occurring at home, contact the police without wasting a moment.
Choose IP cameras with infrared system
These IP cameras guarantee total security when it is dark, since they are able to film even in absolute darkness within a radius of 10 m. In case of intrusion, the infrared detects movements and activates direct countermeasures or informs you immediately with supporting image.
Set up your IP camera correctly
When you have installed your IP camera, check that it is compatible with the application dedicated to its control. See if the application allows you to rotate the camera and operate the improvements accordingly. In principle, the setting of an IP camera is simple to achieve.
Secure your internet box
The one who takes control of your internet box will take control of your IP cameras. To prevent this from happening, try to secure your internet box well. Use a tamper-proof password and if necessary a firewall. Two levels of protection are better than one.
To operate, an IP camera must be permanently connected to the Internet via the wired or wireless network. The device must therefore be connected to an Internet box so that the images can be recorded and viewed in real time on a smartphone, tablet or computer.
After installing the IP camera with battery or power cable, connect it to the router via wired or wireless network. Then install the control application on your smartphone or computer. In theory, the app provides an IP address for the camera. You should write down this address somewhere, as it is central to the configuration.
The range of the lens of an IP camera depends on the model you choose. For high-end or professional products, this range can reach fifty meters. For consumer IP cameras, this range is 30 meters on average in day mode and 20 meters in night mode.
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