which one is for you? (July 2021)

We compared four security cameras that cost up to 130 euros. They differ from each other when it comes to image quality, storage type, monthly subscriptions, build quality and additional features. We help you to choose the right camera.

4 Cheap Security Cameras

If you’re looking for an economical solution to keep an eye on things at home, you should consider an indoor WiFi camera. In this comparison, we looked at four affordable models up to a maximum of 230 euros, all of which connect to an app and work simultaneously with the multiple smart home platforms.

We compare the new Arlo Essential Indoor camera to some of its formidable competitors. The Google Nest Cam Indoor originally came on the market for 199 euros, but last year it was permanently reduced in price. We also added the very cheap Eudy Eufycam 2K Indoor that can let you move from a distance. Finally, there is the Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In, which is also available in a battery-operated variant.

We compared these cameras

Arlo Essential Indoor

Eufy Eufycame 2K Indoor Pan & Tilt

Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In

Google Nest Cam Indoor

Security camera comparison (July 2021)

Similarities

All cameras in this comparison support a Full HD resolution in which the images are streamed to your phone. When night falls and it gets dark in your house, each of these cameras can count on infrared light to still be able to film. Eufy claims its camera can see up to 10 meters with infrared, while the other manufacturers keep it at 8 meters.

When installed, you can place these cameras upright on their feet, or you can mount them against the wall. All security camera manufacturers support cloud video storage. This includes a subscription that allows you to view images for up to 30 days after recording.

Each manufacturer supplies its camera with an app from which you can take control of the camera. The apps will send you push notifications when a person is detected, or you can take a look yourself at any time. If you see someone on screen, you can talk to that person thanks to the built-in speaker and microphone in these cameras.

Differences

The above similarities between the four products are therefore the features that you can expect from each of these cameras anyway, and with the points we list here, each of these manufacturers would like to make a difference.

First of all, there is the viewing angle. Video quality is one thing, but it’s also important how much the cameras can capture. This gives you a better view of what is happening in space. With its Essential indoor camera, Arlo has an extra large viewing angle of 130 degrees, both horizontally and vertically. With this he manages to shake off Google’s Nest Cam Indoor.

The Ring Stick Up Cam and the Eufycam 2K Indoor capture the least in the picture, but the latter partly gets away with it. You can pan and tilt this camera from the app. That is, it can move up and down or side to side. The camera can also do this automatically, for example when it detects a person to keep him in view. The Eufycam 2K Indoor can therefore visualize less, but if it notices something, it can follow that person through the room. It also makes the camera very suitable for mounting on the ceiling in the middle of a room.

All of these cameras are basically intended for indoor use, but the Nest Cam Indoor and Ring Stick Up Cam are the only ones that can tolerate splashes of water. If you want to use the camera in the bathroom or kitchen, that can be a factor to take into account.

The Eufycam 2K Indoor comes with another special feature, because it is the only one that can read an SD card and then store images on it. This way you are not dependent on cloud subscriptions with their associated extra costs. If you prefer not to use an SD card, you can also sync the videos with your NAS.

If you buy a security camera, you first want to check which smarthome platforms it works with. The Ring Stick Up Cam basically works with most platforms, but not the popular Google Assistant.

The Google Nest Cam Indoor and Eufycam 2K and Ring Stick Up Cam let you store images in the cloud for free for up to a day. If you want to keep images for longer, you take out a subscription that allows you to look back up to 30 days. At Arlo, such a subscription is necessary anyway and Eufy comes with other storage options.

If we look at the subscription prices, then you are also best off with Eufy with your cloud storage, because you only pay about 2.54 euros per month. Google’s Nest Aware subscription is the most expensive at 5 euros per month, followed by Ring. Arlo Smart then costs 2.79 euros per month, but in return the British manufacturer comes with a lot of extras. The Essential Indoor can not only detect people, but it also distinguishes between animals, packages and vehicles.

Arlo’s camera is the highest priced along with Google’s, but Arlo wants to make a difference with its extra features, and those are features separate from subscriptions. For example, you can scare off potential thieves with the built-in siren of this camera, and it also has a Privacy shield. When the Essentiel Indoor is not active, a cap blocks the lens.

Conclusion

There are quite a few differences in this lineup of affordable Wi-Fi cameras, and what stands out is that the most affordable of the foursome is also the most versatile. The Eufycam 2K can pan and tilt and supports physical storage via SD. These are major assets that the manufacturer manages to put on the table, while the price remains below 50 euros per camera.

If you’re really looking for a camera that needs to capture as much as possible for surveillance, then the Arlo Essential Indoor is the best option for you. He makes images at a wide angle of 130 degrees. The built-in siren is also a unique feature that gives you an extra safe feeling, and the Privacy shield is also a nice addition.

If, on the other hand, if you are primarily looking for products that integrate best into the Alexa or Google Assistant ecosystem, you can look at the Ring Stick Up Cam and the Nest Cam Indoor, respectively. Which one is your favorite, or which camera do you already have at home? Let us know in the comments at the bottom of this article.

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