7 Best 4K Security Cameras (Reviewed [year)
Best Budget
Best Wireless
Best Sensor
Best Video Quality
Last update on 2022-11-10 / Affiliate links / Ratings / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
11.01.2022
Written By: John Fox | Security expert / Locksmith 30 Years Experience
Whether you want to keep an eye on your home, office, or any other business, the best way to do so is by getting a security camera with the best resolution out there. With a 4k security camera, you can zoom in and see the finest of details making sure you don’t miss anything. Depending on your needs, you can choose from a wide range of options. This is especially thanks to the proliferation of home security camera companies in the market. There are plenty of great options to choose from and you can get some incredible features as well, but there are some caveats for 4k cameras that mean there are some leaders in the market and the wrong equipment may hang up and cause bad recordings.
In this article, we will be looking at the best 4k security camera options you have right now.
We have compiled this list after thorough testing and investigation of many different devices and have come up with seven different devices currently available for you to purchase. The devices that we will be discussing include the following:
- REOLINK 4K Security Camera Outdoor System
- Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera
- Amcrest UltraHD 4K (8MP) Outdoor Camera
- Swann Indoor/Outdoor Home Security Camera
- Lorex 4K Ultra HD IP PoE Bullet Security Camera
- Lorex 4K Ultra HD Analog Wired Security Camera
- Amcrest UltraHD 4K (8MP) Outdoor Bullet POE IP Camera
Each of these options has performed admirably as a 4K security camera for both home and office use. To make the decision-making process even easier for you, we will also be sharing a buying guide at the end of the article, so keep an eye out for that. Let us dive right into the details of each of the options listed above.
Best Overall
Last update on 2022-11-10 / Affiliate links / Ratings / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. REOLINK 4K Security Camera Outdoor System
REOLINK has created a name for itself as a lead contender in the high-performance security camera realm. This is all thanks to the premium quality devices that they have to offer along with great features. This specific camera found its way to the top of our list by being a great option for people who are starting off in the 4K security camera niche. The camera is easy to use, can be set up by yourself, and is known to work flawlessly for a long time.
The camera comes with both human and vehicle detection to minimize triggering unnecessary alarms. It is also capable of 5X optical zoom, which you do not find in most security cameras these days. Another cool feature of this camera is the full-color night vision which also includes spotlights to ward off criminals. You have multiple recording options and all of them can be set up without needing professional help for most people.
Features:
- Usage: Outdoor
- Connectivity: Wired
- Recommended For: Indoor/Outdoor Surveillance
- Room Type: Front door/Garage/Home Office
What We Liked:
- One of the best quality cameras results in this list
- Storage capacity is great with the option to expand it further
- Comes with a comprehensive and 2-year warranty
What We Didn’t Like:
- One of the most expensive options out there
- Some users may still have difficulty with self-installation
Best Wireless
Last update on 2022-11-10 / Affiliate links / Ratings / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera
Arlo is currently one of the leading brands making wireless security cameras, especially for home users. It provides a wide range of wireless camera options with a robust security system that offers a lot of features. While it is not the cheapest option to consider, it is worth the price you pay for it, just like their other wireless security cameras. This specific device offers 4K video with HDR capability which provides high-quality imagery during both day and night. The camera offers several features that make it a great option for most users.
The camera offers free local storage that can easily be accessed via the Arlo hub. The data gets stored on a microSD card which can also be accessed from anywhere through the internet. Being a wireless camera is also a key part of this product it removes the hassle of installing wires around your home or office and runs on a battery for up to 6 months on a single charge. The viewing angle on this camera is also great, with 180 degrees diagonal viewing and image correction to remove the fisheye effect. The camera also has color night vision with a spotlight for clear video quality even during nighttime. It also has an auto-zoom for tracking subjects in its FOV.
Features:
- Usage: Outdoor
- Connectivity: Wireless
- Recommended For: Surveillance
- Form Factor: Dome
What We Liked:
- 4K video quality is one of the best on the list
- Audio quality is also better than most other options
- Software is quite good and easy to use with several valuable features
What We Didn’t Like:
- One of the expensive options on the list
- Does not support logging in from multiple devices
Best Sensor
Last update on 2022-11-10 / Affiliate links / Ratings / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Amcrest UltraHD 4K (8MP) Outdoor Camera
Amcrest has established itself as a provider of reliable security camera systems and this specific camera is not any different. Offering 4K video through an 8MP sensor, you can get great results in a small package. The camera comes packed with a bunch of good features that make it a worthy consideration in this list. Its reliability is also backed by the fact that the company offers a 1-year warranty that also comes with lifetime support.
The 4K video also comes with a decently wide 105-degree viewing angle which is not the biggest we have seen but certainly enough. The camera works using Power over Ethernet (POE) which makes installation quite easy. It is also designed for long-term outdoor use with an IP67 rating for its housing, making it impervious to rain and snow. The outdoor camera also offers a cloud back option which can be useful for keeping your data secure against physical tampering. The camera also has one-way audio which is not the best but still better than nothing.
Features:
- Usage: Outdoor
- Connectivity: Wired
- Recommended For: Surveillance
- Form Factor: Dome, Turret
What We Liked:
- Storage capacity on this camera is quite good with further expansion supported
- IP-rated water-resistant cameras can work great in outdoor installations
- The video quality is quite good for the price
What We Didn’t Like:
- The night vision range is less than some other options
- The viewing angle could be a bit wider
Best Budget
Last update on 2022-11-10 / Affiliate links / Ratings / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Swann Indoor/Outdoor Home Security Camera
Swann is a company with humble beginnings but its dedication to quality and affordability has turned it into one of the most popular options in home security cameras. The specific model being discussed here provides a lot of the same options that its more expensive counterparts provide but for a fraction of the price. In fact, it also provides some features that you do not even find on offerings from market-leading companies.
Swann offers much more accurate and reliable alerts by combining motion sensing with heat-sensing. The camera also supports DVR installation to create a comprehensive solution that can be used in slightly larger spaces as well. It also offers users color night vision with a range of up to 10 meters with the sensor light. The camera is built specifically for outdoor use as it is waterproof and can work during snow and rain without any problems. It also has CrimeSensor warning lights which can ward off potential intruders.
Features:
- Usage: Outdoor, Indoor
- Connectivity: Wired
- Recommended For: Surveillance
- Room Type: Office, Kitchen, Bathroom, Living Room, Bedroom, Classroom, Study Room, Hallway
What We Liked:
- One of the most affordable 4K security cameras you can buy right now
- Video quality is quite good with color night vision support
- Heat sensing adds to the accuracy of intrusion alerts
- DVR support included for creating complete security camera systems
What We Didn’t Like:
- App controls can be a bit problematic at times
- DVR only supports a maximum of 4 cameras which can be a limiting factor for larger spaces
Best Video Quality
Last update on 2022-11-10 / Affiliate links / Ratings / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Lorex 4K Ultra HD IP PoE Bullet Security Camera
Lorex has been providing some of the best security camera solutions that we have seen in the market so far and has managed to carve itself a good customer base as well. This camera is a fine example of why that is the case as you get a great camera with good video quality and support for a wide range of useful features. It is also one of the more affordable options and can be a great contender if you want a solution for creating a complete home security system.
The viewing angle of this camera is 105 degrees which is not great but does the job well. The camera also offers color night vision with a range of up to 130 feet which is on par with what the top options are offering. The camera also has HDR which makes videos clearer during both day and night scenes. The camera is also IP67 rated which makes it a perfect outdoor camera. Being an IP PoE camera means you cannot operate it as a standalone and would require a recorder to store video.
Features:
- Usage: Outdoor, Indoor
- Connectivity: Wired
- Recommended For: Home Security and Surveillance
- Form Factor: Bullet
What We Liked:
- Great video quality with HDR support for added clarity
- Good night vision range of up to 130 feet
- Great for outdoor use with IP67 waterproof rating
What We Didn’t Like:
- Does not work as a standalone device
- Storage capacity can only be expanded to 3TB max
Best Security Camera
Last update on 2022-11-10 / Affiliate links / Ratings / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. Lorex 4K Ultra HD Analog Wired Security Camera
Lorex has brought forth a wide range of highly capable security cameras that provide excellent coverage of any type of intrusion. This specific camera comes with a variety of different functions that make it a great option for anyone who wants a security camera with a 4K video and useful deterrence features. For the price that you pay, the secondary nature of this camera does not suit it completely as you can find other options with standalone functioning capacity at this price.
The camera has a motion-activated LED light in it which is particularly good at letting intruders know that they are being watched. It also has a remote-controlled alarm for further deterrence. The camera offers full-color night vision with a range of 135 feet which is among the top ranges available. The camera also has an IP67 rating making it great for exposed outdoor environments. The camera does require a recorder to save all data.
Features:
- Usage: Outdoor, Indoor
- Connectivity: Wired
- Recommended For: Home Security and Surveillance
- Form Factor: Bullet
What We Liked:
- Great image and video quality during day and night
- Active deterrence features minimize incident risk
- Can be used to create a good security system with up to 8 cameras
What We Didn’t Like:
- A bit expensive for an add-on camera
Best Reliability
Last update on 2022-11-10 / Affiliate links / Ratings / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
7. Amcrest UltraHD 4K (8MP) Outdoor Bullet POE IP Camera
This camera is also one of the best options that you can go for if you want to create a reliable security system. The sensor in this one is also just as capable as the previous Amcrest camera, perhaps even more effective. It offers a 4K video but with enhanced performance during low light conditions. The viewing angle is still the same though at 105 degrees but considering its application that could somewhat be overlooked. However, once you consider the price you are paying for a single unit, it can feel a bit much for some people.
As for the features, this camera comes with an IP67 waterproof rating which makes it great for outdoor and even small industrial applications. The camera is also backed by cloud storage which means all your footage is stored securely off-site, making it easy to access in case of an incident. The camera is powered using PoE which also makes installation a dream. The company provides a 1-year warranty which could be a bit more considering the price you are paying.
Features:
- Usage: Outdoor
- Connectivity: Ethernet
- Recommended For: Surveillance
- Form Factor: Bullet
What We Liked:
- Great storage capacity and expansion options
- Great video quality and image results
- An IP67 rating makes it one of the best outdoor security cameras
What We Didn’t Like:
- The night vision range is not enough
4K Security Camera Buying Guide
There are plenty of great options to choose from when you are looking for a good 4K security camera. While most cameras could do the job quite well, it is your specific requirements that determine which model or brand you should be choosing. To help you figure that out, we are sharing some of the key features that you should consider when making a purchase decision.
Recording and Playback Quality
Image and video clarity forever reign supreme when it comes to the qualities that you want in a good security camera. The higher the resolution is, the better the result will be. However, with 4K cameras easily available, some even for extremely cheap prices, you must focus on quality as well. Go for a camera that not only records great videos but also plays them back in the same quality without missing out on important details during rendering.
Motion Detection
With basic security cameras now available for a dime a dozen, additional features are getting more and more valuable selling points. The biggest one by far is motion detection and it is almost becoming an essential requirement for consumers of all kinds. If you are looking for a camera with motion detection, do look for the type of detection it offers, the AI features involved for accuracy, and whether it is a free service or a paid one.
Smartphone App
For almost all home users, the monitoring of their security cameras happens on their smartphones. This makes the app a valuable deciding factor as you want an app that can give you a good range of useful features. Explore the apps of the cameras you are considering checking which ones feel the most intuitive. Also look for features that each app has to offer like saving video recordings, alert modifications, motion zone selection, etc. (1)
Night Vision
Having good image quality during the day only is simply not enough anymore. Not only do people want to be able to see security footage from nighttime clearly, but they also want to see it in color. Most 4K cameras in this article do have that capability and once you use them, you cannot go back to the old infrared black and white image. Make sure that the camera you are getting has color night vision and check for the kind of range it is offering. At least 100 feet should be your minimum target, but you can go as high as you want. Of course, that would also mean higher camera prices so you can find your own balance.
Storage
When it comes to storage the rule is simple: the more the better. Look for a camera that can offer the highest possible storage option with expandability as well. This may sound like a luxury to some people but once you start recording continuously in 4K, you quickly realize how important it is to have a large storage backup.
Field of View (FOV)
This is also a feature that works the same as storage; the larger an image you can get, the better. Look for cameras that offer large viewing angles as they will cover maximum ground and minimize the number of cameras you install. However, this can be ignored a bit if you are getting quality imagery with a slight compromise on viewing angle. Typically, the feeds overlap so you do not have to worry about ignored areas.
Wrapping Up
There are plenty of other features that you can look for like waterproof rating, pan-tilt-zoom capabilities, AI features, and more. However, with the features shared here and the options provided above, you should be able to find a 4K camera that suits your specific needs perfectly. (2)
Take a look at some of our related articles below.
- Best battery-powered security camera
- How to install security cameras in a mobile home
- How to make wired security camera wireless
References
(1) smartphones – https://www.pocket-lint.com/phones/buyers-guides/120309-best-smartphones-and-flagship-mobile-phones-to-buy
(2) AI features – https://www.techtarget.com/searchenterpriseai/
definition/AI-Artificial-Intelligence
Our Recommendation Again
- Human/Vehicle Detection with Smart Alerts: This 811A PoE IP camera can identify people and vehicles in terms of their shapes, which minimizes unnecessary alarms such as animals or shadows. It can also specify the type of detection when sending motion alerts to you. You can know what happened by just glancing at the phone screen.
- 4K Ultra HD with 5X Optical Zoom: This PoE IP Camera is 3840x2160 high resolution. It is 1.6X clearer than 5MP and 4X clearer than 1080P. With 5x optical zoom, zoom in for a more detailed image, and zoom out for a wider view. The detailed information you see around your home or shop will be perfectly reproduced with live streaming and playback.
Written by
John Fox
Senior Writer & Director
John Fox has been working as a security consultant for over 20 years. During his time in the industry, he’s learned about what it takes to ensure your home and family are always safe. With Safe Now, he’s tried to take those two decades of experience and share it with others. His goal now is to help others figure out how to make the right choices for their businesses and families.
