Security cameras, video doorbells and smart locks that actually work at night.
A security camera that cannot produce a usable image in the dark is not a security camera. The guides here cover outdoor cameras by night vision range and resolution, wired versus wireless tradeoffs, doorbell cameras that hold up in direct sun and rain, and smart locks that pair with the access control systems most homeowners actually use.
12 guides in this section
Hardwired floodlight security cameras replace standard outdoor light fixtures and provide always-on power for 24/7 recording with integrated motion-activated lights.
4 picks · 4 sourcesUpdated September 27, 2026
DIY home security systems store alerts and recordings locally, providing alarm coverage without cloud subscription fees. These are the best no-monthly-fee picks on Amazon.
4 picks · 5 sourcesUpdated September 27, 2026
An 8-channel NVR security camera system records up to 8 cameras simultaneously to a local hard drive, providing continuous surveillance without cloud subscription fees.
4 picks · 4 sourcesUpdated September 27, 2026
Color night vision security cameras use white LED or full-color sensors to record vivid footage in darkness, providing identification-quality color video that standard IR cameras cannot deliver.
4 picks · 4 sourcesUpdated September 27, 2026
Outdoor security cameras with local storage record to an onboard SD card or internal drive, eliminating cloud subscription fees while maintaining continuous surveillance.
4 picks · 4 sourcesUpdated September 27, 2026
PoE security camera systems use a single Ethernet cable per camera for power and video, providing reliable wired surveillance without wireless interference.
4 picks · 3 sourcesUpdated September 27, 2026
PTZ outdoor security cameras pan, tilt and zoom remotely or via auto-tracking to follow motion across a wider area than any fixed-angle camera can cover.
4 picks · 4 sourcesUpdated September 27, 2026
Fingerprint deadbolt locks provide keyless entry by reading a stored fingerprint in under a second. These are the best smart deadbolt picks with keypad and fingerprint on Amazon.
4 picks · 4 sourcesUpdated September 27, 2026
Solar security cameras charge from sunlight and store footage locally, providing wire-free outdoor surveillance without monthly fees or battery replacements.
4 picks · 4 sourcesUpdated September 27, 2026
Wired video doorbell cameras connect to existing doorbell wiring for always-on power, providing continuous recording and instant alerts without battery management.
4 picks · 4 sourcesUpdated September 27, 2026
Wireless driveway alarm systems detect vehicles and people entering a driveway at ranges up to a quarter mile and alert the homeowner inside, without any monthly subscription.
4 picks · 5 sourcesUpdated September 27, 2026
Wireless security camera systems use WiFi to transmit video to a local NVR, eliminating Ethernet cable runs while storing footage locally without cloud fees.
4 picks · 1 sourcesUpdated September 27, 2026
