Best 4K Home Security Cameras of 2023
Security cameras are our specialty, and these devices are the best available online today.
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Last Updated on Jul 20, 2023
- With 4K, read labels on packages delivered to your home
- Wide selection of 4K resolution cameras
- 4 times the number of pixels as 1080p HD cameras
- Many styles of 4K cameras to choose from
- Seven days of free cloud storage, even with 4K video
- Crystal clear resolution, even at night
- 4K image sensor allows for amazing zooming capabilities
- Crystal-clear resolution enhances facial recognition AI
- Nest app lets you access live 4K footage any time, day or night
The picture quality is one of the defining factors of security cameras, and generally speaking, the higher the video resolution, the better. The latest in technology? 4K security cameras.
While it wasn’t too long ago when 4K resolution became the benchmark of shooting high-quality cinematic videos, security camera makers quickly adopted the 4K video resolution. As a result, security cameras can now capture footage as clearly as the cameras they use in movies, and that’s impressive.
Having tested dozens of security cameras— several of them with 4K resolutions— we decided to put together a list of the best 4K cameras on the market using a methodology we devised. However, before we get to that, can your internet handle 4K camera live streams? Check the table below to find out, and if the answer is yes, read on for more details about our top picks.
| Our top 4K camera picks | Upload speed requirement |
|---|---|
| Swann 4K Cameras | 8 Mbps |
| Arlo Ultra 4K | 3 Mbps |
| Nest Cam (indoor, wired) | 2 Mbps |
| Nest Cam (battery) | 2 Mbps |
Comparison of the Best Security Cameras
| System |
Lorex
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Swann SWDVK-445802V
|
Nest Cam (wired)
|
Nest Cam (battery)
|
Arlo
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th |
| Ratings | 9.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 8/10 | 8.8/10 |
| Price | Starts at $49.99 | Camera systems start at $329.99 | $99.00 | $179.00 | Starts at $299.99 |
| Usage | Indoor/Outdoor | Indoor/Outdoor | Indoor | Outdoor (IP 54 Rating) | Indoor/Outdoor |
| Viewing Resolution | 4K with 8MP sensor | 4K | 1080p HD with HDR | 1080p HD with HDR | 4K with HDR |
| Field of View | 130 degrees | 90 degrees | 130 degrees | 130 degrees | 180 degrees |
| Night Vision | Color and infrared depending on the camera model | Color and infrared depending on the camera model | 850 nm infrared night vision | 850 nm infrared night vision | Color night vision with spotlight and infrared night vision |
| Audio | Two-way on some camera models | One-way | Two-way audio | Two-way audio | Two-way audio |
| Wired/Wireless | Both | Both | Plugged into power but uses Wi-Fi | Battery-powered and wireless | Battery-powered and wireless |
| Battery Life (if applicable) | Up to nine months | n/a | n/a | 1.5 to 7 months depending on usage | Up to six months |
| Video Storage | Local and Cloud | Local and Cloud | Cloud | Cloud | Local and Cloud |
| Local Storage | DVR, NVR, or Micro-SD card depending on the camera model | DVR, NVR, or Micro-SD card depending on the camera model | n/a | n/a | Micro-SD card or USB drive if paired with an Arlo Smarthub |
| Free Cloud Storage Features | Two-days of backup video recordings | Seven-day event history | Three-hour event snapshot history | Three-hour event snapshot history | n/a |
| Premium Cloud Storage Price | $3.49 for 30 days of backup video recordings | Starts at $4.99 per month for 30 days of video history | Starts at $6 per month for 30 days video history | Starts at $6 per month for 30 days video history | Starts at $4.99 per month for 30 days video history |
| Continuous Recording | Yes | Yes, via DVR, NVR, or micro-SD card | Yes, with Nest Aware Plus ($12 a month for 10 days worth of footage) | Yes, with Nest Aware Plus and when plugged in | Yes, with a Continuous Video Recording Plan ($9.99 a month for 14 days worth of footage) |
| Artificial Intelligence | Person detection and facial recognition depending on the camera model | Face detection, Perimeter intrusion detection, Static object (i.e. package) detection, Heat sensing motion detection | Person detection, Intelligent alerts with paid plan, Facial recognition with paid plan, Activity zones with paid plan | Person detection, Intelligent alerts with paid plan, Facial recognition with paid plan, Activity zones with paid plan | Person, vehicle, and object detection with paid plan, Activity zones with paid plan |
| Smart Platform Integrations | Alexa and Google Assistant | Alexa and Google Assistant (depending on camera models) | Alexa and Google Assistant | Alexa and Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri |
| Extra Features | Motion-activated lights, Siren | Search recorded clips using activity zones to find events faster, Massive local video backup with an NVR or DVR hard drive | Full duplex two-way audio with noise cancellation | Full duplex two-way audio with noise cancellation | Smart siren, Weather-resistant |
| Read Review | Lorex Review | Swann SWDVK-445802V Review | Nest Cam (wired) Review | Nest Cam (battery) Review | Arlo Review |
Note: Not all 4K cameras were created equally. Some have wider fields of view, better zooming capabilities, and longer night vision range, so be sure to check out those specs as well.
Summary of the Best 4K Security Cameras
- Lorex - Most Options of any 4K Camera
- Swann SWDVK-445802V - Most Affordable 4K Camera
- Nest Cam (wired) - Best Indoor Camera with 4K-like Video Quality
- Nest Cam (battery) - Best Outdoor 4K Camera-like Video Quality
- Arlo - Best Google Home Cameras
A Detailed Look at the Best 4K Security Cameras
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1. Lorex - Most Options of any 4K Camera
Lots of Choices
Lorex is teeming with security camera options. In fact, out of all the brands we have reviewed, it has the widest selection of 4K security cameras. There are 4K cameras that connect to Wi-Fi directly and use an app for monitoring, 4K cameras that record locally to a DVR or NVR, and even 4K cameras that run on batteries and are completely wire-free.
Better still, you can mix together cameras with different resolutions, so if your network is not yet ready to support 4K streaming with multiple cameras, you can buy lower-resolution cameras for areas that don’t need 4K video quality.
Commercial-grade Cameras
Lorex cameras are built to last. They are hardy and often weatherproof, which makes them great both for indoor and outdoor use. We saw that throughout the Lorex cameras we tested, including the Wi-Fi indoor and outdoor Lorex cameras. Many of Lorex’s outdoor cameras have an IP 67 rating, meaning they are dust-tight and waterproof to the degree of submersion for up to 30 minutes.
Of course, even the internal parts are professional-grade, so even if you run it 24/7 and even if they record continuously in 4K, you can count on Lorex cameras.
No Monthly Fees
Most Lorex cameras come with a DVR or NVR for local storage, and those that don’t have a microSD card slot. That means you never have to pay a monthly fee for cloud storage. That’s one of Lorex’s strongest selling points against competitors that require a monthly fee for cloud storage.
Of course, if you want cloud backup, Lorex offers subscriptions for some of its cameras. The monthly fee depends on the specific camera models you have at home, but in our experience, Lorex’s pricing goes as low as $3 per month. For comparison, here’s how much other companies charge for cloud storage.
Ring $3-$10/month Google Nest Cam $6-$12/month Blink $3-$6/month Arlo $9.99-$12.99/month SimpliSafe $4.99-$9.99/month -
2. Swann SWDVK-445802V - Most Affordable 4K Camera
Pros
- Affordable
- Stores rolling videos locally
- Face, perimeter intrusion, and package detection
- Seven days free cloud storage
Cons
- Limited viewing angle on most 4K cameras
- Susceptible to power outages
- Low mobile app ratings
- Confusing product lineup
Swann Cameras Video Quality
Swann offers several 4K cameras, and while we didn’t get the chance to test all of them, we purchased two of the most popular 4K cameras from Swann. The first one was the PRO-4KMSB Thermal-Sensing Security Camera, which was pretty basic in terms of features but proved great for outdoor surveillance. It had a narrow 90 degrees viewing angle, so we had to place it high up to make sure it covered our apartment’s stoop. But it had an impressive night vision range that could see up to 150 feet in total darkness using infrared LED lights. The second one was the NHD-885MSFB Spotlight IP Security Camera. It had the same 4K resolution as the first one and a slightly wider but still quite narrow 93 degrees field of view. But unlike the other Swann 4K camera, it could use both infrared night vision and its built-in spotlight to see at night.
Swann Camera Customizable Camera Systems
The Swann cameras we tested were not as flashy as those from its competitors in the sense that they didn’t have as many smart features. However, we knew that we could count on Swann if we needed a versatile camera system. For example, we customized our Swann system to include a basic 4K camera, a 4K camera with a built-in spotlight, and a couple of 1080p HD cameras. The two 4K cameras stood guard outside our apartment. And because we wanted to save money and didn’t need 4K cameras throughout, we opted for 1080p HD cameras for indoor use. That’s one of the best things about a Swann system. There were tons of varying camera options and many of them were able to work together to create a custom-tailored camera system.
Choice Between Local Storage, Cloud Storage, or Both
With Swann, we didn’t run out of options when it came to video storage. Their 4K camera systems came with a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) or Network Video Recorder (NVR) equipped with a hard drive for local video storage. Some camera models had a built-in micro-SD card slot as well. Both options provided plenty of storage for 24/7 continuous recording, which was fitting given that one 4K camera can fill a 120 GB storage per day.1 Select cameras, DVRs, and NVRs also connected to Swann’s cloud service, which they used to backup short clips of motion events. Those that worked with the cloud service stored event videos for seven days for free. If possible, we recommend using both local and cloud storage, with the hard drive as your main storage medium and the cloud as backup in case something happens to the DVR or NVR.
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3. Nest Cam (wired) - Best Indoor Camera with 4K-Like Video Quality
Pros
- Built-in person detection
- Affordable ($99.99)
- Cloud storage as low as $6 per month for all Nest cameras
- Highly rated mobile app
Cons
- Not a real 4K camera
- Features like facial recognition require a Nest Aware subscription
- Free cloud storage stores event snapshots only
- Viewing and recording resolution capped at 1080p HD
1080p HD Resolution with HDR
The Nest Cam (indoor) is one of Nest’s newest cameras, and while it’s technically not a 4K camera, its video quality comes pretty close. That’s because it draws inspiration from the Nest Cam IQ Indoor, now discontinued, which had a 4K image sensor.
The 4K-like quality of the Nest Cam (indoor) can be attributed to a feature called HDR or high dynamic range. This feature balances high-contrast frames so that both bright and dark areas become just as clear as each other.
4K indoor cameras are hard to come by, which is why we selected the Nest Cam (indoor) as the next best alternative.
Facial Recognition
What’s even harder to find than a 4K indoor camera? A 4K indoor camera with facial recognition. If that’s what you’re after, then the Nest Cam (indoor) is still the best alternative.
The Nest Cam (indoor) offers facial recognition when paired with a Nest Aware subscription, starting at $6 per month for any number of cameras. Facial recognition, or Familiar Face Alerts as Nest calls it, lets the camera remember faces it has seen. You can tag familiar faces and then rules as to how you want to be notified when the camera sees a familiar or unfamiliar face.
With the Nest Cam (indoor), facial recognition doesn’t end in simply identifying faces. It uses facial recognition to provide insightful and meaningful alerts.
Nest Cam Affordable Video Storage
Nest cameras require a cloud subscription to record videos at all, but the good news is, Nest Aware (Nest’s cloud subscription) is pretty affordable. You need only one subscription for all your Nest cameras, and Nest Aware pricing starts at $6 per month for 30 days of cloud storage.
With that plan, the Nest Cam (indoor) will record motion events only. If you want continuous recording, you can opt for the more expensive Nest Aware Plus subscription with 10 days of continuous recording and 60 days of motion event history.
And because the Nest Cam (indoor) is technically a 1080p HD camera, continuous cloud recording doesn’t take a huge toll on your network’s bandwidth.
Take a look at how Nest Aware and Nest Aware Plus compare.
Nest Aware Nest Aware Plus $6/month or $60/year $12/month or $120/year 30-day video history 60-day video history No CVR 10-day CVR Intelligent alerts Intelligent alerts Unlimited cameras Unlimited cameras Tip: Although most of the Nest Cam’s smart features require Nest Aware, person detection is free.
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4. Nest Cam (battery) - Best Outdoor Camera with Artificial Intelligence
Pros
- IP 66 rating with -40 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit operating temperature
- Relatively easy to install for an outdoor camera
- Automatically zooms in on the face when a person is detected
- Infrared night vision doesn’t draw attention to the camera
Cons
- Most expensive of the bunch
- No local storage and free cloud storage only stores snapshots
- Power adaptor must be plugged in indoors
- Must have a Nest Aware subscription to access activity zones
Nest Cam (battery) Video Quality
In terms of video quality, the Nest Cam (battery) delivers just as clear videos as its indoor counterpart. That means its 4K-like, but really just a 1080p camera with HDR.
That’s not entirely a bad thing. As an outdoor camera that connects to Wi-Fi, the Nest Cam (battery) will not put as much strain on your Wi-Fi network as a real 4K camera would. Additionally, even if your Wi-Fi signal strength isn’t optimal outdoors, the Nest Cam (battery) can still transmit videos reliably.
Nest Cam (battery) Battery-Powered
One of the greatest advantages of the Nest Cam (battery) over its predecessors is the fact that it runs on batteries. It’s the first (and currently, only) Nest Cam that is completely wireless.
Depending on your usage, the Nest Cam (battery) can last for 1.5 up to 7 months on a single charge. That’s impressive considering the quality of the features that it delivers.
If you so choose, you can also keep the camera plugged into power. And that way, if you have a Nest Aware Plus subscription, it can record continuously like the Nest Cam (indoor). If you plug in the Nest Cam (battery), its battery becomes a backup, keeping the camera powered through power outages.
Artificial Intelligence with Nest Aware
Without a Nest Aware subscription, the Nest Cam (battery) offers person detection. With a paid plan, it unlocks facial recognition, pet and vehicle detection, and activity zones, all useful features for outdoor cameras. Those features can help you improve notifications and reduce false alarms.
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5. Arlo - Best Google Home Cameras
Pros
- Weather-resistant for indoor and outdoor use
- Battery-powered
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri
- Local recording via a micro-SD card or USB drive
Cons
- No free cloud storage
- Artificial intelligence features (person detection, activity zones, etc.) require a subscription
- Not compatible with legacy Arlo base stations
- Battery life lasts up to only six months in an ideal environment
Wide-Angle Field of View with HDR
All the 4K cameras we tested were somewhat similar in terms of video quality, but the Arlo Ultra 4K stood out because of its 180 degree field of view and high dynamic range (HDR). Coupled with the camera’s 4K resolution, those features allowed for a clear and complete view of our living room or front door whenever we moved the camera outside. The Arlo Ultra 4K also had impressive night vision, which we were able to switch between color and black-and-white depending on where we placed the camera. Inside, we let it use its built-in spotlight to illuminate our living room. When placed outside, we turned off the spotlight and opted for infrared night vision so that people wouldn’t notice our camera.
Arlo Ultra 4K Camera Wire-Free
Thanks to its built-in battery, the Arlo Ultra 4K was completely devoid of wires. Good news for those like us who aren’t savvy when it comes to wire management. Arlo says it can last up to six months on a single charge. Having tested the camera for over six months and recharging it only once, we think Arlo made good on its word. The Arlo Ultra 4K’s battery also perfectly complemented the camera’s ability to work indoors and outdoors. The lack of cables simplified the installation process and it made it possible to move the camera around depending on where we needed it. We kept it outside our front door on weekends when we’re mostly chilling at home and moved it indoors to help us watch over our pets on our working days.
FYI: Arlo recently launched a new 4K camera, which they named the Arlo Ultra 2. It has all of the same features as the original Arlo Ultra 4K, but it has an increased Wi-Fi connectivity range and dual-band Wi-Fi.
Intelligent Alerts with Arlo Smart
Speaking of watching over pets, the Arlo Ultra 4K had a bunch of artificial intelligence features that made our lives easier. Pet detection was one of those features. It alerted us whenever it saw our new puppy so we could check our live feed and see what he’s up to. Aside from helping pet owners like us, the Arlo Ultra 4K can distinguish people, vehicles, packages, and the sound of smoke and CO alarms and alert its user accordingly. It’s also capable of sending out alerts when movement is detected in a specific zone while ignoring unimportant areas, also known as activity zones. However, these artificial intelligence features weren’t free. They required a subscription to Arlo’s cloud service, but given how much it made our lives convenient and the bonus cloud storage it came with, getting a subscription was well worth it. We wrote a separate page on Arlo’s pricing, so be sure to check that out to learn more.
Our Selection Process: How We Picked The Best 4K Cameras
Although this list focuses on 4K cameras, our review process involved more than just comparing the video quality. While testing the cameras for over half a year, we paid close attention to their features that made them capable of protecting our residence as well as a few other important factors such as:
- Overall video quality (resolution, frame rate, field of view, zoom, etc.)
- Night vision
- Motion detection
- Notifications
- Artificial intelligence
- Ease of use and installation
- Mobile app performance
- Video storage
- Smart platform integrations
- Privacy
- Cost
Since we were dealing with 4K cameras, it came as no surprise that they all captured clear videos. But there are other factors that could impact the video quality. Some cameras, especially the ones with a higher resolution, have low framerates that can cause movements to appear laggy. No one wants that. We want smooth videos that appear life-like when viewed. Cameras with a wide viewing angle and good zooming capability are also ideal. And of course, having infrared night vision is a must.
The security features of a camera is just as important as the video quality, if not more. After all, most people buy security cameras for protection against burglary and intrusion. Motion detection is the most common security feature. It tells us if there’s movement within the camera’s view so we can check and take action if needed. However, false alarms can be quite annoying, so it’s also nice to have smart features like activity zones, person, pet, or object detection, and even facial recognition. These artificial intelligence features are not uncommon, but they are often hidden behind a subscription. That’s the case for almost all the 4K cameras we tested, so we settled with the ones that offered the most smart features, free or otherwise.
Video storage is another necessary feature to check. 4K videos take up more storage space than 1080p HD videos, and since cloud storage can be quite expensive, we looked for cameras with local storage options. We also found some cameras with good cloud storage options. Most of these cameras only record when there’s activity, although some are capable of recording rolling videos if you’re willing to pay higher monthly fees.
Next, we delved into the user experience. We took notes about the performance of the companion mobile app, how well each camera integrated with our Alexa and Google Assistant smart home ecosystems, and the installation process. Wireless cameras were much easier to install than hardwired ones, but as expected, their respective companion mobile apps also played a role. Cameras with good mobile apps were usually easier to set up because their manufacturers took the time to simplify the pairing process of the camera and the app.
Finally, we factored in the cost. There’s the upfront cost, which is the price of the camera itself and its accessories, and the long-term cost, which is determined by monthly fees for cloud storage and artificial intelligence features. Although 4K cameras are understandably more expensive than 1080p HD cameras, we found some options that are relatively affordable. And while we’re on the subject of costs, we recommend that you check out our review of the best home security cameras as well. While it’s nice to have 4K security cameras, it may be more practical to mix in some lower resolution cameras. There, you’ll find a number of cameras we tested that would complement the 4K cameras in this list.
FAQs
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What makes 4K cameras better than cameras with 1080p HD resolution or lower?
Essentially, 4K cameras have more pixels than 1080p HD, which translates to better picture clarity. 4K cameras typically have four times better video quality than 1080p HD cameras.
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What were the best 4K security cameras?
Based on our tests, the best 4K security cameras are the Swann 4K camera systems, Arlo Ultra 4K, Nest Cam IQ Indoor, and Nest Cam IQ Outdoor. Aside from superb video quality, those cameras were the most capable of providing security.
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Can 4K cameras be monitored professionally?
Many security cameras are self-monitored, but there are 4K cameras like the Nest Cam IQ Indoor and the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor that could work with professionally monitored systems.
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What are the video storage options for 4K security cameras?
Most manufacturers of 4K cameras opt to offer local storage options given the large size of 4K videos. However, many of the 4K cameras we tested also had cloud storage options.
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