Complete security systems are expensive, but installing a couple of the best outdoor security cameras outside your home is affordable and easy. Cover the exterior, and you’ll know whenever there’s an intruder. Outdoor security cameras can deter burglaries, home invasions, and porch pirates, and they’re also great for monitoring the comings and goings of your family and pets. Want more monitoring options? Check out our Best Indoor Security Cameras, Best Floodlight Security Cameras, Best Video Doorbell Cameras, and Best Pet Camera guides. Updated May 2026: I added security cameras from Arlo, mentions for cameras from Eufy, Baseus, Wyze, and TP-Link, reorganized my picks, removed some older devices, and updated prices. Crystal-clear footage day or night, a speedy-loading live feed, and a smart notification system make the Arlo Pro 6 my favorite outdoor security camera. It connects directly to Wi-Fi, has a wide 160-degree field of view, and records at up to 2K resolution with HDR. (Your feed won't look blown out when the sun is out or there’s another bright light source in the frame.) There’s also a choice of color night vision or spotlight, which uses an integrated light to illuminate the scene. Two-way audio is clear and relatively lag-free, and there’s a built-in siren. The Arlo Pro 6 is consistent and reliable, and replaces the previous version (Arlo Pro 5) here, adding USB-C charging instead of the proprietary magnetic cable, Bluetooth for easier setup, and slightly improved battery life. Arlo claims up to eight months, but this depends entirely on how busy it is. After a month of testing, I’m on course to get around four months of battery. I love Arlo’s easy-to-use app, and the camera filters motion alerts by people, animals, vehicles, and packages. The notification system is swift and accurate, offering animated previews and screenshots with highlighted subjects that are easy to read even on a smartwatch screen. Arlo’s cameras are among the best at reducing f