Your backyard is probably your perfect spot for weekend BBQs, stargazing, and sharing some crazy late-night laughs with your loved ones. But, at the same time, an unsecured backyard might be a significant security threat to your home.
Studies have found that most robberies typically start by accessing the backyard, accounting for up to 80% of incidents. You must take the necessary security measures to secure your backyard from robberies and wild animals. Installing a good backyard security camera can protect your backyard from such incidents.
But there are a lot of factors to consider when picking the right backyard camera. This guide has all the information you need to choose the best security cameras for your backyard. Keep reading this article to find out everything.
What is a Backyard Camera?
A backyard security camera is a type of outdoor camera designed to provide security to outdoor areas such as the backyard, patio, deck, and surrounding areas. It lets you monitor all the activities happening in the outside area of your house. Plus, it helps you identify any suspicious action or problem and take action against it. The recorded footage serves as a great source of proof if you need to present it to anyone. For instance, insurance claims.
Backyard security cameras differ from regular security cameras. They’re built to withstand extreme weather conditions. They have a motion detection sensor and good night vision to identify a threat, even if it is dark. Besides these features, some have advanced features, such as spotlights, alarms, smart object detection, etc.
Features to Look for in Backyard Security Cameras
Backyard cameras differ from regular security cameras. Let's take a look at features to consider when choosing a security camera for your backyard.
1. Night Vision
In the dark, there are high chances of more potential security risks. Choosing a backyard security camera with good night vision is necessary. Make sure that your backyard camera provides clear footage even in low light conditions or at night.
2. Motion Detection
A plus point is to have a backyard security camera with a motion detection feature. It helps you to be more alert and attentive instantly towards any potential threat and allows you to take timely action.
3. High Resolution
Ensure that the backyard camera you choose provides high-resolution footage to help you provide clear vision and quickly identify any suspected person or action.
4. Weather Resistant
Backyard cameras are made to work in all kinds of weather, like rain, snow, sun, and more. When you're shopping, make sure that the items you choose have good IP ratings, which show that they can handle dust and water.
Why do you need a Security Camera in the Backyard?
Whether you have a small patio or an enormous backyard, a backyard security camera adds an extra level of protection and gives you peace of mind. Following are the reasons why you must buy a security camera for your backyard today.
- It visually discourages potential robbers.
- You can easily watch children playing in the backyard or pets roaming there.
- Motion detector features alert you on time and allow you to take action instantly.
- You can track when your deliveries are being made and ensure they’re not stolen.
- Footage from yourbackyard camera is valuable proof to show the police in case of any incident. It can help to identify the intruder.
- Many backyard camerascan be integrated with smart home systems such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
Top 5 Backyard Security Camera Picks for 2024
1. eufyCam S330
When planning to level up your backyard security game, eufyCam 3 is your best buddy. Let’s look at some of the key features that set it apart.
Key Features
- Crystal Clear Security:It gives you top-tier 4k footage - no need to squint your eyes anymore looking at those blurry security camera footage
- Clear Image even in Low Lighting:Its starlight photosensitive system provides crystal clear images even in low light conditions
- Massive Storage:It has a built-in storage of 16 GB, which is expandable up to a whopping 16TB with a portable hard drive.
- Smart AI technology:You don't need to worry about false alarms from the wind or cat strolls. EufyCam 3 has BionicMind AI - a self-learning AI that helps you differentiate between family and strangers.
- Customize your Security: You can customize activity zones to keep your backyard secure without any false alarms.
- Voice Control: You can easily manage it with voice activation via Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Easy Communication:A two-way audio feature lets you easily communicate through your phone with whoever’s on the other side.
Setbacks
- Expensive as compared to its competitors
- Does not support HomeKit or IFTTT
Why do we recommend it?
EufyCam 3 made it to our recommendation list because of its top feature: its forever power durability. It runs on sunshine. Yes, eufyCam 3 just needs 2 hours to keep it watching 24/7. Another plus point of it being solar-powered is no wiring hassles, making it very easy to install and providing a safe area for your furry friends.
2. Ring Stick Up Cam Battery
Introducing Ring Stick Up Cam Battery, which can be your backyard guardian. Let’s look at some of the key features that set it apart.
Key Features
- Effortless Installation: It is best known for its easy installation—no dealing with wires or drilling.
- Panoramic Coverage: It provides a 360-degree view of your desired area.
- Live Check-Ins: The live view feature lets you check in anytime through the Ring app.
- Smart Zones & Alerts:You can easily set motion detection zones through the Ring app, get instant notifications, or even connect it to Alexa for voice control.
- Easy Communication: Through its two-way clear audio, you can shoo away any furry sneaker or easily greet unexpected guests from your phone.
- Weatherproof Warrior:It is weather-resistant, making it feasible for you to keep an eye on your backyard even during rough weather
- Clear Night Vision: Its color night vision feature enhances video quality during dark or dim lighting
Setbacks
- Expensive as compared to its competitors
- Requires a cloud subscription to access recorded video
Why do we recommend it?
Ring Stick Up Cam made it to our recommendation list because it saves you from the hassles of cords and ladders. You just need to insert the battery pack and connect it to your WiFi, and that’s it. Place it on a flat surface or attach it to a wall using a mounting bracket. Besides easy installation, it lets you enjoy 1080p HDR video and robust night vision that captures every detail, day or night. In addition, it has a long battery life, lasting months on a single charge, saving you from battery anxiety.
3. Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera
Transform your backyard security game to a higher level with this wireless backyard security camera - Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera. Let’s look at some of the key features that set it apart.
Key Features
- Wide Angle View: A wide 160-degree diagonal viewing angle lens lets you enjoy a bigger picture.
- No Distorted Images:It reduces the fisheye effect and has an image auto-correction feature, freeing you from distorted image stress.
- 2K HDR Footage: It records stunning 2K HDR footage, even in low light.
- Spotlights the Suspects:An integrated spotlight shines lights on the potential intruders, sending them back into the shadows.
- Hassle-Free Installation: An easy installation by connecting directly to Wi-Fi.
- Talk Back from Anywhere: A two-way audio feature lets you easily communicate through your phone with whoever’s on the other side.
- Smart Home Hub: You can connect this backyard security camera to Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, etc, which lets you manage your backyard more smartly.
- Weatherproof Warrior:It is made to withstand extreme weather conditions, so there can be no compromise on security year-round.
Setbacks
- Arlo smart subscription is required for some features. Like with an Arlo Secure plan, you can receive smarter notifications for people, vehicles, packages, and animals and react quickly from your phone's lock screen.
Why do we recommend it?
Arlo Pro 4 made it to our recommendation list because of many reasons. It provides incredible 2K HDR video, ensuring clear footage day or night with enhanced night vision. Its another stand-out feature is its integrated spotlight, ensuring targetted illumination so no detail goes unnoticed. To top it off, it is a completely wire-free model with a long-lasting battery. So basically, it’s your ticket to complete backyard freedom.
4. Wyze Cam OG
If you are looking for a good backyard security camera but have a low budget, then Wyze Cam OG is the one. Let’s look at some of the key features that set it apart.
Key Features
- Crystal Clear Day and Night:It gives you a stunning video quality of 1080p HD day or night, so no more blurry visions with this one. Plus, its color night vision enhances the night view.
- Weatherproof Warrior:No matter the weather, Wyze Cam OG, having an IP65 rating, will happily keep an eye on your backyard.
- Smart Alerts:It has instant motion and sound notification features. You can control its sensitivity, set a motion detection zone, or turn it off completely.
- Spotlight and Siren Duo: It has a built-in 40lm spotlight and mini-siren.
- Easy Communication: A two-way audio feature easily allows clear communication with guests, pets, or delivery boys.
Setbacks
- Some features require a subscription
- The extra cost associated with its outdoor adapter
Why do we recommend it?
Wyze Cam OG made it to our recommendation list because it provides premium security to your backyard without a hefty price tag. With 1080p HDR video and night vision, it provides crystal clear video regardless of the time of the day. Unlike some more expensive models, this camera won't drain your battery. It's powered by AA batteries and can last for months on a single charge.
Bonus tip: Pairing this device with a second camera from the company's OG series (including the OG Telephoto) enables picture-in-picture viewing in the app.
5. Google Nest Cam
Keep your backyard security up to the mark with this smart backyard security camera - Google Nest Cam. Let’s look at some of the key features that set it apart.
Key Features
- Crystal Clear Security: It provides you with the fantastic video quality of 1080p HDR video 24/7, so you can easily monitor your backyard anytime.
- Color Night Vision:Its night vision provides clear video even when dark, so you can remain worry-free of grainy night footage.
- Power Outrage Backup: Blackouts can not disrupt your security anymore. If the power goes out, it stores up to an hour of recorded events.
- Free 3-Hour Video History: It gives you access to 3 hours of free event video history to catch up on what’s missed.
- Face recognition: It has smart technology that detects the faces of your loved ones. Not only that, but it also differentiates between people, vehicles, animals, etc, and minimizes false alarms.
- Dual-Band WiFi: It supports dual-band WiFi, so you can enjoy smooth video streaming and remote access.
- Sound and Smoke Detector:It alerts you when it hears a fire alarm, carbon monoxide detector, or breaking glass.
Setbacks
- Some features require a subscription. For example, to access 60 days of video history, you will need a Nest Aware subscription.
- Expensive in comparison to its competitors
- Does not support Alexa or HomeKit
Why do we recommend it?
Google Nest Cam made it to our recommendation list because of its hassle-free installation experience. It is a wireless backyard security camera that eliminates all drilling and wiring hassles. In addition, its HDR video and enhanced night vision let you enjoy crystal-clear footage day or night. To top it off, it is also seamlessly connected to other Google and Nest devices and responds to Google Assistant voice commands.
Conclusion
These were our tried and tested top 5 best backyard camera recommendations to keep your backyard safe from all those creepy wild animals and sneaky robbers. Each backyard cam in our list offers a unique blend of different features that will specifically cater to your needs.
Whether you want a backyard camera with smart AI tech or smart home integration or want to avoid wiring hassles, there’s an option for you. Talking about our favorite, it has to be eufyCam 3 due to its incredible solar-powered technology.
FAQs
- What factor should I consider when buying a backyard security camera?
While choosing a security camera for your backyard, you must consider the size of your backyard, power options, features that the camera should provide, and most importantly, your budget.
- Do I need a wired or wireless security camera for my backyard?
Both the wired and wireless security camera has their pros and cons. Where wired security cameras are more stable and have longer lifespans, they also come with installation hassles and limited placement options. Wireless security cameras are easier to install and have unlimited placement options, but at the same time, they are battery-dependent and may face signal disruption. You need to analyze what works for you and what does not and decide based on that.
- Is night vision essential for a backyard camera?
Yes and no, it depends totally on your priorities. Some people only install backyard cam to monitor wildlife activity during the day, so it is unnecessary for them. But if you are concerned with threats when it is dark and have your pets roaming around, go for cameras offering night vision, too. We suggest choosing the one offering night vision.
- Will I need additional equipment, like mounts or cables, to install the camera?
Usually, security cameras come with basic mounting hardware like screws and wall anchors. Check the camera specifications and accessories list to see what you'll need for installation.
- Which backyard security camera on the list is most energy-sustainable?
EufyCam 3 on our list is the most energy-sustainable option to go with. It runs on solar power. It just needs 2 hours of daily sunlight to keep running 24/7.