Ever wondered if your security cameras can still “see” when it’s pitch black outside? You’re not alone. A lot of people want peace of mind at night but aren’t sure what kind of camera actually delivers. That’s where infrared security cameras come in—quietly doing the job, even in complete darkness. In this article, we’ll walk you through what they are, how they work, and which ones are worth a look in 2025. At eufy, we’re here to help you understand your options so you can feel confident about protecting your home—day or night.
What Is An Infrared Security Camera?
An infrared security camera, sometimes referred to as an infrared CCTV camera, is built to capture clear video in low-light or completely dark environments. Unlike regular cameras that rely on visible light, these cameras use infrared LEDs to light up the area in a way our eyes can’t detect. This allows the camera to record sharp footage at night, making it ideal for 24/7 home or business surveillance.
Here’s how it works: when the lighting drops, the camera automatically switches to infrared mode. The built-in infrared LEDs emit invisible light, which reflects off objects and returns to the camera’s sensor. That signal is then turned into a visible image. Some advanced models even combine infrared with color-enhancing technology to deliver bright, detailed footage at night, without needing any extra lighting.
3 Best Infrared Security Cameras in 2025
If you’re looking for solid night vision and hands-off reliability, these three infrared security cameras stand out as top picks for 2025.
eufyCam S3 Pro 4-Cam Kit + 1 TB Hard Drive
If you're serious about security and want to set it up once and forget it, this system is worth the investment. The eufyCam S3 Pro 4-Cam Kit + 1 TB Hard Drive comes with four 4K cameras and a full terabyte of local storage, which means no cloud fees and no worrying about where your footage goes.
What makes it stand out is MaxColor Vision™, giving it a strong edge as a night vision security camera that delivers full-color video at night—without blasting your yard with spotlights. Combine that with radar + PIR motion detection, and you’ve got a system that captures actual threats, not every leaf that moves.
SolarPlus™ 2.0 keeps the system powered with minimal sunlight, using a dual-panel setup that’s unusually reliable for solar gear. If you’ve got a larger property and want to set things up once and trust it to work, this is the no-nonsense option.
Key Points:
- MaxColor visiontechnology
- Adaptive spotlight
- AI-powered night vision
- Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
- No monthly fee
eufy SoloCam S340 with Dual Lens and Solar Panel
This camera works best when you want reliable coverage without wiring headaches or constant recharging. The SoloCam S340 Wireless Outdoor Security Camera with Dual Lens and Solar Panel is easy to set up almost anywhere—fence, shed, garage—and once it’s in place, the solar panel does the heavy lifting. You won’t need to think about the battery again.
The dual-lens setup gives you both a wide shot and a zoomed-in view, which is surprisingly useful when you want to monitor your yard and keep a close eye on who's approaching. The 3K resolution holds up well even at night, and motion tracking with 360° panning makes sure movement doesn’t slip by.
One Amazon user summed it up nicely: “Night vision is way clearer than I expected—I can actually see faces instead of blurry outlines. Haven’t charged it once since mounting it last month.”
Key Points:
- Automatic motion tracking
- Two-way audio
- Weather resistance
- Compatible with HomeBase S380 with firmware version V3.3.2.6 and above
- No monthly fee or hidden costs
eufy 4G LTE Cam S330
Forget cables and Wi-Fi—this one thrives where other cameras can’t even connect. The eufy 4G LTE Cam S330 is built for places like cabins, job sites, RV parks, or backyards with spotty coverage. It runs on 4G LTE with the included SIM card, and if there’s Wi-Fi available, it’ll switch over without any fuss. That auto-switching is smoother than you’d expect, even in areas with a weak signal.
With a large 9,400 mAh battery and a reliable solar panel, this thing practically runs itself. You don’t need to check in every few days to make sure it’s still alive—it just stays powered and records around the clock. The pan-and-tilt feature, combined with AI motion tracking, gives you full coverage and accurate alerts without spamming your phone every time a leaf moves.
Users who've tested it in rural spots say things like, “I’ve had it on my barn for weeks—no Wi-Fi, no power, and it’s still going strong.” Another noted, “Night footage is shockingly clear, even without any lighting. You can actually tell what you're looking at, not just vague shapes.”
And with 4K resolution and color night vision, it captures more detail than most mobile-connected cameras out there.
Key Points:
- Expandable local storage with a microSD card up to 128 GB
- Instant notifications when motion
- Customizable 2 activity zones
- Resistant to rain, dust, and extreme temperatures
- Voice assistant compatible
Why Choose An Infrared Security Camera
When choosing an infrared surveillance camera, you'll find numerous benefits that make it a smart security solution. Here are some key advantages:
- Exceptional Night Vision Capabilities: Infrared cameras can “see” up to 50–65 feet in pitch-black conditions by using infrared light, which the human eye can’t detect. The result is crisp, black-and-white or color-enhanced video when there’s no visible light at all.
- High-performance in Low-light Conditions: Unlike standard cameras that struggle in dim conditions, infrared models keep their resolution—often 1080p or higher—even with minimal light. You’ll get enough detail to identify faces, cars, and other important elements in the frame.
- High-level Security with Continuous Monitoring: Infrared cameras are designed to provide 24/7 surveillance. With motion detection technology, they instantly alert you to any movement, enhancing overall security and ensuring no suspicious activity goes unnoticed.
- More affordable than Traditional Solutions: Infrared cameras operate without the need for additional floodlights, saving on energy costs. With no reliance on external lighting, they reduce electricity bills, making them a budget-friendly choice.
- Minimal Maintenance Requirements: Most infrared cameras are IP65 or higher rated, meaning they’re dust-tight and weather-resistant. The LED components are designed for long-term use, with many models lasting 5+ years without frequent maintenance.
- Discreet Surveillance: Since IR light is invisible, these cameras work without being noticed—perfect for entryways or side paths where you want security without drawing attention.
Conclusion
An infrared security camera isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a dependable way to keep your home protected, especially when the lights go out. With strong night vision, reliable motion detection, and minimal upkeep, these cameras offer real value for anyone serious about 24/7 security. Whether you need full coverage for a large property or just want peace of mind in a low-light corner of your yard, there’s a model that fits your setup.
Explore eufy’s latest infrared camera options to find the one that makes the most sense for your home.
FAQs
What are the disadvantages of infrared cameras?
Infrared cameras don’t capture visible light, so details like color are lost in night footage. Their thermal sensitivity can be disrupted by glass or water, leading to obscure images. Additionally, the delicate sensors can be prone to damage in harsh environments.
What are infrared security cameras?
Infrared security cameras use infrared LEDs to capture clear video in low light or complete darkness. They switch to night vision mode automatically when light levels drop, making them ideal for 24/7 monitoring. Even without visible light, they can still record sharp black-and-white footage, helping you keep an eye on things around the clock.
Which is better, night vision or infrared?
It depends on your usage. A night vision camera typically enhances existing light, while an infrared camera emits its infrared light to see in total darkness. Infrared is generally more reliable in pitch-dark settings, while night vision may offer better color and detail in low-light, but not no-light scenarios.
What is the difference between an infrared camera and a thermal camera?
An infrared camera captures reflected IR light to produce images in low-light settings, typically for security use. A thermal camera, on the other hand, detects heat signatures and builds images based on temperature differences. Thermal cameras are often used in firefighting, industrial inspections, or wildlife tracking rather than standard security.
