I Tested and Ranked The Best Outdoor Security Cameras Without Subscription Fees in 2024
As someone who’s been tinkering with home security systems for years, I’ve seen my fair share of cameras come and go. But let’s face it – nobody wants to be tied down to yet another monthly subscription.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of the best outdoor security cameras that don’t require you to fork over extra cash every month. These picks are based on my personal experience testing and reviewing hundreds of security cameras.
All of the cameras that I recommend in this article have been tested and reviewed by me on my YouTube channel, which you should follow, by the way :). The camera that I am currently using to monitor my main entrance is the Reolink RLC-811A. I really like this camera because of its built-in floodlights, which are very useful when someone enters your property, and its high motion detection accuracy. Over the year that I have had it mounted, I have not experienced a single false alarm.
Expert Tip: Opting for a security camera without a subscription can lead to significant savings. While some brands charge up to $25 per month for subscription plans, cameras without ongoing fees can save users hundreds of dollars annually.
Model
Resolution
Night Vision
Field of View
IP Rating
Learn More
4K (3840×2160)
100FT
PTZ
IP66
2K (2048×1536)
100FT
135°
IP67
4K (4096×1840)
100FT
180°
IP65
4K (3840×2160)
100FT
N/A
IP67
4K (3840×2160)
100FT
109°
IP67
Best PTZ Under $200
When I first got my hands on the Asecam 8MP POE PTZ Camera, I was skeptical about its performance given its sub-$200 price tag. But boy, was I in for a surprise!
Key Features:
My Take:
The standout feature here is definitely the 20x optical zoom. I was able to read license plates and identify faces from about 80 meters away – that’s nearly the length of a football field! The auto-tracking feature works decently for people walking at a normal pace, but it struggles a bit with faster movement.
One thing to keep in mind is that while the 4K resolution sounds impressive, it’s limited to 20fps. For most security applications, this isn’t a deal-breaker, but don’t expect buttery-smooth video.
Best For:
If you’ve got a large property or need to monitor a wide area, this camera is a solid choice. It’s particularly useful for businesses or homes with long driveways where you want to catch details at a distance.
Best Battery-Powered Camera
As someone who’s always looking for ways to simplify home security, the Anran C3 caught my eye with its solar-powered design.
Key Features:
My Take:
The solar panel is a game-changer for battery life. In my sunny backyard, I haven’t had to charge it manually in months. However, if you’re in a less sunny area or planning to place it under heavy tree cover, your mileage may vary.
The image quality is… okay. It’s not going to win any awards, but it gets the job done. I found I could clearly identify people up to about 5 meters away, which is sufficient for most home security needs.
One quirk I noticed: the PIR sensor can be a bit sensitive. You might want to play around with the settings to avoid getting alerts every time a leaf blows by.
Best For:
This is perfect for anyone who wants a truly wireless solution. If you’ve got a sunny spot that needs monitoring and you don’t want to deal with wires or frequent battery changes, the Anran C3 is worth considering.
Best 180° Dual-Lens Panoramic Camera
When I first saw the Anpviz 8MP Turret Camera, I was intrigued by its unique dual-lens design. After using it for a while, I can say it’s a clever solution for wide-area coverage.
Key Features:
My Take:
The 180° field of view is no joke – it really does eliminate blind spots. I installed this at the front of my house, and it covers everything from the driveway to the street without any fisheye distortion.
The 4K resolution is impressive, allowing me to make out details up to about 15 meters away during the day. Night vision is surprisingly good too, though the color night vision relies more on ambient light than the built-in spotlights.
Best For:
This camera is ideal for monitoring wide open spaces like front yards, parking lots, or long corridors. If you’re tired of piecing together footage from multiple cameras, this could be your one-stop solution.
Best Dual-Lens PTZ Camera
The Reolink TrackMix is one of those products that makes you wonder why it wasn’t invented sooner. It’s like having two cameras in one, and it’s changed how I think about home surveillance.
Key Features:
My Take:
The dual-lens setup is genuinely useful. The wide-angle lens gives you context, while the telephoto lens zooms in on the action. I’ve caught some surprisingly clear footage of nighttime visitors (mostly raccoons, in my case) thanks to this setup.
The auto-tracking features work well, especially the digital tracking within the camera’s field of view. It’s like having a virtual security guard that doesn’t miss a beat.
One thing to note: while the 4K wide-angle footage is crisp, the 1080p telephoto lens can feel a bit lacking in comparison, especially at night.
Best For:
This camera is perfect for active monitoring of larger areas where auto-tracking might be useful. If you’ve got a backyard that needs watching or a small business with a parking lot, the TrackMix offers flexibility that single-lens cameras can’t match.
Best Bullet POE Camera
Last but not least, we’ve got the Reolink RLC-811A. It’s a more traditional bullet-style camera, but it packs some serious features into its sleek body.
Key Features:
My Take:
The 5x optical zoom is a standout feature here. It’s incredibly useful for getting a closer look at specific areas without losing quality. I’ve been able to read license plates and identify faces from up to 25 meters away, which is impressive for this price point.
The time-lapse feature is an unexpected bonus. I’ve used it to capture some cool footage of my garden growing over the season – not exactly security-related, but a fun extra nonetheless.
One small downside: the five spotlights, while great for color night vision, can be a bit… intense. If you’re mounting this where it might shine into windows, you might want to adjust the sensitivity or positioning carefully.
Best For:
This camera is versatile enough for most home and small business needs. It’s particularly good if you need the flexibility of zoom but don’t want to splurge on a full PTZ camera.
Final Thoughts
After spending time with each of these cameras, I’m impressed by how far “subscription-free” options have come. They offer features that used to be reserved for much more expensive, contract-locked systems.
Remember, the best camera for you depends on your specific needs. Consider factors like:
• The area you need to cover
• Your power and internet setup
• Local weather conditions
• Your comfort with technology
Don’t be afraid to mix and match – I’ve found that a combination of different camera types often provides the best coverage.
Whichever you choose, make sure to keep your firmware updated and your passwords strong. Even the best camera is only as secure as its weakest link.
Happy monitoring, and here’s to keeping our homes and businesses safe without breaking the bank!
FAQ:
Q: Do I need a subscription to use these cameras?
A: No, these cameras do not require a subscription. They all have local storage options, allowing you to store footage on an SD card or a hard drive.
Q: Do these cameras require a lot of maintenance?
A: These cameras are designed to be low maintenance. They are weatherproof and can withstand extreme temperatures, making them ideal for outdoor use.
Q: Can I view live footage from my phone?
A: Yes, all of these cameras can be viewed from your smartphone. They all have companion apps that allow you to view live and recorded footage from anywhere in the world.
Q: Are these cameras difficult to install?
A: No, all of these cameras are designed to be easy to install. They come with everything you need to set them up, including mounting hardware and instructions.
Q: Can I use these cameras with other smart home devices?
A: Yes, most of these cameras are compatible with other smart home devices. You can use them with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other popular smart home platforms. Some of the cameras also support ONVIF.
Other articles you might like:
Best Wired PoE Security Camera System
Best Affordable Outdoor IP Cameras
Best Light Bulb Security Cameras
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