The best outdoor security cameras are efficient at deterring burglars and limiting potential crimes. The fear of being identified plays a crucial part in this, so equipping your home with outdoor security cameras is a great step in the right direction.

Security Cameras help scare away intruders and record events happening around your home or business. While shopping for such cameras, look for a balance between functionality, durability, video quality, and ease of use.

Here are the seven best outdoor security cameras with DVR you can buy today.

Premium pick

1. Reolink

9.20 / 10
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The Reolink is an incredible choice if you’re looking for a hard-wearing and versatile outdoor security camera for your home. Recorded videos look vibrant and colorful since the camera has a 4K resolution, which is four times better than 1080p. You can zoom in on critical details like license plates or the perpetrator’s face without any distortion for quick identification.

The motion detection feature sends push notifications or emails to your device in case of any movement in specific areas. Consequently, you can respond quickly by alerting the authorities once trouble arises. The pre-installed 3TB hard drive stores many recordings, but you can expand the storage with a 6TB hard drive to secure more sizeable footage.

The IP66 waterproof rating allows the Reolink camera to perform efficiently despite extreme heat, heavy snow, and rain. Twelve users can view videos in real-time or copy and playback recorded footage on their phones using the Reolink software.

Key Features
  • Plug and play PoE system
  • 24/7 recordings
  • H.265 compression format
  • Supports remote access
Specifications
  • Brand: Reolink
  • Resolution: 4K
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi
  • App Compatibility: Reolink
  • Night Vision: Yes
  • Internal or External: External
  • Power Source: Corded Electric
  • Axis Control: Yes
  • Operating limits: 100 feet
Pros
  • Low-cost cloud storage
  • Flexible installation
  • High-resolution recording
Cons
  • Motion sensor can be oversensitive
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Editors choice

2. Hiseeu

9.00 / 10
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Ease-of-use, excellent video quality, and durability make the Hiseeu one of the best outdoor security cameras. The motion detection technology is a standout feature that lets you select a sensitive region in your home for maximum security. It sends you instant notifications in case of any movement, allowing you to scare away thieves before they cause any harm.

Although the Hiseeu doesn’t have a speaker, it has a built-in microphone that enables you to hear conversations in the recorded footage. The outer casing is IP66 waterproof for continuous performance despite the scorching sun, wind, dust, and heavy rain. The H.265+ video compression technology reduces the bandwidth to save up to 50 percent of storage space.

Equipped to this camera is an infrared night vision, which records videos up to 65 feet away at an 80-degree angle. The AI human detection technology distinguishes between animals and people to avoid sending false alarms. Setting and installing this wireless camera is straightforward, so you’ll save both time and effort.

Key Features
  • 24/7 surveillance
  • AI human detection technology
  • Remote access
  • Pre-installed 1TB hard drive
Specifications
  • Brand: Hiseeu
  • Resolution: 2048x1080
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi
  • App Compatibility: EseeCloud
  • Night Vision: Yes
  • Internal or External: External
  • Power Source: Corded Electric
  • Axis Control: Yes
  • Operating limits: 65 feet
Pros
  • Easy to set up
  • Great picture quality
  • Excellent outdoor performance
Cons
  • Basic app functions
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Best value

3. Zosi

8.80 / 10
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The Zosi is a reasonably priced outdoor security camera packed with excellent features to provide unrivaled security to your home. The compression performance is top-tier, thanks to the H.265+ technology. It reduces the footage size without compromising quality to maximize the storage space.

The motion detection feature alerts you via buzz alarms or app push notifications in case of an invasion. You can set the camera to trigger alerts only in sensitive places to avoid sending unnecessary warnings. The Zosi comes as an eight-channel four-in-one DVR system, giving you the flexibility to add other compatible cameras for maximum security.

The free smart app lets you view live recordings, playback footage, and customize settings even when you’re miles away from your home. Outdoor performance is excellent since the camera has an IP67 weatherproof rating and a sturdy aluminum housing. It’s also vandal-proof, meaning the lenses won’t get damaged easily after physical abuse from intruders.

Key Features
  • IP67 weatherproof
  • Built-in 1TB hard drive
  • Advanced H.265+ technology
  • Privacy protection mode
Specifications
  • Brand: Zosi
  • Resolution: 1080p
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi
  • App Compatibility: ZOSI Smart
  • Night Vision: Yes
  • Internal or External: External
  • Power Source: Corded Electric
  • Axis Control: Yes
  • Operating limits: 130 feet
Pros
  • Expandable camera system
  • Records ultra-long footage
  • Remote viewing available
  • Durable
Cons
  • Instructions are hard to understand
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If you want a reliable outdoor security camera with a DVR that gives you value for your money, then you can’t go wrong with the Annke. It uses the H.265+ coding technology, which reduces the size of the footage to occupy less space. The high compression performance eliminates the need to delete videos after a few days.

The smart infrared sensor adjusts the light automatically to reduce white effects, so you can view high-quality images. This camera uses three image enhancement technologies to deliver crisp day and night footage. The housing has an IP66 waterproof rating which withstands powerful jets of water, dust, and snowstorms. Additionally, the ABS materials don’t fade quickly, even after continuous exposure to the scorching sun.

Night vision videos are recorded up to 100 feet away, and the images are clear enough for quick identification of the intruder’s face or license plate. Included is a 1TB hard drive, which keeps up with high workload demands to save you from hefty cloud fees.

Key Features
  • Comes with free Annke software
  • Customized motion zones
  • Advanced H.265+ video format
  • Supports WDR, BLC, and DNR image enhancement technologies
Specifications
  • Brand: Annke
  • Resolution: 1080p
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi
  • App Compatibility: Yes
  • Night Vision: Yes
  • Internal or External: External
  • Power Source: Corded Electric
  • Axis Control: Yes
  • Operating limits: 100 feet
Pros
  • Impressive outdoor performance
  • Low-cost storage option
  • Great video quality
  • Unlimited remote access
Cons
  • No built-in mic
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5. XVIM

8.40 / 10
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The XVIM is a reliable choice for anyone who wants to secure their business or home from intruders. The eight-channel camera system has an IR cut filter that blocks near-infrared wavelengths to capture detailed videos in different conditions. Each camera includes 24 pieces of infrared LEDs to illuminate at night up to 85 feet away. The black and white images are of high quality for easy identification.

You can customize the motion detection feature to provide instant alerts only in susceptible areas. By doing so, you don’t have to react to movements from family members walking around the patio. The camera doesn’t deteriorate in performance even after continuous exposure to snow, hose-directed water, and dust particles as it has an IP66 weatherproof rating.

In addition, you don’t need to stress about format compatibility when updating your security system as the four-in-one DVR supports HD-TVI, CVI, CVBS, and AHD cameras. Once you download the XVR Pro app, you’ll have the versatility to playback videos or watch whatever is happening around your home from anywhere.

Key Features
  • Eight-channel camera system
  • Motion detection function
  • 85 feet night vision
Specifications
  • Brand: XVIM
  • Resolution: 1080p
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi
  • App Compatibility: XVIM
  • Night Vision: Yes
  • Internal or External: External
  • Power Source: Corded Electric
  • Axis Control: Yes
  • Operating limits: 100 feet
Pros
  • High-quality resolution
  • Customizable motion detection
  • Easy to use and install
  • Weatherproof body
Cons
  • Doesn’t support two-way audio
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For a long-lasting outdoor security camera capable of recording high-quality footage, consider the Amcrest NV4108E-IP8M-2496EW4-2TB. The H.265 compression technology is a thoughtful addition since the security camera records ultra-long videos at 4K. This technique reduces the storage and bandwidth requirements, thus lowering infrastructure costs.

The Amcrest View app is an effective way to watch live recordings and playbacks from your smartphone or tablet when you’re not at home. With a 105-degree viewing angle, this security system makes an ideal pick for homes with medium-sized compounds. It makes it easy to spot fishy actions on the furthest corner of your field or garage.

Like many outdoor security cameras, the Amcrest NV4108E-IP8M-2496EW4-2TB has motion detection technology. It sends multiple alarms to connected devices, allowing you to stop intruders before they take anything valuable. The camera features a pre-installed 2TB hard drive, but you can expand the storage with a 6TB hard drive.

Key Features
  • 105-degree viewing angle
  • H.265 compression technology
  • Pre-installed with a 2TB HDD
Specifications
  • Brand: Amcrest
  • Resolution: 4K
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi
  • App Compatibility: Amcrest View
  • Night Vision: Yes
  • Internal or External: External
  • Power Source: Corded Electric
  • Axis Control: Yes
  • Operating limits: 98.4 feet
Pros
  • Far-reaching night vision
  • High-quality image
  • Weatherproof construction
Cons
  • Issues with the firmware
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Amcrest NV4108E-IP8M-2496EW4-2TB

Meet most of your home or business security needs with the OOSSXX. It uses an advanced AI-powered motion detection system that eliminates unnecessary triggers caused by cars and animals. As such, you’ll only get notifications once it recognizes someone walking around your property. The IR cut filter reduces infrared light to prevent distorting daylight videos and then cuts off at night to allow the camera’s light sensitivity to reach low lux levels.

The OOSSXX performs incredibly in the harshest weather conditions as it has an IP67 waterproof rating. It stands up to rain and heat for maximum outdoor performance.

The Eseecloud app, for both Android and iOS devices, makes it easy to watch videos from anywhere, provided you have a reliable connection. It’s an excellent way to check up on your pets or kids. The 2TB hard drive stores ultra-long videos of up to 60 days, making it easy to retrieve crucial details of past events.

Key Features
  • Advanced AI-powered motion detection
  • Durable metal housing
  • Includes an IR cut filter
Specifications
  • Brand: OOSSXX
  • Resolution: 2048x1080
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi
  • App Compatibility: Eseecloud
  • Night Vision: Yes
  • Internal or External: External
  • Power Source: Corded Electric
  • Axis Control: Yes
  • Operating limits: 130 feet
Pros
  • Sends instant alerts
  • Excellent picture quality
  • Comes with dual antennas to enhance Wi-Fi performance
  • Withstands harsh weather
Cons
  • Instructions are hard to follow
Buy This Product

FAQ

Q: How Do I Repair a Malfunctioning Outdoor Security Camera?

Sometimes, outdoor security cameras shut down unexpectedly or start to behave strangely. A software update solves such annoyances since newer versions have features designed to improve your camera’s performance.

Flickering videos are mainly caused by interference from incorrect installation, bad ambient conditions, insufficient powering, or malfunctioning equipment. Ensure your camera is receiving the appropriate wattage and the monitor works as intended.

If your camera’s footage looks like videos from the 1960s, the problem could be the white balance settings. To fix this, you’ll need to adjust the white balance manually. You can also re-position the security camera to point far away from the sky to avoid distortion.

Q: How Long Do Recorded Videos Last?

How long the footage lasts depends on the amount of space and resolution. Most outdoor security cameras with DVR store videos in pre-installed hard drives and allow you to expand the storage to save more footage. Depending on the space, you can playback recordings of the past 30 to 90 days. If your hard drive fills up, the new footage rewrites the old one, which is more convenient than deleting them manually.

Remember, security cameras with high-resolution use more bandwidth compared to the ones with lower resolution. As such, you’ll need to expand the storage to reserve more data. You may also consider buying a camera with video compression technology since it reduces the footage bandwidth to take less space.

Q: Are DVR Security Cameras Better Than NVRs?

Although DVR (Digital Video Recorder) and NVR (Network Video Recorder) perform the same function, they differ in how they process video data. While NVRs encode and process video data at the camera, DVR systems handle such data on the recorder. The low price point in DVRs makes them more popular, and while there are some tradeoffs, they are the best for someone on a shoestring budget.

Besides being affordable, security cameras with DVR are easy to maintain and troubleshoot, making them ideal for small businesses.