Best wireless security camera with continuous recording

In this article:

  • Best cheap home security cameras
  • How we test
  • Home security camera FAQs

Home security is no longer a luxury. It's way more affordable and popular than it used to be. Sure, some security cameras still cost a pretty penny, but there are also plenty of cheap home security cameras on the market that will get the job done. Trusted companies like Wyze and Amazon Blink will help keep your home well protected. 

These more affordable security cameras have many of the same features as their pricier counterparts, such as continuous recording, a motion sensor, a rechargeable battery and apps that send a push notification when something triggers the camera. And though these cameras cost as little as $35 -- and are often on sale -- they tend to have 1080p resolution or better. Any models on this list would make a great nanny cam or pet cam, and they can even connect to your existing smart home setup or smart devices to keep you in the loop at all times.

So if you're determined to create a cheap video surveillance system for under $100, here are my picks. Each security camera varies in terms of functionality and features, but they're both solid choices. We included an indoor and an outdoor camera to ensure your surveillance system covers every inch of your property.

All that said, if your home needs stronger security, you may want to opt for a pricier security camera with advanced features such as professional monitoring, two-way audio and color night vision. You also might want a model with more video storage or a slot for an SD card if you need to review footage from days or weeks before.

Best cheap home security cameras

Best wireless security camera with continuous recording

Wyze

Setup

Moveable, outdoor/indoor

Resolution

1080p

Storage

Cloud, local storage

Google/Alexa Compatibility

Both

Field of View

130 degrees

You really can't beat the new Wyze Cam v3 if you're looking for an affordable security camera system with solid performance. Here's the gist:

  • It costs $36, but can frequently be found on sale.
  • It comes with two weeks of free cloud storage.
  • The wired security camera has optional local storage via a built-in microSD card slot.
  • You can set a custom motion detection zone for free. 

These things combined make the Wyze Cam hard to match, especially since this next-gen model can be used as an indoor or outdoor camera, thanks to new weatherproof housing. It also works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands, as well as with Wyze's other devices -- and that's why it earned a great 8.5 review score when we tested it in 2020.

Read our Wyze Cam v3 review.

You're receiving price alerts for Wyze Cam v3 (2020)

Best wireless security camera with continuous recording

David Priest/CNET

Setup

Moveable, indoor

Resolution

1080p

Storage

Cloud, local storage

Google/Alexa Compatibility

Both

Field of View

120 degrees

If you're willing to pay a little more, the excellent Wyze Cam Pan v2 gives you something few other home security cameras do: a panning, tilting feature that allows you to monitor whole rooms, follow motion, and even scan large spaces periodically for abnormalities. At $50, it costs a little more than others on this list -- but it earned a 9.2 in our 2021 review, thanks to great performance and plenty of interesting uses.

Read our review of the Wyze Cam Pan v2.

You're receiving price alerts for Wyze Cam Pan v2

Best wireless security camera with continuous recording

Chris Monroe/CNET

Setup

Moveable, Outdoor/Indoor

Resolution

1080p

Storage

Cloud Storage

Google/Alexa Compatibility

Amazon Alexa

Field of View

110 Degrees

The Blink Mini is a $35 indoor security camera -- though you can find it for less than $20 during some sales. It comes with a power adapter, works with Amazon Alexa and has a small footprint that won't take up much space inside your home. While its 7.2 review score might give you pause, its solid basic features and reliable performance make it a good option if you're looking for a straightforward indoor home security camera.

Read our Blink Mini review.

You're receiving price alerts for Blink Mini

How we test home security cameras

Hands-on testing is core to our evaluations of any home security products. In short, when it comes to security cameras, we pay special attention to resolution, night vision and latency, extra features, general performance and overall value. We evaluate all of these elements in a real home environment over the course of a week. If you want to read more about our review process, check out our in-depth article on how we test home security cameras and video doorbells.

Cheap home security cameras compared


Wyze Cam (2020) Wyze Cam Pan v2 Blink Mini
Price $36 $50 $35
Resolution Full HD 1080p Full HD 1080p Full HD 1080p
Field of View 130 degrees 120 degrees 110 degrees
Setup Moveable, indoor/outdoor Moveable, indoor only Moveable, indoor only
Extra Features Livestreaming, motion detection, night vision, weather resistance, integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant Livestreaming, two-way talk, sound/motion alerts, color night vision, panning and tilting functions Livestreaming, motion alerts, two-way talk, integration with Amazon Alexa
Review Score 8.5 9.2 7.2

Home security camera FAQs

What's the cheapest home security camera?

Home security cameras are cheaper than ever, but if you find any brands consistently clocking in under $20, you may want to avoid the temptation to buy a bunch of units. Security cameras can pose a privacy risk, and cheaper off-brand devices tend to have fewer security measures -- like multi-factor authentication and encryption -- in place. Generally, the cheapest but still-relatively-secure devices you'll find will be in the $30 range, unless they're on sale.

Which security camera has no monthly fee?

Most home security cameras don't require monthly fees to use them. That said, subscriptions will usually give you access to more advanced features, like person alerts, cloud storage and so on. Wyze offers one of the best subscription-free experiences, though, because two weeks of event storage is included with the devices -- even though there's a 5-minute cooldown between event recordings.

What is the easiest home security camera to install?

If you care about affordability, you may also be wondering about general convenience. The good news is, by this point, most smart security cameras from major developers are a breeze to install, requiring little more than downloading an app and following a few onscreen directions. Generally speaking, indoor cameras will be less involved than outdoor cameras to set up, since you can plop them on a shelf and forget about them. If you're installing a device outside, screwing it into a wall or fence isn't a bad idea, but it may take a little extra elbow grease.

Best wireless security camera with continuous recording

Now playing: Watch this: How to choose the right outdoor security camera for you

1:24

More home security recommendations

  • Best Home Security Cameras
  • Best Indoor Home Security Cameras 
  • Best Outdoor Home Security Cameras 
  • Best Video Doorbell Cameras
  • Best Facial Recognition Security Cameras 
  • Best Wireless Home Security Cameras
  • Best Cheap Home Security Devices
  • Best Nanny Cams
  • Best Dash Cams
  • Best Home Security Systems
  • Best Solar-Powered Security Cameras
  • Best Smart Locks

Which security camera has continuous recording?

Google's Nest range of home security cameras, such as the Google Nest Cam (battery) also benefits from continuous recording for those who want it. Nest cameras and the Nest Doorbell will alert users when they detect motion, and the footage can be viewed for up to three hours after it was detected at no extra cost.

Can wireless cameras record continuously?

Some (or all) of the smart cameras from Google Nest, Arlo, Eufy, Wyze and Kasa support 24/7 continuous recordings, although brands like Ring and Blink (that don't offer this) offer alternative features instead. What is this?

Can wireless security cameras record 24 7?

To enable your cameras to record 24/7, you need to purchase a continuous video recording (CVR) plan for each Arlo Ultra, Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Arlo Q, Arlo Q Plus, or Arlo Baby camera. For more information about how to purchase a CVR plan, see What is Continuous Video Recording (CVR) and how do I get it?.

How do I get my security camera to record all the time?

Recording Security Camera Video on NVR/DVR All the Time. The best way to record a security camera is to use an NVR (Network Video Recorder) or a DVR (Digital Video Recorder), and you can delete CCTV footage directly from an NVR. Most NVRs and DVRs come with a built-in HDD with large capacity, such as 1TB, 2TB, 3TB, etc ...