Home security doesn’t have to be a large financial investment. Even though some security cameras are pricey, a growing number of options from companies such as Wyze provide quality security without putting a dent in your wallet.
These less expensive cameras tend to have many of the same features as their steeper 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 cams cost as little as $35 — and are often found on sale — they have decent and watchable video quality. Both 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 device to keep you in the loop at all times.
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So if you’re on the hunt for to create a cheap video surveillance system 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 overall: Wyze Cam v3 (2020)
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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 a new weatherproof housing. It also works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands, as well as with Wyze’s other devices.
Read our Wyze Cam v3 review.
$36 at Amazon
$36 at Walmart
$36 at Best Buy
Best indoor: Blink Mini
Chris Monroe/CNET
The Blink Mini is a $35 indoor security camera. 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. Its basic features and solid performance make it a good option if you’re looking for a straightforward indoor home security camera from Amazon smart home company Blink.
Read our Blink Mini review.
$35 at Amazon
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