A security camera is one of the best products you can add to your home for improved security. But, there are plenty of different kinds that you can have, all with their own strengths and weaknesses. We're tackling the best night-vision (capable) cameras — the ones that can best catch those monsters under your bed.
Nowadays, many security cameras can see in lower light and complete darkness, but there's a clear hierarchy. This list is focusing on the best night-vision cameras for both indoors and out.
Best for outdoors
Arlo Pro 3/4
- Weatherproof, wire-free cameras
- High quality 2K video
- Smart A.I. features
- Simple to install and use
- Easy upgrade for existing Arlo owners
- Minor performance issues with multiple 2K streams
- Advanced features require subscription
As far as outdoor cameras go, their main feature set are range and quality. For the absolute best value, the Arlo ecosystem has several great options. We'll be discussing the Arlo Pro 4, but the Pro 3, Ultra, and even the Essential are great options.
The Arlo Pro 4 records video in 2K resolution, has a 160-degree field of view with over 100-foot of range, and has an integrated spotlight for enhanced viewing. With all the tracking this camera provides, you'll be able to identify anything that comes into your yard, even in the dead of night. It's also completely wireless and works with all major smart home ecosystems, including Homekit and IFTTT.
One of the significant downsides of this camera is its price and that it lacks local storage. Arlo's cloud storage isn't the most expensive compared to other brands, but it will be a mandatory cost if you want to see more than just live streams.
The Arlo Pro 4 costs $200 on its own, but it is also found in many multipack options. If you don't need all of what the Pro can provide, be sure to check the other cameras in the Arlo lineup.
Outdoor honorable mention
Lorex 4K Nocturnal Smart IP Camera
- Longest range for most security cameras
- Has 4K recording options
- Have to buy NVR system
- Not many smart features
The Lorex 4K Smart IP camera is the only security camera on this list that offers 4K quality video resolution — and with security, the more visible details the better. The Lorex is also the only IP camera on this list, so you will need a Lorex storage NVR system to connect to the camera. The NVR will act as the camera's local storage, so you won't have to worry about the additional cost of cloud storage.
The camera has an impressive 130-foot range when added with additional light. It also won't turn on infrared mode until it can't reliably discern objects, so you'll have color video until the environment starts to get pitch dark.
If you don't need a super sophisticated camera with many features, the Lorex 4K Nocturnal may be your option, especially when dealing with multiple cameras. Also, there's a variety of Lorex packages and pricing, depending on how many cameras you need and what system features you're looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Night vision on a security camera is typically added by using infrared lights and LEDs. These lights are on the lens in the camera to see in low light without having to shine a bright light onto the viewing area. These infrared lights are also why the footage is monochrome instead of fully colored.
If it is pitch dark, you most likely won't be able to see the actual body of a security camera. What you will notice on most cameras is a red LED, which is what the camera uses to see in low light. Some cameras can hide their LEDs, though.
Home security cameras with infrared LEDs can see in the dark but only provide a monochrome, grayscale look.
These are the top choices we have for security cameras that can see throughout the night, but this feature is being added to cameras — even budget options — so check back for our updated picks.
