So you want a video surveillance system but don't know what to choose. There are so many video surveillance systems that it can be a real headache to find the best one.
There are two ways to go about it: You can always go through a home alarm company or you can do it yourself.
Many DIY surveillance systems that are available online will send you all the equipment to install your system. If this is the road you want to travel, you won't have difficulty finding a kit. Camera systems allow you to see what happens on your property, even when you're not there.
There are a lot of different innovations in camera technology, which means that you can find a high-quality camera with the features you want.
But, which security camera systems are the best?
Here, I will outline the ten best do-it-yourself systems in 2020.
10. Uniden UDW10055
Squeaking onto the list at #10 is the Uniden Guardian Wireless Video Surveillance System. Another extremely simple system; just plug it into an outlet and your router and you're set.
The system comes with two mountable, weatherproof, video surveillance cameras, but you can purchase smaller, portable indoor cameras ($119.99).
The best thing about this system is the portable high-resolution, color, touchscreen, LCD monitor that is included (4.3" or 7"). With this convenient monitor, you can control every aspect of your system.
- Connection: Wireless
- Remote viewing: LCD monitor (included), Computer, Smartphones, and tablets.
- Hardware Included? Yes. The package includes the cameras and LCD monitor.
- Equipment requirements: A wired or wireless router is needed for remote viewing.
No longer manufactured.
9. Astak Mole
Second to last on the countdown, is the Mole all-in-one camera by Astak. This small, lightweight (12 ounces) camera is very simple to install, using a simple 3-step process.
There is built-in motion detection that sends you a notification when something is detected. The Mole lets you pan and tilt while you watch remotely through your computer, smartphone, and tablet.
One cool feature of the Mole is that you can upload videos directly to your social networking sites.
- Connection: Wireless
- Remote viewing: Computers, Smartphones and tablets
- Image quality: 320 X 240, 640 X 480
- Hardware Included? Yes. The package includes the camera, network cable, CD-ROM, and adapter.
- Equipment requirements: A wired or wireless router is needed for remote viewing.
8. Aposonic A-BR1B4-C250
The most customizable of the bunch, the Aposonic system allows you to adjust each channel with its own hue, saturation, brightness, and contrast. You can also customize each channel with specific motion and sensitivity profiles.
This provides you with the best possible quality and efficiency for each channel.
- Connection: Wired
- Remote viewing: Computers, Smartphones and tablets
- Image quality: 704 x 480, 120fps
- Hardware Included? Yes. The package includes four cameras, remote control, USB mouse, 500GB DVR, and more.
- Equipment requirements: A wired or wireless router is needed for remote viewing.
7. ZMODO KDS4-BARBZ4ZN
Landing in the #7 spot is Zmodo's 4-Channel Night Vision Outdoor Security system. It is perfect for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Zmodo's 4-Channel Night Vision outdoor camera has a high video quality in daylight and darkness.
The 24 built-in infrared LEDs allow for crisp black and white video (up to 65ft.) for night-time surveillance.
- Connection: Wired
- Remote viewing: Smartphones and tablets
- Image quality: 704 x 480, 120fps
- Hardware Included? Yes. The package includes four cameras and remote control.
- Equipment requirements: A wired or wireless router is needed for remote viewing.
6. Logitech Alert 750e
Next up is the Alert™ 750e Outdoor Master System from Logitech.
This system like most on the list includes everything you need to begin securing your home. The weatherproof design and high powered night vision allows you to see clearly up to 100 ft. regardless of weather conditions. This provides quality surveillance video footage no matter the weather or time of day.
Although it is not a wireless security system, it does have a neat feature called the HomePlug Powerline Adapter. This device turns your existing electrical network into a high speed internet connection.
- Connection: Wired
- Remote viewing: Mac
- Image quality: 960 x 720, 15fps
- Hardware Included? Yes. Software, HomePlug Adapter, and camera included (you may want to purchase extra cameras for added security - $279.99 each).
- Equipment requirements: A wired or wireless router is needed for operation.
5. Defender 21027
At the middle of the pack is the Defender 21027 4CH Smart Security DVR. What's interesting about this system is that it functions just like a computer does. You can use the USB mouse to point and click anywhere within the area viewed by the camera.
It's also weatherproof, withstanding rain, sun rays, snow, and hail. The system is also equipped to notify you through email when the system detects motion or video loss.
Probably the most impressive feature is the massive storage space of the DVR; storing up to two years' worth of footage.
- Connection: Wired
- Remote viewing: smartphones and tablets
- Image quality: 800×600, 1024×768, or 1280×1024
- Hardware Included? Yes. Complete with USB mouse, cables, software, and warning stickers.
- Equipment requirements: All required equipment is included. An internet connection is needed for remote viewing.
4. Foscam FI8910W
In the number four spot is Foscam's FI8910W. This handy dandy camera has many of the same features as the previous models on the list, but does have a fancy feature that allows you to pan (300 degrees) and tilt (120 tilt) from your smartphone or tablet.
This allows you to have a complete view of the areas where the cameras are set up.
- Connection: Wireless (Wi Fi Connection)
- Remote viewing: smartphones and tablets
- Image quality: 640 X 480
- Hardware Included? No. Software (Blue Iris Professional - $44.95) and mounting bracket (are sold separately.
- Equipment requirements: This system needs a wired or wireless router for operation; software also needs to be purchased.
3. Dropcam HD
Next, may be the cheapest and easiest security camera to install.
This tiny little camera is packed with features, making it quick and easy to keep an eye on your home. The star feature-in my opinion-is that the Dropcam is the only Wi-Fi camera that saves its encrypted video to secure servers online.
This eliminates the need for a hard drive to store the footage. Another plus, is that is the camera becomes unplugged, it will continue to record; when it reconnects the video is stored and available for viewing. One more awesome thing; it has two-way audio.
So you can easily speak to whoever is in the room, remotely.
- Connection: Wireless
- Remote viewing: Windows, Mac, smartphones and tablets
- Image quality: 720p HD
- Hardware Included? Yes. All you need is the camera. No software required.
- Equipment requirements: This system needs a wired or wireless router for operation.
- Easy to install.
2. Swann DVR8-2550
So close but yet so far; Swann's DVR8-2550 is an eight channel digital recorder and comes with four cameras (indoor camera and outdoor camera), and can hold up to 60 days of continuous recording (using lower quality).
Connecting this system to your TV or LCD monitor allows you to view all eight channels at once.
- Connection: Wired
- Remote viewing: smartphones and tablets
- Image quality: (352 x 240) up to (704 x 480)
- Hardware Included? Yes. They even throw in four stickers.
- Equipment requirements: This system needs a wired or wireless router for operation.
- Cloud storage available (saved surveillance data).
1. Sharx Security SCNC3605N
In the number one spot, we have the Sharx Security system (model #3605).
This system is top-rated in "Complete Surveillance Systems" on Amazon; there's a reason.
This outdoor security camera and weatherproof system is computer and cell phone enabled making it easy for you to keep an eye on your home while you are away. It can view up to 45 feet at night using its infrared LEDs.
- Connection: Wired or Wireless
- Remote viewing: Windows, Mac, smartphones
- Image quality: (20K, 176×144, 5fps) up to (2048, 640×480, 30fps)
- Hardware Included? Yes. Including power adapter
- Equipment requirements: This system needs a wired or wireless router for operation.
- Free Cloud storage available (saved surveillance data).
This surveillance system review is meant to help homeowners have peace of mind because of constant monitoring.
Making sure your home has the best surveillance solutions, like quality cameras, notification systems, and the ability to monitor security through a mobile app will increase the safety of your home.
