10 Best Smart Security Lights with Camera in 2021

Outdoor security cameras are the most efficient means by which to keep track of everyone approaching your home. It’s the first line of defense you have against possible intruders. However, it’s important for an outdoor security camera to be a little discreet and stealthy.

That’s where smart security lights with camera come in.

Smart security lights with camera are essentially surveillance cameras that come attached to light fixtures. They may be LED lights, lampposts, or floodlights. As such, whenever someone approaches your property, the camera lens will capture their video. This can help you either take precautionary measures or review the footage later.

As the name suggests, smart security lights with camera are also smart home integrated and can be operated via smartphone apps. Different smart security lights come with different sets of features, however, that can make a purchase choice confusing.

Smart Security Lights with Camera are a lot of things rolled into one:

  1. They are outdoor security lights. They help illuminate your driveway and provide some visibility to people in the dark. Some of them are floodlights that shine down on those approaching the house, allowing you to see who they are.
  2. They are also outdoor surveillance cameras. The camera’s function is to activate itself when some motion is detected and start recording videos while also sending you an alert. As such, if an intruder is approaching, you can take quick and decisive action. The recorded video also helps if you ever want to review old footage.
  3. They are Smart Home devices. As such, they can be paired with your smartphone via an app so you can monitor them and control them from anywhere at all. They can also be integrated into your Smart Home network.

You may need smart security lights with camera for the following reasons:

  • To alert you whenever someone is approaching your home at night. If they’re an intruder, you can call the authorities.
  • The lights and floodlights can scare possible intruders away, keeping your home safe.
  • Record videos that can be reviewed later if necessary.
  • Monitor your home if you are away on vacation.

In this article, we’ll give you an overview of some of the best smart security lights with camera on the market.

Best Smart Security Lights with Camera

1. Maximus Craftsman Black

Maximus Craftsman Black, developed by Kuna Systems, is one of the most reliable and advanced means by which to monitor your home’s entrance. This smart security light comes with the light fixture, a 40-Watts LED light bulb, and mounting brackets and tools. The casing is made of aluminum and has a frosted glass cover. The camera lens is located just under the light fixture and the lens pretty much camouflages along with the black plate, making it extremely stealthy and discreet.

Installation is fairly simple if you just follow the instructions closely. I personally used the installation videos in the Kuna Website as a guide, and the process was pretty hassle-free. In order to connect Maximus Craftsman Black to your phone, you’ll need to download the Kuna App and pair your device. It is WiFi compatible so you can control the device via your app from anywhere at all.

The 40 watts LED light generated a warm orange color with 450 lumens of light. It is certainly not the brightest light out there, but it’s enough to illuminate the immediate surroundings. The camera could record 720p HD videos with a 116-degrees angle.

The camera also comes with a microphone you can use to communicate with people near the camera. As such, if an intruder is approaching, you can address them directly in order to ward them off. Furthermore, you can also set off the 100dB siren which is sure to scare away any potential intruders.

The light is not operated via motion sensors. However, the camera starts recording videos the moment it detects some motion within a 16 feet radius. The motion sensitivity can be modified based on your preference using the smartphone app.

The biggest (and most unforgivable) oversight here is the lack of Night Vision. This is a security light camera so it should be taken for granted that nighttime video recording is necessary. However, this camera has no infrared lenses for night vision. It can still record videos at night by the light of the bulb. But that is not enough to provide a clear visual and the resultant video is dark and hazy.

Another issue I have is with the security plans. In order to gain access to all of the app’s features and recordings, you’ll need to purchase a subscription package. You do get a free subscription as well, but that only includes 3 HD video downloads per month for a maximum of 2 hours. That is not nearly enough for most people. If you want to access all the recorded footage, you might have to get their Essential Security, Peace of Mind, or Absolute Control plans. As such, in addition to the upfront cost, you will also have to make monthly payments.

Pros

  • Camera is discreet.
  • Extremely loud siren sound.
  • Motion sensor sensitivity can be modified.
  • 2-way microphone available.
  • Easy to control via the smartphone app.

Cons

  • Installation shouldn’t take too long, but you might need professional help.
  • No night vision.
  • You have to purchase expensive monthly subscriptions to gain access to all your recorded footage and control additional connected cameras.

2. Maximus Traditional Black

Maximus Traditional Black is an Alexa-enabled security light with a camera. It is quite similar to the aforementioned Maximus Craftsman Black except for some small differences. One of the best advantages of getting a Maximum light is that there are several different lights and cameras in this series, all of them with a unique style. You can get several of these lights to install around your house and they can all be connected to the same grid so you can control them all from the same Kuna app.

The Maximus Traditional Black has a black aluminum casing with a frosted glass cover. The camera lens is located just underneath the light fixture and camouflages well with the aluminum plate. Both the camera and the light are weatherproof with an IP43 rating. As such, there’s complete protection from dust and rain. The installation process should take just about 15 to 20 minutes. However, it does entail the use of some drilling tools and screws, so you should get professional help if you’re not confident with that.

One of the features that confused me most was the light’s connection to the camera. Basically, the two are interlinked so the camera can only function when the light switch is turned on. There’s no way to turn the light off while still keeping the camera active. As such, if you want the camera to continue recording and monitoring your home during the day, you’ll have to keep your light switch turned on 24/7. You can, however, use the smartphone app to set up the specific times when the light should be turned on or off.

This camera and light can be paired with the Kuna Smartphone app over the WiFi or any Smart Home mesh network. The app is functional and easy to navigate. The video recording features are the same as the aforementioned Maximus Craftsman Black. You can record 720p HD videos with a 116-degree lens angle. The camera also offers zoom options. But there’s no Night Vision and the quality of video recorded with the light turned on is abysmal.

You will need to purchase a paid subscription to gain complete access to all the features. If you use the free plan, the recorded clips will be deleted from memory within two hours, which simply does not work for a security system. Furthermore, the free plan also lacks smart motion detection, which means it will pick up all motions and multiply your false alarms. Basically, this security camera is useless in the free version.

If you only use one single camera, you can get the cheapest Essential Security plan because it can support one camera and provide you with a video recordings history of up to 7 days. It also gives you access to all of the camera’s features like two-way talk, live streaming, manual recording, light controls, and unlimited video downloads. Furthermore, the paid plans give you access to smart motion sensors that can distinguish between, people, automobiles, and inanimate objects. As such, you won’t receive any false alarms.

Pros

  • Discreet camera.
  • Loud alarm.
  • Smart motion sensors (for paid versions).
  • 2-way microphone.
  • Simple smartphone app.
  • Smart lights can be controlled via the app.

Cons

  • Installing the light could require professional assistance.
  • No night vision.
  • Monthly subscription plans are expensive.
  • Free plan only maintains 2 hours of videos and is riddled with motion detection false alarms.
  • Can’t control the light and camera switches individually.

3. Maximus Coach Black

Maximus Coach Black is a coach-style smart security light with a camera lens. It is similar to the aforementioned Maximus cameras in most functionalities. It’s weatherproof with an IP43 rating, is easy to install, and can be integrated with most smart home mesh networks and is WiFi compatible. It records 720p videos and includes features like 2-way microphone, alarm, and live streaming.

The best feature in this smart light with camera is Motion Detection. The Kuna AI is pretty advanced and it can easily distinguish between cars, people, and other objects. When some motion is detected, the associated smartphone app will send you a push notification informing you not just if it’s seeing people, but also how many people there are. Because of this smart feature, false alarms are kept at a minimum. However, you can set the motion sensor’s sensitivity between 0 to 100 in order to manage that however you like.

Furthermore, the AI Smart Detection feature also allows you to create motion zones. Under the “People Area of Interest” zone, you can set up specific areas in the camera’s field of view that it should monitor for motion from people. Under the “Vehicles Area of Interest” zone, you can set up zones that the camera should monitor for vehicles while ignoring the rest. This feature can further eliminate false alarms as the camera won’t get triggered by neighboring vehicles and people.

When motion is detected, the microphone in the camera can set off one of six pre-loaded greetings. You can ring a loud siren at 115dB if you want to scare off some intruders. Or you can use one of the other features like releasing the sound of a barking dog or a preset greeting such as “I’m Busy Now.” The camera will also start recording videos automatically.

The biggest issue with motion detection is its limited range of 10 feet. As such, people will have to get pretty close to your home before the motion detection is triggered. Furthermore, at night, the motion sensitivity is even weaker so there might be a lag with the detectors.

Unlike the previously mentioned Maximus devices, the motion sensors in this one can also control the security light. You can set up the lights so that they only come on when some motion is detected. You can also set up how long after the motion detection the light should stay on. If you don’t prefer that, you can also set up specific times when the light should turn on, if you only want the light on at certain hours.

Like all the other Maximum security lights with camera, this too lacks Night Vision. As such, videos recorded in the dark under the glare of the light will be extremely dull and hazy. Since night vision is a pretty important feature to prevent burglaries and intrusions, this is a massive omission from the manufacturers.

Furthermore, Maximus Coach Black works with the same smartphone app as the others and it also functions with the same subscription packages. The free plan is extremely basic and essentially useless. If you want access to all the great motion detection features mentioned above, you’ll need to get at least an Essential Security plan. However, even with that, the yearly cost of subscription will be half the cost of the entire setup.

Pros

  • Brilliant Motion Detection features.
  • Loud alarm.
  • Lots of preset greetings.
  • 2-way microphone.
  • Simple smartphone app.
  • Smart lights can be controlled via app or motion sensors.

Cons

  • Installing the light fixture may require professional help.
  • No night vision.
  • Expensive monthly subscription plans.
  • Motion detection has a limited range of 10 feet.

4. TOUCAN Outdoor Security Camera

TOUCAN Outdoor Security Camera is a regular wireless surveillance camera that can be retrofitted to connect to an existing wall light fixture via a USB cable. There are no batteries necessary since it gets its power directly from the connected light source. Furthermore, the kit comes with a Smart Socket adapter you can use to convert the existing light fixture into a smart light. This is a pretty nifty solution because you don’t need to manually install an entire light fixture. As such, you can do it manually without professional help. Once the camera is connected to the light, you can download the Kuna Smartphone app to control it.

The Smart Socket is 3 inches long. As such, it might prove to be obtrusive or it might even be too big for your current light bulb. As such, you should ideally install this device on a large light fixture, one that can easily accommodate the socket. The camera is pretty large as well and it is clearly visible even from a distance so it definitely can’t be considered stealthy.

The smartphone app is highly functional and user-friendly. It gives you access to live streaming, a 2-way microphone, you can record videos in 720p, it has Alexa voice controls, and you can also set off an alarm at a loud 100dB volume. Like the previously mentioned Maximus devices, the TOUCAN Outdoor Security Camera also lacks dedicated Night Vision. As such, you have to record videos from the illumination of the light bulb above. To enhance visibility, make sure that you get an extremely bright light bulb with high lumens. However, even so, visibility in the dark won’t be as clear as it can be with infrared lenses.

The motion sensors in this device are pretty sensitive. Since the camera is facing outdoors, the motion sensors should be smart so they don’t get triggered by things like shaking branches and neighboring cars. The aforementioned Maximus devices had provided a pretty smart set of PIR motion sensors. However, TOUCAN’s motion sensors are pretty primitive and you’ll be riddled with false alarms. Furthermore, the light cannot be controlled through the motion sensors, though you can use the smartphone app to set up specific times when they should be activated.

TOUCAN Outdoor Security Camera also comes with subscription plans if you want to access the recorded videos for an extended period. The free version only stores videos for 2 hours. However, in this case, you can download the video even in the free version and store it in your phone so you can access it indefinitely.

Pros

  • Can be connected to an existing light source.
  • Easy installation.
  • User-friendly app.
  • Alexa voice controls enabled.
  • 2-way microphone.

Cons

  • Necessary to subscribe.
  • Motion sensors are extremely sensitive.
  • Lights can’t be controlled from the motion sensors.
  • No night vision.

5. FREECAM L910

FREECAM L910 is a floodlight smart security light with camera. The bulb is capable of producing an extremely bright 4000K warm light and consumes only 15-watts of energy. The light fixture is made of grey aluminum and the lens is located just below the light bulb. The entire system is weatherproof with an IP55 rating so it’s safe from heavy rains and sandstorms.

The camera can record videos in 1080p with a 180-degree wide angle lens. As such, there are no blind spots with this camera and you get a complete panoramic view of the surroundings. The camera also has a microphone for 2-way audio. The motion detection is fairly accurate as it is based on PIR infrared body sensors and consequently only gets triggered when an individual approaches the camera. The range of the motion detector is about 12 meters and you can also set up 64 different motion detection zones in order to demarcate areas. As such, if there’s a particular zone that registers a lot of irrelevant motion — such as a neighbor’s driveway — you can turn motion sensors off for those areas. This can drastically reduce false alarms.

The smartphone app is easy to use and all the different features can be easily navigated. The best part about FREECAM L910 is that the recorded videos can be saved to the local 16GB SD card located in the light fixture. As such, you don’t need to buy an expensive subscription for cloud storage. You can simply retrieve the videos from the SD card whenever necessary and save them in your computer. You can also check the SD card’s statistics or format it via the smartphone app. However, I would have preferred if the device could have accommodated SD cards with more space as 16GB can be filled up with just a few hours’ worth of 1080p footage.

Furthermore, like the Maximus devices mentioned before, FREECAM L910 also lacks a dedicated Night Vision. As such, you just have to record videos from the light generated by the floodlight. But since the floodlight is pretty bright, the videos are pretty clear even at night.

Pros

  • Bright LED floodlight.
  • Full HD video recording.
  • Panoramic view with no blind spots.
  • Effective motion sensors.
  • Videos can be stored in the SD card for free.

Cons

  • Only accommodates a maximum of 16GB in the SD card.
  • No night vision.

6. Netatmo Presence

Netatmo Presence is a smart 12W floodlight with camera. This is one of the most expensive floodlight cameras on the market and the added cost is completely worth it because it rectifies some of the major issues with the aforementioned cameras (while also introducing some of its own issues).

The camera records 1080p videos with a 100-degree lens angle. As such, while the video produces is extremely sharp the field of view could have been wider. As it now stands, people can potentially take advantage of the blind spots around the peripheries of the camera’s vision. The motion sensors on this device are smart and can distinguish between people, cars, animals, and objects. As such, you can set up what you want to receive an alert for and you can also set up the sensitivity so as to minimize false alarms. Only occasionally does the sensor falter and mistake an inanimate object for an individual. However, in most cases, you won’t be met with annoying false alarms.

The best feature of this camera, however, is the night vision. As you have seen, most security light cameras don’t include infrared lights in the camera because they rely on the light from the bulb to illuminate the area enough for the recording. That, however, leads to poor results. Netatmo Presence, however, has infrared night vision that with a field of vision of up to 15 meters.

You can simply store the recorded videos in the inbuilt 8GB Class 10 microSD card. However, 8GB is too little to store any more than an hour or two’s worth of 1080p footage, so you’ll have to review the SD card and save the videos often. Furthermore, the SD card cannot be upgraded so you’re stuck with only 8GB. Another major concern is that several past users have pointed out that the SD card often fails to work and the slightest of rains can ruin it.

It should also be noted that Netatmo Presence cannot live stream videos like other smart cameras. It only starts recording videos when motion detection is triggered. You also receive a smartphone alert when the motion sensors are triggered, and you can then fire up the app to view the recorded footage. For those who want the option of monitoring their camera 24/7 whenever they choose, this is not suitable.

Pros

  • Bright floodlights.
  • Full HD video recording.
  • Effective motion sensors.
  • Night Vision available.
  • Free video storage in SD card.

Cons

  • App has limited features.
  • Cannot live stream videos 24/7.
  • Len angle could have been wider.
  • SD Card cannot be upgraded.
  • Lots of complaints about the SD card malfunctioning.
  • Not adequately weatherproof.

7. SENS8 Outdoor Camera with Light

SENS8 Outdoor Camera with Light is an Alexa-enabled outdoor security light with a camera located directly under the LED bulb. The bulb is extremely bright as it can produce up to 800 lumens of light. The camera and light need to be plugged into a power outlet but they transmit information to your smartphone via WiFi, making it both wired and wireless. This means you don’t have to worry about the battery running out, but it also means installation will require using screws and drilling tools. As such, if you’re not comfortable handling hardware, you’ll need to get professional help.

One of the best aspects of this camera is that there are no subscription plans at all. All of the features and all of the recording options are available at the single upfront cost of the device. As such, the overall cost of use is considerably cheaper than many of the previously reviewed smart light products. Furthermore, this smart light doesn’t skimp out on features either.

SENS8 Outdoor Camera with Light is weather resistant with an impressive IP66 rating. It records 1080p videos with a wide 140-degree angle lens. It also comes with Night Vision, which is rare in smart light cameras, especially considering this light is already so bright. Furthermore, it has a Passive Infrared (PIR) motion sensor that can distinguish between different objects, people, cars, etc, drastically reducing false alarms.

Once the motion sensors are triggers, you will receive an alert in your phone. You can then pull up the live streaming video to take relevant actions. You can trigger the loud 95dB siren or you can use the microphone to address the people near the camera. The alarm can be set up to get triggered automatically, however, I keep it manual because I don’t want the siren going off for false alarms.

The camera also automatically starts recording videos when triggered, and all the recorded data is saved in the inbuilt 8GB SD card. If you prefer cloud storage, you can also configure the camera to upload videos directly to Dropbox or Google Drive. As such, there’s no additional cost of cloud storage, you simply have to pay for the subscriptions you might already have for Google Drive or Dropbox.

One of the best aspects of motion detection is that you can use a custom lasso tool to set up motion zones within the camera’s frame. As such, the motion sensors will only get triggered when some motion is detected within the specific motion zone. This can further reduce false alarms. Despite all of these features to mitigate false alarms, I still found that the camera often got triggered for no apparent reason as it is quite sensitive. However, it wasn’t frequent enough to be cause for alarm.

The light can be triggered either through the motion sensors or through a custom schedule. You can set up specific times when the light should turn on or off.

Pros

  • Floodlight is extremely bright.
  • No subscription plans, all features available for no additional cost.
  • IP66 rating.
  • 1080p video recording.
  • Wide angle lens.
  • Night Vision.
  • Live streaming.
  • Accurate PIR motion sensors with advanced features.
  • Recorded videos can be stored to SD card or cloud.
  • Light can be motion-triggered, manually-triggered, or schedule-triggered.

Cons

  • Installation requires professional help.
  • Needs to be connected to a power source.
  • SD card is limited and cannot be upgraded.

8. Imou Cruiser Outdoor PTZ Camera

Imou made a big statement when they unveiled the Imou Cruiser Outside PTZ Camera, their first outdoor Tilt IP and Turn camera. This is a tiny, low-cost camera with a clever mounting kit that allows it to be mounted on both the ceiling and the wall.

It comes with a variety of cool features. The camera has two white LEDs and can see in full color at night,giving it the ability toprovide four different modes. One is the Infrared Mode which incorporates Advanced Infrared algorithms that provide clear black and white images even in the dark.

The other is color mode which allows the night vision to be illuminated and viewed in full color as a result of the two built-in spotlights. This mode also provides illumination for your home’s outside. The other one is Smart mode. This mode allows one to see in black and white at night. When suspicious motion is detected, the spotlights immediately come on, providing you with a vivid full-color view.

Then there’s the Off mode. If you don’t require outside lighting at night, you may turn it off to save energy and decrease light pollution. The Imou Cruiser does support smart tracking, which means it can easily track moving objects. However, because it can track everything that moves, even a tree getting blown by the wind, it isn’t very reliable.

However, one feature I liked was that the camera always returned to its original position automatically after tracking was completed. You will not see this feature in most cheap cameras with auto tracking capabilities. However, it is not something I would suggest. 

Pros

  • Thanks to its 4-megapixel resolution, camera footage is crisper compared to other cameras with Full HD quality.
  • You may store film directly on the camera using the SD card port.
  • This camera has the ability to tilt, pan, and zoom from a distance.

Cons

  • A strong Wi-Fi signal is required where the camera will be installed. But you might have to buy a Wi-Fi extender so as to build a powerful Wi-Fi network near your camera.
  • The SD card that will be used to save the footage is not supplied by default.

9. Amcrest Floodlight Camera

Amcrest appears to have a lot going for it. The LeonLite is an impressive camera with lights, but it can’t compete with the sheer brilliance of Amcrest Floodlight Camera.

I got to enjoy the stunning full 1080p HD video at 30 frames per second (1920×1080). With an extra-wide viewing angle of 114°, one can cover all angles with this home security camera. The Floodlight Camera is equipped with a built-in speaker and microphone for two-way communication, allowing me to converse with and listen to my guests. 

This Wi-Fi camera has active counter measures such as a loud 110 decibel security siren and brilliant integrated floodlights which can be activated manually, automatically, or by motion sensors to frighten off suspected thieves. The Amcrest Smart Home software can also adjust the outside floodlight camera between automatic, manual, and motion detection mode. 

With the integrated Amcrest Smart Home app, I am able to get motion detection warnings through email or push notifications and examine recorded footage right from my smartphone. I can as ecurely save any HD footage to the Smart Home Cloud or directly into a class 10 MicroSD card with a capacity of up to 256GB for continuous recording.

What’s more is that a heavy-duty IP65 waterproof casing protects this camera from rain and dust. The added LEDs on the WiFi IP camera provide an astounding 2,000 lumens and enable one to observe crisp 1080p HD footage.

Pros

  • Exceptional bright light
  • The siren is quite loud, at 110 decibels.
  • Two-way communication

Cons

  • Amcrest Cloud is incompatible with this product.

10. Geeni Sentry Smart Floodlight Camera

The Geeni Sentry Smart Floodlight Security Camera is simple to connect into your smart home system, making it rest assured that your property or family is safe from anywhere, in real time.

You can light up the area and halt burglars with this integrated floodlight that can be activated by motion or activated by a timer, while still recording and saving footage. There’s no need for a hub with this smart floodlight security camera system because it connects to your house’s Wi-Fi. Simply install the Geeni app on your mobile device, attach your security camera, and you’re up for it. For added convenience, it also integrates with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

SENTRY is the best home security system because of its numerous unmatched features. All light and dark activities are seen as clearly as day thanks to HD night vision and photo-enhancing technology. When movement occurs, you’ll receive notifications on your phone, and then the siren alarm will sound at 100 decibels to notify neighbors and frighten intruders. Furthermore, the strong built-in microphone and loudspeaker allows you to engage or silently listen from any place, giving you complete control and security.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Two-way communication
  • Gives a large field of view
  • Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
  • Intruders are deterred by advanced security measures such as auto-activated lights and loud 100 dB alarms.

Cons

  • The unit can only be accessed via the app. There is no web page, and no existing security software to access the camera
  • Issues with the camera’s connection to the junction box.

Which Factors to Consider when Buying Smart Security Lights with Camera?

You need to consider the following factors and features when buying smart security lights with camera.

LED Bulbs

You can get smart lights with LED or CFL bulbs. LED Bulbs are more expensive than CFL bulbs, but they are a lot more cost-efficient in the long run as they consume less energy. They also last longer than CFL bulbs and thus need to be replaced with less frequency. Furthermore, LEDs are also a lot brighter than CFL bulbs.

Type of Light

You can either get general lamppost-type smart lights or floodlights.

Lamppost-style lights look like regular lamps or bulbs hanging outside your home and they provide relatively less illumination. Floodlights are pointed outwards and their intent is to throw light on those approaching the house. They are generally also brighter.

You can select the style that best suits your needs.

Video Quality

The camera in the security light should be clear enough to capture details like license plates of cars and facial details. These can prove important if you report a crime later. While outdoor security cameras aren’t usually as clear and sharp as regular Ultra HD cameras, you can get cameras that record 720p or 1080p videos. These will provide enough resolution to capture most details.

You should also focus on the video’s colors. Avoid buying cameras that can only record and transmit videos in black and white. Find one with a good color contrast so you can see details clearly. The best cameras are those that can capture over 12 million colors.

Lens Angle

Generally speaking, the wider the lens angle, the better. The width of the lens angle determines the camera’s field of view. As such, wide angles will allow you to see more of the camera’s peripheries, thereby minimizing blind spots. Most security cameras come with a lens angle range of 120-degrees to 180-degrees. The latter of these provides a complete panoramic view without any blind spots.

Motion Detection

Motion Detection is one of the most important features for both the smart light and the camera aspects of this device.

Whenever some motion is detected in the periphery of the smart security light, the floodlight should immediately turn on and the camera should start recording videos. Furthermore, the camera should also send you an alert in your smartphone so you can be immediately notified.

Motion Detection is a useful feature because it only captures the most essential details and it also saves both electricity and battery. To gauge the strength of motion detection, you need to consider two features — lags and sensitivity.

First, the motion detection should not have a considerable lag and it should record videos/ flash the light immediately upon being triggered. Second, the motion sensors should be sensitive enough to capture approaching humans but not so sensitive that they get triggered by neighbors going about their business.

Night Vision

It is absolutely essential for your smart security light with camera to have a strong Night Vision. If you’re installing a smart security light, it is probably because you want to keep an eye on your property at nights. As such, it’s important to make sure the camera has a strong enough night vision to capture details in complete dark.

The most important feature in relation to the Night Vision is the camera’s infrared feature. The number of infrared lenses will determine how clearly it can record videos in the dark. The higher the infrared lenses, the better.

Second, you should also note the camera’s LUX rating. This determines the camera’s ability to see in low-light settings. As such, it will prove useful when recording videos in evenings and early mornings. The lower the LUX rating, the better. Aim for a LUX rating of 2 or less for clarity in dim-lighting.

Two-Way Communication

Some smart security lights with camera come with a microphone for two-way communication. First, it allows you to hear what’s happening outside via the smartphone app. Second, you can use the intercom to talk to those within the camera’s range. As such, if some potential intruders are approaching your home, you can scare them away by telling them that they’re being recorded or that you’re calling the authorities.

Smartphone App

The Smart Security Light with Camera should come with an efficient and useful smartphone app as well. You will be controlling the device and monitoring it via your smartphone. As such, it should have a clear interface to control both the lights and the camera. You should also look at how many aspects of the camera you can control, such as the motion detection, pan/tilt/zoom, etc.

Storage

Some security cameras store recorded videos in local SD cards and some upload them directly to the cloud.

If the video is stored in the SD card, you’ll have to retrieve the card to download the videos to your computer and you’ll need to make sure it has enough space to hold videos. If you are recording HD videos, you’ll need at least 64GB of space.

If the video is uploaded to the cloud, you will need to simply access it from your smartphone app and view/download it. However, in this case, you will need a good internet connection so you can stream or download HD videos.

Subscription

Some smart security lights with camera only give you access to certain app features if you buy a monthly subscription. For example, they might stipulate that you can only control the camera remotely or access certain features if you have a subscription. Some of them might even prevent you from accessing the recorded videos until you buy a subscription.

If you can find a smart security light with camera that doesn’t come with subscription packages, that would be ideal. However, if you must get one with subscriptions, then study all the free features and all the paid features carefully to select one that meets your needs for the cheapest monthly fee.

Smart Home Integration

Smart Security Lights with Camera should be completely smart home integrated. Most of the smart security lights on the market can be controlled over the WiFi via smartphone apps. However, if you have a Smart Home, you should also make sure that the device you get is compatible with your specific Smart Home wireless network.

Stealth

In some of the smart security lights, the camera is positioned in such a way that it’s hidden and discreet. Upon casual inspection, one would not know that they are being recorded. Alternatively, there are also those smart lights that make it very clear that they also include a camera.

Both methods have their advantages and drawbacks. If the camera is not visible, you can record people without their complete awareness. If the camera is visible, you can scare away potential burglars and intruders because most of them target homes that aren’t secure.

Finally, whether you want the camera to be stealthy is entirely your personal choice.

Weatherproof Rating

Smart Security Lights with Camera are generally installed outdoors. As such, they are likely to be exposed to varying weather conditions, be it snow, rain, or changing temperatures. As such, you need to get a security light that is adequately weatherproof.

To determine this, you need to study the device’s IP rating. This comprises two numbers — the first digit refers to protection from solid objects like dust and debris and the second digit refers to liquids like water. The first digit should at least be ‘6’ so it can be protected against dust particles. For the second digit, ‘3’ denotes protection from rain and ‘6’ denotes protection from high-pressure underwater situations. Since your camera is unlikely to be submerged underwater, you can get a device with a weatherproof rating of IP63 or higher.

It is also important to make sure that your camera can sustain extreme temperatures, both cold and hot. Consider your geographical locations coldest and hottest temperatures during peak winters and summers. And then make sure the device’s temperature range can accommodate those degrees.

In addition to the lights and cameras, you also need to make sure that any wires used are also protected. The wires should be covered and sealed to prevent water damage and they need to be insulated against extreme temperatures.

Where to install the Smart Security Light with Camera?

When you’re installing a floodlight-style smart security light with camera, you need to take the following into consideration:

  1. The floodlights should be pointed down at a 22-degree angle so they can shine down on incoming traffic without causing momentary blindness.
  2. The lights should not point towards other neighboring homes as that would disturb them.
  3. The light should be mounted at least 9 feet off the ground. This can prevent them from being tampered with.

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you decide which is the best smart security light with camera for your specific needs. So you can go ahead sleep knowing your home will be safe.