Largely Underrated, The Best HomeKit-Enabled Security Cameras Don’t Require New Apps To Work
Finally, Apple users can have their cake and eat it too: They can automate their entire house, including their security system – with HomeKit cameras. Apple users don’t need to have a separate app or device (like an Amazon Echo for instance) to automate or have hands-free control of their home security. HomeKit cameras enable Apple users to use their existing Apple devices like a HomePod or iPad, to control their home security.
What Makes HomeKit-Enabled Security Cameras Superior?
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Can control all devices through first-party app
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Most cameras include Homekit Secure Video (HSV) protocol for encryption
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Most don’t require a separate subscription
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Can integrate with other Apple devices
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Can tap into Siri shortcuts and automation
If you’re already using an Apple TV or an iPad for your personal entertainment or convenience, you already have the hub for HomeKit cameras. And when a Hub is paired with a HomeKit camera, you gain access to some great home security features, as well as end-to-end encryption both for in-home use and when you store video up in the cloud (more on that in a moment).
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That additional encryption and security is the biggest benefit to owning a HomeKit camera. We’ve all heard the horror stories of people hacking into home security camerasbut Apple’s end-to-end encryption makes it incredibly difficult and protects you and your family from experiencing data invasion.
Logitech CircleView
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Prices: $159.23
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$160 at B&H
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Best For: Those that want the easiest, built-for-Apple security camera.
Reviews: Logitech Circle View Is The Best HomeKit Security Camera Around
Key Specs:
Why we chose it: While having a wired camera does come with inconveniences – tied to a power source and installation – it means that you never have to worry about changing out a battery or having your camera go dead.
With an IP64 waterproof rating, it works both as an indoor and outdoor camera and it’s small enough to place discretely in any place you can find power. It shoots clear 1080p video, has two-way communication and a wide 180 degree field of view that covers a lot of area.
Pros
Cons
Netatmo Outdoor HomeKit Security Camera
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Prices: $356.49
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$380 at home depot
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Best For: Those who need the best HomeKit outdoor security cam.
Read More: The Best Home Security Cameras for 2023
Key Specs:
Why We Choose It: Unlike many of the HomeKit cameras, and many other outdoor security cameras for that matter, you don’t need to subscribe to any additional plans to enjoy all of the available features on the Netatmo Outdoor Security Camera. That includes customizable recognition of people, pets and cars as well as a loud 105 dB siren to scare away intruders.
There’s also local video recording via MicroSD. Not only is this an affordable option, but also a convenient one that takes video recording safety seriously with local recording capabilities.
Pros
Cons
Eve Outdoor Cam
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Prices: $249.95
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$249 at apple
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Best For: Those who have a big yard and don’t want to worry about batteries.
Read More: Add Instant Home Security and Save Yourself Time With the Best Security Camera Light Bulbs Starting at $10
Key Specs:
Why We Choose It: This Homekit camera has a 157-degree field of view which covered the entirety of our SPY testers back yard during the review of the Eve Outdoor Cam. The video it captures is clear both during day and night, while the floodlight helps turn night video into color night vision. A lot of the camera’s capabilities are tied exclusively to HomeKit like automation, timers and facial recognition. But if you already have a HomePod, Apple TV or HomePod Mini, this outdoor HomeKit security camera has all the tools you could want.
Pros
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Unique design
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Integrated floodlight
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IR motion sensing
Cons
Eufy Security Solo IndoorCam C24
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Prices: $42.99
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$60 at walmart
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Best For: Those who want a cheaper option without needing to pay subscription fees.
Read More: The Best Security Cameras That Don’t Require a Subscription
Key Specs:
Why we chose it: At under $50, this indoor Homekit camera is a solid option. It’s $100 less than the Logitech Circle View, yet still sports sharp 2K video, two-way audio and night vision. And if you decide to move away from HomeKit to another AI like Amazon Alexa or Google, it supports that as well. There is local video storage, but for cloud storage, the camera does require a Eufy subscription.
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Logitech Circle View Wired Doorbells
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Prices: $199.99
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$200 at B&H
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Best For: Modern homeowners who want a feature-rich doorbell with a design to match.
Read More: Apple’s New HomePod Smart Speaker Can Now Alert You When It Hears Alarms and Sirens in Your Home
Key Specs:
Why We Choose It: The Logitech Circle View Wired Doorbell requires installation and connection to your existing doorbell wires, but the advantage there is that you never have to worry about charging the battery, which we had to do about every three months with the Wyze Doorbell Pro when we reviewed it.
This video doorbell comes with a lot of features including head-to-toe video – great for seeing packages left on the porch – color night vision, and facial recognition, but like the Eve Outdoor Cam, it requires having a hub device like a HomePod and an iCloud+ plan.
Pros
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Ecobee Indoor WiFi HomeKit Security Camera
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Prices: $98.68
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$100 at bestbuy
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Best For: Those with an Ecobee thermostat and want an additional secure temperature sensor.
Read More: The Best Places To Install Home Security Cameras (And Where You Should Never Put Them)
Key Specs:
Why We Choose It: This indoor HomeKit camera works great as a standalone indoor camera and as part of a full home security system. It has a wide 180-degree field of view as well as night vision and two-way communication so you can talk to your family or pets while you’re away.
In a security bundle with Ecobee, the camera will automatically turn on and off when the alarm system is armed/disarmed and shuts off automatically when the family is home to maintain privacy. It also doubles as a smoke detector, which is a cool extra feature.
Pros
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Eufy Cam 2 Pro Wireless Home Security Camera System
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Prices: $599.99
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Best For: Homeowners looking for a system to cover more of their property.
Read More: Eufy Launches a New, 4G-Enabled Security Camera That Works (Almost) Anywhere
Key Specs:
Why we chose it: This camera bundle can completely protect the outside of your home with HomeKit compatible cameras. With clear 2K video (1080p if you’re viewing in HomeKit), and night vision, the cameras remain clear at all times.
It’s a wireless system with strong battery life that can last up to a year without a charge and all of your video footage records locally, so it doesn’t require any subscription to cloud services, which is convenient and cost effective.
Pros
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Aqara Security Camera Hub G2H
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Prices: $77.99 $69.99
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$70 at home depot
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Best For: Those with other Aqara or Zigbee-enabled devices.
Read More: Spend Less, Worry Less With Aqara Smart Home Security Devices
Key Specs:
Why We Choose It: More than a HomeKit camera, the Aqara Security Camera Hub can also serve as a hub for other Zigbee devices, much like your Echo can for Alexa devices. Speaking of home integration, beyond HomeKit it is also compatible with Google, Amazon, and IFTTT devices, so if you switch smart home services, you won’t have to replace this camera. The camera itself has HD resolution (1080p), night vision, and you can set high activity zones to reduce the amount of trigger notifications you receive.
Pros
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Integrated Zigbee hubs
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Budget-friendly
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Works with IFTTT
Cons
Eve Cam HomeKit Indoor Camera
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Prices: $183.98
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$149 at apple
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Best For: Those who want a simple HomeKit security camera.
Read More: The 7 Best Security Cameras with Privacy Shutters to Respect Your Privacy
Key Specs:
Why We Choose It: One of the main advantages of HomeKit, and all Apple products for that matter, is the personal data security. The end-to-end encryption provides peace of mind that others can’t hack into your video stream.
Beyond enhancing data security, the camera produces full HD video quality with a 150 degree field of view on a base that can rotate 360 degrees. It can also differentiate between people and pets. But like the Eve Outdoor Cam, you’ll need a subscription to a 200GB Apple iCloud storage plan to access all of the features.
Pros
Cons
Wemo Smart Video Doorbell
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Prices: $240.14
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$220 at B&H
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Best For: Those who have a lot of visitors or packages coming to their door.
Read More: The Best Video Doorbells Without a Subscription Lets You Save Events For Free
Key Specs:
Why We Choose It: The Wemo Smart Video Doorbell is an excellent option for HomeKit users, offering impressive specifications and a sleek design that outshine many other smart doorbells. Its vertically-oriented camera provides a wide field of view, making it easy to spot anything left on your doorstep.
In addition, HomeKit’s ability to recognize visitors from your photos puts it ahead of other smart doorbells. While there are some minor limitations with its fish-eye lens and night vision, these are outweighed by the doorbell’s overall performance and convenience.
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How We Choose The Best HomeKit Security Cameras
You already have a HomePod, Apple TV or iPad, so now it’s time to find the best HomeKit Camera for you. Here are some of the criteria we used to determine HomeKit cameras worthy of your hard earned dollars:
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Video Resolution – All of the cameras below will at least capture 1080p video.
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Night Visions – All of the cameras below have night vision while some even produce color night vision.
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Additional Features – We looked for cameras with features like facial recognition or customizable activity zones to provide a more streamlined home security experience (and one that doesn’t bug you with unworthy notifications).
Apple Users, it’s time to automate your home security via HomeKit. Below you’ll find the best HomeKit cameras that come in the form of indoor, outdoor and even video doorbells.
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