light reflection/absorption. Thats where the camera was aimed, however, so I ended up delivering a package to myself by placing a large shipping box in my driveway. Use simple voice commands to activate camera features with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This device can be added to the LSHSC along with other indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi cameras, video doorbells, floodlight cameras, and alarm sensors.
For instructions, see here. For my latest obsessions, follow me on I agree with the Lorex Privacy Policy and Terms of use. Other features include full 1080p HD recording, a remotely triggered siren, two-way audio, and infrared night vision. The physical camera can also be adjusted vertically and horizontally, a handy feature in today's limited real estate spaces. It features an IP65 weather-resistance certification, which means it can withstand all kinds of weather conditions, such as rain and snow. (The other cameras use either their image sensors or infrared sensors to detect motion.) I lived with each camera for at least two weeks, observing video quality and alert accuracy. FREE Sensor Kit with Any IP, Analog or Fusion System. Capture important details with real-time 30 fps (frames-per-second) full 1080p HD resolution recording. I tried it out using my Amazon Echo Show smart display and it worked very well, loading the live video feed quickly and letting me speak to visitors with ease. Photo: Daniel Wroclawski/Consumer Reports. As for data privacy and security, other Ring cameras and doorbells weve formally tested to date have ratings of Good or Fair for data privacy and Very Good for data security. Audio recording without consent is illegal in certain jurisdictions. I installed a prerelease press sample of the new Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro for my early review. Sure, its not as feature-rich (for example, it lacks AI alerts for people, vehicles, etc.). Apple, the Apple logo and AppleTV are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Top-rated models include cameras from Arlo, Google Nest, and Ring, and video doorbells from Google Nest, Logitech, and SimpliSafe. Price: $180Where to buy: Amazon, Eufy, Lowes, Target, and Walmart.Available colors: Black or white.Free video storage: 4GB of local storage.Storage subscriptions: None.Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant. Wireless cameras are often battery powered, smaller, and less noticeable. It contains infrared LEDs that allows the camera to see up to 50ft (15m) in the dark. Google, Google Home, Google Play, Google Play logo, Google Assistant logo and Chromecast are trademarks of Google Inc. In our previous lab tests, other Eufy cameras and doorbells received ratings of Fair or Good for data privacy and Good or Very Good for data security. This helps to reduce false alarms from other moving objects. *Requires Gen 4 or newer Apple TV with support for App Store. Return for any reason within 30 days of delivery. Because Amazon owns Ring, it comes as no surprise that the floodlight camera works with Amazon Alexa for voice control and even lets you use two-way audio via your Alexa smart speaker or display to, say, yell at raccoons rummaging through your garbage cans. Liquid error (sections/header.liquid line 407): Could not find asset snippets/recover_customer_password--header.liquid, 2K Pan-Tilt Outdoor Wi-Fi Security Camera, California Transparency in Supply Chains Act, 2 2000 lumens light arrays for optimal light coverage, LED floodlight can activate when motion is detected, manually, or on a schedule, See more with 1080p resolution and a wide 137 diagonal Field of View (114 horizontal), No monthly fee for video recording, storage and photo capturing, Includes a 32 GB microSD card. But Ring has taken some heat from privacy advocates for its partnerships with local police departments. I also tried out their Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant integrations, which let me view video feeds and, in some cases, speak with visitors via Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub smart displays. Now in its third generation, Rings new floodlight camera features a number of improvements, such as radar-equipped 3D Motion Detection, high dynamic range (HDR) video with color night vision, and better WiFi connectivity. When I'm not writing about products, I spend time either outside hiking and skiing or up in the air in small airplanes. Keep in mind that a Ring Protect subscription is required for cloud video storage and person detection (see above for pricing). The Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera is the most versatile of the bunch, thanks in part to its multiple power options. This product evaluation is part of Consumer Reports Outside the Labs reviews program, which is separate from our laboratory testing and ratings. So no matter where you live, the weather won't interfere with your camera's performance. I placed a large box in the driveway and moved it around, but the camera never recognized it. As a result, the Eufy is best suited for replacing existing floodlights, while the Arlo and Ring are better suited for renters, or if you want to place a floodlight in an area where one isnt already present. The Wi-Fi floodlight camera works 24/7. The Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro (thats a mouthful!) Photo: Daniel Wroclawski/Consumer Reports. I then bought another for this evaluation to confirm that the sample functioned the same as a consumer unit. Good ValueEufy Floodlight CameraPrice: $180Where to buy: Amazon, Eufy, Lowes, Target, and Walmart.Free video storage: 4GB of local storage.Storage subscriptions: None.What we like: Recordings are stored in the cameras internal memory; no recurring fee required.What we dont like: It doesnt offer as many smart features as other models. If your house has floodlights, odds are theyre placed in areas that are also ideal mounting spots for security cameras: hardwired for power, high above the ground and facing open areas like yards and driveways that you want to keep an eye on. 100% of the fees we collect are used to support our nonprofit mission. In motion-triggered mode, the lights will automatically turn on when the passive infrared (PIR) sensor detects movement. Once it was up and running, however, the Arlo outshined the other floodlight cameras. Local storage also means no monthly fees and total privacy.
The Wi-Fi Floodlight camera is designed for the outdoors. As a group, the cameras worked quite well, providing outdoor lighting in line with traditional floodlights, as well as video recordings and motion detection on a par with regular wireless security cameras. This floodlight camera is installed using your existing light fixture wiring, so it stays powered 24/7 without ever having to recharge batteries. For the battery-powered Arlo floodlight, I purchased a third-party mount to attach it to the gutter over my garage. Conveniently use the existing wiring from your previous floodlight or outdoor house light. (The cameras use algorithms to tell if a person, animal, or vehicle is in the video.). (I reached out to Arlo about this problem and was told that a rep was going to help troubleshoot it. All three feature full HD (or better) security cameras with bright 2,000 to 3,000 lumen floodlights (a typical household lightbulb is 800 lumens), built-in sirens, and two-way audio for speaking with visitors, and come in black or white finishes. For more information about current smart home integrations, visit our Smart Home Guide. The two LED floodlights can be independently adjusted vertically and horizontally, so you can create a customized area where you want each floodlight to fall. They will then automatically turn off after the designated duration. Apps are protected with end-to-end data encryption. Ill update this article once thats done.)
This app allows you to view live or recorded video from virtually anywhere in the world, talk through the camera, program warning lights, activate the siren, and receive instant push notifications for motion activity. I couldnt get the camera to complete the process because of a failed firmware update and ended up having to call Arlo support. Continuous video recording costs $10 per month for 14 days or $20 per month for 30 days.Works with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit/Siri (with Arlo Pro Smart Hub, sold separately), Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings. Those are the cameras I focused on for this review. Fortunately, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS dont leave packages in my driveway, where theyd likely become speed bumps. I also purchased the battery-powered Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera and the Eufy Floodlight Camera. Please enter your email address to be added to the Lorex mailing list. For more details on installation and setup, video quality, and smart features, click on the links for my in-depth reviews of each camera. Supports up to 256 GB microSD storage, Built-in mic and speaker for 2-way talk. It can be set to activate on motion or triggered remotely from your Lorex Home App. There are three ways of activating the floodlights: motion, on a schedule, or manually. The floodlight cam can be mounted to a round outdoor electrical box. And as a bonus, you can control your floodlight from your phone or smart speaker. If youre in the market for regular wireless security cameras or video doorbells, see our comprehensive home security camera ratings. Spend $100.00 more and get free shipping! There were a few features, such as the Arlos package detection, that required a bit of staging on my part to properly evaluate. But it costs about $70 less, offers great video quality, and comes with the basic features of the Arlo and Ring models, which will cover most consumers needs, such as monitoring zones for blocking motion alerts from certain areas (say, a busy street or sidewalk) and voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Editors ChoiceArlo Pro 3 Floodlight CameraPrice: $250Where to buy: Amazon, Arlo, Best Buy, Lowes, and Target.Free video storage: Three-month trial of 30-day storage plan.Storage subscriptions: $3 to $20 per month.What we like: Its ability to detect people, animals, and vehicles.What we dont like: Its outdoor power cord is sold separately and costs $50. Floodlight cameras tend to provide broader, brighter light, and theyre ideal for monitoring a large, well-trafficked area like a driveway or yard. With its 137 diagonal field of view, your Wi-Fi floodlight camera can cover areas of your property that an ordinary camera cannot otherwise accomplish. The only hiccup: The camera never detected packages. As part of our deterrence system, the Wi-Fi floodlight camera is equipped with a microphone and built-in speaker so you can hear your camera's surroundings and speak through it to people on the other end. Good Hardwired OptionRing Floodlight Cam Wired ProPrice: $250Where to buy: Amazon, Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowes, and Ring.Free video storage: One-month trial of 60-day storage plan.Storage subscriptions: $3 to $10 per month or $30 to $100 per year.What we like: The straightforward setup process and reliable motion detection.What we dont like: It lacks object detection for vehicles, animals, and packages. This Wi-Fi floodlight security camera is equipped with a wide angle lens that is ideal for monitoring large areas or doorways. In my at-home evaluation, the Ring floodlight camera captured detailed, crisp video (though the clips sometimes looked oversaturated) and very accurate motion detection, thanks to the cameras radar-based 3D Motion Detection system. For more information, see our guide on what to do if the police ask for your recordings. Safe Summer Activities for Kids During the Pandemic, What You Need to Know About Bug Spray for Kids, Best Cooling Mattress Toppers From Consumer Reports' Tests, what to do if the police ask for your recordings. That said, there were some clear differences between these models, and one might be a better fit for your house than another. Read our full at-home review of the Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro. We respect your privacy. Spotlight cameras can be a great option if youre looking to keep watch over a small area, and they can be easier to install because most run off battery power. It can run off either a rechargeable battery or plug-in power cord, sold separately for $50, which connects to the bottom of the camera and can run up to 25 feet to connect to an outlet. Amazon, Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Read our full at-home review of the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera. Actual range and image clarity depends on installation location, viewing area and Facebook and This will also serve as an important deterrent for any unwanted visitors detected on your property. They can be a better option in places where you dont need a powerful light turning on every time a person or animal passes by, and theyre easier to set up. The Arlo is the only option that can run off either a rechargeable battery or an optional power cord (provided you have an outlet nearby). The Eufy Floodlight Camera offers one key feature the other two cameras lack: It stores all video footage locally on the device, which means there are no recurring monthly fees. Which Brands Make the Most Reliable Appliances? We didnt run any of these floodlight cameras through our data privacy and security tests, but its worth noting that other Arlo cameras and doorbells weve tested have received ratings of only Fair for data privacy but Excellent for data security. Capture only the most important moments thanks to the Passive Infrared (PIR) motion detector. Price: $250Where to buy: Amazon, Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowes, and Ring.Available colors: Black or white.Free video storage: One-month trial of 60 day storage plan.Storage subscriptions: $3 per month (or $30 per year) for one camera for 60 days of storage, or $10 per month (or $100 per year) for unlimited cameras.Works with: Amazon Alexa. The camera is equipped with dual LED floodlights that can produce a total of 4,000 lumens together. One important note: In May 2021 Eufy had a security issue where its users were able to access cameras owned by other Eufy users. If youd like to learn more about the criteria for our lab testing, please go to theResearch and Testingpage on our website. Photo: Daniel Wroclawski/Consumer Reports A wide-angle lens also provides you with more security coverage and helps with earlier detections. While the products or services mentioned in this article may not currently be in CRs ratings, they might eventually be tested in our laboratories and rated according to an objective, scientific protocol. The Wi-Fi floodlight camera comes with dedicated local storage. (The Arlo comes with a screw-in mount, but Im trying to reduce the number of holes I put in my houses siding for these types of reviews.) I tried three popular models from Arlo, Eufy, and Ring to see which one is the best driveway security guard. Twitter (@danwroc). With most floodlight cameras, you have to shut off the power at your breaker box, get up on a ladder, remove the old floodlight, and wire in the new fixture (or call an electrician to do it for you). The dual LED lights can produce a total of 4,000 lumens, which is more than enough to illuminate your front door, garage, or backyard during the night. Combine security and lighting with a 1080p Wi-Fi Floodlight Camera. Thats why floodlight security cameras are such a compelling option. It offered crisp, clear video footage and fairly accurate motion detection with helpful AI-based alerts for people, animals, and vehicles. This built-in sensor has a 270 horizontal field of view and is designed to sense the infrared energy that eminates from people, animals, or vehicles. All you have to do is plug them in or charge up the battery, connect them to WiFi, and youre ready to go. I'm obsessed with smart home tech and channel my obsession into new stories for Consumer Reports. delivered the smoothest experience of the three floodlight cameras, especially when it came to setup, but it doesnt offer as wide an array of features as the Arlo. It can also connect to your pre-existing standard junction box. Use it with Chromecast or Firestick to monitor your security camera footage on a larger screen. * Lorex products are designed for consumer and business use only and not for US federal governments, federally-funded projects or contractors subject to NDAA. Get fast access to you Wi-Fi camera with hands-free voice control. This feature is controlled through the Lorex Home app and can add valuable evidence (like voices) should an incident occur.2. When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. Lorex Technology does not assume liability for any use of its product that fails to conform with local laws. Setup this Wi-Fi floodlight camera with quick and easy installation process. This Wi-Fi floodlight camera works with our easy-to-use Lorex Home app. Local storage also means no additional storage fees after purchase. But the rep was helpful and walked me through resetting the camera and running the setup process again. You also have the option to activate the floodlights manually or on a schedule through the Lorex Home app. The floodlight camera also includes a deterrence siren to ward off any unwanted visitors. This floodlight camera must be set up first on the Lorex Home App before adding to the Lorex Home Center. Make sure to upgrade the camera to the latest firmware via the App. Learn more. You can also download the Lorex Home app on your Apple TV* to view live video in single or multiple feeds, or playback recorded footage. It gave me the most headaches, though, specifically during setup. The Ring model can either be installed into an outdoor-rated electrical box or run off a power cord, while the Eufy can only be installed into an electrical box. Local recording protects privacy and saves money. All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story. Our Outside the Labs reviews are performed at home and in other native settings by individuals, including our journalists, with deep subject matter experience or knowledge and are designed to offer another important perspective for consumers as they shop.
To test these cameras, I installed them over my garage to keep watch over my driveway and front yard. The company says that only 712 people were affected and that its working to put additional safeguards in place to prevent future problems. Read on for summaries of my experiences with these floodlight cameras. Like all CR evaluations of products and services, our Outside the Labs reviews are independent and free from advertising. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.
For the hardwired Eufy and Ring models, I rotated them through the standard electrical box that typically houses my own floodlight camera over my driveway and front yard. Spread out payments with easy financing options. Listen or talk directly to anyone on your property using the Lorex Home App, Conveniently use the existing wiring from your previous floodlight or outdoor house light, Stated IR illumination range is based on ideal conditions in typical outdoor nighttime ambient lighting (up to 50ft/15m). This way you can be the first to know about the best deals, new products, and upcoming events. Floodlight cameras are different from conventional outdoor security cameras, though theyre frequently made by the same companies. Read our full at-home review of the Eufy Floodlight Camera. The microSD card slot is located right in the camera body and can be retrieved if needed. Price: $250Where to buy: Amazon, Arlo, Best Buy, Lowes, and Target.Available colors: Black or white.Free video storage: Three-month trial of 30-day storage plan.Storage subscriptions: $3 per month for 30 days of cloud storage for motion-triggered video clips and smart alerts for one camera, $10 per month for unlimited cameras, or $15 per month for unlimited cameras with emergency response. In addition to floodlight cameras, youll see a number of spotlight cameras on the market, some made by the same manufacturers. Keep in mind that an Arlo Secure subscription is required for cloud video storage and certain features, such as the AI-based alerts. Or if you opt for Rings $20 plug-in mount (which comes with a 20-foot power cord), you can install it wherever theres a nearby outlet. You get a camera, floodlight, and siren in one package and, in most cases, you dont have to worry about recharging batteries every few weeks or months like you do with other types of outdoor wireless security cameras.