This Arlo Pro 5-camera system includes wall mounting and screws, rechargable batteries and a base station with built-in siren. It's expected to be available at a 38% discount now through July 16 at 11:59PM Pacific. Arlo via Amazon
Does it work with smart home platforms? If so, do the smart features work well together?
Nowadays, home security cameras are expected to work with at least one major smart home platform. Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit are the main ones you need to look for. Apple Home app support is usually the hardest to find.
How's the live view?
Wireless security cameras and video doorbells are often exposed to direct sunlight, weather and other natural elements, but many others are installed under porches, near shady trees and in all sorts of other settings. The camera must have crisp, clear video footage or even night vision so you don't get stuck with grainy and unusable footage.
Installation
Wireless camera installation is typically with a screwed-in mount. Some use adhesive, but that works best in mild weather and smoother surfaces, which are often in short supply outdoors, so take that option with a grain of salt. Don't drill into anything that you want to keep safe from moisture unless you're willing to carefully caulk the edges of the cam, too.
Local vs. cloud storage
Not all video storage is equal. You have two main options and picking one is up to your personal preference. There's cloud storage, which sends your video footage to a remote server to be saved, and local storage, which relies on a separate accessory or piece of hardware, usually a microSD card, to hold any footage you'd like to save.
Usually, cloud storage requires a monthly fee, and companies typically reserve the right to share that footage with others in case of emergencies, such as an FBI search. But it's very easy to manage and you don't have to be at home to change it. Local storage is cheaper but more limited by how much a storage card can hold, and may not have the same history or analysis options of cloud data.
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