8 Best Security Cameras in Australia (2024)

8 Best Security Cameras in Australia (2024)

. 13 min read

Security cameras are an unavoidable necessity. They deter criminals and help law enforcement in the investigation of a crime. However, choosing which model best suits your home or business can be challenging, with the numerous options and models available on the Australian market.

Below, we simplify that process by covering some of the best surveillance cameras available. We'll start with a quick summary of our top picks, then deep-dive into individual product reviews before discussing a buying guide to help you make a more informed decision. Ready? Let's get to it.

Our Top Picks

In a hurry? No problem. Here are the best three security cameras in Australia:

Google Nest Cam

Best overall security camera with 130° field of view, IP54 waterproof rating, 1080p resolution, 6x digital zoom, and HDR night vision.

Arlo Pro 4

Best outdoor security camera with 160° field of view, IP65 waterproof rating, 2K resolution, built-in alarm, and local and cloud storage support.

Xiaomi Mi 360 Home

Best corded electric indoor security camera with 115° field of view, IP65 waterproof rating, 2K resolution, and infrared night vision.


Top 8 Security Cameras for Australian Homes and Offices

Let’s take a closer look at the ins and outs of each option to help you identify the ideal fit for your home or business. Our review and analysis offer a comprehensive overview of what to expect; features, pros, and cons.

1. Google Nest Cam

Best Overall Security Camera

Google Nest Cam
Google Nest Cam
Field of view: 130-degree
Power source: Battery powered
Waterproof rating: IP54
Resolution: 1080p

The Google Nest Cam is an excellent security camera for use indoors and outdoors. It is a battery-powered security camera that also offers video recordings and event video history, which is accessible on the Google Home app. However, to store more than the free three-hour period Nest Cam provides, you must subscribe to Google's Nest Aware subscription, which offers up to 60 days of stored event history and other features.

Google's Nest Cam rotates at 130° diagonally and offers a 6× digital zoom. It has a 1080p HD video camera with night vision and a motion alert system that can tell between familiar and unfamiliar faces. Nest Cam also features two-way audio communication that allows you to conversate with visitors or family outside the home or office.

Being IP54, it is weather-resistant, offering protection against dust and water splashes. However, it is not fully waterproof and can be damaged if immersed in water or exposed to heavy rains. The high-end security camera is compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon's Alexa-enabled devices. On purchase, you get 12 months of warranty, a power adaptor, and a charging cable.

Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Convenient remote surveillance
  • Rotates and offers 6x digital zoom
  • Two-way audio communication for conversating
  • Night vision with HDR

Cons

  • Requires subscription for 24/7 video storage

Check Price

2. Arlo Pro 4

Best Outdoor Security Camera

Arlo Pro 4 Wire-Free Spotlight Camera
Arlo Pro 4 Wire-Free Spotlight Camera
Field of view: 160 degrees
Power source: Battery powered
Waterproof rating: IP65
Resolution: 2K

Arlo Pro 4 is Arlo's best-selling security camera model. It's completely wireless and comes with a rechargeable battery. Thus, you can mount it anywhere without worrying about proximity to the nearest electrical outlet. Combined with a waterproof lens and IP65-certified weatherproof housing, the Arlo Pro 4 is an excellent device for outdoor security.

The surveillance camera also supports local and cloud storage with an Arlo Smart subscription, which must be renewed to maintain its smart features. The camera on the Arlo Pro 4 has smart motion detection, motion tracking, and colour night vision functionalities. It also has a customisable alarm system that triggers when certain rules are met. And like most security cameras on our list, the Arlo Pro 4 is compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon's Alexa.

Arlo's Pro 4 security camera has two-way audio communication that allows you to hear and speak to visitors. Its notification system also allows you to personalise what you get notified for and create custom activity zones to ensure you only get alerts for what matters. Home and office owners looking to get the device must choose between one to four camera models.

Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Robust build quality
  • Built-in alarm
  • Supports local and cloud storage

Cons

  • Cloud service requires subscription

Check Price

3. Ring Stick Up Cam Battery

Best Security Camera for Alexa

Ring Stick Up Cam Battery
Ring Stick Up Cam Battery
Field of view: 130-degree
Power source: Battery/PoE/Solar
Waterproof rating: IPX5
Resolution: 1080p

The Ring Stick Up Camera comes in three different variations—the Stick Up Cam Battery, Stick Up Cam Elite, and the Stick Up Cam Solar. While these variations have similar specifications, their power source differentiates them. The Stick Up Cam Battery is battery-powered, while the Elite and Solar models are powered by Power Over Ethernet (PoE) and solar panels.

For the Battery powered model, you also decide between a battery pack that requires replacement intermittently or a standard power outlet that offers an uninterrupted power supply. But whichever you choose has all the essential features you require to stay safe; motion-activated notifications, 1080p HD video, colour night vision, and two-way talk with noise cancellation.

You also get record and capture functionality, people-only mode, live preview, and compatibility with Amazon's Alexa and Ring App. Ring's Stick Up Cam rotates up to 130° diagonally, 110° horizontally, and 57° vertically. On purchase, you get a 12-month limited warranty with theft protection on purchase.

Pros

  • Versatile mounting options
  • Works with Google Assistant and Alexa
  • Has motion-activated notifications
  • Offers wide field of view for better coverage
  • Ring app and camera connect seamlessly

Cons

  • Two-way talk not very audible
  • Limited features without subscription

Check Price

4. Eufy Anker eufyCam 2C Pro

Best Security Camera for Apple Homekit

Eufy Anker eufyCam 2C Pro
Eufy Anker eufyCam 2C Pro
Field of view: 135-degree
Power source: Battery powered
Waterproof rating: IP67
Resolution: 2K

The Eufy Anker eufyCam 2C Pro comes in a 3-camera kit, a homebase, and a sleek white design that seamlessly blends into any home environment. Its metal construction adds a premium touch, and the compact dimensions make it easy to mount securely. The surveillance camera also offers a 2K resolution with clarity and detail and features a 180-day battery life per charge.

Eufy's security camera has a smart detection zone and night vision functionality. The wireless design eliminates the need for complicated wiring, and the HomeKit integration streamlines control through the Apple ecosystem. More impressive, the surveillance device uses AES-128 data encryption to ensure the privacy of your footage during transmission and storage.

The EufyCam 2C Pro also seamlessly integrates with Amazon Alexa, providing complete control over your surveillance system. The two-way audio feature enables real-time communication with anyone approaching your home. This, combined with a weatherproof rating of IP67, exceptional battery life, and commitment to privacy, makes the EufyCam 2C Pro an excellent investment.

Pros

  • Apple homekit compatibility
  • Up to three months of local storage
  • Easy to customise detection zones
  • Advanced AES-128 data encryption

Cons

  • Pricey

Check Price

5. Xiaomi Mi 360 Home

Best Indoor Security Camera

Xiaomi MI Home Security Camera
Xiaomi MI Home Security Camera
Field of vision: 115-degree
Power source: Corded electric
Waterproof rating: IP65
Resolution: 2K

The new Xiaomi Mi 360 is an innovative and effective solution for a secure, worry-free home. The device has many useful functionalities. For starters, the camera on the Mi 360 security device is a 2K ultra-clear HD camera, which allows it to screen and capture high-quality and detailed images. It also includes an F1.4 aperture lens and night vision technology for great details in low-light environments.

The surveillance device can be set up easily by scanning a QR code from your phone. You can also use the moveable lens on the device to get a complete 360-degree view of your home. You also get two-way communication capabilities that support two-way real-time voice calling and smart motion detection.

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Note:

The Xiaomi Mi is available in two versions. One records in Full HD (1080p), while the other offers an upgraded resolution of 2K (2304 × 1296). Make sure to check the specific model before buying to ensure it meets your needs.

If you are looking for an economical option that doesn't compromise on quality, choose the Xiaomi Mi 360. It's a great indoor security camera with essential technological features, support for remote viewing on multiple devices, 16× speed playback, and a MicroSD card slot that supports between 16GB and 64GB storage cards.

Pros

  • Easy to set up
  • Good for indoor use
  • Playback video footage via app
  • Good quality infrared night vision
  • Supports MicroSD card storage

Cons

  • Limited motion detection controls
  • Doesn’t support cloud backup

Check Price

Best Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Security Camera

Reolink RLC-811A
Reolink RLC-811A
Field of view: 105-degree
Power source: Power Over Ethernet (PoE)
Waterproof rating: IP66
Resolution: 4K 

The Reolink RLC-811A is a high-quality PoE bullet security camera that’s paired with advanced recording technology. It transmits videos and provides power without a local wall outlet in the same spot as the camera. This provides greater flexibility and allows for multiple camera placement options.

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What is PoE?

Power Over Ethernet (PoE) allows Ethernet cables to transmit data and power simultaneously using a single network cable. This is useful for deploying powered devices in locations that lack electrical circuitry. It also eliminates the need for additional electrical wiring, thus reducing installation costs.

You can use the camera with the Reolink app/client, which features a built-in siren and spotlight. The surveillance camera's live view loads quickly on the app, allowing you to pause, take a snapshot, listen in, or record the view on the app. Likewise, you can change the quality of the live view from full resolution to balanced or fluent.

Besides Reolink RLC-811A's high-quality resolution, you also get a time-lapse functionality, two-way audio, motion detection, full-colour night vision with spotlight of up to 30 m, and a 5× optical zoom that lets you adjust the camera’s field of view.

Pros

  • Quality video streaming
  • PoE offers multiple camera placement options
  • Live view loads fast on the app
  • Compatible with Google Assistant
  • Expandable microSD card storage

Cons

  • Has a narrow field of view

Check Price

7. Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro

Best Floodlight Security Camera

Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro
Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro
Field of view: 140-degree
Power source: Hardwired
Waterproof rating: IP56
Resolution: 1080p

The Floodlight Cam Wired Pro can monitor and protect large areas. It offers HD video, a powerful alarm, two-way talk, and automated recording. The camera has motion-activated floodlights that illuminate your home and act as a deterrent to potential intruders and thieves. Coupled with customised motion zones and a 140-degree viewing angle, the camera ensures excellent nighttime protection.

Ring's Floodlight Cam Wired Pro boasts a 110-decibel siren and two-way talk that help chase away intruders. The surveillance camera also works with the Ring app, allowing you control from your tablet and phone. You can customise the settings to get accurate motion detection alerts, make changes to important security options, and save videos through the Ring App.

The Floodlight Cam Wired Pro also features 3D motion detection with radar technology that lets you customise motion zones up to 9 m away to know when someone steps onto your property and compatibility with Alexa.

Pros

  • Motion-activated floodlights
  • Quality colour night vision
  • Sharp HDR 1080p video quality
  • Sends accurate motion alerts
  • Reliable motion tracking

Cons

  • Limited features without subscription
  • No support for Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant

Check Price

8. EZVIZ CB8 3MP

Best Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) Security Camera

EZVIZ CB8 3MP
EZVIZ CB8 3MP
Field of view: 360-degree
Power source: Battery powered
Waterproof rating: IP65
Resolution: 2K

The EZVIZ CB8 3MP is an advanced pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) security camera for outdoor use. It features a wide-angle lens with a 340-degree pan and 65-degree tilt capability for a comprehensive view of your home. The PTZ design works in tandem with the 2K resolution to provide you with high-quality pictures with striking details.

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What is PTZ?

Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) are cameras equipped with motorised mechanisms that enable horizontal panning, vertical tilting, and zooming functionalities. These cameras provide a wide range of motion, allowing you to remotely control the camera lens's direction and field of view.

The EZVIZ CB8 surveillance camera features colour night vision, and built-in spotlights provide vivid colour imaging in the dark. You also get a smart human detection feature that automatically triggers tracking and recording when it detects motion and a prompt EZVIZ App notification of any break-ins. The security camera is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant.

EZVIZ CB8's 210-day battery life is remarkable for a wireless security camera. The 10400mAH battery capacity ensures uninterrupted surveillance and an excellent two-way talk feature while ensuring the device's alarm and spotlights provide immediate on-site deterrence when it detects a moving person.

Pros

  • PTZ design has no blind spots
  • Incredibly long battery life
  • Provides great colour imaging at night
  • Spotlights and an alarm with a siren provide active defence
  • Has superior weather protection

Cons

  • Liable to high command latency

Check Price


Our Review Process

Our Security Camera Review Process
How We Reviewed the Best Security Cameras

Our search, review, and evaluation of the best security camera in Australia was extensive. Our team of experts spent hours researching and testing the best security and surveillance cameras on the Australian market before shortlisting our final eight recommendations.

We also considered expert reviews, consulted various customer reviews (positive and negative), and researched camera specs and industry standards. Other important things we looked at include:

  • Wired vs. wireless setups
  • Ease of camera and smartphone app setup
  • Responsiveness of the smartphone app
  • Compatibility with smart home systems
  • Image and video quality during the day and at night
  • Reliability in detecting motion
  • The ability to alert the user in a timely manner
  • Ease of customisation and smart features

Battery-powered models got extra credit during our rankings. However, we couldn’t dismiss some high-quality PoE and hardwired security cameras' impressive performance and reliability.

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Wireless vs. Wired Setup?

While wireless setups for security cameras are easier, non-WiFi security setups are more reliable and have more advanced features. Most wired options also beat wireless security cameras in one or another aspect. However, there are high-quality wireless options that are excellent as well. You will find many more wired types that you can go for.

If wiring is the setup you are after, you should consider hiring a local company that provides a security camera installation service; many electricians will also provide this service. Unlike wireless setups requiring little expertise, you may need the assistance of a professional to ensure that your security cameras are set up correctly with wired camera options.

Best Security Camera Buyer’s Guide

How to Choose the Best Security Camera
How to Choose the Best Security Camera

Having the best security camera for your office or home starts with knowing what to look for. In this section, we’ll cover the most important tips that will help you choose the best option.  

#1 - Storage Options

Where does your video footage get stored? Most security cameras you will come across on the market have local storage, which is usually free. However, some security camera brands like Arlo and Ring use cloud storage, which requires a subscription.

#2 - Indoor/Outdoor Capable

Another important consideration is related to the indoor and outdoor setup. If you’re planning to set up your camera outdoors, then you need a model with a reliable, weatherproof design. It should be able to withstand different weather elements, such as rain and snow. Nowadays, you can find cameras that are designed for both indoor and outdoor use.

#3 - Performance Features

Does the security camera come with the performance features you’re looking for? There’s so much to consider, including the smartphone app, image quality, and field of view, among other things.  

#4 - Smartphone App

Do you want to control your security camera remotely? Then, look for one that comes with a smartphone app. This will allow you to set up the camera and control its functions via the app. Surveillance apps provide instant alerts and notifications whenever your camera detects something on your property.

You can also customise your camera settings from its dedicated smartphone app. You can set specific motion detection zones to only get notified when it matters, use two-way audio, and set off the alarm to chase away intruders.

#5 - Image Quality

High security camera resolution (i.e., the number of pixels the camera can display) translates to superior image quality. The most basic resolution is 720p, which can be a little bit fuzzy and may not offer the best image quality.

The next best resolution that can provide good image quality is 1080p. Currently, in the field of security systems, 1080p is the most popular option. However, cameras with a higher resolution than 1080p, like 2K and 4K, provide a nice sweet spot between image quality and sharpness.

Note, however, that besides resolution, image quality can also be affected by the frame rate, field of view, and light sensitivity, which are equally important factors to look out for.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about security cameras in Australia.

How far can security cameras actually see?

Security cameras have a visual range of 3 to 21 metres. However, this range can be affected by several things, such as focal length, field of view, optical zoom, resolution, night or day, encoding software, and line of sight. For superior coverage, make sure your choice of security camera offers the best of all the aforementioned features.

Are wired or wireless security cameras better?

In terms of connectivity, wireless cameras connect to Wi-Fi and can store videos online for remote access. But wired options store videos onsite; thus, you have to access them physically. As for power supply, wired cameras never run out of power, while the battery-powered wireless options tend to have a limited battery life.

Can a security camera be hacked?

Anything that’s connected online can be hacked, and security cameras are no exception. The good news is that most security cameras have reliable encryption technologies to prevent hacks. This helps protect video footage in the cloud storage. 

Here's what we recommend to prevent your surveillance camera from getting hacked:

  • Only buy security cameras from reputable brands
  • Have a secured Wi-Fi network
  • Use strong passwords for your smartphone app and camera
  • Always ensure the firmware of your Wi-Fi router and camera is up to date

Summary

As mentioned earlier, security cameras are necessary for the surveillance of your home and businesses. And we hope you found our guide useful in finding which best suits your security and privacy needs.

Remember to check the reliability of the device, the features provided, and the brand to be sure you're getting good value for your money. Likewise, we recommend deciding what your priorities are for the device and making a decision accordingly.



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Mark Thompson

Mark is an Australian Agronomist and a father of two beautiful girls. He enjoys writing about garden design, landscape architecture, DIY, tools, and related topics.

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