How to protect your home with smart technology

Twenty years ago, keeping your home safe was expensive and difficult, requiring specialized equipment such as CCTV cameras (closed circuit television systems) and PVRs (personal video recorders). It was also something that was difficult to do on your own, requiring the services of an expensive installation company.

Fast forward to 2025 and it is now relatively cheap and easy to secure your property yourself. The widespread availability of high-speed broadband means it’s possible to stream high-definition video from multiple cameras directly to your mobile phone or tablet. Plus, you no longer need an expensive DVR with recordings from the latest IP (Internet Protocol) cameras stored in the cloud for free or for a small monthly fee. Some devices also offer local storage, usually via a microSD card.

So where do you start when it comes to your home security? Basically there are two main options. One of them is a CCTV camera inside or outside your property. Another is a video call that not only doubles as a security camera, but also — when pressed — lets you talk to whoever is at your door through your cell phone. Below we will consider each of the categories in turn.

Internal cameras

These are undoubtedly the easiest CCTV cameras to install. Indoor cameras come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit your needs. Although some, such as Blink Internal camerathese are small battery-powered devices for installation in the corner of the room, others are much larger, powered by the mains and designed to be placed on a bookshelf or chest.

You can even purchase PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) security cameras with 360-degree lenses, such as IMOU Rex 3D or the Reolink 5MP Indoor WiFi Security camera to track movements around the room. They’re great for seeing what your pets are up to when you’re out and about (you can even talk to your pet with the built-in two-way audio system). However, they can seem a bit “big brother” when used to track the movements of guests or other family members.

As with all smart devices, it is especially important for indoor security cameras to be cyber-secured to prevent cyber criminals from accessing the recorded footage or live video feed (this has happened in the past). This means changing any default password on the device (eg admin or 1234) and ensuring regular software/firmware updates. It is also worth checking how long the manufacturer will support the device. For more information, see the National Cybersecurity Center’s guide to using smart security cameras in your home.

Thinking of taking a camera? Take a look at our guide to best home security camera deals to make sure you get the best price.

External camera Reolink Altas PT Ultra

Outdoor cameras like the Reolink Altas PT Ultra can keep an eye on the outside of your property while you’re away (Image credit: Chris Price)

Street cameras

Want to monitor the appearance of your property while you’re on vacation or at work? Then the best option is to invest in an outdoor security camera. Unlike the large CCTV cameras of the past, there are many of them best home surveillance cameras today is very small and can be easily installed in your home with a drill and dowels.

Others, however, are a bit more complicated, requiring the installation of a power cable from an external camera to an internal outlet. Some units even come with a solar-powered unit that can provide additional power to the external camera, although these are limited to use during the winter months in northern Europe. More useful is waterproofing, such as IP65 certification.

Obviously, it’s best to mount an outdoor camera out of reach to prevent theft, but be aware that if it’s powered by disposable or Li-ion batteries, you’ll need to visit it every few months to replace/recharge its batteries. While indoor cameras tend to be relatively simple and cheap products (many now costing less than $70/£50 each), outdoor cameras are often more complex with more features and a higher price tag (usually around $200-250 US/£150-£200). .

For example, with an external PTZ camera, you can track and record 360-degree motion, while floodlights/sirens are installed on many models, such as the Ring Floodlight Security Cam and Reolink Altas PT Ultra will provide a potential deterrent against would-be robbers.

Of course, one of the biggest problems with outdoor cameras is Wi-Fi connectivity. Ideally, the outdoor camera should be located as close to your indoor broadband router as possible. Typically, most security cameras offer a 2.4GHz connection as standard, which offers slower speeds but greater range than 5GHz Wi-Fi. However, this is still a maximum of 50m, and ideally less than 25m for a reliable connection.

Additionally, it is now possible to purchase an outdoor security camera that uses a cellular network. Models include the 4G-only Reolink Go PT Plus+SP security camera as well Eufy 4G LTE Cam S330which works with Wi-Fi or a 4G SIM card (it also has a removable solar panel for power).

The delivery driver rings the doorbell

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Video calls

And last but not least – video calls. First launched by Ring (now owned by Amazon) in 2013, there are now dozens of products on the market from brands such as Google/Nest, Yale, Swann and Eufy. Most work in a similar way, allowing you to record movement outside your property (similar to a standard outdoor camera) and view and communicate with whoever is ringing the doorbell using your smartphone.

A lot of best video calls offer additional features if you pay a monthly subscription fee, such as the ability to distinguish between different objects (i.e. people, parcels, cars, people and pets) or simply store more footage in the cloud. However, it is often not necessary to subscribe to these services in order to fully use the device.

Unlike outdoor cameras, which are best placed high up on the site, with video calls you need to place them a little lower, usually about 1.5m off the ground. To prevent theft, they usually come with a pin or screw that locks them in place, and an intrusion notification is sent to your phone if someone tries to make off with the device.

Often they are also accompanied by a call. This can be placed in your home where you can easily hear when someone rings the doorbell. Also, it’s usually possible to connect a camera/video doorbell to smart speakers to let you know when someone is at the door.

Conclusion

Home security is developing rapidly. Once upon a time, you would have had to spend thousands on a low resolution black and white camera connected to a DVR. Now for a couple of hundred pounds you can get a security camera deal 4K color video quality, which will allow you to instantly view the footage on your phone or tablet.

Product features are also evolving. Many cameras now offer local storage via Micro SD or via the cloud for between £3 and £5 per month, and basic artificial intelligence (AI) is also being deployed. For example, many cameras can now distinguish between different types of movements and even learn to recognize certain people’s faces. One new model, the SwannBuddy 4Keven comes standard with its own voice assistant with messages telling people to leave your property or you’ll call the police.

Having reviewed many home security products over the years, my best advice is to think carefully about what you want to see on your camera before you buy it. This will then determine the type of device to purchase. For example, if you want to check when your kids come home from school, you’ll need a device that can remove the front door. On the other hand, if you are watching a sleeping child, then a device that can be easily installed in the bedroom is more suitable. The good news is that there is such a wide selection available now that you will be able to find the model you need at a reasonable price.