Choosing the right number of security cameras is a tricky process. With options ranging from cheap single devices to multi-camera systems, it can be tricky to figure out exactly how many cameras you need. While many online guides will recommend maximum coverage, these recommendations often come from security companies looking to sell more devices. But what really benefits your home the most?
According to a recent CNET survey, security cameras are becoming increasingly important to homeowners, with 41% of Americans planning to use surveillance and doorbell cameras to protect their packages. If you’re among these 41% looking to find the right security camera setup for your home, we’re here to help.
Fortunately, modern security cameras are more capable than ever, with wide fields of view, pan/tilt capabilities and motion sensing, so even a single well-placed camera can monitor a surprisingly large area. This means you likely need fewer cameras than many guides suggest. To help you decide, we’ve broken down the security levels, from basic, cost-effective setups to complete coverage of your property. While all will offer effective protection, each level will give an idea of how many cameras you might want for your own goals.
Note: Many security cams are sold in bundles or with hubs you can add more cams to. Look for bundle deals and always remember you can usually add more cams later on.
Light coverage: A trusty front door cam
Home security video starts with eyes on your front door, and for many people that’s enough. A single security cam on the porch or watching the driveway (mounted above the garage, for example) can watch the front of your house and easily see who’s coming and going. With object recognition, these cameras can often ignore vehicles and tell you when a human is approaching or a package has arrived. They also come with two-way audio for talking, spotlights and other important features.
- Front door video doorbell or security camera
- Driveway cam
Video doorbells and simple outdoor cameras looking out over the driveway or porch can both work here. Both are probably overkill, since for most homes they’ll be looking at the same areas. You can also find video doorbells for renters, and cheap cams to save as much money as possible.
Average coverage: An outdoor and indoor cam
Indoor security cams add another layer of security if you want to see what’s going on in a particular area of your home. Indoor cams aren’t quite as necessary if you have a camera outside watching your major access point, but they can still play an important role as a nanny cam, entryway cam or hallway cam, depending on what you want to focus on.
- Outdoor security camera or video doorbell for porch
- Indoor camera for an entryway or common space
If you have a large open floor plan or want to watch multiple separate access points inside (like a front door and a to-the-garage door), look for a camera that can pan and even track people as they move.
Full coverage: Front, backyard and indoor cams
If you have a backyard, especially a backyard with a separate access point like a fence gate or pathway, you may want a camera in the back as well. Three cams, a front, inside and back model, will give you full coverage as efficiently as possible.
- Front yard camera
- Backyard camera on a key entry point
- Indoor camera for high-traffic areas
For a backyard cam, look for a wider field of view to capture a broad area, preferably 130 degrees or more. With the right placement, a backyard camera can watch over fences, side doors or bedroom doors, as well as ground-level windows that may be vulnerable to entry.
Worried parents and pet parents: Front, back, indoor and nanny cam
If you have babies or young children, you may want to consider adding extra cams for a closer watch on the most important areas. In addition to a front cam to watch the yard or door, you could add a backyard cam focused on play areas and entry points, as well as a central indoor cam with an eye on inside play zones or key hallways. Then think about adding a nanny cam specifically for a baby’s room.
- Front yard or door camera
- Backyard camera on key entry point
- Central indoor camera
- Nanny, pet or second-floor cam
If you have a second floor where young kids spend a lot of time, you should consider adding a second-floor cam instead of a baby’s room camera so you can keep an eye on comings and goings (it also works better once kids start getting older).
Are you a pet parent instead? Replace that nanny cam with a pet camera and set it to survey the area where you pet spends the most time when you’re not at home. Try to include spots like feeding bowls and pet beds.
Maximum security: Cams for every entry point plus high-traffic indoor areas
For maximum security, you can place cams to watch every access point and all key areas in your home, up to nine or ten if you really want. This isn’t for everyone: Such a massive setup is best for very large houses in neighborhoods that are frequent targets of theft, with valuables that owners want to keep an eye on.
- Front door camera
- Side door camera
- Backdoor camera
- Fence or gateway camera
- Backyard camera
- Entryway indoor camera
- Indoor camera for high-traffic area
- Second-floor hallway camera
- Camera on valuables
Supplemental cameras can also be placed at potential trouble zones where you’ve had trespassers or vandals before. Valuables can include prized possessions, extremely valuable works of art, gun safes, jewelry safes and treasured collections. If you keep a safe in a private area, you may want to think of alternatives to cameras, like sensors or tampering alerts.
Where shouldn’t I put a security camera?
Consult our full list of the spots to always avoid when installing a security camera to get all the details. Basically, avoid compromising anyone’s expectation of privacy, so don’t place cameras where they can see into bedrooms, into a neighbor’s private backyard and so on. Avoid putting cameras in spots where glare or tree branches can be a problem, and don’t place them too low — cameras get a much better view from higher places.
Security cameras are great for video views of your property, but they’re far from the only effective security option. Take a look at the best home security systems, innovative ways to stop porch pirates and how to spot hidden cams when you’re on vacation.
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