Let’s face it: these days the security of your home can be a concern. If you’d like to keep an eye on things no matter where you are, these four connected security cams can do the job and give you some peace of mind.
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Icontrol Networks Piper NV
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/icontrol-networks-piper-nv/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (Outstanding)
The good: From setup to shutdown, Icontrol Networks’ $279 Piper NV all-in-one security device was an absolute delight to use.
The bad: You’ll spend more upfront than some other standalone security options. It doesn’t have an IFTTT channel or offer partnerships with third-party brands beyond its basic Z-Wave integrations.
The cost: $279.99 to $377.99
The bottom line: For easy, seamless DIY home security and automation integration, look no further than the Piper NV.
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Nest Cam Indoor
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/nest-cam/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (Outstanding)
The good: Nest Cam’s high-resolution video (1080p), magnetic base, pivoting stand and updated app make this DIY device an improvement over Dropcam Pro — and many other DIY cameras.
The bad: Like Dropcam Pro, Nest Cam is still just a webcam at heart. While it does offer security features like opt-in motion and sound alerts, they aren’t especially useful since you can only receive one notification every 30 minutes.
The cost: $174.82 to $199.99
The bottom line: Given that Nest Cam and Dropcam Pro are pretty similar, it doesn’t make a lot of sense for existing users to replace their Pro. But, budding DIYers searching for a high-res live streaming camera really can’t beat Nest Cam.
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Canary Flex
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/canary-flex/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: Canary’s Flex installs fast, it’s well designed and its app is easy to navigate. It’s also a highly versatile camera that can watch over your house from pretty much anywhere.
The bad: The Flex is limited to 720p HD live streaming, it has a smaller 116-degree field of view and it currently only works with Wink for smart home integrations.
The cost: $169.98 to $199.99
The bottom line: The Canary Flex isn’t perfect, but its adaptability, simple app interface and excellent design make it a great choice for anyone who needs a lot of flexibility in their home security setup.
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SkyBell HD Wi-Fi Video Doorbell
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/skybell-hd-wi-fi-video-doorbell/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: SkyBell’s latest Wi-Fi doorbell has a 1080p high-definition resolution, on-demand clip recording and free video storage, as well as an IFTTT channel and integration with Amazon’s Alexa Skills Kit and Google/Alphabet’s Nest.
The bad: There’s no Web interface, it doesn’t work directly with Samsung’s SmartThings or Wink, and you can’t tweak push alert settings or the quality of the video resolution in the app.
The cost: $219.00
The bottom line: The SkyBell HD Wi-Fi Video Doorbell’s 1080p resolution and array of third-party integrations set it apart from the pack, including August’s impressive Doorbell Cam.
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The following CNET staff contributed to this story: Senior Associate Editor Megan Wollerton and Senior Editor Laura K. Cucullu. For more reviews of personal technology products, please visit www.cnet.com.
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