LAST UPDATED: November 19, 2019
Best Night Vision Cameras: Increase Home Security
These top night vision cameras will make your home feel more secure
Entering our 7th season of /DRIVE on NBC Sports, and with millions of YouTube and Facebook followers, The Drive is a leading authority of all things automotive.
The Review Team
-
20 Products
-
12 Hours
-
13 Reviews
How We Decided
The Drive and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Read more.
PUBLISHED ON November 19, 2019
If you want to boost the security around your home or business, you may want to invest in a night vision camera. Most security cameras include night vision capabilities, which allow them to capture images in complete darkness. However, not all cameras are the same. Some produce better images, while others have more features. Check out the top night vision cameras in our buying guide below.
The Ring floodlight camera allows you to see, hear, and speak to visitors using a 1080HD video with infrared night vision and live view. It also features built-in bright floodlights and a siren, as well as lifetime theft protection.
The video is crystal clear, and you have the ability to zoom in on your cell phone. It works well at night even when the floodlights aren't on due to the LEDs. The coverage is also great.
You must pay a monthly fee to record all the videos and review what you missed for 60 days. Also, there is a delay if the internet is slow, so it requires a high-speed connection. The sound quality is lacking.
The video is clear. The camera has a decent night vision distance and a good angle of view. It is easy to set up and, depending on the distance, it has the potential to read small lettering on things such as license plates.
The infrared lens may get stuck, and it won't cycle back to daylight, causing it to turn purple on the monitor. The camera may also fail after a short period of use.
Why Trust Us
All of our reviews are based on market research, expert input, or practical experience with most products we include. This way, we offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
There’s a myriad of reasons Ring is one of the premier brands in home security cameras — they’re inexpensive, easy-to-install, and effective. Of course, the Ring Floodlight Camera Motion-Activated HD Security Cam is certainly not an exception. Especially when it comes to night vision cameras, in general. For starters, you’re getting vivid 1080HD picture quality, even at nighttime. Thanks to infrared night vision and live view, you can see anything that happens on your property, despite the time. This is great to prevent theft, or simply for those who want to keep an eye out on their house when they’re working, traveling, on vacation, etc. With the Ring Floodlight Camera, you can hear and even talk to visitors from your smartphone, tablet, or PC, so it’s like you’re never too far from home. It’s also super user-friendly and without a doubt a cost-effective alternative to robust home security setups with similar night vision.
There’s a myriad of reasons Ring is one of the premier brands in home security cameras — they’re inexpensive, easy-to-install, and effective. Of course, the Ring Floodlight Camera Motion-Activated HD Security Cam is certainly not an exception. Especially when it comes to night vision cameras, in general. For starters, you’re getting vivid 1080HD picture quality, even at nighttime. Thanks to infrared night vision and live view, you can see anything that happens on your property, despite the time. This is great to prevent theft, or simply for those who want to keep an eye out on their house when they’re working, traveling, on vacation, etc. With the Ring Floodlight Camera, you can hear and even talk to visitors from your smartphone, tablet, or PC, so it’s like you’re never too far from home. It’s also super user-friendly and without a doubt a cost-effective alternative to robust home security setups with similar night vision.
In terms of overall value, the Samsung Weatherproof Night Vision Camera is a great buy. Not only is it a financially prudent investment, but it doesn’t really lose anything in quality or effectiveness. As you can see from the name, not only does this camera feature vivid night vision, but it’s also weatherproof, making it a durable option for virtually any type of climate. The LED infrared lamps give the camera a generous 82-foot range in the dark, and the camera itself is super easy to install outside. Throw in an impressive 720 TVL picture quality, and you have one of the best bang-for-your-buck deals you’ll find.
In terms of overall value, the Samsung Weatherproof Night Vision Camera is a great buy. Not only is it a financially prudent investment, but it doesn’t really lose anything in quality or effectiveness. As you can see from the name, not only does this camera feature vivid night vision, but it’s also weatherproof, making it a durable option for virtually any type of climate. The LED infrared lamps give the camera a generous 82-foot range in the dark, and the camera itself is super easy to install outside. Throw in an impressive 720 TVL picture quality, and you have one of the best bang-for-your-buck deals you’ll find.
Of course, we can’t go wrong with the Google Nest Cam Outdoor, which certainly deserves a spot on this list. It features 24/7 outdoor coverage in crisp 1080HD, allowing you to surveil your home into the wee hours of the night. The Google Nest camera also contains some of the best night vision you’ll find —the picture quality is basically just as good at night as it is during the day. Plus, the camera, adapter, and cord are all waterproof and extremely durable, so it's reasonable to say this is a pretty safe longterm investment. And with easy-installation and activity alerts on your phone, this is one of the most user-friendly night vision cameras you’ll find on the market, hands down.
Of course, we can’t go wrong with the Google Nest Cam Outdoor, which certainly deserves a spot on this list. It features 24/7 outdoor coverage in crisp 1080HD, allowing you to surveil your home into the wee hours of the night. The Google Nest camera also contains some of the best night vision you’ll find —the picture quality is basically just as good at night as it is during the day. Plus, the camera, adapter, and cord are all waterproof and extremely durable, so it's reasonable to say this is a pretty safe longterm investment. And with easy-installation and activity alerts on your phone, this is one of the most user-friendly night vision cameras you’ll find on the market, hands down.
Tips
- If you want to light up an area without using visible lighting, consider infrared illuminators. They will produce excellent images for the camera, but appear to be dark to the human eye.
- When installing a camera, don't put the front of the device next to a bright light. Also, do not put a bright light in the camera's field of view because it will interfere with the image.
- Make sure the lens is clean and clear so you get the best images possible. Cameras with built-in infrared lights are particularly affected by dirt and grime.
FAQs
Q: How far can night vision cameras see in the dark?
A: Each brand is different, so make sure you read the product's specifications. Some battery-powered cameras can see as far as 33 feet at night, while infrared models may give you up to 100 feet of view.
Q: What do I do if my night vision camera stops working?
A: First, check all the cables and make sure the device is on. Then check to see if the infrared sensor is functioning. If all else fails, contact the manufacturer directly for troubleshooting.
Q: How do I keep bugs and spiders away from my camera?
A: Bugs and insects are sometimes drawn to infrared lights. To keep them off the camera, use insecticide around the housing or cover of the device. You might also want to consider natural repellents, such as citrus, peppermint, and lavender. Also, clean the cover occasionally with a microfiber cloth.
Final Thoughts
Our top pick for the best night-vision camera is the Ring Floodlight Camera Motion-Activated HD Security Cam. It features infrared night vision and a live view and produces crystal clear video.
For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Samsung Weatherproof Night Vision Camera.