Security is one of the most important aspects of your home. Apple makes it easy with the best HomeKit Secure Video camcorders for outdoor and indoor use. They are packed with features such as motion detection, two-way audio, sirens and more. Additionally, Apple recently announced that iCloud + subscribers can store footage from home security cameras without using up their account’s storage capacity.
This is a pretty cool advantage, so now is the perfect time to protect your smart home. So, in this guide, I will explain why you should use HomeKit Secure Video and which security cameras work with Apple HomeKit.
Why Use HomeKit Safe Video?
HomeKit Secure Video is incredibly easy to set up, use, and lets you store CCTV footage on Apple servers with the confidence that no one, not even Apple, will see them.
When you get the right camera for that, you often don’t need third-party apps. Just plug in your camera, scan your HomeKit code using the Apple Home app, and you’re good to go.
What’s more, HomeKit Secure Video cameras can act as motion sensors and light sensors that can be used to trigger HomeKit automation. The Apple Home app will suggest machines that you might want to try.
What’s more, the camera can detect your presence or your family’s presence and switch to one of four modes depending on whether you are at home or not:
- Off – completely disabled.
- Activity Detection – No streaming or recording, but the camera can use its sensors to trigger automation or send notifications.
- Stream – No video will be recorded, but approved users can view the live stream.
- Streaming and Recording Resolution – Live streaming is available and the camera will record footage according to your settings.
To use HomeKit Secure Video, you need at least one supported camera. Pick one of the best HomeKit cameras listed below:
- Logitech Circle View Camera
- eufy Security 2K Pan and Tilt
- Netatmo Smart Camera
- eufyCam 2C kit with two cameras
- Aqara Security Camera
- Eufy Security Solo IndoorCam C24
- ecobee SmartCamera
- Logitech Circle View Wired Doorbell
1. Camera Logitech Circle View: Editor’s Choice
Characteristics
- Resolution: 1080p
- Field of view: 180 degrees
- Live View with Two-Way Audio
- End-to-end encrypted secure video
- 15ft night vision
The Logitech Circle View Camera tops our list of HomeKit Rugged Camcorders as it works well for indoor and outdoor surveillance.
It helps you keep an eye on your home with high quality video with incredibly clear details in both sunlight and shadows.
It is based on motion detection and has a rugged IP64 waterproof case. Plus, it includes handy features like instant notifications and a built-in microphone for two-way audio, making it easy to communicate with people around the camera. You can also quickly tilt it when you need privacy.
Finally, it has a high quality finish with a solid metal base, matte black color and a power cable that fits easily into any space.
pros
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
- Suitable for day and night
- Excellent build quality and durability
- Tilt for privacy
Minuses
- USB power cord is not very long
Price: $ 159.99
Check on Amazon
2. Eufy Security 2K Pan and Tilt: The best home surveillance camera.
Characteristics
- Resolution: 2K
- Field of View: 125
- Pan and tilt: 360 ° horizontal, 96 ° vertical
- Infrared night vision (32.8 feet)
- 2-way audio
Here is a HomeKit compatible home camera that boasts a unique tracking feature. This means it can automatically track and follow a moving person or object. In addition, the lens can be rotated 360 ° horizontally or tilted up to 96 ° vertically for a clear view of the entire room. It shoots crisp 2K video, and when you need privacy, the lens pivots inward to shut off.
AI on the device can distinguish people from pets. And you can talk in real time with anyone nearby through the camera’s built-in two-way audio. You can customize the notifications you receive and choose to store your footage locally by inserting an SD card. Pretty neat and elegant!
pros
- Tracking and tracking function
- Pan and tilt for flexible field of view
- Local storage with SD card possible
- Works in low light
Minuses
- Requires eufy Security app and account to set up
Price: $ 51.99
Check on Amazon
3. Netatmo smart camera: best for outdoor surveillance.
Characteristics
- Resolution: 1080p
- Field of view: 100 degrees
- Long range detection: 20m
- IR night vision: 15m / 50ft
- Encrypted microSD card included
- Weatherproof: HZO protection
Here is the best Homekit outdoor camera with 120W LED floodlight. It is convenient to configure it using the wiring from the existing luminaires.
The smart spotlight automatically turns on when needed to scare off unwanted visitors, and you will receive instant alerts on your smartphone so you know what is happening outside your home.
Plus, it can distinguish between people, cars and animals and will only provide updated information on what you want to track.
It also works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Thus, you can use voice control and create scenarios with other smart devices.
pros
- Includes spotlight
- Includes encrypted micro SD card for local storage
- Easy installation
- Customizable alerts
Minuses
- No siren
- There is no two-way audio
Price: $ 299.99
Check on Amazon
4. eufyCam 2C Dual Camera Kit: Best Wireless HomeKit Camera
Characteristics
- Resolution: 1080p
- Field of view: 125 degrees
- 6 months of battery life
- Weatherproof IP67
- 2-way audio
It is a wireless home security camera that offers six months of battery life with 1080p HD video resolution and night vision. It also includes a built-in spotlight for added security and color night vision so you know what’s going on at any time.
Plus, it has an IP67 weatherproof rating, so you can rest assured that you can use it outdoors in all conditions. Human detection technology enables this security camera to intelligently detect body shape and face patterns to ensure that you are only alerted when a person is approaching and not a stray cat or object.
pros
- Fully wireless with six months battery life
- Includes spotlight
- Local storage of 3 months records on SD card
Price: $ 219.99 for a dual-camera kit.
Check on Amazon
5. Aqara CCTV camera: ideal for complete home automation.
Characteristics
- Resolution: 1080p
- Field of view: 140 degrees
- The night vision
- 2-way audio
This HomeKit Rugged Camcorder is a hub for other Aqara devices. Thus, it offers seamless integration with Aqara sensors and home automation devices such as home security, reporting and smart control.
In addition, this camera boasts a built-in siren so you can create an affordable DIY security system using Aqara motion sensors or door and window sensors without a monthly subscription.
It’s a great choice because it supports 1080p video, night vision, and two-way audio. What’s more, it’s easy to set up with a built-in magnet that can be placed on the surface of metal objects. An added benefit is that it works with the IFTTT automation app.
pros
- Integrated security system
- Works with other Aqara Zigbee devices
- Easy to set up and use
- Works with IFTTT
Minuses
- You will need the Aqara app and an account to set it up.
Price: $ 64.99
Check on Amazon
6. Eufy Security Solo IndoorCam C24: the best budget option.
Characteristics
- Resolution: 2K
- Field of view: 105 ° horizontal, 57 ° vertical
- Night vision: 32.8 feet
- 2-way audio
Even if you’re on a tight budget, you can still secure your home. Check out this eufy HomeKit rugged camcorder that delivers 2K high definition video at an affordable price. It also includes premium features like two-way audio, home app controls, local storage, night vision, and of course HomeKit Secure Video.
Like other eufy cameras, it boasts built-in artificial intelligence to detect the presence of a person or pet and only record when an event of interest occurs. It’s perfect for monitoring any room!
pros
- Affordable price
- Local storage on SD card
- Decent video quality
Minuses
- Stops continuous recording if it loses internet connection
Price: $ 39.99
Check on Amazon
7.ecobee SmartCamera: Versatile Protection
Characteristics
- Resolution: 1080p
- Field of view: 180 degrees
- The night vision
- 2-way audio
This ecobee SmartCamera is another security solution that integrates with the ecobee SmartThermostat and ecobee Haven home monitoring service. This provides 24/7 coverage of the entire home through motion and presence detection.
However, even if you’re not using a Haven system, this camera offers 1080p video and motion tracking functionality. SmartCamera will also automatically turn off when family members arrive for privacy reasons.
But what sets this feature apart is its smoke alarm detection, which alerts you if the camera detects sound from your smoke alarm.
pros
- Works with other ecobee home automation devices
- Easy installation
- Smoke alarm detection
Minuses
- Low light performance could be better
Price: $ 99.99
Check on Amazon
8. Logitech Circle View Wired Doorbell: The Best HomeKit Video Doorphone.
Characteristics
- Resolution: 1200 x 1600
- Field of view: 160 degrees
- Color night vision
- 4000K LED strip light providing illumination up to 6 feet (1.8 meters)
Keep your shipments safe with this sleek 160-degree video door phone. It provides a complete view of your porch so you can keep an eye on the coming and going. What’s more, you can use the HomePod as a ringtone when someone arrives.
The slim, unobtrusive design can easily fit into most doorframes using your existing doorbell wiring. And you can know who’s at the door with extensive facial-recognizing notifications sent straight to your Apple devices. In general, it is simply necessary in any modern home.
pros
- Superior motion detection, face detection and privacy features
- Excellent night vision
- Elegant unobtrusive design
- Designed for Apple Users
Minuses
- A bit difficult to install
Total: $ 199.95
Check on Apple.com
That concludes my list of the best HomeKit Secure Video cameras. Buy or upgrade yours now to get the most out of iCloud + storage and protect your home. Check out the complete list of HomeKit compatible devices. If you have any other questions, let me know in the comments below.
