Best Outdoor Motion Sensor Camera With Night Vision 2024

Do you really have to stay behind your security monitors or smartphone to know what’s happening on your property? Not really. If you have the best motion sensor security camera, you can remotely receive real-time intrusion alerts into your smartphone or computer. Thus, giving you a chance to act accordingly from anywhere before the potential burglar breaks into your property.

Even so, there are two different types of motion detection and over seven different intelligent detection features. So, in this review, we’re going to compare various 1080p HD CCTV systems and see what they have to offer for your home or small business security needs.

What’s The Best Motion Sensor Security Camera?

Technically, almost every security camera in the market today has motion detection capability. But as was just said, each device comes with varying technologies. So, the experience you get at the end of the day will also be different.

Regardless, the Eufy Cam 2C is the overall best motion sensor security camera on the selections in our listing. Some of the best features of the system include:

Our Favorite Pick: Eufy Cam 2C Security Camera 2-Cam Kit

Features 1080p HD, two-way talk, free human + face detection, built-in spotlight, 16GB local storage, rechargeable battery, & weather-resistant design

Best of Value: Ring Spotlight Cam Battery Series Security Camera

Comes with a two-camera pack, 300-lumen spotlight, rechargeable battery, two-way talk, PIR motion sensor, person-only detection, customizable zones, & weather-resistant design

Best of Budget: Blink Outdoor Wireless Battery Security Camera Pack

Offers 1080p HD recording, 30fps frame rate, Alexa support, PIR motion sensor, customizable detection zones, & weather-resistant design

Types of a Motion Sensor Security Camera

First of all, your business or home security camera will come with either a pixel-based or PIR motion sensor. The pair is currently the two major motion detection technologies, and while they’re both capable of detecting movements, the way each does it is very different.

In a pixel-based motion sensor, the security camera usually detects movements by the change in pixels between consecutive frames. That’s the motion detection trigger when an object or a person crosses the field of view and changes the pixels by a certain sensitivity level. And the lower you set the level meter (software), the higher the number of pixels will be required to trigger motion alerts or recording.

On the other hand, a PIR (or passive infrared) sensor usually works by detecting a change in heat signature. Just as the name, the sensor usually detects the change in heat signature by the emitted/ reflected infrared energy from the objects. And similar to motion-activated outdoor security lights, only warm bodies from people, large animals, or vehicles can trigger the sensor.

In other words, a PIR motion sensor security camera will have fewer false alerts than pixel-based detection. But then, the detection of a pixel-based/ software-based motion security camera’s more sensitive than a PIR sensor, including through glass.

Comparing the Features, Pros, & Cons of the Best Motion Sensor Security Camera

Motion Sensor Security Camera	Maximum Resolution	Type of Motion Sensor	Intelligent Detection Features
Eufy Cam 2C Security Camera	1080p Full HD	PIR Sensor	Human + Face detection, & motion capture zones
Ring Spotlight Cam Series Security Camera	1080p Full HD	PIR Sensor	Person detection & motion capture zone
Dzees Outdoor Battery Security Camera	1080p Full HD	PIR Sensor	Human detection, & motion capture zones
Blink Outdoor Wireless Security Camera	1080p Full HD	PIR Sensor	Motion capture zones
Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Security Camera	2K Quad HD	PIR Sensor	Human + Package + animal detection, & activity zones
Canary 1080p Security Camera	1080p Full HD	PIR Sensor	Person detection & Motion capture zones
ZUMIMALL Battery Solar Security Camera	1080p Full HD	PIR Sensor	N/A
DCT 2K Color Night Vision Security Camera	Full HD	PIR Sensor	Human + Package + animal + vehicle detection, & activity zones
XVIM Wired DVR Security Camera System	1080p Full HD	Analog DVR	N/A

Our Favorite Pick: Eufy Cam 2C Security Camera 2-Cam Kit

Although we like to support local brands, Eufy Cam 2C is the overall best wireless motion sensor camera with night vision on the list and our first recommendation. It not only has great features but everything you need to keep an eye on your property with top-most precision.

If we started with the motion detection capabilities, the security camera uses the advanced PIR sensor that detects only warm bodies. It also has the option to set motion capture zones, plus human and face detection features that don’t require any subscription. Thus, cutting down the false alerts by more than 90%.

Better yet, the CCTV records in Full HD resolution, which is enough for general monitoring needs. Then, it has a built-in 16GB eMMC, thereby allowing you to save recordings without requiring any monthly subscription.

Pros:

• It offers human& face detection for free
• Delivers crystal images and videos
• Has both colored & infrared night vision
• Supports audio recording & two-way talk
• Can be mounted outdoors without any issues
• It includes multiple active deterrence features

Cons:

• It’s relatively pricey to own
• Doesn’t support continuous recording
• You can’t expand the built-in local storage

Best of Value: Ring Spotlight Cam Battery 1080p Security Camera Pack

If you won’t mind parting with about four hundred, the Ring Spotlight is no doubt a great investment. As a motion sensor security camera, it has the advanced motion detection with the PIR motion sensor. Thus, ignores irrelevant movements from objects like sheets, trees, and leaves.

The wireless camera even has a person-only detection mode if you’d like to reduce the false alerts even further. Then, there’s also an option to adjust the specific motion zones you’d like to get notified about in the event of an intrusion.

Moreover, the Ring Cam is one of the best spotlight security cameras (has over 25,000 reviews on Amazon), whereby it emits up to 300 lumens of brightness. Thus, guaranteeing continuous monitoring and full-color videos even at night.

Speaking of continuous, the security camera runs on a rechargeable battery pack that you can pair with a Ring solar panel. Thus, ensuring you can also keep an eye on the areas incapable of wiring with a continuous power supply.

Pros:

• It’s effortless to set up & operate
• Captures bright & crystal pictures
• Has audio recording & two-way talk
• Also includes a built-in siren feature
• Supports colored & infrared night vision
• It has a well-made, weather-resistant design

Cons:

• It doesn’t support continuous recording
• Requires plan subscription for person-on detection
• Difficult to watch the video stream on a PC/ laptop

Best Under $50: Dzees (CG6) Indoor/ Outdoor Battery Security Camera

Are you looking for a decent outdoor motion sensor security camera for under $50? The Dzees CG6 here is a perfect place to begin your search. Despite having a very low price tag, it has everything you’d want in a security camera.

If it’s the piece of tech, ZUMIMALL, the parent company, designed the wireless security camera with a PIR motion sensor. Thus, brings you advanced motion detection, which even includes intelligent human detection and customizable motion zones to reduce false alerts.

Furthermore, the security camera has a built-in mic and speaker. Thus, brings you Full-HD videos you can listen to, as well as enable two-way talk. And to make it even better, there’s a built-in 90dB siren feature that you can activate alongside the spotlight to deter the uninvited guests.

Pros:

• It’s very affordable
• Delivers decent images & videos
• Has a compact, easy to hide design
• Supports infrared & colored night vision
• Can work in areas with no wired power
• It’s free 7-day cloud storage & MicroSD support

Cons:

• It lacks continuous recording
• Doesn’t support Alexa/ Google Assistant
• You’ll need to pay for intelligent detection features

Best of Budget: Blink Outdoor Wireless Battery Security Camera

Indeed, the Blink Outdoor is the best motion sensor security camera if you’re on a tight budget. Of course, it’s about forty bucks more expensive than the Dzees above, but that’s something to expect on devices marketed as a local (US) brand.

Regardless, the wireless security camera is still the overall bestseller on the market (over 105,000 reviews on Amazon), and for a good reason. It has a 2MP image sensor that records 1080p Full-HD videos at a frame rate of up to 30fps. Then, there are multiple audio functions, including recording, and two-way talk.

As a motion sensor security camera, Blink has integrated PIR detection technology. Thus, the camera will only alert and or record after detecting movements from people, large animals, and vehicles. Then, you can also set up the high-value zones you’d like to keep an eye on while ignoring the rest of the irrelevant areas.

Pros:

• It’s a reasonable pricing
• Captures clear daytime pictures
• Straightforward to set up & operate
• Has a compact, easy-to-hide design
• It’s weather-resistant & feels sturdy
• You can mount in areas without a wired power

Cons:

• It doesn’t have local storage
• Lacks intelligent person detection
• Also lacks continuous viewing & video recording

Best of Clarity: Arlo Pro 4 Wire-Free Spotlight Security Camera

Even though not the best, the Arlo Pro 4 does fit the bill if you’re looking for a motion sensor security camera that can record clearer videos. It has a 3.7MP image sensor that should record videos that are over 1.5x clearer than the standard 1080p resolution. But considering the ultra-wide 160-degrees field of view, the clarity is still not as sharp as we’d expect from a true 2K resolution.

Regardless, we all have different preferences and the ultra-wide field of view can come in handy when you want to reduce blind spots.

Other strengths and weaknesses of the wireless security camera include:

Pros:

• It supports up to H.265 compression
• Features a weather-resistant design
• Operates on a rechargeable battery
• Has infrared & colored night visions
• Includes multiple deterrence features
• It has advanced PIR motion detection

Cons:

• The battery life isn’t the best
• Has no local recording mode
• You’ll need to pay for intelligent detection features

Best of Indoor: Canary (CAN400USGY) 1080p-HD Security Camera

The Canary CAN400USGY is another option of a motion sensor security camera you can consider for your home. But unlike the others, it has no water protection, thereby can only be used indoors.

But even then, the security camera has a sleek design that you can place anywhere within the house without a compromise. Then, it has an extra-wide 147-degree field of view to help cover more ground.

As for the question of motion detection, Canary crafted the WiFi camera with a PIR sensor. Then, you can also enable intelligent detection features, including for activity zones and people to be getting alerts or recordings that matter.

Pros:

• It has an elegant design
• Easy to set up & operate
• Delivers decent videos with audio
• Supports two-way conversation
• It has a one-touch button for emergency services

Cons:

• It has no free recording option
• Requires a paid plan for intelligent detection
• Also requires a debit/ credit card to complete the setup

Best of Deal: ZUMIMALL (F5K) Rechargeable Solar Security Camera

Well, ZUMIMALL indeed takes the points if you’re looking for a great 1080p motion security camera deal. At less than a hundred bucks, the brand is offering the model F5K with a solar panel charger. So, you can mount the device in an area inaccessible to wired power without ever worrying about recharging.

The wireless security camera also does have a slot for a MicroSD card. So, it will continue to record events even after your WiFi goes down.

Other pros and cons of the ZUMIMALL solar security camera include:

Pros:

• It has a great daytime clarity
• Records videos with audio
• Supports two-way conversation
• Has an IP65 weatherproof design
• Features an easy setup & intuitive app
• It has the advanced PIR motion sensor

Cons:

• It lacks continuous recording
• Doesn’t have intelligent detection features
• Also, motion detection isn’t always reliable

Alternative of Budget: DCT (CG1) 2K Color Night Vision Security Camera

The DCT CGI is a great alternative if you need a budget motion sensor security camera for your home. Of course, we don’ appreciate how the company describes the system with limited spec details, but it’s still excellent in most parts.

That includes motion detection, whereby it not only utilizes the advanced PIR sensor. But also you can enable the intelligent detection features for human, animal, package, or important areas.

Other features of the DCT WiFi security camera include:

• It delivers crisp videos
• Has a built-in spotlight
• Also has a built-in SD slot
• Offers two-way talk & siren
• Includes dust & water protection
• It runs on a rechargeable battery

Cons:

• It has no option for continuous recording
• Has a slight reaction delay after detection
• You’ll need to pay for intelligent detection features

Alternative of Value: XVIM 1080p Wired DVR Security Camera System

Last on our list is a DVR security camera, which can really come in handy if you want to monitor a large property. It’s also a great alternative on value as despite having a tag of around two hundred fifty bucks, you’ll get all the eight cameras.

Some of the best features of the expandable security camera system are:

• It delivers 1080p Full-HD videos
• Comes with a preinstalled 1TB hard drive
• Includes a pixel-based motion detection
• All cameras have a sturdy, IP66 construction
• It Supports both motion & continuous video recording

Cons:

• It has no intelligent detection features
• Supports only the standard H.264 compression
• The cameras have no built-in audio functions

Frequently Asked Questions:

Final Thoughts:

Well, many security cameras for homes and businesses now have motion detection as a default feature. But as you can see on the various selections we’ve reviewed above, the experience you get with either differs.

If it’s the basic push notifications that the motion sensor triggers, you can get them for free. But for the intelligent detection features for humanoid, pets, vehicles, and packages, you’ll need a paid subscription in most cases.

In fact, only the Eufy Cam 2C has human detection and face detection (don’t confuse with face recognition) for free. The maker also included a built-in local storage and rechargeable battery. So, it remains the overall best motion sensor security camera and our first recommendation.

However, you can also check out the Ring Spotlight Cam Battery if you need more nighttime brightness or the Blink Outdoor for the budget. Only be aware you’ll need to pay for a cloud plan to access intelligent detection features.