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Although it might seem unnecessary, getting the best security camera for apartment for 2024 can undoubtedly save you. The majority of landlords/ owners hardly install CCTVs to watch individual rental units. Hence, the reason you hear some neighbors complaining of being robbed despite the estate having advanced security measures.
Living in an apartment is usually high in many ways, for sure. But the place often harbors many types of people, including saints and the burglars as well. As such, the hired security officers and the compound surveillance cameras can fail to detect crime if your next-door neighbor is the culprit.
With a personal CCTV at your door or in your living room, however, the chances of you getting robbed are very minimal. The majority of these systems now have analytic functions like motion detection. Hence, you can get instant alerts of a security breach while at work or thousands of miles on the Cuban beaches.
Will The Landlord Allow Me To Install My Personal Security Camera?
Well, unluckily, every apartment has its styling restrictions that the owners want their tenants to adhere to. Some of these rules are so strict that even simple cabling on the wall will be “inappropriate”, particularly with rental flats.
If you have already bought the space, however, the case is different since you’re the owner. The landlord no longer has the responsibility for your maintenance expenses or the authority on how you live. So, you can drill the wall and use a wired security camera at your contemplation.
In the case where the management of the flat is precarious, nonetheless, you’ll need a unique CCTVs that you can use without them knowing.
Thankfully, the video surveillance market has a wide array of systems to choose from. As such, everything is possible if you’re ready to have a third eye.
Here is a list that you can use to choose the best security camera system for apartment building that you use. After this list, we’ll then look at the various essential aspects to consider and ensure your camera serves its purpose optimally.
1. Editor’s Choice: ZUMIMALL ZM-WFA3P Battery Security Camera
- 2024 Updated! No Drilling! Magnetic Mount: The security cameras wireless outdoor now includes a...
- 130° Angle View & 2K Color Night Vision & Spotlight: The ZUMIMALL wireless cameras for home...
Overall, this is a simple but stellar surveillance camera that you can use to monitor and secure your flat. It houses a rechargeable battery and transmits the footage via a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection. Hence, it’s effortless to install since you won’t need to do any of the hardwiring. The most affordable and inexpensive wireless security cameras for apartment buildings.
With a 2MP image sensor and a wide 130° angle of vision, the camera will cover a large area of the room. And at the same time deliver crisp 1080p HD images. This means you can even watch the entire floor if you’re using the cam out.
The ZM-WFA3P Wi-Fi camera comes with a smart PIR motion detection that will only detect movements of people or animals. Furthermore, it has multiple storage options that include a microSD card and the paid cloud storage.
Therefore, you can view and playback footages whether the internet connection is working or not. Zumimall is the best security camera system.
Key Features:
- It comprises a wireless security camera that runs on rechargeable batteries. Hence, so quick to install and setup.
- Has a 130-degree wide-angle lens to cover an ample space
- Delivers bright and crisp footage that you zoom without reducing the clarity
- Captures video with audio plus it supports smooth two-way talk
- Has a superior night vision and a Smart PIR motion detection
- The wire-free surveillance cam features both local and cloud storage for high efficiency
What we don’t like about it:
Although you can enjoy quality monitoring and security with it, the ZM-WFA3P Wi-Fi camera doesn’t support Alexa or Google Assistant devices. So, you can’t control the camera by word commands.
2. Best Value: Wyze Cam v3 Smart Home Surveillance Camera
- Color night vision: An all-new Starlight Sensor records night time video in full, vivid color. The...
- Indoor/Outdoor: Wyze Cam v3 is a wired video camera with an IP65 rating so you can confidently...
The wyze cam v3 is the best security camera for a large apartment, where you’ll need more than one camera. The system sells below $27, so you can pick up to three pieces to place at different positions The Starlight Sensor can see full in color in environments up to 25x darker than the traditional security cameras and the new f/1.6 aperture captures 2x more light.
It transmits the footage to your preferred wireless monitor using the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. Thus, you won’t need to do any other cabling besides plugging to a power outlet.
Underneath its modest design, the Wyze Surveillance Camera is high performing and worth its value. First, it has a superior lens that includes a 1080p image sensor and a 110° angle of vision.
So, the cam can cover a large area of your room and, at the same time, deliver sharp, crystal images and videos.
For high efficiency, the security camera does have a built-in microphone and speaker, plus advanced motion detection. Therefore, you not only see and hear your nanny cursing but also receive intrusion alerts to your phone while at work.
Key Features:
- It captures crisp 1080p HD pictures that are rich in details and clarity
- Features an advanced motion detection that can detect and highlight moving objects
- Supports both local and [free] cloud recording
- One-way talk feature is not available via Alexa
- Simple to set up and use
- 32GB MicroSD card
- Allows one to remotely live-view and playback footages from any location
- The wireless surveillance camera is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant devices to allow hands-free control.
What we don’t like about it:
Even with the tons of smart features, the Wyzecam indoor camera has had some software setback. For one, you can only access via the Wyzecam app on the smartphone/ tablet but not desktop or the regular web browser.
3. CANARY FHD Indoor Surveillance Camera
- AWARD-WINNING TECHNOLOGY & DESIGN: Trusted by over a million users & over 10,000 first responders...
- WIFI CAMERA: 24/7 watch live HD, siren, temperature/humidity/air quality monitor, motion alerts,...
Are you in doubt about your home nanny? Suspicious your flat cleaner is sneaking out with your stuff?
Then, let CANARY FULL HD cam be your ears and eyes. It has a superior lens and audio functions to cherish. The lens has a 1080p sensor that captures bright and sharp images while covering your room with minimal blind spots.
In the darkness, the lens still can see due to the added infrared night vision.
For the audio function, on the other hand, this surveillance cam has a built-in mic and speaker. As such, you can receive footage with audio and also enjoy the two-way talk for real-time conversations.
In the event of a break-in, the cam has a 90+ decibel siren to scare off the intruder. By the way, it has intelligent motion detection that can send real-time person and motion alerts. So, you can even disrupt whoever is in your house before he gets close to your Safe.
Key Features:
- It resembles a speaker system. Hence, it can continue recording without the potential burglar realizing.
- Delivers crisp 1080p HD images that are rich in details and clarity
- Records videos with audio and also support two-way conversation
- Has a built-in siren to deter crime
- Features excellent motion detection that can real-time person “recognition” alerts
- Allows 24/7 live streaming from your phone
- The Wi-Fi camera features a free short-term cloud storage and affordable upgrade plans
What we don’t like about it:
Unluckily, the video surveillance system features only a cloud storage option. Without a way to store the recordings locally, it means you can’t playback the footage when the internet is down.
4. Nest 1080p HD Indoor Surveillance Cam
- 24/7 live stream video in full 1080p HD over Wi-Fi. Check in from anywhere at anytime. Send clips to...
- Night vision featuring 8 high-power infrared LEDs provide light for clear video in the darkest...
To begin with, this surveillance camera has a brilliant sleek design that adds your table with a unique appeal. It has a flat base that allows it to sit on any flat surface without toppling.
As the best security system for apartment buildings, this Nest cam captures crystal-clear 1080p HD images that are rich in details. This includes even at nighttime when you have switched off the lights. It has high-performance infrared LEDs that allow clear recording in darkness.
In case of a break-in, this security camera has a highly-sensitive motion sensor that triggers real-time alerts to your smart device. This means you have time to take the necessary action before the intruder vandalizes or steal your items.
If you have the strength, you can even scare off the potential burglar using the built-in speaker and mic.
This security camera is so easy to set up and install. It usually transmits the footage via a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection. Thus, the power cord is the only one you’ll need to plug into the power outlet.
Key Features:
- The wireless camera delivers crisp 1080p HD videos and infrared night vision
- It has a 130-degree angle of vision for extended coverage
- Has an excellent motion detection that triggers real-time recording and alerts
- Records footage with audio, as well as support two-way talk
- Can work with Amazon Alexa devices to allow hands-free control
- The Wi-Fi cam is a quick plug-in-and-play device.
What we don’t like about it:
Despite its lovely design and incredible performance, this wireless surveillance camera has no microSD card slot. As such, it can only work in an apartment with Wi-Fi connectivity.
5. Amcrest IP2M-841 ProHD Wi-Fi Security Camera
- Works with Alexa for voice control (Alexa device sold separately).
- Stunning Full HD 1080P Video at 30fps. Record and Playback via local microSD Card, Amcrest or ONVIF...
Amcrest is one of the leading providers of security solutions. So, the brand creates a surveillance system that you need.
The IP2M-841 cam, for instance, has a stunning makeup that ensures your properties are safe no matter where you are. It sends pictures wirelessly to your phone or laptop via a Wi-Fi connection. So you won’t need to do any wiring apart from connecting to a power socket.
For the essentials, this camera has a 2MP image sensor, a 90° wide-angle lens, and a remote PTZ. This guarantees a broader coverage while still delivering clean, sharp footage that you can even zoom without drastically reducing the clarity.
The footage can save on either a local microSD card or the Amcrest cloud that includes a free 4-hour storage space. So, you can still have current recordings even without an internet connection. Amcrest is the best security camera for apartment use.
As a product of the latest making, the Amcrest ProHD surveillance cam can work with Alexa devices. As such, you can connect the kit to enjoy hands-free control at your comfort.
Key Features:
- It delivers quality crystal-clear 1080p HD pictures that are rich in details
- Has a wide field of vision and a remote pan and tilt to cover more grounds
- Features an incredible night vision of up to 32ft
- Supports a seamless two-way audio
- Features multiple storage options [local microSD card and a short-term cloud space]
- Allows voice control with an Alexa device
- It comes with remarkable technical support
- The wireless ProHD cam supports remote access for high efficiency
6. Arlo Pro 5S 2K Spotlight Camera
- Enhanced 2K HDR: Capture every detail with the Arlo Pro 5S's superior 2K HDR Video Quality and 12x...
- Color Night Vision: Experience unparalleled surveillance camera technology with Color Night Vision;...
Last on our list is this Arlo piece that can work well for your rental or purchased flat. The security camera is completely free of wires since it runs on rechargeable batteries and transmits video wirelessly. As such, you can place or hide it in any position of your room.
The security camera has a 2K HDR video quality that captures crisp video with more detail. It has a night vision of about 20ft and PIR motion sensor that only detects people and animals by using their heat waves.
By the way, the detection function even allows you to set zones you’d love to be receiving alerts. The feature, nonetheless, is available when the camera is running when plugged to a power outlet.
If the motion alerts came from a potential burglar, the surveillance camera has a smart siren to deter him and alert the neighbors. In case it was your kids coming back from school, though, you can use the added two-way audio to hello them. The overall best security camera system for an apartment buildings for 2024.
Summary Features:
- It delivers quality 2K HDR video quality, and videos with audio
- Has an outstanding night vision
- Features a smart motion detection with customizable motion zones
- Supports a smooth two-way talk
- Has a built-in 100-decibel siren to deter crime
- Comes with a free 30-day cloud storage
- Can link with Alexa device to support voice control
- The security camera is completely wire-free for high efficiency
What we don’t like about it
Although not in all, some of the camera models have had software issues, whereby it would go offline and fail to transmit footage. Of course, you can efficiently resolve the issue by rebooting. But the process is time-consuming and can be inconvenient when you are not at home to reset.
Essential Tips to Consider While Choosing the Best Security Camera for Apartment
Living in an [urban] apartment is undoubtedly one of the best lifestyles. It has so many advantages that you’ll hardly enjoy from the suburbs where people just know drinking coffee with their neighbors.
The urban complex is usually closer to entertainment joints such as cinemas, theaters, and sports facilities. As a result, you get to enjoy your pastime significantly with your friends and coworkers.
While enjoying your free time outside, however, it’s good you be sure everything is okay back at home. The very best way to assure this is by fitting a third eye that you can trust and continue using without any doubts.
In the article, we have reviewed several models of surveillance cameras that can help in the monitoring of your house. All the products comprise some of the best systems on the market and which have proven convenient and reliable.
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As you sort for the best security camera for apartment, there are a few aspects that need to be carefully observed. This will ensure you have a smoother and securer experience without the “I wish”.
These things include;
Type Of The Camera
As you go to the store to get a security camera, you need to understand the video surveillance industry is so broad. There are about six different types of these cameras, with each available from dozens of brands.
The six include:
- Bullet camera
- Dome Camera
- PTZ camera
- IP camera
- Thermal security camera, and
- Box cameras
So, as you hunt for your security solutions, it’s good you know there are security systems for apartment complexes and another for parking lots. For instance, installing a bullet camera in your living room can disrupt the aesthetic appeal and also raise suspicion and mistrust.
The dome cameras, on the other hand, are very versatile as they can blend at any ceiling. They can even give your house a stylish look with their dome-shaped housing.
Design
Similarly, surveillance cameras are often available in various designs. The aspect often relies on several things, including type, contained functions, and where intended to be used.
For indoor cameras, for example, the majority of them usually come with a flat base or stand. This helps ensure they can stand on a smooth surface without falling.
Also, indoor cameras come in lovely decorative styles to add or retain the interior flair. In case you want discreet surveillance, some of the systems are tiny so that you can hide them easily.
Some creators even create their cameras with an imitation of everyday objects, as with the CANARY FHD Indoor Surveillance Camera.
While choosing a security cam, you can also consider a color that matches your apartment. This will bring out uniformity and also prevent quick detection by opportunistic thieves.
Image Quality
The image quality is amongst the essential features that define the effectiveness and efficiency of a security camera. It determines the level of clarity of the recordings using what we call resolution.
The resolution [or else quality] of a CCTV image often depends on the type of the installed image sensor. The sensor can either be the CCD [charge-coupled device] or the CMOS [complementary metal-oxide semiconductor].
A CCD image sensor is mostly found on the older digital surveillance cameras while its counterpart is on the newer models.
While both are what has effected video surveillance, the newer CMOS has higher efficiency. For one, it records better HD resolution, and also it’s sensitive enough to capture a fast-moving activity.
These Hd resolutions include 2MP like 5MP [or 2K Super HD] or 8MP [also called 4K UltraHD].
Due to the demand for brighter and clearer images and videos, most of the latest cameras have 2MP as the lowest resolution.
2MP is excellent image quality for general-purpose surveillance, and it’s quite enough with its native 1080p HD resolution. Hence, the reason we only discussed 1080p HD cameras on our list.
However, Other lower resolutions such as 0.3MP, 0.48MP, 0.78MP, or 1.3MP are still available but in older security cameras.
Field Of Vision
The field of vision or viewing angle is how far a security camera can see. It usually comes in degrees and tends to be inversely proportional to the image quality. In simple words, when the field of vision increases, the quality of image lowers.
This explains why a wide-angle lens that has a greater field of view can monitor large areas but has reduced image quality. The captured objects appear smaller and with slighter clarity within the camera image.
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For the narrow-angle lenses, on the other hand, they feature a smaller field of vision that captures only a limited space. The captured objects, however, will come out larger and with vivid details.
Therefore, we can conclude a narrow-angle lens holds the key to the best security camera for small apartment. While facing your doorway or hallway, you can accurately identify whoever is coming or going out.
Otherwise, you can consider a PTZ security camera that has a motorized varifocal lens that you can switch the field of vision. Hence, allowing more coverage and capturing vivid images at the same time. Just as with the Amcrest IP2M-841 ProHD Wi-Fi Security Camera.
Night Vision
This one is very crucial as well since you don’t just want to monitor during the daytime but also at night.
Since you need to be watching your apartment, the infrared black and white images are all enough. Only make sure you can distinguish between your cat and the Maltese pup when they are close and also far in the darkness. So you need sure that security camera with night vision options.
Audio Function
Although audio surveillance tends to be illegal, the function is genuinely essential for home security cameras. Not just for security reasons but also to keep you connected with your loved ones in a better way.
When you see a CCTV claiming to have one-way audio, it means it has an inbuilt mic to capture both video and audio. This is very assuring as you get to enjoy enhanced protection, whereby you have credible evidence of the crime culprits talking.
On its end, the two-way audio works by use of the mic and speaker built into the camera. The functions are valuable as you can speak with your parents or kids directly from the viewing device.
Also, you can answer your door while not in the house or when lazy to wake from the sofa bed.
You can even use the security camera with two-way audio to scare away the burglars in time of a break-in. Hence, preventing the crime from happening and saving your valuables from vandalism or getting robbed.
Surveillance Analytics
For this one, we don’t just mean the intelligent video surveillance [IVS] but also the audio recognition as well.
Both functions are usually so helpful as no activity can happen within your property, and you fail to know. In other words, they help heighten efficiency and prevent you from checking on your viewing device now and then.
Every of the latest security camera has at least one video analytic. The most common ones are motion detection and facial detection.
For the audio, only a few companies have taken efforts to create systems that can detect sounds. The supported devices can analyze and understand audio signals such as breaking glass, gunshot, screams, a crying baby, or speeches.
Video and audio analytics is a precious addition on a surveillance cam. Once they detect activity, they can trigger a phone alert, siren alarm, or start recording. This, then, gives you time to act accordingly and stop the crime before it happens.
Storage Options
For any CCTV, there is often an option of saving the recordings. This is because a system that doesn’t record is just like a child who can’t remember what he learned.
The past recordings are very crucial in tracking the recent events that you might have missed. Plus, they can help speed up an investigation and also lead to the recovery of your lost items.
A camera that has local storage and also cloud space option is usually the best to get. It means you can still playback footage when in your apartment and even when away from home.
Also, it means you can still be able to use your security camera with or without an internet connection. This is also important for the best security camera system for apartment building.
Remote Access
Apart from these difficult times of the Covid-19 pandemic, the majority of us are frequently out during the weekends. In the time of summer and international holidays, we even book tickets to go and explore other parts of the world.
At such a time, it would be very pleasing if you can still keep an eye on the valuable items in your apartment. So, a security camera that supports remote viewing and playback can come in handy.
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Luckily, as long as you have an internet connection in your room, the latest video surveillance cameras do support remote access. By the way, the ones on our list are all IP cameras.
Thus, you can still see what is happening in your apartment while even thousands of miles away.
However, some brands might require you to subscribe to a renewable cloud storage plan so that you can playback the old recordings remotely. Others like Arlo and Amcrest has free but limited cloud storage that you can optimize.
Power Supply
This function is undoubtedly crucial, particularly if you are living in a rental unit. It does determine the type and design of the surveillance cam that you get.
With the battery-powered models, to say, most of them are tiny since they don’t have many components. As such, they are easy to hide, and you can mount them at any position.
Unfortunately, you can’t trust battery cameras for continuous recording. If you forget to replace or recharge the batteries, they can die while away and leave you without knowing what’s happening at home.
With a wired camera, however, you get to enjoy smooth and continuous 24/7 monitoring as long the power grids remain active. The power cord, though, can leave the camera exposed, and also it can limit your mounting position.
Smart Integration
These are the additional features aimed to make your monitoring experience smoother and enjoyable. It involves the ability of a security camera to link with other smart devices and improve efficiency by allowing hands-free control.
This includes systems like Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, and Apple HomeKit.
With a camera that you can integrate with either of them, you can view and control other camera functions using simple word commands. Thus, allowing you to multitask without straining yourself.
Installation And Setup
Since you just need to monitor your apartment, there’s no need to buy a complicated security camera that you’ll struggle to set up. Get a system that you can mount and setup by yourself. A system that you won’t need to deal with the hassle of wires.
In other words, choose a wireless camera that you only need to plug to power or insert the batteries. Then whoosh, it’s set to record, and you are ready to view, just as with the six cameras on our list.
Budget
Well, to get the best solution for your problems, you have to be ready to pay for it. Don’t be that folk waiting on the bench for the free tokens. The precious things cost money, they say.
Anyhow, as you ready yourself to get a security camera, your budget is amongst the first things to consider. It, however, can affect all the other features we have discussed. Hence, the reason we have opted to look at it last.
With your stay in one of the best neighborhoods in the urban complex, your budget is possibly significant. As such, a security camera with high image resolution, smart integration, and video plus audio analytics should be your pick.
It will guarantee you maximum protection, with crystal clear images that have vivid details and clarity. On top of that, you’ll enjoy the best user experience since you can even see who is at your door by just saying, “Alexa, show me the doorway.” Isn’t that adorable?
Related Questions
Are home security cameras worth it?
Absolutely yes! The Arlo security camera systems can give you real-time updates on the happenings about your home. A security camera can also help prevent crime before it happens, and also the authorities can use to speed up the ongoing investigation.
Oh, btw, a simple surveillance camera can also improve your home value. Can you imagine!
Can I install a security camera inside my apartment?
Why not? If you have already bought the space, you can style it however you like it since you’re the new owner. The same goes for the rental apartments as long it doesn’t violate the privacy of other persons. But anyway, the law allows one to protect his/ her property against a threat.
What is a good indoor security camera?
A good indoor cam is one that serves your security needs optimally and with satisfaction. It should deliver crisp images that are rich in clarity and also should be user friendly.
Why does my Footage low quality?
Well, that can be due to many reasons. It can be because you choose an image sensor with lower resolution, or the lens has moisture and dirt. Your CCTV can also deliver poor footage if there is a video wiring issue or when the internet connection is down.
How many cameras do you need for home security?
Hm-m, what’s your budget and how big is your home? Of course, if you have a notable budget, you just need like two PTZ cameras that can pan and tilt to cover every corner. If not a PTZ camera, you can then get four/ six cameras to monitor your front yard and backyard with minimal blind spots.
Will my security company access my household footage?
That one also depends. If the Firm only provides CCTV systems, there is no way they can see the footage of your home.
However, if the security provider offers both surveillance kits and video monitoring, then they may be able to see recordings. This is to ensure they can respond accordingly during the time of need, particularly at the time of a break-in.
Final Verdict
Although living in an apartment can be a great decision, it needs one to be ready in every way. Security-wise, flats harbor many different kinds of people, and your next-door neighbor can be a sneak thief without you knowing.
If you can get the best security camera for apartment from the store, the chances of your room getting robbed are so faint. The current selection in the market records at least 1080p HD images and videos, plus they have various smart functions and features.
With a security camera like the Amcrest IP2M-841 ProHD, for example, you can remotely pan and tilt the lens. Hence, managing to see your entire room from the palm of your hands while even abroad. This is so delightful as you can rest with some peace of mind, and the assurance your home has maximum protection.