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In truth, you can use any type of CCTV system to keep a watchful eye on your property. However, a standalone security camera’s the best choice if you have a small property or limited budget at hand. And in our post today, we’re going to compare Foscam vs Amcrest to see which brand has the best standalone IP security cameras.
Nonetheless, the two companies aren’t just limited to standalone cameras like Blink and Wyze. You can also get an extendable security camera system with DVR or NVR to monitor a larger property while using a single management console.
Regardless, both Amcrest and Foscam do have some great standalone cameras that you can use for indoor or outdoor surveillance. In our opinion, however, the former can make a better choice even if you have a limited budget.
The 5 Reasons Why Amcrest is the Best Standalone Security Camera
- Amcrest records smoother videos @30fps
- Amcrest PoE security camera can record up to 4K Ultra-HD
- The Amcrest has various battery-powered wireless security cameras
- Amcrest security camera has more flexible cloud service plans
- Amcrest supports both H.264 and HEVC (H.265) video compression
Foscam Vs Amcrest: A Summary On The Best Wireless Security Cameras From The Brand
About Foscam Standalone Cameras
Foscam is one of the many options you can consider if you need a budget-friendly business or home security camera system. As we mentioned on the Foscam vs Reolink review, the brand only deals with IP cameras. That includes PoE NVR kits and now our standalone category.
In the standalone category, Foscam has WiFi cameras, both for indoor and outdoor monitoring. You can also get PoE security camera systems with a built-in MicroSD slot that you can use as a standalone or add-on to an NVR recorder. Then, there’s also a limited line of baby monitors that use the traditional radio frequency (RF) signal. So, you can still keep an eye on your little one even if you don’t have an internet connection at home.
About Amcrest Standalone Cameras
Meanwhile, Amcrest is a favorite of many homeowners and business owners here in the U.S. We could say the high recognition’s from the fact it operates from here- in Houston, but it also does have decent and affordable products.
If it’s our standalone category, Amcrest has plenty of wireless security cameras to consider. It also has a limited line of baby monitors and PoE cameras that you hook up to your NVR recorder or the router.
Furthermore, Amcrest has tried to work on trail cameras, which, by the way, also falls under the standalone category. And in 2016, the company was on the list of manufacturers.
Foscam vs Amcrest: Comparing the Various Similarities and Differences
Here’s a quick summary of how Amcrest vs Foscam compares in terms of features and capabilities.
- Designs
In the design, our points go to Foscam as it has more choices of standalone PTZ cameras- at least fifteen if you include PT (pan-tilt) models. It also has more options of wireless outdoor security cameras that are fully waterproof if you wanted to mount them in the open compound.
Meanwhile, Amcrest has fewer models of weatherproofed WiFi security cameras. Also, the class of PTZ design has only two wireless options with a motorized zoom function. So, you’ll be limited if you wanted a standalone camera that can watch the whole of your backyard or front yard.
- Video quality
When it comes to video quality, Amcrest is the clear winner here. You can get a nice PoE camera with a built-in MicroSD slot that can record up to 4K (2160p) UltraHD quality. Thus, allowing you to not only capture the distant objects in greater detail but also zoom without drastically decreasing the quality.
On the other hand, all Foscam security camera systems support up to 2K (1536p) video quality. Also, the devices can only record up to 25fps, with H.264 compression technology. So, you can get smoother videos for the object in motion and save more space while using Amcrest PoE or WiFi camera at 30fps/ H.265.
- Audio functions
This one is a tie as both brands have standalone security cameras with two-way audio, as well as record videos with sound. Even better, select cameras can use their built-in microphone to detect sounds, then push an alert and or activate recording.
- Active deterrence
Either Amcrest or Foscam fits the bill if you’re looking for any standalone camera you can monitor and deter criminals. First, both companies have plenty of devices that have a built-in speaker. So, you could use it to talk, warn, or shout at the potential burglar.
Also, several cameras from the two providers have a built-in siren that can be triggered manually or by detection. You can also get a camera with an integrated spotlight or floodlight. And just like the siren, the built-in lighting can act as a deterrence, though it will also enhance the night vision (in color).
- Intelligent video surveillance
Overall, all the two manufacturers have standalone cameras with advanced motion detection (PIR sensor) and customizable motion activity zones. They also have privacy protection masking mode for the areas you would not like the camera sensor to capture.
That said, though, Foscam has only human detection and sound detection under advanced intelligent video surveillance. But with Amcrest, you can get a WiFi or PoE security camera system with intrusion, tripwire, object/ package, loitering, human, and sound detection. Select cameras even have the people counting feature that will estimate the crowd entering or leaving a specific area.
So, the points on intelligent surveillance will go to Amcrest cameras.
- Storage Options
When you now compare Amcrest or Foscam in terms of storage, you’ll note the pair shares quite much. For one, their standalone cameras have a built-in slot to insert a MicroSD card, plus an Ethernet port to connect with an NVR recorder.
Furthermore, the two makers offer cloud storage services if you’d like to view and playback your camera from anywhere. However, the Foscam Cloud pricing plans are relatively more affordable.
Meanwhile, the Amcrest cloud plans are slightly more expensive, but they’re more flexible in terms of the recording days. It has up to five different plans, including a 60-day and 90-day video history that Foscam doesn’t have.
Note, both Foscam and Amcrest also support continuous video recording to the cloud. However, the former only has a 30-day history plan whereas its counterpart has 7-day, 14-day, 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day plans.
Key Takeaway: The 4 Best Foscam and Amcrest Standalone cameras
Here’s are some of the standalone security cameras that you can check out from Amcrest and Foscam for monitoring inside or outside your house.
Best Overall: Amcrest (IP2M-841B) ProHD WiFi Security Camera
- HIGH PERFORMANCE, REAL-TIME, TRUE HD – Experience magnificent full-HD 1080P video at 30fps with...
- SMARTER SECURITY – Receive motion alert notifications, review footage and engage in two-way...
Key Features:
- 1080p video quality
- 360° pan, 90° tilt
- WiFi/ PoE connectivity
- Built-in Mic and speaker
- 30fps and HEVC compression
There are many reasons Amcrest ProHD has over 10,000 positive reviews on Amazon. However, the best features of all include a friendly budget, a sleek dome to blend with your indoor setting, and can record sharp footage at 1080p full HD resolution.
More on that, the Amcrest camera records videos with audio, plus you could add a MicroSD card of up to 256GB. Even better, the device supports up to H.265 video compression, which allows you to maximize both bandwidth and storage consumption.
Best of Design: Amcrest ASH26-W smart Floodlight Security Camera
- HIGH PERFORMANCE, PRO-HD - Experience magnificent full 1080p HD video resolution @30fps (1920x1080)....
- ACTIVE DETERRENTS - This WiFi camera is equipped with active deterrents including a boisterous 110db...
Key Features:
- Full 1080p HD video resolution
- Built-in microphone and speaker
- Integrated floodlight and siren
- Local MicroSD card support
- IP65 weatherproof construction
- 30fps and H.265 video compression
If you have good taste in smart technology, the Amcrest Floodlight camera can be a nice pick for you. It’s also a great solution for your outdoor monitoring, thanks to the 2MP CMOS image sensor, 114-degree field of view lens, and IP65 construction.
The integrated floodlight is also crucial as you can now enjoy crisp and colored recordings at nighttime. Then, the integrated siren means you can scare away any of your unwelcomed visitors while even miles away on a vacation.
Best of Outdoors: Foscam (FI9928P) Wireless PTZ Security Camera
- Incredible Image Quality. 1080p at 25fps brings real 1080p smooth video experience thanks to...
- Superb Outdoor/Night Use. IP66 level weatherproof design leaves you free of worrying about rain or...
Key Features:
- 1080p HD @ 25fps
- 355° pan, 85° tilt
- True 4x optical zoom
- Up to 128GB MicroSD card
- IP66 weatherproof construction
If you have a larger compound, the Foscam PTZ camera can help you cover more grounds with fewer devices. It can do almost a complete rotation horizontally (355 degrees) and 85-degree vertical movement.
The security camera has a 2MP Sony Starvis image sensor, which can record vivid 1080p videos during the day. Then, during the night it can capture colorful images as long there’s ambient lighting.
Even better, the PTZ camera has a motorized lens that allows you to zoom distant objects without sacrificing their clarity. It also has a built-in MicroSD slot for local recording and an Ethernet port in case you want to add to an NVR.
Best of Alternative: Foscam R2B WiFi Home Security Camera
- Full HD 1080P resolution 1920*1080 at 25FPS. Powered by an Ambarella chipset with a real-time 1080P...
- Strong WiFi signal by a 2.4G antenna enabling longer distance than 5G with option use higher gain...
Key Features:
- 1080p HD @25fps
- 350° pan, 100° tilt
- Built-in mic and speaker
- Motion/ sound detection
- H.264 video compression
- Up to 128GB MicroSD card
The Foscam model can also come in handy if you need a decent security camera to watch inside your house. It has a domed PT (pan-tilt) design, which means it can cover your living room or baby nursery from wall to wall.
The security camera has a 2MP image sensor that captures in Full HD resolution and thirteen IR LEDs to ensure visibility in darkness. It also does support remote control, whereby you can cruise it up and down or left to right using the Foscam mobile app.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Initially, Amcrest used to be a brand of Foscam US. Although they split like five years ago, a Foscam NVR can still work with Amcrest IP cameras. However, the two systems must support ONVIF protocol for them to be compatible.
If you have a Foscam wireless camera, you can set it up to the desired location without having to hire a technician. You just need to download the Foscam app with your smartphone, power the camera, and connect your cellphone to the home WiFi. Next, launch the Foscam app, login (or register) to the account, and select the plus (+) button to add the camera.
Now scan the QR code embedded on the camera, then connect to the Home WiFi connection (same as the phone). Once the configuration process completes and the camera has been added to the network, click the play button to start viewing the feed.
Foscam has an extensive range of security cameras to choose from for your home or business place. Some of the systems even have a built-in microphone and also a speaker. Hence, allowing you to record videos with audio and also use the two-way talk feature with whoever facing the camera.
First of all, we won’t lie to you that their a WiFi security camera system that’s 100% safe from hacking. However, if you’re thinking about Amcrest cameras, the maker uses a secure SSL connection via HTTPS, plus AES/ WPA2 encryption. So, you can use your wireless internet without the worry of leaking sensitive information to a third party.
Final Thoughts:
Well, both Foscam and Amcrest can deliver if you’re looking for any budget-friendly security camera system. They’re also great choices if you would like to monitor your property without a renewable subscription.
Nonetheless, Amcrest is our pick if you need a security camera system that can capture sharper images and more vibrant videos. It also can record footage at 30fps in the HEVC compression protocol. Then, it has more options of wire-free cameras if you needed to install the devices in places inaccessible to wired power.
