Which brand IP camera suits you best?
Comparison IP camera brands
Google Nest | Eufy | Arlo | Ring | EZVIZ | Imou | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Subscription required? | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Smart Home Platforms | Google Assistant, Homey, IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings | Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Homey | Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings | Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Homey |
Guaranteed updates after release date | 36 months | 24 months | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | 36 months |
Country where data is stored | Unknown | US, Singapore, and Germany | Ireland | Unknown | Ireland | Germany |
Eufy: wireless and without subscription
When you buy a Eufy, what you see is what you get. You don't have to pay any extra monthly costs. You can store images on the included 16GB SD card or in the cloud. In addition, you can easily expand the storage of the cameras with an SD card. EufyCams are wireless, but often connected to a HomeBase. The HomeBase is connected to your router via an Ethernet cable. Keep this in mind when you want to place the cameras far away from the router. Without walls, the range is about 90m.
- Local storage
- No subscription costs
- HomeBase isn't wireless
Arlo: lots of options with subscription
The Arlo cameras differ more. There are sets with a base station, but the Pro 4 is fully wireless without a SmartHub, for example. We recommend getting a subscription with Arlo cameras, because it provides many useful functions. You can use motion detection, geofencing, and replay stored footage, for example. It even recognizes a delivery driver. Arlo saves footage in the cloud. Arlo works with many smart assistants, but not with Apple HomeKit.
- Many smart functions and options
- Often fully wireless
- Subscription required for extra functions
Google Nest: your entire house smart with Nest
Google Nest is made up of all Google smart home products. That's why the Nest Cam works well with the Nest thermostat and Nest Protect, which you can control with your Google Next Hub. You can watch live footage of your Nest Cam on your Nest Hub, for example. Do you use Google Home and already have a Chromecast? We recommend the Nest Cam. In addition, you can easily set up this camera. You do have to pay a fixed monthly fee to store the footage,
- Integration with Google Nest
- The cameras are plug & play
- A fixed monthly fee to store footage
Ring: extensive assortment
You probably know the Ring doorbells, but they also have a large IP camera assortment. The Ring Floodlight stands out. Thanks to the spotlight, you can monitor your entire driveway. Ring also has more basic cameras, such as the Stick Up Cam. Simply place it on a cabinet in your house and wirelessly connect it to your WiFi network. Ring products work best with Alexa, not with Google Home or Apple HomeKit.
- Clear image at night thanks to spotlights
- Large assortment
- Ring products don't work with Google Home or Apple HomeKit
Foscam: for the advanced user
Foscam is 1 of the largest IP manufacturers in the world. Their products are reliable and bought by people with a lot of technical knowledge. Foscam cameras have many options. You can store footage on a NAS, for example. For beginners, Foscams may be less suitable.
- Lots of technical option
- No subscription required
- Not always suitable as a first IP camera
Imou: always local storage
Imou IP cameras are available in various price categories. In addition, you don't need a subscription to use all of the functions. You can store footage locally. Every Imou camera has a memory card slot. Do you already have an Apple HomeKit? Choose a different brand, as these cameras don't work with Apple. If you use Google Home or Alexa, Imou cameras are a reliable and good choice.
- A good choice as a first IP camera
- No subscription required
- Doesn't work with Apple HomeKit
Ezviz: something for everyone
Every Ezviz IP camera has its qualities. The assortment ranges from small indoor cameras to large outdoor cameras. So there's something for everyone. What they all have in common, is that you don't need a subscription. Some cameras work on their own, some work with a base station. Many EEzviz cameras are pan tilt zoom cameras. These have a wide field of view, because they can follow movement and pan. You can store your footage on an SD card, and sometimes in the cloud.
- Ezviz has a diverse assortment
- Many cameras are PTZ
- Doesn't work with Apple HomeKit