If you already have a video doorbell monitoring your front door, adding a dedicated home security camera is a smart way to keep an eye on other areas of your property. Cameras can cover backyards, hallways, garages, or even interior rooms, giving you peace of mind whether you’re at home or away. While purchasing a camera from the same manufacturer as your doorbell lets you control everything from a single app, you don’t necessarily have to stick with the same brand—plenty of budget-friendly alternatives perform exceptionally well.
Here are three of the best options to consider in 2025:
1. Imou Rex 3D – $89
The Imou Rex 3D specializes in night-time surveillance. Unlike some indoor cameras that use a bright LED when recording in low light, the Rex 3D relies on infrared technology, so it won’t disturb anyone while still capturing clear footage. This makes it ideal for discreet monitoring of your home or keeping an eye on pets when you’re away.
The camera is equipped with smart motion detection, capable of distinguishing between humans and animals, reducing false alerts. Motion sensitivity can be adjusted if the camera triggers too often.
Its unique ball-shaped design allows for flexible positioning, as it can rotate within its stand to cover almost any angle. A 3-meter power cord adds further placement flexibility. Footage is recorded in 1080p HD and can be stored locally on a microSD card (sold separately) or on Imou’s cloud service. Overall, the Rex 3D is perfect for anyone who wants reliable, quiet, and intelligent monitoring indoors.
2. Blink Mini 2 – $99
The Blink Mini 2 is an affordable, versatile camera suitable for both indoor and outdoor use (though outdoor use requires the Weather Resistant Power Adapter, $19). Even with this extra accessory, the camera is an excellent value—recent deals have dropped it as low as $64.
To maintain its low price, the Blink Mini 2 makes a few compromises. It doesn’t detect pets or vehicles and doesn’t include local storage, meaning you’ll need a Blink subscription ($4.95/month) or a Sync Module to save and review footage.
Despite these limitations, the camera offers impressive features. Its 143-degree wide-angle lens captures more of the scene than many competitors, and its infrared and color night vision ensures quality video around the clock. For those looking for a budget-friendly, easy-to-install camera with reliable human detection, the Blink Mini 2 is hard to beat.
3. Swann CoreCam – $170
The Swann CoreCam combines stylish design with robust, user-friendly functionality. Its weatherproof build and included mounting hardware make installation straightforward—even for DIY beginners. The camera connects to your home Wi-Fi over 2.4GHz and is powered by a rechargeable battery, eliminating messy cables.
Swann includes all the features you’d expect from a premium home-security camera: 1080p video, heat and motion detection, night vision, and two-way audio. Its intelligent detection technology recognizes people, packages, pets, and vehicles, sending alerts directly to your smartphone.
This functionality requires a subscription starting at $14.99/month, but a 90-day free trial allows you to test the system before committing. For anyone willing to spend a bit more for reliable smart detection, flexible placement, and hassle-free installation, the CoreCam is a solid choice.
Tips for Choosing a Security Camera:
- Decide if you need indoor, outdoor, or both.
- Check if the camera supports local storage, cloud storage, or both.
- Consider motion detection capabilities—some cameras distinguish pets from humans.
- Think about app integration if you already have a smart home setup.
- Evaluate budget vs. features, especially for subscriptions.
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