I used to have a security system setup in my apartment that included door and motion sensors but no security cameras. I thought it would make me feel safer, but the motion sensor was frequently triggered by shadows, which activated a loud alarm. It was jarring when I was home, but even more worrisome when I was away and got notifications on my phone. With no camera, I was left wondering what happened and if my pets were OK.
Cameras now give me peace of mind, but I have a love/hate relationship with them. They offer a level of safety knowing that I can quickly make sure everything is well at home even if I’m miles away. But you do expose yourself to privacy risks. You should take precautions if you want to use a security camera in your home. We break down what you should keep in mind when shopping for one, and rounded up our favorites after rigorous testing.
Be sure to check out our many other guides, including our picks for the Best Pet Cameras and Best Password Managers.
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Photograph: Kami Home Security
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How to Stay Safe
Security cameras are great tools, but you need to protect your security from those cameras. You don’t want to find out that someone has accessed your camera and is watching you sit in your bathrobe bingeing trash TV for the third day in a row. Or worse, people have reported being watched during their most intimate moments. This is not to scare you away from security cameras. Follow these tips and you can stay a vigilan