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According to a report by Enders Analysis, Amazon streaming devices such as the Fire TV Stick are increasingly being used for piracy. Research shows that more than half of all people in the UK who have used illegal streaming services this year have done so using an Amazon product. This is piracy on an “industrial scale,” with Amazon being accused of enabling the consumption of pirated content through inaction and weak security measures. A complete overhaul of Fire TV Sticks is necessary to prevent illegal use, according to Enders Analysis. How are Fire TV Sticks used illegally? Amazon’s Fire TV Stick is meant to provide quick plug-and-play access to streaming services such as Prime Video and Netflix, with users merely needing to plug the device in a TV’s HDMI port to get it working. With simple modifications, however, the device can also be used to access illegal live streams from paid TV providers and sports networks. To make matters worse, these modified Fire TV Sticks can apparently be purchased for quite cheap on the black market. Last year, for example, several men were caught and sentenced to prison for selling such modified streaming devices, as reported by The Independent. Despite TV networks and streaming services losing billions in revenue every year due to this and similar practices, some still think that companies like Amazon aren’t treating the issue seriously enough. How does Amazon feel about it? In a statement, Amazon told The Independent that it was “vigilant in [their] efforts to combat piracy” and had already “made changes to Fire Sticks to deter people from streaming illegal content.” “Pirated content violates our policies regarding intellectual property rights, and compromises the security and privacy of our customers,” said the Amazon spokesperson. Nevertheless, cases of piracy still seem to be occurring and some studies show that more and more users are consuming illegal streaming content, particularly in Europe. Google, Microsoft, Meta also under fire Amazon isn’t the only company to be criticized, with other major technology companies—including Google, Microsoft and Meta—also named in the report. They’re accused of contributing to the problem, primarily through inaction. How exactly content providers should tackle the growing piracy problem remains unclear, however. Above all, perhaps the real issue is that legitimate users of streaming services are faced with a fragmented market and rising prices, which seems to be making piracy more attractive again. That said, just because piracy is convenient and inexpensive doesn’t mean it’s okay. Would-be pirates should remember that copyright infringement is a crime. Further reading: The best streaming devices to get this year Read...

Home security cameras are easy to install, easy to use, and incredibly affordable these days. They let you keep tabs on your home–inside and out–from wherever you have internet access. They can respond to motion, creating a visual record of everything that’s happened within their field of view, and high-end models can distinguish between people, pets, and even cars.  The latest security cams require minimal installation and offer flexible setups and a range of security features—so many features, in fact, that it can be difficult to decide what you need and which model you should buy. Should you get an outdoor camera with a space-illuminating floodlight and a weatherized shell, an indoor cam with AI-powered pet detection and a motorized lens that patrols the room, or something in between?   We’ve tested dozes of the top home security cameras available in real-world conditions, and we’ve distilled a list of the very best models. Whether you’re looking to check on your kids and pets, or need a full-service sentinel with humans watching for intruders in real time, we’ll help find the right security camera for your needs.  Best home security camera reviews Arlo Pro 5S 2K – Best home security camera overall Pros 2K video resolution B&W and color night vision Automatic zoom and tracking Cons Subscription required for best features Requires hub to record video locally No Apple HomeKit support Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $119.99 View Deal $119.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy the Arlo Pro 5S 2K? Easy to set up yet packed with cutting-edge features, the Arlo Pro 5S 2K is the best choice for a battery-powered 2K security camera that can track moving subjects, see in the dark, and connect to speedy 5GHz Wi-Fi networks–everything you need to keep an eye on your homestead. It’s also compatible with Alexa and Google Home, meaning you can view lives feeds on a smart display or set the camera to trigger home automations when it detects motion. Arlo Pro 5S 2K: Further considerations The Arlo Pro 5S 2K keeps the Arlo Pro series near the top of the market with such high-end features as dual-band Wi-Fi support, a low-power mode (which extends battery life by 30 percent by taking snapshots of detected activity instead of full video clips), and Arlo SecureLink technology, which provides a more secure connection to protect your data while further optimizing battery life. Just be sure to factor in the cost of an Arlo Secure subscription to get the most utility from this camera. Read our full Arlo Pro 5S 2K (model number VMC4060P) review Nest Cam (battery, 2021) – Best security camera for Google Nest smart homes Pros Offers the easiest setup in the industry Can be installed indoors or out Can operate on AC or battery power Cons Anemic night vision Proprietary and too-short power cable Subscription required to get full value Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $150 View Deal Google Nest $179.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy the Nest Cam (battery, 2021)? Nest has long offered some of our favorite security cameras, and the Nest Cam (battery), redesigned in 2021, is a versatile offering packed with great features. Naturally, Google Home users will get the most out the battery-powered Nest Cam, while Alexa and Apple HomeKit users should steer clear. The camera is supremely easy to set up, and it delivers fabulous performance under any lighting condition. Also, it can be deployed indoors or out. Finally, you’ll appreciate having three hours of event history stored on the device since you won’t have to pay for a subscription unless you want more history. Nest Cam (battery, 2021): Further considerations While the Nest Cam (battery) does boast on-device person, pet, and vehicle detection, a Nest Aware subscription is required to review recorded video events beyond the last few hours. Note: Google also offers the equally excellent indoor-only Nest Cam (indoor, wired), which requires plug-in power (there’s no battery option), for $99.95. Read our full Nest Cam (Battery) review Ring Stickup Cam Pro – Best indoor/outdoor home security camera for Ring/Alexa smart homes Pros Excellent performance, indoors and out Radar-based motion detection Fantastic night vision, with the option of color Cons You can have Bird’s Eye View or Pre-Roll, but not both Not fully compatible with Google Home or Apple HomeKit 1080p resolution Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $89.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy the Ring Stickup Cam Pro? This indoor/outdoor camera is a no-brainer for any Ring customer looking to expand their home security coverage. Also, this camera has very strong night vision, with a color night vision option you might find you don’t even need. Yes, the Ring Stick Up Cam Pro is limited to 1080p resolution, but enabling HDR delivers gorgeous color-saturated images. Ring Stickup Cam Pro: Further considerations If you need just a single camera and can get by without so many advanced features, you’ll find a bevy of less-expensive options. The also-excellent Ring Spotlight Cam Pro has a very similar set of features, but its onboard spotlight boosts its price a little higher. Read our full Ring Stick Up Cam Pro review Eufy Security Indoor Cam (model C220) – Best value in indoor pan/tilt security cameras Pros Excellent image quality Onboard AI detection and tracking Budget price Cons Requires continuous electrical power No Homekit support Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy the Eufy Security Indoor Cam (model C220)? This product is a great starting point for anyone looking to protect their home with home security cameras. Unless you’re firmly in Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem–or you already have a lot of another brand of home security camera–the Eufy Security Indoor Cam (model C220) should be on your short list. Eufy Security Indoor Cam (model C220): Further considerations Cameras that have as many features and specifications comparable to the Eufy Security Indoor Cam (model C220) tend to cost a whole lot more than this budget-priced device does. It’s uncommon to get 2K resolution, onboard storage (albeit via a microSD card with a maximum capacity of 128GB that you must provide), and a pan/tilt motor for $35. It doesn’t support color night vision, either, but you can solve that shortcoming with a smart speaker and a smart bulb or smart light switch. This camera is a great value. Read our full Eufy Security Indoor Cam (model C220) review Eufy SoloCam S340 – Best outdoor pan/tilt security camera Pros Dual lenses deliver excellent image quality Subscription service is truly optional Included solar panel Cons Eufy’s app can’t flip the camera’s feed Battery must be charged while inside the camera Provided USB-C charging cable is only 10 feet long Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $199.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy the Eufy SoloCam S340? Anyone who needs to surveil large areas of property should consider this camera. That goes double for folks who hate the ongoing cost of a subscription to store your video recordings. Eufy has one if you want it, but it’s truly optional. The camera has 8GB of onboard storage, or you can spend another $150–plus the cost of a hard drive or SSD–and pick up the Eufy HomeBase 3, a NAS-like network storage device that can accommodate up to 16GB of encrypted storage. Eufy SoloCam S340: Further considerations If you’re looking for an outdoor surveillance camera that can operate without depending on AC power, the high-grade Eufy SoloCam S340 sports two high-resolution lenses: one is a 2K (2304 x 1296 pixels) telephoto, and the other is a 3K (2880 x 1620 pixels) wide-angle. And since it comes with a solar panel, you never need to worry about plugging it into a charger. A built-in motor enables the camera to pan a full 360 degrees and tilt over a 70-degree arc, and it will track the movement of anyone in its field of view. You can also program set up to four way points, so it will patrol a broad swath of your property. Read our full Eufy Security SoloCam S340 review Wyze Cam v4 – Best budget indoor security camera Pros Carries over the best features of its predecessor Crystal-clear image quality 24/7 recording to local microSD storage Cons Dependent on hardwired power Subscription required to unlock all its best features Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy the Wyze Cam v4? This is a great option for security shoppers on a budget. Wyze Labs continues to build outstanding home security cameras that deliver a whole lot of bang for the buck. Even following the expiration of Wyze Labs’ introductory offer, the $36 Wyze Cam v4 remains one of the best values in indoor/outdoor home security cameras. Highlights include crisp, lively video quality, along with a smart sound detection feature can alert you to noises like a baby’s cry or a cat’s meow. Wyze Cam v4: Further considerations While this model doesn’t move the needle on video resolution compared to the Wyze Cam v3 Pro it replaces, you will get a faster Wi-Fi adapter (Wi-Fi 6), a microSD card slot that can host cards with twice as much capacity, and an even easier onboarding process. You’ll also want to sign up for a subscription plan to unlock all of its best features, but those are affordable, too, starting at $2.99 per month for a single camera. Read our full Wyze Cam v4 review Blink Mini 2 – Best budget-priced indoor security camera runner-up Pros Can be deployed indoors or out Extremely compact size Great video quality Cons Subscription required to unlock all features Local storage requires separate purchase No audio detection Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $39.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy the Blink Mini 2? Devoted Mini users and newcomers alike should find plenty to love with the Blink Mini 2. This camera is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. It’s also visually discrete and easy to install anywhere there’s access to AC power–but you’ll need to purchase a weatherized power supply if you’re deploying outdoors. Blink Mini 2: Further considerations Amazon’s Blink Mini 2 brings more utility to the original Blink Mini with the addition of a weatherized enclosure, an LED spotlight for color night vision, person detection, and a wider field of view. Read our full Blink Mini 2 review Eufy Floodlight Camera E340 – Best security cam/floodlight combo Pros Dual cameras with pan/tilt motor LED panels produce up to 2,000 lumens Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 adapter Cons Eufy doesn’t offer a strong home alarm system Local storage limited to 128GB So-so industrial design Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $219 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy the Eufy Floodlight Camera E340? If you’re looking for a camera that can monitor a wide expanse of your property coupled with flexible floodlights to illuminate it, the Eufy Floodlight Camera E340 is the product to buy. This camera can distinguish between people, pets, and vehicles, and you can set it to track the movement of any combination of those things. This camera will also cost less over its useful life because you don’t have to pay for a subscription to view your video history. Eufy Floodlight Camera E340: Further consideration We’re growing increasingly fond of Eufy’s twin-lensed, pan/tilt security cameras. In this configuration, you’ll also get twin LED panels that produce a combined 2,000 lumens of brightness. For those times when you just want to enjoy an evening on the deck and don’t want it to look like a prison yard, those panels can be dimmed. The 3K wide-angle and 2K telephoto lenses capture crisp detail, and the pan/tilt motor they’re mounted to will cover every inch of your yard, panning 360 degrees and tilting over a 120-degree arc. Add up to a 128GB microSD card and you won’t need to worry about paying for a cloud storage subscription. Need more storage than that? Drop up to a 16GB hard drive or SSD in the Eufy HomeBase 3, park it on your network, and you can store your recordings that way. Read our full Eufy Floodlight Cam E340 review Ring Floodlight Cam Pro – Best security cam/floodlight combo runner-up Pros Unbeatable playback interface Birds-eye view of motion detection Affordable subscription plan Cons No local storage Must be electrically hardwired So-so design Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $249.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy the Ring Floodlight Cam Pro? It’s expensive at $250, but anyone deep into the Ring home security or Ring smart lighting ecosystems should give the Ring Floodlight Cam Pro serious consideration. Just be prepared to connect this cam to hardwired power, and a Ring Protect plan–while not strictly mandatory–is essential for reviewing recorded video events. Ring Floodlight Cam Pro: Further considerations It doesn’t take much time using the Floodlight Cam Wired Pro to realize how incredibly powerful it is, starting with some of its impressive motion-detection features. The 3D Motion Detection with Bird’s Eye View feature is a game-changer. In addition to a great security camera, you also get dual floodlights that can illuminate your outdoor space with 2,000 lumens of brightness. Read our full Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro review Blink Wired Floodlight Camera – Best budget-priced security camera/floodlight combo Pros Ultra-powerful spotlight Easy hardware installation Super affordable Cons Subscription required for video storage and person detection Limited flexibility when it comes to aiming its camera and floodlights Industrial design trails Nest and Ring Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $99.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy the Blink Wired Floodlight Camera? Need to have eyes on the outdoors while sticking to a strict budget? The Blink Wired Floodlight Camera is among the most affordably priced floodlight cams on the market, and it’s both easy to install and casts impressively bright light for the price. Blink Wired Floodlight Camera: Further considerations Blink’s floodlight cam offers run-of-the-mill video resolution, but extremely bright outdoor lighting and an amazingly affordable price tag. You’ll need a subscription to record video to get the most value from it, but those plans are affordable. Read our full Blink Wired Floodlight Cam review Safemo Set P1 – Best solar-powered security camera kit Pros Solar powered Excellent 4K image quality No cloud subscription required Cons Time-consuming installation No HomeKit support Currently no Android app Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $199.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy the Safemo Set P1? Thanks to its solar panels, the Safemo Set P1 can run almost indefinitely on solar power, making it ideal for those who want to install cameras in locations where wired power isn’t an option. Also, budget-minded shoppers will love that the Set P1 doesn’t require a cloud subscription for object detection. Safemo Set P1: Further considerations Boasting advanced features, ease of use, and expandability, the Safemo Set P1 is a great option of anyone looking for a reliable security camera system. While the initial setup may require some patience, once installed, the cameras deliver high-quality video with timely, accurate alerts. Read our full Safemo Set P1 review Baseus S1 Pro – Best solar-powered security camera kit runner-up Pros Solar panels track the sun Dual-lens cameras Base station includes 16GB of storage Cons Expensive You can’t buy single cameras Can’t be integrated into a broader system Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $299.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy the Baseus S1 Pro? The S1 Pro’s rotating solar panels and crisp 3K video make it a solid choice for those who want hassle-free home security without monthly fees. The upfront cost is steep, but the bundle includes two dual-lens cameras with solar panels, and a base station with 16GB of storage that can be expanded to 16TB. Baseus S1 Pro: Further considerations If you consider subscriptions for cloud storage to be anathema, and you want a security camera that delivers very high resolution with batteries that never need tending, the Baseus S1 Pro bundle’s dual lenses with up to 3K resolution and a base station with local storage could be just what you’re looking for. But if you think you might want more than two cameras, you should hold off until Baseus offers the cameras in singles without the base station. Read our full Baseus S1 Pro review Other notable security cameras we’ve tested The Baseus N1 security camera system lets you start with two cameras and a base station and add indoor or outdoor cameras as you need, but its digital zoom feature introduced significant visual distortion; the Deep Sentinel DS2 security camera system is a significant investment, but it offers proactive threat deterrence you can’t get from many other DIY security camera, including live agents who monitor the camera feed in real time; the indoor pan/tilt Eufy Indoor Cam S350 is outfitted with both wide-angle and telephoto lenses to deliver different views of the same scene simultaneously; the pan-and-tilt Noorio T110 provides a raft of security features and makes them easy to operate with a smartly designed app; the Reolink Argus 4 Pro’s dual lenses deliver an ultra-wide 180-degree field of view without suffering from fish-eye distortion; the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam is an inexpensive but modestly appointed option for those in the Ring ecosystem; the Swann MaxRanger4K Solar Security System uses the 900MHz frequency band to communicate with the included hub, enabling a range of up to 2,000 feet; the SwitchBot Pan/Tilt Cam Plus 3K left us unimpressed; and the upgraded Wyze Cam Floodlight v2 now offers better resolution, stronger lights, and a lower price tag. How we test home security cameras Our security camera guides are based on testing by freelance and staff contributors with decades of combined experience. Our meticulous evaluation process takes place in real homes and begins the moment we unbox a camera.  We begin by timing the installation process as outlined in the camera’s user manual, noting any difficulties or special tools required. For indoor cameras, we evaluate their size, shape, and color options to evaluate how seamlessly they fit into various interior styles. For outdoor models, we note the camera’s material quality and IP (Ingress Protection) rating, which indicates resistance to dust and water. We then test video performance, audio quality, and motion sensitivity, while also considering the app interface, storage options, connectivity, smart home compatibility, and privacy issues. To learn more, read our article about how we test home security cameras at TechHive. Why you should trust us TechHive’s editors and contributors have been testing home security cameras for many years, and we regularly evaluate the latest hardware, along with their accompanying mobile apps. We’ve checked out wired security cameras, battery-power cameras, outdoor cams, floodlight cams, pan-and-tilt cams, and more. You can trust us to guide you to the right home security camera for your needs. Who curated this article? Michael Ansaldo is veteran consumer and business technology journalist. He’s been a contributor to TechHive since 2013, covering robot vacuums, home security cameras, and other smart devices. He previously served as PCWorld’s Small Business Editor, and his tech coverage has appeared in Wired, Macworld, Mac|Life, Mobile Magazine, Enterprise.Nxt, Executive Travel, and other publications. How to choose the best home security camera Most home security cameras perform the same basic functions—they detect an event, record the event, and send you an alert—but they don’t all perform them the same way. And some cameras have special features that go beyond those basics. Here are some common features you’ll encounter while shopping and why they’re important. #id688259bc28d44 .jw-wrapper::before { content: `` !important; } Alerts  Home security cameras push notifications to your smartphone when they detect events. Without watching the live feed all day, this is the only way to keep tabs on your home in relative real time. Depending on the camera, it may send text alerts when it detects motion, sound, a face (known or unrecognized), or all three. Some can send alerts to multiple people, usually anyone else in the household using that product’s app; others will send emails in addition to text messages as a failsafe in the event you can’t access your mobile device. Battery backup Power outages happen, and clever burglars cut electricity before breaking into your home. When that happens, your camera goes dark and, if there’s a crime taking place, you lose all forensic evidence. For this reason, some cameras can also run for a short time on battery power. It’s a feature worth looking for. There are also some models that run on battery power full time; you can either swap batteries as they’re depleted, or plug the camera into an AC outlet and recharge its battery that way. Environmental monitoring This is the feature that sets all-in-one home monitors apart from strictly security cameras. Though the home “vitals” that these units track vary by model—we’ve seen everything from motion to luminosity included in home health profiles—three tend to be ubiquitous: Temperature monitors for spikes and dips in indoor temperature and alerts when it falls outside a range you define. Humidity tracks relative humidity inside your home. Humidity outside optimal levels—usually defined as between 30 and 50 percent—can contribute to problems such as static electricity, sinus irritation, and mold growth. Air quality tracks pollutants ranging from cooking odors to carbon monoxide. However, most monitors don’t identify the pollutant in their alerts, merely warning that the air quality is “abnormal.” Because of that, this feature should not be considered a substitute for potentially life-saving devices like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. HomeKit Secure Video support This is a subset of Apple’s smart-home initiative, and while you don’t necessarily need to be an avowed Apple user to benefit from HomeKit Secure Video’s privacy-enhancing features, you will need to sign up for an Apple iCloud account and have a HomePod, a HomePod mini, or an Apple TV 4K. Where other types of security cameras send video to the cloud (often unencrypted), security cameras that support HomeKit Secure Video send thier video streams to one of those devices on your local network first. That device will process the video, performing tasks such as facial recognition and what have you, and then encrypting it before uploading it to your iCloud account. You can read more about HomeKit Secure Video on our sister site, Macworld. Integrated spotlight Like all cameras, home security cameras need adequate ambient light to capture clear images. While that is easy to come by during daylight hours, it’s in shorter supply as the sun goes down, often making it necessary to supplement with artificial ambient light. This can easily be accomplished with light fixtures inside your home and floodlights outdoors, but many cameras include an integrated spotlight that offers a few advantages. Because the spotlight is built into the camera, it directly lights the scene the camera is viewing, enabling the clearest possible image capture. And integrated spotlights can be configured to be triggered by motion detection, so they only switch on when a possible intruder is in view, eliminating the need to keep your home or yard lit up all night. As a bonus, being suddenly caught in the white hot glare of a spotlight is often enough to scare an intruder away. Local storage Some cameras include memory-card slots in lieu of, or in addition to, cloud storage, so you can store video right on the device. It’s an attractive feature as it can eliminate the cost of monthly storage fees. The downside (if there isn’t a cloud backup) is that if crooks steal your camera, they take your forensic evidence with it. Motion detection Assuming you’re monitoring your home when it’s empty, motion detection is one of the most desirable features in a security camera. Built-in sensors pick up movement within the camera’s field of view and trigger video recording. You’ll find an in-depth explanation of how motion detection works in this article. Because these sensors can be sensitive to any movement—even a shift in lighting or leaves blowing outside a window—it’s important the camera system also offer the ability to narrow the range of detection, adjust the sensor’s sensitivity, or otherwise customize this feature to cut down on false alerts. More and more security cameras now offer AI-powered motion detection that can identify people, pets, packages, and vehicles, allowing you to filter out such innocuous motion events as tree branches swaying in the wind or insects crawling across the camera lens. Such “advanced” motion-sensing functionality is often tied to a paid subscription plan, however. Night vision Most break-ins occur after dark, so this feature is nearly as important as motion detection. Technically, most home security cameras support infrared LED illumination, versus true night vision based on image intensification or thermal vision. Be that as it may, most cameras will switch to night vision automatically in low-light conditions, while others allow you to customize when and how it should be activated. Increasingly, cameras are equipped with full-color night vision, which enables video footage to capture important information that IR night vision can’t such as the color of an intruder’s clothing or vehicle. These cameras use hypersensitive light sensors, such as Starlight image sensors, which can reproduce color images in dimly lit environments, some as low as 0.0005 Lux (for reference, 0 Lux indicates no ambient lighting). To increase battery efficiency, some models include both black-and-white and color night vision, defaulting to black-and-white in low light and switching to color only when motion is detected. Pan/Tilt/Swivel Most security cameras can be manually tilted and swiveled to focus on a certain viewing area, but this is a purely set-it-and-forget it feature. A true pan/tilt camera is equipped with a motor so that you can move its lens—or even follow a moving object if you’re watching a live feed—using its app or browser-based app. Some cameras can even track a person moving within their field of view. Resolution No amount of security video will help you if it’s blurry, jittery, or otherwise distorted. Look for a camera that offers the highest possible resolution. There was a time when 720p (often referred to as “high definition” or HD) resolution was the standard, but most newer cameras now support 1080p (often referred to as “full HD”). Some models provide even higher resoution (2K or 4K), but keep in mind that higher-res cameras use more internet and Wi-Fi bandwidth as well as battery life (where applicable). Many cameras also offer a software zoom feature (which is not the same thing as having a physical zoom lens). Scheduling Scheduling features allow you to tell the camera to turn on and off, detect motion, and/or send alerts at specified times. This is useful when you, say, only want to be notified when your kids get home from school or just want to monitor your home when you’re away. It also reduces the amount of false alerts. Cameras that support geofencing can do this based on the location of your smartphone, activating themselves when you leave home and turning themselves off to enhance privacy while you’re home. Smart device integration If you have a home full of smart devices, consider looking for a security camera or an all-in-one home monitor that includes a Z-Wave, Zigbee, or—eventually a Thread—radio that can connect them. Support for an automation service like IFTTT is also useful. This allows the camera or monitor to react to various scenarios, such as taking a picture when your Nest Protect detects smoke, or telling your Philips Hue smart bulb to turn on when unexpected sounds are detected. Two-way audio While the idea of a security camera implies eyes-on monitoring, the ability to also hear what’s going on gives you a more complete picture of what’s happening on the home front when you’re away. It can also alert you to something occurring out of the camera’s field of vision. This feature can also allow you to speak through the camera, a great tool for remotely commanding an unruly pet or startling an intruder in the act. On some very low-end models, you might need to plug in a powered speaker for this feature to work. Viewing angle The camera’s field of view determines how much it can see. As you’re probably monitoring a single room, you want a wide viewing angle. Most current cameras fall in the 130-degree range. These wide angles can sometimes cause image distortion at the edges in the form of a fisheye effect, particularly when used in smaller rooms, but it’s not like you’re going to use a security to capture snapshots for your photo album. Frequently asked questions about home security cameras 1. What is the best security camera to buy for a home? Easy to set up yet packed with cutting-edge features, the Arlo Pro 5S 2K is the best security camera for most people. This battery-powered 2K security camera can track moving subjects, see in the dark, and connect to speedy 5GHz Wi-Fi networks–everything you need to keep an eye on your homestead. It’s also compatible with Alexa and Google Home, meaning you can view lives feeds on a smart display or set the camera to trigger home automations when it detects motion. 2. What is the best cheap security camera for a home? The $36 Wyze Cam v4 remains one of the best values in indoor/outdoor home security cameras. It offers crisp, lively video quality, along with a smart sound detection feature can alert you to noises like a baby’s cry or a cat’s meow. 3. What is the best home security camera without a subscription? Among its many other virtues, the Eufy Floodlight Camera E340 supports local storage. Add up to a 128GB microSD card and you won’t need to worry about paying for a cloud storage subscription. For even more storage, drop up to a 16GB hard drive or SSD in the Eufy HomeBase 3 and put it on your network. 4. What is cloud video storage, and how much does it cost? Many manufacturers offer cloud storage plans with their cameras. With one of these, your recorded video is sent to a remote server and stored for a predetermined time—usually anywhere from 24 hours to several weeks—and then deleted to make space for new videos. Though sometimes free, these cloud plans usually require a monthly subscription, but are worth it both for their convenience and if you want a surveillance record during a vacation or other extended time away from home. For more, check out our comparison of all the major security camera subscription plans. 5. Can security cameras recognize faces? A few newer cameras are experimenting with facial recognition. This feature could more accurately be called “facial identification,” as in practice it’s much better at distinguishing a face from, say, a lamp, than it is at actually distinguishing between one person’s face and another’s. If you opt for a camera with this feature, know that it typically learns faces through increasing exposure to them, so be prepared to spend a lot of time in front of the lens. 6. Can you access a security camera over the web? Many cameras can be accessed through a web portal. This is useful for times when you don’t have access to your mobile device or a wireless connection. The web app should closely mirror its mobile counterpart, so you don’t need to learn a whole new set of controls. 7. What’s the wireless range of a security camera? One of the benefits wireless cameras offer is the ability to move them around your home. Ideally, your home security camera should be able to maintain a Wi-Fi connection no matter how far you move it from your router, even in a large home. Some cameras come with an ethernet port as well, so you have the option of hardwiring it to your local network. A camera that supports power-over-ethernet (PoE) eliminates the need for an AC adapter and relies on just one cable (but your router or switch will also need to support PoE. Another alternative would be to use a PoE injector.) If you’re deploying a security camera beyond the range of your Wi-Fi network, models that connect instead to the same LTE network that your smartphone relies on are a good option, but they’re generally more expensive and you’ll need to pay your cellular provider for a data plan.  8. Are security cameras vulnerable to hackers?  There have been plenty of headlines about hackers compromising home cameras, baby monitors, and other Wi-Fi devices to spy on people, so be sure to check what steps has each manufacturer taken to eliminate this problem. Look for a camera that supports up-to-date wireless security protocols, such as WPA2, and make sure it encrypts internet transmission of your user name, your password, and the live feeds. Even better, opt for a security camera that supports end-to-end encryption, which ensures no third parties will be able to see your videos. Several security camera manufacturers, such as Ring, support end-to-end encryption. Never install a security camera (or a router or any other device on your home network) without changing its default user ID and password, and be sure to employ two-factor authentication if available. 9. Can you access your securty camera using a smartphone? Most of today’s home security camera’s are accessed primarily through a smartphone/tablet app. In addition to offering you a reliable way to view the camera’s live feed, it should offer plenty of options for customizing the way the camera performs. The ability to customize notifications, adjust motion and sound detection sensitivity, and set detection areas are some of the key features to look for. The app should also be intuitive and easy to master. Related content Best video doorbells Best DIY home security systems Best smart locks Best smart home systems Latest smart home security reviews Smart home security how-tos Smart home security news Read...

Here’s a funny thing I can talk about now that it’s finally over: For the past few years, a sizeable group of folks were getting Paramount+ for free with no hassles. Those in my little tech community affectionately referred to this as the “Paramount+ Pit.” No one knew exactly how it happened, but after cancelling the service, some users found that they retained ongoing access with no charges on their credit cards. This happened to me with two different email addresses, and I’ve heard from 10 other readers that experienced the same phenomenon. Another 15 commenters on the Doctor of Credit website say the same thing happened to them. But last week, the free Paramount+ Pit party unceremoniously ended, and those who’d been getting Paramount+ for free started seeing prompts to pay up. Tough timing, too, as Paramount had just ended a promo that offered two months for $1 per month—though it’s hard to complain after three years of free service. I bring this up not merely to clown on Paramount, but to bring up a broader point about the state of streaming TV. While streamers were once happy to look the other way on various free or cheap loopholes in the name of growth, they’re now getting serious about turning a profit with regularly paying customers. No more Paramount+ codes, either. Even outside the Paramount+ Pit, getting free access used to be trivial. Starting in 2020, the service (still known as CBS All Access) started handing out promo codes for a free month of service, with new codes coming out at least once per month. These codes weren’t just for new customers either. They also worked for returning subscribers, and savvy cord-cutters quickly realized they could repeat the pattern of redeeming a free month, immediately cancelling, and then signing up again with a fresh code when the trial period expired. It used to be a trivial task to redeem free month promo code.Jared Newman / IDG When I asked ViacomCBS (which later rebranded to Paramount) about this back in 2020, a spokesperson said the company was having plenty of success turning free trials into paying customers. I took that as a cue to implore people not to pay for Paramount+, and for years kept readers posted on the latest free month codes. That racket started to run its course last year, when the steady flow of free codes turned into a slow drip. Later, Paramount+ started offering unique links instead of promo codes, and I started hearing from readers who couldn’t redeem the offers at all, citing cryptic error messages. All this brings us to last week, when Paramount finally gave longstanding freeloaders the boot. With no new codes to fall back on, the free ride has finally come to an end. (Paramount has not responded to a request for comment.) Want to sign up for paramount+? Paramount+ Best Prices Today: $7.99 at Paramount+ More discounts running out Paramount+ isn’t alone in pulling back on freebies and discounts. Apple, for instance, used to offer three-month trials for its Apple TV+ streaming service through Best Buy and Target Circle, no purchase necessary. Some users even had luck signing up multiple times, or with different members of a Family Sharing group. Apple got rid of those third-party trial offerings last year (though it still offers some of its own). Peacock discounts have also become more sporadic. A couple years ago, I encouraged folks not to pay full price for the service, because it regularly offered promo codes that cut the price down considerably. Peacock’s last sale in 2025 was in May, and the last one before that was during Black Friday. The service has occasionally offered three-month trials, but those seem less likely now that Peacock is raising its prices. What’s next Streaming services are unlikely to move away from discounts and free trials outright, because they’re still an effective way to bring in new subscribers. They’ll just get smarter about how they do it. The recent Paramount+ sale that offered two months for $1 per month is instructive. It’s not a long-term discount, but it’s also one that lasts longer than a single billing cycle. That means you can’t just sign up and immediately cancel, as you’ll lose out on the second month of the promo. (Of course, a limited-use payment card can help with that.) But the bigger trend will be toward bundling multiple services together at a discount. Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery have their joint bundle of Disney+, Hulu, and Max, while DirecTV has its MyEntertainment package that includes the same three services and a mix of non-sports cable channels. ESPN’s forthcoming streaming service will almost certainly lead to some new sports-centric bundles. Comcast, meanwhile, offers a $15-per-month bundle of Netflix, Peacock, and Apple TV+, and it says it will sell more discounted bundles later this year. Saving money on streaming, then, will be less about sneaky freebies and more about finding the most cost-effective bundles. But I’ll keep looking for loopholes either way. If the past few years have taught me anything, it’s that traditional media companies do not run the tightest of streaming ships. Sign up for Jared’s Cord Cutter Weekly newsletter for more money-saving streaming advice. Read...

Not all browsers are created equal, especially for gamers. If you game while browsing, use Discord, watch Twitch, or check out new games often, you need more than just speed. That’s where Opera GX comes in. This free specialized browser comes with a range of clever functions that are specifically tailored to gamers, from a resource manager to an integrated streaming sidebar. We present the five best tips and tricks for Opera GX. Note: You can download Opera GX (for free!) for Windows, macOS, and even mobile. 1. Tame resources with one click With Opera GX, you can set an upper limit for resource consumption directly in the browser.Foundry We’ve all been there: the voice chat is open, a game is running in the background, a YouTube video is playing in the browser tab, and suddenly things get jerky because the system is running out of steam. Many browsers consume significantly more resources in the background than gamers would like. This is especially critical when a demanding game is already fighting for CPU and RAM. Opera GX solves this problem with a built-in function called GX Control. This allows you to define exactly how much RAM and processor power the browser is allowed to use. The whole thing works via two simple controllers, one for RAM and one for the CPU. Once the limit is reached, the browser automatically slows down its processes so that the game continues to run smoothly. How to activate GX Control: Click on the GX Control icon at the top left (it looks like a speedometer). Activate the RAM limiter and/or the CPU limiter. Use the slider to select the desired upper limit. A small diagram shows you in real time how busy the browser currently is, and you can counteract this directly if necessary. This is real life insurance for gamers with only 8GB RAM or older systems. You can also activate a network limiter at this point. 2. Free games, deals, and release dates at a glance GX Corner shows the latest gaming news, free games and new releases at a glance.Foundry Opera GX thinks for you, even when you’re not playing games, but are looking for new titles or favorable gaming deals. That’s what the GX Corner is for: a central information hub directly in the browser that clearly lists free-to-play games, current deals, and upcoming releases. You can find the GX Corner directly in the sidebar. Click on the small game pad at the top left (next to the GX symbol). You’ll then find it in a new window: A list of free games from stores such as Steam, Epic Games, or GOG A clear calendar with the most important gaming releases Top news from the world of games, e-sports, and hardware Practical: The range of free games is updated automatically, so you won’t miss any more promotions. And, if you’re looking for new releases, you can filter by platform (e.g. PC, Xbox, PS5, Switch, or mobile games). What we particularly like about the GX Corner is that it’s completely ad-free. Instead of banners and pop-ups, curated content awaits us here: compact, up-to-date and without annoying distractions. If you regularly browse gaming stores anyway, this feature can save you a lot of time. 3. Whatsapp, Discord, Twitch–keep everything in the sidebar Opera GX lets you keep an eye on chats and streams, even while gaming.Foundry Want to game, browse, and chat simultaneously without constantly switching windows? No problem. Opera GX can anchor the most important gaming services directly in the sidebar like Twitch and Discord. (Note: Twitch is already integrated by default in the current version of Opera GX) How to activate the integration: Click on the three-dot icon at the bottom of the left sidebar (sidebar settings). Tick the boxes for the services you want to use, such as Whatsapp and Discord. Now log in to the services (click on the icon in the sidebar)–done. What happens next is virtually seamless social media access via the sidebar: Twitch shows which channels are live in real time, including a preview. Discord allows quick access to servers, chats and channels directly in the browser window. This means you no longer have to switch back and forth between apps or tabs. This is particularly helpful if you are in a gaming session and still want to quickly clarify something in the chat or respond to a stream. The sidebar remains visible even when browser tabs are active, which is perfect for multitasking. Tip: Telegram, Messenger, TikTok, or Spotify can also be integrated into the sidebar for maximum control with minimum distraction. 4. Hot Tabs Killer: Put an end to those background memory hogs With the Hot Tabs Killer, we find and close performance-hungry tabs immediately.Foundry Many browsers suffer from the same problem: the more tabs you’ve got open, the slower the system runs. This gets annoying fast, especially when individual pages continue to run happily in the background. With the Hot Tabs Killer, Opera GX provides an in-built task force against precisely this phenomenon. The tool shows you at a glance which tabs are consuming a particularly large amount of RAM or CPU, and allows you to close them directly. You get to reclaim computing power without having to guess which tab is the culprit. How to use the Hot Tabs Killer: Click on the GX Control icon in the sidebar. Scroll down to the Hot Tabs Killer section. There you will see all active tabs, sorted by resource consumption. Click on the “X” to close the memory guzzlers immediately. Tip: Opera GX automatically sorts tabs according to resource requirements. This means we don’t have to search long to identify system slowdowns. This is ideal for gaming sessions on older laptops, streaming with lots of tabs in the background or for multitaskers who like to have 20 tabs open at the same time. The Hot Tabs Killer is basically the task manager for your browser. Only simpler and with gaming flair. 5. Custom sounds, skins, and effects We can give the GX Browser a real gaming setup with personalised sounds and your own style in no time at all.Foundry Features matter, but they’re not everything. With Opera GX, style isn’t overlooked, it helps set the mood and it’s done especially well here. The browser is highly customized, from color themes to background music and click sounds. GX Design is more than just cosmetics, it transforms the browser into a real gaming interface. You can customize it: Color scheme: Choose your favorite color as a theme, from neon blue to toxic green and magenta. Background music: A subtle synth soundscape provides focus while browsing and can be quickly switched off again with a click. Sound effects: Tab changes, keystrokes, or new messages can trigger your own sounds. Wallpapers & themes: Set your own backgrounds or use gaming themes that are updated regularly. How to activate your customized design: Click on the GX menu at the top right (three dashes). Go to “Appearance.” Choose colors, sounds, and effects to suit your taste–everything can be changed in real time. If you prefer a quieter look, you can also switch off design options. But if you want to feel a bit like you’re in the start menu of Cyberpunk 2077 as soon as you start your browser, Opera GX is the right choice for you. Conclusion: Perfect for gamers who value performance and style Opera GX is ideal for gamers who value performance and style. The browser conserves resources, provides useful gaming news, and looks cool. It also offers many clever features such as GX Control, GX Corner, Twitch and Discord integration, Hot Tabs Killer, and a customizable design. In short, function meets style without compromising the system. Read...