Our Experts Written by Tyler Lacoma, Macy Meyer Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement Why You Can Trust CNET 16171819202122232425+ Years of Experience 14151617181920212223 Hands-on Product Reviewers 6,0007,0008,0009,00010,00011,00012,00013,00014,00015,000 Sq. Feet of Lab Space How we test CNETs expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. What to consider Smart home compatibility Does the cam work with your current smart home platform or voice assistants? Live view Is the app intuitive and the live view clear? Local vs. cloud storage Does the camera offer your preferred method to store videos? Does it require a subscription or extra purchase? Motion detection Does the camera have useful motion detection that can recognize people apart from animals or vehicles? Battery life Is the battery life rating something you're comfortable managing? Does the battery perform well under frequent use? Privacy and security Does the camera brand have a reputation for fixing security breaches and protecting data? Table of Contents