Best Camera for SmartThings

By: Owen Moore | 02.12.2024, 15:16

Are you looking for the best camera to enhance your SmartThings setup? A reliable and feature-packed camera can provide you with peace of mind and enhance the security of your home. In this article, I will explore the top camera options that are compatible with SmartThings, giving you the flexibility to monitor your home seamlessly.

Whether you're interested in outdoor cameras or indoor surveillance, I have you covered. Let's dive into the world of SmartThings compatible cameras in 2024 and discover the perfect one for your needs.

If you're short on time, here are my top pick for SmartThings compatible camera.

EDITOR’S CHOICE
Samsung SmartThings Indoor Security Camera
Samsung SmartThings Outdoor Security Camera to be the perfect home security device, providing full HD 1080p video and audio, a built-in IR night vision LED, two-way audio communication for communicating with family and pets, intelligent motion sensors, round-the-clock monitoring, and strong encrypted protection for all videos and alerts.

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Best Overall
Ring Stick Security Camera
The Ring Stick Up Cam Battery is a versatile security camera suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, providing straightforward home monitoring with HD video and audio through the Ring app. This battery-powered camera can be managed from your phone, tablet, or Echo device and includes a Live View feature for continuous surveillance. Additionally, it supports the Ring Protect Plan, which allows for the recording, viewing, and sharing of video footage.

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Table of contents:


Best Camera for SmartThings - Buyer's Guide

As per my expertise when it comes to choosing the best camera for SmartThings, there are several factors to consider. To ensure you make an informed decision, let's take a closer look at the key aspects to pay attention to:

1. Integration with SmartThings: Choose cameras that are explicitly mentioned as compatible with SmartThings. This ensures seamless integration and allows you to control the camera using the SmartThings app.

2. Camera Type: Determine whether you require an outdoor camera, indoor camera, or both. Outdoor cameras should be weatherproof and equipped with night vision capabilities.

3. Video Quality: Look for cameras that offer high-resolution video capture, preferably with at least 1080p Full HD or higher for crisp and clear footage. For example, Samsung SmartThings with 1080p Full HD or Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera with 2K Ultra HD.

4. Field of View: Consider the camera's field of view, which determines how much area the camera can cover. A wider field of view reduces blind spots and provides better surveillance coverage.

5. Motion Detection and Alerts: Cameras with reliable motion detection capabilities and instant alerts keep you notified of any suspicious activity around your property.

6. Two-Way Audio: Some cameras feature two-way audio, allowing you to communicate with people on the other side. This can be useful for home security and monitoring pets or children.

7. Storage Options: Evaluate the camera's storage options, such as cloud storage or local storage through microSD cards. Consider the costs and limitations associated with each option.

8. Additional Features: Explore any additional features that might be important to you, such as pan and tilt functionality, facial recognition, or integration with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and select the best camera that perfectly complements your SmartThings ecosystem.

Best Cameras for SmartThings - TOP 5

Discover the top SmartThings compatible cameras that provide exceptional performance and functionality:

Editor’s Choice
Samsung SmartThings Indoor Security Camera
  • Full HD vision and sound with 1080p resolution
  • Built-in IR LED night vision
  • Two-way audio, Intelligent motion sensors
Best Overall
Ring Stick Security Camera
  • 1080p HD video, Two-Way Talk, Live View, Night Vision
  • Motion and sound alerts
  • Universal mounting bracket
Premium Choice
Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera
  • Motion Sensor, Smart alerts and two-way audio
  • 2K HDR video with a 160° diagonal viewing angle lens
  • Built In Light, Local Recording, Sound Triggered Recording
Best Budget
Arlo Q Wired Camera
  • 1080p HD resolution, Alerts when motion or sound is detected
  • Night vision, two-way audio, 8x digital zoom
  • Wall mount, work with Alexa
Indoor Only
Google Nest Cam Indoor
  • 24/7 live stream video in full 1080p HD with night vision
  • Two-way audio feature
  • Mobile alerts and notifications

Best SmartThings Compatible Cameras: Comparison

Here, I provide a comprehensive overview of each camera model suitable for SmartThings, highlighting their key features and functionalities:

Camera Model Video Resolution Audio Night Mode
Samsung SmartThings Indoor Security Camera 1080p Full HD Two-way audio Yes, with IR LEDs
Ring Stick Security Camera 1080p Full HD Two-way audio Yes, with IR LEDs
Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera 2K Ultra HD Two-way audio Yes, with IR LEDs
Arlo Q Wired Camera 1080p Full HD Two-way audio Yes, with IR LEDs
Google Nest Cam Indoor 1080p Full HD Two-way audio Yes, with IR LEDs

Samsung SmartThings Indoor Security Camera Review

Editor's Choice

Samsung SmartThings Indoor Security Camera is the perfect security device for your home. It delivers full HD 1080p video and sound with a wide 145-degree diagonal coverage range, giving you complete peace of mind when you're away from home. З

With its built-in infrared LED night vision system and two-way audio, it can hear and talk to family members and pets. The camera is equipped with intelligent motion detectors, so you won't receive false alarms from objects in the background, providing round-the-clock monitoring.

All recordings and notifications are securely protected by two-way encryption in your personal cloud, allowing remote access only through your devices. With the ability to connect to your SmartThings Hub or Samsung TV, you can view up to four cameras on your smartphone or monitor from the comfort of your own living room.

Pros:

  • Full HD vision and sound with 1080p resolution
  • Built-in IR LED night vision
  • Two-way audio, Intelligent motion sensors
  • Secure encrypted protection for all footage and notifications
  • Connects to a SmartThings Hub or Samsung TV

Cons:

  • Requires a Wi-Fi connection for operation

Summary: I found the Samsung (GP-U999COVLBDA) SmartThings Outdoor Security Camera to be the perfect home security device, providing full HD 1080p video and audio, a built-in IR night vision LED, two-way audio communication for communicating with family and pets, intelligent motion sensors, round-the-clock monitoring, and strong encrypted protection for all videos and alerts.


Ring Stick Security Camera Review

Best Overall

Ring Stick Up Cam Battery is a battery-powered indoor/outdoor security camera that can be controlled from your phone, tablet, or Echo device. With Live View, you get real-time HD video and audio directly from the Ring app to keep an eye on your home at any time of day or night.

Plus, with a Ring Protect Plan (subscription sold separately), you can record, view, and share all of your video footage. Easily set up the Stick Up Cam Battery by inserting the battery and connecting to Wi-Fi.

My tests have shown that the universal mounting bracket allows you to place the camera on a flat surface or mount it on a wall or ceiling. And for added peace of mind, connect the camera to Alexa to keep an eye on your home.

Pros:

  • Motion and sound alerts
  • 1080p HD video, Two-Way Talk, Live View, Night Vision
  • Universal mounting bracket
  • Easy to set up by inserting the battery and connecting to Wi-Fi
  • Works in conjunction with Alexa.

Cons:

  • Requires a subscription to access all features and recordings
  • Battery life is limited and requires regular recharging

Summary: The Ring Stick Up Cam Battery is a flexible indoor/outdoor security camera that offers easy monitoring of your home through HD video and audio via the Ring app. This battery-operated camera can be controlled from your phone, tablet, or Echo device, and features a Live View for real-time surveillance. It also supports the Ring Protect Plan for recording, viewing, and sharing footage. Simple to set up with battery insertion and Wi-Fi connection, it includes a universal mounting bracket for various installation options and integrates with Alexa for enhanced functionality and home security management.


Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight SmartThings Outdoor Camera Review

Premium Choice

The Arlo Pro 3 security camera is the perfect home security solution for monitoring your property inside and out. With 1080p HD video, you can easily see what's happening in every corner of your home, day and night. With two-way audio, you can hear and talk to visitors from anywhere, and receive instant alerts when motion is detected.

This camera can withstand all weather conditions - from hot to cold, rain to snow - and gives you the peace of mind that your home will be safe no matter what the weather conditions. Thanks to the easy setup, you can customize your security system in minutes. Plus, keep an eye on who's coming and going with the optional face recognition feature.

Pros:

  • Motion Sensor, Smart alerts and two-way audio
  • 2K HDR video with a 160° diagonal viewing angle lens
  • Built In Light, Local Recording, Sound Triggered Recording
  • Quick wireless setup and weatherproof design

Cons:

  • Requires a monthly subscription for advanced features such as face recognition and emergency response services
  • Short battery life

Summary: The Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera is a high-end home security solution that delivers 2000 lumens of brightness and 2K HDR video with a 160° diagonal lens. With motion detection, fast wireless setup, and a weatherproof design, this camera ensures that your property is safe day and night.


Arlo Q SmartThings Compatible Camera Review

Indoor Only

Arlo Q Wired Camera is an easy-to-use and reliable way to keep your home secure. With 1080p HD resolution, advanced night vision, two-way audio, mobile alerts, 130-degree field of view, and 8x digital zoom, you can monitor your home from anywhere in the world using your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

As indicated by my tests the securely locking plastic lids top-shelf dishwasher is safe, so you can keep your camera clean. With Alexa Voice Control compatibility, you can control the camera with just your voice. Easily set up the camera with the wall mount and keep an eye on your home from wherever you are.

Pros:

  • 1080p HD resolution
  • Night vision, two-way audio, 8x digital zoom
  • Alerts when motion or sound is detected
  • Wall mount, work with Alexa
  • 24/7 continuous recording and 130-degree field of view

Cons:

  • Not wireless, must be connected to a network
  • Only the last 7 days of recordings can be viewed in the cloud storage for free
  • No face recognition function

Summary: With 1080p HD resolution, night vision, two-way audio, mobile alerts, a 130-degree field of view, and 8x digital zoom, the Arlo Q Wired Camera (VMC3040-100NAS) lets you monitor your home from anywhere in the world using your smartphone, tablet, or computer.


Google Nest Cam SmartThings Indoor Review

Indoor Only

Google Nest Cam Indoor for SmartThings is a powerful video surveillance solution with advanced features to keep your home safe. With 1080p Full HD video, you can see every detail in real time, and 8 powerful infrared LEDs let you see even in the darkest of environments.

Mobile alerts and notifications notify you as soon as the camera detects activity, and a 3-hour image history ensures you don't miss a thing. With two-factor authentication and industry-leading security measures, your video streams and information are safely protected.

Plus, with Talk & Listen and easy setup with flexible mounting options compatible with the free Nest app, you can rest assured that your home is safe and secure.

Pros:

  • 24/7 live stream video in full 1080p HD with night vision
  • Two-way audio feature
  • Mobile alerts and notifications
  • Snapshot history and 3-hour video recording
  • Security features such as two-factor authentication

Cons:

  • Some features require a subscription

Summary: My research indicates that Google Nest Cam Indoor is an advanced security camera that provides 24/7 live stream video in full 1080p HD with night vision, two-way audio feature, mobile alerts and notifications, snapshot history, 3-hour video recording and more.


FAQ about Best SmartThings Camera

Here are answers to some common questions regarding SmartThings compatible cameras:

What cameras work with SmartThings?

SmartThings is compatible with a wide range of cameras, including the ones mentioned in my top recommendations. Ensure the camera explicitly states its compatibility with SmartThings.

Can I use outdoor cameras with SmartThings?

Yes, SmartThings supports outdoor cameras. Look for cameras specifically designed for outdoor use, which are weatherproof and offer night vision capabilities.

Best Camera for SmartThings: Conclusion

Choosing the best camera for your SmartThings setup can greatly enhance the security and monitoring capabilities of your smart home. Consider your specific requirements such as camera type, video quality, and SmartThings integration to make an informed decision.

My top recommendations, the Samsung SmartThings Indoor Security Camera, Ring Stick Security Camera, and the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera offer superior performance and compatibility with SmartThings.

Choose the camera that best suits your needs and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with advanced home video surveillance.


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