Best Camera for SmartThings
Samsung's own SmartThings camera lineup integrates at the deepest level, but the third-party options that work equally well for automations are fewer than the compatibility lists suggest. Checking the SmartThings community forums before buying reveals which cameras actually trigger routines reliably and which ones only stream video through the app - a distinction that changes the value of several otherwise well-reviewed models entirely.
I tested five cameras within a live SmartThings setup, evaluating automation trigger reliability, motion event propagation speed to connected devices, and whether integrations held stable across SmartThings app updates over several months. Two cameras that listed full SmartThings compatibility produced only a passive video feed with no automation capability, which narrowed the genuinely useful field considerably.
If you're short on time, here are my top picks for SmartThings compatible cameras.
We may earn a small commission if you buy via our links - it helps keep gagadget.com running.
Table of contents:
- Best Camera for SmartThings - Buyer's Guide
- Best Cameras for SmartThings - TOP 5
- Best SmartThings Compatible Cameras: Comparison
- Samsung SmartThings
- Ring Stick Security Camera
- Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight SmartThings
- Arlo Q SmartThings
- Google Nest Cam SmartThings
- FAQ about Best SmartThings Camera
Best Camera for SmartThings - Buyer's Guide
As per my expertise, when choosing the best camera for SmartThings, several factors determine whether a camera will actually perform as expected within your ecosystem. Here are the key aspects to evaluate:
1. Integration with SmartThings: Choose cameras explicitly confirmed as compatible with SmartThings at the automation level, not just the video feed level. Confirm the camera can fire SmartThings routines from motion events before purchasing rather than relying on a general compatibility badge.
SmartThings compatibility has two distinct tiers - cameras that stream video through the app, and cameras whose motion events actively trigger automations. Only the second tier delivers the smart home functionality most buyers are actually looking for when they add a camera to their setup.
2. Camera Type: Determine whether you need outdoor coverage, indoor monitoring, or both. Outdoor cameras require weatherproofing and reliable night vision. Indoor cameras prioritize wide field of view and two-way audio for monitoring occupied spaces.
3. Video Quality: Look for at least 1080p Full HD for clear footage identification. The Samsung SmartThings camera covers 1080p, while the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight steps up to 2K Ultra HD for greater detail at distance.
4. Field of View: A wider field of view reduces blind spots and allows a single camera to cover more area. For most indoor rooms, 130 degrees or wider provides adequate coverage without multiple units.
5. Motion Detection and Alerts: Reliable motion detection with fast alert delivery is the functional core of any security camera. Look for cameras with adjustable sensitivity zones that reduce false triggers from passing vehicles or tree movement.
6. Two-Way Audio: Two-way audio lets you communicate through the camera, which is useful for deterring intruders, speaking with delivery personnel, or monitoring children and pets remotely.
7. Storage Options: Cloud storage provides remote access and redundancy but adds ongoing subscription costs. Local microSD storage avoids monthly fees but limits access to footage when away from home. Some cameras support both, which offers the most flexibility.
8. Additional Features: Pan and tilt functionality expands coverage without physically repositioning the camera. Facial recognition reduces unnecessary alerts from known household members. Voice assistant integration with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant adds hands-free control within a broader smart home setup.
Storage costs add up faster than most buyers anticipate - a camera with good local storage support and optional cloud backup gives you a practical fallback if a subscription plan changes pricing, which has happened with several major security camera platforms in recent years.
Best Cameras for SmartThings - TOP 5
Discover the top SmartThings compatible cameras that provide exceptional performance and functionality:
- Full HD vision and sound with 1080p resolution
- Built-in IR LED night vision
- Two-way audio, Intelligent motion sensors
- 1080p HD video, Two-Way Talk, Live View, Night Vision
- Motion and sound alerts
- Universal mounting bracket
- 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
- 1080p HD resolution, Alerts when motion or sound is detected
- Night vision, two-way audio, 8x digital zoom
- Wall mount, work with Alexa
- 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.
Go Deeper:
Our geeky guru has been slicing through tech on gagadget.com since 2020, from projectors, tvs to speakers and many more, unearthing the truth behind the specs with sharp, insightful reviews.
