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Security cameras are one of the best ways to increase home security. Of course, with almost any camera, you’ll want it to have the highest resolution possible. Today, that resolution has stabilized at 4K quality, which provides plenty of detail.
A security camera with 4K reduces the need for digital zoom due to its improved quality and resolution, making it easier to identify objects. Many brands are starting to incorporate 4K quality lenses into their cameras. As expected, NVR and DVR cameras are upgrading faster than smart cameras, likely due to fewer materials to update, as well as price.
Here are our 4 picks for the best 4K-capable security cameras on the market today.
Arlo Ultra 4K UHD 2 Wireless Security Camera System
Ideal for smart homes
Go to details
Arlo Ultra 4K UHD 2 Wireless Security Camera System
Ideal for smart homes
Benefits
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Beautifully crafted hardware design
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Weatherproof and cordless for indoor/outdoor use
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Fabulous 180 degree field of view with minimal fish-eye distortion
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Decent two-way audio
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4K UHD picture clarity
The inconvenients
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Some features are not available when using 4K video settings
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No ability to view locally stored video without removing microSD card
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Two-tier subscription required for 4K cloud recording
Arlo is a premium brand in smart home security cameras. They are also one of the few smart brands that have a 4K camera. This variant includes two camera modules with its basic system and is completely wireless.
The Arlo 4K has a 160-degree field of view and a nighttime color feature that pairs with its HDR technology. Color night vision helps provide more quality in low light modes, while most other camera brands only display black and white. The Arlo also has fairly advanced object detection and tracking features to detect people, animals, cars, and packages.
These cameras also have floodlight and siren functions, but they aren’t the brightest or loudest in their class. They’re also relatively expensive on their own – and they have mandatory cloud storage costs, unless you just want to live stream. The Arlo 4K UHD Wire-Free Security 2 Camera System costs $600.
Arlo Ultra 4K UHD 2 Wireless Security Camera System
Ideal for smart homes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5MP better than 4K?
All of the 4K cameras on this list have 8MP camera quality, allowing for more detail than what 5MP provides. 8MP is the minimum for 4K, while 2MP is the minimum for 1080p. So 5MP is akin to 2K quality.
Is 4K surveillance worth it?
The value in 4K depends on the needs of the owner. This resolution allows for more detail, making it easier to view objects and identify people of interest. The downside of 4K is the added expense.
Which security camera has the highest resolution?
4K is the highest resolution we’ve seen on the security cameras we’ve tested. All of these cameras have 4K resolution, aka 3140 x 2160.
How much does a 4K security camera cost?
4K security cameras have an additional cost due to the higher resolution sensors. The average price is around $400 to $600 for most systems, but you can find some models as low as $300.
Overall, 4K is the best in the current line of security cameras. Many of them include some of the more standard features we’re used to, including motion detection and color night vision. Better surveillance includes better security, so if price isn’t an issue, we suggest making sure your next system has 4K capabilities. If you need a system that integrates tightly into a smart home ecosystem, you’ll have to be a bit more patient.
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