Best Cheap Home Security Cameras For 2025

Secure your home without breaking the bank with a selection of budget home security cameras. No subscriptions or yearly fees.

Keeping a watchful eye on your property doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. When you start shopping for best home security cameras, it can be overwhelming. There are so many brands, resolutions, and types of cameras out there. So how do you pick the right one? We’re here to simplify the process by providing clear, straightforward information on our top picks for affordable home cameras.

Whether it’s your yard, patio, driveway, or other areas, you can pair our budget-friendly picks with a security system. After testing various models for camera type, resolution, key features, and monitoring capabilities, we’ve put together a list of the best value cameras available. See our comparison table below for a quick overview of each recommendation.

Most “cheap camera” lists you’ll find online are filled with big brand names like Ring, Arlo, or Wyze. While those products may be popular, they often come with hidden costs—cloud subscriptions, monthly storage fees, and reduced features unless you pay up.

Our approach is different. Every camera on this list is a one-time purchase, no subscriptions required. You own your footage and get full access to smart features right out of the box. These are professional-grade cameras that you can install once and count on for years to come—without paying extra just to unlock motion alerts or store your own video.

We carry a collection of cameras from multiple brands that transform surveillance into an active exercise of deterrence. We label these cameras, such as the SCI SC5BLAD and SC4KBLADAI, as Active Deterrence Cameras due to their ability to alert and scare off intruders. Users can activate the speakers, white lights, and red-and-blue LEDs using Smart Detection analytics or manually through the SCI View phone app.

Most notable is that all of these cameras, despite their low cost, have AI-powered smart features that analyze video as it’s being recorded. There are various detection rules and algorithms that can be enabled and customized to tailor your security experience for your specific needs. You can automate the cameras to deter trespassers with audible alerts and lights, such as red/blue lights. In some cases, they can even help prevent crime because they draw attention, which thieves hate.

From planning a budget-friendly surveillance system to finding a holiday gift for your friend who is a new homeowner or in an apartment with roommates, our curated list and handy tips will help you get the right budget camera that you’re looking for. Before we forget, all of these cameras are usable without subscriptions or annual commitments; your purchase makes you its rightful owner!

What are the best cheap home security cameras?

After 40 hours of testing Avalonix, AvaEye, and Security Cameras Inc (SCI) brands, we've picked the SCI 5MP Bullet Camera SC5BL  and SCI 4K Bullet Camera to be the most cost-effective PoE cameras. For both new and existing systems, they offer amazing video quality coupled with up to 100 ft of night vision. These models also come in a turret camera shape if you're searching for a smaller design.

The below image compares screenshots taken from actual video testing of the 2 best budget security cameras. Video snapshots from the SC4KBL 4K camera are on the top and the SC5BL 3K camera is on the bottom. The image compares the facial clarity captured by these two cameras at 45ft, 35ft, and 30ft.

If you’re open to spending a bit more or want to explore different options, be sure to check out our picks for the best 4K PoE cameras and top PTZ cameras. Whether you’re creating a budget-friendly home security setup or sharing your space with roommates, our full list and expert tips will help you get the most out of any security camera system.

In the sections below we dive deeper in to each camera and why we picked it. For a quick comparison of the features of these best cheap security camera picks, we've laid them out in the table below

Compare the Best Cheap Security Cameras of 2025

Camera Model	Resolution	Price	Key Features	Best For	Facial Distance
SC5BL	5MP (3K)	$74.99	AI Detection Audio IR 100ft	Basic Security	35 feet
SC4KBL	8MP (4K)	$99.99	4K 8MP Smart Detection Audio IR 100ft	Budget 4K	45 feet
SC2KADBL	4MP (2K)	$79.99	Active Deterrence Red/Blue LEDs White Light IR 82ft Two-way Audio	Affordable Active Deterrence	30 feet
SC4KBLADAI	8MP (4K)	$134.99	Active Deterrence Red/Blue LEDs White Light IR 82ft Two-way Audio	4K Active Deterrence	50 feet

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Best Overall Cheap Home Security Camera

The Security Cameras Inc™ 5MP PoE Bullet SC5BL is our top pick for the best cheap security camera because it perfectly fits the description. It is an extremely affordable, yet professional-quality, PoE camera that costs well under $100! The SC5BL has a 5MP image sensor that produces a full 2880x1620 3K video at a smooth 30 frames per second with a 3.6mm lens spanning a respectable 91-degree angle of view. Its infrared LEDs beam up to 100 feet of night vision for general detail in darkness, and with a sensitivity as low as 0.004 Lux for Starlight, it may even stay in color mode with some ambient lighting at night.

Why we picked the SC5BL

It’s difficult to beat the SC5BL’s value. For under $80, you get crisp 3K video, Smart Detection AI, audio recording, and weatherproof durability, all packed into a camera that’s simple to use and works right out of the box.

Beyond what it can see is the fact that it’s feature-loaded! For less than $100, you can purchase a surveillance powerhouse that boasts all the features one could expect from a modern camera, including an audio recording microphone to pick up audio from up to 25ft. It has an array of AI-assisted Smart Detection algorithms that allow you to design rules as well as set schedules to fine-tune alerts and recordings for your needs. Last but not least, the SC5BL's IP67 weather resistance means it’s ready for any mounting location, indoors or outdoors.

We recommend pairing the camera with a compatible Security Cameras Inc™ NVR, but it can be used by itself with support for up to a 256GB SD card. However, it is worth noting the camera does have ONVIF support for integration with third-party devices and NVRs, but the ONVIF protocol does not allow Smart Detection functions.

If you're interested in a different camera shape that is more like a dome camera, you can have the same features and specs in the SCI 3K Turret Camera with a 110° view and 30ft of facial detail.

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Best Cheap 4K Home Security Camera

Coming in at the $100 mark is our economical SC4KBL 4K bullet camera by SCI. This camera is an excellent choice for those seeking one of the highest resolutions available in the market without shelling out a bunch of money. The combination of its 8-megapixel image sensor with a 3.6mm lens capturing a 91-degree angle of view results in clear UltraHD 4K video at 20 frames per second. At night, you can expect to see approximate details up to 100 feet away in black-and-white mode using the infrared LEDs. The camera can remain in color mode with as little as 0.009 lux of illumination if you have street lamps or other light sources. It has a robust metal design with an IP67 weather resistance rating for indoor or outdoor use. Rounding out its raw security camera capabilities is a built-in microphone for recording audio.

Why we picked the SC4KBL

The SC4KBL brings true 4K resolution and Smart Detection features into an ultra-affordable price range. It’s a top pick for anyone wanting ultra-clear footage without stretching their budget.

Just like its cheaper 3K/5MP cousin, the SC4KBL has a wide variety of Smart Detection analytical features to customize and streamline surveillance. Some notable AI rules include face detection, human and vehicle detection, and perimeter protection. These algorithmically enhanced rules let you choose what the camera captures and when you're notified of activity in front of it. The days of getting countless false notifications and sifting through hours of insignificant motion detection recordings are long gone with Smart Detection.

Although the camera is best used with a Security Cameras Inc. NVR, it can be used with some third-party recording software and NVRs using its ONVIF-supported video streams. But keep in mind that the Smart Detection rules you set on the camera won’t flow over to third-party recording platforms. Or if you only need a single camera, you can purchase it with an up to 256GB SD card for internal storage.

You can have your very own SC4KBL for $99.99 each, and the dome-shaped option SC4KT is the same cost.
If you're interested in a different camera shape that is more like a dome camera, you can have the same features and specs in the SCI 4K PoE Turret Camera with a 110° view and 40ft of facial detail.

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Best cheap home security camera with built-in alarm

At $80 you will find the 2K Active Deterrence wide-angle bullet camera, SC2KADBL. What sets the SC2KADBL apart is its additional layer of cutting-edge surveillance. This camera goes well beyond what traditional cameras are capable of with its active deterrence features, including police-style red and blue LEDs that strobe, a white floodlight, and a built-in speaker.

Why we picked the SC2KADBL

This camera adds an extra layer of protection with flashing deterrent LEDs, a speaker, and AI-triggered alerts all for the same price as a basic camera. It’s the best way to stop threats before they happen without spending extra.

These additions are particularly useful for actively defending your property versus relying on recordings to catch an intruder or thief after the fact. The LEDs, light, and speaker are controllable using the smartphone app or activated automatically via Smart AI Detection rules you can set. That’s right, you can set the camera to automatically trigger the built-in alarm lights and speaker when a person or vehicle enters a zone you specify.

The Smart AI detection rules include perimeter intrusion detection, line crossing detection, face detection, and more! If a person steps over a virtual line or into a virtual box you set, the camera can sound off the built-in siren and activate the red & blue police-style lights to draw attention. 

Active Deterrence cameras are a great way to annoy trespassers, draw attention to their presence even when you're asleep, and prevent crime.

Its 4-megapixel image sensor records 2K video at a real-time 25 frames per second. Paired with a 3.6mm lens, its view spans an admirable 77-degree angle and captures facial detail up to 30 feet away. At night, you have the option of using its standard infrared illumination for black-and-white video up to 82 feet, or you can enable the white light LED for up to 66 feet for true full-color night vision. 

It also has a built-in microphone for recording audio or to engage in two-way audio interactions through the deterrent speaker. The speaker does downgrade the weather resistance to IP66, which is still good for outdoor use. We recommend it is a good idea to mount the camera under some cover, for example, an eave or soffit, to prevent moisture from pooling and entering the camera.

You can also find this camera in a Turret Style 2K PoE IP Camera SC2KADT, available for $79.99.

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Best cheap 4K home security camera with siren and alarm lights

The last of our top affordable home security camera picks is the SCI 4K Active Deterrence bullet camera, model number SC4KBLADAI. It is a higher resolution version of the cheap home security camera with built-in alarm. This affordable dynamo offers a comprehensive solution unlike any other fixed-lens security camera. 

The SC4KBLADAI features what other standard IP cameras don't: active deterrence! The SC4KBLADAI possesses a set of police-style red and blue LEDs, a floodlight, and a built-in speaker. These features are useful for actively scaring off and alerting intruders, allowing you to defend your property in real time.

Why we picked the SC4KBLADAI

The SC4KBLADAI is a powerhouse combining ultra-sharp 4K video with active deterrence features and Smart Detection analytics. It’s perfect for those who want the most protection in a single 4K camera at a great price.

Just like the 2K version mentioned above, this is a smart camera that has Smart Event Detection that can automatically activate the lights or sound off alerts through the speaker. Take advantage of innovative AI video analytics that provide customization and protection beyond plain recording. Whether you set up face recognition, license plate detection, or just want to set up a virtual boundary around an area, Smart Detection is your path to a worry-free surveillance experience.

The  8-megapixel image sensor captures 4K video at an impressive 30 frames per second. With its 3.6mm lens, it sees an 85-degree wide-angle view and captures facial detail up to 50ft. For nighttime surveillance, you have two options: standard infrared illumination for crisp black-and-white video up to 82 feet or enabling the white LED light for full-color night vision up to 66 feet. Rounding out its surveillance features is the built-in microphone used for audio recording or in tandem with the speaker for two-way audio interactions. 

You can get the power of the SC4KBLADAI as a dome camera in the 4K Turret PoE Dome SC4KTADAI which captures facial detail up to 40ft.

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How we test cheap home security cameras

We don’t just go by specs on paper—we put every home security camera through hands-on testing. We have a standardized method for evaluating camera video quality during the day by determining the max facial capture distance before over-pixelation of video occurs during the daytime. We walk towards the camera from 50ft, at 10 ft increments to determine face and license plate capture distance. We look closely at the nighttime video quality at night by measuring total night vision distance in an open field. We also pay attention to how the camera handles day and night activity, including real sounds and movement, to get a full picture of its performance and value. Since we test professional security cameras, mobile connectivity and usability is gauged by integration with an NVR of the same brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay a subscription to use these cameras?

No. All of the cameras we recommend work without monthly fees. You can record video locally to an NVR or SD card. There are no cloud dependencies or hidden costs after purchase.

Can I use one of these cameras without an NVR?

Yes, each camera supports standalone operation with onboard microSD card recording (up to 256GB). However, we recommend pairing them with a compatible NVR for multi-camera setups, 24/7 or AI based recording, activity alerts, and easier remote playback.

Are PoE cameras better than WiFi for homes?

In most cases, yes. PoE (Power over Ethernet) provides both power and data through one cable, giving you a more reliable connection and eliminating issues like dropouts or interference that can happen with WiFi cameras. It’s ideal for fixed locations like driveways or entrances.

What’s the difference between 5MP and 4K video quality?

A 5MP PoE cameras provide clear 3K resolution, which is great for most home security needs. A 4K PoE camera gives you even more detail—especially helpful for larger areas or if you want to capture small details like license plates at a distance during the day.

Do these cameras detect people or vehicles?

Yes. Every camera listed here includes Smart Detection features that can recognize humans, vehicles, or even faces. You can set up alerts or trigger alarms based on what the camera sees, cutting down on false notifications from wind or animals.