Security cameras are one of the best ways to increase home security. Of course, nearly with any camera, you'll want it to have the highest resolution possible. Today, that resolution has plateaued at 4K quality — which provides a lot of detail.
A security camera with 4K reduces the need to zoom digitally because of 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 quicker than smart cameras, likely due to fewer materials to update, as well as pricing.
Here are our 4 picks for the best 4K capable security cameras on the market today.
All of the 4K cameras on this list have an 8MP camera quality, allowing 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.
The value in 4K depends on the needs of the homeowner. This resolution allows for more detail, making it easier to see objects and identify any persons of interest. The downside of 4K is the added expense.
4K is the highest resolution we've seen on security cameras we've tested. All of these cameras have 4K resolution, aka 3140 x 2160.
4K security cameras have an added cost due to the higher resolution sensors. The price averages around $400-$600 for most systems, but you can find some models as low as $300.
All in all, 4K is the best of the current crop 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 monitoring includes better security, so if price isn't a concern, we definitely suggest ensuring your next system has 4K capabilities. If you need a system that tightly integrates with a smart home ecosystem, though, you're going to have to be a little more patient.
Keyan Riddick is a freelance writer based in the mountains on North Carolina. When he isn't writing you can find him behind the lens of his camera doing portrait photography, to distract him from the latest existential crisis.
This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Best Buy.
Technology evolves every day, transforming how we live and work. Our devices are becoming more than tools we use. They are increasingly capable companions that help streamline day-to-day routines and spark creative ideas. If you have been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your tech setup, the Discover Samsung Shopping Event offers an opportunity to explore what connected, AI-powered living can look like.
With AI progressing so fast, it's only a matter of time before we start getting AI companions like the ones we used to see in movies like R2-D2, Wall-E, or Baymax. Now, Singapore-based OKA Technology has unveiled Mori, a cute little AI companion that looks less like a conventional home robot and more like someone turned the Pokémon Foongus into a table lamp.
Mori isn't meant to clean your house or control your smart home, but to serve as what OKA calls a "Nature Companion." It uses subtle movements, warm lighting, nature-inspired sounds, and small reactions to make its presence around the house feel calming rather than distracting. Mori can sit quietly while you read, sway along to music, welcome you when you enter a room, or encourage you to slow down for a moment without requiring a screen or a conversation.
Quick Recap: Life with twins and a pile of bottles