How To Choose The Right Security Cameras For Your Home

By Ring on March 19, 2021

Security cameras can be a powerful tool to help protect your property and stay connected to your home — even when you’re away.

Every household is unique, so it’s important to pick the right security cameras to meet the needs of your family. From various shapes and power options to an array of useful features, there’s an ideal security camera for every spot in and around your home that needs monitoring.

Choosing security cameras for your property is easier than you may think. All you need to do is answer a few simple questions following these step-by-step directions that will walk you through the entire shopping process in no time.

Step 1: How Many Home Security Cameras Do I Need, And Where Do I Place Them?

First, you’ll want to think about the size of your home and property, as well as its layout, to assess how many cameras you need for full coverage. The bigger the space, the more points of entry or hidden corners you may want to monitor. Here is a helpful list of the most common spots people use security cameras for:

Access points like front doors, near first-floor windows and garages.

Areas of your property that might be out of sight, such as a basement door or dark corners on your property.

Backyards, barns or sheds.

Your driveway, especially if you park your vehicles in it.

Rooms that your pets have access to or other areas inside your home you want to keep an eye on when you are away or in a different room.

Depending on how many of these spots you have in your home, you’ll be able to count the number of security cameras that are right for you and determine where to place them. When positioning your security cameras, keep in mind the privacy of both family members and your neighbors, as well as local laws and ordinances.

Step 2: What Home Security Camera Should I Get For Each Spot?

Now that you know where you need to put security cameras, the next step is to take a closer look at each spot and determine power sources and mounting options. Here is what you should consider:

Mounting options: Some cameras come with stands, so you can simply place them on a flat surface, while others need to be mounted. Make sure you follow your HOA or landlord’s guidelines, as applicable, before you start drilling.

Power sources: Security cameras can be powered in many different ways, from being hardwired to a junction box to plugging straight into the wall, or even getting power over ethernet. Start by checking if you have one of those sources in each spot. You can also opt for a wireless option, but keep in mind that you’ll need access to change the battery. There are also models where a solar panel charges the battery. This doesn’t require you to change the battery, but you will need to position the solar panel so it gets enough direct sunlight.

Access to the internet: Make sure you have a strong wifi signal in each area. If not, you may need to get some wifi boosters. Or if you have access to ethernet in some spots, you can choose a camera compatible with power over ethernet (PoE).

Additional features: Think of what other functionality you may need in each spot. If there are any particularly dark areas on your property, you may need Night Vision. If you could use some additional illumination over a driveway or a walkway, then a camera with motion-activated LED lights will be a good fit. A siren can be a helpful element of extra protection.

Now that you know exactly what kind of a device you’ll need for each spot, it's time to get some cameras.

Step 3: Now the Fun Part - Go Shopping!

This is the easiest and most exciting step — shopping! And the best news is that you’ll find a Ring Security Camera that will be a perfect fit for every spot on your list.

If you’re looking for a compact model that can go just about anywhere inside your home, check out the Indoor Cam. Our versatile Stick Up Cam can be used inside or outside and comes in a variety of power options: Battery, Plug-in, Solar and Elite with PoE Adapter.

Hoping to nab an outdoor camera that provides some additional light for large spaces? Look no further than our Floodlight Cam with built-in motion-activated LED lights and a siren. This device can be connected to your home’s existing junction box.

And you can’t go wrong with an outdoor Ring Spotlight Cam with LED spotlights and a siren — which also allows you to choose between Mount, Wired, Battery and Solar options. To fit your home decor better, all of our security cameras come in two color options — white or black.

Most Ring Security Cameras can be set up easily without any professional installation, although these services are available in select locations. And since you’re adding multiple cameras in your home, the Ring App allows you to control them all from one place. You'll be able to receive real-time notifications on your phone from all your home security cameras. And by adding a Ring Protect subscription, you'll have the ability to review, save and share all your footage in the Ring App for up to 180¹ days.

For more tips about how to choose between wired and wireless security cameras and how to select the right devices for your home and family, check out our security camera buyer's guide.

Updated on June 1, 2022.

¹ To keep videos beyond your trial, subscribe to Ring Protect, which allows videos to be stored in the cloud temporarily, up to 180 days. Video storage defaults to 60 days. Changing your video storage time will only affect videos that are recorded after you adjust your storage time setting. Check Ring Protect Subscription Plans (https://ring.com/protect-plans) for more information about your plan’s retention period.