One of the main perks of having a home security camera is that you can keep a tab on your house when you are away. With wide field-of-vision (FOV) and HD playback, it’s almost as good as you being there. However, some cameras lack a crucial feature: audio.
If you have a small child or pet at home, a camera system with two-way audio makes more sense. You can speak through the companion app and communicate with the person on the other end, and vice versa.
The thing with such camera systems is that the audio system has to be on par with other features like video quality, audio sensors, and most importantly, how it is powered. Also, you have to keep an eye out on how the camera stores the feed.
In this post today, we will list down the best security camera with two-way audio.
1. Amazon Cloud Cam Security Camera
The Amazon Cloud Cam is a top pick for many reasons. It’s affordable, has a stylish look and is easy to install and set up. With a FOV of 120 degrees, you can see most of the frame in a single take. What’s more, it notifies you instantly whenever it detects any motion.
A cool feature of the Amazon Cloud Cam is that it detects sounds like a baby crying, dogs barking or someone calling for your assistance when you enable the audio alerts. There’s a small microphone button at the lower-right corner which lets you carry on the conversation with the other end.
Coming to the video quality, it is bright during the day. As per the folks at Toms Guide, it lets you make out finer details in the frame. As for the night, the infrared cameras provide the necessary illumination.
Plus, the Cloud Cam app has all the features that are expected of a companion app.
The Amazon Cloud Cam retails for $119.99.
- Height: 104 mm
- FOV: 120°
- Cloud or Local Storage: Cloud (30-day free trial)
2. Nest Cam Indoor Cam
Another camera in a similar size group is the Nest Cam Indoor. Priced at $184, it has received rave reviews. Out of the seven thousand user reviews, a whopping 68% of them are positive. When it comes to the features, it boasts of 1080p video recording, instant alerts, and of course, a two-way audio system.
Most of the user reviews on Amazon have praised the Nest Cam Indoor for its video quality, clear audio, and the zooming option in the companion app. A notable point is its ability to double up as a baby monitor: it can pick up the soft voices and babbles of infants and kids quite easily.
The only issue which you may want to consider is that you’ll need to subscribe to the Nest Aware monthly subscription for continuous video recording. The subscriptions start at $5 per month.
- Size: 2.9 x 4.5 x 2.9 inches
- FOV: 130°
- Cloud or Local Storage: Cloud
3. Zmodo Mini Wi-Fi Home Security Camera
Another highly reviewed product is the Zmodo WiFi Home Security Camera. This one is priced at just $29 and boasts of a range of features such as night vision, two-way audio, and 115° FOV. Typical of most security cameras, this one too records a short video clip when it detects motion.
The only setback which it may have is the HD resolution. The Zmodo Mini is capable of recording up to 720p. However, if we were to go by the user experience, it is not bad. The videos are quite bright in daylight.
As far as the audio is concerned, it is quite decent for the price. However, some users may find the audio output to be a bit low. Also, the motion detection isn’t as accurate as advertised. So, you might want to consider that before investing on it.
This camera doesn’t have local storage. Instead, it relies on its proprietary cloud service which will cost you around $9.99 per month. If you do not invest in the cloud plan, the camera will record a 10-second clip whenever it detects motion, which you can later view via the app.
The Zmodo Mini costs $59.00.
- Size: 4 x 6 x 3 inches
- FOV: 115°
- Cloud or Local Storage: Cloud (30-day free trial)
4. Wyze Cam 1080p HD Indoor Wireless Smart Home Camera
Another security camera is the same price bracket is the Wyze Cam 1080p HD Indoor Camera. As the name suggests, it is an indoor camera, capable of recording Full HD videos with a 110° FOV. Not only can it capture all the tiny details during the day, but it can also capture details from 16 feet during the night.
The Wyze Cam V2 or 1080p HD camera is a highly reviewed product. Users often speak about its easy setup process and its great video quality. There is a switch for the mic on the app using which you can talk to the people on the other end.
However, don’t expect the world out of the microphone. For the price, the audio quality is decent but not amazing as its pricier counterparts such as the Nest Indoor cam.
It’s not meant to use as a baby monitor. Instead, you can mount it near doors to record if any intruders try to break in.
The Wyze Cam V2 costs $25.99.
- Size: 2.2 x 2 x 2 inches
- FOV: 110°
- Cloud or Local Storage: Cloud
5. Arlo Ultra 4K UHD Wire-Free Camera System
At $400, the Arlo Ultra 4K UHD security camera is the most expensive one in this lot. However, you can rest assured that you’ll get the best features for the money. It boasts of a weather resistant design (something you won’t need if you need it for indoor use), 4K recording with HDR (woah!), and an integrated spotlight. In short, the Arlo Ultra security camera is more for outdoor use than indoors.
One of its primary highlights is the spotlight feature which lights up the area to scare away intruders. Plus, unlike the ones above, it’s battery-powered and has a magnetic mount as well. Other than that, it bundles a neat night-vision feature, 180° FOV and noise cancellation on its microphones to render crystal-clear audio.
As per the folks at CNET, the magnetic mount lets you easily rotate the camera as per your wish.
The Arlo Ultra 4K UHD cam costs $399.99 for a single camera system.
- Size: 5 x 5 x 5 inches
- FOV: 180°
- Cloud or Local Storage: Local storage + Cloud
Communication Is the Key
With cameras like these, you can rest assured that you can always stay connected. So, the next time you see your pet sitting on the couch, you know what to do.
Next up: Do you know what are the features you need to check before buying a new phone? Check out the guide below to consider a few things while shortlisting your next smartphone.
Last updated on 02 February, 2022
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
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