What’s the best simple home camera system for me?

Seeking Advice
1

I’m moving into a house and looking for a straightforward home security camera system. My needs are:

  • A doorbell camera
  • Cameras for the front yard/garage and backyard
  • Ideally no subscription fees
  • Bonus if I can record footage to my home server

Also, I’d like to view the cameras remotely when I’m not at home. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

2

I use a Reolink wired PoE system with an NVR. I got tired of dealing with wireless cameras losing connection. You’ll need to run Cat5 or Cat6 cables from the cameras to the NVR, but the system comes with an app so you can view the footage on your phone or computer.

3

Eufy is a solid option. They have a 1TB hard drive version for local storage, and no subscription is required. You can also check out Reolink, which is another good choice. Both are Chinese-owned companies, though. Eufy had a past issue with unencrypted footage, but it’s been patched.

If you want to avoid cloud-based systems, you might also consider a traditional CCTV setup.

4

@GuardianGateways
Are there any systems that aren’t Chinese-owned? I’ve used Lorex, which is decent but slow to update, and I’ve heard good things about Eufy and Reolink. It would be great to find something non-Chinese if possible.

5

@Dean
Non-Chinese options are mostly high-end, enterprise-grade systems like Axis (Sweden), Bosch (Mexico), MOBOTIX (Germany), and Sony. They’re expensive and typically use PoE instead of WiFi. Consumer-grade options with non-Chinese ownership are rare, especially for doorbells.

If you want a commercial-grade system, consider ONVIF-compatible cameras with an ONVIF NVR. It’s a bit more complex but offers better security and support.

6

@Wilson
So it’s either Chinese-made or expensive and complex setups? That’s frustrating.

7

Dean said:
@Wilson
So it’s either Chinese-made or expensive and complex setups? That’s frustrating.

Axis isn’t complex—it’s just pricey. If budget allows, it’s worth considering.

8

I’m a big fan of UniFi Protect. It’s definitely worth checking out.