Top 5 Wireless Security Cameras (Under SGD$200)

Just to clear things up...

Wireless security cameras here refer to devices that connect to your network wirelessly (usually via WiFi). While some of our picks below are 100% wire-free, others require some plugging in to power the device.

Security cameras may be called as such, but let’s be clear – we probably get them to keep tabs on ourselves more than on potential intruders. Frisky pets, mischievous children or frail elderly parents – sometimes a little monitoring goes a long way in bringing a peace of mind.

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And setting the benchmark for everyday surveillance? Wireless home cameras. Lightweight, easy and packed with smart features, they are a far cry from cumbersome CCTVs or home security systems with an easier-to-swallow price! So, if you’re ready to gear up, here's our round up of 5 of the best rated wireless security cams on the market - below $200.

What Can You Expect in Wireless Security Cams Today?

With constant improvement, today’s offerings are decidedly competitive. Most security cams (and all of them listed here) feature some form of:
- Wide-angle lens for capturing a greater radius
- Clear video feeds ranging from 720p to 1080p resolution
- Two-way voice feedback (much like a walkie talkie)
- Motion and sound sensors that will alert you if something’s amiss
- Night vision and zoom capabilities
- Ability to record and store video remotely, either via cloud or a connected device like your phone.

1. Yi Dome 360-Degree Camera 1080p

Best For: Parents with precocious kids (or pets)

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When you leave your young children (or your furry friends) to their own devices, trouble’s bound to be brewing. Fret not though - the Yi Dome Smart Security Cam is made to monitor your playful ones. With a swivel lens that provides 360-degree live viewing, the feature-packed security camera even comes with a ‘Baby-Crying Detection’ sensor that alerts you via push message when your kid is bawling.

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Highly rated by users on Amazon for its clear images and intuitive motion sensors, the Yi Security Cam features a ‘Bookmark’ function that allows users to highlight specific areas to improve motion sensitivity. It even has an ‘auto-cruise’ mode that lets you pan across (and sweep for signs of your pesky critters) – all in HD, 1080p resolution glory. Only catch? You’ll need to plug it into a power outlet, and its short cables can be pretty restricting.

What We Love:

• A comprehensive app that makes set up easy. Users simply have to scan the device and follow instructions on the app.
• A host of useful features like the baby crying detection and bookmark feature that other security cams at the same price lacks.
• Option to save videos on an SD card and Yi’s Cloud Storage.
• Offers many ways of viewing – 360-degree pan, tilting, shifting and zooming.

What We Didn't:

• Short power cables – you may require an extension cord or plan your placement carefully.
• Vertical tilt view is limited
• Some users have found it difficult to navigate around the app and find the right buttons for various functions.

Set Up: 4/5 | Video & Sound: 4.5/5 | Motion Sensor: 4/5 | Value for Money: 4.5/5

Buy Now: $159 on Yi Technology's Online Store

2. Zmodo 720p HD WiFi Wireless Home Security Camera System

Best for: Basic, comprehensive coverage without the expensive price tag.

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Here’s what we call value for money – at US$115.90, the ZModo 720p WiFi Security Camera comes bundled with 4 mini Security cams you can set up around the house for extensive coverage (at little obtrusion). While its 720p video resolution can’t beat other rivals with 1080p, it’s got the rest of the basics intact – two-way communication, night vision, motion sensor and alerts – plus access to cloud servers to safely store your recordings.

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Zmodo has also made it a point to regularly update their software, constantly improving the set-up process and usability of the camera app - a major plus point if you're using it for the long run. But at that budget friendly price, don't expect fancy motion detection features like that of the Yi Dome's Bookmark function - also, some users have voiced their concerns over the device's less-than-stellar sound quality.

What We Love:

• Easy set up process, thanks to a constantly updated app - it takes around 15 - 20 minutes to get it all up and running.
• App is also reliable, not prone to lags or crashes.
• The camera's 720p video resolution is as clear as it gets, and night vision mode is decent.
• A 115-degree wide angle lens provides a bigger field of vision

What We Didn't:

• The lack of a MicroSD card option to store videos.
• The sounds emitted by the camera speakers may lean on soft and muffled. Users may need to raise their voices to get their messages clearly across.
• The motion-triggered recording is too short - at 15 seconds, the footage is not enough to capture substantial information.

Set Up: 4/5 | Video & Sound: 3/5 | Motion Sensor: 3.5/5 | Value for Money: 4/5

Buy Now: US$115.90 on Amazon

3. Reolink Argus

Best For: Homeowners who need a versatile cam to go with the flow.

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If you’re constantly finding yourself toggling and switching your security cams around to find the best vantage point, do yourself a favour and get a wire-free cam. Weatherproof and free from pesky cords, the Reolink Argus is perfect for the flighty at heart (and for both indoor/outdoor spaces).

Check Out: Review - Reolink Argus

Powered by batteries, homeowners can screw-mount or place it just about anywhere at home. And like most of our picks, it comes with 1080p resolution, two-way speakers and motion sensor alerts - standard functions that are commonplace these days. However, sounds can come up noisy and can be better improved, while the motion/sound sensors have a problem of being too sensitive.

What We Love:

• It's 100% Cord-less design. Makes it easy to place anywhere.
• Hardy, waterproof body allows it to adapt to both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Ridiculously easy set-up process. Syncing the camera to the app and home network took no more than 10 to 15 minutes.
• Clear 1080p video resolution in both daylight and night modes.

What We Didn't:

• Oversensitive motion sensor. Small movements (like a curtain moving) is enough to trigger a flurry of alerts - which can be rather annoying.
• Video feeds may lag by a couple of seconds, and sounds come off muffled with echoes.

Set Up: 4/5 | Video & Sound: 3.5/5 | Motion Sensor: 3.5/5 | Value for Money: 4/5

Buy Now: US$99.99 on Reolink

4. Xiaomi MiJia Smart Home Security IP Camera

Best for: Quality video, sound and motion sensitivity (and Chinese-speaking households).

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The maker of quality, well-designed electronics at affordable prices doesn’t disappoint here in terms of specs. A minimalist looker, the MiJia Smart Home Security IP Camera is fitted in with the latest standards in technology; a 130-degree wide-angle camera lens that supports 1080p quality video and 4x zoom, night-vision mode, plus two-way voice communication.

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Best of all, the complementary Mi Home app comes with an ultra-cool motion grid feature, which basically allows you to tweak different levels of sensitivity for various parts of your camera view. Users have also praised the MiJia's exceptional image/sound quality in day and night modes. But the fact that the MiJia is originally produced for the Chinese market means a lot of app's infrastructure is still stuck in the language. A massive hurdle that might put off some.

What We Love:

• 130-degree wide angle lens allow it to capture more areas compared to the 115-degree alternatives, free from distortions.
• Nicely balanced night vision images with clear, distinguishable images, thanks to the MiJia's WDR technology
• Highly customisable, grid-based motion sensor settings allow users to apply specific sensitivity levels, depending on the area.
• Two-way sound communication is clear and easily audible.

What We Didn't:

• The inconsistent app. Some areas (like the installation instructions) were only available in Chinese, while some in English.
• Navigating around the app may also be difficult for non-Chinese speakers, and may need a bit of trial and error before getting the hang of each button/icon.

Set Up: 2.5/5 | Video & Sound: 4.5/5 | Motion Sensor: 4/5 | Value for Money: 3.5/5

Buy Now: $140 on Lazada

Netgear Arlo Q

Best For: All rounded, quality surveillance with smart home automation features.

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Although slightly pricier compared to the rest of our picks here, it’s not hard to see why the Netgear Arlo Q is a favourite of experts and everyday consumers alike. It takes all the bells and whistles of a well-rounded security cam – 1080p HD, 130-degree field of view, two way voice communication and night vision – and ups it a notch.

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Think 8 times optical zoom, the ability to record 24/7. save videos on a free cloud platform, and function that allows users to highlight certain areas for monitoring. Oh, and if you have an Amazon Echo or Dot at home? You can access your Arlo Q via Alexa voice command as well.

What We Love:

• Long power cable (up to 10 feet), plus magnetic base and optional screw-ons allow the Arlo Q freedom to be placed almost anywhere.
• Set up, connecting and navigating the app is simple, thanks to clear instructional guides.
• Intuitive light sensors - the device only goes into Night mode at night, and is still able to provide a clear feed, even in dim daylight.
• Connectivity to Alexa means that users can command changes or actions using voice, via Amazon Echo or Dot devices.

What We Didn't:

• App has a tendency to glitch or lag.
• Motion-triggered videos had a long lag time. The device took about 5 seconds or more before beginning the recording, a bit too slow to capture any fast moving situations.
• Camera's motion sensors don't work as well in detecting changes or movements from far.

Set Up: 4/5 | Video & Sound: 4/5 | Motion Sensor: 3.5/5 | Value for Money: 3/5

US$149.99 on Amazon

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