Top pick
This inexpensive security camera offers great video quality, multiple storage options, and useful pet-specific features.
The Eufy Indoor Cam C120 is simple to use, offers clear image and sound, and reliably detects pets. Plus, it’s relatively inexpensive and has three storage options, so it’s easy to keep tabs on your furry best friend when you’re not home.
You can choose where recordings are stored. The Eufy is the only camera we tested that has three storage options. You can buy a microSD card (not included) to store footage locally, upgrade to one of Eufy’s paid cloud plans, or use a network-attached storage (NAS) device. You can also add the camera to the Apple Home app and get free storage with some Apple iCloud subscriptions, but you’ll lose a few features from the Eufy app. A microSD card is the most economical option, and it’s the only one that supports 2K video resolution. It also allows for continuous, 24/7 recording, but at 1080p. Eufy’s monthly cloud subscription costs $4 a month for one camera, $8 a month for two cameras, and $14 a month for all your cameras. Each plan gives you 30 days of storage.
It has useful, pet-specific features. The Eufy cam has three different motion-detection options—including one dedicated to pets—and a 125-degree field of view. Though this camera is not always perfect, we found that it picked up our dog’s comings and goings more reliably than most other models we tested (it was tied with the Google Nest). You can set the sensitivity of the motion detection so that you’re not bombarded with alerts every time your pet twitches an ear or takes a bath. You can also set activity zones that limit the camera’s detection to a specific area. The Eufy includes a Pet Command function, which can sound out a message whenever your pet enters a designated activity zone. This might be useful for some pets, but, as we note below, hearing a disembodied voice can also lead to stress.
It takes just a few minutes to set up. The Eufy doesn’t require any technical acumen to set up. It took us about five minutes to plug in the camera, download the app, and follow the onscreen prompts. You can use the stand or mount it to a wall. And you can grant family or friends access to the feed by sending them an invite link, so there’s no need to share passwords. If you’re using a microSD card, you have the option of recording 24/7 (not just when motion is triggered). But your cam’s resolution will be downgraded from 2K to 1080p (which is still quite clear). Also, you can turn the Eufy on or off through the app, so you don’t have to unplug it when you want privacy.
Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home
Flaws but not dealbreakers
There are compromises when you integrate with Apple’s Home app. As we mentioned above, adding the Eufy to Apple’s Home app offers free cloud storage for some paid iCloud plans, but you’ll lose some features, like Pet Command and 2K video resolution. You’ll also have to reset your activity zones, though that’s a small price to pay for free storage.
