What HomeKit or Alexa smart home cameras should you buy?

On our most recent IoT Podcast, Dave called into our voicemail hotline asking about home security cameras. He prefers HomeKit support but is open to using those that work with Amazon’s ecosystem as well since he has Ring video doorbell.

Given that I’m switching over to HomeKit and just reviewed the Logitech Circle View Doorbell a week ago, I’ve already done the research for Dave on this one. Personally, I’d recommend going with HomeKit options that work with Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video (HSV) feature. This provides end-to-end encryption for all camera video feeds, ensuring that nobody, not even Apple, can view them.

I haven’t yet tested Logitech’s Circle View Camera as my review unit is currently in transit. But if it’s anything like the similar video doorbell product, I can wholeheartedly recommend it.

This product costs $159 and does require an iCloud subscription of at least 200 GB for HSV support. That plan costs $2.99 a month. Note that this iCloud plan only works for a single camera. You’ll need the $9.99 monthly 2 TB plan to use with up to five cameras.

Assuming the simple setup process and camera quality on Logitech’s new webcam is equivalent to the doorbell product, it should work well. Another solid option that supports HSV is the $149 Eve Cam. I don’t have any experience with it but it’s worth a look, as is the $39 eufy Indoor Cam 2K camera that works with Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video.

If you need outdoor security cameras and are willing to sacrifice HSV support, the eufyCam 2 Pro Wireless Home Security Camera system will do the trick. This package costs $349 but you get a wireless base station and a pair of cameras that are designed for outdoor usage.

From an Amazon perspective, you can’t go wrong with the $59 Ring Indoor Cam, especially if you already have a Ring system setup. But I’d recommend saving a few bucks and looking at the $35 Blink Mini Indoor camera.

Blink is owned by Amazon and you get Alexa support with this small security camera that I reviewed last year.

To hear Dave’s question in full, as well as our discussion on the topic, tune in to the IoT Podcast below: