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6 min readHome security cameras aren’t only for people who can drop a wad of cash on a fancy surveillance system. If you want to add a security camera but have a strict budget to stick to, we think that the TP-Link Tapo C200 is the one to beat.
While most cheap security cameras sacrifice features like image quality and smart home compatibility to push the price lower, TP-Link delivers an unexpectedly solid experience that rivals the best home security cameras at any cost.
Not sold? Read on for our round-up of the best budget security cameras in Australia.
Here are the top 5 budget security cameras in Australia
- : Best overall
- : Best features
- : Best outdoor camera
- : Best solar-powered camera
- : Best for smart homes
Compare the best cheap security cameras in Australia
Camera | Best for | Price | Video resolution | Field of view | Power source | Smart home compatibility | Learn more |
| Best overall | $39 | 1080p | 360° horizontal and 114° vertical | Wired | Alexa, Google Home | View on Amazon | |
| Best features | $107 | 2K | 360° horizontal and 149° vertical | Wired | Alexa, Google Home | View on Amazon | |
| Best outdoor | $69.58 | 1080p | 100° | Wired | Alexa, Google Home | View on Amazon | |
| Best solar | $145.98 | 2K | 122° | Battery/solar | Alexa, Google Home | View on Amazon | |
| Best for smart homes | $99 | 2K | 130° | Wired | Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home | View on Amazon |
*Prices are accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
1. TP-Link Tapo C200: Best cheap security camera overall
Best overall
For overall value for money, the TP-Link Tapo C200 is very hard to beat. It's got just about everything you could possibly need in a security camera, budget-friendly or otherwise: Great video quality, solid night vision up to 9 metres, motion detection, two-way audio, smart home compatibility (Alexa and Google Home), and it even has an SD card slot, so you don't have to fork out for monthly cloud fees (unless you want to, of course).
Prior to upgrading to the newer Tapo C225 (see our next pick!) I had been using the Tapo C200 for over a year to keep an eye on my puppy while I was out and about. It proved to be an invaluable pawrenting companion, since it can pan 360 degrees horizontally and 114 degrees vertically, allowing you to cover a whole lot more ground than a simple static camera would allow.
Pros
360° pan and 114° tilt
Excellent video quality and night vision
Two-way talk
MicroSD card storage up to 128GB 
Cons
Motion tracking and cloud storage costs extra
Continuous streaming requires feed refresh every five minutes The only real downside to the Tapo C200 is that some features (like motion tracking) are locked behind a paywall. If it's a feature you have your heart set on, you can purchase a Tapo Care subscription from $4.99 per month, which also includes 30 days of cloud storage. If you're really against paying monthly fees, opt for the C225 instead or check out the best security cameras without subscriptions.
It's also worth noting that, if you plan on watching the camera's live stream continuously while you're out of the house, you will need to refresh the feed every five minutes. Still, for such a low price, we reckon these small caveats are well worth it.
2. TP-Link Tapo C225: Best cheap security camera for features
Best features
Considering even some security cameras over $200 don't offer 2K video resolution, the fact that the TP-Link Tapo C225 does (and costs half the price) should tell you just how good of a deal it is.
Think of it as a beefed-up version of our top pick above. It offers the same pan/tilt functionality, two-way audio, night vision and even local microSD storage. So, you might wonder, why is pricier?
The Tapo C225 goes above and beyond, doubling the video resolution and adding motion tracking at no extra cost.
The best feature, though, has to be the AI sound detection, enabling it to function not only as a security camera, but also as a baby monitor or pet camera. Yep, you'll get alerted if it hears a baby crying, a dog barking, a cat meowing, or even glass breaking. It's a total all-rounder.
Pros
360° pan and 149° tilt
Ultra-crisp 2K video quality
Motion tracking and AI sound detection
MicroSD card storage up to 512GB Cons
Cloud storage costs extra
One of the pricier picks on our list It's not all perfect, though. Like its cheaper counterpart above, the C225 charges for cloud storage (starting at $4.99 per month). That said, the camera offers local storage up to a massive 512GB via a microSD slot, so a subscription isn't really necessary at all.
To learn more, read our full Tapo C225 review.
3. Reolink Lumus: Best cheap outdoor security camera
Best outdoor
The Reolink Lumus packs a big punch for a sub-$80 security camera, since you're also essentially getting a motion sensor security light thrown in, too.
Boasting 1080p video resolution, PIR motion detection, two-way audio, a siren, a bright spotlight (allowing for colour night vision) and IP65 weatherproofing, the Lumus is surprisingly feature-packed for its pint-sized price.
The best part, though? In addition to up to 64GB of local storage (via microSD card), Reolink also gives users seven days of cloud storage completely for free.
Pros
Colour night vision
Bright LED spotlight
Two-way audio with siren
7 days free cloud storage Cons
Wired installation can make outdoor placement difficult
Comparatively narrow field of view Unfortunately, because the Reolink Lumus is a wired security camera, placement can be difficult if you don't have an outdoor power point. It also has a narrower field of view than we'd like. If you've got a little extra money to spend and would rather not worry about wires, our next pick is for you.
Cheap cameras at Bunnings
Looking for more cheap cameras? We've rounded up the best Bunnings security cameras so you can get your next sausage sizzle with a side of safety.
4. Reolink Argus 3 Pro: Best cheap solar-powered security camera
Best solar
Reolink is once again bringing the goods with the solar-powered Argus 3 Pro. On sale for under $150, this battery-powered security camera comes with its own solar charging panel and offers 2K video resolution, PIR motion detection, a 90dB siren, and IP65 weatherproofing. It also offers colour night vision, thanks to its bright onboard spotlight.
Like the Lumus, the Argus 3 Pro offers local microSD card storage (this time up to 128GB) along with seven days of cloud storage at no extra cost. It also has a broader 122-degree field of view, allowing greater coverage of your outdoor area.
Pros
Battery-powered for easy installation
Solar charging panel included
122° field of view
7 days free cloud storage Cons
Most expensive pick on our list On the flip side, it's hard to ignore that the Argus 3 Pro is one of the more expensive cameras on our list. Though we think the flexibility and ease of installation that comes with a truly wireless security camera (not to mention the incredible video quality) is worth it, it may not be for everyone.
5. Arlo Essential Indoor HD: Best cheap security camera for smart homes
Best for smart homes
If you're on a budget but still want something that'll fit in seamlessly with your smart home, the Arlo Essential Indoor HD (2nd gen) might be for you.
It's compatible with all three of the big smart home ecosystems: Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home.
On top of that, it also offers stunning 2K resolution, a built-in spotlight, an automated physical privacy shield, and noise-cancelling two-way audio.
The only downside is that, like all Arlo cameras, the Essential Indoor HD doesn't include any local storage, so you'll need to fork out a minimum of $7.99 per month if you want cloud storage. Otherwise, it'll only work as a live-view camera.
Pros
Excellent video quality
HomeKit, Alexa and Google Home compatible
Physical privacy shield
Decent 130° field of view Cons
No local storage
Expensive cloud storage Final word
TP-Link is the clear leader among budget camera brands with the Tapo C200. It offers exceptional quality for under $60: 1080p resolution, wide pan/tilt functionality, local storage, smart home compatibility and more. The only drawback is that cloud storage and motion tracking costs extra.
Cheap security cameras offer more features and better quality than ever before. So much so that it's hard to recommend anything else for those wanting a quick, easy way to check on your home with a smartphone. If your budget's a bit more flexible, consider checking out our review of the best wireless security cameras to see how pricier cameras compare.
Cheap security cameras FAQ
If you want to keep your research light, focus on familiar brands. Ask trusted friends and family for recommendations to see what they use and if it's a good fit for you. For a more comprehensive search, look at expert reviews (like this one, wink wink) and customer ratings on retail websites.
While cheap, reliable, and secure security camera brands seem too good to be true, it's fairly easy to find them with a bit of research.
Some of our favourite brands include TP-Link Tapo, Eufy Security, Reolink, Google Nest, Arlo, Ring, Swann, and Aqara.
There are three common costs beyond the purchase price of a cheap security camera:
- MicroSD cards: While most cheap security cameras have a microSD slot that allows you to record video locally, the card is usually a separate purchase. Buying one of these cards will cost less than the camera, but it's still an extra expense. A 32 GB card is generally large enough for most people and costs around $10 on average.
- Cloud video storage: If you're keen to store security footage longer than a few seconds for more than a day online, you’ll need a subscription. Most cloud storage plans for cheap cameras aren't a good deal. Considering pricier brands like Ring and Arlo charge about $4-$5 a month for their single-camera plans, anything more than that is too much unless it supports multiple cameras.
- Overall quality: Cheap cameras usually have shorter warranties, less durable materials, and fewer features than models costing around $100. Not accounting for the environmental impact of e-waste, a $30 camera replaced every year is still cheaper than a $100 camera replaced every three years. Thankfully, most cheap cameras last much longer than a year.
Take time to read the fine print and root out any extra costs before deciding which inexpensive security camera is right for you.
There are various apps (Alfred is our pick) to turn that old smartphone from your junk drawer into an instant security camera. (You might want a long power cable and mini tripod first.) These apps give you most of the core features you expect from a security camera, like motion detection, live video streaming, and two-way communication.
They can't really do night vision since most smartphones don't have the right tech, mainly infrared LEDs. Still, they're worth considering for a temporary or permanent security camera.
Watch out for fake reviews
Approach online customer star ratings with a grain of salt—some brands encourage positive reviews in exchange for freebies, and it's not easy to spot. Instead, focus on longer written reviews, photos, and videos, especially in neutral or negative reviews. Reviews that criticise a product are an easy way to learn about potential drawbacks.
Disclaimer
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time of publish and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer’s website at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. SafeWise Australia utilises paid affiliate links.
