Best multi-camera security systems in Australia

We looked at over three dozen kits across 15 brands to find the best multi-camera security systems.
Best overall
EufyCam 2C Pro
  • pro
    2K resolution
  • pro
    135º field of view
  • pro
    Wire-free install
Best budget
TP-Link Tapo C410
  • pro
    2K resolution
  • pro
    125º field of view
  • pro
    Wire-free install
Best wired system
Reolink RLK8-520D4
  • pro
    5MP resolution
  • pro
    80º field of view
  • pro
    Wired install
Best bulk value
Swann Enforcer
  • pro
    1080p resolution
  • pro
    90º field of view
  • pro
    Wired install

Why you can trust SafeWise

For over 11 years, SafeWise experts have conducted independent research and testing to create unbiased, human reviews. We may earn money when you click links on our site, but this does not affect our recommendations. Learn how we test and review.

Why you can trust SafeWise

For over 11 years, SafeWise experts have conducted independent research and testing to create unbiased, human reviews. We may earn money when you click links on our site, but this does not affect our recommendations. Learn how we test and review.

John Carlsen
Aug 19, 2024
Icon Time To Read6 min read

Before stand-alone security cameras took over the market, multi-camera security systems were once the standard for video surveillance. Still, their camera bundles are often more affordable than buying extra Wi-Fi cameras.

We think the EufyCam 2C Pro is the best of the bunch for its easy installation, wide field of view, wide smart home compatibility and included local storage. The 16GB HomeBase 2 should be enough for most people, but you may need to upgrade to the HomeBase 3 if you need more room.

We've added more wireless cameras with easier installation than traditional wired systems in this update. We recommend both types, so choose the best multi-camera system for your needs.


Best multi-camera security systems


Compare the best multi-camera security systems

Product
Best for
Price
Local storage Icon Tooltip  Dark
Optional cloud storage
Power source
Audio
Learn more
Best overall 16 GB in base station$15.49/mo.
(10 cams max)
Battery, solar (panels sold separately)
Icon Yes  LightYes
Best budget Up to 512 GB microSD
(per cam)
$16.49/mo.
(10 cams max)
Battery, solar (panels sold separately)
Icon Yes  LightYes
Best wired system 2 TB in NVR Via FTP serverWired
Icon Yes  LightYes
Best bulk value 1 TB in NVR Via DropboxWired
Icon No  LightNo

Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

1. EufyCam 2C Pro: Best multi-camera security system overall

Best overall
EufyCam 2C Pro
$799.99 (4 cams)

Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

We love the EufyCam 2C Pro because it offers more installation flexibility than wired systems. It boasts 2K video resolution, includes local storage, has a wide 135-degree field of view, and supports all three major smart home platforms (Apple HomeKit, Google Home and Amazon Alexa).

There's no option for continuous recording, but you probably don't need it because Eufy's motion-activated clips work well enough for your home. That said, you may want to consider a wired system like Reolink if you 24/7 video recording is your top priority.

pro
Pros
pro Easy installation
pro 135º field of view
pro Included local storage
pro Compatible with HomeKit, Google Home and Alexa
con
Cons
con Expanding local storage is expensive

The only downside to the Eufy 2C Pro is that the local storage isn't easy (or cheap) to expand. The kit comes with a HomeBase 2, which includes 16GB of storage that cannot be expanded. Eufy estimates that this can store about two weeks of rolling footage from four cameras. If you want additional storage, you'll need to buy a new HomeBase 3 ($349.95 RRP), which also comes with 16GB, but can be expanded to a whopping 16TB.

Learn more in our full Eufy cameras review.

2. TP-Link Tapo C410: Best budget multi-camera security system

Best budget
TP-Link Tapo C410
$479 (4 cams)

Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The TP-Link Tapo C410 offers the most affordable wireless security camera system on our list. It has strong local storage options, up to six months of battery life, and the ability to view multiple live camera feeds at once. It's significantly cheaper than our top pick, but it does come with a few sacrifices, including a narrower field of view (125 degrees vs 135 degrees) and no Apple HomeKit support.

Still, it's a fantastic value option with excellent video quality, motion-triggered recording and no hub required.

pro
Pros
pro Affordable
pro Local storage via microSD card
pro Easy installation
pro Compatible with Google Home and Alexa
con
Cons
con No HomeKit support

We love that the Tapo C410 supports up to 512GB of local storage in each camera (via microSD card), meaning you could store years of footage without needing an external hub or forking out for cloud storage.

3. Reolink RLK8-520D4: Best wired multi-camera security system

Best wired system
Reolink 5 MP 4 Camera System

Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Reolink is the highest-rated home security camera brand on SafeWise, so we were happy that the Reolink RLK8-520D4 wired multi-camera system matched our high expectations. The 5MP (better than 2K) video quality looks crisp and clear in various lighting conditions. It's not as easy to install as battery-powered systems (in fact, you'll likely need a licensed electrician), but the POE (power over ethernet) connection makes it more reliable than Wi-Fi and analog systems.

The best part is the massive 2TB NVR (network video recorder), which can be expanded up to 12TB and supports eight cameras in total.

pro
Pros
pro Massive, expandable local storage
pro Impressive video quality
pro Person and vehicle detection
con
Cons
con Narrow field of view
con Wired installation

As wide as Reolink's POE IP camera selection is, they all have a narrow field of view around 80º. This means you need more cameras to see your whole yard than other brands on our list. Still, adding cameras to the system is more affordable than most competitors.

To learn more about their wireless alternatives, check out our guide to the best Reolink cameras.

Light Bulb
How much video can 2 TB hold?

A 2 TB hard drive holds almost two weeks of high-quality 1080p footage for four cameras recording continuously at 30 frames per second.  You can increase recording time without upgrading the hard drive:

  • Use motion-triggered recording instead of continuous recording.
  • Choose a lower frame rate, resolution, or video quality.
  • Pick a different video compression method (may affect video quality).

4. Swann Enforcer: Best bulk value multi-camera security system

Best bulk value
Swann Enforcer
$559.95 (8 cams)

Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Swann Enforcer comes with eight outdoor cameras, making it an excellent bulk value for getting as many cameras as possible. Swann's 8-camera security system is wired, meaning that unlike the wireless camera models on our list, you don't need to charge a battery or worry about wireless interference.

Still, the installation will take a lot longer as you string each analog camera's 18m cable this way and that. Some people might see the cables as an eyesore, but they're hard to avoid unless you spend extra on a professional installation.

pro
Pros
pro 8 cameras
pro 1 TB local storage
pro Remote access via smartphone or computer
con
Cons
con Wired installation
con Narrow field of view
con No audio on cameras

Unfortunately, this system's low price comes at a different cost: The cameras are relatively low-tech. There's no audio compared to the rest of our top brands, and the 90º field of view means you need three Swann cameras to match the coverage of two Eufy cameras.

Things to consider before you buy a multi-camera system

There are a lot of features to consider when you're looking for the best multi-camera system for your property:

  • Wired or wireless: Wired cameras are trickier to install and usually require professional installation, but they don't need a battery and have better local storage.
  • Field of view: This is how much you can see through the camera lens. The wider the field of view, the better the visibility, and hopefully, the fewer cameras you'll need to cover a large space.
  • Video resolution: This refers to the clarity of the picture. Typically, you want at least 1080p or higher to see relevant details. Keep in mind that higher resolutions use more video storage.
  • Video storage: Most wired multi-camera systems come equipped with an NVR, which is handy because you need to store all that footage. Opt for an NVR with at least 1 TB if you intend to expand your camera system someday. Wireless cameras tend to rely more on cloud storage and use motion detection to create clips rather than recording continuously. Still, they usually require a monthly fee.
  • Night vision: Infrared night vision helps you record in the dark and is a standard feature on modern security cameras. It works best close to the camera—look for models that provide at least 10m of night vision range.

Final word

The EufyCam 2C Pro is our pick for the best wireless multi-camera security system. Its wide field of view, easy installation, and wide smart home compatibility make it a great choice for a simple system without unsightly cables or professional installation. It's not the best choice for local video storage, but we think it's a perfect fit for most people.

If you're not ready to invest in multiple security cameras, we recommend heading to our wireless cameras guide to see our top picks.

Video: How many security cameras do I need?

Play Video

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and learn how to protect your home, loved ones, and belongings.

Multi-camera security system FAQ

Placing multiple security cameras around your home and yard has two benefits: deterrence and coverage.

  1. Deterrence: Security cameras are a strong visual deterrent for potential break-ins. As the possibility of identification increases, it's riskier to steal anything without getting caught.
  2. Coverage: Multi-camera systems are great for monitoring larger properties. While you can manage many stand-alone cameras from a mobile app, sometimes buying a system can save you the headache of trying to connect mismatched hardware later—especially with wired cameras.

Multi-camera systems work well for houses with multiple entry points on several different levels or if you have a business attached to your home. They are also ideal for large multi-unit properties with gated entrances, extensive acreages, and remote holiday homes.

While we recommend all of our top picks for homes, you should consider a wired system from brands like Reolink and Swann for home business applications since they don't require charging batteries every few months.

Your space, situation, and the viewing angles of your cameras determine the number of surveillance cameras you need. In general, you need fewer cameras to cover the same area if the cameras have a wider field of view.

If you want complete coverage of your home, make sure your cameras can see every entrance to your home (including doors and windows). Also, consider a camera for your parking spot and any part of the perimeter you want to restrict access to, like a gate or fence line.

Our top picks all have menus or mobile apps where you can select a specific IP security camera to view live from your monitor or smartphone. All of them allow you to watch multiple cameras simultaneously, except Eufy, which doesn't offer the feature.

The distinction between channels and cameras on multi-camera system packaging is essential:

  • Channels tell you how many cameras a DVR, NVR, or base station can handle. You need a channel for every camera you want to record or control. For example, an 8-channel security system works with up to eight cameras.
  • Cameras tell you how many cameras come in the box. A 4-camera security system is just what it sounds like and should include four cameras.

If you want to buy a smaller camera system and expand later, look for one that offers more channels than cameras. To accommodate the extra video storage you'll need for more cameras, consider buying a DVR or NVR that allows you to swap in or add another hard drive.

How we reviewed multi-camera systems

Night Owl camera test mount

Before writing our review, we looked through over three dozen multi-camera security systems across 15 brands to find wireless and wired options.

We narrowed our choices by keeping prices under $1,000—most systems over $1,000 are either costly 4K products or include more than eight cameras. All of the systems in our list use outdoor cameras and have a mobile app. Ultimately, we landed on our top 10 systems with three or more cameras.

While we have hands-on experience with most of the brands on our list, we haven't tested everything. To fill in the gaps, we also scoured user manuals, customer reviews, manufacturer specs, and online reviews to see what's great and not so great about the camera systems.

Check out our full methodology for an overview of how we approach product ranking and testing.


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.

Recent Articles