Best Weatherproof Security Cameras

Weatherproofing is the bread and butter of outdoor cameras, so we wanted to freeze out the competition—so to speak—to find the best security cameras for cold weather and other inclement conditions. . While looking, we researched temperature limits, waterproof ratings, and overall durability.

While there are some extreme temperature camera options available like the  Lorex 5MP Security Camera, which handles temps as low as -40º F and as high as 131º F, these cameras tend to have lower resolutions and require expensive companion recording systems, which is why we left them off of our list. The best outdoor camera for cold weather and heat is one that also delivers clear, consistent footage.

Here's a quick roundup of some of the best outdoor security cameras for cold weather, snow, rain, heat waves, and more.

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While we didn't test this Lorex camera in hot or cold conditions, our testing showed it produces great video and has a strong night vision range of up to 50 feet. While we think the Reolink Argus 3 Pro and Arlo Pro 4 offer better overall video quality, the Lorex Smart Indoor/Outdoor is still a nice option for a cold weather security camera.

It supports microSD cards up to 256 GB, enough for weeks of security footage. Lorex resists rain and snow with an IP65 rating like our other top waterproof cameras, which keeps the internal electronics dry when the weather turns bad.

The main drawback with this cold weather security camera is that it requires a wired power cable, which complicates installation. Overall, we think the Lorex 2K Indoor/Outdoor Spotlight Camera offers strong durability no matter where you live.

Learn more in our Lorex cameras review.

Despite the Argus 3 Pro's resistance to hot climates, it’s not the best outdoor security camera for cold weather. The minimum temperature rating clocks in at a relatively balmy 14º F, almost 20º warmer than the average security camera on our list. Even though it doesn't rate for sub-zero temperatures, it's still a strong performer throughout most of the US.

The Reolink Argus has three power options: battery, solar, and wired—unlike Lorex—so you can install it in more locations. Regardless of the brand, batteries don't last as long in cold temperatures, so we're glad that Reolink has a solar panel option to keep the power flowing on sunny days.

The solar panel add-on is more affordable than similar accessories from Arlo and Ring, too, which is something to bear in mind. Overall, we think the Reolink Argus 3 Pro is one of the best security cameras you can buy, though we wish it could handle the cold better.

Learn more in our Reolink Argus 3 Pro review.

Another of Wyze's strengths is local video storage since the Wyze Cam Outdoor supports microSD cards up to 32 GB. This isn't huge, but Wyze recently announced that it's removing the card size limit in a future camera update. Local storage is great because you don't need an internet connection for the camera to capture the dog trying to escape the backyard.

If you're okay with a monthly subscription, Wyze's Cam Plus cloud storage is also an affordable option (about $2 a month) to keep videos for up to 14 days. Considering most cloud plans cost $3 or more, this is a great option for frugal folks.

Even though the Wyze Cam Outdoor doesn't support a wired power option, we like that it works with Wyze's new solar panel accessory, which is the only one on the market that costs less than Reolink's. Overall, Wyze Cam Outdoor is worth considering if you want a waterproof security camera for cheap.

Learn more in our Wyze security cameras review.

Arlo Pro 4 doesn't have a formal IP rating like the other entries on our list. This seems strange when cameras that cost a fraction of its price still list a rating. It's not that the Pro 4 can't handle rain and snow, only that Arlo doesn't share precisely how waterproof the spotlight cam is.

Even without an IP rating, the Arlo Pro 4 is a sleek security camera with a 160º field of view that gives you a broad vantage point for watching over your yard. Plus, the video quality is some of the best in the business. Overall, the Arlo Pro 4 is an excellent choice for anyone looking to slap an outdoor camera on the side of the house.

Learn more in our Arlo Pro 4 review.

The Blink Outdoor security camera has a long battery life because it skips energy-intensive features like long video clips or smart motion detection to spot people, animals, and vehicles. Despite having fewer features overall, it's a top-rated camera for around $100.

Another great thing about the Blink Outdoor security camera is the option to connect a USB drive to the base station for local video storage, so you don't need to pay for the monthly cloud storage plan. The cloud plan is a bit pricey, considering Blink Outdoor can't record long video clips like the competition.

Overall, we like the Blink Outdoor security camera for its battery life and compatibility with Alexa, but it has fewer features than most security cameras.

Learn more in our Blink cameras review.

The Ring Stick Up Cam Battery is a great wireless camera for around $100, but the IPX5 rating means Ring didn't test for dust resistance, putting it slightly below Arlo and Blink. Still, the waterproof rating of five is good, and Ring offers protection in temperatures as high as 122º. Plus, Ring's $10 cloud storage plan is a great value if you have more than three cameras.

Learn more in our Ring Stick Up Cam review.

The Eufy SoloCam S40 is a unique entry on our list because it has a built-in solar panel rather than a separate accessory like other solar-powered security cameras. It also has an impressive IP67 rating, giving it more water protection than other home security cameras. This rating also makes it a great cold weather security camera. Still, it isn't in our top five because there's no way to expand its video storage capacity beyond the 8 GB of built-in memory.

Learn more in our Eufy cameras review.

The Google Nest Cam (Battery) is the only major security camera we looked at that had an IP54 rating. We tested this outdoor security camera for cold weather in the winter and didn't have any problems, but the lower IP rating offers less protection (in theory) than other brands on this list. On the other hand, Google Nest's cloud video storage and smart motion detection make this one of our favorite wireless cameras on the market.

Learn more in our Nest cameras review.

If you’re looking for the best security camera for cold weather and other extreme forecasts, you certainly have a lot of great options here. Icy winters andtoasty summers can put more stress on sensitive equipment, which is why we think the Lorex 2K Indoor/Outdoor Spotlight Camera is a great option for people needing a little more protection against the elements. It's a wired camera, so the installation options are more limited compared to battery-powered competitors, but it's worth it for the added durability.

Good weatherproofing in an outdoor security camera comes down to three factors:

• Sunlight-resistant cases with few openings
• Integrated seals (rubber or silicone) to keep out dust and moisture
• Electronics that can handle a wide temperature range

You can boost weatherproofing (especially against sunlight) by adding a silicone skin to many home security cameras, including cameras from Wyze and Blink. You can also find waterproof covers for indoor camera brands, but an indoor camera is no substitute for an outdoor camera.

Outdoor security cameras with a high ingress protection rating (IP rating) will work fine in the rain. We recommend outdoor cameras with a rating of IP65 or higher for the best waterproofing performance in rain and snow. All of the cameras in our top five—with the possible exception of Arlo Pro 4, which doesn't list an IP rating—come with an IP65 rating.

Cold weather can make your security camera less effective by reducing battery life and damaging sensitive components. Make sure your cold weather security camera is water-resistant since moisture that gets inside during the winter can fog the lens or damage electronics.

If you live in a climate with extreme cold, you can help keep your camera warm by selecting a dark case or placing it in a spot that receives more sunlight. While it's not a guaranteed solution, this method can reduce the time a camera stays below its recommended temperature range in the winter.

If you struggle with keeping the battery charged—even with a solar panel—consider a model where you can swap the battery occasionally, like the Arlo Pro 4.

A camera can overheat in hot climates, but it's uncommon. It's mostly a problem with cameras in direct sunlight that are also streaming live video for long periods—recording video doesn't use as much energy as streaming a live feed.

Cameras that overheat usually shut down for a short time before rebooting. You can shade the camera from overheating by installing it under your eaves or other overhangs around your home. Commercial-grade cameras with active cooling exist, but they are well beyond the budget of most homeowners.

The eaves on your home can protect a camera from precipitation and sunlight. Here are some installation guidelines:

• Choose a spot where the camera fits under the eave.
• Make sure the camera can see the area it's monitoring.
• If there's a power cable, make sure it can reach the intended mounting location.

Most cameras don't require or include grounded power cables. But, like any electronic device, they’re prone to lightning damage, so consider installing them away from metal poles or the highest points on top of your home.

This review dives into which security cameras can best handle extreme weather conditions. This means looking at manufacturer specifications and customer reviews for examples of what the cameras can take. We focus on three attributes: waterproofing, cold-temperature performance, and hot-temperature performance.

You'll notice the ratings differ from our main comparison page: wireless cameras, but this is because we put a higher priority on the weatherproofing aspects of each camera. We tested six of the eight cameras in this review. Due to the limitations that come with apartment living, only one of our tests (Nest Cam) took place outdoors.

Check out our methodology to learn more about how we rate and review products and services.

• Best Outdoor Security Cameras
• Best Wireless Security Cameras
• Best Solar-Powered Security Cameras
• What's the Difference Between Indoor and Outdoor Cameras?

1. DSM&T, "IP Rating Chart," July 2012. Accessed January 19, 2022.