Can You Use An Indoor Security Camera Outdoors?
With Arlo, you can protect your everything inside & out.
With Arlo, you can protect your everything inside & out.
Imagine you’ve just bought your first home. Congratulations! As you browse new paint colors and furniture options for your patio, don’t forget to add the most important tool to your new homeowner toolkit: a new home security system.
Nearly all respondents of a recent survey (96%) said they’d feel safer if their neighbors had home security cameras installed. Nowadays, it’s not a question of whether you should install security cameras—it’s a question on how many Video Doorbells in 2K, indoor, and outdoor security cameras you should install. Let’s explore the difference between indoor vs. outdoor home security cameras, and how to find the best security camera system for you.
The main difference between indoor and outdoor security cameras is based on one factor: weather-resistance. While indoor and outdoor cameras tend to look similar with compatible features, outdoor cameras like the Arlo 2nd Generation Essential Wireless Security Camera are built to withstand the elements while indoor cameras are not. Plus, they tend to be more robust than their indoor counterparts. The best outdoor cameras also require pan tilt, high-resolution color night vision, and advanced motion detection to expertly monitor your property in the dark.
Indoor cameras, on the other hand, are usually smaller, more lightweight, and less intrusive than more bulky outdoor cameras. The low-impact design of indoor cameras like the Arlo 2nd Generation Essential Indoor Wired Security Camera blends seamlessly into any home decor.
No. Placing an indoor camera under an eave might protect it from the rain, but it does not shield your new security setup from humidity, fog, or excess cold. While it depends on the exact camera in question, a camera that is designed specifically for indoor use will not be a good choice for outdoor use.
While indoor cameras may work for a time in mild weather, they are not built or sealed for outdoor humidity unless specified. Plus, your camera’s lifespan will be greatly reduced when not used as directed.
Keep in mind that most indoor security cameras also don’t have adequate color night vision in place, and those that do might not perform as well when monitoring outdoor spaces. Plus, using an indoor camera that is designed solely for indoor use outdoors can lead to damage—and potentially void your product warranty policy.
What happens if you put an indoor camera outside? Generally, using an indoor security camera outdoors is not recommended. While you may be able to enhance your indoor camera for outdoor use with relevant accessories, there is no guarantee it will perform well in inclement weather.
Likewise, most outdoor cameras are too bulky or hefty to comfortably install inside. Luckily, there are plenty of cameras that are specifically designed for both indoor and outdoor placement such as the Wyze Cam V3, Wyze Cam Pan V2, or the 2nd Generation of the Arlo Essential product suite. While outdoor cameras typically come at a higher cost, Arlo’s affordable new Essential Product Suite allows you to place wireless outdoor cameras indoors without breaking the bank.
It’s no secret that flexibility and versatility is key to a strong security system. The next generation of security is here. Offering 4x more battery life and optimized 2K resolution, the upgraded Arlo Essential Cameras can be used both indoors and outdoors. Options like the Arlo 2nd Generation Essential Wireless Security Camera come with an adjustable screw mount that you can use both indoors and outdoors. Arlo’s Essential Outdoor Camera is also smaller in size than most outdoor security cameras with a sleek design that offers flexibility of placement in whichever spaces you need to monitor.
Even better? The Arlo Essential XL Wireless Security Camera HD comes with an integrated extra-large (XL) battery, which provides additional battery life.
See details in the dark with Color Night Vision, and activate the Integrated Siren to ward off unwelcome guests. Plus, all Arlo Cameras work with your favorite smart home devices. When evaluating your options, don’t forget to check compatibility with smart home devices including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and more. When it comes to Indoor/Outdoor cameras, seek out local storage and ample video storage on the cloud to safeguard all necessary footage.
Whether you invest in an outdoor security camera, indoor security camera, or a multi-use option like the Essential 2, protect your everything with Arlo today—and enjoy peace of mind tomorrow.
