Wait, How Many Security Cameras Do I Need?
Picking the right number of cameras isn’t always simple. With Arlo, it can be.
Picking the right number of cameras isn’t always simple. With Arlo, it can be.
How many cameras should a house have? The short answer is simple: between two and six security cameras for the average person. Most people require between two and four outdoor security cameras and at least one indoor camera.
However, the exact number of security cameras you need will vary by property. As with a home security setup, the size of your home, the number of entry points, and the extent of your outdoor space will determine what you should “add to cart.”
Be sure to consider cost when evaluating which cameras fit into your ideal budget. While three exterior cameras could be sufficient for a small house, large-scale properties or businesses might require up to ten cameras for maximum coverage at a higher cost.
Whether you want to monitor your interior, exterior — or both — let’s explore how to find the ideal number of cameras for your home.
The more space you have, the more home security cameras you’ll need. Large properties usually require more outdoor cameras to provide full coverage of expansive exterior spaces. If you’re on a budget, a single wireless device like the Ultra 2 with a wide-angle view may suffice.
Let’s walk through the four main areas every homeowner would monitor, and which will help you determine how many exterior cameras you need.
When it comes to where to put security cameras, start with your front door. Your front door — and surrounding front porch — is the main entry point and the prime target for package thieves. The key to preventing porch pirates from day one? Start with a doorbell camera like the Essential Wireless Video Doorbell.
For added peace of mind, add an additional outdoor wireless camera like the Pro 3 Wireless Floodlight Camera with a bright LED-powered floodlight and built-in 2K video with HDR. Simply point it toward the door with added visibility of the road for an extra dimension of coverage.
Any door that allows entry from the outside would be within view of an exterior camera 24/7. Criminals don’t like drawing attention to themselves, so sneaking in through a less visible door will appeal to them. (Especially if you already have a doorbell camera installed and it’s clearly visible.) Install a camera (or two) with motion detection to cover more vulnerable areas that your existing doorbell camera doesn’t have access to.
Ideally, each side of your home should have at least one camera to help avoid blind spots. Would-be intruders also tend to target ground-floor windows large enough for a person to fit through. Always make sure side doors, windows, and other entry points are within view of an outdoor and indoor security camera.
Pair your security cameras with a home security system that can sense if a door or window is open. Arlo’s Home Security System offers Open and Closed Detection so you can take immediate action when a door or window is opened. An All-in-One Sensor with 8 detection functions covers all of your doors, windows, and other entry points 24/7. You’ll receive a notification via the Arlo Secure App if a suspicious person enters the area.
If you’re anything like us, you store some heavy-duty valuables in your garage for safekeeping. Safeguard Dad’s favorite place in the house with both indoor and outdoor security cameras. An energy-efficient floodlight camera is the perfect garage gift for Dad to brighten and protect your space at the same time.
Options like Arlo Pro 3 Wireless Floodlight Camera provide seamless all-in-one security to protect garages and expansive backyard areas. Always mount an outdoor camera to the exterior of your garage or shed — especially if you have an attached garage that is more vulnerable. For additional coverage, add an interior garage or shed camera like the Pro 4 Wireless Security Camera.
How many outdoor security cameras do you need? In addition to securing your garage, be sure to cover all blind spots in your backyard. Regardless of the size of your front and backyard, installing a general exterior camera is essential to increase overall security. Invest in a security camera system with a wide-angle lens like the Pro 5S 2K and install it in a secure location at an angle. Pro tip: Place HD-resolution cameras in opposite corners facing each other to eliminate blind spots.
In addition to at least one outdoor camera, we recommend investing in two or more indoor cameras depending on how many rooms you’d like to cover.
Do you have pets that tend to scratch at your sofa? Kids that you need to keep an eye on in the living room? Indoor cameras like the Arlo Essential Indoor can double as pet cameras to keep an eye on your furry friend.
Any room containing valuables should have at least one camera to give a clear view of the entire room. From main entry points in a hallway to your entryway, consider placing indoor cameras in the following areas:
Serious about home security, but not sure where to start? Shop Arlo Camera Bundles to jumpstart your home security system — and save big from day one.
