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The best wireless security cameras give you peace of mind when you travel
Arlo
Summer is the perfect time to take a well-deserved vacation. But it’s a crazy world out there. A wireless security camera can give you some peace of mind while you’re away from home by letting you keep an eye on things from anywhere in the world.
But what kind of features should you look for when shopping for a wireless security camera? Ideally you’ll have high-resolution video, night vision, motion detection with customizable real-time alerts. You’ll also want to be able to view live video feeds from your smartphone.
We’ve gathered some of the best wireless security cameras you can choose from ahead of your summer travel plans. There are options from brands like Blink and Nest at different price points, each with their own unique set of features and options.
What is the best wireless security camera?
Best wireless security camera: Arlo Pro 5S 2K security camera
Best pan-and-tilt wireless security camera: Lorex Pan & Tilt Indoor Security Camera
Best 4K resolution wireless security camera: Reolink Argus 4 Pro
Best compact wireless security camera: Blink Indoor (3rd Gen)
Best wireless security camera for object detection: Google Nest indoor/outdoor cam (2nd Gen)
Best wireless security camera: Arlo Pro 5S 2K security camera
Amazon
Our favorite wireless home security camera is the Arlo Pro 5S 2K. With its 2K HDR video quality and 12x zoom, it can capture every detail you need for a clear picture of what’s going on at home. This easy to set up camera includes color night vision for full-color footage eat night nights. It also has an integrated spotlight for better visibility that can also act as a deterrent for any unwelcome guests you may have hanging about.
It also has a wide 160° field of view so you can see more of your property. Plus, with the Arlo Secure Plan trial, you’ll have access to premium features like 30-day video cloud storage, advanced detection for people, packages, and vehicles and 24/7 emergency response. This will cost an additional fee, but it’s well worth it for all of the features you can benefit from with the paid service.
All in all, this is an excellent wireless security camera with everything you need to make sure everything’s all good when you’re home or away.
Best pan-and-tilt wireless security camera: Lorex Pan & Tilt Indoor Security Camera
Amazon
Want a great indoor cam with unparalleled pan-and-tilt features so you can see everything without multiple cameras? This Lorex option has you covered. It can swivel left, right, up and down and includes great digital zoom so nothing has to escape your sight. It also has a night vision range of 32 feet.
Outside of its visual range, this Lorex camera doesn’t skimp on essential features. It offers two-way audio so you can communicate with anyone near the camera. Plus, like many of its competitors, it includes decent object detection for people and animals.
With its 2K resolution, this unit captures more detail than many competitors in this price range as well. Plus, it’s compatible with both Google Assistant and Alexa, so if you have a smart home setup, you can have your smart assistant move the camera around for you when you’re ready to see the rest of your home, inside and out, when you check in for the day.
Best 4K resolution wireless security camera: Reolink Argus 4 Pro
Amazon
This wireless security camera is the best option if you want crystal clear 4K video, plus viewing angles and a generous 180-degree field of view. Plus, thanks to Reolink’s ColorX technology, you can see what’s going on with vibrant, full-color vision both day and night, even in complete darkness.
It also features a rechargeable battery that charges fully in just 10 minutes and can be paired with a compatible 6W solar panel for non-stop, 24-hour surveillance if you’d prefer to keep it outdoors instead of inside.
Installing the Argus 4 Pro is a breeze too, and with its built-in two-way audio and remote access via the Reolink app, you’ll have communication capabilities right out of the box. You’re paying extra for the high quality video feed, but it’s well worth it if you want to be able to see everything with clarity.
Best compact wireless security camera: Blink Indoor (3rd Gen)
Amazon
This wireless Blink camera packs a punch when it comes to features and performance. It’s also super easy to move around and reposition due to its compact size and unique square shape.
With the Blink Indoor camera, you can keep a watchful eye on your surroundings thanks to its live video streaming, two-way audio and night vision for round-the-clock monitoring.
It’s even better if you have a Blink video doorbell, as it can deliver chime notifications and alerts directly from the camera. That means you can extend your coverage to larger areas of your home without additional full-sized devices. Plus, it can run for up to two years on just two AA lithium batteries.
It’s a full-featured camera in a small package that works even better when you pair it with other Blink devices, but it stands tall on its own. Keep in mind that you will need to purchase the Blink Sync Module 2, which comes at an additional fee.
Best wireless security camera for object detection: Google Nest indoor/outdoor cam (2nd Gen)
Amazon
Some wireless cameras send you notifications for just about anything that moves outside. This Google Nest cam has absolutely fantastic object detection capabilities that’ll make sure you aren’t bothered every five minutes unless there’s something actually going on that you need to know about.
It’s also super easy to set up. Whether you choose to place it indoors or outdoors, the camera’s magnetic connection makes it easy to snap onto its included mount and go about your business. Remove it for recharging whenever you need, and put it back up when it’s time to monitor again.
Outside of its great detection features it boasts HD video quality, night vision and two-way audio. Plus, Google offers a generous video storage package that includes up to 3 hours of cloud storage at no additional cost, which is somewhat rare these days.
Hundreds of cruise passengers and workers fell ill with norovirus on three different ships this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
The CDC has logged outbreaks in 2024 on 14 cruise voyages, but three ships were hit in December. This is the only month this year when the CDC has reported three confirmed norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships and there’s still more than a week to go before the month ends. In all, 301 passengers and crew members fell ill during the December outbreaks, health officials said.
Those on Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess, on a trip around Hawaii’s island, and Holland America’s Rotterdam and Zuiderdam voyages, both in the Caribbean, mostly dealt with diarrhea and vomiting.
/ Getty Images
Two Holland America cruise ships hit by norovirus
The most recent outbreak was on Holland America’s Rotterdam ship, which set sail on Dec. 8 and is set to end its Caribbean
trip Friday in Fort Lauderdale.
Officials said 83 of the 2,192 passengers on board and 12 of the 953 crew members were sickened.
“At Holland America Line, the safety and well-being of our guests and crew is our top priority. During the current voyage, a number of guests on Rotterdam reported symptoms of gastrointestinal illness,” a Holland America spokesperson said. “The cases have mostly been mild and quickly resolving.”
/ Getty Images
In response to the outbreak, there was additional cleaning and disinfection. Sick passengers and crew members were isolated. Stool specimens were collected for testing. The cruise line also consulted with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program.
Once the Rotterdam ship arrives in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, it will undergo a comprehensive sanitization process before its next trip, according to the cruise line.
There was also a norovirus outbreak on Holland America’s Zuiderdam voyage earlier this month. Over the course of the Dec. 4-Dec. 11 voyage, 87 out of 1,923 passengers were reported ill, in addition to four of the 757 crew members, according to health officials.
A Holland America spokesperson declined to comment on the Zuiderdam outbreak because the voyage had already ended.
Norovirus, the “cruise ship virus”
Princess Cruises also dealt with a norovirus outbreak this month on its Ruby Princess ship during a cruise that started on Dec. 2 and ended on Wednesday. The ship started its journey in San Francisco and toured around Hawaii, according to CruiseMapper.
In all, 103 of 3,001 passengers and 12 of 1,142 crew members onboard reported being ill.
The Ruby Princess was also subject to increased cleaning and disinfection procedures, according to the CDC. Stool specimens were collected for testing and sick passengers and crew members were isolated. The cruise line consulted with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program.
CBS News has reached out to Princess Cruises for comment.
There are about 2,500 reported norovirus outbreaks in the U.S. each year. Norovirus, which is sometimes called the “cruise ship virus,” causes more than 90% of diarrheal disease outbreaks on cruise ships, according to the CDC. However, norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships account for only a small percentage of all reported norovirus outbreaks.
“Norovirus can be especially challenging to control on cruise ships because of the close living quarters, shared dining areas, and rapid turnover of passengers,” according to the CDC. “When the ship docks, norovirus can be brought on board in contaminated food or water; or by passengers who were infected while ashore.”
This year, the CDC has logged outbreaks on 14 cruise voyages. Norovirus was listed as the causative agent for most of the outbreaks, though one was caused by salmonella and one was caused by E. coli. The causative agent of one outbreak remains unknown.
Norovirus outbreaks are usually more common during cooler months, typically happening from November to April in countries above the equator, according to the CDC.
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