Whether you’re building new or upgrading your current home, adding security cameras is one of the smartest moves you can make. Here are three camera systems that stand out for their reliability, usability, and smart features depending on how your home is set up.

Reolink Cellular Cameras

If you’re dealing with a property that doesn’t have WiFi, Reolink’s cellular cameras are a game changer. These cameras use a basic SIM card that you can preload for the entire year, and it only costs around $100 total. No need to add another line to your phone plan or mess with WiFi routers. Just power the camera and you’re protected. The footage uploads through a 4G connection, so you’ll always have access, even in more rural or off-grid locations.

Shop it here: https://geni.us/reolinkcell 

Ring Cameras

These are popular for a reason. The Ring app is clean and easy to use, and if you’re already using a Ring doorbell, it makes sense to stay in their ecosystem. You can pull up live feeds, check motion alerts, and review saved footage from anywhere with just a few taps. The downside? The subscription fee. It’s not outrageous, but it adds up over time. That said, for sheer ease of use, Ring is hard to beat.

Shop it here: https://geni.us/ringsecurity 

Reolink POE Cameras

If you’re in the planning stage of your build or remodel and have the chance to hardwire your system, Power Over Ethernet (POE) cameras are your best bet. One cable provides both power and video signal, so you don’t have to run separate wiring for each. These cameras plug into a central network video recorder (NVR) that stays in your house, so all the footage is local and there’s no monthly fee, no cloud subscription. The quality is top notch, and you’ll have complete control over your own system.

Shop it here: https://geni.us/ReolinkPOE 

Want More Smart Products Like These?

I put together a free download of my Top 100 Home Products that’s packed with my favorite functional, clever, and just plain cool products to consider before you build or remodel. Whether you’re deep into planning or just dreaming, this guide will give you ideas you didn’t even know you needed. Grab your free copy and start building smarter.

 

It Pretty Much Pays For Itself

Get The Ultimate Home Building Checklist

Building a home comes with a million tiny decisions and missing even one can cost you time and money down the road. The Ultimate Home Building Checklist helps you catch the small stuff before it becomes a big deal. It’s organized by every phase of construction and includes detailed descriptions, image links, and ideas you won’t find on a standard builder template. If you want a smoother build and fewer regrets, this checklist is a must.

Buy Now

Share this post:

Continue Reading

View all

Tankless Toilets Are the Real Throne Upgrade

Tankless Toilets Are the Real Throne Upgrade

Most homeowners don’t think about this one until after install. That’s too late. Tank Toilets Are the Default They are the default for a reason. They work anywhere. They require standard plumbing and pressure. There’s no weird install requirements. They’re...

Read more

Stop Floor Squeaks Before They Start

Stop Floor Squeaks Before They Start

Because nothing kills that “new home” feeling faster than a floor that chirps back at you. Glue Every Joist This is your first line of defense. Run a bead of subfloor adhesive on every single joist before laying the panels....

Read more

Do This Before Drywall

Do This Before Drywall

Once drywall goes up, everything disappears. A pre-drywall inspection is your last chance to catch any mistakes or ensure your selections are prepped and ready behind the walls. Plumbing and Electrical Protection Plates Those thin metal plates you see on...

Read more

★4.9 Based on 1000+ reviews

Trusted by 20,000+ Homeowners, Contractors, and Builders

Shop our checklists and guides to help along your home building journey.

Shop Checklists