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CNET
25-05-2025
- CNET
Best Home Security Cameras Without Subscriptions in 2025: No Fee Safety
Does the camera have the ability to listen to audio and initiate a two-way conversation using the app? Does the camera have night vision that can cover the space you have in mind? Is the app easy to understand, control and use to change settings? Does the camera work with your existing home security system or your preferred voice assistant? Can video be stored without fees? Is it local storage under your control or cloud storage? Do you have to purchase your own storage device? Can you shared stored video? Is the resolution high enough to make out all important details and faces? Is the field of view wide enough to capture a whole room or yard, or are there pan/tilt features for large spaces? CNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review products and services. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. For all the safety, handy alerts and AI smarts that today's home security cameras bring to the table, they also come with a common downside: Many require a monthly subscription for professional monitoring, more helpful alerts or cloud storage. If you're strapped for cash, a monthly subscription added on top of everything else can feel too much. That's why we created this particular guide. After spending over 200 hours testing all kinds of security cameras for different parts of your home, our experts here at CNET have found both indoor and outdoor cam options that'll provide top-notch security without your wallet taking a monthly hit. After all, Netflix costs enough already. Best Memorial Day Deals CNET's team of shopping experts have explored thousands of deals on everything from mattresses and TVs to everyday essentials and outdoor fun so you can shop the best Memorial Day deals in one place. See now What's the best subscription-free home security camera? This Tapo cam can fit nearly anywhere and includes local storage options. TP-Link/Amazon After our testing, we chose the Tapo C120 Indoor/Outdoor Cam as our top choice for a one-time purchase thanks to its higher resolution and immense versatility, combined with a very affordable price. Our list also includes pan/tilt cameras, floodlight cams, models with extra-high resolution and other important features. None of them require the $3 to $10 monthly subscriptions to enable important features like AI object recognition or video storage. You may have to buy a microSD card, but you'll never have to worry about ongoing fees and get extra data security as a bonus After you're done, consider checking out our lists of the best cheap home security cameras and best wireless cams, too. What we updated Spring 2025: We substituted the Lorex indoor camera with Aqara's G3 camera hub, a welcome addition that can expand into a small security system if you want to add more. Lorex fans can still find an excellent option in our Lorex floodlight cam recommendation. Lorex is a popular choice for buyers who want to stay off the cloud and away from subscriptions. Lorex/Amazon Best home security cameras without subscriptions Photo Gallery 1/1 Best overall home security camera with no subscription TP-Link Tapo C120 Indoor/Outdoor Cam Pros 2K resolution Frequently found below $30 Indoor and outdoor support Motion zone setting Color night vision Google and Alexa compatibility Cons You'll have to pay for a sizable microSD card, too Why I like it: I've chosen the versatile C120 indoor/outdoor cam as the best pick for buyers who want a little of everything -- with a fairly low initial cost, too. Tapo's blend of subscription-free features (there is a Tapo plan, but it's far from necessary) offers person recognition and onboard video storage with the purchase of a microSD card. Another advantage of the C120 is its 2K resolution, higher than many of TP-Link's budget models, along with a magnetic base that makes placement easy regardless of indoor or outdoor use, although you will need to find a safe outlet to use. It also comes with color night vision and compatibility with both Alexa and Google Home/Assistant. TP-Link's app also allows for a couple of neat tricks, including digital boundary lines that act as motion zones and customizable siren/light alarms. Who is this for? Buyers who want a highly versatile camera that doesn't require fees to enable important features. Who shouldn't buy it: Those who want a more compact design or a simpler app to use. ... Show more Get it now $25 at Amazon $25 at B&H Specs & Configurations Video storage options Local via microSD card (not included) or cloud storage with subscription Resolution 2K Motion detection Motion, people, pets, vehicles Smart home support Amazon Alexa, Google Home/Assistant Weather resistance IP66 Add to compare Photo Gallery 1/1 Best outdoor security camera with no subscription Reolink Argus Track Cam Pros Wireless design with included solar panel 4K resolution Zoom and tracking Good object recognition Color night vision Cons Setup requires some extra work with the solar panel Again, a new microSD card will add to the cost Why I like it: Reolink's Argus Track is designed for highly efficient outdoor use. It combines a 4K cam that can easily spot details across the yard with a solar panel you can set up to keep the battery charged on this wireless model. It's also got pan/tilt features that can track movement, color night vision and onboard storage with a microSD card slot. Those powerful features don't require subscriptions, making this one of the best options for a no-fee outdoor camera that can detect people, vehicles and animals. While the wireless design does make it easy to place, you may have to do more work finding the right installation spot for both the cam and its solar panel, which benefits from a sunny destination. Who is this for? People who want a top-line outdoor camera they can put anywhere with a solar panel to make battery management much easier. Who shouldn't buy it: Those who don't want to place and install an extra solar panel, or who are looking to spend under $100. ... Show more Get it now $119 at Amazon (with coupon) Specs & Configurations Video storage options Local with microSD card (not included) Resolution 4K Motion detection Motion, people, vehicles, animals Smart home support Amazon Alexa, Google Home/Assistant Weather resistance IP65 Add to compare Photo Gallery 1/1 Best indoor security camera with no subscription Aqara Camera Hub G3 Pros 2K resolution with pan/tilt capabilities Great free object and sound recognition Swift setup Broad compatibility with Google, Alexa, and Apple HomeKit Cons No included microSD card Many features won't get used without adding more senors Why I like it: I found Aqara's hub to offer smooth performance, a very clear app view of its 2K camera (1080p continuous recording), and pan/tilt functions to cover an entire room. You also get person detection and noise detection for free, and video storage via the microSD slot. Setup proved very straightforward, too, and there's even some Apple Home compatibility along with Google and Alexa (hopefully more as the Matter standard embraces security cameras more fully). This camera also has a hidden benefit with its "hub" status. It can connect to other Aqara security sensors to transform into a mini security system if you want, without needing any additional hubs, allowing for better whole-room protection and interesting home routines. That makes features like its customizable siren even more useful. Who is this for? Those looking for a crystal clear indoor pan/tilt camera that doesn't demand fees for extras like object recognition, plus the opportunity to expand into other security sensors in the future. Who shouldn't buy it: People who don't care about other home security compatibility, or who don't need a lot of AI identification features. ... Show more Get it now $90 at Amazon Specs & Configurations Video storage options Local with microSD card (not included) Resolution 2K Motion detection Motion, people, pets, subscription adds facial detection and gesture detection Smart home support Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, some Apply HomeKit functionality Weather resistance N/A Add to compare Photo Gallery 1/1 Best video quality security camera with no subscription Eufy Indoor Cam S350 Pros Dual-cam design with 4K imaging Pan/tilt/zoom People/pet detection and tracking Local storage options for microSD card or hub Cons Upgrades require adding a hub Wired only Eufy's app is janky Why I like it: Eufy's pan/tilt/zoom dual-cam model can see anywhere and, with the right vantage point, it can cover multiple doors or areas in a home, all at an excellent 4K resolution for the wide-angle lens and 2K resolution for the telephoto lens. It also has 32-foot night vision and the ability to recognize people or pets and quietly follow them -- and it's surprisingly small for these features. It offers support for both Amazon Alexa and Google Home/Assistant, but no Apple HomeKit at this time (some Eufy cams do offer Apple support, including the budget pan/tilt 2K model). Nothing significant is locked behind ongoing fees in this cam unless you really want cloud storage. The camera comes with a slot for a microSD card (purchase the size of your choice) to add local storage. You also have the option of adding a HomeBase S380 hub if you prefer more storage, better AI capabilities and other useful features, still without any necessary subscription. The one downside to Eufy's cam is that the Eufy app is a little janky, but that's a minor trade-off for many people. Who is this for? Those looking for an extra-high-resolution pan/tilt indoor camera that doesn't require fees to enable AI and storage. Who shouldn't buy it: People who need an outdoor camera, or who hate clunkier apps. ... Show more Get it now $140 at Amazon $140 at The Home Depot $140 at B&H Photo-Video Specs & Configurations Video storage option Local with microSD card or Eufy HomeBase Resolution 4K and 2K dual cams Motion detection Motion, people, pets Smart home support Apple HomeKit/Home/Siri Weather resistance N/A Add to compare Photo Gallery 1/1 Best local storage home security camera with no subscription Lorex 2K Wi-Fi Floodlight Security Camera Pros Customizable floodlights 2K resolution with HDR Color night vision Lorex includes a storage card with purchase Cons Expensive at around $250 Lorex's included microSD cards may be too small for active cams Why I like it: If you're looking to invest in a higher-end outdoor cam and don't mind spending extra for a full suite of features when you know no subscriptions will be coming your way, Lorex has an excellent floodlight camera for looking over a large outdoor space. It offers 2K resolution, color night vision, two-way audio and an included 32GB microSD card. That's a fairly complete package, even without the free person, vehicle and animal protection that's also included -- or the support for Alexa and Google Assistant. But the biggest feature of this cam is the two LED floodlights. I like Lorex's floodlight approach more than most: You can adjust the angles and set specific brightness and color temperature levels, as well as how easily they are activated. That's a level of customization that is comparatively rare in home security lighting. Who is this for? People who want a customizable floodlight camera that doesn't come with monthly subscription requirements, buyers who don't want to buy an extra microSD card -- but don't mind paying more for a powerful camera. Who shouldn't buy it: People who want to save money, or who already have plenty of outdoor lighting. ... Show more Get it now $250 at Amazon $250 at Lorex Specs & Configurations Video storage options Local via microSD card (included) Resolution 2K Motion detection Motion, people, vehicles, animals Smart home support Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant Weather resistance IP65 Add to compare Photo Gallery 1/1 Best battery-powered home security camera with no subscription Blink Outdoor 4 with Sync Module 2 8.25 /10 SCORE Pros Compact and wireless Great app controls Long battery life rated for two years Subscription is optional with a purchased hub Cons Requires a hub and flash drive for no-fee video storage No person detection without a subscription Why I like it: Blink does offer a subscription plan with video recording and storage, but we're adding it as an effective option because of the Sync Module 2 -- this compact, square hub connects to the Blink Outdoor 4 and allows you to plug in a USB flash drive and use it for local storage. That largely removes the need for any subscription. You still get Blink's motion-activated alerts and incredibly easy-to-use app, so subscription fees become very optional. Otherwise, the Blink Outdoor 4 is a common recommendation of ours because of its long two-year battery life and easy wireless setup (my batteries have lasted well over a year by now). You will miss out on outdoor person detection, which is locked behind the subscription, but otherwise this cam deserves consideration if you don't mind purchasing a hub to work with. Who is this for? People who want an all-purpose wireless outdoor camera with batteries that last for years, preferably with a spare USB drive handy for storage. Who shouldn't buy it: Those who can't stand managing extra hubs, or are looking for indoor cams. ... Show more Get it now $50 at Amazon $50 at Best Buy $50 at Target Specs & Configurations Video storage options Local via Sync Module 2 hub Resolution 1080p/HD Motion detection Motion (Person only available with subscription) Smart home support Amazon Alexa Weather resistance IP65 Score Breakdown Performance 8 Usability 9 Features 8 Design 8 Learn more Blink Outdoor 4 with Sync Module 2 review Add to compare Best home security cameras without subscriptions compared Best security cams without subscriptions Eufy Indoor Cam S350 Aqara Indoor Camera Hub G3 Reolink Argus Track Cam TP-Link Tapo C120 Indoor/Outdoor Cam Lorex 2K Wi-Fi Floodlight Security Camera Blink Outdoor 4 with Sync Module 2 Price $100 $85.00 $210 $40 $250 $65 Resolution 4K/2K 2K 4K 2K 2K 1080p/HD Field of view 360 degrees with pan/tilt 360-degree pan Nearly 360 degrees with pan/tilt 120 degrees 122 degrees 143 degrees Power source Wired Wired Battery with solar Wired Wired Battery Motion detection Motion, people, pets Yes with person, noise, gesture and (paid) face detection Motion, people, vehicles, animals Motion, people, pet vehicle Motion, people, vehicle, animal Motion only with no subscription Night Vision 32-foot night vision Yes Color night vision Color night vision Color night vision Yes Audio Two-way audio Two-way audio Two-way audio Two-way audio Two-way audio Two-way audio Storage options Local with microSD card or Eufy HomeBase Local microSD storage (card not included) or paid cloud subscription Local with microSD card Local via microSD card or cloud storage with subscription Local via microSD card (included) Local via Sync Module 2 Hub Voice assistant Apple HomeKit/Home/Siri Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Siri (for some features) Amazon Alexa, Google Home/Assistant Amazon Alexa, Google Home/Assistant Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant Amazon Alexa Review score N/A N/A (but soon) N/A N/A N/A N/A Other home security cams without subscriptions that we've tested Lorex's pan/tilt camera makes for an excellent nanny cam in the right position. Lorex/Amazon TP-Link Tapo C210: This is one of our favorite affordable cameras at the moment, but we prefer cameras with slightly better specs that also come with local storage, including more advanced Tapo models. Blink Mini 2: The Blink Mini 2 has a surprising amount of features for its small size and affordable price (plus outdoor compatibility), but it's a little too short range and the required Sync Module 2 for local storage greatly increases the price. Google Nest Indoor/Outdoor cam: Nest doesn't have any local storage options, and the 3 hours of video storage means you need to act quickly, so it's a complicated compromise for those who want to avoid subscriptions altogether. We went with simpler, local storage approaches for this list, but still recommend this camera for Nest fans. Google Nest Doorbell: The Nest Doorbell is an excellent device that greatly benefits from Google AI and Nest's high-quality construction. However, it doesn't have any local storage, so you'll have to stick to that 3-hour limit. Lorex 2K Indoor Pan/Tilt Camera: This Lorex cam is an excellent local storage alternative, but ultimately we chose the floodlight model for its great outdoor usability. TP-Link Tapo C310: The C310 makes a fine outdoor camera ready for a microSD card, but we found Tapo's indoor/outdoor camera a little more useful for the average person. Factors to consider when buying a home security camera Blink's person detection works well enough, but it's a subscription-only feature. Tyler Lacoma/CNET Video quality and view We always pay attention to resolution and field of view for home security cameras. Checking detail, up close and at a distance, is very important for live views and the quality of recorded video. It's important to pay attention not only to resolution numbers and how wide the field of view is, but whether a brand locks higher resolutions behind a subscription (some do). Video storage Video storage refers to how easily video can be recorded and shared, typically either in the cloud or locally through an attached hub/hard drive. Cloud storage is almost always locked behind a subscription, except in rare cases like Google Nest and some others. Local storage is generally a better way to avoid subscriptions and still get this important quality-of-life feature. Chris Monroe/CNET Smart home integration Smart home support for voice assistants (Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant) or platforms like Google Home or Apple Home aren't often locked behind subscriptions: What you see in the specs is what you get. That can be limited to a single platform (Amazon likes to keep its devices focused on Alexa for now) or spread out between several platforms. If you already use a voice assistant or a full smart home security system, look for a camera that's compatible with it. Object detection accuracy Object detection, like recognizing packages or human-shaped beings approaching, is another feature often locked behind a subscription. Some cameras offer free object detection. Eufy uses human detection for many of its cams, TP-Link Tapo cams offer some free detection and several Lorex cams provide package and people detection. Eufy's cam settings, once found, provide many different ways to customize the camera. Screenshot by Tyler Lacoma/CNET App usability High-quality secure cams come with apps that are intuitive with settings that are easy to manage. It's also a big bonus if they don't have constant pop-ups telling you to sign up for a subscription. Night vision We always take a close look at night vision and its distance to make sure that it's working properly and offers plenty of utility for capturing images on the other side of your yard or room. Two-way audio Two-way audio features help scare away intruders, talk to strangers or tell the kids to get inside for dinner. They're always free, but we take a close look at their quality and range, too. Tapo's solar bundle is ready for all kinds of weather. Tapo Installation requirements Security cameras typically have wall and/or shelf mounts depending on how you'd like to place them. Sometimes you have to order a wall or shelf mount separately, so have a good idea of how you want to place the camera first. Many wall mounts require you to drill the mount in, but some do come with adhesive mounts, which need to be placed on a smooth, clean surface or they will fail. A drill and screwdriver is usually all you need for a screw-in mount. Weather resistance If your camera is going to be outdoors at all, you should look for a cam that has IP ratings, preferably IP65 or higher. That indicates dust and water resistance that is sufficient for outdoor use in most cases. If it gets very hot or very cold where you live, check the operating temperature range too, before you buy. How we test security cameras Aqara's camera provides a highly customizable, expandable indoors security option. Tyler Lacoma/CNET Our experts follow a complete testing process that examines how all the features on a home security camera function. We walk through these features with a number of visual and audio experiments to see how cams match their claims -- and the capability of comparative models. There's a lot that goes into this process, and you can catch plenty more details over at our guide on how we test. Setup and installation While we have a lot experience setting up cameras, we still pay close attention at this stage and consider if the average users would have trouble setting up the cam, connecting it, mounting it on a wall and similar steps. We look for clear instructions, multiple mounting options and designs that are easy to understand and manually adjust. This is also a great time to insert our own microSD cards and check out local storage management, since we won't be using cloud storage with these no-subscription cameras. Image quality Our tests include live view and recording examinations of image quality compared to the stated resolution and similar resolutions from other cameras. This is also where we examine the lens and field of view, any pan/tilt features and how well the night vision functions work in dark rooms or yards, usually out to about 30 feet or more. Tapo's app showing the ability to disable notifications. Screenshot by Tyler Lacoma/CNET Sensor and AI testing Today's cameras come with motion and sound detection and object recognition for a variety of things, usually people and animals. We run scenarios that test out these sensors to see what alerts we get, how accurate they are and if there's any frustrating latency or delays. App UI and settings As we use the apps and adjust settings for the features I mentioned above, we also look for an intuitive app design that's easy to learn and gets you where you want quickly with snappy menus. Cluttered apps, confusing menus and apps with lots of advertisements get lower scores. Security cameras benefit from adjustable lights. Lorex Lights, cams and action Most security cameras have two-way audio, and many have spotlights or floodlights. We test these features in real time, adjust brightness and volume, and see how they perform. That's especially important when testing audio in outdoor weather, for example. The best home security cam placement and installation Eufy's solar panel makes a great pairing with this open-range security cam. Eufy Placing a home security camera is one of the hardest decisions today's DIY cameras require. Every home is different, so you'll need to customize the location to get the best angle to capture a room or yard. Sometimes central locations are best for pan/tilt cameras or a high shelf for an overview. For installation, we like the stability of a screw-in mount or the versatility of a horizontal surface. For more, take a look at our guide on the best spots to install home security cameras.
The Sun
16-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
US has no hope of breakthrough in ceasefire talks with Zel's aides still waiting in Turkey for Putin's ‘props'
Putin 'will rebuild depleted army to attack Nato in TWO YEARS ' Vladimir Putin could launch a direct attack on Nato by 2027 if he is allowed to rebuild his army during a ceasefire, military experts say. The world has been calling for a pause in the gruelling conflict but fears are mounting that this could have a major knock on effect for the future security of Europe. If a ceasefire can finally be agreed upon, then it will allow Putin time to regroup and come up with a fresh attack plan - which could now include other European nations. Russia could rebuild its military to a worrying capacity as early as 2027, according to a report by a top security think tank. The International Institute for Strategic Studies said Putin may deploy his army onto a 'war footing' and try to test Nato by evoking Article 5. This may see the Kremlin decide to leave Ukraine alone as it continues to recover from Russia's three-and-a-half year onslaught. Instead, Putin could commit to an attack on Nato states in the Baltics. Read more here.
The Sun
15-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Trump says he COULD jet in to Ukraine peace talks as they begin today after coward Putin sends novichok poison spy boss
Putin 'will rebuild depleted army to attack Nato in TWO YEARS ' Vladimir Putin could launch a direct attack on Nato by 2027 if he is allowed to rebuild his army during a ceasefire, military experts say. The world has been calling for a pause in the gruelling conflict but fears are mounting that this could have a major knock on effect for the future security of Europe. If a ceasefire can finally be agreed upon, then it will allow Putin time to regroup and come up with a fresh attack plan - which could now include other European nations. Russia could rebuild its military to a worrying capacity as early as 2027, according to a report by a top security think tank. The International Institute for Strategic Studies said Putin may deploy his army onto a 'war footing' and try to test Nato by evoking Article 5. This may see the Kremlin decide to leave Ukraine alone as it continues to recover from Russia's three-and-a-half year onslaught. Instead, Putin could commit to an attack on Nato states in the Baltics. Read more here.
Forbes
14-05-2025
- Forbes
Microsoft Confirms Windows Is Under Attack — You Must Act Now
Multiple zero-day vulnerabilities are being exploited by attackaers, Microsoft warns. It's that time of the month again, when Patch Tuesday is quickly followed by Exploit Wednesday. The former is the monthly rollout of Microsoft's responses to newly discovered vulnerabilities in its services and products, and the latter is when hackers, cybercriminals and state-sponsored actors look to act upon these security disclosures before individuals and organizations have had the opportunity to update their systems. Unfortunately, Exploit Wednesday seems to have preceded Patch Tuesday this month, with Microsoft confirming multiple zero-day vulnerabilities that are known to be under attack before any fix was made available. Make no mistake, with security experts rating the risk prioritization of these exploits as critical, Windows users need to act fast. It is not uncommon, sadly, for Windows users to find themselves faced with zero-day vulnerabilities that are being exploited by attackers in the wild. In March, for example, six zero-day attacks were confirmed, while there were three such active Windows exploits reported in January. The latest Microsoft Patch Tuesday security rollout has now dropped, and it doesn't make for very comforting reading at all. So, let's dive straight into the multiple zero-day exploits impacting Windows users, starting with that has got the security professionals very concerned indeed. This memory corruption vulnerability sits within the Windows scripting engine, and a successful exploit can allow an attacker to execute code over the network. Not only does CVE-2025-30397 affect all versions of the Windows operating system, but it is also confirmed by Microsoft as being exploited in the wild. 'Microsoft's severity is rated as important and has CVSS 3.1 of 7.8,' Chris Goettl, vice president of security product management at Ivanti, pointed out, adding that 'risk-based prioritization warrants treating this vulnerability as critical.' While the official CVE severity-rating scores tend to provide a decent baseline for vulnerability appraisal, in the real world, things are not always that clear-cut. CVE-2025-30397 has a base score of 7.5, and Microsoft says that the attack complexity rating is high. So, what's the issue? 'The advisory FAQ for CVE-2025-30397 explains that successful exploitation requires an attacker to first prepare the target so that it uses Edge in Internet Explorer Mode,' Adam Barnett, lead software engineer at Rapid7 explains, 'and then causes the user to click a malicious link; there is no mention of a requirement for the user to actively reload the page in Internet Explorer Mode, so we must assume that exploitation requires only that the 'Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer' option is enabled.' Barnett warned that as the users most likely to still require this kind of Internet Explorer compatibility are enterprise organizations, and the concept of migration is likely 'buried several layers deep in a dusty backlog,' in Barnett's experience, then the pre-requisite conditions are already conveniently in place on the target asset and 'attack complexity is suddenly nice and low.' The remaining under-attack zero-day vulnerabilities are: CVE-2025-32709: an elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Windows ancillary function driver for WinSock that enables an attacker to gain admin privileges locally and impacts Windows Server 12 and later OS versions. Once again. Goettl warned that 'risk-based prioritization warrants treating this vulnerability as critical.' CVE-2025-32701 and CVE-2025-32706 are a pair of zero-day vulnerabilities in the Windows Common Log File Driver System, and could enable a successful local attacker to gain system privileges. Impacting all versions of Windows, these types of security flaws are being closely monitored for detection by the Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center. 'Since Microsoft is aware of exploitation in the wild,' Barnett said, 'we know that someone else got there first, and there's no reason to suspect that threat actors will stop looking for ways to abuse CLFS any time soon.' And finally, we come to another elevation of privilege zero-day vulnerability already being exploited by attackers, CVE-2025-30400, which impacts the Windows desktop window manager and affects Windows 10, Server 2016, and later OS versions. Barnett pointed out that this is great proof that such elevation of privileges vulnerabilities will never go out of fashion, what with Exploit Wednesday marking the one-year anniversary of CVE-2024-30051, which also hit the desktop windows manager. The advice, therefore, is simple. Act now, and ensure that you update your Windows systems with the latest security patches as a matter of some urgency.
CNET
06-05-2025
- CNET
Can Burglars Use Wi-Fi Jammers on Your Home Security? Here Are the Facts
From resisting home hacking to automatic locks and arming techniques, home security has never been better. But we keep an eye on how burglars adapt to smart homes and use new technology -- and one of the most common concerns is about scary Wi-Fi jamming tools. You can spot eye-catching headlines on how burglars robbed a home while security devices mysteriously failed, with claims about Wi-Fi jamming from Los Angeles and Glendale, California, to Minneapolis, Boston and Colorado. Headlines aren't the same things as facts, which is why CNET experts have tested home security systems, Wi-Fi signal blocking and how jammers work. Here's why actual jamming devices are so unheard of in home burglaries, and what you can do if you're still worried. Don't get too jammed up Wi-Fi-jammers are out there, but they are unlikely to pose a threat to your home or any of your devices. Jamming signals need to be very close, have the model of your exact system system and don't work on many home security devices. Important reasons to stay calm include: The above reports are general police messages for their communities, and scant evidence has been presented that Wi-Fi jammers were used, only that affluent neighborhoods were being robbed. In some cases, local reporting makes it clear police are only saying burglars "could be" using jammers or are suspected of having jammers, not that they've caught any in the act. Some burglar arrests like this Connecticut event in 2023 did show proof of jammer devices, but it's one of the very few times it's been confirmed. Sometimes there's a professional security company ready to say that people can't trust DIY devices, but they should never be counted as a unbiased source. Smart home encryption helps prevent this type of attack and can notify owners immediately about problems (more on this below). And you can't "jam" things like video doorbells the way you can disarm a security system, especially since motion detection is faster and reaches farther than most jammers. As we've mentioned before in our guide on home hacking, burglars likely don't have the time or resources to buy and learn new tech. They're going to smash your windows or drill out your deadbolt -- blocking Wi-Fi isn't really in their plans. It's more commonly seen in military operations, for example. It's much more likely that suspicious smart home security failures are caused by dying batteries in wireless devices, or motion detection that didn't go off due to problems with motion zones or detection sensitivity. According to a 2019 FBI report, burglaries account for only 16% of property crimes, with only around 60% involving residential burglary and only about half of burglaries involving any kind of forced entry. Also note that burglaries in general decreased by around 50% between 2010 and 2020. However, Wi-Fi jamming technology does exist, and despite FCC laws banning their sale, burglars can still find and purchase jammers online. So let's dive deeper into this jamming tech and what you can do if you feel the need to take more action. We tested wireless jamming out for ourselves in this odd-looking setup designed to contain the RF interference. Tyler Lizenby/CNET Wireless Jamming 101 Jamming concerns are nothing new, and they're not unique to security systems. Any device that's built to receive a wireless signal at a specific frequency can be overwhelmed by a stronger signal coming in on the same frequency. For comparison, let's say you wanted to "jam" a conversation between two people -- all you'd need to do is yell in the listener's ear. Jamming a wireless radio requires knowledge of its broadcast frequency (315 MHz, 433 MHz, 900 MHz, etc.) as well as the right equipment to jam that frequency. It also requires criminal intent, because jamming is highly illegal. Buying or selling these devices without the right certifications is illegal, too. That makes it impossible for a burglar to jam home security systems unless they buy black-market tech (that actually works) and study a house long enough to know what devices it uses, then learn how to research the signals produced and download the right firmware. People claim the latest jamming devices try to switching between a variety of signals to make jamming easier, but these core challenges still remain. As you can imagine, complex jamming hardly ever happens. Police in the stories above assumed that Wi-Fi jammers were being used because the robberies were in very affluent neighborhoods and security cameras didn't alert. Details are scarce and evidence of blocking gadgets appears thin. Even in the Connecticut case we referenced above, burglars only tried using jammers because they acquired detailed information about the home security system from a homeowner's coworker -- again, an unlikely series of events. Some systems use software to detect intentional RF interference. Screenshot by Ry Crist/CNET Counter-measures Wireless security providers will often take steps to help combat the threat of jamming attacks. For instance, SimpliSafe, a two-time winner of our Editors' Choice distinction, utilizes a proprietary algorithm that's capable of separating incidental RF interference from targeted jamming attacks. When the system thinks it's being jammed, it'll notify you via push alert on your phone. From there, it's up to you to sound the alarm manually. We tested that jamming algorithm out back in 2015 after security researchers raised concerns that the system was susceptible to such attacks. After taking appropriate measures to contain the RF interference to our test lab, we tested the attack out for ourselves, and were able to verify that it's possible with the right equipment. However, we also verified that SimpliSafe's anti-jamming algorithm works. It caught us in the act, sent an alert to a connected smartphone, and also listed our RF interference on the system's event log. Finally, smart home tech has greatly improved since our test. Encryption from major manufacturers has improved, new problems have been found and fixed and new protocols like Thread help keep individual devices safe. Still worried? Avoid Wi-Fi altogether Reolink offers a variety of PoE cams for those who don't want to use Wi-Fi. Reolink Our lengthy assurances above should satisfy you about the safety of wireless home security devices, but we know some home-havers may still harbor concerns. If you live in a particularly affluent neighborhood without a security patrol or with frequent break-in attempts (and constant monitoring), you may want to take an extra safety step. In that case, you have choices, including: Choose PoE (Power over Ethernet) devices: PoE cameras use a cable connection for electrical power and Ethernet for Internet access. There's no Wi-Fi involved and no worries about battery life. Some security-conscious homeowners look for battery backup models that work if their power is cut. Reolink is one of the best PoE camera brands available, but other companies also sell PoE equipment. Use a ZigBee home security system: ZigBee is an alternative smart home protocol on a different frequency than Wi-Fi, so it's much less likely to be the target of jamming efforts. The problem is that very few smart home systems use only ZigBee these days. One of the few remaining is the Sonoff home security product line. The bottom line Devices like Flipper Zeros claim they make hacking easy, but it still takes too much work and knowhow for home burglars. Flipper Zero The most likely burglary scenario by far is the unsophisticated crime of opportunity, usually involving a broken window or some other kind of brute-force entry. Even attacks from more casual devices like a Flipper Zero don't have much effect against today's regularly updated home security systems. Home security systems help prevent common property crime scenarios and ward off intruders through a mix of visible cams, smart lighting, yard signs and, of course, the ability to turn on audio and yell, "Hey you!" They can also connect immediately to monitoring centers and professionals. These smart home upgrades are keeping homes safer than they've ever been before. No tech system is impenetrable, but the risk of anti-security technology isn't a concern for the average homeowner. That's especially true for the best home security systems from brands that reliably update firmware, improve encryption and patch vulnerabilities in their systems.
