Best Window Security Cameras in 2024: Ultimate Guide for Enhanced Home Safety

Windows indisputably play a critical role in monitoring the surroundings of your home. That said, it's important to view them as potential access points that ought to be factored into an exhaustive home security plan. There are numerous window security camera systems ready for installation, but it's important to pick one that aligns with your specific needs. The utility of attributes like infrared motion detection and superior night vision that can pierce through glass are significant considerations. The potential pitfalls of incorrect camera installation, such as issues with glare, contribute to the complexity of this task.

Can Security Cameras work through Windows?

The first and obvious question is: can security cameras work through windows? The answer is – yes, they can! It’s not always a walk in the park though, as the glare from the camera may reflect in the window. Placing a security camera on your window is possible, however, you need to do your research before committing to one of the following options.

For starters, you can place the security camera on the inside and make it look through the window. Alternatively, you can mount the camera on the window from the outside or next to the window.

Infrared Issues

Installing a security camera indoors overlooking the back or front yard of your house can save you a lot of time and money. You don’t have to install extra wiring and look for a place to mount the camera. Plus, it won’t be affected by rain, snow, and wind. However, this solution comes at a cost: window glare.

Window glare causes footage to become blurry and washed out, almost entirely defeating the purpose of having a security camera in the first place. Let’s have a look at why that happens and what you can do to avoid it.

IR sensors vs pixels

Your camera can detect motion in one of two ways. First, it can use infrared light to sense the heat coming from a living thing (human or animal) on your property. If that’s the case, your camera may not work as well behind glass. The IR light will bounce off the window and be stuck in a loop, unable to reach the outside. 

The other way cameras detect motion is through changing pixels. Cameras that measure the changes in pixels are a better choice for windows as they work just fine through the glass.

How to avoid window glare

There are several things you can do to avoid glare! For starters, try to position your camera as close to the glass as possible to avoid any light from entering. 

But to get the maximum out of your camera through a window at night, you’ll have to turn off the night vision (the infrared LEDs) to be more specific. So when you are buying an indoor camera for the window, make sure its one that can turn off the Infrared LEDs. 

You’ll have to use ambient light then, so make sure you have ample light outside during the night.

Passive Motion Detection

Some problems may arise when you expect motion detection to work through windows. Motion detection usually works through passive infrared technology, which means that cameras look for heat. The heat can be coming from a human or an animal that’s in the camera’s view, which would make the motion sensors pay closer attention.

Motion Detection through glass

The problem with windows is that they are made of thick glass. Modern windows are usually insulated, which means that they don’t let any heat through. That will prevent the IR light from reaching the outside. There are some exceptions with really old and thin glass windows. They may allow some IR light through, however, you can’t rely on it to work 100%.

Dual-Tech Motion Detectors

Microwave sensors in dual-tech motion detectors can sense motion through the glass as they work through sending out signals and analyzing the returning signals. 

Option 1: Window Mount a Security Camera

The Panasonic HomeHawk Window is a discreet security camera that’s meant to be mounted on the inside of your window. The camera comes equipped with a suction cup that you can attach to any glass surface. 

Motion Detection

You can adjust the sensitivity of the camera to ensure you don’t get any false alarms. The camera is meant to detect humans and not cars, thus reducing the number of false alarms even more. 

You can create your detection area by outlining it in the app. The HomeHawk mobile app gives you access to live footage from anywhere, anytime. You can ensure things are alright at home no matter where you are.

Image Quality

The quality of the image is one of the best features of this camera. Enhanced color night vision allows you to see the greatest details even when it’s dark outside. Enjoy 1080p Full HD quality.

Wyze Cam v3 came to build on the success of the second version of the device. The manufacturer fixed some glitches and presented an overall newer and improved model. The resulting security camera is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. 

It is weather-resistant, so it can withstand rain and snow. The camera boasts color night vision, allowing you to see what’s going on even in the darkest night. 

Playback and Storage

You can access your footage through the Wyze mobile app from anywhere, anytime. The camera comes with free cloud space that you can use to store your recordings. There are no subscription fees involved for storage, however, some additional features might require recurring fees. 

Motion/Sound Detection

The camera features motion and sound detection. Once motion or sound is detected, the camera starts to record. You will get a notification on your phone from the Wyze app when there is a disturbance. You can also change the sensitivity of the camera to avoid false alarms.

Option 2: Security Camera through a Window

Blink is part of Amazon’s smart home ecosystem, so just starting off integration with Alexa and other Amazon products is a given. The minimalist design of the camera also keeps it unnoticeable in any room or along the window. Lets dive into why this camera works as an indoor window camera: Frame based motion detection

Motion Detection

Like we’ve discussed earlier, if you use a camera through the window glass, infrared heat receptors don’t really work for motion detection. Blink Cameras use Pixel Difference Analysis for motion detection, which means they detect motion by comparing consecutive frames, and using AI algorithms to detect the type of object.

Blink Mini Subscription

While Pixel Difference Analysis works perfectly for see-through cameras, the bad part is that all that AI computing needs to happen on the cloud. So Blink cameras require a monthly subscription. 

If you already have Amazon subscriptions, perhaps you can get some sort of discount on the subscription, but there’s no working around the monthly fees if you want all the features of this camera.

Night Vision

Blink has infrared night vision, and you can turn off the infrared LEDs from the app if you are recording through a glass window. Then, you need ambient light on the outside, and you can use the night vision.

Video Quality

The camera records in 1080p HD during the day and night, and can get up to 30 frames per second. It has decent video quality, however you will find cameras with better resolution in our list.

Additional Features

The camera is wireless, and comes with a two-year battery life. This makes it portable and easier to set up as well.

Furthermore, the camera has 2 way audio, so you can use it as communication in between rooms, or if you install it at your main door, it can work as an intercom!

Google Nest Cam Indoor is a great camera for your home security needs. The camera works in 1080p HD resolution. You can view the live feed in real-time using your phone or watch it back several hours later. Send clips to your friends and family while keeping your footage safe with two-factor authentication. 

To use the camera through a window during the night, you’ll have to turn off the Infrared lights through the mobile app or you can tape the LEDs shut as well. Just make sure they dont cause glare.

Motion Detection

The camera will notify you of any movement happening in its view. You will receive an email alert. One thing worth mentioning is that the camera is very sensitive. You will be notified of the smallest movements, such as your cat running through the frame. 

If you only want to be notified in the event of real disturbances, you may subscribe to Nest’s monthly subscription service called Nest Aware. Naturally, it comes with a monthly subscription fee. You can test out the subscription for a month for free.

Audio

The camera boasts a 2-way audio feature, so you can listen in on what’s going on in your home and communicate with your family members. The camera is easy to set up and mount.

The Essential Indoor Camera by Arlo is a plug-in security camera with night vision. The setup process is pretty easy; all you have to do is connect your camera to your Wi-Fi network and plug it in. Then, you can control the camera and access the recordings using the Arlo mobile app.

Installation and Video Capture

The camera has a 130-degree viewing angle. The videos come back in high definition, so you’ll be able to see all the important details. The package comes with a wall mount that you can use to mount your camera. You can also simply prop it up on a shelf.

Monitoring Capabilities

Use the camera as a security camera as well as a baby cam or pet cam. It is up to you to set up the notifications and alerts based on your needs. You can be notified when the camera catches a person, vehicle, or package. Set up automatic actions and phone a friend in case of an emergency. 

Option 3: Mount a wire-free cam directed at the window

The Essential Spotlight Camera from Arlo is a great security camera for capturing feeds outdoors. The 1080p high definition allows you to see details. The camera is quite easy to set up. You can move it around in any way that you like and cover any view. The camera is weatherproof, so it can survive heat, rain, snow, and sun.

Arlo Secure Plan

If you’ve ever owned an Arlo camera, you must be familiar with their Arlo Secure plan. The plan allows you to customize your alerts to your liking and react to them quicker than ever. You can get notifications for people, vehicles, or packages, and react with a predetermined action.

Night Vision

With color night vision, you can see everything at night the same way you do during the day. The 2-way audio feature allows you to greet your visitors through the camera and listen in on their conversations. You’ll have to turn off the night vision to avoid glare from the infrared LEDs on the windows reflective surface. Here’s how you can do it in the app.

Alexa Compatibility

If you use Alexa, you can integrate this camera into your smart home system and control it using voice commands. If you spot an intruder, you can scare them off by sounding a siren using the Arlo mobile app.

The Argus Wire-Free Security Cam by Reolink is a solar-powered camera with a rechargeable battery. The camera works entirely through Wi-Fi, so you don’t need to plug it in anywhere. Starlight Night Vision allows the camera to provide a clear and precise picture even in the darkest night. 

Motion Detection

The camera operates based on motion detection. If it’s in sleep mode, it will wake up within seconds of motion being detected. You can access a remote live view from the camera using your phone or computer. The camera will send you an alert when its battery falls below 10%. 

Installation and Setup

The camera is quite easy to install. You can use a mount or other accessories to prop it up in the right position. Due to its size, it will blend right in anywhere. Plus, there are no wires that you need to care about, so the camera is more flexible than ever. The camera is weatherproof, so it’s suitable for indoor and outdoor use. 

Window Security Cameras: The Verdict

A window security camera can be a convenient solution for those who don’t want to risk putting their camera outside. If your window provides the perfect view, there is no reason you shouldn’t take advantage of it.

Sources

Panasonic