The 10 Best AI Smart Security Camera Systems (2024)

Modern security camera systems can use accurate motion detection. This eliminates false positives and minimizes unnecessary alerts sent your way. 

For this, smart or AI features such as person and vehicle detection are invaluable. They help the camera understand the footage before logging it down. 

My main pick for a wired AI smart security camera system is the Reolink 4K 4-Camera / 8-Channel Security Camera System. It’s a versatile pick with 4K recording and built-in human and vehicle detection. 

My recommendation for a wireless counterpart is the Arlo 4K 3 Camera Security System. The system is 5GHz compatible, completely wire-free, and includes onboard Micro-SD storage. 

Please note I’ve broken this list into wired and wireless kits as they have different audiences.

The 10 Best AI Smart Security Camera Systems (2024)

Wired AI Smart Security Camera Systems

In our first section, we will be talking about wired camera kits. These are usually IP-based systems that use PoE as the medium for power and data transmission. PoE systems are the most widely used because of the reliable wired connection that is more secure against interference and delays. Apart from that, a PoE connection ensures that you won’t need to supply separate AC or DC power to the cameras.

However, their need to have a physical connection from the NVR to the security camera can make it difficult (and sometimes expensive) to set up the cabling infrastructure. (You’ll often have to drill through walls, hide cables around your house, etc.)

The Reolink RLK8-800B4 Kit is my top pick for an intelligent security camera system. It’s an ideal option for homeowners and small businesses as it’s a futureproof setup.

The kit comes with four Reolink bullet-style cameras and an 8-channel NVR. The cameras can't do much on their own, but coupled with the NVR, you have a fully-fledged AI security camera system.

The NVR brings in human and vehicle detection for accurate motion alerts. It can also connect with a smartphone and send instant alerts via the companion app.

The NVR has a 2TB hard drive pre-installed. You can expand storage to 12TB.

The equally-specced Lorex security system is my runner-up pick. This system comes with 4-security cameras and an 8-channel NVR for further expansion.

The cameras are versatile options here. They can record 4K footage with a 150ft maximum IR distance. On top of that, they have two-way audio and a spotlight for color night vision.

The NVR comes with a 2TB HDD pre-installed. It’s a sleek-looking device that supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

With this, you can issue voice commands and stream footage to a smart home display device. These include Chromecast and Amazon display devices like Fire TV or Amazon Echo Show.

Night Owl’s BTD21L-84-B is an NDAA-compliant system that’s suitable for homeowners. The kit comes with four cameras and an 8-channel DVR.

This kit is relatively more on a budget-friendly scale. This is because it’s analog-based and deals with 2MP 1080p security cameras.

However, you’re not missing out on intelligent features. This nifty setup boasts human and face detection. These help improve motion detection accuracy and filter unnecessary alerts.

This system can integrate with the Night Owl App. As such, the footage is stored on the DVR and uploaded via the Internet only when you request it. You don’t have to pay hidden fees or for any recurring subscriptions.

This Amcrest NVR helps extend the AI functionality of your existing Amcrest security cameras. The device supports 16 channels and can process seven cameras recording 4K footage at a maximum of 30 fps.

The NVR can connect with a Wi-Fi router and integrate with your Amcrest View App. This will provide you with remote streaming to the NVR. Also, you can change camera settings through the app when connected.

The NVR can support a maximum storage capacity of 10TB. However, it doesn’t include a pre-installed hard drive.

Swann’s SWNVK-889804 system includes four NHD-900BE bullet-type security cameras with the NVR-8580 device.

SWNHD-900BE bullet-type cameras perform the bulk of the intelligent motion detection algorithms. These include face, human, and vehicle detection.

Also, the camera includes a heat mapping function that processes the scene to find specific regions where most activity takes place. It helps users identify where there is a lot of movement.

The other unique feature is Swann True Detect. This feature improves the accuracy of human and vehicle detection by utilizing an additional heat sensor to get a second opinion. Compared to most other detection algorithms (that only rely on optical footage) this is more reliable.

Our final wired system is the Smart 8-channel security camera system offered by Hikvsion. This system comprises an 8-channel 4K resolution NVR (DS-7608NI-K2/8P) with four DS-2CD2143G0-I(S) dome-type security cameras.

Most of the smart features are carried out in the camera system, and this includes face detection. There is no mention of person and vehicle detection. Instead, it emphasizes line crossing and intrusion detection.

Also, the cameras include other intelligent security measures such as storage anomaly, IP address conflict, video tampering detection, etc. Therefore, you will only be missing out on vehicle detection and customizable motion zones if you happen to side with this camera system.

Montavue offers a well-designed smart security camera kit with four cameras and an 8-channel NVR. You can also expand and go for either 6 or 8 cameras.

The cameras on this kit have a turret-style enclosure with 4K recording capabilities. This affords them a 113º FOV and 5x optical zoom.

Unfortunately, this system doesn’t support human and vehicle detection. Instead, you have perimeter protection features and a well-defined DORI standard.

These DORI settings ensure you get 918.6 ft for detecting and 91.9 ft for identifying objects when zoomed out. These are impressive specs overall and good enough for manually reviewing footage.

Wi-Fi AI Smart Security Camera Systems

We’ve covered several wired security systems, and now it’s time to turn our attention to the wireless systems.

The benefits of a wireless system are that they are easier to install since you don’t have to drag PoE cables to and fro. They consume less power, and some may even include additional hardware such as batteries and microSD card slots, allowing them to be more independent from the electrical grid and NVR storage.

However, you need to maintain a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection and make sure that the cameras around your home have Wi-Fi coverage. Also, if you are using a cloud storage feature, the cameras can use up a lot of bandwidth (and internet data) trying to upload footage to the cloud. Finally you may need to pay monthly subscription fees which is a pain!

Our top pick for the best wireless smart security camera system is Arlo’s video doorbell + 4K camera bundle. This kit includes an Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell, two Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Cameras, and an Arlo SmartHub.

The Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight security cameras are very versatile devices. In terms of smart integration, these devices are one of the few compatible with multiple platforms such as Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung Smarthings, and IFTTT.

Their intelligent motion detection features include person, vehicle, and everyday object detection (packages, bags, etc.) Along with those, the camera incorporates other low-level functions such as customizable motion zones for intrusion detection.

Also, these cameras have two-way audio functionality with a built-in siren that can be automated whenever it detects objects or motion.

The runner-up is Ring’s 4-pack spotlight bundle. As the name suggests, this bundle includes four Ring spotlight cameras.

The devices need AC power (via a wall outlet) but utilize 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for data transfer. But unfortunately, the cameras do not include continuous recording. (Mainly due to the lack of local storage options.)

The smart detection features include person detection along with customizable motion zones. There is no support for vehicle and face detection and no mention of customizable motion zone sensitivity.

As is the case with many Ring products, real-time notifications and object detection (and even basic storage) are locked behind the Ring “protect plan,” and you need to pay a monthly subscription to enable these features.

Eufy’s S220 Kit is another versatile option for wire-free security cameras. The basic kit comes with two decked-out security cameras and a wireless hub.

You can purchase either 3 or 4 cameras right out of the kit. You can also add extra add-on cameras for a maximum of 16 per hub.

The cameras run on batteries and can last around six months with motion detection. They are IP67-rated for complete weatherproofing.

It has a built-in spotlight and two-way communication for active deterrence.

Also, you can set up custom motion zones and human detection. These help to refine motion detection and minimize unnecessary alerts.

Decision Factors when Choosing an AI Smart Security Camera System

Supported Object Detection Algorithms

Usually, most consumer-grade security cameras include person and vehicle detection. More advanced systems may offer face detection/recognition along with everyday object detection (boxes, packages, etc.) and animal detection. So despite having a plethora of supported algorithms, you might only be able to enable a couple of them for individual cameras in the entire system, so make sure you consider the limitations of your desired system before purchasing. (Some cameras won’t be able to perform all three human, vehicle and face detection at once.) 

Supported Perimeter Protection Algorithms

Although perimeter protection algorithms such as line crossing and intrusion detection are not as accurate as human or face detection, they are significant because of their general-use applications. These features are easier to implement; hence, they can be found in many smart security cameras. Nonetheless, these customizable motion zones and motion sensitivity features are a sizable factor in determining the capabilities of a smart security camera system. 

Compatible Smart Integration Platforms

Support for Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and even IFTTT can be another deciding factor that would help you size up the camera’s smart functions. More advanced systems will support more platforms and include more automation features, allowing you to view multiple cameras, sound the alarms, etc. So make sure you consider these smart assistants and home kits as well.

Audio-Based Features

The purpose of having smart security systems is to improve security. Therefore, having two-way communication facilities or integrated sirens that can automate themselves (whenever the motion detection algorithms confirm an event) can be a valuable asset to deter intruders and help things run more smoothly.

Mobile App

Mobile applications may not have the full functionality offered by desktop clients and browser apps, but they do a great job of instantly notifying you whenever you are away from the computer. Therefore, make sure to consider the mobile app functionality of your desired security system as well since cloud storage, motion detection, and automated functions are made all the more accessible when you have a responsive and feature-packed mobile app.

Common Questions related to AI Smart Security Camera Systems

What is an AI Smart Security Camera System?

An AI smart security camera system, apart from recording and storing footage, carries out several intelligent features that help to improve the overall security and accuracy of the camera system.

These intelligent features include object detection and other event triggers, with the most widely-implemented functions of these being human and vehicle detection.

For security camera systems, object detection is the most widely-recognized intelligent feature. Mainly because they help the security cameras understand the footage more intuitively.

A couple of practical examples include: minimizing false alarms caused by motion sensors and alerting the user when an object goes missing from the scene.

Do AI security cameras need access to the internet?

That depends on the hardware capabilities of the camera. Most wireless consumer-grade cameras (such as Ring spotlight cameras) need to stream footage to the cloud before they can access the intelligent systems. Meanwhile, other cameras have high-end hardware or interfaces either on-device or built into the NVR to process the footage so they don’t need internet access.

However if you want motion detection alerts to your smart phone, they camera system will need internet access.

Do AI security cameras use motion sensors?

For intelligent object and motion detection, the camera system does not need to depend on motion sensors, and object detection is carried out by analyzing the camera footage. Motion sensors are primarily used for motion-activated recording.

However, some brands use PIR motion sensors or heat sensors (such as Swann’s True Detect feature) to get a second opinion and improve the accuracy of their object detection algorithms. (Most often, it’s the other way around, with AI being used to reduce false alarms caused by motion sensors.)

Can AI security cameras detect objects at night?

Yes. As long as the footage is clear enough to identify different objects, such as humans and vehicles, the AI features will work without an issue. However, advanced features such as face recognition will not be as reliable, especially when it’s infrared footage.

Can AI improve the quality of footage?

When considering conventional security camera systems, AI is not used to improve the clarity and readability of the camera’s footage. Currently, the technology is too demanding to carry out in real-time; hence, we will have to resort to conventional post-processing algorithms such as True WDR, 3D DNR, White balance control, etc.

Conclusion

Intelligent object and motion detection features are invaluable features nowadays. They help track important information and minimize unnecessary alerts.

My top pick for a wired smart security camera system is the Reolink 4K 4-Camera / 8-Channel Security Camera System. It’s the most future-proof option for home security. This is due to human and vehicle detection built on a solid foundation of 4K security cameras. 

For wireless cameras, I highly recommend the Arlo 4K 3 Camera Security System. They are truly wire-free cameras with support for 5GHz Wi-Fi and onboard storage via Micro SD and USB.