The 9 Best Facial Recognition Security Cameras (2024)

Security cameras with face detection help improve the accuracy of motion detection. Facial recognition takes this a step further. Here, it helps you distinguish faces for further accuracy and automation. With facial recognition, you can set up an approved list of faces. This can help improve security and keep track of people coming in and out of your premises.

My top pick as the best facial recognition security camera is the Lorex 4K Bullet Security Camera. It covers face recognition with a higher degree of accuracy than most of the competition.

Alternatively, the Amcrest 4K Turret Security Camera is a versatile runner-up. It packs a ton of intelligent features. This includes vehicle detection and other perimeter protection features.

With face recognition, you can automate your security system to trigger notifications, or in some cases, sirens or active deterrence lights based on detecting unrecognized faces.

Note: I’ve simplified this lineup to include general-purpose security cameras and have created separate lists for PTZ cameras and positioning camera systems.

The 9 Best Facial Recognition Security Cameras (2024)

My top pick is the Lorex E892ABW, a 4K resolution bullet-type security camera.

What makes this the best of the bunch is the Smart Motion Detection Plus features. This allows the camera to carry out high-accuracy facial recognition capabilities and other functional intelligent features such as abandoned and missing object detection.

The camera’s alert/notification system is fully customizable, allowing you to prioritize faces over persons and vehicles and vice versa. In this manner, you can limit unnecessary notifications and receive critical alerts directly to your smartphone in real-time.

Drawbacks

However, this camera is not a standalone device and you need to purchase a Lorex NVR and enable facial recognition. Also, based on the NVR’s computing power, you won’t be able to activate this for multiple cameras.

Also, there are hints that key functions like the strobe and siren might not perform as well as expected, reducing their potential to deter intruders.

Our runner-up is the Amcrest 4K turret-style security camera. Compared to most other facial recognition cameras on this list, this device includes face, vehicle, and person detection, motion detection, perimeter protection, and many other security functions.

Weighing just 1.5 lbs and only 5” tall, it can fit into tight confines and still provide coverage to a wider area in your property.

Camera Image Quality and Detection Features

The camera includes a 4K resolution sensor and a 5x optical zoom lens, allowing it to detect and track faces easily. However, you have to link the camera to a compatible AI NVR. (Preferably one from Amcrest.)

You also have person and vehicle detection, tripwire detection, and other intelligent security features such as detecting network disconnections, storage anomalies, and video tampering.

Notable Drawbacks

All good things aside though, I must note that the app could be a bit buggy and put out annoying push notifications.

The EufyCam S220 is a versatile camera kit thanks to its wire-free setup and lightweight design. It’s very easy to install and you can place it anywhere on your property (as long as you’re within range of the Wi-Fi).

HomeBase 2

The eufyCam 2C Pro bundle includes two eufy add-on cameras with a HomeBase 2 Hub. Unfortunately, the HomeBase 2 is a hard requirement since the cameras need it to connect to the Wi-Fi.

Likewise, the HomeBase 2, is required to unlock the full smart features of these Eufy add-on cameras. This includes real-time notifications and human and face detection features.

Drawbacks

Apart from the dependence on the Smart Hub, these security cameras do not support continuous recording and extensive storage options.

Instead, they only have a motion-activated recording feature with short clips lasting from a customizable length of 120 to 300 seconds.

Beyond that, long-time users have also reported minor issues with motion detection and the short battery life.

The Nest Cam Outdoor raises the bar for home security as an affordable and reliable security camera for detecting faces. It's an outdoor camera that runs on batteries, perfect for a wire-free setup.

It can alert you to the presence of people, animals, and cars through the Google Home app, stepping up the accuracy of its vigilance.

Nest Familiar Faces

The Google Nest outdoor camera, on its own, can only carry out face detection. That said, it has a facial recognition feature (called “Familiar Faces”) that can detect and recognize several faces.

However, to set it up, you need a Nest Aware online subscription.

So if facial recognition is a priority for you, along with a slew of other intelligent options such as cloud storage, I highly recommend subscribing to this service.

Camera Sensor

Although it doesn’t record in stunning 4K resolution, the Nest Cam delivers clear, high-quality 1080p HDR video, making it a strong contender for both indoor and outdoor surveillance.

Its video quality is consistent, because thanks to its night vision feature, the camera keeps recording clear and readable infrared footage even when the sun is down.

Limitations

Despite these perks, I have noted its poor battery life. Besides that, the camera is only compatible with the Google Home app and not the Nest app, which can be detracting from a good user experience.

The Montavue MTZ4040 PTZ camera is a budget-friendly alternative that includes a 4MP camera with a motorized lens for optimal clarity and surveillance.

Intelligent Detection Features and Storage

When coupled with a compatible NVR, the camera allows simple face detection. Also, it can carry out person and vehicle detection, tripwire detection, and several other intelligent motion detection features.

In terms of storage, you can connect the camera to your PC, NVR, or server (via FTP) with ONVIF-compatible devices. The device has an IP66 rating and an operating temperature range of -22F to 140F.

Also, the motorized lens allows for 355-degree panning, 90-degree tilting, and 4x optical zoom.

The Axis 8MP Dome Security Camera (M4216-V) is a high-end, varifocal 8 MP dome camera with deep learning that can be used indoors or outdoors.

It offers clear surveillance footage with its 8MP resolution and CMOS image sensor.

Video Transmission and Intelligent Features

The Axis Dome camera supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) for both data and power and has advanced video features like true WDR, white balance control, and privacy masking.

Even though this device lacks a face recognition feature, it performs extremely well in carrying out real-time face detection. Along with that, the camera can also perform vehicle, face, and other intelligent security measures such as perimeter crossing, storage anomaly, and IP address conflict, to name a few...

Drawbacks

Unfortunately, the device has an IP42 rating; hence, it’s primarily designed for indoor applications such as banks, supermarkets, malls, etc…

So if you are hoping to use it outdoors, it’s best to include a canopy or shade structure to keep it safe from the rain.

Also, the device is pretty high-end meaning, it can be unnecessary for regular home-use scenarios, especially if you don’t have a huge backyard or large area you want to cover.

The ANKNE NC800 bullet-type camera is a high-end device with intelligent perimeter and face detection features.

This camera uses smart AI multi-motion detection to reduce false alerts and only notify you when a person, object, or vehicle is detected (or in the case of objects: missing) on your property.

Camera Sensor and Lens

The camera system comprises an 8MP resolution sensor and a fixed focus lens covering a 124-degree diagonal FOV. (102 degrees horizontal.)

Its NightChroma 4K color night vision helps it work well in the dark. Combined with a large aperture and extra lighting, it gives high-quality visuals in darkness up to 130 feet away.

Besides that, it has 120db True WDR functionality, and the camera system works with Synology, Blue Iris, and other ONVIF-compatible applications.

Storage and Protection

You can easily record videos onto a 4K PoE NVR, a microSD card up to 256 GB, or FTP/NAS storage without monthly cloud storage fees, and installation is easy with just a single Cat5e Ethernet cable.

On top of that, the enclosure has an IP67 rating, making it an ideal solution for outdoor installations.

Notable Drawback

However, the camera's AI feature, aiming to detect and differentiate human and vehicle movement, doesn't work as well during nighttime.

The Wi-Fi NVW-800 NVR Enforcer™ Bullet Security Camera is a budget-friendly alternative that includes face, vehicle, and person detection.

Along with that, it supports several smart integration platforms such as Alexa, Google Assistant, Chromecast, and Nest Hub.

Camera Sensor and Flashing Light Deterrents

This camera boasts 4K Ultra HD video quality, capturing fine details such as faces, or license plates, even in low light.

On top of recording footage in crisp detail, it also features sensors that trigger red and blue flashing lights, turning it into a proactive trespasser deterrent and not just a passive camera.

It is easy to install and set up since it only needs wired DC power and transmits data via Wi-Fi.

Notable Limitations

However, it can’t directly interface with your home’s Wi-Fi router. Instead, it needs to be combined with a compatible NVR for complete security.

As such, you need a SecureAlert™ NVW-800 Base unit/NVR for storage and interfacing with the Swann app.

Also, you can only configure the camera to recognize faces or vehicles and persons. I.e., you can’t recognize faces and vehicles (or human shapes) at the same time.

Night Owl’s wireless 4K resolution IP camera is a viable mid-range alternative for seamlessly carrying out face, vehicle, and human detection.

Camera Sensor and Night Vision

The camera is an AC-powered device that comes with an adapter that plugs into a wall outlet. It transfers video via wireless 2.4GHz data transmission and delivers crisp 4K video with pin-sharp 8MP resolution.

It has night vision that smoothly transitions between infrared and color, with the ability to monitor objects and people even 100 feet away with impressive clarity.

Storage and Intelligent Detection Systems

There are several storage solutions for the camera, including a 128GB MicroSD card, BTWN8 Series Wi-Fi NVR, BTD8 Series DVR, and cloud storage.

Advanced features include facial, human, and vehicle detection and the ability to customize motion zones and sensitivity.

In terms of audio, it has a loud siren and a built-in mic and speaker setup for two-way communication.

Durability

With an IP65-rated enclosure, water and dust can't touch it, and the device can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -4F to 140F.

Decision Factors When Going for a Security Camera with Face Detection/Facial Recognition

Even when your priority is detecting faces / identifying humans and other objects, you still need to consider more than just the camera resolution, motion detection capabilities, and cost.

So in that regard, here are some things you should look out for.

Camera Resolution

Camera resolution is a key factor to note down when selecting a facial recognition security camera. 

Higher resolution means the camera can capture more detailed images, This goes a long way in helping law enforcement identify suspects, and in the case of more advanced systems: in aiding precise facial recognition. 

For instance, the Lorex 4K Deterrence Camera is fitted with a high-res 8MP image sensor. This enables it to pick up subtle details that would otherwise go unnoticed by lower-resolution cameras. 

Likewise, the Amcrest 4K Optical Zoom AI Camera provides significant picture quality thanks to its 4K-resolution image sensors. 

Night Vision Capability

When choosing a facial recognition security camera, its night vision performance has to be on top of it’s game. 

It’s crucial because criminal activity, more often than not, happens after sundown. 

So not only should your camera have simple infrared, it should support color night vision and the video quality and range has to be top-notch and it shouldn’t depend on ambient light for clarity.   

A prime example is the Lorex 4K Deterrence Camera, which sports a built-in spotlight and full color night vision to easily identify faces, even after sundown.

Storage Options

Storage matters – it’s where your video footage and detected faces are saved. 

When deciding between storage options, make sure you have a mix of local and network-based alternatives.

Differences Between Local and Cloud Storage

So on one hand, you have local storage; a MicroSD card, for example. It’s tangible, secure, and doesn’t require the internet. 

Then there’s cloud storage or storage on network-attached storage systems (NAS). It’s vast, off-site, and accessible anywhere there’s a connection. 

Local storage can limit capacity but ensure privacy, while cloud-based solutions offer more space but rely on connection quality and involve ongoing costs. 

So make sure to assess these options carefully and adjust to your specific needs. If maintaining security and revising footage remotely is a priority for you, make sure to invest in cloud storage options.

Products like the ANNKE NC800 and Night Owl 4K Bullet Security Camera offer you several choices, and the options are always good.

Privacy Settings

When talking about home security cameras, privacy settings are a paramount concern. You don’t want your data to end up in the wrong hands and you definitely don’t want the camera recording when you don’t want it to.  

Cameras, like the Lorex 4K Deterrence Camera or Amcrest 4K IP Camera, include measures like data encryption and two-factor authentication (2FA) to secure your data.

Encryption and 2FA

Encryption, for instance, makes your footage unreadable to unauthorized users. This means even if someone intercepts your data, they’ll face a tough time cracking the code

Then, there’s 2FA. Cameras with this feature add an extra layer of security. If someone manages to guess your password, they’d also need a second piece of information (like a code sent to your phone) before they could access your feed.

Ensuring Home Privacy

On the other side of the coin, you also want to secure your own privacy and also respect others. 

So when installing a face detection camera, make sure it doesn’t disturb your neighbors or start detecting the faces of everyone who’s passing by. 

In that sense, be sure to install it so its FOV covers only your property. Additionally, customize its perimeter settings or coverage area so it only detects the faces of people who are deliberately trying to enter your property.  

This helps ensure privacy and also minimizes the potential for false positives.

Ease of Installation

When it comes to the ease of installation, both the Amcrest Dome Surveillance Camera and the Google Nest Cam stand out. 

The compact, lightweight design of the Amcrest Dome makes it user-friendly and less intrusive when setting up, clearly prioritizing ease of installation. 

On the other hand, the Nest Cam boasts a battery-operated setup and a magnetic mount, simplifying the installation process. 

With these cameras, DIY installation isn’t a stressful chore; it’s a straightforward step towards improved home security. 

So regardless of whatever camera you decide to go with, remember: the simpler the installation, the sooner you can set it up and make sure your home is protected.

Conclusion

A security camera with face detection is a worthwhile addition to your home’s security system. Not only does it monitor your surroundings, but it also minimizes false positives left by shadows, critters, and passersby.

So if I had to pick just one home security camera with face detection, my main recommendation would be the Lorex 4K Bullet Security Camera.

As for the alternative, I would side with the Amcrest 4K Turret Security Camera.