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A wide-angle security camera can beef up security around a wide-open environment. This can be a large backyard, parking lot, or even a city skyline.
A single wide-angle lens camera can stand in for multiple general-use cameras. They can carry out regular functions without compromising the details in the footage.
My top pick as the best PoE wide-angle camera is the Reolink 4K PT Security Camera. It has an 88° horizontal FOV but can also pan a 180°. It can do all this in 4K resolution and a 100ft maximum infrared night vision range.
For a battery-powered alternative, I recommend the Lorex 4MP Bullet Security Camera. Despite its smaller form factor, it’s got a 114° diagonal FOV. Also, the camera has warning lights and sirens for active deterrence.
For a wide-angle camera that plugs into a wall outlet, the Ring 2MP Security Camera is my top pick. It’s specifically designed for home security and covers 140° horizontally.
Please note, that I’ve grouped this list into PoE, Battery, and regular mains electricity-powered (AC-powered) devices. I’ve excluded PTZ, floodlight, and fisheye cameras as they have their own dedicated lists.
The 11 Best Wide-Angle Outdoor Security Cameras (2024)
PoE Wide-Angle Security Cameras
This section is dedicated to PoE wide-angle security cameras. The advantage of PoE devices is that you have a single reliable medium for both power and data transfer. Unlike AC or battery-powered alternatives, there is no need to find a wall outlet or recharge periodically. However, you need to incorporate a PoE-compatible NVR or PoE switch and draw ethernet cables to the cameras from the source.
PoE cameras are preferred for large residential and commercial buildings where there is the need to utilize more than eight channels/cameras.
- Only camera in this group with Full Color (via Spotlight)
- Only camera in this group with Animal Detection
- Only camera in this group with Motorized Pan Feature
Reolink’s RLC-81PA is my top pick for a wide-angle PoE security camera. This device is ideal for home security and small businesses as well.
This nifty camera records in 4K resolution with a regular horizontal FOV of 88°. However, it supports 180° panning and set up custom preset points.
These presets help you instantly pan to a specific angle. It can be useful when you need to focus on a choke point or area of interest.
The camera also boasts a good set of active deterrence features. These include a siren and a spotlight. You can control these manually or automate them to trigger by motion.
- Smart Integrations: Google Assistant
- Data Transmission: PoE
- IP Rating: IP67
- Integrated Microphone
- Night Vision Support: Infrared, Full Color (via Spotlight)
- Smart Motion Detection Features: Person Detection, Vehicle Detection, Animal Detection
- Does not have an integrated siren
- No optical zoom
- Only camera in this group with Cloud support
- Highest rated camera in this group with Full Color (via Low Light Sensor / Tech)
- Highest rated camera in this group with NAS support
The Amcrest IP8M-series turret camera boasts impressive specs at an attractive price tag. For instance, the camera has a 125° diagonal FOV and records at 4K Ultra-HD resolution.
This camera is still a high contender. It can record audio and even monitor tripwires and custom intrusion zones. On top of that, you can use this camera standalone by storing footage locally on a Micro SD card.
The camera includes starlight technology for color night vision. Therefore, it can record color in low-light environments without switching to infrared.
However, this doesn’t work in pitch-black environments. It does need a tiny bit of ambient light.
- Power Options: PoE, DC Power
- High Resolution: 4K / Ultra HD / 8MP: 3840x2160
- Integrated Microphone
- IP Rating: IP67
- Storage Options: microSD, NAS, FTP, Cloud
- Data Transmission: PoE
- Cannot automatically pan
- No smart home integrations
- No optical zoom
- Does not have an integrated siren
- No motorized tilt functionality
- No smart / AI motion detection
- Only camera in this group with Ethernet data
The Axis AXIS M2035-LE is a sleek bullet-style camera for high-security outdoor applications. It comes with a minimum IP66-rated weatherproofing and IK08 vandal resistance.
This camera has several variants. However, the wide-angle option allows for a maximum 101° horizontal FOV.
The camera can capture video footage in 1920x1080 resolution at 25fps. This might seem low, but please note it’s more of a specialized camera.
As such, it's an affordable option that prioritizes close-range object detection using AI.
- Night Vision Support: Infrared, Full Color (via Low Light Sensor / Tech)
- Smart Motion Detection Features: Person Detection, Vehicle Detection
- IP Rating: IP67
- Data Transmission: PoE, Ethernet
- Storage Options: microSD, NAS, FTP
- Power Options: PoE
- No smart home integrations
- Does not have an integrated siren
- No integrated microphone
- Relatively Low Resolution: 2MP: 1080P / HD: 1920x1080
- Cannot automatically pan
- No motorized tilt functionality
- Only camera in this group with 8MP: 3952x2320
- Only camera in this group with NVR support
Digital Watchdog’s 8MP ultra-wide view security camera is an NDAA compliant high-end security camera. It has a 1/1.8-inch CMOS image sensor coupled to a 2.3mm fixed focus lens. This configuration allows the camera with a 175-degree horizontal and 80-degree vertical view cone. (At 8MP 3952x2320 resolution.)
The footage is processed with 120dB True WDR and compressed using H.264, H.265, or MJPEG. The system can export two separate streams with both supporting 30fps. (On all supported resolutions.)
Also, the camera system is ONVIF and RTSP compliant with support of MicroSD local storage. (Class 10 card is required.)
- High Resolution: 8MP: 3952x2320
- Night Vision Support: Full Color (via Low Light Sensor / Tech)
- Storage Options: microSD, NVR, FTP
- IP Rating: IP67
- Power Options: PoE, DC Power
- Smart Motion Detection Features: Person Detection, Vehicle Detection
- No smart home integrations
- No integrated microphone
- No optical zoom
- Cannot automatically pan
- No motorized tilt functionality
- Does not have an integrated siren
Battery Powered Wide-Angle Security Cameras
What’s noteworthy about wire-free security cameras is that they are easy to install and can be placed almost anywhere as long as there’s Wi-Fi coverage. Also, since they are independent (or not 100% reliant) of your home’s electrical supply, they aren’t affected by power cuts and surges; hence, they can continue storing data on the local MicroSD card even when the Wi-Fi is down.
However, there are some downsides: these cameras can be very demanding, especially in terms of money and effort. You might have to recharge it frequently (unless you invest in a solar panel) and some models require you to purchase a cloud subscription. On top of that, most wire-free cameras will not support continuous recording, and the short clips that they record (every time motion is detected) can be too short. (Or even be false positives.)
Regardless, battery-powered cameras are ideal for homes where there’s enough Wi-Fi coverage and no need to utilize a complex security camera system. (Usually, with four or more cameras/channels.)
- Only camera in this group with DC Power option
- Only camera in this group with Full Color (via Low Light Sensor / Tech)
- Only camera in this group with Animal Detection
This Lorex W482CAD Wi-Fi camera adds several smart features to the mix. This includes compatibility with smart home platforms such as Alexa and Google Assistant.
This camera records in 2560 × 1440 resolution and can cover a diagonal FOV of 114°.
It’s got a siren, two-way audio, and a couple of spotlights for active deterrence. You can control these manually and also automate them through motion detection.
The camera is IP65-rated for weather resistance. Also, it can integrate with Alexa and Google Assistant. This opens up voice commands and remote viewing via Chromecast and Alexa devices.
- Data Transmission: 2.4GHz WiFi, 5GHz WiFi
- Integrated Microphone
- Storage Options: microSD
- IP Rating: IP65
- Smart Integrations: Alexa, Google Assistant, Chromecast, Apple TV
- Integrated Siren / Alarm
- Cannot automatically pan
- No motorized tilt functionality
- No optical zoom
- Only camera in this group with NAS support
- Only camera in this group with Sound Detection
- Only camera in this group with IP67
Our runner-up is the eufyCam 2 Pro wire-free camera bundle. For this kit, there are several options ranging between 2, 3, and 4 eufy cameras and a eufy HomeBase 2 (Which acts as a storage hub, Wi-Fi repeater, and indoor chime for the eufy cameras.)
The security cameras in this bundle are battery-operated (6700mAh battery that lasts up to six months) and transfer footage to the primary hub via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. These cameras can record 2K resolution footage at 2304x1296 (3MP cameras) and have a 140-degree horizontal FOV.
The HomeBase 2 primary hub device includes 16GB eMMC storage for up to 3months worth of footage. Unfortunately, since there are no MicroSD interfaces, you will have to use the eufy security mobile app or access the cloud (optional feature) to retrieve your footage.
- Integrated Siren / Alarm
- Smart Motion Detection Features: Person Detection, Face Detection, Sound Detection
- IP Rating: IP67
- Data Transmission: 2.4GHz WiFi
- Power Options: Battery
- Smart Integrations: Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit
- No optical zoom
- No motorized tilt functionality
- Cannot automatically pan
- Relatively Low Resolution: 2K / 3MP: 2304x1296
- Only camera in this group with AC Power option
- Only camera in this group with 4K / Ultra HD / 8MP: 3840x2160
- Only camera in this group with USB Flash Drive support
Our final battery-powered option is the Arlo Ultra 2 Wireless Security Camera. This device includes a removable battery – that lasts up to six months on a single charge – and a wired AC option.
Unfortunately, this camera does not work with Arlo’s solar panels. On top of that, it needs an Arlo SmartHub to help connect it to dual-band Wi-Fi.
Nonetheless, this camera can record 4K footage (at 3840x2160 resolution) thanks to its 8MP camera. Also, the camera has a 180-degree horizontal wide-angle lens.
This Arlo camera is one of the few wire-free devices to support almost every major smart integration platform. These include Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, and IFTTT.
- High Resolution: 4K / Ultra HD / 8MP: 3840x2160
- Night Vision Support: Infrared, Full Color (via Spotlight)
- Smart Motion Detection Features: Person Detection, Vehicle Detection, Object Detection
- Storage Options: microSD, Cloud, USB Flash Drive
- Power Options: Battery, AC Power
- Smart Integrations: Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, SmartThings, IFTTT
- No motorized tilt functionality
- No optical zoom
- Cannot automatically pan
- Low IP Rating: Weather-resistant
AC Powered Wide-Angle Security Cameras
For our final section, we have listed some of the best wide-angle security cameras that rely solely on AC power. What’s noteworthy about AC hardwired security cameras (with wireless data transmission) is that you don’t have to worry about recharging the battery; all you need to do is plug it in and forget about it. On top of that, a lot of these devices support continuous recording because of the wired AC connection.
However, AC-powered security cameras can be difficult to set up if you don’t have a dedicated wall outlet for the camera. Therefore, we highly recommend getting an expert (if you are not skilled in electrical work) to install a wall outlet near the installation location of your AC-powered security camera. (Also, make sure that the wall outlet is not exposed to the elements.)
AC-powered cameras with wireless data transmission are ideal for any location as long as there’s a wall outlet for power and a Wi-Fi router/repeater within range.
- Only camera in this group with Fire TV support
- Highest rated camera in this group with AC Power option
- Highest rated camera in this group with 2.4GHz WiFi data
Our top pick is the Ring Spotlight Cam Wired. This IP-based security camera can be plugged into a wall outlet for power, and it can interface with a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network for data transmission.
The fixed-focus lens provides the camera with a 140-degree horizontal FOV, and when coupled with a 2MP sensor, it can create 1080p HD footage at 1920x1080 resolution.
Despite drawing direct AC power, this system cannot record footage continuously. Instead, it uses motion sensors to trigger the camera and record short clips that record footage in a time frame of 50-120 seconds.
As is the case with Ring cameras, a Ring protect plan (online subscription) is essential for cloud storage and access to the Ring app.
- Smart Motion Detection Features: Person Detection
- Night Vision Support: Infrared, Full Color (via Spotlight)
- Power Options: AC Power
- Integrated Siren / Alarm
- Integrated Microphone
- Smart Integrations: Alexa, Echo Show, Fire TV
- Low IP Rating: Weather-resistant
- Cannot automatically pan
- Relatively Low Resolution: 2MP: 1080P / HD: 1920x1080
- No motorized tilt functionality
- No optical zoom
- Only camera in this group with NVR support
- Only camera in this group with Face Detection
- Only camera in this group with Chromecast support
The runner-up is the Night Owl CAM-WNIP2LWA, an AC-powered 2.4GHz Wi-Fi camera. Also, the camera can carry out either continuous or motion-activated recording thanks to its wired power connection.
The fixed-focus lens is coupled with a 2MP image sensor, allowing this camera to cover a 140-degree horizontal FOV in 1080p (1920x1080) HD resolution.
Other than that, the camera has optional cloud storage support along with compatibility with a NightOwl Wi-Fi NVR.
Fortunately, this is one of the few wide-angle outdoor cameras with an in-built spotlight and full-color night vision. (With 100ft range for infrared and spotlight-dependant full-color night vision.)
- Integrated Microphone
- Power Options: AC Power
- IP Rating: IP65
- Smart Integrations: Google Assistant, Chromecast
- Integrated Siren / Alarm
- Smart Motion Detection Features: Person Detection, Face Detection
- Relatively Low Resolution: 2MP: 1080P / HD: 1920x1080
- Cannot automatically pan
- No optical zoom
- No motorized tilt functionality
- Only camera in this group with 4MP: 2560x1440
- Highest rated camera in this group with Vehicle Detection
Swann’s 2KICAM is a viable alternative for indoor wide-angle security cameras.
This camera can record in 2560 x 1440 and covers a 105° FOV. Therefore, if you place it in the corner at a higher elevation, you can cover the entire room.
The device includes two-way audio, motion detection, and a 50ft infrared range. These specs make it a very versatile indoor camera. You can use it as a baby monitor, video doorbell, and general home security.
On top of that, the camera is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Because of this, you can control the camera via voice commands and other smart home devices.
- Power Options: AC Power
- Smart Motion Detection Features: Person Detection, Vehicle Detection
- Integrated Microphone
- Data Transmission: 2.4GHz WiFi
- Storage Options: microSD, Cloud
- Smart Integrations: Alexa, Google Assistant
- Cannot automatically pan
- Low IP Rating: Weather-resistant
- No optical zoom
- No motorized tilt functionality
- Only camera in this group with Full Color (via Low Light Sensor / Tech)
- Only camera in this group with Animal Detection
- Only camera in this group with IFTTT support
Our final AC-powered camera is the Wyze Cam V3. It is a mid-range device that’s powered using a USB power adapter. (which, unlike the IP65-rated camera, needs to be plugged indoors.)
The camera system provides support for a MicroSD card, but it works best with the cloud storage feature. Therefore, to get the most out of this device, you need an online subscription along with a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. Also, to help save internet data, the camera only stores (and uploads) motion-activated recordings.
Also, this is one of the few cameras that support IFTTT smart integration. (Along with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.)
- Power Options: AC Power
- Smart Integrations: Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
- Smart Motion Detection Features: Person Detection, Vehicle Detection, Object Detection, Animal Detection
- IP Rating: IP65
- Data Transmission: 2.4GHz WiFi
- Storage Options: microSD, Cloud
- No motorized tilt functionality
- No optical zoom
- Relatively Low Resolution: 2MP: 1080P / HD: 1920x1080
- Cannot automatically pan
Decision Factors when Choosing a Wide-Angle Outdoor Security Camera
Lens
The most important requirement for wide-angle lenses is that the camera should be able to cover a “wider” horizontal/diagonal FOV. Therefore, we recommend cameras with a minimum 110-degree horizontal or 130-diagonal FOV. (Vertical FOV is not that important, but it should have at least 60-degrees.)
Power Options
We’ve already covered three different power options, namely: PoE, battery, and AC. All three options have their own ups and downs. Nonetheless, a common trend is that battery and AC-powered devices heavily rely on Wi-Fi, making them more flexible for outdoor installations. Therefore, we recommend any one of these two over PoE. (especially if you have a small-scale security system of no more than four channels/cameras.) However, for larger setups, PoE is the more economical solution.
IP rating
Most PoE and battery-powered cameras are made for the outdoors. Therefore, these devices usually contain an IP66 or IP67 weatherproof rating. For AC-powered cameras, this can be a bit tricky as some of them are only indoor-based devices (with no official IP rating.) So we recommend taking note of this spec and particularly making sure to set up the AC power connection (via wall outlet) in an indoor setting. (Even if the camera is water-resistant, the electrical socket won’t be.)
Night Vision
Although we didn’t focus on the night vision capabilities of these cameras, it is an important spec to consider, especially since most of these cameras are going to be installed outdoors. We always prefer cameras with full-color night vision (either spotlight-dependant or starlight-only). If that is too expensive (or unnecessary), you can go for a simple device with infrared. However, make sure that the maximum infrared distance is far enough to record the entry points and potential weak spots in your installation location.
Storage
Most IP-based cameras on this list rely primarily on cloud storage or an NVR with MicroSD as a backup option. Cloud storage is easier to manage since you don’t need to deal with additional hardware and cabling, but it can be expensive when you have multiple cameras. (Monthly subscription fees and internet data.) If you are looking to beef up security around your home with more than four cameras, we suggest skipping over the cloud subscription and getting an NVR instead.
Conclusion
Wide-angle security cameras can take on the role of multiple general-purpose cameras. This is because they have a lens with a wider FOV that doesn't compromise the footage.
My top pick for a PoE Wide-angle camera is the Reolink 4K PT Security Camera. It can record in 4K resolution with 180° panning. Additionally, it can detect people, vehicles, and even pets for accurate motion alerts.
My main recommendation for a battery-powered camera is the Lorex 4MP Bullet Security Camera. It’s compact, can cover 114° diagonally, and works with Google Assistant and Alexa.
For a regular AC-powered wide-angle camera, Lorex 4MP Bullet Security Camera is my top pick. It’s easy to set up, and despite the small form factor, it can monitor 140° horizontally.