An outdoor security camera can keep an eye on welcome (and unwanted) visitors, package deliverers, and furry creatures helping themselves to a midnight snack in your yard. They can also be a powerful deterrent to potential troublemakers. However, after testing dozens of cameras over the past seven years, we still haven't found a perfect model. Some are difficult to install, some require regular charging, and others require a subscription fee to be most effective.

If you want a completely wireless option, we recommend the Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera. If you want something cheaper (and if you have an outdoor socket nearby), we recommend the Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In.

Our pick This battery-powered camera captures clear 2K video. The video storage subscription adds the ability to detect people, animals, vehicles, packages and general movements. Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit (with a compatible base station), Google Home, IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings.

The Arlo Pro 4 delivers the best combination of detailed video performance, specialized alerts and easy setup. It does require a subscription to Arlo Secure (starting at $5 per month) to record clips and differentiate between people, pets, packages and vehicles. However, it delivers clear 2K video day and night, including color video, even in the dark. The Pro 4 can record up to five minutes of continuous motion, but if the camera is on often, the battery can drain quickly. We found that it needs to be charged about once a month. The Arlo Pro 4 also offers a 24/7 recording option, but this requires higher subscription fees, requires an additional $150 to $200 in equipment, and is separate from Arlo Secure.

Our pick is a plug-in 1080p model, it comes with a weatherproof cord or extra battery, and can distinguish between people and other moving objects. Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, works with Ring.

The Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In Wi-Fi Camera comes with a long, weatherproof power cord, but it can also be powered by a battery or a solar panel. It delivers crisp 1080p video with an expansive 130-degree view and clear two-way audio. Signing up for a Ring Protect Basic plan ($4 per month or $40 per year) lets you keep recordings for up to 60 days, and also enables features like personal notifications, the option to save videos, and smartphone notifications with thumbnail views. Despite some early issues, Ring also now offers more privacy and security measures than any other camera manufacturer we tested.

This camera offers long battery life, clear 2K image, HomeKit support and three video saving options. Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home.

While not as smart as the Arlo Pro 4, the Eufy S220 EufyCam has the best rechargeable battery we've ever seen in a wireless outdoor security camera. (The company claims the battery will last a year; we experienced between four and 12 months of use, so it will depend on where your cameras are placed and how often they are activated.) Free benefits include the ability to record 2K record video to storage in the included base station, as well as the ability to distinguish between people and other moving things. To have your video sent to the cloud and stored there, you can choose a paid subscription to Eufy Cloud Storage ($3/month) or Apple HomeKit Secure Video (free with iCloud plans starting at $1/month); Please note that both services drop the video resolution from the native 2K to 1080p quality.