Which Security Cameras Are Not Made in China?

A CCTV camera system fitted in your home can help to protect your premises and make you feel safe. Modern systems typically offer video recordings sent to your mobile device once something out of the ordinary is detected.

China manufacturers about 90% of the IP cameras you’ll find on the market today. Though finding security cameras not made in China can be a challenge, it’s not impossible. There are plenty of top-quality security camera manufacturers in other countries.

This article discusses some of the best non-China security camera manufacturing brands around for indoor and outdoor use.

Security Camera Types

There are two main types of security cameras: outdoor and indoor. The sub-types include battery or AC powered, wired or wireless, doorbell cameras, and floodlight cameras.

The main difference between the outdoor and indoor camera is that outdoor cameras are made with a protective coating on the casing and lens. This is so they can withstand different weather conditions such as sun, rain, and dust. As a result, they are more durable and expensive than indoor cameras.

Next up is a comprehensive list of the various security camera types available:

· Smart Home Security

These types are becoming increasingly popular. A live video connects to an app that allows you to see in real-time what the camera captures. In addition, you’ll receive an immediate alert via your smartphone if the camera senses motion.

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· Bullet

Cylindrical bullet cameras focus in one direction. You may need to purchase several cameras to capture the different parts of your property. Due to their limited range, they’re generally affordable and perfect for the house front or corridors.

· Dome

The dome cameras offer a shift and zoom feature and more visual coverage due to their smaller size. They also have a broader range than bullet cameras.

· Wired Outdoor

Usually a bullet-style camera with a long cylindrical shape, the wired outdoor camera is connected to a central recording device. It can be mounted onto ceilings and walls, and despite the name, it doesn’t need to be plugged into a power source. For outdoor and indoor use, these cameras typically need professional installation.

· Wired Indoor

These cameras are connected to a central recording device via an ethernet or coaxial cable. Usually dome-shaped cameras, they can be mounted on ceilings and typically need professional installation. They’ll offer a wide field view inside your home.

· Wireless Outdoor

The wireless outdoor camera is similar to the indoor equivalent, only bigger and weather-resistant. Ideally, they are mounted to a structure or wall using the mounting plate and screws provided. Some types include a spotlight and siren to help deter criminals. Their wide-field view is 130 degrees or more, covering a larger area than most wired bullet cameras.

· Wireless Indoor

The wireless indoor camera, also referred to as a Wi-Fi or IP camera, connects to your Wi-Fi and stores the camera footage via the cloud. They need to be plugged into a power source, and are easy to install since they don’t need a cable to transfer the video feed.

Some models act as dedicated baby cameras that can record the temperature, humidity, and air quality of a child’s room. Other models can even dispense treats to your pets.

· Wire-Free Outdoor

This kind of camera operates on rechargeable batteries and is easy to install. They usually include the same features as wireless types, though battery limitations prevent continuous recording. As a result, they record only if they detect motion. Some models include the option of attaching a solar panel to help keep the batteries charged.

· Video Doorbells

Once a video doorbell detects motion – or whenever the doorbell is pressed – it starts recording and initiates two-way audio with your smartphone, smart speaker, or smart TV. It also records when you don’t answer the doorbell, and you’ll have the option to view the recording later.

Most models need to be hardwired into your existing doorbell panel, and some are battery-powered.

· Floodlight

Floodlight cameras are another version of the wireless outdoor camera. The floodlight and camera are activated simultaneously to deter intruders. These cameras are powered via an outlet and can be hardwired into your current lighting setup.

Non-China Made Security Camera Brands

The following includes some of the quality brands making security cameras. If you come across any of these names while looking at cameras, you’ll know that they’re not “Made in China.”

• Acti – Taiwan
• Axis Communication – Sweden
• Arecont Vision – United States
• Bosch – Germany
• Digital Watchdog – United States
• GeoVision – Taiwan
• Hanwha Techwin (Samsung) – South Korea
• Honeywell – United States
• Mobotix – Germany
• Panasonic – Japan
• Pelco – United States
• Speco Technologies – United States
• Ubiquity – United States
• Vivotek – Taiwan

The Best Security Cameras Not Made in China

Now for some examples of the best non-China made security cameras:

1. Arlo

Arlo’s array of Wi-Fi security cameras is broad and feature-rich. Their camera features include:

• Motion detection
• High-def video
• Two-way audio
• Built-in sirens
• Spotlights
• Night vision
• Compatibility with major Smart Home platforms

They can monitor your home, and their Smart Detection feature can tell the difference between pets and packages. In addition, the wireless and compact design offers more choices for places to be mounted.

Arlo Pro 3

The Arlo Pro 3 spotlight two camera security system offers the following features:

• Record and playback Quad HD video.
• High-dynamic-range (HDR) imaging.
• Built-in spotlight and color night vision.
• Zoom and track with 12x zoom.
• 160-degree field view.
• Two-way audio.
• Alexa compatible.
• Rechargeable battery operated.

You can set it to record to a USB drive on the hub as opposed to the cloud. Recordings can also be set to register within a particular area. In addition, the rechargeable battery can last between three to six months, and it can also be powered via an AC power plug.

Access to cloud video storage requires a subscription to Arlo Smart. A subscription includes the Enhanced 911 feature that will contact 911 in the event of an emergency, as well as cloud storage for 60 days.

2. Google Nest

The Nest cameras allow you to view footage via Google’s Nest Hubs, and they’re also compatible with Google Assistant. In addition, the Google Nest Hub Max display includes a built-in camera for indoor security, offering the same features as Nest’s detached cameras.

Google Nest Cam Indoor

The Google Nest wired indoor surveillance camera offers the following features:

• Two-year limited warranty.
• 24/7 live stream video in full 1080p HD using Wi-Fi.
• The clearest night vision using eight high-power infrared LEDs.
• Notifications and mobile alerts whenever your camera detect activity.
• Protection of your video feed with industry-leading security.
• 30-day free Nest Aware trial.
• Two-way audio.
• Flexible mounting, either to the wall or kept on the magnet base.
• Easy setup and free Nest app.

3. Ring

Ring’s video doorbell has fast become one of the most popular smart home devices. They went from keeping a “digital eye” on your front door activities, to offering an entire home security system. Their range includes a top-rated home alarm system, multiple video doorbells, outdoor and indoor Wi-Fi cameras, and smart outdoor and indoor lighting.

Ring devices are Alexa compatible. They’re the AI-based smart home platform allowing you to integrate your smart home with your smart security system. You can access your video recordings via any screen-enabled Echo speaker and control the whole system with your voice.

Ring’s security comes with a neighborhood watch feature in the app. Both you and your neighbors can use the app to post alerts and footage regarding activities in the area.

Ring Floodlight Camera

The Ring floodlight motion HD security camera has some of the following features:

• Alexa is compatible with announcements whenever motion is spotted.
• Two-way audio via compatible Echo devices.
• Allows you to hear, see, and speak to visitors via your smartphone, PC, and tablet.
• The Ring Protect Plan, available via subscription, allows you to copy all your footage for review for up to 60 days.
• The option to share footage and photos.
• It offers a live view and 1080HD video with infrared night vision.
• A siren and built-in ultra-bright floodlights.
• Customizable privacy zones and audio privacy.

Ring Stick Up

The Ring Stick Up HD is Ring’s best budget security camera and includes:

• Alexa compatibility.
• Custom privacy controls.
• The ability to use your smartphone, tablet, or Echo device to see, hear, and speak to people.
• Battery-powered for mounting outdoor and indoor.
• A live view of your home via the Ring app.
• The Ring Protect Plan available via subscription, allows you to copy video footage for review for up to 60 days.
• The option to share footage and videos.
• It can be placed on a flat surface or mounted to a wall using the adaptable mounting bracket. Alternatively, you can purchase the “Mount for Stick Up Cam” to mount on the ceiling.
• Have access to your entire home by linking the cams to your Ring devices using the app.
• Easy setup.

4. SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe offers a DIY home security system, an indoor camera, and video doorbell as individual devices. They are Alexa and Google Assistant compatible for voice control, and you can view footage remotely via the SimpliSafe app.

One of their key features is visual verification. The camera sends the monitoring center a clip of camera footage for faster assistance if your alarm is triggered.

SimpliSafe Home Security System

The features of the SimpliSafe Home Security System (New Gen) include:

• Camera (1080p).
• The ability to see and hear what’s happening from any device via the SimpliSafe app.
• Quick notification when unusual activity is detected.
• The ability to detect unique human heat signatures for alerts that matter.
• Flawless and crystal-clear HD streaming.
• Compatible with new-gen SimpliSafe home security system.
• Quick and easy setup.

5. Wyze

Wyze was one of the first American-based companies to manufacture quality and inexpensive connected devices. For example, where security cameras once cost over $200, a Wyze camera would cost $20.

They released their first security camera in 2017, and now have five cameras under their belt. Their products include a video doorbell and smart home devices like connected lightbulbs, a smart thermostat, a smart door lock, and a robot vacuum. In addition, they offer both wired and battery-powered Wi-Fi cameras.

Wyze Cam Pan

The features of the Wyze 1080p pan cam include:

• Pan, tilt, and zoom.
• Remote control via the app for access to every angle of your room.
• Pan Scan feature for automatic monitoring using four pre-defined waypoint settings.
• 360-degree panning, right/left rotation range, 93- degree vertical up/down tilting range.
• Full HD 1,080p live streaming to see your home in real-time via your mobile device.
• As you stream, use the two-way audio to speak with your friends and family with the Wyze app.
• Sound and motion recording via free cloud storage.
• When sound or motion is detected, the Cam Pan begins a 12- second video recording. The footage is saved to the cloud for 14 days at no charge.
• Mobile notifications for detection alerts.
• The option for continuous recording to a MicroSD card (bought separately).
• Night vision allows you to see up to 30 inches in total darkness using six infrared (IR) LEDs.
• Compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control (available in the US only).
• Compatible with the 2.4 gigahertz Wi-Fi network in Apple and Android mobile devices.
• Allow family members access to your Wyze Cam footage recordings and live streams. You can remove Camera sharing at any time.

Not Made in China

Having a CCTV system implemented in your home offers family protection and can help scare off intruders and criminals. A large portion of the security camera-making market belongs to China. However, there are plenty of established brands from all around the world creating high-quality security cameras. There’s Honeywell in the US, Bosch in Germany, Hanwha (Samsung) in South Korea, and Panasonic in Japan – to name just a few. So, the next time you’re wishing for a little diversity on the market, remember that there are more options around than you think.