Best HomeKit camera: keep your place safe with Apple’s home integration system
seamlessly with your Apple devices.
In case you didn't know, HomeKit is Apple’s answer to Alexa or Google Assistant, and allows you to control different household products via the Home app. HomeKit devices communicate via a central hub, which might be built into a device – specifically an Apple TV, HomePod or iPad, so you need one of these on site. That keeps things simple (especially for loyal Apple customers), and also allows for cool integrations, such as indoor lights being triggered by sensors on a garden .
Then there's HomeKit Secure Video. While HomeKit lets you access cameras and view live video, the HomeKit Secure Video service allows you to record that video to iCloud, as well as other clever features.
Unlike many competitors, Apple’s AI features (from which person/animal/car detection takes place) are processed on your hub device in home. The video sent to iCloud is encrypted, for better privacy.
Another big plus for HomeKit is the relatively low subscription fees. You need a paid iCloud account, but these provide useful storage for all Apple users and start at $0.99 / £0.79 a month. There is a fair chance you already have the account, and the camera’s video is not counted against the data storage (though the time limit is fixed).
HomeKit isn’t without issues though; the stored video is limited to 1080P, which is one of the reasons not all manufacturers have piled in.
In this article, we gather together the best HomeKit cameras on the market today and help you find the right one for your needs.
The best HomeKit cameras in 2022
1. Logitech Circle View
The best HomeKit camera overall
Supports HomeKit: Yes | Supports Secure Video: Yes | Camera resolution: 1080p | Field of view: 180 degrees | Power source: USB | Night vision: Yes, 4.5m (15ft) | 2-way audio: Yes | Acts as hub?: No | Sensing abilities: Yes, in-home video analysis, end-to-end encryption
Gorgeous premium design
Adheres to Apple’s HomeKit privacy ideals
Logitech’s excellent TrueView video system
Relatively expensive camera
No other options from Logitech (at the moment)
With an IP64 rating, the stylish Logitech circle can live inside or out; it won’t spoil the décor in either spot which is appreciated, though outdoors it’ll need to be sheltered under the eve. As well as the HomeKit encryption, privacy is built right into the design in the form of a simple hinge – it’s reassuring to be able to point the camera down at its own stand or press the physical button on the back.
We also really appreciate the quality visible in the glass optics which makes this a great choice for a premium environment. The steady refinement of the Apple workflow means setup is painless, too, and in-home analysis can be accessed in the Apple app.
2. EVE Outdoor Cam
The best HomeKit floodlight camera
Supports HomeKit: Yes | Supports Secure Video: Yes | Camera resolution: 1080p | Field of view: 157 | Power source: Mains wiring | Night vision: Yes, 9m (30ft) | 2-way audio: Yes | Acts as hub?: No | Sensing abilities: Packages, Animals, People, Faces, Alert zones
Chic but plain design fits with many homes
Bright light with boost mode
IR sensor detects movement quickly
Microphone and speaker for two-way-talk
Fitting requires existing wiring
Some features can only be accessed by EVE app
Camera possibly too subtle to act as deterrent
If you’re looking to eliminate the stresses of battery-powered security lights which require regular maintenance, the Eve Outdoor Cam can make that easier by taking the place of an existing outdoor light and adding a HomeKit Secure Video-friendly WiFi camera. The two-way-talk has low latency and the notifications quick. Making do with Apple’s preferred 1080P still produces good quality video and the camera it quick to spot and (if you choose) illuminate motion thanks to the built-in IR sensor; no dependence on the usually slower visual-light motion detection here. Traditional mono night-vision is also an option, but the floodlight is effective to about 9m/30ft distance – and can even be given a few seconds boost to about double that – so color night vision is excellent.
3. Belkin Wemo Smart Video Doorbell
Our favorite smart doorbell for HomeKit
Supports HomeKit: Yes | Supports Secure Video: Yes | Camera resolution: 1080p | Field of view: 223 degrees | Power source: 16-24V doorbell wiring | Night vision: Yes | 2-way audio: Yes | Acts as hub?: No | Sensing abilities: Packages, Animals, People, Faces, Alert zones
Massive 223-degree field of view
Package and face recognition
Footage can be reviewed using HomeKit Secure Video
Reliable wi-fi connection
Fitting requires existing wiring, no battery option
Fish-eye lens makes for lower resolution faces
Relatively expensive
The WeMo Smart Video Doorbell, one of a limited selection of doorbells for HomeKit users, packs great specifications into a much better-looking housing than the majority of smart doorbells. The camera has an extraordinary field of view, in vertical format so anything left on the step is easy to spot. It’s also capable of recognising your visitors from your photos, however the fish eye effect on the lens means this doesn’t always work – indeed it’s not always that easy to the human eye, especially at night. There is night vision, assisted by built in IR lighting, but at times this can make the foreground (i.e. visitors) somewhat over-lit.
4. Aquara Camera Hub G2H
The best HomeKit camera for newbies
Supports HomeKit: Yes | Supports Secure Video: Yes | Camera resolution: 1080P | Field of view: 146 degrees | Power source: 5W, 1A (USB) | Night vision: Yes | 2-way audio: Yes | Acts as hub?: Yes, Zigbee | Sensing abilities: Facial recognition, activity zones,
Works as a hub for Zigbee devices
Accessibly priced with generous feature set
Local storage option
Indoor camera only
Dome design not ideal for all positions
The Aquara makes a nice choice for those relatively new to the HomeKit game, since it provides a built-in Zigbee hub, side-stepping the need to invest in an Apple TV or HomePod Mini to reach certified products. It’s also a pleasingly subtle design so it doesn’t matter that it won’t be in the cupboard with the router, and it has the magnetic base we always appreciate (makes it easy to stick to the fridge). The camera also boasts local storage via MicroSD card. The camera can also be set to trigger via door or window sensors from Aqara using HomeKit.
5. Eufy Solo C24
The best HomeKit camera for indoors
Supports HomeKit: Yes | Supports Secure Video: No | Camera resolution: 2K | Field of view: 105 horizontal x 57 vertical | Power source: USB | Night vision: – | 2-way audio: Yes | Acts as hub?: No | Sensing abilities: Human, Pet, Crying
Subscription free live view and 2-way chat
MicroSD, local, or cloud storage options
Doesn’t support Secure Video
AI services require Eufy subscription
Eufy is an established brand in the home security world and recent releases have started adding HomeKit compatibility to their range. The tiny C24 is a little indoor camera which won’t have a big impact on the wallet but will immediately add an extra live view into the Home app for Apple users as well as extending the options for dedicated users of the Eufy system.
We appreciate the fact the camera didn’t tie customers into a contract, either. However since it doesn’t support Secure Video, the detection features or storage will either require a storage card or signing up to Eufy’s cloud service. (But not, to be clear, Eufy’s Homebase service, which it won’t work with... not that it’s needed if you have HomeKit).
6. Netatmo Smart Outdoor Camera NOC-S
The best HomeKit camera for outdoors
Supports HomeKit: Yes | Supports Secure Video: No | Camera resolution: 1080p | Field of view: 100 | Power source: Wired | Night vision: Yes + Floodlight | Acts as hub?: No | Sensing abilities: People, Animals, Cars, Alert zones,
No subscription fees
Floodlight & siren
Good own-brand app
Supports MicroSD card recording
Doesn’t support Secure Video
Setup requires phone app & Bluetooth
Max 32GB MicroSD (Class 10)
The Netatmo is an established product, not that you’d know it. It used to be called ‘Presence’ when launched in 2016, though obviously the firmware has changed a bit (support is always a good sign). The elegant aluminum housing will definitely survive a long time outside, even in high levels of UV rays.
If you opt for it, it can contains a real 105db siren too – no 2-way chat and re-purposed audio speaker here. Thanks to the system’s ability to distinguish people from animals and cars at up to 20m (65ft), the siren need not be triggered for every movement; this is the way to turn neighbors into friends (your author is sad to report his neighbors have not invested in such a device).
7. Eufy eufyCam 2C Pro
The best HomeKit camera for wireless setup
Supports HomeKit: Yes | Supports Secure Video: Yes | Camera resolution: 2K | Field of view: 135 degree | Power source: Battery in camera | Night vision: Yes + Floodlight | Acts as hub?: Hub unit provides storage | 2-way audio: Yes | Sensing abilities: Human, face pattern, Animals, Cars, Detection zones
No subscription fees
Large local storage in discrete unit
Premium Apple-esque styling
Expandable via Eufy’s range of cameras
Batteries need topping up frequently
Tweaking HomeKit settings up to 2K is a faff
Eufy’s system already achieves much of what you might hope for from a security system; it has secure on-site storage (a whopping 3TB encrypted at 256-bits), built in human detection, and an app capable of alerting you to live events and setting up detection zones. The idea of installing a complete system with premium cameras in one go – and with the simplicity of wireless cameras – is very tempting though, and Eufy achieve it as well as seems possible at the moment.
That is to say: the tech and app are great, but unless the cameras aren’t activated at all the batteries do tend to need topping up closer to monthly than the 180 days suggested. Color night view means activating that LED floodlight, though at least it is optional.
8. Ecobee SmartCamera
The best HomeKit camera with thermostat
Supports HomeKit: Yes | Supports Secure Video: Yes | Camera resolution: 1080p | Field of view: 180° diagonal, 170° horizontal, 115° vertical | Power source: Corded | Night vision: Yes | Acts as hub?: Yes | 2-way audio: Yes | Sensing abilities: Motion, temperature, smoke
Easy to set up
Covers security & temperature
Great night-time vision
No outdoor camera
Want to stay safe and warm? Then this combination of security system and smart thermostat will be a great choice. It comes with HomeKit Secure Video, 1080p video, built-in Alexa, and the motion tracking is excellent. You also get smoke detection, and fantastic night time vision thanks to three high-powered infrared LEDs (850nm) with mechanical ICR filter.
The smart camera detects when a person is present and pans across its 180º field of view to keep them in the center of the frame. It works perfectly with HomeKit and Secure Video is supported too. Plus it offers smoke detection, so you get a mobile notification if SmartCamera detects a smoke alarm sound when you're out.
9. Eve Cam
The best HomeKit camera for simplicity
Supports HomeKit: Yes | Supports Secure Video: Yes | Camera resolution: 1080p | Field of view: 150° | Power source: USB cable | Night vision: Yes | Acts as hub?: Yes | 2-way audio: Yes | Sensing abilities: Motion
Easy to set up
Motion sensor
1080p recording
Need to pay for iCloud storage
The Eve Cam was one of the first cameras built for HomeKit, and it remains a solid choice that's nice and easy to set up. You don't have to download an app: just connect to your Wi-Fi, scan the pairing code, and you'll be up and running.
The camera can rotate (although is not motorised), and the base is magnetic, making it a cinch to attach it to a variety of surfaces. It records every motion automatically, and can distinguish between people and pets.
Footage is captured in 1080p and night-time recording is good quality. The Eve Cam saves the footage to iCloud, so you'll need to buy a 200 GB Apple iCloud storage plan separately. Best of all, end-to-end encryption means only you can view live and recorded video, which is great for anyone worried about privacy.
10. Eufy Indoor Cam P24
The best HomeKit camera for wireless setup
Supports HomeKit: Yes | Supports Secure Video: Yes | Camera resolution: 2K | Field of view: 360 horizontal, 96˚ vertical | Power source: USB cable | Night vision: Yes | Acts as hub?: No | 2-way audio: Yes | Sensing abilities: Motion, Pet, Crying
EASONS TO BUY
Easy to set up
Human, Pet, and Crying detection
Micro SD recording
InfraRed night light 33ft / 10m
No MicroSD included
Some features difficult to access via HomeKit
Not only is this a PTZ camera (well, pan and tilt anyway) but it is one of the more affordable options in the HomeKit market. The zoom is only digital, up to 8x.
The design is elegant, with a Micro-USB socket to supply charge, and the microSD card slot hidden behind the camera (you’ll need to roll its eye back in its head to access it!). This is also where the lens goes in privacy mode, which is reassuring. The glowing blue ring indicating power turns red when motion is sensed.
The camera can be installed via a HomeKit code, but using Eufy’s own app there are extensive extra options to enable a 360˚rotation mode, motion tracking and so on. You can also activate the built-in siren if you like. Some AI features in the Eufy app are disabled when Homekit is in control, but you can try enabling them via the Eufy app before setting up in HomeKit.
Other useful buying guides:
Best outdoor security cameras in 2022
The best body cameras for personal security
