• Subscription: required (no free video storage)
• Power: corded
• Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Works With Ring

Who this is for

People who want to keep tabs on welcome or unwelcome guests at the front porch, back deck, garage, pool area, driveway, or anywhere else outside.

Why we like it

The Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In Wi-Fi camera comes with a lengthy, weather-resistant power cord but can also run on a battery (sold separately). We prefer the cord, which enables the camera’s ability to record longer clips and more accurately capture motion events. The camera delivers crisp two-way audio and 1080p video, with a 130-degree field of view. A Ring Protect Basic plan, which starts at $4 per month or $40 per year (but is increasing to $5 per month or $50 per year beginning March 11, 2024), is required to store camera recordings, but it also enables person alerts and smartphone notifications with video stills. Also, despite some previous issues, Ring now provides more privacy and security measures than any other camera manufacturer whose models we tested.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Ring’s camera can detect people and general motion, but not at the same time. Also, it doesn’t offer the specialized detection that some other cameras do, such as animal, package, and vehicle detection.