What should a surveillance camera at least be able to do? Send an alarm and videos to your smartphone if something happens in your field of vision. It works like this: The devices are usually connected to the router via WLAN and send data via Internet Protocol (IP) to the associated smartphone app.
Stiftung Warentest tested a total of 18 IP surveillance cameras in its 6/2022 issue. All models in the test have infrared light so that they can also provide images in the dark, as well as extreme wide-angle optics for a large surveillance area. Some of the cameras are weatherproof and therefore designed for outdoor use.
Test winner at Stiftung Warentest
Reolink Argus 3 Pro
The most important things at a glance
Data from Stiftung Warentest
- Camera: Score 1.9
- Handling: Grade 1.9
- Basic protection of personal data: Grade 3.5
- Battery operated (USB cable included)
With a grade of 2.1, the Argus 3 pro from Reolink took first place among the best IP surveillance cameras in the Stiftung Warentest test. It is not only used indoors but also outdoors and you do not need a paid subscription for a cloud. A micro SD card is also on board.
Of the test winnerthe Reolink Argus 3 Pro (on Amazon) is also suitable for indoors and outdoors. Overall, the camera scored “good” (grade 2.1) in the test, only just ahead of second place, the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery Gen3 (to Media Markt), which scored an overall grade of 2.2.
The best surveillance camera at Stiftung Warentest not only scores with the fact that it is also suitable for outdoors. The camera quality is also convincing, and the Reolink camera also gets a good rating in terms of handling. However, the experts criticize the basic protection of personal data in all cameras tested. The data protection declarations of all manufacturers contained legal deficiencies. In addition, some apps sent unnecessary data, including that of the test-winning camera. The protection of the user account is “very good”.
The regular price of around 140 euros is also fair. For comparison: the most expensive model in the test has an average retail price of 288 euros and thus costs more than twice as much as the test winner despite the “satisfactory” overall rating.
Saving tip: The test winner from Reolink is currently significantly cheaper during Amazon Prime Day. However, this offer only applies to Prime customers. If you don’t have a subscription yet and still want to take advantage of the offers, you can Use 30-day free period. In order not to have to pay any running costs for the subscription afterwards, you must not forget to cancel the subscription within the period.
Surveillance cameras in the CHIP test laboratory
Our colleagues from CHIP.de have already tested surveillance cameras. You can read which models you have examined, which camera is the test winner and which price tip you can save a lot at in the detailed purchase advice. There we will also tell you what is important when making a purchase and explain the most important differences:
Surveillance cameras test: IP cameras in comparison
