Top 5 Smart Continuous Video Recording Cameras

Among our top five smart CVR cameras are Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Q Plus, and Wyze Cam. Each camera has its own pros and cons. But to begin with, let’s clarify, what is Continuous Video Recording?

Some cameras have the ability to record all of the activity they see 24/7, which allows you to rewind the footage to any point during the day and make sure you’re not missing anything important. This feature is known as continuous video recording (CVR) and is offered either using cloud or local storage depending on the type of camera.

So, what are the benefits of CVR? The option for 24/7 recording is great for those who need non-stop footage of everything that is happening within their home. CVR bypasses the flaw of a “cool-off” time that many motion-triggered recordings have that can potentially lead to the exclusion of important information. With the CVR you won’t miss a single second!

Not every smart camera is a continuous video recording camera, but we’ve compiled the best of the ones so you can easily choose a model that will work for you.

Best PoE Smart Cameras

Don’t miss a thing with a smart camera!

Today we’ll be looking at a list of smart cameras that you can include in your home for optimal smart home security.

Not only do they come with standard features such as live-view on demand, 2-way audio, and motion detection, you can also opt for a camera such as the Amcrest UltraHD 4K which will provide you with an impressive 16x zoom capabilities, or Ring Video Doorbell Elite, which is both a smart doorbell and a security camera too!

So before we get into that let’s talk about what is PoE, and how it can benefit your home.


PoE

First, and foremost, PoE stands for Power over Ethernet. Meaning that PoE cameras will receive their power and transmit video through an Ethernet cable, so no need for any extra power cables!

Some of the benefits of PoE include energy savings, flexibility, and of course, an improved network connection too!

Because the PoE power cable is actually just the Ethernet cable, you won’t need an electrician in order to set up your new smart camera, thus saving you some extra money in the long run. Just make sure to get the PoE switch which connects to your router and allows you to connect multiple PoE devices, so you can opt for additional smart cameras without any issues.

Additionally, PoE security cameras will also protect your network system from under-powering, overloading, and even incorrect installation, so you can run your new smart cameras without any issues.

It’s worth mentioning that If your router is in a hard to reach the place, don’t worry as you can include an extension CAT 5, or CAT5 5 cable to extend it up to an additional 350 ft,so you can set your smart cameras anywhere both inside as well as outside your home.

In the end, PoE offers you an efficient, and reliable way to install and power your smart cameras, that will also provide you with a durable internet connection too.

So let’s get right to it, and check out some of the models you can include in your home.

Feel free to use our navigation system below to skip to any part you prefer.

Best Smart Cameras With Local Storage

When it comes to choosing the right smart camera for your home, there are a lot of factors to take note of such as video and audio quality, software, smart home integration, and local storage capabilities.

While a lot of smart cameras include attractive subscription plans, especially when it comes to cloud storage, it’s also useful to have the option of sufficient local storage as an option, if you prefer not to opt for any additional plans.

All these cameras feature local storage via a USB or an SD card. Please note that having local storage doesn’t necessarily mean that the cameras will record 24/7 to local storage. Most of the cameras will only record motion-triggered activities. If you’re looking for a continuous video recording to local storage make sure to check out our take on Top 5 Smart Continuous Video Recording Cameras where we break down cameras with local & cloud CVR support.

So let’s get right into it, and see which smart camera suits you better!

Feel free to use our navigation system below to skip down to any part that you prefer.

Arlo Q vs. Arlo Q Plus

The two cameras look almost identical, however, the Arlo Q Plus offers a little extra, like alternative power and internet connection options, plus support for local storage. Is it worth the extra cost? — It sure is.

So, short version: get the Arlo Q Plus.

Otherwise, let’s dive into the differences between the two Arlo cameras to learn all the little details that are usually overlooked. Oh, and feel free to use our navigation menu to jump straight to what interests you the most.

Arlo Camera • Comparison Chart & Overview

Don’t feel like reading? Scroll down to our “All Arlo Cameras” comparison chart. For a closer look at an individual camera, we’ve listed all the Arlo Cameras articles we’ve written at the bottom of this page.

If you’d like to learn more about the Arlo brand as a whole, how they work and whether or not Arlo Cameras are worth the buy, read on for the full picture below.

Arlo Pro vs. Arlo Q Plus

When comparing the Arlo Pro vs. Arlo Q Plus, it’s clear that there are things to like about both models. However, we feel that the Arlo Q Plus is the superior choice for indoors.

The Arlo Pro is missing some useful features — a lot of which have been added in with the improved Arlo Pro 2. With that said, it does have weatherproofing which makes it a better option than the Q Plus if you’re looking for outdoor monitoring.

What is Power Over Ethernet?

To put it simply, power over ethernet (PoE) allows you to both power and connect your devices using an ethernet cable. With PoE, the cable that connects your device to the internet also serves as the device’s power source, eliminating the need for an extra cord and consolidating the two functions for increased convenience.

Power over Ethernet devices can either be power sourcing equipment (PSE) or powered devices (PD) or — in some cases — both! Power sourcing equipment is usually something like a network switch that transmits power, while powered devices cover a wide range of technology from VOIP phones to IP cameras.

Ring Pro vs. Elite

Both the and Ring Elite offer a ton of features, things like: motion detection, notifications, and ease-of-access to video via phone, tablet, or PC — just to name a few. Plus, Ring puts a lot of value on the security of their devices added to your home, and will replace any model if stolen. This ensures that purchasing a Ring device will add security and convenience for years to come.

But with different models come different features. We’re going to take a look at both the similarities and differences between the Ring Pro vs. Ring Elite below.