Keeping Your Summer Gathering Safe: A Guide to the Best Outdoor Security Cameras

• The best outdoor security cameras will offer at least 2K video, two-way audio, color night vision functionality, and the ability to send alerts and notifications directly to your mobile device.
• Consider the areas where guests will congregate in your backyard and place security cameras in areas that will cover the widest area of ground.
• Summer heat can affect security camera performance. Choose a camera that can withstand warm weather to avoid potential outages.

Summertime, and the living is easy. It’s a great opportunity to invite family and friends over to the house for a cookout, pool party, or even just to relax in the backyard. But even while you’re having a good time, safety should remain top of mind. Here are some tips, along with some recommendations for the best outdoor security cameras, to make your summer gatherings more secure.

Summer outdoor security camera tips

Protect gathering areas

When you’re thinking about where to set up your outdoor security cameras, take a look at the areas where guests are most likely to congregate. There’s the grill area, the patio, and the main yard area to consider. And if you have a pool, you need to keep tabs on the deck surrounding the pool in addition to the pool itself.

Make sure you have enough cameras to cover these areas in full, as they’ll work in conjunction with other security features (like gates or alarms) to keep your guests safe while they have fun on your property.

Lean on your notifications

When you’re hosting a party, you can’t be everywhere all at once. Notifications can keep you on top of every aspect of your security grid so you can swoop in if you need to.

For example, the pool can be a dangerous area for children, even if they’re properly attended. Setting Activity Zones on your Arlo cameras around these areas will allow the camera to automatically trigger an alert that gets sent directly to your phone whenever anyone gets too close for comfort. Your cameras can also trigger notifications whenever it detects a fire or certain noises — helpful when you’re hosting a cookout or if someone sets off fireworks nearby.

Turn on your floodlights at night

Accidents are more likely to happen at night, so shine a light to keep the party (safely) going as the sun goes down. Floodlight cameras can be set to activate when they detect motion, or you can turn them on and use them as lighting for your outdoor event. They’ll help keep your guests safe, while also protecting you from potential threats in between gatherings.

Use your night vision

In addition to floodlights, many security cameras (like Arlo’s) include night vision to make keeping tabs of your backyard easier at night. There’s two types of night vision: infrared-based night vision that can capture footage without using light, and Color Night Vision, which activates the spotlight to record more detail. Choose the best option that fits your security needs.

Beat the heat

Summer temps can often exceed 100°F, depending on where you live. Make sure the cameras you pick can withstand hot temperatures so they can keep operating without degrading quality or longevity.

Use your two-way audio

If a guest is getting a little too close to something they shouldn’t, take advantage of the two-way audio built into your cameras. Simply pull up the Arlo Secure app, activate the camera, and send a quick voice message, all without having to step away from your current conversation.

The best outdoor security cameras for every situation

Best overall: Arlo Pro 6

Whether you’re hosting a pool party or a garden party, the Arlo Pro 6 remains one of the best security cameras for home and outdoor use. With vivid 2K video and a wide 160° view, you’ll be able to keep your guests safe, no matter where they are in your back yard. Plus, it comes with a long-lasting rechargeable battery so you can spend less time on managing your security grid and more time hanging out with friends.

Best upgrade: Arlo Ultra 3

If you need a little more oomph from your wireless outdoor cameras, the Arlo Ultra 3 will fit the bill nicely. It has 4K HDR video with 180° Field of View alongside Auto-Zoom and Tracking functionality, so you can keep an eye on your entire property, no matter how big it is.

For lighting up the backyard: Arlo Floodlight Camera

Shine a light on dark spaces with the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera. Its ultra-bright LED floodlight can hit up to 3000 lumens when plugged in to power with the Outdoor Magnetic Charging Cable — that’s three to four times as powerful as a standard car headlight. Turn it on to brighten up your summer gathering, or set it up for motion activation to keep intruders away.

Keep your batteries charged: Arlo Solar Panel Charger

Take advantage of the sun’s bounty by hooking up your Arlo security cameras to our Solar Panel Charger accessory. Attach it with the easy-install adjustable mount and hook it up with the included 8-foot power cable and USB-C adapter, and keep your camera batteries charged all summer long.

Stay cool with Arlo Secure

Take the stress out of managing your home security. Instead of manually keeping an eye on your security feeds, Arlo Secure can track activity for you and let you know ift something needs your attention.

You’ll get access to our AI-powered Early Warning System technology, which can detect events like package deliveries or threats like burglars or fires, and send an alert directly to your mobile device. And if you subscribe to Arlo Premium, you’ll even gain access to 24/7 Professional Monitoring and Emergency Response, as well as 24/7 Continuous Video Recording for up to three cameras.

It’s the perfect complement to your summer security needs. Sign up today.

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Frequently asked questions

What battery life can I expect on my outdoor security cameras?

Arlo’s batteries can last several months in between a charge. If you need additional peace of mind, Arlo’s XL camera batteries can last almost a year on a single charge.

Can Arlo’s security cameras survive summer weather?

Yes. Many of Arlo’s security cameras are rated to withstand temperatures between -4°F (-20°C) and 113°F (45°C) without experiencing problems. They are also resistant against wind, rain, and other inclement weather.

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