7 Best Apartment Security Camera Systems for Your Building

 

 

Choosing the right apartment security camera system is one of the most important decisions you can make. Simultaneously, choosing a great apartment security camera helps ensure the safety of your residents and plays an important role in securing your property’s assets.

For that reason, we’ve put this guide together to showcase the top apartment security camera systems for your multifamily building. Additionally, we detail what to consider when making a decision on a system, the types of camera models available, and how you’ll benefit.

In this post, we cover:

• 7 best apartment security camera systems
• Considerations for apartment security camera systems
• Types of security cameras for apartment buildings
• Benefits of a security system for apartment buildings
• Apartment security camera FAQs

 

7 best apartment security cameras

Are you interested in buying a security camera for your apartment but unsure of the best options?

Here are our picks of the seven best apartment security cameras:

1. ButterflyMX
2. Arlo Pro 5S 2K
3. Google Nest
4. Remo+ DoorCam
5. SimpliSafe
6. Ubiquiti UniFi security camera
7. OpenEye

 

 

1. ButterflyMX

The best apartment security camera system for your building is ButterflyMX.

ButterflyMX offers Dome and Bullet Security Cameras packed with features designed to provide more visibility into your property’s operations. Most importantly, our Security Cameras integrate seamlessly with all of our other products — including ButterflyMX Video Intercoms, Access Control, Smart Locks, Elevator Controls, and more — allowing you to create a unified security system.

When looking to gain insight into your property, ButterflyMX’s Dome and Bullet cameras are perfectly suited for the job. The Dome Security Camera easily blends into your property and captures activity in large, open spaces. Meanwhile, the Bullet Security Camera is great for focusing on entryways, exits, and long distances.

 

ButterflyMX features and benefits

You’ll benefit from ButterflyMX’s Security Cameras in the following ways:

• Easy installation. Our Dome and Bullet Cameras only require a single Power over Ethernet (PoE) cable connection to the Gateway, allowing for a quick and easy installation setup.
• Quality recording at all times. ButterflyMX Security Cameras record 24/7 in high-definition video. As a result, you’ll capture the moments that matter the most to more effectively resolve safety issues and gain new insights into how your property operates.
• Long-lasting durability. Both the Dome and Bullet Security Cameras are encased in weatherproof housings that can stand up against a variety of elements and large temperature changes. Not to mention, our Security Cameras are built with impact and vandal resistance to prevent tampering, ensuring they last long after they’re installed.
• Use your own ONVIF-compatible cameras. Already have cameras? No problem. ButterflyMX’s OS and Gateway support Open Network Video Interface Forum (ONVIF)-compatible cameras. In other words, connect your ONVIF cameras to our Gateway to integrate them into ButterflyMX’s OS, enabling centralized management.
• Store footage in the cloud and locally. Captured footage is stored in the cloud for up to seven days and locally for up to three to four days, depending on the number of cameras you have. Therefore you can review footage tethered to access control events, simplifying the process of investigating security breaches.

 

2. Arlo Pro 5S 2K

Offering a seamless set-up with state-of-the-art weatherproof construction, Arlo is one of the best wireless security cameras for apartments.

• Wireless set-up. The Arlo wireless set-up provides an easy DIY installation that can be up and running in minutes.
• Night vision. Arlo’s night vision capabilities produce clear images — even in low-light conditions.
• HDR 2K video. Offers high-definition resolution that provides picture-perfect clarity so you never miss a single detail.
• Rechargeable. The rechargeable batteries are designed to optimize battery life with the low-power mode.

 

3. Google Nest

The Google Nest camera is a trusted security camera that offers flexibility and function. As a result, it’s one of the best security cameras for an apartment.

• Floodlight. The bright floodlight helps deter trespassers and provides you with bright visuals of the intruder.
• 180° motion detection. Motion detection sensors capture all activity with two LED lights and 180-degree motion detection.
• Mobile app. Google Nest cameras pair with a mobile app that sends real-time alerts when the sensors are triggered.
• Green LED light. The green LED light lets trespassers know that they’re being recorded, which deters them from attempting to access your building.

 

4. Remo+ DoorCam

Looking for the best security camera for apartment doors? The Remo+ DoorCam allows you to monitor almost any door entry with a camera that fits snugly over most apartment doors.

• Easy door installation. It’s easy to hang the camera over any apartment door. It’s also easy to register through the mobile app.
• 1080P resolution. The 1080P cameras allow you to access and stream HD live videos at your convenience.
• Night vision. Infrared night vision allows you to monitor your camera’s footage at any time of day or night.
• Motion sensors. Remo offers advanced motion sensors that notify you when they’re triggered.

Check out our Remo+ DoorCam review >>

 

5. SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe offers advanced security with a simple setup. So, it’s a great apartment outdoor security camera.

• High-definition video. HD video resolution allows you to view and monitor all activity outside your apartment.
• Built-in spotlight. Its bright spotlight helps prevent intruders from trying to gain unauthorized entry to your building.
• Rechargeable battery. The energy-efficient rechargeable battery lasts longer than traditional batteries.
• Two-way audio. SimpliSafe cameras detect suspicious activity. Further, they warn of any potential intruders with built-in audio features.

 

6. Ubiquiti UniFi security camera

UniFi, a well-known security system software, offers a comprehensive solution that includes everything from UniFi security cameras to the Ubiquiti USG UniFi Security Gateway.

• High-definition recording. UniFi cameras typically offer HD/4K video recording, providing clear and detailed footage.
• Remote access and monitoring. Users can access the camera feed remotely using the UniFi Network Controller software or the UniFi Protect mobile app, enabling monitoring from anywhere.
• Integrated microphone. Some models come with a built-in microphone, allowing for audio recording along with video.

Read our full Ubiquiti review here »

 

7. OpenEye

OpenEye, a cloud-based video security company based in Washington state, offers security cameras that can be paired with other OpenEye software products — including OpenEye recorders and OpenEye web services — to create a robust property security ecosystem.

• High-definition camera footage. Camera footage can also be remotely accessed.
• Outdoor cameras. These cameras have day and night functionality, making them operable in different lighting conditions.
• Multiple lens options. Sizes 2.7-13.5mm of varifocal, autofocus, and zoom lenses are available.

Read our full OpenEye review here »

 

 

Considerations for apartment security camera systems

Wondering which features to consider for your apartment building security system?

Here are some qualities to look for in a security company:

• Professional installation and maintenance. Choose a security company that offers professional installation. Additionally, make sure your company of choice offers routine maintenance and troubleshooting services.
• Scalability. Select a security solution that will grow with your business and can be easily expanded to your other properties.
• Access control. While security cameras allow you to monitor entry events through real-time apartment video management, they cannot adjust, manage, and control access to your property. So, opt for a security company that offers access control to ensure safe entry to your building.
• Positive reviews. The security company you choose should have positive customer reviews and testimonials. Further, consider asking your network of industry professionals which security companies they use to guarantee you’re choosing an industry-approved provider.
• Integrations with other technology. Security companies that integrate with your existing property management software help streamline building operations. So, choose a security company that offers integrations with your alarm, access control, and automation systems.

 

Types of security cameras for apartment buildings

An apartment security camera captures all activity and allows you to easily access video feeds of your property to provide real-time apartment video monitoring. Additionally, the best apartment security cameras offer cloud-based video storage so you can readily access older footage.

But what kind of cameras are the best for apartments?

Here are the most common types of apartment security cameras:

• Dome cameras. Recognized by their transparent dome housing, dome cameras are discreet and easily blend into the environment. They are ideal for capturing footage in large, open spaces due to their range of motion and wide field of view.
• Bullet cameras. Bullet cameras have a long, cylindrical shape and are known for their range and clarity, suitable for monitoring long corridors, large outdoor areas, and far distances.
• PTZ cameras. PTZ or Pan-Tilt-Zoom cameras offer flexibility for apartment monitoring because they allow you to remotely control the movement of the camera. As a result, these cameras allow you to capture every detail.
• Fisheye cameras. These cameras provide a 360° panoramic view, which is useful for covering large areas with a single camera.
• Turret cameras. Also known as eyeball cameras, turret cameras are highly versatile and offer easy adjustments, which helps them provide clear images with minimal infrared reflections.
• License plate reader cameras. LPR cameras are designed to capture and recognize license plate information, allowing vehicles to enter and exit a property seamlessly.
• Thermal cameras. Thermal cameras capture images using heat detection technology, making them ideal for low-light environments.

 

Discover how ButterflyMX works:

 

Benefits of a security system for apartment buildings

Integrating video security cameras with access control systems provides a comprehensive apartment security system that enhances property management.

Here are a few benefits of installing security cameras integrated with access control at your multifamily building:

• Increased security. Integrated security cameras and access control systems allow you to monitor and review all suspicious activity at your property with video footage linked to access events. This way, you can correlate entries and exits with video evidence, ensuring heightened security.
• Tenant retention. Security cameras integrated with access control systems help boost resident retention by making tenants feel safer. Knowing that the property is monitored and access is controlled provides peace of mind and increases tenant satisfaction.
• Improved property monitoring. Security camera systems with 24/7 recording and integrated access control ensure you always know who is entering and exiting your building. Additionally, they allow you to easily view live video feeds and access logs remotely, enhancing your ability to manage and secure the property effectively.

 

Apartment security camera FAQs

• Can you put security cameras in your apartment?
• Can you put a camera in an apartment hallway?
• How long do apartment security cameras keep footage?
• Are apartments required to have security cameras?

 

Can you put security cameras in your apartment?

In most cases, yes. Residents can install their own security cameras in their apartments. Of course, you should always review your lease agreement to ensure there are no restrictions or specific requirements for installing such devices.

 

Can you put a camera in an apartment hallway?

Generally, property owners and managers can install cameras in public areas of an apartment building. Nonetheless, it’s best to consult your local laws and regulations before proceeding.

 

How long do apartment security cameras keep footage?

It depends on the apartment and the security camera system used. Some systems store footage for only a few days, whereas others store it for months or even years.

 

Are apartments required to have security cameras?

No, apartment buildings are not required to have security cameras. However, installing security cameras can significantly improve security and safety, providing peace of mind for both you and your tenants.