It's no secret that home security systems have seen a boom over the last ten years or so, thanks in part to simpler, user friendly equipment, affordable prices, and smartphone integration, helping it meet the needs of modern, on the go lifestyles.
With people generally leading more hectic lifestyles, often seeing them working further away from home, and taking longer vacations that see them traveling further afield, the need arose for adaptable home security systems that would promote safety and security 24 hours a day.
And with that came countless different options and packages to suit any need or requirement a customer may have.
Be it a simplistic two way camera to keep an eye on restless pets, a doorbell camera to communicate with mail carriers whilst at work, or simply outdoor security cameras to ensure homes and property remain safe, the marketplace has plenty of products to meet even the most demanding consumer needs.
Z-Wave Technology
As far as “smart homes” go, there is an important need to pair products so they are working in tandem with one another.
Whilst common options are wifi and bluetooth, Z-wave is a closed, more secure way of ensuring connectivity amongst your smart products without the need for an external internet connection.
These rely on mesh networks, which are essentially localized networks of wireless internet, to blanket your home with wifi coverage, incorporating multiple nodes throughout the home (points, mesh extenders, or satellites) to work together and create one large home internet system.
How Does It Work?
The mesh network uses low radio waves, allowing smart devices to connect to the internal internet and communicate with one another in the closed system.
The nodes act as hubs throughout the house, with one acting as the mesh wifi router, or effectively the primary node, which is connected to a modem or wireless internet gateway, transmitting the signal to all of the connected smart devices.
The other nodes throughout the home help pass on and spread the wireless connection, eliminating dead spots within the house, and ensuring all of the devices remain connected wherever they may be.
As all of these nodes share the same connection strength with one another, it essentially means that you have multiple routers throughout your home, boosting your internal internet system.
With options for wired (using ethernet cables) or wireless connectivity, there are plenty of choices to suit any home setup.
Whilst wireless is more stress free (at least as far as installation goes), a wired system can be more reliable, as it doesn’t face the same obstacles as a wireless signal, such as walls and doors.
Our Top 5 Picks
Now that you know a little more about Z-wave, and the ins and outs of mesh networks, it is time to see our rundown of the 5 best Z-wave compatible home security cameras.
For the purpose of variety, we will be including both indoor and outdoor cameras at a range of prices and specification levels.
The Zmodo Sight is a modestly priced indoor security camera that offers a lot of bang for its buck.
A perfect choice for home nurseries, monitoring pets, or for simple security purposes, the Zmodo has high definition 1080p recording, and a 180 degree field of view, offering a wide range of view to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
With crisp and clear recording capabilities, and responsive infrared night vision that captures quality footage even under the lowest light, you can rest assured that your home, property, and loved ones are protected and secure.
Able to be paired with existing home smart assistants like Alexa, this device promotes interconnectivity and ease of use, making it a good choice for first time buyers.
You can also receive motion alerts on your smartphone, making it perfect for soothing restless pets whilst you’re at work, or for keeping tabs on small children whilst they play in another part of the house.
The app support also allows alert customization, meaning you can set it to home, away, or sleep modes, ensuring it doesn’t wake you in the middle of the night with irrelevant notifications.
There is also the option for motion detection zones, allowing you to alter the parameters of your integrated home system, so that when you are home only required cameras are operational for extra efficiency.
Two way audio communication allows you to sooth distressed pets, or even warn off potential intruders if the situation unfortunately requires it.
It also makes it a perfect baby monitor, allowing you to comfort restless infants from another room should they stir from sleep.
Supported by cloud storage, you don’t have to worry about changing SD cards on a regular basis, and customers are also eligible for a free 30 day trial of the company’s 7 day recording plan.
Offering high quality video recording at a modest price, the Netvue is a perfect example of the affordable, reliable home security systems that are readily available in today’s market.
Featuring infrared night vision technology that ensures security and protection 24 hours a day, the Netvue has responsive sensors that switch to night mode at the first signs of dropping light levels.
With responsive motion detection technology that perfectly pairs to your smartphone, the Netvue keeps you updated with timely notifications, making sure you are the first to know when there is unexpected motion in your home.
Compatible with Android and IOS, and with a multitude of options and functions (such as communication via live stream), you can add additional family members to the internal system, allowing them to receive the same notifications, or review past footage in the cloud.
Adjustable settings mean that you can avoid irrelevant notifications, letting you see the moments that matter to you and your safety, and ignoring anything else.
What the Netvue boasts above all else is connectivity and communication, something that is epitomized by the two way audio system, which is perfect for checking in on small children upstairs, soothing a restless pet, or even checking in with someone at home if you are out of the house.
This outdoor package features 4 easily mountable wired cameras that make outdoor surveillance easier than ever.
Featuring a sturdy, minimalist design, and protected by IP66 waterproofing, the Sannce offers 1080p high definition recording quality, and sensor based wide dynamic range technology, which can expertly balance lighting to optimize effectiveness.
The 100 foot EXIR night vision technology ensures that these cameras are effective in both lighting extremes, capturing crisp images during the dead of night, at a level of effectiveness that surpasses simple infrared technology.
Easily mountable, and with a three axis function, the cameras can be fixed to any available angle, meaning whatever the scenario you are effectively covered and secure.
When combined with the weatherproofing, which grants the camera a working temperature range of -40F to 140F, you can rest assured that this camera will have your back, even in the coldest of winters or the heaviest or rains.
CE and FCC protected, the Sannce comes with a worry-free warranty and lifetime technical support, meaning you are looked after and secure for years to come.
This sturdy yet sleek camera boasts professional quality for an affordable consumer price, making it a firm favorite on this list.
Despite not possessing the highest video quality on this list, the Foscam delivers enhanced 720p high definition video, has a wide 75 degree viewing angle, and is equipped with adaptive infrared filters for night vision, making it a versatile and reliable choice for outdoor recording.
With two way audio communication that allows you to speak with unexpected visitors and dissuade intruders, and 65 feet of night vision to pick up threats before they see you. This product offers trust, perhaps the most important thing when it comes to consumer home security technology.
The setup is simple and has a plug and play design, making it a strong choice for the less technically able, and the helpful consumer support and protective warranty means you are looked after in more ways than one.
With free local recording, and optional cloud storage, customers will receive a free trial to see what they prefer the most, with a relaxed approach that doesn’t pressure you into unwanted further purchases.
For those customers seeking a reliable outdoor camera that can stand the test of weather, this might be for you.
Perhaps the most stylish on this list, the Piper nv offers 1080p high definition recording, and a 180 degree field of view so you can always see the things that matter.
Simple to install and easy to use, the Piper has a range of wireless Z-wave compatible accessories including light controls, door and window alarms, and appliance automation systems.
With two way audio, making it a clear and effective way to communicate with family members, soothe restless pets, or check on sleeping babies, the Piper prides itself on keeping people together, no matter where they might be.
With app supported notifications that work on Android and IOS, and a 105 decibel alarm to alert you to potential intruders, you can rest easy knowing that you are safe and secure under Piper’s watchful eye.
No monthly fees and responsive support means that Piper looks after your wallet too, with an up front, honest policy that puts your custom and happiness above all else, setting them ahead of similar companies on the market.
If you are looking for the perfect all round home security camera, then the Piper might just be the product for you.
Pros
High definition recording quality.
Two way audio.
105 decibel security alarm.
No monthly fees.
Stylish, sturdy design.
180 degree field of view.
Wireless connectivity.
Cons
Pricier than other models.
Buyer’s Guide
Of course, before purchasing your own z-wave compatible home security cameras, there are several things you should consider.
Ease Of Use
When it comes to home security, one of the main things you should be looking for is ease of installation and ease of use.
Most security packages come with a whole host of user-friendly apps, allowing you to install, monitor, scan the speed, create guest networks, test control panel quality, remove users from the network, and install parental controls.
Adaptability
While both wired and wireless systems each come with their own benefits and drawbacks, some are more prominent than others.
One of the faults with wireless communication can be signal loss, connection failure, or damaged hardware.
With a wired z-wave system, even complete node failure can’t stop it, as the system will reconfigure itself, adapting to the change and finding the best route to transmit the data amongst the existing nodes.
Aesthetics
Ideally when thinking about aesthetics, you want a product that has as few cables as possible.
This, along with the variety of tasteful node designs on the market, makes this system one of the most visually attractive around, so there are plenty of choices to fit with most home decors.
Some nodes even have smart speakers which can be paired with Alexa or Google to make them even more functional in your day to day life.
Price
Price is also very important to a lot of people. To ensure value, read the reviews, and pair this with your own needs. This will allow you to see whether you need to spend a little more above your budget to get what you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Mesh Networks More Reliable?
As they are one large wifi system, it still only requires one password and network name. With each node working for the same system, a new device will simply connect to the nearest node and instantly become part of the network.
How Flexible Are These Systems?
As previously mentioned, once there is a primary node connected to the internal system, adding additional nodes couldn’t be simpler.
This means that there are really no limits on the number of nodes you can introduce into your system, and the whole process is flexible and open to customization, depending entirely on your personal needs.
What Are The Drawbacks?
The main drawback of mesh networks is that they tend to be pricier than regular home wifi systems.
You can pay in the hundreds for a good mesh kit, and whilst they do often include two or three modes, this won’t be enough for larger homes, or indeed ones with a lot of smart devices, requiring more to be purchased.
Is Z-Wave More Secure?
With a mesh network, such as Z-wave, you can rest assured that your data and devices are more secure.
This is due to the encrypted WPA2/WPA3 privacy systems, which makes it infinitely more difficult for hackers to infiltrate your closed internal network.
Final Thoughts
And there we have it, our rundown of the 5 best Z-wave compatible home security cameras on the market.
Whilst this list represents only a handful of the choices out there, you can see for yourself that there are any number of shapes, sizes, functions and prices out there, offering you ample choice whatever your requirements.
All that’s left is for you to go out there and choose for yourself. But remember, as always, do your research, read the reviews, and find that special item that truly meets your home security needs.
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