In case you didn't know, HomeKit is Apple’s answer to Alexa or Google Assistant and allows you to control different household products via the Home app. HomeKit devices communicate via a central hub, which might be built into a device – specifically an Apple TV, HomePod, or iPad, so you need one of these on-site.
That keeps things simple (especially for loyal Apple customers), and also allows for cool integrations, such as indoor lights being triggered by sensors or motion on a garden camera, for example. Then there's HomeKit Secure Video. While HomeKit lets you access cameras and view live video, the HomeKit Secure Video service allows you to record that video to iCloud, as well as other clever features.
Unlike many competitors, Apple’s AI features (from which person/animal/car detection takes place) are processed on your hub device at home. The video sent to iCloud is encrypted, for better privacy.
Another big plus for HomeKit is the relatively low subscription fees. You need a paid iCloud+ account, but these provide useful storage for all Apple users and start at $0.99 / £0.99 a month. The camera’s video is not counted against the data storage, but there are restrictions on how many HomeKit Secure Video cameras you can add, depending on which iCloud+ tier you have:
• 50GB plan: One camera only
• 200GB plan: Up to five cameras
• 2TB plan or higher: Unlimited number of cameras
HomeKit isn’t without issues; the stored video is limited to 1080p, which some say is one of the reasons not all manufacturers have piled in. In truth, it likely has more to do with their desire to make their cloud charges and/or being owned by Amazon (Ring, Blink) or Google (Nest).
In this article, we gather together the best HomeKit cameras on the market today and help you find the right one for your needs.
Adam Juniper
Adam has been obsessed with looking at cameras and gadgets for his whole life, and has developed a deep knowledge of special-purpose cameras, including PTZ cameras, webcams and action cams. (He's also our drone expert, and has written several bestselling books including The Drone Pilot's Handbook).
The vertical orientation and fish-eye field of view here mean you can see parcels on the ground as well as visitors. Read more below…
Best HomeKit cameras in 2024
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Best HomeKit camera overall
(Image credit: Logitech)
1. Logitech Circle View
The best HomeKit camera for most users
Specifications
Supports HomeKit: Yes
Supports Secure Video: Yes
Camera resolution: 1080p
Field of view: 180 degrees
Power source: USB
Night vision: Yes, 4.5m (15ft)
2-way audio: Yes
Acts as hub?: No
Sensing abilities: Yes, in-home video analysis, end-to-end encryption
Reasons to buy
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Gorgeous premium design
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Adheres to Apple’s HomeKit privacy ideals
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Logitech’s excellent TrueView video system
Reasons to avoid
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Relatively expensive camera
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No other options from Logitech (at the moment)
With an IP64 rating, the stylish Logitech Circle View can live inside or out; it won’t spoil the décor in either spot which is appreciated, though outdoors it’ll need to be sheltered under the eve. As well as the HomeKit encryption, privacy is built right into the design in the form of a simple hinge – it’s reassuring to be able to point the camera down at its own stand or press the physical button on the back.
We also really appreciate the quality visible in the glass optics, which makes this a great choice for a premium environment. The steady refinement of the Apple workflow means setup is painless, too, and in-home analysis can be accessed in the Apple app.
Built-in IR blasterLogitech’s excellent TrueView video system
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Works as a hub for Zigbee devices
Reasons to avoid
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Quirky appearance – you like it, or not
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Many features only work in Aqara app
This is a HomeKit Secure Video and HomeKit smart home compatible camera with a card slot for local recordings; the card you add can save video in the camera’s resolution of 2,304x1,296 pixels, but Apple restricts Secure Video recordings on iCloud+ to 1080p. The camera has a ZigBee 3.0 hub built-in, in case you don’t want to tied in to using HomeKit.
The front of the unusual design places the 3MP camera lens off-center next to an ambient light sensor – there are dual microphones on either side of the glossy black area. There is a large speaker grille at the rear. The designer’s star turn, though, is that the camera literally rolls back in the head to reveal sleepy-looking eyes and the SD card slot.
The power goes in, at least, through a USB-C socket, and the device – which is not short of capability – can also act as a webcam via this connection. That’s just one of the feature list too long to cover, some of which you’ll only be able to access via Aqara’s own app. To give an example, you can set up a hand gesture that uses the built-in IR blaster to turn on your TV!
The Eve Cam was one of the first cameras built for HomeKit, and it remains a solid choice that's nice and easy to set up. You don't have to download an app: just connect to your Wi-Fi, scan the pairing code, and you'll be up and running.
The camera can rotate (although is not motorized), and the base is magnetic, making it a cinch to attach it to a variety of surfaces. It records every motion automatically, and can distinguish between people and pets.
Footage is captured in 1080p, and night-time recording is good-quality. The Eve Cam saves the footage to iCloud, so you'll need to buy a 50GB iCloud+ storage plan separately. End-to-end encryption means only you can view live and recorded video, which is great for anyone worried about privacy.
Sensing abilities: Human, face pattern, Animals, Cars, Detection zones
Reasons to buy
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No subscription fees
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Large local storage in discrete unit
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Premium Apple-esque styling
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Expandable via Eufy’s range of cameras
Reasons to avoid
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Batteries need topping up frequently
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Tweaking HomeKit settings up to 2K is a faff
Eufy’s bundle, which provides two cameras and a storage unit, already achieves much of what you might hope for from a security system. It has secure on-site storage (a whopping 3TB encrypted at 256 bits), built-in human detection, and an app capable of alerting you to live events and setting up detection zones. The idea of installing a complete system with premium cameras in one go – and with the simplicity of wireless networking rather than cables – is very tempting, and Eufy achieves it as well as seems possible at the moment.
That is to say: the tech and app are great, but unless the cameras aren’t activated at all, the batteries do tend to need topping up closer to monthly than the 180 days suggested. Color night view means activating that LED floodlight, though at least it is optional.
Field of view: 180° diagonal, 170° horizontal, 115° vertical
Power source: Corded
Night vision: Yes
Acts as hub?: Yes
2-way audio: Yes
Sensing abilities: Motion, temperature, smoke
Reasons to buy
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Easy to set up
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Covers security & temperature
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Great night-time vision
Reasons to avoid
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No outdoor camera
Want to stay safe and warm? Then this combination of security system and smart thermostat will be a great choice. It comes with HomeKit Secure Video, 1080p video, built-in Alexa, and the motion tracking is excellent. You also get fantastic night time vision thanks to three high-powered infrared LEDs (850nm) with mechanical ICR filter.
The smart camera detects when a person is present and pans across its 180º field of view to keep them in the center of the frame. It works perfectly with HomeKit, and Secure Video is supported too. It also offers smoke detection, so you get a mobile notification if SmartCamera detects a smoke alarm sound when you're out.
Not only is this a PTZ camera (although the zoom function is only digital, up to 8x) but it is one of the more affordable options in the HomeKit market. The design is elegant, with a Micro-USB socket to supply charge, and the microSD card slot is hidden behind the camera (you’ll need to roll its eye back in its head to access it!). This is also where the lens goes in privacy mode, which is reassuring. The glowing blue ring indicating power turns red when motion is sensed.
The camera can be installed via a HomeKit code, but using Eufy’s own app there are extensive extra options to enable a 360˚ rotation mode, motion tracking and so on. You can also activate the built-in siren if you like. Some AI features in the Eufy app are disabled when HomeKit is in control, but you can try enabling them via the Eufy app before setting up in HomeKit.
Sensing abilities: Packages, Animals, People, Faces, Alert zones
Reasons to buy
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Chic but plain design fits with many homes
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Bright light with boost mode
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IR sensor detects movement quickly
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Microphone and speaker for two-way-talk
Reasons to avoid
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Fitting requires existing wiring
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Some features can only be accessed by EVE app
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Camera possibly too subtle to act as deterrent
If you’re looking to eliminate the stresses of battery-powered security lights that require regular maintenance, the Eve Outdoor Cam can make that easier by taking the place of an existing outdoor light and adding a HomeKit Secure Video-friendly WiFi camera.
The two-way-talk has low latency and the notifications are quick. Making do with Apple’s preferred 1080p still produces good-quality video and the camera is quick to spot and (if you choose) illuminate motion thanks to the built-in IR sensor; there’s no dependence on the usually slower visual-light motion detection here.
Traditional mono night-vision is also an option, but the floodlight is effective to about 9m/30ft distance – and can even be given a few seconds’ boost to about double that – so color night vision is excellent.
The Netatmo is an established product, not that you’d know it. It used to be called ‘Presence’ when launched in 2016, though obviously the firmware has changed a bit (support is always a good sign). The elegant aluminum housing will definitely survive a long time outside, even in high levels of UV rays.
If you opt for it, it can contain a real 105dB siren too – no two-way chat and re-purposed audio speaker here. Thanks to the system’s ability to distinguish people from animals and cars at up to 20m (65ft), the siren need not be triggered for every movement; this is the way to turn neighbors into friends (your author is sad to report his neighbors have not invested in such a device).
Sensing abilities: Packages, Animals, People, Faces, Alert zones
Reasons to buy
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Massive 223-degree field of view
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Package and face recognition
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Footage can be reviewed using HomeKit Secure Video
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Reliable wi-fi connection
Reasons to avoid
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Fitting requires existing wiring, no battery option
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Fish-eye lens makes for lower resolution faces
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Relatively expensive
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Access to back risks losing Torx screw
The WeMo Smart Video Doorbell, one of a limited selection of doorbells for HomeKit users, packs great specifications into a much better-looking housing than the majority of smart doorbells.
The camera has an extraordinary field of view, in a vertical format so anything left on the step is easy to spot. HomeKit is capable of recognizing your visitors from your photos, which puts it a step ahead of other smart doorbells – although it does seem to struggle to some extent with the fish-eye effect on the lens, so it doesn’t always work.
The effect (and Apple’s restriction of HomeKit to 1080p) mean it’s not always that easy to the human eye either, especially at night. There is night vision, assisted by built-in IR lighting, but it is so powerful that at times this can make the foreground (i.e. visitors) somewhat over-lit.
After a long-term trial, the other irk we have found is that the doorbell is fixed to its wall-mounted baseplate with a tiny Torx screw at the bottom. You will, from time to time, need to remove this to access the ‘Reset’ button, and it is very easy to drop the screw (although a screwdriver and one spare screw are supplied).
HomeKit is Apple’s smart home system. It enables various accessories, including the security cameras we look at here, to operate within a single ‘ecosystem’. Other items you can add include plugs, lights, locks and thermostats.
Once a camera or other item is connected, you can manage and control using Apple’s Home app, which is provided free on Macs, iPhones and iPads. You can also set up automations to trigger certain actions at a scheduled time, or to send you an alert in response to an event.
What should I look out for when I am buying a HomeKit camera?
Wired or wireless? Some cameras connect via Ethernet or USB physical connections; to add these to your HomeKit system, you need an Apple device that can function as a hub – these include the Apple TV, the HomePod and the HomePod Mini.
Other cameras can connect over Wi-Fi. This can sometimes cause issues when the camera’s video resolution is high, but Apple limits HomeKit Secure Video to 1080p, which should stream comfortably over Wi-Fi.
Indoor or outdoor? Think about which parts of your home you want to monitor. Indoor cameras don’t have to be protected from the elements, so cost less.
Where am I storing the video footage? The easiest way to store the video footage your camera takes is via iCloud+, Apple’s paid online storage and services plan. If you have just one HomeKit camera, you can use the 50GB iCloud+ plan, which costs just $0.99 / £0.99 a month. The footage from your camera doesn’t count towards your 50GB allocation.
Alternatively, you could invest in physical storage, then either use iCloud+ as backup or skip iCloud+ entirely. If this option appeals, Eufy’s eufyCam 2C Pro bundle, which we look at above, provides 3TB of storage plus two cameras.
We have a test facility with wired and wireless cameras, and endeavor to try camera systems in a real environment, connected to a real network. We have set up different lengths of Ethernet and PoE, and test cameras at night and day. We sample systems in an appropriate setting like a real home, over a few days or weeks, to confirm promises about things like camera AI and system reliability.
With over 20 years of expertise as a tech journalist, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge across a vast number of product categories, including timelapse cameras, home security cameras, NVR cameras, photography books, webcams, 3D printers and 3D scanners, borescopes, radar detectors… and, above all, drones.
Adam is our resident expert on all aspects of camera drones and drone photography, from buying guides on the best choices for aerial photographers of all ability levels to the latest rules and regulations on piloting drones.
