Canary Flex security camera review

The Canary Flex is a smart home security camera which leans to please you, but is it worth the cost?

Canary Flex review
(Image: © Adam Juniper/Digital Camera World)

Digital Camera World Verdict

Every step of the unboxing, setup and operation gave the impression of quality and simplicity associated with a well-known fruit-based computer company except for one thing... Live view could be faster when used wirelessly. Our main complaint (which some might like) is that the Canary cloud subscription pricing structure and app make a multi-camera home much more efficient; for just one camera the subscription is way too high.

Pros

  • +

    Simple to set up

  • +

    Discrete yet distinctive design

  • +

    Smooth 30 frames per second video

  • +

    Tripod-style or magnetic mount

  • +

    1 day recording of clips without subscription

  • +

    Alexa integration

Cons

  • -

    No MicroSD slot for recording

  • -

    In wireless operation, slow to connect to live view

  • -

    Comparatively expensive cloud subscription

  • -

    Lacks built-in floodlight for color night view

  • -

    Lacks built-in siren

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

The Canary Flex is a smart home security camera which can be used indoors or out, and thanks to a generous rechargeable battery can be installed without wiring. The hardware beat several big names to market in terms of these features, but is it the best option in 2021?

Canary was founded in New York, following a 2013 crowdfunding campaign, yet has not released a new piece of hardware since 2018. At that point they were some distance ahead of the pack in those terms, and since then the software and firmware have been the focus of development. 

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Adam Juniper
Managing Editor

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. 

He is the author of a number of books including The Complete Guide to Drones, The Smart Smart Home Handbook, 101 Tips for DSLR Video and The Drone Pilot's Handbook