6 Best Security Cameras for Rental Properties

Security cameras are one of the smartest investments a rental property owner can make. They deter unauthorized parties and property damage, provide documentation for insurance claims and damage disputes, and give you remote visibility into your property's status between guests or tenants. For Airbnb hosts in particular, exterior cameras at entry points have become a standard operating practice.

Here are the 6 best security cameras for rental properties in 2026 — selected for reliability, image quality, smart detection, and the practical needs of hosts and landlords who aren't full-time security professionals.

1. Arlo Pro 5S — Best Overall

The Arlo Pro 5S ($249–$299 per camera) is the top-rated smart security camera in 2026 for a reason: it combines professional-grade 2K QHD resolution, color night vision, 94% motion detection accuracy, and the most reliable alert system in its class — all in a weatherproof wireless design that installs in under 10 minutes.

For rental properties, the Pro 5S's AI-powered smart detection (distinguishing people, vehicles, and animals) dramatically reduces false alert fatigue — you get notified when it matters, not every time a leaf blows past. The 180-degree field of view covers wide areas with fewer cameras. Arlo's local USB storage option means you can operate without a monthly subscription, though the Arlo Secure plan ($5–$10/month) adds cloud storage and package detection.

Best for: Property owners who want the best image quality and detection accuracy and are willing to pay a premium for it.

Price: ~$249–$299 per camera

Subscription required: No (local storage available); optional for cloud

2. Eufy SoloCam S340 — Best No-Subscription Camera

The Eufy SoloCam S340 ($129–$149) is the best subscription-free security camera available for rental properties in 2026. It's solar-powered (no wiring or battery replacement), shoots in 4K, offers on-device AI detection for people, vehicles, and pets, and stores all footage locally — no monthly fees, ever.

For rental property owners managing multiple units, the elimination of per-camera monthly subscriptions adds up quickly. At 10 cameras across a small portfolio, a $10/month subscription per camera costs $1,200/year — the cost of 8–10 additional SoloCam S340 cameras. The solar charging means it works in locations without electrical access (gated entrances, outbuildings, detached garages).

Best for: Cost-conscious hosts managing multiple properties who want zero ongoing subscription costs.

Price: ~$129–$149 per camera

Subscription required: No

3. Google Nest Cam — Best for Smart Home Integration

The Google Nest Cam ($99–$179) is the best choice for rental properties already running Google or smart home ecosystems — Nest Thermostat, Google Home speakers, smart locks, or Nest Doorbell. The integration is seamless: all devices appear in a single Google Home app, you can automate responses (camera goes live when smart lock is used, for example), and the AI detection for people and familiar faces is among the most accurate available.

The Nest Cam's Familiar Faces feature — which learns to distinguish your regular cleaners and contractors from unknown visitors — is genuinely useful for busy hosts who want to monitor property access without manually reviewing hours of footage. Requires a Google One membership ($2.99–$9.99/month) to store more than 3 hours of event history.

Best for: Hosts already using Google/Nest products who want a fully integrated smart home security setup.

Price: ~$99–$179 per camera

Subscription required: Optional ($2.99/month for extended history)

4. Ring Stick Up Cam — Best for Ring Ecosystem

The Ring Stick Up Cam Pro ($99–$149) is the best choice for hosts already using Ring Video Doorbell or Ring Alarm. The Ring ecosystem's integration is excellent: all cameras, the doorbell, and the alarm system appear in a single app, and Ring's Neighbors community feature alerts you to nearby security events reported by other Ring users in your area.

For rental properties with Ring Video Doorbells at the front door, adding Ring Stick Up Cams for the driveway, backyard gate, or detached structures creates a cohesive security system without switching apps or platforms. Ring Protect Plus ($10/month per location) covers unlimited Ring devices at a single property — a better value than paying per-device subscriptions for mixed-brand setups.

Best for: Hosts who already have or want Ring Video Doorbell and want a unified security ecosystem.

Price: ~$99–$149 per camera

Subscription required: Optional ($3.99/month per camera or $10/month per location)

5. Wyze Cam v3 — Best Budget Camera

The Wyze Cam v3 ($35–$40) is the best budget security camera for rental properties — and arguably the best value in home security, period. At $35, it delivers 1080p color night vision (using Starlight Sensor technology for clearer night footage than cameras costing 5x more), IP65 outdoor weatherproofing, free local microSD card storage, and AI detection for people, packages, and vehicles — all with no required monthly subscription.

For investors furnishing multiple budget rental units or building an initial security setup with limited upfront capital, Wyze Cam v3 is hard to beat. It won't match the Arlo Pro 5S in image quality or detection accuracy, but it delivers solid, reliable coverage at a price that makes equipping 3–4 entry points affordable even on a tight budget.

Best for: Budget-conscious investors furnishing multiple units or starting out with rental property security.

Price: ~$35–$40 per camera

Subscription required: No (free local storage with microSD card)

6. Reolink Argus 4 Pro — Best Outdoor Solar Camera

The Reolink Argus 4 Pro ($89–$119) is the top choice for outdoor-only use where running wire or replacing batteries is impractical — gated driveways, detached garages, back fences, or large property perimeters. It shoots in 4K, has dual-lens coverage with 180-degree field of view, runs entirely on solar power with battery backup, and stores footage locally without a subscription.

For rural STR properties, large lots, or properties with limited Wi-Fi range, Reolink's 4G LTE versions (using cellular data rather than Wi-Fi) provide coverage anywhere with cell signal — no property Wi-Fi required. This makes it especially useful for vacation cabins, rural retreat properties, or gated entrance points far from the main building.

Best for: Large properties, rural STRs, gated entrances, or any outdoor location without convenient power or Wi-Fi access.

Price: ~$89–$119 per camera

Subscription required: No

Important: Airbnb Camera Rules for Hosts

Airbnb has strict policies on security cameras that all hosts must follow. As of 2024, Airbnb's updated policy requires:

• All cameras — even exterior ones — must be disclosed in the listing before booking.
• Interior cameras of any kind are prohibited. This includes cameras in bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, and any indoor space.
• Outdoor cameras must not cover private spaces like hot tubs, outdoor showers, or fenced-in private areas where guests have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
• Noise-monitoring devices (like Minut or NoiseAware) are permitted indoors but must be disclosed in the listing.

Violations of these policies can result in listing suspension or permanent removal from the platform. Always position cameras to cover only entry points, driveways, parking areas, and approaches — never spaces where guests are present in any capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put cameras inside my Airbnb?

No. Airbnb's policy strictly prohibits interior security cameras of any kind — including in living rooms, hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms. This policy applies to all camera types, including covert or hidden cameras. Interior cameras are grounds for immediate listing removal and possible legal liability for invasion of privacy. Only exterior cameras at entry points are permitted, and they must be disclosed in the listing.

Do I need to tell guests about security cameras?

Yes. Airbnb requires all cameras (even exterior ones) to be disclosed in the listing description before a guest books. Failure to disclose is a policy violation. Most hosts add a brief line to their listing description: "Exterior security cameras monitor the front door and driveway for property security. No cameras inside the home."

What security camera works best without Wi-Fi?

For rental properties in rural areas or locations with poor Wi-Fi, 4G LTE cameras are the best solution — they use cellular data rather than Wi-Fi. Reolink offers 4G LTE versions of their cameras that work anywhere with cell signal. Solar-powered 4G cameras (like the Reolink Go PT Ultra) provide both wireless power and wireless data connectivity for truly remote installations.

Is a subscription necessary for rental property security cameras?

No — and for most rental property owners, subscription-free cameras are the smarter long-term choice. A $10/month subscription per camera costs $360 over 3 years — more than the cost of many cameras themselves. Subscription-free options like the Eufy SoloCam S340, Wyze Cam v3, and Reolink Argus 4 Pro store footage locally (SD card or built-in storage) without ongoing fees. Cloud storage subscriptions are most useful for properties you manage remotely and rarely visit in person.

Related Resources

• Best Airbnb Security Cameras
• Airbnb House Rules That Protect Your Property
• Airbnb Insurance Cost Guide
• Short-Term Rental Insurance
• Vacation Rental Property Management