AI-based home security features offer some of the most useful artificial intelligence. For example, a security camera can spot packages, recognize people, ignore animals, and send targeted smart alerts with descriptions of what’s happening. Though many of those features require subscriptions, there are ways to get these AI features for free.
If you want your home security to get smarter without the cost, several cams and similar devices offer no-cost AI monitoring. Here are several of my favorite options.
Use Google Nest’s free AI services
Google’s Home app makes managing the Nest Doorbell easy, especially if you have other Home devices.
Not every smart home brand charges money for AI recognition features. In fact, Google Nest devices like the Nest Doorbell or Nest wireless cam are some of my favorites because they offer both free hours of video storage and free object recognition.
When set up, a Nest device can ignore animals and vehicles while giving you alerts about people and packages at no cost. That’s especially handy if you want to watch out for porch pirates. If you feel like an eventual upgrade, a Nest Aware subscription can add features like facial recognition and conversational video searches with Gemini.
Install a Tapo security cam
You get a whole lot for a low price with this Tapo cam.
Tapo security cameras are one of my go-to suggestions for a cheap cam that still has plenty of security features. You can find one for only $20 that still includes voice assistant support, motion detection and, yes, AI features for person recognition and crying baby detection, depending on how you want to use the cam. With onboard video storage options, there’s no need to pay ongoing fees to use this camera.
Mount a Lorex outdoor camera
Lorex cameras are subscription free and offer object recognition.
Lorex specializes in cameras that come with their own microSD cards, so you can get immediate video storage without subscriptions or paying extra. But they have another trick, too: They include AI that can detect a human shape and weed out other motion, so you only get important alerts that matter. Lorex’s high-resolution lenses also make it a good pick for outdoor security cameras.
Set up a Eufy video smart lock
Eufy’s new video smart lock pieces on a wood table.
In addition to free onboard video storage, Eufy’s cameras also include AI detection that can notice people, animals and packages, and give you alerts based on what you’re interested in, without requiring any extra charges. Those features work for many Eufy models, but one of the most innovative is Eufy’s latest video smart lock S330, which combines a smart lock and video doorbell into one gadget.
To learn even more, check out our recommendations for the best smart home devices, how home security can save you money each month and how smart thermostats can save you cash too.
