There has been a rising concern about the safety of buying security cameras from China. I have personal experience buying security cameras on AliExpress and I've listed my experience below.
When speaking about home security and surveillance most of us think of it as a luxury and not a necessity because it’s an expensive endeavor to take on. Nowadays, with the accessibility to affordable technology through Aliexpress we have curated a list of the best security cameras available to ensure security in your home and office at the most affordable prices.
These cameras record nothing less than HD and have remote accessibility that can be accessed through your smartphone. They also have an inbuilt motion tracker that alerts you and sounds off an alarm the moment there is any motion in the house - which is excellent to keep the burglars at bay.
Aliexpress Security Camera List | Price |
Xiaomi Youpin Xiaofang 1S | $27.10 - $45.16 |
Reolink E1 Zoom | $149.11 |
ANBIUX AI08 1080P PTZ Wifi IP Camera Outdoor 4X Digital Zoom | $22.38 - 47.80 |
SDETER Security Camera | $14.35 - 53.70 |
BESDER 1080P Security Camera | $15.81 - 37.72 |
ANBIUX C-P05 Security Camera | $32.67 - 51.39 |
Hiseeu FH1A Security Camera | $14.53 - 37.54 |
SDETER Wireless Mini Security camera | $8.58 - 35.34 |
JOOAN C9E Security Camera | $25.70 - 34.28 |
Ni-SHEN SC-B001 Mini Security Camera | $23.56 - 36.00 |
Fuers 1080P Tuya Smart Surveillance Camera | $16.53 - 42.50 |
Lenovo 3MP/5MP PTZ Camera | $25.50 - 32.45 |
INQMEGA 1080p Cloud Wireless IP Camera | $19.68 - 33.90 |
BOAVISION IP Outdoor Mini Security Camera | $47.46 - 86.78 |
ZOSI 8CH 1080p CCTV System | $150 - $153 |
Jooan 10CH NVR Wireless CCTV System | $153 |
IMOU Bullet 2C Home Surveillance IP Camera | $35.45 |
Best AliExpress Security Camera for Homes
Xiaomi Youpin Xiaofang 1S
The Xiaomi Youpin Xiaofang 1S is a no-nonsense security camera ideal for those seeking a basic, affordable solution for indoor monitoring.
Its simple setup, two-way audio, and microSD card storage cater to those who prioritize ease of use and cost-effectiveness over advanced features or extensive coverage.
However, if you require wider viewing angles, superior night vision, or AI-powered object recognition, consider alternatives with more sophisticated functionalities.
Specifications
- Resolution: 1080p Full HD (1920 x 1080)
- Sensor: 1/2.9" CMOS Field of View: 130° diagonal
- Night Vision: Up to 20ft (black and white)
- Motion Detection: Basic motion detection
- Audio: Two-way talk with built-in mic and speaker
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)
- Storage: MicroSD card (up to 64GB)
Reolink E1 Zoom
The Reolink E1 Zoom is a versatile indoor security camera boasting a 3x optical zoom and a range of smart features. If you prioritize zoomed-in detail and appreciate customization, it's worth considering. However, keep in mind its potential drawbacks before making a purchase.
Despite panning, the 98° horizontal field of view is smaller than many competitors, potentially requiring multiple cameras for wider coverage.
Also, while decent, daytime video quality isn't exceptional, and highlights can be overexposed. Night vision is better but lacks color information.
Specifications
- Resolution: 5MP Super HD (2560 x 1920)
- Sensor: 1/2.7" CMOS
- Field of View: 98° horizontal (without zoom), 350° pan, 50° tilt Zoom: 3x optical zoom
- Night Vision: Up to 40ft (black and white)
- Motion Detection: Customizable AI-powered detection for people and pets
- Audio: Two-way talk with built-in mic and speaker
- Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz & 5GHz)
- Storage: MicroSD card (up to 128GB), optional Reolink NVR, or cloud storage
ANBIUX AI08 1080P PTZ Wifi IP Camera Outdoor 4X Digital Zoom
The ANBIUX Security Camera is the first on our list for its 1080P indoor and outdoor capturing quality. The body of the camera is made of high-grade plastic making it waterproof, sun-proof, and dust-proof and suitable to almost any type of environment. Almost nothing goes uncaptured with a 4x zoom that can be viewed from your mobile smartphone just double tape on the select image to zoom in.
Key Features
The camera can be remotely controlled with the ANBIUX app that allows the head to rotate with 270° pan and 90° tilt to view on every inch of your entire home or office. Also, the cameras AI can sense human movement and automatically focuses in on them and alerts you at the same time.
Specifications
- Type: IP Camera
- High Definition: 1080P(Full-HD)
- Lens (mm): 3.6mm
- Style: Dome Camera
- Connectivity: IP/Network Wireless
- Sensor: CMOS
- Megapixels: 2MP
- Sensor Brand: Sony
- Special Features: Waterproof / Weatherproof
- Storage: 128G
- TF Card: 64G TF Card
- Viewing Angle: 85°
- Audio Output: 1CH BNC
- Night light pattern: 4 lights infrared / 4 lights warm light
- Night vision: Auto switch to day-night mode up to 5-25M
- Night mode: Color Night Vision / IR Infrared Night Mode
- Alarm Function: Ai Human Detection
- DIY alarm mode: 3 Seconds custom voice
- Humanoid detection: Cordon or Alert area
SDETER Security Camera
The SDETER is truly an all-rounder literally the camera can rotate 355° panoramic view in 1080P resolutions capturing every possible detail day or night. The built-in microphone and speaker acts as a two-way intercom that is wirelessly connected to your smartphone via the camera app that can be used to monitor your kid’s activity at home or set up at your front door to check who is knocking.
Key Features
The Security camera offers a flexible amount of storage space that supports up to 128G TF card local backup within the unit and also provides additional storage to the cloud so that every moment is captured and can be viewed as per your leisure.
Specifications
- Type: IP Camera
- High Definition: 1080P(Full-HD)
- Lens (mm): 3.6mm
- Style: Dome Camera
- Connectivity: IP/Network Wireless
- Sensor: CMOS
- Megapixels: 2MP
- Sensor Brand: Sony
- Special Features: Vandal-proof
- Storage: 128G
- Network Interface: Wi-Fi/802.11/b/g
- Night vision: Supports infrared night vision
- Alarm: Supports motion detection alarm
- Baby Monitor: Pet Camera
BESDER 1080P Security Camera
When you’re out camping you never what could be lurking outside and it’s not possible to have a 360 view around, that’s where this unique wireless security camera from BESDER comes in. The device is connected wireless to your smartphone and can be placed anywhere around your camping ground, along with a 355-degree rotation you can be in the comfort of your cabin and have a view of the entire ground and focus on select areas as well.
Key Features
The BESDER security camera can work without wifi or internet, just connect it via Bluetooth, and the camera will function making it convenient for monitoring the outdoors.
Specifications
- Type: IP Camera
- High Definition: 1080P(Full-HD)
- Lens (mm): 3.6mm
- Style: Dome Camera
- Connectivity: IP/Network Wireless
- Power Consumption(W): 6W
- Sensor: CMOS
- Megapixels: 2MP
- Sensor Brand: SONY
- TF Card: None
- IR Distance(m): 15 meter
- Technology: Infrared
- Audio Output: Two-way Audio
- Alarm Actions: Push Message Alarm to App
- SD Card Slot: Support Max 128GB
- PTZ Function: Support 355 Pan/ 90 Tilt
Xiaomi Smart Home Security Camera
The Xiaomi Camera is known for its night vision which can cover a range of 40m along with two-way radio. It supports motion detection that sends out an alarm to your smartphone the moment it senses movement which can also be used as a baby monitor. 250gb of internal storage is provided as well as a one-month free cloud subscription.
Key Features
The Night vision lens on the ANBIUX C-P05 can provide vision up to 40-50m in the dark making it ideal for 24-hour parking lots.
Specifications
- Type: IP Camera
- Supported Operating Systems: No
- High Definition: 1080P(Full-HD)
- Lens (mm): 3.6mm
- Style: Dome Camera
- Sensor: CMOS
- Megapixels: 2MP
- Sensor Brand: SONY
- Special Features: Waterproof / Weatherproof
- IR Distance(m): 30M-50M
- Network Interface: Wi-Fi/802.11/b/g
- Audio Output: None
- Night vision: Auto switch to day-night mode up to 30-50M
- Two way talk audio: Support Two way talk audio
- Motion detection: Support motion alarm notification
Hiseeu FH1A Security Camera
The Hisseeu FH1A security camera provides the best clarity among the lot with a camera resolution of 1536 pixels. The multiuser interface allows more than one user to have control over the motion and focus points of the camera, perfect for shop security monitoring.
Key Features
To support the 1536 pixel data sent live to the device, it is fitted with three antennas for maximum connectivity with zero latency within 50m.
Specifications
- Type: IP Camera
- High Definition: 3.0 Megapixels
- Lens (mm): 3.6mm
- Style: Dome Camera
- Connectivity: IP/Network Wired
- Sensor: CMOS
- Megapixels: 3MP
- Sensor Brand: SONY
- Storage: 64GB
- Technology: Infrared
- Network Interface: Wi-Fi/802.11/b/g
- Camera Resolution: 720P/1080P/1536P
- IR-Cut Video Camera: Night Vision up to 10m
SDETER Wireless Security camera
This small and compact security camera from SDETER is a little bigger than a button and can seamlessly be fitted anywhere as there are no lights, its rare people notice the camera. The camera has all the features you’d expect from an industry-standard security camera and more. It can back-up up to 64gb of data internally on to an SD card and an alternate cloud storage option is also available.
Key Features
This security camera is a no light security camera which means the red lights around most security cameras to show the indication that it is powered on is not there making it seamlessly blend into the environment it is fitted in.
Specifications
- Type: IP Camera
- High Definition: 2.0 Megapixels
- Lens (mm): 2mm
- Style: Mini Camera
- Connectivity: IP/Network Wireless
- Sensor: CMOS
- Sensor Brand: SONY
- Special Features: Vandal-proof
- Storage: 128GB
- IR Distance(m): 10M
- Technology: Pinhole
- Audio Output: Audio
- Audio: Support two way talk audio
- Night vision: Support infrared night vision
- Alarm: Support motion detection alarm
JOOAN C9E Security Camera
The Jooan C9E is AI smart security camera that has an auto-tracking function that rotates the camera towards the moving object. It has omnidirectional noise reduction microphones and a high-fidelity speaker cavity for the best audio input and output.
Key Features
The Jooan C9E has a powerful camera that has a 1/2.7 Inch 2.0MP HD CMOS sensor and built-in powerful infrared IR lights up to 30 meters. It will be able to record sharp 1080p HD images both day and night.
Specification
- Type: IP Camera
- High Definition: 2.0 Megapixels
- Lens (mm): 3.6mm
- Connectivity: IP/Network Wireless
- Sensor: CMOS
- Megapixels: 2MP
- Sensor Brand: SONY
- Special Features: Vandal-proof
- IR Distance(m): up to 20M
- Viewing Angle: 360°
- Network Interface: Wi-Fi/802.11/b/g
- Feature: AUTO Tracking
- Audio Output: Two-way Audio
- Network Interface: Wi-Fi/802.11/b/g
- Alarm Actions: Push Message Alarm to App
Ni-SHEN SC-B001 Mini Security Camera
The Ni-SHEN SC-B001 made it to our list for being the most compact portable wireless security camera with three hours of battery life. It records with 1920p 8 million HD wide-angle which can be remotely monitored through your phone. It also supports night vision up to 15 meters without emitting light for seamless blending into the environment.
Key Features
The backside of the security camera has a magnetic suction that allows the camera to be fitted anywhere and can last up to 3.5 hours before it needs to be charged making this the most portable security camera on our list.
Specifications
- Type: IP Camera
- High Definition: 1080P(Full-HD)
- Lens (mm): 2.8mm
- Style: Mini Camera
- Connectivity: IP/Network Wireless
- Sensor: CMOS
- Megapixels: 2MP
- Special Features: Vandal-proof
- TF Card: 128G TF Card
- IR Distance(m): 15
- Viewing Angle: 90°
- Technology: Infrared
- Network Interface: Wi-Fi/802.11/b/g
- Focal length: 3.6mm
These are the best security cameras available on aliexpress.
Fuers 1080P Tuya Smart Surveillance Camera
The Fuers security camera is supported by the TuyaSmart app as well as the Smart Life app on Android or iOS, and through the website for surveillance through PC. It also delivers a clear image at night and is waterproof, making it ideal for outdoor use. The cloud feature lets you stream saved recordings from anywhere and the camera has two-way audio that’s a useful feature when installed in doorways.
Type: IP Camera
- Resolution: 1080P (Full HD)
- Lens: 3.6mm
- Style: Box Camera
- Connectivity: Wireless Network/IP
- Sensor: CMOS
- Megapixels: 2MP
- Viewing Angle: 90°
- Special Features: Vandal-Proof
- Storage: 128GB
- Network Interface: Wi-Fi/802.11
- Alarm: FTP Photo
Check it out on AliExpress here
Lenovo 3MP/5MP PTZ Camera
With a 4.9-star rating, this $37 camera on AliExpress has had over 7k orders placed. The camera is available in 3MP and 5MP variants, with a choice of Wi-Fi connectivity of just 2.4GHz or 5GHz. The IP66 waterproof camera has two-way audio and humanoid tracking, which sends a notification to your phone immediately. It has 3 night-vision modes to offer and the 5MP version also carries a neat DIY Alert Noise feature.
- Type: IP Camera
- Resolution:
- Lens: 3.6mm
- Style: Box Camera
- Connectivity: 2.4GHz/5GHz
- Sensor: CMOS
- Sensor Brand: Sony
- Megapixels: 3MP/5MP
- Viewing Angle: 140°
- Special Features: Waterproof/Weatherproof
- App: Joolink
- Network Interface: Wi-Fi/802.11
- Alarm Action: Local Alarm
Check it out on AliExpress here
INQMEGA 1080p Cloud Wireless IP Camera
This 1080 IP camera from INQMEGA is one of the most affordable and budget-friendly security cameras available on AliExpress and while it may not deliver the best HD quality like the other cameras on this list, the INQMEGA 1080p offers additional useful features that make it a great buy. It’s also available in 720p resolution and comes with built-in 32GB storage space apart from the TF card slot that can support up to 128GB.
Key Features
The camera is compact and wireless. It offers cloud storage and uses Amazon’s AI to automatically track movement. You get two-way audio as well as infrared night vision allowing you to view your surroundings clearly even in the dead of night.
Specifications
- Type: IP Wireless Camera
- High Definition: 2MP
- Lens: 3.6mm
- Style: Mini Camera
- Connectivity: IP/Wireless
- Sensor: Sony CMOS
- Special Features: Vandal-proof
- Storage: 32GB
- Audio: 2-way audio
- Night Vision: IR
BOAVISION IP Outdoor Mini Security Camera
This 1080p marvel has been designed to offer the highest levels of security possible and comes with some pretty premium features such as peer-peer connectivity and additional security restricting anyone from hacking into the camera. It’s available on AliExpress in a number of variations such as 5MP with/without 12V power, 4MP with/without 12V power, 1080P with 64GB/128GB 2A power and there’s even a selection for different plugs depending on which region you’re buying from.
Key Features
The BOAVISION IP outdoor mini camera is a tiny, but well built security camera that’s waterproof, has in-built auto tracking, can be paired with your smartphone and offers pan tilt rotation. The 4x digital zoom lets you zoom in on people lurking around your house and is actually quite clear even if viewed on the big screen.
Specifications
- Type: IP Wireless Camera
- High Definition: 5MP
- Lens: 3.6mm
- Style: Dome Camera
- Connectivity: IP/Wireless
- Sensor: Sony CMOS
- Special Features: Pan-tilt
- Storage: 64GB, 128GB
- Audio: 2-way audio
- Night Vision: Color Night Vision
ZOSI 8CH 1080p CCTV System
Now if you have a large property and want to keep a close eye on your entry and exit points then why not spend a little more and opt for a complete set? Zosi is a renowned brand that specializes in IP cameras and CCTV devices. They are highly recommended on AliExpress and a complete set of 8 cameras and a DVR won't cost over $150.
These cameras record in HD and have night vision that's actually pretty decent. There's motion detection, alerts and even lets you control or view your camera through your smartphone by downloading their app. One thing that I liked about this camera is that it comes with advanced H.265+ video compression that reduces the file size but doesn't alter the quality of the video.
Key Features
Videos can be backed up to a USB flash drive and there's a privacy protection setting that blocks unwanted people from gaining access to your cameras. All cameras can be configured individually to suit their placement and the conditions around.
Specifications
- Type: Wired DVR Camera
- High Definition: 1080p
- Style: Cylindrical Camera
- Connectivity: Wired
- Special Features: Night mode
- Storage: 1TB, 2TB
- Audio: No audio
- Night Vision: Color Night Vision
Jooan 10CH NVR Wireless CCTV System
I've covered another one of Jooan's CCTV cameras above, but found this one to be an all round beast of a system. The 10CH NVR CCTV system is built to support up to 10 IP cameras and offers night vision up to 30m thanks to the array of IR-cut LEDs on each camera.
You can use functions like motion detection and human detection to set up trigger points for when you should be notified about movement around your property and thanks to the support of one-way audio, you can listen to people on the other side of the camera even while using your smartphone or tablet.
The Jooan NVR system supports from 500GB to 6TB HDD and follows a plug and play system where all it takes is a few minutes of screwing the camera into their designated spots and connecting them to the NVR via Wi-Fi. Setting up the entire system doesn't take long and once you're connected you can download the free app and monitor your home from afar.
Key Features
Supports up to 6TB storage and comes with multiple functions such as night vision, motion detection and even human detection to prevent unwanted notifications. The system also permits cloud storage but you will have to purchase a package for that and it can get expensive.
Specifications
- Type: Wireless IP Cameras
- High Definition: 1080p
- Style: Cylindrical Camera
- Connectivity: Wireless/IP
- Special Features: Night mode
- Storage: 500GB to 6TB
- Audio: One-way audio
- Night Vision: Color Night Vision
IMOU Bullet 2C Home Surveillance IP Camera
For those on a tight budget, the Bullet 2C is a fantastic IP camera that doesn't cost more than $35. It's available as an outdoor security camera but you can choose to place it indoors as well depending on what you need it for. Now i've used the IMOU Bullet 2C and it's really small.
The camera is designed to withstand seasonal changes and is IP67 certified so it can easily be left out in the rain and nothing would happen to it. It's a fully customizable camera and with the help of the app you can set notifications or alerts for specific things such as human movement in a designated zone and it will automatically begin recording that moment.
Key Features
The 2C has a built-in microphone and is capable of picking up even the faintest of sounds. It's also built to connect with most smart home systems out there so if you have Alexa or Google Assistant then you can fully control the camera and view the live playback from your smartphone.
Specifications
- Type: Wireless IP Camera
- High Definition: 1080p
- Style: Dome Camera
- Connectivity: Wireless/IP
- Special Features: Night mode
- Storage: SD card or Cloud
- Audio: One-way audio
- Night Vision: Color Night Vision
How to Choose a Wireless Security Camera?
Wireless IP security cameras are a great way to keep an eye on your property or business from anywhere in the world. Not only do they provide peace of mind, but they also make it easy to capture and store footage for later retrieval.
There are a few things you need to consider when choosing a wireless IP camera: distance range, video resolution, night vision capabilities, and Overall Quality (OQ) ratings.
The closer the camera is able to stay connected to the network without interruption, the higher-quality videos will be. Video resolution is important because it determines how clear and detailed images appear on screen.
Night vision may be helpful if you work at night or want to monitor activity outside of normal working hours. And lastly, OQ ratings determine how well each aspect of the camera performs overall (e.g., image quality; motion detection; recording time).
Here are 7 features to look for when buying a security camera from AliExpress
- Motion Sensing - The biggest benefit of owning a motion sensing camera system is that it helps reduce the amount of storage space it requires by setting up alerts when motion is detected in a particular area and automatically capturing that moment in time
- Two-Way Audio - While it's not mandatory to have 2-way audio, it's a good idea to invest in a camera that supports this feature as it makes it easier to communicate with someone who's at your door while you're away
- Field of View - Consider the viewing angle of the camera and choose one that has a wider field of view as you wouldn't require multiple camera to be set up in a particular location.
- Video Quality - You must also consider the video quality of the cameras and make sure the camera you set up has at least 720 pixels. The only drawback to choosing a high def camera is that it can eat into your bandwidth and storage space
- Power Source - Another thing to consider is the type of power your camera needs. Some can be plugged directly into a wall socket whereas others will need to be connected to the DVR/NVR box.
- Night vision or IR - Night vision is important if you want to keep an eye on your surroundings in the dark and only some cameras provide night vision in color. So make sure you check if the camera records in IR before buying one.
- Storage Options - Security cameras come with two options available, local and cloud. Local storage devices rely on hard disks or memory cards to store the video footage. A cloud storage device will need a subscription to store your footage online and it can be a bit expensive to manage.
FAQs on Buying Home Security Cameras from China
Is it safe to get CCTV cameras from China?
It's generally safe to buy CCTV cameras from China for personal use. It's not true that all surveillance companies are spying for China. They are safe. I've personally purchased security cameras and they've been fine. Honestly if there is mass surveillance, then we'll have no idea.
What is the right home surveillance camera from China to buy?
For most home uses cases, the Wifi IP camera is the perfect fit. It has a 180 degree viewing angle and it can withstand rain, heat and any incremental weather. It's affordable and the perfect one to buy.
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