A key piece of home security is a great security camera. This allows you to keep an eye on it all, from strangers to packages. Finding cameras that are compatible with Apple HomeKit and Siri, even if they do work with other platforms like Google Home, can get overwhelming fast. After hours of testing dozens of security cams over the years from brands including Ring, Arlo, Nest and Eufy, I've kept an eye out for models that offer that rare Apple support to see which work best.
Why I like it:
Jump to details
Pros
- Affordable at under $100
- Easy setup and connection options
- 2K resolution
- Pan/tilt
- Interesting AI features including face and gesture recognition
- Can be expanded into a mini security system
Cons
- Like many Apple cameras, resolution does take a hit down to 1080p when used through Apple Home
- MicroSD card is required for local video storage
- More advanced AI features won't work through Apple
Why I like it:
Jump to details
Pros
- 2K resolution
- Object recognition for people and pets
- Affordable
- Pan/tilt abilities
- Object tracking
- Good night vision at 30 feet
Cons
- Eufy's app is a bit confusing and cluttered
- Pan/tilt cameras need space to work well
- Eufy's latest models don't have much Apple support, signaling a shift in company priorities
Why I like it:
Jump to details
Pros
- Built-in LED light
- Included object recognition
- Easy 10-day video storage with iCloud+
Cons
- Requires iCloud+ subscription starting at $1
- Very expensive at $250
- Needs the right outdoor wiring
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What is the best home security camera for Apple?
Aqara's camera provides a highly customizable, expandable indoors security option.
Tyler Lacoma/CNETI've tested a dozen cameras that have a range of compatibility options with Apple and Siri, seeing which performed the best with the Apple Home app and had reliable connections. Devices with Matter that extended support to HomeKit Security Video typically work best and my favorite was the Aqara Camera Hub G3. Not only did it make connecting to Apple's app easy but it's a versatile indoor camera that can expand to a mini security system if necessary.
Holiday buying advice for home security cameras
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Best home security cameras for Apple HomeKit and Siri
Pros
- Affordable at under $100
- Easy setup and connection options
- 2K resolution
- Pan/tilt
- Interesting AI features including face and gesture recognition
- Can be expanded into a mini security system
Cons
- Like many Apple cameras, resolution does take a hit down to 1080p when used through Apple Home
- MicroSD card is required for local video storage
- More advanced AI features won't work through Apple
Why I like it:
Aqara's 2K camera is not only a solid indoor performer, it also offers very easy connections to Apple Home and a robust pan/tilt design that can easily follow the action. It also comes with more smarts than the average indoor camera, with the ability to both faces and gestures when programmed properly. Video storage is also a snap with the built-in microSD card, although a subscription service is available through Aqara if you want it.
Interestingly, this is one of the few cameras that operate as a security hub, meaning you can add Aqara's tiny sensors, like a motion sensor or a door/window sensor, to turn it into a small security system able to monitor a room or apartment. This added level of customization elevates the Aqara cam to my top pick. However, using it through the Apple app will limit some features like AI detection, as well as downgrading the resolution a bit.
Who is this for:
Apple fans looking for an indoor camera, users who may want to add a security system later on, buyers who want to pay less than $100.
Who shouldn’t buy it:
People who need an outdoor camera for their Apple platform or people who really want a wireless camera.
Pros
- Sturdy, compact design
- Quick replies for easy answering
- Phone calls for two-way audio
- Hub can support additional Arlo devices
- Large 180-degree field of view
Cons
- Requires a hub device for Apple support
Why I like it:
Video doorbells remain an ideal first-time home security device that packs a lot of usability into a small package … but it's tough to find a model that plays well with Apple. At first glance, Arlo's Essential doorbell doesn't work with Apple either but, thanks to changes made, the video doorbell is now compatible with Apple Home when you buy it with an Arlo Pro SmartHub, which tends to cost about $100 more.
If that extra cost isn't a problem, the HD video doorbell offers a compact, handy design with motion detection, pre-recorded quick replies and the ability to call your phone directly for a two-way audio talk. It also comes with options for wired and wireless installation, depending on what doorbell options you want. I'm also impressed with the 180-degree field of view, higher than most doorbells offer.
Typically, an Arlo subscription is necessary for video storage but with that SmartHub you can connect a USB drive and rely on free local storage instead, saving money in the long term. Plus, that Arlo Pro SmartHub can give Apple HomeKit capabilities to a variety of other Arlo cams, too. (I just think this doorbell is a great starting place.)
Who is this for:
Fans of excellent app setup and people who need a reliable video doorbell for their front door, as well as those who may want to install more Apple-friendly Arlo cams later on.
Who shouldn’t buy it:
Buyers who absolutely do not want to spend more on an extra hub.
Pros
- 2K resolution
- Object recognition for people and pets
- Affordable
- Pan/tilt abilities
- Object tracking
- Good night vision at 30 feet
Cons
- Eufy's app is a bit confusing and cluttered
- Pan/tilt cameras need space to work well
- Eufy's latest models don't have much Apple support, signaling a shift in company priorities
Why I like it:
Eufy is one of the brands that offer Apple compatibility on some devices but not others -- fortunately, this pan/tilt cam is one of the lucky security camera models and offers an array of features that make it a quick recommendation for indoor security. In addition to the 360-degree view, the camera offers a 2K resolution, object detection for pets and people and effective night vision across 30 feet. It can also track motion around a room when it recognizes something, so you don't have to manually follow details.
We aren't the biggest fans of the Eufy app with its finicky UI, but it does help you connect to Apple HomeKit during setup to save time. It's difficult to find security cameras that can do so much and work with the Apple ecosystem, especially at a higher resolution, but Eufy managed to pull it off.
Note that Eufy also has an outdoor version of the E220, so if you need outdoor security cameras there is an option that should fit right into your smart home. It's not pan/tilt but it does have many of the same advantages including Apple support. So, if you're looking for indoor and outdoor cameras, you should take a look at them before making a final call.
Who is this for:
Those looking for indoor and outdoor options for an Apple camera with handy AI detection.
Who shouldn’t buy it:
Users who want the most streamlined experience possible or people looking for more in-depth customization and routine options.
Pros
- Built-in LED light
- Included object recognition
- Easy 10-day video storage with iCloud+
Cons
- Requires iCloud+ subscription starting at $1
- Very expensive at $250
- Needs the right outdoor wiring
Why I like it:
Eve's outdoor camera is a complete package that provides HD video, a bright LED panel for lighting an area and all the smart features you'll want, including the ability to recognize people, pets, vehicles and packages. It's also one of the few home security cameras that offer (mostly) free cloud storage with end-to-end encryption for videos -- in this case a 10-day-long recording history. Two-way audio rounds off this security camera nicely.
Two caveats keep this outdoor camera lower on my list than other wireless security cameras. First, I thought it was very expensive at its retail price of $275, especially for a 1080p/HD resolution. Second, you will need an iCloud+ plan (starting at $1 per month) and a hub device like an Apple TV or HomePod to use Eve's security camera on the Apple platform, which isn't a problem for most Apple fans but is still a hurdle to jump.
Also note that the wired installation will require a neutral and ground connection, so a dedicated junction box is your best bet.
Who is this for:
Apple fans who have an outside light or camera with a junction box that they'd like to replace with a smart version.
Who shouldn’t buy it:
Users who don't have an iCloud+ plan and people without an outdoor junction box for easy installation.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Aqara’s video doorbell combines Apple support with local storage and some great recognition features, plus promised Matter support in the future. I like its performance but if you can afford the added hub I think the Arlo doorbell offers better quality overall.
Eufy Camera C120: This indoor camera is a solid model but it's design is dated and Eufy's Apple support isn't quite as reliable as some others. I found the E220 a better choice for those who want to pick a Eufy camera and get Apple features as well.
Ecobee SmartCamera: Ecobee’s SmartCamera works with HomeKit and has Alexa built-in, plus it integrates with any other Ecobee devices you may have. The resolution is low for the price and, ultimately, the cams on our list do more while being more affordable, too.
Abode Iota Hub: Abode’s Iota Hub is an interesting little device that combines sensors with a camera view. Back in the day, it did quite well in our review but these days the all-in-one hub option is showing its age and is far more expensive than security cameras that now include most of the same capabilities.
Logitech Circle 2: The Logitech Circle 2 is still available on some sites and reviewed well many years ago but Logitech hasn’t updated its home security cam in a long, long time, and the Circle 2 has been officially phased out (although support for the model continues at this time).
Camera quality
Camera resolution and field of view are crucial to getting all the detail you need from a security camera. Higher resolutions like 2K and fields of view of more than 130 degrees are signs of a good home security cam. It’s a bonus if cams can pan and tilt to capture extra areas. This goes hand-in-hand with app quality, which should enable easy, highly detailed live views on demand.
Design quality
We favor cams with a sturdy, compact construction that can be placed or mounted in various positions for quick installation. The design can also add a lot of value to a camera -- the ability to turn a spotlight on or sound a siren can be very useful for home security. Likewise, motion-detection features should be customizable, with options like motion zones and privacy zones to cut down on false alerts and motion sensitivity. You should be able to tweak settings until you get exactly the notifications you need.
Wired vs. wireless
Wired cams don’t need recharging and tend to be a little more affordable but they’re more limited in regard to placement and take more installation work outdoors. Wireless cams are easier to place and avoid cable complications but you do have to recharge or replace batteries, usually every several months or so. We largely favor wireless cams when possible, but wired cams can be a useful choice, especially for models like video doorbells that can connect to existing doorbell wiring.
Aqara's mini system is great for watching over small spaces.
Tyler Lacoma/CNETAudio
Smart home security cams should offer two-way audio that allows for quick communication via the app. There are no two-way audio features that work with Apple’s HomePod line but they can work through other apps.
Object recognition
Object recognition is the ability to tell the difference between objects like humans, pets, vehicles and packages, then send you customized alerts or ignore certain objects. It’s a very important feature for modern security cams but it’s sometimes locked behind subscriptions.
Video storage
Video storage isn't an absolute requirement but we highly recommend the ability to save, download and share videos with any cam. Sometimes this feature is locked behind a subscription for cloud storage -- like iCloud+ -- but in other cases, you have a local storage option with a microSD card or similar setup. Local storage is pricier to set up but keeps you off the cloud and away from subscription fees if you want to avoid them.
Additional smart home support
Apple support is guaranteed for our list but you may want cams that have additional smart home support, like working with Alexa or Google Home. If you have an existing security system, watch for a device that can integrate into your existing control panel or apps.
Today’s home security cameras come packed with features, not to mention testing out compatibility with the Apple Home app. We test in several different ways in our homes and CNET offices to really check out everything these cameras can down.
Set up and camera quality
As we set up cameras, we pay close attention to their design and how fragile or durable it is, as well as what features they have -- for example, how easy it is to change batteries or insert a microSD card. And, of course, we spend extra time with the camera lens itself, seeing how it moves and what the image quality is like. If a camera has a 2K resolution, for example, we expect it's live view to be crisp and clear even when expanded. We test for camera image latency and connection reliability when remote viewing, too.
App controls and design
Even if you plan on using the Apple Home app for more of your work, you'll still need to use the camera app for some setup and extra features that Apple may not support. So it's important that the app have good instructions and an intuitive design, with menus and settings that are easy to access. We watch for warning signs like confusing multi-menu steps, ads in the app, and features that aren't supported well when they should be, like the ability to adjust motion sensitivity.
Apple connections and feature support
For an Apple cam, connections to the Apple app and Siri controls are very important. So we check how easy it is to add Apple functionality and what features are supported directly in Apple Home. We make sure Siri can control important functions with voice commands as well. And as we test over several days, we watch for dropped connections or bugs from the platform.
If the camera supports connections with other home routines, we also see if can be set up easily in a routine and perform as expected.
Aqara's sensors have some compatibility with Apple Home but I found it quite limited compared to other options.
Tyler Lacoma/CNETNight vision and audio
Most cameras have extra features like night vision and two-way audio, so we dig into capabilities like that and check to see how they perform. Night vision across 10 feet is pretty easy -- but how does it do at 30 or 40 feet? Can it see across a yard or large room with high quality?
Likewise, we listen to two-way audio and test out conversations, not just up close but from a distance, checking on audio clarity and how easily it picks up random noise.
Motion detection and AI object recognition
If a camera supports motion detection, we see how well it works and if we can adjust sensitivity to reasonable levels so it doesn't trigger too easily. We also check out any available AI features, like the option to recognize a human or a package, as well as ignore things like pets.
Eve's outdoor camera offers full Apple support.
The Eve Outdoor Cam mounted on a white brick wall.Choose the best spot for a security camera based on 1) what you want it to view and 2) what central locations are available. The setup process usually offers advice on how to place a camera. For more information, review our full list of the best places to install a home security camera.
Aqara's app showing cards for security cam views, lights and sensors.
Tyler Laocma/CNETSummer 2025: Aqara's latest G3 camera model proved impressive with relatively simple Apple Home connections, bringing it to the top of the list as a new addition. I'm also watching for any news on Apple's own security camera, as rumors have been rising about it for the past year.
It may take some research. The best way is to look at the product description and find the section where it talks about smart home compatibility and voice assistants. Remember, many brands only offer Apple support for some of their devices, not all of them. With these inconsistencies, always pay close attention to the details and don’t take anything for granted.
Smart devices in Apple’s own store are guaranteed to work with HomeKit and Siri, but that’s far from a complete list and not all those products meet our standards for recommendation.
Yes and no. The Matter standard is designed to, among other things, facilitate better device compatibility with Apple, Amazon, Google and other brands. That includes working with the Apple Home app, although not necessarily the entire array of HomeKit capabilities). If you see the Matter standard logo, the device is ready for Apple Home and Siri control.
Matter is very much a work in progress. Compatibility and features are slowly rolling out to a variety of current and past smart devices. Matter hasn’t expanded to cover video and home security cameras, which means Apple support is often offered alongside Matter, but Matter doesn't guarantee a camera will work with Apple.
Start by following the device’s instructions to download the app and set it up. In many cases, the device will ask if you want to connect to a smart home platform like Apple Home as you set it up. If not, fully complete the setup and then visit the Apple Home app and find the option to add new devices. Let the Home app detect the new app and sign in with the login you created to add it. Not all features may be available in Apple Home the way they are in the device’s own app.
We’ve never come across a security cam or any smart home device that charges a fee just for Apple HomeKit compatibility. In some cases, you may need to buy an additional hub or control panel to enable Apple support. You may need a separate subscription for some features, but this is rare. In most situations, it’s available at no extra cost.
They may have limited operation from Bluetooth but in most cases you can't control them or use any of their features without an internet connection. They may be able to independently activate and record video if you have local storage.
Apple HomeKit is the platform that allows you to use Siri for smart devices that are compatible. With HomeKit you can control things in your home remotely and through voice command.