Planning a summer getaway but worried about leaving your house for a few weeks? While statistically you are more likely to suffer a break-in during the winter months when it’s much darker, summer also presents an ideal opportunity for burglars. Even if you're at home there are increased risks, especially if you leave your windows open to get some fresh air into the house during a heatwave.

Of course, there are basic steps you can take to reduce your risk such as asking a neighbor to take in your mail and packages, and making sure windows are closed when you go out. But technology can help big time too. What’s more, you don’t have to spend a fortune on all the gear. Whereas once you had to spend thousands on security cameras and PVRs (personal video recorders) that had to be professionally installed, now you can buy cameras and video doorbells for a fraction of the price that can be controlled easily via your smartphone.

Starting simple

The trick is to start simple. A good idea if you are going away for a long time is to have an indoor camera focused on the most vulnerable part of the house where a burglar is most likely to break in — such as a back door. I’ve got a Nest Cam IQ Indoor focused on my patio doors leading out to the garden. I like it because it can record when it hears sound (such as glass breaking) as well as motion.

However, there are other cheaper models available from companies such as Amazon-owned Blink and Ring as well as lesser-known, but popular, Chinese brands such as EZVIZ, Reolink and Aqara.

Focused on the front door I have a tiny Blink Mini 2K+ which also provides a chime for the Blink video doorbell so we can hear it ringing in the house. Usually, I switch the motion sensor off on the Blink Mini during the day because it’s triggered every time a family member opens the front door which can be a bit of a pain. However, when I go on holiday I switch the motion sensor on just in case.

One important consideration is how footage is stored — either locally on a MicroSD card or in the cloud. Personally, I prefer storing footage locally on an SD card, although the downside is that you will usually have to buy a card separately. The advantage of local storage is that not only is it generally more secure (there have been cases of servers being hacked and private security footage being leaked), it also often works out cheaper in the long term.

That’s because many home security companies will charge you a monthly subscription fee to store all your recorded footage and access advanced AI-driven features such as facial recognition and text descriptions of videos.

While these features may be vaguely useful, especially if you have lots of people coming to the door, for the vast majority it’s probably not worth the monthly fee.

Let’s go outside

Obviously, no discussion of home security is complete without talking about outdoor cameras and video doorbells. Whether it’s summer or winter, these devices are invaluable when it comes to optimizing your home security set-up and helping to prevent burglary.

Choosing the type of outdoor camera you want is largely down to personal choice and the type of property you live in. Generally speaking, outdoor cameras should be mounted reasonably high on your property to give you a better view and to prevent theft.

Many offer a wide viewing angle of between 130 and 180 degrees, while some of the latest models, such as the latest IMOU AOV PT, are pan-and-tilt models that detect and track movement automatically.

Want a security camera to act as a deterrent to an opportunist burglar? Then it’s worth considering a device with a powerful built-in spotlight and loud siren. If there are two things that burglars hate more than anything else, they're excessive noise and light that draws attention to what they are up to. Reolink’s Solar Floodlight Cam covers both bases with twin spotlights either side of the camera and an integrated 110dB siren.

Going solar

Unlike indoor cameras, which usually plug into the mains, powering an outdoor camera is a little more challenging. Although some are designed to plug into the mains via a waterproof housing, most now rely on either disposable/rechargeable batteries and/or solar power. Indeed, solar-powered cameras, such as the Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam mentioned above, have become increasingly popular in the UK particularly as summers have got hotter and panels have become more efficient.

While many of the latest outdoor cameras comprise separate solar panels that need to be mounted separately and plugged into a USB-C socket on the camera, others such as the IMOU Cell 3C come with a solar panel built in. Chinese company Baseus even has an innovative solar-powered camera, the Baseus Security S2, that boasts an innovative rotating solar panel that moves as the sun moves in order to maximize power to the camera.

Deciding how to power your outdoor camera isn’t the only factor you need to consider either. You also need to think about the technology you are going to use to transmit video clips to your phone’s security camera app. While for indoor cameras this is usually WiFi, for outdoor devices getting a connection between the indoor router and outdoor camera can be more challenging — especially over distances of around 30m.

One option therefore, may be to buy a device that offers dual-connectivity, including Wi-Fi and cellular (usually 4G), such as the IMOU AOV PT or Eufy 4G LTE Cam S330.

Optimizing your setup

So you’ve got your outdoor camera. What next? Well, now begins the process of optimizing it for your security needs. Generally, most outdoor cameras are far too sensitive and record far more footage than you actually need to look at. As a result, you could find your entire time on holiday viewing footage of someone walking past your house, or a car whizzing by, instead of enjoying quality time away.

Not only is this highly annoying, it could really waste battery power — something that's both costly and time-consuming, especially if you have to climb up on a ladder to take the device down to recharge or change the batteries every couple of weeks.

Within the app, it’s therefore a good idea to set the motion detection zones so that the camera only records footage captured on your property and also reduce the sensitivity settings too so the camera isn’t recording too much footage. If you know you are going to be away for a set period of time then it’s probably a good idea to ensure the camera can detect motion 24/7, but when you are home you may want to use the menus so it only records at time of the day when you know family members or flat mates aren’t going to be entering or leaving the property (such as night time).

When it comes to video quality, most outdoor cameras now offer at least 1080p video quality. However, some such as the Baseus Security S2 and the Reolink Altas PT Ultra, offer stunning 4K picture quality. While this is great, especially if you want to zoom in on close ups of a potential suspect, most of the time it’s probably unnecessary. By reducing video quality you will be able to store more footage on the SD card/in the cloud and not consume as much power either.

For night-time monitoring, standard infra-red (IR) night vision provides clear monochrome visibility in total darkness while a colour night-vision option uses advanced low-light sensors or built-in LED spotlights to capture colour details after dark.

Video doorbells — it’s good to talk

Think someone may be intruding on your property while you’re not around? All security cameras that I’ve ever tested (probably over 50 now) feature two-way audio so you can, if you so wish, talk directly to the intruder to tell him or her to get off your land. And they can also talk back to you, of course, using the built-in microphone.

Some of the latest models even generate automated messages or use different voices so the person doesn’t actually know who they are talking to (for example the Aqara G100 indoor/outdoor security camera lets you turn your voice into that of a robot or clown.) It’s a feature that some women and teens in particular might find reassuring, especially if they don’t want a man to think they are at home by themselves — though I can’t help thinking of Kevin McCallister in the film Home Alone.

Essentially video doorbells take the technology one step further by enabling you to speak directly to people who press the button, even if you are sitting on beach sipping a strawberry daiquiri on your summer vacation (as with the G100, Aqara’s G410 Doorbell Camera Hub also allows you to disguise your voice). Invented by Ring’s founder Jamie Siminoff back in 2013, video doorbells have really taken off in the last few years with most home security manufacturers now producing models.

Usefully, not only do video doorbells enable you to talk to whoever comes to the door as if you were at home, they can also be set up to detect and record nearby movement just like standard outdoor security cameras. The only real difference is that, whereas outdoor security cameras often have a wide viewing angle and wide aspect ratio, video doorbells tend to offer a much squarer field of view — often 1:1 — so you can see whoever is at the door more clearly.

Advanced functionality

For those looking to replace their traditional doorbell, video doorbells are a great solution. With many models, it’s even possible to use existing doorbell wiring to power them, rather than having to rely on disposable or rechargeable batteries. Many come with separate plug-in chimes so you can hear the doorbell clearly inside the house with a choice of customizable ‘ringtones’, ranging from classical music to Christmas carols.

That’s not to say that video doorbells are the perfect security solution for everyone. They’re not. Often, I’ve found there is quite a lag when you are talking to someone and if you live on a busy street it can be difficult to hear what they are saying. To counter this, some models, including those from Ring, enable you to play automated responses to the visitor, a bit like an old-fashioned answerphone — for example, ‘please leave the parcel outside’ or ‘call back in an hour’s time’.

Another issue is that with subscription services such as Ring Pro you can spend up to $19.99 / £15.99 a month on premium features such as person, package and vehicle alerts, video descriptions and 180 day video playback. At least with a Blink video doorbell it’s possible to store clips on the Blink Sync Module 2 hub using a separate USB drive while the TP Link Tapo D235 is one of the few doorbells with integrated MicroSD storage (it also offers free AI smart detection to distinguish between vehicles, pets and people).

Complete security solutions

Looking for a more advanced security solution for when you go away over the summer? Most manufacturers will allow you to view several cameras via their app. However, if you want to put different types of security devices together — such as locks, lights and a burglar alarm — then you will need a more advanced setup.

For example, one advantage of the Aqara G410 video doorbell is that it’s actually a fully-fledged smart home hub with a built-in Matter bridge and Thread border router that can be used as part of a smart home ecosystem such as Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa and Smart Things.

Owned by Amazon, Ring products including cameras, video doorbells and burglar alarms can easily be controlled using Alexa routines with footage viewable via Echo Show devices. Furthermore, Ring Alarm also supports certified third-party products via the encrypted Z-Wave network, including smart locks from Yale, Schlage and Kwikset. This means you can lock/unlock doors, manage guest PIN codes and trigger automated security routines (such as arming the alarm when the door is locked) all inside the Ring app.

Securing your home for summer

With the summer holiday season well and truly upon us, and houses left empty as we down tools for a well needed break, now is the time to think about securing your home. While traditional precautions — such as securing windows, clearing letterboxes and locking away garden tools (including ladders) — remain essential precautions, modern technology can help too.

Protecting your home against burglary needn’t cost the earth either. You can now buy indoor cameras focused on vulnerable parts of the house for less than $70 / £50 while most outdoor cameras and video doorbells cost between $120 / £100 and $250 / £200. And while subscription charges do push up prices, often these aren’t necessary — especially if you can store footage locally on an SD card or USB drive.

Ultimately, combining the latest tech solutions with solid physical security will give you the peace of mind needed for you to truly unwind, ensuring your home remains a well-guarded fortress while you enjoy your break.

Ring video doorbells always get deep discounts for Amazon Prime Day, but the savings might not be quite as impressive as they first seem. Although the up-front cost might be low, you'll need a Ring Home subscription to get the most out of your new purchase, and that can really add up over the years. That's not the case with all video doorbells, though, and here I've rounded up my top five picks that give you full functionality without the monthly fees.

• Shop more Prime Day deals at Amazon US
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The key is that all the video doorbells here let you store videos on a microSD card. Some brands offer cloud storage if you really want it, but it's definitely not necessary. Some doorbells (like the EZVIZ EP4 I'm testing right now) also include newer features like facial recognition that you'd usually expect to be part of a paid membership plan.

All of these doorbells have been tested, reviewed, and given the seal of approval by our team of home tech experts, so you can be confident you're making the right choice.

Eufy Video Doorbell Dual

Eufy's smart-looking device is an excellent option if you're looking for a subscription-free video doorbell on a budget. The Video Doorbell Dual records video at 2K, which is just fine for us, and is loaded with advanced features like package detection and the ability to play pre-recorded voice messages, all with no membership necessary.

It has an infrared sensor that detects visitors' body heat, while a radar motion detector scans for movement. Better yet, its software includes AI person-recognition, and during our tests, it was able to accurately identify and label visitors in our video clips. We didn't receive any false positives, and the detailed app notifications meant we could tell who was calling at a glance, without even picking up our phone.

All your footage is stored locally on the HomeBase 2 (bundled with the doorbell), which provides 16GB for your clips. You can buy cloud storage if you really want to, but there's no compelling reason to when you can keep control over your own videos and access them for free.

We didn't love having to take the doorbell down to charge it (there's no swappable power pack), but it can be connected to existing doorbell wiring if you'd rather not run it from its battery.

Read our full Eufy Video Doorbell Dual review

SwannBuddy 4K

Swann makes some of the best video doorbells and best home security cameras we've tested here at TechRadar, and they all have one big selling point: there's no subscription plan necessary to save your videos or to use their most advanced features. Although you can pay for cloud storage if you really want to, it's not necessary at all.

The Swann Buddy4K is also a fully-fledged home security camera with features like motion detection and the ability to differentiate among subjects such as people, pets, cars, and packages. All of this is included with the initial cost of the doorbell (unlike devices from brands like Ring, which charge a regular fee to unlock such features).

"It’s possible to store videos by type – particularly handy if you want to find out when a parcel was left on the doorstep," said our reviewer Chris Price. "Alternatively, you can store videos in chronological order on the built-in MicroSD card."

The doorbell's AI assistant (which generates custom voice responses for visitors so you don't have to speak to them) was still in beta when we reviewed it, but even without it, it's an excellent device that comes highly recommended for helping secure your home.

Read our full SwannBuddy 4K review

Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell

The Philips 7000 Series boasts impressive video quality, great viewing angles, and a generous 8GB of onboard storage.

It boasts dual cameras to give a clear view of both visitors and any packages they may leave on your doorstep. Its 2K resolution will be ample for most homes (4K doorbells are now widely available, but usually burdened by subscription fees), and during our tests, we were thoroughly impressed by how sensitive it was to motion. In terms of responsiveness, it was up there with the best home security cameras. Night vision is crisp as well (the doorbell is equipped with infrared sensors).

We found installation refreshingly straightforward, with a choice of mounting plates so you can choose one to suit your home, and it can be used with existing doorbell wiring or wireless from a rechargeable battery.

The 7000 Series isn't the cheapest video doorbell around, but its price is competitive considering how much you're getting. It's around the same as the Ring Video Doorbell 2, which requires a membership to save and review video footage.

The only other drawback for us was a slight lag we noticed during two-way talk with visitors. Otherwise, the 7000 Series is hard to beat (though it's not currently available to buy in the UK).

Read our full Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell review

Aqara Video Doorbell G4

Aqara is well known for its excellent subscription-free video doorbells and home security cameras, and the Video Doorbell G4 ranks among the best. It works with all the main smart home platforms, which is quite rare, can run from a battery or be used wired, and is packed with extra features that you'd normally expect to come with a hefty subscription fee, such as subject-identification and customizable motion-detection zones.

You can store your videos on a microSD card installed in the doorbell chime supplied in the box, but Aqara also offers a free cloud storage plan that saves 7 days of recordings at no charge. You can pay for extra online storage if you really want, but there's no need.

Its field of view is narrower than you'd get with a Ring doorbell, and its picture isn't as sharp, but it's still a great budget option — and one that could get even cheaper on Amazon Prime Day.

Read our full Aqara Video Doorbell G4 review

EZVIZ EP4 Wire-Free Peephole Door Viewer

The clever little EZVIZ EP4 is marketed as a security camera, and it does serve that purpose, but it does double-duty as a video doorbell, with a large push-button on top that triggers a notification on your phone when pressed, allowing you to see and speak to the person at your door via the EZVIZ app.

This is a great option for anyone who rents or lives in an apartment, because there's absolutely no drilling required, and when you want to move out, you can simply remove it and take it with you. Just unscrew the peephole from your front door, and you can install it in seconds. I used it at home and had it up and running within 10 minutes. Removing it is even quicker, and it did no damage to my door whatsoever.

The 4K picture is sharp and vivid, whether you're viewing it on the internal screen or within the EZVIZ app. The camera has AI person-detection, and can alert you when someone is at the door even if they've not pressed the bell. It can also use facial recognition to let you know when certain individuals have arrived.

There's no subscription required (videos can be stored on an internal MicroSD card), and for me, the only significant drawback is that the camera's field of view isn't wide enough to see packages on your doorstep. Note that the EZVIZ EP4 is currently only available in the UK.

Read my hands-on with the EZVIZ EP4 Wire-Free Peephole Door Viewer

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