The best home security apps and IP camera apps for Android

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Home security is getting cheaper, smarter, and easier every year. Thus, the market is dwindling for standalone home security apps. Most of the better ones combine with a smart security camera these days. Still, there are a few options to explore for those who still have old phones lying around. Here are the best home security apps for Android! Those looking for home security cameras, you’ll want to click here to check out our best list!

The best home security apps for Android

AtHome Camera

Price: Free app / Hardware costs money

AtHome Camera is one of the better and more popular DIY home security apps. Its biggest feature is support for multiple platforms. It has apps for Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows. The service comes in two separate apps. The camera app turns your device into a camera while the other app lets you monitor. Some of the features include time lapse recording, multi-view for up to four cameras, remote monitoring, and even facial recognition. This is a great way to re-purpose old laptops or smartphones. It also has a series of hardware cameras if you want to go that route. The app itself is free.

Alfred Home Security Camera is one of the most popular home security apps for mobile. It lets you re-use old smartphones for home security purposes. This one features remote access, live video streaming, some free cloud storage, a walkie-talkie function, zoom, and more. Many of the features are available for free. However, some stuff, like HD recording, is only available through the monthly subscription. It has its issues, but the pros usually outweigh the cons for most. The app is otherwise free to download and use.

IP Webcam is one of the simpler home security apps. It turns your phone into a remote camera. The app has a decent, if basic set of features. They include support for VLC player, live video streaming, Ivideon support, support for FTP servers and Dropbox, motion detection, and video chat support. This is one of few good free home security apps. It does take a few minutes and some brain power to set up, though. The app is supported by advertising. Otherwise, it’s completely free.

TinyCam Monitor works like most of the rest of the IP cameras on the list. You install this on two different devices. The first one is used for its camera while the other is used to monitor the first. Some features include H.264 and H.265 codec support, support for security cameras made by some manufacturers, 17 different layouts, and more.

The pro version removes ads, adds 24/7 video recording support, and face detection. The feature set is fairly good and the app is pretty easy to use overall. We also like that it doesn’t require a subscription.

WardenCam is another home security app for your old phones. It claims to work anywhere over 3G, 4G, and Wi-Fi. Additionally, the app offers multi-camera setups, Google Drive and Dropbox support, motion detection and alerts, two-way audio support, and above average developer support. This one requires a single cost rather than a monthly subscription. That’s always preferable. The UI is decent and the app is rather simple to use.

The very best home security apps pair with their hardware counterparts. Popular smart home products like Nest, Netgear, and LG smart cameras have their own apps. Additionally, some traditional security companies like ADT or Vivint started rolling out their own apps. Finally, there is a range of security cameras available from companies like Nest and most of those have apps as well. Generally speaking, your best bet is to find the hardware camera that works best for you and just use the app it comes with. Re-using your old phone is great for this stuff, but it simply can’t beat devices designed for this specific task. Good luck!

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