Best home security cameras for Apple HomeKit and Siri in 2025
Today’s home security cameras are packed with features, not to mention testing compatibility with the Apple Home app. We test it in a few different ways at home or in our CNET office and really check everything these cameras can do.
Setup and camera quality
When setting up a camera, we pay close attention to their designs, how fragile and durable it is, and how they function. For example, it’s easy to change the battery or insert a MicroSD card. And of course, I spend an extra time on the camera lens itself and see how it works and what the image quality is. For example, if your camera has a 2K resolution, you can expect the live view to be clear and clear even when expanding. It also tests camera image delay and connection reliability when viewing remotely.
App control and design
Even if you are planning on using the Apple Home app for more work, you will need to use the Camera app for setups and additional features that Apple does not support. Therefore, it is important that the app has proper instructions and intuitive design with easy-to-access menus and settings. Beware of warning signs, such as disrupting multi-menu steps, ads for apps, and the ability to adjust motion sensitivity, which are not well supported when necessary.
Apple Connection and Features Support
With Apple Cam, connecting to the Apple app and SIRI controls is extremely important. So, we’ll look at how easy it is to add Apple features and what features are supported directly in Apple Home. Make sure Siri can control important features with voice commands. And when testing over several days, beware of connections and bug drops from the platform.
If your camera supports connecting with other home routines, you can also check if the routine can easily set up and do as expected.
Although Aqara’s sensors are compatible with Apple Home, I found them to be very limited compared to other options.
Night Vision and Audio
Most cameras have additional features like night vision and two-way audio, so we’ll dig into such features and see how they work. A 10-foot night vision is very easy, but how does it take place at 30 or 40 feet? Can you see it across high quality gardens and large rooms?
Similarly, listen to two-way audio and test your conversation. This checks the audio transparency from afar rather than near, and to see if it picks up random noise easily.
Motion detection and AI object recognition
If the camera supports motion detection, you will see how well it works and whether it is too easily triggered so that it can adjust the sensitivity to a reasonable level. It also checks available AI features, such as options to recognize humans and packages, as well as ignoring things like pets.