Stiftung Warentest checks surveillance cameras – 18 IP surveillance cameras in the test
Pleasing for the entire course of the test: None of the tested models came off less than satisfactory in an overall assessment. A total of 10 of the 18 devices were even able to secure a good quality rating. The built-in camera received the highest weighting in the test, accounting for 50 percent of the overall score. Closely followed by handling, which accounted for 35 percent of the overall grade. The basic protection of personal data was taken into account with 10 percent in the assessment. The power consumption of the models was calculated at 5 percent in the overall rating. However, this test category was omitted for battery-powered camera models that come with a USB cable for charging. Some of the functions of the tested models are also linked to the conclusion of a paid subscription. This condition was not included in the test grade, but the testers listed the corresponding prices.
The testers rated the test winner of the comparison, the Reolink Argus 3 Pro surveillance camera, with a quality rating of Good (2.1). As the second cheapest model, the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery Gen3 performed only slightly worse than the test winner. She was able to secure an overall rating of Good (2.2). Among the two surveillance cameras with good personal data protection, the Bosch Eyes performed best. Her test result was satisfactory (2.6).
Stiftung Warentest checks surveillance cameras: These models are worth it for you
Among the 18 IP surveillance cameras tested by Stiftung Warentest, a few stand out that could be used to protect your home. Not only the test winner itself comes into consideration, but also other models with different advantages. Here is a brief overview of the surveillance cameras presented.
Reolink Argus 3 ProRing Stick Up Cam Battery Gen3Bosch EyesTP-Link Tapo C310
Reolink Argus 3 Pro – test winner for less than 150 euros
You can buy the test winner of this surveillance camera test for less than 150 euros. In addition, the Reolink Argus 3 Pro is compatible with both 5 GHz WiFi and 2.4 GHz WiFi. Unlike its predecessor, the Reolink Argus 3, which can only operate on a 2.4 GHz network.
However, the previous model is around 40 euros cheaper. In the test by Stiftung Warentest, it impressed with an overall rating of good (2.1). The camera and handling account for the largest part of the test grade, both of which were rated good (1.9). Only the basic protection of personal data was rated as satisfactory (3.5).
Reolink Argus 3 Pro
What sets this security camera apart from other battery-powered camera models is the solar panel that comes with it. In the best case, it should be possible to charge the camera's battery directly from the incident sunlight. However, depending on how much sun hits the solar panel when in use, it may require recharging via the included USB cable. Unlike some competing products, you don't need a paid subscription to use this security camera. It also has Alexa support so you can use it with voice control.
Ring Stick Up Cam Battery Gen3 Value Tip
If you want adequate performance at an affordable price, this IP surveillance camera for around 80 euros is an interesting choice. Their quality rating of good (2.2) was only slightly worse than that of the test winner. And that despite the fact that it is the second cheapest camera in the entire test. Both their camera and their handling performed well in the test. Only the basic protection of personal data was rated worse with satisfactory (3.5), as with most devices. In contrast to the test winner, a monthly subscription price of around 3 euros is required to use it. It can be operated via voice control with Alexa, so you can conveniently take a look at who is at your door at any time.
Ring Stick Up Cam Battery Gen3
Bosch Eyes – the best data protection among surveillance cameras
If the protection of your private data is the most important point when using a surveillance camera, you should take a look at this model. With a purchase price of just under 200 euros, it is the most expensive of the devices presented here. But it performs best when it comes to data protection. In her overall grade she achieved a result of satisfactory (2.6). The testers rated the camera itself as good (2.5). However, handling and power consumption also had to be satisfied with a rating of satisfactory (2.7 and 3.2). You do not have to take out a paid subscription to use them. If you value voice control, you can also remote control this model via Alexa.
Bosch Eyes
TP-Link Tapo C310 – the cheapest surveillance camera in the test
Despite its low price of just under 50 euros, this surveillance camera was able to secure a quality rating of good (2.5). So if you are looking for a cheap model, it could be your ideal choice. The camera itself was rated as fair (2.6), while power consumption and handling earned a rating of good (2.5 and 2.2 respectively). In the overall assessment, it did even better than the Bosch Eyes, but can only score with satisfactory protection of personal data (grade 3.5).
TP-Link Tapo C310
In addition, given the low purchase price, you should be aware that a subscription is required to use all functions. According to the tester, the average minimum monthly price for such a subscription is just under 3.50 euros. If you use this model for several years, it can therefore be more expensive for you than investing in a camera that does not require a paid subscription. Of the four models presented, this camera is the only one that is compatible with the Google Assistant in addition to Alexa integration.
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