Tapo TC70
A practical security camera (1080p, no-subscription storage) for home security, with phone alerts and infrared night vision.
The Best Budget Security Cameras in the UK (2026)
If you just want to keep an eye on your home for as little as possible, a budget camera does the job. Expect a simple indoor or outdoor Wi-Fi camera with night vision, motion alerts and an SD card slot.
What to look for
- An SD card slot so recording is free.
- Reliable motion alerts to your phone.
- Decent night vision, since that's where cheap cameras vary most.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
Tapo TC40
A practical security camera (1080p, no-subscription storage) for home security, with phone alerts and colour night vision.
#3 
Tapo C210
A practical security camera (2K, no-subscription storage) for home security, with phone alerts and infrared night vision.
#4 
Tapo TC60
A practical security camera (no-subscription storage) for home security, with phone alerts and infrared night vision.
#5 
Ring Indoor Camera 2nd Gen
A practical security camera (1080p, wired) for home security, with phone alerts and night vision.
#6 
Tapo C120
A practical security camera (2K, no-subscription storage) for home security, with phone alerts and colour night vision.
#7 
C113
A practical security camera (2K) for home security, with phone alerts and colour night vision.
#8 
Ring Outdoor Camera Battery
A practical security camera for home security, with phone alerts and night vision.
#9 
XIAOMI C302
A practical security camera (2K) for home security, with phone alerts and colour night vision.
#10 
Litokam Little Elf
A practical security camera (2K) for home security, with phone alerts and infrared night vision.
Frequently asked questions
What's the catch with a budget camera?
Usually weaker smart detection (more false alerts), a smaller ecosystem and shorter support. Core recording and alerts are often perfectly good.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the Tapo TC70 (our score 9.6/10) - A practical security camera (1080p, no-subscription storage) for home security, with phone alerts and infrared night vision..