The 6 Best Places to Install Home Security Cameras for Optimal Performance

Jan 12, 2024

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For both indoor and outdoor cameras, there are certain locations that are ideal for deterring burglars.

It matters where you put your home security cameras on your property.

Are your home security cameras in the most effective locations? Whether you already have a few cams installed around your property or are looking for a good deal on a new one, where you put your home security cameras does actually matter. For both indoor and outdoor cameras, there are certain locations that best deter bad actors and give you a good view of your property.

Your home and yard layout, budget and home security priorities are different from your neighbor's, so there is no one-size-fits-all rule for security camera placement. But this guide will help you consider all the aspects of your home security setup and identify which ones are absolute musts based on the vulnerabilities in your home.

For more home security tips, check out how to prevent your home security cameras from being hacked, and the best cheap home security systems you can buy.

You might assume that intruders always sneak into side entrances, but statistics from the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors show that 34% of burglars use the front door. It's also where package thieves are likely to strike. A camera at your main entrance keeps tabs on everybody going in and out of your home, from family members and babysitters to maintenance people, delivery people and more. (Pro tip: Video doorbells are great picks for the front door. You can use them as the primary camera or in conjunction with another outdoor camera aimed at the yard or garage.)

Doors that are out-of-sight allow visitors to enter undetected, whether they're invited or not. NACHI statistics show 22% of break-ins happen through the back door. To ensure full knowledge of everyone who enters and exits, add cameras to your secondary doors, especially if one of them is used as often or more often than your front door, or if one (like a basement door) seems particularly enticing or accessible to a potential intruder.

Garages are a common target of burglars because they're one of the weakest entry points. A camera pointed at your garage and/or driveway keeps a watchful eye on bikes, tools, grills, sports equipment, cars and everyone that handles them. If your garage is detached, the camera helps you stay connected. If the garage is attached, the extra layer of security monitors another possible entryway into your home. If there's a gate at the end of your driveway, you may want a camera there to spot anyone attempting to get in.

Monitoring the yard will help you keep tabs on anyone scoping out your house from the outside. It's also handy for capturing the activities of kids, animals and trespassers.

Placing cameras in gathering points like the kitchen or living room is a great way to see if the kids are doing what they're supposed to do, if the babysitter is attentive, what the pets are getting into, or to check on household help like cleaners and repairmen. Consider prioritizing any rooms that have large ground-floor windows — that way you can see if anyone tampers with them or uses one as a break-in point.

Place a camera in the main thoroughfares inside your home to make it difficult for someone to move about undetected. If someone breaks in through a bathroom, bedroom or another unmonitored area, they'll still be captured on camera if they move about the house.

Indoor security cameras are useful, but finding ones with privacy shields are worthwhile, to help minimize the risks of hackers gaining access to sensitive footage.

Places that violate your neighbor's privacy. Cameras are great for your safety, but you need to be mindful of the privacy of others in your neighborhood. Specific laws regarding cameras and privacy vary from state to state, so it's wise to check local laws (and with the local homeowners association) to make sure you won't have to undo your installation. In general, homeowners are allowed to have outdoor security cameras that cover a broad area, and it's usually OK to capture your neighbor's public-facing property in the background of your footage. Legally, problems arise if your camera captures areas where your neighbors have an expectation of privacy (for example, if your cameras can see into their bedrooms or bathrooms) or if you use the footage for non-security purposes. Keep in mind that these rules apply to video surveillance only. Audio recording without knowledge and consent is illegal in most circumstances.

Bedrooms and bathrooms. The urge to keep a watchful eye on kids or elderly folks in your household is understandable. However, some areas have a warranted expectation of privacy. Plus, if you use a monitoring service, you run the risk of a hacker tapping into a camera that has access to your private spaces. Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives. Baby monitors are smart choices for very young kids' rooms. Motion detectors and glass break sensors, as part of a connected home security system, can be added to doors and windows. Personal medical alert systems are strong choices for seniors.

Once you decide which locations to monitor, you also need to strategize how you will place and install the security cameras to cover the intended areas.

Battery powered outdoor cameras allow more flexibility for placement, while wired ones will need to be close to a power source.

Follow these installation rules to potentially save yourself a headache.

The choice between installing your own surveillance cameras or having them professionally installed is ultimately up to you. If the information in this article or the manufacturers' instructions make your head spin, there's no need to tackle it alone. However, these devices have gotten increasingly approachable and accessible over time and are often set up for simple self-installation.

Security cameras that you'll be monitoring yourself (as opposed to professionally monitored security systems) usually have the simplest installation. Many of these cameras communicate via Wi-Fi and only need hard wiring to their power source. Smaller cameras like video doorbells and peephole cameras frequently use batteries, which is even more user-friendly. Outdoor security cameras can present more of a challenge, especially if the home's exterior has limited power sources, if you don't have many tools or if you are concerned about affecting your home's appearance. In these cases, you may want to hire a professional with experience on prior camera installs.

Finally, there are some circumstances where you can't install your own cameras. Many leading providers of monitored home security systems (such as ADT and Vivint) require professional installation to make sure everything is in working order. In these cases, a trained technician visits your house to relieve you of this responsibility altogether. If you're dedicated to doing it yourself and you want a professionally monitored security system, you do have plenty of DIY options.

To learn more, check out our picks for the best outdoor security cameras or explore our comprehensive guide to the best home security systems.

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