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After the leaves have fallen and brutal blasts of Arctic air start coming in, it’s time to look for the best weatherproof security camera for cold weather.
I’m going to make a confession – I’m not a huge fan of winter, and it can get really cold in the Northern tri-state area region of New York and New Jersey.
But whether you’re prepared or not, winter is on its way. Cold weather can take a toll on your outdoor security camera, either with its performance or doing harm to the actual camera.
Now, to be honest, most smart home security cameras don’t work well in cold weather, especially battery-operated cameras.
So, it’s important to find a camera that can handle the brutal cold and still have a standard performance rate at the very least.
How to buy a cold-weather smart home security camera?
Some wireless outdoor security cameras can withstand inclement weather such as snow, wind, dust, rain, average heat, and cold.
Anything above freezing, may not provide enough energy for your Wi-Fi camera.
For wired cameras, some are freeze-proof certified and have built-in weather-sealed bodies that can withstand weather from -30°F or -40°F.
As an average homeowner, you don’t necessarily buy a security camera that can withstand winter conditions under -30 °F or more, while your local temperature is only 15 – 25 °F.
Or maybe you do, especially if you live in Canada or in Alaska.
1. Check your local Winter Temperature
Before you head out to your local electronic big-box store, you should check your local temperature winter season.
Know the weather conditions in your local city. Do your due diligence,
- How long does the winter season last?
- How cold can it get in my local area?
- Does it snow?
This can all be done online from your local weather forecast as this will save you time and money.
2. Check the operating temperature in cold weather
Most of the time you can find the operating temperature in the specifics part of the product manual. It’s curial to find out what temperature the camera can handle.
So, it’s important to check as the operating temperature varies per camera.
There are some smart cameras that can perform well at a temperature of -4°F, while some can handle even more extreme.
Here is another tip, look for the camera IP (Ingress Protection) rating which you can find in a quick online search.
The IP rating helps the consumers to know how protected it is against liquids or solids weatherproof protection.
Usually, you will find these IP ratings in the product manual that defines the levels of effective sealing a product is equipped with against water, dirt, and other natural elements, for example, smart speakers that are waterproof.
Best Weatherproof Security Camera for Cold Weather
If you want to install a cold weather wired or wireless outdoor security camera, your best options are:
- Google – Nest Cam
- redlink Argus 3
- EZVIZ Husky
- The Ring Floodlight Cam
- Blink Outdoor
They have the best overall weatherproof rating which can withstand cold weather, and offer you real-time live-streaming when connected to the internet.
1. Google – Nest Cam
The Google – Nest Cam comes with a lot of great features including protection against extreme weather conditions.
The Google-Nest Cam comes battery-powered and wired, for both indoor and outdoor. The wired cable dimensions are 16.4 ft or 33 ft power cord that is weatherproof.
You have the option to hardwire the cord to the camera which you can drill a hole through an exterior wall and then screw the mount to the wall or plug it into a weatherproof power outlet.
Nest Cam Features
Nest does offer a load of features with Nest Aware subscription. For example, you can go back and check in on important alerts such as sound and motion events for up to 30 or 60 days. You can also capture every second with 10 days of 24/7 video history with Nest Aware Plus.
With the Google Home app or Google devices, you can check in seamlessly to view alerts, see the footage, and more.
The Nest Cam with Nest Aware smart alerts include sound alerts that can determine smoke, glass breaking, and carbon monoxide.
For built-in intelligence, alerts include people, animals, and vehicle detection. You can customize which alert you’ll receive.
Nest Cam for cold weather
The Nest Cam IQ is built for people in cold weather conditions, coming in with an IP66 rating, and can withstand anything from -4°F to 104°F.
This is the go-to camera if you live in these cold climates, as some of the competition can’t withstand below-freezing. But keep in mind, to operate in temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F), you’ll have to use wired power source.
Usually, a battery weatherproof outdoor security smart camera can’t withstand –4°F, most average around -1°F degrees, anything less and they attend to lag or damage under colder weather conditions.
Here are the pros and cons of the Nest Cam:
Pro’s
- Easy to install (no wires)
- IP66 rating (weatherproof against extreme weather conditions)
- Field of view 130 degrees
- 1080p video
- Intelligent alerts
- Face recognition
- Smart audio alerts
- Motion and audio diction zones
- Works with Google Assistant
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
Con’s
- Expensive
- Some features require a monthly subscription
- Doesn’t support Alexa, HomeKit, or IFTT
If you live in colder climates it makes sense to lean toward the Nest Cam Indoor/Outdoor is a weatherproof security camera.
There’s no question the Nest Cam is a great camera to grab for the winter season but is it a camera for you? That may come down to how much are you willing to spend for comfort and security. You can find the latest price at your local big-box stores or Best Buy.
2. EZVIZ C3X
The EZVIZ C3X Outdoor is an intelligent camera that has two antennas attach to each side. It also the second security camera on the list that can withstand extreme cold weather.
The camera operates on Wi-Fi but it’s not completely wireless as it requires a DC 12V power adapter to work. The C3X is similar to the Nest Cam, as the power cord is threaded through the camera mount and connected to a power adapter.
EZVIZ C3X features
It comes with Intelligent Dual-Lens which one lens record the ambient light while the other capture color information.
This allows it to merge the two images together to get a better picture quality.
Built with a siren and strobe light and a micro-SD card for local storage, which is pretty cool!
Unfortunately, there are only 24 hours of free cloud storage but you can always upgrade to a paid account.
There so many great features that I will have to dedicate an entire article on this camera including the AI (Artificial Intelligent) deep learning technology for human and car detection.
It can pair with the Echo Show and Google Hub, but to be honest, I’m not a big fan when it comes to third-party camera pairing with the Echo Show or the Google Hub. Most of the time it tends to be slow to show up on the screen.
EZVIZ C3X for Cold Weather
The EZVIZ C3X is designed for extreme weather conditions as it comes in at IP67 rating. As it can operate in temperatures of -22°F to 140°F.
This smart security camera can withstand everything from sunny to snowy days, giving you all year-round peace of mind.
Here are the pros and cons of the EZVIZ C3X:
Pro’s
- IP67 rating (weatherproof against extreme cold weather conditions)
- Excellent video quality
- Color night vision
- Motion detection (Recognizes humans and vehicles)
- Micro-SD card for local storage
- Built-in Siren and Strobe Light
- Customizable voice alert
- AI deep learning algorithm
- Easy installation
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
Con’s
- Does not support power over ethernet
- Does not support third-party devices (HomeKit and IFTTT)
- 24 hours of free cloud storage
In my opinion, EZVIZ CX3 is currently the 2nd best Weatherproof Security Camera for Cold Weather on this list.
Due to all the features and the ability to withstand extreme weather conditions, it’s truly a commercial-grade security camera for the average homeowner.
If you are interested in EZVIZ CX3, check out Amazon for latest price.
3. Redlink Argus 3
The Redlink Argus 3 is a wire-free security camera that you can power by battery or solar anywhere outside your home, which means easy installation.
It would also be the best option if you want a mini weatherproof security camera for cold weather.
Redlink Argus 3 features
Argus 3 offers great features as well. You can store local storage on a microSD card, PIR sensors that can detect (body and heat) motion and send alerts, built-in mic and speakers for 2-way audio in real-time, and much more features.
You can pair the camera with Alexa and Google Assistant to control it using voice commands and view its feed on a smart display.
Redlink Argus 3 comes with a free basic plan which provides 1GB of storage with a 7-day history for a single camera.
Redlink Argus 3 for Cold Weather
The smart security camera can function pretty well in the temperature as low as –10 °F and as high as 131°F with an IP65 weatherproof ready for outdoor use.
However, the Relink Argus 3 is not recommended under extremely cold weather which can affect a camera’s optic and mechanical disruptions.
So, if you live in an outdoor environment that the temperature gets no lower than –10 degrees, this might be the camera for you.
Here are the pros and cons of the Redlink Argus 3:
Pro’s
- IP65 rating (weatherproof against cold weather conditions)
- Spotlight and color night vision
- Battery powered
- Easy setup
- Solar panel
- Sharp image with accurate color
- Free 1GB of storage
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
Con’s
- Limited smart home integration (Not compatible with HomeKit)
- No audio detection
- Single-band (2.4GHz) 802.11n Wi-Fi adapter onboard
The Argus 3 is a good smart home security camera for cold weather with great features.
The design of this camera is small and wire-free. There is no doubt that the Argus 3 can withstand the cold weather, plus, at a very affordable price. You can find this easy-to-use weatherproof camera on Amazon.
4. The Ring Floodlight Cam
If you want an excellent weatherproof security camera that’s also can illuminate your own back or front yard, then the Ring Floodlight Cam is an easy choice.
Ring Floodlight Cam is one of our favorite outdoor home security cameras because it offers great coverage of our backyard and is suitable for most weather conditions.
However, this camera is not wireless and must be hardwired to your electrical wiring. You can easily install the floodlight cam yourself, as a replacement for your existing outdoor light.
If not a replacement, you will have to cut a hole in your exterior wall and install a junction box. Usually, people will hire a licensed electrician to do the job.
The camera connects only via Wi-Fi, which may be a problem if you’re mounting the camera far from your home’s nearest access point.
Unfortunately, the Ring Floodlight Cam Plus can only connect to a standard 2.4GHz network, not a 5GHz.
But, the new Ring Floodlight Cam Pro can connect with dual-band (2.4 or 5.0 GHz) wifi connectivity.
Ring Floodlight Cam features
The Ring Floodlight Cam has great combinations of features such as capturing video in 1080p resolution, two-way conversations, motion sensors that detect movement over a 270-degree radius, a built-in siren, and much more.
But what makes this a good security camera is the Ring app and the subscription plans which provide an additional amount of features.
Ring does not provide any free cloud storage compared to other brands in the market but you will receive alerts on your smartphone for any unusual activity.
Ring Floodlight Cam for cold weather
The Ring Floodlight Cam IP rating is unknown, but according to Ring, their camera products without batteries are rated at –22°F for cold operating temperatures.
It’s unfortunate, that there’s no IP rating for Ring products but from some consumer experience, the camera tends to lag or damage under extremely colder weather conditions.
We haven’t experienced that since our region averages around in the high 34°F to 43°F and low 16°F to 28°F in the cold season.
But we do experience our Ring Spotlight Cam lithium-ion batteries’ power decreases faster as the temperature drops below (Low) average.
Here are the pros and cons of the Ring Floodlight cam:
Pro’s
- Normal cold-weather operation
- Ring Ecosystem
- Great Video quality
- Multiple custom motion zones
- Two Ultra-bright LED lights
- Live-streaming
- Two-way audio
- Dual-band (2.4 or 5.0 GHz) wifi connectivity (Only With Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro)
- Bird’s Eye View (Only With Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro)
- 3D Motion Detection (Only With Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro)
- Loud siren
- Works with IFTTT
- Works well with Amazon
- Affordable Ring Protect Plan options
Con’s
- IP rating (Unknown)
- No free cloud storage
- Subscription plan (A must for additional features)
- Requires a junction box connection
- Limited smart home integration (Not compatible with HomeKit or Google Assistant)
- No advanced AI features
- No color in night-vision mode
The reason I added the Ring Floodlight Cam to this list, is due to our positive experience with Ring products.
We found this camera to be the ultimate combination of power and light, and to be the perfect addition to our existing Ring home security setup.
The Ring Floodlight Cam has provided the peace of mind we needed to feel safe in our home.
Unfortunately, there is no confirmed IP rating, but if you’re vested in the Ring and Amazon ecosystem, this is a great weatherproof camera to consider as part of your outdoor security system.
Since Amazon owns Ring, they tend to go on sale around Prime Day and the holiday seasons. You can find the latest price on Amazon.
5. Blink Outdoor
The Blink Outdoor is probably one of the most recommended weatherproof smart home cameras on the market, and I can understand why.
It can handle most weather conditions, it’s wireless, very user-friendly, compatible with Amazon’s Echo, and it’s attractive with a black and white sleek design.
This is the second camera on the list, that’s 100% wire-free. You can place, stand, or mount it anywhere around your home.
But the camera requires a small hub to connect wirelessly, the Blink Sync Module 2 (Included). The module can support up to 10 cameras and has a USB port on the side for local storage.
The Blink Outdoor camera operates on 2 Lithium AA 1.5v non-rechargeable Lithium batteries (Included), that run for up to two years.
Just like the Ring Flood Light Cam, Blink currently connects to a standard 2.4 GHz, not 5GHz compatible. This makes sense since Ring and Blink are owned by Amazon.
Blink Outdoor Cam features
The features include two-way audio, motion detection alerts, customize motion zones, 1080p HD video infrared night vision, and much more on the Blink app.
On the Blink Sync Module 2, you can save local storage with a USB flash drive, which can save up to 64GB of recording.
Unfortunately, Blink got rid of the 100% free cloud storage with its new cameras. You will now have to sign-up for a Blink Subscription Plan after the free trial has ended.
Only Live View and Motion Alerts are automatically available without a subscription plan.
But with a USB flash drive, you can still back up video clips and photos from the Blink Sync Module 2 and view them on your computer for free.
Blink Outdoor for cold weather
Blink Outdoor camera was built to withstand the elements of the outdoors, including cold weather climates.
It’s IP65 rated and has an operating temperature of -4° for cold weather.
Now, this is not a camera for extreme weather conditions since it’s wireless and runs on 2 AA Lithium batteries.
If you’re searching for a wireless camera that’s smart, battery-operated, and can handle up to -40°F or more, good luck finding one!
I currently believe that Blink Outdoor cameras are one of the best wireless smart home security cameras for cold weather.
Here are the pros and cons of Blink Outdoor:
Pro’s
- IP65 rating (weatherproof against cold weather conditions)
- Wireless (2 AA Lithium batteries included)
- Amazon ecosystem
- Up to 2 years of battery life
- DIY Easy set-up
- Sleek design
- Free local storage
- Works with Alexa
- Two-way audio
- Motion detection alerts
- 1080p HD video
- Infrared night vision
- Price
- Affordable Blink Subscription Plan
Con’s
- No free cloud storage
- Limited smart home integration (Not compatible with HomeKit or Google Assistant)
- Lack of advanced security features
- Limited camera functionality
Let’s be honest, you won’t find a camera that’s battery-operated, smart with free local storage, and can withstand most cold weather climates.
The Blink Outdoor is a great pick if you are looking for a DIY set-up with easy use. It’s a reliable device at an affordable price to keep your house safe.
You can find the best deals on Amazon.
Final note
With so many great options that can stand against cold weather, there is only one that can take the crown.
In my opinion, the overall winner is the Nest Cam Indoor/Outdoor camera. It’s built with serious power and can withstand most cold conditions.
It’s also an excellent choice if you are in the Nest ecosystem, but it’s not for everyone if you want something more budget-friendly or want a camera that fits in the Amazon or HomeKit ecosystem and has a local storage system.
For those options, I recommend looking at the above options.
Please, don’t forget to check out the recommended gadgets page for the best tech for your buck.
For more useful tips and tricks with Home automation, please continue to check out AutomateYourCrib.com.
Please e-mail me (rodney@automateyourcrib.com) your opinion, or comment or if you have any ideas for a future post you would like to read, drop me a line or two as I appreciate my audience.
Thank you again for reading this post.
Until next time, enjoy!
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It's great to see that you have come across my website. I hope you explore it thoroughly. The website caters to regular consumers who have an interest in home automation. I am based in the Tri-state area and enjoy the latest smart tech along with my wonderful wife and three energetic boys.
