5 Top-Tier Home Security Devices You Can Buy At Costco (And Should You)
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If you're looking to put your annual Costco membership to good use, there are plenty of ways to make the yearly fee worthwhile. You can opt for Costco garden items that are worth your money and reliable furniture brands from the retailer, but you can also opt for effective tech that will help secure and monitor all of the items you've already brought into your home from the trustworthy warehouse store. Here are five home security devices from Costco that are worth the money and are well-reviewed.
When shopping for a home security system, there are many factors that can inform your selection, including budget. While the average home security system costs $230 for a starter kit, some basic camera systems can be as low as $150, and higher-tech systems can reach up to about $2,000 and beyond. That all depends on how much you want the system to be able to do for you and how many cameras you find necessary on your property. While more expensive systems offer night vision and multiple cameras, they can also come with some privacy concerns. There are plenty of hidden downsides to doorbell cameras, like companies storing audio and video recordings, which is a type of surveillance many people aren't comfortable with. On the other hand, having round-the-clock alerts and captured videos can be comforting for many homeowners. Keep reading to see the most highly reviewed and affordable Costco options.
Arlo Pro 5S 2K Spotlight Security Camera
The Arlo four-camera system from Costco retails for $279.99, putting it in the middle of the pack for price. The cameras are all wire-free; you just recharge the batteries regularly to keep them functional. They come with 60 days of video storage, so you can access videos recorded on your cameras for up to two months after the fact (which is, again, one of the security qualms some buyers have, but Arlo states that they're kept in a safe location). They also offer night vision, descriptive alerts for things like package deliveries and animals, and the four different camera faces mean a lot of coverage throughout your home. However, Arlo's app requires a subscription to use, so this system is not simply a one-time cost. Costco's product offers four months of the app for free, making it particularly worthy of buying from the third-party retailer.
Costco's Arlo offering page has nearly a hundred five-star reviews, with members speaking about the convenience the system offers and the added layer of security it offers for their home. "I highly recommend the Pro 5S system. It's simple to charge and installs in minutes," one user said. "Love these cameras!" another satisfied buyer said, saying that the best parts are the "2-way communication, 2k HD video, color night vision, ability to set up to your schedule, and adjustable so they don't get triggered by every animal that comes by."
Lorex Fusion NVR with Two 4K 180° Panoramic Lens
The Lorex home security system retails for $699.99 at Costco and has plenty of features that explain its price tag. The four cameras included each have a 180-degree reach, night vision, and 4K quality. The system will record videos even if not connected to the internet, which is beneficial for homeowners who worry that a loss of internet service will threaten their home's security. Not to mention, there are also settings that automatically frame movement (like from animals and kids running around), send specific alerts for package deliveries, and more. You can also talk through the cameras both ways, and there's no subscription needed, so you might end up saving money over time.
Five-star reviewers on Costco think that this Lorex package is worth the higher cost. Some of the users mentioned having old Lorex models that they upgraded with this newer system, saying that the new cameras are higher quality and the user interface is even easier to use than with past iterations. Users also praised the precise alerts: "I have gotten some false positives for 'vehicle' from one of the cameras, but it is much better than getting alerts every time a branch moved with my nest camera," one reviewer said. Others mentioned the high video quality: "Really appreciate the clear picture and regular notifications," one user noted. "Cameras are clear and the microphone option is great. The night vision is crystal clear," another reviewer said.
eufy Security SoloCam S3 Pan Tilt Outdoor Camera
The eufy system is on the lower end of the range, retailing for just $159.99 from Costco. This price difference is partially due to the fact that it only comes with one device, so you cannot place multiple cameras all around the perimeter of your house. That makes it perfect for smaller homes or places where you really only want security that's focused on your front door (like apartments and townhomes). The most convenient piece of the eufy system is the attached solar panel, which makes the system completely wireless and independent of electricity — the panel only needs two hours of sunlight a day, and its reserve bank holds a charge that lasts three months to get through dreary winters. Plus, the multiple lenses offer 360-degree coverage and night vision.
With 83 five-star reviews on Costco's website, it's safe to say that this device is worth the low price tag. Users praised the fact that this camera has no monthly subscription fee and that it's so easy to install. "We're really happy with our purchase, especially as a first-time buyer of a security device, we needed it to be easy, yet effective," one happy reviewer said. They added: "The quality of the video and sound is mind-blowing." Another Costco member put it succinctly: "I've had many video and electronic security systems over the years, and this [eufy] camera is one of the very best."
SimpliSafe 10-piece Home Security System
The all-inclusive SimpliSafe package has 10 pieces in total yet retails for just $99.97 for Costco members. The set comes with four door and window sensors, which alert you when something has been opened. There is a motion detector that can alert you when there's movement in a room while you're away from home, a front door camera with specific alerts for different types of visitors, a spotlight if you need to see more at night, and keypads with panic and alert buttons that will enable sirens are call emergency services as needed.
Over 200 Costco members have left five-star reviews for the SimpliSafe set, praising how easy it is to install and start using. "The system is very easy to install and set up, everything is wireless," someone wrote. A lot of members also noted that this system is particularly worth buying from Costco because of the hefty discount: the Amazon price for a 10-piece SimpliSafe kit is $361, and even SimpliSafe's website is more costly than the Costco price tag. And then 10 pieces seem to be enough for real security: one customer said it's "a good and solid alarm system that protects your home. The 10 pieces are a good start –– an advanced system that functions well with an easy installation system that gives you step-by-step instructions."
Night Owl 12 CH NVR Security System, 2TB 8 Wired 4K Cameras
The Night Owl 8-camera system is on the higher end of the price spectrum, clocking in at $499.99 from Costco, but a big part of that cost is due to the high number of high-definition, 4K cameras that you can place around your home. Therefore, this system is a better option for users with a larger property that has enough areas in ned of monitoring. The cameras all have lights attached to them, so you can get clear vision at night and even turn them on to ward off unwanted visitors. Plus, the app with 24/7 monitoring is free, so you likely end up saving over time by avoiding the monthly subscription costs.
However, this is one pick that might be better from another retailer. Amazon sells a version of the 8-Camera Night Owl Security System that costs just $369.99 and looks to have the exact same features. Reviews on both Costco and Amazon are incredibly positive. "Well worth every penny I spent. Better visual, also the two way audio works great," one Amazon buyer wrote. A Costco member summarized: "It has crystal clear 4K video, human and vehicle detection ... For the price, this is quite the system that is great for any home and would also be great for business use as well." Another Costco customer stated, "If you're looking for top-notch security, crystal-clear video, and a reliable wired setup, this is the system for you."