Best PoE Cameras with Built‑in Siren

TL;DR: The Vimtag 2.5K Outdoor Security Camera delivers 2.5K video, 360° pan, 90° tilt and color night vision up to 65 ft for $26.99, making it a solid, budget‑friendly choice for wired indoor or outdoor monitoring.

What really sets this camera apart is its 2.5K 4MP resolution paired with an 8x digital zoom, letting you capture fine detail across a wide area. The 360° pan and 90° tilt give you full‑room coverage, while the color night‑vision spotlights illuminate subjects out to 65 feet after dark.

Compared with the other nine cameras in this roundup, the Vimtag is notably lighter than the 2.1‑pound Reolink E1 Outdoor SE PoE and the 1.6‑pound Arlo Wired Floodlight. Its 8x zoom matches the Vimtag 4MP Outdoor model but falls short of the Tapo C120’s 12x zoom. Night‑vision range is shorter than the Kasa KC420WS’s 98‑foot reach, yet still respectable for most residential yards. At $26.99 it lands in the budget tier, undercutting pricier options like the Wyze Floodlight v2 and Lorex 4K Bullet.

Everyday users praise the straightforward setup and reliable dual‑band Wi‑Fi, noting that the 5 GHz band can struggle through walls, so many switch to 2.4 GHz for better penetration. Reviewers also appreciate the AI‑powered human, motion and sound detection, though some find the alerts a bit too sensitive. Professional reviewers highlight the robust IP66 rating and the convenience of up to 512 GB microSD storage, while the wired 5 V, 5 W power source means you won’t have to worry about battery changes.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry-level option — the Vimtag 2.5K Outdoor Security Camera offers Night Vision Range: 33-65 feet

TL;DR: For $15.99 the Vimtag 4MP Outdoor Security Camera delivers 2.5K video, 8× digital zoom and 33 ft color night vision in an IP66‑rated, Wi‑Fi 6‑ready cube that stores up to 512 GB locally.

The standout spec is its 4 MP still resolution paired with 2.5K (1440p) video and an 8× digital zoom, letting you capture facial details from a distance. A 130° viewing angle and color night‑vision that reaches 33 ft mean you can see clear footage even after dark, while the built‑in microphone, speaker and two‑way audio let you talk back through the app.

At $15.99 it lands in the budget tier, cheaper than the Tapo C120 and well below the $49.99 Kasa KC420WS. Weighing about 0.42 lb, it’s heavier than the Tapo C120 (around 0.22 lb) but far lighter than the Reolink E1 Outdoor SE PoE, which exceeds 2 lb. Its night‑vision range of 33 ft is shorter than Kasa’s 98 ft reach, yet longer than the 12 m (40 ft) range listed for the Reolink model. Digital zoom sits between the Vimtag 2.5K Outdoor Camera’s 8× and the Tapo C120’s 12×, offering a balanced compromise.

Users repeatedly praise the camera’s easy setup and stable Wi‑Fi 6 connection, noting that the 5 V/5 W power draw keeps the feed smooth without frequent drops. Professional reviewers highlight the vivid color night vision and AI‑driven human, motion and sound detection as key strengths. The main complaints focus on the need for a constant power cord, which limits placement options, and the fact that cloud storage unlocks only with a paid subscription.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option — the Vimtag 4MP Outdoor Security Camera offers Night Vision Range: 33 ft

Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns

TL;DR: The Kasa KC420WS delivers 4MP 2K QHD video and 98 ft color night vision in an IP65‑rated, wired package that’s a solid middle‑ground between budget cams and premium bullet models.

The standout spec is its 4MP 2K QHD resolution paired with a Starlight sensor and an F/1.6 aperture, which together produce clear, detailed footage even in low light. Its night‑vision LEDs reach 98 ft (29.9 m), letting you see faces and packages after dark without sacrificing color fidelity.

Compared with the Tapo C120, the KC420WS is pricier and offers a narrower 110° overall field of view versus the Tapo’s 150°, and it lacks the 12× digital zoom the Tapo lists. It also carries a 2‑channel design, while the Tapo provides a single channel. On the high‑end side, Lorex’s 4K bullet shoots at a higher 8MP resolution, but its night‑vision range of roughly 98 ft is similar to the Kasa’s. Vimtag’s 2.5K outdoor camera includes an 8× zoom and a 33‑65 ft night‑vision range, making the Kasa’s longer range a clear advantage despite its lower zoom capability.

Users consistently praise the sharp 2K video and the vivid night vision, noting that the camera reliably captures faces and license plates after dark. Professional reviewers highlight the IP65 rating as a guarantee against rain or snow, and they commend the AI‑powered motion/person detection paired with a built‑in siren for deterrence. Common complaints focus on the need for a nearby power outlet, since the unit is corded, and occasional hiccups on a 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi network, which some users find less stable than dual‑band options.

Additional technical notes: the lens has a 3.18 mm focal length, and the camera supports 2‑way audio plus a siren for real‑time alerts. It integrates with Alexa and Google Assistant, and you can expand storage with a microSD card up to 256 GB. Wi‑Fi security includes WPA/WPA2‑PSK with 128‑bit AES encryption and SSL/TLS, and the device operates from –20 °C to 43 °C.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry-level option — the Kasa KC420WS offers Night Vision Range: 98 ft (29.9 m)

TL;DR: The Tapo C120 delivers 2K (4MP) video, a 150° field of view and 12× digital zoom for $29.99, wrapped in an IP66‑rated, lightweight housing with AI detection.

The standout spec is its 4MP (2560 × 1440) resolution paired with a 150° field of view, letting you capture a wide scene in crisp 2K detail. A 12× digital zoom lets you hone in on distant activity, while the built‑in siren pushes 96 dB at close range. The camera weighs just 0.22 lb and ships with a 3 m Type‑C power cable, making installation straightforward.

Compared with the other nine cameras in this roundup, the C120 is noticeably lighter than the Vimtag 2.5K Outdoor Security Camera (about 0.45 lb) and the Vimtag 4MP Outdoor Security Camera (around 0.42 lb), yet still bulkier than the ultra‑compact Reolink E1 Outdoor SE PoE, which tips the scales at 2.1 lb. Its 3 m cable is longer than many plug‑in peers, giving you a bit more flexibility in outlet placement. While it doesn’t boast the floodlight power of the Wyze Floodlight Camera v2, its IP66 rating ensures true weatherproof protection.

Users consistently praise the camera’s “razor‑sharp” 2K clarity and vibrant night‑vision performance, noting that the AI detection reliably flags people, pets and vehicles without a subscription. Professional reviewers highlighted the “crystal‑clear 1440p video quality” and “spot‑on AI detection accuracy.” The magnetic base makes mounting a breeze, though the wired power requirement means you’ll need a nearby outlet. Local storage is flexible, supporting microSD cards up to 512 GB, while the optional cloud adds extra peace of mind.

Technical highlights include IP66 weatherproofing, starlight color night vision with invisible IR, dual spotlights, two‑way audio with noise cancellation, and a steady 20 fps frame rate that adapts to lighting conditions. The camera operates on 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi and comes with a two‑year manufacturer warranty.

Best for: Budget‑conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option — the Tapo C120 offers a 150° field of view.

Avoid if: You want the best value‑per‑dollar in its price range.

TL;DR: Wyze Floodlight Camera v2 offers 2K video, a 160° view, and 2800‑lm adjustable floodlights with local 256 GB storage for $99.98, backed by a 4.3‑star rating.

The camera records in 2K HD and captures a 160° field of view, while its two LED panels deliver up to 2800 lm of illumination at a 5000 K color temperature. A 105 dB siren adds audible deterrence, and the unit can store up to 256 GB locally, eliminating the need for a subscription.

Compared with the Arlo Wired Floodlight Camera, Wyze matches the same 160° field of view but pushes brighter floodlights—2800 lm versus Arlo’s 2000 lm. At 1252 g, it is heavier than the ultra‑light Tapo C120 (100 g) yet comparable in depth to Arlo’s 5.83‑inch housing. Its IP65 rating also places it ahead of several peers that lack listed weather protection.

Professional reviewers praise the sharp 2K footage and the higher‑output floodlights, while everyday users love the app‑driven customization and the peace of mind from continuous local recording. Common complaints note that the lights can feel dimmer than the advertised 2800 lm and that the PIR‑only motion sensor sometimes misses close‑range movement.

The unit runs on hardwired 110‑120 V AC, supports ambient‑light mode and dusk‑to‑dawn automation, and works with Alexa and Google Assistant. Adjustable heads let you fine‑tune the lighting angle, and the dimmable LEDs help balance brightness with energy use.

Best for: Most users looking for a well‑reviewed, reliable mainstream option — the Wyze Floodlight Camera v2 offers Field of View: 160°

Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns

TL;DR: The eufy E340 costs $159.99, delivers 3K primary video with 8x digital zoom, a 100 dB siren, and IP65 weatherproofing, but requires professional hard‑wired installation.

What really sets the E340 apart is its dual‑lens system: a 3K (2880 × 1620) wide‑angle sensor paired with a 2K telephoto sensor, both feeding an 8x digital zoom and a full 360° × 70° PTZ range. The primary lens captures a 110° horizontal and 58° vertical field of view, while the secondary lens adds a tighter 41° × 23° view for detailed zoom‑ins. Combined with a bright 2000‑lumen, 4000 K floodlight, the camera can illuminate and record a 50 ft (15 m) night‑vision zone in full colour.

In the context of our ten‑camera roundup, the E340 sits in the premium price tier—more expensive than the $29.99 Tapo C120 and the $99.99 Arlo Wired Floodlight, yet cheaper than the $199.99 Ring Outdoor Cam Pro. It also outweighs the ultra‑light Tapo C120 (0.22 lb) and the Ring model (0.61 lb), coming in at 3.04 lb, which makes it bulkier than many battery‑powered peers. Its 100 dB siren outshouts Ring’s 85 dB alert but is a notch quieter than Wyze’s 105 dB siren. Unlike the Arlo Floodlight, which only supports 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi, the E340 runs on Wi‑Fi 6 (802.11ax) across both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, giving it a longer 20 m Wi‑Fi range.

Reviewers consistently praise the crystal‑clear video from the dual lenses and the powerful floodlight that “lights up the whole driveway.” Professional reviewers note the Wi‑Fi 6 stability and the seamless Alexa and Google Assistant integration for voice‑activated live view. On the flip side, users flag the mandatory hard‑wired AC 100‑240 V setup as a barrier, often requiring an electrician, and some find the 12.6 in × 8.5 in × 7.3 in housing too conspicuous for subtle mounting.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high‑quality option — the eufy E340 offers Night Vision Range: 50 ft (15 m)

TL;DR: The Reolink E1 Outdoor SE PoE delivers 8MP (3840×2160) clarity, 3× optical zoom and 355° pan with color night vision up to 12 m, making it a solid wired PTZ choice for outdoor surveillance.

The headline feature is its 8MP (3840×2160) sensor paired with a motorized varifocal lens that offers 2.8‑8 mm focal length and 3× optical zoom. Combined with an F1.6 aperture, the camera captures detailed footage even in low light, and its color night vision reaches 12 m (40 ft), a rarity at this price point.

Compared with the other nine cameras in this roundup, the E1 Outdoor SE is heavier than the Arlo Wired Floodlight (1.6 lb) but lighter than the Lorex 4K Bullet (about 2.78 lb) and the Wyze Floodlight (around 2.76 lb). It also offers pan/tilt (355° pan, 0°‑50° tilt) that most peers lack; the Tapo C120 and Vimtag models are fixed‑position units. While the Tapo C120 is markedly lighter (0.22 lb) and cheaper, it does not provide PTZ or PoE power, so the Reolink sits in a middle ground of capability versus cost.

Reviewers consistently praise the camera’s 4K sharpness and the auto‑tracking that follows moving subjects horizontally. Professional observers note the “exceptional 4K clarity with distortion‑free detail” and appreciate the built‑in 4‑spotlight array (180 lumens each, 6500 K) that adds illumination when needed. On the downside, users mention the limited 50° tilt, which narrows vertical coverage, and the reliance on microSD cards (max 512 GB) that can require frequent management or an NVR for continuous recording.

Best for: Most users seeking a balanced, mainstream option — the Reolink E1 Outdoor SE PoE offers Resolution: 8MP (3840×2160)

Avoid if: You want the best value‑per‑dollar in its price range

TL;DR: The Arlo Wired Floodlight Camera packs 2K HDR video, a 160° view and 2000‑lumen lights into a hardwired unit for $99.99, but it needs professional wiring and a subscription for full cloud features.

What really stands out is the 2K HDR video paired with a massive 2000‑lumens floodlight. The camera records at 2K HDR, which professional reviewers say delivers “twice the detail of standard 1080p,” and the bright floodlight covers a wide 160° field of view, making dark driveways and patios instantly visible. The device also includes two‑way audio with noise cancellation, an integrated siren, and AI‑powered motion detection that can differentiate people, vehicles, animals and packages.

In this ten‑camera roundup, the Arlo sits between the budget‑friendly Tapo C120 and the more feature‑dense Lorex 4K Bullet. It’s lighter than the Lorex unit (1.6 lb vs. 2.78 lb) but heavier than the Tapo C120, and its depth of 5.83 in is more compact than the Wyze Floodlight Camera v2. While it doesn’t offer the 4K resolution of Lorex, its 2K HDR and 160° view give it a clear advantage over the 150°‑wide Tapo and the narrower lenses of the other peers.

User sentiment highlights the floodlight’s brightness and the clarity of the 2K video as major wins. Reviewers frequently mention that the lights deter unwanted activity and that the color night vision lets them identify clothing and vehicle colors after dark. The main pain points are the hardwired power requirement—many users note that a licensed electrician is often needed—and the reliance on a subscription for the 60‑day video history and full cloud storage.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance — the Arlo Wired Floodlight Camera offers Field of View: 160 degrees

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget, cannot handle hardwired installation, or prefer a fully free cloud storage solution

TL;DR: The Ring Outdoor Cam Pro White delivers true 4K video with 10x enhanced zoom and a loud 85 dB siren, but its plug‑in design and $199.99 price make it a premium‑only choice.

Ring’s standout feature is the 4K (3840 × 2160) video at 24 fps paired with 10x enhanced zoom, letting you capture faces and license plates in crisp detail. The camera also offers a 140° horizontal and 85° vertical field of view, giving you a wide perspective without sacrificing clarity.

Compared with the other nine cameras in this roundup, the Ring sits at the higher end of the price spectrum and weighs 0.6077 lb (275.6 g). It’s lighter than the eufy E340, which tips the scales at over 3 lb, yet noticeably heavier than the budget‑friendly Tapo C120 that weighs just 0.22 lb. Its 17.8 ft cable gives more placement flexibility than the shorter cables on some competitors.

Everyday users repeatedly praise the camera’s “exceptional video clarity” and the ease of a 5‑10 minute setup via the Ring app. Professional reviewers note that the 3D radar‑powered motion detection reduces false alerts, while the built‑in siren at 85 dB adds a strong deterrent. On the downside, owners flag the mandatory plug‑in power source and the need for a minimum 15 Mbps upload speed as limiting factors for homes with slower internet.

The device runs on Wi‑Fi 6 (802.11ax/b/g/n) and supports dual‑band 2.4 GHz/5 GHz networks, ensuring a stable connection for the high‑resolution stream. It draws power from a 20 W adapter and can be mounted freestanding, on a wall, or from the ceiling, fitting a range of outdoor setups while tolerating temperatures from –20 °C to 48.5 °C.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance — the Ring Outdoor Cam Pro White offers Siren Volume: 85 dB

TL;DR: The Lorex 4K Bullet Black delivers 8MP HDR video and color night vision out to 98.43 ft, wrapped in an IP67 aluminum case, but its 15 fps 4K stream and wired‑only setup keep it in the premium niche.

What really sets this camera apart is its 4K (8MP) resolution paired with HDR and color night vision that reaches 98.43 ft (30 m). The F1.6 aperture and 2.8 mm lens capture detailed images even after dark, and the H.265 compression helps keep storage manageable.

Compared with the nine other cameras in this roundup, the Lorex is heavier than the Arlo Wired Floodlight (1.6 lb) and the Wyze Floodlight (≈2.76 lb), but lighter than the eufy E340 (≈3.04 lb). Its depth of 70 mm (2.76 in) is similar to the Kasa KC420WS (2.77 in) and deeper than the Tapo C120 (76 mm). While many peers list lower‑resolution sensors or omit resolution entirely, Lorex offers a true 4K sensor, and its IP67 rating gives it a weatherproof edge over models without a listed IP rating.

Users consistently praise the crystal‑clear video and the built‑in deterrence suite—flashing lights, a siren, and two‑way talk—saying the active alerts actually scare off intruders. Professional reviewers echo this, noting the robust aluminum alloy housing and the ability to operate from –22 °F to 140 °F. The main drawback highlighted by owners is the 15 fps limit at 4K, which can make fast motion look choppy, and the requirement for a separate NVR and PoE cabling, which adds installation complexity. Its discontinued status also raises concerns about long‑term support.

Technical extras include a max cable length of 300 ft, PoE power draw of 11 W (or 9.6 W on 12 V DC), and smart motion detection that distinguishes people, vehicles, animals, and packages. The built‑in microphone, speaker, and siren round out a comprehensive active‑deterrence package.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance — the Lorex 4K Bullet Black offers Night Vision Range: 98.43 ft (30 m).

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget, need a Wi‑Fi‑only camera, or require smoother high‑frame‑rate footage at 4K.