Wait, How Many Security Cameras Do I Need? Picking the right number of cameras isn’t always simple. With Arlo, it can be.

How many cameras should a house have? The short answer is simple: between two and six security cameras for the average person. Most people require between two and four outdoor security cameras and at least one indoor camera.

However, the exact number of security cameras you need will vary by property. As with a home security setup, the size of your home, the number of entry points, and the extent of your outdoor space will determine what you should “add to cart.”

Be sure to consider cost when evaluating which cameras fit into your ideal budget. While three exterior cameras could be sufficient for a small house, large-scale properties or businesses might require up to ten cameras for maximum coverage at a higher cost.

Whether you want to monitor your interior, exterior — or both — let’s explore how to find the ideal number of cameras for your home.

Not sure where to start? Here are 7 outdoor entry points to keep in mind.

The more space you have, the more home security cameras you’ll need. Large properties usually require more outdoor cameras to provide full coverage of expansive exterior spaces. If you’re on a budget, a single wireless device like the Ultra 2 with a wide-angle view may suffice.

Let’s walk through the four main areas every homeowner would monitor, and which will help you determine how many exterior cameras you need.

1. First, focus on your front door.

When it comes to where to put security cameras, start with your front door. Your front door — and surrounding front porch — is the main entry point and the prime target for package thieves. The key to preventing porch pirates from day one? Start with a doorbell camera like the Essential Wireless Video Doorbell.

2. Don’t forget about backdoors — and side doors, too.

Any door that allows entry from the outside would be within view of an exterior camera 24/7. Criminals don’t like drawing attention to themselves, so sneaking in through a less visible door will appeal to them. (Especially if you already have a doorbell camera installed and it’s clearly visible.) Install a camera (or two) with motion detection to cover more vulnerable areas that your existing doorbell camera doesn’t have access to.

3. Monitor your windows.

Ideally, each side of your home should have at least one camera to help avoid blind spots. Would-be intruders also tend to target ground-floor windows large enough for a person to fit through. Always make sure side doors, windows, and other entry points are within view of an outdoor and indoor security camera.

4. Set up the garage door.

If you’re anything like us, you store some heavy-duty valuables in your garage for safekeeping. Safeguard Dad’s favorite place in the house with both indoor and outdoor security cameras. An energy-efficient floodlight camera is the perfect garage gift for Dad to brighten and protect your space at the same time.

5. Cover backyard security, too.

How many outdoor security cameras do you need? In addition to securing your garage, be sure to cover all blind spots in your backyard. Regardless of the size of your front and backyard, installing a general exterior camera is essential to increase overall security. Invest in a security camera system with a wide-angle lens like the Pro 5 2K and install it in a secure location at an angle. Pro tip: Place HD-resolution cameras in opposite corners facing each other to eliminate blind spots.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Security: Don’t forget interior cameras, too.

In addition to at least one outdoor camera, we recommend investing in two or more indoor cameras depending on how many rooms you’d like to cover.

Do you have pets that tend to scratch at your sofa? Kids that you need to keep an eye on in the living room? Indoor cameras like the Arlo Essential Indoor can double as pet cameras to keep an eye on your furry friend.

Any room containing valuables should have at least one camera to give a clear view of the entire room. From main entry points in a hallway to your entryway, consider placing indoor cameras in the following areas:

• Monitor main hallways and corridors: The main hallway or corridor on every floor should have at least one camera to track the intruders’ movements from room to room.
• Be mindful of bedrooms: Keep in mind that individuals have a reasonable right to privacy. However, certain circumstances might require extra surveillance. You might want to consider a security camera in a bedroom with many valuables. Plus, an indoor camera with HD resolution can help you monitor an elderly family member, vulnerable toddler, or someone with a disability living under your roof.
• Keep an eye on the living room: Chances are your main family room contains some high tech items. Place a camera in an elevated corner angled downwards to protect your television, any valuable artwork, and more.