The 6 Best Places to Install Security Cameras Around Your Home

 Choosing the best home security camera for your needs isn't all you need to do when planning out a new setup -- installing those cameras means making sure that you're putting them in the best locations. Get it wrong and you'll have to deal with blurry footage or poor visibility, especially at night. The days might be getting longer as we move into spring, but more sunlight also means more glare -- something else you'll want to avoid. From blocking bright sunlight in the brighter months to capturing clear images on dark winter nights, well-considered camera placement ensures your security system performs well every season.

Fortunately, today's security cameras have wide fields of view and easy-angle mounts. But you still need to start with the right placement for the best results. After years of testing dozens of various home cams, we know exactly where to put them; follow these guidelines, and you won't have any trouble.      

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.

1. Exterior: Front door

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.

2. Exterior: Back and side doors

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.

3. Exterior: Garage and driveway

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.

4. Exterior: Wide yard views

Monitoring the yard will help you keep tabs on anyone scoping out your house. It's also handy for capturing the activities of kids, animals and trespassers. As with garages, look for cams that have a wide field of view to capture lots of action, at least 130 degrees and preferably more. If you have a yard entrance, like a fence gate or a shed doorway, make sure the camera can see it.

5. Interior: Common areas

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. If there's a key point of interest like a sofa, pet bed or living room play area, make sure the camera can see it.

6. Interior: Main stairway or hallway

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.