The new Motorola Razr Ultra 2026 is an excellent phone with one big problem: its price. With its retail tag of $1,499.99, the clamshell device is simply out of reach for many folks, which has led some to consider the last-gen Razr Ultra as a viable alternative.
Last year’s Ultra is just as good as the 2026 phone in many ways, after all, and thanks to a new deal from Amazon, you can get the unlocked Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) for as little as $699.99 today. That’s a full $800 cheaper than the 2026 Razr Ultra, which makes going last-gen seem like a no-brainer for as long as this deal is active. How do the two phones compare, and what are you sacrificing by going with the 2025 Razr Ultra? Let’s break it down.
Skip the 2026 Motorola Razr Ultra — last year’s model is $800 cheaper at Amazon today
✅Recommended if: you want a powerful clamshell smartphone and you don’t mind going last-gen; you prefer the simplicity of buying phones unlocked.
❌Skip this deal if: you want the latest in flip phone technology, and you don’t mind paying for it; you want to wait and see if the Motorola Razr Ultra (2026) gets discounted this summer.
Before I start comparing the two phones, it’s worth judging the Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) on its own merits. As far as overall bang for the buck is concerned, you can’t really do much better than last year’s Ultra. The clamshell device still impresses with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and 16GB of RAM, plus you get a titanium reinforced hinge, all-day battery life, and 512GB of battery life straight out of the box.
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
The 2026 version of the Razr Ultra upgrades the battery life and camera tech, but that’s pretty much it. There’s no new chip, the displays are largely identical, and you don’t get any added software support. They’re both great phones, to be sure, but unless you’re an avid Motorola enthusiast or money isn’t an object, there’s really no reason to go with the 2026 model over last year’s version.
That said, there is one more thing to consider. The fact that Motorola increased the price of the Ultra by $200 likely isn’t sitting well with consumers, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the company decided to discount the phone (and the rest of the 2026 Razr lineup, for that matter) during the upcoming summer sale season. Prime Day 2026 is just around the corner, after all, and you never know what Amazon discounts lay ahead.
Directions to make these garbage disposal fresheners:
Step 1: Combine the salt and baking soda in a bowl.
Step 2: Add the pure castile soap and essential oil.
Step 3: Add 1 Tablespoon of water at a time until it forms a small ball form, kinda of like damp sand. If you accidentally added too much water, just add a little more baking soda and salt.
Step 4: Use a tablespoon measurement spoon and pack the mixture into the spoon and set the balls onto parchment paper to dry.
Step 5: Let the garbage disposal scent balls/pods/bombs dry for 24 hours. One batch will make 36 DIY garbage disposal refreshers.
Step 6: Store them in a glass jar and use 1-3 refresher tabs to give your disposal for a fresh Lemon scent deodorizer.
Add 1 Tablespoon of water at a time until it forms a small ball form, kinda of like damp sand. If you accidentally added too much water, just add a little more baking soda and salt.
Use a tablespoon measurement spoon and pack the mixture into the spoon and set the balls onto parchment paper to dry.
Let them dry for 24 hours. One batch will make 36 DIY garbage disposal refreshers.
Store them in a glass jar and use 1-3 refresher tabs to give your disposal a fresh Lemon scent.
Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.
Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.
Currently, if you’re stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.
How to play Pips
If you’ve ever played dominoes, you’ll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we’ve shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don’t necessarily have to match.
The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.
Here are common examples you’ll run into across the difficulty levels:
Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.
Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.
Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.
Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.
Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.
If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.
Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 0-3, placed vertically.
Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 0-3, placed vertically; 2-5, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (15): Everything in this space must be greater than 15. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally; 6-4, placed vertically; 5-3, placed vertically.
Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 5-3, placed vertically.
Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 6-4, placed vertically; 4-0, placed horizontally.
Medium difficulty hints, answers for May 27 Pips
Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 4-6, placed horizontally; 2-6, placed horizontally.
Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 4-6, placed horizontally; 1-4, placed horizontally.
Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally; 1-4, placed horizontally.
Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally; 3-0, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (0): Everything in this space must be greater than 0. The answer is 1-2, placed horizontally.
Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 1-2, placed horizontally; 4-0, placed horizontally.
Hard difficulty hints, answers for May 27 Pips
Number (4): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally.
Mashable Top Stories
Number (4): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally.
Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally.
Number (4): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 4. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally.
Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed horizontally.
Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed horizontally.
Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically.
Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 5-0, placed horizontally.
Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 5-0, placed horizontally.
Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-4, placed vertically.
Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 6-4, placed vertically.
Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 3-1, placed vertically.
Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically.
Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally.
Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally.
Number (4): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 4. The answer is 2-4, placed vertically.
Number (4): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 4. The answer is 6-4, placed vertically.
Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 3-1, placed vertically.
Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically.
Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-0, placed vertically.
Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-4, placed horizontally.
Number (4): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 4. The answer is 1-4, placed horizontally.
Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 6-2, placed horizontally.
Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 2-0, placed vertically.
Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-0, placed horizontally.
Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 1-0, placed horizontally.
Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally.
Earn the Number. 007 First Light is a thrilling espionage action-adventure game from IO Interactive. Follow JamesBond as a young, resourceful and sometimes reckless recruit in MI6’s training programme, and discover an origin story of the world’s most famous spy.
After a heroic act, young Naval air crewman James Bond is offered to join the newly revived Double 0 program. But when a mission to stop a rogue agent ends in tragedy, he must join forces with his reluctant mentor Greenway to expose a deep conspiracy and stop a looming coup at the heart of the State.
BECOME 007 Discover a new standalone, re-imagined James Bond origin story, and the events that lead an audacious young hero to become the best MI6 agent. Paralives
SPYING, YOUR WAY Go silent or go loud. Whether fighting with fists or firepower, using gadgets to infiltrate, or bluffing your way past guards, the approach is entirely up to you.
WELCOME TO MI6 Test your skills and replay your favorite missions with additional modifiers, for endless espionage fun!
Features and System Requirements:
Step into the role of a young James Bond on his early missions
Story-driven action with stealth, espionage, and cinematic set pieces
Use gadgets, weapons, and tactics to complete objectives
Explore global locations with varied missions and challenges
Choices and actions influence outcomes and mission paths
Screenshots
SystemRequirements
Minimum
OS: MICROSOFT WINDOWS 10/11, 64-BIT
Processor: INTEL CORE i5 9500, AMD RYZEN 5 3500
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GFORCE GTX 1660, AMD RX 5700, INTEL DISCRETE GPU EQUIVALENT
Storage: 80 GB available space
Support the game developers by purchasing the game on Steam
InstallationGuide
TurnOff Your Antivirus Before Installing Any Game
1 :: Download Game 2 :: Extract Game 3 :: Launch The Game 4 :: Have Fun 🙂
We’re less than halfway through 2026, but it’s already been a killer year for shooters. Pragmata’s hack-and-shoot twist is an inventive spin on the formula, Marathonis a killer extraction shooter once you get the taste for it, Mouse: P.I. for Hire is a cartoon delight on the indie side, and Sarosdelivers a fast-paced bullet hell spectacle on par with 2021’s excellent Returnal. Now you can add another great game to that growing list: Luna Abyss.
Developed by Kwalee Labs and out now for PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X (also available via Game Pass), Luna Abyssis a first-person shooter that mashes Returnal, Doom, and Metroid Prime together into one heart-pumping action game. Its snappy shooting and clever platforming elevate a refreshingly compact indie into one of the year’s most exciting shooters. Though it’s not as extravagant as Saros or as innovative as Pragmata, Luna Abyss gives its bigger genre peers a run for their money.
You play as a prisoner trapped in an ominous megastructure on a moon. To help cut down your decades-long sentence, the jail’s robotic warden tasks you with retrieving some lost tech buried beneath the prison’s seemingly endless mess of tubes and deteriorating steel. It’s an easy enough task, except for the fact that the prison is crawling with monsters. Though the story is too heavy on mumbo-jumbo lore, it’s cryptic enough to pull you deeper into a grim six-hour adventure full of blinding red lights that give Luna Abyss a stellar atmosphere.
Those eerie environments create the perfect arenas for Luna Abyss’ Doom-like shootouts. Early on, I only had a scout rifle that dinged dreg-like freaks with sharp shots. Later, I got your typical shotgun and long-range rifle, though both are capable of breaking different colored shields. Though the shooting is a little on the shallow side, every weapon packs a punch and there’s a great flow to juggling your arsenal to bust shields and follow up for maximum damage. That basic premise deepens with each new power, adding in explosive finishers and bubble shields that give just enough to play with every time it feels like you’ve hit the bottom of what Luna Abyss has to offer.
The twist here is that you don’t actually have to aim at monsters to hit them; there’s a lock-on system pulled straight out of Metroid Prime. That means that you can focus more on your movement during a fight as you strafe around enemies and pepper them with shots, minding not to temporarily overheat your weapon in the process. That idea is paired with the fact that, like Saros, enemies shoot out waves of colored orbs that you need to dance around to survive. Boss fights can get especially tense once you’re circling around an evil sphere that floods the screen with lasers and orbs. Lock-on keeps it manageable, but you still need to know how to skate around with grace.
Image: Kwalee Labs
That idea extends to Luna Abyss’ platforming, another area where it takes some clear inspiration from the Metroid Prime series. At first, it’s just a matter of hopping around some metal platforms. Within the first two hours, though, it gradually introduces new tricks at a steady pace. Soon you’ll learn how to air dash through pink gates and possess machines that you can fling off. Every new power you gain naturally builds on the rest of your arsenal, getting you to that sweet flow state where you’re chaining double jumps into air dashes into machine possessions. It’s as fast and fluid as Ghostrunner — which set the standard for fast-paced first-person platforming back in 2020 —but with Metroid Prime’s approachable design sensibilities.
There’s a lot to like here, but my favorite thing about Luna Abyss is that it’s always hyper-confident in itself. It’s not ashamed of being a feel-good-and-look-cool shooter where you blast aliens. And why should it be? That experience is core to the genre’s DNA. Blasting aliens apart in satisfying ways is a foundational piece of gaming that goes back as far as Space Invaders. A shooter like this is the video game version of a still-life painting; it’s a classical bit of game design that all innovations spring from. Luna Abyss embraces that by throwing you into a big, dumb tone piece where the monsters explode like piñatas. There’s some heady sci-fi if you want something deeper to chew on, and the twisted megastructure levels create a sublime maze that’s built to be marveled at, but nothing beats the primitive joy of blasting a little monster and feeling the feedback of your oversized weapon in your hand. That’s formalist art in motion.
Running a home-based or small business means wearing a lot of hats. Marketing, operations, customer service, sales; it often falls on one or two people to keep all of it moving. And when outbound business calls are part of that mix, there’s an invisible problem that can quietly undercut everything: your phone number may be labeled as spam before anyone even picks up.
What a Spam Flag Actually Is
When your business places a call, the recipient sees your phone number, and depending on their carrier and device, additional information like your business name. In some cases, the call may also display a warning label such as “Spam Risk,” “Scam Likely,” or “Potential Spam.”
Those labels are generated by analytics engines, powered by algorithms, that evaluate calling behavior and patterns, including call volume, call duration, answer rates, and consumer complaints. The algorithms are designed to protect people from robocalls, fraud, and spam. When the carriers make the right call, everyone wins. But sometimes legitimate businesses playing by the rules get caught in the crossfire.
Once a number is flagged, answer rates drop sharply. According to FCC data, consumers are 18% likely to answer an unidentified call. That drops to 9% when a spam or scam warning is displayed.
The Real Cost of a Flagged Number for Business Calls
For a home-based business where every lead and customer interaction counts, a flagged number quickly becomes much more than just a source of frustration. It becomes a source of damaged reputation, lost opportunity, and lost revenue.
A solo real estate agent we worked with noticed his answer rates had dropped significantly during what should have been a busy season. He’d been working his usual contact list, following up with leads who’d shown interest over the past few months, and getting almost nothing back. It turned out that his number had been mislabeled as spam. Once we identified it and worked with the carrier to have it removed, his pipeline started moving again.
You don’t have to make a ton of business calls to be impacted by false flags. A home-based consultant who misses five calls a week due to a spam flag is losing opportunities that may never come back.
Why Buying a New Number Makes Things Worse
For many business owners dealing with a flagged number, their first instinct is to replace it. On the surface, it seems sensible. Numbers are affordable. If one gets flagged, the easy fix is to simply get a new one. Or so the theory goes. While this may have worked in the past, in today’s call ecosystem, it typically backfires.
Carrier systems can connect the dots across related numbers from the same calling party based on shared fingerprints, such as the originating carrier (OCN), call path metadata, STIR/SHAKEN attestation, and other calling behaviors and patterns. Trying to outsmart an algorithm is a losing game. It’s also not a very good long-term strategy for a business owner.
Besides, the idea that a new number is fresh or clean is a myth. Carriers distrust new numbers without a call history by default, particularly when call volume is high from the start.
The result is a cycle that costs time, money, and reputation without ever fixing anything.
How To Actually Fix Your Spam Flag for Business Calls
When business calls are mislabeled as spam, you can resolve them and have the flags removed, but doing so requires a few key steps. The first is knowing what your numbers look like across carrier networks, since flags vary by carrier. The next is disputing the flags with the impacted carriers when they appear.
You can also take steps to reduce your risk by registering your number with the FreeCallerRegistry, maintaining good list hygiene, and engaging in responsible outreach practices.
Purpose-built dialing software can help by handling the registration process for you, and placing calls in ways that support a healthy number reputation. PhoneBurner’s power dialer is a great example that also uses Tier 1 carrier networks to improve call deliverability and trust signals.
Built-in ARMOR® call protection provides continuous number monitoring and works directly with carriers to dispute and remove false flags on your behalf. The service also surfaces call pattern analytics that can help identify issues and optimize call performance.
For businesses that want to check their current standing, ARMOR’s free Spam Flag Checker shows how your numbers appear across major carrier networks and on real devices. It takes a few minutes and gives you a real-time picture of what prospects see when you call.
The Practical Starting Point
If your answer rates are down for business calls and you don’t know why, number reputation is worth checking before anything else. It’s one of the most common causes of declining call performance, and one of the most overlooked.
Catching it is a start. Staying ahead of it requires ongoing visibility across carriers and expert remediation when flags appear. The businesses that invest in that tend to dial with more confidence, higher answer rates, and better results.
Some security cameras support local storage, enabling you to record videos on the camera or a linked hub. A few hubs have built-in storage, and some provide slots for hard drives, but most rely on microSD cards. This is a quick guide on what to look for (plus some recommendations).
The microSD card you choose should have fast read and write speeds so you can record high-quality video and play it back without delay. I recommend going for Class 10 microSD cards rated as U1 or U3. You can dive deeper into what that means in our SD card explainer. Before you buy, check the card type, format, and maximum supported card size for your security camera. Consider how many hours of video each card capacity can store. For example, you might get a couple of days of HD video on a 32-GB card. If you want to record continuously, you likely want a higher-capacity card.
Courtesy of Samsung
I recommend formatting the card as soon as you insert it into the camera. You will usually be prompted to do this, but if not, there is generally an option in the settings. Just remember, formatting will wipe anything on the microSD card, so back up the contents first.
Some security camera manufacturers offer their own branded microSD cards. They work just fine, but for maximum reliability, I’d suggest one of the following options. Remember to always check the specs. Even different sizes of cards in the same range often have different capabilities.
Note: Memory card prices have gone crazy due to the AI chip shortage, so you may want to wait or shop around, as some of these cards are four times the usual price.
Other Good Outdoor Security Cameras I’ve Tested
I’ve tested several other outdoor security cameras. These are the ones I like, but they just missed out on a place above. Some of our indoor camera picks can also be used outdoors.
Photograph: Simon Hill
Eufy Eufycam C37 for $90: If you want a pan-and-tilt camera but find the EufyCam S4 too pricey, the C37 is worth considering. The 2K footage is clear, it can pan through 360 degrees, the automatic subject tracking works well, and you can record locally with a microSD card (sold separately) or hook it up to Eufy’s HomeBase Mini or HomeBase 3. You also get reasonably accurate onboard AI that can identify people, vehicles, and pets. The detachable solar panel is a welcome inclusion and keeps the battery topped off. On the downside, it took me several attempts to update the firmware (connectivity is 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi), my test unit had trouble staying connected, and it sometimes refused to load the live feed. It worked far more reliably when connected to the HomeBase 3.
Baseus Security X1 Pro Outdoor Dual Camera for $150: With dual 3K lenses and the ability to pan through 300 degrees, this feature-packed camera looks interesting. It can record locally on a microSD card, has a sun-tracking solar panel (which is a bit gimmicky), onboard AI detection, and supports patrolling and automatic subject tracking. But it sometimes failed to detect motion events in my tests, randomly lost connectivity a couple of times, and frequently took a while to load the live feed.
Wyze Window Cam for $35: If you can’t fit a camera on your exterior for some reason, this could be a handy option because it sticks directly to the inside of your window. You must run the 10-foot power cord to an outlet, which doesn’t look pretty, but it will afford you a decent view with minimal glare, though it’s only 1080p and can’t compete with the cameras above on picture quality. It’s quick and easy to set up, and you can record locally on a microSD card, but you can’t really angle it, so you need a good spot to make it worthwhile.
TP-Link Tapo C675D for $230: I’m a little disappointed by TP-Link’s newer Tapo cameras, and the C675D is no exception. On paper, a dual-lens 4K camera with automatic subject tracking and zoom, local recording, and a solar panel sounds great at this price, but real-life performance was underwhelming. The frame rate is only 15, so the footage is often blurry. It also lacks HDR, and I experienced intermittent connectivity issues. I’d rather have 2K with a higher frame rate and HDR. Sure, you can zoom in and read a distant license plate, if that’s important to you, but moving subjects are not as clear, and the camera is so slow it sometimes misses the action. I don’t mind cloud storage and advanced AI being subscription-only, but I’m annoyed that TP-Link paywalls snapshot notifications and smart filters. All that said, there’s some impressive hardware here at a lower price than competitors, and it could work well in the right spot (shaded under eaves at a corner).
Photograph: Simon Hill
Reolink Altas PT Ultra for $220: This battery-powered camera supports continuous recording in up to 4K resolution. It can pan 355 degrees and tilt 90 degrees, supports Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 or 5 GHz), and has a versatile L-shaped bracket for installation on a wall or roof. It is bulkier than your average security camera because of the whopping 20,000-mAh battery. The optional solar panel will keep it topped up if you live somewhere sunny enough. You can record locally to a microSD card, Reolink Home Hub, or opt for cloud storage starting from $3.50 per month. The continuous recording captures low-frame-rate footage (5 fps by default, but you can select 1, 2, or 10), and the camera kicks up to its full frame rate when motion is detected, but it only maxes out at 15 fps, so it’s often blurry. The 10 prerecorded seconds on each clip can be handy, and the footage is generally decent, though the camera could benefit from HDR to prevent bright areas from blowing out. The color night vision is good if there’s at least a little light, and there’s a spotlight if you prefer. The two-way audio can be a little laggy, but the live stream usually loads quickly, and the camera sends accurate alerts. It can recognize people, vehicles, and animals and automatically track them before returning to its starting position.
Arlo Go 2 (Battery) for $200: If you need a security camera in an area with patchy or no Wi-Fi, go with the Arlo Go 2. It boasts 4G LTE support, and in the US, you can get service from T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, Cellcom, or UScellular. You can take it camping, use it with your RV, or install it in another remote spot you want to keep an eye on. Video quality is solid but limited to 1080p to keep the data requirements under control. There’s also two-way audio, a siren, a spotlight for color night vision, and optional local storage with a microSD card (sold separately). The camera is IP65-rated and completely wireless, with a hefty battery inside (mine was at 39 percent after two months). If you’re worried about charging it, you can buy a solar panel ($60) accessory. It employs the same excellent app as my top pick, with smart alerts and rich notifications, so you can filter for people, animals, vehicles, and packages. Alerts are swift and accurate in my testing, but your mileage will vary based on local signal strength. You will need an Arlo Secure plan, which can get expensive. Video recorded on the microSD card cannot be accessed remotely; it’s more of a backup that you can check later if required. One thing that elevates this camera over many other LTE cameras is that it supports Wi-Fi and automatically connects where it’s available, which is ideal for RV owners.
Photograph: Simon Hill
Eufy S4 Max for $1,500: Eufy’s high-end NVR (network video recorder) package is an impressively versatile home security system that keeps everything local, but it’s overkill for the average home (it puts Tony Montana’s setup to shame). This pricey kit includes an NVR with 2 TB of storage (expandable to 16 TB and 16 channels) and four of its clever new pan/tilt, triple-lens S4 cameras that connect via Ethernet cable (each one requires two channels). As an 8-port PoE system, a single cable transfers data and delivers power, but you must run separate cables to each camera. The camera is an enhanced version of our pan/tilt pick above, adding a fixed 4K camera with a 122-degree field of view above dual 2K pan/tilt lenses that can track subjects and zoom up to 8X. The onboard AI is solid, offering accurate subject detection and tracking across your cameras, though the face recognition sometimes gets it wrong. Handily, you can search footage with keywords, and it’s all handled locally. You can reduce the price by mixing and matching different camera types, and add-on cameras are available.
Arlo Essential Pan Tilt Security Camera for $60: Surprisingly affordable, this camera is easy to recommend for anyone with an Arlo system. It can pan through 360 degrees and tilt close to 180 degrees, serves up clear 2K footage, and benefits from Arlo’s smart detection and reliable alerts, though you do need a subscription to make it worth buying. At $10 per month for a single camera, it’s very expensive, though it makes more sense if you have multiple cameras since $20 a month covers unlimited devices (you can bring those prices down to $8 a month and $18 a month if you pay annually). The motion tracking is good, but I worry a little about the longevity, and this camera doesn’t have an IP rating (it’s just described as weather-resistant).
Blink Mini Arc for $100: The Blink Arc is a smart bit of innovation in the form of a plastic mount that holds two Blink Mini 2K+ or Mini 2 cameras and stitches the footage together in the software to give you a 180-degree view that’s perfect for covering a complete side of your house. On the downside, you must plug the cameras in, which means running a power cable, and you must subscribe to Blink Plus ($12 per month or $120 a year) to get the panoramic stitched together view. If you already have the Mini 2K+ cameras, you can just buy the mount ($20). Either way, you’ll need the Blink Weather-Resistant Power Adapter ($10) to use this outdoors. If you’re already invested in Blink, this could be worthwhile, but if you just want a 180-degree camera, the Reolink Argus 4 Pro recommended above is a better bet for most folks.
Eufy C35 2-Cam Kit for $200: For folks with modest needs, this is a very affordable kit that sets you up with two cameras and a local hub with 8 GB of storage (expandable to 1 TB). The cameras are compact, with a lovely magnetic mount that makes installation a breeze, but the resolution is just 1080p, the frame rate is 15 fps, and there’s no HDR, so footage can be a bit blurry or overexposed at times. Eufy’s app is solid and feature-rich without the need for a subscription. Watch out for frequent discounts that make this kit a real bargain.
Google Nest Cam (Battery, Outdoor) for $180: If you can’t run a power cable, this battery-powered camera is easy enough for renters to install, with a proprietary magnetic mount to customize the angle. The 130-degree field of view encompassed my driveway, front door, and most of my front yard. It captures sharp 1080p video with HDR and night vision, and it has a clear speaker and microphone. The alerts are seamless, and the motion detector was accurate and sensitive enough to tell that the slight whisk of a passing ponytail was a person. You should also consider the Nest Cam with Floodlight. WIRED editor Julian Chokkattu has been using it for more than two years with no problems. While it’s the same battery-powered camera, it needs to be hardwired to power the lights (and keep the battery running). Just like the Nest Cam above, you need a Google Home Premium subscription, from $10 per month, to unlock smart features and cloud storage (you only get three hours of video history without a subscription).
Photograph: Simon Hill
TP-Link Tapo C660 for $170: I was excited to try TP-Link’s line of Tapo cameras, and the C660 immediately jumped out with some compelling features. Offering 4K footage, 360-degree pan and 90-degree tilt, a 10,000-mAh battery, a sizable solar panel, and local storage on a microSD card, the C660 is a solid choice for hard-to-reach areas. To sweeten the deal, it has on-device AI detection and dual-band Wi-Fi support, and it can record continuously at 1 fps (you can up the capture interval to every 5, 10, 20, 30, or 60 seconds). Sadly, I found the tracking was flaky, moving subjects at night often appeared blurry (the frame rate is 15 to 20 fps), and the sound was tinny and echoey. The camera has to be mounted quite high, as it’s angled down, and I have concerns about continuous recording and battery life in the winter. It handled a router change without issue, staying connected, and despite a few false positives, the AI detection works well, and the app loads swiftly. For some folks, it may be a better option than our pan/tilt recommendations above.
TP-Link Tapo HybridCam Duo C246D for $70: Undeniably great value, this dual-lens pan-and-tilt camera from TP-Link is worth a look. The versatile design allows for indoor or outdoor use, and you can sit the camera on a table or shelf or mount it the other way round using the supplied bracket. The only complication for outdoor use is the need to run the USB-C power cable to an outlet. There’s a 2K fixed lens with a 130-degree field of view and a second 2K telephoto lens that can pan 360 degrees and tilt 135 degrees. You can insert a microSD card if you want to record locally, and there’s on-device AI detection that works pretty well (I did get the odd false positive). The automatic tracking is quite good but not perfect, especially at night. Fast-moving subjects can appear blurry, and the frame rate maxes out at 15 fps.
TP-Link Tapo C325WB for $70: Our hardwired camera pick for a long time, the C325WB boasts a large aperture and image sensor that enables color nighttime footage without a spotlight, making it ideal for dark corridors and side passages. It also has a motion-triggered spotlight. You can filter for people, pets, or vehicles, and set up private zones in the Tapo app. This camera is weatherproof with an IP66 rating and can take up to 512 GB microSD cards for local recordings. By default, the camera mostly records at 720p, so you need to dig into the settings to push the resolution to 2K and turn on HDR, or you can expect choppy, overexposed video. I also had to reduce the motion-detection sensitivity to prevent false positives, and the onboard AI is flaky, frequently identifying my cat as a person. While the feed was mostly quick to load in the Tapo app, it was sometimes slow or failed to load on my Nest Hub. There’s an Ethernet port here, too, but sadly, no PoE (power over Ethernet) support. Cloud storage is an option with Tapo Care (from $3.50 monthly for a single camera).
Photograph: Simon Hill
Swann MaxRanger 4K 2-Camera Kit for $462: This kit was very easy to set up, as the cameras come paired with the hub, so you just need to plug the hub into your router. The 4K video is crisp and clear with vibrant colors, and the cameras worked well day or night. The main selling point is range, and I was able to put a camera at the bottom of my garden, which is too far away for most security cameras to work well. I also love that you can see multiple feeds simultaneously in the app, and the hub has a backup battery, just in case the power goes out. But the solar panels on top of these cameras don’t seem to work well, and one of the cameras drained quite quickly, even with ample sunlight. I also had to turn off and reconnect the system after changing my router, despite having the same network name and details. While it was generally quick, the feed sometimes took a while and, on one occasion, completely refused to load, so I have concerns about consistency.
Imilab EC6 Panorama for $170: This interesting camera combines a 180-degree view created by stitching two lenses together, like the Reolink Argus 4 Pro above, with pan (344 degrees) and tilt (90 degrees) functionality to give an expansive view that might usually require multiple cameras. It’s large and designed to sit under your eaves, but you will also have to run a power cable, as there’s no battery. You get decent 3.5K quality footage and infrared night vision. It works with Xiaomi’s Home app, and you can record locally on a microSD card. There is on-device AI detection for people and vehicles, and the camera can automatically track subjects, though it doesn’t always work well, especially at night. Daytime footage is also much better than nighttime, even with the spotlight to enable color capture.
Eufy Security Solar Wall Light Cam S120 for $100: In the right spot, this weather-resistant security camera and motion-activated light from Eufy is an excellent set-and-forget device. It records 2K video on 8 GB of built-in storage, has a 300-lumen, motion-activated light, and a solar panel to keep it charged up (it needs two hours of sunlight a day to stay charged). The camera is not Eufy’s best, as it’s limited to a 120-degree field of view, it doesn’t have HDR, and the frame rate is only 15 fps. The footage is reasonably crisp when you set the resolution to 2K, and alerts come through reliably and swiftly. You can also set privacy and activity zones in the app, set detection to human-only, and tweak how the light works. The S120 has an alarm built in, offers reasonable two-way audio (though only one way at a time), and has night vision. The S120 is a little slower to load than the other Eufy cameras I recommend here, and it sometimes misses the beginning, starting the video with subjects already halfway across the frame. But as a one-off purchase, with no need for a subscription, it will suit some folks.
Philips Hue Secure Camera for $99: Homes kitted out with Philips Hue smart lights may find the company’s security camera range interesting. The Philips Hue Secure Wired Camera (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is quick and easy to add to the Hue app, offers crisp 1080p video, and is weatherproof, with an IP65 rating. It offers a fairly expansive 140-degree field of view, two-way audio, and a siren, and is quick to send motion alerts. The live feed loads swiftly in the Hue app. You now get 24 hours of video history included, but you must subscribe for $4 per month ($40/year) for a single camera to get 30 days of cloud storage and unlock smart detection features. You can set up privacy and activity zones, and filter by person, animal, vehicle, and package. The AI performed well for me, and all video is end-to-end encrypted (there’s no local storage option). If you have a Hue Bridge, you can have the cameras trigger your indoor or outdoor lighting. The Battery camera drained by only 12 percent in the first two weeks (on course for between three and four months), but then it seemed to die overnight. I have since recharged (which took more than eight hours), and it seems to be working normally. Ultimately, the wired camera works better, but both are unreliable when it comes to alerts, sometimes missing events that other cameras caught, so they’re only worth considering for Hue fans. Philips Hue has also announced a new 2K range, but we haven’t tested them yet.
Photograph: Simon Hill
Baseus S2 4K for $80: This camera has two lenses (a regular wide-angle and a telephoto for close-ups), which is an interesting idea but requires careful placement. The footage is good at up to 4K but only 15 fps, and there’s no color night vision without the spotlight. It records locally to a microSD card (up to 512 GB). The cameras can’t move, but the solar panel on top can rotate to catch more rays. While mine stayed topped up, this feels a bit gimmicky. There is human and vehicle detection, but I got several false positives (cats flagged as humans), and it sometimes alerted me, but failed to record video clips. The two-way audio is good. While this system doesn’t match the EufyCam S3 Pro above, it is cheaper.
Reolink Duo 3 PoE for $200 or Duo 3 Wi-Fi for $220: Most folks seeking a dual-lens camera that stitches together for a 180-degree view should opt for the Reolink Argus 4 Pro listed above, but if you can run an Ethernet or power cable, you could save some money with the Duo 3. It also offers a higher resolution than the Argus, but it only has color night vision with a spotlight. The Wi-Fi version only needs a power cable, but annoyingly, you do have to plug in via Ethernet during the initial setup. Both versions work well and use the same app as the Reolink cameras above.
Annke NightChroma NCD800 for $280: Probably best suited for a small business, this PoE dual-lens camera offers clear 4K footage and color night vision. It stitches the two images to give you a complete 180-degree view. There is built-in AI human and vehicle detection, and Annke claims it can learn to disregard waving branches, raindrops, and other false positives. There’s a spotlight that can strobe along with the siren sounding to scare intruders away, decent two-way audio, and local recording via NVR, NAS, or microSD card. Setup is tricky, and you need to run an Ethernet cable to the camera as there’s no battery or Wi-Fi.
Logitech Circle View for $160: There are some big caveats to this camera, including the permanently attached 10-foot power cord that’s not weatherproof, the need for a HomeKit hub, such as HomePod Mini or Apple TV, and zero compatibility with Android. If none of that fazes you, then it’s a solid outdoor camera for privacy-minded folks. It doesn’t have a separate app of its own; you add it directly in Apple’s Home app by scanning a QR code. It captures Full HD video and boasts an extremely wide 180-degree field of view, though there’s a bit of a fish-eye effect here. (The lack of HDR also means areas are sometimes too dark or blown out.) There’s motion detection, two-way audio, and decent night vision, and you can ask Siri to display the live feed, which loads quickly.
Annke C800 for $90: This is a solid PoE (Power-over-Ethernet) camera that supports the Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) and Open Network Video Interface Forum (ONVIF), making it a good choice for folks with a network video recorder (NVR), though it also has a microSD card (up to 512 GB) slot for local recording. The footage is crisp at up to 4K with a 123-degree field of view, and there’s color night vision, with black-and-white and a spotlight as backups. Installation may be tricky as you must run an Ethernet cable, but that means no worries about power and no Wi-Fi woes. I tested the turret version, but this camera also comes in a dome or bullet shape. The motion detection is quite good, with minimal false positives, and the camera recognizes humans and vehicles reasonably accurately. Annke’s software is a bit clunky, though.
Photograph: Simon Hill
Safemo Set P1 (2-Pack) for $250: I love the idea of a simple kit like this, where you just plug the hub in, connect it to your router, and install the pre-paired cameras. Each has an optional solar panel to keep the battery charged. The Safemo app is well-designed, video goes up to 4K, and this entirely local system boasts 32 GB of storage (expandable up to 4 TB). It even has locally processed person, vehicle, pet, and package detection. The person detection was mostly accurate (it occasionally flagged my cat), and the vehicle detection flagged my robot lawnmower (close enough) and an inflatable donut that blew across the backyard, but false positives were rare. What prevents me from wholeheartedly recommending this impressive debut is the lack of 2FA (Safemo says it is coming) and connectivity issues, where one of the cameras would occasionally disconnect from the hub and be inaccessible in the app. This always righted itself without me moving anything, but worryingly, it happened a few times. If you plan to up the resolution to 4K from the default SD, you will need fast internet, especially to view the live feed, which I found was choppy and pixelated at 4K, though recorded videos were sharp and detailed.
Imilab EC6 Dual 2K WiFi Plug-in Spotlight Camera for $140: With dual 2K lenses, this security camera can cover a fixed spot and simultaneously track a subject. The bottom camera offers pan/tilt controls. It works via the Xiaomi Home app, making it an easier sell if you already have a Xiaomi phone or other gadgets from the Chinese brand. You can insert a microSD card for local storage or subscribe to cloud storage. The person detection and tracking worked well in my tests. The video was mostly crisp, but movement was sometimes a bit jerky, and fast-moving subjects can get blurry. It does have WDR, but could use HDR to prevent bright areas from blowing out.
Reolink Go PT Ultra for $230: If you need a wireless security camera that can connect to cellular 3G or 4G LTE networks, you could do worse than this offering from Reolink. It’s a pan-and-tilt camera that can record up to 4K video on a local microSD card (sold separately), or you can subscribe for cloud storage. It has a wee spotlight and decent color night vision, and it comes with a solar panel to keep the battery topped up. The detection is reliable, but it doesn’t always categorize subjects correctly. Loading time and lag will depend on the strength of the signal. Just make sure you check carrier compatibility and get a SIM card before you buy.
Swann AllSecure650 4 Camera Kit for $700: This kit includes four wireless, battery-powered cameras and a network video recorder (NVR) that can plug into a TV or monitor via HDMI. The cameras can record up to 2K, and footage is crisp and detailed enough to zoom in on, though there is a mild fish-eye effect. The night vision is reasonably good, but the two-way audio lags and sounds distorted. I like the option to view all camera feeds simultaneously, the backup battery in the NVR makes it a cinch to swap batteries when a camera is running low, and everything is local with no need for a subscription. Unfortunately, the mobile app is poor, camera feeds sometimes take several seconds to load, and there doesn’t seem to be any 2FA. The NVR interface is also clunky to navigate with the provided mouse.
Wyze Cam Outdoor V2 for $90: This was our budget camera pick, offering 1080p with a 110-degree field of view. It comes with a base station that takes a microSD card (not included) for local video recording. If you prefer the cloud, you can pay $24 per year for unlimited video length and no cooldowns, along with other perks like person detection. The stated battery life is between three and six months, but mine needed a charge before it reached three. This camera model was not one of those affected by the security flaw that Wyze failed to fix or report to customers for three years, but repeated security breaches from Wyze, exposing thousands of camera feeds to other customers, may still give you pause. We have started testing Wyze cameras again after the firm beefed up its security policies.
I have also tested the Wyze Cam OG ($30) and Wyze Cam OG Telephoto ($40), an interesting pair of affordable cameras that work well together. The OG gives you a 120-degree wide view and sports a spotlight, and the OG Telephoto has a 3X optical zoom. For example, you might have the OG cover your backyard and use the Telephoto to focus on the gate area, and you can set up a picture-in-picture view in the Wyze app. Both are IP65-rated, but if you want to use an outdoor socket, you have to buy the Wyze Outdoor Power Adapter ($16).
Don’t Buy These Security Cameras
I didn’t like every camera I tested. These are the ones to avoid.
Photograph: Simon Hill
Night Owl Solar Wi-Fi Battery Camera: Offering decent 2K video, a built-in solar panel to keep the battery topped up, and local storage on a microSD card or Night Owl hub (sold separately), this seems compelling for the price. Sadly, the app is a mess, and I ran into a weird issue immediately with account creation, where I got stuck in a loop of “Account doesn’t exist,” but it wouldn’t let me sign up with another email because my phone number had been used. I got around it with fresh details, but then the camera disconnected when I changed my router (same details) without any warning, and refused to reconnect until I reset it.
Photograph: Simon Hill
Vosker VKX: Sometimes you need a security camera in a location without Wi-Fi, so something like the Vosker VKX with 4G LTE connectivity could be handy. With a durable design, including a built-in solar panel, my first impression was good. The camera provided regular snapshots of my chosen test area at the far end of my backyard. You can schedule the camera, and it has a built-in deterrent light, but there is no subject recognition, so any motion will trigger it (you can tweak the sensitivity). The still images looked fine, but the video was choppy, with bright areas completely blown out. Sadly, you have to change modes to record video, and my video tests failed with no explanation around half the time. You cannot stream live video from this camera, and it requires an expensive plan (starting from $10 per month). The basic plan limits you to 500 alerts and just 10 downloads. You need to upgrade to Elite at $20 a month for unlimited alerts and 40 downloads. It seems like a terrible deal when any motion can trigger an alert.
Baseus N1 2K HD 2-Cam Kit: This kit from Baseus includes two security cameras and a base station with 16 GB of storage (expandable to 16 TB) for local recordings (no cloud option). The camera was easy to set up and sent alerts for most motion events, but the human detection was inaccurate, sometimes erroneously suggesting a human and sometimes ignoring actual people. The app is relatively barebones, and there is no 2FA. Although it does record up to 2K footage, the relatively low frame rate (15 fps) and lack of HDR can make for blurry, blown-out video. Tapping on notifications annoyingly does not load the video clip or the live view, making it slow to use. Baseus is new to security cameras, and it shows.
Noorio Spotlight Cam B210: This orb-shaped wireless security camera comes with a magnetic mount for easy positioning. The 2K video is reasonably sharp, but I found that bright sun completely blew out areas of the footage. The 16 GB of built-in storage is welcome, but I had some connection issues where the camera went offline without alerting me, and recorded clips sometimes refused to play back. I also tested the similar, cheaper B200 ($70), which maxes out at 1080p and has 8 GB of storage, and the more expensive Noorio Floodlight Cam B310 ($110), which adds a 600-lumen floodlight, but both cameras had the same connectivity issues.
Winees L1: This is an affordable outdoor security camera that comes with a solar panel, can record up to 2K video, and has 8 GB of storage onboard. There’s no need for a subscription, and it’s a pretty complete package. You even get on-board human, pet, and vehicle detection, though I found it a bit flaky. Unfortunately, this camera was often slow to start recording, so clips began with the subject halfway through the frame. The AiDot app that you use with this camera is also quite confusing, as it is designed to control a host of smart home devices.
Encalife Outdoor Wi-Fi Security Camera: This affordable tethered camera must be plugged into an outlet. It connects via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable, offers reasonably clear 1080p footage, and has pan, tilt, and zoom capabilities. You can record locally on a microSD card (sold separately) or sign up for cloud storage, but the iCSee app is flaky and lacks 2FA, so I have concerns about how secure it is. I also tested the more expensive Encalife Smart Surveillance Camera, which adds two-way audio but relies on the same flawed app, and the Encalife 4G Security Camera, which employs the even worse CamHi Pro app.
Switchbot Outdoor Spotlight Cam: Simple to set up, this orb-shaped camera offers 1080p footage that is reasonably good quality, but it really struggles with mixed lighting, badly overexposing bright areas. There is decent night vision, a built-in spotlight, and two-way audio. You can also insert a microSD card up to 256 GB for local recording, which is just as well because the cloud subscription is far too expensive. Sadly, the busy app is flaky and sometimes drops or refuses to load the live feed. I liked the 5W solar panel option to keep the battery topped up, but you can get the same thing with better cameras than this.
Canary Flex: I love the curved lozenge design of the Canary Flex, but it is by far the most unreliable security camera I tested. It frequently missed people walking past altogether, or started recording when they had almost left the frame. Night vision and low-light video quality are poor, and the app is very slow to load.
What Do I Need to Know Before Buying a Security Camera?
Security cameras can be very useful, but you need to choose carefully. You might not be as concerned about potential hacks as you would be with indoor security cameras, but no one wants strangers tuning in to their backyard. Follow these tips to get the peace of mind you crave without infringing on anyone’s privacy.
Choose your brand carefully: There are countless outdoor security cameras on the market at temptingly low prices. But unknown brands represent a real privacy risk. Some of the top security camera manufacturers—including Ring, Wyze, and Eufy—have been breached, but public scrutiny has at least forced them to make improvements. Any system is potentially hackable, but lesser-known brands are less likely to be called out and often disappear (or change names) when they are.
Consider security: A strong password is good, but biometric support is much more convenient and secure. I prefer security cameras with mobile apps that support fingerprint or face unlock. Two-factor authentication (2FA) ensures that someone with your username and password cannot log in to your camera. Usually, it requires a code from an SMS, email, or an authenticator app, adding an extra layer of security. It’s an industry standard, but it’s still something you need to manually activate. I do not recommend any cameras here that don’t at least offer 2FA as an option.
Keep it updated: It’s vital to regularly check for software updates, not just for your security cameras and apps but also for your router and other internet-connected devices. Ideally, your chosen security camera has an automatic update option.
What Features Should I Look for in Outdoor Security Cameras?
There is a lot to consider when you are shopping for an outdoor security camera. It can be tough to determine which features you need, so here are some important questions to run through.
Video quality: You may be tempted to go with the highest-resolution video you can get, but this isn’t always the best idea. You can see more details in a 4K video, but high resolution 4K video requires much more bandwidth to stream and more storage space to record than Full HD (1080p) or 2K resolution. Folks with limited Wi-Fi should be cautious. You will generally want a wide field of view, so the camera takes in more, but this can cause a curved fish-eye effect at the corners, and some cameras are better than others at correcting for distortion. An important feature, particularly if your camera is facing a mixed lighting location with some shadow and direct sunlight (or a streetlight), is HDR (high dynamic range) support, as it can prevent light areas from blowing out or dark areas from losing detail. One last thing to consider on video quality is the frame rate. A low frame rate can cause artifacts and blurring with moving subjects, and anything below 20 frames per second is likely to be jerky.
Connectivity: Most security cameras will connect to your Wi-Fi router on the 2.4-GHz band. Depending on where you intend to install them, you may appreciate the support for the 5-GHz band, which enables the stream to load more quickly. Some systems come with a hub that can act as a Wi-Fi range extender. Bear in mind that you shouldn’t install a security camera in a location without a strong Wi-Fi signal.
Subscription model: Most security camera manufacturers offer a subscription service that provides cloud storage for video recording. It isn’t always as optional as it seems. Some manufacturers bundle in smart features such as person detection or activity zones, making a subscription essential to get the best from their cameras. Always factor in the subscription cost, and make sure you are clear on what is included before you buy.
Local or cloud storage: If you don’t want to sign up for a subscription service and upload video clips to the cloud, make sure your chosen camera offers local storage. Some security cameras have microSD card slots, while others record video to a hub device inside your home. A few manufacturers offer limited cloud storage for free, but you can usually expect to pay somewhere around $3 to $10 per month for 30 days of storage for a single camera. For multiple cameras, a longer recording period, or continuous recording, you are looking at paying between $10 and $20 per month. There are usually discounts if you pay annually.
Placement is important: Remember that a visible security camera is a powerful deterrent. You don’t want to hide your cameras away. Also, make sure the view isn’t peering into a neighbor’s window. Most cameras offer customizable zones to filter out recording or motion detection for areas of the camera’s frame. If you buy a battery-powered camera, remember that you will have to charge it periodically, so it has to be somewhat accessible. The ideal placement for security cameras is around 7 feet above the ground and angled slightly downwards.
False positives: Unless you want your phone to ping every time your cat wanders onto the porch or when the neighbor’s dog runs through your garden, consider a security camera that can detect people and filter alerts. Good cameras will also enable you to set privacy or activity zones.
Night vision and spotlights: Outdoor security cameras generally have infrared night vision, but low-light performance varies wildly. You always lose some detail when light levels are low. Most night vision modes produce monochrome footage. Some manufacturers offer color night vision, though it is often colorized by software and can look odd. We prefer spotlights, as they allow the camera to capture better-quality footage, and the light acts as a further deterrent to any intruder. But they aren’t suitable for every situation, and they drain batteries faster if not wired.
Camera theft: Concerned about camera theft? Choose a camera that doesn’t have onboard storage. You might also want to consider a protective cage and screw mount rather than a magnetic mount. Some manufacturers have replacement policies for camera theft, especially if you have a subscription, but they usually require you to file a police report and have exclusions. Check the policy thoroughly before you buy.
Is It Better to Have Wired or Wireless Security Cameras?
Wired cameras usually require some drilling to install, must be within reach of a power outlet, and will turn off if the power source does, but they never need to be charged. If you buy battery-powered security cameras, the installation is easier, and you can pick the spots you want. They usually run for months before needing to be recharged and will warn you when the battery is low, but that does mean you have to remove the battery, or sometimes the entire camera, to recharge it, which typically takes a few hours. It’s worth noting that you can buy solar panels to power some battery-powered cameras now, which gives you the best of both worlds.
Why We Hesitate to Recommend Ring
How We Test Security Cameras
I test every security camera for at least two weeks, but often far longer. I run through the installation process and note any issues. I check that alerts come through correctly to my phone when I am home, connected to Wi-Fi, or when I’m away and connected to a cellular network. I usually place two or more cameras in the same spot to compare picture quality, motion detection, and other features. I consider the image resolution, frame rate, and audio quality of videos and the live feed. I also check for lag with the live feed. I test the performance during the day and see how it copes with the sun facing the lens, and how it performs in the dark at night (testing both spotlight and night vision). I check how long the live feed and recorded videos take to load at different times of the day.
I play around with the settings in the app to try every mode and feature. I test any smart-detection features to see if they can correctly identify people. I test the two-way audio for a short conversation and try the siren where applicable. I also test local storage and cloud storage options for recording videos. If there are any smart-home integrations, I set them up and check how quickly the feed loads on a smart display. I always ensure that the cameras recommended support 2FA and test any additional security or privacy features.
During a visit to Atlanta for an appearance at Momocon, Harada made sure to stop by and document his visit to one very important place: Waffle House.
But what the hell has Tekken got to do with Waffle House, I hear you ask? It’s been a bit of a running gag in the community at this point, with fans asking Harada over the years to turn the American establishment into a stage for the fighting game. Presumably due to all of the fights that seem to occur in them, a phenomenon that is beyond my understanding as a Waffle House-less Brit. I have to assume it’s the equivalent of people scrapping outside a Wetherspoons on a Friday night after one too many two-for-£12 pitchers.
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I finally made it to WAFFLE HOUSE.The staff are always friendly, and when I asked if they would sell me a menu, they sold me one for $5.Next time, I’ll be back at 3 a.m. for fight time.#WAFFLEHOUSE pic.twitter.com/ivyTIzSE0BMay 24, 2026
Harada questioned what all the hoo-ha about Waffle House was back in 2024, asking: “Why do some communities send me requests for ‘Waffle House’? Please be sure to explain the basis for the request, including the original story, history, and background. I look forward to an explanation from someone who knows more.”
A year later Harada then revealed that he’d been trying to get in touch with Waffle House about a potential collaboration, seemingly to no avail. “I’ve actually tried to make contact through several different channels,” he posted to X in May last year. “However, and this is purely my own speculation, I suspect that the lack of response may be due to the fact that the project I am known for revolves around ‘fighting-themed video games,'” adding that getting no response was “very rare.”
And thankfully, it seems the joke has not died with his departure from the game. “I finally made it to WAFFLE HOUSE,” Harada declared on X over the weekend. “The staff are always friendly, and when I asked if they would sell me a menu, they sold me one for $5. Next time, I’ll be back at 3 a.m. for fight time.”
Harada was kind enough to provide some visual evidence in the form of his classic pose outside the Waffle House, a picture of the food, and one where Harada is wielding a chair as a weapon. I approve.
Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
While I suspect we won’t be seeing any Waffle House-adjacent stages appearing in Tekken or whatever Harada is cooking up over at his brand-new VS Studio—apparently during his Momocon panel he once again iterated that he attempted to call their PR apartment but received no answer—I appreciate the little ways he’s continuing to stay active in the community he spent so many years being a part of.
Architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms depend on technical expertise to create intricate infrastructure projects. Mechanical engineering experts, in particular, play an important role in designing building services that guarantee efficiency, safety, and compliance with regulations. Since AEC firms can’t expect project demands to remain the same all the time, they have to decide whether to hire contractors or full-time staff.
Understanding the real cost of both staffing models makes it easier for AEC firms to make an informed decision. This blog compares the costs of hiring mechanical engineering contractors versus full-time staff, and how freelance platforms like Cad Crowd can help AEC firms access experts when needed.
🚀 Table of contents
What is the staffing structure in an AEC firm?
AEC firms often deal with fluctuating timelines, project workloads, and technical requirements. If you have an AEC firm, you should implement staffing strategies that will allow you to complete projects efficiently without facing major financial losses. Choosing the right staffing option is important, as your decision will help you stay competitive in a highly dynamic industry.
AEC firms usually hire full-time mechanical engineers. They are permanent employees who are given a fixed salary and other employment benefits. Since full-time staff usually take care of several projects for extended periods, they develop a better understanding of your design standards and workflows.
Over time, they gain an understanding relevant to your past projects, company processes, and expectations of clients. This knowledge can help improve efficiency since they don’t have to learn design standards or workflows multiple times.
Furthermore, they can work closely with civil engineering experts, construction managers, electrical engineers, architects, and other departments in your company. Having an in-house team of professionals streamlines communication and reduces interruptions due to coordination issues.
Full-time mechanical engineers can also help with the company’s strategic growth. It’s common for companies to invest in training to improve the technical capabilities of their employees. However, having a full-time workplace involves a huge cost.
You need to consider other expenses like retirement benefits, software licenses, payroll taxes, and health insurance. Additional costs can cause financial problems if you are dealing with fluctuating project workloads.
Mechanical engineering contractors
Unlike a full-time employee, you can hire a contract mechanical engineer for a specific period of time or on a project basis. Contract engineers may work as freelancers through a staffing agency or engineering design consulting company. They are usually paid a fixed project fee, an hourly rate, or a daily rate. Since they work independently, contract mechanical engineers are in charge of their own professional development, benefits, insurance, and taxes. Thus, you are not required to give employee benefits.
One of the best things about hiring a contract engineer is their flexibility. It allows you to scale your team up or down depending on the number of projects that you have. Contract engineers have specialized skills that you may not be able to get from your existing workforce.
Some projects call for advanced technical expertise like energy modeling. Instead of hiring full-time staff with niche expertise that you may only need occasionally, you can find mechanical engineering contractors who already have the skills you need.
Furthermore, hiring contractors can help accelerate project timelines. Since they are used to working with different companies, they can quickly collaborate with your project team and start contributing immediately. This is particularly helpful when you are dealing with an increased workload and tight deadlines.
However, you also need to keep in mind that hiring contractors has certain limitations. They need to learn about your project management tools, internal processes, or design standards before they can contribute to your projects. Since they’re not full-time employees, the insights they get during the project may not stay with your company after their contract ends.
Operational and financial considerations for an AEC firm’s staffing structure
The main challenge for an AEC firm is choosing which staffing structure offers the perfect balance between operational effectiveness and financial efficiency. You have to consider various factors when selecting the right staffing structure for your engineering design company.
An AEC firm with stable workloads and long-term projects benefits from hiring full-time engineers because they can work on different phases of the project. On the other hand, firms with short-term projects can benefit from hiring mechanical engineering contractors with specialized expertise. Apart from gaining the expertise of the contractors, you don’t need to worry about long-term employment commitments.
If you have an unpredictable project pipeline, you may find it difficult to maintain a permanent workforce. Hiring contractors allows you to keep up with fluctuating market conditions without substantial financial risk.
If you have a project that requires highly specialized skills, look for a mechanical engineering contractor with niche technical skills. However, if your project requires standard building systems, the best option is to form an in-house team.
What are the benefits of a hybrid staffing model?
AEC firms usually implement a hybrid staffing model to maintain a stable engineering team and gain access to external expertise anytime. By adopting a hybrid staffing model, you can hire full-time engineers who will manage the main design tasks, supervise project coordination, and maintain rapport with clients. You can hire mechanical engineering contractors to take care of specialized tasks, provide support for big projects, and add more manpower when you have a lot of projects.
Adopting a hybrid staffing model offers many benefits. One of the best things about this setup is that it helps preserve knowledge within your mechanical engineering firm. It also allows you to respond to changing project demands accordingly. Furthermore, it helps you save money by hiring only a limited number of permanent staff and gaining access to specialized skills when needed.
Why is it important to make the right staffing decision?
Your staffing decision is a strategic consideration with a direct influence on the long-term success of your company. Keep in mind that labor cost is a large part of your project expenses. The wrong staffing model can reduce your competitiveness and profitability. The quality of your work has an effect on client satisfaction, project performance, and safety. Thus, you have to make sure that your strategies and decisions will not have a negative effect on your technical excellence.
Carefully assessing the pros and cons of contractors and full-time staff allows you to create a workforce strategy that matches your project delivery requirements and financial goals. It also helps you balance technical expertise, operational flexibility, and cost efficiency to meet the needs and demands of the construction industry.
Hiring full-time mechanical engineers might seem easy. You get permanent members of your team and pay them a salary. However, the employment cost is higher than the basic pay. Apart from the wages, you need to consider other additional expenses like onboarding costs, employee benefits, human resource and administrative support, paid leave, payroll taxes, office equipment and infrastructure, vacation and professional development, and training.
Operational overhead, for instance, may add around 25% to your employees’ salaries. Fringe benefits can contribute an additional 30%, while general and administrative expenses may add 22%. These costs, when combined, are called the cost multiplier. This cost differs for each company and type of service (i.e., civil engineering services).
In some firms, the cost multiplier reaches 1.7 times the basic pay. So, if you are paying $120,000 annually to one mechanical engineer, it may actually cost you around $200,000 every year when you consider all expenses. Some firms underestimate these hidden costs when assessing staffing strategies.
Factors that affect the cost of full-time mechanical engineers
There are several factors that can affect the cost of full-time staff. One of these factors is the salary. Mechanical engineers usually receive a competitive salary based on geographic location, experience, and certifications. Employee benefits are also one of the additional costs that you must consider. The usual employee benefits include life insurance, paid leave, health insurance, and a retirement plan. You also need to pay payroll taxes, employment insurance andsocial security contributions.
Furthermore, you have to consider the costs associated with the recruitment and onboarding process. Costs may include recruitment agency and job advertising fees, interview process, and training. In some companies, the recruitment costs can take up to 20% of the staff’s yearly salary.
Full-time mechanical engineers also need access to office space, computers and workstations, IT support, and engineering software. Simulation software and other engineering tools have licensing fees, which can further increase costs. Management oversight, human resources, legal compliance, and accounting can also add to the cost of creating and hiring a full-time staff.
Factors that affect the cost of mechanical engineering contractors
When you hire mechanical engineering contractors, you are paying for the services they render instead of a salary and benefits. They are compensated through a fixed project fee, daily rate, or hourly rate. The rates of contractors vary depending on their experience, specializationand location. For instance, a mechanical drawing contractor in Eastern Europe may have an hourly rate of $25-$70. If you hire engineers in North America, you may need to pay $100-$200 per hour.
Since mechanical engineering contractors manage their own professional development, benefits, and insurance, they include these costs in their hourly rate. Their expenses usually include project management, contractor fees, and agency markup if they use a staffing agency. However, unlike full-time engineers, you are not required to give them long-term employment benefits, and this can help you save on costs.
Comparing the annual cost of hiring mechanical engineer contractors and full-time staff
Costs can differ depending on project requirements, geographic location, and experience level, but it’s important that you understand the financial implications of each staffing model. Let’s say a mechanical engineer earns $125,000 every year. When you hire this professional as full-time staff, you are also required to provide additional employment-related benefits aside from the basic pay. These indirect costs can increase your expenses by around 70%-100% of the basic salary.
Your cost multiplier will be 1.9. If you multiply $125,000 by 1.9, the total cost of hiring a full-time engineer becomes $237,500 a year. Thus, even if the engineer’s basic pay is $125,000, the actual cost to your company is $237,500 annually when you include all indirect costs. Now, what if you hire a contractor?
Mechanical contractors usually charge an hourly rate that includes their own operational expenses, taxes, and benefits. If they charge $100 hourly and work 2,080 hours yearly, you will spend around $208,000 annually for hiring a contractor. So, if you want a slightly cheaper option compared to hiring a full-time engineer, you should consider hiring a contractor, even for other tasks like electrical engineering services. However, you must also take note of several factors that can affect the final cost of both staffing models.
One important variable is the actual hours used for work. Remember that you have to pay full-time engineers regardless of the number of hours they spend working. When you don’t have a lot of projects, your staff may spend more time on administrative tasks, internal meetings, and training.
On the other hand, mechanical engineering contractors receive payment only for the hours they spend working on a specific project. Thus, you can reduce your labor costs by limiting the number of hours that they spend on a project when your workload increases.
Workload stability and project duration
Apart from the number of hours, you must also consider your workload stability and project duration. When you have a consistent project workload, hiring full-time engineers could be cheaper in the long run. They can work on multiple projects without any interruption, which can help reduce your dependence on contractors with high hourly rates.
Mechanical engineering contractors are often ideal for short-term projects since you don’t need to worry about recruitment costs and other long-term commitments. For instance, if you need support for just three months, hiring contractors allows you to get the necessary skills and knowledge without maintaining permanent positions once the project is complete for the product design company.
Productivity and retention of knowledge
Productivity and retention of knowledge can also affect your overall cost. Full-time engineers already know the requirements of your clients, your project management systems, and the design standards you implement. This knowledge can help lessen the time needed to complete tasks and enhance workflow efficiency.
On the other hand, mechanical engineering contractors may need additional onboarding time in order to understand how the company works. This could momentarily lessen productivity at the beginning of the project.
Coordination and management costs
You need to consider coordination and management costs as well. Contractors may need extra supervision and insights to make sure that their work is aligned with your project schedule, standards, and expectations. These efforts might seem small, but they still add to the actual cost of hiring contractors for your consumer product company.
Due to these variables, you have to evaluate your staffing decision based on a more comprehensive total cost of ownership standpoint that involves both indirect and direct costs.
At the end of the day, the best staffing decision depends on different factors like the level of expertise required, duration of projects, and predictability of the workplace. Most of the time, hiring both contractors and full-time staff can help you enjoy both operational flexibility and cost efficiency.
Global trends in engineering outsourcing
The outsourcing market has grown significantly thanks to advances in cloud platforms, remote collaboration, and digital engineering tools. Cloud-based systems and software like CAD allow engineers to collaborate no matter where they are. Due to these technologies, a lot of engineering tasks can be done without compromising quality and accuracy.
Thus, many AECs have started outsourcing mechanical and structural engineering service tasks to countries with lower labor costs, as it allows them to reduce project costs while gaining access to experts. Rates differ across regions due to several variables like cost of living, labor market, and economic conditions. In North America, the typical hourly rate is $100-$200, while it’s $80-$150 in Western Europe. If you’re in Eastern Europe, expect to pay around $40-$70 per hour.
These cost differences can help you lower costs without compromising technical capability. Outsourcing poses several challenges as well. For instance, you may need to deal with cultural misunderstandings, communication barriers, and language differences. The difference in time zones can also slow down decision-making, particularly when you need to collaborate in real time. Managing a remote team also calls for a clearer communication process and a better project management system.
Regional cost comparison: Mechanical engineering contractors vs full-time staff
The table shows the usual rates charged by contractors and full-time engineers in various regions. Understanding these differences can help you plan your budget much more effectively.
Region
Staffing model
Rate
North America
Full-time engineer
$95,000-$120,000 annually or around $45-$50hourly
Contractor
$100-$200 per hour
Western Europe
Full-time engineer
€80,000-€110,000 annually or around $40-$50 hourly
Mistakes to avoid when hiring mechanical engineers
The right workforce can improve the quality of your designs and boost client satisfaction. Here are some mistakes to avoid when hiring mechanical engineers.
Focusing on the price alone
Don’t just focus on the salary or hourly rate of your staff. Controlling expenses is crucial, but choosing the cheapest option isn’t always the right choice. Those with low rates may produce designs that require revisions. They may also need more supervision and have a longer delivery time. Assess their technical skills, ability to provide quality work, and experience for your design engineering service.
Experienced engineers may charge higher rates, but they’re often capable of completing tasks faster and working with less supervision and fewer errors. Most of the time, these advantages help reduce the overall project cost.
Hiring without defining project requirements
Problems usually occur when you start the hiring process without defining your project requirements. Since mechanical engineering tasks require technical skills such as building automation, HVAC system design, and energy analysis, hiring talents who don’t match your needs will definitely affect your budget.
So, before you start hiring, you should create a comprehensive description of your project timeline and scope, expected time of delivery, and required software skills to ensure that you recruit the right engineers.
Failure to consider collaboration and communication skills
Apart from technical skills, you should also consider the communication skills of your staff. Remember that mechanical engineers must work with clients, electrical engineers, architects, project managers, and civil engineers. Some companies focus only on the technical aspect and forget about communication and teamwork.
Misunderstandings may occur when mechanical engineers can’t coordinate with other team members and communicate their insights. This could slow down the progress of your project and cause losses for the company. You should evaluate their communication skills during the interview so that you can build a team that works more effectively, especially for electronic device companies.
Failure to retain technical knowledge within the company
Contractors leave once the project is done. Important project knowledge may also leave with them. You can prevent this problem by implementing processes for proper documentation of project workflows, technical solutions, and design decisions. Having an organized record ensures that valuable information will be accessible for internal teams and future projects.
Making decisions based solely on immediate needs
Making your staffing decisions based on your immediate project needs can result in unstable workforce strategies in the long run. It’s good for solving short-term workload problems, but you should also consider both your existing and future projects when making your staffing decisions.
The ideal approach would be hiring both full-time engineers and contractors. The latter offers flexibility when your workloads increase, while permanent staff maintain continuity and retain insights within the company.
Rushed staffing decisions
Making a quick decision might be necessary when you have deadlines to meet, but rushing the hiring process can lead to choosing applicants who are not qualified for the job. Take the time to verify their skills, review portfolios, and assess past project experiences to avoid costly mistakes. This will increase your chances of finding mechanical engineers who can effectively and efficiently contribute to your projects for your product engineering firm.
The best staffing model depends on various strategic and financial factors. Full-time mechanical engineers provide long-term cost efficiency, stability, and institutional knowledge for companies with stable project workloads. However, aside from the base salary, you also need to consider your administrative and overhead expenses.
Mechanical engineering contractors offer access to niche expertise, flexibility, and rapid scalability. They may have a higher hourly rate, but they don’t have hidden employment expenses. Moreover, hiring contractors can be a cheaper option if you have short-term projects.
Overall, you must carefully analyze your workload predictability, organizational goals, project duration, and total cost structures before making a decision. If you implement a strategic staffing approach, you will be able to reduce labor costs, enhance operational efficiency, and stay competitive in your industry.
How Cad Crowd can help
Hiring expert freelance mechanical engineers is a cost-effective option if you are aiming to improve your engineering capabilities without worrying about the costs associated with full-time hires. You will find platforms like Cad Crowd that connect AEC firms with expert mechanical engineers who specialize in CAD modeling, product development, HVAC design, and other technical services.
Visit Cad Crowd to find experienced mechanical engineers who can help you stay competitive in the engineering industry. Request a quote today.
MacKenzie Brown is the founder and CEO of Cad Crowd. With over 18 years of experience in launching and scaling platforms specializing in CAD services, product design, manufacturing, hardware, and software development, MacKenzie is a recognized authority in the engineering industry. Under his leadership, Cad Crowd serves esteemed clients like NASA, JPL, the U.S. Navy, and Fortune 500 companies, empowering innovators with access to high-quality design and engineering talent.
As is the case with most big name games that people are desperate to get their hands on, over the weekend the opening mission of 007 First Light leaked online due to someone seemingly acquiring a disc copy a touch early. That video has since been taken down, to no one’s surprise, but IO Interactive clearly decided to fight fire with fire, as they’ve shared the first 13 minutes of said opening mission themselves. Spoilers ahead obviously for those who want to go in knowing nothing!
It all quicks off with a bunch of military looking folks in a helicopter off to do some such mission about something (it’s all a bit vague), when, oh no! They get attacked, the copter crashes, and a shaved-headed Bond finds himself in the ocean amongst the wreckage on the coast of Iceland looking worse for wear. At one point his radio goes off and you can press a button to check it. Gameplay!
Mostly it’s a slow, plodding along romp through rocky terrain, incredibly wet weather with the most amount of action being a bit of stealth. Certainly nothing to overly criticise here, and it’s only 13 minutes, I’m sure it gets a bit more exciting once you’re properly in the enemy camp. Just a tad funny to release the opening section of the game that doesn’t quite sell you on the idea of roleplaying as Bond. But hey, from IO’s perspective, better they get the views than some random gaming YouTube channel looking for a few clicks.
It’s not all that long now until First Light launches for everyone, as it’s due out in a couple of days time on May 27th. It also marks the first non-mobile James Bond game in 14 years, the last one being 007 Legends, a 50th anniversary game that features missions for every single incarnation of the character. Unfortunately, this one wasn’t very good, and was the last game developer Eurocom ever made. Fingers crossed that doesn’t happen to IO Interactive!
