Every host knows the sinking feeling of a booking request from a new profile with zero reviews for a holiday weekend. As your finger hovers over the "accept" button, your mind races. Will they respect your property? Host an unauthorized party? Or worse?
A well-planned security system isn't just about catching bad actors. It's about deterring them before problems occur. The right cameras provide protection and evidence, creating a safety net for your investment while giving you peace of mind. In the high-stakes world of short-term rentals, that peace of mind is invaluable.
This guide will help you balance security and guest privacy, understand Airbnb security camera rules, and choose the best security cameras for your Airbnb to protect your investment while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for your guests.
Top 5: Best Security Cameras for Airbnb Hosts
We've analyzed the market based on the features above. Here are our top picks for protecting your short-term rental property.
1. Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera (Best Overall)
Overview: A premium, feature-rich wireless camera that balances video quality, installation ease, and smart features.
Key Specs:
- 2K HDR Video
- 160° View
- Color Night Vision
- Integrated Spotlight
- Wireless
Pros:
- Excellent video quality
- Installation is fully wireless.
- A wide field of view captures more area.
- Works with all smart home platforms (Alexa, Google, Apple HomeKit)
Cons:
- Requires a paid subscription for the most useful features (cloud storage, smart alerts)
- Batteries need recharging every 3-6 months based on activity.
Why It's Great for Hosts: The flexible wireless setup and superior video quality make it perfect for monitoring key entry points without complex wiring. The color night vision and wide field of view ensure clear, actionable footage of any activity around your property's key areas.
2. Wyze Cam v4 (Best Budget Option)
Overview: Unbeatable value. The Wyze Cam v4 packs impressive features into a tiny, affordable package. This makes it easy to deploy several cameras without breaking the bank.
Key Specs:
- 2K QHD Video
- Weatherproof
- Color Night Vision
- Motion-activated Spotlight
Pros:
- Extremely affordable, often under $50.
- Surprisingly good video quality for the price.
- Free 14-day rolling cloud storage for motion events
- Local storage option via microSD card
Cons:
- Less robust build quality than premium options
- A subscription is required for advanced AI features.
- App and connectivity can be less reliable than premium brands.
Why It's Great for Hosts: It allows hosts to cover multiple angles (front door, back door, driveway) for the price of one premium camera. The low initial investment makes it ideal for new hosts or those with multiple properties needing comprehensive coverage without a huge upfront cost.
3. Ring Stick Up Cam Pro (Best for Ring Ecosystem Users)
Overview: The perfect choice for hosts invested in the Ring ecosystem (especially the Ring Alarm or Doorbell). It offers seamless integration and reliable performance.
Key Specs:
- 1080p HDR Video
- 3D Motion Detection
- Color Night Vision
- Multiple power options (battery, plug-in, solar)
Pros:
- Exceptional integration with other Ring products
- Superior motion detection accuracy with 3D Motion technology
- Flexible power options for any installation
- The advanced pre-roll feature captures activity before motion triggers.
Cons:
- Requires Ring Protect subscription for recording
- Video quality isn't as high as competitors.
- The audio quality is adequate.
Why It's Great for Hosts: If you use a ring camera for Airbnb at the front door, adding Stick Up Cams creates a single, easy-to-manage security dashboard in one app. 3D motion detection provides more accurate alerts, reducing false notifications while ensuring you catch important activity.
4. Eufy SoloCam S340 (Best Subscription-Free Option)
Overview: Eufy's standout feature is its commitment to local storage, meaning no mandatory monthly fees. This solar-powered dual-camera model offers incredible coverage.
Key Specs:
- 3K Wide & 2K Telephoto Lens
- Solar Powered
- 360° Pan & Tilt
- On-device AI
- 8GB Local Storage
Pros:
- No monthly fees
- "Forever power" with integrated solar
- Dual lenses for wide and zoom views
- Local storage is secure on the device.
- Advanced AI processing occurs on-device for faster responses.
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
- The app is less polished than Ring or Google.
- Solar charging needs good sun exposure.
Why It's Great for Hosts: The solar power and local storage combo minimizes ongoing costs and maintenance, a huge plus for remote hosts. "Set it and forget it." The wide-angle and telephoto lens combo allows monitoring a broad area and zooming in for details from a single camera.
5. Google Nest Cam (Outdoor or Indoor, Wired)
Overview: A premium, wired camera known for its sleek design, robust build quality, and best-in-class AI-powered smart alerts.
Key Specs:
- 1080p HDR Video
- Intelligent alerts (person, vehicle, animal)
- 24/7 recording option (with Nest Aware Plus)
- Extremely durable weatherproofing
Pros:
- Most intelligent alerts out-of-the-box without a subscription
- Excellent build quality and reliability
- Wired power ensures a constant connection.
- Elegant and unobtrusive design
Cons:
- Installation is more involved due to wiring requirements.
- A Nest Aware subscription
- Not compatible with Apple HomeKit
Why It's Great for Hosts: A wired connection and Google's superior AI mean fewer false alarms and more meaningful notifications. It's a great choice for a primary entrance camera needing consistent, reliable monitoring without worrying about battery life or connectivity issues.
Integrating Security with Smart Management
Top-performing hosts know that security isn't about installing a single gadget. It's about creating a comprehensive protection ecosystem. This includes guest screening, clear house rules, strategic camera placement, reliable monitoring, and a quick response to alerts. When these elements work together, they create safety and a professional guest experience.
Managing this ecosystem quickly becomes a full-time job. Successful hosts spend more time managing security than enjoying ownership benefits, between researching equipment, handling installation, monitoring alerts, and responding to incidents. This is why professional management has become the secret weapon of savvy property investors.
Focus on Profits, Not Problems.
Checkmate Rentals offers transparent, full-service property management starting at 15% of booking revenue. We handle everything from security to guest communication, so you can enjoy ownership benefits without daily stress.
Airbnb & VRBO Security Camera Policies
Before purchasing equipment, it is essential to understand the platform rules. Installing cameras incorrectly or failing to disclose them can result in penalties ranging from negative reviews to complete removal of your listing. Here's what you need to know about each platform's policies:
Airbnb Security Camera Rules
Airbnb made significant policy changes, implementing stricter rules around surveillance devices:
- No Indoor Cameras: Strictly prohibited in indoor spaces (e.g., living rooms, hallways, garages), regardless of privacy.
- Outdoor Cameras Are Allowed: Permitted as long as they don't view any interior space or private outdoor areas (e.g., hot tub, outdoor shower).
- Mandatory Disclosure: Before a guest books, you must disclose the presence and general location of ALL outdoor cameras in your listing's description and under the "Home safety" section.
- Decibel/Noise Monitors: Allowed indoors as they don’t record audio or video, but their presence must be disclosed.
VRBO Security Camera Policy
VRBO's policy is similar to Airbnb's but has notable differences:
- No Interior Surveillance: Prohibits devices inside the property.
- Outdoor Exception: Allows "reasonable surveillance" of the exterior (e.g., monitoring entrances or driveways).
- Disclosure Required: Owners must inform guests of any outdoor surveillance devices in their property description.
Note on Local Laws & Guest Privacy
Hosts must comply with local, state, and federal privacy laws, which vary. Some jurisdictions have specific recording consent and notification requirements.
Note: This article provides general guidance and is not a substitute for legal advice. We recommend consulting a legal professional to ensure your security setup complies with local laws.
Clear disclosure about security measures isn't just about compliance. It's about attracting responsible guests who appreciate your commitment to safety and transparency. Guests who object to reasonable, disclosed security measures may not be the type you want.
7 Key Features of an Airbnb Security Camera
Not all cameras are equal. For a rental property, prioritize reliability, clarity, and ease of use. Here's what to look for:
Video Resolution (1080p vs. 2K/4K)
The minimum standard for clear identification is 1080p. However, 2K or 4K cameras offer superior detail for zooming in on license plates or faces, which is crucial for identifying individuals or vehicles during an incident.
Night Vision (Infrared vs. Color)
Night vision comes in two main types for 24/7 monitoring. Traditional infrared provides black-and-white footage in darkness, while color night vision (enabled by a small spotlight) provides much more detail crucial for identification and evidence.
Power Source (Wired vs. Wireless/Battery)
This choice affects installation, reliability, and maintenance. Wired cameras offer continuous power with no battery issues, but installation is more complex and may require professional help. A best wireless security camera for Airbnb offers flexible placement and easy DIY installation, but you need to manage battery life, typically 3-6 months depending on activity.
Field of View
A wider field of view (130-160 degrees) means fewer cameras are needed to cover large areas like driveways or backyards. Some cameras offer 180-degree views, eliminating blind spots around entrances and critical areas.
Data Storage (Cloud Subscription vs. Local SD Card)
Cloud storage offers remote access to footage and protects recordings from camera damage or theft, but requires a monthly subscription. Local storage on an SD card eliminates fees but is vulnerable to theft or damage, risking loss of crucial evidence.
Durability & Weatherproofing (IP Rating)
The IP rating is crucial for an outdoor security camera for rental property. Look for IP65 or higher, indicating protection from dust and water. This ensures your investment survives harsh weather year-round without performance degradation.
Smart Features (Motion Zones & Person Detection)
These AI-powered features reduce false alerts. Motion zones let you highlight specific areas to monitor (like a gate or doorway) while ignoring high-movement areas like busy streets. Person detection ensures you get notified only when a human is present, not when leaves blow by or animals wander through.
Don't Forget These Essential STR Security Gadgets
A comprehensive security strategy goes beyond cameras. These privacy-safe devices can prevent issues before they escalate:
Noise Monitoring Devices
Minut or NoiseAware are designed for the short-term rental market. These discreet sensors don't record conversations or audio, they only monitor decibel levels to alert you to potential parties or excessive noise. This is a key tool for noise monitoring Airbnb properties without violating guest privacy or platform rules.
When noise levels exceed your preset thresholds for a sustained period, you'll receive an alert to address issues before they escalate to neighbor complaints or property damage.
Smart Locks
Brands like Schlage or Yale offer rental-friendly smart locks that eliminate security risks of physical keys. Benefits include:
- Unique access codes for each guest that expire after checkout
- Remote locking/unlocking capabilities
- Access logs showing when doors were opened and by which code
- Backup entry methods (keypad, physical key, or app) for technical issues
Smart Smoke & CO Detectors
Devices like Nest Protect or Ring Alarm Smoke/CO Listener add a critical safety layer for your property and guests. Unlike standard detectors, these smart versions send immediate alerts to your phone, allowing you to take action from miles away.
Early warning of a potential fire or carbon monoxide issue can mean the difference between a minor incident and a catastrophic loss for rental properties.
Conclusion
Effective property security involves more than buying a camera. You need to select the right technology, ensure proper installation, configure smart alerts, comply with platform policies and local laws, disclose devices to guests, monitor alerts 24/7, and respond quickly to incidents.
For many successful property owners, this complexity is why they partner with professional management services. Instead of becoming a part-time security expert and full-time alert monitor, they trust seasoned professionals to handle these details.
Checkmate Rentals brings expertise in security implementation and property management. Our co-hosting model and local teams ensure your property is safe, guests are happy, and revenue is maximized. We sweat the details so you don't have to.
