Answers

Short, sourced answers to the questions people ask before buying outdoor cameras, doorbells and smart locks.

• How many security cameras do I need? Camera counts and 3-year costs for houses, townhouses and condos, and when you need more.
• Which security cameras work without a subscription? Which brands save video for free, what Ring, Arlo, Blink and Nest lose without a plan, and the 3-year math.
• Do solar and battery security cameras work in winter? Estimated charging intervals in cold climates, and how to mount panels in Canada and the northern US.
• Where should I put outdoor security cameras? The spots the planner picks most often, mounting height and angle, and what to check before drilling.
• What doorbell camera can I use in an apartment without drilling? Renter-friendly battery doorbells with no monthly fee, retrofit locks, and a permission checklist.
• Which smart lock works with a Ring doorbell? The lock with the Works with Ring badge, locks that share the Alexa app, and what each costs.
• Will my Wi-Fi reach a camera on a detached garage or shed? Estimated signal by distance and wall type, and when to add a mesh node or run a cable.