Best wireless security cameras with two-way audio in 2024

As smart home security continues to evolve, one of the most integral features of an all-hands-on-deck video doorbell, indoor/outdoor cam, or floodlight is the ability to communicate with whoever’s visiting your property. This could be as pedestrian as a quick exchange with an Amazon courier, or as serious as you sharing some choice words with a porch pirate you’re attempting to scare off.

Unfortunately, not every smart camera or video doorbell supports two-way audio, so we’ve put together this roundup to help you hone in on some of the best two-way audio options out there.

Two-way audio wireless cameras to elevate your home security

If you’re looking for a simple yet powerful camera, you can end your search with the Ring Stick Up Cam. Even without an existing Amazon smart home ecosystem, this dynamic indoor-outdoor camera is affordable and useful. It offers standard two-way audio options without the assistance of other Amazon smart home devices, but only via the Ring app on a mobile phone. With an Amazon Echo Show or Spot, you can listen and speak to people detected on the camera without having your phone nearby.

The Stick Up Cam sits solidly in the midrange for video resolution quality at 1080p, plus advanced motion detection capabilities allow you to fine-tune the detection zones in and around your home. This camera will last up to a year between battery charges, but perhaps the most compelling feature is the flexible mounting option. You can attach the camera at any height and adjust it to the angle that works best for you — or you can simply let it stand freely on a shelf or high ledge, no mounting hardware necessary. Check out the additional separate ceiling mount for even more installation options.

Overall, the Ring Stick Up Cam takes the lead for its ease of use, thorough privacy settings, and compounded features when combined with Echo and Alexa devices — all at a price point that doesn’t demand compromise on the bells and whistles.

If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly security cam with two-way audio, the Wyze v3 is the tiny titan for the job. An IP65 device built for indoor and outdoor applications, this 1080p HD cam offers both local storage (via 32GB microSD, sold separately) and a remote cloud platform. And for less than $30, the v3 will automatically record when motion or sound is detected.

There’s even an onboard Starlight Sensor for capturing nighttime footage in full color, and the two-way audio feature is simple to use. Alexa and Google Assistant households will also be able to pull up live views onto compatible smart displays and smart TVs. It may not be the fanciest security camera, but the feature-packed Wyze v3 is always an amazing deal.

The Arlo Pro 5S 2K will leave no corner of your yard darkened and no visitor or intruder unseen. This camera — with its 12x zoom capabilities, color night vision, and powerful spotlight — is ideal if you’re especially concerned with car meddling, package theft, and trespassers on your property.

The Arlo works across a 160-degree field of view, so it’ll capture entire driveways or yards. Its wireless batteries can be brought inside to charge, or you can opt to use the convenient solar charging to eliminate the hassle of battery removal. It’s also convenient that Arlo’s Pro 5S 2K runs on dual-band Wi-Fi, so it’ll automatically switch to a faster internet connection (such as a 5G network) if it’s available.

Unfortunately, many of Arlo’s top-tier security features are only accessible with a paid subscription after the free trial ends, but don’t worry — two-way audio is always free. If you want to explore a similar, but more affordable Arlo camera, the Arlo Pro 4 is a reasonable choice.

When you install indoor security cameras at home, the brand you trust faces the huge task of keeping your property and family safe from unwanted intruders in physical and cyber spaces. Blink is a home security brand with a solid reputation for customer data protection and secure video live feed connections. There are various desirable products, including its smart video doorbell and its Indoor 3rd Gen Wireless Security Camera — a product recommended for anyone who spends long periods away from home or wants to check in on their pets during the day.

This camera runs on simple AA batteries, which will power the device for a couple of years (so there are no headaches or wires) and the camera can sit wherever you need it to – even without an outlet. Blink’s other benefits include a super affordable subscription plan ($3 per camera), two-way audio to listen and talk to pets, repair technicians, children, or visitors, and customizable detection zones to choose what motion in your home matters to you.

Video doorbells aren’t cheap, yet one of the best around is currently available for just $100. We’re talking about the Lindo Pro Dual Video Doorbell. Not only is there a camera at the top of the bell, but there’s one facing toward the floor or ground too — delivering an incredible 190-degree FOV. The 5MP camera provides sharp and detailed visuals, and even the infrared nighttime footage is presented mostly grain-free.

The Lindo Pro is also IP67-rated, and comes with the Lindo Chime accessory. Whenever someone rings the bell, you’ll be notified via the Lindo app, on top of receiving notifications whenever motion is detected. We were also delighted by the crisp, clear call quality when using the two-way chat feature.

Have you been plagued by cases of package theft, car break-ins, or other crimes taking place right outside your front door? If so, perhaps the best security camera for your home is a 4K one. Details captured by a home surveillance device can make or break law enforcement’s crime investigation success rate. To capture those details, you’ll have the best luck using a 4K home security camera with two-way audio — like the Arlo Ultra 2. Security cameras with 4K resolution are still on the rarer side, but the Ultra 2 is among the best. Day or night, the camera is a stellar performer in detecting faces, license plate numbers, and other important details that can be scale-tippers when a crime occurs.

These Arlo cams are capable of just about everything you’d want and need in a home security system: color night vision, smart home immersion, including Apple, Amazon, and Google systems, and advanced motion detection. The battery life is impressive for a camera this powerful (around 6 months on average). Unfortunately, the Arlo Ultra 2 cameras must be purchased in a kit — meaning a home base unit is required for the setup, and this is a bigger investment than some homeowners may be prepared to make. On the plus side, you can add Arlo Secure to these cameras, a heightened security subscription that offers 24/7 professional monitoring similar to ADT or Vivint.

Installing the LaView 4MP Bulb Security Camera is as easy as screwing in a light bulb — because that’s exactly what you’re doing. Most wireless cameras still require some sort of drilling and hardware to mount the device, but if you need something even more convenient than a wireless camera, consider a wireless camera that is mounted on and draws its power from a typical E27 light bulb socket. With this renter-friendly option, there’s no need to worry about battery life and charging, unless you lose power.

This bulb socket camera is a standout option for its commendable video resolution — 4MP, nearly double a 1080p camera — plus its 12x zoom, two-way audio, Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility, and ultra-wide 355-degree horizontal field of view. Plus, you’ll also get color night vision and customizable activity zones — an impressive roster of features for a budget price.

The Reolink TrackMix isn’t the type of security cam you’ll be able to run on a battery for a few months. This rotatable 360-degree surveillance product requires a hardwired connection to your home’s electricals, but if you can manage the install, it’s well worth the effort. Boasting one of the best auto-tracking systems of any 4K cam we’ve ever tested, the TrackMix will automatically hone in on moving subjects via telephoto, getting you up close to the details that matter most (like license plates and faces).

The TrackMix is smart enough to know the difference between people, vehicles, and animals, ensuring you’ll only receive the notifications that matter to you and yours. You’ll also be able to store footage locally (supports up to a 256GB microSD, sold separately) or through Reolink’s servers and home-monitoring DVRs (known as Reolink NVR). It may cost more than the average smart home cam, but the Reolink TrackMix is one of the best.

The bottom line: follow what features matter the most to you

Two-way audio is an important feature for any security cam to have. It allows you to safely communicate with couriers, unfamiliar faces, and can even let you ward off potential porch pirates (if you’re able to catch them in the act). Fortunately, two-way chat capabilities are pretty common in most smart security products, but we think the best example of this tech can be found on the Ring Stick Up Cam.

On top of crystal-clear audio, for both the app user and person standing in front of the bell, the Stick Up Cam is easy to use, has impressive motion detection, and will run for a year on a single battery charge.

If you’re willing to spend a little more, the Arlo Pro 5S 2K Spotlight Camera is our go-to premium pick. With its class-leading daytime and nighttime performance and dual-band connectivity, the Pro 5S also rocks a 160-degree FOV. It may be pricier than other options, but it’s worth the investment.

Saving a few pennies is never a bad idea either. This is why we think most folks will love the Wyze v3. For less than $30, this awesome plug-in cam can be used both indoors and outdoors, and is super-easy to get up and running.