When the sun goes down, your home or business shouldn’t be left vulnerable. That’s why having the best night time CCTV camera is absolutely crucial for robust security. Modern surveillance systems offer incredible low-light performance, allowing you to see clearly even in pitch black. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one?
Don’t sweat it! We’ve done the legwork for you, diving deep into the features, pros, and cons of some of the top night vision CCTV cameras on the market. Whether you’re looking for a standalone camera or a full security system, we’ll help you find the perfect match to give you ultimate peace of mind. Let’s get started and shine a light on the top contenders!
Our Top Picks for the Best Night Time CCTV Cameras
Here’s a rundown of the best night time CCTV camera options available, designed to keep a watchful eye when visibility drops.
1. ANNKE 1080p Security Camera 4-in-1 CCTV Bullet Wired Cam (Single Camera)
This ANNKE bullet camera is a workhorse for any existing wired surveillance setup, offering crisp 1080p footage and robust night vision. It’s designed to integrate seamlessly with various DVR systems, making it a flexible choice if you’re looking to upgrade or expand your current security cameras. Its durable, weatherproof design means it can stand guard no matter what the elements throw its way.
- Key Features:
- Crystal Clear 1080p HD footage (2MP)
- 100ft IR Night Vision for clear black & white images in low light
- 4-IN-1 Compatibility (AHD/TVI/CVI/CVBS) for wide DVR support
- IP66 Weatherproof housing for extreme temperatures (-4°F to 122°F)
- Pros:
- Excellent night vision range
- High-definition video clarity
- Versatile compatibility with many DVR types
- Extremely durable for outdoor use
- Cons:
- Requires a separate DVR system to function
- Power adapter not included, an additional purchase is needed
- User Impressions: Customers appreciate the clear image quality and the reliable night vision. Many highlight its solid build, though some note the extra effort needed to source a power adapter and integrate with an existing DVR. It’s seen as a great add-on camera.
- See it on Amazon here
2. ANNKE 1080p Security Camera 4-in-1 CCTV Bullet Wired Cam (Easy Install)
Similar to its sibling above, this ANNKE bullet camera brings the same high-quality 1080p video and impressive 100ft IR night vision, but with an added emphasis on ease of installation. Its adjustable 3-axis stand simplifies mounting, ensuring you can quickly secure it at the perfect angle for comprehensive property monitoring.
- Key Features:
- Crystal Clear 1080p HD footage (2MP)
- 100ft IR Night Vision for clear black & white images
- 4-IN-1 Compatibility (AHD/TVI/CVI/CVBS)
- IP66 Weatherproof housing
- Easy to Install and Operate with adjustable 3-axis stand
- Pros:
- Strong night vision capabilities
- High-definition clarity
- User-friendly installation
- Robust weatherproof design
- Cons:
- Requires an external DVR system
- Power adapter is not included
- User Impressions: Users praise the simplicity of installation thanks to the adjustable bracket. The consistent video quality and excellent night vision are recurring highlights, making it a favorite for those looking for a straightforward upgrade.
- See it on Amazon here
3. ZOSI 2.0MP 1080P HD 1920TVL Security Camera Hybrid 4-in-1
The ZOSI 4-in-1 bullet camera is a chameleon in the security world, offering exceptional compatibility with a vast array of DVR systems thanks to its OSD menu for mode switching. Its impressive 80ft night vision (and up to 120ft in ambient light, with color vision above 3.0 Lux) ensures clear visibility when it matters most, day or night.
- Key Features:
- 2.0MP HD 1080P resolution
- Hybrid 4-in-1 compatibility (TVI/CVI/AHD/CVBS) with OSD Menu
- 80ft IR Night Vision (24pcs IR LEDs), 120ft in ambient light, color night vision above 3.0Lux
- IP67 Weatherproof metal housing for indoor/outdoor use
- Pros:
- Highly versatile due to 4-in-1 compatibility and OSD menu
- Excellent night vision range, including ambient color vision
- Durable, vandal-proof metal construction
- Easy signal mode switching
- Cons:
- Does not include CCTV cable or power supply
- Requires a DVR to operate
- User Impressions: Reviewers love the flexibility of this ZOSI camera, especially its ability to work with various DVRs. The quality of the night vision is frequently highlighted, with many appreciating the option for color under sufficient ambient light.
- See it on Amazon here
4. ANNKE 8CH H.265+ 3K Lite Wired Security Camera System
This isn’t just a camera; it’s a complete surveillance powerhouse. The ANNKE 8-channel system offers advanced AI Motion Detection 2.0, distinguishing between humans and vehicles to reduce false alarms. Its innovative Smart Dual-Light technology provides both crisp B&W and vivid full-color night vision, giving you comprehensive coverage around the clock.
- Key Features:
- AI Motion Detection 2.0 (human & vehicle detection)
- 8-channel 3K Lite DVR (works with 1080P, 3K/5MP cams)
- Pre-installed 1TB HDD for 24/7 continuous recording (H.265+ for efficient storage)
- Smart Dual-Light for full color night vision (up to 66ft) and IR B&W (up to 100ft)
- IP67 Weatherproof cameras
- Pros:
- Comprehensive all-in-one system
- Intelligent AI motion detection for accuracy
- Flexible night vision modes (color & B&W)
- Ample storage with efficient H.265+ compression
- Robust weatherproof cameras
- Cons:
- Wired system might require more complex installation
- Initial cost is higher as it’s a full system
- User Impressions: Customers are highly impressed with the AI detection features, praising its accuracy in differentiating threats. The dual-light night vision, offering color footage at night, is a major standout, providing a significant upgrade in nighttime surveillance.
- See it on Amazon here
5. ZOSI 2MP 1080p Security Camera Outdoor Indoor (Hybrid)
Another strong contender from ZOSI, this 1080p hybrid camera offers a wide 105° field of view and excellent 100ft IR night vision, ensuring a broad area is covered even in darkness. Its IP67 metal weatherproof design makes it a resilient choice for any outdoor environment, and the OSD menu offers great flexibility for integration.
- Key Features:
- 1080P FHD resolution with 1/3″CMOS sensor
- Hybrid 4-in-1 compatibility (HD-CVI/TVI/AHD/Analog) via OSD Menu
- 100ft (30m) IR night vision (black & white at night) with 36 IR LEDs
- Wide 105° view with 3.6mm lens
- IP67 Metal Weatherproof construction
- Pros:
- Wide viewing angle captures more
- Strong night vision performance
- Highly durable metal casing
- Flexible compatibility with various DVRs
- Cons:
- Requires separate power supply and coaxial video cables
- Default mode is 960H; needs to be manually switched for 1080p
- User Impressions: Users value the wide field of view, which reduces the number of cameras needed for some areas. The durable build and clear night vision are frequently mentioned as positives, alongside the responsive customer support.
- See it on Amazon here
6. VORGUT Wired Security Camera System Outdoor, 4CH 5MP Lite
The VORGUT 4-channel system is a fantastic “plug and play” option for those who want reliable wired security without monthly fees. Featuring 3MP HD cameras with 80ft infrared night vision and smart motion detection that focuses on people, it offers consistent, high-quality surveillance. The pre-installed 500GB HDD ensures you have ample local storage right out of the box.
- Key Features:
- Plug and Play setup for easy installation
- 3MP HD resolution cameras
- 80ft Infrared Night Vision
- Smart Motion Detection (detects people to reduce false alarms)
- Pre-Installed 500G HDD for local 24/7 recording (no monthly fees)
- Remote Access via free App
- IP67 Waterproof metal shell (operates -40°C to 60°C)
- Pros:
- Extremely easy to set up and use
- Reliable wired connection, immune to Wi-Fi issues
- Intelligent human detection minimizes false alerts
- Generous local storage with no recurring costs
- Exceptional weather resistance
- Cons:
- 3MP is good, but not as high as some 5MP or 4K systems
- Wired setup may require drilling for cable routing
- User Impressions: Customers love the straightforward installation and the robust performance of this wired system. The smart motion detection is a big hit, significantly cutting down on irrelevant notifications. The “no monthly fees” aspect is also a strong selling point.
- See it on Amazon here
7. ZOSI 1080P CCTV Camera Outdoor Indoor Hybrid 4 in 1
Another versatile camera from ZOSI, this 1080P hybrid model offers excellent clarity and a strong 80ft night vision range (with up to 120ft in ambient light). Its 4-in-1 compatibility and built-in OSD menu mean it’s incredibly adaptable to various DVR setups, making it a great choice for expanding or upgrading your current surveillance.
- Key Features:
- 2MP HD 1080P resolution
- Hybrid 4-in-1 compatibility (TVI/CVI/AHD/CVBS) with OSD Menu
- 80ft Night Vision (24pcs IR LEDs), 120ft in ambient light, color night vision above 3.0Lux
- IP66 Weatherproof aluminum alloy housing
- Adjustable 3-axis camera bracket
- Pros:
- Highly flexible with 4-in-1 compatibility
- Reliable and extensive night vision
- Durable, vandal-resistant aluminum alloy construction
- Easy mode switching via OSD menu
- Cons:
- Requires separate CCTV cables and power supply
- Cannot function as a standalone camera
- User Impressions: Users often highlight the camera’s solid build and the clarity of its night vision. The OSD menu for seamless DVR integration is also a frequently praised feature, offering a lot of bang for the buck for those with existing DVRs.
- See it on Amazon here
8. ANNKE 3K Lite Wired Security Camera System Outdoor with…
Building on the strengths of the previous ANNKE system, this 3K Lite wired security solution offers even more peace of mind with enhanced AI Motion Detection 2.0 for precise human and vehicle recognition. It boasts vivid color night vision (up to 66ft) alongside traditional IR (up to 100ft) and comes with a 1TB HDD, all wrapped in a robust, certified, and subscription-free package.
- Key Features:
- AI Motion Detection 2.0 (human & vehicle detection)
- 8-channel 3K Lite DVR, compatible with various camera types
- Pre-installed 1TB HDD for 24/7 recording (H.265+ compression)
- Smart Dual-Light for crisp full color night vision (up to 66ft) and IR B&W (up to 100ft)
- IP67 Weatherproof cameras
- UL, CE, FCC, HDMI certified, GDPR compliant app, NO monthly fees
- Pros:
- Advanced, accurate AI detection
- Superior color night vision capability
- Extremely reliable and secure system
- Generous storage with no subscription costs
- Comprehensive certifications ensure quality and privacy
- Cons:
- Wired setup may require professional installation
- Higher upfront investment for a complete system
- User Impressions: This system receives rave reviews for its advanced AI features and the clarity of its color night vision. The no-monthly-fee policy and strong data security measures are particularly appreciated by users seeking a robust and trustworthy long-term security solution.
- See it on Amazon here
9. Vanxse® CCTV Mini Security Camera Hd 3.6mm 90degree 1000tvl
For discreet surveillance, this Vanxse mini CCTV camera is a fantastic choice. Its compact size belies its capabilities, offering 1000TVL resolution and 8 IR LEDs for effective night vision. It’s an analog camera, perfect for older systems or specific needs where a tiny footprint is paramount, providing clear true-color images during the day and reliable black & white at night.
- Key Features:
- Miniature size with 3.6mm 90° lens
- 1/3 CCD 1000TVL High Resolution video (analog)
- 8PCS Infraed IR LED Lights for night vision
- Auto switch between day and night, auto tracking white balance
- Low power consumption, high sensitivity
- NTSC Video Format
- Pros:
- Extremely discreet and easy to hide
- Effective IR night vision for its size
- Simple to operate and install
- Low power draw
- Cons:
- 1000TVL is an analog resolution, lower than modern 1080p digital
- May not be compatible with newer digital DVRs without an adapter
- No specified IP rating for outdoor reliability
- User Impressions: Customers love the tiny form factor for hidden or inconspicuous surveillance. While acknowledging it’s an analog camera, users find the night vision surprisingly good for its size and price point, making it ideal for specific, less demanding security needs.
- See it on Amazon here
10. Vanxse CCTV 1/3 CCD 1000tvl 6mm Indoor/Outdoor 6pcs IR
Another compact option from Vanxse, this CCTV camera offers 1000TVL analog resolution with a slightly narrower 6mm lens for more focused surveillance. It includes 6 IR LEDs for night vision and a built-in microphone for audio pickup, adding an extra layer of detail to your recordings. Its auto day/night switching and automatic white balance ensure consistent image quality.
- Key Features:
- 1/3inch Color CCD Sensor with HD 1000TVL horizontal resolution
- 6pcs IR Leds Lights for day/night vision
- 6mm wide lens for focused view
- Built-in Microphone for audio pickup
- IR-CUT double filter for true color restoration
- NTSC Video Format
- Pros:
- Built-in microphone adds audio to surveillance
- Effective IR night vision
- Automatic adjustments for consistent image quality
- Compact and relatively easy to install
- Cons:
- 1000TVL analog resolution is not as sharp as digital HD
- IP rating not explicitly stated, so outdoor durability may vary
- May require specific analog DVR compatibility
- User Impressions: Users appreciate the added functionality of the built-in microphone, which provides more context to surveillance footage. The camera’s reliability for basic, focused monitoring, especially in low light, is often highlighted, particularly for those with existing analog systems.
- See it on Amazon here
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Night Time CCTV Cameras
Choosing the right security camera with excellent night vision can be a bit tricky. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision.
Q1: What exactly is night vision in a CCTV camera?
A1: Night vision in CCTV cameras allows them to capture images or video in low-light or complete darkness. Most common night vision uses infrared (IR) LEDs that emit light invisible to the human eye, which the camera’s sensor then detects to create a black and white image. Some advanced cameras offer color night vision using specialized sensors, larger apertures, or supplemental white light.
Q2: How far can a night vision camera typically see?
A2: The range of night vision varies greatly depending on the camera’s specifications. Entry-level cameras might offer 30-50 feet (10-15 meters), while more advanced cameras can see up to 100-200 feet (30-60 meters) or even further, especially with powerful IR arrays or integrated floodlights. Always check the “IR night vision distance” in the product features.
Q3: What’s the difference between IR night vision and color night vision?
A3: IR night vision (infrared) uses invisible infrared light to illuminate an area, producing clear but black and white images. Color night vision, also known as Starlight or Low-Light Color Vision, uses more sensitive sensors, wider apertures, and sometimes supplemental white LEDs to capture full-color images even in very dim conditions, often providing more detail.
Q4: Do I need a DVR for these CCTV cameras?
A4: For most wired CCTV cameras, yes, you will need a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) to record and store footage. Cameras like the ANNKE and ZOSI models reviewed are often standalone units designed to connect to an existing DVR system. Some complete security systems, like the ANNKE and VORGUT kits, come with a DVR included.
Q5: What does “4-in-1 compatibility” mean for a security camera?
A5: “4-in-1 compatibility” means the camera supports four different analog video output formats: AHD, TVI, CVI, and CVBS (or 960H analog). This versatility makes the camera compatible with a wide range of older and newer DVR systems, giving you more flexibility when upgrading or expanding your surveillance setup. You typically switch modes using a built-in OSD (On-Screen Display) menu or a physical switch.
Q6: Are wired or wireless night vision cameras better?
A6: Both have their pros and cons. Wired cameras, like many of the best night time CCTV cameras we reviewed, typically offer more stable connections, better reliability (not subject to Wi-Fi interference), and often higher resolution or more advanced features. However, they require running cables. Wireless cameras are easier to install but can be prone to signal issues and might have battery life concerns. For critical, continuous surveillance, wired systems are generally preferred for their robustness.
Q7: Is “weatherproof” truly weatherproof, and what IP rating should I look for?
A7: A “weatherproof” rating indicates a camera’s ability to withstand environmental elements. Look for an IP (Ingress Protection) rating.
* IP66: Protected against dust ingress and powerful water jets (suitable for most outdoor conditions).
* IP67: Protected against dust ingress and immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes (even more robust).
Both IP66 and IP67 are excellent for outdoor use, ensuring your camera functions in rain, snow, or dusty conditions.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Your Best Night Time CCTV Camera
Investing in the best night time CCTV camera is a smart move for protecting your property. Whether you opt for a comprehensive system with AI-driven features and color night vision, or a reliable standalone camera to integrate into your existing setup, the key is clear, consistent surveillance when it matters most. Consider your specific needs, budget, and desired features, and use this guide to help you find the perfect camera to keep your space secure around the clock.