You can't put a price on feeling safe in your home. You can, however, spend between £50 and £200 on a security camera, which is certainly a step in the right direction.

Today's smart security cameras are really clever pieces of home tech that are much advanced from the days of grainy CCTV imagery. Nowadays they really pack a punch with WiFi connection, motion sensors, voice activation and smartphone apps to help improve usability. These little devices can help you feel safe inside the house and keep a watchful eye over it when away. Yet they aren't just for situations of alarm, as many people now buy them simply to monitor the arrival of packages, guests or to check on their pets when at work.

Whether you're after an indoor camera, a weather resistant security camera or one that comes with floodlights, the single most important feature is video quality. Too low and you won't be able to identify or spot much going on. Too high and neither your bills nor your bandwidth will thank you. Aim for around 1080p and you should be golden.

Battery powered or wired home security camera?

This is the second most important consideration when assessing your home security camera options. Whilst battery-powered cameras can be set up anywhere in a flash (and moved around if needs be), changing batteries is tiresome and dull and can be easily forgotten. You certainly wouldn't want to find that they've run out half way through your holiday! On the other hand, wired cameras mean placement is more limited and the camera itself is less discreet with a wire dangling from it. However, they won't suddenly run out of charge, nor will they require any extra attention once plugged in.

Scroll on for House & Garden's pick of the best smart security cameras.

Home security cameras