PoE Security Cameras & Systems with Audio - Best Guide

Need advice on choosing an outdoor PoE security camera with audio recording? Need a recommendation of PoE security camera with a built-in microphone? Looking for a PoE security camera with 2-way audio? Or looking for an IP security camera with 2-way audio as an intercom?

Read on to find the best guide to help you choose PoE security cameras with audio/microphone/2-way audio.

Legality of IP Security Cameras/Systems with Audio Recording

It all depends. Legal guidelines and legislation on audio surveillance and audio recordings of IP cameras vary in different countries and states.

It’s really important to check related regulations and laws regarding security camera with a built-in microphone or 2-way audio or consults your lawyers on the matter before go ahead installing an IP camera or system with a microphone.

Different Type of IP Security Cameras/Systems with Audio

Instead of using a different cable for audio output seen in some analog CCTV cameras, the audio signal of PoE security cameras is transmitted on the same Ethernet cable as the video signal.

Some IP cameras come with built-in with a microphone. For example, Reolink RLC-410 HD outdoor PoE security camera is packed with a built-in mic.

While some IP security cameras come with RCA port that allows users to get audio by connecting it to an external microphone. For example, outdoor PTZ PoE security camera RLC-423 comes with RCA audio input that supports an external microphone for picking sounds and audio recording.

Of course, there are many security cameras with both microphone and speaker, for example, wireless security camera with 2-way audio, such as Reolink Argus 2 outdoor security camera with mic & speaker, Reolink E1 Pro indoor 2-way audio security camera, wireless doorbell cameras with two-way audio, front door wireless intercom with the camera.

Guide to Choose Best PoE Security Cameras/Systems with Audio/Audio Recording

When choosing PoE outdoor or indoor security cameras with audio (audio input, 2-way audio, audio recordings), there are few factors users should take into account.

PoE Security Camera IP Rating (Waterproof or Vandalproof)

When you place PoE security cameras with microphone outdoor, it’s inevitable to run into bad weather or rainy days.

Therefore, it’s important to get PoE outdoor waterproof security cameras or systems that have a built-in microphone or waterproof external microphone or speaker.

An outdoor surveillance camera with IP rating 66, for example, RLC-410 outdoor PoE camera, can withstand the impacts from solid matter like dust and rainwater.

Placement Outdoor IP Security Camera with Audio/2-Way Audio

Placement of PoE security camera matters when it comes to getting good video with recognizable audios or sounds.

When placing the PoE security cameras too high or too far away from designated areas, you could barely know or make out the sounds in the surveillance video.

It’s advised to test out a better location for audio recording before hooking the PoE cameras up.

Resolution of PoE Security Camera with Audio Recording

Never underestimate the importance of HD resolution of IP security cameras/systems with audio recording.

HD snapshots and videos not only help with positive identification in the event of break-in or theft, such as looks of a stranger, make of unknown vehicles, parked car license plate number, but also provide a true sense of security and peace of mind.

For example, 1920p Super HD IP security camera with built-in microphone RLC-410 managed to capture the very moment of the package being stolen off the porch by a group of package thieves.

App Toggle to Control Security Camera Audio Input & Audio Recording

People want security cameras with audio and video because they could listen to what’s going on and identify voices of people coming and going on premise.

While, more often than not, your IP security cameras with a microphone, especially on the front door or indoor, don’t just pick up sounds of people lurking around or dropping by your house.

They pick sounds like thunder, cars and many other annoying sounds. A toggle on app or Client to turn on or off audio input and the audio recording comes in handy.

For example, there is an option on Reolink Client and apps for controlling audio input and output for security cameras with audio or 2-way audio.

Other Features of PoE Security Camera with Audio/2-Way Audio

There are some nice-to-have features when choosing PoE security cameras with audio/mic or 2-way audio.

1. Night vision capability (at least 30 feet range)
2. Motion detection & Motion alerts
3. Mobile access to view live feed
4. Simple setup, plug-and-play
5. Footage storage options (SD card, cloud or DVR/NVR)

Best PoE Security Camera with Audio/Microphone/2-Way Audio

One of the Best Outdoor PoE Bullet Camera with Audio – Reolink RLC-410

Reolink RLC-410 PoE 5MP HD outdoor security camera is embedded with built-in microphone, allowing users to record audio and video simultaneously.

Reolink RLC-410 is packed with a 5MP HD camera, supporting 80˚ wide viewing angle, 100ft night vision range, motion detection, and motion alerts.

Outfitted with waterproof housing, RLC-410 is solid for outdoor and indoor use, such as front door, backyard, driveway, garage security. It’s powered over Ethernet cable, easy connection, and installation, suitable for DIY.

One of the Best Outdoor PoE Dome Camera with Audio – Reolink RLC-520

Similar to Reolink RLC-410, Reolink RLC-520 5MP outdoor/indoor PoE dome security IP camera is built-in with a mic.

Packed with 5MP super HD camera, RLC-520 is able to capture videos with resolution reaching 2560x1920, much sharper & clearer pictures & videos than 1080p or 720p.

PoE network camera RLC-520 is powered by one Ethernet cable with easy & simple installation and setup, support real-time motion detection & alert, 100ft HD night vision, remote access & live view via free apps.

One of the Best Outdoor PoE PTZ IP Camera with Audio – Reolink RLC-423

Reolink RLC-423 PTZ PoE security camera is outfitted with audio input, allowing users to connect the camera to an external microphone.

5MP HD camera Reolink RLC-423 security camera is able to capture1920p HD videos from up to 190 feet at night, capable of recognizing faces and license plate numbers during the daytime.

One of Best PoE Security Camera System with Audio Recording – Reolink RLK8-410B4

One of the best and budget PoE home security camera systems with audio recording - RLK8-410B4 is bundled with 4 outdoor PoE audio-enabled security cameras (RLC-410 ) and 8-channel PoE NVR with built-in 2TB HDD for 24/7 audio and video recording.

It’s a do-it-yourself (DIY) home security system and plug-and-play home security system.

Other Alternative to Security Cameras with Audio & Video

If you are in the market for wireless or wired intercom, audio-enabled security cameras, doorbell camera intercom; it’s always a good idea to look into the 2-way audio wire-free security camera Reolink Argus 2.

If you are looking for an indoor security camera with 2-way audio for baby monitor, pet monitor, elderly monitor, or nanny cam, Reolink E1 Pro makes a great fit.