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Two-Way Audio Security Cameras: 2024 Buying Guide

Elvia9/19/2024
two-way audio security camera

Two-way audio security cameras enable you to talk to your children and elderly parents, warn the burglars or intruders verbally, and have fun with your pet dog & cat even while you are away from home. Here, you'll get deep insights into what exactly security cameras with two-way audio are. Keep reading!

Please check this comprehensive Reolink camera review if you are interested in.

Overview of Security Camera with Two-Way Video

What is Two-Way Audio Security Camera?

Wired cameras or WiFi security cameras with two-way audio (also known as 2-way intercom cameras) typically have built-in microphones and speakers so that you can listen and talk to your family in real-time. So you don't need to purchase the external microphone or speaker to enable the 2-way audio function.

Home security cameras with two-way audio use either half-duplex or full-duplex audio transmission mode.

In Two-way audio security cameras with half-duplex mode, audio is sent in both directions. However, only one party can send or receive audio data at a time, which is similar to a walkie-talkie.

In two-way audio cameras with full-duplex mode, both parties can send and receive audio data through two-way audio IP security cameras at the same time.

In other words, you can chat with your family or children, similar to face-to-face talk with two-way audio over IP.

Advantages of Two-Way Audio Security Camera

  • You can listen and talk to your kids, your elderly parents, and loved ones anytime you like.
  • You can let a delivery man leave your package in the place you prefer.
  • You can give your pet orders to let your furry friends not rock the boat.
  • You can scare off any potential thieves by a verbal warning.

As you may notice, there are security cameras with audio recording in the market.
Security cameras with audio will only record audio while doing video recording. You cannot talk to your children or family with this type of security camera. Two-way audio video security cameras, on the other hand, offer you real-time communication as well as audio & video recording.

You can now skip to the next part to check different types of two-way audio security cameras.

Outdoor Security Camera with Two-Way Audio

An outdoor security camera with two-way audio is a surveillance device designed for use in exterior spaces, such as the perimeter of a home. This type of camera is also built to withstand various weather conditions, including rain, snow, and temperature fluctuations. You can place such cameras in your front door and porch, or the outside of your garage to monitor the visitors and manage the package delivery without going to the door.

If you want an outdoor two-way video security camera, the New Reolink Argus 4 Pro is a good choice for you. Besides its two-way audio and waterproof fuction, Argus 4 Pro with 4K resolution and ColorX technology represents a cutting-edge solution for comprehensive surveillance. The two lenses provide users with a 180-degree field of view, covering more area in outdoor spaces.

Reolink Argus 4 Pro

4k 180° Wire-free Color Night Vision Camera

4K UHD 180° Blindspot-free View; Color Vision Day and Night; 30% More Battery Life; Dual-band Wi-Fi 6; Smart detection.

For consumers needing full-color night vision without visible spotlights, the Reolink Argus 4 Pro is an excellent choice. Alternatively, those seeking a cost-effective solution that performs well may consider the standard Argus 4 version.

Reolink Argus 4

4k 180° Blindspot-free Wi-Fi 6 Camera

4K UHD 180° Blindspot-free View; Dual-band Wi-Fi 6; Smart detection; Easy Installation Anywhere

Note: Argus 4 Pro vs. Argus 4:Which One You Need to Buy?

Indoor Security Camera with Two-Way Audio

An indoor security camera with 2-way audio is a surveillance device designed for use inside homes. It incorporates a microphone and speaker system, enabling both audio capture and playback. This feature allows users to not only monitor the video feed remotely but also engage in real-time two-way communication with individuals within the camera's field of view.

If you are looking for a two-way audio security camera for indoor uses (as a nanny cam, baby monitor or pet camera), E1 Pro won't let you down. This camera offers 2K high-definition, motion detection and pan-and-tilt functionality, which ensures comprehensive surveillance and sends alerts to your mobile device when needed.

Best Pick
Reolink E1 Pro

Wireless Motion Activated Indoor Camera

This motion spy camera could be easily blind in with your home decorations, with pan and tilt functions for wider coverage.
Take a look

Wireless Security Camera with Two-Way Audio

A wireless security camera with 2-way audio is a surveillance device designed for easy installation without the need for extensive cabling, making them suitable for both indoor and, in some cases, outdoor use. These cameras are battery powered and often connect to a WiFi network/cellular network, enabling users to access live footage and communicate through a mobile app or a web interface.

If you are looking for a wireless two-way audio security camera, Argus 3 Ultra is a good choice for you. Argus 3 Ultra, a 4K standalone wire-free security camera, ensures unparalleled clarity in video footage, capturing every detail with precision. The smart detection capabilities set it apart, using advanced algorithms to distinguish between routine movements and potential threats, minimizing false alarms.

Reolink Argus 3 Ultra

4K 8MP Standalone Wire-Free Camera

4K 8MP; Smart Detection; 5/2.4GHz Dual-Band WiFi; Battery/Solar Powered; Color Night Vision; Alerts Without Subscription.

Wired Security Camera with Two-Way Audio

A wired security camera with two-way audio use a physical cable connection for both power and data transmission. Unlike wireless counterparts, this type of camera relies on wired infrastructure, typically Ethernet cables or DC power cable to connect to power sources.

If wiring is convenient for you when install the security camera, Reolink RLC-1212A is a proper choice for you. The RLC-1212A is a 12MP Ultra HD resolution PoE camera. Its Person/Vehicle Alerts feature ensures that the camera can intelligently detect and alert you to the presence of people or vehicles, minimizing false alarms. The Color Night Vision capability allows for clear and vivid video recording even in low-light conditions.

Reolink RLC-1212A

Intelligent 12MP PoE Camera with Powerful Spotlight

Smart Person/Vehicle Alerts; 12MP Ultra HD; Color Night Vision; Time Lapse; IP66 Certified Weatherproof; Two-Way Audio.

Two-Way Audio Security Camera System

Two-way audio security camera system is designed for 24/7 monitoring making it an ideal solution for comprehensive surveillance across expansive areas. This is particularly beneficial for properties such as industrial facilities, warehouses, campuses, or expansive residential estates where a conventional security system may face limitations in coverage.

Here we would recommend you RLK8-1200B4-A, a 12MP PoE Surveillance Kit with Smart Detection & Spotlights. The security system surpasses expectations by delivering exceptional video quality with a 12MP resolution, capturing intricate details with stunning clarity. Utilizing PoE technology, each camera in this kit has the capability to transmit videos and receive power simultaneously through a single network cable.

What to Consider When Buying a Two-Way Audio Security Camera

When purchasing a two-way audio security camera, several key considerations can ensure that you choose the right system to meet your specific needs:

Buy the high quality two-way audio security camera

The sound quality in a two-way audio network video camera should be your No.1 checking point.

There are 3 key elements you need to pay attention to when buying CCTV cameras with high-quality two-way audio:

  • The volume of the audio of the two-way audio surveillance cameras.
  • The clarity of the audio.
  • If there is any delay in two-way communication.

There are 3 easy ways you can use to check the two-way audio quality of the CCTV surveillance cameras.

  1. Read the feedback of previous customers to check the overall performance of the two-way audio camera.
  2. Check on the audio & video sample of a two-way audio security camera on YouTube.
  3. Check the two-way audio IP camera reviews written by the professional editors of top-tier media.

Find a two-way audio outdoor security camera for outside environments

Waterproof in security cameras with two-way audio is indispensable when you want to monitor the outside surroundings of your home and business.

Take IP65 outdoor security IP cameras with 2-way intercom as a typical example.

Bi-directional audio security cameras with a weatherproof rating can protect the cameras from water jets and dust. You can place this kind of two-way audio outdoor IP security camera anywhere without worrying about the rain or snow.

When there are any potential thieves approaching your house, you can hear what's going on via the speaker and scare off the invaders via the microphone before they break in.

Purchase a 2-way audio security camera with night vision

The night vision in both outdoor and indoor IP network security cameras with two-way audio is really important.

When you install a PTZ camera with two-way audio and night vision in your baby's room, you can sing a lullaby via your iPhone or Android smartphone to hush your baby to sleep at night. You can also check whether your baby has a sound sleep at night without having to get up.

If you install a two-way audio pan-tilt night vision security camera, you won't miss anything happening both day and night.

Burglars are not rare anymore. Your home security at night cannot be ignored. With a WiFi or PoE half-duplex or full-duplex audio security camera with night vision, you can get peace of mind both in daytime and nighttime.

Get 2-way audio surveillance security cameras with motion detection recording

IP security cameras with push notifications and two-way audio can send you real-time app push alerts, email alerts, and sound warnings. You can also get motion detection images or video clips to keep as evidence.

With motion detection alerts and recording, you don't need to access the camera all the time. You can only view the camera once you receive the push notifications.

There are 2 popular types of IP security cameras with two-way audio and push. One kind of two-way audio security camera uses a special algorithm to detect motion events.
The other type uses a PIR sensor to detect the temperature of the moving object to sense motions.

The first type of motion detection two-way audio security camera compares the current frame with the previous one. If the security camera detects any changes, it will send you alerts instantly.

Motion-activated cameras How does it work
Software motion sensor cameras Comparing images
PIR motion sensor cameras Comparing temperatures

FAQs

1. Why My Two-Way Audio Security Camera Is Not Working?

If you cannot activate the two-way audio of your security camera, you can try the below handy solutions.

  1. Check whether you've used the two-way audio function correctly. Most two-way audio security cameras use push-to-talk (PTT) to activate this function.
  2. Keep the camera away from other electronic equipment to avoid feedback.
  3. Check the Internet connection of your two-way audio cameras.
  4. Update your two-way audio camera firmware to the latest version.
    Reset your 2-way audio surveillance video cameras.

While the audio recording in video surveillance security cameras can be restricted in some countries, it is a good idea to check with your local authorities. You can check this summary of each state's audio recording laws here.

Federal law requires that one person must know about the video recording taking place. And laws require that people cannot gather audio from:

  • Eavesdropping
  • Remote recording
  • Other illegal audio recording methods

The audio recording will be an invasion of privacy if you don't handle it properly. You can turn off the audio recording if it's not allowed by the local laws.

Conclusion

Investing in a Two-Way Audio Security Camera is a strategic move for those seeking an interactive and advanced surveillance solution. The ability to not only monitor but also communicate in real-time adds a dynamic layer to security systems.

If you like this article and find it helpful, share it with your friends. Do you have something to say about a two-way audio security camera? Make sure you leave a comment below!

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When not diving into writing about home security, Elvia spends her time watching movies, hiking, reading, etc. Also, she is a big fan of Star War and Orphan Black.