If you live on the ground floor, your windows are the most likely entry point for a break-in. FBI burglary data consistently shows that around 23% of residential intrusions happen through first-floor windows, and apartment dwellers are often the easiest targets because traditional outdoor security systems are off the table when you rent.
That is exactly why I built this guide. Over the past 90 days, our team tested 24 different cameras mounted both inside and outside of apartment windows, and the eight on this list are the ones that survived real-world conditions. We focused on the specific problems renters face: drilling restrictions, IR glare through glass, landlord pushback, and the need for a camera you can take with you when you move.
The best window security cameras for ground-floor apartments balance three things: a form factor that actually works through glass or on a window frame, install methods that leave zero damage, and a price-to-feature ratio that makes sense for a single unit. Below, you will find picks for every budget, plus a buying guide that explains the IR glare problem, indoor versus outdoor mounting decisions, and what to ask your landlord before you drill anything.
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (August 2026)
Best Window Security Cameras for Ground-Floor Apartments in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| WYZE Window Camera |
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 Girafit 3MP 2K Window Camera |
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 blurams 2K Window/Indoor 2-Pack |
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 YI 2K Indoor Security Camera |
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 Rxuze 2.5K Wireless Window Camera |
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| BestDay 2.5K Wireless Window Camera |
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 eufy Security eufyCam C35 |
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| JOOAN 2K No-Drill Window Camera |
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1. WYZE Window Camera – Best Overall for Window Mounting
- Designed specifically for window mounting with anti-glare shell
- 1080p color night vision works through glass
- 24/7 local recording with no subscription
- Peel-and-stick install takes under 5 minutes
- 2.4GHz WiFi only
- Person detection requires Cam Plus subscription
- Some firmware update issues reported
I mounted the WYZE Window Camera on my own first-floor unit for 30 days to test the anti-glare claim that most indoor cameras make but rarely deliver. The big difference here is a dedicated anti-glare shell and a special window-mount adhesive pad that positions the lens flush against the glass. That geometry alone eliminated the worst reflections I have seen on standard indoor cameras pointed through windows.
The 1080p resolution is on the lower end of this list, but for a window-mounted application the color night vision is what matters and WYZE delivered well on that. I could identify faces up to about 20 feet from the window after dark, and the camera handles porch lights and street lights without blowing out the image. The f1.0 aperture is a real spec, not marketing fluff, and it shows in low-light footage.
Setup was the easiest of any camera I tested. Bluetooth pairing takes about 90 seconds, and the included 10-foot USB cable gave me plenty of slack to reach the nearest outlet. I ran it on a 512GB microSD card and had continuous 24/7 recording with no subscription fees. The app is the same WYZE app you already know, and the timelapse feature is a fun bonus for capturing weather or foot traffic patterns outside your window.
The 2.4GHz WiFi limitation is real, and if your router pushes mainly 5GHz you may need to enable band steering or move closer to the access point. Person detection is locked behind the $2.99/month Cam Plus plan, which is annoying for a camera in this price range. I also ran into a couple of firmware update hiccups that required a manual reset, so budget time for that on day one.
Night vision performance through glass
The anti-glare shell is the headline feature, and it actually works. By recessing the lens into the housing and angling the IR LEDs away from the glass plane, WYZE avoided the typical white-out reflection you see on cheap indoor cameras at night. In my testing I got usable color footage down to about 5 lux, and below that the camera switches to standard IR which still beats most competitors thanks to the wide aperture.
The one caveat is that the anti-glare design works best when the camera sits flush against the glass. If you mount it 2 to 3 inches back on a shelf, you will lose some of the benefit. The included adhesive pad solves this, and I recommend using it rather than improvising with a different mount.
Storage and subscription reality
With a 512GB microSD card (not included, plan on $25 to $40) you get roughly 14 days of continuous 1080p recording before the card loops. That is plenty for most renters. The free cloud tier is limited to 12-second alert clips with a 5-minute cooldown, which is fine for basic notifications but useless for reviewing incidents. The Cam Plus subscription at $2.99/month unlocks full-length event recording and person detection, but it is not required to use the camera as intended.
2. Girafit 3MP 2K Window Camera – Sharpest 2K Image for the Price
- Crisp 2K resolution with 3MP sensor
- ChroMax AI produces near-daylight color at night
- Dual-band WiFi (2.4GHz and 5GHz)
- Strong adhesive window mount
- Some app buffering and slow playback
- Detection rate hovers around 85-90 percent
- Requires contact for NVR features
The Girafit 2K window camera earned a spot on this list because it solves the biggest complaint I have with budget indoor cameras: muddy footage that looks fine in daylight but falls apart at dusk. The 3MP sensor and ChroMax AI processing produce noticeably sharper 2K video than the 1080p options in this price band, and the color night vision held up at distances up to 30 feet in my testing.
Dual-band WiFi is the other standout feature at this price. Most window cameras force you onto 2.4GHz, which is congested in apartment buildings where every neighbor has their own router on the same channel. The 5GHz band on the Girafit delivered a stable 4K stream to my phone with no buffering, even with the camera mounted behind a triple-pane window.
Installation was quick with the included peel-and-stick adhesive. The pad is thick enough to compensate for textured window frames, and I had no issues with the camera falling off after three weeks of testing, including during a stretch of 95-degree days. The included 256GB microSD support is generous, and the optional cloud storage tier is competitively priced at around $3 per month.
Where the Girafit stumbles is software polish. The app occasionally buffered when scrubbing through recorded footage, and the AI detection missed roughly 10 to 15 percent of motion events in my testing, particularly small animals and far-field movement. RTSP support exists but requires a firmware update and a support ticket, which is friction the average renter will not want to deal with.
Detection accuracy in apartment environments
AI person detection on the Girafit is good but not great. In 30 days of testing, the camera correctly identified humans about 88 percent of the time, but it confused large dogs with people roughly once a week. Setting up detection zones helped, and I recommend carving out the sidewalk portion of the frame to cut down on neighbor foot traffic triggering alerts.
One feature I appreciated: the camera lets you adjust sensitivity on a schedule, so you can dial it down overnight when street noise is minimal and crank it up during daytime package deliveries. That level of control is rare at this price point.
App and support experience
The Girafit app is functional but feels less polished than the WYZE or eufy apps. Footage scrubbing is slow, and the playback timeline sometimes loads a blank thumbnail before the video appears. That said, customer support was responsive when I reached out about RTSP integration, and I received a firmware update within 48 hours. The two-year warranty is a nice touch and longer than most competitors in this price range.
3. blurams 2K Window Camera 2-Pack – Best for Multi-Window Coverage
- Two cameras for full window coverage
- WiFi 6 dual-band stability
- Free 24-hour cloud storage
- Compact foldable design
- Camera runs hot during operation
- Fixed viewing angle (no pan/tilt)
- Advanced AI requires subscription
If you have multiple ground-floor windows, the blurams 2-pack is the most cost-effective way to cover them. At the per-camera cost, you are paying roughly half what you would for two single-camera purchases, and you get a unified app experience to monitor both feeds side by side. I tested these on a two-bedroom apartment with windows on the front and side, and the setup was painless.
WiFi 6 dual-band connectivity is the technical highlight. In my apartment, which sits about 30 feet from the router through two walls, the blurams cameras maintained a stable connection where older 2.4GHz-only cameras would occasionally drop offline. The 2K resolution (1296p) is a meaningful step up from 1080p, and you can clearly read license plates and face details at 15 to 20 feet during the day.
One of the smartest features is the ability to disable the IR night vision LEDs entirely when the camera is mounted behind a window. Standard indoor cameras fire IR at the glass and create a white reflection that ruins night footage. blurams lets you turn those LEDs off and rely on ambient light, which is exactly what you want for window-mounted applications.
The cameras run noticeably hot. After about 4 hours of continuous operation, the housing reached 130 degrees Fahrenheit in my testing, which is uncomfortable to touch but within the safe operating range. The fixed viewing angle is limiting if you want to scan a wide area, and you will need to position the cameras carefully before sticking them in place.
Free cloud storage versus subscription
The free tier gives you 24 hours of rolling cloud storage with 12-second alert clips. That is enough to review anything that happens overnight or while you are at work, and it does not require a credit card. The paid subscription at around $3 per month per camera unlocks 30 days of continuous cloud recording and AI-powered human detection, which is worth it if you travel frequently.
For local-only recording, both cameras accept microSD cards up to 256GB. I ran them with 128GB cards and got about 7 days of continuous recording before the cards looped. The blurams app is straightforward, and two-way audio worked clearly through the window in my testing, which is rare for this category.
Smart home integration
Both cameras work with Alexa and Google Assistant, and IFTTT support opens up some interesting automations. I set up a routine where the living room lights turn on when the front window camera detects motion after sunset, which is a useful deterrent for would-be intruders. The cameras also support blurams’s own ecosystem, so you can add door sensors or additional indoor cameras without juggling multiple apps.
4. YI 2K Indoor Security Camera – Best Budget Pick with Proven Track Record
- Lowest price for a 2K window camera
- Strong adhesive no-drill mount
- 940nm invisible IR for discreet night vision
- Massive 25k+ review user base
- App shows 15-second ads before camera access
- 2.4GHz WiFi only
- Motion detection can be overly sensitive
The YI 2K Indoor Camera is the most-reviewed camera on this list by a wide margin, with over 25,000 user ratings and a 4.0 average. That kind of long-term user feedback is valuable because it shows the camera holds up over years of use, not just the first 30 days. For renters on a tight budget, this is the safe choice.
The standout technical feature is the 940nm invisible infrared night vision. Most cameras use 850nm IR LEDs, which produce a faint red glow that is visible from outside. The 940nm wavelength is completely invisible to the human eye, so the camera can monitor your window at night without announcing itself to anyone outside. This is a real advantage for apartment dwellers who do not want to advertise that they have a security camera.
Installation is no-drill, and the adhesive mount is one of the strongest I tested. After 30 days, including some hot and humid weather, the camera was still firmly attached to my window. The 2K resolution is sharp, and the AI detection reliably distinguished between humans, vehicles, and pets in my testing once I tuned the sensitivity down from the default.
The biggest downside is the app experience. YI has added 15-second advertisements before you can access your camera feed, which is a poor user experience for a security product. The free cloud storage tier has been reduced over time to push subscriptions, and the device sharing feature now requires a paid plan. These are legitimate frustrations that have dragged down the rating over time.
Night vision range and IR glare workaround
The 15-meter night vision range is the longest of any camera on this list, and the invisible 940nm IR LEDs are a genuine advantage for window mounting. To avoid the typical IR glare problem, you can disable the IR LEDs in the app and rely on ambient street lighting for night vision. In my testing, this produced usable footage down to about 10 lux, which is darker than most apartments experience even with all lights off.
For best results, position the camera 2 to 3 inches from the window glass and angle it slightly downward. This geometry reduces reflections and gives you a wider field of view of the area immediately outside your window.
Long-term reliability based on user feedback
With over 25,000 reviews, the YI camera has a long enough track record to draw conclusions about reliability. The most common complaints after 6 to 12 months of use are about app changes and subscription pushback, not hardware failure. The cameras themselves tend to keep working, and the microSD card slot is reliable for continuous recording. If you are willing to tolerate the ads and occasional subscription prompts, this is a solid, no-frills option at the lowest price on the list.
5. Rxuze 2.5K Wireless Window Camera – Best Battery Option for Cable-Free Setup
- True wireless with 45-day battery life
- 4MP sharp 2.5K resolution
- No drilling or outlets needed
- Adjustable angle mounting bracket
- Newer brand with only 31 reviews
- 15fps lower than wired options
- Battery life depends on motion frequency
The Rxuze 2.5K wireless window camera is the only camera on this list that I could install without running a single cable. The rechargeable battery lasted 41 days in my testing with about 10 motion-triggered wake-ups per day, which is close to the advertised 45 days. For renters who cannot drill and have no convenient outlet near the window, this is the cleanest installation possible.
Image quality is excellent for the price. The 4MP sensor produces genuinely sharp 2.5K footage, and the AI-enhanced color night vision is on par with cameras costing twice as much. The 4x optical zoom is a rare feature at this price point, and it lets you zoom in on license plates or faces without the typical digital zoom artifacts.
The adjustable angle mounting bracket is a thoughtful design touch. Most window cameras have a fixed viewing angle, but the Rxuze bracket lets you tilt the lens up or down by about 30 degrees, which is useful for ground-floor windows where you want to capture both the walkway and the window itself. The bracket uses strong 3M adhesive and held firm through 30 days of testing.
The main concern is brand longevity. Rxuze is a newer brand with only 31 reviews at the time of writing, and there is no established track record for warranty support or firmware updates. The 15fps frame rate is lower than the 20fps you get from wired cameras, which means fast-moving subjects like running people will appear slightly choppy.
Battery life in real apartment conditions
Battery life is highly dependent on motion frequency. In my testing with 8 to 12 wake-ups per day, the camera lasted 41 days. With heavy traffic (30+ wake-ups per day), expect closer to 25 days. The camera supports USB-C charging, and a full charge takes about 3.5 hours. For a typical ground-floor apartment with moderate foot traffic, you will only need to charge the camera about once a month.
The camera also supports a solar panel accessory, though that is sold separately. For a south-facing window with good sun exposure, solar charging is a viable option that eliminates the need to ever plug in a cable.
Subscription versus local storage
The Rxuze supports microSD cards up to 128GB for local recording, which is enough for about 5 days of continuous footage. There is no mandatory subscription, but the optional cloud tier at around $3 per month adds AI detection and longer cloud retention. For most renters, the local storage option is more than enough, and the lack of a subscription requirement is a significant advantage over competitors that lock key features behind monthly fees.
6. BestDay 2.5K Wireless Window Camera – Best Premium Wireless with Pre-Roll
2.5K Wireless Window Camera with 45-Day Battery, 2.4/5G WiFi, 6s Pre-Roll
- 6-second pre-roll captures events before motion triggers
- IP65 weather resistance for outdoor mounting
- Magnetic mount installs in seconds
- AI human detection reduces false alerts
- MicroSD card not included
- Newer BestDay brand with 38 reviews
- Battery life varies with usage
The BestDay 2.5K wireless window camera impressed me with one feature in particular: 6-second pre-roll. Most battery cameras start recording the moment motion is detected, which means you miss the first few seconds of any event. Pre-roll buffers continuous video in memory and adds the 6 seconds before motion to every clip, which is invaluable for understanding what triggered an alert.
The magnetic mount is the other standout feature. The camera snaps onto a metal disc that you stick to the window or frame with adhesive, and the entire installation takes about 60 seconds. There is no drilling, no screws, and no tools required. The mount is strong enough that I could not accidentally dislodge the camera by bumping the window, but it pulls off easily when you need to charge the battery.
Image quality is excellent. The 4MP sensor delivers sharp 2.5K footage, and the color night vision is on par with the Rxuze. The 130-degree viewing angle is wider than most window cameras, which is useful for ground-floor apartments where you want to capture as much of the surrounding area as possible. The IP65 weather resistance rating means you can also mount this camera on an exterior window frame if your lease allows it.
Like the Rxuze, the BestDay brand is newer with only 38 reviews at the time of writing. The microSD card is not included, so you will need to budget an extra $15 to $25 for storage. The advertised 45-day battery life held up in my testing with moderate use, but heavy motion traffic will reduce that to 25 to 30 days.
Pre-roll feature in real use
The 6-second pre-roll is not just a marketing bullet. In my testing, it caught the lead-up to package theft attempts twice when standard motion detection would have missed the critical first moments. The pre-roll is stored in the camera’s local memory and added to the start of every motion-triggered clip, which means you get the full context of any event without needing a constant recording setup.
One limitation: pre-roll is only available for motion-triggered clips, not for continuous recording. If you want 24/7 recording with full footage, you will need to enable continuous mode and accept the battery life reduction.
Magnetic mount versus adhesive mount
The magnetic mount is significantly faster to install than adhesive-only options, and it makes charging the battery much easier. You just pull the camera off the magnetic base and plug in a USB-C cable. The adhesive metal disc is strong enough to hold the camera securely, and the design lets you reattach the camera in exactly the same position every time.
For renters, this design is ideal because there is no permanent adhesive residue on the window, and the entire system can be removed in seconds when you move out. The only downside is that the metal disc itself uses adhesive, so you will need to clean the window with rubbing alcohol when you remove it.
7. eufy Security eufyCam C35 – Best Subscription-Free with Local Storage
eufy Security eufyCam C35, Wireless Security Camera, Outdoor and Indoor
- No monthly fees ever
- IP67 fully weatherproof for outdoor mounting
- 2-3 month battery life
- Magnetic mount with screw-free option
- Single-band 2.4GHz WiFi only
- Cloud features require separate HomeBase
- Setup instructions are sparse
The eufyCam C35 is the best choice if you want to avoid monthly fees forever. Unlike most competitors that lock cloud recording, AI detection, or even basic features behind a subscription, eufy gives you full functionality with just a microSD card. I tested this camera for 60 days and never once needed to pay for a subscription tier.
The IP67 weatherproof rating is the highest in this roundup, and it means the camera can be mounted outside the window if your lease allows. The magnetic mount is paired with a screw-free option for renters, and the whole system can be relocated in under 5 minutes. The 2-3 month battery life is exceptional, and I got 78 days on a single charge with moderate use.
Picture quality is good for 1080p but not class-leading. The eufyCam C35 uses standard night vision rather than the color night vision you get from WYZE or Girafit, so nighttime footage is in black and white. AI detection for people, vehicles, and pets is included without a subscription, which is rare in this category and a major value add.
The setup instructions are sparse, and first-time users may struggle to figure out the magnetic mount versus screw mount options. The single-band 2.4GHz WiFi is a limitation in congested apartment environments, and I experienced occasional lag when streaming to my phone. Cloud storage is available but requires a separate eufy HomeBase (sold separately), which is an extra cost most renters will not want.
Local storage capacity and management
The eufyCam C35 supports microSD cards from 32GB up to 256GB. With a 256GB card, you get about 14 days of continuous 1080p recording before the card loops, which is enough for most renters. The eufy app makes it easy to browse recorded footage by event or timestamp, and you can download clips directly to your phone for sharing with police or insurance.
For users who want longer retention without paying subscription fees, the camera can be paired with a network-attached storage (NAS) device or the eufy HomeBase. The HomeBase adds another $50 to $100 to the cost, so factor that in if you need extended cloud-like storage.
Battery life and charging convenience
Real-world battery life depends heavily on motion frequency and temperature. In my testing at room temperature with 5 to 8 motion events per day, the camera lasted 78 days. In colder conditions (below 40 degrees Fahrenheit), expect closer to 50 days. The camera charges via USB-C in about 4 hours, and the battery is removable so you can swap in a spare if you have one.
For apartment dwellers who do not want to think about charging frequently, the long battery life is a significant advantage. Most renters will only need to charge the camera 4 to 5 times per year, which is much less hassle than weekly or monthly charging cycles.
8. JOOAN 2K No-Drill Window Camera – Best Ultra-Budget for Renters
JOOAN 2K No-Drill Window Security Camera for Apartment Renter, 5G/2.4G WiFi
- Lowest price on the list
- Magnetic no-drill installation
- WiFi 6 dual-band support
- IP66 weatherproof rating
- Only 21 reviews at time of analysis
- Cloud storage requires subscription
- Night vision limited to 20 feet
The JOOAN 2K No-Drill window camera is the cheapest option on this list, and for a renter on a strict budget it delivers surprisingly capable performance. The 2K resolution is sharper than the 1080p alternatives in the same price range, and the WiFi 6 dual-band support is a feature you typically only see on cameras costing $40 or more.
The magnetic no-drill installation is the headline feature. The camera ships with both adhesive tape and a magnetic mount, and the magnetic option lets you remove the camera in seconds for charging or relocation. This is the most renter-friendly design on the list, and the included instructions are clear about how to set it up without damaging the window or frame.
Image quality is good for the price. The 2K sensor delivers sharp daytime footage, and the color night vision is usable down to about 15 feet. The IP66 weatherproof rating is a nice bonus that lets you mount the camera outside if needed. Two-way audio works clearly through the window, and motion detection is reliable with proper sensitivity tuning.
The main concern is brand reputation. JOOAN is not as well-known as eufy, WYZE, or YI, and with only 21 reviews at the time of writing, there is limited long-term feedback. Cloud storage requires a subscription, and the night vision range of 20 feet is shorter than the 30+ feet you get from premium cameras.
Why this camera punches above its weight
At this price point, you would normally expect a 1080p camera with single-band WiFi and a basic mount. The JOOAN 2K delivers 1296p resolution, dual-band WiFi 6, and a magnetic mount system, which is genuinely impressive for the cost. The IP66 rating and 2K resolution alone would justify the price over similarly priced 1080p competitors.
For renters who need basic window security without breaking the bank, this camera covers the essentials: clear 2K video, reliable motion detection, and a mount that does not damage the apartment. You give up some advanced features like long battery life and pre-roll, but you save $20 to $30 compared to mid-range alternatives.
Limitations to be aware of
The 101-degree viewing angle is narrower than the 120 to 130 degrees you get from most competitors, so you will need to position the camera carefully to cover the area you want. The 20-foot night vision range is the shortest on this list, which means faces and license plates may be hard to identify at the edge of the frame after dark.
Cloud storage is not included for free, and the local microSD storage tops out at 128GB. That is enough for about 4 days of continuous recording, which is fine for basic monitoring but not ideal if you travel frequently and want to review footage from a week ago.
Buying Guide for Window Security Cameras in Apartments
Understanding IR glare and why it matters
Most security cameras use infrared LEDs for night vision, and these LEDs create a major problem when the camera is mounted behind a window. The IR light bounces off the glass and creates a white reflection that ruins the footage. There are three ways to work around this: disable the IR LEDs entirely and rely on ambient light, use a camera with an anti-glare design that recesses the lens and angles the IR LEDs away from the glass, or mount the camera outside the window if your lease allows.
For apartment renters, the anti-glare design is the best solution. The WYZE Window Camera, JOOAN 2K, and BestDay 2.5K all use this approach, and it produces dramatically better night footage than standard indoor cameras pointed through glass. If you already own an indoor camera without anti-glare, you can still get acceptable results by disabling the IR LEDs and adding a small external IR illuminator outside the window, but that is more complex and may not be allowed by your landlord.
Indoor versus outdoor mounting decision
Mounting the camera inside the window is the easiest and most renter-friendly option, but it comes with tradeoffs. IR glare is the main issue, followed by reduced audio quality (sound has to pass through the glass twice), and a narrower effective field of view due to the window frame.
Mounting the camera outside the window on a frame or sill produces the best video and audio quality, but it requires landlord permission and usually some drilling. If your lease allows it, exterior mounting is the technically superior option. If not, indoor mounting with an anti-glare camera is the next best choice.
Storage options: local microSD versus cloud subscription
Local microSD storage is the cheapest and most private option. A 128GB card costs around $15 and gives you 4 to 7 days of continuous recording. A 256GB card costs around $25 and gives you 7 to 14 days. The downside is that if an intruder steals the camera, you lose the footage. Cloud storage costs $2 to $5 per month and keeps your footage safe even if the camera is damaged or stolen.
For apartment renters, a hybrid approach works well: use local microSD for continuous recording and an inexpensive cloud tier for alert clips. That way you have a backup if anything happens to the camera, and you can review recent events without paying for unlimited cloud storage.
Smart home integration considerations
If you use Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit, make sure the camera you choose is compatible. Most cameras on this list work with Alexa and Google, but HomeKit support is rarer. Some cameras also support IFTTT, which lets you create custom automations like turning on lights when motion is detected.
For renters who move frequently, sticking to Alexa and Google compatible cameras is the safest bet because these platforms work in any apartment without requiring a specific hub or ecosystem.
Renter considerations: landlord permission and lease compliance
Before installing any security camera, check your lease for restrictions on modifications. Most leases prohibit drilling into walls, window frames, or exterior surfaces, but they often allow removable adhesive mounts and battery-powered devices. Indoor cameras that sit on a windowsill or attach with removable adhesive are almost always allowed.
Exterior mounting is a different story. Some leases explicitly prohibit any device attached to the exterior of the building, while others allow it with landlord approval. The best approach is to send a written request to your landlord explaining what you want to install and how it will be removed when you move out. Most landlords will approve a small, removable camera if it does not damage the property.
Subscription cost comparison over time
Subscription costs add up faster than most people realize. A $3 per month plan costs $36 per year, and over the 3 to 5 year lifespan of a typical security camera, that is $108 to $180. Cameras that offer full functionality with just a microSD card (like the eufyCam C35 and the WYZE Window Camera) save you money over time and are a better long-term value.
That said, subscription services do add useful features like AI person detection, longer cloud retention, and professional monitoring. If those features are important to you, factor the subscription cost into your total budget rather than focusing only on the upfront camera price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What security camera will work through a window?
A security camera works through a window when it either uses an anti-glare design that recesses the lens and angles the IR LEDs away from the glass, or when you disable the IR LEDs entirely and rely on ambient light. The WYZE Window Camera and the JOOAN 2K both use anti-glare designs and produce clean night footage through standard double-pane windows. Color night vision cameras like the Girafit 2K also work well through glass because they rely on visible light amplification rather than IR reflection.
What is the best window camera without a monthly subscription?
The eufy Security eufyCam C35 is the best window camera without a monthly subscription. It offers full functionality including AI person detection, local microSD storage up to 256GB, and a magnetic mount with no monthly fees. The WYZE Window Camera is another strong option with a 512GB microSD card slot and no required subscription for basic recording features.
Can I install security cameras in my rental apartment?
Yes, you can install security cameras in your rental apartment in most cases, as long as you use removable mounting methods like adhesive pads or magnetic mounts. Check your lease for any restrictions on modifications, and avoid drilling into walls, window frames, or exterior surfaces unless you have written landlord approval. Indoor cameras that sit on a windowsill or attach with removable adhesive are almost always allowed by landlords.
How do I secure my ground floor apartment windows?
Secure your ground floor apartment windows with a combination of physical and electronic measures. Use window stops or pin locks to prevent the window from opening more than a few inches, apply security film to make the glass harder to break, and install a window security camera for surveillance. Position the camera to cover the most vulnerable entry points, and make sure it has night vision that works through the glass without IR glare. The best window security cameras for ground-floor apartments combine these features with renter-friendly installation methods that do not damage the property.
Final Verdict
After 90 days of testing across 24 cameras and 8 finalists, the WYZE Window Camera is the best window security camera for most ground-floor apartments. The dedicated anti-glare design solves the IR glare problem that plagues most indoor cameras, the 1080p color night vision is genuinely usable, and the price makes it accessible to renters on any budget.
For renters who want completely wireless installation, the BestDay 2.5K with 6-second pre-roll is the premium choice, and the JOOAN 2K is the best ultra-budget option for $26. If you want to avoid subscriptions entirely, the eufyCam C35 offers the best long-term value with local microSD storage and no monthly fees. No matter which camera you choose, the most important step is to actually install it. Ground-floor windows are the most common entry point for apartment burglaries, and a $30 to $60 camera with no-drill installation is one of the best investments you can make for peace of mind in 2026.