Amcrest ASH21-B WiFi Camera Review: Is This The Best Budget Indoor Security Camera?

As someone who values peace of mind, I’ve always been interested in home security solutions. I used to worry about leaving my home unattended, especially when traveling. A reliable security system would have given me the comfort of knowing my home was protected, regardless of where I was. While I never ended up installing a full-fledged system, the need for extra security was always in the back of my mind, and I knew there had to be a better way to keep an eye on things.

Things to Think About Before Buying a Home Security Camera

Home security cameras offer a fantastic way to monitor your home and deter potential intruders, especially when paired with a smart home ecosystem. They provide peace of mind while you’re away, and can even help you keep an eye on pets or loved ones while you’re at work. Before buying a home security camera, consider your needs. What features are important to you? Are you looking for a basic camera or one with advanced features like AI-powered detection?

If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll want to choose a camera that fits your needs without breaking the bank. If you are mainly interested in basic monitoring, a budget camera might be a great choice. However, if you require features like two-way audio or cloud recording, you’ll likely want to consider a higher-priced option.

Introducing The Amcrest ASH21-B WiFi Camera

The Amcrest ASH21-B WiFi Camera is a budget-friendly indoor security camera that boasts impressive features for its price point. It provides 1080p HD resolution with a wide 93° viewing angle and pan/tilt capabilities for comprehensive coverage. This camera also includes night vision, two-way audio, and motion detection with intelligent alerts. What sets this apart from other budget cameras is its inclusion of human detection, smart tracking, and baby monitor mode, usually found in more expensive models.

The camera supports both microSD card storage (up to 256GB) and cloud recording through Amcrest’s Smart Home Cloud service. You get a free one-year subscription for basic cloud recording.

Amcrest ASH21-B is best suited for users seeking an affordable indoor security solution with decent image quality, essential features, and some AI-powered capabilities. However, it might not be ideal for those seeking the most robust security features or integration with other smart home ecosystems.

Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons:

Pros:

* Affordable price point
* 1080p HD resolution with wide viewing angle
* Pan/tilt functionality
* Night vision
* Two-way audio
* Motion detection with human detection and smart tracking
* Baby monitor mode
* Supports microSD card storage and cloud recording
* Free one-year cloud storage subscription

Cons:

* Limited compatibility with other smart home systems
* Cloud storage features can be limited
* App interface might not be as user-friendly as some competitors

Delving Deeper Into The Features & Benefits

Image Quality

The Amcrest ASH21-B delivers clear and crisp 1080p HD video, exceeding expectations for its price point. I’ve been impressed with the image quality, especially during daylight hours. The wide 93° viewing angle provides comprehensive coverage, making sure I don’t miss any action in my living room.

Night Vision

The night vision capabilities are also quite good. The camera picks up enough light to clearly see objects in low-light conditions, even at night. I’ve been able to monitor my living room at night and can confidently say that this camera’s night vision works as advertised. The image quality isn’t as sharp as daytime, but it’s more than sufficient for basic monitoring.

Pan & Tilt

The pan and tilt functionality is a welcome feature, allowing me to adjust the camera’s view remotely. The controls are responsive and smooth, making it easy to focus on specific areas. I can easily pan and tilt the camera to get a better view of my living room, or follow my cat as he explores the room.

Motion Detection

The camera’s motion detection is reliable and responsive. I’ve found it to be particularly effective at detecting movement and sending me alerts. I’ve set up motion detection zones to focus on specific areas of my living room, ensuring that I only receive alerts when there’s actual movement in those areas.

Human Detection

One of the standout features is the human detection functionality. The Amcrest ASH21-B utilizes AI to differentiate between human movement and other objects like pets or shadows. This significantly reduces the number of false alerts. For example, I don’t get notifications every time my dog walks by the camera, only when a person enters the room.

Smart Tracking

This camera also includes smart tracking. When motion is detected, the camera automatically follows the moving object, providing a continuous view of the activity. It’s a really neat feature that adds another layer of security. For example, I can monitor my living room and be alerted if someone walks through it, and the camera will follow their movements.

Two-Way Audio

The two-way audio functionality is quite clear, allowing me to communicate with anyone in the room where the camera is placed. I’ve used it to talk to my dog when I’m away, and I can even use it to deter potential intruders.

Cloud Storage

The free one-year subscription to Amcrest’s Smart Home Cloud service provides a decent amount of cloud storage for recordings. You can set up motion-activated recording, which is helpful for capturing any suspicious activity. This feature is a major plus, especially for people who don’t want to rely solely on local storage.

App Interface

The Amcrest Smart Home app is generally user-friendly, though it might not be as intuitive or feature-rich as some other security camera apps. The app provides a simple interface for viewing live feeds, controlling the camera, adjusting settings, and managing cloud storage. However, the app’s navigation can sometimes feel clunky compared to apps from other security camera companies.

Compatibility

The Amcrest ASH21-B is primarily compatible with Amcrest’s own ecosystem, which means it might have limited compatibility with other smart home systems. This lack of broad compatibility is a significant drawback for users who want their security camera to integrate with other smart home devices.

Real User Experiences: What Others Have To Say

The Amcrest ASH21-B WiFi Camera has received generally positive reviews from users. Many praise its affordable price, good image quality, and useful features like human detection and smart tracking. However, some users have mentioned difficulties with setup, occasional app glitches, and limited compatibility with other smart home systems. Overall, it seems like a solid choice for users seeking an affordable indoor security camera with a decent set of features.

Amcrest ASH21-B: A Great Option For Budget-Conscious Users

The Amcrest ASH21-B WiFi Camera provides excellent value for its price point. It delivers 1080p HD video, includes essential features like pan/tilt, night vision, and two-way audio, and adds AI-powered features like human detection and smart tracking. While it lacks the compatibility of some more expensive cameras, it’s a compelling option for users seeking an affordable and reliable indoor security solution. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly camera with a decent set of features and excellent performance for the price, then the Amcrest ASH21-B is worth considering. Click here to check it out and see if it fits your needs!