Best Enterprise-Grade Security Cameras for IT in 2025

No matter your business size (whether you’re a large enterprise or an SMB), security should be a top consideration. In the form of enterprise security camera systems, these systems help improve your security by monitoring critical areas, preventing unauthorized access, and providing real-time insights.

With so many security providers out there (such as Axis, Hikvision, Google Nest, Reolink, Arlo, and hundreds of others), it can be difficult to choose the right option.

In this buyer’s guide, we’ve reviewed the key considerations when choosing a security camera and listed the best security cameras according to a specific category.

5 key considerations when choosing a security camera for IT

Let’s start by looking at the key considerations when choosing a security camera. When buying a security camera, you should be aware of the following:

1. The types of security cameras
2. Security camera features
3. System compatibility
4. Security camera costs
5. Security camera provider

These key considerations can either make (or break) your enterprise security camera setup. To understand these considerations better, we’ve explained each of them down below:

1. The types of security cameras (e.g. Dome, bullet, & PTZ)

The three main types of security cameras for enterprises are:

• Dome camera: This is an ideal option for general indoor and outdoor security where you want to monitor broad areas without drawing unnecessary attention. Dome cameras are the most commonly used because of their wide field of view and aesthetic appeal.

Dome camera from Cisco

• Bullet camera: Bullet cameras are ideal for outdoor usage because of their weather-resistant features. They’re ideal for areas where you need to capture detailed images at a distance.

Bullet camera from Cisco

• PTZ camera: PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras offer versatile viewing options, and they can be remotely controlled to pan left and right, tilt up and down, and zoom in and out. As a result, they are suitable for businesses requiring dynamic and flexible surveillance.

PTZ camera from Reolink

2. Security camera features (Video quality, storage, etc.) 

There is a big difference between consumer-level cameras and commercial-grade systems with advanced AI, real-time monitoring, 4K video quality, and more.

When selecting your security camera, look for:

• Video quality: Most security camera providers list the video quality as megapixels (MP), which determines the resolution and clarity of the footage. Look for 4MP (1080p), 5MP (Super HD+), OR 8MP (4K) security cameras.
• AI: Like with AI in ITSM, AI has made its way into security cameras through AI-powered searches, analytics, and real-time threat detection. If you want the most advanced features, look for providers offering AI in their security cameras.
• Storage: There are three different storage options for security cameras: cloud-based storage, on-premise storage, and hybrid. If you prioritize ease of use, cloud-based storage is the way to go, as it allows automatic backups and remote access. 

3. System compatibility

Security cameras either work in closed ecosystems (think of Apple) or in open ecosystems that work with all kinds of IP cameras and third-party software.

The below Reddit user explains the differences and benefits of both well:

Reddit comparison of Verkada and Coram

This is an important consideration when selecting a security camera, as it will affect how you scale and manage your security cameras. Open systems are ideal for enterprises that need compatibility with existing security infrastructure, access control systems, and enterprise IT management platforms.

4. Security camera costs

When buying a commercial security camera, it is important to understand that you’re paying for mainly two things:

1. Security camera cost: The first thing you should look out for is the cost of the security camera. According to Mammoth Security, each camera in a commercial security camera can cost between $700 and $1,500, which is in line with our research.
2. Subscription cost: Often overlooked, many security camera providers also charge a monthly subscription to update firmware, monitor security cameras in real-time, and store videos in a cloud storage.

In addition, you need to consider any repair costs and installation. While SMBs can get off with installing security cameras on their own, enterprises with more security cameras most likely need a professional installation. 

If you hire a technician to install your security cameras, the cost often is as low as $400 or as high as $3000.

5. Security camera provider

As a final tip, make sure you choose a reliable security camera provider. Make sure to read on their:

• Warranty & support: Check how long the available warranty is and what kind of technical support is available. This information is always available on the website, such as here for Coram:

Coram’s warranty information

• Reputation & customer reviews: Read customer reviews from platforms like Reddit and G2 to see if other people have found value in the provider.

• Mobile & cloud app: If you need to manage your security cameras on the go, a mobile app will come in handy. At the least, your security provider should have a strong cloud management app for updating firmware, remotely accessing the cameras, and receiving alerts.

7 best security cameras for enterprise-grade security in 2025

For each of the best security cameras reviewed, we’ve listed their key features, pricing, free trial, warranty, and pros and cons. To help you choose the best option, we’ve also categorized each security camera (as you can see below).

After comparing 100+ security cameras and reading their reviews, we found that the seven best ones are:

1. Axis Q36 Dome Camera – Best overall security camera
2. Reolink RLK8-520D4 – Best budget security camera
3. Cisco Meraki MV23X – Best large-scale deployment security camera
4. Coram 4K Dome – Best AI-powered security camera
5. Verkada CD22 Dome – Best small & midsize business security camera
6. Coram 5MP Dome – Best highly-compatible security camera
7. Cisco Meraki MV23X – Best cyber-focused security camera

Below is a more in-depth review of each security camera.

1. Axis Q36 Dome Camera – Best overall security camera

Our choice for the best overall security camera is the Axis Q36 model for three main reasons: its high performance, durability, and very strong customer reviews. As one Reddit user states, Axis is considered the “gold standard” when it comes to security cameras. Many users state Axis’ security cameras are ideal for enterprise environments, but because of the high price, SMBs might find them unsuitable.

The Axis Q36 model offers HD and 4K resolution options, AI-powered analytics, remote adjustment, and electronic image stabilization.

2. Reolink RLK8-520D4 – Best budget security camera

With a starting price of approximately $500 for the security camera kit, Reolink RLK8-520D4 is the most budget-friendly security camera while still offering a solid performance. The RLK8-520D4 model comes with 5 MP video quality, allowing for high-quality video without filling up the 2TB storage immediately. This balance between quality and saving storage space will result in additional savings.

Reolink also offers an 8 MP security camera kit, but it costs around $1000. One of Reolink’s advertising points is that its cloud app does not charge a subscription fee.

3. Cisco Meraki MV23X – Best large-scale deployment security camera

Our choice for the best large-scale enterprise grade security camera is the Cisco Meraki MV23X. We chose it for several main reasons: its compatibility with Cisco’s enterprise cloud apps and other devices such as network switches. In environments where apps and devices must work together, Cisco’s security cameras deliver.

The MV23X model is designed for indoor use and is equipped with 4K video recording with up to 120 days of video retention.

4. Coram 4K Dome – Best AI-powered security camera

Coram has gained high popularity for its AI-powered search feature, which allows users to quickly locate events through search queries like “Search for a person in a red hat carrying a box”. In addition, you can use the AI analytics to monitor people’s activities and count the number of vehicles and people entering and leaving.

Not only is the AI search effective, but users appreciate the 8.3 MP 4K video quality and the built-in AI alerting system, which detects workflow patterns and identifies absences.

5. Verkada CD22 Dome – Best small & midsize business security camera

For SMBs who don’t mind sticking to a closed ecosystem, Verkada’s CD22 Dome is a good choice. Similarly to Coram, Verkada offers an AI search feature, which helps to quickly locate events from a video.

For each series, Verkada offers indoor and outdoor security camera models, which differ a bit in their design, durability, and intended use cases. Compared to the CD22 Dome model, there are more expensive models from Verkada with zoom lens, higher resolution, and more onboard storage. However, for most SMBs, the features available in the CD22 Dome are enough.

6. Coram 5MP Dome – Best highly-compatible security camera

The reason we chose Coram 5MP Dome as the most compatible security camera is simple: it is compatible with all existing IP cameras and offers a flexible cloud-based application to manage them. Plus, as part of Coram’s software subscription, if you need one of their cheaper security cameras (such as the Coram 5MP Dome pictured above), they provide them for free.

Coram’s cloud app allows users to download and share video clips easily, keep video clips safe in the unlimited cloud archive, and access live or recorded footage easily.

7. Cisco Meraki MV23M – Best cybersecurity-focused security camera

Cisco Meraki MV23M is advertised as the best security camera for general security. It is highly focused on cybersecurity through granular access control, cloud management, AI-powered analytics, and automatic and scheduled firmware updates. It works hand-in-hand with Cisco’s cloud security apps, such as Cisco Umbrella, Cisco SecureX, and Cisco ISE.

In addition, Cisco security cameras work with Cisco’s sensors, wireless access points, and switches.

Extra tips for protecting your security cameras

As extra tips for creating a safe enterprise surveillance system, take a look at the following tips:

• Update your firmware: Security camera providers often offer cloud apps to update your firmware automatically, or you can use third-party patch management tools like Atera.
• Manage access control: Use role-based permission, MFA, and encrypted login credentials.
• Receive alerts: Set up real-time notifications for unauthorized access attempts or tampering.
• Use encrypted storage: Whether it’s cloud storage or on-premises storage, enable end-to-end encryption to prevent data breaches.

And, if you need help with IoT-enabled security cameras and other workstations, servers, and network devices, Atera can assist you. With Atera, you can set up automatic alerts, automate patch management, and improve the overall security of your entire IT infrastructure.
If you want to give Atera a go, you can easily do so by signing up for a 30-day free trial. Or, contact our sales team for a custom demo!