The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →For checking HomeKit cameras, Apple’s Home app is the better-documented choice: its Home tab can show up to four camera views, lets you swipe to more, and opens live video when you tap a camera. Apple describes its own Lock Screen widget as a way to get an at-a-glance look at your home, but does not specify that it shows camera previews or live video. A separate app, Home Widget for HomeKit, advertises a camera mosaic; it is not Apple’s native Home widget.
First, what does “Home Widget” mean?
It can refer to two different things. Apple’s native Home widget is part of Apple’s Home experience and can be added to an iPhone’s Home Screen or Lock Screen. Home Widget for HomeKit is a separate third-party app with its own advertised features. They are not interchangeable, and a camera mosaic feature listed for the third-party app should not be attributed to Apple’s widget.
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Apple says its Lock Screen widget offers an “at-a-glance look” at the home, but its reviewed documentation does not say whether the native widget displays camera frames, previews, or live video. If the essential question is whether you can reliably open a camera stream, Apple documents that workflow in the Home app itself.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsHow the Apple Home app handles cameras
See several cameras from the Home tab
In the Home app’s Home tab, video from up to four cameras can appear below the Cameras heading. Swipe left to browse additional cameras. Apple’s guide describes this as part of a page that can also organize accessories by category, room, and Favorites. See Apple’s iPhone Home guide.
#1 Best Overall
- 2K Clarity Day and Night: The G100 Wi-Fi Camera films in 2304×1296 (3MP) resolution with a 140°FOV and a wide-angle f/1.8 lens for superior image quality. It features two night vision modes: Spotlight Color Night Vision and IR Detection Mode. The spotlight provides illumination in dark, great for color recording outdoors at night. The G100 also includes 940 nm infrared lighting, ensuring covert illumination without alerting potential intruders. (Note: Both Spotlight and IR night vision modes must be manually enabled in the app and do not turn on automatically.)
- Indoor/Outdoor Ready IP65 Protection: With durable, weather-resistant IP65-rated housing, the G100 surveillance camera is both an indoor camera and outdoor security camera, offering reliable home surveillance for flexible indoor or outdoor mounting. Withstands rain, dust, and rugged environments.
- Local and Cloud AI Detection: The G100 surveillance cameras supports local motion and person detection, and the HomeGuardian Plan unlocks cloud-based recognition for pets, vehicles, packages, and faces, with AI event tagging. Integrated Events automatically can be triggered when paired with other Aqara devices (subscription required). It also supports Lens Obstruction Detection, custom audio files, and 2-way audio (Notes: Only in Aqara Home App).
- HomeKit Support & Wide Compatibility: The Aqara G100 Camera provides full support for HomeKit Secure Video (Note:Requires an active iCloud subscription and an Apple Home hub. HomeKit limits resolution to 1080p. When connected to both Apple and Aqara Home, the G100’s resolution in Aqara Home will also be limited to 1080p, but will return to 1296p if HomeKit is disconnected.) The G100 has some of the best third-party ecosystem support on the market, it can stream to Google, Alexa compatible smart displays, and even Home Assistant via the RTSP protocol, making it easier to interact with visitors or check in on loved ones.
- Flexible Storage Methods: Record 24/7 with a microSD (up to 512GB, not included) or NAS. Time-lapse mode compresses 24-hours of footage to 15-second clips (wired connection and microSD card required). Automatically store detected events with end-to-end encryption in the cloud with a HomeGuardian subscription, ensuring protection against data theft and guaranteeing your privacy at home.
Open live video or recorded clips
Apple says any Apple Home-compatible camera can stream video in the Home app. Tap its tile in the Home tab to open the camera view; live playback should start automatically. For a HomeKit Secure Video camera configured to record, you can browse the timeline and select a clip, then return to live viewing. The distinction matters: Apple Home compatibility enables streaming, while HomeKit Secure Video support is needed for those additional recording features. See Apple’s camera and HomeKit Secure Video guide.
What remote access and recording require
Apple identifies Apple TV 4K or HomePod as home hub devices for the described HomeKit Secure Video setup, and says a home hub enables remote control while away. Requirements can vary by camera and feature, so check the current setup guidance for your model.
Rank #2
- 2K Clarity Day and Night: The G100 Wi-Fi Camera films in 2304×1296 (3MP) resolution with a 140°FOV and a wide-angle f/1.8 lens for superior image quality. It features two night vision modes: Spotlight Color Night Vision and IR Detection Mode. The spotlight provides illumination in dark, great for color recording outdoors at night. The G100 also includes 940 nm infrared lighting, ensuring covert illumination without alerting potential intruders.
- Indoor/Outdoor Ready IP65 Protection: With durable, weather-resistant IP65-rated housing, the G100 surveillance camera is both an indoor camera and outdoor security camera, offering reliable home surveillance for flexible indoor or outdoor mounting. Withstands rain, dust, and rugged environments.
- Local and Cloud AI Detection: The G100 surveillance cameras supports local motion and person detection, and the HomeGuardian Plan unlocks cloud-based recognition for pets, vehicles, packages, and faces, with AI event tagging. Integrated Events automatically can be triggered when paired with other Aqara devices (subscription required). It also supports Lens Obstruction Detection, custom audio files, and 2-way audio (Notes: Only in Aqara Home App).
- HomeKit Support & Wide Compatibility: The Aqara G100 Camera provides full support for HomeKit Secure Video (Note:Requires an active iCloud subscription and an Apple Home hub. HomeKit limits resolution to 1080p. When connected to both Apple and Aqara Home, the G100’s resolution in Aqara Home will also be limited to 1080p, but will return to 1296p if HomeKit is disconnected.) The G100 has some of the best third-party ecosystem support on the market, it can stream to Google, Alexa compatible smart displays, and even Home Assistant via the RTSP protocol, making it easier to interact with visitors or check in on loved ones.
- Flexible Storage Methods: Record 24/7 with a microSD (up to 512GB, not included) or NAS. Time-lapse mode compresses 24-hours of footage to 15-second clips (wired connection and microSD card required). Automatically store detected events with end-to-end encryption in the cloud with a HomeGuardian subscription, ensuring protection against data theft and guaranteeing your privacy at home. The Aqara Camera G100 requires a power adapter with DC 5V/1A output which is not included in the box. Zigbee2MQTT and comparable third-party USB dongles are not officially supported by Aqara. Full product functionality may be limited or unavailable.
For HomeKit Secure Video, Apple says video is processed with encryption on a home hub and uploaded to iCloud. Its guide describes an iCloud+ subscription as necessary for recording and reviewing the last 10 days of activity. The guide lists one camera for the 50 GB plan, up to five for 200 GB, and unlimited cameras for 2 TB, 6 TB, and 12 TB plans; Apple also says video content does not count against the iCloud storage limit. Plan names and limits can change, so confirm current terms before choosing a plan.
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Apple’s native Home widget
Apple promotes its Lock Screen widget for an at-a-glance look at the home and points to Control Center as another way to access the Home app. Its general instructions for adding iPhone widgets explain how to add Home Screen and Lock Screen widgets, but do not establish what camera-specific content the Home widget displays. Treat it as a convenient home-access surface, not as a documented camera monitor.
Rank #3
- 2K Clarity Day and Night: The G100 Wi-Fi Camera films in 2304×1296 (3MP) resolution with a 140°FOV and a wide-angle f/1.8 lens for superior image quality. It features two night vision modes: Spotlight Color Night Vision and IR Detection Mode. The spotlight provides illumination in dark, great for color recording outdoors at night. The G100 also includes 940 nm infrared lighting, ensuring covert illumination without alerting potential intruders. (Note: Both Spotlight and IR night vision modes must be manually enabled in the app and do not turn on automatically.)
- Indoor/Outdoor Ready IP65 Protection: With durable, weather-resistant IP65-rated housing, the G100 surveillance camera is both an indoor camera and outdoor security camera, offering reliable home surveillance for flexible indoor or outdoor mounting. Withstands rain, dust, and rugged environments.
- Local and Cloud AI Detection: The G100 surveillance cameras supports local motion and person detection, and the HomeGuardian Plan unlocks cloud-based recognition for pets, vehicles, packages, and faces, with AI event tagging. Integrated Events automatically can be triggered when paired with other Aqara devices (subscription required). It also supports Lens Obstruction Detection, custom audio files, and 2-way audio (Notes: Only in Aqara Home App).
- HomeKit Support & Wide Compatibility: The Aqara G100 Camera provides full support for HomeKit Secure Video (Note:Requires an active iCloud subscription and an Apple Home hub. HomeKit limits resolution to 1080p. When connected to both Apple and Aqara Home, the G100’s resolution in Aqara Home will also be limited to 1080p, but will return to 1296p if HomeKit is disconnected.) The G100 has some of the best third-party ecosystem support on the market, it can stream to Google, Alexa compatible smart displays, and even Home Assistant via the RTSP protocol, making it easier to interact with visitors or check in on loved ones.
- Flexible Storage Methods: Record 24/7 with a microSD (up to 512GB, not included) or NAS. Time-lapse mode compresses 24-hours of footage to 15-second clips (wired connection and microSD card required). Automatically store detected events with end-to-end encryption in the cloud with a HomeGuardian subscription, ensuring protection against data theft and guaranteeing your privacy at home.
The third-party Home Widget for HomeKit app
The App Store listing for Home Widget for HomeKit advertises a camera mosaic and says live camera streams in the mosaic are optional and off by default. This is a feature claim for that separate app, not Apple Home. Its actual usefulness depends on the app’s current version, supported devices, operating-system constraints, and widget context. The listing alone does not establish that continuous live video works in every widget size or situation.
Which option fits your goal?
| Your priority | Better fit | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Open a documented live view and browse multiple cameras | Apple Home app | Up to four camera views can appear in the Home tab; swipe for more and tap a tile to open live video. |
| Check something about the home from the Lock Screen | Apple’s native Home widget may help | Apple describes an at-a-glance home view, but does not specify camera previews or live video. |
| Arrange cameras as a mosaic in a widget context | Home Widget for HomeKit is a candidate | Its App Store listing advertises a camera mosaic with optional live streams; check current version and device support. |
| Review motion recordings | Apple Home with an eligible HomeKit Secure Video camera | Recorded clips are available in the Home app when recording is configured; iCloud+ and plan-based camera limits apply. |
What to check before setting it up
- Camera support: Confirm the exact model supports Apple Home for streaming. Do not assume that Apple Home compatibility also means HomeKit Secure Video recording is supported.
- Feature requirements: Check whether your goal is live streaming, remote access, notifications, or recorded clips; the camera and home hub requirements may differ.
- Widget expectations: For Apple’s native widget, camera-specific behavior is not established in the reviewed documentation. For the third-party app, verify its current release, device compatibility, and whether its mosaic behaves as you need.
- Recording plan: If you want to review clips, confirm current iCloud+ requirements and camera limits in Apple’s guide before subscribing.
If you do not yet own a camera, Apple’s Home app page names the Logitech Circle View Wired Doorbell, but verify the exact model’s current Apple Home and HomeKit Secure Video support before buying. An Apple TV 4K or HomePod may also matter if your setup requires a home hub for remote access or secure video processing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 𝟒𝐊 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚-𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫, 𝟐𝟒/𝟕 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 | Capture every detail, day or night, with crystal-clear 4K recording. Stay connected with family, baby, nanny and pets using the built-in two-way audio for real-time communication.
- 𝟑𝟔𝟎° 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐰 | Easily navigate your home’s view with new app features like Quick Focus Tap and Panoramic View, allowing you to instantly switch focus by tapping the desired area on your screen.
- 𝐀𝐈-𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 | Harness the power of advanced on-device AI to distinguish humans, pets, audio cues, and crying sounds. The camera automatically tracks movement when a person or pet is detected, providing a complete view of their activity.
- 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭-𝐈𝐧 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 | The integrated spotlight allows seamless switching between color night vision and infrared night vision for crystal-clear nighttime surveillance. The spotlight also doubles as a deterrent.
- 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 | Works effortlessly with HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant for enhanced home automation. (Note: HomeKit supports up to 1080P resolution.)
Rank #4
- Circle View is an easy to use, motion detection based (non-continuous video) home security camera, with a durable weatherproof IP64-rated body and included wallmounting bracket for easy installation.Controller Type:Apple HomeKit.Connectivity protocol:Wi-Fi.Power source type:Indoor USB power supply
- Featuring best-in-class Logitech TrueView video with 180° field-of-view optics and 1080p HD so everything is captured in razor-sharp detail.
- High-quality sensor with wide dynamic range lets you see more detail in high contrast videos so you capture clear pictures in sunlight or shadows.
- Best-in-class infrared powered night vision optimized for full-field visibility and superior clarity in the dark up to 15ft away.
- Tilt camera down or press the rear on/off button for instant privacy - Circle View’s innovative design makes it our most secure camera ever.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
