Foscam
Is This Your Business?2.4
3.3
Overall Score
Author: Kaitlyn Short
Foscam is a Chinese-owned company that offers IP security cameras, camera accessories, and network video recording equipment. While Foscam does not offer routers or other extensive home automation, like Nest or D-Link, Foscam surveillance systems integrate extremely easily into most existing home networks.
Founded in 2007, Foscam's digital camera brand is based on its motto: "Focus on the Camera" and that culture is reflected in their product line.
With the official Foscam mobile app, customers can set up their IP cam over their home wireless network. The app also sends real-time alerts via push notification when triggered by motion or sound and allows for remote viewing of your live feed, right from your smartphone or other mobile devices.
Keep reading for pros and cons, plus Foscam reviews from real customers.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Camera Variety
- Storage Options
- Support Features
Camera Variety
Foscam offers an impressive range of camera options. Some of the cameras feature pan and tilt options, such as the Foscam Plug and Play FI9826P. Customers can choose an indoor or outdoor camera, with night vision via infrared LEDs, motion sensor capability, wired and wireless camera, pan and tilt, as well as a standard fixed-spot surveillance camera. They have a range of different picture quality options to choose from, including 720 p, 960 p, 1080p, and Ultra HD 2k resolution.
They make PT, cube, bullet, dome, PTZ, battery-powered, and baby monitor cameras. Some models even have two-way audio with a built-in mic and built-in speaker.
The Foscam site has all models listed as out of stock, but their cameras are sold officially through Foscam Direct on Amazon, where prices range from $39.99 on the low-end to $229.99 on the high end.
The $39.99 lowest-priced option is the Foscam C1 HD 720P WiFi Security IP Camera with iOS and Android App, Super Wide 115° Viewing Angle, Night Vision Up to 26ft, PIR Motion Detection.
The most expensive model available for direct sale is the Foscam FI9928P Outdoor PTZ (4x Optical Zoom) HD 1080P WiFi Security Camera - Pan Tilt Wireless IP Camera with Night Vision up to 196ft, IP66 Weatherproof Shell, WDR, & Motion Alerts. It costs $299.99.
Storage Options
Foscam makes video storage readily accessible, with lots of options. You can use FTP and NVR video recorders for local storage or use the Foscam cloud to view footage from your video feed. Some models even have a local storage SD card option.
Foscam offers free storage through their cloud service for new customers, while other companies charge, even at the entry level. Their cloud storage pricing is 4-tiered and based on how long your motion-detection-triggered videos are saved.
- Free (for new users) - 8 hours
- $3.99/mo - 3 days
- $7.99/mo - 7 days
- $12.99/mo - 30 days
No long-term contracts are required. Customers are also granted the flexibility to switch plans as often as they choose; so if they find the free option too limiting, or their standard package too expensive, they can opt for another plan. Most new purchases come with a 30-day free trial.
Support Features
Potential and existing customers are also treated to several support features that set Foscam apart from the competition. In addition to a live chat feature on their homepage, Foscam also provides customers with an extensive online knowledge base and dealer locator. They also offer firmware downloads on all their devices and video tutorials for the do-it-yourself market.
Cameras have a 2-year limited warranty and accessories have a 6-month limited warranty.
The Bad
- Account Security
- App Issues
- Limited Foscam Reviews
Account Security
Foscam has had issues in the past with securing the accounts of its customers. Some customers have complained that their Foscam equipment - including Foscam baby monitors - had been hacked, and the only solution Foscam could offer was to change their passwords. The burden ultimately falls on the customer to make sure their firmware remains updated.
App Issues
The Foscam Cloud mobile apps have middling user reviews on the App store (1.8/5) and Google Play (2.8/5).
Limited Foscam Reviews
Unfortunately, Foscam reviews are limited so it's difficult to know what the customer experience is like with the security provider. However, the few reviews Foscam does have are negative, highlighting defective cameras. We suggest looking into other home security providers that have more reviews with positive feedback from consumers.
The Bottom Line
Foscam's wide range of cameras offer entry-level options and higher-priced device options. No matter the camera you choose, you can use the viewer app for iOS and Android smart devices or the web interface to watch your video stream any time of the day or night and receive push notifications if sound or motion are detected. Foscam also has a good return and refund policy that guarantees the user gets a replacement camera or refund within 30 days of purchase, minus a 10 percent restocking fee.
With limited reviews, Foscam's customer experience is unknown. We suggest looking into other home security providers with positive reviews that highlight important security camera factors, such as high image quality, good viewing angle options, and other pros that indicate a satisfactory product.
