Logitech Circle 2 vs. Canary: Which should you buy?
Tiny, yet powerful
The Circle 2 packs a punch despite its smaller size. This is the most flexible of the two choices because of its design and can be set up just about anywhere. It's also the one better integrated with voice products such as Alexa.
For
- Mountable
- 180-degree field of view
- Flexible design, various accessories
Against
- Doesn't support IFTTT
- No audio detection
Pro Camera
For those looking for a more traditional security camera for the inside of the home, you can't go wrong with the Canary All-In-One. It provides all of the must-have features plus many extras.
For
- Home health features
- Slightly more intuitive app
- Loud alarm feature
Against
- Membership required for some features
- Not usable outside
Both security cameras provide a powerful, useful experience. It's the little things that distinguish one from the other and that'll make the difference for you.
The differences
When it comes to price, service plans, and storage, these products are surprisingly similar. Elsewhere, each has individual strengths (and weaknesses).
Header Cell - Column 0 | Circle 2 | Canary |
---|---|---|
Resolution | 1080p HD 30fps | 1080p HD 30fps |
Night vision | Yes | 12 IR LEDs |
Field of view | 180 degrees | 147 degrees |
Power | Wired/Wireless versions | Wired |
Connection | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi or Ethernet |
Mount | Stand or mount | Stand |
Voice integration | Yes | Yes |
Home health | Yes | No |
Neither choice is objectively better over the other. Both cameras are terrific in what they do. The Circle 2 looks like a camera and has an ultra-wide angle lens to prove it. Thanks to its built-in swivel, you can rotate and tilt the camera for the best 180-degree view. Logitech's product is also the one that offers two-way communication without charging a monthly membership fee.
Circle 2 is also the one easiest to customize. While it's primarily for indoor use, you can purchase a window or plug mount and also a weatherproof extension for outdoor use. That way, you can use it just about anywhere. The Canary All-In-One would get all wet, by contrast. The Logitech product is also available in a corded or wireless model and is the one with more integrations and voice control options.
Canary's flagship product, on the other hand, has better video quality (by default the Circle 2 records at 720p, not 1080p) and superior extra features. For example, the Canary offers a built-in emergency alarm you can activate remotely to alert the authorities to distress. Canary is also distinct for having the ability to monitor air quality, temperature, and humidity in your home and alert you when there's a problem.
You can add extra features to both cameras through premium memberships. Circle Safe is available in a basic and premium package. The former gives you 14 days of camera footage, person detection, and motion zones, while the latter includes 31 days of footage plus the other features. Logitech charges as little as $1.15 per month, depending on the number of cameras you own.
For Canary, there's one premium package that runs $10 per month or $100 per year. For this, you get 30 days worth of video recordings, two-way communication, a safety button to alert authorities in the event of an emergency, and incident support. Discounts per device are available when you have multiple cameras on an account.
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So the choice here comes down to which features you want. If you plan on using your security camera to talk to others in your home, you might want to select the Circle 2 since this feature doesn't require the purchase of a premium package. Otherwise, there's not much different about either package except that Logitech offers two membership levels.
Where will you put it?
The Circle 2 is the one to get if you're interested in creating an indoor and outdoor solution. Use different accessories for the locations you choose.
Is it a camera?
No major flaws here. The Canary All-In-One is a solid security camera that will help you to protect your home, remotely or otherwise. This is the one to buy if you like extra features such as health monitoring and an alarm system. Expect to pay extra for two-way calling.
Bryan M. Wolfe has written about technology for over a decade on various websites, including TechRadar, AppAdvice, and many more. Before this, he worked in the technology field across different industries, including healthcare and education. He’s currently iMore’s lead on all things Mac and macOS, although he also loves covering iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Bryan enjoys watching his favorite sports teams, traveling, and driving around his teenage daughter to her latest stage show, audition, or school event in his spare time. He also keeps busy walking his black and white cocker spaniel, Izzy, and trying new coffees and liquid grapes.