Best Apartment Security Camera (No Drilling)
For a rental, pick a camera that sits freestanding or sticks on (adhesive plate), with no drilling, easy to remove when you move, and no subscription. Our 2026 picks: Eufy Indoor Cam C120 (indoor, 2K, best cheap), Ring Stick Up Cam (indoor/outdoor, adhesive plate available) and Blink Mini 2 (simplest and most affordable). Comparison below.
In this guide
Cover your place without drilling or upsetting the landlord
When renting, you don't want to drill walls, leave marks, or redo everything when you move. Good news: modern cameras install with no drill at all. Three clean methods:
- Freestanding on a shelf, unit or ledge — zero mounting.
- Adhesive plate (3M-style) on a wall or ceiling — peels off without damage.
- Battery wireless — no ugly cables to run.
Also favour local storage with no subscription (see our dedicated comparison) to avoid monthly fees.
Our 2026 apartment picks
Three no-drill models, by use. Prices indicative on Amazon.
Eufy Indoor Cam C120
2KFreestandingmicroSD localNo subscriptionTwo-way audio
Simply sits on a shelf: no mount, no drilling. 2K image, local microSD storage at no cost, motion tracking and two-way audio. Perfect for watching an entry, a living room, or a pet while you're out.
Ring Stick Up Cam
1080pFreestanding or adhesiveBattery or wiredIndoor/Outdoor
Sits on a shelf indoors or mounts outside with a dedicated adhesive plate (no drilling). Battery version for zero cable. Great for a balcony, entry or room. Note: Ring pushes a subscription for cloud history.
Blink Mini 2
1080pFreestandingIndoor/Outdoor adapterTwo-way audio
The simplest and cheapest: small freestanding camera, USB-powered, night vision and motion detection. With the weatherproof adapter it goes to sheltered outdoor. A smart pick for a first surveillance point on a budget.
Comparison table
| Model | Resolution | Mount | No subscription | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eufy C120 | 2K | Freestanding | Yes (microSD) | $25–35 |
| Ring Stick Up | 1080p | Freestanding / adhesive | Partial (cloud paid) | $60–100 |
| Blink Mini 2 | 1080p | Freestanding | Local via module | $30–45 |
Indicative Amazon prices at time of writing (May 2026). Always check the model listing.
Privacy: what's allowed when renting
- Your unit: you can film inside your own apartment.
- Shared spaces: avoid hallways, lobby, neighbours — that's their privacy.
- Roommates: tell them a camera is present.
- Entry/balcony: aim at your door, not the unit next door.
Others' privacy is protected by law in most places. When in doubt, limit the field to your own space.
Cold changes things outdoors. See our cold-weather guide (-30 °C) and our no-subscription picks.
See the top modelsFrequently asked questions
Can I install a security camera in a rental without drilling?
Yes. Many cameras sit on a shelf or attach with an adhesive plate, with no drilling or permanent change. Most landlords have no issue since nothing is altered and everything comes off when you move.
What camera is best for an apartment interior?
A freestanding indoor camera like the Eufy Indoor Cam C120 (2K, local storage, no subscription) covers most units. For an entry, a freestanding camera or a Ring Stick Up on an adhesive plate works without drilling.
Is it legal to film inside my apartment?
You can film inside your own unit. Avoid shared spaces, neighbours and the street, and tell your roommates. Others' privacy is protected by law in most places.