Is 2k better than 1080p? Comparing security camera resolutions

When shopping for a security camera, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is choosing the right resolution. After all, the clarity of your video footage is essential, especially if you need to capture details like faces or number plates. One of the most common questions people ask is: Is 2K better than 1080p?

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the differences between 1080p and 2K security cameras, how much better 2K is, and how to decide which resolution is the best fit for your home.

How much better is 2k than 1080p?

When it comes to cameras, TVs, and monitors, the higher the resolution, the clearer the image. That’s because resolution is measured in pixels, and more pixels equal more detail.

1080p, or Full HD, captures video at 1920 x 1080 pixels, which totals around 2 million pixels.

2K, often labelled as QHD or 1440p, increases the resolution to 2560 x 1440 pixels, with over 3.7 million pixels, so nearly twice as many as 1080p.

When comparing 2K vs. 1080p, 2K delivers significantly sharper footage. You’ll notice this especially when zooming in on a recording or covering larger outdoor areas.

This matters for home security because finer details like a face in the distance or a car at the edge of your driveway are much easier to capture with 2K resolution.

And the good news is, both indoor security cameras and outdoor security cameras are available in both resolutions, so you can choose based on your needs and location.

What is 1080p?

1080p refers to a video resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, where “1080” indicates the number of vertical pixels, and the “p” stands for progressive scan. This means that each frame is drawn in sequence, providing a smoother and more detailed image, especially during motion.

Also known as Full HD, 1080p became the standard for high-definition video and is still widely used in TVs, monitors, and home security cameras. It offers a good balance between image quality and file size, making it ideal for everyday surveillance needs.

With roughly 2 million total pixels, 1080p is suitable for most residential security camera setups, particularly in smaller spaces or where fine detail isn’t as critical. It’s also less demanding on storage and bandwidth compared to higher resolutions.

What is 2k?

2K refers to a class of video resolutions with a horizontal pixel count of around 2000, most commonly 2560 x 1440, also known as QHD (Quad HD) or 1440p. While 2K isn’t a strict consumer electronics standard, it generally indicates a step up from 1080p, offering more image clarity and detail.

There are several formats considered part of the 2K family:

• 2048 × 1080 (used in digital cinema)
• 2560 × 1440 (QHD) – most common in consumer electronics like security cameras and smartphones
• 2560 × 1600 – often seen in high-end monitors
  

Most 2K formats maintain a 16:9 aspect ratio, making them compatible with standard video and camera footage. With over 3.6 million pixels, 2K resolution delivers significantly sharper visuals than 1080p, which is especially useful for identifying faces and objects.

In the world of home security, 2K provides a higher level of detail and coverage, making it a great option for customers who want extra clarity without jumping all the way to 4K.

2k resolution vs 1080p security camera: which to choose

Here’s a quick comparison to help you see the key differences at a glance:

Aspect	1080p (Full HD)	2K (QHD/1440p)
Total Resolution	1920 × 1080 (≈2.1 million pixels)	2560 × 1440 (≈3.7 million pixels)
Image Quality	Clear for everyday use	Much sharper and more detailed
Zoom Clarity	Some loss of detail when zooming	Retains finer detail when zoomed in
Field of View	Standard but depends on the lens and sensor	Often wider, but depends on the lens and sensor
Storage Use	Lower file sizes, more footage per GB	Higher file sizes, may require more storage
Bandwidth Needed	Lower internet use (for cloud features)	Higher internet use when uploading/streaming
Cost	More budget-friendly	Slightly higher price point
Best For	Indoor areas or small spaces	Outdoor / larger areas or when detail is critical

Let’s explore these in more detail.

Image quality

1080p delivers a clear picture that’s ideal for everyday monitoring, especially indoors or in smaller spaces. 2Koffers sharper footage and greater detail. This higher resolution is particularly useful when you need to zoom in on a recording or identify faces, number plates, or movement at a distance. For users who prioritise clarity, especially outdoors, 2K offers a noticeable upgrade.

Field of view (FoV)

Resolution doesn't directly affect Field of View as it comes down to the camera lens. A 1080p and 2K camera can have the same FoV if they use the same lens. However, 2K resolution gives you more detail within that same view, so things at the edge of the frame or in the distance appear clearer. If you want more coverage and more clarity, look for a wide-angle lens paired with a 2K sensor.

Storage use

2K video files are larger than 1080p because they contain more detail. This means 2K footage will use more storage space on SD cards or cloud plans. However, many modern security cameras use advanced compression (like H.265) to reduce file size without a big loss in quality. So while 2K may require slightly more storage, the difference is manageable and often worth it for the sharper video.

Cost

1080p cameras are generally more budget-friendly and still provide reliable performance. 2K cameras cost slightly more but prices have become more accessible in recent years. If you’re monitoring larger spaces or want the added clarity, the upgrade to 2K is often a smart long-term investment.

Conclusion

So, is 2K better than 1080p? We think it is. At Tapo, we’d always recommend going for 2K if you can. The picture quality is noticeably sharper, and it makes spotting faces, number plates, and finer details a lot easier. And with the price difference between 1080p and 2K cameras now being so small, you’re getting better clarity, zoom detail, and peace of mind for just a little more upfront cost.

It’s a smart choice and long-term investment to choose 2K, especially for outdoor spaces. But whichever resolution you go for, we’ve got a wide range of reliable, easy-to-use cameras to suit your setup.

Need help deciding which camera is right for your home? Check out our security camera buying guide for even more advice.

Shop all our security cameras – from affordable 1080p to powerful 2K models.

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