The Best Wireless Security Cameras of 2024
Our recommendation, Lorex, includes local storage, no monthly costs, and multiple models available for every home.
- With local video storage means no monthly subscription costs
- Multiple wireless models available
- With no wires to worry about, place cameras anywhere
- Battery lasts up to a full year
- No cables or wires means quick, easy installation
- Includes full audio recording capabilities
- Solar-powered version available
- Connects wirelessly to smart home devices like thermostats and door locks
- Works even if the power goes out
Wireless cameras provide the convenience and ease of use you won’t get from even the best wired security cameras in the market. But is wireless security equipment reliable? We’d say so, having tested dozens of wireless cameras without running into major reliability issues. Recently we tested 12 of the most popular wireless cameras – this time, to find out which ones are the best in terms of offering the best features, price, specs, recording options, and more.
The result? We found great wireless options from familiar brands, and a couple of shockingly good wireless cameras that fly under the radar. You’ll meet them below.
>> Check Out: Best Battery-powered Security Cameras
Best Wireless Security Cameras
- Lorex - Best for Night Vision
- eufyCam E - Best for Local Storage
- Ring Spotlight Cam Battery - Best Outdoor Wireless Camera
- Arlo Pro 4 - Best for Video
- Ring Stick Up Cam Battery - Best Wireless Camera with Alexa
The Best Wireless Home Security Cameras of 2024
System |
Lorex
|
eufyCam E
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Ring Spotlight Cam Battery
|
Arlo Pro 4
|
Ring Stick Up Cam Battery
|
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Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th |
Ratings | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
Prices | $49.99 - $169.99 | $119.99 for add-on camera | $199.99 | $199 | $100 |
Indoor/ Outdoor | Both | Both | Both | Both | Both |
Video quality | 1080p HD - 4K HDR | 1080p HD | 1080p HD | 2K with HDR | 1080p HD |
Field of view in degrees | 114 - 125 depending on model | 130 | 110 | 160 | 110 |
Night Vision | Color and Infrared depending on model | Infrared | Color and infrared | Color and infrared | Infrared |
Two-way Audio? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Local Storage | 16 - 32 GB micro-SD card depending on model | 16 GB micro-SD card | No | Flash drive inserted into the Arlo SmartHub | No |
Cloud Storage | 2 days free | Paid options of 30 or 60 days | Paid options for 60 days | Paid options for 30 days | Paid options for 60 days |
Smart Platform Integration | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit | Alexa, Google Assistant |
Artificial Intelligence | Person detection | No | No | Optional package and person detection | No |
Extras | Monitoring zones, Smart deterrence | n/a | Spotlight, siren, activity zones | Siren, spotlight | Privacy zones, can disable motion recording, alerts and audio. |
Battery Life | 6-9 months | 12 months | 3-6 months | 6-12 months | 6-12 months |
Read Review | Lorex Review | Ring Spotlight Cam Battery Review | Ring Stick Up Cam Battery Review |
A Detailed List of the Best Wireless Cameras
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1. Lorex - Best for Night Vision
Product Specs
Resolution Up to 4K HD Field of View Up to 180° Power Wired, battery, PoE Connectivity Wi-Fi, ethernet Video Storage Cloud, Local Smart Platform Compatibility Alexa and Google Home Pros and Cons
What We Like
- Plenty of options
- Up to 4K HD resolution
- No monthly fees required
- Rugged hardware
What We Don’t Like
- Security camera options can be confusing
- Not the most “stylish” in terms of design
- Not all models support cloud backup
- Not all models support smart home integrations with Alexa or Google Assistant
High-Quality Equipment
A lot of Lorex cameras are wired to a DVR or NVR, but its few wireless options offer some of the highest-quality hardware builds we’ve seen. All eight wireless Lorex cameras we’ve tested so far were weatherproof and tamper-resistant. They are built like tanks, which is exactly what you want from your outdoor cameras.
As rugged as they are, Lorex cameras also offer a lot of advanced features. They may not seem like it from the outside, but four of the cameras we tested actually had a 4K ultraHD resolution, 100-foot night vision range, and 150-foot Wi-Fi range. It’s even more impressive to think that those are for residential use. Lorex offers great business-grade security cameras as well that offer night vision up to 250 feet. Lorex’s hardware is fantastic.
>>Related: The Best Outdoor Security Cameras
No Monthly Fees
The local DVR or NVR recording of Lorex is one aspect we really like because aside from keeping your recordings safely indoors, they keep the usage cost down. We didn’t need to pay a monthly fee to keep our videos, and unlike cloud recording options from brands like Ring and Blink that only store motion videos, Lorex records 24/7.
Now, you will have to be mindful of where you place your DVR relative to your wireless cameras. The signal between them should be strong enough to support a continuous stream of data (audio and video), so they should be placed within close proximity to each other. If you install Lorex right, though, you’ll have a reliable system that can keep an eye on things 24/7 for weeks at a time. In our experience a 1 TB DVR can store up to two weeks of rolling videos from four 1080p HD cameras. And when we bought more Lorex cameras to test, we simply plugged in additional hard drives into the DVR to expand the storage.
Expert Tip: Local recording has downsides, too, like limited storage space and the risk of losing important footage when a fire or tampering occurs. For that, Lorex offers cloud backup to some of its wireless cameras. For $9.99 per month, Lorex will store event clips in the cloud for unlimited cameras stored in one location. Make sure you buy cameras compatible with cloud backup though, as not all Lorex cameras support it.
Wired and Wireless Combined
Lorex also has a new line of cameras called Fusion, and they are a hybrid of wired and wireless cameras. This is a huge plus, because there are settings where wired cameras are better. For example, if there’s an area that doesn’t get good Wi-Fi reception, you might want to opt for a wired camera instead. With the Fusion line, you can combine both wireless and wired cameras into one system and monitor them using one DVR.
One example is the $379.99 12-camera capable system. While it comes with only two wireless indoor cameras, the included 2TB DVR can accommodate up to four wireless cameras and eight wired ones. That makes it easy to build your own system based on what you need. Lorex offers a ton of add-on cameras. Listed below are some examples:
Lorex Camera Price Lorex 2K Indoor Wi-Fi $49.99 Smart Indoor/Outdoor 1080p Wi-Fi with Smart Deterrence $79.99 Lorex 2K Spotlight $169.99 Lorex 1080p Wi-Fi Floodlight $179.99 Lorex 4K Spotlight Indoor/Outdoor Wi-Fi 6 $229.99 -
2. eufyCam E - Best for Local Storage
Pros and Cons
What We Like
- Water-resistant design
- Infrared night vision
- Alexa integration
- Battery life
What We Don’t Like
- Needs eufy HomeBase
- No free cloud storage
- No Google Assistant integration
- Lack of zoom
Wireless Local Storage
Eufy flies beneath the radar, but it’s one of the more tech-forward options. Just like our top-pick Lorex, it can store videos locally. That puts it ahead of options like Ring, Nest, and Arlo, all of which rely on cloud storage. Unlike Lorex and its DVD player-looking DVRs, though, eufy’s recording boxes are more pleasing to the eyes.
Take the HomeBase that comes with the eufyCam E, for example. It looks nothing like Lorex’s DVRs; it’s a tower-like wireless hub that looks like a compact CPU. And the reason it looks like that is that it is a compact CPU – a network attached storage (NAS) to be exact. It’s not only sleeker than Lorex’s DVRs, though. It also has the technological edge, as the $150 HomeBase can store videos from twice as many cameras (16, to be exact) than a similarly priced Lorex DVR.
The HomeBase enables advanced features for the wireless cameras connected to it like the eufyCam E. Those features include person, pet, and vehicle detection, activity zones, and integrations with Alexa and Google Assistant so you can view videos on a smart display.
Discounted Packages Available
Another reason we like eufy is its scalability and pricing. Most people need more than one camera; perhaps you need one for your living room, another for your front porch, and a couple to watch over your yard. eufy makes that possible with its affordable packages.
For example, one package we saw was the $400 three-camera package (three eufyCam E, one HomeBase). Considering that one camera costs $159 and the HomeBase $150 when purchased separately, you’d be saving over $200 if you buy a package. If you’re looking to put up multiple eufyCam E cameras, that’s the most practical route to take.
Note: The eufyCam E requires a HomeBase, although add-on cameras are also available if you already have one.
It’s also relatively easy to buy and add more cameras as you see fit. Eufy offers add-on cameras and base stations, with deep discounts for existing customers. Plus, around special holidays and during sale events like Black Friday, you can expect lots of discounts and freebies from Eufy.
Advanced Options
Besides the eufyCam E, eufy offers a wide range of wireless indoor and outdoor cameras. These options can be anywhere from pan-and-tilt cameras to outdoor cameras with built-in solar panels, eliminating the need to recharge the camera.
One of our favorite options is the Outdoor Cam E220, which is an outdoor camera as the name implies. While it’s not completely wire-free because it needs to be plugged in, this Wi-Fi camera comes with a built-in spotlight for color night vision and to assist in deterring criminals. The spotlight is motion-activated, and it greatly improves the night vision of the 2K lens of the E220.
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3. Ring Spotlight Cam Battery - Best Outdoor Wireless Camera
Pros and Cons
What We Like
- Siren and spotlight
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Color and infrared night vision
- Works in temperatures from -5 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit
What We Don’t Like
- No local storage
- No artificial intelligence
- No free cloud storage
- No person detection
Security by Lights
The Ring Spotlight Cam Battery combines two things burglars hate: a security camera and a motion-activated spotlight. Actually, make that three things. The Ring Spotlight Cam battery also has a PIR motion sensor that reliably detects human movement. Those three things work together to keep burglars at bay.
Here’s how the Spotlight Cam works:
- The PIR motion sensor detects movement.
- It turns on the spotlight, which is bright enough to potentially scare away intruders.
- The camera also wakes up and starts recording a short clip, provided that you’re on a Ring Protect cloud subscription plan.
- Simultaneously, the Spotlight Cam Battery sends an alert to your smartphone.
- With the camera and lights turned on, you can stream footage and see what’s going on.
On top of that, the spotlight serves a secondary purpose. You know how some camera videos are black-and-white at night? That’s because they use Infrared for night vision. The Ring Spotlight Cam has that option too, but when viewing live from the Ring app, you can turn on the spotlight for color night vision.
>> Also check out: Best Security Cameras for Businesses
Solar Option
The Ring Spotlight Cam Battery is convenient because you don’t need to wire it up or plug it in, but it comes with inconveniences too. For example, we found that the battery life is only about three to six months, depending on usage. That means we had to charge the battery more often than we’d like. For cameras designed to be put high up on an exterior wall, it’s too much maintenance.
That said, Ring offers an option that is wireless but has that set-and-forget attribute of wired cameras – the Ring Spotlight Cam Solar. It’s the same camera as the Ring Spotlight Cam Battery but connected to a small solar panel. It uses power from the battery at night, and then uses the solar panel to power and recharge the camera during the day.
You can get the solar panel for $60 if you purchase it separately from the camera, but if you buy the two together, the panel costs $30. Check out Ring’s pricing to learn more.
Swappable Battery Packs
Ring has clearly taken convenience into account while designing the Spotlight Cam, because if the solar option isn’t for you, you can opt for an extra battery pack instead. You don’t have to take the whole camera down to recharge it; instead, you only need to remove the battery. If you have a spare battery pack, you can do a quick swap. Just make sure that the spare is fully-charged all the time.
We still think the solar panel is a better option, but in long winter months when sunlight is sparse, having spare batteries can help your security cameras stay running.
Ring Spotlight Cam Battery accessories Price Charging Station $29.90 Quick Release Battery Pack $34.99 Solar Panel $59.99 Charging Station + 2 Battery Packs $89.99 GO GREEN: If you’re using the Ring Spotlight Cam Battery outdoors, we recommend adding the solar panel so it’ll charge continuously. You’ll never have to recharge the battery again!
LifeTime Theft Protection
We’d also like to just throw it out there that Ring cameras come with Lifetime Theft Protection. This means if your camera ever gets stolen, Ring will replace it for you for free.
That is especially great for wireless cameras, as their wireless setup often makes them easier to steal. With Ring’s theft protection guarantee, you’re not just ensuring your home’s safety from burglars, but also your camera’s safety from theft.
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4. Arlo Pro 4 - Best for Video
Pros and Cons
What We Like
- High-quality video
- Color and infrared night vision
- Smart platform integrations
- Works indoors and outdoors
What We Don’t Like
- No free person detection
- Relatively short battery life
- Needs Arlo hub
- No free cloud storage
2K HDR Video
Arlo offers a wide range of wireless cameras, from the simple and affordable Arlo Essential line to the pricey but high-tech Arlo Ultras. Between those two product lines is the Arlo Pro lineup, headlined by the Arlo Pro 4 and 5S. We like the Arlo Pro in particular because it records in high-definition 2560p resolution. That’s twice the resolution of the Arlo Essential cameras, but not as bandwidth-hungry as the 4K Arlo Ultra cameras. It’s the perfect middle ground.
We also noticed in our review that it uses HDR or high-dynamic range. If you’re an iPhone user, you know how much difference HDR makes in outdoor settings. HDR is a camera feature that balances light and dark areas within a frame, which comes handy for identifying smaller details like license plate numbers.
Night Vision Options
Due to the camera’s spotlight, our night vision was in color, although when we wanted to be less conspicuous, we opted to turn the spotlight off and depend on the infrared LED sensors. Either way, we could see clearly at night, whether it was in full color to greet our friends or in black and white to give directions to the takeout delivery men.
Tip: While we appreciate a spotlight, they can also make cameras very conspicuous, which may not be the best for home’s security. We recommend only using the spotlight when you’re speaking to visiting friends and family rather than having it on all the time.
Works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Watch
There were a bunch of ways to control the Arlo Pro 4 aside from using the Arlo app. If we were feeling particularly lazy, we did voice commands through Alexa or Google Assistant, pretty common integrations when it comes to smart security cameras. However, Arlo took it a step further than most. It also worked with our Apple Watch, so whenever the Arlo Pro 4 detected motion, we got alerted and could even speak through the camera right from our wrist. And during our three month trial of Arlo Smart Home, we made it so we only got alerts when the camera detected people or packages, making for less checking of our Apple Watch throughout the day.
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5. Ring Stick Up Cam Battery - Best Wireless Camera with Alexa
Pros and Cons
What We Like
- Affordable price
- Privacy features
- Video quality
- Two-way audio with noise cancellation
What We Don’t Like
- 110-degree field of view
- Storage
- No person detection
- Ring’s history of security breaches
Smart Platform Integrations
Yup, it’s Ring again; this time, we’re looking at the Ring Stick Up Cam, a budget indoor/outdoor option with simpler features compared to the Spotlight Cam from earlier.
The Ring Stick Up Cam was originally marketed as a porch camera; it’s not as weatherproof as the Spotlight Cam with only an IP X5 rating. It also works as an indoor camera. What we like about it is its special partnership with Alexa. Amazon owns the Ring company, so it’s not shocking that the Ring Stick Up Cam pairs well with Alexa. We recommend using it alongside the Echo Show 8 or any other Alexa smart display, even a Fire TV or Fire TV Stick.
With the integration, the Ring Stick Up Cam can send live feeds straight to your Echo device. You can even use two-way talk – our favorite feature to use to greet guests or shoo away porch pirates.
Privacy
There were a string of incidents a few years back involving Ring cameras getting hacked, so it’s nice to know that the very cameras we use to monitor our home now come with useful privacy features.
For one, the Stick Up Cam has privacy zones. On the one set up at our balcony, we blocked out windows from the camera’s detection zone so that when we’re at home walking around in our pajamas, we wouldn’t trigger the camera’s motion sensors.
Two-Way Audio with Noise Cancellation
Two-way audio is a feature we’ve come to expect from smart security cameras, but Ring takes it a step further with noise cancellation. When we used the Stick Up Cam Battery outside, we noticed that when talking to our visitors, we couldn’t hear the background traffic noise as much, making for more distinct and easy to understand audio. In New York City, there’s always something going on in the background, so we loved that the Stick Up Cam Battery had that in mind when it came to audio.
Wireless Camera Methodology
When it comes to reviewing wireless cameras, we like to combine technical specifications along with our experience installing and testing the cameras to judge it in terms of its video, audio, night vision, storage, smart platform integrations, convenience, and overall value.
We prefer cameras with 1080p HD video, the ability to zoom in optically, fields of view of 120 degrees or wider, two-way audio, infrared night vision, free cloud and local storage, person detection, integrations with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, simple installation and a low price. We also look at each camera’s app to make sure that it’s user-friendly and has high ratings from either the Apple or the Google Play stores, depending on what kind of mobile device you have.
For wireless cameras, in particular, we’re looking for long battery lives and easy installation especially. Most battery-powered cameras can last anywhere from three to six months without needing a recharge or replacement, although we’ve also tested out options that worked for one to two years. Some companies offer solar panels with the cameras, which allow them to be charged continuously. If you’re using the camera outdoors, there’s no reason not to use the solar panel, as you’ll never have to take the camera down to recharge or replace its battery, but if not, we recommend getting a second battery pack so the camera can stay on all the time.
If it’s an outdoor camera, we want it to be completely dust-tight and able to handle water jets at the very least. It should also have a temperature range that works for your climate. You should always look at the camera’s IP rating to determine whether it will work for your outdoor conditions.
IP Ratings | Solids | Liquids |
---|---|---|
0 | Not Protected | None |
1 | A large body surface like the back of a hand, but no intentional contact with a body part | Dripping water falling vertically |
2 | Fingers or similar objects | Dripping water falling from 15 degree tilt |
3 | Tools, thick wires, etc. | Spraying water |
4 | Most wires, screws, etc. | Splashing water |
5 | Dust protected | Water jets 6.3mm & below |
6 | Dust tight | Powerful water jets 12.5mm & below |
7 | N/A | Immersion up to 1m |
8 | N/A | Immersion over 1m |
In addition to that, we prefer cameras with artificial intelligence, which usually comes in the form of person detection or, with more advanced devices, facial recognition. Person detection means that we didn’t just get notified whenever the camera detected motion. Rather, we got notified only when it detected a person, which made for fewer but more important notifications. Cameras like the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor also have the option for facial recognition, which meant that we could name our friends and family in the Nest app. However, note that this camera is plug-in, and none of the wireless cameras on this list have person detection or facial recognition.
Finally, for someone looking for additional security, we appreciate companies that offer 24/7 professional monitoring and cellular backup, especially useful for someone with a larger home security system. Professional monitoring can cost anywhere from $10 to $60 a month and usually encompasses the cost of cellular backup, which keeps the system connected to the app and monitoring center in case of a power outage. To explore our favorite tried and tested options, check out our list of each best home security system of 2024.
FAQs about Wireless Security Cameras
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What is the best wireless outdoor security camera?
The best wireless outdoor security cameras are from the brands Lorex, eufy, Ring, and Arlo. Lorex has the widest selection, eufy has the cheapest options, Ring has the best Alexa integrations, and Arlo has the smartest features.
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Do you need WiFi for wireless security cameras?
Some but not all wireless security cameras require WiFi. For example, the eufyCam E can record directly to its 16 GB micro-SD card, which doesn’t require WiFi, although the user won’t be able to livestream the footage or receive notifications. Most cameras that have a corresponding app require WiFi.
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Is there a wireless security camera system?
There are many wireless security camera systems to choose from. Eufy, for example, offers systems of two or three camera kits, while Ring also offers packages for the Ring Spotlight Cam Battery and the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery.
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How do wireless security cameras get power?
Wireless security cameras either get power through a battery or a solar panel.
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How long do wireless security camera batteries last?
Wireless security cameras’ batteries can last anywhere from three months up to a year, depending on the make and model.