While it’s true that the bestselling security cameras are Wi-Fi cameras, a wifi connection isn’t necessarily required for all security cameras.
Find out all there is to know about the best security cameras without wifi, including our favorite 4G and 5G cameras and how you can turn your old phone into a security camera without wifi.
Table of Contents
Is There A Security Camera That Works Without WiFi?
AlfredCamera, Arlo Go, and Reolink Go are security cameras that work without wifi. They are compatible with mobile data plans, providing the option to use 4G or 5G instead of wifi.
Security cameras with internet connections make accessing camera feeds super convenient, in addition to providing real time push notifications and alerts.
But research suggests that almost 1 in 4 households in the US don’t have internet. Even more surprisingly, of the three-quarters that do, well over 250,000 still use dial-up. That’s why 4G security cameras are an invaluable option for many people.
AlfredCamera: Security Cameras Without WiFi for FREE
AlfredCamera uses your old phones, tablets, and even webcams as security camera devices, so you don’t need to use Wi-Fi for AlfredCamera to work!
Use mobile data (4G or 5G) on AlfredCamera compatible devices to avoid Wi-Fi signal dropouts. Check in on your camera feeds anytime, anywhere.
Oh, and we should mention, AlfredCamera is totally free.
Download now to get started, and experience the best free security camera without wifi.
Types Of Cameras That Are WiFi-Free
Since the market is so saturated with wifi cameras, take a little refresher’s course on other types of security cameras, including what security cameras work without wifi.
CCTV
Closed-circuit television cameras are rarely used for home security nowadays. In this context, they are inefficient. Instead, they are favored by businesses and the police. Footage is stored on a digital video recorder (DVR) and viewed on a dedicated monitor.
How does CCTV work without Wi-Fi?
CCTV cameras are closed-circuit. This means that data is transmitted through wires, usually hidden in walls, ceilings, and floors.
Recommended reading: Security Cameras for Business, Big and Small
Analog
The term ‘analog’ refers to any camera that transmits video to a DVR. These might also be dubbed ‘HD-over-coax’, a term referring to cameras able to transmit totally uncompressed video through coaxial cables.
How do Analog cameras work without Wi-Fi?
Like CCTV, analog cameras use wires to transmit data. An analog camera doesn’t possess any modern features like push notifications, so doesn’t require an internet connection to function.
IP
‘Internet Protocol’ cameras are digital video cameras that send and receive data via the internet. Unlike traditional CCTV cameras, they don’t require local storage.
Can IP cameras work without Wi-Fi?
Most IP cameras nowadays work through Wi-Fi, but some provide mobile data as an alternative via a SIM card. They might also use ethernet cables to connect directly to broadband.
Mobile
Thanks to AlfredCamera, you can turn your old phone into a security camera without wifi. Though it is more common to use Wi-Fi with AlfredCamera, 4G and 5G are compatible.
Pro Tip: ‘Wireless’ and ‘wire-free’ security cameras are not the same thing!.
‘Wireless camera’ features either wifi, Bluetooth, or mobile data connectivity. In other words, it may still require wires to connect it to a power source and function.
‘Wire-free cameras’ do not require any kind of wires to receive power.
Recommended reading: Wired Vs Wireless Security Systems | A Comprehensive Guide
How does AlfredCamera work without Wi-Fi?
Old phones, tablets, and webcams are security cameras when added to AlfredCamera. This means that so long as you have a mobile data plan, you can take advantage of 4G or 5G instead of using Wi-Fi.
Pros and Cons of Security Cameras Without WiFi
Security cameras without wifi have limitations compared to IP cameras, as well as a few benefits. Check out the table below to find out what works for you.
| IP Cameras (Wi-Fi, Mobile Data) | Wired Cameras |
| Feature rich ✅ | Uncompressed quality ✅ |
| Affordable ✅ | Reliable ✅ |
| Easy to move around ✅ | Wires can be unaesthetic ❌ |
| Prone to signal dropouts ❌ | Hardwiring is a nuisance ❌ |
Top 5 Best Security Cameras Without WiFi | Our Picks
With so many choices, it can be a little difficult to know where to start when you’re in the market for a security camera. Check out our top picks for security cameras that function without wifi, including wireless and wired security cameras.
AlfredCamera
Available from the App Store and Google Play Store. Free with the option for premium.
Pros
- Use Wi-Fi or mobile data
- Free to use
- No hardware purchase required
Cons
- Quality determined largely by the device
- SIM card/LTE data package required
By far the most affordable option, AlfredCamera transforms old smart devices into free security cameras, replete with features you’d expect of a high-end device. Two way audio, motion detection, and night vision are just some of the features that have made AlfredCamera the most popular security camera app.
Phones running AlfredCamera can use mobile data, allowing you to stream and save footage via 4G and 5G wherever you are. Switch between Wi-Fi and data mobile as you please.
Key Specifications
- Live view
- Continuous recording
- Motion detection
- Low light mode
- Built-in siren
- Unlimited devices
If you’ve got an old phone, tablet, or webcam, you’re already ready to join the AlfredCamera family! Get started now for free.
Reolink Go Plus
Available on Reolink. From $199.
Pros
- 4G and 3G compatible
- Solar panel compatible
- Wire free
Cons
- No Wi-Fi option
- Can’t mount on a bookshelf/desktop
Reolink Go uses 4G and 3G Mobile LTE networks, meaning you just need a mobile data plan for it to work. Since it’s wireless and rechargeable, it’s a great option for those who might need a camera subject to plenty of travel, particularly in places with limited or no wifi.
Connect it to a Reolink solar panel to make it a great outdoor security camera without wifi for more unusual locations, like construction sites and boats.
Key Specifications
- 2K 4MP video
- Battery/solar powered
- Night vision
- Alexa and Google Assistant
- Motion detection
- SIM card slot
- microSD
Arlo Go 2
Available on Amazon and Arlo. RRP $249.99.
Pros
- 4G and Wi-Fi
- Magnetic charging
- Built in spotligh
Cons
- Very expensive
- Subscription needed for many features
Arlo Go 2 is an outdoor IP camera that works through a 4G LTE or Wi-Fi connection.
Expect HD footage, a 130 degree viewing angle, and a rechargeable battery among other features, like cross-functionality with Alexa and Google Assistant. The price tag, however, is hefty.
Key Specifications
- 1080p HD video
- Battery/solar powered
- Night vision
- Alexa and Google Assistant
- Motion detection
- 130 degree field of view
- Spotlight
- SIM card slot
- microSD
Don’t want to pay for an LTE data plan but want security cameras without wifi? Try these more traditional security camera systems.
ANNKE 5MP Lite Wired Security Camera System
Available on Amazon. From $259.99.
ANNKE’s wired security camera system provides a more traditional approach to security that doesn’t sacrifice the modern features that make IP cameras so great. With a total of 8 cameras, you’ll be able to set up a completely comprehensive security system in your home, office or other space.
The cameras record up to 1080p and interface with the eight channel DVR, which comes with a 1TB harddrive. 60ft cables are included with each camera, so distance shouldn’t be a problem.
SANSCO 8CH 1080p Security Camera System
Available on Amazon. From $189.99.
SANSCO also offers an eight camera system complete with eight channel DVR to record up to 1TB of footage. The 2MP cameras support 1080p footage, are weatherproof and feature up to 65 ft ranged night vision.
Even without wifi, you can connect the DVR to SANSCO’s app in order to view the security system on your mobile device or computer.
FAQ
Do any outdoor security cameras work without wifi?
Reolink Go and Arlo Go work outdoors without wifi, using mobile LTE data instead.
Can wireless cameras work without the Internet?
Most wireless cameras on the market require an internet connection, and all require Internet at least for initial setup. AlfredCam and AlfredCam Plus are wireless cameras that also allow footage to be saved to a microSD card.
Do wired security cameras need wifi?
No. If a wired security camera is connected to a DVR or other physical storage device, then it does not need a wifi connection to function.
How can I use an IP camera without the internet?
IP cameras require the internet to function, hence, ‘internet protocol’. However, some support microSD card storage, like AlfredCam and AlfredCam Plus. Simply insert the microSD card into a computer to view footage saved on it.
Can I connect my security camera to my phone?
Yes, many security cameras connect to phones. They must be connected to the official app provided by the manufacturer rather than a third party app. If the security camera manufacturer does not provide an official app, do not attempt to connect it.
Conclusion
Though the market is saturated with wireless cameras, security cameras without wifi exist!
Whether it’s suspicions about hacking, a lack of a solid wifi connection, or a preference for the old school ways, there are numerous security camera systems that still support internet-free functionality through a DVR, as well using mobile LTE data rather than wifi.
Recommended reading: The Complete Guide to Cellular Security Cameras