Installing a security system is a great way to help better protect your home or office. But there’s no denying that stronger security comes at a price. That’s why it’s important to do your homework when it comes to deciding what type of system best suits your needs and budget.
Research has shown that surveillance cameras (CCTV) are directly linked to a decrease in break-ins. According to research, both wired, wireless, and combination wired and wireless security systems have drastically reduced the slope of crimes by more than 60%.
Security systems can be broken down into three broad categories:
- Wired security system
- Wireless security system
- Combination wired and wireless security systems (hybrid)
With this in mind, we’ll help you choose from the best wired security systems and wireless security cameras, covering all the relevant pros and cons of home security cameras.
In short, we’ve done the hard work so you don’t have to!
Table of Contents
What Are Wired Security Cameras?
A wired camera setup involves a network of wires running through the house to a central control panel. It’s usually known as the ‘brain’ of the system.
Wired cameras are interfaced with a digital video recorder (DVR) security system. Video and audio from the camera is transmitted at high speeds through wires, saving data to DVR so it can be viewed later.
Since they are wired, these types of cameras don’t usually require a Wi-Fi connection to function—but this means that two-way communication is not possible.
What Are Wireless Security Cameras?
Unlike their wired counterparts, wireless surveillance systems use radio waves to connect the sensors with the main control panel. The signal is established through Wi-Fi or a mobile network.
Wireless security cameras with Wi-Fi often feature two-way communication. This enables you to transmit to, and receive information from, IP cameras.
AlfredCamera’s two-way communication feature, for example, allows you to speak in real-time with whoever is on the other side of the camera.
Comparatively, there are more options for additional features, like push notifications, in wireless security systems. Many wireless surveillance systems can notify you of unusual activity that the motion detector spots. Read this motion detection cameras guide to learn more.
Recommended reading: How Do Wireless Cameras Work?
Time, Cost, Reliability: Wired vs Wireless
A useful way of determining what kind of system would best suit your needs is to consider three different variables: time, cost, and reliability. This will help weigh up the relative pros and cons of wired and wireless security systems in a way that best aligns with what you need from your security system.
Time
Installing wired devices is a time-consuming process, often involving drilling to fix and hide wires. Wireless devices can simply be connected to a control panel via Wi-Fi, making it much faster and less of a challenge to improve aesthetics.
If time is of the essence for you, consider which type of system might be faster (and easier) to deal with.
Cost
Buying the security system itself isn’t the only thing you have to consider when estimating costs: installation, maintenance, battery backup, and storage capacity can also quickly whittle away at a budget.
Recommended reading: Best Battery Powered Security Cameras
Wireless devices generally don’t need professional installation and very little maintenance. That being said, you may consider it worthwhile paying a subscription for cloud storage. But subscription isn’t always necessarily, here is a list of security cameras that don’t require subscription.
Before making any purchases, have at least a rough sense of a budget; costs can mount quickly, so taking into account how much you’re willing to spend can help determine which type of system to invest in.
Reliability
While both a wired and wireless system could, in theory, be hacked, it is easier to hack a wireless one, since they use Wi-Fi, mobile data, Bluetooth, or other short-range wireless technologies to transmit data. Wired systems are also immune to signal dropout or range issues, meaning you’re less likely to lose footage.
Perhaps question the exact purpose of your security system. This will help you understand just how reliable you need it to be, and, from there, check how stable your connections are in the areas the cameras will be placed.
Recommended reading: Home Security Camera Placement: Where Should You Install Yours?
Pros and Cons of Wired Home Security Systems
Now that you’re familiar with what to look for in a security system, let’s consider in more depth the benefits of using a wired system.
Pros
1. Long Lasting
Wired security systems are designed to be long-lasting. Though the setup, which should be carried out by a professional, can take up a sizable amount of time (and money), it tends to be worth the investment, since it will last a number of years.
In most cases, professional installation is necessary for a well-managed wired security system, since wiring will require a good knowledge of the existing structure of your home and can pose some serious safety hazards to amateurs.
Recommended reading: DIY Vs Professional Security Camera Installation Explained
2. Less Susceptible to Hackers
Since they don’t use wi-fi, wired security camera systems are very difficult to hack. While it’s not entirely impossible, a hacker would have to fully understand the mechanical system of your home to gain access to the camera, because wired security cameras systems don’t work using electromagnetic waves.
Wi-fi networks are more often than not what indicates to hackers outside the home that a system is susceptible to be hacked. Hence, according to researchers, wireless systems can be compromised by criminals much more easily.
3. Reliable
Sure, they’re a little traditional (and may even seem outdated), but that’s precisely what gives wired systems the essence of reliability. Wired systems have a more robust design and function faster than wireless equivalents, and it’s been that way for decades. They are significantly less likely to fail, less prone to false alarms, and will never suffer from data outages.
4. Ideal for Large Areas
Speaking of data outages, wired security systems are generally considered more convenient for covering large or awkward spaces, as they don’t require a ‘good signal’ to function. Larger areas, or simply areas that are far from the Wi-Fi hub, can prove impossible to maintain a decent connection when using a wireless system, which can result in footage loss and delays in real-time functionality.
Recommended reading: Security Cameras Without WiFi? It’s Possible
5. No Internet Required
Using the internet is all well and good until you run out of data. A wired security camera works through a digital video recorder (DVR). If it has internet functionality, an ethernet cable is used, but even if the internet suffers an outage, video will keep recording through the DVR.
No doubt, there’s plenty of great benefits to choosing a wired security system over a wireless one, should your requirements align. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t drawbacks. Let’s consider the cons.
Cons
1. Not Suitable for Rentals
Installing wired security camera systems is a time-consuming process, as it requires drilling holes all over the walls to fix the low voltage wires. Of course, many rental spaces will not allow this in the first place, so always check with your landlord before taking the plunge and investing in wired security cameras.
Not to mention, concealing the wires for the sake of aesthetics can be a particularly arduous process. That said, even if you’re installing in a property you own, setting up will inevitably take up a lot of your time. There’s also upkeep to consider, should there be a problem with the wiring down the line.
2. Immobile
Preferences of homeowners and tenants are prone to change, whether that’s simply wanting to redecorate or to completely renovate a space.
That being said, wired security systems are relatively immobile compared to their wireless counterparts, which means you run the risk of having setup efforts be done in vain since they are so inconvenient to move about.
Uninstalling will require time and money, because, unless you happen to be an expert in electrical installations, you will most likely need a professional to carry it out.
3. Messy
Obviously, hard-wired security cameras use wires to connect the camera to the control panel. As you might imagine, this can get messy, fast. Wires can be hidden, but this sacrifices even more mobility and ease-of-use should you decide to move the cameras to another location or should they require some kind of maintenance upkeep.
Hence, it’s important to carefully consider which locations on the property are most vulnerable so that you get the most out of your installation (as well as how long you intend to have the camera there). Read our security camera placement guide to find out more details.
4. DVR Capacity Limitations
While DVR is more reliable in some respects, it also presents a number of difficulties. Namely, it will have a limited capacity for the number of cameras that can be connected, so the number of cameras you’ll need per DVR needs to be considered carefully before making any purchases.
Pros and Cons of Wireless Home Security Systems
Wireless security camera systems come with a number of pros that wired security cameras simply don’t have. Discover some of the ways they have the upper-hand.
Pros
1. Easy Installation and Uninstallation
No wires allows for a significantly easier installation process, and aesthetics won’t need to be considered in the way they are for wired systems. Chances are, you won’t need a professional to install, manage, or repair the system, since updates will be easily managed over the internet.
Uninstalling will be just as simple—other than turning the system off and taking it off the wall, there really isn’t any ‘uninstalling’ to be done. Your hole-free walls will thank you!
Recommended reading: How to Install Wireless Security Cameras Indoors in 8 Easy Steps (with Pictures)
2. Automated Wireless Systems
As with most wireless gadgets, home automation is a major feature of many new home security systems. Smart light bulbs, thermostats, smart kitchen gadgets, and smart alarms can connect to one another through Wi-Fi to make your home more interconnected and streamlined.
With AlfredCamera, you can easily check on your home even while far away from it, thanks to your smartphone. Simply download the app, pair up your device with an old one, and you’re ready to enjoy high-quality security features, like two-way communication, push notifications, and low-light filters (night vision).
Here is how to turn your old phones into security cameras.
3. Cloud Storage
Wireless cameras, including AlfredCamera, now only often feature recording that can be streamed in real time, but also the option to use cloud storage. This adds limitless storage capacity, which is particularly useful for security cameras, since they will be recording footage 24/7.
No good thing comes without some drawbacks—here’s the cons associated with wireless security systems.
Cons
1. Batteries
Wireless security systems have to be powered by something, and most commonly it’s with batteries. While this might be convenient for improving aesthetics, it does mean there is an increased chance of periods where no footage is recorded as a result of the batteries running out. And assuming you’ll be recording 24/7, this might be more frequent than you’d imagine.
2. Hackable
Perhaps the most overt flaw when it comes to wireless security systems is that there is a much higher chance of being hacked. Before installing any wireless security cameras, it’s worth being aware of the risks related to using Wi-Fi/mobile data. Hackers can access footage, delete footage, or disable devices and alarms. As a precaution, ensure your data or Wi-Fi provider is well-regarded in terms of cyber-security, as well as the device itself.
AlfredCamera’s privacy measures:
AlfredCamera, for instance, features an App Lock function, which allows you to quickly block all access to viewer and camera devices. It also features succinct device management for you to easily view and control every device linked to your account, making it perfect where privacy and data access is a major concern.
Recommended reading: How To Protect Your Security Camera From Hackers
3. False Alarms
A wireless device in an environment full of other wireless devices equals a whole lot of electromagnetic waves competing with one another. Whether it functions over Bluetooth, 5G, Wi-Fi, or some other means of short-range wireless transmission, the chances of false alarms or malfunctions are slightly increased by the presence of other wireless devices.
Even bad weather can sometimes contribute to false alarms. Wireless devices have a higher probability than wired devices of experiencing interference with random sensors nearby, which is also why there’s often limitations on how many you can connect to one DVR before degrading image quality too severely.
Recommended reading: How Many Security Cameras Do I Need for My Business?
Hybrid Systems: The Future of Security Devices?
It’s not always a matter of wired ‘vs’ wireless security systems. A hybrid of the wired connection with a wireless system is another option that’s emerged in recent years.
Many companies, including Lorex, sell systems with both wired and wireless cameras that are able to connect to the same DVR, which can be useful for combating issues like connection dropouts in particularly large spaces, or in the unfortunate event that a camera is hacked.
Likewise, power outages won’t affect a battery-operated wireless device, so you can rest assured that in either event, you’re guaranteed to have some cameras in operation.
A combination of wired and wireless security system allows users to enjoy the pros of a wireless system with both wired and wireless cameras. It can also be useful if you are a homeowner with a pre-wired home and, simply want to add some components of the wireless system to incorporate more efficiency into your pre-existing security system.
FAQ
Can wireless security systems be hacked?
Yes, they are technically hackable.
Realistically, the chances of this happening (and the chances of a trespasser actually possessing the knowledge to do such a thing) are few and far between. A Wi-Fi deauthentication attack is most common—this jams the Wi-Fi signal. But, if you use a reputable provider, it’s more than likely that the network will notify you as soon as this occurs.
Though it is, of course, important that the device itself is well-regarded, it’s more crucial that the Wi-Fi network provider is, since this is how hacking will occur. In terms of the device you use itself, enable two-factor authentication where possible and set a strong password on the connected device.
Can wired security cameras be hacked?
Yes, but it’s far less likely to occur and much harder to achieve.
Though you might not describe it as ‘hacking’, the closest thing to it is probably having the wires cut in order to stop the camera working, allowing burglars or invaders to move about undetected. Combination wired and wireless security systems are a good idea for combatting this; have wireless cameras in particularly vulnerable or accessible places, where wires would otherwise hang low to the ground.
Do you need internet for wired security cameras?
No, you don’t need the internet for a wired security camera. you can get access to your wired camera system without a network. That being said, many wired options do have features that require the internet to use, and therefore have the option to add ethernet cables. The disadvantage of having no internet connection is a lack of automation: you can’t view footage when away from the source as you can with apps like AlfredCamera.
How to make a CCTV camera using a mobile camera?
Modern technology is always evolving to provide you with once inaccessible services for just a fraction of the price. Apps like AlfredCamera turn your phone into a fully-functional CCTV camera, boasting a whole host of additional features that are ready to use in just a few minutes. Check out our guide on how to turn old phones into a security camera for your home.
AlfredCamera is available for free on the App Store and Google Play Store.
Conclusion
So, which is best: wired or wireless? There is no straight answer, and that’s because both have features that could be described as positive and negative. Which you go for largely depends on your requirements when it comes to time, cost and reliability.
Wireless options, like AlfredCamera, enable greater accessibility, aesthetics, and ease of use, while wired options are dependable, robust, and virtually insusceptible to cyber attacks.
Hybrid options, though somewhat more expensive, combine wireless and wired devices with DVR to allow for the best of both worlds, making up for the shortfalls of both device types and better protecting you in the event of Wi-Fi and power outages.
For the fastest and most affordable solution, try AlfredCamera, a secure, free alternative to traditional security devices with powerful automated features.
Recommended reading:
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