You don’t need to tell us that the wireless security camera market is a busy place— we’ve made one, after all.
Sifting through endless wireless security camera options to find the one that best suits your needs can be a real pain.
That’s why we’ve gathered our favorites in a convenient buying guide that covers everything from outdoor wireless security cameras to cheap wireless security cameras.
Check it out below.
Table of Contents
Wireless Security Camera Buyer Guide
Get to grips with the things you need to know before you buy a wireless security camera.
- Definition
- Power
- Batteries
- Signal
- Storage
- Cost
Definition of Wireless Security Camera
The term ‘wireless’ refers to how the camera transmits data, which is achieved via an internet connection. It doesn’t mean that the camera can function without wires.
Power: How Do You Charge a Wireless Security Camera?
Most wireless security cameras require being plugged in constantly or charged periodically, since ‘wireless’ only refers to their ability to transmit data over a wireless network.
Cables are most commonly micro-USB, so they can be used easily anywhere.
Batteries: What Kind of Batteries Do Wireless Security Cameras Use?
Although wireless security cameras usually charge via a USB cable, others may have a battery that needs to be removed to recharge periodically. A few options, like Blink security cameras, use disposable AA batteries.
To gain a better understanding of the differences between ‘wired’ and ‘wireless’ devices (and which is best for you), check out our article on wired vs wireless security cameras, where we weigh up the pros and cons..
Signal: How Can I Boost My Wireless Security Camera Signal?
There’s a few simple ways to help boost the signal of a wireless security camera that’s struggling.
- Experiment with camera placement to ensure a clear line of sight to the Wi-Fi router.
- Upgrade to a more powerful router or use a Wi-Fi range extender to boost signal strength.
- Keep firmware up-to-date for better performance (and security).
- Reduce interference from nearby electronic devices by turning off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not using it.
Storage: What Type of Storage Does a Wireless Security Camera Support?
Wireless security cameras typically support cloud storage (footage is uploaded to an online server). This may or may not be paid for. Another common storage option for wireless security cameras is microSD cards. AlfredCam supports both storage options.
Cost: How Much Does a Wireless Security Camera Cost?
The most affordable wireless security camera can cost as little as $25-$35 (any cheaper and the quality will be questionable). Higher end devices can cost as much as $400.
There’s plenty of variety among wireless security cameras, which is both a blessing and a curse— it can be hard to make a decision when you’re blessed with choice, after all.
Location, purpose, features, power source, and third party compatibility are among the most important factors to consider.
If you’d like to learn more about each, we’ve put together a kind of learning center that you’ll find at the end of this article (Wireless Security Cameras Buying Guide). Dig in, and get your research on.
Best Wireless Security Cameras
- Our Pick for Best Wireless Security Camera – AlfredCam
- Best Wireless Security Camera for Outdoors – Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera
- Best Wireless Security Camera for Indoors – Kasa Spot Pan Tilt
- Best Budget Wireless Security Camera – AlfredCamera (app)
- Best Wireless Security Camera Without Subscription – eufy SoloCam E40
- Best Wireless Security Camera No WiFi – Reolink Go Plus
- Best Wireless Security Camera for Amazon Alexa – Arlo Pro 4
- Best Wireless Security Camera for Google Voice Assistant – Google Nest Cam
- Best Wireless Security Camera for Doorbell – Google Nest Doorbell (Battery)
AlfredCam
Our Pick for Best Wireless Security Camera
Available on alfred.camera and Amazon. From $29.99.
Pros
- Super affordable
- Easy to use alongside phones, tablets
- Plug-in via USB
Cons
- Indoor only
In 2022, the AlfredCamera team launched its first wireless security camera, AlfredCam.
1080p HD, superb night vision, two-way talk, and motion detection puts everything you need for simple security into a modern, chic shell. Setup is a breeze, with none of the fuss and relentless data-seeking of many cameras on the market.
AlfredCam is really a jack-of-all-trades, so whether you’re new to indoor security or looking for a reliable pet cam, we can’t help but recommend it.
Key Specifications
- 1080p HD video
- 130-degree field of view
- Two-way audio
- MicroSD card support
- Powered by USB
- Infrared night vision
- Built-in siren
- 7 days cloud storage
- Person detection (Premium)
See what we’re loving about AlfredCam and get more details in our overview.
Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera
Best Wireless Security Camera for Outdoors
Available on Arlo, Amazon, and BestBuy. From $196.97 on Amazon.
Pros
- 2x 3,000 lumen LEDs illuminate up to 7 meters
- Doesn’t require a base station like other Arlo devices
- Battery powered
Cons
- Expensive
- Subscription is required for smart home integration and the majority of its useful features
Night vision is great, but an outdoor security camera can still benefit from the addition of proper lighting.
The Arlo Pro 3 is an excellent wire-free camera, with super high quality 2K HDR video and seamless smart home integration through Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant.
The shield-shaped floodlight is the cherry on top. The 3000 lumen light illuminates up to 7 meters of your property, significantly improving image quality in the dark.
Key specifications
- 2K HDR video
- 160-degree field of view
- 12x digital zoom
- Two-way audio
- Wire-free
- Infrared night vision
- Built-in siren
- 3000 lumen floodlight
What Other People Are Saying…
‘There’s really no competition here; this is a great floodlight camera. It’s true that $250 is a lot to spend, but you can find the Pro 3 Floodlight Camera for $200 fairly regularly these days — and that’s still significantly less expensive than Nest’s $280 alternative. Arlo combines excellent performance, features, usability and design in one tidy package.’ – Megan Wollerton & David Priest for CNET.
Check out more floodlight camera options and our thoughts on why we think you might want one.
Kasa Spot Pan Tilt
Best Wireless Security Camera for Indoors
Available on Amazon. From $29.99.
Pros
- Motorized 360 degree panning with motion tracking
- Well-designed app that functions flawlessly
- microSD support for continuous recording
Cons
- Panning and tilting isn’t smooth
- Some noise when rotating
- No built-in siren
Kasa Spot Pan Tilt (EC70) is a nifty motorized panning camera from TP-Link.
As the name suggests, it pans 360 degrees horizontally, and tilts 113 degrees vertical. Users control this via the excellent Kasa Smart app, with the option to allocate timed viewpoints in Patrol Mode or use motion tracking. This greatly maximizes the amount of footage you can capture.
Expect great image quality, night vision, and compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, and other voice assistants.
Key Specifications
- 1080p HD
- 360-degree horizontal panning
- Vertical tilting
- microSD card support
- Two-way audio
- Motion detection and motion tracking
- Continuous recording
What Other People Are Saying…
‘TP-Link’s Kasa Spot Pan Tilt is a polished budget security camera designed for long-term indoor use alongside other smart devices. It isn’t mobile, but instead works best installed at a distance from its subjects to monitor larger spaces (i.e. from the ceiling).’ – Our review of Kasa Spot Pan Tilt.
AlfredCamera (app)
Best Budget Wireless Security Camera
Available on the App Store and Google Play. Free, with the option for premium.
Pros
- Free to download
- Ready to use immediately
- Plenty of features found in hardware cameras
Cons
- Requires a spare device
- Low-light filters aren’t as good as the true night vision in AlfredCam
Available for Android, iOS and desktop, AlfredCamera has proved itself the most popular home security app, with more than 70 million downloads to date.
All the features of a great wireless security camera , including low-light functionality (similar to night vision but using software), motion detection notifications, and two-way communication are available for free.
If you have a spare old device lying around, we don’t know of a more affordable way to build a wireless security system on a budget.
What Other People Are Saying…
‘This is a rare gem: An app with a great free version and an affordable, totally-worth-it premium offering.’ – Doug Aamoth for The Fast Company.
‘One of the best app options for setting up your phone as a security camera is Alfred. It’s cross-platform, so it doesn’t matter if your old phone was an Android phone or iPhone. And the same goes for your new phone. AlfredCamera is free to use and gives you a remote view of your live feed, motion detection with alerts, free cloud storage, a two-way audio feed and use of both the front and rear cameras.’ – Megan Wollerton for CNET.
Interested in ‘doing it yourself’ to save on expenses? See what you can do here.
eufy SoloCam E40
Best Wireless Security Camera Without Subscription
Available on eufy, Amazon, and Walmart. From $129.99.
Pros
- Subscription-free
- Affordable compared to all other 2K outdoor cameras
- IP65 weatherproof
Cons
- Lacks a spotlight or floodlight, which is handy for outdoor cameras
- Assigning motion detection zones can be difficult
- No expandable physical storage
eufy is popular with consumers for its extensive line of wireless cameras that are subscription-free. Their cameras might be a great choice for those with a preference for hard storage over cloud storage.
The SoloCam E40 is a standout device, and at $129.99 with no additional fees, is among the most affordable outdoor cameras. 2K video, IP65 weatherproof and easily mounting without hardwiring (it recharges via a regular USB) make it really excel.
It’s also Alexa and Google Assistant compatible, so it should slip seamlessly into smart homes.
Key Specifications
- 2K HD video
- 130-degree field of view
- Two-way audio
- 8GB onboard storage
- Wire-free
- Infrared night vision
- Built-in siren
- IP65 weatherproof
- Person detection
What Other People Are Saying…
‘The Eufy SoloCam E40 is the most affordable 2K battery-powered home security camera on the market. The footage is detailed and clear, but the addition of built-in storage for video, which does away with the need to pay subscription costs, is the real plus point here. However, night-time footage is black-and-white rather than color, and the built-in battery results in the camera becoming unusable when it needs recharging.’ – Carrie-Ann Skinner for techradar.
Are subscriptions a dealbreaker for you? Check out more of our picks for subscription-free cameras.
Reolink Go Plus
Best Wireless Security Camera No Wi-Fi
Available on Reolink and Amazon (EU). From $179.99.
Pros
- 4G/LTE data support makes the camera mobile
- Addition of person/vehicle detection from previous model improves battery life
- Much more affordable than Arlo Go and Go 2, the only other big brand option for 4G
Cons
- Mounting is done with screws, undermining the camera’s mobility
- Viewing angle is 108 degrees, significantly lower than the 130 degrees of the previous model and underwhelming compared to most cameras.
Reolink’s ‘Go’ line is the best choice for those looking for a wireless security camera without Wi-Fi. . The Go Plus model offers clear 2K video in an IP65 weatherproof body at a great price.
Expect all the usual trimmings (including a nice time lapse feature) with one exception: 4G mobile data instead of Wi-Fi. Pop a SIM card in, as you would for a phone, and you’re good to go.
The solar panel you can add on is a handy extra to have that makes it truly ‘mobile’, but mounting the camera is still done with screws.
Key Specifications
- 2K HD
- 120-degree field of view
- 16x digital zoom
- Two-way Audio
- microSD card slot
- 3G/4G LTE
- Motion detection
- IP66 waterproof
What Other People Are Saying…
‘Both the original Reolink Go and Go Plus are considerably cheaper than Arlo Go, and you don’t have a monthly subscription fee. If you are looking for an affordable 4G LTE outdoor security camera, then these are your best option.’ – James Smythe for Mighty Gadget.
Didn’t know that wireless security cameras without Wi-Fi were a thing? Find out more about them.
Arlo Pro 4
Best Wireless Security Camera for Amazon Alexa
Available on Amazon, Arlo, and BestBuy. From $157.93 on Amazon.
Pros
- 2K video support for optimum clarity
- A built-in spotlight illuminates the area at night
- Seamless Alexa device pairing
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires an Alexa device for Alexa use (sold separately)
Arlo’s great quality devices work well alongside Alexa. The Pro line offers high-end, feature-rich surveillance.
2K video is taken advantage of with the integrated spotlight and heap of other unique features, like animal detection and object tracking. With an Alexa screen device, Alexa integration is seamless, but it can also work alongside Google assistant and Apple HomeKit.
This comes at a pretty hefty price tag, and you’ll need to pay a monthly subscription to access almost all of the features that make the camera so great.
Key Specifications
- 2K HDR video
- 160-degree field of view
- 12x digital zoom
- Two-way audio
- Wire-free
- Infrared night vision
- Built-in siren
- Built-in spotlight
What Other People Are Saying…
‘The Arlo Pro 4 offers detailed color footage during the day and at night thanks to its built-in spotlight. The weatherproof camera works battery-powered or wired in, and offers plenty of AI-based features that can identify the cause of a motion alert, even tracking the subject so they’re always in shot. Unlike its predecessors, the Arlo Pro 4 can connect directly to your Wi-Fi rather than requiring a SmartHub, but this means you lose out on local storage and HomeKit support.’ – Carrie-Ann Skinner for techradar.
Alexa, what other cameras work with you? Find more (including decidedly less expensive options) here.
Google Nest Cam
Best Wireless Security Camera for Google Voice Assistant
Available on Google, BestBuy, and Amazon. From $158.99.
Pros
- Perfect integration with other Google products
- Person and package detection
- Easily moved around thanks to weatherproofing and battery.
Cons
- Only comes with three hours of cloud storage
- No zooming
Right out of the box, Nest Cam integrates easily with any other products using Google Assistant and the Google Home app.
Google’s Nest Cam is a well-rounded home surveillance option that ticks all the boxes for a wireless security camera. It’s waterproof and rechargeable, so easy mobility is possible.
Alerts are unusually relevant thanks to AI-powered people, animal, and vehicle identification.It also doesn’t hurt that the design is beautiful and tastefully contemporary.
Key specifications
- 1080p HD video
- 130-degree field of view
- Two-way audio
- Intelligent motion detection
- Wire-free
- Infrared night vision
- Magnetized base
- IP54 weatherproof
What Other People Are Saying…
‘The Nest Cam Battery is definitely a worthwhile investment, especially if you already have other Nest cameras, Nest doorbells, or the (discontinued) Nest Secure security system. At $179.99, the Nest Cam Battery is slightly cheaper than average, as outdoor cameras usually cost around $200.’ – Gabe Turner for security.org
Honorable Mentions:
- Eufy Solo IndoorCam C24
- Google Nest Doorbell
- Google Nest Cam (wired)
Plenty of devices work with Google’s voice assistant–discover more here.
Google Nest Doorbell (Battery)
Best Wireless Security Camera for Doorbell
Available from Google, BestBuy, and Amazon. From $179.99.
Pros
- 3:4 aspect ratio cleverly mimics the shape of an entryway, so you won’t miss a thing
- Beautiful design available in four different colors
- Still works if the internet goes down
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires a subscription for best features
Google’s Nest Doorbell comes in identical wired and wire-free options to cater to everyone’s power preferences. They both look fantastic, probably enhancing the aesthetics of your front door rather than diminishing it like video doorbells of the past did.
The vertical viewing angle allows for a full body view of whoever’s at the door, and HDR-enabled night vision lets you see even at night.
Smart notifications are smart, while preset audio responses are pretty handy to have.
Key Specifications
- 1.3 megapixels
- 3:4 aspect ratio
- 145-degree field of view
- Two-way audio
- Intelligent motion detection
- Wire-free
- Infrared night vision
- IP54 weatherproof
What Other People Are Saying…
‘While Google’s Nest Doorbell (Battery) requires a subscription to get the most out of it, the included free three-hour local recording capability captures it all even when the Wi-Fi is down. Excellent battery life and HDR video make it the best Nest doorbell to date.’ – Christopher Close for iMore
Unfamiliar with doorbell cameras? We’ll get you up to speed.
FAQ
Are wireless security cameras a good idea?
Yes, wireless security cameras are a great idea! Security cameras should be considered at some point by everyone, whether for the home or your small business. Wireless security cameras are super convenient, with features like push notifications making them more useful in keeping your space protected.
Is it better to have wired or wireless security cameras?
Wired and wireless security cameras have pros and cons that make them more suited for some purposes than others. Generally, wired security cameras are more useful in commercial contexts, as they are more reliable and harder to hack. In homes, wireless security cameras will be preferred by most, as the added wireless connectivity makes them much more convenient to use.
Are all wireless security cameras battery powered?
Wireless security cameras are powered by either being plugged in constantly or by being charged periodically. Disposable batteries are rare. ‘Wireless’ security cameras transmit data without wires, but they are rarely totally wire-free.
Can wireless cameras work without the Internet/electricity?
Some wireless cameras can work without the internet. Some wireless cameras feature microSD card support, so footage can be saved continuously to local storage rather than cloud. All wireless security cameras require an internet connection to complete initial set up.
How long do the batteries last in wireless security cameras?
Battery life in wireless security cameras will vary wildly. You can expect anywhere from a couple of days to several months.The amount of traffic your camera sees, as well as the strength of your internet connection, will significantly impact the battery life. Quality settings will also affect how long the batteries last.
Conclusion
Wireless security cameras provide convenience, extensive automation features, and greater options for use compared with wired security cameras. However, wired security cameras may boast greater reliability and privacy protection because data isn’t transmitted over wireless networks.
Both are equally viable security options, so what you choose is based largely on your personal preferences. Which factors are most important to you?
If you’re curious about wired security cameras, take a look at our article rounding up the best wired security cameras of 2024.
Recommended reading:
How Far Away Can a Wireless Security Camera Work? | Improving IP Camera Range
How Often Do You Have to Charge Wireless Security Cameras?
Why Do My Wireless Cameras Keep Disconnecting? | 5 Quick Fixes
How to Install Wireless Security Cameras Indoors in 8 Easy Steps (with Pictures)