Wired vs. Wireless Security Cameras

A wired camera gets power from your home’s electrical system instead of a battery or a solar charger.

Not all wired cameras connect to the internet. Some route directly to an in-home monitoring screen and/or hard drive.

Wired cameras that do connect to the internet can do so via an Ethernet cable, Wi-Fi, or cellular connection.

Some wired cameras plug into an electrical outlet. Others get hardwired to your existing electrical circuit for a crisp appearance. If you don’t have experience working with home electricity, definitely call a pro to install a hardwired camera.

Many wired cameras feature a backup battery that keeps the camera running during a power outage. But these batteries aren’t very powerful. Some last just a few hours.

Some cameras also feature cellular backup to stay connected to the internet during a power outage.

Wired cameras without a backup battery will shut down as soon as the power goes out.

It depends on the camera. Plenty of modern security cameras connect to the internet so you can view live footage from an app or online dashboard. These cameras also store recordings to the cloud. Others only store video clips to a local SD card or hard drive. 

Hardwired security cameras may also come with separate monitors and control panels that mount to a wall in your home.

Check out Lorex cameras. We’re impressed by their versatile options, so there’s bound to be a Lorex cam with your preferred power source and internet-connection combo. You can even buy an analog camera system that doesn’t need internet.

Vivint cameras are hardwired into your home's electrical circuits, as are most video doorbell cameras. 

All other home security companies sell cameras that plug into an AC wall outlet or run on battery power. 

A wireless camera gets power from a battery or solar panel.

Sometimes the phrase “wireless camera” also refers to a wireless internet connection. But not all wireless cameras have to connect to the internet. Some store videos on a local SD card.

Yes, you can hire someone to install a wireless camera. But the appeal of these cameras is that they’re really easy to install by yourself. You just need a screwdriver or drill to mount it to a wall. A variety of tabletop cameras exist too, which are perfect for renters.

Many wire-free cameras come with a rechargeable battery. The battery is removed and charged on a cradle with a USB adapter. Some cameras come with a second battery so you just swap in the fully charged one and don’t experience a lapse in service.

Other cameras require a full battery replacement, just like your TV remote.

Outdoor wireless cameras can be charged by solar panels.

Any security camera, wired or wireless, that connects to the internet is only as stable as the internet connection. If you’re constantly experiencing internet disruptions or your bandwidth is too low, you might end up with choppy video clips that take forever to upload to the cloud.

Wireless cameras are as secure as any other internet-connected device in your home. Make sure you’ve taken these basic steps to secure your internet connection before setting up a security camera.

Wireless security cameras store videos on a local SD card or on the cloud. Not every wireless camera offers both, so it’s important to take your preference into consideration when choosing a wireless cam.

Check out our full review of the best wireless security cameras and best solar-powered security cameras. If you’re interested in a camera that’s professionally monitored, read our take on the best wireless home security systems.