What to Look For in a Home Security Wireless Camera

Wireless cameras connect to a home’s WiFi network, sending alerts and video footage to your smartphone. Some are plugged into an outlet or run on rechargeable batteries.

They are less invasive than wired security cameras, eliminating the need for long, obtrusive cables. Many offer remote access through a mobile app and can be linked to voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant.

Video Quality

Wireless security cameras let you see what’s going on around your home in real time, and they can record footage to help police identify suspects. They also deter crime by giving criminals a reason to avoid your property in the first place.

The best wireless home security cameras have excellent camera quality, including HD video and sharp imagery. They’re also compact and feature a variety of helpful features. They don’t require invasive charging cables or wires, and they can be easily installed throughout your house without the need for a professional installer.

Wi-Fi is a ubiquitous home technology that enables short-range transmission of data with no wires. It’s used in many wireless security cameras and allows for a direct connection to your DVR, cloud storage, computer, or mobile device. This means you can observe your footage from anywhere, with 24/7 access.

Some wireless security cameras use Bluetooth, which works similarly to Wi-Fi but connects devices directly through a star topology where a single device controls the others. It doesn’t have the same range as Wi-Fi, and it can’t transmit video from one device to another outside your home. It can, however, work with many home automation systems and is often paired with security system hubs. Some wireless cameras include a memory-card slot for local storage in lieu of or in addition to cloud storage.

Two-Way Audio

The best wireless security cameras offer two-way audio. These capabilities allow you to speak to anyone who comes within the camera’s range of vision – a useful feature for shooing away trespassers or greeting guests when they arrive at your door. Some models also include an integrated speaker to play your own music.

A wireless home security camera will usually use a Wi-Fi connection for data transmission, but some models Home Security Wireless Camera offer the option of hardwiring using an ethernet cable. Wired security cameras can be easier to install and less likely to drop a connection than their wireless counterparts, but installation costs can be higher. Wired systems require professional installation unless you’re good at fishing wires through walls and ceilings.

If you’re considering installing a wired home security system, be sure to check whether it uses a landline phone connection or relies on a mobile data plan for backup. Cellular connectivity can be more reliable than Wi-Fi, but it’s important to consider the cost and battery life of a mobile data plan before making a purchase.

Some smart wireless cameras have the ability to integrate with voice-controlled home automation devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This can be an especially useful feature if you’re planning to use your cameras as nanny cams or for watching pets left alone throughout the day.

Motion Detection

The ability to detect and respond to motion is an important feature to look for in a camera. Some cameras can be set to record continuously or only when they detect movement, and you can receive alerts instantly on your mobile device if the sensors are triggered.

You can use this feature as a security system, a baby monitor or to keep an eye on pets. Some cameras also have two-way audio capabilities so you can talk to anyone in the room (you’ll need a separate microphone or speaker for this). Some models even use machine learning to better understand what they’re seeing and alert you only when something significant happens.

It’s not uncommon for wireless home security cameras to offer cellular connectivity as a backup in case your Wi-Fi is down or unreliable. This can be particularly useful if you live in a rural area where your wireless signal won’t extend far or if your home is large enough to have dead spots with weaker signals.

Many wireless cameras come with a power supply, but some are battery-powered and can operate completely wire-free. Be sure to consider your needs and the location of your camera before deciding on a power source. For example, if your camera is located in an exposed area or easily accessible to burglars, it may be best to opt for one that runs on battery power or is hardwired to your network through ethernet port (or supports PoE) rather than being plugged into an outlet.

Alerts

Home security camera users want to keep an eye on their property without having to watch the live feed all day long. To help them do that, most cameras can send instant alerts to a smartphone when they detect motion, sound or a face (known or unrecognized). They can also trigger a loud 105-decibel siren to scare off unwanted intruders.

Smarter cameras are able to distinguish between different kinds of movement so Home Security Wireless Camera you only get triggered by the things that matter, like a person entering your porch or a prowler strolling through your backyard. They can also send a notification to your phone if they detect someone removing or altering an object on your property that could be evidence of a crime.

Wired models connect directly to a power source, but many modern security cameras are wireless and run on your WiFi network. They’re easier to install, too, and usually don’t require any messy wires running across floorboards and walls.

Many models include cloud storage that you can access through the camera’s app, but some offer additional features through a subscription plan. For example, Ring’s Outdoor Camera offers 180 days of cloud storage for a single camera at a cost of $4 per month, or an annual subscription for unlimited cameras and 24/7 professional monitoring for $20.