Best Wireless Security Cameras of 2021 (Pricing & Features)
This side-by-side table shows the key benefits and specifications to look for in any surveillance accessory. Check out the comparisons to see which option has the most suitable resolution, compatibility, and price range.
Abode | 9.2 | $229 | $0-$20 | – | Yes | 30 days | 3 years | Yes | 127° | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1080p | Cloud | Yes |
Canary | 9.1 | $169 | $0-$8.25 | – | Yes | 60 days | 1 year | Yes | 147° | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1080p | Cloud | Yes |
Nest | 9.0 | $199 | $5-$30 | B | Yes | 30 days | 2 years | Yes | 130° | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1080p | Cloud | Yes |
Amazon | 9.0 | $119.99 | $0-$19.99 | A- | Yes | 30 days | 1 year | Yes | 120° | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1080p | Cloud | Yes |
Ring | 8.9 | $99.99 | $3-$10 | – | Yes | 30 days | 1 year | Yes | 130° | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1080p | Cloud | Yes |
Arlo | 8.9 | $199.99 | $2.99-$4.99 | A+ | Yes | 30 days | 1 year | Yes | 130° | Yes | Yes | Yes | 720p | Cloud | Yes |
D-Link | 8.9 | $99.99 | $0 | A+ | Yes | – | – | Yes | 114° | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1080p | Local/Cloud | Yes |
Wyze | 8.8 | $29.99 | $0 | B | Yes | – | 1 year | Yes | 120° | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1080p | Cloud | Yes |
Reolink | 8.8 | $94.99 | $0-$14.99 | – | Yes | 30 days | 2 years | Yes | 130° | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1080p | Local | Yes |
YI Dome | 8.8 | $59.99 | $9.99-$19.99 | – | Yes | 30 days | 1 year | Yes | 112° | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1080p | Local/Cloud | Yes |
Top Wire-Free Camera Benefits to Consider Before Buying
The best wireless security cameras are the ones that meet a family or individual’s most important needs. These vary depending on the customer, but there are a few top details to look out for.
Movement Sensors
These devices typically have motion detection sensors built-in. This means that when someone moves past the camera, it triggers a response. Higher-end models can even differentiate between a human, animal, or vehicle. This feature tends to go hand-in-hand with live monitoring and mobile alerts.
Two-Way Communication
Products that have this capability will have a microphone that picks up ambient sounds or the voices of anyone who approaches the home. The two-way function comes in handy when clients want to talk to people outside, even if they aren’t at home. It also works as a deterrent against burglars
More and more systems are designed with infrared night vision sensors that allow users to see what's going on outside, even after the sun goes down. This is incredibly helpful in spotty intruders and adds a layer of protection for the whole family.
Mobile App Access
Perhaps one of the most convenient aspects of these devices is the ability to control them from a smartphone. This is something that just about every company offers these days. It’s great for arming/disarming systems while at work, the store, or on-the-go.
High-Definition Quality
For the clearest picture, aim for a resolution of 1080p. This will eliminate grainy pictures and allow for a solid image day or night. Some models even record in color as well as black and white. Other common high definition qualities include 720p and 2K.
Continuous Recording
It’s becoming more and more common to be able to stream footage in real-time with these products. While some only capture image snapshots, it would serve the family better to opt for video. This continuous recording helps with seeing activity before and after an event.
File Storage
There are still brands that require a micro SD card to hold local media files. However, this is becoming a rare sight as more companies opt for Web storage. That said, there is often a subscription fee attached to this service, so be sure to check the specifics.
Live Streaming
On-demand streaming is one of the greatest perks of these types of cams. It can be as easy as opening the mobile app and clicking the “live feed” menu button. This will show what’s happening outside the door in real-time.
Simple DIY Installation
Lots of brands are going the DIY route and for a good reason. It keeps costs low for the consumer, making the company a more viable choice. That said, do-it-yourself installation needs to be easy and should take less than an hour.
How to Buy a Wire-Free Security Camera
Knowing what to look for is only part of finding the best wireless security camera for your needs. It’s also important to understand the purchasing process. Here’s how to spot a deal and figure out what your home requires.
1. Identify Your Non-Negotiable Feature
What is it that your home has to have? Maybe night vision is of the utmost importance because midnight burglaries have been a problem in the neighborhood. Perhaps free Web storage is a must-have between you have a small budget. Figure out what you don’t want to skimp on and use that to guide your purchasing decision.
2. Look for Trustworthy Brands
Odds are, there are at least a couple of companies that you recognize right away. Or maybe there is a brand that a friend was talking about, and you decided to check it out. Listen to which businesses are gaining popularity and do a bit of research to figure out why.
3. Consider Which Capabilities the Competitors Have
Once you have a list of potential devices, try doing a comparison exercise to see which ones outperform the others. Pay attention to special capabilities like two-way communication, continuous recording, and cloud storage. Pricing should also come into play here since you don’t want to break the bank.
4. Check Out Buyer Feedback
There is great authenticity in online reviews, so be sure to check out what previous customers have to say about each brand. People aren’t shy about telling the truth and sharing their real experience with a company. Some sites to look at are the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Yelp.
5. Take the Budget Into Account
Finally, the cost is going to be one of the most important deciding factors. This can be tricky because the final price isn’t always apparent. Be sure to check for hidden fees, refund or cancellation policies, money-back guarantees, and trial periods. Also, make sure you understand any subscription charges that are included.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the Top Non-Wired Security Camera System?
The best wireless security camera is the one that matches all or most of your needs. Families differ in what they want out of a surveillance cam, so the answer is going to change for each customer. That said, the most suitable choice is the one that doesn’t break your budget, covers the perimeter of your home, and allows you to control it remotely.
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Do You Need WiFi for Non-Wired Surveillance Cameras?
Yes, most of the time, a strong WiFi connection is necessary for these types of devices. Even though lots of brands offer battery or cellular backup, having a dependable Internet hook-up is ideal. This is what makes a non-wired system so convenient. Remember to ensure that the WiFi password is secure, and only family members know it. It also helps to check if the company backs up their data or encrypts it for added protection and safety.
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How Do Non-Wired Cameras Get Power?
Wireless home security cameras typically hook up to a WiFi connection and get power through the Internet. Even so, some devices might be battery-operated or have a backup power source through an Ethernet cable. Those last two options are more of a secondary process since the point of a non-wired system is not having to deal with cords and cables.
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How to Connect a Non-Wired Camera to the TV?
Most providers offer third-party integrations, which can make connecting the device to the TV as easy as asking Alexa to do it. Other times, this can happen via the mobile app and syncing up all nearby products. It really does depend on the company and what kind of device you’re working with. Since they work off of WiFi, these accessories tend to be a good match for smart TVs.
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How Long Do the Batteries Last on Non-Wired Cameras?
Again, this varies depending on the provider, but the batteries could last for years. In some cases, they can hold up for an entire decade. This is one of the technical specifications to look at during the initial research stage. Most cams contain lithium-ion batteries that allow for longer use and less maintenance.
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How Far Can a Non-Wired Camera Transmit?
In terms of showing up on the phone, users can access their video feed even if they’re in another country. This is providing they have WiFi, of course. If you’re unsure what your chosen product is capable of, ask customer support.
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Are Non-Wired Cameras Better Than Wired?
In general, most people would agree that yes, they are better. This is because they are less obvious and can be kept hidden from plain sight. Moreover, these accessories are becoming more affordable, and providers are beefing them up with all kinds of awesome features that typically were reserved for hardwired products.
The Final Word
These reviews are the result of hours of research and test runs. The team not only looked at special features, but they took pricing, maintenance, installation, and support in mind as well. The consensus is that wireless home security cameras are certainly worth it if you want to protect your home and family. Check out the comparison chart for a refresher and happy buying!